~spring doings and a witch~

We've been having some cooler weather, clouds and sun with some showers thrown in, in other words...typical Spring weather.
It's been a few busy days around here, I've been sewing, working on some Spring cleaning and on Saturday helped decorate for an outdoor wedding. I've also been trying to get a little bit of yardwork done before it gets so hot.

The sewing I've been doing is for TDIPT Mercantile's update this Friday evening. I think this is the earliest I've ever been ready. I thought maybe you'd like to see what I'm offering.

I know, you're thinking "She must be crazy! It's not even Summer yet and this is a witch!" I agree, but I love fall/halloween dolls and I just had to do make one. I hope you'll visit the Mercantile the night of April 30th for our update.

~Diane

~colonel mustard~

It's been a gorgeous Earth Day here in Virginia~sunny blue skies, fresh green leaves and grass. All of the pollen washed away (temporarily, at least) by over an inch of rain yesterday.

My day has been spent finishing up Colonel Mustard, I hope you'll check him out on Ebay starting tonight.


I have to share what I think is my favorite Earth Day tip...BUY ANTIQUES!

Don't you agree?
This, to me, is the ultimate in recycling and I know I'll be happily doing my part.

~Diane

~summer in the valley~

This promises to be a great antique/folk art show. If you happen to be anywhere near the area I would make the effort to go. I went to the Winter in the Valley show and it was wonderful! Dealer's from numerous states offering primitive pieces of furniture, yellowware, baskets, kitchen items, tools, etc. There are also some talented folk-artists offering hooked rugs, dolls, punch needle works and other primitive needfuls to decorate your home. You can contact Donna Smith, Southern Star Country or Linda Miller, Miller House Antiques at Antiques in the Valley

I'm still spring cleaning and working on some sewing. I hope to have a make-do to offer on Ebay tomorrow night.

~wishing you all a good night~
Diane

~annie~

I finished this little Annie doll today and plan to list her on Ebay. I don't make Annie dolls very often but wanted a little change of pace from rabbits and decided to try one. I'm not sure if I'll get to list her tonight or tomorrow night.

We've had a beautiful, sunny, cool weekend. Our onions, peas and potatoes are up and this weekend the corn, squash, cucumbers and stringbeans went in. It's still a bit too cool and unsettled for the tomato plants but it won't be long.

This week I need to get busy cleaning some windows and washing curtains. I also have a couple of things to sew. Looks like my week is already filling up, it'll be interesting to see how much of this I actually get done!

Hope you all have a productive week....
Diane

~new on ebay~

Last night I listed the second in my Cookie Cutter Doll series on Ebay. Susie's auction will end Sunday evening. My Ebay link is at the right. This is probably my last rabbit for awhile, I want to move on to some other ideas.

It's cloudy and cool here today. I'm going to try to get a little yardwork done before it gets hot again. I'm also still working on some things for my blog and hoping to be able to update it real soon, I'll keep you posted.

~hoping you each have a very productive day~
Diane

~cradle rolls~

I wanted to show you these Cradle Roll Certificates that date to 1930 and 31. The first is my Mom's who was born January 11, 1931. She was added to the Cradle Roll of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on January 18 of '31. The certificate has beautiful, soft pastels of pinks, greens and yellows. It features a branch of flowers, an oval picture of a Mother and her baby and a border of yellow. It's signed by the Cradle Roll Superintendent, Mrs. A.J. Bryant and the Sunday School Superintendent, Hugh Hiter.

The second picture is my Dad's Cradle Roll Certificate, same church but a year earlier. He was born January 14, 1930 and his is dated January 21 of '30. This certificate has much more vibrant colors, reds, blues. greens and golds. There are garlands, flower borders and emblems and a picture of Jesus surrounded by children. My Dad's certificate is also signed by Mrs. Bryant and Mr. Hiter.
Both of these were given to me after my Grandmothers passed away. They were kept in with other papers and things which has kept the colors unfaded through the years. One of my brothers made the matching frames for these using old poplar boards and I have them hanging in my living room. I love them and am so glad to have the pair of them.


This is a picture of the church, Mt. Zion Baptist. It was founded in 1836 and the part you see in the picture was built in 1856. There are newer additions on the back. Buried in the cemetery are both sets of my grandparents, 3 sets of great-grandparents, numerous Aunts and Uncles and my Mom who passed away in 2003. Today I live within sight of the church and everyday one of my walks with my dog is around the church.


Generations, all linked through the years to a single little country church...births, baptismals, marriages, homecomings and a final resting place.
~Diane

~Izzy and her giant Strawberry~

Tonight I listed this piece on Ebay. The auction for Izzy, perched atop her big strawberry, will last until Sunday evening (8:30 p.m. eastern time) April 11th. My Ebay link is to the right.

Other than listing Izzy there isn't alot going on here today. It very warm for this time of year, in the 90's, so it makes me feel a little lazy. I want to get started with some cleaning, including windows, but I think it can wait until the cooler weather arrives later this week.

I've started on a couple of things for my selling blog, I'll keep you posted about that.

Until next time.
~Diane

~all in bloom~

For several days we've had very warm weather for early Spring, it's been in the mid and upper 80's. This has made the fruit trees, redbuds, dogwoods and lilacs burst into full bloom. I took these pictures today.
I don't think you can see them but these white lilacs were full of butterflies this afternoon.
Some of the dogwoods aren't in full bloom quite yet but the redbuds have been gorgeous.
I finished a very whimsical piece today for Ebay. I'll be listing it tomorrow night to end Sunday evening April 11th. Hope you'll get a chance to take a look at her.

Hoping your Spring is full of lots of blooms...
~Diane