200th Post Giveaway!!!

Yes, This is my

200th post!!!

I can hardly believe it!!

So, get ready for a super duper, who knows how many given,
Who knows what given,*

PRIZE GIVEAWAY!

Just leave a comment on this post only.
If you post it on your blog, comment here again for a second chance!
(copy and paste pic, & add it and my address to your post)

*I'm sure somewhere in the prizes will be another bird nest.
(Maybe even you choice of which one).
(I'm still on a frenzy!)

You may enter between April 1st - April 14th.
Drawing will be April 15th.
(YAY! something good on April 15th, not just taxes due!)

Good luck to all.

Blessings on your day.

Barbara Jean

Second Time Around Tuesday!!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Please join Diane and the gang for Second time around Tuesday.


You will see beautiful vintage and re purposed items.

I'm still hoping to join in but time is getting short.



Blessings,
Barbara Jean

SO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!!!

I am just about excited beyond words!!! (and that is pretty excited for me) =0)

I am close to my 200th post!!
I cannot believe how fast the time has gone since i did my 100th giveaway. So be watching for another giveaway coming up soon.
I am checking around my 'treasures' to see what i would like to give this time.

(You may get stuck with another bird nest as i am having so much fun with them!) =0)

Also, on May 1st it will be a year since our store opened!!!!
I just cannot believe it will be a year!
I don't know where the time has gone.
I have had so much help, support and encouragement from friends and family. We have worked hard, accomplished a lot, learned a lot, and grown a lot.
They helped make this dream come true. Thank you!


So, in April and May there will be a whole lot of celebrating to do!!!
I love celebrations, don't you????

I hope you all have a wonderful day today,
and remember, there is always something to celebrate!

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Blue Monday

Hey, It's Blue Monday over at Smiling Sally's.
Go on over and take a look at everyone's blue!!
Thanks Sally, for hosting a great day!!

Here's mine:
I have quite a bit of Blue at the store, but not much at home.
These enamel ware ladles and spoons are a very unusual color, but gorgeous. ($3.00 ea.)
This tea pot and sugar/creamer set are vintage I think. Sorry i forgot to write the names down. They have some crackling on the sides, but for only $125.00 are a great buy.
The unusual color they seem to have, is the color they are. (not just camera problems.) =)
(Don't miss that beautiful blue hand crocheted doily under the tea set.
We have a local lady who does these wonderful jean skirts and dresses.
They are designed and named for her daughter Mia Luna.
They are well made and fun for girls to have. sizes from 6 mo to size 8
Prices from $25-27.
Cute, cute, cute!!

Well, as usual i lost one of my pics. Still no help from blogger land why that happens, or how to fix it. Hmm, maybe i should just always put in some pic i don't want, then if i lose it will still have all the ones i wanted. Have to out think these machines you know =))

Blessings on your Monday,
Barbara Jean

BIRD NEST EXTRAVAGANZA

OK, Here you go with pics of most of the bird nests, and pins i have finished.
There are more in the works. I will post them when i am done.

The pins are all approx. 1- 1 1/2". They have several coats of thin glue on them so they will hold up wearing them. All pins are $10 + $3.00 shipping. Breaks on shipping if you order more than one.
Some of the small sitting nests are also glued, and some just 'hang loose'.
These are the two blue pins i have done.

This is a nest in a box, now with bird!! I just found these two great birds and they were perfect for this nest and the following nest. Good birds are so hard to find. =0)
This is the copper,rusted and patina can I showed in an earlier post. Doesn't this bird just make it?
Both these pieces are $20.00, and approx size 8" wide. Shipping to be announced.
Below is the can before it was 'nested'.

Above is a little laying nest in a teaspoon. white nest, pink bird. Nest is about 1".
This is one of only two white nests i have done so far. It is also $10.00.
Two more pins.
These two little cuties are deceiving because they look big. They are only a total of about 3" long.
These are the same as the pins, $10.00
Big nests like these can also be made.
OOPS. Duplicate pic. =0)
All nests, and eggs are hand made by me.
God made the trees the limbs are off of.
Thank you God, for such beautiful trees. =0)

GREAT NEWS!!! A friend is coming over next week to get me set up with PayPal.
Then no waiting for weighing, checks in the mail etc.

Thank you Carolynne and Judy for your recent orders, and your patience. =0)

Blessings to all.


Barbara Jean

Flaunt Your Red Friday

This is Flaunt Your Red Friday
Please visit


Since I do not decorate with red at home (just at Christmas), Here are a couple of pics of the store.
This is a corner cupboard i just added more red to for this post. I liked it so much i left it.
Last night i though of a lot more red i have, but not in time to add to this post.
So I will just tell you: chickens, little girls dresses, a hand crocheted ballet shoe bag, (my Mom made it), more rustic kitchen tools, child's metal ironing board, vintage strawberry tea cozy, and more!! Love setting up to take pics for this.
Let me know if you have questions about anything, and we'll talk. =0)
This is just another little basket of red. New rolling pins i paint on, and old rolling pins that just look nice as they have worn in time.

I guess since i am unable to hook up to "FYRF" I will just Flaunt, all by myself!! =0))

Blessings on your day,

Barbara Jean

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Yes, this definitely looks vintage to me.
Remember the mushrooms everyone was painting years ago?
You are probably wondering where on earth i found them, and why did i buy them.
Well I didn't buy them, i actually got them from under my waterbed!
That is where i store things that i can't figure out what i want to do with.
These were some of my first works of art! I couldn't just throw them away.

Colorado Lady is hosting Vintage Thingie Thursday.
This is my first time, and other than a few frustrations loading my pics, I think it will be fun.
Don't miss out on others who are joining in.







Here is another of my first pieces. These and the mushrooms were done with acrylic paint, but in watercolor wash.
And how about this one? A bird nest!!! You all know how i love bird nests. Guess i did way back when too. It was done with oils. Sure would like to fix some of it now that i know how to paint better, but I'm sure there is some statute of limitations on redoing your work. =0)

This last one is a nature study, one done in pencil, and one in the sepia tone acrylic washes.
I am still out gathering bits of bark and nature's art for my work.

When i told my daughter about them, and mentioned they were dated 1979, and 1982, she said, "Mom, that's 30 years ago!" By golly, she is right. So, vintage art they are, and vintage art they will still be when i dig them out again in another few years. =0)
I mean really, what do you do with those first precious works of art?

(Oh, by the way, I do clean under my bed much more often than every 30 years! i just forget what is under there in the meantime.) =0)

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Blue Monday Memories

Here it is Blue Monday, sponsored
by Smiling Sally.
Please go over and check every one's lovely, funny, weird, or whatever blues. =0)

This is a Teddy Bear Music box i made years ago for a sale.
Since a little spot on the front started showing the discoloration of the knot in the pine,
I decided to keep it. (no worries now. I don't cut anywhere that has knots!)

My grandchildren, one by one, have all loved playing with it. The heart turns to play the music.
(Teddy Bear Picnic of course) =)
It was fun to see them progress from needing help, to when they could do it themselves, and fun to see each one enjoy it. Now, our new little sweetie, only 3 months old, will, in the next year begin learning to do it herself. In the meantime, brother, and 2 older sisters will do it for her.



This is a beautiful hand painted heart my husband's dear aunt, (now home with the Lord) painted. She was a world renown artist and teacher of China painting. We have 3 of her pieces received as gifts, and are so grateful to have them.
I do not have many keepsakes from my grandparents, so i treasure what i do have.
This Shirley Temple pitcher was my Grandma's, and my Mom and her brother would have the syrup heated in a kettle on the stove, and then poured into the pitcher to be served with breakfast. It may have a been an everyday piece in those days, but it is special to me.
And how about this little couple. They were my Mom's.
( i am so grateful my folks are still alive and well, and enjoying life!)

The little salt and pepper shakers are Jigs and Maggie. (not sure i spelled his name right.) A friend gave them to my Mom during her school years.
Not sure what the story is behind them, and should really find out. Maybe one of you know.
At any rate, he looks pretty content, while she, on the other hand, does not look at all pleased with whatever is going on. She has obviously not learned to give thanks in all things, a problem i have these days myself. =))
And he, well he could just be a little less smug about the whole thing, whatever it is.
Can't you just imagine what she's thinking? "If he doesn't wipe that grin off his face I'm goin' to wipe i toff for him!"

Thank you for letting me share my blue treasures and memories with you.
And thank you for all the notes, emails, and prayers while i have been away.

Blessings on your day,
Barbara Jean

I'll be Back!!

Thank you all for your prayers and visits, and encouragement while I've been gone these past few days.

Things are calming down, and i am processing and trying to grow though recent painful events.

I hope to be back next week, and have some new photos to show you.

Blessings and enjoy your weekend.

Barbara Jean

tata for now

due to some unforeseen circumstances i will not be posting for an undetermined amount of time.

blessings to all,
Barbara Jean

Blue Monday

I have to say Monday, and deciding to join in on blue Monday came too fast!
So, till i can get myself more together on a Monday, Please enjoy every one's posts, and my shared scripture for today.

This is Blue Monday at:

smilingsally

Thank you smiling sally, for hosting this event!






Hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.

Barbara Jean

More Birdie Homes

"Well, we just saw the newest of new of the birdie homes Barbara Jean has been creating."
"I hear they are "drop dead gorgeous!!".


"We heard the same thing!"
"Well, here they are. What do you think?"
"WOW! These are great!!
(Hey. look! My sister got the best one of all."
"Wish i could have a nest on a silver teaspoon!"


They may all have a favorite, but i think each one i do is my favorite, till the next one anyway. =0)

I will post more pics in a few days when i finish up the ones i started.
These will all be available for a limited time only, as it is about time for me to move on to other treasures for the store.
Most pins and sitting nests are $8-10, with some 'special' ones at $12.00.
(These all range in size from 1- 2")

LITTLE PINK BIRDIE NEST, AND BLUE NEST ARE SOLD. THANKS JUDY!

I just found yellow birds too, if anyone wants a really bright and beautiful Spring look.
I'll post the colors i have just one of each if you'd like more to choose from.

I am also still making large nests.

Blessings,

Barbara Jean

Birdie Home

"OK, what do you think she is up to?"
"Looks like piles of stuff that might make a good home for some of us."
"Which one of you laid that big egg??"
"Well, looks like one of us found a home anyway".
"She doesn't have to be so snooty about it."
"Oh, and look! Must be whole village here!"
"And look at that cute birdhouse tray."
"Yes, I hear one of her talented students painted it."
Yes, I'm still 'nesting' my little heart heart out.
Soon many of these birdies will have homes!
And there will be some more big nests, too.

See anything you are interested in?
email me for questions or to reserve your nest.
Have a special container you would like a nest in? I can do that too.

Blessings, and off i go to make more little birdie homes!!

Barbara Jean

Giveaway!!!

Go to:

our back porch

for a chance at this cute little pot filled with goodies!!

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Project Friday * Bird Nest Tutorial

Please join everyone on Friday for fun projects!


Presented by Sugarplum Cottage (click on name to take you there.)
She has a delightful " Spring " made of wood and beautiful paper.

Enjoy the following tutorial, presented in January, but asked to share again.

Be sure if you make a nest to let me know. I would love to feature them on my blog.

Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Bird Nest Tutorial

Bird Nest Building Part 1

Making your own bird nests is really fun, and, like anything, easy, once you know how.
Believe me, it will take you a lot less time than it does the birds.

You should read all the instructions before you start. (just like I aaalways do.) =0)

Supply List: now don't turn me off here. This isn't as bad as it looks! =0)

Long and thin birch tree limbs-10 or so (bring them in and let them dry a bit if it's rainy like Oregon. They will stay pliable for several days.)
Pruners or clippers for trimming
Plastic to cover work area ( this is a fun project, but very messy).
Spanish moss, green moss (I pull mine right off the tree, but you can buy it too.)
Glue gun and sticks
Aloe Vera or cold water (in case you burn yourself like i usually do)
Assorted berries, trims, ribbon, jewelry, yarns depending on your taste.
Very thin wire (may be needed for any places that won't stay glued together).
wire cutters
clothespins
eggs (I use about 1 1/4" eggs for a 5-6" nest)

Preparing the Limbs

I use the limbs right off the tree (extra messy). For less mess you can run your gloved hand over the branches outside to get any loose or dry things off before you take them in the house.

Before you start you need to decide if you want a flat nest (would go in a frame)
or a deep nest, which could go in a bowl, dish, cloche, or just sit.
For a flat nest do just 2 or 3 rings, for a deep one 4-6. I usually do 5 for a regular 5" nest.

Put your plastic down on the floor and work surface.

OK. Here we go!!

1. take 2 small limbs in your hand, between finger and thumb, and make a small loop. (2" or so)





2. Start winding the limbs in and out around the loop.

When at the end of the limbs, put aside. (if loop starts to unwind, put a clothespin on it to hold it).

Don't worry about any "stick outs" at this point.

This is the small loop for your nest.
Use the technique above to make 1-4 more loops, each getting a little larger than the last.

Assembly of loops:

You should do all gluing steps on a piece of cardboard or paper, something that hot glue will not harm.

Starting with the smallest loop, put hot glue on the top outside edge. Be generous.

Line up second loop. (This will be a little hard since one loop is larger than the other, but give it your best shot.) Don't worry about glue showing anywhere as it will be covered up later.

Do worry about getting glue on your fingers!! (got the Aloe Vera handy??

"Stick outs" are OK. They can be trimmed off later.

With each step make sure you press and hold the loops down till the hot glue is set.

Continue till all loops are glued together, from smallest (on bottom) to largest (on top).

If there are areas that do not stay together, that's where the thin wire comes in. Just cut a few 2" pieces, bend in half, poke through from the outside, and twist together on the inside.


At this point the nest should be assembled and the size you want. If it is too deep for your container, or frame, you get to 'squish' it down. You can use the heal of your hand, a book, or just sit on it. Your choice. ;0)

Now the creative part begins! This is sooo fun!!

I like to pretty much make my whole nest, then put it in whatever it's going in or on.

Since the bowl, frame, or whatever will be it's bottom, you don't need to worry about the nest being solid on the bottom.

Clip off any "stick outs" on the inside. (I guess if they are on the inside, they would be "stick ins", wouldn't they?) Well, cut those off.

Leave those on the outside and trim them later if desired.

Start filling your nest with Spanish moss using the hot glue gun as needed.

This fills in and covers any gaps, glue blobs, or areas you don't quite like. You can make it pretty solid, and fill about 2/3 up toward the top. Poke some in the outside edges as needed, but leave as much of the twig part showing as you can.

Now you can "fluff" all you want.

I use cheese cloth (tea stained of course, and shredded or pulled apart), yarn, moss off trees, little pieces of bark, and well, anything else i find at the time. The hunt is part of the fun. Add these here and there in and around your Spanish moss and around the top edge of the nest. Add bits add pieces on the outside edge too.

Remember, those eggs need to be nestled into little soft areas, so no big pieces of bark in the middle. =0))

Be a good mama bird now, and make some little spots for your eggs to be 'laid', then hot glue them in.

Now your nest can be added to whatever frame, bowl, or branch you have selected for it's home, and enjoyed all year long.

I hope you have enjoyed building your nest.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to comment on here, or email me.

This is my first time, and you can help me learn.

Thank you, and Happy nesting!!

Blessings,

Barbara Jean