Merry Christmas & Swap Ornies

It's been record setting busy this Holiday Season at Old Branch Hollow! Lots of concerts, parties, shopping, decorating, and a trip to Colorado thrown in there too. I'm certainly ready to spend some time at home, and do some baking. 

I am way overdue to share photos of the wonderful ornaments I received in Amy's swap.

The first three are all from Theresa. You can visit her lovely etsy shop HERE.  Her cross stitch is SO tiny. Gorgeous!

This snowman is from Marie/ Old Lady Morgan. Awesome, right? She used the best wiggly twigs for his arms, and his tags were so cute, I left them on. LOVE him.

The final 3 are all from Patti/Raspberry Lane Primitives. There's a wooden peppermint candy and chenille candy cane, both thrimmed with greenery and sweet annie. Santa is made of wool, with a wool beard, and he smells like Cinnamon.  So cute and PERFECT on my tree.

Although my crappy photography skills aren't doing any of these ornies justice. I adore them all, and am so grateful to my swap partners for such generous gifts.Thank you to Amy at Bumble Bee Lane for hosting.

Y'all know what a bad blogger I am, so I'll wish you all the Merriest Christmas now. Enjoy this special time of year with those you love...
Warmest Blessings,
~Katherine

Early Work Mercantile Update

I know I've been quiet for a while now. Both boys are in marching band and we are right in the midst of our busiest part of the season, with games on Friday nights and all day competitions on Saturdays.  I've been spending every spare second in my studio, working toward my first ever update on Early Work Mercantile. I'm so honored to be a part of this group. I'm a little star struck, with so many of my most admired folk artists there. 

I've got a ton to do today. First off though is an overdue appointment with my hair stylist. Gotta hide those greys!
Wishing you all a lovely Fall day!

~Katherine

Tuesday Display Chain week #3...

This week's theme is Fall Foilage-Nature on Display.  We don't have much af a Fall season here in north Texas, so our Fall foilage looks pretty much like our Summer foilage-green with a few crispy edges. Normally, I'm raking leaves while hubby is hanging the Christmas lights on December 1st! So, my display is pretty weak. Just some faux foilage I have inside the house.

I truly miss Ohio this time of year. I'm sure I'll be envious when I see all the beautiful colors as I check in with the other ladies today. Stop by Misi's blog to see for yourself...

Happy Fall from Texas y'all!

~Katherine

Tuesday Display Chain Week 2

For this week's display, Misi asked us to choose two colors for just one display. The choices were black and orange, black and white, or black and green.  I chose black and white...

This chest of drawers sits at the top of the stairs. On my way to the computer, I saw this little vignette, so I snapped a pic of it too. That sweet little witch was made by Jan, of Big Brown Dog Primitives. Love her! So I know this puts me at two, but I couldn't resist.

That's it for me today. I'm busy working on a few more things for Fall. I hope to have some things for my selling blog and etsy this week. We'll just have to see how busy the family decides I will be! Please stop by 1890 Gablehouse Musings to see all the lovely displays.

Hope you're having a lovely Autumn day, wherever you might be...
~Katherine

Misi's Fall Display Chain Week # 1 Framed In

After a very busy summer, I need a kick in the behind to get back into the blogging routine. Misi's display chain is always fun, and just what I need to get going again. Yes, this normally happens on Tuesday, but my scheduled post didn't appear yesterday. We'll say it was Blogger misbehaving again, not user error. Misi is graciously allowing me to link up a little late, being the sweet natured girl that she is. This week's theme is "Framed In".
Here is my take on this theme...

A giant key inside an empty antique mirror frame.

Some old quilt squares. Oops. One is crooked. Oh heck, they're all crooked.

A corkboard I made that hangs outside the pantry.

An empty vintage frame just propped behind to add a little somethin'.

An old oyster crate that "frames" some dried gourds on the mantle.

Soda crate on the hearth framing a painted basket.

The legs of this mustard table frame the grapevine pumpkin nicely.

I love frames! There are lots more around here, but that's it for now.  Please be sure to stop by Misi's Gablehouse Musings blog to see all the other lovely Framed In displays this week.

Have a blessed day!
~Katherine



A big box from 1890 Gable House Goodes...

Last week I received my Scavenger Hunt prize package from Misi, and I've been anxious to share  it with you since. But, between sharing my computer with my now working from home hubby, sharing my camera with a travelling son, and all the other nonsense that is crammed into the end of the school year, it hasn't happened. I did snap a few photos right after I opened the heavenly scented box, so that's what I'll show you for now.

This box was crammed with so many wonderful things, I don't know where to start! It was all so beautifully presented and packaged!

See what I mean-overwhelmingly wonderful! Click the photo for a better look, and excuse my crappy, hurried photography. Oh, it smells SO good. Misi packed in tons of her yummy creations- an Apple Dowdy candle in a wax covered jar, a Bliss Bee jar candle, wax tarts in the same scents, and three of the coolest tallow-ish candles I've ever seen. I have to smell them whenever I walk by them-I can't figure out exactly what it is they smell like, but I LOVE it. There's also a big bag of potpourri in Gable House Tea scent, some springy wax covered bowl fillers, the sweetest little twig wreath with tiny purple flowers,  and 14 egg gourds all packaged up with some nesty stuff and feathers.

And the fabric covered boxes! The one with George Washington's portrait on the top has the best feathery print fabic on the sides. Then there are two round ones covered with the most gorgeous fabrics. They're just my colors, and all tied up with string and Sweet Annie. Also, a lovely ditty bag done in a teeny green print with a portrait of a soldier on on it. It's hanging on an old ladder in the kitchen waiting for a bunch of drieds. And the neatest pillow with a portrait of a Colonial Woman on it, she has an old locket stitched on in just the right place. Misi also thoughtfully included one of Cinnamon Creek Cabin's incredible old bears.

Isn't he fabulous? It's so difficult to get your hands on one of these guys, and I'm just thrilled to have him. The old silk ribbon has been in my stash for a while, just waiting for the right bear or doll...He's so cute!

How does one say Thank You for such a generous prize? Opening this box was truly better than Christmas, and I love each and every piece. Thank you Misi, for hosting the most creative scavenger hunt ever, and for this over the top prize box of goodies! I will share more photos once I get my camera/computer/life back. In the meantime you can read Misi's blog HERE. Better yet, visit her selling blog HERE to see her lastest offerings. Misi has wonderful taste, and her attention to the details really sets her things apart. You won't be disappointed!

Hugs,

~Katherine

Scavenger Hunt Week 4...part 3

Flowers and furbabies. I have both, but getting a photo of them together proved to be a challenge! So we'll start with the cooperative ones that allowed me to photograph them as I liked. This is our central bed out front.

That's a tiny picture, I don't know why...Next is my salvia under the live oak. It's taken 4 years for them to finally look good.

And my pot on the front porch. I've had the pot since we were newlyweds, and I love it because of the adventure that took place to aquire it.

Now for the naughty boy that won't sit still for pictures. We have to snap them quick because he starts to jump as soon as he sees the camera. But I did get a quickie of him with my yarrow.  You can even see my zinnia seedlings popping up back there.  Ears back...wouldn't Ceasar say that shows a calm, submisive state? Only for a second maybe. This is Bruno. He's a 6 year old Boston Terrier.

This is where he prefers to hang out-by the pool. Just like his pack leader. :~)

And here he is, sporting another new collar... My favorite picture of him.

Thanks to Misi for hosting this awesome scavenger hunt. It's been so much fun, and I've found some new bloggy friends along the way.

~Katherine

Scavenger Hunt Week 4...part 2

 

Here's part two of this week's Scavenger Hunt. We needed 4 of the following list. As you'll see, I just made it!

Ruby Slippers

Wooden Shoes

Biscotti

Christening Gown
Dried Apple gourd (I only had a pear!)
Heart Shaped Pantry Cake

Now I know you're looking at the Ruby Slippers, and thinking to yourself, "Katherine's got some big, honkin' feet". These were actually part of a Halloween costume I made for a man to wear several years ago. He was Dorothy, and his wife was the Scarecrow. We bought the biggest pair of pumps we could find at the Goodwill and gave them a makeover. After the party, he wanted nothin' to do with these lovely slippers.

 

Here's a close-up of the panty cakes, so you can see they really are heart shaped...Check out Misi's blog here
Now I gotta get to work on next week's list! Furbabies and Flowers...

Have a  lovely weekend!

~Katherine

Scavenger Hunt Week 4...part 1

This week, Misi gave us a shopping list of sorts. Some of the items I already used, and a few I went shopping for. I love girly stuff, so I thouroughly enjoyed this hunt.

Bath & Body Work's - Gentle Foaming Hand Soap ~ "Warm Vanilla Sugar

Bath & Body Work's - Midnight Pomegranate Lotion

Bath & Body Work's - Orange Sapphire Lotion

Ulta Beauty's - 3 in 1 Shower Smoothies ~ Pink Champagne-or-Key Lime-or-Tangerine Dreams

Sephora's- Body Butter

Bed Head's - Hair Spray


John Frieda's - Shampoo


One Source's - Gummi Bear Multi Vitamins or any vitamins


Sally Hansen's - Diamond strength Nail Polish


Any CST,Big Bar Moisturizing Soap- Eucalyptus & Aloe, or Bergamot & Mint, or Tea Tree & Lavender, or Clay & Ginseng

A Half Eaten Pizza


The movie ~ Chevy Chase*Christmas Vacation

Polo Blue Cologne

A Bottle of True Blood

I have to tell you, I'd never used the Sally Hanson Diamond Strength polish before, and I'm really impressed. I've been working in my gardens all week, so have been putting off a manicure because I'd just ruin it. I put a couple of coats on one night , without a base or top coat. I worked all the next day outside. I hate to wear gloves when I plant, thus my hands are a mess. Anyway, this polish hadn't worn away on the tips at all. I just put on a  clear topcoat, and it looks as good as new. Plus, it's less expensive that my normal brand. Love it!

I'll be posting part two later on today. I just gotta climb up in the attic, and even worse, IRON something!

Thanks to Misi for hosting!

Have a lovely weekend,

~Katherine

Scavenger Hunt Week 3...

It's week three of the Scavenger Hunt hosted by Misi at 1890 Gable House Musings. This week we needed to find:

#1 Stool with Hooked or Rug Top
#2 Old Tin Funnel *
#3 Putz (or style like) Lamb/sheep *
#4 Crow on a stick *
#5 Wooden Cigar Mold
#6 Silhouette Box *
#7 Pure Maple Syrup Sign or OLD Syrup Can *

My display is simple this week, but I have 5 of the 7.  My tin funnel is a little one, but it's there! I use it all the time too.  Anyway, be sure to stop by Misi's blog this week to see what the other hunters found!
It's back to the garden for me...Happy Spring!
~Katherine

Scavenger Hunt Week 2...

I'm always pushing a deadline, huh? I 've been trying to get back to normal all week, after a terrific Spring Break in San Francisco. LOVE that city! Anyway, I finally got all my things together today for the Scavenger Hunt display. This week our list was:

~A Child's Chair

~Blue Willow China

~Tin or Metal Tree

~Wooden Toy Boat

~Corn Dryer

~Colonial Print-must contain both a boy and a girl

~Wooden Buggy Yoke

I have 5 of the 7 this week, at least two of each, except the corn dryer. I do have a bit of a problem with chairs, both adult and child size. And doll sized. These are just my three faves. There are more, just ask my husband. On second thought, please don't. It's a touchy subject.

This is so much fun! Please stop by Misi's blog to see what everyone else found this week. The new list will come out tomorrow. Thanks for hosting Misi!

~Katherine



The Scavenger Hunt...

Misi at 1890 Gable House Musings is having a Scavenger Hunt! <--Click there to read all about it. This week we needed to find :

#1-Old Jar of Garden seeds
#2 Faceless Rag/Cloth Doll
#3 Homespun Pillow Case – Must be ADULT BED SIZE or larger
#4 Pastry Roller- Must have DETAIL TO PRINT
#5 Doll Bed
#6 A piece of old Ironstone Pottery/Dishware

I was able to find all but 1, the pastry roller. I know I have one, but I can't find it anywhere. So, five out of six is pretty good. I wish I'd chosen a better spot for my display, but I was looking for a room with good light. Looking at the photos now, I can see several better ways to have arranged my things. Here's the close up:

You can click on the photo for a closer look. The cradle is an antique one I found in my hometown a few summers ago. There is a sweet little faceless dollie from Square Nails, and a little Amish boy I made from old materials. The grey homespun pillow behind them is from our guest bed. The big doll I found on eBay, and she wears a real Amish baby dress. I always keep my seeds from the previous season in these old jars, so I just grabbed some out of the laundry room. . I love Ironstone, and have it displayed in several places around the house.

This wire shelf might be my favorite thing in the house. I keep my sentimental pieces here, and I just love looking at them all together.  Please be sure to stop by Misi's blog each week to keep up with the scavenger hunters!

TDIPT Mercantile Birthday Celebration!

Happy Birthday to Us!

The TDIPT Mercantile is turning 4! To celebrate this milestone and show our appreciation for our gracious friends and customers, we’re having a giveaway! There are several ways to join in …

Sign up for the TDIPT Newsletter. (if you’re already on the mailing list, you qualify)


Leave us a nice comment on our blog here, and be sure to include your email.


Purchase an item from any TDIPT Artist before March 20th.


Sign up to follow our blog.  TDIPT Mercantile Blog


That’s all there is to it! Drawing will be on March 20, 2011. We’ll post a list of winners here on our blog, and will send one email. If we don’t hear from the winners within a day or so, we’ll need to redraw, so please peek in to see if you’re a winner!