The Great Pumpkin Swap Sign Up

Time to sign up for the fall swap.Yes it may seem a little early but we are all so busy this time of year and most of us (at least me) like to start decorating for fall in September.Plus I wanted to give everyone plenty of time to create and gather goodies.....

It doesn't have to be halloween things only.Think apples, crows, corn, leaves, scarecrows, mice, pumpkins, colors like tans,browns,orange,black and of course Halloween....

Your swap must consist of 4 items(yes you can send extras)..One of those items must be a Pumpkin.It can be anything as long as it has to do with pumpkins like bowl fillers, a doll, sign, dip mix, soap, scented candle.It is The Great Pumpkin Swap after all..

The other 3 items can be anything you want to send...The other requirment is one of your items must be stitched by this I mean a prim doll, bowl fillers, table mat or similiar..It does not have to be stitched by you,but has to be included...You can purchase your items or handmake them but they must be something you would want to recive. By this I mean I only want people to sign up who really want to enjoy giving as well as recieving.No dollar store stuff!!! I'm going to say your package must be at least a $25 value but it's so hard to put a value when people are doing handids so let's just say send a package you'd enjoy reciving...I want this to be fun for both parties..

To sign up you must be a follower of my blog...I must know you to some extent this means you comment or have participated in a past swap I held...If I do not know you and you want to join in you must have a blog I can check out.Again I just don't want any dissapointments..I do encourage new bloggers to sign up and will help you anyway I can..So sign ups are open till July 6th.You must mail out your package by August 15th with confirmation..I'll give you your partners info around the July 8th so that gives plenty of time.It will not be a secret swap so get to know your partner make it fun and start a new friendship!!

You must email me at cottageprims@hotmail.com with the following ......

Name


Address


Blog Url

Any Allergies?

Optional Do you have any favorite things like sheep,pineapples,pennyrugs?


Optional What types of scents do you like?

We always have the nicest girls.I encourage you to sign up even if you never swapped before.I'm here to help you....The pics throughout are suggestions to go with the theme and not my displays..Can't wait to get started on this and if you have any questions just email me.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Tuesdays Display Chain ~ Quilts

I'm so glad to be doing display chain again with everything going on I missed the fun.This week is extra exciting because Becky is giving a lucky winner a handmade mini quilt..So generous! Misi is our wonderful host http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/2011/06/tuesday-display-chain-quilts-anything.html so drop by and say hi or visit the other links......I don't have many quilts but do love them..... Had to do a Americana display with the 4th just a few days away..Summer spirit at it's best..Stars,corn,flags and firecrackers....

Little quilt stack on top of the bedroom cupboard...

Antique childs quilt....

Gus cozy on the unmade bed quilt..Hey no better excuse to put off housework..smile..

Hope you enjoyed my little collection..Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway link is on the top sidebar.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Seasons of Friendship Swap Goodies

I recently hosted a swap called Seasons of Friendship were each person picked a favorite season and you sent them at least one item that matched their favorite season.I had a extra person so I had 2 swap partners and I have wanted to swap with Michelle for awhile so we decided to swap as well.You might want to grab some sweet tea plenty of pics to follow..smile..Michelle hasn't recived her goodies yet so you'll have to check her blog http://michellefincham.blogspot.com/ in a few days to see what she gets..I recived two of her special penny rug runners..Look at the beeskep I love this!! She also sent me a sugar cookie candle,her salt dough ornies gathering,a doll,lavender sachet and Mary Engelbreit magnets...Michelle always goes above and beyond for her friends and I am so thankful to be her friend.....

Theresa does not have a blog but has a wonderful etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Teesteddies?ref=pr_shop_more She is a very talented artist and I was nervous to have her..She sent me a prim prairie doll, wool crow on pumpkin pillow and stitchery pinkeep,there was also a little beeswax ornie but I forgot to put it in the pic...Look at the stitchery she made it so special by putting my intials in the design.I love everything she sent and she took the time to wrap everything beautifully with flowers tucked in...

I sent Theresa a grey and rust handmade mohair bear,a small gourd pumpkin basket from last years garden, a wool felted crow pinkeep and

Bethany Lowe Halloween Girl....

Last but certainly not least Lindee she doesn't have a blog yet either.I was excited to get to know her better because she has such a kind and giving nature..Here are the goodies I sent her.Bumble Bee and Beeskep Tucks,Some Grungy Beeswax spiced dipped eggs,Rusty Tin, and penny rug purse (her first penny rug ever..smile..)

She sent this beautiful wreath which I might add no hot glue was used she stiched each piece to the wreath..It found it's home in the sunporch room...

This next pic came out blurry.Prim harvest doll and little scarecrow....

The dolls dress is stitched Harvest Blessings but I decided to leave her out year round since she is so sweet.She is going here....

Girls thank you so very much.Everything was so thoughtfull and beautiful and I will cherish them.Tweaking pics coming soon as I find homes for all my new prims...I'll be posting the fall swap sign ups within the next week.I want to give everyone extra time on this one before they need to ship since we are all so busy this time of year...So I guess you figured out my season from the pics..smile..Have a wonderful week!~Amy

Christmas in July Giveaway

Well I've been planning on doing a giveaway for awhile and it just kept getting put off with everything going on here.Well no better time than the present...So I've decided on Christmas in July..I was almost at 300 followers but with not blogging as much I've lost a few so here's the catch.The salt glazed pottery santa is the giveaway but if I get to 300 or more I'm including the Yankee candle small jar in Christmas Cookie scent...Simple rules to enter you must be a follower and live in the USA or Canada..If you are the winner you must contact me within 48 hours or another name will be drawn...For entries leave one comment..Three chances to win
1) Tell me your favorite thing to collect 2) Post to your blog you can copy the pic above 3) if you are already a current follower you get a extra chance..see loyality helps...I will draw the Lucky winner July 12th....Good Luck!~Amy

Swap Reminder Update on Dad and Chit Chat

Well it's been a whirlwind week,But summer is always such a busy time for me anyway.Been doing some junking not finding much good lately.Fleamarket has been going well for us but I've had to dig threw my "hoarding" stuff and part with some stuff due to lack of finds.Hate parting with some but I really got a abundance between the loft and computer room.Really most of the time I forgot what I have...I was without internet a few days so it backed me up with blogging and listing but I'll tell you it's just amazing what you can do whithout the distraction..LoL..

Dad went and got tattooed for his radiation.He starts treatment next week for 4 weeks then waits 2 more to see the results.Then they will go in and cut out the tumor and give him chemo.So he's not actually getting the tumor out till the middle of august..They are saying the good thing about it is it's contained and he's young middle 50's.My dad has slowed down in the last few weeks due to pain.He has refused the pain pills so far.I took him a case of ensure over and will be starting to make his meals as well next week.Since he's single he mostly eats take out now but with the radiation he won't be able to eat that.I've been dealing with it day by day.Yes it nags at me alot the "Big Unknown" but all I can really do is be there as much as I can.Hubby says I'm more short tempered and Witchy (you know..smile) which is out of character for me so he's not used to it.I don't catch it just find that I want left alone to just work through the steps to get done.Probly makes no sense...On the lighter side I've been enjoying the girls.We went to the Hungry Parrot which is a All you can eat pizza and game room.They won a ton of candy Oh fun sugar high kids..LoL..They were dividing it one piece at a time so hubby suggested handfuls would be faster....

We've been enjoying the pool...Hubby's been working on my flower beds for me since I've been busy.He's planting me a sunflower garden today...Oh gotta tell you what Brianna told me,she's laying on the living room floor and I see her looking at eveything in the room.She's says "There's no color" .."Everything is brown".."Even your dolls" .."You really need some color"... LoL ...I guess she thinks prim is a little to drab.I told her there is red in the flags and blue in the bonnets..

I've also been working on finishing up a couple swaps.Down to final touches on most..Wanted to remind everyone that signed up for The Seasons of Friendship Swap you have till the 25th to get it shipped.If you have any problems let me know so we can get it fixed.Alot of you have asked.Yes I'll still be doing swaps.I enjoy both giving and reciving.Nothing like a sweet surprise...

The next one I'll be hosting is going to be a Fall Theme one sign ups will be in July..I've also been planning a giveaway.I was hoping to have 300 followers but I guess since I've been not the life of the party lately I lost a few.So I'm going to go ahead and start it this weekend.So watch for it..Warm Blessings!~Amy

A Heartfelt Thank You and Surprise From Becky

I wanted to sincerly thank you all for your well wishes and prayers.The sweet emails and comments.I never expected so many wonderful friends to step in with a hug and a shoulder if needed.You girls are really the best and I'm sooo thankfull to be part of such a wonderful circle of friends..So these are for you...smile....

I do want to say even though it will be a bumpy and scary road I'll be traveling down,I don't expect to loose myself.Yes I'll be sad and worry and occasionally be a little confused with everything... The why's and what if's.I'm sure even a little anger might slip in too but I'm still me.I've been blessed with a generally good life with some bumps here and there but I know to be thankfull for everyday I'm here.Even if it ends badly I'll know I gave dad my best and will be there for him till this is figured out.I also want you all to know I'm still me..I still will enjoy the same things just a little less for awhile.I've always been a giver and will continue too.It makes me happy..But most importantly the jesture from you that the door is always open should I need help or to talk it out is the best I could ever ask.It's so comforting to know.....Ok on to happier things.Today I came home and found a box on the porch.No clue who it was from till I got the card tucked inside..It was from Becky http://primitivesnstitchin.blogspot.com/ I had signed up for a secret summer swap with Misi at http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/

Look how prim everything is wrapped...Let me tell you when I found out it was from Becky I got really excited as I love everything she shows on her blog....

Here's the goodies...A quilted crow on watermelon wall hanger look at the old spool hanger and a journal to write my thoughts and dreams in....

I love this it already found a home on the cupboard door..Linen with flag pocket and crow It smells yummy too.....

And Becky remembered me commenting awhile back how much I loved this bee she had made one for another swap and I just thought it was soo neat.Zoom in and read the tag it says "Welcome to Bumble Bee Lane" So much thought.He will be going out on the sunporch....

Thank you Becky! I love everything you sent.And that you hand made it all makes it even more special....Wanted to say Hi and welcome my new followers.I'll stop for a visit soon...As soon as I can catch my breath a little I've got some fun things coming up for you all..Hugs!~Amy

Sad News

Ok so most of you know I'm a positive upbeat person.But todays post is anything but.I haven't been blogging much as I've been busy with summer in general and trying to process some bad news.My father recently found out he has cancer we had to wait till today to have the full extent and the news is radiation treatments to try to shrink it then cutting it out.This is the same cancer my grandfather died of a year and a half ago.I am my fathers only child as my mom remarried when I was around 5.He is single and I am the main person in his life so it all falls on me for support and getting through this....

I'm not very good with dealing with loss or showing sadness/grief.I keep unpleasant things to myself normally.But this has got my mind a little off center trying to process all the emotions and get it worked through.I'm trying to go about my normal daily life but I just feel a little like a zombie..Numb..Not knowing..I truely just can't work it all out...I've always been a person to just get it done or fix it and this I can not fix..I'm used to getting over bad emotions and moving forward but this is going to be a long process that I do not know the end result so it's even more frustrating...I'm hopefull it will be for the best,but in my mind I'm thinking should I be prepaired for the worst..I keep telling myself be strong but the uncertain outcome bugs me non stop.Sorry for rambling on but hopefully maybe by sharing it will help release it as well.Extra prayers could help too.......So if I'm not visiting or posting as much you know it's not you..I adore you..smile...The pics I took this morning around the gardens.I need to get out and work on them some they've been neglected...Lavender needs harvested and dried...Herbs need planted..Weeds pulled....

We got the pool up yesterday..We just have the 16 foot by 4 foot quick set type but let me tell you it's wonderful with the 90+ degrees days...Veggie gardens are in and producing some allready...Love having the plot to tend out grandma's as well. While hubby waters I get early morning chats in with grandma....Junking is in full swing and fleamarket is doing well...Just general summer stuff...

Trying as always to get caught up but trying to ease into Lazy summer days...For now just trying to..Relax...Again thanks for hearing me out today.You girls are the best!~Amy

Finally Finished!

Good Saturday! I haven't got a chance to blog this week so I thought I'd stop in for a little chit chat with my friends..Above is the simple shelf I've been working on getting right for weeks.As most of you know I'm trying to downsize and remodel and only display things I love.It is a challenge for me to let go, but once I got it right I like seeing the things I really love more and don't miss the things that I do let go.The first pic with the antique childs chair is the finished result but I had taken the other pic while I was still playing and thought you would like to see a close up...Well my cold is to the point I'm not run down and can do things (like junking) still coughing some and stuffy but 90% better.We did find some goodies this week nothing I'm keeping though it's going to flea market.Some things we found were a 5 gallon crock and jug,a huge old wood slaw board, washboards, old ironing boards, a 1800's european coal iron,the original 7up glass gas station thermometer,some railroad lanterns (they are a little rough),Antique smaller size school desk like the one I got a few weeks back for myself, some small white ironstone bowls, a chicken crate,Queens milk box and a bunch of other stuff.Hubby is outside getting it ready for market tomorrow...We got our garden plot in out at grandma's farmhouse I did some work but mostly hubby did it while I enjoyed visiting my aunt and grandma.The honeysuckles were in full bloom so of course I had to act like a kid and get some nector out.The cigar trees are blooming to so we sat under them and had sweet tea and some gossip.I had to giggle at grandma she takes the time to paint her toenails in the summer so she has pretty feet for sandles..smile..We are already getting some fresh vegetables at our little garden at the house..We didn't have much spring here in PA went from cold and rain to hot but it is so nice to see everything coming to life.I need to get out in my flower gardens this week...Been working on getting my swaps together..I also have been wanting to try rug hooking for awhile.The wool and things needed to start up is very expensive so I've been putting it off.Well Terri at white sheep farm blog was having a giveaway and the winner didn't bother to contact her so I got chosen by default and won a kit with everything it! It's for a small sheep mat I can't wait to get it and give it a try...Well girls I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.We are going to cook out this afternoon and just enjoy some around the house time.Warm Blessings!~Amy