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Monthly Archives: March 2015

chicks

March 23, 2015

Sundae.
i love her puffy feathers!

Fancy & Huevo.

squishy.

tiny is soooo very tiny.
but the loudest of the whole group.

i will be so bummed if Fancy is a rooster.
with all that eyeliner… surely she is a hen.

being a model is hard work.
sometimes you fall asleep on the job…

we just got our chicks at our local Orschelin.
we chose from their supply… Americanas, Barred Rocks and Bantums.

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Lisa - LOVE that first pic of Sundae – she looks like she’s a model on the catwalk!

Angela - I was so close to buying ducks on Friday! Unlike Mr. Duerksen, my husband would’ve been, uh, less than pleased. 😉 I’ve always wanted ducks and chickens and your pics have been giving me chick fever! (Is that a thing? Just go with it…)

Mindy - Cuteness overload! I was scrolling through and thinking these diva chicks look like they are on a modeling shoot and then I saw you you referred to them as models at the end. They COULD be in a magazine for sure!

Annie - This is the sweetest and funniest post and so cleverly written. Funny that you named them and I hope Greta Garbo doesn’t turn into Clark Gable either (the rooster with eyeliner!)

Dana Powell - It is fascinating to me that it is not evident that chicks are either male or female. I would love to have some one day, but right now are neighborhood association restricts it (that, and we live in a foreign country and travel frequently…). Anyway, I’m sure you’ve done your research, but have you seen this I got from successwithpoultry.blogspot.com?:
GENERAL SIGNS

– Pullets usually get their wing and tail feathers before cockerels (in the first week or so).
– At around 5 to 6 weeks, sometimes sooner, you will see definate comb development on the cockerels in most breeds (it will start to redden, whilst the pullets will still be yellowy).
– At 2-3 months you will see the hackle feathers developing on the males. They will start to get longer and will be more pointed.
– Cockerels are usually braver – if you walk into your henhouse and accidentally sneeze, the pullets should be the ones that scattered!
– Cockerels have more pointed feather tips.
– Cockerels are usually bigger by a few weeks old.
– Pullets tend to have a smaller, round head, compared to the cockerels larger more angular one.
– Cockerels usually have longer legs (look for spur development).

All of these general signs are indications – not certainties. There are always exceptions to the rule, and not all breeds will conform to the general signs. You may have a really friendly timid cockerel in your bunch masquerading as a pullet (and vice versa).

BREED SPECIFIC INDICATIONS

Barred Rocks and Cuckoo Marans – Males have wider white barring. They will often appear more silvery-grey than black. The males usually have a much larger, splotchier headspot.

Rhode Island Reds – By 5 weeks males have larger and thicker legs and a larger (pinkening) comb and wattle area.

Salmon Faverolles – By 2 weeks you can usually see a difference in the colours on the wings. Black should indicate a cockerel. Salmon brown should indicate a pullet.

Silkies – It can be several months before signs start to appear. Boys tend to stand more erect and girls more likely to be short and squatty. If the feathers swoop back towards the neck on the crest, then it is likely to be a boy.

White Crested Polish – The females tend to get more fluffy, mushroom looking crests.

OLD WIVES TALES – take with a pinch of salt!

If you pick a chick up with two fingers by the neck, the pullets will draw their legs up to their body and the cockerels legs will dangle.

Hold your chick on their back in your hand. If they stop kicking after a short time, it’s a pullet, if they keep kicking it’s a cockerel.

Needle and Thread – dangle the needle over your chick … if it moves around and around it is a female, if it swings back and forth it is male – this is supposed to work for both chicks and eggs.

However you try to determine the sex of chicks you won’t know for sure until it crows or lays an egg – but it can be a lot of fun finding out 🙂

I’m waiting on pins and needles alongside you.
Love your blog, been reading for years but rarely comment. 🙂

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - these chicks got swag. even when napping 😉

Janet - Fabulous photos–I especially love the ones of all the chickens together in lines!!

Lorraine - Eeek!! I just love lil’ chicks!!! You have a sweet bunch there!! We have bought chicks, had mama’s hatch them and have incubated our hens eggs! It’s all so much fun! You should look into an incubator, there is nothing like counting down the days and watching those little babes break through those tough shells!!!!

Carrie - So cute! I work at the Orscheln home office – I was hoping you got the ladies from us!

Kim - Meg,
I love the chick pics, they make me feel Springy!

p.s.Thanks for the beautiful wrapping and terrific service regarding my new apron (Jane) and pillow cover (whales) I recently bought from you. Such beautiful work, I absolutely love them both.

The lovely one - So cute! Too bad they grow into chickens…. I love to keep them as cute baby chicks forever!

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we have been busy…

March 20, 2015

spring break is over half way done.
my nieces were here since sunday.
we have had a lot of fun so far.
i have a big painting project going on at the Craft House… shipping all the aprons & bunting… THANK YOU everyone for all the orders!

creepy weirdos.

running for the bus on a snowy morning about two weeks ago.

those tulips couldn’t have matched my chairs ANY BETTER!
neighborhood watch.

healthy snack.

antique store swooning.

new tulips in red instead of orange.

scott’s last home game… i hate when basketball season in over.

both the boys team and the girls team won the 3A Sub State Championship!
the boys didn’t move on any farther unfortunately but the girls won State for the 2nd year in a row!

talby had a volleyball tournament last week… i think it’s her last for quite awhile.

this is my running route when i am alone.
kinda… e m p t y.

#momlife

craft house porch sitting.

she likes to go out right around the time dad gets home from work so he can see that she is practicing.
🙂
she’s a smart one!

sneaking over to the Craft House in my pajamas to take a bath last week.
i put my phone out of reach so i could just focus on my book.
have you read this?
Restless: Because You Were Made for More
I am like… crazy for it.
i am thinking you would love it because it seems MOST of us are searching for MORE out of life?
maybe?
try it and see… i think it’s really good.

closer than necessary.

after school snack.

a big day calls for the power leggings.
it’s possible that they have super hero qualities…
(they are made by Under Armour. i stalked them all winter and when they went on clearance i snagged them with a coupon on top! BOOM.)

i went in for a covered button kit….
i came out with all these.

piano practice and a poser.

a rare moment with a Rhode Island Red… they are usually so quick!
i caught her though.

annie and my niece love to play restaurant and they have been playing “Sunflower Sisters” for years.
it’s a very fun tradition!
i ordered the yogurt with strawberries and a coffee.

we hit the zoo…
this giraffe was loving all the close up attention.
and so were we!

we stopped at the farm store for a water dish and left with 8 new baby chicks!
and annie reeeeeally wanted a duck.
who wouldn’t?!

this is Fancy.
the one i picked and insisted we get.
this one is Tiny.

Waffle is thinking about having a “Fancy” dinner.

Is it me or does Sundae look like she’s all Beyonce in this picture?
the littler one on the left is Boots.

Sundae and Fancy.
i am hoping for less roosters than hens this round.

Wichita has a new trampoline park… Urban Air.
that was totally worth the money for two hours of FUN! (the website has a coupon!)
then lauren met us for lunch and swimming too!

snack dinner!
i heard “YAY!!! I LOVE snack dinner!” when i called the kids in.
which made me so happy!

this is a block from my house… a calf was just out on the road.
as i was considering how to help it, i spooked it and it took off back to the farm.

for our last night with my nieces we had a late night slumber party at the Craft House.
the little girls were shocked when i agreed to a SECOND movie at 10:30 pm!
i said “well this IS a slumber party!”
i painted while they watched.
🙂

they played SORRY while i made gluten free pumpkin muffins.
to which we all agreed that they were a fail… they tasted like eating a plain sweet potato.
not what we wanted from our pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
bummer.
at least we had other things to eat!

then we drove them home after our 5 days together…. such a great visit!

i am hoping to work on the paint project tomorrow and all weekend.
Hope Spoken is in a week… not freaking out but yet… totally freaking out.
i am excited about everything!
just nervous about my speaking – and i do not even know what i am going to say yet!
soon… soon… soon. i can feel it coming together and swirling around in my head.
(thank you jesus!)
but just know that i will cry… if i stood up and gave the weather report i would STILL cry.
it’s just what i do.
i cry.

lastly… there is still ONE apron left in the shop.
i love her so much.
i can’t believe she’s left all by herself… she’s the life of the party for sure.
beverly
maybe she appears too wild in photos?
she is royal blue, spring green and a beautiful bright pink… seriously such a great combo!
the turquoise and the lime green in the floral pattern are perfection!

have a super weekend!
i am DYING to finish my paint project to show the world because you are going to freak!!
it’s completely dreamy and rad.
🙂

must go to sleep now… it’s 12:53…yikes!

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Flower Patch Farmgirl - Best way to start my day, right here. That bball shot of Talby (?) is so awesome! And I’m going to do snack dinner soon.

Andrea - Meg…I just love seeing peeks into your colorful world…..and your dogs just crack me up! Happy Spring!

Heather - Random thoughts that I can’t post on Facebook because I’m taking a break;

you prompted me to buy tulips yesterday, on the first day of spring

I read 7 last week while on holiday in Cuba and now I’m off FB and a moms board that I’ve been on for 12 years that consistently annoys me. LOL I am now reading A million miles in a thousand years, which you had recommended to me.

s - Totally random but what kind of curling wand is that and does it work as well as it looks like it does???!!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - i believe tulips go with Everything! (that’s my story and I’m sticking with it:))

Amy Woods - Lovely. All.

Stephanie - I LOVE that apron. It was that one, the Ruby, and a couple others that I picked out as my favorites. So if she looks too wild, I guess that’s my taste! Lol.

Kerry - Have you read “Anything” By Jennie Allen? I have it on hold at the library now.

Lynette L. - I love posts like this! You take the best pictures! Your dogs pose so well – mine is always moving so she is just a blur in the pictures I take.

Katherine @ Grass Stains - Meg, when I saw this idea, I knew I had to send it to you. It is SO YOU! I can see you doing this with your girls. 🙂

http://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2015/03/diy-painted-shoes-for-st-patricks-day.html/

beth larson - so….did Annie get the duck? So adorbs- and I can’t wait to see your painting project- this was a great post!! xo

ira lee - looks like a ton of fun and if you could just call me before the next week like this, that’d be great!! lol

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for sale on monday!

March 15, 2015

on monday at 7:30 PM all of these amazing ruffled aprons go up for sale in my shop!!

www.megduerksen.bigcartel.com
coming soon after that… a ruffled apron KIT with all the pieces and the pattern to make one of these aprons on your own at home!

the pattern will also be available separately to make it with your own fabric.

the flowered pins will be for sale when the kits are ready.
🙂

aren’t they all so pretty?!
i can’t choose a favorite.
they are all my favorites.
AND i will have more Happy Craft House Mini Scrap Bunting!!

it’s 13 feet long with 100 mini flags in at least 25 different patterns.

Monday at 7:30 pm – central time zone.

YAY!!!

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The lovely one - I love the idea of selling a kit! I hope the instructions are super detailed and easy to understand for the craftily challenged like me!

Any chance you’ll have contest and give a kit away? 🙂

Kelly - I cry too. Especially during worship. Or hearing a testimony. Or sharing a testimony. Or reading about something God’s been doing……..I have just decided it is my spiritual gift 😉

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - buntings are from heaven. thank you heaven.

Liz R. - I love them all, but Ruby is my favorite. 🙂 Can’t wait for the kit and pattern! SUCH a good idea to sell these! Absolutely beautiful.

Jenny B. - Yay! I was bummed when I saw the post title because I figured I had already missed the sale. LOVE that you’re opening it in the evening!

KirstenP - I like the white edging on each of the ruffles! Can that be done using the Singer Sewing Machines you’ve mentioned buying at Amazon?

Alice H - I should probably buy the ALICE one!! Great name! LOL

Jacci in Ohio - Hey, Meg 🙂 Just wanted to let you know your Big Cartel link is goofed. It has your blog link connected to it at the beginning so it just goes to a page not found.

Looking forward to the open shop! I’d love some of your bunting!

Molly - I have a daughter named Edith Louise….so your names of your aproms made me so happy to see. Wanna make an Esther Minnie, too? Love your blog!

Lori - LOVE the bunting!

Lisa McCracken - Oh I hope I can get one. I’ve been waiting for these!!

Heidi Durant - I need the Louise for my daughter Emmah Louise, and I need both the Lucy and Edith for my daughter, Lucy Edith!!! You just made my choice so much easier. Now hopefully I will get them before anyone else!

Adrienne - Prices so I can prepare?!!!!

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sweet potato & black bean chili

March 13, 2015

i rarely post recipes here any more… i think all the food blogs scare me away from it.
but i made this the other night by throwing things together and it was delish!
and of course chili is not your typical spring-is-coming recipe but i always just blog what is current and THIS is happening in my house right now… 70 degrees outside or not. 🙂 Like i am literally eating a bowl of this… in my pajamas at 2:17 in the afternoon right now.

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i had all of this in pantry so i threw it all together. 🙂

after you brown the ground beef you can add your onions to the beef to cook or just toss it all in one big pot.
all the ingredients.

i don’t think it’s possible to take a pretty picture of chili….
but i did clean my stove top just to take these pictures.

stir it up and let it come to a boil.
then turn down the heat to low, cover it and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes.
When the sweet potatoes are tender then it’s ready.
You can add more spice if you need it.
or more water if it’s too thick.
and if you have a packet of chili seasoning… you could use that instead.

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Of course you can top it with cheese, sour cream & chips if you’d like too.
but just avocados is so good too!

here is the recipe all rainbowed and pretty!

chilirecipe

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Nette - Looks delicious – looking forward to try the recipe

Linda - Please don’t stop posting your recipes. My family has fallen in love with your pancake recipe. This chili recipe looks so good.

Mindy - My husband would love this. I make a black bean/ sweet potato chili often but it is a vegetarian version. I love it with cornbread (hello carbs!). I add sour cream on top but your idea of avocado sounds delicious!

Gemma - I’ve always really enjoyed your foodie/recipe posts! We always make your Apple bars in the autumn and your blueberry buckle in the summer months. Please carry on sharing 🙂

Gemma x

Kimberlee Jost - Sounds and looks GOOD!

Rachel - Well, we never got a winter, so I have been living vicariously through winter food. This looks amazing. Thank you for the recipe!

Kristin S - Oh, Meg, this looks delicious! I’m about to embark on a 28-day eating plan that is a beef-once-a-week dealio. Oy. I think the “no dairy” will be the hardest part. BUT I think I’ll try this recipe with ground chicken. Yummy!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - AND avocado on top? licked the screen, died and gone to heaven.

jamie - that looks and sounds so delicious! i know i would LOVE more recipes from you! don’t let all those other food blogs keep you from sharing if that’s what you want to do! and {high five} for cleaning your stove top. not a fun task!

Julie - Looks delicious – definitely something my family will eat come the winter months..

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trail mix, a playlist & crazy strong abs

March 10, 2015

three quick things today.

1. this is my trail mix i made up for when i want a little sweet and still be getting the good stuff.
i buy the Cranberry Delight trail mix at Dillons (Kroger) which is by the chips at our store.
and a bag of dark chocolate covered raisins.
i dump those two into a bowl or a ziploc and then i add some golden raisins too… not a lot.
sometimes i add unsweetened coconute flakes.
and as i eat it and the bowl emptys out… i add in more whole almonds.

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occasionally if the chocolate raisins are low i will throw in some dark chocolate chips if i have them.
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it’s super yummy… great little snack.
of course you shouldn’t eat much at a time… moderation and all that, you know.

i have been doing Les Mills Pump for 6 weeks now.

love it.
LOVE IT!!!
but with all dvds i get tired of the talking… how could one not get tired of the same words over and over??
so i turn on my music loud and mute them.
this is my playlist i have right now for PUMP:

no judging!
i like to jam.
i am not tech savvy enough to give you a playlist that actually plays…. i wish i was.
if someone knows how to do that… feel free to tell me how.

and then yesterday i came across this video of a core workout routine.
holy cows.
kind of looks like fun… wish i was 16 again so i could do this EASILY!
i would’ve loved it.
but even though i am 39… i am going to try it.
because why not?!
remember my word was ACTION.
this video is a lot of that.

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Kathy - I LOVE your playlist!!!! Fun songs! I mix a little of the new songs just like these with some fun dance songs from the 90’s – just love to have upbeat fun songs playing, helps the workout be more fun!!

Lola - MEG!
You just inspired me to make a playlist!!!!!!!!!
It’s called SPRING15!

Thx
Hearts!
Lola

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - dang, girl, you got it going on with that playlist!

Carin - Do you feel or notice a difference in your body from doing the Les Mills?

Maclaine - Great playlist! I’m loving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL_EXAyGCkw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q right now too.

Alicia - There has never been a time in my life where that workout would have been EASY!! But it does make me want to try it!!

Iris Brown - OMG! Just watched that ab video. Is my eyes suppose to water while watching? I’m out of breathe from sitting. I will try it too and hope to just make it to the chorus. Thanks for the inspiration. Bless the Lord O my Soul . . .

Bridget - Choreography + plank = amazing!! Thank you for inspiring us today, Meg! I’m going to try choreography + sitting @ my desk and see what happens. :o)

Alice H - That ab workout makes it seem like the song Uptown Funk is REALLY REALLY long. LOL! And that trail mix looks delicious!

Carrie - My daughter’s gymnastics team does that workout! That must be where they got it! They just updated it to that. They used to do a really similar one to the song Power. It’s hard, and my daughter is really tired when it’s done, but I think it makes their conditioning a little more fun.

Beejay - So cool you have Les Mills dvds to follow. I live in New Zealand where Les Mills gyms started and I go to one…..just home from a Body Balance class tonight. They’re the best! 🙂

Becky - That video makes me feel like I could do anything! I mean, I couldn’t actually do THAT, but it makes me feel like it. What inspiration!

Jennifer @ Ellison Lane - Wow, that was awesome. I think I’ll try it though I will likely not be able to do it like those girls did! Ah, youth! 🙂

Meredith - Love that playlist. Can’t Hold Us is one of my all time workout faves. Sounds like you’re having fun:)

Stephanie Wilson - LOVE your playlist! I started doing Blogilates on Youtube at the beginning of the year and it is kicking.my.butt. At 39 (40 next month) I am realizing I have to take things a little slower than I used to. But I love when it hurts the next day because I pushed myself. I need to make myself some trail mix now….

Michelle Whitlow - That made my stomach hurt just watching that video!! haha I don’t think I could’ve done that even back when I was 16 but good for them!!! Holy super abs Batman!!

Barbara (WA) - You should try all this at 60+, haha! And moderation with trail mix is even harder!

Melissa - why don’t they go those workout videos with two options: one for just starting out with pauses and talking and one that just works straight through with no pauses or talking. I would love to buy a workout video like that.

jamie - doesn’t that core video inspire you? they do it so flawlessly! i told one of my instructors at the rec center that she should do that routine with her summer classes! yikes!

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february Craft weekend sponsors

March 7, 2015

title
each Craft Weekend we ask our favorite companies if they would like to be sponsors.
our sponsors are artists, authors, small business owners and big businesses too!
some have brick & mortar shops… some are completely online… some travel to markets and fairs.
they are hard working creatives that i adore.
thank you to each sponsor for the generosity that you give to Craft Weekend.
thank you for taking the time to make it… to ship it… and for the discounts for all my readers!

please enjoy shopping in ALL of these shops…. follow them on IG… read their blogs.
these are awesome people!

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yourwords aren’t these the cutest?! each one had a different word and all in the same perfect yellow color!
Your Words Cuffs makes metal stamped cuff bracelets in so many different cuff patterns.
She stamps “your words” onto the cuff of your choice. They are rad!
Use the code: WCW10 for 10% off your order through March 31st.

@tracicuffs

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organic
i think The Organic Bloom is now my favorite frame company!
every single color was amazing! i wanted ALL the colors!
You can follow them on Instagram @theorganicbloom to see their products and get great ideas.
They are a wholesale company BUT if you go to the Vendor Locator on their website you can find a Photographer in your area to purchase from!

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ike
We love these rainbow bracelets from Ike & Co.
the little Kansas & sunflower charm is so cute!
Use the code: MEG25 for 25% off your order.

@ikendco

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Jennifer Dahl Designs makes very fun jewelry!
You can choose your charms to fit you perfectly.
Use the code: CRAFT25 to get 20% off your order.

@jenniferdahl

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salty
OH MY GOODNESS i have loved Salty Bison signs for several years!
they are artsy and fun and primitive at the same time.
They sent this cute little signs for our guests and we set them on their beds to welcome them.
Follow their Instagram account @saltybison to see everything they are working on… i love their feed!
Use the code: whatevercraft for 10% off your order.

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curly
Is there any cuter chocolate bar you’ve ever seen in your whole life?
Curly Girl Designs makes fabulous cards, artwork, gifts and now… chocolate! 🙂
She has a unique and cheerful style in all of her work that always makes me smile.
Go check out all the goodness in her shop!
Use the code: CGDCW2015 for 15% off your order (excluding the Love Delivered subscription)

@curlygirldesign

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hello
these these cute signs are made by Maddie and her mom at Hello from a Girl.
100% of her proceeds go towards Maddie’s mission trip to Haiti!
How fun to be a part of helping her dreams come true.
Use the code: CRAFT25 for 25% off your order through the end of March.

@hellofromagirl

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stella
Stella Bella Boutique makes sparkly pretty jewelry.
she sent our girls these druzy earrings in all different colors… so fun!
Use the code: whatever15 for 15% off your entire order!

@stellabellaboutique

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Kellyn from Blessed Moments Studio sketched these drawings while she was at the Craft House!
each one was so sweet and captured so much of the “FUN” at the House.
go check out her other work in her shop!
Use the code: CRAFTWEEKEND to get 20% off the Craft House prints.

@kellydon

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Dayspring is awesome! They send us the best books!
I love being able to send home these kinds of books with my new friends… knowing they can pick it up and read about how much God loves them anytime makes me love Dayspring even more!
Use the code: WHATEVER25 for 25% off your order at Dayspring through april 1st.

@dayspringcards

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i love the different cuffs jennifer at The Turquoise Tomato comes up with!
These are so colorful and happy!
Use the code WHATEVERCRAFTWEEKEND for 15% off your order.

@jenniferallred

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clean
Crunchy Clean makes earth friendly, all natural detergent.
All of our CW girls got their own bag to take home!
It smells SO good!
All the proceeds from this sale go Jeremy & Ashley Brummer (the creators & makers of Crunchy Clean) adoption fund.
Use the code: whatever20 for 20%off your order!

@crunchy_clean

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burlap
The Burlap Bag makes the yummy smelling and creative candles.
They sent these two scents to help The Craft House to smell even more lovely.
You have got to see what other kinds of scents they have made… you will love it.
Use the code: CRAFTY for 20% off your order.

@theburlapbag

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spunky
Spunky Fluff is not only fun to say but they make really cool signs!
each sign is painted in the most fun colors.
Kristen’s 100+ signs are inspirational, humorous and look AWESOME!
Use the code: MEGBLOG for 20% off your entire purchase.

@spunkyfluff

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lemon
Sasha is the Lemonade Makin’ Mama who makes pretty water color art!
Go check out her shop to see her pretty designs of farm life & quotes.
Use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@lemonademakinmama

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pitter
Laura is a rad blogger… amazing artist… super mama!
She is the artist at Pitter Patter Art.
You can contact her about custom work on her website.
and trust me… you’re going to want to read her blog. it’s good. 🙂

@pitterpatterart

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linen
isn’t this so great?! I love this print from Linen & Ink!
Her shop has mugs, prints and notecards with Carly’s hand lettered designs.
You can use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@linenandink

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school
THIS BOOK!!! you need this book. 🙂
Shea Henderson wrote this book for anyone who wants to learn to sew.
she broke it down and made it fun while keeping it beautiful.
you need this book. (did i say that already?)
You can order her book School of Sewing right here on Amazon!

@emptybobbin

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jenni

Jenni Horne Studios sent prints of her happy bicycle paintings.
i love Jenni’s style!
i love her color and whimsy!
Use the code: Craftweekend for 15% off your order in her shop!

@artsyorange

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natalie
Natalie Creates is a blog filled with farm life… creating… and happiness.
Her shop is ever changing with cute colorful goodies that sell out almost immediately.
She loves to gift our guests with her talents. 🙂
Her blog is worth the click over… Her Instagram @nataliecreates is too!
Thanks Natalie!

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GGT
Gabriel’s Good Tidings makes the cutest lip balm holders for your keychain.
she is also making essential oil holders too!
Her shop has loads of design choices!
Use the code: WCW40 to save 40% and free shipping! WOW!

@gabrielsgoodtidings

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lori
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Lori Danelle defines herself as a Maker of Art & Things. 🙂
i like that.
she makes lovely artwork with pen and ink and also she is a fabulous paper cut artist!
Use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@loridanelle

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crave

have you ordered CRAVE Popcorn yet?!
The white chocolate oreo is craaaazy good!
i’m thinking that this popcorn would be perfect to snack on during the NCAA tournament coming up!
or maybe you need it for your spring break adventure?
Use the code: CW15 for 15% off your order.

@cravepopcornco

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katy
this new design from KatyGirl is so good! i love it all… the colors.. the words… the flowers!
her shop has beautiful prints in lovely colors with such encouraging words!
there are several prints i need to order like this one… and this one… and this one too. 🙂
Use the code: WHATEVER15 for 15% off your order.

@katygirldesigns

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Stacy - After reading this post and then reading the wrap-up of the Craft Weekend/February, I’m going to go out and purchase School of Sewing so I can learn to do a cute ruffle apron! Looks like y’all had a BLAST!

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craft weekend – february

March 4, 2015

what a beautiful group of ladies!
they were each so kind to each other and had a happiness about them.
i like meeting all these women each year.
Craft Weekend makes for some great friends!

there was major EPIC swag in february too!
the post about each one is coming later week filled with discounts.

this is the “christmas morning” part of CW…opening all the swag.
we go over each item sent and talk about the fabulous companies that sent them.
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my sister painted that cow for me. she oversees all that goes on at the CH. Moooooo.
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and then we get down to business.
friday night is for new friends, margaritas and ruffle aprons!

so many decisions to make… fabric patterns and colors and the ribbon… full or a half apron… what other details to add… what time to stop and go to bed… how to sew for the first time (for some).
it’s a big project that takes much longer than it seems like it would.

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kimberlee makes the dessert while we are apron making just after dinner.
like… starts and makes the whole thing right there!
what a gift she is to all of us.
having someone bring you a plate of warm bread pudding just out of the oven… covered in carmel sauce… while you craft is probably in my top ten good things about life. HA!
this dessert is to die for!

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finished… at 1:00 am.
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The Burlap Bag sent some candles to make The Craft House smell amazing.
you wouldn’t guess but Unicorn Puke smells pretty awesome.
like… starburst? skittles? we couldn’t pin point it but it was close to that.

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creme brûlée french toast with homemade raspberry butter… cheesy potatoes and strawberries.
i mean… WHAT!?
amazing kimberlee!

we were sure that saturday would be freezing but it turned out to be blue skies and sunny!
which made shopping at Bearly Makin’ It and the Mill so much more enjoyable!
i always like to see piles of old things whether it’s locks & sanders or green dishes, potato mashers or scoops.
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the blue sky was much needed!
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Mhairi is die hard… she searched through all those cubbies!

does anyone need a salt & pepper shaker??
i liked the silver toaster on the second from the bottom… the salt was a piece of white bread and the pepper was dark bread.

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several of these metal gold letters came home with me.
i spelled out c r a f t and f u n.
dianna got M e a t.
ha ha ha… she did! but the M will be displayed separate from e a t 🙂

sarah was shocked to see a banner from her hometown in this little kansas antique shop!

those look like happy shoppers!
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there was show-and-tell when we got back.
i love seeing what caught people’s eye.
and it’s sweet how everyone says “ohhhh this is cool! who got this?”
or “i never saw this! i LOVE it!”

we get right back to crafting on saturday night.
keri taught us how to make string & nail art.
not a quiet craft… but a really fun project!

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i took more pictures but my pictures look weird so this maple leaf is the one i will share.
it is super cute!

the stamped metal cuff bracelets are so fun to make that we made them again!
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stephanie didn’t want sarah to go home with out her cuff completed so she finished it quickly for her.
new friends are awesome.

we made pillow shams too!
we cut circles from scrap fabric and sewed them down in a line on the front side of a pillow.

every ruffle is awesome!
so much color and happiness. 🙂

these are the roomies at the big Craft Weekend slumber party!
our friend keri came from california to be a helper & our friend Dianna came from across town to be our helper too!
it was so fun to have friends from near and far!
kimberlee made us such great food all weekend & takes care of all kinds of details.
our helpers keep so busy cleaning up and making sure everyone has what they need.
this month they even fixed a toilet!?!
you never know what might happen at Craft Weekend.

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the california and arizona girls were loving the snow… for a minute.
then they were cold.
🙂

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wishing we were still crafting together girls!
thank you for letting me have the world’s most awesome job!

if YOU would like to come a Craft Weekend someday… all the information is HERE.
there is a reeeeeeeally long waiting list but we use a lottery system to pick so everyone has the same chance to get in.
but you will never get a chance if you don’t get on the list. 🙂

Also… you and your friends can reserve The Craft House for your own weekend getaway!
All the details on using the house with your friends is HERE.
it’s perfect for a church group… quilting/sewing groups…. crafters… or just a girls getaway.

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Susanne - A craft weekend may be added to my bucket list – and I don’t even know how to sew – but you make it look like SO MUCH FUN! (I sewed in home ec once – I made a pair of kids pajamas. I got a C- because she knew I tried really hard.)

Tracey - Would you please, please tell me where you found the nesting doll fabric?

Amy Woods - Swoon. Just swoon.

I’m on the waitlist…but, I’m such an introvert, I’ll probably back out if I ever get picked. I hope I don’t though..back out that is! 😉

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Hey beautiful girls! So awesome. Miss you guys. Especially Kim-Burly’s desserts.

leslie - Hi Meg-

Can you do a quick rundown of how you make the name badges. The obvious part is cut scraps and quick stitch together. What I want to know is- do you use a special ink, and does it bleed when wet? Do you stiffen the back and how do you attach the pin (hot glue? hand stitching?). Just curious, they are adorable. Thanks!

Renice - Even before I read which salt and pepper shaker you liked, I was looking for the little toaster. My grandma had a salt and pepper collection and the little silver toaster with white and black slices of bread was always my favorite. Before she died she asked me if I wanted to pick one and that’s the one I picked. I just love it! I noticed a few others she had too. I’d love to search through those antique stores you have there. They look like so much fun!

Pam - I would love to make those aprons with my girl scout troop. Would you email me the measurements for the ruffles, and do you use a premade apron to start with?

thanks a million
pam creech
pea ridge, AR
Troop 5780

tiffany day - So fun! I am on the list and keep trusting/hoping that when my name is picked I will be able to go – it will be perfect timing!

But just so you know, I would LOVE – LOVE – LOVE to come as a helper for sure! I have NEVER used a sowing machine – i know! I am willing to try/learn but honestly – I have a heart to help, no matter where I am – so being a helper at a Craft Weekend would be SO great! Just sayin’ 🙂

also, for the shopping at the flea market – are there arrangements to ship your stuff home?? I would so over buy and not be able to bring it all back in my suitcase!

Love your blog – your IG and well you! So glad I found you on the “internets” 😉

xo
Tiffany

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