Reflections of My Christmas!

I love Christmas---HATE the hustle and bustle to get to the day---but muttle thru as best as possible without going to jail from hurting perfect strangers...LOL  I found myself trying to 'find' Christmas in my heart for some reason this year---I felt as though I was missing it--that warm fuzzy feeling---usually it is there all on its own--but this year---this year was different---I watched all my favorite Holiday Shows---Charlie Brown and Rudolph and the Grinch---I did all of my usual baking---met up with friends and peeps for holiday cheer before hand and yet nothin'---until this one day---this one day that I went out shopping and left the house with a mission to get it all buttoned up and finished.  Lists of scribbled notes of this and that on paper that had been crossed off of and re-assesed just to be crossed off again---food purchase lists mixed in with electronics mixed in with housewares and toiletries---unorganized would be putting it mildly! Here's what happened: 

I went into the first store---outside was this young and very sweet tall and gangly African American boy---ringing the bells for the Salvation Army---singing Christmas songs with the biggest smile and the voice of an angel--I stopped and listened for a moment and said to him---Bless you for Ringing the Bell sweet child---and he hugged me and said Merry Christmas!  Blessing number 1

Then I proceeded into the next store---I was at the checkout lane standing in line and I saw this old couple walk by holding hands---and when I say old I mean they were in their 80's---with this look of complete and udder love and happiness for each other and very smartly dressed---I noticed them stop to look at something---here it was this young boy---about 6 or 7 years old---whistling Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer---with a look of enchantment and joy on their faces ----he and his two other siblings and his mother came into the very line that I was in---and he continued to whislte away---I reached my hand out to touch the top of his head and smiled at him---he was so sweet.  Blessing number 2

Then the last store I went into---I was wandering around for what seemed like HOURS looking for where in the heck one would put the Wax Paper if one were a stock person who even knew what wax paper was---I kept passing this woman pushing this cart full of stuff---she was a bit overweight and had the most happy and sweet rosey cheeks and pretty smile and was struggling to even walk----she says to me---you look like you are lost---to which I replied---I think I may be---I just wanna find Wax Paper and get the heck out of here---she says---and mind you ---she is not an employee at this store---I can take you there--so she does and it is quite a ways away from our original destination--and I say to her---awwww thank you---I think I need to take you with me the next time I go shopping!! She says to me with MUCH delight---that would be just fine---as I have no one---I hugged her and wished her a Merry Christmas---Blessing number 3

We go to Mass on Christmas Eve---and the Church is packed FULL---there are parents coming in with their children all dressed up---I had the best time before mass started--looking at all the children in their fineries--as I totally remember those days when my kids were young---so dang CUTE. As luck would have it---the Childrens choir was singing---during Mass---Silent Night---tears came strolling down my face as I sat and reflected on the things that I previously mentioned---and at that VERY moment I finally got the warm and fuzzy feeling that I had waited and wondered about---and that my dear friends---that was my Blessing number 4----

I would like to say at this time---Blessing number 5 for me will be..... that each and every one that reads this will think about the small incoincidental blessings that come our way daily---that you will stop and really take note to the great STUFF that is going on around us constantly---stop and think about the simple blessings we all have in our lives---they are there--trust me they are---we just don't always take the time to see them---take the time people---and know that if you do.... your heart will always be warm and fuzzy mode!  Here's to a Happy 2011 New Year to all of You and Yours!

Look at This Gorgeous WINDOW!!!

This was made by a customer of mine who purchased my 'JOY' window sconce pattern ---Her name is Cathy---is this not gorgeous or WHAT!!!  I love that she sent this to me as it truly made my DAY! I love the tone of the window and the color of the wood around it---the warmth and style is incredible---it is always so nice to see when things are done up in someones own style---she added some really cool snowflakes to it as well---FABULOUS Fa-La-La-LA LAAAAAAA Cathy!!!

A Couple of Freebies for You this Holiday from Birchberry Farms!

Happy Holidays to you and yours---here are a couple of Ideas I have for making your moola go a little further---my gift to you and Birchberry Farms Original work and concepts---

We make our gifts every year here at this house and have been doing it my whole life---these are easy and ECONOMICAL to make and are very lovely to give as gifts---My sisters and I love giving and receiving homemade handmade gifts---they are truly from the heart!  ENJOY!!!!  Oh---they are in the next two posts so scrollllllll on down!

My Little Snowman Globe!

Awwww this one is so cute---I made these for the shop and they went like MAD---easy and very cheap to make--Let's get started!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Glass jar with lid (I have used pickle, spaghetti sauce,molasses,fruit & picante jars!)

plaster of paris

mica flakes or fake snow

snowman ornie (got mine at Target for $3 and its wood and has the cutest wire arms)

jute

faux pine

chalkboard paint (optional) for tag

cute cardstock & tagboard

chalk

wire

enamel cream colored paint (ceramcoat 'E')

glitter and glue

Hot glue gun

I took the plaster of paris and mixed it in a clear plastic bag---I cut the corner of the bag and squirted it into the bottom of my clean empty jar----about a cup of Pof P.  Let it sit for a day--if you are inpatient--I put mine in the oven at 170* then shut the oven off and let it really just sit in there while I prepared the following. The ornie I got from Target I took the hanger out of and the hokey scarf from its neck--I painted him with glue and rolled him in mica flakes and set him to dry. I took a piece of tag board and cut a cute tag out and painted it with chalkboard paint and backed the tag with cute paper after the paint dried.  I punched a hole thru it and strung about 24" of jute thru the hole and set my chalkboard tag aside for now.  I took my jar out of the oven and made SURE the Plaster had dried, then I took my glue gun and dropped a GOB of glue onto the middle of the dried plaster in the jar---I also added a titch to the bottom of the snowman and I carefully set him on to the glue--I hurried and threw a handful of mice into the jar before the hot glue dried so it would stick to the mound and cover that up---I kind of swirled it a bit while keeping a FIRM finger on the snowmans head so he wouldn't move.  I painted my inside and outside of the lid with cream colored acrylic enamel and let that dry well then I painted it with glue and glittered the lid top so cutely! I then wrote 'JOY' with chalk onto my little tag and then I wired a piece of wire around the chalk and twisted it then around the top of the jar below the 'lid screw line'.  I then wrapped my jute around the top of the jar and added the little pine sprig and tied my jute into a bow.  I then made on my printer a little slip of paper that reads---Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow and I decopauged that to the jar on the bottom edge and I glittered that as well ---carefully avoiding getting that glue and glitter onto the glass part---just the slip of paper needs that! I twisted the cover onto the top and smiled cuz it is so dang CUTE and easy!!!!

My 'Believe' Crenolin Hanger!

WHAT U NEED (MATERIALS)

crenalin or stiff fabric enough for your triangle size

instant coffee

sewing machine & thread

red tinsel wrap (preferrably with wire thru it)

red ink pad (staz on is the best ink ever!)

letter stamps & snowflake stamps

rhinestones---fake will do JUST fine

This is made from Crenolin or very stiff fabric that was used in earlier times for stiffening under dresses and bustier's.  I cut triangles out of it that were approx. 8" from bottom point to top edge---I coffee stained them all and put them in the oven at 170* until dry---I got some red cheap tinsel that you use to wrap up gifts with at this time of year and I stitched the triangles ( finger folded the crenolin first) over that tinsel then with a zig zag stitch making sure I left plenty of tinsel on each side to hang the piece on a window or cupboard or tree---I also tied knots on the ends of the tinsel after I cut it so it wouldn't come apart--after I got my 7 triangles sewn onto the tinsel, I clipped the loose threads, and I stamped my letters one by one on each triangle and I also did snowflakes---in RED--the stamps I got at Archivers for $10--they come in a clear package and are made of foam--they have all sorts of them in different styles and fonts.  I then glued little rhinestones in each of the centers of the snowflakes using gem glue and viola!  I also did these up in the word JOYEUX in black with silver tinsel and black snowflakes and clear rhinestones---way way cute!

It's the 5 Golden Rings Promo on WSOAPP!

The peeps at WSOAPP have been hard working and hiding things within the shoppes---they have hidden 5 Golden Rings (one per day) and the first one to email in and tell where the numbered ring is for that day wins a prize! I have to tell you that the shoppes are looking great and are stocked and ready to roll---so make sure you go on a treasure hunt for them there rings!!! Don't you just LOVE surprises!!

Go into WSOAPP.orgs group and click on the 5-Rings promo tab to get in the FUN!

Market Street Listings on WSOAPP Dec. 7th!!

Howdy peeps---it is Market Street TIME at WSOAPP and the Listings are up for the 7th of December Launch---head on over with a cup of coffee and take a gander and what everyones got cooking for this Holiday! I will be listing several more items tomorrow morning---just don't have the energy tonite----pooped out! I also will be sending out my December Newsletter tomorrow with special deals for the month---so if you would like to be included in that and you are not already a recipient of my newsletter ---please do gimme a shout and I will see to it that you get on the list!!! These are my Belsnickel Santa's (don't even know if I am spelling that correctly) and a Rolly Polly Felted Wool Santa that will be listed tomorrow---Enjoy the rest of the evening!!  Oh!1 and I just got 15 new pairs of my signature repurposed wool 'Love You Winter' Mitties which will be on Etsy tomorrow then up to the Round Barn Potting Co. as well!

It's All About The Merry-ment!!!

It is always all about the Merry-ment....Thanksgiving just whizzed on by---without a single piece of pie left to be had anywhere's in this house, sooooo I am sitting here reflecting on the Holiday with a very lonely cup of java in hand---and here's what I came up with---days of prep work---nooo months it seems---baked and baked and had lists of grocery 'runs' for this and that (all good stuff mind you) and of course we had to go several times the DAY before Thanksgiving just to feel what crazy truly is----and then the DAY--the DAY that we cook a very large Turkey in our oven--we overshoot the baster right over the top of the large bird and spray the back of the oven with drippings that run to the bottom and start a small fire---no biggie---except that everyone is now standing IN the kitchen--and are totally unaware of the impending danger---I would like to say that I usually enjoy vistitors in the kitchen while I am cooking---even though my kitchen is very small, it seems to be the place everyone NEEDS to be--I think it's because all the good stuff is stored there----OR could it be that they just really want to be around me---yup--true---it's gotta be me---as the only time I didn't have someone asking me some silly question that makes me get knocked off task and have to THINK--OR holding out an empty glass like I am supposed to remember what was once in there and replace that liquid with a new batch of WHATEVER---the ONLY time I had no one talking to me ('cept the voices in my head) was when I went to the bathroom---soooooo as I was looking at the bottle of homemade pure vanilla that I steeped using fine brandy and madagascar vanilla beans and thinking--hmmmm--I wonder if anyone would notice me taking shots of that here and there----didn't happen--but thought it---I then did the Hokey Pokey and turned myself around---only after trying the several different wine selections my son brought---let's not even go down the road of menapause and that falling on the happy occassion---AND the fact that our 11 year old German Shepard chose to have a leaky bladder that particular week---yaaaa--let's not even GO THERE!!  One added note---I was very Thankful of all of my Blessings and the day actually was WONDERUL---and that my dear ones is truly what the day is supposed to be!

Here is a picture of some of my new items that I have listed in WSOAPP. org and Birchberry Farms Etsy---and the window picture is an old window from my childhood home that I placed a large glass snowflake and glass icicles on it as well---that is mine here at my house---just wanted to show it off----tres chic! ENJOY!

Homemade Paperclay Recipe!!

After going to Michaels to get my paperclay and giving them an arm and a leg to purchase it---well I decided to make my own---and yup---it really works and has a great consistancy---this one here is a keeper---so jot it down!

Homemade Paperclay

Stuff you'll need:

Paper scraps (any kind, newspaper, construction paper, etc)

Flour

Water

Blender

Plastic bag or plastic container for storage

Start with about 2 cups of paper, torn into strips. Add 4 cups of

water

and blend until it is mushy. Remove the paper from the blender and

squeeze out all the water you can. I poured mine into a strainer and

just picked up handfuls at a time, then put them into a large mixing

bowl

after I squeezed out the water. Mix 1/2 c water and 1/2 c flour in

mixing bowl. Add the paper pulp after water is squeezed out. Knead

until it

has the consistency of soft dough. You may need to add more flour as

you go. Now you can use it as you would paper clay. I've noticed it

dries slower than paperclay, so after I finish my piece, I dry it in

oven at 150 Some people use a hair dryer,until the surface is dry,

then let it air dry for 1 or 2

days, but this could vary. After it is dry, you can sand and paint

it.

Store any left overs in a plastic bag or airtight container in the

refrigerator until you're ready to use it!

Unbelievable!!!!--- 'Believe' Christmas Hanger

There have been times in my life when I have made things and thought they were just the bomb diggity---and sometimes I am right and sometimes of course not so right---this little hanger I designed last year---made them and brought them up to the shop here in town---I thought---hmmmmm--these are cool---Well---either I was ahead of myself or behind in the thinkin for what peeps were wanting in my area---cuz I didn't sell a one----soooooo this year----this year I decided to list them on Etsy---I had the listing up and it sat and it sat---for about 3 weeks----then for some 'trip' of faith I ended up on front page in a treasury---and whamoooo gazowee---I sold all of the ones I had here and I am on my second batch----at first I was totally amazed at how this all worked----almost 3 years have past that I have first started to list on Etsy---and regularly too----it was like my guardian angel was pokin my butt with a stick most of the time to get MOVIN---alright alright!!!! I got it!!!!!  Don't get me wrong---I am diggin the fact that I am selling these like mad----funny part of it is---and my regulars all know this about me---(I think I have ADD) I am having trouble setting down my new creations that I am working on to make these---and correct me if I am wrong---am I not doing this as a form of income??? Yes---why yes I am---It cracks me up----well---back to making cones and wiring them---I have orders to fill and the day is just getting started-----OH and just for the record---I did design a new one for this year---and that will be listed this week on Etsy---it is rather cute if I do say so myself---OH BOY--here we go again!---I will however, be stopping for a time this afternoon to watch my beloved Vikings 'swirl' the tank once again this week---I just can't get enough of the pain and suffering of watching them muttle through this season---now THEY are really making me NUTS!!! Short Trip I know!  PS.  Please feel free to order one of these if you would like---I really do like making them---and don't want you to think otherwise!  Later Sweet Tarts!

A FABULOUS Cranberry Bread Recipe!

This is quite possibly one of the best breads I have ever made---it is fabulous! Just in time for the holidays it is sure to be one of those recipes people will want a copy of! AND I am pretty sure it is good for you as well---not alot of sugary stuff in it--- ENJOY!!!

Cranberry Pecan Oatbread

1 1/4 C. Flour

1/2 tsp. Baking powder

1/2 tsp. Baking soda

1/8 tsp kosher salt

1/8 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 C oats

1/2 C honey

1/4 C vegetable oil

Juice and zest of 1 lime

1 egg

1/4 C milk (I tried this w buttermilk and YUM!)

1/2 tsp. Vanilla bean paste (regular vanilla extract works fine)

1 C fresh cranberries

1/2 C toasted pecans -chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350, grease an 8x4 pan

2. In large bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice and oats.

3. In small bowl mix together honey, vegetable oil, juice and zest of lime, eggs, milk, and vanilla bean paste.

4. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just moistened. Stir in cranberries and pecans.

5. Bake 40-45 minutes until tester inserted in center comes out clean.

And the WINNER is!!!!!

The Winner for the drawing for my witch is---drum roll please----Sue--from OodleKadoodle Primitives----thanks to my other entries and have a FABULOUS Halloween!!!!

Fa-La-La-La---LAAAAAA---Yep Winter Stuff!

I just listed some of my new Winter things----in Etsy---and I sure don't mind tellin ya's that I am really pretty sure I missed a couple of months in here somewhere's---they just went and doggone whizzed by my head---almost the end of October you say???? Pishaaaaawwww----I am just now getting around to realizing that----dag nabbit----soooo what happens next? I suppose you are gonna tell me Thanksgiving---yup---I was affraid of that----Good Golly Miss Molly!

So for your enjoyment I have added some snow falling to my little blog----and soon will be changing my music to Christmas Carols---NOT quite there YET!

FREE Give AWAY!!! Hurry Hurry Hurry!

Yeppers my LOVELIES---this witch is going to someone as a give away to say THANK YOU to all the great customers and visitors that I have aquired through my years of selling online and at the shops--I do appreciate you guys big time! For simply posting a comment on my blog you will get one entry. For linking me and adding my give away to your site(s) (Facebook, blogs, websites etc etc) you will get 2 entries for each, just let me know that you did that. Simply snatch the picture of the witch and let others know about my freebie with my link here and viola! Good Luck!

Just listed a TON of SHTUFF on Etsy!!!!

Yep---I sure did---I am doing a driveby wave howdy and to let cha's know that I just listed some stuff on Etsy in BirchBerry Farms and WhiteBirch Boutique---soap is on sale as well----have a great day y'all!

Soooo This is what Insanity Looks LIKE!

For about 12 days straight---I have made my Family, my Friends, and MYSELF absolutely nuts---yup---this is what the LAST push of getting Fall stuff done looked like at my house---pieces and parts of this and that all over the place. In the picture you will notice that there are multiples of some things---I only set that up to take the pictures as there wasn't enough room to do all of the items in the pictures. The pumpkins with the curly stems---there are actuually 14 of them and are up at the shop here in town as of this weekend---the witches on pedestals--there were 6 of them---each different---the fat witches--there were 4 of them and the pumpkin heads as well 4 each---and all different---there are 4 of the green headed witches--way too cool----honest to goodness I thought my family was gonna run away from home---probably wouldn't have been a bad idea--LOL. I am going to be listing all day today and tomorrow to get the last of these items out the door---they will be on Etsy and on my WSOAPP site----I also am offering a SUPER deal on my soaps in Etsy----so do check in this week and see what's shakin!!! Later Peeps!!!!

Have Brush Will Travel!

Helllloooooo my dears---yup---it's me---well at least I think its me---I am bangin into myself coming and going---teehee----Heres some work I just completed at a Restaurant called Jimmys Pizza in Becker MN. A friend of mine aquisitioned me to do the paintings on her walls---I had a BLAST doing it---and it was a great diversion to the stupid stuff I have swirling around me constantly---yes---I said stupid---stupid stupid STUPID stuff! Summer is slowly dwindlin down and honestly the weather has been really good here in my parts---a little more TOASTY than normal---perfect for me as I am kind of a 'Outta the Pan into the FIRE' sort of gal---not on purpose tho!!! LOL

The large clock actually WORKS---I cut a hole in their wall and placed the mechanism in there---AND the dang deal is 5ft in diameter---very cool! The designs were done free hand with many many layers of paint were done to get the right effects---that's me doing the 'high finance' part---not good with a calculator at ALL---

Grand Opening Celebration!!!!

Well looky here---WSOAPP has a new site and we are brimming with excitement to show it off to you! Our Grand Opening Celebration!!!! The artists have their shops all stocked up and ready to roll---go on in and do check that out---it is surely going to make you smile!!!!
Simply click on the link below!

WSOAPP MARKET NEW STREET

Primitive Folk Art Goth Witch on Ebay later this Evening!!!!

Ohhhhh BOY am I ever thrilled to present to you my newest creation----'Countess Taryn VonAshburg' in all her loviness---she will be on Ebay this Evening---Hope you all like her---she is my most favorite witch I have ever made---full of character and detail!!! Got to go for now---I am getting hollered at for not doing what I should be doing when I should be doing it---HA--go figure!!!

I am Just Skip-Taggelin' Along!!!

I am proud to announce our son Ryan has graduated from The University of Minnesota with an Interior Design Major!!! YEA!!! I am bustin buttons allll over the place---his Thesis has been published and he is currently working on the prototype to this new concept in design that he implemented in his thesis----very proud----do NOT ask him to help ever pick out a paint color for any room----apparently Interior Designers get confused with Interior Decorators or he will snap like a saltine----ahhhhh kids---they JUST crack me up!!!

What is Wrong with People!

A very sad thing happened here yesterday---in a nearby community---an officer was shot and killed still seat belted in his squad car---responding to a possibe carjacking---having family and friends who serve----It hit me hard---just seemingly another day this fine officer came to work to do his job---and doesn't get to return home to his wife and children---I am saddened by this even though I do not know him personally ---it is still very tragic----please pray for all of our/your community leaders who are out and about doing what they were trained to do---protect and serve---it is a different, more angry time in our world right now----and I truly wish it would stop---right now----TODAY!

My New Shop is OPEN!!!!

WHITE BIRCH BOUTIQUE

I have a new endeavor---it is called White Birch Boutique and it is some of the items that I make for the Round Barn Potting Company. I love the fresh look of French Inspired art---in fact--Lori---the owner of the RB pulled me into that whole thing kickin and a screamin---now I can't get enough of it!!! Here's a little sample of what I have listed over in Etsy under my new name--oh--no worries---I am still making my other stuff---now I am trying to see if I can manage all three of the shops over there at the same time--HA!

AND She Does It AGAIN---Makes me LAUGH!!!

AND She Does It AGAIN---yup another installment from my sister who has got an uncanny knack of making all of us girls laugh when it is needed the most---apparently this must be her 'position' in this world---and I am truly happy for that---here is her Friday message to me and my sisters---I about pee'd in my pants!!!! I hope no one is offended by anything in this story---if you are---I am sorry!

Hey Girlies, Once again, I have a funny story to report in regard to those crazy clients of the office across the alley.

You may wonder, can a skin head carry 7 DVD's without a bag, talk on a cellphone, and ask directions to the legal aid office while riding a bike? The answer is NO. I feel personally responsible for this, as he asked if I knew where the legal aid office was and I pointed and said "under that big blue sign that says Legal Aid". He turned to look and crashed into the telephone pole, resulting in a tangled mess of swastikas (sp), sunglasses, DVD's and pride. I was glad to see that he was not hurt, what with the dangling chains and all, it could have been disastrous, but he thanked me none-the-less. I can't help but to feel a bit guilty, especially since I just know his copyof Thunderdome is ruined.It is amazing all the knowledge I have gleaned from these chance encounters in the alley. I would like to share some of them with you.

How many people can you fit into a 1997 Chevy Malibu? 9 1/2, if the dogkeeps his head out the window.

Do you need teeth to whistle loudly? No, but it works best if you would like to speak coherently after grabbing your intended party's attention. Really, all I could get from the conversation was Jess, Watermelon, IceAuger and Goat. Not quite sure how they all mesh together. I just pointed to the big green building, he smiled and nodded.

A stroller NEVER works well on stairs. It's just not engineered for that type of terrain.

When wearing white knit shorts, the wearing of underwear is not an option.

It is not necessary, with a four door vehicle, to have all the doors in working order. All you need is one. Climbing over the front seat is not a problem, unless you are wearing a tight dress. Coincidently, this trick also works with minivans--as long as the back hatch opens, it's all good.

And last, but not least, the mullet, as a hairstyle, is not dead. It is alive and well and living in Northern Minnesota.Have a great weekend! m.

AND THERE'S MORE!!!!

OMG!!! And I am not making this up.....I just got another tip from the Crazy Parking Lot Clients--more words to live by--Friday must be bonanza day or something. A depression in the black top of a parking lot, strategically placed in front of a door (big white metal pannelled structure, brass knob about halfway down), marked with a mat on the ground that says "Welcome" signifies that you have parked in front of a doorway. We apologize for the dents in your bumper, however, we were not aware you had parked in front of our door until we had opened said door.

And the WINNER IS........

Thank you to everyone who participated in my drawing---I sure had fun doing it!!! So without further ADO--- the WINNER IS: Sandy of AZBelle----Congratulations!!! Please send me your address Miss Sandy so I can get that in the mail for you!!! You can send it to my email: rmellena@mninter.net Thank You again to everyone!!!

2 More Days To the BIG Free Giveaway!!

HURRRRRY ---there are only 2 days left to get your name in to the drawing!!!

It's a Give Away!!!!

In Honor of my new line of soaps and lotion I am having a BLOG party to kick it off!!! YEA---I am giving away 1--8oz bottle of my New Sweet Annie Lotion and 1--6oz bar of one of my new Essentials Soaps 'Rosemary'-----Oh BTW---these items and many more are listed on Etsy right now!

Here's how to enter---for each you receive one entry-----


1. Snag my 'giveaway' picture and link it in your blog or website (let me know that you did do that thru email or comment!)


2. Sign up for my Newsletter (link for that is at the top on the right hand side)


3. Leave me a comment


Basically, you could end up with a maximum of 3 entries if you do all of those things---whooohooooooooooo how easy is THAT? The drawing for this will be on March 31st and the winning person will be notified and then posted onto my Blog as the winner!!! Good LUCK!

Yep Yep--It's that time--March Market Street Offerins'!

I am pooped---it has been a long day---Joe was gone for the weekend up with the fellas snowmobiling---and whilest he was gone--- I used my every second wisely!! Here are my two Bunny girl offerings----They are looking for new homes and would be happy to hop on over to yours!!!!

I made 12 batches of lotion today too---yes---it's about time--I hear ya's!!!---those ARE getting listed tomorrow---the Sweet Annie scent is in this batch and if I may say so---SIMPLY DIVINE!!!

My Newest Listings in Etsy!!!

Terracotta Pots and Burlap---Holy COW---what a cute look that turned out to be---I made a bunch of these for the Round Barn potting Company and held a few back to list for my customers---I chose these blue and green hues---drabby as all get out! I am very happy to present them to you today----I also got my new soap cuts up there as well---next on the agenda---making LOTION and the cuttie patootie tags and soap sets---my head is about ready to spin right off of my shoulders---I am gee-ing with enthusiasm!!! Have a great day my lovelies---oh--wait---heard the other day on the news that 48 states had snow on the ground---YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDIN MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Enough already with the winter stuff---can we please move on to warmer weather---pretty please?????

I'm So Excited!!!!!

Hello My Dear Blogger Friends~~~ I am so excited I can hardly stand it---I have been driving myself nuts as of late--short trip I know---but I am working on a new line of bath and beauty---I have just wrapped up this week with my 16th batch of soap in 10lb logs that need to be cut~~ I am working towards making a new emergence in the natural soap world by cutting the bars to reflect a better size and feel, more homeopathic essential oil based soaps, natural colorings, new packaging and soap set offerings---a better wholesale line and and and----I am making LOTION now too---who knew it was gonna be so darn FUN----I made my own Sweet Annie Oil and have made lotion using that oil---OMG--if you like the smell of Sweet Annie--which has alot of great attributes you will LOVE this lotion! I have gathered all of my implements to put allllll of this together and with any luck (if my family just lets me FLY without any debacles til MONDAY) I will have this up and running---fingers crossed and duct tape ready to use on anyone in this house that messes with this grand plan! Can you feel the determination or WHAT! I can't sore with the Eagles if I am flyin' with the Turkey's---a metaphor for the day!

PS. The picture is one that Ali took last year at our cabin---think SPRING!!!!

A Little Burlap Bear

I just got done making this Burlap Bear---and OMG---I am in LOVE with him---I named him Burley---I hate the pictures I took of him today---so I am gonna have to take another batch tomorrow before he gets listed on EBAY---He is made from a Burlap Coffee Bag and is weighted and has jointed arms and legs and glass eyes---I really wore my patience to a FRAZZLE with sewing and turning his narrow pieces--but we got r done!!!!

Be sure to check in on WSOAPP Market Street Shops---all of us have listed for the 7th of February Launch---it promises to be wonderfully spectacular!!!

Burley on Ebay Listing Link

Happy Valentines Day Gift Sets On Etsy NOW!!!

Happy Valentines Day is RIGHT around the corner---and I just listed 10 gift sets that I am sure will please---they are at a great price point and the shipping is also reduced for quick sale---just my little way of saying thank you thank you thank you to all of my customers---I am truly blessed!!! This is a mere sample of the ones that I have listed---all in Etsy!!!! Gotta run for now---I am supposed to be grocery shopping---yippity dang skippy!!!!

Oh Nooooo!!! My Hopeless Sad Sunday

Contrary to what people may say about the Vikings loss---I for one am very proud of them---it is soooo easy for all of us to sit and scrutinize each and every play---each mistake as if they (the Viking players) were the stupidest people on the planet---Cracks me up to realize that obviously he was a FORCE to be reconned with as they double teamed him on every play---I have to say that I enjoyed each and every minute watching them play from the start of the season to the end. As sad as I am that they didn't win--I am sitting here relishing in the fantastic season they did have. It wasn't just about my cutie patootie Brett Favre--as I am in love with several others on the team---it was about the whole team and what HE did to bring great chemistry and spirit to MN. He made that team rise to the occassion by giving it their all---no matter what---I watched the game in horror to see him get laid out 15 times or more HARD on the ground---I watched his wife and daughter in the stands being upset whenever that would happen---he is in my estimation one of the BEST athletes and QB's EVER---I care not what anyone says about him waivering on coming back or not---he has that right and he has TOTALLY earned that in my opinion--he works so hard each and every game and puts his heart and soul into it---he has built up a HUGE offense and allowed that to be very deep by giving numerous players the opportunities to move the ball. Obviously the best two teams are going to the BIG DANCE---and that is how it should be--those two teams were top of their divisions throughout the season and our loss last night by 3 points proves that we were in line for that to happen--it was a hard game to watch--but I am proud of them and very proud of Brett Favre---Hold your heads up MN---He'll be back---I just KNOW it! It breaks my heart to see how beat up he got----oh---and BTW--- 40 year olds are NOT dead---they just get better with age and have alot more patience with the ball---TRUE THAT!

The 1st Window Pattern is HERE!!!

I have my first window pattern done and put into pdf form---Thank YOU so much to Mare from Oakhollow Primitives---she did the transformation for me---and I don't know what I would have done without her---She always has such GORGEOUS things listed in WSOAPP Market and in Etsy so please check her out---she is a good friend and amazing artist!!!! Love ya Mare!!! This Pattern is for the 'NOEL' window pictured. Each Pattern is a One of a Kind BirchBerry Farms Original Design & Concept. You get the instruction sheets on how to's, the templates and diagrams for placement. All the info you need to complete this frosted window. Please keep an eye out for more current to season window patterns----I am working dilegently to get those completed and listed.

PRICE for Pattern will email to you in pdf Form: $10

Purchase Item

Hola My Pretties!

Howdy---well I am here in the house toasty warm---just got back from Caribou where I met my cousin for a wonderful cup of campfire mocha coffee and I am just posting a quick note all jacked up on caffeine---LOL----

I am running a little sale in my Etsy--free shipping on mittens until Valentines Day (US ONLY sorry!)--do check that out---they really are wonderfully warm and fashionable!


To all of you sweet tarts that have been emailing me about the window pattern--thank you so much for being so patient with me---I am having some issues with my reformatting into pdf files---I really wish I knew why---so I had to call in the big guns to help untangle the mess that I have created with alllll of my pattern files----yup----never a dull day here! Just wanted to let you know though---

It has been below zero here for the past two weeks---let's not even factor in a little ditty we lovingly call WIND CHILL---and while I am not complaining---aww heck--YES I AM---I have never hated winter as much as I do this particular year---and I am a winter girl---so I have figured out that being in menopause is really messin with me---hot flashes and all and I am now resorting to being happy not really going anywhere---anytime---sooooo if the people that reside here are thinking that grocery shopping is in the near future--well they better start saying their prayers that it gets above freezing soon---cuz this chick is staying PUT ---I don't really mind pb&j sandwiches----nope!

My WSOAPP Market Offerins' for January!

I have been STUCK in the Prim Prim world for a couple of months---and it has been great to go back to the things I have known to LOVE all these years----I have 4 dolls listed in my Market Street Shoppe and would love you to pop in there to see all of the fabulous artists' works for January----Valentines Day is right around the corner--and I don't know about you guys---but I sure could use some LOVIN' these days!!! LOL Here is the link and a peek at one of my creations!!!

WSOAPP Market Shoppes