THE SPICE CUPBOARD at THE CINNAMON STICK

MASON JARS...

2012-01-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

It seems olde canning/mason jars are making a HUGE comeback and not only in the world of "country" !! Of course some of us never saw them leave!! Having the store I see some trends "come and go" - however, olde jars and bottles seem to be a staple. My "vast" collection of "buttons" came from collecting olde jars - whenever, I found a jar that I "had" to have, it was usually filled with buttons! A commitment to "waste not want not" - I find myself taking the buttons off of worn out shirts (mostly Tony's) that are going to the rag bin just like my great-grandmother always did. (I wish I had her button jars)!

Tony has been busy busy busy - cleaning jars - mostly quarts and 2 quarts as the pints are getting harder to find here lately. He works very hard cleaning the zinc lids of all the minerals from years of water baths - so that you can use them without fear of "yuck" !! I go in "binges" where all my jars are on my kitchen counters and on my Hoosier - and then I put them all away in the cupboards. I store everything from food, nails, coins and of course buttons in them.

If you "need" some storage jars - you know where to come!!

"SPRINKLES"

2012-01-27T07:19:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe January is coming to a close and February is on the horizon. February has never been my favorite month by any means.(and this year it is even l o n g e r with the Leap Year day added)!! Most February days are quite dismal and grey and REALLY need to be perked up with RED VALENTINES!!

Our February issue of "Sprinkles" is now in the store - stop in to get your copy. (just alittle newsy note from us to you)!

Yesterday the order came in with the "Tonic" scissors...(love, love, love them) - they are so great to cut paper or cloth - cushioned "BIG" handles and the points can get into all those "tight" places when cutting! They are for sale upstairs in the Make-Do Room - along with lots of new Distress Inks. Using the Distress Ink pads are my favorite and "quickest" way to age paper goods with no mess right at my counter. There is a new "Forest Moss" that I haven't used before...has a great prim look for my tags!!!
If you are making your Valentine cards, we have some fun heart cut outs that you can use and lots of pretty ribbons..."handcrafted is heartspun" !!

Saying "Good-bye" to Mr. Snow for another year....he spends 3 months of the year with us on the "outhouse" door welcoming you, but it is time for him to go home - (he seems pretty happy about it).... my thoughts are thinking of springthyme!!!

WHAT A GREAT STORY....

2012-01-25T20:22:00.000-05:00

Makes you proud of small town USA !!!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/era-big-boxes-day-little-guy-080317993.html

HAVING FUN -

2012-01-25T07:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I went to the store to "clean" but that didn't happen...I can get so side-tracked when I am there. You know how it is...walking all the way to the Attic Studio when something gets your attention and you start playing and then go back downstairs only to realize that you FORGOT what you went "all the way up" to the attic for! That's me, and that was me yesterday.
I purchased some paper shred in "bulk" that I believe is just wonderful! Tea Green, Plum and Kraft. I made labels and couldn't wait to repackage it. I call it "CRINKLES" and the colors are country prim and perfect for gift baskets, Easter baskets, filling flower pots of faux florals...so many uses.

I want to display them in the Gift Wrapping Counter but Tony has to fix the "lights"...maybe today he can do that...(if I bug hard enough)!!

Also, a new potpourri named "Genevieve" is in the store....springtime fragrance and perfect for bedroom or bath! Really nice to display in a pretty little bowl or saucer.

My advice for today -

One of the many signs we have for sale - now off I go to "FOLLOW MY BLISS" !!!

STRAWBERRIES!!

2012-01-22T19:29:00.004-05:00

Apologies to those who follow me and have me on their sidebar with the post that said testing....I thought I could just delete it and didn't figure it would show up anywhere....duh!! (I was trying something)

So tonight I visit (as I do everyday) Lori's from Notforgotten Farm blog http://www.farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/ and she has a post on strawberries she is making for a winter market she is doing. Never ever thought of displaying berries before May...and even more so in June - our berry picking time.

However one of the artist who makes for the store came in last week and asked if I remembered what she sold me some berries for - and I remembered that I had a bag or two left over and went to the summer bin and pulled them out to check the price. Since they were out I left them on my counter and the very next customer comes in and wants to purchase them...stating that Valentine's Day always makes her think of strawberries...??? So hey - maybe someone else thinks this way too so I got another bag and some loose berries and they are selling!! Maybe it is that "chocolate covered strawberry" delight that makes one think of berries at Valentine's Day!! I think I will sew up some velvet strawberries tomorrow !!

Thanks for the inspiration Lori!!!

SOME CLASS PICTURES....

2012-01-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

WOW....when I looked at the pictures I thought..."no one would ever believe we were able to create in such a mess" ...(big smile!!) But we did and this was a really fun class with really fun gals! Here they are hard at work...there was a LOT of cutting and gluing and glittering!

Sara and Grace (who I was afraid this might be too much cutting for them were the first ones finished cutting and helped Mom - and they were perfect!)

..love how everyone mingles and gets to know each other.

GLUE AND GLITTER, GLITTER, GLITTER !!

Show-offs - AND we love show-offs!!! Kim and Martha~~xo

Mom and Daughter creating together...

Sorry this pics are not great....the BE MINE banner -

...our LOVE BIRDS..

...a LOVE BIRD decorated (punch out lacy heart - glittered and glued on) Pretty!

...
..and you saw our Valentine in the previous post.
Need to thank these gals for a really fun Friday evening - class ran long....but no one seemed to mind - especially ME! Can't wait for the next gathering of friends.

MY VALENTINE TO YOU....

2012-01-21T19:55:00.001-05:00

This is the Valentine Card we made in class.....can you see yourself in the little mirror...well - you should because THE CINNAMON STICK LOVES YOU!!!

OH WHAT FUN....!!

2012-01-21T09:38:00.002-05:00

Last evening we had a Valentine Workshop and it was so much fun. Eleven gals took part and everyone created - cutting, gluing, glittering - the most fun projects. We made a "BE MINE" pennant banner - 3 Love Birds with vintage music - and a Valentine heart for your sweetheart. It took much longer than I thought but no one seemed to mind. I left at 10 pm and didn't clean up a thing. (The spirits are going to have a ball up there(Attic Studio) with all the paper, stamps, punches and glitter that didn't get put away) In my haste I left my camera at the store and will have to post pictures later. I am pretty sure everyone had a fun time even if they were yawning on the way home!
Getting together with a group of gals to create together is so much fun. Everyone works at their own pace and are so creative - I always get so many ideas from them. Funny how once you get started you can just keep going and going like that little energizer bunny (well until the batteries wear out)!!
Wishing I could dream up more workshops to have more often as I have the bestest of times!! Going to work on that!! Any suggestions would help!!

FRIDAY...ALREADY??

2012-01-20T07:22:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe how fast this week went. I am feeling much better - thank goodness. This evening is our Valentine Class and I am all excited to get together with some old and "new" friends. Baked a Cream Cheese Pound Cake for our "get the glue out of your fingernails" break. One of my favorite cakes in the whole world. It will be a - l o n g - but funfilled day.
They predicted some snow last evening but that didn't happen and I am truly hoping it doesn't happen sometime today - read were Erie, PA was getting pounded. Saturday is suppose to be snowy and slushy but then turn to rain. I am not a snow lover ESPECIALLY on the weekend when the store needs to be open with lots and lots of customers!
I am not quite "itchy" for spring yet - but one snow storm and it will do me in !!! (big smile)..You will walk into the store and it will be SPRING...!!
New Valentine goodies arrived from Helen Voytilla - those sweet little mice - !! AND Dianne Galloway's Valentine goodies are wonderful - here's a peek!
Helen's Valentine mice -

Dianne's Heart Pockets -

and button hearts...(each button is sewn on)!

..and can't forget our Queen of Hearts in training...love love love!! (only two left)

Every day something new is arriving so be sure to stop in and see!
Slowly I am filling the chicken nester with vintage music sheets and old ledger pages...for your mixed media creations....some Valentine flash cards too for making tags etc. Fun Stuff!!
Enjoy your day!

ALL DONE....

2012-01-17T21:50:00.004-05:00

WHEW!! Finished up around 1:30 pm and off I went to shower, change and get to the doctor's...still very sick but she (my sweet doctor) fixed me up GOOD with lots of meds and a "controlled substance" cough syrup!! (should sleep good tonight).
Here are some pics - Please overlook the empty shelves. Lots of new goodies are on their way - I am soooo empty from the holidays with candles etc.
This is standing at the steps looking in - (forget you see the box of stuff going back downstairs on the table)

The next four pictures are of the room that all the "stuff" got put in so I could rearrange the other two... First is standing in the doorway -

This WAS the Make-Do room and is now back to being the candle/stationary/glassware room! Have a BIG candle order coming for those who are waiting...

...looking out into the new Threadgoodes room!!

The two little room doorways..(see how those floors shine..woohoo!!)

THE NEW CUTTING TABLE TONY MADE ME...!! It is perfect!

Behind this cupboard are the steps going downstairs.

The chicken nester will get filled lickety-split. I have lots to put in there...

The "girls" must have had a "spat" cause this morning they were not on the step up together..oh well...

I'll get these shelves filled in no time...The door at the far right is to our Attic Studio...

AND .. Cash counters - this is what is facing me tomorrow morning when I go in EARLY EARLY EARLY....geesch...am I the only person who has to make a mess to clean up a mess?????
I love how the upstairs looks now...I have plenty of room to fill all my dreams of what I want to do for 2012!! Come see for yourself as we keep getting better and better. XOXO

Now I am going to go take some of that "controlled substance" !!

EVERYTHING HAS A NEW HOME!!!

2012-01-16T18:59:00.001-05:00

I finished....well I almost finished. Every display piece is in it's new home!! (some pieces were only in their new home for a short time before they had to move to another new home) All that is left to do is vacuum and mop the floors - iron some fabric for the windowsills and a shelf or two - ( I have TWO irons at the store- one in the basement and one in the attic studio...BOTH DIED)! On my list of things to do tomorrow - along with bring more nails!
Some tweeking here and there - make up some new signage and TA-DA - the whole upstairs will be redone! There are also some empty shelves which means I have to go "shopping" - WOOHOO!
I didn't take any pictures today - just ran out of time. I had Tony's van and had to leave to pick him up. Of course I was there over 8 hours non-stop - It was fun though - except the hammer/thumb thing! I don't ususally hit myself with the hammer but I suppose I was getting tired and I was using that big "man" hammer and not my sweet little girly hammer! (hurts like you know what)!!!
I will take lots of pictures tomorrow to show off all my hard work! Can't wait for everyone to see!!
Yes Sharon - your table is still there waiting for you!!

WE ARE GETTING TOO OLDE FOR THIS !!

2012-01-15T19:12:00.003-05:00

Alot was accomplished today - ALOT!! -we knew we had to get everything on the walls that needed to be hung - I went to the store earlier than Tony and took EVERYTHING out of the Make-Do Room and the big room and stuck all that I could in -what we call The Green Room - cause when we moved into this store everything in this room was green - (big smile)! This is what it looked like when Tony arrived -

This is what didn't fit and was in the main room.....

This is the Green Room now.....really - I made a big dent in it. Not with all the small stuff just the display pieces - We spent the better part of the day getting the cupboards and shelving hung up.

I had a wooden chicken nester on the back porch for sale and took the price off as I just knew it would make a great display piece for the new "Threadgoodes" room. AND - it does BUT was it ever one heavy heavy heavy piece to get on the wall - Picture is of Tony taking one of the 1000 nails out of the wall (big smile) (True story - when he painted our kitchen one time he counted 240 nails he pulled out...now you have to understand the kitchen has wooden beams and I had lots of cookie cutters hung on them - so not as crazy as it sounds)..well maybe it is!!)

These are the girls...I think they look sweet in the little step up to the second floor of the store next to us!

Empty cupboards - but this is the only cupboard that stayed where it was.....at the top of the stairs! I am going to have lots of shelves and cupboard space to keep this room growing and growing!

What the main room looks like now (far end)....see the chicken nester on the wall in the back of the room!! It will hold vintage music, emphera and old books etc...cardstock and paper....and who knows what else!

The front end is starting to look like something too.... oops!! for the tag on the olde button tin....gotta fix that tomorrow...

Will keep you posted of how it is going.....keep wishing me luck...so far so good!! (alittle peek at my new cutting table....)

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO ???

2012-01-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

One big mess that is for sure!! Today, Tony goes with me to the store (early) to take the "new" cutting table that he made for me - it is really perfect! But he fussed (and whined a bit too) until he convinced me that I needed to keep the Make-Do room just like it was because the new table fit in there - wwwweeeeeelllllll - he knew I was not a happy camper as we hung ribbon holders on the wall and moved this from there and that from here. ONE BIG MESS !!! Not my "vision" at all. Later in the day (as we just left the mess cause customers started coming) he called to tell me we could move the Make-Do room into the bigger one....(don't know why he just didn't do that in the first place as we both knew I was going to get my way)...sigh!!
So tomorrow....he promised to do it my way and I can be "boss" !! (I asked "can I be boss"? - and he muttered "I was always the boss"... true - but I thought it was nice to ask!!...he loves me)!!!(grinning)
So tomorrow the upstairs will be CLOSED to thru traffic as we start from scratch. (why do men always make it harder than it is??) I will take some pics of before, during and after. I know this may seem silly to you but this building is filled with deep windowsills, doorways, and stone walls. Each room has two small wooden walls to hang things on...the rest are stone - the little rooms (10' X 11') have 3 windows each and antique lighting that hangs in the middle that something has to be underneath or you will walk into the light. Not such an easy project to display - and I have this disease with horrid symptoms like "I need to change this room around cause I don't like it anymore" !! I would do it all myself ...except....there are heavy items that need to be hung on the wall and for that I need Mr Muscles !! These are the same items I made Tony move last January (just so you know where he is coming from). Wish me luck tomorrow as I start a three day project - (I have my duct tape ready in case he starts that "whining" again!!!

FRIDAY THE 13th -

2012-01-13T08:17:00.001-05:00

Oh my!! - no ladders for you to walk under - no black cats or cracks in the sidewalks...just good luck charms in every nook and cranny.... Today is going to be YOUR lucky day if you stop at THE CINNAMON STICK.....!!!
I have always liked the number "13" - I don't know why but it seems to always be around me. (except for grandchildren - I have 12 blessings)!!

I know it is blustery and cold - but we will have some warm orange tea and cookies for you to enjoy while you shop.
The man in brown (UPS) will be coming this morning with boxes of goodies for me to share - I love when that big brown truck pulls into the parking lot - he brings me work but since the store is a "tad" bare with all the holiday goodies gone I am anxious for him to come!
Some Valentine treats are waiting for you too...

Hard to see but I stamped this vintage ice cream spoon with the word "LOVE"....some are for sale in the store $2.50 each!

I'LL TAKE THE RAIN...

2012-01-12T07:39:00.000-05:00

...raining cats and dogs and a few chipmunks here today - it could be snow and then I would be downright miserable. Hmmmm....I am downright miserable anyway - can't seem to shake this head cold...cough-cough-sneeze-cough...trying very hard to pretend it is not there (did you ever try that?)!! My hands are dry from washing them over and over again - I keep "wet-ones" on the counter for just that purpose as I don't want to spread any germs to anyone else.
Okay, going to pretend the sun is shining and I feel great -
Our Valentine Class is filled and what a neat group we have - I am anxious for us to get together and create. (thank goodness it is next week and my cold should be GONE by then)..oh yeah forgot already - I am not under the weather.
I wish I had something exciting to share with you but I don't - the most exciting thing that happened so far today is that I am printing out copies for our Valentine Class and I have so far printed 26 copies all the while my computer is telling me I am out of ink....go figure!!!
Hope you have a nice day and somthing more "exciting" happens to me!
LOVE these new box signs in the store!!

HOW TIME FLIES...

2012-01-09T14:22:00.000-05:00

Today I am stuck home while my car gets inspected...so it is "forcing" me to get all my invoices posted for November AND December! I just stack them (do it every year although I promise myself I won't) and then I have to post so many at once...I seem to purchase alot in these months...(grinning)!! I also promised myself that my Income Tax will be done early this year....part of my organization resolution!
I am a bit under the weather....the "bug" got me and makes me a tad miserable when I want to do so much.
Tony made me the neatest table for the new Make-Do room which is also changing it's name - (this room has grown) and now I am going to name it the "Threadgoods" room (a sickness I have - everything has to have a name)- we have the bestest ribbons and some specialty fabrics along with lots of new and vintage goodies to share with you. We need more room as I would like to keep "supplies" for all seasons so one can create whenever they wish for whatever season. Halloween in May, Christmas in July - works for me!!
This is going to be a major challenge and might take a while to get it just where I want. So I am just telling myself to be patient and apologize to customers for the mess. We have a wooden chicken nester for sale on the back porch and now I decided what a perfect place to sell papers and how-to books from! (so off the price tag went) ..the problem now is what wall to hang it on ?????? I only have two small walls of barnwood in this room - the rest is stone. Will keep you up-to-date with the doings!!
A new little "heartspun" goodie now in the store - vintage bobbin and lace with a handsewn heart glued to top ~~~red burlap string around bobbin!

...fits perfectly under our tiny cloches too!

STILL REDOING...

2012-01-05T07:40:00.001-05:00

January is a "tough" month as I just seem to want to do "SO MUCH" and time just flitters away from me. I spent the whole day yesterday pricing and didn't get half done - hmmmmm - maybe because I have this "thing" about our price tags...!!
Helen decided not to come till Friday as she wanted to have more items for us (thinking time is "flittering" away from all of us)!! The store is starting to look "quite festive" with all the Valentine goodies popping up here and there. I know some of you do not decorate for Valentine's Day but to me it is a really fun time to share your "love" of family, friends and The Cinnamon Stick !! Just alittle note or gift of recognition to someone special is always appreciated ~~
***ATTENTION - Mothers and Grandmothers of little girls....look what we have for sale -

Old-fashioned hankerchiefs inside a Valentine Card for little girls. I just adore these - the card inside is blank - they come with an envelope and all for only $3.50 !! There are 6 different cards with 6 different hankerchiefs.
Hankerchiefs take me on a trip down "Memory Lane" as my Grandmother "always" had a hankerchief with her. I would sit and watch as she sprayed it with perfune (White Shoulders) and place in her purse when going out. Her vanity had a drawer just for hankerchiefs...sadly I didn't appreciate all that then and gosh knows what happened to all of them when she passed. I have seen vintage hankerchiefs framed and made into a collage with other items - a customer just told me she saw a quilt made of vintage hankerchiefs...how unique! I don't have any in the store right now but always looking for them..they seem to sell in spurts and many fond memories are often shared with us.
Have a great day...it is certainly WINTER here these past days....brrrrrrrrrr !!

SHOPPING SPREE!!

2012-01-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

Found lots of goodies on my road trip today with Joanne. We went Lancaster way and hit all the wholesale places...lots of fun items will be in the store this week. Thank goodness, cause the store looks funny being so sparse after a treasure filled Christmas.
The first trade show is this week and I am anxious to see what I can find new and exciting. Then I have to wait another whole month for the next big one...
I am very happy however that Helen is coming tomorrow (Wednesday) with some Valentine goodies for you. I am so appreciative for the gals that make handmades for us...it keeps us unique and different from all the other stores. I have been working on hearts, hearts and more hearts....and Tony has a nice supply of smalls for me to bring to the store tomorrow.
I am soooooo ready to redo the big room upstairs but it is going to be a "major" job trying to figure what is going to go where - and making it work for us and not against the customer. Do I put the stationary back in the little room...should I keep the candles where they are? (do I dare tell Tony I want to move everything back the way it was?) - (said with a nervous little smile)...I mean he's sweet and kind and all that but don't want to press my luck or his patience....which I have been known to do....(guilty smile)!! I know he will do whatever I wish but I want to make sure my wish is REALLY what I want....(see what he has to put up with)!!
Last week we got in a bunch of new ribbons...some velvet ric-rac in red, sweet pea and raspberry - they are really fun.  Valentine ribbon ...satins that you can stamp....and more. I have new ribbon holders too....can't wait for the big "redo" to get them hung.    I love to tie ribbons on everything...years ago everything got a piece of homespun tied to it...now it is ribbons....(loving the ribbons)!!
I am working on our first class of the new year....and will post it soon.   Now that the holidays are over I am hoping to get organized and back into a good routine...wish me well !!

BUSY-BUSY-BUSY-----REDOING-REDOING-REDOING !!

2011-12-29T18:48:00.001-05:00

I have to say I am one of the "best" mess makers....but I am having fun !! The store is starting to look alittle better - I have all the display pieces where (I think) they should be - sometimes it is hard to make it work with the two large pieces (and counter) that have to stay where they are! (I could move the old gift wrapping display piece but I don't think I could talk Tony into it again - it is huge and heavy)!!
I sold Valentines goodies today...and worked on a Valentine card for our first class of 2012!! My back counter is a serious mess though, I really should spend some time "getting organized"! One of my New Year's resolutions...(but hey - it ain't New Year's yet - right!!)
I wanted to share pictures of my handsome grandsons and beautiful granddaughters - this is their Christmas cards - each year I transfer the pictures onto muslin and make an ornament for each family - they are getting quite a good collection now! My DIL hung all handmade ornies from the kids on their tree this year along with the pillow ornies...It was a really fun "memory" tree!
My daughter and SIL's FOUR boys...

..and my son's and DIL's five!!

I am blessed.....
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

GOING, GOING, GOING - GONE!!

2011-12-27T15:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Tony and I went antiquing and had a really nice day together. We haven't done that for quite awhile as he has been working with our son. Not tons was to be found but we did bring home some prizes!!
Today - oh my - all I can say is it is still Christmas on the outside on Star Road but inside...it is all gone!!! I kept looking for more to put away but we had a really nice season and there was not a whole bunch left - so it is asleep for the next 10 months....shhhhhhh !!!
I am really, really trying to be more organized this coming year - but to look at the store right now...yikes...not so organized! I must go in early tomorrow and clean up the faux snow I sprinkled everywhere (hindsight) and all the sparkly glitter (remember those red and silver stars and star garlands...hmmmmm - glitter here and there and everywhere) - of course if you purchased one or two or three you know exactly what I am talking about! Lucky I am a "fan" of glitter! (and the next holiday is filled with red glitter too) !!
The vacuum is sitting in the middle of the floor...Valentine fabric is waiting to be ironed and displayed...and now I am going to go sew up some hearts - the next six weeks will be filled with lots of LOVE!!

FOR THE BELIEVERS...

2011-12-24T20:26:00.000-05:00

Joanne - who helps me in the store - went to the store today to pick up a couple things while we were closed....this is her report to me!!!

It was so funny - when I went in your store - I opened the door and there was dust bunnies flying in the air - millions of them - the sun was coming thru - I thought that was odd since the store was unmanned! Then I decided to say "Merry Christmas" out loud and they (the dust) began to twinkle - I swear it! Okay - I'm sure it was just the sun and a car going by but I'm going to believe there was a holiday party going on there and everyone was in a festive mood!

I'm going to make a true believer of her yet...of the "spirits and fairies" that love THE CINNAMON STICK!!
We are home from our Christmas Eve partying and resting up to do it all over again tomorrow !
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

AS I PUT THE...

2011-12-24T09:35:00.002-05:00

...cap on my pen last evening readying myself to leave for the night- I felt this sense of melancholy mixed with relief... am I the weirdest storekeeper or what!!! Sad that the season had come to an end - but relieved that I can move on to start putting all the plans I have for 2012 into motion.
I was closing the store (a bit early) at ten of five - putting the goodies on the porch away - when a car pulled up with a young father and his two young sons - the oldest being 4. His wife had seen something in the store a day or so ago and he came to get it for her. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I DIDN'T CLOSE EARLY ! Little things like that make Christmas special for me. ie. - the melancholy that I will miss these special happenings!!
The relief comes very quickly though as I rushed home to start our own Christmas...closing today was a very good idea...my cheese pies are in the oven giving me time to visit here. Only one more present to wrap and 3 gift baskets to fill and I am done. Guess what - Tony and I are going shopping...!! He is at the bakery picking up the tomato pies and rolls for our Christmas Eve celebration this evening at our son's home. It is low key (as much as it can be with 9 little ones TRYING to be good for Santa Claus) - and informal. We are blessed that we enjoy each others company. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping - hope everyone is NICE when we are out there!! (my toaster died and we MUST have toast for hubby in the morning)!!
I am so grateful for all my cyber friends - I wish I could meet everyone of you - best I can do is to wish you the MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS and A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !!

Stay safe my friends, Judy

JUST ARRIVED...for the creative souls!!

2011-12-22T07:35:00.001-05:00

The new Somerset Life magazine arrived yesterday....what a great issue - filled with lots of inspiration and creative ideas for the beginning of 2012 (you gotta think ahead)!! I couldn't keep my hands off of it and kept inspecting it between customers.

If you are following our blog then you know I am in VALENTINE mode and ready to "redo" the store! NOT home...just the store ! I get "ants in my pants" and always want to rush the seasons...(where in the world did that expression come from and what does it mean?) We received the most wonderful Valentine cards for your daughters and granddaughters yesterday...I can't wait to put them out!!
All the Christmas is 25% off and you have two more days to shop - we will be closed Saturday, December 24th - and reopen Wednesday, December 28th with our regular hours.
AND.....for your Christmas gatherings we have the tastiest dips and spreads - you will get compliments galore when serving them...our drawers are stocked and ready for your parties!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FUN NIGHT WITH FRIENDS...

2011-12-21T07:23:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the delay...but my camera was not working - and then I left it at Vicki's. Picked it up yesterday and can now show you our exchange gifts.
First - what a great time we had. Vicki's house is ..I don't know how to describe it...It sparkled from the moment you parked the car - the whole outside was lit up with tea lights in jars - along the sidewalk, hanging from the trees...made you wonder how the inside could be more magical - it was !

Vicki's hubby sent me lots of pictures (since my camera was not behaving) and I will post them later on my PT - but for now...here is a couple teasers of Vicki's Christmas house - this is just a "drop in the hat" !!

US!! (Vicki is in the white)

..the dining room

my favorite !!! I want those metal letters...and the music valance and the white gloves...oh the gloves filled with sparkles!!

from Dianne...

...from Brenda - cookie tin filled with the sweetest arrangement of Christmas wishes.

...Cinderella's slipper - from Bev - the heel is SOLID BLING!!

...from Mona - antique clock face with...

...a vintage paper fan and old corsage

...a paper studded mannequin from Sharon...AND

one from Vicki too.....LOL!! Great artists think alike !!!

...and mine - along with -

...

three music sheet birds ornies (idea came from Jill Peterson's "Tis the Season book with James Cramer)

...and Vicki's hostess gift waiting for us on each of our plates - a tiny pin cushion. The top is a vintage lid to a salt shaker , alittle bling and lace and old hat pins and button!

the place settings...

..our "place cards" were CHOCOLATE scrabble squares - honest...CHOCOLATE!!!

I am so blessed to have wonderful (and creative) friends...we always have a good time...and I didn't even tell you what we ate yet...!!!!

Will get the rest of the pictures on my PT - gotta get ready for work...the countdown begins !!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

SNEAK PEEK...

2011-12-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

My gifts for our exchange this evening ....all packaged "plain and simple"...

..the name tags (or should say the "inital" tags) (and I swear I did NOT set that up to read BVD!!!) Made me laugh though!!

IS IT REALLY ONE WEEK AWAY??

2011-12-18T07:54:00.000-05:00

Yeppers it is!! Reality hitting me smack in the face - it is going to be a very busy week. All the gifts are "purchased", now to the wrapping and the grocery shopping and the preparing - I KNOW we are all in the same room looking for the door (big smile)...however it is time to lock myself in and stop playing - OH NO!! not yet - I have the "gift exchange" with my friends tomorrow night. All these gals are professionals who work full time jobs so I know I am not the only one "squirming" right now.....(except Vicki - Miss Organization to the max - remember pics of her studio from last year!! I need some lessons from her))!! I have figured out the wrapping (plain and simple was the way to go) - I have yet to do that. I will head to the store early this morning and get started !!
Luckily I AM NOT YET OVERWHELMED!
The store still has some great Christmas and gift goodies for you but it is looking quite different than it did the beginning of the month. To be honest I am "ready" to redo the whole store. I have Valentines on my mind and am anxious to get working on them (mantra...one thing at a time Judy, one thing at a time)!! We are also going to "redo" the upstairs (seems I do this every January)...Our Make-Do room has outgrown itself and I have to firgure just how I can make more room when there is NO more room to make...(but I CAN do it - grinning)!
Wishing a week of "merriment" to everyone reading this!!!! XO
Flash card Garlands - by Vicki Schubert

Winter Wonderland wallhanging - hand stitched by Terri Leamer

ME OH MY.....

2011-12-15T20:05:00.001-05:00

Look what arrived at the store this morning !!! Four of them !!!

My dear friend Lorraine Filmore, Lancaster, PA makes these snowman heads using paper mache over a styro foam ball, fastens them on a canning jar lid and hand paints them !!! You can fill the jars with candy (yummy M & M's look so pretty) - what a nice decoration or even a better gift for someone special.....$15.

I finished my shopping this evening and now the wrapping - also finished my Christmas Exchange gifts today....whew!! Haven't a clue how I am going to wrap them....that sort of has become a "BIG" deal....the way they are wrapped...sigh!!! Might just have to go for the old "brown paper bag" wrapping....(but I am sure I can "fancy that up)!!!

I am starting something new for January - (well it is not really new - new) and will only be available to pick up at the store. Years ago I wrote a little newsletter called THE CINNAMON THYMES - and I am bringing that back to the store but not doing any mailings. (so please do not ask - just not enough time) The NEW newsletter will be called "SPRINKLES" -partly because of the "sprinkles" I add to the customers purchases and partly because it will be "sprinkled" with all kinds of newsy stuff ! I am excited to do this again and hope those who come to the store enjoy reading it. It will be published monthly instead of bi-monthly like before!
Just another "gimmick" to get you to visit the store!!! (but worth the visit - big Christmasy grin)!!!

DID (ALMOST) ALL MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TODAY!!

2011-12-13T18:03:00.002-05:00

What a "fruitful" day...finished up the HARD part of my Christmas exchange with the girls - (that was a biggy) and just have to add the "finishing" touches, decide HOW to wrap them, and make my tags (and I have till next Monday woohooo!!!)
Got all but two of the grands finished - and will do that tomorrow after work...nothing wrapped but that won't be hard (although I make a mess when wrapping) LOL!!
Still have Tony to buy for but I am letting him pick it out - SO - HURRAH FOR ME!!

This is what we will be serving tomorrow at the store -

CRANBERRY HERBAL DIP MIX from Castle Creek Farms...located in Dillsburg, PA. This package makes "3" separate servings and is the most popular for the holidays!! Lots of cransberries already included and by adding some cream cheese, pecans and orange juice it is quite the "gourmet" spread !!
SECOND FAVORITE FOR THE HOLIDAYS -
Crouthandel's Sweet Pepper Mix - adding cream cheese and alittle sour cream...oh my!! This is a year round favorite!!

...of course you have all these to choose from....all our dips/spreads are top of the line delicious!!!

OH CHRISTMAS TREE....OH CHRISTMAS TREE....

2011-12-11T08:23:00.001-05:00

...how beautiful your branches of paper curls are!!

Ooppps....one got alittle tipsy there....

...nice and clean ready to go...!!

...nice and messy creativity at work!!

...Leen making sure her tree sits nice and straight on the glittery tree stand!!

...Jim - making a tree for Laura (his daughter) as she couldn't come...what a great sport and I must add...his creativity was awesome!! (the white wire is from the cord coming from ceiling where we have outlets for the glue guns...cool huh!!)

Mom and Daughter - Cathie and Sara - very happy with their trees....who wouldn't be - they are perfect!

Patti...(Jim's wife) made a very curly tree...(I think she loved it)!! I did!!

..then on to the "gift tags"...Beth is so creative and I love when she comes to classes...I always learn something new to add to my tags!!

Debbie...and she said she wasn't crafty...oh my!! Her creations were way way way great!!! (look at that concentration)!!

Leen and Beth deciding what trim to use...

...some finshed tags.. (decorated on both sides!!)

...Michelle will be happy I only have her hands in this pictures....she is my "groupie"...(Love you Michelle)!!!

What a fun class yesterday...honestly...I wish I could come up with more classes as I enjoy so much creating with others!
I was busy making a tree too and didn't take pictures of all the trees finished....(sad about that) because the "forest of trees" was just beautiful !! Thank you girls for a fun afternoon !!

POINSETTIA'S...

2011-12-09T07:23:00.001-05:00

It just isn't Christmas without Poinsettia's placed here and there thru-out your home (or store)...what a bright "hello" they greet me with each morning - and placed in our "Fernery" they really "sparkle" !! (I suppose I should put a price on the "fernery" as I haven't done so yet). It always come in handy for something to display - like the 10 pounds of Christmas potpourri we sold, or a bushel of "sprigs" - and now to showcase our Christmas Poinsettia's !!

Across from the fernery is this wonderful olde pressed back chair...looking very prim in it's rather unique gold paint - Santa seems to like it!!

..and hanging above the fernery is this wooden spoke wheel with hard rubber around the rim...(we have two of them) and are not sure what they came off of. They were held together with a metal rod - and pretty far apart - Tony (after much work) was able to separate them and wire them to hang - great to display herbs, kitchen utensils or make your very own "prim" mobile !! We are showcasing Terri Leamer's handmade stockings that she made using our toweling fabric from French General - pretty cool !!

"tis the season to be "jolly"....hope you ALL have your "jolly" on !!

***Here you go Joanne and Connie (boy was I sweating that one out... (big smile) since I have been know to "make-up words - however.....)

Definition of FERNERY

1: a place or stand where ferns grow

2: a collection of growing ferns

MERRY CHRISTMAS....

2011-12-07T18:40:00.002-05:00

This is just toooooo cute ....it is an ugly rainy day here in PA but you can always find some JOY!!!
Click on this....XOXO, Judy

http://youtu.be/GzxkNRvujiw

AND - this is how it was done....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atj7sj2wz4I&feature=relmfu

DASHING THRU THE SNOW...

2011-12-05T07:17:00.001-05:00

The weekend of our Sleigh Ride Event was just plain old country "FUN"...lots of new customers (and really that is what it is all about) - and they were in the party mood (well most of them) and ready to find great new items to purchase.
The camera sat on my back counter most of the day as Joanne and I were just busy talking and wrapping and explaining where other stores were (four stores participate in this event)! The "Hot Pockets" seem to go over real big and new customers were amazed that we go to all the work - well...of course we do - it is our thank you for coming! I love to entertain - especially at the store!!
Here is a picture of Joanne and Tony hamming it up while I was inside working real hard...(big smile)!!

Truth is we were "starving" and Joanne went to get us some popcorn!!

The set-up...before 10 am..

Tony getting the popcorn popping!! (he makes the bestest popcorn!!)

Marshmellows in the shape of little snowmen...for the hot cocoa!!

Hungry shoppers....so happy they enjoy!!

..one of my favorites...Carolyn...always happy and always supports us!! XOXO Carolyn

I think they were enjoying our goodies!!

In the post with the snow...same mom and daughters here...sweet family...beautiful girls!

YES - it was this nice out....cool but no wind and the sun was shining brightly all day!!!

I'm ready to do it all over again....!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS...

HOT POCKETS - HOT POCKETS...

2011-12-03T05:51:00.000-05:00

..in merry olde England during the 1800's, street vendors would travel the "shopping district" shouting "Hot Pockets" "Hot Pockets" for all the shoppers to hear..They would be selling "baked potatoes" to the shoppers to carry in their coat pockets! These kept their hands warm while they shopped since most stores were only heated with a coal stove and were (brrrrrr) cold inside! Then they went home and ATE them!!! (yummy)!!
Today, during our Sleigh Ride Event, we will be serving "Hot Pockets" (with all the condiments to go with) on the front porch of the store...won't you join us for this fun Saturday!!!

....many, many thanks (and lots of hugs) go to Kris and Joe Reynolds, owners of THE CHRISTMAS BARN in Woodstock, Connecticut - who shared this wonderful tradition with us! XOXO
http://www.thechristmasbarnonline.com/4436.html - a visit to their wonderful "barn" will be a real treat!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

BRRRRR....it's cold outside!

2011-12-02T07:57:00.000-05:00

December has come in like a lamb....but didn't stay that way...icy windows this morning...brrrrr! The sun is shining brightly so I am sure all will melt before I have to leave for the store and scrape those car windows.
I have been busy getting ready for our 5th Annual Sleigh Ride Event...starting today we, along with the 3 other stores, will have specials thru-out our stores and fun happenings all weekend! I like to keep the "specials" a surprise until you come - today is a good one !!
Hot Pockets are ready for the oven tomorrow morning...(I am lucky to have an automatic timer on the oven so it goes on while I am still sleeping...(love) !!
YIKES...that we (meaning Tony) my fault though, broke the heat lamp that keeps the popcorn warm and delicious...he is trying to locate one today...not even sure where to look! Sigh! Always something to keep me on my toes.
Some new old treasures are being added today too....Hoping you get the chance to visit this weekend and enjoy our hospitality!! Get your "SLEIGH" stamped by each store and enter to win one of FIVE gift certificates from the store of your choice...Merry Christmas!!!

...a hint!!

TODAY STARTS A BUSY WEEK...

2011-11-30T07:46:00.001-05:00

This weekend is our Sleigh Ride with three other stores - pretend of course (gosh alittle sprinkle of snow would be nice) - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is our 5th year for having it and customers look forward to the fun ! Lots to do though to get ready.
I want the store filled to the rafters with goodies and of course there is the goodies for the tummies and then the setting up and finally the FUN!! Hope to see you there!
One year it did snow....just alittle!

Last year at the end of the season sweet friends Jean and Len from New Jersey brought me a couple very large tin snowmen for sale...I had one left and forgot about him - until NOW!! Yesterday I put him in the store for sale. I purchased one from them right before we moved to Hereford (12 years ago) - and I love him to pieces. Each year he stands guard on our "outhouse" door welcoming everyone who visits! (couldn't find a picture :( !! Here is the one we have for sale - $49...he is a BIG fellow, made of tin, hand-painted and a wooden stake is attached to the back (it is an old rake, shovel, pitchfork??? handle - nice and sturdy)!!

Don't you just love that smile!!!!

DAY OF REST ???

2011-11-28T09:29:00.001-05:00

Well that is always questionable isn't it!! However, I am not going to the store today...instead I will stay in my neighborhood - do the laundry, (again), shop for home and FOR OUR SLEIGH RIDE EVENT THIS WEEKEND!
Always a fun Saturday when Elf Tony is serving his "Hot Pockets" and popcorn ( all to be washed down with some hot cocoa!!

Here is a picture of the BIG snow guy made by Helen Voytilla - we even found a vintage child's broom you can purchase to go with him!!!

Tried and tried to get a "good" picture of the Christmas bunting...but it was tooooooo sunny (good thing) so this is the best I could do...it is really, really neat...and only $5.00 !!

Sweet little wheelbarrow - all metal with a hard rubber wheel...a nice centerpiece to go on your old farm table...counter...or by the fireplace!! So many uses!!!

Have a great Monday - I intend to get alot accomplished!! (haven't even started to Christmas shop yet - and I love to shop!!)

CHRISTMAS CHEER...

2011-11-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

What a nice weekend we are having....lots of familiar faces have come to shop and many new faces too....FUN! Black Friday has certainly kept us in the "pink" with lots of giggling and sharing - and also lots of $$$'s and to come right down to it..that is what keeps us going! I am thrilled that we can give you the best handmades and unique Christmas decorations we can find.
Helen just brought me (last evening) another big Santa with lantern (sold the first two first week of open house) and a new tall snowman...3 feet tall (or close to it) - handsomely finished with a top hat and jingle bells!
There is one "Scrooge" up for grabs - but I do think she is working on a couple more for us.
Tony is at market this morning hoping to find lots of replacements for all the vintage boxes etc. that sold this past week...!! Fingers crossed he does well!
These green velvet snowman sacks (large and small) arrived on Friday along with Christmas bunting...(didn't take a picture of the bunting but will today)...how pretty the bunting would look draping a doorway or across a ladder like we hung ours.

..large sack $28. - small $12.

Great to hang on a door filled with greenery - or on an old snow shovel or rake you use for display!

....and WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE...????

Candy Canes and Pansies??? One lone pansy plant is still flowering pretty little faces for us to enjoy...had to pick a couple to share with everyone!

...and not to be "out done"...little "johnnies" peeking thru the fallen leaves! Me oh My!!!

Have a great week everyone...hope you find just the right "gifts" for everyone on you list!!

SOME GOODIES YOU WILL FIND ON FRIDAY...

2011-11-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

...at THE CINNAMON STICK -

Enjoy this day of giving thanks with family and friends...we are so blessed with lots of family and lots of friends - (there are even a few enemies tucked in here and there - but we are thankful for them because they keep us honest and true to who we really are)!!

Gobble, Gobble! .....

GUESS WHO I PLAYED WITH TODAY...

2011-11-22T20:33:00.001-05:00

TRILBY BLU

4 months

She was a very happy little girl today - but I went back to babysit tonight (Mom and Dad had school conferences) and she was NOT a happy camper. She let me know she wanted her MOM !! Kennedy and Blakely (her big sisters) helped me calm her down and finally she cooed and smiled again!

Some pictures of the Baker's Table Tony found, used his "magic" on and brought to the store on Sunday...

Two bins...

Two drawers...

Two bread boards...a really nice piece!! $450.

Joanne (during class Sunday) made this "Wool Feather Tree" using Glitter Wool she purchased from Linda Keller at Grant Street Woolworks, in Chambersburg, PA -

http://stores.homestead.com/hstrial-LKeller7/StoreFront.bok

Isn't it great....you should see it in person...so sparkly and prim at the same time!!

For all you DIY gals...we have some wonderful yardage of red and white cotton velvet. $16. pyd.

What great St Nicolas' or Christmas stockings the velvet would make!!!

Well....I am off to put the pj's on and tuck myself in to see who WINS Dancing with the Stars.....I love all three finalists so it is really, really hard to pick a favorite!!!

ANOTHER CLASS -

2011-11-21T07:58:00.002-05:00

Joanne was kind enough to give two classes in a row to accomodate all the gals who NEEDED to make the Wool Feather Tree...(Thank you Joanne)! These gals were a bit "rowdy"...hmmmmmm maybe that is not the right word...."FUN LOVING" is maybe better!! Our workshop is in the Attic Studio - two flights up from the main floor...Customers could hear all the "giggling" and "laughing" and I had to keep explaining that a class was going on - "making a Wool Feather Tree"...I don't think they couldn't figure out how making a wool tree you would make so much noise!! Needless to say - it was a wonderful afternoon! Here are some pics -
I said "smile girls...look like you are having fun" for my blogs sake!!

...twirling and snipping

Sara...finally started to feel better and started working....(we won't mention why she wasn't feeling well)

Camera kept "acting up" and now I know why...our spirits were visiting us...see the "orb" !!

Sandi...so much fun - so friendly and she kept everyone laughing!!

..looks like Maryellen is pondering what to do...she was! To use brown floral tape on her white wool tree or white...decisions do not come easy!! (she chose brown)!

...working very hard and wondering...How will this ever look like the sample!!

Noreen (on left) found our blog and never having been to the store emailed to come to the class...she came from far - and a new friend was made!! Hugs Noreen!!

Now I must prepare for Thanksgiving and Black Friday...We are closed Thanksgiving but will be bright eyed and bushy tailed (my Mom use to say that all the time)..for Black Friday. Forget the malls ....come shop with us for a relaxing - no shoving or pushing - time!!

BTW - Tony brought the Baker's Table into the store....will get pics when I go up tomorrow to clean!!!

SATURDAY'S WOOL FEATHER TREE CLASS..

2011-11-20T07:11:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of Saturday's class....I didn't get to spend much time "having fun" with everyone as the store was busy and Tony had a previous engagement so he couldn't come help out. I know I missed some good times - It looks like they were very "into" making their trees !!

Joanne greeting everyone and giving the instructions -

Joanne must have said something funny....(she has a great sense of humor)!!

....time to get serious

..and now we will twirl

...glue and twirl...glue and twirl

...still smiling

I didn't get a picture of the finished trees...(sad face)...It was a beautiful Saturday in PA and customers were out shopping the many "happenings" that were going on!
Terri Leamer....one of the gals who brings me wonderful creations - brought in these stockings on Friday...
Wool Penny Stockings...Stars - Holly - and Pennies - they are beautiful in the picture but you should see them in person...beautiful works of art!

These are smaller muslin stockings - aged slightly, and the candy cane is red and white vintage rick-rack braided together - Terri has a vintage apron that she saw this "technique" on and decided to try it herself...not as easy as it sounds but the outcome is wonderful!

...take some time to stop in and see all our new goodies!!

SUNNY AND COLD..

2011-11-18T07:48:00.000-05:00

...a perfect shopping day. Lots of sunshine...a store filled with Christmas cheer.. holly jolly Christmas Carols to hum along to (or sing outloud)...warm orange tea and cookies...nibbles thru-out the store to sample...jingle bells ringing...and a storekeeper who loves her job! Come for a visit!!! So much to see!!

...and a Baker's Table arriving late this afternoon....white agate top - two bins - Now where in the heck will it fit????

SCROOGE !!!

2011-11-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

NOT ME...I don't think anyone would EVER call me Scrooge !! (well maybe my son when he was 10 and his Christmas list was longer than a yardstick)!! Now he has "5" of his own to deal with and their lists....paybacks!!
Here is the most "charming" Scrooge I have ever seen.....handmade by Helen Voytilla - with love (you can just tell)!!

..in red ticking or tan ticking!

See that darling little mouse in his pocket...handsewn and stuffed...with tiny ears...so dang cute!!

I had to purchase $20 worth of candy this morning to display this old cobbler's cast iron nail holder....(not the original base but it works fine and spins so you can try every different kind of Christmas candy)!! For $48. it can sit on your table!!!!!

Had to show you Joanne's rug hooked Santa pillow....I love Santas !!! $32.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only one week away....it is one of my favorite holidays...we all get together and eat, drink and make merry!!

...MUST HAVE LOST SOME SPARKLE

2011-11-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

...cause when I went to the store this morning (to clean, price and display) - I went to the Post Office first and this is what I saw as I stepped out of the car...

Thank goodness I had a pair of old shoes at the store (that matched)!!!... as I had so many errands to run this afternoon!!! Maybe Ginny (comment previous post) is right!!!

SOME DAYS I SPARKLE...

2011-11-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

...and today is one of them! I love mica flakes - glitter - tinsel - and shiny glass balls!!! I love vintage Christmas ornaments, little houses with snow on the rooftops and little snow laden pine trees. Bright red ribbons, red berries on dark green holly boughs, shiny silver stars and pure white angel wings....ahhh yes this is Christmas!! Cards that shimmer in the candlelight, stockings with names written in white with alittle glitter to make them shine and fresh pine needles everywhere!!!

I think the Christmas Fairy has captured me......XO

SCENTSATIONAL !!!

2011-11-13T18:27:00.000-05:00

When you walk into The Cinnamon Stick...I have to agree with our customers, that right away your nose gets a special treat! The scents of balsam, pine, cinnamon and clove just tickle your fancy (and to be honest...a secret ingredient is added to intice you into purchasing lots of goodies)!!

Five pounds of this wonderful Christmas Pine ~~~

~~was dwindled down to this in less than a week!! No fear - Five more pounds will be here next week!! Stop in and scoop up a cup or two !!!

We also have this wonderful Olde Tyme Christmas....a spicy cinnamon potpourri...perfect for all year!!!

Of course we ALWAYS have our cinnamon sticks and rosehip potpourri - (no picture) - another super scented potpourri.
Throw in alittle fresh sage (straight from the herb garden) and a wonderful old rye basket - and you will have a scentsational visit to our little store!!!

NEW CHRISTMAS GOODIES...

2011-11-11T07:50:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Helen brought me more Christmas mice...(too cute), mice in mitten, Sleepytime mice, and 2 Scrooges....I love everything BUT the Scrooges...oh my!!! Sold both from the back counter - immediately - ordered more - immediately !! Never got to take pictures but will when she brings more to me...
Last evening Dianne brought another batch of her Christmas handmades...new angels, Santas, mice (so cute) and a few turkeys!!
There are lots of "goings on" in our neighborhood this weekend - Aunt Daisy's Christmas open house and The Henhouse is having her open house beginning today...we are right in between these two fun stores, so stop in and see what goodies we have for you!!!
Merrie, Merrie !!
....just a peek!

CATCHING UP...

2011-11-10T07:24:00.000-05:00

I have just about "caught" my tail !! That is how I have been feeling these past two weeks...like a puppy chasing his tail !! There is always "too much" to do but that is better than not having enough to do! Right???
My list is only on ONE SIDE of the paper now...(big smile)!!
I am stopping at the store to "purchase" cookies today....isn't that a sad fact!! But promise to get some homemade ones baked for the weekend. It really feels like Christmas when the Christmas Carols are playing, snowmen and Santas are peeking out in nooks and crannies, the scent of pine and cinnamon fill your head with visions of what is to be.....AND you have a homemade Christmas cookie in your hand to munch on!
New items are arriving today from Helen and tomorrow from Dianne...can't wait to see their goodies. It is Christmas everyday at THE CINNAMON STICK....we have the bestest artists!!!

...Little Drummer Boy hooked rug by Joanne!

Sing along with me......"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas"....!!!

JINGLE BELLS...

2011-11-08T07:27:00.001-05:00

With the first week of Christmas excitement "under our belts", we are busy filling all our "nooks and crannies" with new Christmas treasures. THE CINNAMON STICK "jingles and sparkles" this time of year~~~and we want to share that with you - so stop in soon and see what our "Christmas Elves" have been up to.

I sliced my finger so I have been "whining" a bit these past two days...(very hard to type) BUT hopefully it will heal quickly. My "timing" is never very good!

We haved planned another Wool Feather Tree Workshop - details coming soon...!! (forgot my camera to take picture of tree)!!
Feels like "spring" here today...who can figure this weather!!!

GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER...

2011-11-06T08:42:00.000-05:00

Taking a deep breath and trying to clear my mind of the tinsel and jingle bells and glitter!!! There is NEVER ENOUGH THYME - never ever...for me to do all that my mind has inside it - swirling images of all I want to do for THE CINNAMON STICK ! Supposing some of it has to do with age (slowing down earlier and earlier in the day)...(YIKES)!!
If I could only slow down time - just a bit - I want to shop, play and create - I don't want to cook, clean or do laundry ( squinching my nose in a stinky position)!! (truth is I haven't cooked one meal this whole week....thank goodness for a wonderful, understanding hubby!!) ---and thank goodness for restaurants.
BUT - I do have to get my act together and regroup...try to stay on some kind of a schedule - however, not today...I am going to PLAY!!!
Open house has been a happy, busy time and lots of goodies need to be replaced. So off to play I go.

(never got to take pictures...will try to get some individual shots next week...we have/had some really cool Christmas treasures - with more to come!!)

FUN! FUN! FUN!

2011-11-04T07:45:00.000-04:00

Open houses are fun...alot of work...but customers fill our energy "tank" right back up with sweet comments and loving what you have found for them.
We appreciate everyone who visits us - we work hard trying to find the items we share with you - our handmade artists work even harder to fill our store with unique and fun whimseys!! (Joanne (after helping in the store) went home and started hooking more snowman pillows...a bit hit ..so there will be more of them)First day of our Christmas season was great and we will continue to keep the store filled with wonderful treasures!
I didn't get pictures...(I had so much to do yesterday morning and then all of a sudden it was time to open the doors)...I will take some today and share.
Now I have to get ready to go "fluff" the store!!!

Merry Christmas has begun!!

READY...SET...GO !!

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-04:00

Morning of Christmas open house....
Up early...
.....anxiety and excitement stirring within...
Reflecting...
.....very happy with our offerings !
Last minute...
.....clean bathroom and finish decorating it - set up back porch - write new message on slateboard - set out the sweet treats.
Hope you can visit....

MORNING MESSES....

2011-11-02T07:26:00.000-04:00

One last day.....and so much to finish. I have tons of pricing to do....Joanne brought me the "bestest" hooked rugs and pillows - just wait till you see them. Tried to get pictures but my camera was acting up....(I know it's me...but I don't know what I do to make it misbehave)!! Last evening Dianne brought me the "jolliest" of Santa's....can't wait to decorate the store with them today (also need pricing) - hopefully I got the camera working "properly" and will have lots of pictures to share....
Still.....my last order....the one I need to decorate the back porch and the tree.....has not arrived....I know you are all sending wishes to me that it will come TODAY!!
Just took the last batch of chocolate chip cookies from the oven....going to load up the car and be on my way...
Oh yeah...the Winter Issue of "A Simple Life" arrived yesterday......a GREAT issue!!!!!!

WOOHOO...YIPPPEEEE KY YAH!!

2011-10-31T19:52:00.001-04:00

As I drove up the little cut off road (from the main Route 100) Star Road and came upon the stop sign...there they were.....WINDOW CANDLE LIGHTS ALL AGLOW!! I let out a "woohoo" and sang Jingle Bells ...as I went dashing through the "puddles" left from melting snow!!! That meant our electric was back and heat too...(which helped with the 38 degrees outside)!!
So - I worked and worked and worked all day - getting as much accomplished as I could....(making up for not being able to do anything Sunday)!!   I was begging the clock to slow down as I was on quite a "roll" and knew once I stopped this old body would just tighten up and I would be deemed useless for the rest of the evening.
Happy with what got finished...lots, lots, lots more to do~~~ but I am smiling. Only moved furniture to a new destination one time (ususally it is 4 or 5 times before I am happy)...(maybe I am getting easier to please) LOL!!
Still my ornament order for the tree and the decorations for the back porch have not arrived....(saying alittle prayer they come by Wednesday) !!
I did come home and make 5 lbs. of chocolate fudge for open house....delish!!!   Tomorrow cookies!!!
Christmas music was blaring...I was singing.....and the spirits were dancing.....(I could just feel the magic)!!
Boxes of goodies waiting patiently.....

WHO DO I THANK ???

2011-10-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

Benjamen Franklin - Thomas Edison - or the Met-Ed workman who finally "after 2 days" got our electric back on. I have to say it is really REALLY hard not having electric. We have NO water (well) - which means brushing your teeth with a bottle of water and a cup - not fun !! You cannot "flush"....that is REALLY NO FUN!! Using a wet wash cloth to "try" and mat down the bed head - (I won't go on)...Just THANK YOU everyone who has anything to do with ELECTRIC !!
There is NO electric at the store either...still none at this moment. Did I tell you I have 3 days to take all the fall/Halloween down - CLEAN - and redecorate for our Christmas open house....hmmmmm. IN THE DARK!! Our store is in "the country"...pure country (I love it there) however, always the last to get service back. Not sure how I can undecorate - clean - and redecorate without electric power....Everything is in the basement that has to come up and the rest must go down...in the dark...with only one hand to hold a flashlight...(do you feel sad for me yet??)
Okay, venting is over.....it is what it is and I will just deal with it.....BUT PLEASE NO MORE SNOW AND GET ME SOME ELECTRIC!!!
(sigh)

IT'S STILL OCTOBER - ISN''T IT ???

2011-10-29T17:11:00.000-04:00

Then how come we are dealing with this ??? (taken from my back door at 4 pm)

...beautful BUT ????

...well...the rosemary is frozen along with the last batch of parsley from the front garden :(

I went to the store and opened this morning but then it started to look like this - big heavy flakes and in no time everything was covered. I high-tailed it out of there and slowly made my way home (16 country miles)!!
Not use to seeing my pumpkins covered with snow.....by the time I left the store they all were.

Thought I would tease you alittle - goodies coming this Thursday - snow should be all melted by then!!

The basement is filled with all kinds of jolly fellows just waiting to be "released" into your custody!!

These are the only "houses" I want to see covered in snow....

We have lost our electric for most of the day....leaves on the trees, a very wet heavy snow = power outages......NO COMPUTER (worse than not being able to flush)!! (big smile)!! It is still snowing heavily so who knows what the evening will bring. Thank goodness we have the generator...haven't seen a plow yet!!!
(very happy Blogspot saves everything as the power went off just as I was going to click POST)
Hope you are having a much better day....

HOURS...

2011-10-27T08:23:00.001-04:00

We will be closing at 3 pm today, October 27th and closed on Friday, October 28th. (due to a death in the family)
REOPEN - Saturday, October 29th with Halloween's "last hurrah" !!
Don't forget we will be closed Wednesday, November 2nd to finish all the little "it's" for our -

*~*OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS*~*

beginning

Thursday, November 3rd

(we will be open til' 8 pm this evening)

Promises to be an extra special season with lots of wonderful decorations and gifts!!

IN FULL CHRISTMAS MODE....

2011-10-26T07:37:00.001-04:00

It finally HIT me....in 7 days THE CINNAMON STICK will be filled with Christmas delights!! No more messing around -(ie. playing)...it is time for serious action!!
Plan A can't be finalized as I am waiting for ONE MORE ORDER to arrive....sigh...why is it always the items that I need the most ??? Is there a Plan B...NO!!
What I am waiting on is the decorations for our tree...and the back porch decorations.....fingers crossed they come in by next Wednesday....better yet wouldn't it be great if they came in TODAY!!
Between the painters, the rainy weather, the order not coming and being closed on Friday - I think I better get serious!!! (keep singing Judy...keep singing) !!!
Whew!!! Got that out of my system!! (big smile - thanks for listening!!) Just wanted you to know this "job" comes with it's wonderful "ups" and it's crazy "downs" !!
Helen Voytilla brought me wonderful Christmas goodies for you yesterday.....just waiting on Dianne's handmades and everything will be ready for next Thursday!! (well....keep fingers crossed for me the tree is NOT bare)!!
I would love to share (intice) you with some of our Christmas goodies but forgot to take any pictures...will try today....On the agenda is to CLEAN up and ORGANIZE my back counter....(those who visit the store KNOW what I am talking about)!!
Hope everyone has a great day....rain expected here...again!!!

ps. the picture from yesterday was my kitchen windowsill at home last year....the tree is an olde feather tree that my Mom gave me....very special to me. Many of the Santa ornaments were made by a friend who is delighting the angels with her creativity now.

PROGRESS...

2011-10-25T07:28:00.000-04:00

Brrrrrrr...chilly this morning...a great "fall" day! I did make some "progress" yesterday and would have made more IF I wouldn't stop to "play"!! How come I get the most creative when I am too busy to be so???
Back to the store this morning....and first on the agenda is to get my Christmas fabric ironed and ready to put on the tables and shelves. I am "one of those" that HAS to have doilies everywhere. Pieces of cloth bring a softness to a piece of furniture or shelf. (and they don't have to match) !! I remember when The Seraph first came out with repro homespun fabric for sale (Connie - Log Cabin Primitives can relate as she was a "talent" at Seraph). It was $9. a yard - alot of money 28 years ago....But I had to have it and still have pieces of the original yardage. Of course, I have vintage homespun but most of that I have sold.....(see how I go off in tangents ?? Can you imagine how many times I stray from a job at hand....yi yi yi !!
I am humming (and sometimes "belting out") Christmas Carols to keep the "jolly" in what I am doing...the painter was working on the back porch yesterday and I am sure he could hear me as when I left for the day he put his head down (probably couldn't keep a straight face)...LOL!! Oh well...might as well be known as the "crazy lady" at THE CINNAMON STICK...!!

Hope you make alot of "PROGRESS" today in whatever you are doing!!!

MONDAY MORNINGS....

2011-10-24T07:58:00.001-04:00

It is Monday - AGAIN~~time seems to be going so fast lately...hard to get a grip on everything that has to be done.
Sadly, Tony's brother passed away Saturday evening and we have alot on the agenda this week with our personal lives.
We will be closed on Friday, October 28th ~~~otherwise life goes on as normal as it can be.

Today I am going to focus on pricing Christmas trimmings for the store and getting as much ready as I possibly can for our Old-Fashioned Christmas!! (it is good to stay busy)!!
I get these ideas in my head and (I know I drive Tony crazy)...sometimes just can't shake them....the outside of the store is being "refreshed" by the landlords and the RAIN has put a damper on our outside decorations as they can't get the painting completed. Now again....more rain is expected and my "ideas" may not be able to get done....sigh!!! Tony did put the "lights" back up and we removed the hay bales...but will leave the pumpkins till the weekend...(I can't believe I am talking about decorating for Christmas)!!
I am getting excited though....as I open boxes of goodies we will be presenting to you....such great stuff!!!
I am such a "last minute" decorater....I truly have no idea what I am doing until I do it. Sometimes that can be very frustrating....UNTIL...it hits me and then I usually have to hustle, hustle, hustle.....(think I am getting too old for too much hustling)!!
Off to make some "progress"....that is my word this week....

TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVES.....

2011-10-19T08:05:00.000-04:00

FUN NITE WITH WITCHY FRIENDS!!!

2011-10-15T20:08:00.001-04:00

I don't want to go on and on about our Witch's Nite Out but is was the best fun ever! A great group of customers and friends came....DRESSED... for fun and camaraderie!! I didn't get great pictures...First we were busy...and then I was busy talking and socializing (I am best at that - talking that is!!!) It was just so much fun and poor Joanne worked her fanny off - wasn't an easy night as everyone had to "hand bob" for an apple that gave a discount on your purchase...(somehow EVERYONE picked the same apple and it said 20% off) so there was alot of "calculating" to do. Joanne is a PRO!!! And she never stopped smiling -
well....she did goof off and tie silly ribbons on her witch's hat!! I should have gotten a picture of her "spider web" stockings too....woohooooooo!!

AND THEN IT WAS THE BEWITCHING HOUR ....AND WITCHES STARTED TO ARRIVE.....

and then I got sidetracked and stopped taking pictures...(sad face)
...we enjoyed a menu of Sloppy Joe's, baked beans, Salsa and chips, a witch's hat cheese ball and crackers (Thank you Kim- it was delish and beautiful - picture at end of post), cubes of cheese, pumpkin cake, brownies, candy corn crumble, spiced cupcakes (delish Joanne - XO) Cold Cider !!!

...some customers brought their "familiars" with them....meow!!!

...oh Jan has her "familiar" trained well....(What a great sport Chuck is!!)

We had some very pretty witches...happy to pose for us...

ooops....Witch Joy with her "familiar" Molly.....remember her from last year?? Molly LOVES to dress up and has more clothes in her closet than me.

..beautiful and happy witches all !!

...Good Witch Judy on the left and Good Witch (most of the time) Kim on the right!! (Kim won our Best Dressed Witch Contest)....a Gift Certicate to the store!

There were fancy hats...

...and no hats !!

..and some came as far away as Kentucky (well Trina moved and was visiting a friend and we were so happy to see her)!!!

...and one from South Carolina...(okay she was visiting her daughter and grands...but joined the fun)

...enjoying the treats..

...Kims Witches Hat Cheeseball....

First Prize Winner - Kim

Seond Prize Winner - Kathy (Kathy's hat dances and plays music and kept us entertained)

Third Prize Winner - Jan

..and to think I wasn't going to have this party this year.....what a great time I would have missed sharing with the most wonderful ~~customers~~ friends!!!

See you all next year.... BE THERE OR BEWARE!!!!!

WITCH'S NITE OUT !!

2011-10-14T08:15:00.002-04:00

This evening from 6 pm to 8 pm will be our Customer Appreciation - 'WITCH'S NITE OUT" - we hope everyone can join us!
We will be closed all day till 6 pm so we can prepare a fun Witchy Time for you!

Creepy crawly things ....

Hoping to get LOTS of pictures to share with you!

THE GIFTS....

2011-10-12T07:17:00.005-04:00

I would certainly recommend getting a group of your friends together to have a Halloween Exchange Party....truly it is so much fun - and gets you ready to buckle down for the next season to come.....CHRISTMAS !! (still stuffing candy canes!)

Here are the exchange gifts we shared with each other....
These were mine all packaged up...I didn't get any pictures of my gift....duh!! I made "velvet" pumpkins in prim white and orange...and a flattened silver plate spoon stamped "Halloween 2011" !!

...a group shot I displayed to show Tony when I got home!!

...a pillow from Sharon with a hand embroidered spider web - (her embellishment on her packaged was a "bat" garland...glittered and strung on black tinsel garland....!!

Brenda's....somewhere in time! This is a real piece of "art"....all done in a 3-D effect with lace, ribbons ephemera, game pieces inside and on top of a ephemera covered box sitting on an antique tart tin on top of a candlestick....woohoooooooo!!

..the back!!

Vicki's gift ( I don't know how she did this)....OMG,...so unique and wonderful! A vintage silver candlestick with a vintage silver coaster made into this bird cage that has captured a crow and the little witches are having fun taking rides on her swinging perch !! Hand punched tin embellishments...so creative!!

SPIDERELLA...from Bev...honestly you need to see this gal up close and personal to see all the detail...and count the "13" spiders clinging to her!! Made on top of an old "beer glass" and just decorated to the hilt! Her face is glued to a little tablet that sits upon the glass base...wish you could see her for real!!

...and Dianne's Pumpkin Pete...we have some of these for sale in the store...He is just too cute for words!!! (he also has a vest that must have been on the floor when I took the picture...:( !!!) Hand painted and sewn to perfection.....

Mona's gift....this was Mona's first time at our exchange and she kept saying "my gift is not good enough"...well Mona I hope you are reading this because this is a favorite. A book....with a Witchy short story she wrote herself - I love Mona's creations (she makes the shadow boxes for sale in the store)...as she ALWAYS thinks "out of the box" !! Pages and pages of creativity...no two books were the same!!

..one of the pages! We took turns reading each page....just like we use to do in Grade School in the reading circle!

The purpose of the book is to keep adding "it's and bit's" each year - she has made little pockets thru-out the book so you can add that "magic stone" or "lock of a grandbabies hair" !! Very Special gift indeed!!!

Now can you see why I get so excited about our Exchange get togethers!!!!
US !!! (except me as I was taking the pictures...(big pumpkiny grin!!)

Back to Reality....all the shopping is done for our Witch's Nite Out...Tomorrow I will start the cooking - hope you can join us for some "WITCHY FUN" !!!

A HALLOWEEN GET TOGETHER...

2011-10-11T08:32:00.002-04:00

I am one of the luckiest gals to be surrounded by a group of friends who are "beyond" unique and creative. We have gotten together for quite awhile for a Christmas ornament exchange and last year (since we are ALL Halloween enthusiasts) we had our first "annual" Halloween exchange. Last evening was our second! It was held at Brenda's house and honestly I don't know how to describe the ambiance. Sheer elegant Halloween with some "spiders" thrown in!!!
Some pictures of her home....(you have to see it to believe all her collections and decorating skills)

...vingettes everywhere the eye can wander!

...the powder room!

...mantel

...fireplace

..did I mention we EAT GOOD!!

...guess you can tell Brenda loves all shades of WHITE and the theme is thru-out her home!

..the foyer.....every nook and cranny in her beautiful stone farmhouse is magical!

...everywhere you look a wonderful, unique display of creativity!!

...and there is THIS waiting for us...our exchange gifts....just the packaging gets you excited!!

Will have to share that with you later....right now I must get my CHRISTMAS flyer completed, copied and run to the grocery store for our WITCH'S NITE OUT goodies!!!!

SATURDAY MORNING...already ???

2011-10-08T08:06:00.001-04:00

Gosh, I didn't realize I haven't posted since Monday...that lets you know how busy I have been doing...WHAT ???? (I am still trying to figure out where the time went this week).

Boxes and boxes of Christmas arrived (what was I thinking having it all coming in at one time!!) So I have this extreme mess in the store's basement cause I was so excited I had to open every box to see what was inside (cause this old brain of mine just can't remember what I ordered)...and then I got so excited to see the wonderful choices I made for this Christmas season....JUST FOR YOU!! So now we have Autumn, Halloween and Christmas in every nook and cranny of the basesment...Monday I will try to "reorganize". CAUSE - drum roll.....our WITCH'S NITE OUT is this coming Friday evening, October 14th, from 6 pm to 8 pm...Lots of fun to be had for all the good witches and warlocks!!

We have our Halloween fabric on sale - really nice cotton cloth and new "toweling" has arrived. The nubby homespun designed by French General for Moda....perfect to use as table runners etc. Stop by our Make-Do Room and give it a peek!

...also in red with tan stripes

...a one yard runner for sale...

Have a perfect Autumn day!!!

HAPPY MONDAY !!!

2011-10-03T19:11:00.000-04:00

Brrrrrr...chilly out today - I needed a jacket and even put the "heat" on in the car for a minute or two! Went up to the store to do some "research"....opening bins from last Christmas to see just what was there. Have to say it was alittle unnerving as not alot was leftover. Alittle of this and that - I always count on having a nice base to start with and now I better start scrambling with making some the goodies !! Lots of new Christmas has already arrived...just really waiting for one more company and of course all the handmades will come at the last minute (big smile)!! Why am I talking about Christmas??? Well just realizing that it is ONE MONTH FROM TODAY OUR CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE BEGINS!! Have yet to think of a theme - or how the porches will be decorated - (guess I am enjoying the fall season too much) but I better get busy !!!

...so lets get back to fall - as there is still much going on here at THE CINNAMON STICK! I am making plans for our WITCH'S NITE OUT....one week from this Friday - Oct. 14th - I do hope you can come! New fall items arrived last Friday and I took some pictures today -
The Halloween bunting I spoke about....

These are "velvet" sacks in the shape of a cone....ready to fill with bittersweet, Sweet Annie or sprigs & twigs!!

Really cool to hang on a pegged rack, cupboard door - anywhere!!

Also a wonderful sack of potpourri from Crows Nest Primitives...."Pomander" !!! Scentsational!!!

My car went back to the garage today....to fix the same problem I have been dealing with for months....yiyiyi - so I will be house bound tomorrow - Guess I will open up the Christmas file drawer and pull out patterns and all my notes, scribbles and "must do's" for Christmas 2011!!!

IT'S PUMPKIN THYME !!!

2011-10-01T07:37:00.000-04:00

New pumpkins have just been "harvested" and brought to the store.....We have the BEST pumpkin "farmers" - here is a peek!!!

Gourds with dried "pumpkin" slices...

...and the "long awaited" Halloween Bunting" is here!! 12 feet of black and orange gauzy fabric to drape over your mantel, doorways, windows...anywhere your heart desires!! AND only $16 a package....FUN!

HANGING PIE SAFE...

2011-09-30T07:23:00.000-04:00

Tony just brought in this neat pie safe...(if my ceilings were not only 7 ft. high I would keep it as this is MY color)...We have a great price on it so come and get it!!!

..the inside

AND LOOK !!! A new railing going up the first three steps to the second floor. Everyone is thrilled with this as you had nothing to hold onto until you started up the steps from the landing. The steps (if you have not visited) for an old building (1860) are really nice...wide and not steep (even the ones to the attic - although curved). There is a railing going up but now we have a new one to get you to the landing...woohooooooo!!!
Of course I have bumped into them a zillion times already as I am just use to flying around here - a few more black and blue marks and I will be cured of that!!

A true fall day this morning...cool and foggy...perfect day to purchase Halloween goodies!!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT...

2011-09-27T14:33:00.003-04:00

I know some of you enjoy our tales of the paranormal that go on in the store..but not everyone, so if you are not a believer skip this post!!

If you notice in the pictures in the last post #6 and #11....up at the light you will see a white mist.....This does not show up in all the pictures that I took. The ones in the beginning this is not there...but once we got active and started our chatter the mist showed up in the pictures. I even let Patti see what I was seeing thru my lens...there were 3-4 orbs ..one BIG one and a couple little ones....hovering over the table while the girls were working. The orbs did not show up in any of the pictures....but the mist did. It moved...did not stay the same so I can't see that it was any kind of a reflection....and when the girls left this area...the mist did too...interesting huh!!! Here is a picture of it overhead in another area of the attic.

I take pictures ALL the time of our classes and this has NEVER showed up before. It is Halloween at THE CINNAMON STICK and one thing I KNOW for sure is our "SPIRITS" love this time of year!!!
DO DO DO DO....(that is me making spooky sounds......)!!!

NOT A "BAD" WITCH IN THE BUNCH!!!

2011-09-24T18:42:00.002-04:00

Today was our Witch Mannequin Workshop....and I have to say it was one of the best ones we have had...(Tony heard us laughing all the way down on the first floor)...!!! It all started quite innocently - one by one the girls filed into the store with anticipation of what was to come...(we waited for a bit but there were 3 no-shows)..I feel sad for them cause they missed a really, really good time!!
When the girls first went up to the Attic Studio...it looked like this -

Work station #1 - glittering the "spider"

Work station #2 - ribbons and lace for the witch's skirt

Getting the witch some clothes on!!!

Gluing those patches on...

....cutting ribbons and lace for the skirt

...giving that olde spider some "sparkle"

...decisions - decisions...

...putting the witch all together

TA-DA !!!!

..and more TA-DA'S

These gals gave me a fun afternoon of creating and certainly lots of laughing!!! Can't wait till they come again!!!
We served a Veggie Pizza and I promised to post the recipe here...
2 - pkgs. crescent rolls (which now come in sheets...woohoo - alot easier)
2 - 8 oz. cream cheese - softened ..3 T chopped FINE onion...2 T Dill weed...Mix all this together in mixer.
Finely cut - red pepper, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli and mix altogether
Press out crescent rolls on baking sheet - making a little stand up edge on all four sides (just alittle)
Bake 350 degrees for 12-15 min. - remove from oven and let cool.
When completely cool - spread cream cheese mixture on top - spreading out evenly.
Then top with veggie mixture pressing down into the cream cheese (softly) - Refrigerate for an hour before eating!!
ENJOY!!!

LAST DAY OF SUMMER....

2011-09-22T07:50:00.001-04:00

To be honest - summer was over quite awhile ago for me mentally!! Anyone who makes their living from seasonal items always has to be in the next "quarter" of the year all the time! Right now I SHOULD be into winter (but I am having so much fun with fall)!!!
Christmas Open House begins November 3rd...that really is not that far away. Christmas items have started to arrive at the store - unopened boxes in the basement begging to be opened and explored !! (just can't get my mind into that just yet)...!!!
Saturday is our Witch Mannequin Workshop - we have a FULL house of creative gals and I know we will have lots of fun. AND THEN, finishing up the plans for our WITCH'S NITE OUT !! Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm, October 14th ! This will be our third annual Witch's Nite Out and a "Best Dressed Witch" prize will be awarded at 7 pm. Don your bestest witchy garb and join us for our "Customer Appreciation" night of fun!!!

OH MY!!! Did I just hear sleigh bells.....yikes!!!

,,,,sometimes I just can't help myself !!!

FRIENDS...

2011-09-21T07:41:00.000-04:00

...some of the people I hang out with!!

Hope you have a great day...lots of Autumn in the air today!!

JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE....

2011-09-19T08:07:00.002-04:00

...is one thing I can never ever say...!!! Every day brings something new and exciting to Hereford. Be it a customer I haven't seen for awhile- renewed friendships- a box filled with surprises from the UPS guy-a new decorating idea! The list could go on and on.
When that creative "light bulb" goes on I can't help but want to design it right away (and sometimes it "comes to be" just like I envisioned it)...and sometimes not. (grinning)!
A beautiful group of friends (I spoke of them before) get together for what we call an "Ornament Exchange" for Halloween ! It is anything but that. These gals are sooooo creative and challenge me to my fullest to come up with something unique and fun. I have been absolutely unimaginative until yesterday...and I am excited to get going on my project...six in all!! Now I just have to make it come together as I envisioned it...(not always so easy)!! ...by October 10th!!
Also, busy making witchy hats for our upcoming class - redoing the store as new items are due in this week - and wondering how I can add a few more hours in the day without taking away my precious "down" time???
Remember those Halloween masks??

All gone...but they will be replaced on Wednesday - gotta thank Cathie again for sharing her great idea to put them on the pumpkins....I get all the compliments (but honest I tell everyone it was not my idea)!!
AND, I am not going to mention that half my brain is working on Christmas....just half though...the other side is in full Halloween Fun preparing for our....

...we really do hope you will join us for a "spooktacularly" (say that 3 times fast) FUN TIME!!!

TRYING AND TRYING...

2011-09-15T19:28:00.002-04:00

...to get good pictures of our "Witchy" necklaces - made exclusively for THE CINNAMON STICK by creative artist "extraordinaire" Vicki Schubert !! I am NOT a very good photographer and the sun was too bright and ....(excuses excuses)....but these pictures will give you an idea....MUCH better in person though!
They can be used as an ornament or necklace (and yesterday Lynn purchased TWO to wear as earrings...she is the ultimate Halloween lover!!

The size of a small match box they are made in a 3-D effect - box covered with book pages - witch head and other goodies (spiders, webs, stamps clocks etc) some stamped, some in figure form with a 3-D look, a hand-cut glass cover soldered closed and a soldered hook to hang. Cost - $16. A MUST SEE IN PERSON TO APPRECIATE !!

Well it certainly ended up a very Autumny day today....went outside and just about blew away and were my toes cold....It was 61 degrees!! Now in April when it is 61 degrees we feel like it is summertime...but when you are use to temps in the 90's - 61 degrees felt mighty cool.....LOVIN' IT !!!

GOODMORNING....

2011-09-14T07:21:00.000-04:00

First day back in the store after a fun Open House Week.....we are restocked and ready for another great week.
This is such a fun time of the year - I love the colors of Autumn and slowly the trees around here are changing into their fall wardrobe. The herbs in the garden look the best they did all summer....and I have lots to harvest and bundle for sale. Seeing those bundles all winter is a "good thing" as it reminds me that the cold, cruel days of winter will eventually depart. (gosh now I sound morbid)!! I like winter till the end of January and then I want spring...(smiling)!!
Some of the guys and gals that keep me smiling all day long......!!!!
PUMPKIN PETE...

TABULA....

SQUEEK...

COUNT DRACULA...

DETACHMENT...

2011-09-11T08:41:00.000-04:00

I am one of those people who tries to detach themselves from the hard reality of the ugliness in this world. I deal with it on a small level from once upon a time friends to major disasters of 9-11 and the devastion of people's lives and homes thru earthquakes, floods and fires.
On September 11, 2001 I was in the store setting up for our fall open house. I had the radio on instead of the "spooky" Halloween music that I usually played listening to the weather for the next day. That is when I heard the news....in shock I saw the shopkeeper next to me arrive and walked outside... Corinna and I stood just looking at each other. No words can describe the feelings being felt or shared that moment.
We debated whether to go on with our open house plans...truly you didn't know what to do...confused and nerves at edge we decided to go forth. I am very happy that we made that decision.
That Wednesday was one of the busiest days we ever had....not the financial part but the customers who came - it confused me a bit - but then I realized they needed and "escape" - from the TV and news...if just for alittle while. No one spoke of what happened until someone mentioned it around 2 pm...again I thought that was going to be the talk of the day and wasn't sure I could handle that. That day The Cinnamon Stick was a "happy place"..where one could come and pretend all was all okay in the world...if just for a brief moment.
No one will ever forget this horrific day...no one ever.

GOD BLESS AMERICA... and pray for all of us.

EXCITEMENT...

2011-09-09T07:50:00.000-04:00

It's the BEST kind of tired when customers make you feel "special" and all the hard work (hours, days) was worth getting them excited !!
The shelves (tables, benches, cupboards) are restocked and ready with the BEST handmades and sparkly treasures!!
Escape to THE CINNAMON STICK to get your mind off the weather - at least for a little while....it is another world inside those doors - enjoy some Cider, Trick or Treat candy and spookiness!!!

MAGIC SCENTS THE AIR....

2011-09-07T17:44:00.000-04:00

Candles are at the ready...pumpkin spice and cinnamon awaken the senses...friendly spirits are surveying all the new treasures...owls are hooting...hearts are beating faster and faster....soon it will be time to open our doors...

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !!

SETTING GOALS...

2011-09-07T07:13:00.001-04:00

Today is the last day to have everything ready for our "Autumn in the Country" open house. On the agenda is cleaning up this mess...

...those who frequent the store KNOW that my back counter is always a "work in progress". I just can't sit there in between customers (or even when they are browsing the store) and do nothing but stand there and look "pretty" ! So I make "messes" - creative messes !!! There are BIG messes right now as you can see...and today is the day to get it all cleaned up! My problem is that I go on "tangents" - start one project and then go on to another and another and then back to the first...you get my drift - so there are so many happenings all at once. (sigh) !!! Somehow (?) it all gets accomplished!

I posted some pictures of the store (randomly - without explanation) on our Picture Trail (click on the rughooked pumpkin picture on sidebar)
See you tomorrow - "Let the Fun Begin" !!!
Did I ever tell you I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!

THE BEST IDEAS...

2011-09-05T21:36:00.001-04:00

- come from my customers...Cathie had me save her 4 of the Halloween masks that we are selling as she could see them tied on her pumpkins - look how cool this bat mask is on one of our pumpkins....!! Thanks Cathie for a great display idea!!

...and this gal's name is - (you'll never guess...)

CINDERELLA !!!

...little by little - it's by it's the store is starting to come together...Three days and counting.....

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP ..

2011-09-05T07:25:00.000-04:00

As you can see I got my blog posts fixed... thank you !!!
I am off to the store to START the cleaning, decorating and all the other stuff that will make our Autumn in the Country open house a fun time for you!!
I will share some pics as the progress for the next 3 days takes place....hopefully "smoothly" - already I can't find any cornstalks and they are painting the front porch...yiyiyi !!
Looks alittle rainy and "dreary" outside my windows - perfect day to decorate for Halloween!!

TWIN WITCHES.....

2011-09-03T08:08:00.001-04:00

Are these gals not the sweetest....no bad witches EVER at The Cinnamon Stick....maybe somewhere else but NEVER at our store...(even though some may look alittle frightning - after all they are witches!!)
Handmade by Helen Voytilla...love them!

...lots of Halloween signs will be in the store for our "AUTUMN IN THE COUNTRY" open house...

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend....

HISSSSSSSSSSS- MEOW!!

2011-09-02T06:57:00.000-04:00

This sweet little kitten is trying her best to scare me...but she is just too darn cute to do that!!....Olivia modeled our Halloween masks that are for sale NOW in the store....made the "olde-fashion" way using sturdy felt and cloth ties!! Come check them out!!

..a bat, cat, owl and pumpkin!!!

..cool Halloween ribbon to decorate wreaths etc..(maybe some of you need a pretty new bow on that broom)!! $1. pyd.

Enjoy your day - I have a busy one ahead of me....Helen Voytilla brought our order to us yesterday and I have lots of pricing to do...just wait till you see her witchy mice- woohoo!!

WEDNESDAY MORNING....last day of August...

2011-08-31T08:18:00.001-04:00

August has been a very "strange" month....
The bad - hurricanes and earthquakes
The good - BUSINESS HAS PICKED UP - the hot weather of July seems to have disappeared - and the excitement of our fall open house is "contagious" !!
I must say, although summer is so welcomed in May and June - it is a long time between open houses and I am so ready to "party" with everyone!!
Many really fun items have come into the store and I just love changing everything around and "finding" room for all the goodies. EIGHT days till open house...oh my!! Porches need to be decorated (they are painting the front porch this week) - treasures have to be priced and completed - our resident Cornball hasn't arrived yet - wonder where he is!!
I better get to work...so much to do !!! I'll leave you with some hooked mats that are in the store NOW!
by Joanne McIllmurray - beautiful!

FAREWELL IRENE...

2011-08-28T16:44:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness that is over with - we faired quite well and were very lucky. The electric went off and on a few times but stayed on! The orange cords are all wrapped up and put "out of service" for (hopefully) a long, long time! It is still quite windy here and the sky is very eerie looking

I was going to open the store today and then I wasn't and then I was....well I didn't - listening to the news there are so many creeks and streams that overflowed and closed roads I just didn't want to get caught in that. Right on Route 100 (the main road to the store) there is a stream going through farmland and it always floods the road so I thought it better to stay home.
Tony went out at 6 am to help our son (owns Fast-Pro Restoration)...he does the water clean-up and he had over 50 calls with basements flooding. What a mess- crews will be out all night it seems!

I wanted to get pics of all the wonderful goodies the girls made to share with you - I plan on going to the store tomorrow (clean, price, decorate) so I will take some pictures! It is "Back to School" for all my grands tomorrow (and my daughter) - they are excited to start the new school year. Football (3 play) Soccer (2 play) Cheerleading (2 cheer) - going to be a very busy fall !! (can't wait) !!!

FOLLOW THE ORANGE....

2011-08-27T18:52:00.004-04:00

Sitting and waiting for the storm.....we are ready!!! Everything in the basement of the store is up high - and outside is as "empty" as I could make it.

Came home to this....Generator on side porch...

All "work in progress" now in enclosed porch....

Follow that orange trail....thru the kitchen and

up the steps and down the hallway..

to the basement door...to keep that sump pump running ( just in case )

That pile of cords will go to the coffee pot - TV - and an electric light or two. It has been raining for a couple hours...just a nice summer shower - getting a little windy but nothing drastic - yet !
This olde house has been standing for 183 years and hopefully it still has alot of "spunk" left !!
We parked our cars at the end of the driveway as we have a big black walnut tree that has been around a pretty long time too - if it had to fall and fell just perfect it could miss the house and workshop....big IF !!
Wishing everyone a safe journey thru the storm...

PREPARING FOR THE WORSE...

2011-08-27T07:27:00.002-04:00

This morning it is the "calm before the store"....quite eerie in fact! Sunday's newspaper was delivered this morning and I have a list a mile long for Tony to do today. I am going into the store as the storm is not suppose to come till later tonight - (hopefully that is right)!!
All those battery lights will be "twinkling" today...(big smile)!! We ALWAYS lose the electric at the store - so I am really really hoping the storm holds off till we get everything up high in the basement and batten down outside. I have the outhouse that is just "sitting" there - not tied down in any way. (fingers crossed it is standing Monday morning) !!
Earthquakes - hurricanes....severe hot weather..stinky economy.....think we are being told something???
I for one am on my very best behaviour - I'm listening!!

I can't wait to show you the coolest Halloween goodies I got from Vicki....you are going to flip out!!! She is so creative - I should have taken pictures but I was trying so hard to organize my back counter that I forgot - and then Mona came in with her UNIQUE (and I mean unique) one of a kind shadow boxes.....(witchy with a Parisian theme)...incredible!!

Did I ever tell you I LOVE HALLOWEEN !!!!
(pictures coming - promise)

Oh - and if I am not here - well you will know we lost electric at home too!!! Wishing everyone a very safe and quick visit from Irene-stay safe my friends.

SHE'S BACK...

WHEN THE STORE IS DARK and DREARY...

2011-08-25T19:17:00.002-04:00

...cause the sun is NOT shining and the rain clouds linger all day - spitting drops off and on ...and then sometimes opening the faucet full blast - The only thing you can do is TURN ON THE LITES!! Not the store lights, but all the little lites that make the store "twinkle" !!!

Purple battery operated rice lights for the feather trees....(have them in orange lites too!) AND they have a timer - woohoo!!

Pumpkin face lanterns with an orange flicker light inside - and a small little jack-o-lantern with a candle lite inside!!

Lots of little battery tapers twinkled all day too...It was just a magical day!!!

We received the NEW Fall/Winter Flea Market Style magazine today - it is a great issue with lots of fun decorating ideas...stop in for your copy !! (don't you just love the little blue child's chair)???

Wasn't going to put any of the Halloween signs out till open house but there was a big blank space on this wall so I just couldn't help myself!!!! We will have some really fun signs like this for sale soon!!!

I expect that Alexandria will be visiting soon...do you know her????

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL...

2011-08-24T07:39:00.000-04:00

On our shopping spree yesterday we did alittle bit of the above title....the earthquake in Virginia rumbled thru PA as we were eating lunch....you saw some very unique expressions on the other diners in the restaurant. No one had a clue what was happening - now we all know..!!! Happy it wasn't "earth shattering" !!

OUR SHOPPING SPREE was just great...OMG - The Cinnamon Stick is going to have the bestest open house ever. I found some of the coolest Halloween goodies. We went to 5 different wholesale warehouses and to Michael's for ...MORE GLITTER!! It will take me all morning to unload the van.
THEN...last evening Dianne (one of the artist who makes for the store) brought me "49" items - I am beside myself with all her goodies. (If you see me wearing a great big "pumpkin grin" you will know why)

Trying to figure where everything will be displayed will be a real challenge (but I am up for it...big smile)!!
Beautiful cool and crisp morning here - going to enjoy it before "Irene" comes to visit...!!

SHOPPING TRIP...

2011-08-23T07:18:00.000-04:00

I have been "trying" to go shopping at some of my favorite places for a few weeks now - something always seems to come up (broken car, babysitting, doctor's appts.) WELLLLLLL - today is the day. Joanne and I are off for a day of (hopefully) purchasing goodies for the store. The sun is shining, it is not too hot and I have some $$$'s in my pocket....some days are made for having fun!!

The countdown to our "Autumn in the Country" open house is nearing and I want it to be the most special one ever! Since I was "so" overly anxious for fall to arrive, I do have a good start on some of the transformation of summer to fall. Right now that is a good thing and honestly no one complained it was too early. The porches are still very "summery" and I am tryng to clear my head as to how to "do" the porches this year. I am not the type who can plan it ahead of time - I am more of a "wing-it" decorator. Not always an easy way of doing things.

Next week ALL the "grands" start school (all of course but Trilby) and even they are anxious. Yesterday Blakely and Kennedy had to try on all their new "school clothes" to show me...ahhhh - a new "season" begins!!!

WOOL FEATHER TREE CLASS FUN!!

2011-08-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had the first Wool Feather Tree class of the season...made from black wool for Halloween! It seems the best customers and most creative gals come to our classes cause they certainly made the day fun!
Here are a couple pics to share with you - more on our PT!!
We start with nice clean tables - organized and ready to go...

..and then the fun begins!!

..concentraing, snipping and twirling - (you have to take a class and see what all that is about!)

...more snipping and twirling and Amy is ALREADY gluing...!

...gets very quiet when everyone is working...

..on to the ornaments...forgot to get good pictures (I was having too much fun)...this is Kim's cone that she put a punch out of a spider in...she made it so when you pulled the string the spider popped up....toooooo cool!!

...rosettes to hang on the tree..

Joanne usually "hooks" a couple tree skirts for the trees and sells them....she made two and both are sold!

Everyone had a fun time - and when I was downstairs they CLEANED everything up ( and we do make messes)....Thank you girls....but that is certainly not necessary (see I have the bestest customers)!!!
Join us for one of our classes sometime...we quarantee a fun time!

SUNFLOWERS ARE POPPIN' UP...

2011-08-20T07:19:00.001-04:00

...all over at THE CINNAMON STICK !! Joanne has been a very busy girl giving us some wonderful pillows with sunflowers in full bloom!!

...and some pumpkins and crow pillows!

Really cool pillows...and there is another "OWL" pillow....so darn wonderful!!
Today is our Halloween Wool Feather Tree Class...we have a great group of girls coming....all are new except one so it should be fun. Joanne does all the hard work, I just walk around being "me" !! I do have some fun ornaments to show them how to make for their trees - lots of "glitter" going to be in the air !!!

FAREWELL SWEET ANNIE...

2011-08-18T20:15:00.000-04:00

Today Sweet Annie left for her summer home - I will miss her - she is such a good listener and always has a smile for everyone who visits! Here she is taking her job very seriously!!! Goodbye my friend see you next spring!!

Soooo...having a big empty spot where Sweet Annie stood guard I decided to bring up the "Fake Dead Tree" that we decorate for Halloween....You have to know that I absolutely hate fake trees...but they are a necessary evil when you own a store. I hate them because you have to take each and every wired branch and straighten it out and twist and bend it back into shape....I just find this a boring, tedious, unforgiving job!
I did get the top done in this picture....I just kept walking away when I got frustrated...!!!

...this is all I finished in three hours.....and then woohoo.....

Joanne to the rescue!!! She just plopped herself down on the floor and took over....after of course she told me the tree looked crappy where I had it so we rearranged the store a bit ( she had a brilliant idea for a piece of furniture that I was not prepared to move....AND I LOVE WHERE IT IS - gave the store a whole new look!!)

...and TA-DA....it is all pulled out and ready for lights....(hmmmm wonder how Joanne is with putting on lights!!)

It was a very quiet day in the store today so I did get some of my messes cleaned up and all the beautiful rughooked pillows Joanne brought me are priced and displayed....( will show you soon)!!!
The "Attic Studio" is all ready for Saturday's class, my knee only hurts alittle bit, and I cooked dinner 4 days in a row - so far it is a good week!!

A SIMPLE LIFE -

2011-08-17T19:18:00.001-04:00

(all day today I thought it was the 16th until I opened my blog and saw the date....holy moly girl.....!!!)

The fall issue of A Simple Life arrived this morning....a really nice issue with great articles! Come and get your copy!!

The "PLAYERS" from yesterday's babysitting "gig" !!!
Evan and Champ in the "X-BOX" room - yes that is what it is called....(big smile)...ie. dinning room waiting to knock down wall to make a larger kitchen (dining room moved to living room...oh too confusing to even described) !!

Breck, Blakely and Crew....playing with Legos and making faces at me in the Game Room.

Cullen...my sweetie pie...always ready with the smile...going to play with the "Wii" (asked me to play with him cause he KNOWS how bad I am at it!!)

They really kept themselves occupied and were so good....they are growing so fast. Glad I got to spend some time with them before school starts...and all the sport activities they are in...

CROWS...AND MORE CROWS...

2011-08-15T14:24:00.002-04:00

NO - not the ones that make all the noisy caw - caw sounds...these CROWS are for eating...yummy in your tummy!! A favorite at THE CINNAMON STICK'S open house!

So happy I found them this early....they disappear from the grocery store shelves very fast! (of course you have to LOVE black licorice (and I do)!!!

I was busy Sunday afternoon changing some things in the store....As I stand behind our cash/wrap counter, right in front of me is this vintage card catalog table from a library. It has 30 drawers and I have always filled them with lots and lots of candy for sale. It had "ladybug" fabric as a doily and I just couldn't handle looking at it any more...so I had to change it. The drawers are now filled with our "dips" and of course our penny candy sticks (that cost 20 cents a piece-(inflation)???). We have decided not to sell as much candy as we use too so I moved our "treats", that we serve each day, to this counter too....thought it would be easier and not tie up traffic when I manage to "overcrowd" the store with goodies for sale. The doily is now "candy corn" and I added Halloween colored lights and garland! Something new to look at - !!!

I was busy making some Witch's Shoes Candy Boxes - and put them on there for sale too!

We have been having storms here most of the day....and it sort of made me a bit lazy....so now I have to get moving and get some things accomplished on my day off. Tomorrow I am babysitting for my daughter's four boys as she has to go to school for a workshop and maybe 2 (or 3) of my son's children will go along with me to play with their cousins. Hoping it is a "sunny" day - I can stuff pumpkins and they can swim!!!
Toodle-loo !!!

LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT...

2011-08-14T06:45:00.000-04:00

...and she brought her sisters with her - they are triplets!!

..the pumpkin patch yields more pumpkins everyday - all sizes!!!

...and soon the Halloween tree will be filled with lots of goodies....like these candy corn ornies!!!

Going to be a rainy day today - a perfect day to go shopping!!!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN...??

2011-08-12T06:57:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe I haven't posted in 6 days....not like me but goes to show you how dedicated I am to getting the store ready for fall and Halloween. (or maybe I was just having more fun reading other blogs)!!! It is sort of an "inbetween" time right now....too early for Halloween (and that is what we do best) and getting late for summer. I am "gradually" putting summer florals away and replacing them with the beautiful shades of orange, rust, gold and browns, along with changing the fabrics that cover the display pieces. The store is starting to take on a "look of Autumn" !!
Joanne brought me a wonderful selection of hooked mats and pillows....she is an excellent "hooker" and amazingly fast (once she gets those fingers going look out!).
Here's a peek -

I asked her for an "owl"...this is her design and soooooo cool!!!

If you are interested in any of these - call or stop in the store . There are more to see!!

Tony and I are always saying how SPOILED are grands are....they do have everything under the sun, but they are such wonderful kids...loving, polite, honest, and only fight with each other alittle bit!! My DIL posted pics of the four oldest (new baby Trilby is 3 weeks old) of them helping her do "her" chores and I just had to let them know how proud I am of them helping out!!!
Anthony - weed wacking...

Kennedy - skimming

Champ - mowing

Blakely - sweeping

Trilby - loving her Mom !!

Have a wonderful day today...I plan to have one too!!

MORE SUNFLOWERS....

2011-08-06T07:46:00.000-04:00

(still having camera problems so I hope you will bear with my pictures) !!

Goodmorning....overcast, cool and I am enjoying it!!

Here is another picture of a rughooked mat/wall hanging that we have for sale - the colors of the wool are just perfect

Pumpkins in a row - hooked by Joanne McIllmurray...

...and a hand appliqued wall hanging by Terri Leamer....beautiful workmanship!

To "see" and "touch" all these wonderful treasures stop in and see us!!

SUNFLOWERS...

2011-08-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

My poor sunflowers are not very happy - in fact they are turning their sweet heads away from the sun....very sad that the rain clouds haven't supplied enough water to keep their leaves green and their flowery heads big and beautiful !! However, we do have some beautiful sunflowers in the store.....rug hooked by Joanne McIllmurry - and ready for sale....Here's a peek - Sorry the pics are so dark...still trying to figure out what is wrong with my camera...(probably me)!! The workmanship and colors of this wallhanging are really great...stop in and see!!

Sunflowers hooked right onto the wool pillows....really unique and fun - great gift for someone special!!! (even if that someone special is YOU!!)

ahhhhhh - the Witch's Shoes....We have made these shoes in class for the past two seasons and I thought it was time to start selling them. Made from paper, these shoes make the best Halloween Candy Boxes - a sweet token of friendship to your favorite "Good Witch" - !!!!

We have changed the date of our Halloween Feather Tree Class to August 20th....this is the coolest Halloween tree ever....stop in the store to see a sample....a great start for your fall/Halloween decorating!!