FAAP Americana Patriotic

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Member Spotlight Click Those Heels

This week we are featuring one of the 
members of the Folkart and Primitives Etsy Team.

Barbara from Click Those Heels


A primitive bird pattern

Primitive Strawberry Harvest pattern Click Your Heels


A witch and kitty Pattern

Primitive Witch Annie & Otis pattern


Beautiful bee hive pattern

Primitive Buzzin Bees & Bee Skep Pattern Click Your Heels

Snowman pattern

E Pattern primitve snowman pattern-let it snow- Click Your Heels


Fall cat and pumpkin pattern


Felix The Fall Cat Primitive Pattern

I hope you take a moment and visit her shop and find something wonderful!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Memorial Day 2016...148 years of remembrance

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.
Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
With memorial day upon us, I thought it would be a good time to show some of the memorial day themed items available from our many talented artisans of the Folkart and Primitives Team on Etsy.
Hooked rug pattern for Memorial Day, rug hooking pattern, 3 stars, red white and blue, memorial ,table mat, wall hanging, patriotic.
Primitive 1776 Pillow Tuck
Primitive Flag Old Glory Pillow Tuck Bowlfiller
Primitive American Flag, American Flag, Summer Decor, 4th of July, Rustic Flag , Primitive Summer Decor, Americana,  Memorial Day
Memorial day 4th July decor  Americana  sign america,  american We the People sign
No matter how you chose to celebrate this most somber day, here is hoping it is relaxed and pleasant one :)

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Memorial Day and Poppies

We are going off track today from recipes.  

I discovered an interesting article last year while investigating poppies that had appeared on a steep bank on our property.
They are flourishing and beginning to cover the entire area.  People stop and comment on how lovely they look.


These beautiful flowers were once considered an agricultural weed.  

Papaver rhoeas, also known as the common poppy, corn poppy and red weed, among other names, is considered a nuisance plant by European farmers and often grows in areas where the soil has been disturbed. In the warm spring months beginning in 1915, with World War I in full swing, across many of the shell-blasted, trench-strewn battlefields in Belgium, France, as well as in Turkey, poppy seeds (which can lie dormant  for more than 80 years) began to germinate in the newly turned earth, and poppy flowers were soon dotting the war-ravaged landscape, including the front lines where John McCrae, surgeon for the First Brigade of the Canadian Field Artillery, was stationed.

In May 1915, McCrae was tending the wounded in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium. He noticed the bright red poppies that had begun to bloom between the many simple graves of soldiers, including near the spot where one of his best friends had recently been buried. The scene inspired him to write a poem, “In Flanders Fields,” which begins: “In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row.” It would soon become the most famous poem about the war.

Three years later, in November 1918, Moina Belle Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, came across McCrae’s poem, which both inspired her to write a poem of her own on a similar theme and to begin to wear an artificial silk poppy on Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day and specifically associated with the American Civil War) as a way to honor those who had died while serving in the military. She also sold the silk flowers to her friends and coworkers to raise money for soldiers in need. Eventually, the tradition spread. By the 1920s, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a national service organization for military veterans, began to distribute silk poppies on Memorial Day as a way to help provide disabled vets with some financial assistance, and the flower became forever linked with the holiday. 

The common poppy also plays a role in Remembrance Day, observed in many Commonwealth countries on November 11 to coincide with the end of hostilities in World War I, and Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, among other countries, which is observed on April 25 as a day of remembrance for the war dead in those nations.

The Folk Art and Primitives Team would like to wish everyone a 

Blessed Memorial Day !

Friday, May 20, 2016

April showers...May flowers

The old saying goes.....

April showers bring May flowers

And what beautiful flowers there be all crafted by the many talented artisans of the Folkart and Primitives Team on Etsy :)



Primitive Flower Stems with Centers made from Cutter Quilt


Coneflower Wool Applique Pillow FAAP


Large Yellow Star Flower, Red Center and Green stem leaves, Primitive Hand painted Wall Decor, Summer Spring decor, Decoration, Whimsical


Embroidered Flowers in Wooden Embroidery Hoop with Buttons, Hoop Art, Wall Decor, Wall Hanging, OFG, FAAP


For more beautiful flowers take a stroll through the Folkart and Primitives team on Etsy.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Rhubarb Cake

What exactly is rhubarb?

Technically it is a vegetable but is considered a fruit.   It is sold like celery stalks, and has a short growing season from April to June.   The pink colors of the stalks are not an indication of the sweetness like in other fruits.  The colors can range from pale green to bright pink.  The stalks are the only edible part and are quite tart.   The leaves are poisonous, do NOT eat them.

It is most often prepared by cooking into a "sauce".  

So now that you have a background in Rhubarb, here is a recipe to try:



Old Fashioned Fresh Rhubarb Cake

3 cups fresh diced rhubarb
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup plain greek yogurt, sour cream or milk

Topping

1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°
Combine diced rhubarb and 1 cup sugar in a bowl.   Stir to combine.   Set aside

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, 1 cup sugar, egg and vanilla

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices.

One cup at a time while mixing, add flour mixture to shortening mixture, alternating with the greek yogurt.   Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl at least twice.

Fold in rhubarb - including juice- and stir until well combined.   Batter will be rather thick.

Spoon batter into a prepared 9 x 13 pan and spread to the sides.

Combine the topping ingredients with a fork.   Make sure that all the butter is mixed in well.   
With your fingers, sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter


Bake for 45-50 minutes until knife inserted in center of cake comes out clean.

Cool or serve warm with whipped cream.


Enjoy !!




Our team will be hosting our Summer Thyme Auction on May 21-22.  





Sunday, May 15, 2016

Member Spotlight Primitive Spice Crafts

This week we are featuring one of the 
members of the Folkart and Primitives Etsy Team.

Barbara of Primitive Spice Crafts

Christmas Redbird hand embroidered pillowcases set of 2


Country Crock Hand hooked Rug.


Off white round penny rug or table mat


primitive pear on rusty spring


Sunflowers Hooked Rug

I hope you take a few minutes to visit her shop and find something wonderful!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Its Gardening time of year

Although I am actually a fall person, I do love the spring and summer because they give me the opportunity to enjoy one of my favorite activities...gardening.

With that time of year upon us, and with thoughts of gardening in mind, I would like to introduce you to some of the wonderful garden themed items created by a few of the artisans of the Folkart and Primitives Team on Etsy.

Barn Wood Potting Bench, Plant Stand Handmade Cedar


Primitive Cat Lover Garden Sign, Hand Painted Catnip Sign


Vintage Cross Stitch Sampler Pillow, Linen Pillow, Sampler Pillow, OFG, FAAP, Cross Stitch Pillow, Remembrance, Garden Decor


Shabby Wood Sign Wherever Life Plants You Bloom With Grace Made To Order




Accent Pillow, FAAP, Children's Room, Embroidered, Decorative Pillow, Baby Shower, Country, Primitive, Cottage Chic, Shabby Chic



Find these an many more wonderful creations by the artisans of the Folkart and Primitives on Etsy.


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Almond Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

This recipe would make a fabulous dinner salad over romaine lettuce OR refreshing sandwich!








Almond Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked, chilled and diced into small cubes.
1 1/3 cups red grapes, halved
3/4 cups small diced celery
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup chopped green onions (green portion only)


Dressing

2/3 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt
1/4 cups light mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Add all chicken salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl.   Add dressing and toss to evenly coat.   Store in refrigerator.   Serve within 1-2 hours for best results.    (If you do not plan on serving it immediately, I would suggest not adding the grapes and almonds until ready to serve.) 
It is still good for another day but the almonds soften a little and the juices from the grapes, run into the dressing.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Member Spotlight Simply Olde

This week we are featuring one of the 
members of the Folkart and Primitives Etsy Team.

This week it is Annie of Simply Olde



I hope you enjoy all of her wonderful things.

Wool Heart Pin Keep Black Mourning Button Old Doily FAAP


Catnip Pouch Sachet Lavender Grungy Primitive Cat


Blue Calico Pin Cushion, Pin Keep and Blue Strawberry Emery Lavender Scent FAAP


Blue Calico Quilt Square Pillow Vintage Blue Calico and Homsepun Fabric

Primitive Blue Bird Pin Keep, Brown Fabric Covered Box, Old BlueQuilt Piece, Sewing Box FAAP

I hope you will visit her shop and find something that fits your fancy!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Tuesday is Recipe day


Who doesn't love shrimp?

Here is a quick easy recipe for your busy days.








Szechwan Shrimp

8 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon  crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper


1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces cooked shrimp, tails removed.

In a bowl, stir together water,  ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, crushed red pepper and ground ginger.   Set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.   Stir in green onions and garlic; cook 30 seconds.   Stir in shrimp and toss to coat with oil.   Stir in sauce.   Cook and stir until sauce is bubbly and thickened.

Serve over rice....YUM  

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Member Spotlight Annie's Handmade Decor

This week we are featuring one of the 
members of the Folkart and Primitives Etsy Team.


This week it is Anne of Annie's Handmade Decor


I hope you enjoy her things.

Primitive Kittens, FAAP, OFG, HAFair


Blue Plaid Penny Rug, FAAP, OFG, HAFair


Primitive Doll Mary Elizabeth, FAAP, OFG, HAFair, OOAK


Primitive Christmas Wreath, FAAP, OFG, HAFair


Primitive Bees and Sunflowers, FAAP, OFG, HAFair

Green Plaid Penny Rug, FAAP, OFG, HAFair



Simple Primitive Wreath, FAAP, OFG, HAFair


I hope you take a minute to visit her shop. She has some wonderful things.