Hand-made Amish Greeting Cards

On our little Amish excursion last week, we stopped by an Amish home that had a sign in front that said, "Greeting Cards".  We stopped and these are the two I bought.  The Valentines Day one is for Kurt.  The other one is just to keep for myself.  The cards are quite dimensional with cut outs, plus rubber stamps are used for the pictures, and the pictures have been hand-colored with colored pencils.  Each card had a lot of time put into it.  The small one was $1.50, and the large one was $2.00.  They came packaged in a clear wrapper with their own envelope. 

Beautiful Winter Day in Amish Country

 This past Friday, the kids and I took a break from our normal schoolwork, and went for a long drive through Amish Country.  It was a cold, cloudy winter day, and by the early afternoon, the snow had began to fall.   It was such a delight to see some of the Amish and Mennonite children ice skating on a frozen pond.

 For the most part, it was pretty quiet all around.  It was in the upper teens, and most people seemed to be staying warm indoors. 

 We stopped after seeing this sign, and went in to a self-service furniture store/barn, and found the basket of hand-made greeting cards.  They were simply beautiful.  I bought Kurt's valentine card.  It's all based on the honor system - just leave your money in the little box next to the baskets of cards. 

 We also stopped at a fabric store in Paradise.  I decided to stop when I saw the horse and buggy parked outside.  It was *completely* Amish - we were the only "Englishers" there, and all of the fabric was for Amish apparel.  The clerk and the customers were speaking in Pennsylvania Dutch most of the time, but they began to speak in English for us and were so kind.

Even in sub-freezing temperatures, the Amish still hang their clothes out to dry.  I've been wondering all weekend how in the world they dry clothes when it doesn't get above freezing.  I'm still trying to figure that one out.  One day I will have to ask someone about that.

Quality Quilt Cottons for $3.99 a Yard -- I'm there!!

I got this e-mail earlier this week and can't wait to get to Fabric Mart.  It's just over a mile from my house.  They often do buy-outs and it's amazing the deals you can get.   For a couple of weeks, everything will be $3.99 a yard.  Then they will mark it down to $2 a yard, and then eventually anything left will be marked down to $1 a yard until it's all sold.  I've gotten some gorgeous quilt fabrics this way that are perfect for purses, bandanas, bags, etc.  I am planning to do some shopping there tomorrow.  :-)

Doggie Travel Bag

After a recent visit in which we took Skylar to visit Kurt's parents, I realized that taking a doggie out was like taking a baby out - -there were so many things we needed to take with us -- treats, water, toys, plastic bags, etc.  I came home and got to work and made this "Doggie Travel Bag."  It's my latest listing on Etsy at Wags to Wishes.

Starting the New Year in Amish Country!

It's been a while, since I've spent some time in Amish Country just enjoying it's atmosphere and beauty, so Kurt and I spent part of New Year's Day soaking it all in.  There were horses and buggies out everywhere.  I think I saw more today than I have ever seen on an outing.  Most of the snow has melted, but it was still just as beautiful.

I got a Nook for Christmas, and have already read 2 Amish books and am working on my third, "A Merry Heart" by Wanda Brunstetter.    It was so nice to spend time in Amish Country where it really is like the books I read.

I purchased this book with my B&N gift card for my new Nook.  I really want to incorporate the ways of the Amish into my own life.  While I will probably always wish I were Amish, that's never going to happen, but I CAN incorporate their ways into my "English" life.   I am looking forward to finding the wisdom in this book.  :-)

Wags to Wishes

I've always dreamed of having a sewing business of some kind, but never could seem to find my niche.  However, after Skylar joined our family, I finally found it, and "Wags to Wishes" was born.

I tested the waters as a craft show several weeks ago, and Wags to Wishes was a success!!!  I had a great time meeting other doggie lovers and finding out what they wanted for their doggies.   I came home and got to work and opened Wags to Wishes Etsy Shop.   I am *sew* excited about it.  If you are a doggie lover or have friends and family who are, please send them on over.   I am adding new items several times a week!

Fabric Stash Catalog

 Last night, I measured, counted, and cataloged 61.25 yards of fabric from Goodville Fabric Outlet.  Each card has a swatch of the fabric along with the length and width of the fabric.  Next, I am going through all of my patterns to make notes on the cards of what patterns may go with which fabrics.  :-)