some tips & pointers for your website & ebay auctions....

ok...this one is for all of you out there who are listing primitive ebay auctions and you want to get more bids.....well, i can NOT sell the product for you...but i CAN give you some tips i suppose ;)...these are things that i have found to be helpful in the last 4 years that i've been selling primitives and patterns on ebay.....ebay can be SOOOOOO profitable, but you HAVE to do a little bit of advertising, (open an ebay store and send out newsletters to the ebayers who sign up)! This works!! ANY newsletter will be great.....i use http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com to send my newsletters out to people who sign up to receive updates....if you don't have a website, but you want to advertise your ebay auctions, well that is simple as pie!!! get a banner! get one that is the normal banner size at about 468 X 80...then get a button banner that is about 125 X 125 ....(these are just sample sizes!)...but it will give you an idea....below are my banners i use to advertise!

a banner like these will be all you will need to get started.....i know a few graphic artists who would be MORE than happy to fix you up with your own banners and buttons for advertising, and you WON'T have to sell an unborn child to pay for them!!!!!!!!! Sorry, bad joke ....lol...but some of the prices for simple banners and graphics are just RIDICULOUS!!!! stay clear of these over priced graphics...BUT ALSO remember that you always get what you pay for!!! so if you don't want some shotty, horrible graphics, be willing to pay a reasonable amount for what you get! hope that makes sense :)... i have purchased several graphic sets over the years! i've bought auction templates as well as web sets....and here are a few of the BEST out there!!!

http://www.hattiesworkshop.com this lady is AWESOME!!!!! not only will she make a set of graphics JUST for YOU exclusively, but she will also get a website up and going for you in no time at all!! i get my website hosted through brenda (hatties workshop)..here is her hosting site.... http://www.hatties-u-design-it.com/ ....brenda is simply AMAZING..she works so hard for her customers! when i was changing over to her from another hosting company, (i won't mention any names of the company, but they were the RUDEST, MOST HORRIBLE hosting company out there!)........but when i made my mind up to go through brenda's for my webhosting service, i emailed her one morning and told her i was thinking of changing over to her hosting plan, which is one of the cheapest webhosting plans out there @ $15.00 a month! brenda emailed me back within minutes with a price for some new graphics that SHE made for me, along with the hosting, and i told her YES.....by the next morning, she had my website switched over to her server, and my website was ONLINE and ready for customers to start purchasing patterns!!! And she didn't stop till i told her i was satisfied with it!!! trust me, this is the BEST hosting service out there....she is TOPS......if you decide on a website and decide to go with brenda, be sure to tell her that i sent you her way ;) she is a super sweet lady!!! you won't be sorry!!! ;)

now, if you aren't ready for a website yet, but you still want to spruce up your auction listings with an awesome primitive template, then i know a few you can check out!!! Sara, of thevintagerooster is AWESOME..she made my auction template, plus she made my website graphics i have up now on tennesseeridgeprimitives.com to match my auction template....she does some very good work!!! you can get to her website here @ http://www.thevintagerooster.com or you can find her ebay store here at http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZthevintageroosterQQhtZ-1 .....she is also fast with the graphics!!! :) and VERY good...so check her out as well.....

another, VERY talented graphic designer is linda, of linda pinda designs.......WOW this lady is so sweet, and she can make some AWESOME templates....veryyyyyyy reasonable prices as well....you can find her here at http://stores.ebay.com/Linda-Pinda-Designs !!!

ok...now that you have a few graphic designers to choose from, you can spruce up your auction and make it look great!!!

there is one thing that i consider to be SOOOOOOOOOO annoying, is when people add music to their auction. most of the time it slows down the auction page, and it will give me errors as well and won't let me get off of the page!! VERY aggrevating! leave the music OFF of the auction templates!! ;) most of us are listening to music when we surf the net anyway, OR listening to the sound of kids and we can't enjoy the pretty music ANYWAY......lol....so leave the music out of the auction listings!!!!!! ;) just a tip!! of course :)

up above i mentioned advertising.....what i mean by that is advertising with some of the top prim sites out there.....sign up for http://www.primmart.com and get listed!!! go to http://www.countryprimitivemarketplace.com and sign up for some advertising! another great place to do some advertising is http://www.primclipper.com/store/Default.asp and advertise with her.....she also works HARD to get her site noticed which only means that more people come to her website, and you have a better chance in getting more hits to your site or auction listings!! another great place to do some advertising is @ http://www.primtalkradio.com/store/Default.asp ......so do some checking into it when you have some spare time ;)............i also offer some advertising on my website, AND on my FREE E-pattern!!! my free e-pattern gets downloaded A LOT.....the last e-pattern was downloaded about 1400 times in a little over 2 days.....that is a lot of downloads, which means that YOU get YOUR site downloaded in EVERY FREE e-pattern that i post.....you can find out more info on my advertising spotlight ad and e-pattern sponsor by going to my website here http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php and 1st, download a free pattern...;).....THEN read about the sponsor ad....you can also go here http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/advertise.php ...there are a few choices to choose from as far as the advertising goes.....

i get several emails a week from primitive crafters who want to know what they can do to help get more hits to their site or get more bidders for their auctions...the main thing is DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!! if you REALLY have a passion for primitives, then it will all work out....remember that you will always have some slow times here and there, we ALL do...........but start from the bottom and WORK your way up.....if you put your heart and soul into your work, it WILL pay for you in the long run!!! patients is VERY important ;)

and believe me, i am NOT at the top! nowhere near the top yet!! but i will NOT give up!!! i absolutely LOVE primitives....everything about them!!! ;) and i also love the fact that i am able to be HOME with my kids!!!! they are the MOST important thing in my life....and it means a lot for me to be able to stay at home with them...even though this is the HARDEST job i've ever had!!! i work from sun-up to wayyyyyy past midnight every day trying to keep my business going, and keep my husband and kids happy as well ;)...it also helps to have someone who supports what you do....i am so blessed!!!!!

i am going to stop for now...time to get the kids ready for bed and maybe get ME into bed before midnight tonight ;)

hope you have a great weekend!!!!

NEW FREE E-PATTERN JUST POSTED!!!!

Thank you ALL SOOOOOO much for the OUTSTANDING feedback over my free-patterns! It is just my way of saying THANK YOU SOOOOO much for allowing me to have the BEST BEST BEST customers and FRIENDS on the whole wide web ;)....go grab your free-be pattern now ;)...Bless you!!!!
Hugzzzzz
becky ;)

FREEJollDoorDollEPattern.pdf

**Feature**~moonchilds*primitives

I just have to show this off....this is SUCH AN ORIGINAL!!! My sister donna, of moonchilds*primitives has made this AWESOME Troll Doll!!!! Be sure to check it out.....;)

this guy and his goats are AWESOME!!! :)

NEW Free E-pattern!!!!!!!! 8-8-07

Brand new FREE E-pattern listed TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! :) get it while you can ;)

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php

New Pattern!!!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhhhh ;)

i have been so busy getting the kids back to school this week! but i DID find some time to finish up a pattern!!! ;) i have had soooooooo many requests for this pattern, so i finally finished it yesterday!!!

this is so easy! you'll just love making this ghost make do ;)

you can find the e-pattern here.......

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/catalog.php?item=297&ret=pages%2Fmainpg.php

and you can get it on ebay too!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130140480298&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=003

you can also get the printed pattern on my website on this page....

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/catalog.php?category=31

have i mentioned that i also have a lot of my patterns on the website http://www.createaprim.com ??? yes! you will love this website...the owner, kristal is just a gem! ;)

i know i am forgetting something.....lol.......if i think of it, i'll be sure to post it....;)

Double, Double, Toil & Trouble..........;)

I just couldn't wait to post this!!!!!! I LOVE this spell book!!!
I used a pattern for this spell book from another ebayer "theoldglorycompany"....You can find her on ebay ;)
I put the spell book with one of my grungy witch hats and a witchy broom ;)
This set is a MUST have!!!! I didn't want to sell this! But I will just have to make myself another one ;)

a few new things............

" Bo" :)

I have a few new patterns and a few new goodies on ebay too!!!! its been a long week since I've been trying to get some things finished before tomorrow when I have a tooth pulled!!! :( I am NOT looking forward to that! but I AM looking forward to no more pain!!! ;)
That will be great!!!!!
I've also added a NEW FREE epattern tonight......be sure to get it while ya can! ;)
Also, if you are looking for gift certificates for your prim friend??? You can now get $20.00 and $30.00 gift certificates from me through PatternMart.com!!!

ummmmm lets see, trying to think of anything else I am leaving out.....:)
if I can think of something, I'll be sure to let ya know!!!

Ok.....thats it for now......bed time ;)

Grungy Olde Fall Scarecrow.....;)

I just love this scarecrow!!!!! this one is one of my FAVORITES so far!! ;)
Just wanted to share with you ;)



It sure is a HOT day here in Tennessee......whew....glad to be in this airconditioning!

I had an awesome visit with my sister last week! If you don't know who my sister is, then go here and have a look at her stuff ;).....she is an awesome artist!!!


Ok.....thats it for now.....time to get supper done!!

Bless you!!!!
Beck

Special Thanks To.....................

2 of my newest sponsors!!!! Now without these wonderful sponsors, I wouldn't be able to offer the FREE e-pattern!! ;)......so as promised, I am giving them a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!! Be sure to check out their sites as well! ;).........if you want to get some extra exposure to your site, then sign up to be a sponsor on my website at http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/advertise.php

My free e-pattern gets almost 300 downloads a day!!!!! That is LOTS of exposure for us BOTH ;)

Ok.......I'll hush for now........time to get busy again ;).....be sure to check out my new patterns and goodies on ebay!!! I have 2 new patterns.......:) and lots more to come!!!!

(((((((((hugs to you all for being so sweet)))))))))))))
Beck ;)

it's been a while........

It has been a while since my last post....It's been just too hot to do much lately....but I do have a few goodies that I have listed on ebay.....I think you'll really love these new witchy prims ;)

UPDATED...NEW FREE E-pattern added!!!!!

Be sure to get your free e-pattern!!! Click on the link on the left of the page to get yours ;)

Just added a new free e-pattern!

I'll blog more later ;)
Have a great Sunday!!!!

News From Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee ;)

it is HOT here in Tennessee Ridge! Hardly no rain, the grass is dry, it's humid........but, i am still in the mood to make fall and halloween goodies ;)
i have several new 'olde grungy primitives' for the fall and halloween season up for auction right now..........a new pattern too ;) here is a widget to give you a sneak peek, and you can click on them to go right to my auctions!



i also have a new FREE e-pattern!!!! i am so excited to see how many people downloaded the last free e-pattern.....over 1800 downloads!!!! And it was only up for about 4 days.....thats great :).......so be sure to keep an eye out for the free e-pattern and check to see when it changes to another freebe.......you can go to my website at http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com to find the free e-pattern, or click on the left of this page and go right to the page from here ;)

Ok........LOTS more will be coming in the next couple of days, so be sure to keep watching for new "OLDE" primitives ;)

until next time...................peace & love
Becky

Summer Time.............

Well summer is in full force here in Tennessee.......The kids are out of school...YEAHHHHHH I am glad too ;)......I love having them here....yelling at each other ;).....I can remember summer time when I was a kid....Oh we had so much fun! Me and my sister would get up early in the morning, (Because our mom TOLD US TO!) and we went outside and PLAYED! We actually knew how to PLAY back then....now my kids play, but they think that they have to have some kind of TV or video game to PLAY with........That's not playing! We played! :) I can remember we used to play and pretend......We would play "Bewitched".......LOL....My sister was the Mother, "Endora" and I was always "Samantha"........we would wiggle our noses and zap in and out like we were witches ;)......all it took was a little 'imagination'! I think that our kids need to learn how to 'imagine' more...........The world would be a better place ;).............or maybe not....who knows ;)
Either way it would be FUN :)

Well all of this talk about "Witches" has put me in the mood for a couple of my fall/Halloween goodies....Oh I LOVE making Halloween stuff!!!!!! Here is a sneak peek............I also have the pattern for this one in my ebay store, and on my website.....
Hope ya like................:)


Until next time.......
Peace

NEW Pattern.....and NEW FREE PATTERN

Ok...I knew it was time to update the FREE e-pattern....sooooo be SURE to go grab it while you can ;)............Go here! http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php and grab it!

Also.....I FINALLY finished some new Americana patterns......just off the press is my brand NEW Americana Eagle Door Doll With A Star Banner........WOW you'll LOVE this one ;).......You can get ANY of my email patterns or printed patterns from my website, or on ebay :) You can get to my ebay store here...... http://stores.ebay.com/Tennessee-Ridge-Primitives
I also did a pattern for my crow door doll with the stars hanging from his beak.....time to get busy and sewing for those 4th of July holidays...................

I'll be doing a few of my Hallowe'en FINISHED GOODS this week for ebay.....DON'T miss out on my SPOOKY season! Oh I LOVE Hallowe'en and Fall goods!!! ;)

Have a GREAT day!!!!!!

(((((((((Big hugs))))))))))))))

New Americana Star! :)

Hope you have an awesome weekend.........here is my latest Americana item! HOPEFULLY I'll get a couple of patterns finished this weekend!! :)
Have a great holiday!!!!!

New Auction Listed!! You'll LOVE This!

I've been working on this flag for a couple of days......and I LOVE how it turned out ;)

More goodies coming this week....be SURE to check my auctions :)

Have a great day!!!!!!!

*Peace

New Auctions Listed!!!! :)

Well I am very excited about my new listings.......I have several that I've listed! Thought I would go on and blog them this morning ;)
The one below is one like I finished a week or so ago, but I made some adjustments to it to better it ;)...it's also longer than the last one, and hangs the correct way an olde American flag should hang.....you will just love it!!!!

Here is a link to it http://cgi.ebay.com/Very-Primitive-Americana-Flag-Door-Hanger-With-Crow_W0QQitemZ130112774493QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here is one that I finished using a pattern by my VERY talented Sister, Donna of Moonchilds*Primitives, http://www.moonchildsprimitives.com

I fell in love with this awesome Eagle door hanger!!! I love how he turned out.......You can find him here................ http://cgi.ebay.com/Very-Primitive-Grungy-Americana-Eagle-Door-Doll-Flag_W0QQitemZ130114777144QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Now for the next new "OLDE" very grungy primitive, I made one of my watermelon table sitters........this would be just GORGEOUS sittin' on an old antique farm table!!! Don't ya think? ;) Here is a quick link to the watermelon......
http://cgi.ebay.com/Very-Primitive-Grungy-Dirty-Worn-Watermelon-with-Crows_W0QQitemZ130114765729QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I also had to relist this due to a NON-PAYING bidder.....but her loss, your gain...this is a ONE OF A KIND that you'll just LOVE!!! A very large star make do!!! Click the link below to get your bid in on this one.....;)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Grungy-Star-Quilt-Pocket-Antique-Spool-MakeDo_W0QQitemZ130113799695QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That's all for right now...........My son has been home from school sick, so off to the doctor with him today.....I just know he has strep throat :(........thanks to public schools!!! But what can ya do? :) Ok...............be watching for MORE goodies coming in the next couple of days.....

What's new???

Well as you know I've been offering a FREE E-pattern download on my website and it has been a HUGE success!!! Be sure to go and get it.....Who doesn't like something FREE?? ;) I know I do! SO be sure to go and get yours....you can get it by clicking here....

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php

I have a few new things that I'll be listing on ebay tonight! Be sure to check them out :)

Here is a quick link to my ebay store!

http://stores.ebay.com/Tennessee-Ridge-Primitives

I'll add more later :)

Have a GREAT DAY......it is GORGEOUS here in Tennessee!

Happy Mothers Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Testing.........1....2......3......;)

Isn't this new widget thingy neat-o!!? Just testing it out!

New Americana Wreath .............

I absolutely LOVE how this turned out! I think you'll really love this one ;)
Just listed this one on ebay...............

Here is a link to it ;)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130111926729

And don't forget to download your FREE E-pattern!!!!!! :)
You can still get it at this link.....

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php

Until next time ;)........Have a fantastic day!!!!!

FREE E-pattern

You can find a FREE E-pattern by going here http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/freeepattern.php
I'll be posting a FREE E-pattern periodically, and I will change them without notice....so be SURE to GRAB yours today...............:) Just my way of saying "THANK YOU" to all of my AWESOME customers who just happen to be AWESOME Friends ;) So be sure to bookmark my website at http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com

Tip of the minute........;)

If you are making small things like candy canes, doll fingers, small legs or arms for your dolls, there is a WONDERFUL tool that EVERY single crafter needs……It is called a “Turn It All” …..It is so great for crafting!!!! This can be purchased from http://www.primitivecupboard.com .....You can also get some hemostats! They are a doll makers best friend for turning those small parts as well ;)....……Another nifty little tool for crafting is a “Stuffing Fork”…… This can be purchased from http://www.barbarawillisdesigns.com/supplies.html Or you can do a search for them on eBay as well…..Sometimes you’ll be able to find them!

Hope this helped you out :)

Bless you!!!!!!!!!

Becky

New Primitives Listed.......I am LOVING these ;)

Oh it has been a long day.........I am going to have to get to bed soon! I can't go till 1:00 am!! Not tonight.....:) That bed is calling my name!!!! LOL

I made a couple of new things......wanted to share with you :)........you can find them on eBay!!! So be sure to check them out................I LOVE this star make do.......a one of a kind!!!!

Go here to see it ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Grungy-Star-Quilt-Pocket-Antique-Spool-MakeDo_W0QQitemZ130107794603QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Then just a few minutes ago I listed a brand new *OLDE* Americana Crow & 13 Star Flag door hanger.......I've worked on this one on and off for about 2 days.......FINALLY finished it ;)

Here is a link to it................

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130108180401&rd=1&rd=1

I am working on the pattern for the americana crow ;)

Ok.....................nuff for today......

Until next time..................................................BLESS YOU :)

Tip of the day.................

Every now and then I'll add a little tip or trick here ............Here is today's tip for you Primitive Crafters out there!!!!

**Tip: You can spray your finished product with primitive room sprays, too! Your customers will LOVE getting something that smells good!! You can get all kinds of primitive room sprays on eBay! Below are some sources that I have used for room sprays in the past…….

**~eBay ID UniqueMemoriesGifts, Her name is Shani Midfeldt and she has a list of scents that goes on and on!!! :o)….If you’d like to email her, be sure and tell her that I sent you….you can email her through eBay contact a member! Here is a link to her list on her eBay store of the scents she has….I am ALWAYS Happy with her!!! http://stores.ebay.com/UniqueMemoriesGifts/Fragrance-List.html

Another seller that I have bought room sprays from is Country Potpourri! Here is a link to her eBay store.....

http://stores.ebay.com/Country-PotPourri

These are 2 that I have used in the past, and I KNOW they are good! You want a good strong scent! They will last a LONG time...and trust me, your customers will LOVE getting something that smells good ;)

Until next time............................;)
((((( Big hugs )))))

Almost forgot......New pic of Bo

Oh and I almost forgot to post a new picture of Bo...........Our new Choc. Lab.....He is growing FAST :)

New Things Around The Corner......................

I know it has been a few days since I blogged........it's been terrible weather here....one day it is hot, the next day it is freezing weather...so I am getting kinda sick.....BUT I am having to MAKE myself work! I have so many new ideas, and not enough time, or energy lately to get any of them finished...............
It is also sad, girls, you NEVER know who your friends are on here.....don't let them fool you...and don't be too free with your tips or secrets, they take them and run and never even acknowledge you again....However you KNOW they are watching you, since they make everything you do, and call it their own....It is actually FUN to watch ;)......Karma.............................it will get them everytime ;)
Now.........enough of that :)............I will never call names or backstab, I don't have time for that........I am honest and hard working, and I am here for my customers!!!! ALWAYS :) Here is a new finished doll I've designed, and I also finished a pattern for him too........Meet Bumble Bee Bear.....;)......You'll just love this sweet, VERY VERY VERY PRiMiTivE Bee Bear!!

You can find the finished doll on ebay up for auction here......... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130105985154&rd=1&rd=1 and the pattern and email pattern are both on my website at http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com and the e-pattern is on ebay in my store as well ;)

I also finished this VERY olde grungy Americana Flag & Crow Door Hanger.....a ONE OF A KIND that you'll just LOVE for years to come.........It is up for auction on ebay.......you can find it here......http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130105113426&rd=1&rd=1

I have several new patterns......here is a short list.......

Primitive Americana Star Make Do Pattern

Primitive Grungy Ladybug Wreath With Crow Pattern

Primitive Daisies, Crow and Ladybug Make Do Pattern

And many more are on the way!!!

As always......questions, concerns, or ideas are always welcome here :)

New Member Of The Family..............

How can you NOT love this SWEET darlin' little face!!?!?!? ;)
I had to share a picture of my newest member of the family.......

Meet "Bo"........Chocolate Lab, born Feb. 27th, 2007.............isn't he ADORABLE?????? :)

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

Tennessee Ridge Primitives

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 ;)

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..........

Sponsors/Advertising INTERESTED???!!!!

Brrrrrrrrrr it is COLD out here in Tennessee.....but still a beautiful sunny day that I am thankful for!!!! I have been working on a few ideas for a sponsor/advertising page on my website at http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com! Do you have a website that is crafty/Primitive/Country related and interested in being a sponsor and having your spotlight ad on several pages throughout my website? If you do become a sponsor, you will also have a text link to be added to my newsletter......I would LOVE it if you would be interested, to drop me an email.....email me at airxson@peoplestel.net and let me know.....Now right now I am still working on the details, and I want to get some input before I start on this....The cost for spotlight ad is $35.00 for 6 months advertising..$18.00 for 3 months and $8.00 for a month..all payments would go through Paypal, and will renew automatically when the subscription is up....UNLESS you cancel, you can cancel at anytime before it renews! The downhill side is that if it renews, I won't be able to refund any money after it is completed.....But keep in mind that you can cancel at anytime through your OWN paypal account :)

The spotlight ad will look something like this.......

Go here and check this out.....

http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/pages/practice.php

Now remember, this is just the PRACTICE page to show you what a spotlight ad will look like! ;).........

I am always open to suggestions or ideas as well! So email me ANYTIME!!! I can't wait to hear from you! ;)



Oh what a lazy cat I have ;)....she is so precious!!!!

It's been a while..........I am still here ;)

It has been a while since my last post....I've been a busy woman!!! Lots of new patterns for Easter...and LOTS more on the way....I just have to find some time to take a few breaks now and then in between patterns and prims on ebay ;)

I've been totally addicted to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for a while now, and I am saving the new season to watch....I am going to wait till they come out on DVD....I own all of the CSI DVD's for ALL of them....I have all of the Las Vegas, Miami, and New York.....I am a total addict when it comes to CSI shows....OR any of the shows like "Cold Case Files, Forensic Files, etc." I can't believe how forensic science has advanced!!! It just amazes me!
But anyyyyyyywayyyyyyyy.........off of that subject for now.....lol

I am finishing up a new black rabbit door doll for ebay so I am off to list that.........I'll be bloggin' more in the next couple of weeks.....just wanted to let you all know I am still here, just taking a well needed break ;)

PS...............If you know of any great deals on the rusty barn star stuff, such as,
Prim wall paper border (Barn stars)
REAL rusty star made things, candle holders, etc.
Rusty barn star valance, kitchen decorations
PLEASE let me know....I am adding a lot of the rusty barn star stuff to my house, so I need to know where the good stuff is ;)

Ok.....off of here for now.......
Until next time........................Keep on primmin' ;)

Felting doll hair......SUPER EASY to do!!!

I know it's been a few days since my last blog...but I've been lazy lately ;)...

I just wanted to let you all know about FELTING NEEDLES for your doll hair! These needles are a MUST have for anyone who wants to make a doll and put some hair on it ;).....for instance...I just made a sheep doll....I covered him with real raw sheep wool! I HAND STITCHED all of the wool to the sheep.....This took a LOT longer than if I would have had my trusty felting needle! With these needles, all you have to do is take your raw sheep wool (Which can be purchased from an ebay member palmpanda4ever)....be SURE to get the WASHED wool if you buy from anyone else...Trust me, some of the wool I've purchased was just NASTY......Trudy, of Palmpanda4ever, has some of the BEST wool out there! When you get it, it smells GOOD and WASHED!!! ;)............For some felting needles....go to http://www.primitivecupboard.com/dsp_ProductDetail.cfm?ItemID=3029&CFID=582847&CFTOKEN=34974436 and get you some needles to start out with.....You WILL need more than one needle if you are like me and break them....they DO break easy...but if you are careful your needle will last you a while.......these are PERFECT for doll hair!!!! Holding the needle straight up and down, just start poking. Poke in and out! You'll hear the needle piercing the fabric. Just keep on poking over and over and then give a slight tug to the hair.....The hair will be in the doll and NO STITCHING required! ;) It is much faster and a LOT easier on your hands!!

Ok.......enough for now......time for bed...

Until next time.................Keep on poking.......;)

Let it SNOW!!!!!!!!

It's Sunday night and I am tired!!! Its been a long weekend, but a good one too! Other than all the rain!! I wish so much that we'd get some snow this year!! But so far, no such luck in the snow department! ;) I can remember when we were kids, it snowed a LOT here in Tennessee! We would get all kinds of snow days off from school! Oh I would LOVE those days....most of the time my cousin, and best friend back then, Emma would be over at my house for the snowdays :) We would go out in the back yard where we had this hill, and we would slide down the hill on trash bags!! LOL....we didn't have a sled, but we didn't need one either! We made do with what we had! My kids don't know what that is like, to have to make do with what you have at home, and not be able to run to Wal-Mart or the mall and buy what they want! We work so hard to get MORE stuff for our kids nowdays, and what are we really doing for them????? Spoiling them? Teaching them that material things are what makes you "Happy"? Well I don't know about that......But I DO know that it never hurt us to make do with what we had!! Now don't get me wrong.....My mom and dad worked VERY HARD! They made sure we had those Nike's for school the tight Levi's and popular shirts of the fabulous, big hair days of the 80's!! Oh yes! We had everything we needed and more....but we didn't GET GET GET all the time! My kids don't know what it is like to not have a TV and DVD player in their bedrooms! They can't comprehend the fact that we had 3 channels on TV to watch, and if the President made his speech, then he was on ALL 3 channels!! LOL..Oh we hated it when the President would take up TV time and we'd have to miss The Fonz on Happy Days, The Dukes Of Hazzard, or The Love Boat! LOL But when we couldn't watch TV, we used our imaginations......We did other stuff! My kids have NO idea what to do if it doesn't involve a remote control or an XBox controller!!!!
Ok........................somehow I got off the subject of SNOW........LOL....How did that happen??? I know, it is LATE and I need to get to bed.....It will be time to get up and get the kids off to school before I know it.....
Maybe it will snow and I can sleep in????? No such luck....not with it being in the 60's in JANUARY!!!! UGHHHHHHHHH
:)
So off to bed I do..........until next time...........Keep it grungy ;)

Just worn OUT!!!!!!! ;)

Yep, I am as worn out as my prims! Boy this has been a busy holiday season....I am kinda glad it is over, but I just love Christmas, so I want it to stay around a little longer...I still have my lights on....Some people take their lights down the day after Christmas....NOT me ;)....I have been known to leave them up till July...lol.....Well, as Gretchen Wilson said...."I keep my Christmas lights on my front porch all year long".....I DO live in Tennessee ;).......Yes, that was a joke! ;)
I love it here in Tennessee! I wouldn't live anywhere else in the whole world....I was born and raised right here! And I love it!

I am going to post a couple of pictures of my gorgeous kids....(they get that part from ME)....;) I took this black and white picture of them on Christmas morning...aren't they just darlin'??? ;)







Here is Jake.....Santa FINALLY brought that Xbox 360!!!! ;)







And here is Kolbi...Just excited to open presents!!! LOL





Waiting on Christmas Dinner at my parents house! My mom is the BEST cook in the whole world!! :)





Well it is late, I'd better sign out for now...Thanks for letting me share my awesome kids with you :)


Until next time........Stay warm and be safe!!!

Christmas Past~In Tennessee :)

Oh yes, Christmas is almost here.....My kids are WILD as hungry jungle animals with no raising whatsoever...;)....I can remember being SO nervous, excited, scared, couldn't think of ANYTHING else, loosing sleep, and wondering how in the world would Santa make it to our house in time! Then I would be worried..."Oh I hope Santa didn't see me do THAT...I'll get the shaft for sure, if he did".....but for some reason, he never saw me do that real mean stuff, like being a mean little brat to my big sister ;)...Who just happens to be my best friend EVER....I sure got lucky! Of course, she wasn't always the little angel of the family either....Oh no! :) She was mean to me, too, but she was smarter than me and was a lot more sneakier (If that is a word)...lol...I still have a few battle scars from my years with her! ;) Oh and lets not forget to mention the time that she made me wear a crochet toilet paper cozy on my head for a hat to school because I couldn't find my hat!!! YES....she did.....and the bad thing was, I WORE it and didn't even put up a fight..I must have liked the colors my Mom chose when she made it....lol

Here is a picture of a similar one.....lol







Either way, my head wasn't cold when I went to school...;)


Christmas time at our house was GLORIOUS! My sister and I would wear the pages out on the big Sears Christmas Wish Book, making our list out to Santa. We made out several lists throughout the month, changing things, adding things, etc. I can remember the year that I wanted a "Mrs Beasley Doll"....The same doll that Buffy had on the show "Family Affair"........I just HAD to have that doll..and of course, I got it ;)....Here is a picture of me with Mrs Beasley, and my sister, Donna, and my grandaddy :) I sure miss him!





Wasn't Donna so cute!????? :) I could just pinch her cheeks.....hehe ;) But I won't do that now, since she might not like that....lol


Our Mom and Dad are the BEST, most AWESOME parents! Now I know that a lot of people think that about their own parents, but I tell ya, if I can do one half as good as they did with us, and not meaning money or how much they could buy us! I mean by how much love they gave us! If I can do as good as them, then my kids will grow up and look back on me and my husband like that, and I'll know I did a job well done with them! My Dad always made sure that Christmas was a magical, special time! Of course, he DID say he was gonna break both of Santa's legs on Christmas eve, or at least bruise his shin bones so he couldn't get down the street to our house....LOL...We KNEW he was kidding, but then we DID wonder sometimes....LOL





Yes, our dad IS THE BEST dad in the world!!! And so is our Mom! The same woman who used to stay in her robe all day long with a phone on her ear talking while she watched soaps..:) The same woman who has made EVERY SINGLE Christmas filled with Christmas candy, apples, oranges, tons of awesome twinkling lights and decorations!





She is the best cook in the world, too!! Turnip greens, turkey and dressing, and of course, her famous buscuits and gravy! Make my mouth water! :) She is also GORGEOUS...I hope I look as good and she does at 63!!!! She was also my inspiration and the whole reason I wanted to be a stay at home Mom! She always stayed at home with us when we were little, and I REMEMBER that! I remember how good it felt to be able to come home from school and there she would be waiting on us! I wanted my kids to have that same feeling ;)


I can remember staying in our darkened livingroom with nothing on but the Christmas tree lights..Laying in the floor watching the colorful lights blinking with butterflies in our stomach, nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Wondering if we were good enough that year to get what we wanted from Santa! What a magical time in my life! I can also remember the year I saw Santa peek in our livingroom window! OMG I was scared speechless!!!! LOL





I can remember never getting any sleep on Christmas eve night! We went to bed at dusk! lol....Or at least it seemed so...We would listed to a record on my parents' big HUGE stereo that took up most of our living room area! We had an album of "Scrooge"...I can still hear the cracking and popping that old album would make when the record player needle would fall on the album to start! (Shame, my kids don't even know what a record player looks like!!!) Soooo exciting to hear that voice say......"Long, long ago, on a cold bleak Christmas Eve, there lived a grumpy old man, named Ebenezer Scrooge".........And my sister and I just LOVED David Cassidy, on the Partridge Family! The song "Cherish" by David Cassidy, my sister played it OVER AND OVER AND OVER one Christmas, so many times, that it became a traditional Christmas song in our house! And it still is today...even in mine :)


Traditions are so important! Remember to start your own! And be sure to watch "Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story"! No holiday can be complete without those movies ;)




I hope you have a VERY MERRY Christmas!!! HO HO HO!!!!! ;)

Want your own Auction template? I know where you can get one JUST FOR YOU :)

YES.....I DO have the answer to your questions about auction template graphics!! I've found one of the sweetest graphic artists around, and she is SUPER TALENTED!!! A fellow stay at home mom who you'll just love to pieces!! Meet Sara, of "The Vintage Rooster"........Right now she is just on eBay selling her auction templates! And she will do a custom template for you if you want one like I did where nobody else can have it ;).......She does Auction templates, store fronts AND About ME pages all on eBay.......Here is a link to my eBay store.......Check out those awesome graphics ;)........ http://stores.ebay.com/Tennessee-Ridge-Primitives , And here is my About me page link..... http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=tennessee*ridge*primitives ........It all matches my auction template....You won't be sorry :) And Sara has some of the best prices around for custom graphics!!! Here is a link to her ebay store! http://stores.ebay.com/The-Vintage-Rooster_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm Be sure to tell her that I sent you :)......................................

Changing the subject real fast........ It is COLD here in Tennessee!!! Officially about 17 degrees at my house here in Tennessee Ridge! I never know how to dress.....Last week it was 78 for the high................UGH........I just want some SNOW! ;) I am hoping we get some this year......it was terrible last year..Hardly any snow at all!!!

Alright.......past my bedtime :) I'll be back tomorrow! I'm sure you just can't wait to read something else, huh? LOL

Until next time....................................................................................................................

Need A Host For Your Website??! I know the PERFECT one for all of you primitive crafters!!!! ;)

Good Morning! ;) I've gotten a lot of emails lately from some new crafters who are just starting their websites, and they've asked me who/where is the best hosting service to place their website!!! I started with one of the more "popular" website hosts.....I was VERY dissatisfied in the customer service!!! I sent them a couple of emails and they have STILL NOT been answered, and I stopped using almost a year ago....all of the 'extras' supposedly included, with 'award winning' customer service combined, leads me to give that hosting service a negative 1!!!! ;)

Now....for the best service around, go to http://www.hatties-u-design-it.com/. Brenda will help you get your website up and going in no time at all! And if you EVER have a question, she will usually answer you within the hour!!! She works HARD to get it up and going! She worked on my website for 2 days to get it the way I wanted it!!! She even designs graphics, too! So if you need a set of graphics, just ask her! ;) She can also fix that up for you!

Bottom line, she is the best around.....She comes HIGHLY recommended by all of her customers :)

I know that sounded like a sales pitch, or an Internet commercial.....lol..but it's not....Just sharing some of my experience with web hosting that I learned through trial and error ;).....Hattie's wins hands down!!!!!

I am going to have to get off of here and get busy getting something crafted for my ebayers! :) You have a great day!!!!

brrrrrrrrrrrr it's cold here in Tennessee this morning!!!! :)

Hugs..............until next time! ;)

Mailing Lists & Picture Hosting

Do you have a website or ebay site and want to start your own mailing list!??? I just had to let you know about this AWESOME mailing list provider......It allows HTML newsletters...AND, for about 14.00 every 6 months, you can have it AD FREE!!!! I tried bravenet, and lets face it, it has WAY too may ads for the free version, and the paid version is REDICULOUS!!!!! At $99.00 a year!!! If you go to http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com and sign up for your own newsletter, you won't be sorry you did ;).....It is easy to do, too..even for the beginner!

Now I know a lot of you use photobucket, or something similar to host your pictures....But this website is worth it! VERY reasonable rates.....I pay $14.50 every 2 months, and I can store LOTS of pictures! About 3500 I think......anyway, the best part of it is that the down time for this site is almost NEVER! So you pictures for your website or auction will always be showing up for your customers to see ;)........Just go to http://www.villagephotos.com and check them out......

Ok..enough for tonight, I am beat!!!!! Tired doesn't even describe it! LOL
Have a great night!
See you on the flip side................;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!

To all of my AWESOME customers who have all become such great friends! :) I am so thankful and VERY blessed to have met some of the SWEETEST ladies around the USA through my primmin'! I just wanted you all to know how VERY much I am thankful for you ALL........You've made this my best year yet! ;)........Each and every one of you are very special to me :)
Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I am STUFFED ;)

Spent the whole day with my family! I was so excited because my sister and her family were able to come down from Kentucky and stay all day.....Nephews and neice, too! :) Why do we eat till we are stuffed, then get sleepy???? :) Yeah, my hubby told me something about turkey has something in it that makes you sleepy!! I will tell myself that anyway, so that I don't keep believing it was just because I am lazy! LOL

I've been meaning to blog more lately, but never enough time in the day! I've got to get out all of my Christmas decorations this weekend and HOPEFULLY get the house decorated and the tree up......Maybe I can get my hubby to get the outside lights up, too! ;)......He is not a "Clark Griswald" for sure! LOL......but he will eventually get those lights up!

I'll be back in a bit.......I need to finish watching an episode of CSI.....I LOVE that show!!!!!! ;)

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!!!!!

Bless you all!!!!!

((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))

Being a Work @ Home Mom

Ok ladies....I know that we have all dreamed of being able to stay at home with the kiddos PLUS be able to bring in a couple of extra dollars to help with the bills.....YOU CAN DO IT IF you really want to! Of course, in the beginning you will have to give up some things! Being able to sacrifice some of the little extras you are used to enjoying is the 1st step!!! Oh come on, you can do it!!!! ;)......Do we REALLY HAVE to have our nails done? Nope....Not when you are a stay at home mom, you can do your OWN nails!!!!! I've even learned to cut hair! Bought a fancy pair of hair shears and I cut my whole families hair!!! Even my dad comes over to get his hair cut! With the internet WWW being at our fingertips, you can find lots of ways to cut back and save save save!!!! After all, you will need to get some fabric and instant coffee to get you started with your crafting!!! :) The ONE thing that I say DO NOT cut back on, if you are planning to work at home and sell on the internet.....is your ISP provider!!!! IF you can get Cable, DSL or whatever kind of highspeed internet, then DO IT! Dial up will drive you NUTTY as a fruitcake!!!!!! LOL....So I would definitely recommend that you spend the extra for highspeed internet if you plan on making your business online!

Another thing that you don't have to do is fill your working wardrobe with a lot of expensive clothes!! You will be working at home....grab an old t-shirt of hubby's and some sweats or boxers! There you go....Your working wardrobe is fitting! ;)........You'll have to have that one nice outfit to go to the grocery store, or go to get the kids from school....Either way, you are saving a TON on fancy clothes! :)

Get the kids involved with your crafting work!!!! Give them some stuffing to do! We can always use an extra set of hands to stuff those primitive crafts with :)....And the kids feel like they are helping you out, too! What better way to earn that allowance!?!?! Set aside certain times of the day that are just for your crafting!! Other times just for the dreaded housework! You can always do the laundry in between projects...not hard to keep up with :)........(Wow, I can't believe that I just made that sound EASY!!!!!) LOL.....It's NOT easy....you will come to realize that your Work @ home job of being a mommy, crafter, ebay seller, etc., is going to be the hardest job you can have in the world!! When I used to work outside the home, I punched a timeclock just like the rest of the working moms...I went to work for 8 hours a day....then home! When your job is at home, it tends to take over! So it is very important that you set guidelines for yourself.....Pace yourself and make a schedule to go by...if not, you will be like ME at times and be up after midnight cutting out things to sew the next morning!! Then wondering why you are tired and cranky the next morning when you have to get out of bed to get those kids off to school at 6:00 am!! ;)....Of course if you do that, then you will have to schedule a nap in there so you aren't so cranky :)
I will be posting more on this subject in the near future! So check back often! Remember, you DON'T have to keep up with the Jones'!!!! Always put family 1st....In the long run, that is all that matters!!!

Be safe..........peace ;)

A fresh start.................

For the last couple of weeks, I haven't been making many new things...sure, I've kept auctions going, etc., but no new patterns or brand new designs! BUT that is about to change!!!!! I have some new ideas and I am excited about them :)......But 1st, I have to get kids ready for school, and they are not in a hurry to go.....LOL
Oh, and more coffee will be nice, too! Nothing like that 1st cup of coffee to kick you in your butt and get you moving!!

Stay tuned till next time...........I plan on posting a few tutorials in the near future as well....

Have a great Monday! ;)

Sunday Night.................

It's been a few days since my last blog.....spending time with my family and taking a well needed break.....but I am back and ready to start working! Of course it helps that I don't have to punch a time clock ;)....I LOVE working at home and making my own hours....:)

I've had a TON of emails lately from people asking about copyright laws.....I've had some lady on eBay who copies all of my work, then calls it her own designs........I TOTALLY understand that we all get ideas from each other...tips, tricks, etc., but to outright COPY ANYONES work, whether it be their art work or whatever is STEALING!!!!! And I can NOT STAND a THIEF! It really makes me mad to see someone like this "lady" (Term used for lack of a better word to describe this hateful person), copies not ONE, but ALL of my original work, then denies it! Says she never looked at my things....Yeah, right!! LOL! Not only does she steal, but she also lies! What a winner!!!!! :) I had no choice but to turn her in to VERO through eBay and have her auctions removed.
ANYWAY............................I thought I would list a few FAQ's about copyright laws and how they have changed since the Internet came along :)

Q.When is my work protected?
A.Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. (This law was changed because of all of the people on the WWW who can simply copy and paste and steal your artwork!)

Q.What is protected by copyright law?
A.Your artwork is your intellectual property, and it is protected by copyright law.
Your art (graphics, photos, music, art, sculptures, toys, dolls, paintings, etc.) becomes protected by copyright when you take it from an idea or concept and make it into something fixed and tangible. The basic requirements that a work of art must meet to qualify for copyright protection are:
It must be original. The artwork must be original, not copied from anything else.

It must be creative. The artwork must show at least a minimum amount of creativity.

It must be fixed in a tangible medium. The artwork must be fixed in one of these tangible mediums—in its digital state as 1s and 0s; paintings and drawings; original music; your original artworks scanned into your computer; artwork you have created using bit-mapped or vector drawing, painting, or photo-manipulation programs or any combination of these digital media; buttons and graphics, cartoons, illustrations, and original writing that you have created for your Web site and that reside on your Web site.

The list is extensive, though not complete. If you can see or touch your artwork, with or without the aid of a machine or device, no matter what its medium, it qualifies as being fixed in a tangible medium of expression. And you own it and the copyrights to it.

I'll be adding more on this subject in the future......It is time for bed here in Tennessee, so I have to sign out :).....................Until next time...............be safe!!!