"OldTimePickers"

Homemade Touches

2012-03-09T18:30:00.000-05:00

I just finished making this bouquet.

It's for my niece's bridal shower that I'll be hosting at the end of March.

I want her shower to be special with homemade touches.

Homemade means that it was made with love.

And I love my niece.

She's a pretty special gal.

Wishin' ya all a special weekend,

~Cindy~

Linking to White Wednesday!

Worn and Tattered

2012-03-06T06:20:00.000-05:00

It wasn’t the newest one on the shelf or in the best shape.

But it was the one I was drawn to. So worn and so tattered.

I had my choice among so many, but this is the one that came home with me.

And every time I look at it, I will think of my Dad.

My Dad is an avid reader and has decided to pass on his collection of books.

I now feel so fortunate and it makes me so appreciative.
This little worn and tattered book brings fond memories of everything that makes my dad so special.

Until next time,

~Cindy~

Picked, Priced, And...

2012-03-05T06:38:00.000-05:00

...Put in the shop.

Ready and waiting for adoption.

Antique large wooden crate. Is a standard railroad container for Boston Rubber Shoe Company.

Goodrich wire milk crate with 20 compartments. Made for the smaller sized bottles. Marked 'Goodrich '64'.

Industrial looking vintage wooden flat tray screen drawer. Numbered and an index slot on its front.

Great farmhouse style. Vintage, painted white letterpress typesetter tray drawer. It's a Hamilton.

Vintage Dictionary Of American Biography shipping crate. Rustic wood. Finger joint construction.

An old letterpress typesetter tray drawer with a painted green front.

Pickin’ cool possibilities with all!

Thanks for lookin',

~Cindy~

Old Time Pickers Shop

Tornado Time

2012-03-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

It should be cold here. There could possibly be snow on the ground.

But, no. It was in the 70's yesterday with tornadoes.

I could not accomplish much at all due to keeping an eye on the news, just in case.

I'm glad I take the weather seriously and went to the basement when alerted.

The tornado hit very close to us. If I was out in our back yard, I would have seen it. The main road was closed due to downed trees and debris. Luckily, no one in our area was seriously hurt.

Now they are saying we may have a repeat performance tomorrow. I hope they are wrong.

Always stay safe,

~Cindy~

My Yard, But....

2012-02-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

...not my chickens, unfortunately.

Isn't he a handsome fellow?

So when did my neighbors become homesteaders?

I've always been the 'different one' around here with my garden and thoughts of homesteading.

I mean, even my nephew says that we are hippies. Really? Ummm...thank you!

Suddenly, the neighbors put in a garden. They started chopping wood for a stove they put in.

Then I heard it. More than a cluck. Less than a crow.

A young rooster making his first attempts to being heard.

Chickens? They now have chickens.

Oh man, I want chickens. So lately, I can pretend. Cause this is my yard.

The chickens come to visit and scratch everyday. Cause we have really good bugs, ya know...in our yard.

Now if I could just get them to leave me some eggs.

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

~Cindy~

Lookin' At Life

2012-02-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

As Kit Kat and I pondered life while in the great outdoors yesterday, I came to a realization.

My life is extraordinary.

I enjoy a pretty and productive garden with flowers, fruit, and vegetables.

I have the advantage of a lake which provides me with a sense of calm and contentment.

I take delight, am amazed, and very appreciative of the beauty around me.

I am surrounded by the wonderful wildlife. This one I call Gertrude.

And my buddies (this is Dale) provide much needed companionship as I go about my day.

Yep, everyday here at the homestead is extraordinary and I am thankful for it.

Hope you have an extraordinary weekend,

~Cindy~

And So It Begins...

2012-02-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

Hmmm...I was just contacted by a company to do a review of their product here on my little blog.

Did I jump on it? No.

I see so much of it on other blogs. Little commercials.

It is okay for some blogs as I discovered it pays pretty darn well. So it is understandable.

But the thing is, these reviews should really reflect who you are and the message you are portraying on your blog.

If I ever do a review, it will be connected to what I believe in and will be in the pursuit of the simple life. I told hubby I'd do a review on worm composting as that is something I'm interested in doing and it is connected to my passion of gardening and growing our own food.

So...I'm just putting it out there...into the universe...are you listening...worms and some bins...a review...I'm your gal!!! Ha, have a pickin' cool day!

☺☺☺

~Cindy~

Old Time Finds

2012-02-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

Nothing is better than to start a February day with some bright sunshine. Lovin' it! My mind keeps jumping to thoughts of spring and how it will be so hard to drag my behind back into the house after a satisfying day of hard work in the great outdoors.

Until that happens, there is always plenty to do indoors like getting in gear to list items in my Etsy shop.

Here's some recent old time finds.

Just listed these pickin' cool finds last week.

Need to get busy and put some more items in the shop...like these below.

There's always more. More items to list.

Seems like my favorite part of the business is the actual pickin' part!

Can ya blame me?

Till next time,

~Cindy~

Raise Your Hand If You're Versatile

2012-02-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

There's this award going around for versatile bloggers.
I just found out that I am a recipient again.
I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by Deborah Jean at Dandelion House!

Deborah Jean has a wonderful blog and writes for MaryJanesFarm as their BEACH farmgirl blogger.
I'm a MaryJanesFarmgirl. Are you?
Anyhoo, Deborah Jean is pickin' cool, so head on over and pay her a visit.

Now onto the details.

I need to choose 15 blogs to pass the award onto and notify them by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okay, here we go:
1. I'm So Vintage
2. Pickles On Pizza
3. The Primitive Hutch
4. Nest 'n Feathers
5. momto8blog
6. Hillcrest Home Prims
7. Outjunking
8. The Primitive Skate
9. A Few Pennies
10. Primitive Passion Decorating
Whoops, that is only 10. So be it. If ya want to join in, please feel free to do so!

Next, I need to share seven random things about myself:

My barn wood table with Christmas decor.

1. I have a love for barn wood. It is not a new thing. It all started about 35 years ago when we were able to score some wood from a friend's barn and make furniture and decor items from it. And I'm still doing it today. Check out my barn wood farm table here. Oh, I will probably add some barn wood designs when I expand the business. Oops, did I say that?

2. My love of vintage and handmade items comes naturally. I hate to shop the big name stores. So I don't shop. I'm a simplistic gal. Not complicated at all. We all can reuse and recycle. Actually, I get a kick out of it.
3. I am a bit rebellious. I blaze my own trail. I'm a little different. But that can be a good thing, right? I like to blog cause I find others just like me. I'm not alone!

4. I talk to animals. And I hate to admit it, but it is usually baby talk. What makes a supposedly mature woman do that? I don't talk baby talk to babies. No, I save it all for cute little puppies and kitties.
5. I exercise three to four times a week. For my health. Cause I can. Use it or lose it type of thing.
6. I am becoming a more versatile cook and baker because of Pinterest. I was becoming tired of the same old thing in the kitchen. Lovin' all the new veggie recipes I've found. Preppin' myself for the harvest in the garden when the time comes.

7. Nature provides me with balance and a sense of calm. We have a lake out back so the view is gorgeous. And it comes with plenty of wildlife to enjoy. I actually have 3 benches in different spots in the backyard so I have great views from all angles.

And there we have it. Seven things you really didn't need to know about me, but if you read this far...thank you. I hope you weren't too bored.

Now go on out there and blaze your own trail if ya haven't already!

~Cindy~

Finally...I Did It!

2012-02-15T09:15:00.000-05:00

Finally...a sugar cookie that melts in my mouth!

Finally...a sugar cookie that is easy to make!

Finally...a sugar cookie that doesn't leave my kitchen in a shambles!

Finally...a sugar cookie recipe that is a real keeper!

Ya gotta love Pinterest! I found the sugar cookie recipe there.

I had my doubts, but was willing to try to determine if it is the best sugar cookie.

And I made sure to use floured parchment paper when rolling out my dough.

It's the best recipe I have found so far. Made them for hubby for Valentine's Day and he loved them.

Yes...I finally did it...I made the best sugar cookie ever!

And gaining weight because of it...sigh!

Cindy

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:27:00.000-05:00

Have A Pickin' Cool Valentine's Day!

~Cindy

Here's....Kate!

2012-02-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

She's got style.

She's got grace.

She's a lady.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

And her name is Kate.

I do not know the story of Kate as I bought her at an auction.

She is starting a new chapter in her life here in my home.

She came with the lovely blouse and I completed her look with bits and pieces from my stash.

I remade an old floor lamp for her stand. The stand will receive a makeover with paint when the weather cooperates.

Kate is so happy to meet you and I am so happy you came for a visit.

For more happiness, go visit Carol at The Polka Dot Closet for her Dress Form Party

and White Wednesday at Faded Charm!

~Cindy

Need To Rake It In

2012-01-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

I'm not completely talking about money here even though that would be nice. When talking about raking it in, it's all about pulling it together and getting my act in gear. The 'it' I'm talking about is our pickin' business. I'm so missing the picking opportunities when winter rolls in. And some of our favorite pickin' places are no more or have changed and cannot meet our needs. As I'm getting older (cough, cough) and want to continue doing this, I realize I may need to spread my wings a bit.

We currently sell on Etsy. Future possibilities include expanding our line with handmade items and vintage inspired farmhouse decor. I'm looking at doing a show this fall (it's never too early to start planning) and maybe even doing our own online shop.

~Rakes are from an auction I attended over the weekend.~

So my question to you...

What works for you? What do you enjoy selling? And what venues do you use?

Please share,

Cindy

Owl Love You Always!

2012-01-25T19:36:00.001-05:00

That is what I'll tell my first grandbaby...'Owl Love You Always!'.

Sweet grandbaby is due in May and we will be having a baby shower in February.

My sister will be hosting the shower and this grandmother is in charge of the decor.

Baby boy or baby girl? We will be pleasantly surprised!

The shower will be in baby blues, yellows, and greens in an owl theme.

I whipped together a few cutie owls and some tissue paper pom poms.

I found the pattern for the owls here and the pom poms here.

For the owls, I did a combination of gluing, hand sewing, and machine stitching.

It felt good to get the sewing machine out. I haven't sewn since my girls were little.

Very therapeutic and I can see myself finding more sewing projects in the very near future.

Thanks for the visit!
Owl love you always,

Cindy

Hooking up with:
Crazy Cute Thursdays at Between U & Me
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
Sat Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Sew Darn Crafty Party at Sew Many Ways

Chickens, Bees, or Worms

2012-01-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

I've been a thinkin'. Hubby always says that's dangerous when I do.

With spring just around the corner, I want to try something new here at the old time homestead.
I love gardening and cooking with 'natural foods'.
So...chickens came to mind, but not to eat (we don't eat meat except for fish).
Fresh eggs, please!

I would really like to have chickens. Two would be nice.
I'd build a cute little coop cause I just tend to spoil critters around here.
And all girls have to have some cute.
They would repay me with fresh eggs and good old poop to fertilize the garden. Win, win.

But, that just is not going to happen. Problem. Hubby hates chickens. He really does. There is a story behind it when he was a kid. I won't go into it as it's his story. I'll just let you use your imagination.

So I'll scratch chickens off my list of possibilities for now.

How about bees? I could have some hives. And I do enjoy watching bees do their thing in the garden.

And I love honey! Oh, I can taste it now.

But they may cause a problem, too. Hubby is allergic to bee stings. It's not pretty. So no bees.

I'm now getting desperate at this point on what would be a good addition to the old time homestead.
Been a thinkin' and a thinkin'!

So how about some worms?!? Yes, my mind jumps all over the place like that.
Only I could think chickens...bees...worms.

Now I can't and won't eat worms, but...

I like worms. They fascinate me. I always played with worms as a kid. And as an adult, I will carry worms out to the garden when I come across them. Is that weird?

Worms will provide rich compost and 'tea' for my garden. I will be putting good use to those kitchen scraps. And my Hubby doesn't hate worms and is not allergic to them. Ha!

I'm warmin' up to the idea of worms.

Been reading some books. Finding out that this is very doable.

So worms it is! I'll keep ya updated on how this all goes.

Maybe, I can even share some worms with ya someday.

Any takers?

Cindy

One Day at a Time

2012-01-22T08:19:00.000-05:00

Gently and quietly emerging from a funk that has chocked my creativity and my ability to 'just do it'.

Have to admit that it is okay to forgive myself for just being in the moment and going with it.

Note to self...do not compare myself with others who seem to be able to paint a room, sew some slipcovers, go shopping for the perfect accessories, put the room back together, photograph it all, and write a blog on it all in one day. Okay, then. ☺

At my age (cough, cough), I have finally begun to see life at a slower pace and am enjoying the simpler things.

Don't want it all or need it all, either.

I believe I have found myself while savoring every moment...

Cindy

Sometimes...

2012-01-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

...the road ahead of you may take an unexpected turn.

I haven't blogged for awhile. The road for us not only took an unexpected turn, it took a wrong turn.

But...everything will be okay now. Different, but okay.

I'll be back soon. Just takin' some time to be thankful!

Until then...

Count your blessings,

Cindy

Ideas, Projects, and Info...Oh My

2012-01-05T14:32:00.000-05:00

I have a variety of ideas.

I think of so many projects.

I collect lots of info.

Oh my...how to keep it all straight?

I use a binder system. It's not perfect, but it sure helps.

It all started a couple of years ago when I brought home boxes

and more boxes of magazines from an auction.

They were all the best in decorating, gardening, and crafting magazines.

I enjoyed looking through them over and over again, but they were taking up too much needed space.

The binder system to the rescue.

It's my way to keep what I like all organized in a nice and tidy method, somewhat.

I have a binder for decorating and one for gardening.

I just started one for Christmas.

It holds it all. I needed one. I don't know about you, but every year there is some confusion as to how many good strings of lights we have, where is that 'special' eggnog recipe, and what were those great ideas I came across the previous year that I wanted to do this year. Yep...no more of that.

Oh, and Pinterest! Don't get me started. I'm a lovin' it. Very inspirational, indeed! And so much fun.

It's a type of an online binder which you can put ideas you find into categories.

You can check out my pins HERE. I've even found where others have pinned pictures from this old blog.

So fun to inspire each other.

I hope you each have a good old time this weekend.

I'll probably be browsing my binders.

Cindy

It's Snowing!

2012-01-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

It is snowing! The first of the season. A new year and a fresh start with the beauty of the snow falling softly as I watch from the warmth of my home. Can you hear the quiet? Can you appreciate the god given moment?

I am usually not a fan of snow, but I'm always a giddy child when snow makes it first, grand appearance. This is the view from my kitchen table.

Every winter, I entice the birds to come for a visit with tasty morsels of food that I put out every morning for them. And they come. Nothing is more magnificent than the brilliance of a red cardinal against the fresh white of the fallen snow.

So let it snow...I'm staying in today and drinking hot spiced tea at the kitchen table.

Best view ever!

Until next time,

Cindy

Open That Door

2011-12-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

Time to open the front door to greet 2012 and welcome it with open arms.

2011 is going to leave by quietly slipping out the back door.

(source)

2012 will hold some wonderful times for me.

-Becoming a grandmother...YES!

-Hosting a large bridal shower for my niece

-And then celebrating my niece's beautiful wedding

-Feeling of pride for my nephew who will be graduating from college

(while both his parents will be there looking down from heaven)

2012 will also hold some painful moments.

-Family and friends are facing some challenging health battles

(they are always in my thoughts and prayers)

I know we all have to face the ups and downs in everyday life.

Here's to a year of being able to handle them with grace and with strength.

(source)

At the end of each year, I allow myself some quiet time to become inspired.

It's a time for self-discovery.

I do not make resolutions, but I do have aspirations.

So this is my year to believe in myself and 'just do it'.

I've pondered a few things this past year wondering what solution is best.

I've discovered that sometimes there is just no 'right' answer.

Sometimes ya just need to do something. Better to do something rather than nothing at all.

And now is the time to let ya all know that I do appreciate your visits, support, and comments.

It amazes me how quickly we bond and become friends.

So cheers to my blogging friends...hope that 2012 treats ya all well!

Until next year...

Have a good old time in all ya do,

Cindy

The Simple Moments

2011-12-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

Often, the most memorable times in our lives are from the simple moments.

So no need to overdo this season.

No need for the best tree, perfect decorations, and expensive gifts.

It's not what your loved ones will remember anyway.

It's the simple moments that make the season.

Enjoy them.

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holiday moments!

Cindy

Dreamin' Of A Blue and White Christmas

2011-12-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

Dining room. Blue and white decor.

Collection of white dishes. Blue stockings.

Some chippy whites. Old blue ornaments.

More whites. With candlelight.

Antique white gloves. Rustic ladder.

Imperfect vintage in shades of blue. On a white background.

All of it makes for a dreamy blue and white Christmas.

What are you dreamin' about this Christmas?

Linking up to these wonderful parties:

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays,

Cindy

Rustic Christmas Corner

2011-12-09T14:31:00.000-05:00

Kitchen counter Christmas decor.

Just added a little greenery and some lights.

See the lights peeking through the grater? And that is the rooster I saved/picked awhile back.

I couldn't decide whether to sell it or keep it. Well, he's a keeper for sure!

Hope ya all are caught up on your holiday check list.

Plenty to do and so little time.

Don't blink! It will be 2012 before we know it!

Have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

Barn Wood Farm Table

2011-12-05T19:30:00.002-05:00

Need more table space? Make some!

I came upon this project when all my tables were used to seat our Thanksgiving guests and I needed somewhere to display our yummy desserts. Needed something quick, inexpensive, and uncomplicated. What to do? Shop my stash, of course! Three barn boards, two treadle sewing machine legs, and some tools...I had a vision. So easy!

The barn wood was free! One was used for the bottom shelf and two were used for the top. Basically, it was all screwed to the treadle sewing machine legs.

Thanksgiving was such a whirlwind, that I had no chance to take a picture of the table with the desserts. So here it is in Christmas mode.

I have family members who on Thanksgiving gifted me with (some homemade) wines and this table has now provided the perfect spot for them. And yes, that is a chicken feeder. Fun display piece and goes great with the barn wood.

Behind the table is a divider with lace panels. It's just enough to hide any kitchen mess I may have. Of course, I never have any. Wink, wink. It's just that when you walk through our front door, you are smack dab in our living room (no entryway) and the whole kitchen which is just beyond that is visible. This divider breaks it up a bit.

For the Christmas display on top of the table, I used an old galvanized bucket with garland, rustic sleigh bells, and pine cones spilling out. I quickly made some book page trees and topped them with some rustic stars. This was all so fun!

Thanks for the visit and checking out my farm table!

See below for all the parties I'm hooking up with.

Thanks to all the great hostesses!

My pickin' best,

Cindy

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Transformation Thursday

FRIDAY

Farmhouse Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

SATURDAY

Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special

Just A Peek

2011-12-02T11:22:00.000-05:00

Okay. Just a peek. For now.

White. Weathered. Worn. Wonderful.

And chippy. Still in the back of the truck.

Saved from a building that was being torn down and before being thrown on a burn pile.

Isn't it fantabulous? And ya know what?

We saved two of them!

A matching pair of big old wonderful doors full of character and charm!

Now what should I do with them? So many possibilities...hmmm...

Have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

Aged To Perfection

2011-11-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

Flowers from my daughter's wedding which was held more than 2 years ago.

The faded rose petals, over time, have aged to perfection.

I added the flowers along with touches of white lace to a wreath I had made.

The book pages of the wreath, with the passage of time, have yellowed and are aged to perfection.

I recently relocated the wreath within my home and added an old frame.

The frame is fragile and not perfect. Just aged to perfection.

I would like to think that as I become older...

I am wiser, more patient, and have a gentler nature...

aged to perfection.

Linking up to

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

My pickin' best,

Cindy

Yes I Am!

2011-11-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

My daughter just announced that she is expecting!

Yes, I am going to be a grandmother! I am very excited and so ready for it!

My daughter told me during their stay with us over Thanksgiving.

It was a very special holiday this year and I feel very blessed.

~Cindy

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

This is an especially busy week for me so I thought I'd better pop in and wish you all a

Happy Thanksgiving!

I promise to share some of my projects after all the hustle and bustle settles down around here.

Family is here staying the week and I'll be hosting on the big day.

This will be interesting to say the least as I'm a vegetarian fixing a turkey!

I am so thankful for my family and friends, including all of you who take the time to visit me.

I appreciate all of you and your wonderful comments.

May you all have many reasons to be thankful this beautiful season!

Blessings to all this Thanksgiving!

Cindy

Break

2011-11-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

First of all, I'd like to thank all the new followers here. It amazes me that I haven't blogged for quite awhile and some pickin' cool people find me anyway and wait patiently for me to make an appearance. So here I am. Taking a break from all the projects I've been working on.

It has been beautiful here! In the 70's in November! So when the muscles begin to ache midday, I get a cup of tea and my constant companion, Kit Kat, to go outside and sit on the bench overlooking the lake. Such a perfect setting!

Oh, do you want to see why I really need that break? Take a look at this!

Total chaos. I don't do well with chaos. Makes me crazy!

But 'it' is starting to all come together...thank goodness. And that makes me smile.

And the view of the lake. That definitely makes me smile!

Hookin' up with Outdoor Wednesday.
Until next time...

My pickin' best,
Cindy

Good Day To Paint

2011-11-03T17:07:00.000-04:00

Beautiful morning. This is the view from my deck.

Then the rain came. That's okay as I had planned to paint the kitchen today.
It wasn't in my original plan, but my updating has taken on a life of its own.
Totally out of control and taking some time.
Hope to wrap it up soon.
I'll be back to visit everyone after...
painting, staining, sawing, hammering, and whatever else it takes!

Until then...
My pickin' best,
Cindy

Fall Welcome

2011-10-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

I finally have my vintage metal baskets hung on our front doors!
The picture below is what they looked like when I bought the pair for $5.00.
Very old, chippy, and rusted through in a few spots.

I do like that look, but not for the front doors.

After cleaning the baskets, I painted them white and gave them an aged finish.

Then I gathered natural materials from the yard and added some fall elements from my supplies to create a

'Fall Welcome'.

I'm pleased with the look. It should last through Thanksgiving.
And this is the only orange you will see around my home.

Now I know I have not been blogging or even visiting other blogs much.
I apologize.
I started a small project. Well, I thought it was small then it became larger and just grew into a monster task.
No turning back now and I keep asking myself 'WHAT HAVE I DONE?'
Maybe I'll be brave and post about it next week.
Until then...

Have a pickin' cool weekend,
Cindy

Left Behind

2011-10-21T13:14:00.000-04:00

See this?

And see these?

I picked them last weekend at a shop in a nearby town.

I had to leave the table, stools, and cabinet behind. Why? Because of this!

This past weekend this teeny tiny town had their festival that brings in about 20,000 people.

I couldn't make it through the crowds with my picks to load the truck.

So I went back to the shop this week to pick up my picks.

Thank goodness...the town is teeny tiny once more.

Hope ya all have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

Pickin' Makeover

2011-10-18T19:47:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

Found these lovely ladies on a pickin' spree and just could not pass them up.

They were old, worn, and rusty.

Pickin' cool and a great price, but...the chippy paint was extreme and the rust was creating a few holes.

DURING

So I grabbed my wire brush and started scrubbing.

After a good cleaning, they received some fresh white paint.

AFTER

Hard to see in the photo, but now they are just right since

I aged them with some grey blue paint.

I'll be gathering some fall materials to make arrangements in the baskets

and hang them on my double front doors. Pictures soon!

Linking up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm!

My pickin' best,

Cindy

Pickin' Stuff

2011-10-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

Here's some stuff I picked over the weekend!

White letterpress drawer, two crates, a muffin tin, a Zero fan, and a red mailbox.

There's more, but I'll have to show ya another time.

I'm doing a tad of painting, slopping in some stain, and doing the never ending yard work.

I'll be back soon. Until next time...

Best pickins,

Cindy

Quick Pickins

2011-10-10T14:24:00.000-04:00

Been sooo busy with yard work and errands. Also prepping the house so I can stain the kitchen cupboards and do some painting. Ya know how it is...never enough time in the day. I'm tired and sore, but all will be worth it once the cold weather rolls in. I'll be snug as a bug in a rug with all the major work done!

Made a very quick stop while running errands to see if there might be anything worth pickin' and I found a few goodies. My fave is that metal rooster! I'm a struggling with the thought of keeping him, but I know it will probably be best to put him in the shop. He had sat on the peak of a shed and was saved just in time as the shed was being torn down. How pickin' cool is that? Very!

Until next time...

My pickin' best,

Cindy

A Touch Of Fall

2011-10-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

Here's a touch of fall around the homestead.

Blue skies.

Leaves beginning to show their colors and fall to the ground.

And temps in the wonderful 80's.

I'll be missing in action as I quickly prep the garden for the new season,

do the necessary cleaning in the yard and on the exterior of the home,

and finish washing down the inventory for the shop before a cold snap appears.

Be back soon! Until then...

Have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

A Basket And Some Burlap

2011-10-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

I decided that while everyone is working on their fall garden, I would make a herb garden indoors.

First, I chose my herbs and transplanted them into pots.

I had an old wire basket that was large, white, and chippy.
I also had some burlap. Perfect!

I took the burlap, cut it into strips, and wove it in and out of the wire.

I took another strip of burlap and gathered it to make a flower.

There. A basket and some burlap complete my indoor herb garden.

Thanks for visiting!

I'm linking up to White Wednesday!

My pickin' best,

Cindy

More Pickin' Photos

2011-10-04T07:02:00.000-04:00

On our pickin' trip over the weekend, we were slapped with some cold weather, wind, and rain.

When I'm feeling the negative effects of mother nature, I lose my ability to find the best pickins' out there. I'm just not a cold weather gal. I prefer to hibernate when November comes waltzing into my life and I stay in the hibernation stage until spring. That's just how it is.

Luckily, we had intended to do some indoor pickin' or the weekend would have been a bust.

We had 7 stops planned and if they had all been outdoors...well it would have been pitiful pickins.

These photos are our finds as I pulled them off the truck.

The truck that logged 800 miles over the weekend.

There's lots of wood and wire. Plenty of weathered and worn. Some rust and crust.

All wonderful!!!

Thanks for taking a peek at my pickin' photos.

Sorry for the quality of them as the camera is still causing me problems.

Until next time...

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

800 Miles Later

2011-10-03T16:34:00.000-04:00

Anyone go pickin' over the weekend?

We did and 800 miles later, I must say I'm tuckered. Plum tuckered out.

I'm unloading the truck now and will show more pictures tomorrow.

Don't know what's up with the camera. I see spots.

And I had to show ya what I'm keeping for myself.

That's one of the many benefits to pickin'...keeping some of the lovely treasures.

Some items, like the aqua door, will be used for props in my shop photos.

That's all for now. More to come tomorrow.

My pickin' best,

Cindy

Farm Fun With A Bucket

2011-09-29T21:20:00.001-04:00

Here's some Etsy farm fun.

Eye candy from a variety of shops.

All for sale over at Etsy.

The vintage metal farm bucket is in our shop.
The Etsy shop 'magalerie' put this together and named her collection Farm Bucket.

Click on any other item or shop below to see more.

Have a pickin' cool weekend...we sure will. Fill ya in later.
Cindy

'Farm Bucket' by magalerie

Enjoy !

have you any wool - 8x10 fin... shannonpix $28.00	Farm Wagon Wheels Photograph... AnCarPhotograp... $15.00	Vintage Metal Farm Bucket OldTimePickers $25.00	Farm Fresh Eggs- Fine Art Pr... SapphiraLorel $24.00
Farm photo - 8x8 farm photo ... elgarboart $30.00	Farm Fresh Barn Door beblumer $99.00	Vintage Brown and White Tran... TheOldRedHen $45.00	Antique 1915 Agriculture Bo... melanieperalto... $895.00
Soldering Copper Soldering I... gazaboo $38.00	Concrete . Fruit . Bowl atstuart $57.00	Antique butter paddles from ... Englishephemer... $15.00	Farm Birds on a Wheel 8 x 10... TerraVision $25.00
Antique Treenware Utensils W... birdie1 $48.00	Black Crows flying over Fall... MollysMuses $25.00	Vintage Milk Bottle- From Fa... domestikate $24.00	OSTRICH FARM animals old ant... Snaposaurus2 $3.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I'll Miss Them

2011-09-27T17:20:00.000-04:00

These beauties are now on their way to New York and I must say...I'll miss them.

I was in tin heaven when I acquired these large antique ceiling tiles...such a gorgeous design with historical significance!

They were dismantled from a bank in Indiana that dates back to the late 1800's/ early 1900’s.
The patina on each tile varied due to the aging process...lots of character.

I had put them in our shop about a year ago and today, someone decided that they had to have them for their very own project and bought all eight of them.

I will be redoing my kitchen next month and have been thinking of these tiles often. I had made up my mind that if these tiles didn't sell, I was going to use them somewhere, somehow.

Now they are gone and I know I'll miss them.

But at the same time, someone else will have the chance to rejoice in their aged beauty.

Mission accomplished.

Have a pickin' cool Wednesday,

Cindy

Linked Up To:

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Meet Katharine

2011-09-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

Isn't she something? Her name is Katharine, also known as Kate, and she is a country gal at heart.

I met her at the auction I attended over the weekend and we hit it off immediately.

If you look closely, you'll see her adorable antique wear...handmade with delicate details.

This setting is her previous home. She now lives with me. I have some special plans for her. She needs some fancy footwear (base) and I have the perfect piece. Future reveal.

Hubby and I went to this auction thinking that it might not produce anything special. The listing in the paper did not even mention Kate or that there was a barn with good pickins in it! That's the barn behind Kate in the above photo.

These barrels were in the barn. This is a picture after we arrived home. That is my Kit Kat inspecting the barrels noting that they definitely smell like a barn. And see that humongous mailbox? Super heavy, too.

Largest mailbox I've ever seen!

The next pickins we came across in the barn were old chippy doors. Had to climb into a loft on a rickety ladder and lower them down to hubby after we won the bid. Oh what fun!

Here are some of our other pickins from the auction.

Yes, that is another dress form. Kate's cousin, maybe?

A nice piece of Samsonite luggage.

An antique fan, also known as a finger chopper.

Three pretty vintage bedspreads.

A box of hangers.

Primitive scale and a scale face.

Did you see the latticework? Now I have a couple of great pieces to fancy up the garden.

Jars and more jars. You are seeing only a sample. I have so many jars. I think I need help.

Auctions can be long and exhausting days, but oh so worth it.

Next weekend is our big pickin' weekend where we'll be putting some miles on the truck.

With a shop that always needs to be stocked, one can never get enough.

Just wondering...did ya do any good pickin' over the weekend?

My pickin' best,

Cindy

Why???

2011-09-23T12:03:00.000-04:00

Why is fall my favorite season?

Just take a look. This is the view that will soon appear in my backyard.

I love livin' on a lake!

Have a pickin' beautiful weekend,

Cindy

He Has A Friend

2011-09-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs a friend now and then so my little pumpkin that I made yesterday has one now. I believe he may just be the perfect companion.

I heard from some of you that this was something you might want to try.

If so, head on over to see Deb at her Hummadeedledee Blog for her tutorial.
Once you have the basics, you and your supplies can create a whole patch of pretty pumpkins.

Warning...once ya get started...you may never want to stop.

Have a pickin' good craftin' day,

Cindy

Playin' With Pumpkins

2011-09-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

I finally decided to just do it. I thought I'd play with my craft supplies and see if I could come up with a pumpkin. I wanted something quick so I decided to try a sweater pumpkin. Tutorials are all over the internet for these. Basically, you cut the sleeve off an old sweater, do some gathering and some stuffing, embellish it and a pumpkin it is.

When I finished mine, I sat back to contemplate my accomplishment and I broke out in laughter. I don't know why, but this little guy makes me laugh. And that is a good thing. I think he needs a friend or two. Then I just might become hysterical.

So ya wanna have a laugh, start playin' with some pumpkins!

Until next time...

Have a pickin' and playin' good day,

Cindy

Would You Rather Have...

2011-09-20T10:17:00.001-04:00

Your husband surprise you with

flowers and candy

good old junk that has some rust and crust or might be chippy and shabby

?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Tell me! I really want to know!

I started thinking about this when Kelsie over at Our Country Home was pleasantly surprised when her husband brought her a stack of old windows. She's been a wanting to put together her own greenhouse and these old windows will be perfect. Her husband knows her.

Me...I want the rust, the crust, the weathered, and the worn.

My hubby will stop at a curbside all on his own and bring something home if he thinks I may want it.

And that's what it's all about.

So gals...is it flowers and candy or rust and crust?

Best pickins' to ya,

Cindy

No True Pickin'

2011-09-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

Did not really do any true pickin' over the weekend cause we set up our own space at a flea market yesterday. Anything special in our booth? Nope! This was a flea market that you load your trailer, go, pull in your space, and everyone gathers around to do their own picking right out of the trailer. It was wild. I didn't have time to take pictures. And nothing special to sell, just items that needed to be cleared out to make more space for the pickin' business.

I made my rounds around the flea market after things settled down and we were pretty much sold out. I didn't think I'd find much, but I did pick a few things to bring home.

Good old wooden shoe forms.

A star shaped from a tape measure.

Cute little pair of shoes (actually picked up two pairs) and a blue bowl.

And a few more items...some will be for sale, but most will be for props for my photos for the shop.

So no true pickin' this past weekend. Next weekend we will be attending an auction. It's not a barn auction so we'll have to see how productive it will be.

Our big pickin' weekend is coming up the first weekend of October. It's so fun to take off for the whole weekend and really pick. Pick big. Pick until ya can't pick any more. Can't wait!!!

Until next time...

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Lights, Camera, PROPS!

2011-09-14T20:21:00.001-04:00

PROPS...I love props for the home and for my shop.

For my online shop, I need lighting, a camera and lots of props. One can never have too many props!

So today, I had the urge to do some crafting to make some props.
I have plenty of books and thought some of them could use a makeover.

Well, first of all I need some books.

I chose three. And I need some supplies. I dug up a few.

I have some antique love letters and postcards so I laid them out on my printer

and copied them onto some aged looking paper.

This is what it looked like. I didn't need the whole sheet done as I'll be using a smaller book.

I decoupaged this sheet onto the cover of a small book. I did not remove the binding of any of the books I worked with as I needed them sturdy so they can stand on their own.

For the second book, I took a piece of burlap and also decoupaged it to the outside cover and then trimmed off excess giving it a ragged edge.

The third book had a book jacket that was brown in color on the inside so I just turned it inside out. I had some old lace that I sprayed adhesive onto and placed it onto the brown book jacket.

These would look good on their own, but I wanted a bundle.

So I played with my supplies until I found the look that I wanted.

Shabby...

Romantic...

Cottage sweet...

And a bit of farmhouse flair! And there ya have it!
If you want another version of altered books, hop on over to visit Carol at The Polka Dot Closet!

She is one of my favorite crafters and her books are pickin' cool!

My pickin' best to you all,

Cindy
Old Time Pickers Shop

Linked Up To:
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Rainy Day Pickins'

2011-09-12T06:49:00.000-04:00

When we went out to go pickin' this weekend, we were greeted with rain showers.
It was a very small flea market and the rain kept most vendors away.
That's okay. My one 'Down on the Farm' couple who I have bought from before happened to be there.
'Down on the Farm' is what they go by and it suits them. I was thrilled to see her and I know she was thrilled to see me. So despite the rain, we were able to come home with a few treasures.

Our haul for the weekend...

Extra long tool tote
Very ornate pewter like mug

Copper soldering iron with a blue handle

White Staffordshire ironstone pitcher (mine)

Set of four shakers with sterling tops in original box

Red plaid 'Skotch Basket'

I'm happy with our rainy day pickins'!

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

Cindy

Pick and Pack

2011-09-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

I know there are some pickers out there. Some pick for themselves.

Some pick for their shops. Some pick for themselves and their shops.

I pick mostly for my shop. So when it comes to pickin', I need to be an expert.

And my shop, Old Time Pickers, is an online shop so I also have some packin' to do when an item sells.

And when it comes to packin', I need to be an expert. At least I try to be.

After one customer received his item, he wrote "Great stuff! Fast shipping! Bomb-proof packing!! :) Highly recommend OldTimePickers! :)"

That's a nice compliment...bomb-proof. So there ya have it.

I know how to pick and how to pack.

Any expert pickers and packers out there?

Until next time...

Best pickins' to ya all,

Cindy

I'm Pathetic!

2011-09-07T14:32:00.000-04:00

No matter how hard I try, I just can't do it! You see...I'm a fast picker and a slow lister!

In other words, I buy like crazy and then have a hard time getting it all into my shop in a timely manner.

And that, folks, makes me a little pathetic.

I go out and about and buy, buy, buy cause I have to have a wide variety for my shop. That is the only way to have a fantabulous business. So I have a large selection sitting in my garage, not in my shop. In fact, it's starting to look like I'm a hoarder. So what I need to do is list my items into the Old Time Pickers shop faster. Much faster.

Ya know...pickin' is not an easy job. Yet it's still fun and I'll continue to do it.

Possibly another day, I'll go into some of the 'behind the scene' details.

But for right now, I have to go shoot some more photos.

I have some listing to do.

My pickin' best,

Cindy

Labor Day Finds

2011-09-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

Our Labor Day finds!!!

We did a little pickin' here and a little pickin' there.

A turn down a different road led to new discoveries.

Fun finds = good times!

Hope you all had a pickin' fun and good Labor Day,

Cindy

Won't See Me Today...

2011-09-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

I'm hunkered down with the latest issue of Flea Market Style magazine!

Another day, another time...

Have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

And The Winner Is...

2011-09-01T06:57:00.000-04:00

The Farmhouse Livin' Giveaway has now come to a close. Time to announce the winner!

I decided to use Random Generator to pick the lucky person.

Drum roll please...

And the winner is...

Faye at Wild Rose Vintage!!!

Congratulations Faye!

Faye and I stumbled upon each other first through my esty shop, then here through the blogging world.

Oh, and Faye just had a birthday. Happy birthday, Faye!

Pay Faye a visit...she discovers some really cool finds. I would love to go pickin' with her sometime.

I would like to thank everyone who entered the giveaway and who took the time to promote it.

I truly appreciate my blogging buddies.

Until next time...

Best pickins' to all,

Cindy

Last Chance To Enter

2011-08-31T10:18:00.000-04:00

The countdown has begun...

Today is the last day to enter the Farmhouse Livin' Giveaway.

Drawing will be held and announced tomorrow, September 1st.

(September 1st? Where did August go?)

Click here for details.

Good luck to all!

Until tomorrow...

Have a pickin' good day,

Cindy

Were You Raised In A Barn!?!

2011-08-30T08:23:00.000-04:00

Did you ever hear that when you were growing up?

You always knew your response should be a gentle "No".

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Now ask me. Go ahead and ask me if I was raised in a barn. I'd answer, "No, but I think it would be have been a good idea". You see, I have a love for barns. They are a symbol of the life I try to embrace...down home simplicity. These days, I wouldn't mind living in a barn. Renovated barns can be quite the lookers.

Look at this red beauty with its grand entrance welcoming guests to come on in and sit a spell.

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Here's an evening view. Can you imagine all the natural light that pours in during the daylight hours!

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

And you can't beat that solid stone foundation underneath it all.

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

And look at this barn. Who doesn't like the weathered and worn look of barn wood?

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Let's throw in a silo with this one for some extra fun.

Source: houzz.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Here's a new home. This look was achieved by using salvaged timber from a barn.

Source: busyboo.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Can't live in a barn? Throw a party in one!

Source: partyperfectblog.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Or use a barn as a backdrop for a gathering of friends and family.

Source: weddingwhims.tumblr.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Ahhh...for the love of barns! Do you want one now? I do!

My pickin' best,
Cindy

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!
CLICK HERE

Am I Versatile?

2011-08-29T07:35:00.000-04:00

Am I...versatile? I must be versatile cause Kara over at Hobbies of a Homemaker says so. And if Kara says so, then it must be.So thank you kindly, Kara, for passing The Versatile Blogger Award my way. Now go on over and say 'hey' to Kara! Tell her that Cindy, the Old Time Picker, was quite insistent and said you had to go make new friends. Here at Old Time Pickers, one can never have too many friends, good ones anyway!

So after accepting The Versatile Blogger Award, the blogger must...

1. Thank the person who gave the award and link back to them in your post.

2. Share seven things about yourself.

3. Pass this award along to 10 recently discovered blogs.

Seven things about me...
1. I had another blog before this one. It was Country Blessings at Lakewood. Some bloggers who knew me from Country Blessings don't realize that I am now here at Old Time Pickers. I started this blog after opening my shop.
2. My hobby is gardening. I'm no pro at it, but I so enjoy being able to grow flowers and vegetables. Love the outdoors and my back yard. It helps to have a small lake out back. Can't beat that view!
3. I now sell online, but I have had brick and mortar shops in the past. Years ago, I had a country shop called Peddler's Point, which had vintage items and antiques along with new country treasures. My next experience with a brick and mortar was my gift shop.
4. Fall is my favorite season and I'm so excited that it is just around the corner. I love the crisp air, the vibrant
colors, and the sound of the leaves under my feet.
5. I was a kindergarten teacher for awhile and then became a director of a college. I should have stayed as a kindergarten teacher. Definitely more my style.
6. Except for pickin', I'm a homebody. Usually don't want or need to go out and about. I do a lot of socializing and meeting new people while out pickin'. It's a fun outlet for me.
7. I have a thing for barns. Love them. Can't explain it. It is what it is.

Now moving onto the ten blogs that I have recently discovered...
1. Our Country Home
2. Salls Country Life
3. Wild Rose Vintage
4. Homespun Simplicity
5. A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen
6. Rindy Mae
7. Excuse Me While I Buy This Junk

Whoops...that is only seven! I can count, truly I can. The other three blogs that I intended to mention don't accept awards so if you are a follower and would like the award, I'll be happy to pass it along.
(I have some wonderful followers who have no blog link in their profile so I am unable to follow them back if they do have a blog.)

Until next time...

Have a pickin' cool Monday,
Cindy

Weekend Finds

2011-08-28T18:22:00.000-04:00

These are the finds that we were able to gather up this weekend to add to the shop.

-Plenty of wooden boxes/crates...Anglo, Regent, 2 Chokola, Grolier Encyclopedia,

and Dictionary of American Biography

-Rustic rake and pitchfork

-Stove top food warmer painted a soft green

-A primitive box with a mirror attached to lid

-A wire milk crate and a cute stool

-And for me...a white teapot for a photo prop and 2 graniteware pans

to add some farmhouse flair above my kitchen cupboards

Don't forget to enter my giveaway. Click on the giveaway photo above for all the details.

That's it...for now!

Best Pickins'

Cindy

Not On the Waiting List Anymore

2011-08-26T11:19:00.000-04:00

I went and signed up yesterday morning. They put me on a waiting list.

Really? I'm on a waiting list? Hey, I don't do well with waiting.

Apparently, I need a personal invitation to be included.

It was Pinterest, the newest internet craze, who put me on a waiting list. On their website, it states...

'Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.'

What good is that? For me, it's all about organizing. I see crafts I'd like to try. I find decorating ideas I'd like to attempt. I discover recipes that look absolutely yummy. What do I do? I bookmark them all. And then what happens? Nothing. I'm a visual person. I need the photos to inspire me in order to proceed. I have hope that Pinterest will solve that problem.

So I went from being on the waiting list to now having an account as a generous blogger sent me a personal invite. Kathy, over at A Delightsome Life, was so sweet to take the time to send me an invitation. Please go on over and pay Kathy a visit. You will be happy that you did. The name of her blog says it all.

I want to thank you, Kathy, for helping this disorganized internet gal try to get some order into her online existence. So for now...

Have a pickin' cool online day,

Cindy

Top Ten Reasons I'm a Picker

2011-08-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

Why, oh why, am I a picker?
Being a picker is something that has naturally evolved over time and has become a perfect fit for me.

After some reflection, here are the 'Top Ten Reasons I'm a Picker'.

1. The Thrill of the Hunt - There is a new exciting adventure around every corner

2. A Connection to the Past - Every piece has a story, some are untold

3. The People - From the average Joe to the over-the-top characters (include me in over-the-top)

4. Giving a Found Piece a New Chance - Landfills are full enough, been green for years

5. Honoring my Heritage and Kinfolk - Come by this naturally from those before me

6. Each and Every Day is Definitely Different - Barns, flea markets, yards, fields, and who knows what else

7. The Simple Life - No complicated corporate life for me

8. Adds to My Personal Style - Don't have to sell everything, can keep some of those pickin' cool finds

9. Educational - Don't have to say 'what the heck is this' as much while learning the ways of our ancestors

10. Involves Blood, Sweat, and Tears - Yes, believe me, all three (though the tears usually involve uncontrollable laughter)

There's my top ten reasons I'm a picker!
And why do you pick?

Cindy

A Farmhouse Livin' Giveaway

2011-08-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

Hmmm...what to giveaway? I want it to be a farmhouse livin' look.

Should it be rustic? Should it be pretty?

I've poked around all my pickins' until I found the perfect solution.

And here it is...a rustic and pretty giveaway!!!

How about a little rustic berry basket?

And how about a pretty McCoy pitcher with four matching mugs?

You can leave the basket as is or jazz it to reflect your personality.

Use the basket on the kitchen table, in the craft room, or as decor in the garden.

Or here is an idea. Use the berry basket as a berry basket...LOL!

The pitcher and mugs with their pink and blue band design shout farmhouse fresh!

So the giveaway includes what you see here...one berry basket, one McCoy pitcher, and four McCoy mugs.

The McCoy is vintage and has charming imperfections. One mug has a tiny nick on its bottom.

So what do you need to do to win? Easy peasy!

1. Leave a comment on this post. You must be a follower to win so let me know in your comment if you are already a follower or if you are a new follower. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

2. Second chance to win is if you post about the giveaway (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc.). If you do so, please leave a second comment on this post.

Contest is open until the end of August. Winner will be announced on September 1, 2011.

Contest is only open to those within the U.S.

Good luck everyone!

Cindy

Sneak Peek & Giveaway

2011-08-22T10:22:00.000-04:00

A pickin' we did go this weekend. So here is a sneak peek. Not bad. Not bad at all!
You can't see it all in this picture as it is packed solid. I have stuffin' skills!

There are some pretties all wrapped up and tucked away inside barrels, crates, and boxes. But looky there at the coffee pots at the front of the pile. I am keeping the little cutie on the right and will sell the beauty on the left even though I want it, too. I have to keep telling myself 'Old Time Pickers is in business to sell the treasures they find'. I pacify myself by keeping an item or two from a pick and selling everything else.

Now I want to talk about the Giveaway. I need to determine what great piece would be perfect for you gals to win. I will have to ponder this just a bit. Should it be a kitchen item? How about something involving storage? Or would one be happy with a barn find? Oh, the possibilities!

Give me till tomorrow. I'll have a decision by then. I promise.

I'll announce all the pickin' cool details!

Until tomorrow...

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

Cindy

Big Pickins' This Weekend

2011-08-18T14:50:00.000-04:00

Planning on doing some major pickin' this weekend. At least that is in the plans.

I'll be on the lookout for anything associated with farmhouse livin' that has a pinch of rustic charm, a tad of country cute, and a bit of vintage industrial from down on the farm.

I'm a thinking that if it does turn out to be a big pickin' weekend, I'll just have to do a giveaway. Why not? It's the perfect time with summer soon coming to a close. And fall is anxiously awaiting a grand entrance.

So...the plan is...I'll go pickin'...and if it is successful...I will do a giveaway!

Everyone, please, cross your fingers for a big pickin' weekend!

☺

Best pickins' to all this weekend,

Cindy

She's A Beauty

2011-08-16T15:33:00.000-04:00

Here she is. Isn't she a beauty?

Barn wood. Made into a tote.

Simplistic. Yet, so magnificent.

This is a favorite piece of mine.

And ya know what? I just sold her.

I had to box her up and ship her out.

I know the new owner will cherish her.

What is not to cherish?

The thing is...I can't stop thinking about this barn wood beauty.

So now the wheels are a turning and a churning.

I've got some of this.

And I think I can get some more.

Hmmm...can I make one just for me?

And then make some more for others to purchase?

After all, this would be a labor of love.

Making barn wood beauties.

Best Pickins'

Cindy

Cratin' Some More Love!

2011-08-14T21:05:00.000-04:00

Pickin' over the weekend uncovered some crates, crates, and more crates. Love 'em!!!

And look at this one...

It has the word 'French' on it. Ooh La La!

A gal just can't have too many crates! So perfect for Farmhouse Livin'!
Will be adding some to the shop soon!

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

Cindy

Barn Finds for Sale here!

It Was A Little Lame...

2011-08-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

A little L.A. lame

Over the Top and 'Really?' lame.

I caught a peak at the new show 'Picker Sisters'. Not so much a show on true picking. More of a show on two L.A. interior designers stepping outside of their element to buy something...anything...and then handing it over to someone else (Alan, in this case) to do the really hard and creative work of upcycling it all.

Alan is the genius of the show. Please just give me Alan, thank you.

Bottom line...this show was more about two L.A. designers on the loose.

And sorry, but this picker was a tad bored with it all. LOL!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Crate Love!

2011-08-08T22:44:00.000-04:00

I LOVE CRATES!

Organizer, Storage Solution, Display Piece…So Country Crate Great!

Need to display your pickin' cool collection of bottles?

Store and stack those books!

Get attached to the unknown story...just imagine...Mrs. Louise P Camp?

Throw in this n' that and then throw in some more!

Crafters' solution to some organization...no more 'Now where did I put that?'.

Ahhh... a wine rack with some style.

And how about a shelf...all primitive and rustic.

Now what is not to love about a crate? Show 'em some love!

Best Pickins'

Cindy

Some Crates Still Available in our Shop!

Slim Pickins!?!

2011-08-07T22:35:00.000-04:00

This is what we were able to bring home from the flea market this weekend.

Would ya consider this as slim pickins?

Plate Rack

General Store Paper Roll Dispenser

Hay Hook

Wagner Crate

GE Heater

I was thrilled with our finds. It's not always about quantity. I'll take quality any day.

Now to decided what to keep and what to put in the shop.

☺

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

Cindy

Out Back Snapshots

2011-08-05T07:38:00.000-04:00

Butterfly enjoying my garden.

Unfortunately, there are very few butterflies this season.

View of the lake from the damn.

Our house is out of view on the right.

Rustic oil can by the salad bed.

Like a little vintage whimsy in the garden.

A moth questioning my picture taking.

If you're in my yard, be prepared to be shot with a camera.

Kit Kat visiting with a turtle that is passing by.

Friendly encounter by both.

A busy bee. Always busy.

Wish I could accomplish as much.

And here is Gertrude. Don't know if Gertrude is a boy or a girl.

Just looks like a Gertrude to me!

It's a lovely life out back!

Have a pickin' cool weekend,

Cindy

Not Again!!!

2011-08-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

Yes, it did happen again.

One of my favorite things to do is go pickin'...for vintage, primitive, shabby, and farmhouse chic. The other thing I love to do is gardening...tending to vegetables, herbs, flowers, and shrubs. Pickin' satisfies my need to have a fun business and to follow in the footsteps of my kinfolk. Gardening fulfills my desire to connect with nature and to return back to the basics.

So what is the problem? Well, one of my loves is becoming hazardous to my health...LOL! I'm allergic to a lot of plants and many other things in the great outdoors. This year is especially bad for me. Once again, I made a trip to the doctors to receive my standard steroid shot and pills. I'm writing this with vision in my right eye only. My left eye is totally swollen shut.

Hubby says gardening is not good for me. For me physically, he may be right. But I garden for my emotional well being so I will continue and try to be careful even though that is difficult. We live in the country and can't completely control the wild and unruly.

I'm just thankful that my pickin' pursuits have not caused me any problems...yet.

Have a pickin' cool day,
Cindy

Raking It In

2011-08-02T11:36:00.000-04:00

I'm a gardener and I'm a vintage lover. So I enjoy raking it in...translation: when I go pickin', I pick up old, vintage rake heads and garden tools. Can't help myself. That's just how it is.

Some I sell. Some I keep. Again, can't help myself.

This past weekend, I picked up two rakes at a flea market. Took them home and washed off the surface dirt to find something interesting.

The unusually long rake had a marking on it...Brasil (Brazil).

May have to keep this one. Rakes are great hanging on a wall with the prongs used as hooks to hold items and to even slide wine glasses onto. And I am planning a rustic beverage center for my dining room. I think this rake will fit right in. Let's size it up.

Yep, this one is a keeper!

Best Pickins'

Cindy

Cute Couple

2011-07-19T22:30:00.000-04:00

See this cute couple? They are different from each other, but still the same. They go together.

Can you guess which one is the 'he' and which one is the 'she'?

They enjoy their time together overlooking the lake. They really know how to live a simple life!

When I found them at a flea market, I snatched them up. I intended to sell them, but that plan changed as soon as I took them home. I have decided to keep them so they can live happily ever after!

Have a wonderful White Wednesday,

Cindy

Linked Up To:

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Laundry Day Finds

2011-07-18T11:17:00.000-04:00

Lately, my pickin' finds have all been 'laundry day' finds. What's with that? A natural theme emerged all on its own. Above is just a small collection of what I have hoarded, ummm...picked for the biz.

I found this folding Union hanger at an auction and immediately listed it in my Etsy shop.

Sold it Saturday.

And I listed an antique Ober iron and a primitive ironing sleeve board Saturday and they both sold.

Seems that laundry day items are in demand. Good thing...this is only a start. I have plenty more vintage laundry stock to sell in my Etsy shop and my new ArtFire shop. I said new...need to go stock those shelves before I can call it a shop. Well, enough said for now. Believe it or not, I've got laundry to do. Even though I'm into making my own detergent and hanging clothes on the line, I feel thankful that my 'laundry day' is really no big deal these days.

Have a pickin' cool Monday and make sure that laundry is done!

Cindy

My Garden...

2011-07-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

The bees and butterflies are doing their part. I know I'm doing mine.

The garden is behind this year and just now showing some signs of coming to life.

Harvest will not be as abundant as I had hoped, but I can always look forward to another year of trying.

The good news...basil is providing the much loved pesto that we can't get enough of.

And the blackberries...nothing slow about them this year.

Plenty of jam and desserts to go around.

Thank goodness!

Have a berry pickin' good day,

Cindy

Linked To:

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Prairie Style...

2011-07-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

Don't ya just love this look?

It inspires me...the soft colors...the serene look & feel...the beauty of it all.
Pretty jewelry, tattered books, and old bottles.

And I must admit I'm very found of these blues, browns, and greys.

This prairie collage was styled on Etsy by MyBluePeacock.
Have fun checking out the items by clicking on them. I sure did.

It's prairie time,

Cindy
OldTimePickers

A Lake's Expression

2011-07-11T07:05:00.000-04:00

A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. ~Henry David Thoreau

Here's hoping that you have a beautiful day,

Cindy

What's Happening

2011-07-05T11:12:00.001-04:00

There's a warm summer breeze this morning. It will soon become another steamy afternoon, but for now I throw the windows wide open to welcome that sweet smelling air into my home. It beckons to me and as usual, I give in. I step outside to make my rounds to see what is happening in the natural world.

On one side of the yard, my rustic bench is positioned just right to overlook the lake...a good spot to take in the surroundings. It appears hazy this morning, a sure sign that the humidity will soon overtake us and make the day a bit uncomfortable.

I see right before me a turtle laying her eggs in our yard. This occurs quite often at this time of year. Even though I am fortunate enough to see this, I am still waiting for the opportunity to actually see the baby turtles hatch and make their way down to the lake.

My garden is to my right and I marvel at how that one white flower has mysteriously appeared among the purples. I planted only purple years ago. And faithfully every year, the purples reappear. Now a lone white flower stands tall and proud. Makes one wonder.

As much as I enjoy being outside and experiencing nature, it's time to get some chores done. But before I do so...here's hoping you have a summer breeze beckoning to you and you take the time to answer it.

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linked To:

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Independence Day

2011-07-03T06:04:00.000-04:00

My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue. ~Author Unknown

Have a pickin' cool Independence Day,

Cindy

Making Detergent

2011-07-01T06:49:00.000-04:00

Making...my...own...detergent. Why has it taken me so long to getting around to actually doing it? When I finally decided to just go for it, it only took me minutes to do. How embarrassing! I really feel silly now since it's so easy!

I first purchased three ingredients - 20 Mule Team Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, and Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap. I decided not to do the liquid version of the recipe as it makes quite a lot and it is just the two of us here at home.

To make the detergent in powder form, I grated the bar soap with an old grater. The Fels-Naptha soap did have a strong soap smell and I'm sensitive to smells. I may use another soap next time such as Pure & Natural Ivory or Dr. Bronners just to experiment. Anyone out there who has tried this have any advice? I'm always willing to listen. Anyway, I then added 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. That's it. See why I feel silly?

When doing a load of laundry, add two tablespoons of the powder. Easy peasy!

My next project? Making a country cute container to hold my homemade detergent. Stay tuned!

Oh, and what really got me started on all of this was all of my vintage and antique pickins'
including irons, hangers, ironing board, and more that I found this week. Most of it will go up for sale soon. I'll have to show you my 'laundry room' goodies in another post. For now...

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linked Up Here:

Go Check Out The Fun!!!

Pickin' Berries

2011-06-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

Raspberries and blackberries...are almost ready for some serious pickin'.

I added these bushes to my garden a couple years back.

Don't ya love all the goodness summer brings?

I do have to keep them covered with netting. I'll share some with the birds, but I want my fair share this year.

I am hoping to have enough raspberries and blackberries to make a topping for homemade vanilla ice cream for this coming 'Independence Day' weekend.

For now, I have just enough to add to my yogurt. So simple and so good!

What about you? Do you have berries in your garden?

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linked Up With:

Bloomin' Bunnies in the Garden

2011-06-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

I didn't plant them.

Really I didn't.

They came up all on their own.

They popped right up through the mulch of straw.

Yep...bloomin' bunnies in the garden!

And I bet that I'll have bloomin' bunnies every year now!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linked to:

Pop of Orange

2011-06-07T20:53:00.000-04:00

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A pop of brilliant orange can put a smile on my face!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linked Up To:

Outdoor Wednesday

Drum Roll Please...

2011-05-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

Time to announce the winner of the Old Time Pickers' Cottage Charm Giveaway!

First, I would like to thank all who...

left comments,

became followers,

visited my Etsy shop,

and promoted this giveaway!

THANK YOU!!!

Are ya ready?

Drum roll please!

The winner of the large antique ceiling tile is....

Trish at Begin Again and Again and Again...

CONGRATULATIONS!

And remember, a country cottage lifestyle is all about...
simple living
cozy surroundings
informal charm

And above all. it's a state of mind.

Have a pickin' cool Memorial Day,

Cindy

Countdown to Giveaway

2011-05-27T10:04:00.000-04:00

The time is almost here! My giveaway for the antique ceiling tile is quickly coming to a close.

Welcome to all the new pickin' cool followers and those who paid a visit over at my rust and crust and weathered and worn Etsy shop.

The winner will be announced on May 29!

Time to still enter...just click below to get all the details.

See ya on the 29th!

Have a pickin' cool Memorial Day weekend,

Cindy

Been Busy

2011-05-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

Not much time for blogging...

I started to do some spring cleaning...

Which led to painting some walls...

Which led to painting the woodwork...

Which led to repainting the furniture...

Which led to rearranging it...

Which led to 'Am I done yet?'.

Don't know about the spring cleaning, but I am!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Too Many Days Of...

2011-05-19T09:14:00.000-04:00

I've been experiencing too many days of...

Rain and rain and more rain...

Below average temps making me chilled to the bone...

Couped up in the house and feeling overwhelmed with too many projects...

Not getting outside to tend to my garden...

So what happens? This!

It ain't pretty!

Thank goodness I see some sunshine coming up over the horizon this morning.

And it just goes to show that if one just waits long enough...it gets all better!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Here We Are To Save The Day

2011-05-18T07:08:00.000-04:00

And what do we have here?!?! A cutie who has is having a major meltdown!!!

Stuck and no help in sight! Well, that is until hubby discovered the unfortunate situation on his drive home from work. We don't have goats. Our neighbor does. This is not the first time we have come to the rescue, oh what are neighbors for anyhoo? Here we are to save the day!

Much better!

Thank you!

"I am free!"

Now a friend comes to help...some friend!

We've been discovered and here comes the stampede!

All is right with the world! Party time!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Linking Up To...

Galvanized Dreamscape

2011-05-17T11:58:00.000-04:00

How can one not like the word 'galvanized'? It brings up visions of the country, of times gone by, and of good sturdy vintage that helps get the work done at hand. Take a look at this masterpiece which was recently featured on the front page of Etsy, a selling venue for handmade, vintage, and supplies.

Galvanized Dreamscape says it quite nicely describing the look and feel of this collection featuring various artists and sellers. Must give credit to VintConditionStyle! She has a shop on Etsy which carries vintage clothing and accessories carefully selected for your modern life. Go check it out! Galvanized Dreamscape is her creation and caught the attention of Etsy. Congrats VintCondionStyle for making the front page and thank you so much for including our hay hook!

Oh...see the stool it is on? It's so fun and fabulous...all weathered and worn! I originally had this milk stool for sale on Etsy and decided that some pickin' cool pieces really need to stay with me. I love what I do!

Have a pickin' cool day,

Cindy

Backyard Activity

2011-05-16T07:18:00.000-04:00

Feel blessed to enjoy this scenic view and to experience the wonderful wildlife...

all within my own backyard.

Ya just can't beat the country life!

Have a pickin' cool Monday,

Cindy

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Linking up to

Mosaic Monday