The Handmade Homemaker

German Noodle Ring

2012-01-31T17:17:00.000-05:00

I have started taking meat out of our diet, we are about 90% meat free. I have been looking for interesting fun dishes for my family. I came across this yummy pasta dish and thought I would share it with you.

German Noodle Ring
1 Bag Egg Noodles
3 T Butter
3 T Flour
1/2 t Salt
1/2 t paprika
1/4 t Pepper
1 1/2 C Milk
1 C Swiss Cheese
2 Eggs, well beaten

Spoon cooked noodles into a buttered ring mold pan.
Melt butter in a saucepan. Blend in flour, salt, paprika and pepper. Heat until mixture bubbles, stirring constantly.
Slowly add milk stirring until blended. Bring it to a rapid boil, stirring constantly.
Add the cheese.
Reserve half of the sauce to use later.
Add beaten eggs to remaining sauce, blend well.
Pour over noodles in ring mold pan.
Put ring mold pan in a pan of very hot water.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Unmold onto a large platter, fill center with your favorite vegetables and pour remaining cheese sauce over noodles and vegetables.

As you can see this recipe is a big hit. It is great for those picky eaters.

Garden Journal 2012 Starting Seeds Indoor January

2012-01-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

We started several seedling in trays. To get an early start this year on our garden. January 22, 2012

We have a full tray of Leeks (American Flag) Ferry-Morse $1.25
In the other tray: Organic Cilantro - Burpee $1.88
                          Mint (Spearmint) Burpee $1.00
                          Organic Parsley (Single Italian Plain-Leaf) Burpee $1.88
                          Catnip - Burpee $1.57
These seeds and the trays were purchased at Low's

The trays came two to a pack offering 72 cells for $7.99 The soil pellets have no netting around them so the roots wont get bound up (Like that) The cell tray fits down into another tray to catch all the water and it also has a clear lid to keep in moisture. We used food spears to make holes to put the seeds in.

Moon Phases Grade 1 and Grade 6

2012-01-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

One glorious thing about homeschooling is when you can combine the grades into one lesson. Trinity grade 1 and Alex grade 6 started studying the moon at the same time.

I found a great book to help Trinity with this...FACES OF THE MOON

It separated the phases and gave a picture of each and it even had a tab index along the right side with picture of the moon.

Trinity Cut out black and white paper in the phases and I wrote the phases on each...

And we hung it in the school room above the door...

Alex had to dig a little deeper we found quite a bit of information on the Internet to help us with his Moon Calendar.
Moon Phases StarDate Online Here you can get a Month by Month Phase
Judaism 101: Current Calendar Here you can get the name of the Moon Calendar and their time periods.
Examiner Actually gave the round calendar

And here is Alex's round moon Calendar for January and February. It is hanging on the opposite end of the school room.

Compost Making some Dirt

2012-01-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

My kids saw this bowl full of veg and thought it was so pretty...they gasped when they heard it was going to the compost pile. Who knew? Compost can be so lovely...OK to a gardener a big steamy heap its a work of art...seeing the brown dirt when you turn it can bring tears to ones eyes.

This is my Compost pot...it sits in the pantry till its full and then gets taken down to the pile. Don't let anyone make you think you have to buy an expensive compost pot with filters. This is a container that was sitting around and I put a plate over it. It doesn't smell, the only way compost smells rotten is if you put something you shouldn't in it. This pot gets taken out 1-2 times per week.

Here is the beginning of my lovely heap now. I need to get to the Hardware store and get a fork so I can turn it...No not a dinner fork a pitch fork...silly readers.

Now I just need to find a manure supply and I will be in gardening heaven.

Sixth Grade Maps

2012-01-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

My artistic Son (also know as Sun because of all the light he brings to us) has been enjoying studying Ancient Civilizations. He started his map that he will be adding too. This is part of his sixth grade curriculum.

He got out the ruler and found the perfect little round lid and along with a black sharpie he created a awesome compass rose.

I can't wait to see what else he will be adding.

Seed Catlalog Cheap Thrills

2012-01-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

My New Bedspread

Oh I just get all goose pimply when the seed catalogs start coming in. I am trying not to over do it but its so hard to hold myself back.

I also made it by the library and picked up a few books to keep me up at night

Loving Self

2012-01-10T20:27:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we struggle with how to take care of ourselves. We wait for someone else to show appreciation, love, some sort of sign that they care. Much too often we are let down and we feel resentful, unloved and lonely. As for me I took the reigns in my own hands and started doing things that I wished others would do for me.

I have bought myself :
Chocolate
Jewelry
Milk glass
Owls
Plants
Flowers

I have treated myself to:
Bubble Baths
Long Walks
Manicure
Afternoon Teas on the Patio
Strolls through gardens
Strolls through Antique Shops
Jaunt through a good used book store

Though sometimes the pocket book doesn't allow too many treats I always keep a pink rose in my room. I have found if I use the little packet that comes with it (for one rose you only need half) it will last me two weeks. This one is 10 days old and still amazing. I use to think I got the Roses to appreciate their beauty...and I do. But now I get the Roses to show them how beautiful I am.

Don't forget how special you are...even if others do.

Process Gnome Patterns

2012-01-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

I had been looking for a pattern for some process Gnome Bean Bag Patterns and couldn't find any so I made my own up and am sharing them here.

PROCESS GNOME PATTERN

1. I made a pattern that I liked the round squiggly circle is the beard (I thought of that after I sewed the face on)

2. I cut out two body's for each color and one face and one beard.

3. I sewed the face on each using a blanket stitch.

4. I then did french knots for the eyes and a pink V for the mouth. Then I sewed the beard on. 5. I sew the Process symbol on the belly (put the wrong process on the wrong color, UGH!) But it still works.
6. I sewed around the edge using a blanket stitch leaving one leg open to stuff with beans, then sewed it shut.

If you make some send me your photo.

Apple Butter Recipe

2012-01-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

14-15 Apple about 13 cups chopped
4 Cups of Sugar
1 Cup Apple Cider
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1 1/2 Teaspoons Nutmeg

Wash, peel, core and chop apples (My handy dandy apple peeler, corer, slicer does it all for me...naa...na...na... na...naaa)
Top with the rest of the ingredients stir in.

Cook on high for 7 hours add more Cider if it gets too thick.

Place in jars, they don't even need to be warm. Top with lids...they will seal on their own.

This is the easiest and best tasting Apple Butter I have ever made

Happy New Years 2012

2012-01-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012

Well we made it till about 9:30 on New Years Eve

The kids made homemade pizza...Alex got really creative and made a veggie face. Trinity thought about it but she didn't want any veggies on her pizza.

Trinity decorated a shoe box for our time capsule. I made up a prediction sheet of about 10 questions...Like who would change the most? Will we ever go camping again? etc. No one knows what anyone else wrote and next new years we will open and read everyone answer's. We also looked back at our most favourite times.

Catching up

2011-12-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

Busy, Busy, Busy.... That's all I can say about this last month.

As I have mentioned we have moved into a home.
To be exact my Grandmother-In-Law home...It seems that this will become our home.

So naturally I started gardening...ripping out the mess in the front bed and....

Moving plants to create another bed...

As well as starting a compost bin, a complete necessity in my book. The compost bin is right next to the area I am clearing out for a vegetable garden I am just to jealous of all the gardening blogs I follow not too.

Did I mention I am turning the "Formal Living Room" into our School room? Ya know, the room that no one uses because of all the "no-touchies". Well it has a great front window with all these boxy shelf's (you can see it in the above photos) I have started filling them in with all sorts of wonderful goodies.

I just love making these stars...they really are just wonderful when the light hits them

Moving ON we have been just having some holiday fun going to the Botanical Gardens for the Train Garden and night time lights...and just staying at home making ornaments (my goal is to have all handmade ornaments on the tree...OK 90% handmade)

Liebster Blg Award

2011-12-04T08:26:00.000-05:00

I have been up to my elbows with moving into a home that has been sitting empty for over a year (OH the cleaning...OH my back), moving a trailer, doing craft fairs, and all in the middle of the holidays. So to my delight and Surprise April, at Aprils Homemaking had given me the Liebster award.

April's blog is full of creativity and down to earth home style living stop by and check it out.

The word 'liebster' actually comes from the German word for love, friend or dearest - very sweet!

The goal of the award is to spotlight up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers. The rules are:

copy and paste the award on your blog
thank the giver and link back to them
reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
hope that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers

Now, choosing just 5 blogs was a challenge I must say, but here goes (in no particular order):

No Spring Chicken

A Corner Garden

Wabi-Sabi Wanderings

Rosy Posy

A Very Fairy Garden

Only 5 was difficult to choose so many places and people I visit around the world. They have touched my heart and my life. Some becoming dear friends. I hope you enjoy the five I have picked just as much as I have enjoyed them.

Nutcracker

2011-11-15T07:49:00.000-05:00

$10.00

Here is my latest ornament creation, he is close to 9 inches tall! And as always hand poured from 100% beeswax and hand painted. I am taking orders The Bee's Knees the first 10 orders of the Nutcracker will get a bonus ornament to keep for yourself or give as a gift.

A Bit about the history of Beeswax ornaments:
Beeswax ornaments were created by German Bakers in the 1600's. They would keep the beeswax from the honey they used, melt it, and pour it into gingerbread molds. This craft was brought to America in the 1700's to Pennsylvania.
Today German Museums display these ornament from those first bakers. With safe keeping your beeswax ornament can become an heirloom as well.

Fall leaves Knitting Pattern

2011-11-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

Fall Leaves Knitting Pattern

Size 3 Needle
Left over sock yarn (finger weight) In fall colors
Darning needle

Use two separate balls of yarn and cast on 19 stitches (two different colors will give you a variegated coloring)

Row   1:   K9, P1, K9
Row   2:   K
Row   3:   K2tog, K7, P1, K7, K2tog
Row   4:   K, Cast on 3 sts at end of row
Row   5:   K11, P1, K8, Cast on 3
Row   6:   K
Row   7:   Cast off 3, K7, P1, K to end of row
Row   8:   Cast off 3, K to end of row
Row   9:   Cast off 5, K2, P1, K to end of row
Row 10:   Cast off 5, K to end of row
Row 11:   K3, P1, K3
Row 12: K
Row 13: K3, P1, K3
Row 14:   K
Row 15:   K into front and back of first st, K2, P1, K2, K into front and back of last st
Row 16:   K to end, cast on 5 sts
Row 17:   K9, P1, K to end, cast of 5 sts
Row 18:   K
Row 19:   K2tog, K7, P1, K7 K2tog
Row 20:   K, cast on 3
Row 21:   K11, P1, K8, cast on 3
Row 22:   K
Row 23:   Cast off 3, K7, P1, K to end of row
Row 24:   Cast off 3, K to end of row
Row 25:   Cast off 5, K2, P1, K to end of row
Row 26:   Cast off 5, K to end
Row 27:   K3 st, P1, K3
Row 28:   K
Row 29:   K2tog, K1,P1,K1, K2tog
Row 30:   K
Row 31:   K2tog,P1, K2tog
Row 32:   K
Row 33:   K1, P1, K1
Row 34:   K
Row 35:   K into front and back of first st, P1, K into front and back of lst st
Row 35:   K
Row 37:   K2tog, P1, K2tog
Row 38:   K last 3 st tog
Row 39:   Break yarn and pull it thru the last st, Weave tail into the leaf

At the bottom of the leaf pick up center 3 stitches and with single strand of yarn work in I cord for 10 rows

Bind off and break yarn weave tail into leaf

I hope you enjoy my take on this pattern.

I found the original pattern on Natural Suburbia created by the talented Linda. This is my take on it

This Boy of Mine

2011-11-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

My Boy turned 12 this month...where does the time go.

Unfortunately, I remembered everything for the party right down to the chocolate poker chips....but forgot the camera to take Pictures!

Lucky for me Alex is very understanding and he went out to the Party Palace...AKA: Alex's Aces In the Hole Casino, The School House and The Bee's Knees Canopy for shows...he posed for me.

Looks like his hand is not so good...hummm will he bluff or fold?

The remainder of the Orange Dream sickle Cake...It Said Alex is Aces and was made to look like a deck of cards. I made a crock pot full of Chili will bowls full of yummy sides to add.

Some of our favorite people came to share in the celebration, which was a rousing game of Poker and to wish my dear little man a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

I LOVE YOU ALEX....YOU SO ROCK IN THOSE DICE GLASSES

Loosing myself in the Season

2011-11-13T07:15:00.000-05:00

With the change of the season came my busy time, lots of shows, lots of Holidays and lots of birthdays. Finding a moment to connect with my friends online slipped away from me. But I did take some time to go on afternoon walks...

and found myself marveling at my six year old...its seems just a moment ago she had training wheels...

Noticing a lone golden tree in the woods standing so proud...

And enjoying the beauty in the fact that my children noticed the lovely word around us...to the point of a pause in the wonderment of it all in my growing Son (Sun)...

The cows slow grazing makes me tap the breaks to enjoy the scene...

And the drive winding up the hills calls me to come wonder down the lane...But my beeswax is melting me reminding me more fairs and festivals are on the calendar and these hands of mine need to get busy.

Wagon Garden

2011-10-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share how well our wagon garden is doing...Yes, it came with me camping...I have to have something to fuss over.

Cleaning Fabric Dolls

2011-10-25T10:23:00.000-04:00

I have had the honor of making my children's first dolls. Far from perfect but still well loved. In fact loved till they were dirty. After so much work going into them I was afraid of cleaning them. I had done spot cleaning, which led to a different type of stain. I searched and searched for what to do, but found nothing. So I took a chance and bathed them in a sink of water...I know very scary. But the results were excellent and I wanted to share.

Sammy and Alaska

Doll Bath
1. Fill Kitchen Sink about two inches deep with warm water (about the temperature you would bathe a baby in)
2. Add two Tablespoons of Prell Shampoo and swish water till bubbly.
3. Dip the dolls body parts in the water till very wet including face. (The dolls limbs felt heavy with water)
4. Gently squeeze doll over the sink (soapy bubbles will come out) dip again if needed. I also rubbed the very dirty hands but tried to maintain the dolls shape as I did so.
5. Wrapped the doll in a towel and continue to squeeze and rub gently on extra dirty spots. This is a good time to hand them over to there Mamas and Papas for some extra squeezing.
6. Lay them out in full sun all day long turning them half way through.

My dolls kept there shape and felt soft...there skin looked brand new. The wool inside didn't felt and kept its shape.

Our Home School

2011-10-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

Often I am asked, "How do you Home School while Camping"

And I Answer, "You build your own School House of course"

This is a Canopy that has walls and screen walls.

With lots of bars and cross bars to attach signs...

And Stars...

Our School Arms (Trinity Made this)....

We have an Owls Nest...

Pumpkins and Witches...

And little people getting ready for Halloween.

We keep our school supplies in plastic bins. And pencils, scissors and what nots on the table in baskets. As the seasons change and our School House changes I will post photos. Maybe I will have better lighting then. Our wish list for our School House is a chalk board, carpet and a good heater.

Trailer Trash Tuesday...Trash to Treasure

2011-10-18T13:29:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share another item I rescued here at The Rock Campground.

I found this old stoves wedged between two trees down by the creek. I just couldn't pass it up. I dragged my daughter with me...she wouldn't touch it..."what do you want that for, Mama"
"Because its so Shabby Chic, Rustic"
"What?"
"Never mind"

My wagon garden came with me...I've got to have some sort of plant to fawn over.

Its doing really well...the Sedum is hanging over the back side and the Creeping Jenny is taking over as is the Joseph coat.

The little fairy path with the heart wreath hanging on the fence

Can you see the little hoe? Our little Lily pad pond? How about the snail?

Yarn Along - Trinity's Christmas Sweater

2011-10-12T08:48:00.000-04:00

I usually don't post more than my "Wonderful word Wednesday" on Wednesdays, but I wanted to show what I have been working on and post it on Ginny's Yarn Along.
Remember the sweater I knitted Alex in like two weeks? No really I did! I was a nervouse wreck and my outlet was the constant movements of my hands. Well things have calmed down a bit and I started on Trinity's it is my WIP for now...though I spotted Cheryl's shawl.

I know it looks like a big red square but hey that's what most sweaters look like till you add the arms and sholders, not to mention the details.

Here is Alex posing in his...he is ready for cold weather so he can wear it. I don't know about you but I see a Christmas Photo with these sweaters.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-10-12T07:19:00.000-04:00

When you see me in the fields,

My Orange glowing in the Sun,

Its time to say goodbye to summer,

And hello to Autumn fun.

Georgia Apple Festival

2011-10-06T18:24:00.001-04:00

We have barley been back home and we are off again to the Georgia Apple Festival. We are looking forward to our first two day show. We get to show off our new display walls and all of Alex's Garlands.

We have Pine Cones hand dipped in our 100% pure beeswax mixed with pure essence of cinnamon and pine. They smell like a crisp fall day.

For those of you who love to celebrate Halloween...we have witches, bats, cats and pumpkins. All Hand poured and painted using my seven layer technique to give it that, "Ive been around awhile" rustic look.

If your like me you have already started on your Christmas list. We have several ornaments to choose from.

Our booth will be in the Pavilion this year on Saturday October 8th from 9AM to 6PM and on Sunday October 9th from 9AM to 5PM. Come by and see us.

This is the 40th year the Georgia Apple Festival has been held. And we are proud to be a part of it.
If you are not able to make it to the show and want to order stop by my Etsy Store The Handmade Homemaker Also if you live in the Dallas Area the UPS store is offering my ornaments there as well.

Trailer Trash Tuesday...Camping Compost

2011-10-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share my dirt with you. Yes I have to have plants while camping and that means I have to have some compost. I brought a bucket full of the compost I had at my home since I have been here I have been adding to it...Coffee grounds, veg that have gone through the food processor. The food processors turns the veg into mush and it cooks faster. I also trotted down to the cow pasture and found some manure near the fence line...Trinity went with me and thought I was just crazy!

But the End results of pampering my pots is glorious! Even Trinity Says So.

Faith Fest Winder Georgia

2011-09-30T06:28:00.000-04:00

Come and join us

Winder Faith Fest

10:00 AM to 9:30PM

As always we will be offering candle dipping for $3.00. As well as our unique ornaments that was created in sixteenth century Germany, by gingerbread bakers.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-09-28T05:00:00.001-04:00

September

by Helen Hunt Jackson

The goldenrod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusky pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest
In every meadow-nook;
And asters by the brookside
Make asters in the brook.

From dewy lanes at morning
The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer.

Trailer Trash Tuesday Caping With Cats

2011-09-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

When we decided to become full time campers one of the first things we looked into was camping with our four legged-furry-family-members.

I found no information what so ever. Even the Vet had no advice to give. So we have been winging it...
We took them a few times with us on camping trips and the Cat taught us what they needed to go full time. Keep in mind, at home they had the run of the place. They could come and go as they pleased, they went potty outside, didn't wear a collar or tag and slept when and where they wanted.
This is what our cats taught us.
CAT TO HUMAN LESSON #1 IN THE CAR
A) Take food up the night before traveling. We cats get nervous and our nerves can result in a smelly... pull the car over to the side of the road...stinky mess.
B) Do not try to pet us to console us while in the car. We love you but being in such frightful situations makes us go TIGER on you and we can scratch.
C) We like our space, do not put us in the same carrier together no matter how difficult this makes seating situations for our two legged family members.
D) Talking to us and telling us stores sooths us...nothing loud...maybe ABBA for some music or a book on CD as long as it doesn't have anything about a dog in it.

CAT TO HUMAN LESSON #2 IN THE CAMPER

A) We need a place to look out at all times and will shove what is ever in the way off. So give us some space especially near a window.

B) If you feed us too late we will do a big stinky that will make you so nauseous that you will have to get up and scoop it out. Speaking of poo, not Phoo you will have to change it everyday so I suggest the double layer litter box that has a built in strainer. And change the litter once a week. Using a natural litter instead of the grainy type wont stick to our paws as much.

C) The human Mama insist on trimming my nails...I wine and get a catitued about this...but my nails get caught in the furniture if they are too long.

CAT TO HUMAN LESSON #3 GOING OUTSIDE

A) We can run off before you know it so make sure to put a harness not a collar on us (the collars are easy for us to take off and sometimes it can choke us) the harness fits better and has a place for a tag and bell. We may protest about the harness, pretend we are too big for it, may act like we cant walk or walk funny and may even pout, but we need it.

B) Take us outside even when we object fresh air and a change is good for us. This will give you a chance to train us to COME or should we say train you to feed us treats. The best training food is hot dogs and cheese. My two legged family member will tell you about this in another post.

C) People laugh and are amused that I have a leash but it keeps my humans safe and I know where they are at all times. Sometimes they will drop the handle and I roam around to show them how safe and fun it is while they follow me around.

D) We had our humans put up a canopy with netting. We can still get out of it but it gives us an outdoor space to chill and relax in. If we do get out we know when they call COME we get a treat...what a great life.

This is a good use for our carriers...when my human doesn't listen to my needs he gets put in it. Then I take up all food and water so he doesn't do a big stinky in it.

Cats are good camping companions they have just been given a bad wrap on the whole thing. Cats are smart and trainable. They learned to COME in the first lesson and are worked with everyday on this. And every day they get better and better. Relative to there attitude they enjoy the stimulation and interaction training brings.

Fairy in the Woods

2011-09-26T06:51:00.005-04:00

What is Trinity up too?

I hear her sweet voice...she kind of squeaks when she talks...its so cute

She sure is busy behind that tree...

OH, I hear her know...she is singing...

I have been spotted...and receive a friendly invitation to come join her...

A fairy House...

Dishes...

Flooring...

Food...

Decorations...

Silet Saturday and Sunday

2011-09-24T05:43:00.003-04:00

Goin' On'

2011-09-23T05:26:00.015-04:00

I thought I would give everyone the latest on what we have been up too. I have been so busy with the business, festivals, homeschooling and just plain livin' that I haven't had time to blog.

Choppin' Wood

Catchin' Frogs

Sittin' Around The Fire

Punishin' The Kids

Entertainin' Guest

Treein' Wildlife

Nighttime Walks

Mud Puddle Jumpin'

Spyin' Out The Window at Our Neighbors

Earnin' Money to Live so Large

Alex's Dream Car at the Show (he made me put this in)

As you can see full time camping is full time livin" and I will be givin' up the hillbilly talk here soon.

Y'all come back know, Ya here

Trash Pickin'

2011-09-22T05:24:00.001-04:00

Remember when I was complaining about all the junk that was left around the campground from past campers...well...the kids and I went trash picking and we found this swing.

The frame was rusty at the joints and the paint had faded. The swing had lost most of its paint and the rest was flaking off. The chains were rusting out and needed replacing.

But under all this we saw potential. So we dragged it out of a heap of stuff (ruined my shirt) and started giving it some TLC.

We set the parts up on a ladder rack that was left behind...hummmm...with a tarp and some hay bails I see this ladder rack turning into a fort...OK getting of child labor subject. The kids and I got to work scraping and sanding.

Voila we have us a recycle swing. The bails of straw were found as well...good garden of peas! they were heavy. Not sure how long they will last...but they were free.

All the pots, signs, flags and what-knots where from my house. A friend brought me a Mum as a Trailer Trash (house) warming gift. I nabbed another one at the Walmart. I still need to fill the hanging baskets, it may not be my gardens at home but its something I can putter with and get some of natures beauty near me.

I guess we will do some more trash pickin'.I have been eyeing a stove left at another sight.

Marietta Street Fest

2011-09-15T17:57:00.000-04:00

THE BEES KNEES

Will be at the Marietta Street Fest
September 17th

Our Booth with be right in Front of the Strand Theatre

Come visit us and dip your own beeswax candle. Or do some early Christmas shopping...I have hundreds of different and unique beeswax ornaments to choose from, both painted and unpainted. And if you want something specific I will be accepting special orders.

Yoke Sweater for Alex

2011-09-09T14:27:00.001-04:00

I got the boy to model the sweater I knitted for him...not to his neglect but we had rain for three days.

Cool Dude Pose

The pattern and the yarn are Bernat...I really like the denim style yarn it is very soft and easy to work with.

The Sensitive Sweet Guy Pose

The pattern was a little difficult to read. Kind of skipped a few steps...but I figured it out. It was also written different than what the photo showed. I had to use four balls of blue instead of three But it fit well, and I will be making one for my doughtier in Red. Hers I will make a size larger, though his is a perfect fit...it will not fit him next year.

Fun Lovin' Guy Pose

I am not selling anything...but if you want to make one go to www.bernat.com and the sweater is called Yoke Sweater.

Sears Catalog Model Pose

Starting Over

2011-09-07T07:07:00.000-04:00

Well we have been full time campers for six days, almost a week. And I have mixed feelings about our campground we are at. It has lovely views and my neighbor is very sweet...OK one of them is sweet, the other is well...she wants to stir up trouble because we caught her husband stealing from the nice one...I hope she has a big spoon...I have allot of trouble.

There is also allot of trash at the edge of the woods EVERYWHERE! They hauled off some of the trash at our campsite but we haven't seen anyone back. So we will clean up as much as we can...take care of our earth...make her shine.

Trash at our Campsite AFTER two truck loads were taken away


Abandon trailer and school bus

But in all this trash the kids and I found a few treasures...a swing that needs a coat of paint. Some hay bails that weren't too far decomposed. We will post about our redo on that at a later date. So for now we will stay put, look at the positive and enjoy the view and the ease of living.

Two Days and Counting

2011-08-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

The View when we leave the campground at our soon to be home

Two days and then we hook up the trailer and make a new life for us. We still have to wait till September 15th for closing. It has been a struggle and we are still keeping our fingers crossed. But we are trying to keep our faces to the sun to block out the shadows trying to take our dream away.

I have been getting very odd and in some cases very wonderful messages about our leaving. This little paper was found outside our Trailer right by the step. No one put it there and no one knows where it came from, no one in our family is a trickster. The other messages I am inclined to keep to myself for now. But thought I would share this one.

This is how I have been keeping my sanity while going through a move...insanely enough I have knitted this in two weeks! Alex is looking forward to his sweater and I will be doing one for Trinity in red...I hope she doesn't think I will churn one out for her in two weeks...YIKES! Its amazing what stress can do.

Pine Cones

2011-08-23T12:33:00.000-04:00

And you all thought I was just moving...Here is what I have been working on and will have in my store soon and I will be selling them at the shows.

Here they are waiting to be bagged. They have been dipped three times in a 100% pure Bee's Wax mixed with an essecial oil bled that I prepare myself again all 100% pure. The blend smells like fall and holidays. The have to be hung and dry for about a hour after each dipping. Then they are topped with cotton cloth ribbon, cinnamon sticks, anise star and juniper berries these all add to the homey aroma.

I will be selling them in three different sizes. They make great gifts as they are quite large to hand on the tree, from a lamp, in a doorway, on a door knob or sitting on a shelf.

3 inch $13.00
4 inch $14.00
5 inch $15.00

Visiting Our New Home

2011-08-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

This is the gem of a campground we found, we snuck up over the weekend to pick out our sight...and play a little.

This is the incredible view...I can just see myself sitting out...cup of coffee in my hand...knitting on my lap...watching this lovely scene.

The kids found the big meadow intoxicating as well...they just had to run out in it...good place for catching bugs, lizards and snakes. Not to mention kite flying. It smells so yummy too.

This is the view looking the other way. I know they will have the golf clubs out while Trinity and I set up tea on a blanket watching.

Another great view...to give you a sense of the depth...the little blue spot is Trinity she isn't even half way to the back tree line. I had to make this photo really big so you could see her.

We also found some wild life hanging out in the trees. Though we didn't stay very long we got a chance to look around...dream a little and plan. I know it will only be a few days before we are full time campers but we have been planning this for over a year. I will be back with the farewell to our little cottage post.

SOLD

2011-08-16T20:06:00.000-04:00

I have been holding off on this post for awhile...for fear of jinxing it. But we have finally done it!
Our little cottage has sold
We will be closing on September 15th one day after my birthday...What a birthday gift. Then we will be full time campers. Its hard to beilive that I have already paid my last mortgage for a long time.
The hardest part has been sqeezing our home into the Trailer.
We are going from this tiny two bedroom house...

To this one bedroom travel trailer...

But we are so very...very excited to start this new chapter in our lives.
Still more to sell, give away and donate. Its amazing how little we really need to live. I am looking forward to just resting for awhile. We are going to a magical campground that was recommended to me by a fellow blogger in the area. I am looking forward to sharing our camping adventures.

Twisted Socks

2011-08-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

Well I finnally finished a pair for myself...I cant tell you how many times I set them down to do something for one of the kids. I had the yarn for over a year before I even started.

The yarn is from Knit Picks...I used "Wild West" Think I can two step any better in these?...I am darn good without them though.

The pattern on it is hard to see. It is a cable that circles around (twist) the sock like a candy cane.

I am really pleased how they fit and feel...Now its time to finish the sweater for Alex.

Mud Bath

2011-08-11T15:28:00.002-04:00

My little girl is a very physical being...she likes to fully experience things. And when it rains she loves to be out in it. She is especially fond of the down spout...it pours out into our dirt driveway and makes a river. I got to take quite a few photo's before she realized I was near.

Poem to Mud

Poem to mud -
Poem to ooze -
Patted in pies, or coating the shoes.
Poem to slooze -
Poem to crud -
Fed by a leak, or spread by a flood.
Wherever, whenever, whyever it goes,
Stirred by your finger or strained by your toes,
There's nothing sloppier, slipperier, floppier,
There's nothing slickier, stickier, thickier,
There's nothing quickier to make grown-ups sickier,
Trulier coolier,
Than wonderful mud.
-Zilpha Keatley Snyder

What a beauty...

Festival and Show I will Bee At

2011-08-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

The Kids and I wanted to share where we will BEE at, so all of our lovely friends will come and visit us.

September 17 - The Marietta Street Fest in Marietta
October 1 - Faith Fest in Winder
October 8 & 9 - Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay
October 15 - Marietta Harvest Square in Marietta
November 19 - Holiday Marketplace at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta

This list will be growing with more shows in November and December and I will share updates at that time.

We will be offering candle dipping for the kids and have an array of ornaments, scented melting chips and garlands just right for the holidays.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN UP TOO

2011-08-07T16:36:00.002-04:00

Well my dear friends...my life is charging ahead...and I am hanging on to the rains just trying to keep the wheels in the ruts. First I am moving...yes our little house in the trees has finally sold and I will be having my birthday in the Travel Trailer...Just like I want it.
Also my business has been embraced by the Crafting community here in Georgia. I will be listing the shows I will be at in the near future.
Unfortunately my camera gave out on me so the photos of what I am up to are just not what I hoped for...with this kaka...poo poo camera I am using now till I can afford a new one.
But you will get the idea of some of my goodies that will be available soon.

All of these are hand painted beeswax...that have went through a process of over 6 different layers of gesso, acrylic, staining and varnish. I hand pour each one into various molds some are old clay cookie molds. I have many more goodies and cant wait to share with with you all.

AND THE WINNER IS

2011-07-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

The Winner of the Beeswax Sunflower is....

Wonder Why Gal.....

Congratulation's

and thanks to all of you for entering.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-07-27T10:36:00.000-04:00


Alex planting...milkweed, started from seed for monarch butterflies. Because it mattered so much to him.

So many gods, so many creeds,
So many paths that wind and wind,
While just the art of being kind,
Is all this sad world needs.

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox ~

Christmas In July

2011-07-25T08:33:00.001-04:00

Call me Crazy...but shouldn't we be thinking about Christmas?
I mean what about all those special someones you want to get or make a special something for?

My Christmas Closet is filling up, what about yours?
All the craft and hobby stores are starting to fill up. With all those collectibles and I have seen a coupon for Hobby Lobby and Michales in my in-box every week...I have been using them...how about you? Think about all those book stores going out of business...I bet you might find a few gifts.

What about all the crafts and special moments you want to create? Have you thought about what you promised yourself last year? Maybe if you did one a month you would have 5 extra gifts done by Christmas.
If you do all this now and even wrap (Don't forget to tag...you wont remember who they are going to).
You will have the energy and money come Christmas.

OK now that I have you thinking here are a few of my Christmas tips.

1. BARTER- Yes especially if you have something to barter with. I barter all the time with my products on my ETSY shop. I have gotten wonderful handmade items stocked up. And Christmas will be added soon.

Click to go to my ETSY store

2. PUT MONEY BACK- I do this using gift cards. Doe's your local super market offer a store gift card? I bet it doe's. Every time you shop add to it. If you only put $5.00 on it a week you will have $100.00 by Christmas.
Also check out the store where you buy most of your gifts at see if they have gift cards and do the same with them.

3. SEE WHAT YOU CAN FREEZE- I start baking in October some pastries and sweet tidbits freeze very well. And so does meat balls and spanokopita So when that unexpected guest comes over. I have a sweet treat gift to give and I also have food to serve.

4. TAKE SUMMER BREAK IN THE FALL-We home school, and we live in the Deep South. Summer is a hot miserable time to do anything. So we school through the summer and take the Holiday Months off. This gives us time to go do and see things. And we make some of our gifts at this time as well.

5. MAKE IT ALL NOW-If you knit or sew, find some gifts to make. (socks only takes two weeks...that's with putting it down allot.) If you have an ETSY store start stocking it with Holiday Items this will get you the early bird sales (people like me) and will give you something to barter with other ETSY stores.

6. STAMPS-Get an extra book of stamps when you go to the post office. Think about your cards and letters.

7. SECOND HAND STORES- Just listen its not what your thinking...they have baskets...big baskets! That make great vessels for gifts and make the gifts extra special. I know a woman, and most of her clothing comes from second hand stores, she adds a bit of lace and trim along with pearl buttons (she collects all this from flea markets and yard sales). I have always admired her victorian lacy wardrobe its so romantic. I would leap for joy to get one of her creations from the Goodwill.

I bet you can come up with more ideas...and doing it now will help you to relax and know its all taken care of. And all those people who were laughing at you are looking at you with envious eyes...while you sit and sip your Christmas Grog without a care in the world.

Get going my dear friends and don't forget to BARTER with me.

GIVEAWAY

2011-07-19T21:18:00.001-04:00

This lovely beeswax window ornament is looking for a home...sunflowers seem to be the symbol of summer...standing tall and grand laughing at the searing heat. Please leave a comment to sign up for the giveaway. And if you want to have your name in the giveaway a second time place an order at my etsy store...The Handmade Homemaker before next Friday July 23rd. I am having a 50% off sale.

Ah Sun-flower! weary of time,

Who countest the steps of the Sun:

Seeking after that sweet golden clime

Where the travellers journey is done.

Where the Youth pined away with desire,

And the pale virgin shrouded in snow:

Arise from their graves and aspire,

Where my Sun-flower wishes to go.

William Blake

Winner will be announce here on July 29th. GOOD LUCK!

Flower Power Posy Pattern

2011-07-16T20:47:00.000-04:00

These are easy and allot of fun to make. Leave off the stem and attach it to my headband or belt pattern (see right side bar on blog). Sew several on a scarf, jacket or shirt. Attach a pin to add zip to a collar or hat.

MATERIALS
Size 10 Knitting needles
Size 8 double pointed needles (just two)
Spare Yarn: I used two strands of sock weight for the posy and worsted for the stem and flower center bobble.
Contrasting yarn for marker
Pipe Cleaners
Darning needle

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POSY
Cast on 82 stitches
Bind off first stitch and place a marker

*Bind off next 16 stitches and place a marker* repeat *-* till end. Cut off leaving a 12 inch tail.

Thread darning needle with tail and draw yarn through each marked stitched and through the last bound off stitch. Removing the markers as you go.

Pulling the yarn tightly and knot the ends together. Cut off tail.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SMALLER POSY
Cast on 41
Bind off your first stitch and place a marker.
*Bind off the next 8 stitches and place another marker* repeat *-* till end.
Finish off like the larger flower leave the tails on.
Draw tails through larger flower tie off and cut.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOBBLE

Cast on 5 stitches
K 3 rows
Cast off 3 stitches
Cast off 2 stitches
Cut off 12 inch tail.
Thread your darning needle and weave around the edge so you can draw it up. Tie it off once drawn up and attach to center of flower with tail.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEM
Using double pointed needle cast on 4 stitches work in I-Cord
Work 5 rows then push your pipe cleaner down in the I-Cord

Continue working in I-Cord making sure you keep the yarn to the outside of the pipe cleaner. Craw yarn through all 4 stitches. Cut off leaving a 12 inch tail. Thread tail and attach to back of flower.

HAVE FUN

Wagon Garden

2011-07-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

A fellow gardener and online friend inspired this project. She had made an inspiring wagon garden and after Trinity and I stopped drooling we got to work.

Can you see Trinity in the back Swinging?

First we chanced by a sale at Hobby Lobby and got all the neat little miniatures...of course we were just there for the wooden sticks for the fence along with some white paint...and get this the paint was called "Garden Gate."

Trinity was awesome with the moss. She made it all fit together and patted it with her sweet little hands.

Trinity's hands...pat...pat...

She and I had been needing a good Girly project that didn't include glittery nail polish. It took us two days to apply several coats of paint. She was an expert at placement, I kept my know it all adult opinions to myself and let her guide the project...as you can see it is lovely...I guess we adults don't know everything after all.

Found a new use for my bird house barn

To visit Sue and her unbelievable garden...yes I am still drooling...and you will too...visit her here http://suesgardenjournal.blogspot.com/ be sure to take a napkin to wipe your chin.

With all That I Am
Carrie "Forrest-Dweller" Duvall

Mama Pride

2011-07-06T10:12:00.002-04:00

This shelf rest above my kitchen sink and proudly displays my children's work. At first I didn't know what to do with all these lovely objects.
The kids and I were very excited when we found a community center near by that offered such wonderful classes as pottery, yoga, drama, art, piano and much more. They even have an adult pottery class, I sit in envy knitting as I wait for my children...the ladies trickle in coffee in one hand, work bag in the other. As they gather in the room down the hall I hear them admiring a piece someone has brought in. Maybe this fall I will be able to join in. Though I do sit with my own coffee finishing up some hand made treat for someone I love. And I know I have my shelf of color made just for me.

Sorry this photo is a little dark...it was an overcast day filled with much needed rain.

Swing it Girl

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Swing
by Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside-
Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown-
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

Silent Saturday and Sunday

2011-06-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Knitted Headband and Belt

2011-06-23T19:11:00.000-04:00

This simple headband and belt are great for dress up. The are quick and simple to make...I will be adding some simple daisy's to it later. I will share that pattern as well...so keep your eyes out for it.

MATERIALS

Left over yarn
Size 10 needles

On both of these I started the same.

Cast on 3 sts and work in I-Cord
For the belt 20 inches
For the head band 6 inches
Adjust this depending on the size of the child

THE BELT
I did a simple lace
Increase in each stitch of the I cord
You will have 6 stitches
K 5 rows
Next Row: K1, YO, K2 tog, K2 tog, YO, K1
Next Row: K
Next Row: K1, YO, K2 tog, K2 tog, YO, K1
Next Row: K
Next Row: K1, YO, K2 tog, K2 tog, YO, K1

Repeat these 10 rows till the pattern go's from hip to hip

K2 tog across work
You will have 3 stitches left
Work in I-Cord for 20 inches
K3 st tog
Break yarn and pull through remaining st
Weave tail into I-Cord

THE HEAD BAND
Increase in each stitch of the I-Cord
You will have 6 st

K every row until it gos from ear to ear on the child

K2 tog across work
You will have 3 stitches left
Work in I-Cord for 6 inches
K3 st tog
Break yarn and pull through remaining st
Weave tail into I-Cord

Have fun with these, change them up...just see what your little one will come up with.

5 Pound Toe Nails

2011-06-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Well I made it to my first Goal and first gift...I have lost 5 pound since starting The Biggest Looser a week ago.
I have a list of treats for myself...My first 5 pound treat was to get some nail tape...yes nail tape...you stick it onto your nails. Odd I know but kind of on the exspensive side for nail color. This one is a leppard print rainbow.
I am looking forward to the next 5 pound gift...I promise it wont be so strange...but hey I kinda like it.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Drying Hydrangeas

2011-06-17T11:20:00.000-04:00

Its amazing how cool these look...when its in the 90's...

My Lovely little hydrangea garden has brought me much pleasure over the years...The flowers Open up in June and go through a myriad of color.

I have enjoyed cutting, drying and crafting with these lovelies...

So I thought I would share the best way I have found to dry them...I like to do things naturally, if I can...so I let nature do the job for me...I just work very close with her.

Drying Hydrangea's

1. Most important, cut them when they are papery feeling. They kind of rustle when you touch the flour and they may be a bit green around the edges.

2. Cut them the day after a good rain or a deep watering.
3. Strip all the leaves off (Hold it at the neck and pull your hand down the stalk will take the leaves off).
4. Take them inside and take off any brown flowers, missed leaves...just spruce them up a bit.
5. Trim the stalk, do not trim them all the same length they are going to need air while drying.
6. Arrange them in a container of water making sure there is good air flow (this is why you trimmed them at different lengths)
7. Place them around the house away from direct sunlight and any AC vents.
8. Do not water again unless you cut them fresh.

9. Now have fun decorating or making gifts.

I would love to show photo's of my house right now...its all Blue! But alas my camera is not working...heading out to camera store for repair!

The Biggest Loser

2011-06-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

I have decided since I am doing such a big life change that I want to change my health as well. I have joined The Biggest Loser Club.
This morning began my work out schedule...The Kids and I hit the bike trail

We like to go down a path we call Blackberry Lane...

Its called that for a very good reason...we take bags this time of year and pick all the berries we can find...

Brother and Sister stopping for a pose...Trinity is taking her first ride (out of the driveway) with her training wheels off...so this was a big day for her.

Me pausing for a photo...Work that butt girl!

The turtle pausing for a photo...Alex had to move her...he was so afraid that she would get hurt in the middle of the path. So he set her to the side of the path, in the direction she was heading and we gave her a berry...

We found her shell so beautiful...I just had to take a picture of it...you where it well!

And here is a Rabbit we saw...he thinks he is hiding from me...not to bright...I see you...

Here is my proud little girl...she did it...even with all the debris from last light storm...

And Alex...who seems to be glowing! It must be swamp gas...

As you can see we were biking thrugh a swamp...Its really neat, most of the trail is on raised pathways.

Well It looks like I am on my way to becoming A Big Looser...I have some great companions and some neat places to work this body of mine. I highly recommend The Biggest Loser Club (not trying to sell here) It not only gives me a diet plan I don't starve on but variety and the ability to change it to my liking. I also have a work out schedule and a group I belong to and check in with. So lots of support.
I will check in periodically to give you an update on my progress...I have made a list of gifts I am giving myself at certain goals...I let you know about those too.

Getting Fruity

2011-06-15T19:40:00.000-04:00

We are trying to add more fruit to our diet...so I have been online searching for fruit salad recipes.

This one had a yummy Lemon dressing with poppy seeds and mozzarella balls
I found it at Southern Living Melon-and Mozzarella

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before

how infinitely rich and beautiful life it in every way

and that so many things that one goes worrying about

are of no importance whosoever.

-Isak Dinesen

The Successful Failure

2011-06-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here we are at our first Craft fair waiting for our first customer...

Our beeswax was all set up and melting...

Alex was geared up and ready...(looking really cute if you ask me)

The beeswax window ornaments were ready to sell...but there were no customers.

All in all there may have been 1,000 people that walked through...and I am being really generous here. Our target customer was kids for the candle dipping and Moms for the wax ornaments. We didn't get any Moms buying, but we did manage to get 90% of all the kids that came through. Alex and I learned that we work very well together, he is an awesome salesman he asked every child that walked by. I am so proud of my little man...it was 95 out and he never complained once. So you can see why I called it a successful failure...we got part of our target customer (thanks to Alex) and we learned what a great team we are...but we already new that. We are looking forward to another show...a better show. We think Fall shows will be much better in the south and there are plenty coming up.

2011-06-13T07:42:00.000-04:00

St. Joseph's Prayer

To Help sell our Home

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Come to my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good gifts, I come before you to honor you in your saints and ask their help in my many needs.

You promised those who ask, would receive, those who seek, would find, those who knock, would have doors opened to them.

Hear the prayers of your church, grant my requests, and pardon my sins. Amen.

St. Joseph, just and true, with a father's care you raised the child Jesus, and with a husband's love, you shared your life with Mary, his mother.

I entrust myself to your care and place in your hands this request of mine (say request)….

In quiet Nazareth, long ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart and you followed God's will with wonderful faith.

In the quiet of my days, and in the hard choices I must make, help me follow the Spirit's guidance and believe when I cannot see.

Day 1 Oh God, guide of those who listen and helper of those who hear your voice, speak to me, as you did to St. Joseph, and help me accomplish the things you give me to do .

Day 2 O God, you love your people and bless the ordinary lives we quietly live. As you blessed St. Joseph, bless what I do, however hidden and simple it may be, and let all I do be done with love.

Day 3 O God, ever faithful, you remember us always and in time reveal your blessings. Help me trust in you, as St. Joseph faithfully trusted, and never let me lose faith in the wonderful gifts you promise me.

Day 4 God of families, bless the family that's mine. Keep us safe from harm, and never let evil come between us. Let peace remain in our hearts.

Day 5 O God, who loves children, be kind to our children today. Give them eyes of faith for seeing far, a loving heart for welcoming life, and a place always at your side.

Day 6 God of our heavenly home, bless our home on earth. Let the spirit of Mary and Joseph rest at our table, shape our words and actions, and bring blessing to our children.

Day 7 God, our Father, give your fatherly spirit to those who are fathers now. Like Joseph, give them hearts of devoted love for their wives and children and strength for forgiveness and patience.

Day 8 Give shelter, O God, to those who need it, and bring together families divided. Give us enough to eat, and decent work to earn our bread. Care for us, O God.

Day 9 Bless all families, O Lord especially those in need. Remembering the life of your Son, we pray for the poor, for those who lack a good home, for those in exile. Grant them a protector like Joseph, O God.

To conclude this novena, say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be

Special Friends

2011-06-09T10:39:00.000-04:00

As I was checking out my Grapes I found a special friend moved in.....

Mrs. Robin didn't care for how close I got to the nest. And she has quite upset the squirrels path to the bird feeder as they can go from home to the bird feeder (AKA Squirrel feeder) via the grape trellis. But she doe's have first dibs on the grapes hanging in her nest when they ripen. Such is the life at our little cottage.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-06-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

The English rose greets the summer garden with a profusion of colour and perfume

and our doors and windows are thrown open

to allow the season's intoxicating atmosphere to envelop us and our homes.

- Sydney A. Sykes

What I have been working on

2011-06-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

Flower Goddess

I have promised to purchase myself one these lovely EXPENSIVE molds a month...maybe more *grin*

Craft Fair Got Cancelled

2011-05-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

Our Craft Fair got cancelled!

Its enough to make one go mad.

But we rolled up our sleeves

and started making signs,

Aprons

and business cards.

As well as pouring more ornaments and making pegbord display walls.

So we will have an even better show in June.

Now my Alex is happy

Or maybe just crazy

Trinitys Piano Recital

2011-05-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

Trinity is our little pianist...she loves to play. She has an electric Piano at home but gets to learn on this pretty black one at lessons.

She was as cool as a cucumber and played "Merrily We Roll Along". We took her out for dessert afterwards. She has on the pillow dress I made her...she wanted to wear it just for this occasion.

My First Craft Fair

2011-05-23T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hey all If your in Winder Georiga they are having a big carnival. And this will be my first fair, so please stop by and visit me. We will be offering candle dipping for the kids. Wish me luck!

BIG LIQIDATION MOVING SALE

2011-05-16T13:07:00.002-04:00

I have listed 50 hair accessories on eBay for $1.99 and $299. So please check it out... SHIPPING IS FREE...I must get rid of my stock before the big move!

Yellow Butterfly Headband $2.99

4th of July Patriotic Pony Tail Holder $1.99

Bumblebee and flower Hair Clips

Patriotic Pigtail Holders$1.99

Patriotic Silver Star Ponytail Holder $1.99

SO BUSY

2011-05-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like my little cottage may be sold. We are waiting on the bank...in the meantime...I have gone through just about everything! I think I will tackel the Christmas Boxes today. The kids and I have been busy with home schooling and starting a business. I cant wait to tell you about it but I believe in "Showing" first then talking about it. It seems to jinx the momentom of greatness somehow.

Let everyone know what you are doing...but first show them!

My Mothers Day

2011-05-10T07:30:00.001-04:00

Just Wanted to share My Mothers Day with you.

I was whisked away to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where we got a Family Membership so I can go back any time I want. It was only $20.00 more. And I got a free trowel to boot!

There was so much to see...I didn't know which way to aim my camera. And they had a rose show going on.

I have been wanting to see this Climbing rose for awhile. All my roses in my gardens have something to do with my Mother or Sister. This one is called 4th of July...My Mom was born or the 4th of July. Absolutely gorgeous.

Happy Mothers day Mom...I miss you.

Alex fell in love with the smoke tree...he couldn't stop touching it...and it looks like it was sending him some love too.

I had to take a picture of the Turtle....

and the Frog...

And these two funny looking creatures as well.

Me And my Pink Trawl.
I hope you all had a good one

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Maybe one of these days I'll be able to give myself a gold star for being ordinary,

and maybe one of these days i'll give myself a gold star for being extraordinary-for persisting.

And maybe one day I won't need to have a star at all.

- Sue Bender

Trailer Trash Tuesday

2011-05-03T09:50:00.001-04:00

Trailer Trash Tuesday
(Where Campground Gossip reigns supreme and I share our adventure of becoming and being full time Campers)

My new favorite place! I know I say this every time, but at least I find the world a beautiful place..and isn't it really. And it may be close enough for Jeff to commute for a short while...don't let him fool you it is his new favorite place too. Ask him about all the fish he caught.

Yes, and this is my new home! Well, not really but it is right on the lake and nestled in the trees just so lovely.

On arrival to the campground we needed to dump our black water (poo tank for those of you non-campers) And as you can see the kids were very interested...they look like two dogs with their heads out the window. OK don't tell them I said that...but its true...don't they?

Our first night the frogs were calling us. So we headed down to the lake with flash lights in hand. Alex had a blast, he caught frog after frog after frog.

Trinity would have liked it better had the frog jumped in her net and she didn't have to touch the goo.

The next day after we went to Calloway Gardens for an Easter Egg Hunt. Trinity and I cooled our feet off in the spillway while Alex....

...went after the frogs that got away. Go Alex GO! While Trinity scooped up fish in her net. She figured out a way to do this without having to touch anything. And brother came to the rescue of the poor fish she couldn't get out. Trinity wouldn't move off the rock for any amount of pleading from her brother. He swore he saw the biggest frog of his life and could get it if she would just move. She looks like a little frog sitting on her rock.

The Easter Bunny visited us leaving books, dragons, horses and "T's" The kids are sporting here. Along with a little candy and a whole lot of money.

The last day was spent catching tadpoles and turtles. The kids would scoop up at least a dozen tadpoles each time. This was just grand for Miss Trinity as she could catch as much as her big brother and never got a drop on her. Then they discovered the turtles waiting in the muck for a tadpole lunch. The very slippery turtles quickly blazed a trail back to the safety of the water so I didn't get a photo.

I got a much needed rest and reflection while the kids stayed busy along the banks. Lemonade in one hand, camera in the other I took in the beauty of the place, the peace of the moments and the joy of my children. Much change lies ahead for me and my little family we will be diving into a life we have just touch upon these last few years and I don't want any moment to slip away.

But more on that later. Enjoy.

Marigold Mondays

2011-05-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

I want to share a post that I have done over the past few years. It has helped allot of people do natural pest control in the garden. And these sprays can be used together. First the alcohol then the cooking oil a few days later. The Alcohol will weaken any waxy protective coat the bug will have, and even dry up a few. Then the oil will finish them off.
I do not spray plants that I see natural pest control going on. If you see aphids look close is there a black soft beetle looking thing with red spots? This is a larva to the ladybug they live off of aphids. Other great helpers you want to keep an eye out for and not spray. Praying mantis, spiders and lace wings.

Natural and Cheap Bug, pest and fungus treatments

RUBBING ALCOHOL

1 Spray Bottle

Water

Rubbing Alcohol

Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 quart of water. You may want to spray one leaf and wait a day then check for damage. You can use less alcohol on delicate plants.

KILLER COOKING OIL

1 Spray Bottle

Liquid dish detergent

Vegetable cooking oil

Combine 1 Tablespoon of the detergent 1.5 teaspoons oil with 1 cup of water. Test this as well.

For cabbage, cauliflower and squash use just soap solution as it will burn.

ANTS are my next target...remember "Kiss my grits?" Well that's exactly what you are going to tell the ants. They don't have a digestive system. The Grits expand and well...they explode.

This is just not a one time deal. You can sprinkle this directly on the mound. Or you can put it in the spreader along with sand. My Son loves doing this.

Or you can send the Ants to War with each other. Take a shovel from one mound and put it on the other. They will start killing each other. Ants have a scent that is totally unique to its colony and they smell each other for recognition. Its a little more technical than that, but you get the idea.

FUNGUS AND MOLD

Baking Soda! That's it..just put it in some sort of shaker...the powder sugar shakers are great for this. And put a dusting on the plant. This is very gentle.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

Thursday Threads Shelterbox Donations

2011-04-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

THURSDAY THREAD

A day to share what these hands of mine are doing.

My Lovely Friends,
I am still working hard at fulfilling my goal of raising $500.00 for ShelterBox USA I have had several wonderful customers come to The Handmade Homemaker to purchase a donation gift. And I am so please and honard to pass on their donation to ShelterBox USA. Stop by my Volunteer Fundraiser Page at ShelterBox to check out my progress.

Melting Chips $4.75....$3.50 of this sale goes to ShelterBox

Here is a new item I am offering. They are melting chips made of natural beeswax, organic lavender buds, and 100% pure lavender oil. They have a warm calming scent that makes you want to curl up with your favorite blankey and a cup of tea.
As with all my other beeswax product I will be donating 75% of sales of this product to ShelterBox USA I am determined to reach my goal at The Handmade Homemaker and would love your help in doing so.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

There are voices which we hear in solitude,

but they grow faint and inaudible

as we enter the world.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trailer Trash Tuesday - Aiken State Park SC

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

This was one of our all time favorite parks. Aiken State Park South Carolina. It was all on sand with pine needles in between the camp sights. The ranger was laid back and easy going and would drive you back and forth on the river for Canoeing.

But the best part was the lakes and all the tadpoles, frogs, snakes, butterflies and lizards. Every afternoon we would bike over to a hidden lake with our baskets full of sandwiches and lemonade.

The kids brought a mason jar to catch critters in then release them unharmed. I swear I need to write a book "101 uses for mason jars."

The fishing lake was daddy's favorite, this was the lake that had the tadpoles and snakes. So daddy fished, the kids caught critters and I sat on the bench and knitted...each one of us was in our idea of heaven.

The had a really neat hiking trail...most of it was boardwalk just right for Trinity.

This road went all they way around the campground it was a little over a mile and we kept going round and round it and never saw a vehicle. We have this on our "Must go back" list. This is not a campground for someone who needs a Walmart ten minutes away. But more for someone who wants to get away and enjoy nature.

Marigold Mondays

2011-04-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

I wanted to share a project that we did as a family a few years ago that we did as a family. Not sure how well you can see them in the lower two photos.

Mushroom Pots

Materials
A wine bucket clay pot or a tall slim one(I found them at garden ridge for $1.00)
Clay pots that will fit over the wine bucket
Sand
Paint in many colors
A clear coat
Brushes
Stencils
News Paper

Give everyone a clay pot, brushes and paint...and let them have at it!
After they are finished put a clear coat on and let them sit in a garage or covered porch for a few days to set.
fill the wine bucket pot with sand and place your painted pots on top.

Toadstool Tips

(extra info)

You can also just make a house and set it on the ground like the one at the left.

To make it easier to paint set it on the wine bucket base.

Silent Satruday And Sunday

2011-04-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

With All That I Am,

Carrie "Forrest-Dweller" Duvall

Two Wheeler Biking Mama

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

SHE DID IT!

And I had my camera ready...I missed the first moment on film because I was screaming, clapping and crying!

You know how it is...your so excited that they have passed another milestone but you also see you baby slipping away.

And her faithful companion Caspian kept an eye on her. Really, if she gets hurt he will come running sit beside her and tap his paw on her. If I bring ice or something to aid her, he has to sniff it first.

But I am proud of my Little Mama Biker Girl.

Thursday Threads

2011-04-14T06:00:00.020-04:00

W.I.P

OK my family thought I had lost my mind with this one...tell me what you think...or maybe not.
We get allot of shoes dropped at the front door, and the dirt from the shoes grinds the finish off the wood.
And we get allot of those plastic produce bags. So I thought...hmmm...why not recycle the bags into yarn. And my husband also had a spool of twine. So I improvised and cut the bag into strips, tied the ends together and rolled it in a ball. Then I got my big #11 knitting needles and started my shoe drop mat.

Whata-ya-think?

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-04-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

Noccalula Falls Alabama

Intuition is a spiritual faculty,

and does not explain,

but simply points the way.

-Florance Scovel Shinn

Trailer Trash Tuesday

2011-04-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

Trailer Trash Tuesday
(Where Campground Gossip reigns supreme and I share our adventure of becoming and being full time Campers)

Well most of you know by now we are selling our house and going to live full time in our camper. And it seems this dream is coming to fruition. We have a contract on our home and our going through the painful process of it all.
The kids and I wondered around Lake Allatoona looking at different parks. Our biggest struggle with camping is that there are no full time parks available. They have a maximum of 14 days and you cant go from a COE to another COE campground on the same lake. (COE stands for Core of Engineers) And you can not camp at a COE on the lake for 30 days. There is a state park on the Lake as well but it is 14 days max as well.
So we thought we would check out a County Campground...it was very nice, not as nice as the COE or State but it gave us another option.

Not too bad a place and they have a play ground and plenty of spots to go fishing and hiking. The ride to the entrance is gorgeous.

Marigold Mondays

2011-04-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite Species of plant. It can be a ground cover with small leaves that are pointy, round or oblong. It can be a bright green, rusty green or burgundy. Or it can be a perennial with large lobed leaves. Either way it is an Evergreen with a spring, summer or fall flower display. It can grow in full sun or full shade. Deer don't much care for them and they tolerate coastal gardens.

So you ask what is this wonderful plant already?!

SEDUM Crassulaceae or you may know it as stone crop

Sedum Nudum

This little fellow was a shared plant from a friend many years ago. It will tuck in anywhere....including in step cracks.

Sedum Nudum with Geranium

It makes a great ground cover and helps to show off your other plants. It is quick to fill in and make everything look lush.

Sedum Brilliant

This is a larger type in early spring it will bloom in fall with a large head of little bright pink foamy flowers.

Sedum Tetractinum

Close up of Sedum Tetractimun

All Sedums are great in pots, they like to dangle over the side. Here it is with two Hosta's, pansies and nasturtiums.

Toadstool Tips

(extra info)

Sedum is easy to transplant especially the trailing ground cover type. Just pull it up, lay it on soil and give it some water. It will soon fill in nicely.

The large kind can be divided or you can simply pull off a leaf or stem and push it into the soil and give it a drink.

Its not a very picky plant and will treat you well.

Thursday Threads-Help me Name my Gnome

2011-04-07T06:00:00.006-04:00

THURSDAY THREAD

A day to share what these hands of mine are doing.

I entered a Gnome Swap on Ravelry...it was so much fun making a Gnome for someone else. It was my first one so I wasn't sure what to do.
Here is what I made and sent to my Gnome swap pal.

And here is what my swap pal sent me...

Isn't he gorgeous?! I just adore him and the cats. I really like his beard, that's my favorite part about him.
We are both cat people so we wound up including the cats in the swap. I have decided he is my "Home Gnome" the protector of the house...even when we are camping...he will go with me. But I need some help with a name for him...any ideas?
She also sent chocolate! Darn...I wish I would have thought of sending chocolate...its just in the south we think of it always melting.

With All That I Am
Carrie "Forrest-Dweller" Duvall

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Where there is charity and wisdom,

There is neither fear nor ignorance.

-St. Francis of Assisi

Trailer Trash Tuesday

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we camped for four nights at Sweetwater Park on Lake Allatoona. It rained the whole time! The kids brought some handwork, artwork, games and puzzles. And we stayed inside most of the time listening to books on CD from the library. But whenever the clouds took a break from the rain we headed out a few times we just couldn't wait so we got the umbrellas out and went splashing around in the rain.

As you can see the Cats really get exhausted roughing it...I think they moved to eat. The kids had to force them out of the trailer for a walk...well OK they just stood by the door meowing to get back in...just too much nature for them I suppose.

Marigold Mondays

2011-04-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

Today I will share my Beautiful Home...May the next occupant love it like I do.

Toadstool Tips

(extra info)
This is a really simple tip...work with what you have.

The bench in the photo...found in the trash.
The stone wall...found in our woods.
Most of the plants and bushes...divided from plants that were on the property or were giveaways.

Silet Saturday and Sunday

2011-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

DISASTER RELIEF FUNDRAISER FOR SHELTER BOX USA

2011-03-30T18:56:00.001-04:00

****DISASTER RELIEF FUNDRAISER FOR SHELTER BOX USA*****75% of every Beeswax window ornament will go to their relief efforts**** I will match all proceed sales up to $100.00****

AT "THE HANDMADE HOMEMAKER"

My family and I were so touched by the disasters going on in Japan right now we knew we had to do something. So we decided to get to work, contacting ETSY and ShelterBox and making beeswax window ornaments. Though ShelterBox cannot promise that the donations from the sale will go to Japan they do promise that it will go to their disaster relief efforts world wide.

We looked at several different charities and chose ShelterBox because of there unique relief efforts. They are an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide.
ShelterBox delivers a ten person tent, blankets, sleeping bags, water purification system, tool kit, stove, pots, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers. They adapt the contents of the box to specific disaster needs. All items in the boxes are brand new. And the tents are specially made to withstand all sorts of conditions.

If you want to give directly to ShelterBox go to shelterbox.org or visit my Volunteer Fundraiser Page Forrest Dweller The Handmade Homemaker and help me reach my goal of $500.00. And if you would like to purchase a beeswax window ornament as your donation go to my etsy store The Handmade Homemaker.

Thank you for your help

With All That I am
Carrie Forrest-Dweller Duvall

Marigold Mondays

2011-03-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

ESPALIER

I wanted to share a technique that has been around for hundreds of years. Espalier is the art of training a woody plant to grow on a flat plane. This technique creates structure and saves on space as well.

I started two pear trees three years ago. And I have enjoyed the process of trimming tying and training. I had to go to allot of web sights and books to collect what little information I could find. There were no direct rules and it was a little nerve racking to get a tree and cut it off. So I will share my knowledge I have collected...but in a simple form so that you can get started with allot more confidence than I had.

Year two growth

What you will need:
Sturdy structure in full sun to grow it on
Tree (dwarf whip)
Bucket
Plant ties (I like the soft tape)
Bamboo steaks/poles

Structure: Make sure you have something very sturdy like wood or metal. I used landscape timbers that were planted two feet in the ground. And then used porch railing as the cross bars. Start your first cross bar one foot off the ground. Then space the remaining one foot apart.

Tree: Use a tree to fit the size of your structure. I chose semi-dwarf because I only had a four foot width to work with. I purchased my whips/trees at Willis Orchards they have allot of trees and great prices. And for this use you must get whips. For my Espalier I planted Sugar Pear Trees. When you choose make sure you check if the tree needs a pollinating buddie. Some trees will only produce fruit if they have another of the same species, it doesn't have to be the same type, its better if it isnt. Ex: I have a Johnathan and Red Deliciouse apple trees.

Getting Started:

Rest your tree in a bucket of luke warm water. It needs a good long drink.

Dig your hole one foot away from the support. Make sure your hole is twice the size of the root system.

Planting, plant your whip to the knobby base. Do Not Plant The Knob. Use the same soil that you removed and top dress with compost. Make a moat around your tree so that the water stays around it.

After your tree is planted cut it off (I know this is hard to do...its barly a stick) at the top of the first railing.

Water it deeply and give thanks for all the wonderful fruit and beuty it will bring you.

You will start to see little buds that will grow into little tree arms. choose two that will be your first horizontal branches, remove all the rest. Attach the bamboo to the support with twine or plant tape. Attach the branch to the bamboo. Your bamboo should be at a slight slant. Just enough so that it bring the branch down a bit without going too far. Right now you want it still growing up. When it is horizontal the growth slows down, so don't bring it down to its support bar until it is almost at the length you want it at.

Allow the tree to grow up to the second support bar removing any growth along the way that will not be your next horizontal branches. Cut off the top of the tree again...this will encourage the horazontal branches and the tree will start another bud for upward growth. Choose branches that are level or close to level with the next support. And do as you did for the first one. continue this until you have met your desired hight.

Continue shaping the tree. Espaliers take longer to produce but when they fruit...OH YUM!

I hope I have made this easier on all my lovely gardening friends. Try not to be as chicken as I was.

Silet Saturday and Sunday

2011-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Thursday Threads

2011-03-24T06:29:00.000-04:00

THURSDAY THREAD

A day to share what these hands of mine are doing.

TRINITY'S EASTER DRESS

This is a WIP for me. We came across this pattern when she and I were having a girl day at the fabric store. We both gasped at the sight of this cute dress. I cant wait to see her in it.

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-03-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Spring

Now daisies pied, and violets blue,

And lady-smocks all silver white,

And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue

Do paint the meadows with delight,

The cuckoo now on every tree

Sings cuckoo, cuckoo.

-Shakespeare

Blue Bubble Blowing

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

The kids and I made our own bubble solution out of Dawn dishsoap, corn syrup and water. As you can see from the photo, we made allot. We also mad our own blowing devices out of cups, straws and really anything that had a hole in it from the kitchen.

Bubble Recipe
2 Cups Dawn (regular no ultra)
3/4 Cup Corn Syrup
6 Cups of water

Let this sit overnight and you are ready for a bubble extravaganza the next day. And its a great photo opportunity as well.

Marigold Mondays

2011-03-21T06:00:00.006-04:00

Marigold Mondays

A day of gardening inspirations

Turning a Foe into a Friend

A common Weed in the south is Viola. It is from the Violaceae family. It forms a clump with heart shaped leaves and the flowers can be violet, white with violet or yellow. It spreads with an underground system of rhizomes. This little creature drives southerners crazy. They spend there days fighting this plant. If they only knew that Nature will always find a way.

So what to do?

Make Friends of course. They have such lovely little flowers and are really the perfect ground cover. Very hardy no matter the weather. And they are free to boot! Give them a special place...I did. And all my friends ask me about my violet patch...and are green with envy.

And isn't making friends much better than fighting over boundaries. Just look at how lovely my little friends are.

FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is...

The scent a Violet leaves

On the heel that has

Crushed it.

Author Unknown

Toadstool Tips

(extra info)
If you really want to get rid of weeds growing in pathways. Then I have a simple solution for you.

Boiling Salt Water
Take your biggest pot fill it with water, bring it to a boil add a whole container of table salt. And pour it on. I have a brick area around my fire pit that I ladle it on twice a year.

Silet Saturday and Sunday

2011-03-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

Wonderful Word Wednesday

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

With stammering lips and insufficient sounds,

I strive and struggle to deliver right

the music of my nature...

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Easter at The Handmade Homemaker

2011-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Please Hop on over to my store and check it out...and if you like what you see then heart me.

THE HANDMADE HOMEMAKER