It's A Natural

 . . . . .It's Cotton Pickin' Time here at the Farm. . . . .

which means it's Cotton Pickin' Time for the Farmhouse.

Every year I think I might run out of Cotton stalks for decorating, and I head for the fields to grab more. I've never had that problem, but a person never knows. . . .
 
I threw a few stalks in a basket. . . .added some mini bales, a folk  Daisy cow, cotton carder, tin candle holder and a  burlap runner to the table. . . .It's not Fall around here without Cotton everywhere. . . .

This year, I'm thinking about Cotton even more than usual because I have based the palette
for my Plain & Simple Farmhouse Style on the colors of Cotton--
white, neutrals, and black--

with touches of "denim" blues here and there. I really love the way the colors are blending in the kitchen--they're comforting. . . .calming. . . .relaxing. . . . .
Whites and neutrals also lend a wonderful background for style and color changes. . . .

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned this week that Cotton has been gaining popularity 

in the floral and crafting industry throughout the country. . . .

I've been decorating with cotton all my life--but then, I would, since it's right in my back yard. . . .

I'm so glad to hear that others are seeing decorating possibilities in it, too. . . . 

A quick check at Etsy revealed several stores that carry Cotton based items. . . .One of my favorites was Tall Cotton-n-Peas.  . . She has some amazing bridal bouquets. . . but what I loved most were the wreaths. . . .

Beautiful, aren't they? 

The whites and neutrals of Cotton are so versatile. . . .When you think about it, the texture
and interest it adds would compliment many decorating styles. . . . Shabby Chic. . . .or the Romantic Farmhouse Style. . . .or Country Decor. . . .or Primitive Style. . . . .

So, What do you think?

Could Cotton be a Natural in your home?

You don't have to go out in a field and pick it. . . .

 Here are a few stores on the Net that specialize in Cotton florals, decor and supplies. . . .

This isn't a paid ad. . . .I found them, liked what I saw, and am now sharing with you. . . .

Tall Cotton-N-Peas
Floral Cotton
Cotton Man
Country Rustic Weddings

 

from my cotton pickin' farmhouse to yours. . . .

The Farmer's Daughter

*******************************************

U. S. Cotton Facts. . .
A bale of cotton weighs about 500 lbs.

U. S. textile mills will spin almost 3 million bales of cotton this year.
That's enough cotton to make more than 600 million pairs of men's jeans
 and more than 2 billion men's dress shirts.

One bale of cotton can make: 215 Pairs of Jeans; 249 Bed Sheets; 409 Men's Sport Shirts; 690 Terry Bath Towels; 765 Men's Dress Shirts; 1,217 Men's T-Shirts; 1,256 Pillowcases; 2,104 Pairs of Boxer Shorts; 2,419 Pairs of Men's Briefs; 3,085 Diapers; 4321 Mid-Calf Socks; 6,436 Pairs of Women's Knit Briefs; 21,960 Women's Handkerchiefs; 313,600 $100 Bills.

Sources of information; USDA ERS, FAO, EPA, USDA Census of Ag 

**********************************************

I'm sharing this post with: * Show & Tell Friday * Simple & Sweet Fridays * Feathered Nest Friday * Home Sweet Home * Vintage Inspiration  *Tweak It Tuesday *

The Farmer's Daughter

I had a surprise email from Great Britain last week--

From: Ian Craine

Dear Farmer's Daughter

I just chanced on your site. I'm a British writer and researcher and I love that old-time American farming and western feel. The age of the Sears Roebuck catalogue, Midwest dustbowls and early movies.
I thought I'd send you an old poster for one of them-since it's called The Farmer's Daughter. There have in fact been several of that title, that one was a silent feature from 1928 which is unfortunately lost but the promo poster is rather charming I think with the daughter exercising her graffiti skills on her father's fencing. The egg basket lends a further homespun touch to the proceedings.

Best regards   Ian



I was so honored that Ian took the time to email and send the photograph. I've never seen it before--but I DO love it! In fact, I was thinking. . . .things haven't changed a great deal. That was in 1928. . . .Here I am in 2012:

Nope--Things don't change much on the Farm. . . .

Ian admits he's somewhat smitten with anything American--which is funny because I"m smitten with anything British. . . .We've exchanged a couple of very interesting emails about our farm. . . .If you'd like to share something "old-time American" with him, send him an email: iancraine@supanet.com.  He says he'd love to hear from you!

til next time. . . .

I AM. . . . .

The FARMER'S DAUGHTER--(too)

Wagon of Plenty & A "Chilly" Monday Recipe for Tomato Lentil Soup

You're looking at a fall Wagon of Plenty that was literally here yesterday and gone today. . . .

Yep. . . .It's gone now. . . .It was so pretty and festive. . . .

and then the winds came. . . .

We expect wind in the Fall. . . .but 45 mph?. . . .

 I was so glad the weather man gave us a heads up, so I could run out, 

quickly take photographs, and move my beautiful mums back indoors. . . .

I left the wagon and heavier items. . . .

They faired well, but look a little bare today. . . .

. . . .I love this red wagon John made me for Christmas a few years ago. . . .

He built it to use in the garden. . . .for moving dirt and compost. . . .

but who could use such a beautiful wagon for that. . . .

It was a wagon full of Harvest--pumpkins, gourds, beautiful mums--with vines all around. . . .

And, on the porch floor I added one of John's church birdhouses. . . .

I bet by now you've figured out that  birdhouses are a favorite here. . . .

Our farm has almost become a bird sanctuary in the spring and summer. . . .

When we first moved here in 2006, there were a few sparrows, black birds, 

and the resident barn owls, Lucille and Hooter. . . .

Over the years, our bird population has grown--doves, mockingbirds, cardinals, martins, 

bluebirds, thrush, woodpeckers. . . .

They've found us to be a safe haven. . . .We anticipate their return every spring. . . .

and John makes sure there's plenty of houses for them. . . .

I loved the way this vignette turned out. . . .it was so inviting from the road. . . .oh, well. . . .

when Mother Nature gets something in her head, there's no stopping her, is there? 

Maybe I'll venture out one day and re-place everything. . . .

but, today, I have at least four projects going. . . .

one of which is a delicious vegetarian chili. . . . .

It's that time of year again, when a good warm bowl of soup or chili smells and tastes so good. . . . 

A few months ago, I returned to a more vegetarian style of eating. . . .

I've been amazed at all the wonderful recipes I've found. . . .

This one came out of the Relish section of our Wednesday newspaper. . . .

I thought I'd share it with you on this "chilly" Monday.

You won't miss the meat at all . . . .

Tomato Lentil Chili

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium bell pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup dry lentils

1/2 cup quick-cooking bulgur

(I used Arkansas brown rice)

2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 1/2 cups water

1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

black pepper, to taste

Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Cook 7 minutes,

Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes.

Serve with yogurt, onion, and/or hot sauce.

Serves 6.

233 calories per serving.

I haven't gotten the "thumbs up" sign from John, yet. . . .

He's off working again today. . . .but, I did save him a bowl. . . .

I'm not very fond of lentils. . . .so, I was pleasantly surprised that it tasted so good. . . .

a definite keeper of a recipe. . . .I keep sneaking a taste now and then. . . .

If I don't quit, I'll have to make another pot tomorrow! ! !

from my farmhouse kitchen to yours. . . .

The Farmer's Daughter

Sharing this post with: * Farmstead Barn Hop * Mop It Up Monday * Share Your Cup Thursday

Farmhouse Treasures in the Bath

It was a dreary, gray day yesterday. . . .John was at work. . . .

and, I had the task of cleaning the bathroom. . . .It was feeling dreary inside, too. . . .until. . . .

I noticed the stack of Farmhouse Finds from last weekend. . . .

I decided to "play" with them and cheer up my day. . . .

You should recognize a few. . . .the little crockery pitcher and the English ironstone dish. . . .

The blue Mason jar. . . .Some Ivory soap in the ironstone. . . .

Grandmother's bath always smelled of Ivory soap. . . .

It's the only brand--other than Camay--that she'd use. . . .

Several years ago, because of allergies, I began using Ivory soap. . . .

Now, our bath is filled with it's fragrance. . . .a comforting, good thing. . . .

I didn't show you the enamelware bowl and pitcher I purchased. . . .

It came from a convent. . . .yes, I'm serious. . . .

They were up-grading their rooms and had a huge yard sale to sell all the "old" things. . . .

I could have gone buying wild, but I settled for the bowl and pitcher. . . .

It's perfect for the high chest. . . .

An old glass bottle and more ironstone. . . .the cloth-like roses. . . . 

were also among last weekend's finds. . . .

That's my Mom on the left. . . .I absolutely love this photo of her, taken ca 1932. . . .

Her entire life, if she put her hands on her hips like that, you were in trouble. . . .

I smile every time I look at it. . . .

I put together a little vignette to enjoy as I relax in the tub. . . .

more roses. . . .an enamelware dish pan. . . .

a cotton laundry bag. . . .

and, on the shelf above, I placed Aunt Pearl's pincushion, 

Grandmother's salt shaker and hat pins,

 and a mirror. . . .along with the blue jars. . . .

The little white dress was from a different junkin" adventure. . . .

but I thought it was so sweet on the ladder, along with. . . .

a couple of vintage laundry bags. . . .

A few more memories at the dresser sink. . . .Mom's first pair of glasses. . . .

She began wearing them when she was only three years old. . . .They are so tiny. . . .

I've never seen another pair as small. . . .

I treasure them. . . .

More ironstone. . . .a rose. . . .a blue jar. . . .

One of the enamelware bowls from last weekend on the opposite side. . . .

I actually sat it there to take out of the room, 

but decided it brought a touch of farmhouse to the vignette. . . .

that's my elbow in the mirror. . . .if you noticed, just disregard it. . . .haha

I decided to move the soap dish for now. . . .

Boo (another feline friend) decided he wanted to lick it. . . .

I don't think he liked it at all, but he'd never admit that to me. . . .

That's one of my Dad's photos--a "washing" on the line in front of a row of shotgun houses. . . .

He photographed them in 1994. . . .Not much had changed from the early 20th century. . . .

Last, but essential, a crocheted doily in a chippy, rusty enamel pan 

to hold the "fanny ribbon". . . .

 Well, a dreary morning turned into a happy and satisfying day. . . .I have more ideas for the bath that will come later. . .  simplifying the room more. . . .I call this a romantic farmhouse style--which has been my style for many years. . . .but now I'm learning that I'm ready for a simpler look that compliments the kitchen/keeping rooms we're working on. . . .til I switch things around again. . . .

I'll enjoy the result of my Farmhouse Finds here. . . .

beats having to move them around until the kitchen is finished. . . .

It's such a lazy Saturday afternoon--I think a bubble bath would be nice. . . . 

Sure hope the sun is shining on YOUR weekend. . . .

from my farmhouse to yours. . . .
The Farmer's Daughter

Sharing this post with: * Simple & Sweet Fridays * Vintage Inspiration Friday *Home Sweet Home * Feathered Nest Friday * Show & Tell Friday *  Potpourri Friday * Tweak It Tuesday * Sunday Showcase Party

Frugal Cake Plates for $2 or Less

Remember the cake plates I used in several post vignettes?

You don't?

Then hop over to: Thrifty Cloches

and to: Vintage and Charming

Every time I use pieces from my cake plate collection, I get emails from people wishing they, too, had those "beautiful cake plates"--but "just can't afford them". . . .Well, here's the good news. . . . You can!!!!. . . .

It's true the ones I used in the posts are real cake plates, but they are recent buys. . . .Before my collection, I made my own cake plates for baked goods and vignettes. . . for the kitchen, bath, and bedroom. . . . .

I decided one day this week to see if I still had the knack for it. . . .

The idea came to me when I was going down an aisle at Dollar Tree and saw the prettiest glass plate--something I didn't need--but I love pretty glass. Christmases Past flashed through my head, when I'd craft cake plates and candy dishes for homemade cookies and candy gifts from yard sale finds.

I  ended up purchasing the glass plate, a glass candle plate, and a glass candlestick for $1 each. At a local thrift store, I purchased two milk glass bud vases for 20 cents each, a glass candlestick for 25 cents, a vintage china plate for 50 cents, and a plain white dessert plate for 50 cents.  I was well on my way to four frugal cake plates. . . .

I'm sure if I checked my cabinets, I could have found plenty of parts and pieces,
but you have to remember--my kitchen is all torn up. . . .I can't get to those cabinets. . . .

I brought everything home, washed them in soapy water, rinsed first with a little vinegar water, and then with  just plain water. All I had to do was glue them together!  What could be simpler?

I used E6000, available at craft stores, but if you want a more permanent bond, I recommend you use the two part clear epoxy for glass. It will hold up much longer and you can safely wash the cake plate by hand. (If you plan to place a real cake on it, use the epoxy.)  Let the glue cure for a day or two before using. That's all there is to it! Trust me, no one will know you didn't pay $25 for your "beautiful cake plate"!

 These two are spitting images of a couple in my collection. . . .

Let's see. . . .the one on the left cost $2. . . .

the one on the right--with the pretty plate--totaled $1.25. . . .

 I added a cloche to the smaller one--a $1 cheese cover. . . .

That brings the total cost to $3. . . 

Not bad. . . .

Won't it be a pretty gift with fudge stacked underneath the cloche. . . .

and red ribbon tied around. . . .

 I thought milk glass and china might be a  pretty combination. . . .
When I spotted the bud vases in the thrift store, I decided to make a couple of white cake plates. . . .
Total cost for each--70 cents. . . .

 They would be pretty in the bedroom. . . .
I could use them to display gloves, jewelry, and other vintage items. . . .
Or, in the bath for soaps and toiletries. . . .

I think my favorites are still the ones of clear glass. . . .just can't beat that sparkle. . . .

You can bet I'll be looking for more possibilities as I go through boxes in storage. . . . In fact, I still have a few boxes to take to Goodwill from the summer. . . Maybe I should go through them again?

from my farmhouse to yours. . . .

The Farmer's Daughter

Sharing this post with : * Farm Girl Friday * Rural Thursday * Make It Pretty Monday * Homestead Barn Hop
* Mop It Up Monday

A Not So Spooky Front Porch

"May the only spirit you chance to meet,
Be the spirit of love and warm friends sweet. . . ."

Sunshine has decided that Fall is here--time to put on her Good Witch hat and move to the front porch--where she can ward off spooks and goblins and vampires--especially vampires. . . .

See. . . .she has the garlic ready. . . .

Her Blackbirds are trained to warn her of impending danger. . . .


  and of one mischievous feline named Mr. Smokey.

Harvest is a busy time of the year for Sunshine. . . .

. . . . a little leaf raking and garden work during the day. . . .

as she gathers the pumpkins and gourds she's been tending
all summer long. . . .
and puts fresh hay in the condo for her feathered friends. . . .

 Best of all, she's cooking up candied apples and goodies for all those
 good ghosts and goblins--
come Halloween night. . . .

and brewing magic potions of "toe of frogs" and "eye of newt" to
 Scare away the "Bad". . . .

 

But, today it appears she's having to stand guard. . . .

"I wouldn't try that if I were you, Mr. Smokey. . . ."

"Oh, yeah?"
(Just look at the cattitude!!!!)

Poor Sunshine. . . .She has her work cut out for her with that one. . . .

"This is the time for goblins and bats,
Halloween spirits, ghosts and cats,
Weird happenings and witches brew,
A Happy Halloween I wish for you."

from my front porch to yours. . . .

The Farmer's Daughter

************
To craft a Sunshine of your own, see:

How to Dress a Her Crow

 For Her Crow Inspirations, see:

Scarecrows I've Known 

To build a Bird Condo, see:

Our Shabby Bird Condo Tutorial 

*******************
Sharing this post with: * Shine On Fridays * Vintage Inspiration Friday* Simple & Sweet Friday * Share Your Cup Thursday