Printing Feed Sacks for the Pie Safe

It's been almost a year since I first showed you this vintage pie safe. . . .one of my "finds". . . .I asked what I should do about the missing tin panels for the doors?. . . .Many thought chicken wire would be nice. . . .Others suggested glass. . . .While a few more suggested screen. . . .

I considered them all. . . .

 It was so hard to make up my mind. . . .John enjoyed seeing the blue and white pieces. . . .so did I. . . .Then, we had our yearly dust storms. . . .following a winter of keeping an open hearth fire going. . . .I dusted and dusted one day--the day I decided to close up those openings!

Sometimes necessity gives a person the answer. . . .

As always, I wanted something Plain & Simple. . . .My first thought was to use a couple of the vintage feed bags. . . .They were either too large or too "busy". . . .While I wanted the bags to show some printing, I also wanted them to be background instead of overwhelming everything else.

What to do? What to do?

I found a piece of sacking with nothing printed on it. . . .Not quite big enough for both sides, but I could make-do. . . .I looked through graphic after graphic, trying to find a Plain & Simple one. . . .When I did, I attempted three times to print it on freezer paper. . . .Didn't work. . . .Very frustrating. . . .So, how about Plan B?

I reached back into the past--during my craft show days--and did what I knew how to do for the result I desired. . . .rubber stamps. . . .masking tape. . . .and a black ink pad for fabric stamping.

I was so pleased with the result, I may use stamps for more projects I have in mind. . . .I like to learn new tricks of the trade. . . .but, sometimes they just don't work out.

Used a light hand with the stamping to give the impression of faded printing. . . .Allowed smudges to remain for a more vintage look. . . .Thumb tacks on the inside hold the "bags" in place.

At one time in the history of our farm, bags were hand lettered by the farm workers. . . .We have a few in our store for visitors to see. . . .So, my idea wasn't totally original. . . .

They are "Prim" for certain. . . .

It's just the look I wanted. . . .Another plus that I didn't see until all was finished--the white panels compliment the white cupboards and kitchen cabinets. . . .whereas before, the pie safe seemed set apart from the rest of the room. . . .

Sometimes you win without planning it.

It won't be long til I reveal the Summer kitchen. . . .Just have a few more touches. . . .a little more cleaning. . . .some tweaking here and there. . . .If I don't hurry, Summer will be over!. . . .Is it passing by as quickly for you? Or, is it just me?

Whether passing fast or slow, I'm hoping you're enjoying every minute!

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .

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