Everyday Cookies at Sweet Woodruff Acres

How charming...

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:03:57 GMT

I mentioned the Jewels of the Sea Swap yesterday but I don't think I ever showed what I made and sent out. My charms were soldered 2 inch charms, which I attached to little hang tags. For fun I sent along a little sample bag of our local candy shops sea-mints! The candy shop is Cranberry Sweets, for anyone who loves candy. They stores in both Bandon and Coos Bay, so if you're ever in the area be sure to stop there, you'll be able to sample tons of candy! Here's more pictures of what I sent:

{half said, "Jewel of the Sea" the other half said, "Beauty of the Sea"...I couldn't make up my mind!}

{for the tag I used Raspberry Road elements!}

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I bought a whole box of vintage dress patterns and so now I'm on the hunt for ways to use them! I gathered and sewed up some of the pattern, like I did my crepe paper here. I love this dress pattern gathered and sewn, makes a cute paper ruffle! So, guess you'll be seeing vintage dress pattern used here for a while. I just finished making three charms, and for the backs I used portions of one of the vintage dress patterns! Here are the charms (listed now in my Etsy store):

Now, for any of you who are opening new Etsy shops, and/or blogs, you may want some digital help! I've got a recommendation for you! Some of you may know her already... Brienne of Vintage Workshop! Go check out her Etsy store for banners and more, and if you don't see what you need/want, just ask her! (Hopefully I got all that information and the store down right!)

Time to run to the lumber yard for more material. I need a run to the art store, too, but that's in another town. I also need a run to a Michael's and that's yet in another town! That's the life of a country girl, I guess!

Have a great evening!

Blessings, *Heidi*

Jewels Of the Sea Swap ARRIVED!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:21:39 GMT

My package from Heather arrived on Friday! I was one of many in the Jewels of the Sea Pendant Swap. It's always so exciting when the swap return package arrives. I lined up all the items and here's a look at that:

(once again, the digi from is by Quality Time!)

Here's the list of the charms I received and the creators:

Heather Rowley (Speckled Egg) sent us each a little "goodie bag", which included shells, beads and trim. Heather must have worked hard sorting all these charms, as I know there was a pretty good number of us Jewels of the Sea swappers!

Jenny Fowler (Fated Follies Studio) made a creative box covered in ephemera and lace, then enclosed a charming bead charm. The colors are me all the way, lovely pastels and sparkly-ness! Jenny also sent a Jewel of the Sea Swap ATC, I think she sent one to everyone in the swap!

Tammy (Little Junk Shop) made a cute little "La mer" (the sea) charm, on the back is reads, "she dreams of the sea". Tammy put packaged the charm on a cute hang-tag, and you know how much I love tags!

Bambi Doe Blake (blog?) sent a real shell, which she's altered with ribbon, seashell strands and more! This is so original! It's very delicate and it arrived safe and sound!

Tonya Ward-Smallwood (Atomic Housewife) is another swapper who spent some extra time making paper boxes and tags. The pendant she made is of sterling silver, gemstones and Swaroski crystals and pearls! This isjust a gorgeous hanging pendant! I'm going to see if this matches the evening attire for the "destination" wedding on August 2~ I'll let you know!

Next is Jessi (Scrappy Jessi) who sent a soldered "Scrappy Jessi Barbi" charm on the ball and chain! Jessi packaged her's in a fabric-tie-bag and included her stickers and Moo card. Several others gave Moo cards, I totally forgot to put mine in! I'm going to put a little bloggy-commercial here for Jessi... This gal rocks! She's so cheerful and totally craftily (my word) talented. Just recently she opened up her first "shop" at Etsy. She's got such fun things, including two crafts I love, personalized Scrabble racks and brown-paper-bag albums. Be sure to pop in on her shop Friday (7/25) for her Christmas in July event (many others are participating as well!).

My final swap pendant is from Jeanne Szewczyk (Dream, Create, Inspire) who made a square charm of vintage pair of sea side gals just having a blast! It's very pretty, all wrapped and bound in copper tape and wire (and beads). Jeanne also packaged her's on a cute tag, using the same era of fun-loving seaside gals!

Wow, I didn't mean to make that so long! I enjoyed looking at each artist's techniques and styles, as well as visiting their blogs.

And..

Another swap! This is one I participated in last year as well, called "Sweet and Sinister Swap" by Artsy Mama. But so sorry it's already closed! It closed before I got a chance to even blog about it! Kari has a private swapper'sblog which she is duplicating for anyone who would still like to join in on the 3 months of wonderful fall-autumn-Halloween events, crafts, giveaways, and more! Go check Kari's blog for more information on this: Artsy Mama. Now for some fun news...I am one of the Guest Designers and Sponsors for this Sweet and Sinister Swap! Get outta town, yes, I am! I'm working on the project now!

Here's a couple signs I made today:

I had more to say, but Mark just brought me one of my favorite Popsicle, banana, and so I have to go eat it before it melts!

Blessings!

*Heidi*

Soldered Charms

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:32:49 GMT

As I promised yesterday, here are all the photos of the soldered charms I made this week! CHARMS PENDANTS NECKLACES me soldering...LOL

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For this one I used the cookie saying that Joyce gave me on a tag, and I used the cute vintage girl & cookie jar that came from our Flicker member Brieanne. I have officially "taken" this girl, she is who I want to be! {Thank you again, Brienanne!)

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For the front of this one I used a hanky, and a few beads that Lea gave me!

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For this one I used a poem about pink from a vintage poem book, as well as two flowers from those vintage floral picks (...I'm still loving the word "vintage", sorry to abuse it!).

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This one seems just a tad "wintery", with the four happy children all bundle up in coats, mittens and hats! That picture is actually printed on fabric! Then that and the back are layered on little pre-cut squares of ephemera (old letters) that I got from Ann's Etsy store:

Okay, I think I've posted them all (including the one I showed yesterday). Thank you for taking the time to look at my soldering work, it was fun making these. And, I have another whole set lined up. Just need some time!

Tonight (Friday) our church Worship Team is going up to the High School Camp (in the mountains, 1 hour away) to play for their camp tonight. I told Mark, "I have a gig on Friday night!" (It's a gig for the Lord, but it's a gig!) I play the piano (it's a digital piano, full size) and I'm going to play LOUD, STRONG and UPBEAT tonight! I remember being a teen at camp and loving the music! I'll mention just a couple of the LONG list of songs: "He Reigns; I Love Your Grace; At The Cross-I Know a Place; Holy is the Lord-We Stand...; Blessed Be Your Name; How Great is Our God). Our drummer will be there and we've even given him a solo! Should be a fun night!

Blessings!

*Heidi*

Thursday is Pizza

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:11:18 GMT

Yippee! I'm all set to go to Palm Springs for the August 2 wedding of one of my nieces. I'm so excited to get to go because I thought we just couldn't make it. However, last week my Recon-Mark said he'd really be happy if our family was "represented" at the wedding! The groom is in the Marines, (as was Mark), and you know how that goes, "Sempe Fi". Rock on, USMC! So, I raised my hand and said, "I'll represent!" Yep, I got the job! I'll fly down on a Thursday, I don't even have to drive (thankfully, it's about 16 hours!). Have I ever mentioned I went to Palm Springs High School? Yes, I did, for a year and a half. That's another story for another day!

Joyce gave me an award! Actually somehow it's a double-whammy of an award:

Thank you, Joyce (Scrap for Joy)! I am honored that you thought of me! And, yes, Joyce, I remember S&H green stamps. My mother used to collect them. For some reason I remember she got a folding camp table with her points. I guess there was a redemption store you could go to? (note to my 5 sis's: do you remember?) So...There are rules attached to these awards: Now the rules are, that you must....1. Post the logos to your blog 2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you 3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs 4. Add links to those blogs on your blog 5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs I hope I don't get in trouble but I can't do #3 (if I do my pizza won't happen tonight for dinner!!!) I hope all of you who read my blog know you are valued and I appreciate you!

Cindy also gave me an award! Ah, Cindy is one of my peps. That's cool, it's like Jennifer (of Sis Boom), she always calls me one of her blog peps! Cindy, I have to confess, I've received this award a couple times already, but thank you! I'm honored that you thought of me!

No cookies today. It's pizza day! I've got the pizza crust dough raising on the counter and we'll each make our own, to our own liking. I always want the Hawaiian (Canadian bacon and pineapple). You know, with food costs skyrocketing because of fuel increases, we are all looking for ways to save money. To make your own pizza saves money over take-out (or eat in pizza houses). So, why not make one night a week "Make Your Own Pizza" night? Just have all the ingredients ready. Let me know if you want my crust and sauce recipe.

Here's one of the signs I shipped today, I'd have you all come sit on my porch for a root beer if I could!...

Oh, before I forget...go to Shabby Scraps blog and 1) Read this post, then 2) Sign up on this posting. The first read is hilarious! Been there, done that with Mark! Ha! It's a blog even scheduled for August 1 (when I'm away, but I'll post the 31st), and all you have to do is show your dress form! Go read..you'll see...

The pizza dough has risen....time to punch it, roll it and top it! Tonight is my Worship Team practice, so I've got get my music lined up as well....

Have a great evening!

Blessings!

*Heidi*

Tuesday Cookies

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:11:30 GMT

Tonight's cookie is brought to you by Jessica. She made sugar cookies and just added white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts! Yum! Just one cookie a day couldn't hurt, right?

{I made another one of the cookie charms, it's here.}

I went to town late this afternoon to see my friend's new baby (just born this morning!). He was adorable! He had the longest eyelashes and the most precious little mouth. He was sound asleep and all bundled up so the face is all I saw! Sweet. What a cute way to start new people! The baby's initials are DIB. So that's what I brought for the daddy, ice cream DIBs! You know what those are, right? Chocolate covered ice cream little bites. I did bring flowers for the mommy, too.

While in town, I dropped into a couple thrift stores. I thought I take a quick look-see for any vintage prom dresses. In one of the stores I couldn't find any prom, wedding, or special occasion dresses. I almost walked out but then decided to ask a clerk. She said they are all stored in a big box downstairs and to come back another day when there was more help, so she could show them to me! Ask and you might find! Remind me to go back, okay?

In another thrift store, the one I call "The Junky One", I found a white zipped up bag that said, "Wedding dress $10". I unzipped it to find a blue and white lace dress. I loved the layered look on the skirt part, but the top only had one sleeve! It was made that way! I left it hanging. What do you think?

One arm dress. Seriously. And vintage? Yes, and no.

I found a few other dresses but none that really screamed out to me, "VINTAGE".... I did find this wedding dress slip. I loved it because it was so FULL! I thought about layered up toile (or is that tolle, I always get those two words mixed up!) or something. THANKS, CINDY...it's tulle, I was trying to say! It was $10. And that's still hanging on the rack as well. Oh, well. I'll keep looking. It's all just for fun, and it gives me a PURPOSE for going into the thrifts.

Blessings!

*Heidi*

He asked me not to get into his...

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:50:22 GMT

He asked me not to get into his trash can up at his shop. Hum. How could I resist? I like junk. I found this old Coleman stove in that trash can in Mark's shop and thought it might make a good soldering case for all my supplies. After convincing Mark that this was a valuable item, that I could make it into something great, it was only then that he ripped out the burner and stuff inside.

I cleaned it up and spray painted it white.

But I could have skipped that step as at that point I decided to plaster it with musical pages from an old children's music book.

Then I added a board covered with felt for the inside bottom. I just some pink "legs" for the stand. I quickly filled it up...then registered for Sally Jean's soldering class at Silver Bella. Whoot!!! AND!!! Did. I. Tell. You. The speaker for the Saturday lunch is Mary Engelbriet? I have to confess, I'm a ME diehard fan. Yep, all the magazines, books, cards, every yearly calander and more... Oh, back to my soldering story....

Now I better learn to solder a little better as I didn't sign up for the "Virgin Soldering" class, no, I signed up for the "Partridge in a Pear Tree" class! And I'm supposed to know how to solder already! Well, I do, a little, but I think I need more practice. So, I've been soldering. I listed these charms on Etsy, if you want to buy from me...you know...as an artist's work before she became famous, priced low. Or if you want to see up close what I've made...Either way, check these charms out over at Esty. ON SECOND THOUGHT...I'll post pictures of these here on my blog tomorrow. But I will list them on Etsy today later. When I have time. After I water my raspberries (and eat some), blueberries, strawberries, hygrangeas, roses, and maybe make a Big Train. After all that... I will show you a charm I made for a charming blog friend (who changes her blog header almost daily! And who supplies me daily with my music!). She gave me the cutter quilt that I used in the charm!{this will be mailed soon!}:

{front}...

{back}...

Cindy sent me some cookie cutters! She saw this Cinderella set (and the cute cat) and thought of me (and who knows I have major cookie cutter collecting addiction...):

Thank you, Cindy! I don't think I ever showed the cute fabric BIRDIE brooch I won from Cindy, which she sent along with vintage bingo and other game cards. I especially loved the music cards (I love birds and music!):

Christine sent me a few pieces of Tim Holtz grunge-board! She'd gone to a class and learned out to use this new bendable chipboard-sort-of material. Christine also sent me a birdie "EXPLORE" tag she had made using the material, which is adorable. (I love birds, and I really am a bird watcher!) I used one piece already and really like the way it handles. Thank you, Christine!:

The Forth of July was a blast up at the lake. We had lots of family come and go, and camp for several nights. The fireworks set off over the lake were great...nothing like watching a fireworks show from a boat with several hundred other boaters! Up at our cabin the foxglove are abundant right now, you can see some of them in this photo (and some of our family):

And, because I'll be at Silver Bella in person, and any of you who are attending will just want to know what I look like so you can hunt me down (right?right?right?right?):

Okay, hope I didn't' scare any of you away.

We took turns taking each other's photos with the lake as our background. I especially love this picture I took of my neice, Heather, I made sure I got at least one sailboat in the background:

Blessings!

*Heidi*

PS Thanks, Lea, for missing me...I'm back!

Fourth ~and~ email from Paris Flea Market????

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:34:47 GMT

Happy 4th of July!

We're headed up to the lake shortly...the boat is loaded and hooked up to the truck. In case you wondered... Our cabin on the lake is boat access only. Which mean we can only get there via a boat! So everything we take up there has to be loaded into the boat. Also, our cabin is a one-room cabin, and the, hum, facilities are an outhouse and an outdoor shower! But it is fun showering while osprey (big birds!) fly over head and the trees drop little sticks on you...it's an adventure for sure! We do have a little kitchen-ette in one corner, with running water, a mini stove and a mini refrigerator. Someday I may show photos! And you think that cabin is small...we built a little "guest cabin" which has room for bunkbed and a chair. Oh an a rug! It has a door and a window, so it's a happy place for guest just in case it rains! Oh, we also have phone lines, which is why I bring up my laptop. You know, a girl's gotta check in online every now and then.....

I've got a Grandmother's Pound Cake cooling on the counter, and the makings ready to put together for potato salad. I've got a little more work to do (my big-girl-grown-up-job) in my office here. Then off we go!

HELLO someone??? I was deleting emails in my SPAM folder when I came across an email that read something about ALTERED PLATES in the message line. I meant to hit OPEN and my finger hit DELETE. So, that email has been forever deleted! I think the senders email address was something like PARISFLEAMARKET. But I'm not sure, and I can't recover the email!

So, if YOU are Paris Flea Market and you sent an email about "Altered Plates" (which I KNEW was a good email!!!).... COULD YOU PLEASE RESEND IT??? Thank you! And, I'm so sorry!

Hope you all have a safe weekend...

Blessings!

*Heidi*

I'm Going to Silver Bella!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:35:12 GMT

Yes, for reals! I'm going to Silver Bella. I registered for classes tonight, and lined up my flights! I wanted to go, but thought I couldn't. Then Mark said, "Go! If it's really something you want to do." What? Really? "Yes!"

I couldn't get to the website fast enough. I didn't really know what classes to sign up for, so I just sort of winged it! I'm going by myself, but I am so excited to be going that it doesn't matter!

Last week I posted about a weekend up at the lake, I think I may have made it sound like we were going last weekend. But we are going this weekend, for the 4th of July! Last weekend we did take a trip in the Jeep through the sand dunes, then drove down the beach right at sunset. It was so chilly I couldn't get out to look for shells. But it was pretty for sure!

<--{we even look cold, don't we?}

We've been walking every night after dinner (Mark, Jessica and I). (Yes, that's new, usually it's raining...and I don't like walking in the rain!) Summer months here in Oregon are the best. There is so much to see, we walk some on our gravel road, then swing back around our back pasture, where we see deer almost every night! (Yes, the same ones I'm keeping away from my raspberries with motion sensor water traps! Ha! Those get Mark as many times as the deer!) I've been watching some birds up in the tall trees back there as well, I think they are some sort of hawk, like a merlin or something, Ineed to study them with binoculars! Plus the wildflowers now---gorgeous! There's so many wild daisies blooming right now, as well as tons of foxgloves.

Blessings!

*Heidi*

She's Sew Pretty!

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:57:45 GMT

I mentioned earlier that I won a drawing over at Betty's blog, She's Sew Pretty. I was so surprised at my prize! She sent me a beautiful hand made pink tote AND she filled it FULL of goodies! Betty, you're Sew Sweet! The tote has a pocket inside, but this tote could also be reversed, so it's like it's two bags in one! I've got it filled and ready to go for the weekend. Um, not sure where we're going (the beach, thrifting, fish-n-chips, or where?), and my camera fits perfectly in the inside pocket. Love it! She included a magazine, vintage hymnal and more!

I "met" Betty last year, I think when I gave out free brown paper scrapbooks. By the way, I still do that! Yes! One year later and I still have materials to keep making these scrapbooks. The deal is you MUST leave a comment on that posting (the link is here as well as on my left side column) AND you MUST email your name and mailing address to me (hwoodred@aol.com)! Simple! Then I'll send you a blank brown-paper-bag scrapbook, so you can make one! Be sure to look at all the pictures in my Flickr group (Brown Paper Bag Scrapbooks) of some of the albums that have been made. Also, if you have asked for a scrapbook from me and never have recieved it, please email me and I'll send one right out. I do my best to look through my spam files, but once in a while I loose important emails, such as yours! The last one I sent out (today) went to Dinah!

Here's a few more pictures of the wonderful gifts Betty sent to me:

<<--(she makes these! perfect!)

And this picture is directly from Betty's blog...

Thank you, Betty!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Blessings!

*Heidi*

4th of July Altered Plate

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:32:50 GMT

Altered Plate Series (Where I bought a dozen chipped, crazed, and shabby plates at a garage sale for $2-total and decided to make a "series" out them. Where I add embellihments to the front and back of the plate. Where I decided each season would have a plate. Where you all are so kind to humor me in this adventure of my "Altered Plate Series". Where I hope to not make you sick of these old plates.)

{image fr. Country Living}

The 4 of July is next week!

{my bits-n-piecs 2007}

And guess what? It falls on a Friday! Yippee! This most likely means we'll pack the boat up and head off for a LONG weekend at our lake cabin, leaving {hopefully} Thursday! I'll bring my Big Train Carmel Latte Iced Coffee Mix (I just bought yesterday at the local Cash & Carry) and a good book. Hopefully the sun will be out and I can just sit and relax on our deck up there! (Did I ever mention we made that deck? Hard work, I'll tell you! That's why I never feel guilty about just chillin' on it!) We'll pick up some worms on the way and go fishing, too. I love to eat fresh lake trout!

Here's my 4th of July Altered Plate...you know, the one from "my series"...

You all know how I love my little birdies, so I had to be sure to include one on this plate. This little one made a nest and decorated her home for the 4th of July:

The edge of has a double layer of crepe paper. For the white layer I stamped "HAPPY 4TH OF JULY" in red. Then I cute the crepe paper with zig-zag scissors and punched holes in it all the way round to snaze it up. Then just added more gathered red crepe paper behind that.

Did I mention there are great fireworks over the lake? Did I mention how good the S'Mores taste late at night? Have I ever told you how beautiful the scenery is from our cabin? Have I ever mentioned the sail boat races we can see right from our deck?

Can you tell I need a little vacation?

Blessings!

*Heidi*