Gladsome Sisters!!! | Raising Jane

Shutterbug Merit Badge

Posted on March 24, 2013 by mbajane

The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 4,882 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—6,641 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! MJ

Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …

For this week’s Each Other/Farmgirl Shutterbug Merit Badge, I was pretty thrilled to finally take my Christmas gift from Gramma Barbie out of the box. That’s right. It’s been sitting there, collecting dust, the owner’s manual staring up at me, for quite a few weeks now. What is it, you ask?

Why, a camera, of course!

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Basket Weaving Merit Badge, Part II

Posted on March 19, 2013 by mbajane

Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …

For the continuation of this week’s Stitching and Crafting/Basketry Merit Badge, I straightened my shoulders, cracked my knuckles, and dove right back in where I left off: weaving my own willow wicker basket. Just in time for Easter, my little peeps!

To recap, I had begun with soft willow branches. I chose eight of the pluckiest looking branches and used a sharp knife to make a slit in the center of half of them. I then inserted the remaining four (and you thought I wasn’t good at math—HA!) through, centering them. Capisci? Sometimes I channel my inner Italian lady when crafting; don’t mind me.

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Elizabeth says:

March 19, 2013 at 12:46 am

Much easier to understand the price of a hand/well made basket now. Guess wearing gloves for this project is out of the question;-) My fingers hurt just thinking about it. Hope you enjoyed the S’mores!

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Hear Ye!

Posted on March 15, 2013 by maryjane

Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)

Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)

My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … SuZan Brown!

SuZan Brown (imascholar2, #4394) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate Level Entrepreneurial Spirit Merit Badge.

“I signed up to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. I paid $99 for the beginning kit and then set a goal of $300.00 in sales each month. I also began a blog at agivingart.blogspot.com to showcase my creations and to offer tutorials to my readers. I named my demonstrator ship “A Giving Art” because that is what making cards, scrapbook pages and 3D projects/gifts is all about. I only dreamed about it for 2 days before making my dream a reality.

I set up my business. I am keeping accurate and detailed records. I created my business cards. They turned out GREAT! I am in LOVE with my SPRING business cards. This has been a HUGE blessing in my life. It has reawakened my creativity.”

Congratulations SuZan! Farmgirl hugs and blessings on your business.

Winnie Nielsen says:

March 15, 2013 at 4:08 am

Your cards are beautiful and eye catching! I hope your business takes off and becomes the reality you have been working towards too!

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Basket Weaving Merit Badge, Part I

Posted on March 14, 2013 by mbajane

Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …

For this week’s Stitching and Crafting/Basketry Merit Badge, I actually followed through on the course I like to tell people I majored it in college: Underwater Basket Weaving. Minus the underwater part. I mean, maybe when I get a little more experience under my belt and dry-land basket weaving just isn’t challenging enough, then perhaps I’ll channel my inner mermaid and attempt to kick it up a notch.

I was actually pretty thrilled to learn this ancient art. I love baskets. And what holiday are we coming up on, my little chickadees? That’s right: Easter. Easter baskets! And Easter bonnets, too, don’t forget the bonnets. Is there a bonnet-making badge? I need to look into that. I’ve always had a secret yearning to be a milliner. I think it’s because of Jane Austen. Who doesn’t love Jane Austen? But, anyway, back to the basketry.

Now there are a few different types of basket weaving, and I decided to go with the one that seemed most familiar: wicker. (I do get weepy over willow.) I’ve been collecting my willow for a few weeks now, so if this is a badge you want to try your hand at (or to be more specific, both your hands), then decide when and how you are going to find your stack of appropriate materials.

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Winnie Nielsen says:

March 14, 2013 at 4:39 am

About 25 years ago, I took a basket making class and made several baskets for myself, friends and the Easter baskets for my children. Basket making is fun but it is harder than it looks to get a nice even weave and finish. In my experience, however, there is something very rewarding about making and using a basket in your life. Baskets have practical uses and their beauty comes from how they work with your life to make it easier. They are like a trusted friend. Always at the ready for a task.

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Elizabeth says:

March 14, 2013 at 8:13 am

Wow, another coincidence? Just a couple days ago I was on a quest to replace my rattan/wicker garden baskets; these have weaved in wicker loops~hooks which easily latch onto a fence or flat, vertical surface. I browsed 5 different garden shops that day & still came home without one replacement basket.

I’ve wanted to learn the art of basket weaving for quite a while now. I just love the natural look of pretty woven baskets in the garden. Many years ago I taped & saved one of my favorite, (an older PBS version) Martha Stewart show’s. In this particular episode, Martha visits some folks who have learned the craft of basket weaving as it was passed down from each generation of their family. Martha & the family of skilled basket weaver’s take the audience on a walk through the woods & discuss various, weave-able woods.

But it wasn’t until today & only after reading your story on your latest merit badge efforts that I really delved into the: definition; origin; and ideas surrounding the rattan/wicker weaving furniture & beyond craze. So now I’ve read about & seen some, must have wicker designs! In my futile search for the replacement rectangle baskets, I came across a beautiful, “Nantucket Bicycle Basket” & it had what appeared to be leather buckles attached. This basket was painted pink but they had other colors too:-) I was tempted…but presently still on my search for the longer version.

If any of your readers’ has seen the rectangle wicker basket for sale anywhere, would you please share? Many thanks!

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Terry Steinmetz says:

March 14, 2013 at 10:09 am

I love to make baskets! It is not only relaxing, it is rewarding!

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Hear Ye!

Posted on March 8, 2013 by maryjane

Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)

Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)

My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … CJ Armstrong!

CJ Armstrong (ceejay48, #665) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Expert Level Herbs Merit Badge!

“Using herbs in our food preparation is nothing new. My husband and I have both used all kinds of herbs in our cooking for years.

The most commonly used and popular herbs in our house are probably:
-OREGANO, which we use in all kinds of pasta sauces, pizza, burgers, other beef dishes and even sprinkled in green salad.
-CUMIN is a favorite for our Mexican food dishes, of which there is a huge variety, sauces, and eggs
-ROSEMARY also for pasta dishes, but also for chicken, pork, and turkey and in breads
-SAGE is a favorite for chicken, turkey, and beef dishes of every description
-BASIL is also a favorite for pasta dishes, sauces, beef dishes, and eggs

These are just a few basics that we’ve used for much of our married life. I actually have two herb gardens. The first one was planted after we built our log house on the property my dad deeded to us from the farm. In that garden I have oregano, savory, chives, and mint. Continue reading →

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Project F.A.R.M.

Posted on March 4, 2013 by maryjane

Oh my, look what came in a box to us from two women seeking their Project F.A.R.M. (First-class American Rural Made) status. Get on over to their website and fetch yourself some certified rural-made goodies, all of them adorably farm themed. Chicken phone cover? Goat Chick mouse pad? Rooster soap? Crazy Chicken Lady key chain? Hen apron? (Actually, it’s called a “chicken saddle’ to be used when there’s some hen-pecking goin’ on, or worse, over-mating. Now admit it. That put a smile on your face.)

Travel diaper for your pet chicken or rabbit? They’ve got it all.

I’m thinking gifts. How about you? Here’s where you can can find Brenda and Mandie (mother and daughter business team) and their adorable rural-made creations, louisescountrycloset.com or LIKE them on Facebook.

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And check out this cup and cell phone case.

UPLOAD_ME

Winnie Nielsen says:

March 4, 2013 at 8:49 am

What a cute site? I bet their business will prosper with the increasing numbers of chicken pet owners. I hope they are successful!!

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Terry Steinmetz says:

March 4, 2013 at 3:37 pm

I checked this out and love what I saw! Best wishes to the girls!

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Lisa says:

March 4, 2013 at 5:27 pm

I have ordered from them – the soaps, a hen saddle, and a coffee mug and ALL are top quality. I am so happy to see them mentioned here!

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Speaking of Crochet …

Posted on March 2, 2013 by maryjane

So, so, so sweet. Fern Lucille Hodges surprised me with a pass-THIS-down-through-the-generations BUTTERS wall hanging. How do I say merely thanks? It’s amazing!!! You’re amazing, Fern Lucille. I love it that women still make these. I will cherish it forever. My children and their children will cherish forever. If you want one for your family, get in touch with me and I’ll put you in touch with Fern Lucille.

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julia hayes says:

March 2, 2013 at 9:33 am

Holy WOW!! Absolutely breath-taking!! I suspect each stitch lovingly made..Just a piece of true inspiration!

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- MaryJane says:
  
  March 2, 2013 at 9:45 am
  
  Good morning Julia Hayes!!!!! I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face now. Julia Hayes. Was here.
  
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Terry Steinmetz says:

March 2, 2013 at 4:08 pm

We received one of these when we moved from our last home to this one. I got it framed & it is in our living room. Love this too!!!

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Hear Ye!

Posted on March 1, 2013 by maryjane

Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)

Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)

My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Karen Price!

Karen Price (kkprice, Sister #411) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Expert Level Entrepreneurial Spirit Merit Badge!

“I have started a soap business called The Gingham Chicken. My soaps are made with goat’s milk, herbs and wonderful essential oils. I even went to soap-making school in northern Michigan to better hone my craft. Another farmgirl created my logo chicken and I have great business cards. Bit by bit all the pieces contiue to come together. What a great adventure. I also teach classes on how to make soap. People are enjoying my soaps and I’m getting some good comments.

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photo-of-the-day

Posted on February 28, 2013 by maryjane

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Safe Toys

Posted on February 27, 2013 by mbajane

The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 4,819 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—6,550 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! MJ

Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …

For this week’s Stitching and Crafting/Safe Toys Merit Badge, my memories harkened back to the good old days of playing hacky sack at the corner of Childhood and Games. Not really; it was the corner of Maple and Main, but you get my poetic license, right?

These double-jointed knees of mine can lob some bean bags through space like you wouldn’t believe. I was the hacky sack champion of ’85-’89, till Skipper quit the Double Dutch Team and really dedicated herself to being my arch nemesis. Grrr … Don’t even get me started on our Macramé War from ’92-’93. Epic.

Anyway, having fun with bean bags is no strange idea for me, so I was all about this badge! I got out all my fabric pieces (you know, those odd-shaped edges you weren’t sure what to do with but didn’t want to throw away?) and some iron-on transfers. First step was locating the iron and then promptly blowing all the dust off of it. Ahem. Never let it be said I don’t know how to iron, precisely; I prefer to think of it as saving energy and occasionally rocking the “lived-in” look. I call it lived-in, you call it wrinkled. Potato, potAHto. Let’s not split hairs.

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