Fall Celebration ~ Grand Opening Day

While we are having beautiful summer weather...we all know that fall is just around the corner!

Today, my Etsy team, PAFA announced its fall items.

Members have been stitching, painting, stuffing and primming to fill their shops with new items for fall.

(I just finished a large batch of tins.)

click here to browse the team's fabulous fall collection.

I promise...there is something for everyone.

And...if you are feeling lucky?

Head over to the Pafa Team Blog to sign up for the Celebration Giveaway.

There are 16 primitive and folk artists that have donated a prize.

Like I said, we are enjoying a lovely summer day here.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that are experiencing 

the effects of Hurricane Irene.

Take care,

~Natalie

Linking to By Your Hands 

Handmade Party...

and Karen, at

Sew Many Ways

Please stop by!

Garden Walk Wednesday

For me...teaching and gardening was not such a good match.

My hubby and I did try, in those early years of marriage...

but August, when teachers are spending long hours at school,

is when the garden is ready for harvest and produce needs to be canned, pickled and frozen...

Plus, my hubby's folks have always had a huge garden plot...

...with lots of vegetables.

Enough potatoes to share some with the whole family.

Since the girls were little, we'd always go out back to visit the garden...

...on every Sunday visit.

Which explains why the girls gave their grandparents the "Garden Tours" sign

These garden tour pictures were taken in June, toward the beginning of the growing season.

There is a creek that runs through the back yard...

can you see the family of ducks?

Grandma's Tour continues around the house to see all her pretty flowers.

Now...it is August.

We are enjoying the results of all her time and effort.

There is nothing quite as yummy 

as home-grown tomatoes and cucumbers.

I hope you all are enjoying some home-grown goodness of your own.

Take care,

~Natalie

Visit Pam at Sidewalk Shoes to see 

more Garden Tuesday Posts

See Cindy at My Romantic Home

for more Show and Tell Friday links.

Monday Mail Call ~ The Witch Has Landed

Have you met Brenda, of The Rusty Thimble?

Brenda, very generously, has a giveaway once a month.

When I received word that I won her Witch in July, I couldn't believe my good luck!

Brenda always sends a personal note.

Now, you really should stop over to say 'Hi', and sign up for the August Giveaway...

there's an amazing pumpkin head doll...and another witch.

(In the movie, the Wizard of Oz, didn't a house land on the Witch and all you could see were her legs and feet? 

This photo reminds me of that scene)

Anyway...

Brenda's Blog is the Rusty Thimble

Brenda's Etsy Shop is here

You can like Brenda on Facebook, too.

Isn't she amazing?!

Yes, Brenda and the Witch are both Amazing!

Her gaze follows me around the room...

...Kinda spooky.

You should not hesitate to sign up for Brenda's current giveaway.

It ends August 31st.

There are five prizes at stake...and then you can also get a look-see at Brenda's cute puppies.

Thank you Brenda.

I loving the newest addition to my Halloween Family!

Take care,

~Natalie

Where Bloggers Create: Part IV ~ and the Giveaway Extension

The "Tins" part of  our "Tins and Treasures" name represents the decorative tins that I create.

They are popular items in my shop...especially during the holidays.

So I usually make a large batch in the fall.

They are recycled food cans...and lots of folks save them for me.

I like to spray paint outside (for obvious reasons)

and the weather was perfect this weekend...

...not too hot...not too cold...not too windy...

My hubby picked up this old patio table at the Salvation Army for painting and staining projects.

The next step is done in the kitchen...

it's a messy job!

If you have stopped by for the 'Where Bloggers Create 2011' party,

and you would like to visit my studio, click here.

You will want to leave a comment there to be entered into a little giveaway.

I had planned to draw a name this week, but when I checked my blogger stats, I see that 23 more folks visited this week.

 I guess I'm not the only one that is still making the rounds!

So...I am going to wait to draw the winner's name next weekend.

The winner will receive one of my Infinity Scarves...

I did promise you something that was created in the sewing studio.

...and, If you missed my other WBC posts

Where Bloggers Create: Part II ~ Introducing Miss Sapphire

Where Bloggers Create: Part III ~ My Cutting Table

Now, I'm off to list these Prim Gardening Bunnies in my Etsy shop.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

Thursday ~ Things that Make Me Smile

Today is my last day of summer vacation.

Tomorrow we all go to Teacher Inservice.

Where is the summer go?

Well, I can tell you...the summer highlights were all about 

1. our daughters graduating;

2. our daughters obtaining career jobs; and

3. and our daughters finding a new home.

You all saw Amy's place when I visited her a few weeks ago.

Last weekend, we had the privilege of staying with Emily in her new place.

The living room is large, and Emily has a great style for decorating.

It is an open area with the kitchen to the side...

Emily likes to cook and has organized a very efficient kitchen area...

Here is her bedroom and big closet...

Before...

After...

and here's that big closet!

Her apartment bathroom is also large with great storage...

floor to ceiling cabinets...

A garage was included...

when you live in the Dakotas, this is a huge deciding factor!

Emily, we are so happy for you.

You have a great home,

in a great community.

Take care,

~Natalie