Primitive Handmades ~ By NorthwindStar

I welcome you to my Primitive Blog where you will find everything Handmade in America.
I specialize in Primitive and Folk Art, all created with the time worn age, such as Americana,Ornies, Bowl Fillers, Cloth Dolls, Primitive Needfuls and a wide variety of other Primitive wares for your home~old, new, vintage and supplies.
You will also find some useful information, all related to the enjoyment of primitive treasures.
Visit often, as you never know what you might find! Enjoy!

I gladly accept special/customer orders, as well as wholesale. For more information, just email me!

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Thursday, July 9, 2009

Fabulous Quick and Easy Jam Recipes

Fresh fruit season has arrived and whether you grow your own or help support your local farmers market, there's nothing tastier then your own homemade jam or jelly.
You can make it for a fraction of the cost in your grocery store, is a lot more flavorful and affords you a wider variety.

I wanted to share some of my very own recipes, which are quick and easy and I assure you, is simply the most delicious! Make some extra and Pay It Forward...there's always a neighbor who might be too busy to make homemade jams or if you have a Veterans home nearby or senior housing complex....drop off a few jars on your way to run errands. Can you imagine the heart smiles you would bring to someone? *s*

Make sure you download the jam jar labels in my Shared Box on the right sidebar *s*


Amish Rhubarb Jam

I've used this as an ice cream topping and sauce for dipping fresh fruit in...you can also mix a couple tablespoons in plain yogurt! YUM YUM!

5 c Rhubarb, diced
1 small can crushed pineapple, including juices OR you can use 2 cups fresh strawberries crushed
4 c Sugar (you can adjust this to your liking. I use a lot less if using crushed pineapple, as it is already pretty sweet)
6 oz Jello, choose either strawberry, raspberry or cranberry


Mix rhubarb, pineapple or strawberries and sugar together and let stand overnight. In morning, cook mixture until rhubarb is soft. Remove from heat and stir in jello until it is dissolved. Jar and seal. This jam can be frozen quite nicely as well.


Hawaiian Jam

This is absolutely delicious on a fresh hot bagel!!! Not bad on ice cream either *s*

8 Peaches peeled

3 lg Oranges, peeled

Pulp of 1 med. cantaloupe

1 Lemon

1 (8 1/2 oz.) can crushed Pineapple

Sugar to taste

Chop all ingredients fine. Put oranges through food chopper. Combine all with 3/4 cup sugar or to taste, for every 1 cup of fruit. Mix well and let stand overnight. Next morning, gently cook mixture 1 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into hot jars and seal. Makes 8 pints.

Apple Raspberry Jam

9 c Sugar (again, adjust to your taste. I don't use as much, as I enjoy my jams not as sweet)

2 c Water

6 c Finely chopped tart apples (about 2 pounds)

3 c Red raspberries, washed and drained

Combine sugar and water; boil until mixture spins a thread. Stir in apples and boil 2 minutes. Add raspberries and boil 20 minutes longer, stirring often. Pour into hot sterilized jars; seal. Makes 5 pints.

Apricot, Orange & Almond Jam

Sinfully delicious! When no one is looking, I actually spoon this! *tsk**tsk*

1 lb Dried apricots ( or use fresh when in season-chopped to equal 1 lb)

2 oz Split almonds

3 Oranges

2 Lemons

2 1/2 lb Sugar

2 1/2 ts Ground cinnamon

Chop the apricots roughly. Put them into a large bowl, sprinkling the fine grated zest of the oranges and the cinnamon between layers. Squeeze the juice of the oranges, measure and add enough water to make 3 pints in all. Pour the liquids over the fruit and leave to soak overnight in a cool place. Slide the contents of the bowl into a preserving pan and simmer gently until the fruit is beautifully tender. Check the fruit occasionally as it cooks and crush it down into the pan with a potato masher. It may need 1-1/4 hours to become really soft. Warm the sugar. Add it to the pan together with the juice of the lemons and the almonds. Cook gently until the sugar is melted, then fast-boil until the saucer test shows that the preserve will set. Pot, tie down and label the preserve in the usual way. Makes enough to fill 5 jars.




Apricot-Raspberry Jam

2 lb Apricots; Peeled, Pitted, and Mashed

1 pt Raspberries: (2 Cups), Mashed

6 c Sugar

1/4 c Lemon Juice

1 tb Butter Or Margarine

3 oz Liquid Fruit Pectin; 1 Pouch

In a large saucepan, combine the apricots and raspberries. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Bring to a boil, over high heat, stirring constantly. Add the pectin. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Spoon into jars prepared for cooked jam. YIELD: 7 Eight Ounce Jars



Bake-apple-raspberry Jam

1 lb Washed bake-apples

1 Cup raspberries

1 1/2 lb White sugar

Put sugar on berries and let stand overnight. Next day put on to cook, bringing the jam slowly to a boil. Boil 20-30 minutes. Pour immediately into sterilized hot jars and seal.

Have a berrylicous fun jam making day! *s*

~ *NorthwindStar* ~

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Tippy Tuesday Tool Thyme

No, I'm not "tippy", but others might say that is debatable at times...I'm so blessed, I don't even have imbibe...it's natural!

Actually, I wanted to share several tip-py toys I've been using and thought doing the "T-T-T-T-" would catch your attention *grin*. Only one rule about this T-T-T-T...you have to leave a comment with a tip for others. Doesn't have to be business or prim related. Could be about anything you might think others might find useful...or not! *s* Kind of a Tip for Tat thing! LOL

One really nifty toy I've been using a lot and find quite useful since I sell on Etsy is
Craft Cult Heart-O-Matic . All you have to do, is type in your Etsy Shop name and it will give you all sorts of information...such as:

Items hearts for your entire shop with the time/date of your new ones (you can even click on the person who hearted you and it takes you right to their info), Single Item hearts for individual listings, Item views and whether you've ever been featured. It also gives you how many views you've had on each page...should you have more then one page of listings.


Nifty Toy #2 is called Stop Watch . You can use this tool on your blog, website...any webpage you have to see how long it takes to load. This is very useful, as the faster your webpage loads, the more visitors you will get and keep. I found my blog loaded very slowly because I had music. So I removed it and it really made a difference. It is always nice to know, that perhaps we need to tweak our webpages to make it more user friendly. Now, hopefully visitors won't be hitting the back button instantly. ...and helps out the folks who are still on dial-up.


Nifty Toy #3 ~~As most of you probably already know ..those who sell online... we have become obsessed in "Counting Letters/Words"...especially if you are using Google base and want to please the SEO gremlins who knock your webpage out of the search loop, should you happen to be over your letter/word limit! Nasty critters!!!This tool is also very useful outside of Google Base. You might journal, write articles, students having to write an essay with a specific number of words....just a nifty tool.

I do hope you found some of these tips helpful. There's more to come on future Tippy Tuesday Tool Thymes. Please be kind and share your helpful tips with others along your way....I guarantee it'll make your spirit smile *wink*

Namaste ~ *NorthwindStar* ~

Monday, July 6, 2009

There truly is a Christmas in July??!!!!

For those of you who have ever doubted that Christmas in July was some silly notion dreamt up by the retail industry and that it's ridiculous Santa would be making any appearances in the middle of July...HA! You're wrong. There truly is a Christmas in July. Yes there is. I have proof! I see you with that "she's done gone and lost it" kinda look. Hey! I can also hear you...I'm not a crazed lunatic either...Besides, it's my blog and I can say what I want, so thar. Although I must admit, I was a bit crazed on Saturday, June 27th! Want to know why? Well, stay with me..keep reading.

I have to tell you though, my visual of Santa sure didn't resemble that fella who was walking up to my door. No red suit, no beard, no Ho-Ho_Ho, had scrawny spindly legs, funny looking blue shorts and that sure wasn't a sleigh this lil' fella bounced out of. I know what Santa's sleigh looks like, and it is NOT a boxy looking truck with four wheels or has United States Postal Service written on the side! Can't fool me!

But, I couldn't care less if this funny looking fella in blue shorts was Santa or not!!! I was just so thrilled and excited and beside myself and jumping up.... bouncing around
like a wee child, excited with the anticipation of receiving this fabulous package!!


You see, on June 27th I was doing a happy dance...to put it mildly. I had entered in a Blog Give-A-Way on The Olde Country Cupboard's Blog and noticed....uh huh...you guessed it...I WON! I actually WON!!! Me! Won something! I had to go back and read it again after I stopped hollering "I WON" "I WON".... just to make sure it wasn't some other person by the name of Alexandria who also has a blog with the name NorthwindStar!

Well, the fabulous treasures I won arrived and Sandy, who has
The Olde Country Cupboard's Blog as well as You Are Special Patterns out did herself! I knew my prim treasures would be fantastic, as I'm familar with her awesome talent...but when I tore open the package, all that came out of my mouth was "ohhhh myyyyyy how cute is this prairie dress, Thank YOU"... "oh my gosh, I loveeee this journal, Thank YOU "mmmmm, these tarts smell sooooo wonderful, Thank YOU".... "geez, what beautiful wrapping" "oh my gosh, what a beautiful card with the sweetest note" ...then I proceeded to utter the same exact things over and over again, as I couldn't get over how wonderful this treasure trove was that I was fortunate enough to have won!!


The picture, which is the exact same one Sandy posted on her blog, just does not do her fabulous prims justice. (Sorry Sandy, your picture is good, but ....well....ya just gotta see the treasures for real *s*)

I sincerely thank you Sandy for the beautiful gifts which I received. They will be a fabulous addition to my prim collection I cherish! Well, other then the tarts which I plan on using right a way....WOW...do they smell GREAT!!!!

For everyone reading this blog, please, make sure you visit Sandy's websiteThe Olde Country Cupboard as well as her other sites listed above. I promise you, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself and will love her patterns!!!

Pssst.....make sure you visit The Olde Country Cupboard's Blog and sign up for Sandy's newest Blog Give-A-Way!!


Wishing everyone a fabulous week and may all your happy thoughts come true!
*NorthwindStar*

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th of July


....or as I prefer to say "Happy Independence Day". For me, saying "Independence Day" truly signifies what this celebration is about! After all, it is commemorating the signing of The Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress...and yes on the 4th of July 1776.

Here's just a wee reminder of why we have this 4th of July Celebration.....

At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as "Taxation without Representation" as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress.





So, let's all commemorate this fabulous Birthday of AMERICA, the land of liberty and our FREEDOMS!

Wishing you and all your loved ones a day of sunshine, peace and merriment!




~ Namaste *NorthwindStar* ~


Sunday, June 28, 2009

Ever wonder how your handmade creations are displayed.....

.....Once they arrive at their new home? I know I have. Not that I'm nosey...I prefer the term curious. Doesn't sound so intrusive *s*. I think it's natural to wonder, for after all, our handmade creations have our heart prints on them.
Well, a wonderful customer, who has become a sweet prim friend, sent me a picture of the primitive apples she had purchased from me, NorthwindStar on Etsy that had taken the long journey to Washington State...and the mystery was solved. My prim curiousity was calmed!

Cindy from The Candle Baker was kind enough to send me a picture of her bushel of prim apples and I just had to share. Not only because I love the display she created and enjoyed seeing what becomes of my handmades, but because she also included some absolutely fantastic pictures of her gardens!! Oh my gosh, talk about garden eye candy...please take a moment and visit The Candle Baker Gardens. You will see Cindy's hard work and what the end results are from her love of gardening. Beautiful!
While your enjoying the pleasures of Cindy's beautiful blooms, make sure and check out her absolutely fabulous store, filled to the brim with highly scented handmade bakery candles and tarts/melters. The wide variety and assortment are unbelievable! There's also Cindy's wonderful line of Bath & Body products. You won't be disappointed...trust me!
Talking about delicious apples has made my mouth water for some tasty homemade Olde Fashion Apple Crisp, perhaps topped with some homemade ice cream!! Doesn't that sound simply delicious?

Here's a nice freebie Apple Crate Label...just because *wink*. Right click and save to your computer.

Have a happy day and thank you for visiting...until next time...Many blessings of heart smiles your way! *s*
~ *NorthwindStar* ~

Friday, June 19, 2009

Etsy Sneak Peak and other thoughts

After all the thunderstorms, flooding rains, huuuuge hail and horrendous tornado's we've had this past week, I wanted to create something that would bring me a warm smile and hopes that the sun will shine soon! Hopefully this adorable lamb will bring you smiles as well *s*

I invite you to please take a peek at this Sweet Dandelion Dreamin' Lamb which will be listed tomorrow on Etsy in full detail with additional pictures. This wonderful primitive folk art Lamb is a design/pattern by Denise of Sassafras Hill Primitives.



Sharing a few thoughts.....regarding my prim life path *s*

I've been a seller on Ebay for quite a few years, have attained Power Seller status, which truly doesn't mean a whole lot. As they say, that title and a buck...perhaps $2.00 now a days, will buy you a cup of coffee. I'm extremely proud to say, I have always given priority to providing my wonderful customers quality prim creations, as well as excellent customer service, which my 100% positive feedback and high DSR score reflects. Being a seller on ebay was rather enjoyable, especially meeting all my fabulous customers and quite fun. But unfortunately, it has become quite stressful, not to mention extremely hard to keep up with their ever changing policies...which I might add... have not changed in a positive direction.

My passion in bringing life to prim creations has always brought me such enjoyment and having my fabulous customers actually want them AND buy them, really was a heart smiling moment. But I have found in the past several months, the stress which I've experienced in selling on ebay has taken away that joy and I find it is just not worth it any longer.

I have come to the decision, that perhaps it is time for me to concentrate more on my Etsy Shop and my Bonanzle booth (which I will be completely "redecorating" in the next few weeks, so stay tuned *wink*) as I will not be listing the same items on both sites. I will, possibly, maybe, perhaps, on occasion, list a prim creation every once and again on ebay as an auction only, once the listings which are active right now end. I'm not one to ever say "never" or burn bridges. *s*

I have been a member of Etsy since February 2008 and I have been so pleased. This marvelous site dedicated to Handmades, Vintage and Supplies has absolutely grown by leaps and bounds in the past year! It truly is amazing!! I might also add, the Admins and members, both sellers and buyers are super!!

By the way, aren't those daisy dividers totally fantastic? Thanks to the very generous Olde Dame Penniwig and her superb talents which she so graciously shares, we bloggers have pretties to gussy up our postings! So, why not go pay her a visit (link on left sidebar) and tell her how cute her graphics are.

Please enjoy your weekend with your loved ones and pass along gifts of some warm friendly smiles to strangers along your way.............those are gifts which will last forever and will always surely brighten up someones day *s*

~ NorthwindStar ~

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Fun Trivia Facts and Freebies too




June Fun Facts....and not so fun!

I know, I know, we are half way through June and I am "just" now posting this! Didn't think about all the June trivia until today when I was going to post about Flag day. So, you're getting a bonus *wink*

In the Northern Hemisphere (that's me), Spring sadly ends and Summer begins! Summer Solstice on June 21st!

Time for enjoyment of beautiful blooms and a fresh bounty from the gardens! Did you know roses are the absolute best in June?

Sorry about the folks in the Southern Hemisphere...time for you to get your wool mits and long johns out!

Tis a Patriotic month with Flag Day on June 14th...TODAY! We have our flags out..Old Glory and Don't Tread On Me. Remember the American flag must always be hanging to the right of any other flag and be honorably taken down at dusk.

Ohhhh boy, June is also known for those pesky beetles, hence June Bug term! Those dreaded bugs eat the young leaves off of trees and plants. Not good!

June is the Pearl Month! So I thought it was befitting that I open up the oyster my sweet dear daughter #3 sent me for Mother's Day...along with a beautiful necklace with a pendant to put my own personal, honest to goodness REAL pearl in! I might add, the pearl is truly beautiful. She's such a sweetheart...as is all 4 of my fabulous daughters! *s*

Helen Keller was born June 27, 1880. What a magnificent lady she was. The courage, strength and unyielding faith she had, is inspiration for us all.

HELLO!!!!, June is National CANDY month! Yay for me! Also the anniversary of the Donut!
Did you know June is National Turkey Lover's Month? November must be National I love Turkeys so much I could eat you Month!

Who could have known what Alexander Graham Bell did on June 3, 1880 would lead us to what most of us can not live without!! On June 3, 1880, Alexander Graham Bell transmitted the first wireless telephone message on his newly invented photophone from the top of the Franklin School in Washington, D.C. How cool is that?

Oh, I can't forgot....Happy Birthday Donald Duck and Garfield! Seems appropriate that we all sing you Happy Birthday, as June is the month for the birthday of the Birthday Song!

Now last, but certainly not least.....June is also the month we honor our Fathers for the special place they hold in all our hearts and lives!

Here's a few free goodies hopefully you'll enjoy. Just right click and save to your computer.
Enjoy and Be Happy....during all your months *s*!! *NorthwindStar*












Friday, June 5, 2009

Attn: All Pioneer Women Need Labels?

Summer Thyme is Almost Here! Sitting at the computer trying to fill my blog with witty tidbits and such is the last thing on my "to-do" list lately *smirk*

Fresh veggies and fruits will soon be appearing in gardens for enjoyment. Perhaps nice Early Vintage labels to use are in order.

Just click and save to your computer and when ready to use.....just print.

I'll leaf through some Early Days Cookbooks I have in the next day or so while relaxing to the melodies of song birds, sitting under a nice shade tree.....and will post some jam/jelly recipes *wink*











Do enjoy your days, feel the sun warming your cheeks and most of all, always have a happy heart! ~ *NorthwindStar* ~




Saturday, May 30, 2009

Penguin Love Silicone Candle & Soap Molds



I'm always so appreciative whenever someone passes along wonderful information or a great site, that I wanted to share with everyone, this superb treasure trove!

So many of us are making our own candles, soaps and wax tarts, but can't seem to find a place to purchase our molds, especially of excellent quality at affordable prices.

Well, look no further!!! I seriously doubt you will find another place like Penguin Love with premium silicone molds with over 690 molds to choose from.
The best part, is Penguin Love also makes custom poured molds upon request! Robert does not charge extra for this wonderful service either.
I purchased a star mold (pictured) and can not be anymore delighted. I'm not a candle or soap maker, but do plan on using the star mold, as well as a couple others he is custom pouring for me to make wax tarts to include in the potpourri blend I am in the process of making.
Here's another bonus, when you visit his Silicone Mold Store, you will also notice a fantastic feature should you have any questions or are in need of information on how to use and care for your silicone mold. It is called Wicking/Cuts/Slits/Seams and has a wealth of information.


Make sure you visit Penguin Love Molds

**Picture Credit: Penguin Love Molds

Now....no more excuses for not enjoying the art of candle and soap making!!!

~ *NorthwindStar* ~

Monday, May 25, 2009

Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping




Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication.......


Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping
Dedicated to The Ladies of the South who are decorating the graves of the Confederate Dead

Kneel where our loves are sleeping, Dear ones days gone by,
Here we bow in holy reverence, Our bosoms heave the heartfelt sigh.
They fell like brave men, true as steel, And pour’d their blood like rain,
We feel we owe them all we have, And can but weep and kneel again.


CHORUS
Kneel where our loves are sleeping, They lost but still were good and true,
Our fathers, brothers fell still fighting, We weep, ‘tis all that we can do.


Here we find our noble dead, Their spirits soar’d to him above,
Rest they now about his throne, For God is mercy, God is love.
Then let us pray that we may live, As pure and good as they have been,
That dying we may ask of him, To open the gate and let us in.


CHORUS
Kneel where our loves are sleeping, They lost but still were good and true,
Our fathers, brothers fell still fighting, We weep, ‘tis all that we can do."


Words by G.W.R. Music by Mrs. L. Nella Sweet, 1867