A Folky Pear Pincushion is Yesterday's Creation

Happy Tuesday all.... Yesterday's creation is a printed vintage advertising pincushion, stitched from beautiful natural linen fabric.  I adore pincushions of every kind and have a vast collection.  I also enjoy creating them.   Not only are they fun to collect but they're also functional.  

This started off as a completely different project but evolved into it's current form.  A happy meandering day sometimes brings the best creations...   I listed the instant download pattern if you'd like to create your own.  I also listed the pattern model.  This would be a great gift for one of your stitchy friends!  

Have a happy meandering August day... 

Big Beautiful Sunflowers Pattern

Happy Tuesday all!   We are hunkered down waiting for Isaias to pass.... Ugggh, high winds and tornado watch are our biggest fears this time of year, when the trees are fully leafed out!  Both our house and my momma's are surrounded by gigantic trees.  We are as ready as we can be and praying for the best.

In the meantime I finished another bunch of creations and got another pattern written.  

After the storm we will enjoy several perfect days for finishing my mountain of pumpkin creations!  I will post finished product on the website as soon as I can.   

Enjoy your summer week!  

Bitty Bats Pattern

Good Sunday all.... I managed to get out and do a Hobby Lobby shopping trip this past Thursday and gathered up all the orange paint I could find for my rather monstrous pumpkin pile. I got home and checked my emails and guess what?!?!?   Deerfield Fall Craft Show has also been canceled.  Crocodile tears happened, as well as a happy dance.   What a freaking bizarre year.  Matthew and I were intending to be there, and had it planned out to the last detail to keep us and our customers safe... A bit scared about it, but now that it's off the table we can relax.  The pressure is off.  I really think we are done with shows for the year.  :( 
I have been stitching and stuffing ferociously and will continue, because what else does one do?  I finished a pattern this morning.  Will do some writing as time permits and listing of some finished product. 
Mom is well.  Kitties are good.  Our gardens are going gangbusters.  We're eating some great food.  My kids are all well.  So many things to be thankful for. 

Bitty Bats Pattern in paper format, instant download, and finished product is up on the website. Tap the photo to go see :)   

  

Enjoy the remaining days of July.... 

Time to Make The Pumpkins

Happy Fourth of July Weekend all!   May your weekend be amazing!   A quiet weekend here, just how we like it... 

I've been up to my neck in pumpkin making.  I have listed a few on my website,, mostly for practice with the shipping details.  Just a peek!  

Local delivery is available also.  Not sure what will happen with our shows...

off for a meetup this morning, then more making :-)   Happy weekend!  

Walker Homestead Show is this Weekend!!!

I've had a really great span of creating handmades for Walker Homestead while passing the hours caregiving to my mom.  It helps bring peace to some otherwise very stressful days.  I have done a bunch of all new designs while working on some of my old favorites too.  It's hard to believe but the show is upon us and we are all packed.   If I make anything more before I setup on Friday I will either have to sit on it or have it on my lap on the way up....   :-) 

I simply can't wait.... for us this is a bit of respite and the weather looks like it will be stunning.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again.   ~  D

A Maker's Life

Oh I truly love this time of year.... This is the start of our day and a new week on Sassafras Hill.  Again, I am up before the birds, painting pumpkins.   This puts a slight dent in my pile!  I have been waiting out the heat wave, so they aren't over baked on the line. 

 

 

 

I have been stitching and stitching and stitching as you can see!  It has helped my heart to heal after learning of the  awful way we were ripped off from the last shop I was in....  I feel content to be able to do what I love every day, and that is something that can not be taken away. We are in a good place. 

 

 

I wanted to reach the tree in the woods, but am a bit short and afraid the line will break.  There are several more to the right, but that's all I could photo in one snap..... 64 in all, and stopping for a bit to work on some bottle dolls.  and Matthew is covered in sawdust already.... he is finishing some new display pieces and cutting some pumpkins for outside!  I am grateful he has had a summer finding joy in making. 

 

I will have plentiful autumn offerings in Hidden Treasures and Cozy Cat Primitives ... also our two  upcoming shows. 

 

Have a beautiful week where you are, and with what you have.... Love, Denise and Matt

Blessed Spring Dear Ones

After a remarkable winter, we have had a few chilly days again.    A bit of snow is forecast for today, but I am rather looking forward to it this time.   It will be nice to admire the flakes knowing it's probably the last time and that they won't be sticking around all winter. 

 

We have a warmup coming next week with days in the 70s.  Kitties are enjoying the fresh new catnip, which is always the best of the year,  and I am making some kitty doll toys for the shops with it.

 

This is always such a fun time for me, because I can get down and create to my heart's content...   Yesterday was a truly creative day... old coverlet garlands, six new clothespin bags, a huge number of blocks, and more old wool kitties.   Plus I cut out a bunch of kitty dolls to stitch up today. 

 

I have already received some really fun orders because of  Vintage Market, so yay!   I love it when someone has a dream they are wishing for and I can make it come true for them! 

 

And the shops with my handmade creations are doing very very well, so I am pleased for them, and happy to have the opportunity to do some more creating.   If you haven't had the pleasure of stopping in at Hidden Treasures and Cozy Cat Primitives, you should put them on your Bucket List!  

 

a sweet greeting as you begin your Sunday and your Springtime!   Hope it is everything you wish for!  

 

 

 

A Morning Song (For the First Day of Spring) by Eleanor Farjeon 1922 - recorded by Cat Stevens

 

 

with best wishes ~ Denise & Matt

 

 

Springtime in Connecticut

So, after the easiest winter ever, spring is on our doorstep!  I did not miss the snow and the bitter cold weather. The daffodils are emerging from the earth, and I am very tempted to start raking out the garden beds.  Another few weeks and the peas get planted for my stir fries.  yummy.  A few more trees came down in the fall so we should have the best veggies ever with more sunshine in the garden beds.   This has been a good week for us, with our first big show behind us.  The truck went in for a brake job, so we are good to go, go, go.  Scoping out the rummage sales already for some more materials to work with!     I started folding all my fabrics, but the wool was calling to me.... for a little while I am stitching up some of my old style kitties, some little acorns, ellies,  and pumpkin doll bodies, to work on in the evenings after our daily visit with my momma.   

 

remember these guys?   haven't done them in so long and they are rockin' this wool!

  I signed up for another show, even though I said I wouldn't..... Some are just too special to pass up.   Details are on my show page, and I will update some more before the show.  Very excited and already planning some special things for it!     Today was spent creating some awesome new spring room spray scents for Hidden Treasures.  I hope to bring another batch of new spring things in next week, as well as a special order.   Tomorrow morning is a quick trip up to Southampton's Cozy Cat Primitives to visit my buddy Norm, now that I have brakes again!    Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are!     

First New Handmades for 2016

Usually I do very little creating for Valentine's Day, but this year I was compelled to do a nice display for the two shops where my goods can be found.  I think the milder winter has played a big part to improve my winter doldrums.  These are just a few of the handmades I delivered yesterday.  You can find links to both shops in the sidebar of this blog...   I've already started on St Pat's and Easter handmades, and just finished dying some of the most beautiful robin's egg colored wool to use for Easter.  We love looking through the thrift shops for materials to use.  I was very surprised to find a beautiful long camel hair men's coat last week at the Salvation Army.  It was also a huge shock to see the 149.99 price on it.... Umm, really?   I'm not sure how many of their shoppers can afford that.   I can't even do the half price on family day!   Well anyway, so it was saved from my scissors.....       Today I will finish a few of my granny wool coat bears and Ellies for Saint Pats.  

Enjoy your week wherever you are!     oxo Denise  

Pattern Writing Today

Just a little quickie.... the weather is so-o grand here today..  This is hands down my  favorite time of year, just before everything springs to life.... so much promise.  It feels a bit like Christmas eve :-) 

I haven't written patterns since last year sometime.   It's hard to believe it's been so long.   I need a pattern writer for sure, because I'd much rather design and stitch. 

I have kept a list of requests, but am first trying to do some of the current ones while they're fresh on my mind.

I feel a bit rusty, but finished the first this afternoon. 

These little ladies were great sellers, both at Crossroads, and at the show.

I had an order for another set, and that worked out well.

Just  taking a break before the final proof reading, then I will post later this evening.

Hope you're having a beautiful weekend!

Sassafras Hill on Arts A Flutter

A glimpse of my OOAK listings on Arts a Flutter this month.

Am extra prim spotted hare....

An aged seed packet banner...

A prim rag stuffed dolly....

and a wren, nesting in an aged sock...

 

Lots of other really cool stuff this month too, visit and check out the other artist's creations...

The van is packed and we are almost ready for Deerfield this weekend. 
I'm still pricing and signing some creations. 
Just like christmas shopping, always at the last moment, even if I say I'll do better next time! 

Mattoon At Night

Mattoon Street Arts Festival
Just a little peek!   We setup at 7 pm and it got dark quickly!  Thought I'd share a few photos for now.... isn't it pretty?   We didn't setup any product and will do that in the morning. 
Should you come to the fest I am on the Chestnut Street end, three tents in.
Have a great weekend wherever you are ~ D  

A nice day for a craft show... some photos

What a gorgeous day for a show!   Thank you Barbra!!!!  for all your work putting this show together.    I appreciate everything you do and this is one of the reasons I come back every year!  
Thanks so much to all my awesome customers and friends who stopped by to see me again this year, I really appreciate your friendship and your purchases!



I woke up very late and a bit cross, scrambling to get ready.... And I remembered to bring everything except my bag of stuff to work on.  Thankfully I did not need it. 

My husband helped setup before work, thankfully.  I did not have the fortune of his company to break down and the van is a hellish mess!   I am afraid to open the back door!

A little smaller setup than I do for the big shows.... It was very sunny, and hence these are not the best of photos, but a glimpse anyway...  The sun did feel good as it was in the 70s and breezy. 

If you see anything you MUST have, email me early this week as I have to repack the remains.  Most will be gone after my upcoming shows.

Came home with a really bad headache.   Hope to rest a bit today before I unload...

Don't forget my little pumpkin man on ebay....  He has more watchers than ever, and hiss auction will be over tomorrow. 
Pumpkin Feedsack Dolly

Have a fine week!

Prim Olde Pumpkin Head Dolly

wooooooooooooooo, what a busy summer.  I've been offline as much as possible, and enjoying every minute of it.  Garden has been awesome, with tomatoes and peppers coming in full throttle at the moment.  We are canning lots of salsa and tomatoes for sauce...  

This summer went by tremendously fast!   Hard to believe autumn is on our doorstep.

Currently on Ebay....

I love creating these prim feedsack dolls. 

 I've been so busy preparing for my upcoming shows, and am really excited about my offerings this year.... I really overdid it but I truly think I would be happy working on autumn and halloween items all year long. 

I have listed a few auutmn offerings on my website. This prim little dolly can be found on ebay...

Sunday I will be at the Somers Day of Arts and Crafts on Rt 190 in Somers CT, which is a nice little show.  First show of the season and I will have a bit of everything.  It's supposed to be a gorgeous day, as it always seems to be.    I am thankful that Hurricane Earl will give us just a bit of rain on Friday..... Seeing this in our forecast was a bit worrisome.   

LemonPoppySeeds for April

Sassafras Hill on LemonPoppySeeds

Okay, so I thought I broke my blog!  But it appears something funky is going on with blogger today and pictures are mostly coming up with the dreaded red X.  The other blogs I follow are coming up the same for me...

So anyway.... I won't have time to do this later as I'm up to my neck in leprechauns today.  I've added my lemonpoppyseeds items for April.... Hopefully the picture will come up soon..   You can peek ay my shop and even make a purchase now if you'd like. 

Deerfield Spring Sampler

Spring Forward!   Don't forget to set your clocks ahead!  

I'm spending this rainy and very windy weekend at the Old Deerfield Spring Sampler, after a few quick busy months of creating spring items!

We setup Friday night and I snapped a few photos of our booth so I could look it over once I got back home.  It always looks different in the photos and I think you can see at a glance what needs to be changed.  I had good intentions for taking some more photos Saturday morning when the lighting was better.  Of course once I started gabbing with the ladies I totally forgot..... sigh!    I didn't remember again until yesterday afternoon when the booth was blown out...

What a busy show day, even with the rain.   I might try today for a few more photos as I like to have a visual reference for future show setups. I like to change it up each time, but also like to stick to what works best.


We set the clocks ahead last night when we got home, and I was sleeping soundly in no time, but it's now 4 am and I feel ready for another day...  I know we will be tired tonight!  

Prim Olde Irish Feedsack Rabbit Doll

Prim Olde Feedsack Bunny

Well, it's been a trying week here as my poor mother fell badly and broke her wrist. Please, if you will keep her in your prayers as she already has so many things to challenge her on a daily basis...

I've had very little time to do anything fun but did manage to get some things finished and listed on Artsaflutter and LemonPoppySeeds for February. You can find the links on the sidebar.

Also I listed another feedsack doll on Ebay, a cute rabbit, with an Irish theme.

Have a happy weekend!

Bunny Feedsack Doll

My newest feedsack doll, a round headed bunny for springtime.

you can find him here...

Olde Timey Love Bunny

Olde Timey Love Bunny

You can find him in Ebay...

Original Pattern Models - Valentines MakeDos

I've been spending a little time everyday trying to get myself organized so I have room to work efficiently.  It's such a struggle sometimes to manage my website, blogging, shows, orders, and real life.

Today I'm cleaning my studio, sorting through totes for this coming years shows, and discovered these two pattern models, both very dear to my heart.  They will both be listed on Ebay before the day is done.  Perhaps someone else can give them the lovin' they deserve!