QUILT RETREAT 2009

Well another fantastic Quilt Retreat has come and gone. I am posting numerous photos from the 3 story lodge where it was held. Just a beautiful setting, but , was disappointed that the trees were not in full color as in the past years. Some said the extra rain this fall and fast cool down brought this about. The view was still wonderful. Being on the lake brought about many surprise visits from different fowls. One day we had a lonnggggg....and I mean very long straight line of white ducks just sitting in a row. Just like the old adage...get your ducks in a row. Couldn't begin to count them all. They stayed this way forever! Then eventually they broke up.
The one photo shows a stone with the word Waubee!. The lake is Waubee.


The first photo is of Deb, with the green sewing machine, that made the neatest (and I know it sounds strange) quilt from her sons boxer shorts. And I add as she stated "they are all clean." LOL

The next closeup in third pix is of Marilyn that does such lovely work and my can she crank out the quilts. Wish I could move as fast as her.

The other photos show some of the other ladies. We had 45 attend this Quilt Retreat. So much fun and fellow shiping.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.
Now is the time of year to begin cocooning. So start your sewing, painting or whatever projects.

Hugs
Susan

HAPPY HARVEST TIME

Can you believe it is October....and I am just now getting another post to my blog.
Gracious......where does the time fly to? Seems to be my mantra anymore.
As you can see by a couple photos of items listed in my Etsy shop, the Harvest items are accumulating.
Please check out our OFG Old Farmhouse Gathering Art Group on Etsy. Just type in OFG in the search bar.
We have many wonderful artists offering fantastic items for your Harvest Decorating.

Also in the air for me is my soon to be Quilt Retreat at a neat camp in Northern Indiana. Just can't wait. Will be lots of great food, fun and fellowship..and of course the all night and all day sewing! Will post some pixs when I return.

Hope all of you are enjoying the cooler temps. I know I am. Our trees here in Indiana are turning. Some are so pretty...better than last year.

Well, I am off to my studio to sew and get some things organized.
Hugs
Susan

Garage Sale , Yard Sale they are all so much fun!

Who can resist a good sale, sometimes a steal for unique items or just something that you can use and not spend much of your money on?
Every once in a while I get out and scour a few. The past couple weekends coughed up a few treasures as you can see by my photos.
I just LOVE the vintage forest green crepe paper nut cups with handles. They were in the original packing. At the very back are a Vintage Japan couple, boy and girl bookends.
In my studio I have a shelving with my collectible Santas, some I made and others bought, plus vintage Christmas. This is one of my design stimulator areas in my studio. So I just had to pick up the vintage bottle trees and green hard plastic sleigh.
The one santa is a Naapco. Not sure about the Tea Strainer Mug? Anyone have info on this?
Enjoy the photos.

FREE GIVE AWAY OFG Members

This is a fun Posting. Since Autumn is just around the corner my thoughts are on the apple orchards,cool air,changing leaves you name whatever image comes to your mind depicting Autumn.
So...am giving away a red Wool Felt Candle Mat that is approx. 8 1/2" diam. This will look lovely under your Autumn Apple candles. It has green and black hand-stitched embroidery with 3 gold beads at four areas. My photos don't give justice to this. Just think how pretty this would be sitting beside a basket of apples! Then you will also get the cute little Delicious Apples Pillow. It has a country red homespun on the back.
The drawing will be held Monday, August 31st. Just leave me a comment on this post. Be sure to put your name and address.
PLEASE NOTE this is for the OFG Team Members only.
Thank you
Enjoy
Susan

MY DOLL CREATIONS

I am posting a couple of my doll photos that were used at the Cloth Doll Group I belong to. Started creating dolls back in 1986. Began in the craft shows, then after leaving the medical field the adventure led me to my own Country Store and of course the dolls were there.
My Rabbit Doll is made from tea-stained velvet. This was alot of fun to make. Most of my dolls incorporate pieces of antique or vintage textiles and objects. When first copy righting the dolls they were under my designer name Susan Janssen-Green.
Enjoy
Susan

MID SUMMER DAY DREAM

Well here it is mid summer. Can you believe how fast the time has flown?? WOW......grandma used to tell me, when I was anxious to get out of high school, that the years would go faster and faster with each year. She was so right. Would love to sit and talk with her now about this truth. Unfortunately, when we are young the usual reaction to an older persons wisdom is , "yeah, right."
Like we knew everything there is to know at that age. Gracious.
Anyway, my rambling is because, while photographing a few of my flowers in backyard the emotion of nostalgia hit me.
Had so much fun so far this Spring and Summer. Actually, embracing the outside more this year. When the sweat (I don't perspire I sweat!!) would roll down my head and face, I embraced it....was enjoying the feeling of living and playing in the dirt.
Enjoy my backyard photos. Have alot more I could have taken, but then you would have been bored.
Enjoy Susan

A Few Frugal Tips !!

Thought it would be fun to write a blog on saving tips. Will write a few every so often. With times hard for so many, it is always wise to see how long you can hang onto your "cents." I have noticed that cooking for the two of us,hubby and I ,making sure it is a healthy balanced meal, is an art. What with the increase in cost of groceries...my oh my! Who wants to waste??

TIPS

1. In order to save your celery (we always buy for a recipe that calls for only one
stalk....Pleeazeeeee..) Cut off the bottom section, place this in a freezer bag
storing for a day of soup or broth making. Wrap the entire stalks and stems in
aluminum foil. Really, was I surprised at how long this lasts.

2. To keep a head of lettuce fresh for a week or even longer.....after washing
lettuce, let it drain well first. Insert head of lettuce into a big enough bag
along with a piece of paper towel at bottom and top. The paper towel will absorb
moisture. Each time after using the lettuce, check the paper towel to see if it
needs new. Amazingly, you will have fresh lettuce for a very long time. I eat a
salad at lunch each day. Don't waste your money of the pre-chopped bags of
lettuce. I found that once opened, they last only that day or perhaps a day and
a half. A wasted for a single or double family.

Simply Wonderful Days Of Spring

Can you believe tomorrow will be June? Where does the time fly too?
I have been busy each evening "putzing" around my flower beds.....enjoying the smells of Spring, earth, sweet cool air. Isn't it wonderful this time of year.
I marvel at God's creation. What an Awesome God is He!!! He created all, with a purpose and everything intertwined, His World for Him.
I became a member of the Peru Garden Club last June. It has been so much fun. Was afraid at first that a person needed to be a pro to join...but found out differently.
As one lady stated, "it is a great way for a novice to begin." She is right. So much knowledge from the pros in the group...you are always accepted, free seeds and plants...oh my !!!! :)
My experience has been, plant it and see if it survives. If it does then figure out or read up on why. If it dies, then do the previous. Trial and error...nothing better than that.
We live in town and have small yards,so mine is quickly becoming crowded with lots.
My one sister Jo inspired me. She is such a pro - a definite green thumb with lavender twist to boot!!!
My pictures are first the climbing rose bush that has taken about 6 years to get to this stage. Another, just plant and see what happens. My Clematis is the last 3 photos. Not sure of the name, my pansies, that are a favorite of my hubby's, are the two center photos and first photo is the Red Raspberry bush. It was absolutely loaded last year to the point that my freezer overflowed with bags of BIG PLUMP Red Raspberries. We had Raspberry Shortcake just the last week. Now this year it looks as though will be full again. Have counted 6-8 blooms on each cluster.
The funny thing is I purchased this bush at Home Depot about 4 years ago. It looked pathetic but the price was right up my alley....$1.99.
It is one of the stories "plant it and see if it grows." It wasn't until the 3rd year it yielded so much!! When we went on vacation last year I request our neighbors and cousin to please come and pick them...didn't want them to go to waste.
Enjoy my photos. ( I know they did not upload in the right order)

Memory of my Annie Girl

High in the courts of Heaven today
A little cat bravely waits.
with all the others she will not play
But sits alone by the gates.
"For some day my mistress will come." says she.
"And when she comes she will call for me."
Author Unknown

A Sad Day

My goodness it has been so long since I last posted on my Blog.
First, during later part of fall and then into December we were busy with family things...and of course the holidays.
We went to Georgia to see our grandsons & family for Thanksgiving.
Then I was busy getting ready for my upcoming re-constructive surgery on my right foot. I would be non-weight bearing for about 2 months, in a cast, then a walking cast the latter weeks.
It has now been about 4 months !!! Yes, 4 months!!! There have been problems with my ankle implant working out and the 1st Metatarsal not fusing as should. Thus am on a bone stimulator. It is working. Still in boot/cast for another week and prayerfully will be off. I do need a minor surgery to re-screw in the implant.

Now, the sad part. I am posting a picture of our beloved Calico Orphant' Annie. She is named after one of James Whitcomb Riley's poems that my father read to me often. Orphant' Annie was one of many favorite Riley poems I adored as a child and now as an adult. Of course he is a Hoosier ! :)
Annie had hyperthryoidism. We had her on meds. then she began to spit them out, hide at pill time...you name it.
Anyone that has had a Calico know they are very bull-headed and she more so since being so spoiled by us. She was a beautiful Calico.
I said God gave her to me, November 1993, because my heart had been broken by my father's untimely death.
You see, Annie had a beautiful black heart on her right shoulder! She was a new heart for my breaking heart.
It was so very hard to take her to the vet yesterday. My hubby was crying as hard as I.
The young vet was so compassionate along with the assistant. At her age to have the thyroid eradicated was just way too expensive and her being old and not an outside cat....well, I know her heart would have been broken to be away from us for 2 weeks.
So...here we are, seeing our beloved Annie's image in every nook and cranny of this 2 story victorian home.
Yesterday as I notified my friends ....my thought was.....why are we to fall so madly in love with God's critters just to have our hearts broken.
But....you know.....I am so richly blessed to have had Annie grace my life.
I always talked to her...."you are such a pretty pretty Calico." As I rubbed her chest she would puff it out and let me keep telling her how pretty she was.
Now....if that isn't a Calico for you....very proud and strutting her stuff.
I hope you enjoy her photo....I know she would love it ~
Hugs
Susan

HAPPY HARVEST TIME !

I absolutely love this time of year! While living away from Indiana I always traveled back home for a visit during the month of October.
Since moving back, and through my friend at church, there is another reason why I love October....QUILT RETREAT !! Yahooooooo
You will see to the left many photos that I took while on my recent Quilt Retreat at Camp Mack which is in North Central Indiana.
We have a ball...us ladies laughingly say "we sew alot, talk alot, eat wonderful food and sleep very little.
Many bring UFO's which is Unfinished Objects along with at least three projects to chose from.
You go away with new ideas and tips on bettering your quilting craft.
I only started quilting about 3 1/2 yrs ago, although I have always admired it often. Remember, I have been sewing (or attempting to) by the age of 5. Was taught by my beautiful spirited Grandma that raised me.
It was always a treasure to me to be able to pull out her big muslin bag full of fabric scraps and imagine and then create. Little by little she began to allow me privledges of using her tools and sewing machine.
Enjoy the photos. Should have taken more. We have a Show N Tell Night where the ladies show off a project she has worked on or completed the past year....and let me tell you...they were awesome.
It humbles one such as I.
The one photo is of the back west side of lodge...I neglected to get one of the front that was decorated with pumpkins and cornstalks.
Susan

SUNFLOWER HERB DIP

I just have to share this delic.....recipe with you.
During our monthly Peru Garden Club Meeting this past Monday, we had a speaker that provided information on the sunflower.
She handed out this recipe and upon reading it said to myself "ohhhh this sounds so good and I already have most ingredients at home. "
Well today I made it, took a small spoonful out to sample. So delicous !!!

Enjoy it !

Sunflower Herb Dip

2/3 Cup Plain Yogurt 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons chives 1/4 teaspoon paprika
(I used fresh from my) 1/2 cup sunflower kernels.
garden, snipped
2 teaspoons parseley flakes

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until sunflower kernels are chopped up. Some may not be.
Chill overnight. Serve with crackers, chips, or raw vegetables.
Yield approx. 2 cups.

Mine is chilling for tomorrow so haven't decided which is best to serve with and if using crackers which would compliment the taste. The dip is a wonderful, powerful blend so am thinking a basic cracker would be nice.

ENJOY !

I AM SO SURPRISED !!

What a surprise when checking with my Blogspot to see that Jody, with
Primgalsprimitivepallette.blogspot.com nominated me with the
I Love Your Blogspot. "
It is truly an honor and as Jody stated, humbling. There are so many
wonderful artists at OFG Team with Etsy.
Thank you

Please check out :

Katscraftingcottage.blogspot.com

MyfathersHouse4.blogspot.com

Primgalsprimitivepallette.blogspot.com

iplayoutsidethebox.blogspot.com

jywheeler.blogspot.com

Folkarttree.blogspot.com

Paintedkreations.blogspot.com

TinsandTreasures.blogspot.com

Blackberry-ridge.blogspot.com

misseskwitty.blogspot.com

OakleafHollow.blogspot.com

Willmaswimzees.etsy.com

Huckleberryarts.etsy.com

Paintindaze.etsy.com

Rabbithollowprims.etsy.com

Rockriverstitches.etsy.com

PrimitiveFolk.etsy.com

MommaB'sfrontporch.etsy.com

END OF SUMMER

Can you believe it is the last week of Summer ? My oh my where has the time flown too??
As you can see it has been well over a month since I last added to my blog. So many things happening, and then grabbing the special moments in life.....well.....time has flown by !
As you can see by my latest photos....us artists at Etsy have already been thinking about Fall Harvest and Christmas. We have been busy making up different challenges that are showcased on Etsy. These are a couple of my Harvest Items. It is always so much fun to have ideas and colors floating in ones head, then to take that to canvas or fabric is thrilling.
Of course Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year. The many years living away from Indiana, my heart pined for the Seasonal Changes. There is just nothing like the different seasons. Each season makes you appreciate the next one.
The many years living in Saudi Arabia brought about a hunger to return to the northern part of USA, then alas, my ex-husband's company took us to Florida. Now, I truely believe that each State is so unique , but....please, seasonal changes in Florida??? Give me a break. Yes, there is a "slight" change during winter, but not enough for me.
There is something about being cozy in a warm home, nestled up on a sofa and reading a good book, or as with me...sitting in my studio with the sewing machine humming away or paint brush a-flying, and looking out the windows to see the snow flying. Hmmm.
So...this time of year has me yearning for the cooler weather - leaves changing - the Harvest colors in decorating.
Also, am getting ready for the Quilt Retreat in October at our church camp. Us ladies go for a long weekend and have so much fun, eating, sewing, gabbing and very little sleep for some of us. Will post some pixs after that event.
Just blink....and look......the Harvest time is here - cool weather and brisk intakes of air - the smell of burning fireplaces - pink cheeks - and beautiful leaves in an array of colors !

Wanted to add another post tonight while it was all fresh in my mind and on my heart.
This weekend has been busy. In fact the whole week has been Circus City Days here in Peru Indiana. This was once the original headquarters for the circuses. This tradition still lives on. Each July, 3rd week, there is the downtown carnival, the circus in a permanent building with performances by the local children that are truely talented, we have a Hall of Fame Circus outside of town that goes all summer, then the parade on Saturday.
Today's parade was outstanding in that there have been more of the original antique circus wagons restored and used in the parade. In fact there are Circus Clubs Nationally and Internationally that have come here to work on the circus wagaons.
Our history also boasts of Emmet Kelly the Clown and Cole Porter.
Anyway, today was busy.
We went to my one cousin's house on main street (part of the parade route) to have an early breakfast before observing the parade from her front lawn.
We also had a reunion with family from Florida
Normally, the time with our family in Florida has been far and few inbetween these past years for some of us. I treasure the memories of years gone by when this family would make a trip to Indiana each summer with their 5 children. They stayed at our house (grandma's and my residence). There was always the huge family reunion in the park with oodles of good home cooked dishes. Our family was so big back then.
Also today after the parade we went to another relatives home in the country for a lunch. Spent alot of time sitting around talking , laughing and hugging.
Now..here comes the part that is on my heart.
Can we please freeze time right now? Can we recapture the dear loved ones that have passed on and bring them back.
I am telling you I just don't want the time to end. Is it possible, somehow, to grab the 4 corners of time and tie a knot to gather it up and stay in that frame?
Yes, I am an adult and realize this is not possible...but my oh my ....WHY NOT ?
We are allowed to have so many wonderful treasurys with family and friends...special times and then it fades. This is not how I want it to be!!
A few of us walked across main street down the side street to grandma's old home. My the memories, good times....so many beautiful souls that God has allowed to Grace my heart. How I treasure them all and am so very thankful to have been a part of this big extended family. Thank you God.
Now...I will go and cry silently in my studio for a while.
I don't know if or when I shall see or hug them again.
Can't you relate?

Well, am back on the scene after a wonderful trip to Richmond Virginia. We attended our church denomination's annual conference which was also celebrating the 300th year for the Church of the Brethren.
There were over 5,000 in attendance this year.
We drove the 12 1/2 hrs. in order to stop along the way and enjoy some sights. Am afraid my digital camera is acting up a bit, so the photo at left just isn't that great. But thinking about it, who can capture the ultimate beauty of God's Creation?
This view was breath taking. Made us stop and ponder the wonder of it all.
Now, I believe each state is unique with it's own special terrain. Do we live in an awesome country or what. After traveling many years through many different nations...I can honestly state that America has such diversity in the geographical element , all tied up into one country. Most countries do not.
We visited a Tudor Mansion that was shipped in crates to America in the 1920's. It was an estate that had become severely neglected and was being auctioned off. A man from family tobacco wealth in Richmond purchased it. He and his wife brought it back and began the assembly.
The place is called AgeCroft and you can find it online . Google Agecroft Richmond Virginia. Just awesome how this was preserved. Later on they went back and purchased furniture that was of that period.
The gardens are so unique. That intriged me also, since I recently joined our Peru Garden Club.
Another thing that I learned very fast was the hills of Richmond....my oh my. Now we only saw a few bicyclists. You would truely have to be fit to ride in that city ! :)

HAPPY 4TH of JULY - 2008

Can you believe that we are celebrating another 4th of July already? My where

does the time fly too???

I realize that it has been over a week since last posting.

There has been so much going on...that again, where has the time flown too?

At the left of this post you will see a Garden Totem that I created for my garden.

This is a popular item with many. So much fun, and cheap to make.

Use up your slightly nicked dishes...or better yet, hit the yard sales, thrift stores to find what you want.
You are recycling and that is definately a "green thing."

Silly me, with my health issues and busy with Etsy I joined our local garden club.

We went to Warsaw Indiana last Thursday..had lunch at the Boat House Rest. then visited the Biblical Garden inside the Grace Park. What a lovely Garden. This husband and wife have created this based around plants that are mentioned in the Bible. We were surprised to find many we are already familiar with.

Well....as with many things...this got my brain go full-speed ahead with designs/ideas for creating.

I always have to be creating something. So be sure to check out my Etsy site often. Am constantly listing new items. Here lately I seem to be doing more with my fiber art (sewing) than anything..and of course just LOVE quilting.

Well, we are out the door for a steak dinner. Then will enjoy fireworks.

Hope each of you are having a great celebration today.

We have been so Blessed by God. This nation, sadly , alot of times lately , have forgotten that.

We have been Blessed also to have courageous men and women through the years willing to lay down their lives for this Nation. I am so humbled and thankful for them.

God Bless

Wednesday < June 18, 2008

Where has the time flown too ?? So much has been going on...mainly learning to Blog and getting more items into my Etsy site. I was officially asked into the OFG Old FarmHouse Gathering Team. That is a great bunch of "girls." It can take up alot of time reading and answering the messages. If you have never tried Etsy to purchase items...give it a try. Some wonderful artists are there. Some of my items are on display at end of this blog.
Some words of Wisdom today :

"Only a life for others is a life worth living." Albert Einstein

"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value." Albert Einstein

Who would have thought these bits of wisdom came from A.E. Very profound, and especially for today. We have become a nation of much decadence and overabundance. So many are too soft. We have had so many comforts that we have become weak in many aspects of our national character.
Hmmm.........just think about it for a minute. ..or better yet....sit and watch some of the banal ,low mentality, garbage on the boob tube and theaters.
Oh well...sorry to have gone there. Been on my mind alot lately.
I volunteer at our local food bank and come away some days with tears. So many hard working citizens and elderly are struggling now. All because of the "greed" by a few in this nation.
Man is never satisfied. Now that is a Proverb from the Bible.
May we reflect on what was and is now and determine what is the best.

Tuesday - June 10- 2006

My of my where does the time fly to!! ??? Can't believe it has been 6 days since last posting.
Lets see, what has been going on. Well for one thing all this flooding in southern/central part of Indiana. My heart breaks and prayers are going up. Just shows man is NOT in control of things. I pray that each person will be intricately aware of God throughout this ordeal.
My sales on Etsy have been increasing. I joined a great group of artists/crafters named OFG thats Old FarmHouse Gathering...and we help each other with ideas. Lately they are trying to come up with ways to promote Etsy outside of Etsy if you get my drift. This is a great place....a whole lot better than eBay...where I was a powerseller for about 7 years. God tired of the bias on eBay. Because I proclaim my Christian Faith, alot was allowed on my feedback at eBay that normally wouldn't be allowed on anyone elses. Now go figure. What is good for the goose is NOT good for the gander so to speak.
Anyway, I love Etsy so far. It is a way for me to have an outlet for all the output of my creativity.
You can see some of my items below.
Today I had another visit with my Rheumatologist. Just the same o same o visit. Just trying to make me comfortable and stop the "flare -up" that causes damage to the joints. Sure didn't think I would be dealing with something like this at 55 !! Have way too many things I want to do.
Today was a little cooler here in Central Indiana PTL !! We went from a cold Spring to instand HEAT overnight....literally !! :)
Well, time to get a few things wrapped up in my studio before heading downstairs.
Have a beautiful evening
God Bless

Wednesday - June 4-2008

Lets see if I can get this corrected from previous attempt. Boy this blogging is interesting and keeps us older gals on our toes so to speak.
My time at Etsy has been short but have not regretted it. The ladies are wonderful. We have so much talent in this group called OFG - Old Farmhouse Gathering. Please check it out by typing in OFG in the search bar at Etsy.

The weather here in Indiana is still precarious. Am praying for no more tornadoes anywhere in the states but guess that is stretching the request...huh....since news stated this is to be one of the most active seasons. Monday I joined our local Garden Club. Will be interesting. I don't have the green thumb as my sister Jo does...but do enjoy the gardens. Have some plants...but it is all trial by error for me. Get excited when something takes and does well. Our Peru Garden Group maintains the refurbished old Train Depot. It is has lovely landscaping. The Train Depot is used now for the Ole Olsen Plays.Well I had better get into my studio and see what else I can create. God Bless

Sunday - June 1- 2008

Can you believe it is June already. Just think we are heading towards July, then when we are in July we will be looking to August..and well...when in August.....our eyes are on the fall. My favorite time of the year.
We had alot of rain, wind and a few tornadoes in Indiana Friday evening. Miami County was blessed not to have a tornado. They passed us and landed in Wabash. I certainly don't want anyone to have to endure the aftermath of a tornado....just glad it wasn't us this time. We had one a few years back. Caused enough trouble.
The rain was plentiful. Definately an asset to our plants.
I am trying to get photos onto my blog. Just went outside and took a pix of the Clematis Vine on our garage..just loaded with beautiful lilac colored blooms. The most in past 4 years.
Please be sure to check out my webpage on Etsy. It is KeepSakeKorner.Etsy.Com. Also, be sure to check out our group of ladies named Old Farmhouse Gathering OFG. Type OFG into search bar on Etsy and see all the goodies by some wonderful artists.

HoosierLand

May 30, 2008
Another day in Indiana. Today we are getting the storms that have traisped across the west. Am praying that there will be no tornadic activity.
Perfect evening to work in my studio, creating & sewing. :)