Friday, March 23, 2007

How do you make your stuff look so GRUNGY??????????

I have been asked this question so much......:) And I sure do not mind answering it.......But I thought I would save my fingers some typing if I add it here.............so read on..........;)
The method that I have used for a LONG time is about 5 tablespoons of instant coffee to every ONE cup of HOT water that you use....I mix up a large batch at a time since I use so much...This makes a good DARK stain! Now add about 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to each 3 cups of stain....be sure that you add the cinnamon while the water is good and hot so it will dissolve. And remember, that cinnamon is going to settle down in the bottom of your container and it will turn to some awesome gooey sludge mix......DO NOT throw it out......This is a GOOD thing.....;).....brush your primitives with that sludge!!!! I also add some vanilla extract to my stain....you can use the imatation vanilla, that is just fine!! Also, don't spend a lot of money on expensive instant coffee.....get the generic!!! I put my coffee stain in an old coffee pot and leave it sitting out at all times!! I cover it up when at night, but you do NOT have to refrigerate it!! I leave mine out all the time.....
Dry your primitives in the OVEN!!! Turn your oven on about 250-300 degrees.....Put them on an old cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.....This is my preferred method....Don't worry about them scorching...just watch them :) And scorching is sometimes a GOOD Thing in the prim world :).....you can also sun dry in the summer time.......
Hope this helps you out........Have fun!!!!!
Many Blessings,
Becky

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Preserved Sweet Annie

I have had a lot of customers email me to ask me where to find some Sweet Annie for their primitive projects.....Well, look no more!!! I have found the BEST Sweet Annie around.....This stuff WON'T crumble up and make a HUGE mess in your crafting/work space!!! This is the PRESERVED Sweet Annie, not the dried Sweet Annie......Just go to http://theflowerpatch.us/ OR you can find them in ebay at http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtheflowerpatch4uQQhtZ-1 Look for her "Preserved Sweet Annie".......These are PERFECT for crafting...short pieces, about 7" long or so each.....And this stuff isn't all dry and crumbly!!! You'll just love working with this stuff!!!

Thats it for now...Have a great day!
PS.......it is 70 degrees here in Tennessee Ridge today.....I am loving this weather ;)

Thursday, March 01, 2007

I really need to update more, huh? ;)

Well I know I need to......but I never have enough time in the day to blog much more than I already do..............It is a rainy/stormy day here in Tennessee! I probably won't get much done the 1st half of the day because of the weather......I just HATE storms!!! And it seems they get worse every year! The Spring is well on it's way here in Tennessee....stormy weather and all :) I don't mind a good hard rain with thunder and lightening, but I do NOT want that wind and hail that comes along with a tornado!!!! I HATE them!!!! I'll hush for now about that :)
Be sure to check back in the next day or so, I will be adding a free pattern here for you to download!!! So be sure to check back..........