Crafts By Jodi

Google Friend Connect and New Painting Projects

2012-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hi I was checking out some of the blogs I follow and I read about Google Friend Connect ending. I use Google Friend Connect on this blog and I follow others using it. I cannot explain very well so here is a link explaining about what is happening with Google Connect and some new options. I signed up for Linky which is located right above my Google Friend Connect so my friends can start switching over. Here is the link Online Business Junction Tina from Online Business Junction always has tons of helpful information for your business, blog, etc. Please take a minute to check it out.

In other news I have been working on all kinds of things!! I started taking a new class, I will tell you all about that soon! I also have been back to painting! I painted some cupboard doors, and old silverware boxes. I have some before and after pics. My SIL has been going to auctions, etc to find old furniture to re-finish and she came across these silverware boxes. I have started painting them and the cupboard doors, and I will re-post when they are all finished!

Before

After

Before

Work In Progress

Have a great weekend!!

Burlap and Pillows

2012-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hi! I have finally been doing some crafting. It's good to get back to work. I took down all my Christmas decorations and everything looks so bare. You would think with all the crafts I make my house would be well decorated, unfortunately that's not the way it is!! I need to change that though.
This is what I made this week. My SIL is getting into a new shop in Hagerstown, Md. She refinishes furniture and asked if I would want to make some pillows to go in the shop too. I have been seeing a lot of things being made with burlap so I made some pillows with osnaburg, muslin and burlap. I made my own stencils with my vinyl cutter and then stenciled the words onto the fabric. I would like to make some for my shows later this year. My next project is to start working on some heart pillows, etc.

I am also starting to take some classes to learn how to do some amazing art with my Photoshop program. I can't wait to show you what I do.... that is if I'm able to learn how!!
Have a great weekend!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I have been taking a break from blogging over the holidays, but I have lots of new things in the works for the new year! I can't wait to share it with you. Have a great weekend and I'm wishing you all a happy, healthy New Year.

A Special Package Arrived!

2011-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

My stars that I won from Karen at Buttons In The Attic arrived today!!! I was so excited to unwrap them and find the perfect place for them. I took some pictures of them, I put them in a little corner cabinet that sits in my hallway, but I can see it from my craft room while I'm sitting at my desk!! They are even more beautiful in person! Thank you , thank you, thank you Karen! Here is the picture of them and a picture of my little display over my kitchen stove. Have a great week!

I won!!

2011-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

I won these adorable little hearts from Karen at Buttons In The Attic in her first giveaway.

They are handmade by her using cutter quilts that she made. You can tell a lot of time and work went into them, they are beautiful! I am so excited to get them, I am already scouting out the perfect place for them.
Thank you Karen for such an awesome giveaway!

Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe

2011-11-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Printable Recipe
Hi, I'm taking a break from my crafting to post a recipe my niece made for Thanksgiving. It was sooo good, I can't even begin to tell you! I have been on a pumpkin kick lately. I went to Berlin, Ohio a few weeks back with my parents and we ate at the Dutch Valley Restaurant on our way there. Well I ordered a Pumpkin Latte. It was the BEST Latte I have ever had! In fact I just found a recipe for a Pumpkin Latte, so I will give it a try, and if it's good, I'll post it soon! So anyhow here is a pic of the Pumpkin Crunch Cake and the recipe. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

1-(15 oz.) Can Pumpkin

1-(12 oz) Can Evaporated Milk

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Cup Sugar

3 Eggs, Beaten

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

2 Sticks Butter, Cut into pieces

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and sugar until mixed well. Add eggs and mix well.

Pour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with a non stick spray. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the top. Sprinkle pecans evenly over cake mix and top with butter pieces. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 50-60 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Enjoy!

A New Giveaway at White Sheep Farm

2011-11-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

Please visit White Sheep Farm It's a great blog I just found and they are having an awesome giveaway there! You have until December 2 to enter. She has 2 different groups of goodies to giveaway! Both are adorable!

Shop Small! Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T05:29:00.000-08:00

Today is dedicated to supporting small businesses. It's a way to show your support of the moms and pops stores. Its a day to purchase a unique gift from that local artist. Go to that little coffee shop down the street, or bakery. Small Business Saturday started in 2010, although I think everyday should be Small Business Day! Ha! So go out (or stay in) and Shop Small!

Have a great weekend!
Jodi

New Pattern and New Website!

2011-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hi! Thank you to everyone that visited during our Online Open House! I have been busy working on this new pattern. He's a wood pattern. I like to do both painting and fabric patterns, but this guy is now my favorite. I always say that about my newest patterns!

Gingerbread Santa E Pattern
This cute Santa has 3 little Gingerbread cookies hiding in his suit and beard!
Price: US$6.00

There is also a new website you HAVE to check out! So Pretty In Paint. The owners are Carol and Debbie. Carol is an interior decorator and Debbie is a web/graphic designer, and is also my SIL! They both love the look of painted vintage furniture, so they got together and So Pretty In Paint was born! They offer painted vintage furniture, home accessories and so much more. Their work is beautiful and prices are very reasonable. They find very unique pieces and put their personal touch on it. They just opened a shop in a new retail location: Fabulous Finds in historic Frederick, MD. Located at 24 E. Patrick Street. There are some pics below. Be sure to check out their site!
Thanks for stopping by, have a great week!
Jodi

New Location at Fabulous Finds

One of their beautiful pieces

An Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Show This Weekend!

2011-11-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! We are having and Old Fashioned Christmas show starting today and running through Sunday! Please sit back and take a look at all our unique handmade items. All of them would make a wonderful gift for that special person you know. If you have any questions please email me at craftsbyjodi@msn.com
Thanks Kim from Old Road Primitives for hosting this Old Fashioned Christmas Show!

Ginger

This is Ginger. She is an adorable little Gingerbread angel. Her dress is made of homespun and the body is painted muslin. She has a rusty halo and a tag with her name on it. She is $11.95.

Flakey

This little guy is "Flakey" but don't hold it against him! He is a grungy little snowman that measures 5"W by 9"H. He is made of warm and natural and coffee stained and painted. He has a little rusty heart and pieces of moss on him. He is $13.95. Flakey is my own pattern and is now available at Pattern Mart or The Pattern Cupboard and is also listed on the side bar with my other patterns.

Freezing My Bells Off!

"Freezing my bells off" snowman got tons of laughs at the craft show. I'm sure you'll get a smile everytime you look at him in your home. He's 15"H by 7"W. He is made out of warm & natural and has a homespun scarf. His little bells are sewn loosely on the front of him. He is $18.95. Based on a pattern by Olde Homestead Barn

Craft show and New Happenings

2011-11-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

We just finished up our last craft show. This is a picture of our booth. I share the booth with my mom so some of the items are hers. Thank you to everyone that stopped by to visit us! It has been a busy time and I'm taking inventory so I can...believe it or not start getting ready for next year! I know there are several items that I need to do a lot more of because I sold out of them so fast!

I am also so excited to announce that I am a new member of PatternMart! I will be adding new patterns as soon as I can.

I am working on setting up my website for the big online Christmas Craft Show next weekend Nov. 11,12, 13th. Be sure to stop by to see whats new and maybe do some Christmas shopping the easy way... in your home!

Thanks for stopping by!

Save the Date!!

2011-10-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, Ladies!

Please "Save the Date" for the weekend
of November 11th, 12th & 13th
for ORP's

"Old Fashioned Online Christmas Craft Show"!
Please join us for this very Unique & Special Event!

Meet some very talented artists!

You will have the opportunity to purchase

some unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind items!

The "Best" part of all is you don't even have to leave your home!

Shop online from home!

Below you will find a list of all of our

"Christmas Craft Show" Participants...

The Barn Hollow
Happy Valley Primitives

Buttermilk Creek Farm

Designs by Guka
Old Road Primitives
Sweet Bear Creek Whims
The Farmer's Attic
Santa & the Mrs.
Olde Crow Mercantile
Huckleberry Lady

Cynzplace

Primitive Country Cabin
Yorkies Primitives
Olde Annie Primitives
Mel's Designs from the Cabin
Country Cents
Colleen's Craft Shed

Ellie's Country Accents
The Cottage Works
Beyond the Attic Door
All Cooped Up
Sew Many Raggedies
Nellie's Nest
Shell's Vintage Charm
Hickory Ridge Primitives
Paula's Primitives

Looking forward to seeing you then!!!

Online Christmas Show

2011-10-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have been busy getting ready for my next show later this month at the Washington County Fairgrounds It's two weekends October 21, 22, 23 and 29, 30, 2011 10am to 6pm.

We had our fall show last month at the Covered Bridge Festival. We had beautiful weather and a huge turn out. I am trying to replace some of the most popular items that sold out and I'm working on lots of new Christmas items for this next show. That is why I haven't posted for awhile!
I also wanted to let you all know about an online "Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Show" By old fashioned that just means that everything is handmade! There will be other bloggers that will be included in the craft show. Here is just a small list of the bloggers that are going to participate.

The Bear's Blog
Crafts By Jodi
Countryside Cottage
Laura's Little House
Salmon Falls Prims
The Barn Hollow
Happy Valley Primitives
Buttermilk Creek Farm
Designs By Guka
Paula's Primitives
Old Road Primitives
Sweet Bear Creek Whims
The Farmer's Attic
Santa & The Mrs.
Olde Crow Mercantile
Huckleberry Lady
Cynzplace
Primitive Country Cabin
Yorkies Primitives
Olde Annie Primitives

So be sure to come visit us on November 11th, 12th, & 13th!

Craft Show Inventory Pics

2011-08-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hi! Here I am again less than a month before my craft show and the panic has now hit me! I have just finished up some nodder scarecrows and added them to some of my other items that I put on my counter. I put them there so I can keep track of what I have done and what I still want to do. I have put some of my things away in totes. I just need to go back and put prices on them.
I do this every year but it seems like I work better under pressure. Ha!

I will post better pics soon and after the shows I will post those pics too.

Have a good weekend!

Cute lil Hairclips And A Sneak Peak!

2011-08-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have finally got my pictures together to post these adorable little hairclips. My daughter came up with the idea after seeing my candy corn. So we decided to make them for my craft shows and she came up with the awesome name of "Itsy Bitsys" You can clip them in your hair, on a hairband or even onto your shirt, or bookbag. The possibilities are endless! I will have them posted on my side bar for sale soon.

This is a picture of a work in progress! I needed to make more scarecrows for my fall show. I found this pattern by Old Road Primitives. He sits up on a rusty spring. I still have to put the raffia hair on all of them. That seems to take a bit of time. I just finished sewing the hats together today. I'm hoping to finish him up early this week so I can move on to my next project. I will be posting more pics of my inventory for the shows. Lots of new items this year!!

Have a great week, and thanks for visiting!

Jodi

Candy Corn Ornies

2011-07-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've been working on some new items and some old favorites for the shows. I made these ornies from an old pattern by Patty's Ratty's. I've made a few of them for the shows. I am also working on a new idea with my daughter. She is 12 and loves to craft too. Her and her friends love the flowers that clip in your hair or on a head band, so we came up with the cutest idea that I think the girls will love! I will post pics and list them for sale soon.
Have a great weekend!

New Turkey E-Pattern

2011-07-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, I just posted a new pattern today. This isn't a fabric one but it is a painting pattern. I used plywood for mine so it wouldn't be too heavy for my door, but you can use whatever thickness you like. I hope you have fun making him. You can buy him from my website, or Pattern Cupboard or I have him listed on the sidebar of my blog.
Have a great week!!
Jodi

A slight delay...

2011-07-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I had been working right along on inventory for my fall shows and ideas for patterns. I had a slight delay though. I woke up the Friday before the July 4th holiday with my back hurting a bit. It got a lot worse and long story short I had surgery for a herniated disc a week later! I have been doing my walking like the Dr's told me to do and just taking it easy. I think I am just about ready to jump back into doing some crafts. I wanted to post a pic of what I was working on before all this happened. It's a pattern by Limited Lane and I changed her just a bit, but fell in love with her! I need to do lots more for the shows.

I will be adding more patterns, etc as soon as I am up and about!
Have a good weekend!
Jodi

New E-Patterns

2011-06-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here are Simon Scarecrow and Niblet Turkey E-Patterns. You can order them by going to my website or they are also listed on the side bar of this blog. They are $6.00 each. If you would prefer a paper pattern please email me.

Sneak Peak!

2011-06-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have been working away at a couple more new patterns. I have been so excited to work on these that I haven't been working on my inventory for my shows! I need to find a way to do both. Plus I have my garden in and every year I promised myself that I will keep up with it and not let the weeds take over when it's time for the craft shows. I have kept that promise... so far!
I have 2 patterns that I will be posting hopefully this week. The first one's name is Niblet. He's a cute little turkey. My daughter loves coming up with the names! That one comes from one of her old Disney shows! The second one is a scarecrow and he doesn't have a name yet. I will post on my blog as soon as they are ready. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you like them too. Have a great weekend.

New E-Pattern!

2011-06-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello, I just posted the new E-pattern for Percy Crow on my website and blog. I updated the blog post so please see the June 10th posting for the updated information.

If you are interested in buying the pattern you can go to my website or it is posted on the side bar of this blog. The e-pattern is $5.00. If you are interested in a paper copy please email me. craftsbyjodi@msn.com

Thank you!
Jodi

Percy Crow-UPDATE

2011-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am so excited to show you my newest creation! I made a little crow to sit in a basket of sunflowers. I just posted the E-Pattern on my website and blog for sale. I will send you a pdf file as soon as payment is received. This is Percy Crow, and he is my first epattern. He measures 5"H by 5-1/2"W alone and in the basket it all measures 15"H by 7-1/2"W. I included the directions/pattern for Percy and the sunflowers in the pattern. I also included where to find the baskets.
If you are interested in buying you can go to my website or it is posted on the side bar of this blog. The e-pattern is $5.00. If you are interested in a paper copy please email me. craftsbyjodi@msn.com

Have a great day!
Jodi

Apples for Teachers

2011-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hi! We are in for a couple of really hot days here in Pennsylvania, so I decided to stay inside in the air conditioning and do some blogging and sewing! School just let out yesterday for the summer. I like to give my daughters teachers a gift at the end of the school year, and I always give something that I have made. This year she had the most amazing teacher so I wanted to give her something a little more special. I had such a hard time deciding but I was going through my patterns and came across one for apples. I made one and then I added a little wooden tag to it with a saying on it,"This apple will last forever just like my memories of you". On the back I wrote a thank you and signed it with my daughters name and year. My daughter said her teachers loved it, so I thought I would make up several more for my craft shows. Here is the picture, I promise one day to take better pictures!

Have a good day! Thanks for stopping by to visit.

Jodi

Hand Painted Wood Signs

2011-04-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I am jumping from my sewing projects into my wood and painting. I have shown my antiqued wood signs before, but I decided to do something different with them. I painted them a cream color and didn't use crackle on them. I just antiqued around the edges and added the berry vines at the bottom. Please forgive my photography!

I also did some with a deep dark red as the background. I also did some hearts. I will be posting them on my website soon, but if you would like to order in the meantime, just send me an email at Craftsbyjodi@msn.com

Thanks for visiting!
Jodi

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

2011-04-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, I just realized how close Mother's Day is, it's less than a month away on May 8th! I made up more of my Primitive Sunflower Baskets. I have 2 differents sizes. They are made with handmade sunflowers made of muslin and homespun fabric and then stained with a coffee mixture. I put them on dowel rods and put them in baskets with pip berries. They are my best seller at the shows.
I have them listed on my site at Crafts By Jodi

I'm working on some new items for the shows. I have little snowmen all over my desk right now! I'll be posting pics of the new crafts soon.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jodi

A story you must read

2011-03-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have been busy working on some new things, and getting ready for my show this coming weekend. My routine is to get up in the morning and after my husband and daughter get going on their day, I check my favorite blogs and then I dig in on the project of the day. The other day I started reading one of my favorite blogs and I knew I had to share this blog. She is Colleen/and Baby makes five. You may already follow her but if you don't, she has been posting about her personal journey. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have been through this or even if you haven't it is such an incredible story to read. You'll find it here http://andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com/2011/03/dont-hog-your-journey-part-i.html This is part 1, she has also posted part 2, so be sure to read it too.

Her story really makes you think about what is really important. So I will be thinking of her the next time I get frustrated because I'm not getting enough done for my next show!

Thanks for stopping by to visit,
Jodi

I won!

2011-03-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

I actually won my first giveaway!! Old Road Primitives held a surprise giveaway yesterday and I was lucky enough to reply in time to win! I got my pick of any of her patterns, which wasn't easy! Everything is adorable! I love her new bunnies, but since my big shows are in the fall, I chose a cute little snowman in a mitten pattern. I will post a picture of him when I get him done. The link to her blog is http://oldroadprimitives.blogspot.com/
I am working on some things for a spring show in 2 weeks. It's a small local show at our firehall. I usually don't do spring shows anymore, but I thought, why not... plus my daughter has been wanting to do a show with me. She is making friendship bracelets. They are really cute and all her friends love them! So it will be a fun weekend just hanging out with her. I know I love doing the shows with my mom, so we are starting a new tradition! I will try to get some pictures to post.
Have a good day!
Happy Spring!
Jodi

Updated Bunnies!

2011-03-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever made something and after you keep looking at it, you just know something isn't right? Well I keep looking at these fabric bunnies and something was bothering me! SO.. I ripped his little rusty wire whiskers out.. I promise he didn't feel a thing! Then I threaded some embroidery thread through to make his whiskers soft, and I gave him some eyebrows and little line below his nose. I added little tags to them too. I like him much better now! At least for now....

Bunny and Carrot Ornies

2011-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! I am working on some more Spring things, trying to keep my spirits up even though it's snowing outside! I have wanted to make some little fabric bunnies and decided to just go out on my own and make a pattern. These little guys are made out of osnaburg fabric. I used embroidery thread for his little nose. I cut little carrots out of fabric for his ears and used rusty wire for his whiskers. I also made some fabric carrots to add to the basket. I'll keep working on things and hope for warmer weather!
Thanks for visiting!
Jodi

Spring weather and Bunnies

2011-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

Hello! We are having beautiful weather here in Western PA. Mid 60's today! The cold weather will be back this weekend, but I had to get all my little bunnies out.
This first one is a version of a pattern by Plum Purdy.

These next bunnies are some faves also.

Have a great weekend!
Jodi

New Year, and New Directions!

2011-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hello, I hope you are doing well, it's been so busy around here. I live in Steeler Country so I need to get some of my inventory built up. I'm sure with all of the playoff parties, and ....maybe Super Bowl, there will be a rush for anything Black & Gold!! Here are a couple of things that I make that would be great as a hostess gift or just fun to have to decorate for the party.

You can find all of these items on my website Crafts By Jodi and go to the "Everyday" page.

I have also been working on some new and exciting new items. I have been creating a whole new line of my own designs. I am hoping to have the patterns for sale soon as e-patterns or paper. I know a lot of you like to have your patterns instantly, so do I! It's been a challenge but fun at the same time. I will be sending out an announcement as soon as I have them ready. I hope you are as excited as I am.

Thanks for stopping by,

Jodi

Crafts By Jodi

Gifts for Sports Fans

2010-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, I hope everyone is staying warm. It's been so cold here, I took the day off from Christmas shopping and decided to stay home and get some work done.
Here in South Western Pa, The Steeler fans are all coming off of a great Sunday night game and everyone is talking "Playoffs... Playoffs"!!! Our Pittsburgh Penguins are also on a hot streak so I made snowman ornaments that any Steeler/Penguin fan would love. They have wire in their hats so you can bend it around a tree limb or door knob. They are based on a pattern by Isn't That Cute. Email me if you have any questions.
I have them listed here on my website Crafts By Jodi

Have a great week!!
Jodi

Snowman ornie and a Recipe

2010-11-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm working on some more snowman ornies. These were a big seller at my craft shows, I actually sold out of them, so I am getting a head start for next year! They can be hung on a tree or they are perfect as bowl fillers.
I attached a tag that says " Wish I may, Wish I might, Make a wish on a Snowman Star Tonight."

I've also been getting ready for our Thanksgiving dinner. I try to come up with new ideas to take to my parents house, but my brothers won't let me in the door unless I bring these Mushrooms!
Here is the recipe.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Large Stuffing Mushrooms - Approx 36
1/4 Cup Onions
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 Stick of Butter
2- 6 oz cans of Crabmeat, rinsed and drained
2-8 oz Chive & Onion Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup French Fried Onions

Clean mushrooms, remove stems. Chop mushrooms stems and onions in processor. Saute in butter. Add garlic powder. Drain but reserve the butter. Mix cream cheese, crab and mushroom stem mixture together. Pour butter mixture in bottom of glass baking dish. Spoon cream cheese/ crab/mushroom mixture into mushroom caps. Place mushrooms in baking dish with butter. Crush French Fried onions and sprinkle on top of mushrooms.
Microwave for approx 5-7 min. Depending on size of mushrooms.
Serve hot, and Enjoy!
Enjoy your holiday!
Jodi

That time of year

2010-11-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's been awhile since I have posted anything. We just finished up our last show of the year. It was great seeing everyone again. We get to catch up with our repeat customers and meet some new ones! Plus we get to chat with our crafting neighbors....when it slows down! The shows were really busy. I need to make sure I have more for next year, I sold out of a lot of items.

I took time out to get my house back in order, and now I'm anxious to get started on my inventory for next year. We start early, but every year there seems to be the last minute rush before the shows.

Here are some pics from a couple of our shows. The first one is from The Covered Bridge Festival in Mingo, Washington, Pa. The second and third is from the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pa.
Thank you to all that came out to say hi!!

New handpaintings

2010-09-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! I wanted to share my newest paintings. I have been working on things for my shows, and I came across a lady by the name of Maxine Thomas. She is an amazing artist and she has several books and patterns out. They really caught my attention because she uses acrylic paints and yet her paintings look like oil paintings. I have been wanting to get back to my oil paintings, I really missed it, and when I saw these, I knew I found something special. Below are a few of the paintings I have done. I will have these paintings at the show this weekend, but after the show, I will be painting more to post on my website for sale.

Don't forget this weekend I will be at the Covered Bridge Festival in Mingo Creek Park. For more information check out my article.. http://craftinwithjodi.blogspot.com/2010/08/craft-show-dates-and-new-items.html

Here are my paintings!

Have a great week, hope to see you at the show!
Jodi

Craft show dates, and new items!

2010-08-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hi !
It's almost show time! Our first show is on September 18-19th at the Covered Bridge Festival in Mingo Park, Washington, PA. For more info and directions check out this link
Covered Bridge Festival
We will be at the Ebenezer Bridge, in the same location, if you have never been at this show, we are located on the right side of the main bridge, in front of the first pavillion.

We have been working hard on some new items this year! We are also bringing back some of our best sellers!
Here are some pics of what we've been doing.

This is a prim doll bag holder. I made this because I was tired of having all those plastic bags scattered everywhere! It is based on a pattern by The Olde Country Cupboard.
The second pic is a sign I just finished. I hand painted it, based on a pattern from Maxine Thomas.
The third pic is a basket full of fall treats!

Have a great day!
Jodi
Crafts By Jodi

Homemade Salsa Recipe

2010-08-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! In just a short time I will have more tomatoes than I know what to do with! I decided to start making salsa to use some of them up. I have been making this salsa for a few years now. I experimented with different combinations and I finally came up with this recipe. My husband wanted me to can 365 jars of this so he could have a jar a day!! If you prefer to blanch your tomatoes to take the skins off, you can do that also. I also learned a tip to squeeze the tomato to get extra water out of the tomato, it makes a thicker salsa. Enjoy!!
Jodi

Homemade salsa

7 cups diced plum tomatoes

3/4 cup jalapeno peppers, diced
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons cilantro
1 teaspoon reg salt
1 teaspoon hot salt ( I bought this in a restaurant you can just add a bit more salt and crushed red pepper)
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans chilies, chopped
1/2 can tomato paste
3 cups onions (RED AND YELLOW)

1 Add ingredients as listed above. 2 mix completely. 3 I like to can mine. 4 I put them in jelly jars and process according to canning instructions (leave 1/4 inch head room and process for 15 minutes).

New fall/winter items

2010-07-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's been awhile since I posted, I've been busy with some new side projects. I'm still working on my inventory for the shows, in fact here are a couple of pictures of my newest crafts. I bought a pattern from Country Whims, it was a snowman head, but I still need more fall items so I made that pattern into a scarecrow head. I was so happy with the way they turned out I started making tons of them!!

Here is a pic

We have also been busy with the new addition to our family! A new black Lab puppy, her name is Izzy.

She is a sweet heart, we have really missed having a dog in the family. She has been eyeing up all of my stuffed crafts! Maybe I need to raise them up a little bit higher on my counters! Ha!

Here is a picture of my daughter Madison and Izzy

Have a great week!

Jodi

Fall Crafts

2010-06-10T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hello, I've been working on several things for my shows....yes all at the same time! I jump from craft to craft not really sure what to do next. I have several ideas and my mind is going in all directions so I need to focus on one thing and finish it! I have done these turkeys in the past and he always sells out. It's my own design, so it's even more exciting when I see customers buying him. I love to hear the giggles when people see him. So I guess I know what I will work on today and hopefully finish!
Have a great day!
Jodi

Getting ready for a craft show- part 2.

2010-05-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Checklist for Craft shows

Here are some items that we take to the shows with us. It's nice to keep a list handy from year to year and you can add to it. It is usually so busy by the time the shows come around that you may forget something. I like to keep a little plastic tote with a lot of these items in it and then I just pack it with my cash register.

tent
display
chairs
tables
desk
fabric for covering tables
broom /dust pan
bags- we have regular sized bags and then we take garbage bags in case it's raining out and they buy larger items.
tissue to wrap fragile items
xtra price tags-for mark downs or items you missed
cash register/ register tape/ batteries or electric cords
Change- always take lots of extra change. Every year we write down how much we took and if we ran low on anything, then we know to adjust it the following year.
calculator
tax number to display- I use an old picture frame
tape
notepad
pens
business cards/holder
flyer/brochures
scissors
glue
wire, tools, and nails for fixing broken items
hammer
hot glue gun
paint/brushes- for touch ups
paper towels
wet wipes/ antibacterial soap
aspirin
hand lotion
cooler/drinks
snacks in case you can't leave your booth
sponge- I keep a damp one in a plastic soap dish so that I can dampen my fingers while handling money to keep dollar bills from sticking together

These are the basics. We also take items for decorating our booth. We get a lot of people asking if they can just buy our decorations!! In the fall we just use grapevine and some fabric pumpkins that my mom makes and at Christmas we use grapevine, clear lights and pip berrys. We don't like to put too much up because you want your crafts to be the main focus.

When we set up our booth we put all the fall items together and the winter/Christmas items together. I got a great display that holds 9 baskets and we put our ornaments and bowl fillers in it. Make sure to keep your booth looking neat. Anytime we get a few quiet minutes we go around the booth and fill any empty hooks and move things around. It's funny when we move something that hasn't sold all day, it always seems to sell as soon as it's in a new place.

You might want to print out this checklist and keep it with your supplies, and add to it after each show.
Good luck at your shows!

If you have any questions about craft shows, please leave a comment and I will try to answer all the questions.
Have a great weekend!
Jodi

Getting ready for a craft show

2010-05-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hi, I have had a lot of questions about getting ready for craft shows. I have been doing them for about 7 or 8 years now and I learn something new every year!
Seriously though there is a lot to keep in mind when you decide to do a craft show. I will go over everything from the shows, how to make your display, items you won't want to forget to take, and a lot more.

This is a picture of our show we do in October. It's our inside show and we have 2 booths.

Right now we do only 2 shows a year. One of them is a 2 day show in September and the other is a 5 day (2 weekends) show in October. I have found that the fall shows are the best for me. You need to decide which will work better with the products that you sell. For instance, if you do florals, you may do well at the Spring shows. The best thing I did was to go to the shows that I was interested in and talk to some of the vendors. I would go to the shows with my parents, since we do the shows together, and look at displays. You will want to keep in mind the items you sell when looking at the displays to decide what is the best way to showcase your items. Every year we think that we have the booth exactly as we want it but we still change our booth every year! My dad laughs when my mom and I start a sentence with "we were thinking"!! He knows we have big ideas to change the booth around again! You will also want to look at where the vendors need to park and how far you will need to carry your items to the booth. It will help to know these things so that you can plan ahead. We bought a wagon to load our things on. You will want to decide if you would be able to do an outside show or if you need to be inside. Some shows have both inside and outside booths available. Sometimes the outside booths are priced a little cheaper. Just keep in mind the weather. If you make homemade chocolates, you may not want an outside booth in the middle of summer! One of our shows is outside and we have been lucky most years as far as the weather. We did set up the year when we had the horrible floods in 2004. We were lucky and didn't lose any merchandise although others were not as lucky. Sometimes the shows will offer to let you have an electric outlet. So if you need lights, or power for your register, make sure you ask about that. I bought a battery powered cash register because we do the one show outside and there are no electric hook ups there.

We have double booths at both shows. We needed to get tents for the show that is outside. We were able to find ours at Sam's Club. I can't remember the exact price but it was roughly around $100. They are both 10x10 tents and they do have the sides with them. We have both a velcro one and one that zips. I like the one that zips, it just seems easier to me. They are both EZ UP tents. Now our first time trying to put it up... I did not believe it was the right name for the tent!! Luckily my dad, mom and I get along great and we just laughed at each other! After we realized what we were doing, it did go up pretty easy. We get quicker every year! Our walls were made by my dad. He used pegboard and framed each panel. Yes, they are heavy but they work the best with our crafts. Some people use grid wire, wood, I have even seen chicken wire. Our other show is inside so we don't need the tents for it. Keep in mind that you want to design your booth so that your customers are able to move easily through your booth, so they can see everything. Our one show is so busy that the aisles are really packed with people and sometimes the flow of people just push people right past our booth. We opened our booth up so the customers can come into our booth and take their time to look at our crafts. We also put our cash register at one end of the booth. We get very busy and will have a line of people at the register. We designed our booth so that when this happens, our most popular items are not blocked by the line. My mom makes yardstakes and they sell so well, we had to figure out a way for her to refill them during our busy hours. Since I run the register and my mom wraps and bags the sales, it's hard to get away to refill our booth. She would try to get around the line and get through the crowd. It was really difficult to do it quickly so we asked my dad to add a "secret" door! We place the yardstakes right beside the door and then she just walks behind the booth, opens the door and refills the yardstakes without any problems. A lot of what we have learned has been through trial and error. You of course want to make sure you have lots of inventory for your shows. Even though we do just the 2 shows a year, we work all year long making crafts so we won't run out. Sometimes we still do! You will also want to keep in mind where you might want to keep your extra inventory. My mom and dad bought a trailer to keep their items in and we also put items behind our booth. Although some shows you must stay within your space.

My best advice is to visit craft shows you would like to attend, and ask questions!

My next entry will cover the items that you will want to make sure you take with you to the shows.

Have a great day!
Jodi

Taco Salad Recipe

2010-05-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Printable Recipe
Hi, I decided to do something different today. Instead of posting one of my latest crafts, I thought I would share one of my most popular recipes. Cooking Thursday is hosted by Sandra at Diary of a SAHM! Stop by and visit for some yummy recipes! I just added this recipe to the blog.
I had originally got the recipe from my Aunt, and now whenever we have a get together, this is what I bring. I never have left overs!! I hope you like it, and let me know if you like the recipe posts. I can add them in every so often. I know I like to try different recipes.
I hope you enjoy!

Taco Salad
1 head iceberg lettuce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 lbs ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
2 tomatoes
1 onion
1 bag Doritos any flavor, we like the Nacho cheese flavor
1 (16 ounce) bottle Catalina dressing

Directions
1. Brown ground beef and taco seasoning.
2. Drain and let cool.
3. Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
4. Put into a large container.
5. Add cheese and crushed Doritos.
6..Add cooled ground beef.
7. Pour Catalina dressing over all of it 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Blog giveaway

2010-05-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Good morning!
I wanted to let you all in on a giveaway! It's from Marie's Country Woodcrafts. Marie does amazing paintings and this one is on a wooden spoon. She also finds some of the cutest items to paint. Check out her blog and sign up at /http://mariescountrywoodcrafts.blogspot.com/

Quilting Angel

2010-04-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, here is another one of my angels I have painted. This one I painted onto a heart and then I put a crackle finish over it and then applied an antique gel on top of that. I've been painting a lot of angels lately. I will post more pictures of what I am working on soon!

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh!!

2010-04-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you are from or around Pittsburgh you already know this!!
The Pens are playing game 2 tonight in the playoffs. These jerseys are perfect to decorate your gameroom, or living room for your parties. I can make a jersey for any player you would like. I currently have Malkin and Crosby jerseys on my website Crafts By Jodi If you would like a different player just enter which player and number in the ''comments'' box when you order.

LET'S GO PENS!!

Harvest Blessings Angel

2010-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click on picture to enlarge
This is my newest creation! I know, everyone is looking for spring/summer items right now, but I usually only make fall/winter crafts because of the shows I'm in.

This angel is handpainted onto a wooden heart that I cut out. It measures 9-1/2 W by 12-1/2 H. I have seen these angels and just love their cute little faces. I thought she would look adorable holding a pumpkin and painted with some fall colors.

I just added her to my website http://www.craftsbyjodi.com/ Click on the Fall category.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jodi

Angels

2010-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi, I have been working on crafts for my shows. They aren't until September and October, but I have to start early. I have been doing lots of snowmen, etc. I found a pattern by Country Whims for a snowman angel and I changed it into a doll angel. I did a blonde, brunette, and red head! I think they are an adorable gift for a friend. The card on the inside says "Times may be tough, but you will see.. things will get better if you Believe" I will be posting several new items on my website soon.
Thanks for stopping by!

Check out these sites!

2010-03-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Designed By 9 Photography is my Brother In Law's new Etsy store. It has some images that are available in print and other creative media. Some were actually taken at my home. Glen does an amazing job at capturing the perfect shot.
Here is a sample of his work.
To see more of his work, please check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/designedby9

Another great site to check out is Designed By 9.
My Sister In Law does web development and design, ecommerce solutions, and hosting , brochures, annual reports, data entry, forms, business cards. They do it all!

Deb designed my first website and has made brochures and business cards for my craft shows. The brochures and business cards are one of the best things you can do for your business to get your name out there. I even had some magnets made so that when your customer uses them on the fridge or wherever, it is a constant reminder of your business. For more information about them and what they can do for your business, check out their website:

Designed By 9
Fresh, clean design online & and on paper
http://www.designedby9.com/

Ready for Spring!

2010-03-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

After being cooped up all winter long, I'm ready to brighten up the house with some spring decorations. I didn't really know what I wanted to do until my sister in law sent me some pictures from a catalog. I can't afford the beautiful things they had so I had to recreate something like it with the things I had around the house, plus Michaels has some Spring things on sale! I just got it done and it makes me feel better already! I'm ready for spring weather now!!
This is a picture of the space above my stove in my kitchen. I love to decorate this area.
Have a great week!

Contest giveaway

2010-02-24T03:59:00.000-08:00

Diane of A Primitive Journey blog and Forum is holding a contest / giveaway on her blog through Feb. 28th for a $25 gift card to either Hobby Lobby OR Michaels along with a tart warmer and tarts! What a great giveaway! Her blog is http://www.aprimitivejourney.com/. I just joined the forum and love it! Hurry the giveaway ends soon!
Thanks!

Antiqued wood sign tutorial

2010-02-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

   I have been making these for a couple of years now. There are several steps to them. I use rough cut lumber from the lumber yard. I have a huge stack of it in my barn.

   I then have to plane it and router the edges.

I then stain the sides and the back. I let it dry completely then paint the front of the sign with a white latex paint. It usually takes a couple of coats. I let that dry completely and sand with a fine sandpaper.

   I then either hand paint the words on the sign or sometimes I use my vinyl cutting machine. I have a Roland GX-24. I can have the machine cut out the saying for me and I apply it to the sign.
   Then I use a 2 step crackle process. I brush on step 1 and let it dry completely, then I brush on step 2. I like to put them both on kind of thick to make larger cracks in the finish. After the sign has dried overnight you will see the cracks have appeared in the finish.
   I then take an antique gel and brush it onto the sign.  I add just a little water to thin the gel so that it goes into all of the cracks. After I have a nice coating applied, I wipe it off with a soft towel. The gel will settle into the cracks.

   I then let that dry completely and then I am ready to paint the grapevine and berries onto the bottom of the sign.

   After it is dry, I measure and drill holes at the top of the sign to add the wire for hanging. This of course is optional. I curl the wire and attach it to the sign. I then add the berries and bow for the finishing touch!
Thanks for visiting.
Have a good weekend!

Click on pic to enlarge

Wall Painting

2010-01-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a painting that is in my daughters bedroom. I painted this a few years ago. I wanted to post a picture of it before she ''out grows'' it! She turns 11 today, so it's just a matter of time before she will want to pick out her own colors for her room. You can't see it in the picture, but the ceiling is also painted blue with clouds. We wanted something bright and cheerful for her room. It's nice to go in there especially on a day like today when the temperature is in single digits!! Can't wait for spring!!
Stay Warm!
Jodi

click on pic to enlarge

Wool Sunflowers

2010-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

It seems as if sunflowers are catching my eye lately. I just made these sunflowers made of wool. I went outside to get sticks to use as the stems. I'm not sure if I will use the sticks or dowel rods. It's based on a pattern from Buttermilk Basin.

I found hand-dyed wool online and I cut it in strips for the flowers. I have been reading about different ways to dye wool yourself, but I don't think I'll be doing it anytime soon! Thanks for visiting!
Have a great weekend.

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

I just found a wonderful group that has a shop on Etsy.com. It's called Craft Hope . It's a group of crafters that have donated a craft item to be sold with the proceeds going to an organization called Doctors Without Borders They have already collected over $7000 in 2 days.

Please take the time to visit these websites.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.crafthope.com/

What ya working on Wednesday

2010-01-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

I am making more of my handmade primitive sunflowers. I sold tons of these last year at the shows, so I thought I had better get started making more. I sold them in packs of 7 as bowl fillers and I put them in baskets too. I am trying to come up with some other ideas for them. People just love them!! I sold out of everything I had at the show.
This first pic is the sunflowers after I soaked them in a coffee/vanilla mix. ( Please excuse my paint covered desk!!) I let them dry then "fluff" them up a bit by separating the petals.

This picture is the finished basket.

I got my pattern for the sunflowers from a great blog by the Krazy Kraft Lady, here is a link to the pattern and her blog Primitive sunflower pattern

Have a great week!!
Jodi

The view from my craft room window

2009-12-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

I live in an old farm house and it has many, many things that I don't like about it and I wish I lived in a new home. There is one thing that I absolutely love about this house though.. it's my craft room, especially the view from my craft room window. It's a huge double window and I get to see deer walk by, and even a coyote once!! No matter what season, if I am sitting at my desk working away or stressing over my next deadline, I just have to stop and look out my window and everything is ok. If we ever do move, this is the one thing I will miss the most. I live in Western PA . We are in the middle of 180 acres, you cannot see our neighbors just lots of trees and wildlife. This morning I woke up and we had a little snow over night and everything looked so pretty I had to take some pictures of it and share. This pic is what I see outside my craft room.

This is a picture of our road in front of our house.

Ok, now back to work!!
Have a great day!
Jodi

Bare walls?

2009-12-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you are anxious to put your Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving but you are ready to take them down the day after Christmas! The only thing is, everything looks so bare. I bought a vinyl lettering machine a year ago. I originally bought it to help me make my wooden signs, but after I saw vinyl lettering used on a wall, I was sold! I live in an old farm house so there is lots of space! I have a couple of walls that I have put vinyl lettering on and it gives the room a ''finished'' look. Here is one that I put in my kitchen.

This one is in my downstairs bathroom.

You can really get creative with the lettering. You can personalize your kids rooms or put a saying above a group of family pictures. At Crafts By Jodi we can do custom orders. They are easy to apply and easy to remove. I had been trying several different fonts and got a little carried away on my walls! I was able to remove them with a pair of tweezers with no problem. They look like you spent hours stenciling. Do NOT apply to newly painted walls. You should wait at least one month after painting to apply the vinyl lettering. If you have any questions email us .

Happy New Years!
Jodi
craftsbyjodi.com

New look

2009-12-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello, I finally changed my blog. I have been so busy with the craft shows, etc. I decided to wait to jump in and switch over to Blogger. I have had several people say it is user friendly, so that is for me!

I have been working on several things, all at the same time of course! I jump around a lot! I have noticed that the fabric crafts have been catching my attention more lately. I'm sure I will switch back to wood again. I have also had several orders for vinyl lettering. craftsbyjodi.com

I have also made a couple of raggy quilts. I will be posting pictures as soon as the holidays are over. I need to get started on my inventory for my shows next year. Yes, my mom and I start early! We try to start as soon as we finish our last show in October. Our first show next year isn't until September but it takes that long to get enough items ready and we still run out every year! That is a good thing!

Enjoy your holidays!
Jodi
Crafts By Jodi