The Primitive Pear

Easter Blessings

2009-04-12T09:40:00.001+10:00

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter. Both Michelle and I are with Family this weekend. Hugs xxx

Vintage Kitchen Dresser

2009-04-01T09:48:00.001+11:00

Wellllll....I have been on a bit of a spending spree with new things for the house....this was my purchase from a few weeks back. It is a nice old kitchen dresser with leadlighting. All the handles and locks are still original and I didn't have to do a thing to it. This was how it arrived. So it is now full of my scrapbooking gear...well not putting kitchen things in it.....haha haha ..hugs Nette

Penny Rugs and Altered Art

2009-04-01T09:37:00.001+11:00

No, haven't made penny rugs into altered art....sounds that way.

Michelle has been busy making penny rugs..I made her one for her birthday back in Feb...well it was really from the birthday before. How slow as I.....but it gave her the inspiration for these.....Nice huh !!!

I have been busy with Altered Art....I like the more unusual look....and was most happy with the outcome of these little works of art.

Hugs Nette and Michelle

Vintage Scales

2009-03-30T13:57:00.001+11:00

Well guess what arrived in the post this morning. My latest eBay win....I just fell in love with these old scales. They are now hanging from my old ladder suspended from the ceiling...hugs Nette

Cedar Cupboard

2009-03-30T11:30:00.001+11:00

I just fell in love with this cupboard on eBay. Lucky it was nice and close for pickup. So off we went in the trusty Panel Van, yup it just fitted. Once I got it home I removed the door and took it to have the glass replaced. Then I just went for it with fine steel wool and meths...all the old shelac just melted and created this fabby colour and look. I have yet to colour the putty on the glass ...it was an off white in the first place, but am thinking of just making it a wee bit darker?...

So what you think??? hugs Nette

Dumpster Dive Halloween Tree

2008-10-21T11:26:00.001+11:00

Yes that has you wondering...te he...wellll last year when I was up in Townsville, visiting the kids, we went to dinner on NYE...and low and behold if the restaurant wasn't throwing out it's Christmas Tree...now I am not a huge fan of black for Christmas...but the thought struck me for Halloween....so the kids said, here we'll hold ya handbag Mum - off ya go...so I grabbed it..stuffed it into the boot of the car and it came home with me...

And at long last Halloween is near...The ornies are all from a swap with some dear Prim Pals from a Delphi Forum - called A Passion for Primitives

Hope you enjoy having a peek....hugs Nette

Boho Bracelets

2008-09-24T16:19:00.002+10:00

Well I have been busy again making some stunning Bohemian bracelets. I needed a few new things to go away on holidays...and why not some great home made beading. I have lots of fun putting them together to go with the few new outfits....hope you enjoy peeking hugs Nette

Thanks Erica...yes am planning on putting the three grandies pic's on the little oval charms...just haven't got that far as yet..te he..

Thanks Chrissy...funny you should say that..Michelle said the same thing...LOL....

Mixed Media Altered Art Display Box

2008-09-18T11:01:00.002+10:00

I have been very creative this last few days....this is my latest little doo dad..This little box is 3x3" & about 2" tall. A little boy in a clown outfit, for his first performance. The little box can be closed or sit open using the lid as a platform. He will be selling for AUD$34.90 with free travel within Australia. Hugs Nette

Altered Art Charm Bracelet

2008-09-16T13:24:00.002+10:00

What I have been up to of late..........I had bought these little silver blank charms some time back...and the thought struck me to make a travel bracelet using the 'Eiffel Tower' as the theme..have a peek..hugs Nette

PS...this little baby has been since sold..watch this space for more to come, or email enquires....

Introducing Heather Georgina

2008-08-07T10:04:00.002+10:00

Little Heather Georgina was born on the 18th of June 2008. I went up to visit Elliot and Amanda and to met Heather about 3 weeks later..here are some photos from my visit...of my darling Grandbabies..hugs Nette

Miss Amanda - looking thoughtful.....Master Elliot - he loves to wink at Nanny..cheeky boy

and then we have HEATHER

Altered Art and More

2008-07-07T11:45:00.001+10:00

Well we have been busy here at The Primitive Pear Nette has been busy with Altered Art and Michelle has been busy designing.

Hope you enjoy your new goodies ...

Announcing the Arrival of...

2008-06-22T16:25:00.002+10:00

Heather Georgina born 4.43am 18th of June 2008. Weighing 3.7kg. Both Mum and Bub are doing well, they came home the next day. Elliot is smitten with his new sister, as is Amanda.

More update pics to come ...

hugs one very happy Nanna

Nette

FREE PRIMITIVE E-PATTERNS

2008-06-12T12:17:00.001+10:00

Did that grab your attention. Well it is simple..if you are interested in some free primitive e-patterns, pop on over to the website and enter the drawn. It is as easy as just emailing....click on our name below...good luck Nette and Michelle

The Primitive Pear

Nanny and Elliot singing the 'Frog' song

2008-06-10T11:33:00.001+10:00

Elliot just loves singing the 'Frog' Song...and his Mummy took some photo's of us while we were doing all the hand actions...yes we look funny !!!! hugs Nette

Floor Blanket for 'baby peanut'

2008-06-10T11:24:00.001+10:00

Well 'baby peanut' is only weeks away from arriving. So we are starting to get a few things ready for her. I must say awaiting our third grandchild is so exciting !!!!! I have been shopping and bought her a play dolly and also ordered a nice 'reborn' dolly all handmade including a beautiful gown, photos to come when it arrives.

But here is a peek at the fabric I will use to make a nice floor throw. All the Grandies have one, including a nice hand sewn one too..will get to do Peanuts hand made one soon..will show you all when I have done that ....until then hugs Nette

Nettes' Visit with the Grandies

2008-05-07T10:31:00.001+10:00

WOW, what a great time I had visiting the Grandies...had about 12 days up north and it was just wonderful...here are a few update pics on how much fun we had. We had fun riding around in the rusty red wagon.

We also went to Australia's Zoo, can highly recommend the day out, the park is so clean and the staff so friendly...hugs Nette

APRIL NEWSLETTER

2008-04-10T23:39:00.001+10:00

Mothers day is nearly upon us..so we thought we would share a picture of our own mothers, as a tribute to the wonderful women they are...the fond memories we have of growing up in those loving arms...there truly is no love, like a mothers love...so we would like to say a BIG Thankyou to our Mum's and all the Mum's out there!

This month we have a new apron and petticoat, that can be hung off your peg rail..they look great in a primitive home. We have also got some new busts, thats are along an Americana theme..we have "Abe", "George", "Sam" and "Lib" ...also a great new "Fairy in a Jar"...these are awesome!

So make sure you pop into the website for a look!

www.theprimitivepear.com

We have a winner from the March competition..Congratulations to

"Teresa Wilson" from Kentucky, USA

Be sure to look out for this months PRIZE giveaway, over at the website !!

Well that's it for now, we hope you have relaxing days if you are still enjoying holidays and may 2008 bring everything you wish for! Remember we are always here ...if you want to drop us a line and say "Hi" or to answer any questions.

Prim Blessings to you all

Michelle and Nette

The team at
The Primitive Pear
www.theprimitivepear.com

OUCH!!!

2008-04-08T17:10:00.003+10:00

now this must have hurt ...my 12 year old son Josh, fell off his bmx bike the other day and hit his thigh on the handle bars..good bruise or what?..

Hugs Michelle xxx

Thanks Mum!

2008-04-08T16:58:00.002+10:00

Isn't my mum a good girl... whilst at Maryborough the other day, getting Dad's new ute serviced..mum popped into a little shop and found these great vintage cards for me..what a lovely surprise I got when I opened the mail and found them all tucked neatly in an envelope...what would a girl do without her mum..hehe!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Off the Page Altered Art letter 'A'

2008-03-31T07:42:00.001+11:00

Just thought I would share a few things I had made for Amanda, my dear Grand-daughter this Christmas just gone...also a fabby raggy quilt..My dear friend Tea sent me the fabrics...and told me how to make it, so quick, simple and fun to make..Thanks Tea ...

Also Elliot's, my dear Grand-son car quilt..that is stilllll a work in progress...but promise to have it finished for this winter... Hugs Nette

2008-03-11T19:45:00.001+11:00

Easter is knocking at the door, so we would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter with family and friends and may the Easter Bunny spoil you with lots of yummy chocolate..Hey..it's only Easter once a year..so your allowed to eat lots of choccie's! Nette and Michelle are spending Easter together at Michelle's house..so will definitely be in the chocolate spirit..hehe!

We have lots of new goodies to help decorate for the Easter Season. We have also been playing with our Altered art and have come up with a treasure trove of wonderful pieces, our new "Life in a Jar" range will have you off day dreaming of times past. We hope you enjoy this months selections of hand made treasures.
For the month of March The Primitive Pear has a give away of a set of Prim Pillow Bowl Fillers a Patchwork Patty Primitives design. Sooo please just send us an email, by clicking on CONTACT US..and your name will go into the hat.

CONGRATULATIONS

SHARON REE'S

the winner of last months prim bunny

www.theprimitivepear.com

Don't forget to pop over to our blog and have a read, we have actually updated it with lots of things we have been up to...you can get to it directly through our website!

Well that's it for now, we hope you have a wonderful month. Remember we are always here ...if you want to drop us a line and say "Hi" or to answer any questions.

Prim Blessings to you all

Michelle and Nette

The Team at
The Primitive Pear
www.theprimitivepear.com

Off the Page Altered Art Letter 'E'

2008-02-18T12:56:00.001+11:00

I had made the letter 'A' for Amanda, my Grand-daughter, this Christmas past. Well Elliot, my Grand-son, fell in love with it and asked Nanny for 'his name'. So here is little Elliot's letter 'E'. I have made it quite plain and simple, being for a boy. I have just used a pre-made set of 3-D trains for decoration. Hugs Nette

Whats in a name?

2008-02-04T11:09:00.000+11:00

Alot when you don't know what it is..hehe...I brought this plant off a lady at our local market..she didn't know what it was called, but said if I put it in my fernery and watered is (which is just what I did), that it would have a beautiful hot pink and purple flower come up! Well it did...and how lovely is it...so does anyone out there know what it is called?...I'd love to know!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Big Boy now!!

2008-02-04T10:48:00.000+11:00

Well today my 12 year old son Josh started secondary school...how old does that make me feel..lol!! I remember his first day of kindergarten as if it was yesterday...where have the years gone..they seem to fly by so fast now!

Hugs Michelle xxx

A Primitive Christmas Tree

2008-01-23T08:37:00.001+11:00

I know this pic is a little late..and Christmas 2007 has gone....however a friend did mention that Christmas this year was only 337 days away..LOL..so I am early...te he..but here is a pic of my family room tree for 2007 hugs Nette

HOLIDAY SNAPS OF TOWNSVILLE

2008-01-22T10:44:00.001+11:00

Just thought I would share some of the holiday snaps of Townsville...this is the view from the balcony where we stayed on The Strand...nice huh.. :) The first pic is at night..not bad hey..the next is the same view point in daylight...last is just a little to the left and is of Magnetic Island...gosh it is nice up there..apart from that sweaty heat..highly recommend a trip up North !!!

NEW TOY

2008-01-19T23:42:00.001+11:00

YUP a brand new flashy state of the art laptop...well ok it is for Steve for work..cough cough...however I have been having the odd play with it...hugs Nette

Vacation with the Grandies

2008-01-15T12:44:00.000+11:00

Our usual sojourn for the summer holiday season is up to Townsville QLD and this year was no different..we had a wonderful two weeks with Grae and Amye and our darling grandbabies Elliot and Amanda..
Elliot has become a fine conversationalist...yup like Nanny, chats alot..te he..Amanda is just starting to try to take those first tentative steps on her own..still a little on the jelly side, however it won't be long untill she is off and running..
We had lots of fun..including a day at Billabong Sanctuary...here is a photo from that day :) hugs Nette ..ps you can just see a little bump of Grandbaby Peanut, due in June :)

Steve's Promotion

2008-01-15T12:29:00.000+11:00

As some of you may know my Steve is in the RAAF. He was recently promoted from the ranks, where he held the rank of Warrant Officer to a Commissioned Officer to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. [Nov 30th 2007]
The most exciting part of this for me, the spectator was the end of graduation parade at Officer Training School at Pt.Cook Victoria. We also attented a dinner that night ...Here are a few pics from the event :)

hugs Nette

Inspirational AA!

2007-12-31T00:19:00.000+11:00

As you know Christina "Rustic Tarts" gave to me in our Advent Swap we did in P4P...one of my presents was a AA Family Tree..I adored it so much I made one each for my brothers and sisters and my parents, so we all have one now, I couldn't get anymore than 3 bigger bottle brush trees, so I made up the 2 different bigger boxes with the smaller trees on them..they are along the same concept though and you can actually store photo's and special trinkets in them..everyone got such a kick out of them..especially seeing my dad and brothers as gnomes ..as they are very tall..he he! Thanks Christina for the idea and inspiration!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Redbacks Rule..hehe!

2007-12-31T00:04:00.000+11:00

Not the spider..hehe..my son Josh's Under 13 basketball team.."The Redbacks"..they won the grand final a few weeks ago, they were all so excited and had worked hard to get there..all the teams had, both sides showed wonderful good sportsmanship..made me proud to be a parent!

Hugs Michelle x

Stacker Boxes!

2007-12-30T23:57:00.000+11:00

I have been wanting to paint myself a big set of stacker (nesting) boxes for ages...finally the other day I decided to just do it..and remembered I had this set of 10 I purchased years ago, tucked away in my craft room... perfect! This is a huge set of 10, they are taller than me..hehe!

Hugs Michelle x

AA Tag Tree!

2007-12-30T23:48:00.000+11:00

Here is a picture of the tree I put all the baubles and tags from my Advent swap parcels, that Christina sent me..Thanks Christina!

Hugs Michelle x

Michelle's Christmas Pressie!

2007-12-30T23:45:00.000+11:00

Wasn't Santa a good boy..he brought me a spinning wheel!

P4P Advent Swap 2007!

2007-12-30T22:45:00.000+11:00

We held an Advent Swap in our Delphi forum "A Passion for Primitives", we were all given the person we had to swap(send) to, mine was Karen from "Tumbleweed Stitches"..Karen sent me a thank you email everyday of the swap, isn't she such a sweetie..she was a great swapee! Christina from "Rustic Tarts" was the person sending to me, she had all my pressies beautifully wrapped, she had a red bauble and an altered art tag on every pressie, you can see them under my tree in the pictures and a close up too...I decorated a tree with the baubles and AA tags, it was very effective. We all had to send 24 little presents (which could be half handmade and half purchased) for the 24 days preceding Christmas and one larger handmade item for the 25th day "Christmas day" to our swapee...so we all got to open a little pressie every day of December and then got a big pressie to open Christmas day. I received the best gifts, Christina just blew me away some days ..especially when I opened some to find AA gifts with pictures of my family and friends on them..I love all my gifts and have put some pictures here to show you what I received and what wonderful work Christina does...not to mention my big altered "M" for Michelle and my hooked rug I received on Christmas day..I was very spoilt and it was soo much fun..Thank you Christina!

Hugs Michelle x

Vintage Glitter and alot of Memories!

2007-12-30T21:12:00.000+11:00

Every year I decorate for Christmas in a primitive handmade sort of style...the kids love it..but...there was something missing they told me? "Bright lights and tinsel"...yikes!!..ok I can do this.. Christmas is all about the kids, so they say..lol! If I am having tinsel..it's going to be vintage tinsel..haha.. this takes me on a search through ebay, looking at all the vintage Christmas things (which I found amusing that I had hit vintage statice at 37 years old..lol) and did I have a ball, it was loads of fun hunting around seeing ornaments, decorations and cards that we had at home when I was a child.

It brought back loads of memories, some of the decorations were like flash cards. Mum did a wonderful job of decorating the kitchen and front lounge with twisted streamers running across the ceilings and the paper accordion like bells and balls..setting up the tree was always exciting, that meant "Father Christmas" (as my mum calls him) would soon be coming. Christmas Eve all five of us children would put our pillow cases (slips) under the tree, from eldest to youngest..Ann, Margaret, Andrew, Craig and Michelle (me) ...a glass of lemonade and 2 ginger nut biscuits (cookies), I remember I wasn't a big fan of ginger nuts and wondered why we didn't leave him something yummier like tictoc biscuits..hehe...oddly enough, both my parents love ginger nut biscuits! I remember one Christmas Eve lying in bed wishing myself to sleep, when I heard a baby cry...alot?? and another year I could have sworn I heard a bike bell outside? Years later my mum told me about dad accidentally pulling the dummy out of my crying dolls mouth and test driving my bike up and down the drive way Christmas Eve when we were little..he he! Here is a picture of my Vintage Aluminum Pom Pom Tree that I won on ebay from the USA and the black and white picture is one from when I was little.

Hugs Michelle x

AA Bauble Tag Ornies!

2007-12-30T21:06:00.000+11:00

Here is a picture of what Nette and I had a play with when she was last down, we bought the wood bauble shapped tags, embellished them ourselves and threaded lace or ribbon through them to hang with..they are decorated on both sides, so if they turn on your tree, you still have a great vintage AA picture to see! This set is for sale on our website http://www.theprimitivepear.com/ .

Hugs Michelle x

We are still alive..lol!

2007-12-30T19:48:00.000+11:00

WOW...the last few months have just flown...Santa's elves (aka:Michelle and Nette..tehe) where busy sewing madly.. filling orders for all the good boys and girls..hehe! We have had a few fun things happen over the last few months...to start with Nette flew down to Melbourne again stayed with Michelle..yeah..her main reason though was for hubby Steve's graduation, at Point Cook Air Force Base...he is an officer now..wooohoooo, will let Nette full you in on all that. While Nette was here we went out to lunch with a good friend of our Kerry owner of "My Favourite Things", Kerry designs wonderful dolls, teddy's and quilts just to name a few...check out her pattern range at http://www.myfavouritethings.com/ Kerry is such fun, we always have a good laugh and chat so much when we get together with her. We HAD to stop for a little shop at our favourite scrapbooking shop "Florewen Arts & Crafts"! Of course lots of chatting was done, we had a play with some Altered art and we even celebrated Steve's birthday while they where here...take note of the jet planes on/in the cake..tehehe..remember he is an officer in the Australian Air force!

Hugs Michelle x

School Holidays!!

2007-09-25T15:17:00.000+10:00

It is school holiday time here in Victoria, Australia...so 2 weeks of not having to do lunches and sleep in's..yeah!!..although that means the kids are home to annoy me...lol! We went and had lunch at the park today, just for something different to do and I luckily had my camera in my handbag..so took some snaps of the kids having fun...in the end they where laughing that much I thought they where going to drop on there heads..tehe!

Hugs Michelle xxx

WOW...What an honor!

2007-09-11T19:46:00.000+10:00

We have received an award..woohooo...and what a great award it is too, nothing better than making some one smile..hehe...our friend Tonya gave us this award...she is such a lovely gal, a fantastic artist and her blog is very inspiring...Thanks so much Tonya!

I would like to give our dear friend Mon (Monica) of Pipberry Prims this award...she makes me smile ALOT..hehe...she has a huge menagerie of animals and kids, lives on a farm and can turn her hands to just about anything, she has many talents..I love reading her blog, very entertaining...definitely makes me smile..he he! Check what Mon's up to on her blog...

http://pipberryprims.blogspot.com/

Hugs Michelle xxx

Primming Up My Kitchen Window!

2007-08-31T11:26:00.000+10:00

I have been thinking on it for awhile now, what I was going to do with my Kitchen window..so I decided to make myself some curtains from stained calico, I put up a rusty barnstar as a feature..then I was on a roll..lol...I painted my breadbox black and some little draws black too..then I stenciled "1812" on them..seeing as we use that date alot in our own craft, it's a little like our signature date..hehe! Now I unfortunately don't have a before and after shot..dratts..but there was only a small florally ruffle that went across the top of the window...not no more..hehe!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Picket Fence Inspiration!!

2007-08-31T11:11:00.000+10:00

While reading a blog from one of our Friends at "A Gathering of Crows", I got inspired at a picket fence I saw, Tonya had made herself a little picket fence as a back drop to her flowers..she made them out of wooden garden stakes, what a great idea and it looked fantastic, if you would like to see Tonya's fence you can visit her blog at...

http://primitivepaintins-bytpitts.blogspot.com/

Tonya is even considering making them up for sale..maybe smaller versions, but with signs to go with them as well..what a great idea...as it did take a bit of fiddling to get the stakes to stay where I wanted them too...and hammer and hammer and hammer..lol..so to buy ready made would have been so much easier!

As I had been out in the garden with the wonderful weather we have had, I got all inspired and instead of thinking "I must do that one day"...I got to it and made myself 2 picket fences there and then, of course they will look much better when they have weathered a bit, but I wanted to share..hehe! Thankyou Tonya for the inspiration and don't forget to check out Tonya's blog!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Spring has Sprung!

2007-08-28T13:05:00.000+10:00

It's so nice to be outside at the moment, we have had some fantastic weather here in Victoria. I don't seem to have the time I used to, to do my gardening (too much sewing to be done..hehe), but with the nice weather to inspire me, I have been out in the garden doing some tidying up and weeding. My trees are starting to get little green buds..woohoo...sping has sprung!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Home Alone!!

2007-08-22T11:37:00.000+10:00

Can you hear that?????....me either...it's silence..hehe, my 2 kids Josh and Sophie are both at camp this week (to the snow and bush walking), so I have 4 whole days of peace and quiet..no school lunches to pack, the house stays clean, no fights to referee, i don't have to fight to use msn..lol and I can get on a creative roll ....with no disturbances..so it should be good!
But it feels really weird..like I have been made reduntant or something..hehe..and I have just had a girlfriend point out to me how accident prone my Sophie is..and that she has her fingers crossed for me, that I don't get a phone call or that she doesn't come home in a cast..Lordy me I hadn't even thought of that..lol..but now I am!
In saying that...we can't live our lives on a "what if" or "maybe"...what will be ..will be..opps nearly slipped into a Doris Day song then ..lol!

Hugs Michelle xxx

What Angels!

2007-08-22T11:32:00.000+10:00

Butter wouldn't melt in their mouths..cough, cough..yeah right..lol! Thought I would share a picture of my 2 kids Josh and Sophie..they did their Eucharistic Sacrament (First Holy communion ..for us oldies..lol) the other Sunday!

Hugs Michelle xxx

A Gathering of Friends!!

2007-07-25T21:21:00.000+10:00

Just this last weekend, a few of my very close friends from all around Australia flew in for a visit..Nette came down from NSW (and got delivered to a completely different airport, to where I was waiting for her, because of fog..tehe), Tea flew over from Perth WA, Ann drove over from South Australia and picked Lisa up along the way, Christina..Marion...and Kirsty flew over from Adelaide. Kerry (My Favourite Things) lives in the same town as me and is a real sweetie.

We had a fantastic 4 days together...chatting, sewing, rug hooking and playing with Altered Art..we went shopping out for lunch and dinner and of course a few shots were had..hehe...but mainly LOTS of chatting! A great time was had by all...and how I so wished we all lived closer to each other..thanks girls for the great weekend!

Hugs Michelle xxx

Reno is finished..Yeah!

2007-07-25T21:09:00.000+10:00

Phew...what a mad 6 weeks, it has been...finally we have our floorboards down and the house is painted, all the green walls are gone and we are back to good ole cream..tehe! So I thought I would show you all what the end result looks like...I took the photo's at night, so the walls don't really show their true colour (they are much more creamy), you can just make out our cat Monty, who has decided the braided rug is her island (I don't think she likes floorboards...no traction..tehe) I am just glad that it is all done...lol! Hugs Michelle xxx

Altered Art fun!

2007-06-06T14:20:00.000+10:00

Ok I am still playing with my Altered Art..hehe..yes I am bad, I am supposed to be sewing up a storm..but it's very addictive..even collecting different supplies of ebay and the local scrapbooking shop is fun! The recent project has been an art canvas..this one is a keeper I think..I don't know if I could part with it..lol! Also I had some fun making key rings..these will be for sale on our website later in the week..take a peek! Now the next up date I will be doing will be pictures of my new floorboards that are getting laid next week...I am very excited because I have had the floorboards for 5...yes..5 years..that naughty DH of mine has finally got his butt into gear and they are going down..so I will be away with visiting my family with the 2 kids for a week...hopefully sewing up a storm, seeing I won't have a computer to side track me..lol..so stay tuned to this channel..hehe!

Hugs Michelle x

A Cat's Life

2007-06-04T11:50:00.000+10:00

Met Bobby, Nette's Persian Puss...he sits about most days doing what cats do best...this is one of his usual poses, fast asleep. Hugs Nette

We've been tagged !!!

2007-05-27T22:08:00.000+10:00

Monica from http://pipberryprims.blogspot.com/ has tagged US! We raced over to her site to see what it was all about... Now apparently for this we have to grab the book nearest to me, Nette as it turns out...go to page 28 and copy out the third paragraph. So here it is, from "Prisoners of the East" By Allana Corbin. I have read it before, however Mum gave me a copy just last weekend...
Along a road not far from our house was a throng of people making their way to a large parade ground almost a block away. I had no idea what was happening, but felt pleased to have such a good seat for the show, whatever it was to be. Before long our excitement was shattered as I noticed several prisoners being dragged along. They were bound by the hands and had been severely beaten. People whom I guessed to be their relatives grabbed at the guards, begging and pleading for their release. In stunned silence, my sister and I watched as the men were forced tot he ground in the centre of the complex. A large figure dressed in black stepped forwards and put a loose cloth bag over the head of each prisoner. The crowd gathered around them, and the cheering intensified. One by one, the men were hauled to their feet and paraded before the crowd then forced to kennel on the grey asphalt. Without hesitation, the man in black raised his gun and shot each one in the back of the head. I couldn't move, and as each shot rang out I felt its resonating blow penetrate right through me. I was shaking and frozen with fear until the chilling scene came to an end.
WOW pretty intense book. As you might have guessed it is a true story from WW2.
NOW..I could try and convince Michelle to do it for what ever book she is reading at the moment...WONDER if it has FABIO on the front cover..snork
Now I have to pick 2 people to tag...... So I thought I would tag Amanda..te he..http://seabreezequilts.blogspot.com/ Amanda does amazing quilts...
Now for the other one, I'm tagging Kirsty, as she owes me for helping her with punchneedle..lol.. http://lollibchie.typepad.com plus it is a reallly good blog to read.
So girls, get ready to pick up a book and tag your favorite bloggers!

Inside Blundells Cottage Canberra

2007-05-27T14:11:00.001+10:00

I did promise you a look about the inside of Blundells Cottage..so here are those photos. This is just inside the front door. I dare say it would have been the sitting room or palor as it would have been known.
Just off this room was the front

bedroom. The stunning wrough iron bed was adorned with a shabby patchwork quilt, reminicant of the times. Some of the items for hair care looked more like tools of torture. The curling iron looked like it would pinch. The things girls will do to look pretty :)

This was the little back bedroom. It was only as wide as the bed was long. To the left:-Seeing as the Cottage was extended at one point, I was thinking this was the original kitchen area. I love the old bath tub, however not good for a good stretch and soak.

As this was only a 4 room cottage. The extensions being added at a later date. A bigger kitchen and storage rooms. The old stove sits in a fireplace alcove. Really adds to the charm of the old cottage. Some of the kitchen utensils that would have been used during that era. The butter

press to make the perfect block of butter. The potato squeeze. Of course the all important weights.

Some of the plates and items would have been stored in cupboards similar to this. If you click

to enlarge the photo, you will see the pictures from some of the residents in the cottage.

Now this is the all important 'fridge' now do you think I can recall the name of it. Anyway, the tray on top is where you put the block of ice or water. It drips down a small hole in the middle of the tray onto the Hessian, that is the bit that looks like a pyramid and down either side of the small doors to a tray below. This in turn keeps the goodies inside cool. It was a metal structure inside and would have kept things quite well I think....now of course the oil heater in the picture was added in recent years..trust me, it was cool in Canberra and it sure added a homey warmth to the Cottage.

A great collection or irons from the period. No wonder we wanted the wash and wear range. How much work to use these beauties.

Next installment will be the outside shed and yard. Blessin's Nette

Garage Sale Finds!

2007-05-19T16:42:00.000+10:00

Well I went to a couple of garage sales today, I love hunting around for old interesting things and today I got lucky! I found 2 old sewing baskets, still with some old vinatge sewing items in them and 3 glass oil lamps...all for $40AUD...so I came home a very happy little camper!

Hugs Michelle x

Blundells Cottage Canberra

2007-05-15T19:59:00.000+10:00

What a stunning little cottage nestled on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. Parliament House in the background against the back drop of Brindabella Mountains. Blundell Cottage was built in 1860's by the Campbell family on the Duntroon Estate for their head ploughman. Later the Blundell family were to reside in the tiny cottage. It is very picturesque and I do hope I have captured some of the ambience we felt while there. The picture is the view from the back of the cottage, with my gorgy hubby Steve in uniform.

This is the front of the little Cottage. Lovely big pencil pines aline around this quaint Cottage. The gardens were just stunning, full of cottage plants, banks of lavender in the back garden, so reminisant of the era.

This is Nette sitting on the bench set in front of the cottage.

The two side windows are the bedrooms. With the back window and chimney being the kitchen

This is the back view of the kitchen. The little white door leads into the back of the house. The building to the right is the shed. Lots of pictures of the goodies from in there too, in a further post.

Next post I will show you around the inside of the Cottage :) Blessin's Nette

Canberra Visit

2007-05-15T12:05:00.000+10:00

Nette and her Hubby Steve went for a short overnight stay in Canberra, Australia's Capital Territory. We stopped at a few spots along the way. There was a great school craft market at Berrima. Lots of old goodies were found, including a nice old frame and some small glass bottles.

Next we stopped at Goulburn where I took some great snaps of some of the old homes in the area.

Being Autumn the trees were just stunning. We missed some of the leaves having turned here. However the stark twiggy look was very haunting.

We got into Canberra in the early afternoon. So we went out to look at the War Memorial. The trees in the park were just stunning..the lovely reds and yellows of the leaves were breathtaking.

I must say it was very moving to walk around the War Memorial. We saw the names of the Men that had served in all the Squadrons that Steve has also served. This was very sobering. I must say we shed a tear. We stayed until 5pm when, on closing, they have a bugler play the Last Post.

Lastly we went up the Telstra Lookout, Canberra is stunning at night, if not cold..brrrr...Next we are off to Blundell Cottage. Lots more photos !!!

Scrapbooking the Grandchildren

2007-05-09T12:11:00.000+10:00

Well isn't time flying by this year? I can tell by how far behind I was on the Grandchilderns Scrapbooks...lol...so I have been spending a little time trying to catch up on them..here are a few pics of my pages. Not the best I know..just hard to take a good photo of them :)

Top page is of Elliot with his Dad just this Christmas gone. We had a picnic lunch at The Strand at Townsville.

Amanda is wearing her new PINK hat..she just loved it..and she looked very pretty in her new PINK hat..blessin's Nette

Playing with Altered Art

2007-04-24T13:44:00.000+10:00

You know how you have a list of things that you would love to have a play with, but never seem to have the time...well my list is long..hehe, but I did make time to have a play with some Altered Art the last few weeks. I had slowly collected bits and pieces here and there, storing them up for my first attempt and finally decided it was time to have a sit down and play.

I must admit it was fun playing with pictures of people I knew...like in this picture of my little family (giving my husband fairy wings..hehe), the picture was taken at my sister-in-laws wedding and the photo of the old house, is the old house on my fathers farm...it holds alot of great memories for me, as we used to go camping in it when we were kids! I would love to do some more and am sure I will in the future...but for now I have to get back to work and sew up a storm...hehe!

Hugs Michelle x

Halloween is in the air....

2007-04-17T14:45:00.000+10:00

Well its not far from my mind..hehe..I love halloween, spooks, pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, witches etc., so I was in the mood to create some halloween goodies and have made up 3 new patterns. When the creative spark hits..I have to run with it, even if it's a little early..hehe and lets face it crafting is supposed to be fun and what we love...so I thought what the heck..hehe! Take a peek...

Well school holidays have finished and my 2 children Joshua and Sophie are back at school...what was that I hear...ahhh, nothing peace and quiet..lol..well until 3.15pm anyway..hehe!

My poor daughter Sophie has broken her foot over the holidays, did that stop her?..nope...so off to the doctors we went again last night and had to get a new plaster cast, she had worn through the bottom of her fibre glass one after a week...much to the doctors dismay, so now she is going to have to be on her best behaviour and try really hard to stay off it...which is hard when you are 10 years old and an outside kid..so fingers crossed!

Hugs Michelle x

Mothers Day Hearts

2007-04-15T18:00:00.000+10:00

Nette has been playing with her Vintage Cutter Quilt and made up these lovely hearts ready for Mothers Day. They are quite a good size in a big old rusty spring. A small altered art tag also hangs with a Vintage picture of a Mother and her Children.

Snow Angel

2007-04-12T10:22:00.000+10:00

Well Nette is enjoying using clay medium to work with dolls. This is her first attempt so far. Still a work in progess, but very happy with results.

Getting Creative

2007-03-29T14:43:00.000+10:00

Just started to work on clay head dolls..still a work in progess.

The Primitive Pear

Easter Blessings

Vintage Kitchen Dresser

Penny Rugs and Altered Art

Vintage Scales

Cedar Cupboard

Dumpster Dive Halloween Tree

Boho Bracelets

Mixed Media Altered Art Display Box

Altered Art Charm Bracelet

Introducing Heather Georgina

Altered Art and More

Announcing the Arrival of...

FREE PRIMITIVE E-PATTERNS

Nanny and Elliot singing the 'Frog' song

Floor Blanket for 'baby peanut'

Nettes' Visit with the Grandies

APRIL NEWSLETTER

OUCH!!!

Thanks Mum!

Off the Page Altered Art letter 'A'

Newsletter

Off the Page Altered Art Letter 'E'

Whats in a name?

Big Boy now!!

A Primitive Christmas Tree

HOLIDAY SNAPS OF TOWNSVILLE

NEW TOY

Vacation with the Grandies

Steve's Promotion

Inspirational AA!

Redbacks Rule..hehe!

Stacker Boxes!

AA Tag Tree!

Michelle's Christmas Pressie!

P4P Advent Swap 2007!

Vintage Glitter and alot of Memories!

AA Bauble Tag Ornies!

We are still alive..lol!

School Holidays!!

WOW...What an honor!

Primming Up My Kitchen Window!

Picket Fence Inspiration!!

Spring has Sprung!

Home Alone!!

What Angels!

A Gathering of Friends!!

Reno is finished..Yeah!

Altered Art fun!

A Cat's Life

We've been tagged !!!

Inside Blundells Cottage Canberra

Garage Sale Finds!

Blundells Cottage Canberra

Canberra Visit

Scrapbooking the Grandchildren

Playing with Altered Art

Halloween is in the air....

Mothers Day Hearts

Snow Angel

Getting Creative