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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
Editors’ Corner ®
o f NJ an d D E and DE Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers P. O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065 Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278
email@CountryRegisterOnline.com • www.countryregisteronline.com
The Country Register of NJ & DE • Jan. & Feb. 2019 • Vol. 19 No. 5
The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The Country Register of New Jersey, Inc. is one of a national network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers licensed by The Country Register with exclusive rights to publish in the states of New Jersey & Delaware using logos and graphics owned by The Country Register. Page header, footer, and icons accompanying regular features in this edition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication and may not be reprinted. Reproduction or use, without obtaining permission, of editorial or graphic content by anyone in any manner is strictly prohibited.
Happy New Year and Welcome to our... Quilting-Needlework-Sewing Edition Shop Hops, Quilt Festivals, Quilt Shows and more! Everything quilting, needle-arts and related are featured in this edition. Check the Events Listings and shop ads and mark your calendars so you do not miss these events. Our contributing writers have picked up the theme with lots of quilt-related articles. And, since 2019 has arrived, stories about New Year and Valentines Day will be found.. So enjoy! Don’t forget to take your copy of The Country Register along when you head out so you can visit all of the shops along
the way to and nearby the show you will attending. (And when you visit shops and shows mention that you saw their ad here please. That allows us to keep bringing you this free publication.) But for now...
Let’s Go ShoppingAND THE GR ANDKIDS! GRANDKIDS! (The girls cousin ’s also shown.) cousin’s
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed by outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only, and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher. Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from purchase or use of products advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumer complaints related to merchandise purchased from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in our publishing efforts.
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The Country Register Publisher Contact List
The Country Register began in Arizona in the Fall of 1988, to provide effective, affordable advertising for shops, shows, and other experiences enjoyed by a kindred readership. Since then the paper has flourished and spread. Look for the paper in your travels. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.COUNTRYREGISTER.COM
The Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd 602-237-6008, Phoenix, AZ
Publications All Across The United States & Canada USA Arizona: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Arkansas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 California & N. Nevada: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797 Connecticut: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Delaware: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 Florida: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Georgia: Linda Parish, 706-340-1049 Idaho (N): Kelsey Ruzicka, 605-568-0181 Idaho (S): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Illinois: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, 888-616-8319 Iowa : Linda Glendy, 641-751-2619 Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 866-966-9815 Maine: Deborah Daney, 207-608-9102 Maryland: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Mass. & RI: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Michigan: Bill & Marlene Howell, 989-793-4211 Minnesota: Kim & Mick Keller, 763-754-1661 Missouri: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, 605-568-0181 Nebraska: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (N): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Michelle Hatch, 603-571-1822
New Jersey: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797 New York: Dave Carter, 866-825-9217, North Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 North Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, 605-568-0181 Ohio: Barb Moore, 937-652-1157 Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Oregon: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Pennsylvania: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 Rhode Island: Dave Carter, 866-825-9217, South Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 South Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, 605-568-0181 Texas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Utah: Glena Dunn, 702-523-1803 Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Washington & E. OR: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 West Virginia: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, 715-838-9426 Wyoming: Kelsey Ruzicka, 605-568-0181 CANADA Alberta: Ruth Burke, 780-889-3776 British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, 800-784-6711 Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott Kearns, 306-736-2441 Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 343-882-5812
www.countryregisteronline.com
Become Inspired
by Annice Bradley Rockwell
Decorating, Entertaining and Living in the Early American Style Unexpected Blessings After the festive celebrations of the holiday season are behind us we can quickly sense a transition into the depth of winter. And it seems as a comfort to know that the year’s time of stillness may be exactly what our souls crave. Days of rushing to find that perfect gift or to attend that special gathering are replaced with the often unexpected blessing of quieter days when nature provides us with a spectacular beauty that only belongs to winter. Coming in from the Cold Strikingly cold days are punctuated by a stark landscape silhouetted against a beautiful winter sky. The pools of water that appear so free in the summer months are now seemingly locked, but inevitably hold a promise of spring. Our special gift of winter days can be even more of a blessing as we work to create settings within our home that welcome us in from the cold. Wing-back chairs placed in a new arrangement near the fireside provide a place to gather to enjoy the remarkable ambiance and warmth that a crackling fire can give. Meals that cook all day over a fire like a Sunday evening stew or a Saturday night pot of homemade baked beans are a special reward after a day out in the elements gathering wood or sledding down an old abandoned orchard’s slopes with the sun reflecting ever so brightly against the pristine white of a new-fallen snow. Our homes become even more snug and cozy in winter and invite us to spend our time indoors and it is often in these contemplative times of winter that we can happily plan for the soon-to-come awakening season of spring. We sense hints of hope as each day lasts a bit longer and a surprise day of sunlight after a stretch of snow reminds us that we are hardy enough to endure this season of cold. Winter Inspiration On days when we are not encumbered by roads blanketed with snow, we might be drawn to venture to some of our favorite antiques shops to seek out some winter inspiration. As we peruse displays filled with hand-selected country finds the feeling of cabin fever that often accompanies this time of year begins to lift as we decide where in our homes we could place our newfound treasures. So, whether we decide to embrace the special solitude that winter provides or we embark on adventures to find great antiques to enhance our home, we truly benefit from the rejuvenating quality of winter. Its pace reminds us that in life it is often the quiet times that serve to restore us and give us the balance from which joy and happiness naturally derive. –Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. NewEnglandGirl2012@hotmail.com
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January & February 2019
Events Listing
Advertiser Index
Shops are listed alphabetically by location. Cities & Shops
Page #
New Jersey Cape May ............................. 15 Fiber Arts Yarn Shop Stitch by Stitch Elmer ................................... 13 Elmer Historical Society Peggy’s Country Gifts/Antiques Marmora .............................. 16 Dollard Baker Sew & Vac Mount Holly .......................... 7 The Village Quilter Morristown .......................... 14 Acorn Hall Mullica Hill ........................... 6 Needles & Pins The Parsonage Antiques & More Pedricktown ........................ 11 Heart Felt Designs Pitman ................................. 12 Simple Life Primitives The Scarecrow Factory Red Bank ............................. 14 Antique Center of Red Bank Salem ................................... 11 Cawman’s Antique Mall Suse-E-Q’s Cottage Vineland .............................. 12 The Pin Cushion West Creek ......................... 8, 9 KC Creations
Life Changes
Cities & Shops
See shop & show ads for complete details. Page #
Delaware Dagsboro ............................. 10 Serendipity Dover ................................... 10 Delaware Sewing Center Georgetown ......................... 10 Ocean Waves Quilt Show Newark ................................ 10 The Blue Hen Quilt Shop Various DE & MD Towns ... 10 Shop Hop
PA/WV Kutztown PA .......................... 4 Brubakers Quilts Wooden Bridge Drygoods Lancaster PA ......................... 5 Quilt Show Oley PA .................................. 4 Ladyfingers Sewing Studio Stroudsburg PA ..................... 4 American Ribbon
Day
12 26
Event
January
Page #
Winter Semester Classes begin - Fiber Arts, Cape May .............................. 15 Meet-N-Greet - Scarecrow/Simple Life Primitives, Pitman ...................... 12
February Day
Event
Page #
1 2 2, 3 3 15-17
Early Spring Yarns Arrive - Fiber Arts, Cape May ....................................... 15 Valentines Party - Scarecrow/Simple Life Primitives, Pitman .................... 12 Weekend Open House - Heart Felt Designs, Pedricktown ......................... 11 Sale - Delaware Sewing Center, Dover, DE ................................................... 10 Founders Day Sale - Fiber Arts, Cape May .................................................... 15
March Day
Event
Page #
8-17 Shop Hop, Various Towns ................................................................................ 10 27-30 Lancaster Quilt Show, Lancaster, PA ................................................................ 5
Sewing By Hand On A Winter’s Day by Kerri Habben
by Gayle Cranford
During my relatively long life, I have had many passions, interests, and hobbies. Still do. But, depending upon the course of my life spectrum, there have been numerous changes. Accordingly, adjustments have been and continue to be made. Change can be both good and bad, of course. I was raised in a musical family and “took to” the piano as a duck takes to water. I performed many times at school, church, and other events. I accompanied others during voice and instrumental solos. In college, playing the piano was as much a part of my life as were studies and fun. It seems as though I was perennially involved in singing in various choirs beginning with the choir in my church and progressing to participation in two district choruses, into the college choir, and beyond to the church choir during my married years. I stopped then only because I wanted to share the church pew with my very ill husband. Many years later, when my young grandson Ben displayed much musical ability, I gave my spinet piano to him very willingly and without regret. And, other than singing hymns in church, my choral singing stopped as well. This ultimate progression of changing passions also began with a love of needlework. I was never great at it, but what I accomplished was more than adequate, producing about eight quits, innumerable pillowed and framed intricate cross stitch projects, and experimenting with some crocheting, knitting, and cutwork. Crazy quilting became an obsession for several years. With declining eyesight and encroaching disinterest to continue, that obsessive interest stopped after my husband’s death and a substantial move across the state to a new life closer to my daughters. An art education major in college, I spent hours on my own painting in watercolors and oils, eventually assuming the role of adult painting class teacher. With a few modest awards along the way, my walls attest to the moderate proliferation of paintings. This passion has declined and stopped for the same reasons I noted with the needlework interests. Now, at the age of nearly eighty-four and a great desire to put words to paper, I now have grown to love to express myself through writing. A local writing group sustains my interest and accelerates this newer learning curve. Before my move, I had begun to write letters to the editor in my local paper and became prolific enough to have attracted a small following of like-minded people. For six years since the move, I have continued the letters to the editor of the Harrisburg Patriot News, having had twelve letters published to this point. As I said initially, the passions and interests can ebb and flow during a lifetime. I do not regret having them and letting them go as I’ve aged. It’s nearly as natural as breathing. Life continues to be fascinating and I continue to be “open” to new things. Did I mention that golf continues to be a hobby?
On this winter’s day, I have lit a candle by the window. The flame dances as the snow drops softly, each crystal adding to the carpet of white. My needlework basket waits at my feet, and I ponder the most vital of questions at this particular moment in time. What to work on? I could knit, crochet, or sew. There is the gray wool scarf almost half finished, the thread doily just begun, and the pillowcase I am making for a friend. Ultimately the fabric harkens. That, the quiet cadence of the house, and the candlelight compels me to sew by hand. The world slows down when I sit and sew, stitch by stitch. I was blessed with a mother and grandmother who both loved to do needlework. They made things for their homes, for gifts, and to donate. My grandmother crocheted from the age of eight until just before her passing at 99. Mom crocheted, knitted, cross-stitched, and sewed. I still use her Singer sewing machine from the early 1960’s. It is the one I learned on, and while I know there have been so many advances, this machine speaks of so many years for both Mom and I. My grandmother taught me how to crochet, and my mother taught me how to knit. In doing so, and in watching them every day of my life, they gave me a legacy. It is a valuable lesson, a way of living that means ever more in our era where everything seems to happen with a swipe of our phones. The work that we create with our hands is an extension of ourselves. It sends forth our love of life and the love that we wish to emit to others. Stitch by stitch we help the earth keep turning on its’ axis. What we make speaks a language of the heart everyone understands. Our gratitude breathes within our work. It is an expression made by generation after generation of people; of who we are, our joys and our sorrows, and our hopes and our dreams. It is investing in the belief of goodness in the world and doing our part to add to it. It is a way of connecting both to the tender past, the precious present, and the evolving future. So, on this winter’s day I sit and sew. Needle in, needle out until I push a few stitches through with my silver thimble. I purchased my thimble along the Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. The lady in Colonial clothing assured me that it would last forever. And it has, at least through all of the forevers I’ve lived since about 25 years ago. My pillow case would be finished so very quickly using Mom’s sewing machine, but my friend, who gives so much love herself, needs my time and love in this gift I shall give to her. Needle in, needle out, silver thimble pushes stitches through. Outside snow drops softly, each crystal adding to the carpet of white. The candle flame dances on, reflected in the window pane. In my hands I feel my mother, my grandmother, and everyone who came before them. For even though each of our years are different; we do not dress, eat, travel, and live the same ways, but the human heart never changes. It yet breathes, grieves, and thrives. Sometimes it stretches to the point of splintering, but we stitch it back together. We use pliant threads of the strongest steel. Time loses its sting because love is all encompassing and more powerful than any squares on a calendar or any hands on a clock. –Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer, and crochet instructor living in Raleigh, NC. An avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her grandmother and mother. Many of her yarn creations she donates to those in need. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she is working to publish and can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
PENNSYLVANIA
Brubakers Quilts
610-683-6098
All sizes and colors of Quilts, fabric, wall hangings, Quillows pillows, hot pads, placemats, handbags, bonnets, aprons, children’s clothes, hand paintings, etc. 721 Siegfriedale Rd., Kutztown, PA 19530 We’re 3 miles east of Kutztown. Between Reading & Allentown. Follow our swan sign between Maxatawny and Monterey on 222.
Brubakers Quilts
Wooden Bridge Drygoods
Located in the heart of Downtown Stroudsburg, PA. The retail store is much more than just a ribbon outlet. We carry quilting cottons, upholstery & curtain 925 Ann St weight fabrics, eece, felt, foam Stroudsburg, PA18360 www.americanribbon.com and a variety of other fabrics, plus a whole lot more. 800-233-8158 Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm Sat 9:30am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm
If you don’t see what you need we will try our best to order it for you!
Fabric, Notions & Quilting Supplies
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Ladyfingers
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We have gift certificates – the perfect gift!
Sewing Studio
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Over The Tea Cup
By Janet Young
National Hot Tea Month The holidays may be over, but take heart; you can continue your celebratory mood by reaching for a cup of tea to warm you on these cold wintry days. Whyâ&#x20AC;Śbecause January is National Hot Tea Month. Take this time to find new teas to love from the numerous varieties of tea such as white, green, black and oolong, all of which come from the same plant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Camellia sinensis. The following suggestions are ways you can celebrate National Hot Tea Month: â&#x20AC;˘ Go to tea, or host a tea party at home. â&#x20AC;˘ Join a Tea of the Month Club. â&#x20AC;˘ Cook with tea. â&#x20AC;˘ Read a book about tea. Next are some tips on how to make your tea the very best brew: â&#x20AC;˘ Use quality water. â&#x20AC;˘ Learn the proper brewing time and temperature of the tea you are making. â&#x20AC;˘ Store your tea in an air-tight tin. Air and light destroy tea quickly. â&#x20AC;˘ If using a tea infuser make sure it is large enough to allow the leaves to unfurl and release their full flavor. Next, are some reasons why you should drink tea according to the Tea Council of the USA: â&#x20AC;˘ Tea is a healthy drink that is virtually calorie-free, and sugar-free. â&#x20AC;˘ Studies have shown that tea may improve mental clarity. â&#x20AC;˘ Tea could aid in the protection from several types of cancers. â&#x20AC;˘ Drinking tea may support the immune system because its theannine content. â&#x20AC;˘ Drinking tea can also support cardiovascular health. In honor of National Hot Tea Month, I have given you ways to celebrate this monthlong celebration, as well as tips that will enable you to prepare a TEArific cup of tea. And last, but not least, I have given you some of the health benefits that come from drinking tea. So, this January if your resolve was to lose weight, become more energized, or build up your immune system, hot tea can help your body to reach itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wellness goals. What are you waiting forâ&#x20AC;ŚGet started now and make 2019 TEArific! â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Janet Young, Certified Tea and Etiquette Consultant, is a founding member of Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association and freelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit her website at www.overtheteacup.com.
Kissed Quilts
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance
by Marlene Oddie
I am very excited to share with you my latest quilt design featuring Island Batik Soul Song fabric collection designed by Jayme Crow of Bella Nonna Design Studio. This one Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m calling â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sea Dance.â&#x20AC;? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever made a Snail Trail block, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re familiar with this block design. One part of the block has a twist in it that results in these 8 legged sea creaturesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;octopus or star fish or sea anaenomeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;take your pick. The pattern provides full color step by step instructions so that you can insure success as you build each block. In each creature, I used two values of the same color to give them a bit of depth. The pattern provides several other design concepts of how to use this block in a variety of layouts. The quilting design is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Seaâ&#x20AC;? by Hermione Agee available at Urban Elementz. I used a cotton/poly blend batting and did a faux piped binding using the teal color as the pop of color. So, as we end a year and start a new one, get out some fabrics and dance yourself into happiness with a new quilt. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Marlene Oddie (marlene@kissedquilts.com) is an engineer by education, project manager by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA, at her quilt shop, KISSed Quilts. She enjoys long-arm quilting on her Gammill Optimum Plus, but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Patterns and kits are available at www.kissedquilts.com.
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January & February 2019
PENNSYLVANIA
The Lancaster Quilt Show by Kerri Habben
Arrives at a New Location March 27-30
Join The Lancaster Quilt Show for its 29th year. With over 40 vendors from around the United States, there is something special and unique waiting for every quilter. You will enjoy an Antique Quilt Exhibit. As always, admission and parking is free, and you can enter a free raffle to win a $1200 gift basket loaded with merchandise donated by their vendors. The Lancaster Quilt Show will take place in its new location at the Double Tree Willow Valley Resort from March 2730, 2019. The show is open that Wednesday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. For the show’s promoter, Cindy Turnbow, the event is something she is proud and honored to offer. She is the third owner of the Lancaster Quilt Show, but throughout its entire history, it has been in the hands of Cindy and two other friends. Unfortunately, one has passed away, but the show’s success and popularity is a testimony to her good work. Cindy is also the owner of a mail order business The Stencil Company, in Natrona Heights, PA. Please note that the Lancaster Quilt Show is not the American Quilting Show, which takes place simultaneously at the Lancaster County Convention Center downtown. A $2 shuttle runs between the two locations, and a portion of the proceeds are gratefully donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. With its move to the Double Tree Willow Valley Resort, the show remains exactly what everyone has loved about it over the years and also includes an entirely new
space to present itself. Like piecing a quilt, it all comes together. The resort is entirely handicap accessible and is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It is 90 minutes from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and it is 45 minutes from the Harrisburg International Airport. The resort is also four miles from the Amtrak station with a complimentary shuttle. Close to the Lancaster County Convention Center, it is also convenient to many local attractions, including Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, The Amish Experience, Strasburg Railroad, Spooky Nook Sports, and the Sight and Sound Theatre. There are also the Tanger Outlets and the Rockvale Outlets. The Central Market of Lancaster, which is the oldest continuing operated farmer’s market in the United States, is nearby and carries specialty meats, cheeses, and unique Amish craftworks. At the resort itself, you will find much onsite recreation with a golf course, tennis, swimming, and a kids’ indoor water park. There are also other pools, a fitness center, and a basketball court. In other words, something for the whole family. A chapel is on the grounds and there is 25,000 square feet of event space. A contemporary restaurant and lounge is also at the resort for your enjoyment. While the entire facility is currently owned and operated by Double Tree, the Willow Valley Resort is a valued institution in Lancaster County. John and Florence Thomas opened the Willow Valley Inn in 1966 with thirty rooms and a family restaurant. Faith, wise planning, and a love of their community led the Thomas family to grow their business with other hotels, a golf course, and senior living communities. It was only in recent years that Double Tree has owned the resort, and with their renovations and some rebuilding, they have given guests the best of both worlds. You have the essence of a place long-loved by many with all the current and updated amenities that a 2019 visitor could ask for. The Double Tree Willow Valley Resort phone number is 717464-2711. Once again, The Lancaster Quilt Show is at the Double Tree Willow Valley Resort located at 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602. For more information, go to www.lancasterquiltweek.com. You may also check updates on Facebook at, @LancasterQuiltShow, or call Cindy at 724-540-5076.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MULLICA HILL
T H E PA R S O N A G E
Antiq ue ique uess &M Moore
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Salvage Style
by Marla Wilson
Foot Board Coat Rack
The Country Register...
by Barbara Floyd
Celebrates 30 Years of Publishing A series of articles has been brewing in my head for months now as the time drew near to start celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Country Register Newspapers. The plan is to celebrate for a whole year and in each upcoming issue I will tell you a bit more about how this all came into being. I will also share, separately, favorite recipes from my kitchen where I still spend a lot of time. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart so it seemed only natural that, after raising four children, I would meld the business world with my love of handmade items. As a former art teacher and, next, a PTA mom, I got a taste of this combination by organizing one of the first, highly successful juried arts and crafts fundraisers in Arizona. When the school eventually phased out that event, this show moved to my Phoenix home creating an instant success. Soon home-based arts and crafts shows became popular all over. Then I opened a small gift shop close to home. Having a young daughter with the same talents and passions provided for a great lets-do-it-together project. Daughter Barbra-Jean eventually owned the shop, one of the first “country” shops in Arizona. Our mother-daughter team then opened one of the first combination tearoom and gift shops in the state. Gooseberries Tea Room had an over 25 year run in Phoenix with three different owners and is still well remembered and much missed. Needing an effective yet affordable means of advertising the shop, Barbra-Jean suggested that I put out a promotional newspaper. So, in fall 1988, with no publishing experience and no computer, I introduced The Country Register, which made its debut with eight black and white pages featuring twenty-four advertisers. Some of those original advertisers still in business continue as steady, constant supporters of The Country Register to this day. The Country Register has played a large role in the success and growth in the industries it promotes. One of the publication’s biggest strengths is forging bonds between shop owners, crafters, artisans and customers. It is distributed without charge at its advertisers’ locations as well as other ‘well-traveled’ sites. Eventually, as popularity of the newspaper spread, people from other states approached for help in starting The Country Register in their own areas. Thus, a licensing agreement for the nationally trademarked name and logo was arranged. Michigan became the second state to have The Country Register and continues to this day with a very large publication. Currently there are thirty-one Country Register papers across the United States and Canada, several of them combining two or more states To get a bit organized for this writing project, I spent two days sorting photos and finishing two scrapbooks that were partly done. One was about The Country Register and the other was about other business ventures over the past 40 years. I figured getting these in order would be a good reminder of memories past, finish these two projects and, at the same time, produce photos and ideas to share with you. Please visit The Country Register, Inc. on Facebook and see what is shared there as well. Until next issue…. farewell. –Barbara Floyd, founder of The Country Register, enjoys her downsized lifestyle in Phoenix, AZ, and her visits to see children and grandchildren in Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, WA, Cumming, GA, and Ft. Wayne, IN. She created and volunteers to put together Love of Junk, Walla Walla’s Vintage Show on her oldest daughter’s farm in Walla Walla, WA, each June.
This little footboard from an old bed was just too pretty to not put on display. I love the spoon carving and decorative molding on the top. I decided to make it a coat rack. It just needed a good cleaning and polishing with some quality furniture oil to make the wood really pop. I had two pieces of tin ceiling tiles just the right size to fit across the middle of the foot board. I sanded the loose paint off and added a little color of my own to them before screwing them in place. I put a little of the same paint on four old coat hooks and attached them to the bottom of the foot board. I put hangers on the back and it was ready for use. The tin makes a wonderful place for magnetic clips to hold notes, pictures or cards, and the hooks work great for coats, hats or bags. This is a simple and useful project anyone can do!!! Marla Wilson is the owner of The Rusty Wheel, a gift boutique in Scandia, KS. The shop features her floral designs and repurposed "junk," as well as kitchen and baby gifts, home decor and fashion accessories. Follow The Rusty Wheel on Facebook, or www.therustywheel.vpweb.com or contact her at stumpy1954@hotmail.com.
Recipes From Barbara Floyd Cinnamon Nut Scone
A Family Favorite Scone Recipe
3 C. flour 1/2 C. sugar 2 1/2 t. baking powder 1/2 t. baking soda 1 T. cinnamon 3/4 t. salt Blend the above ingredients well 3/4 Cup Cold Butter cut in so mixture is crumbly (like pea size) Add 1/2 Cup chopped Walnuts or Pecans 1 Cut of Buttermilk, Stir gently until all is moist. Knead mixture slightly and cut into rounds desired size on a floured board. Use egg wash on top if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. I could not begin to tell you how many triple batches of these scones I have made over the past 30 years! One thing I found out and tested many times is making them up ahead of time, cutting them out and freezing on a cookie sheet. When they are frozen solid, pop them into a good airtight container and, hours before wanting to bake them, thaw out completely (covered by a clean dishtowel) on either a stone or a cookie sheet—I like to put parchment paper down first—and then bake as directed. One variation of this recipe is to leave the cinnamon out and add dried cranberries along with the nuts. We used this recipe exclusively at Gooseberries Tea Room & Gift Shop in Phoenix and also at The Country Register Cafe & Tea Room in Kennewick, WA, in years past. Now I use it in single or double batches for home entertaining. If you don’t have cookie cutters the right size, you can use a juice glass or cut them in wedges with a sharp knife. from: Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register
Page 7
January & February 2019
MOUNT HOLLY
Time-Traveling Quilting Bee
by Cathy Elliott
Stories by a Picky Antique Collector, Avid Quilter, Musician, and Ardent Reader Searching the antique shop’s crowded shelves like a detective, I spotted an interesting wicker basket. Heaped with linens. Digging down, I pulled out a stack of vintage quilt squares, held together with a safety pin. The pile consisted of already pieced blocks in antique white, contrasted with fabric in a faded red and gray pattern. All the blocks matched, except one. That square was similar - but the piecing deviated slightly from the rest. I wondered…could that be a Humility Block? The imperfect block left in an Amish quilt to show that only God is perfect? But wasn’t that a myth? Though I liked the story of the Humility Block, research told me no quilter needed to leave an imperfection on purpose because no finished quilt was without mistakes. Besides, this quilt didn’t look at all Amish in design. The material was lightweight and limp, unlike any I’d seen on a quilt. More like an opaque voile curtain. It reminded me of a dad’s old pajamas worn way past their prime. Later I learned the squares were out of shirting fabric fine cotton that’s often an 1800s reproduction. I swiped up those old squares with delight, handing over a fiver for the lot. At home, I laid them out. The pattern appeared to be a sort of Jacob’s Ladder. And the odd block out really looked the part, which was a mystery. Another thing puzzled me. Every piece of fabric was attached by hand sewing, stitches long enough to look utilitystyle. Perhaps they were basted, meant to be reinforced on a sewing machine. Or…maybe the squares were much older. The idea made me smile. I pictured a pioneer woman riding in her Conestoga wagon, wielding her needle with skill in spite of the rocky ride, readying a new coverlet for completion once she arrived at her new home. There she could strengthen those seams with a little time on the treadle. Still, it was so fragile. Would it hold together if I left the squares in their original state? As a halfhearted purist, I felt I couldn’t go over someone’s laborious work with a quick zip on my machine. Would that be right for the integrity of the blocks? For the hopes of the initial quilter and her quilt plan? Not sure what to do, I put them aside for a time. For a few years. Until I was invited on a special family trip to Alaska and needed a project for the long ride over the Alcan Highway. In a motor home. The (almost) Jacob’s Ladder quilt-top needed a lot of work. I had a lot of time on my hands. So the squares, my trusty thimble, extra needles, and a spool of new cotton thread came with me. In my imagination, I was like the pioneer woman. In my modern covered wagon, bound for territories never before seen. Unlike the woman of my daydreams, rather than created out of necessity, my needlework only served to keep my hands busy across the miles. Between glances out the window at the scenery, I wondered about the original quilt maker, adding to her stitches where they had come away with my own, making the corners match as precisely as I could. Until the entire quilt-top was sturdy and sewn together. In a way, she rode with me on that long trip, rather like companion in a quilting bee across time. I wonder if my unknown pioneer friend would have liked the final outcome of her work-in-progress? I sure liked thinking about her story. –© 2019, Author and speaker Cathy Elliott nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures, is a musician, and a busy Grandmother. Find her on Facebook or on her website: https://cathyelliottbooks.com/
Recipes From Breezy Manor Farm Mom’s Winter Squash Soup
A great winter warm up meal.
Cut 1 butternut or other squash in half and place on baking sheet. Scoop out seeds. Grate 1 to 2 T. ginger on top. Chop 1 onion and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees until the squash is tender. Scoop out and blend or mash until smooth. Place in a large pot with 2 quarts of vegetable or chicken broth. Heat thoroughly. Can add salt and pepper and a dollop of heavy cream. Serve with biscuits, just like Dad enjoyed it. from: Donna Jo Copeland, Farmeress/Fiber Artist and owner of Breezy Manor Farm
Life on Breezy Manor Farm
by Donna Jo Copeland
Dad and Old Things
With a winter storm raging outside my old farmhouse, it’s a good time for revisiting memories with a hot toddy in hand. Snuggled in my handspun wool blanket, a good fire in the woodstove and my cats on my lap I am warm and content. Warm memories for a wild night. I remember so vividly my grandpa’s wood shed where by the glow of one small electric light and heated by an old kerosene chicken house heater, “Dad” worked wonders with wood and leather, weaving tales of long ago. Every time I smell linseed oil, I picture Dad. He carved puzzle canes for us kids and mom remembers the harness and cart he made for her goat carts. (We had generations of goat herders in our family. The goats provided milk, cheese and unlimited entertainment for their small bit of feed. I continue the goat tradition with my angora goats.) Dad was a great historian. Always had a tale of old for the eager ears of his 14 grandkids on their Sunday afternoon visits. Usually told in the old barn built in 1849 or round the old kitchen table over butter and crackers. He was proud of some of his family, not so proud of others. He told stories of Jacob Wetzel, the first permanent settler in Morgan County, IN who kept a trading post a few miles from my wee farm. As Jacob’s 5th descendent generation I take pride in my small wool shop located in my front yard. With the woolen goods I produce I like to think we carried some of the same goods. Every time I barter with someone, whispers from the past make me smile. My farming roots have instilled a love of old things—textiles, stories, books, furniture, tools. I have been “collecting” fiber tools for nearly 50 years and can confess to a herd of looms and spinning wheels. In the 1970’s there were Canadian Production wheels for sale by mail order. I wanted one then but was told no by my ex. Fast forward to last week when a great friend and enabler in Florida found one for sale at a price I could afford. She even delivered it!!! Charlotte (that’s what the wheel told me her name was) needs some TLC but she wants to spin! Missing the footman, I used baling twine and she is fine! A real Farmeress can fix most anything with baling twine. I do have some new tools but I really revere the old, well used and loved ones. They have stories to tell and secrets to learn. I fancy that some of my old wheels’ “distant cousins” spun wool for Patrick Henry’s great coat or Dolley Madison’s coverlets. Often when I am working I hear voices, see smiles from the past. Farmeresses, spinners and weavers who are pleased to know their efforts are continuing. And on long winter nights, I worry about the generation today with their plastic, isolated environment. They seem to want no connection to the past. A generation who doesn’t visit grandparents, hear their stories. What have we wrought? –Donna Jo Copeland, farmeress of Breezy Manor Farm, Mooresville, IN. Where she farms with her sheep and goats and bunnies.
Page 8
The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
WEST CREEK
Page 9
January & February 2019
WEST CREEK
Find us on FaceBook @ www.kccreationsonline.com
KC Creations LLC. 609-294-6890 Your Complete Country Home Decor Barn Country Tabletop Placemats
Prairie Style Curtains
424 Route 9 West Creek NJ 08092
Primitive Country Accents
Primitve Country Lighting
Open 7 Days a Week
Page 10
The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
DELAWARE " Ê7 6 -Ê+1 /Ê 1 ÊÓä£ Ê+1 /Ê- "7
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies
Welcome to
Serendipity
April 26, 2019 U 10am–5pm and April 27, 2019 U 10am–3pm $10/1-day pass U $15/2-day pass Sussex Academy U 21150 Airport Rd. U Georgetown, DE 19947 Visit www.OceanWavesQuiltGuild.org for more information.
Quilt Shop
• Over 3500 Bolts of premium cotton fabrics • Flannel • Wool • Stitchery • Quilting and Sewing Classes • Books, Patterns and Notions
Over 300 Displayed Quilts U Demonstrations Vendor Mart U Raffle Baskets U Raffle Quilts Martelli Sewing Workstation Raffle U Quilt Appraisals Second Time Around Shop U Food Service On-site
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4; Closed Sun
31821 Cannon St., Dagsboro, DE 19939 (302) 732-6304
r Mark You r fo s Calendar n ou d Quilts Ar the Bay p Shop Ho
Like us on FACEBOOK
www.serendipityquiltshop.com
Friday, March 8– Sunday, March 17
Delaware Sewing Centers, Inc. Janome Sales & Service Ȉ Family Owned since 1955 www.delawaresewing.com
Extended Hours !
ơ Ǥ Fabrics for quilting & garments Ȉ Specialty fabrics & trims Wool felt Ȉ Craft feltȈ Full line of notions & zippers Enjoy our sewing classes for garment, quilting, bags & more!
SALE!
February 3, 2019 12pm to 5pm
͖͙Ψ ơ Almost the Entire Store.
Shop Hop
Mon–Sat 10–5 Sun 12–5
Rodney Village Shopping Center 1716 S. Governors Ave. Ȉ Dover, DE 19904 Ȉ 302-674-9030 Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–8pm Ȉ Sat 10am–6pm
24 21stth Annual Super Bowl
Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts/Vendor Booth (both days) Lecture & Trunk Show «À ÊÓÈÊUÊx\£x« ®
Our theme for the 2019 Shop Hop is Lighthouses on the Bay!
See you at our Annual Super Bowl Sale!
Special Pricing on Sewing Machines & Cabinets. Demos & Refreshments All day!
Visit the seven participating shops and enter for lots of fun and prizes, including Amazing Grand Prizes. Each shop has a FREE lighthouse pattern and separate prizes to win! Follow our Facebook page for upcoming news, shop block designs and grand prize information: facebook.com/QuiltsAroundTheBay/ Blue Hen Quilt Shop 73 Marrows Road Newark, DE 19713 302-533-5215
www.bluehenquiltshop.com Delaware Sewing Center Rodney Village Shopping Center 1716 S. Governors Avenue Dover, DE 19904 302-674-9030
Hoppin Bobbin 690 S. Philadelphia Blvd. Suite 100 Aberdeen, MD 21001 410-272-2226
Spring Water Designs 9691 Gerwig Lane Suite G Columbia, MD 21046 410-381-0695
www.hoppinbobbin.com
www.springwaterdesigns.com
Quilt Vine 3987 Main Street Trappe, MD 21673 410-476-6166
Tomorrow’s Treasures 2110 Priest Bridge Drive Suite 12 Crofton, MD 21114 410-451-0400
www.quiltvine.com
www.delawaresewing.com
www.tomorrowstreasures.info Serendipity Quilt Shop 31821 Cannon Street Dagsboro, DE 19939 302-732-6304
www.serendipityquiltshop.com
Free Pattern
Visit us during Quilts Around the Bay Shop Hop! March 8-17, 2019
Blue Hen
Quilt Shop In Tax-Free Delaware!
! abric
F
Clas
ses!
Patterns!
SALES - SERVICE
Use this pattern for embroidery, wool applique, punch needle or rug hooking, painted projects or whatever your imagination can dream up! Reduce or enlarge pattern as desired.
Free Embroidery Pattern! May not be sold or used for commercial purposes. For more fun and creative inspiration, please visit:
www.JacquelynneSteves.com
SALES - SERVICE
Notions! Kits! Precuts! Thread!
OFFICIAL RETAILER
73 Marrows Road, Newark, DE 19713 302-533-5215 www.bluehenquiltshop.com Visit us on Facebook!
Page 11
January & February 2019
PEDRICKTOWN - SALEM
Cawman’s Antique Mall Antiques & Things on Consignment
Ov er 40 Vendors in 12,000 sq ft Over
Cabin Fever? Browsers Welcome Thank you for Your Support! “34 Years in Business!”
Super Bowl & Valentine’s Day Weekend Open House: Sat., Feb 2nd – 10 to 5 & Sun., Feb 3rd – 12:30 to 5 Refreshments & Door Prizes Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas • Potpourri • Black Crow McCalls, Keepers of the Light and 1803 Candles Beautiful Florals, Country Style Curtains • Tabletop Tin Heart Luminaries • • Framed Art and More! Heart Shaped Gift Certificates Click “Like”
(856) 299-2133 WEB: www.heartfeltdesigns.com
24 So. Railroad Ave., Pedricktown, NJ
Hrs: Mon 10-5 (Call first) Tues-Sat 10-5 & Sun 12:30-5 (Call first) Less than 10 min. from Del. Memorial & Commodore Barry Bridges
Stories of a Farm Wife
S ee us on FFacebook acebook
529 SSalem alem Q uinton R oad Quinton Road Salem, NJ 08079 856-935-0423 Hours: Wed-S un 10am-5pm ed-Sun
www.CawmansMall.com
Suse-E-Q ’s Cottage Wed to Sat 10 - 5; Sun Noon - 4 • Closed Mon & Tues Major Credit Cards Welcome
Primitiv e • Country Primitive Cottag e Furnishing s Furnishings Cottage and Decor 107 A West Broadway, (Rt 49)
by Tammy Page
Counting Your Blessings Counting your blessings does not mean the same to everyone. To some, it may mean achieving educational goals such as graduating high school and going on to college. To others, it may mean being the proud owner of things you've been able to acquire by working for a living and making good money. I'm not going to kid you, I have lots of “things" -- just ask my husband -- but they are not necessities. To me, it means being thankful for what I have, being content with the fact that if my field of education were to disappear today and I lost my good paying job, I would still be able at the end of the day reflect on what I still have and not what I've lost. Many of us today, myself included have gone through trials and tribulations throughout our lives but the one thing I can reflect back on is that I have always counted my blessings at the end of the day. As I look upon the faces of my grandchildren, the love our family has for one another and the pride I see in my husband’s face as he looks around the room at our family laughing and crying together, I count my blessings. As the winter months are upon us and the after-Christmas bills cause stress, I try to remind myself that life is not about things but about people, laughter, peace and sharing special times together. Count your blessing! -Tammy page lives with her family on a working farm in central Indiana. She enjoys collecting items remember from her youth, cooking and decorating her home.
Recipes From Susan’s Kitchen Snow Day Cookies
Featured in The Best Christmas Cookie from Every State 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour Ingredients 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar 1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed potato chips 2 large eggs 1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 2 teaspoons 2% milk 2 cups old-fashioned oats 3/4 cup milk chocolate M&M's Directions Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and milk. In another bowl, whisk oats, flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in potato chips, pretzels, chocolate chips and M&M's. Drop dough by scant 1/4 cupfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake 14-16 minutes or until edges are golden brown (centers will be light). Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
(across from Historic Salem Oak)
856-935-0669
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
Snowed in and happy about it
by Susan Baldani
I look at snow days as a chance to catch up on all those little chores I’ve been putting off. It’s also a time to put the brakes on my hectic life and enjoy the downtime. No commuting to work, running errands or watching the clock. On these days I also love to simmer a big pot of soup on the stove and do some baking. When I snuggle under a blanket to watch a long movie or catch up on my reading while the world outside turns white, these homemade goodies add to the enjoyment. However, I try not to spend the whole day indoors. There’s nothing as magical as venturing out once the storm is over and seeing the sparkling snow-coated trees and covered roads. Everything looks so clean and fresh, at least in the beginning. True, clearing it away isn’t so much fun, but that’s part of winter. For some of us, it’s a chance to wave hello and catch up with neighbors. In my neighborhood there is a virtual party outside when everyone comes out to clean up and unearth their vehicles. In and out of others’ homes we go drinking cup after cup of coffee, tea and hot chocolate, sharing stories about storms past and wondering how much snow we actually got. It’s also an opportunity to help out elderly and ill neighbors by clearing their paths and parking spots as well. Next time it snows, dust off those board games, grab a good book off the shelf, or start that next knitting project. Or clean out the closets or organize your pantry. There’s plenty to keep us busy and as soon as the snow melts, we’ll find ourselves back into our regular busy routines. So, take a break when Mother Nature offers one, and be thankful for it. You never know when you’ll get the next opportunity to slow down. –Susan Baldani has an MA in Education and a BA in Psychology. She enjoys writing and in addition to writing articles about small town life, is currently working on her second book. You can contact her at suebaldani@yahoo.com or through her website at www.mywritingwall.com.
Page 12
The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
PITMAN - VINELAND
Rt. 55 Exit 32
Ring in the New Year with two unique shoppes in one... The
MACHINE EMBR OIDER EMBROIDER OIDERYY, QUIL QUILTING TING & SEWING OCHETING CLASSES AV AILABLE CROCHETING AVAILABLE KNITTING & CR
and
Scarecrow Factory Country Store
... and invite you to a special meet-n-greet to welcome Raji-n-Ray to the Shoppe! Raji is known for her handmade primitives, signs, antiques and old finds. So stop by on Sat, Jan. 26th from 10 to 5 to say hello.
Simple Life Primitives
Fabrics: Quilts & Dress Notions • Yarns Upholstery Fabrics • Vinyls Foams • Patterns
Planning a Wedding? We also feature Bridal Fabric, Appliques, Ribbons & Silk Flowers!
On Sat, Feb 2nd, come warm your heart with our Festive little Valentine Party 10-5 As always you will find our locally handcrafted treasures made just for you!
657 N D elsea Driv e, Vineland, NJ 08360 Delsea Drive, (856) 692-5460
Jan/Feb Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5 *Open by chance some Friday & Saturday evenings until 7pm
OPEN: Mon, Tues, Wed, & Fri 9:30-6, Thurs 9:30-8, Sat 9:30-5:30
11 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 (856) 269-4730
Find Us on Facebook: at The Scarecrow Factory Country Store and https://www.facebook.com/SLP.Raji.And.Ray
20% OFF Any One Item
With coupon only. Not valid with other offers. Expires Feb. 28, 2019 - TCR
Current Chalky Painted Furniture Trend
by Dave Emigh
A different kind of New Year’s Resolution by Susan Baldani
How many times have you promised yourself you would lose weight in the new year, or maybe stop smoking? And how many times have your New Year’s resolutions been broken by February 1st or even sooner? Instead of promising to give up or do something to make yourself feel better, how about making a resolution to make others feel better? If you’ve always wanted to volunteer, find a cause that you can embrace and sign up to make a difference. After all, it’s easier to break a promise to yourself than it is to others who are relying on you for basic needs. If you love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue group. For those avid readers, what about signing up with Literacy Volunteers of America? Or, if you like crafts, think about spending time at a nursing home teaching residents how to crochet or knit or whatever it is you are talented at? If you’re musically gifted, you can also play some music for the seniors and maybe show them how to play a simple tune or two. Doing something for others will also make you feel better about yourself. The rewards of volunteering are not just experienced by the recipients, but by the givers as well. In an article by Hilary Young, titled Why volunteering is so good for your health, it was stated that people who volunteer say it makes them feel healthier, lowered their stress levels, enriched their lives, and improved their mood and self-esteem. Some of them even reported “that their volunteer work has helped them manage a chronic illness by keeping them active and taking their minds off of their own problems.” Aren’t these some of the results we’re looking for when making those New Year’s resolutions? Whatever your interests or talents, there is a cause looking for help. People find it easier to give money, which by all means is sorely needed. But it’s getting out there and joining with other people who have the same goals in mind that makes volunteering more meaningful. –Susan Baldani has an MA in Education and a BA in Psychology. She enjoys writing and in addition to writing articles about small town life, is currently working on her second book. You can contact her at suebaldani@yahoo.com or through her website at www.mywritingwall.com.
At an antique show about twenty years ago, I noticed a booth selling something called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The vendor had samples and even did some demonstrations. Sloan’s website indicated that the color pallet was inspired by historic colors. Even though everyone seems to refer to any brand of this type of paint as "Chalk Paint," that term was trademarked by Sloan. That left the inevitable multitude of paint manufacturers, which jumped into this market, to refer to their paint as “chalky paint." Some manufacturers don’t even call their paints chalky but it just seems to be inferred. These chalky paints are popular because they are advertised to stick to furniture with little or no surface preparation such as sanding. They are water based that provides easy clean up and they dry quickly. They also dry to a very matte finish that can easily be sanded to produce a distressed “antique” look. Individuals who are currently using the chalky paints are producing several different styles of finished furniture. They include: simply painting a piece, painting but leaving some details in natural wood finish, distressing the paint, and embellishing the piece with stenciling or paper items (maps, photos, sheet music, etc.). Some finished painted pieces use a combination of all of these techniques Locally, I have seen all of these techniques and am extremely impressed by the work and talent of our Walla Walla furniture painting community. It shows real creativity, an artistic eye and is well executed. Paint is a good treatment that definitely adds value to “tired pieces” of solid wood furniture. Further, pieces painted in the same color pallet will also work well together even if their design/construction style is different. That being said, from a purely monetary point of view, it might be a mistake to paint either antique or mid-century modern furniture. For example, I saw an antique oak buffet (in Spokane) that was recently painted. I would have paid their (painted) asking price if they had just put it out for sale without doing anything. That shop could have made the same amount of money without the expense of paint and labor. If they had asked me, I would have suggested that they show pictures of antique pieces to an antique shop owner before they decided to paint them. That being said, the thought process involved in whether or not to paint a piece of furniture is the same that we employ when we decide if we are going to restore a piece or leave its original finish. The first question we ask ourselves is if the current finish is “structurally” sound enough to protect the piece. The second question is if the current finish is attractive.
Page 13
January & February 2019
ELMER
Established 1987
Peg g y’s Country Gifts & Antiques
Happyar! e New Y
Old Sleds • Handmade-All Natrual “Cherokee Pride Soap Company” Kitchen Kettle Jams, Jellies and more! Old Shutters • Flexible Flyer Wagons LIGHTED PICTURES • DECORATED OLD CHAIRS Candles & Homespun Material Potpourri • Legacy greeting cards Lots of Seasonal Items • 3 w. Bulbs, also Brown wire lights PLEASE NOTE HOURS: Decorated trees & tree decorations • Bella Taylor Handbags Call for Winter Hours Crossroads Candles • Thompson Tarts (Call if coming from distance.) ANTIQUES: Crocks, Jugs, Butter Churns, Coffee Grinders, Kitchenware, Yelloware, Wood Advertising Boxes, Benches, Buckets, Water Cans, Old Sleds, Cupboards - late 1800-1900’s, Enamel top tables, Milk Bottles - New Jersey, Old Quilts, Cookie Jars, Vintage Doilies, & More!
Select Items on Sale!
203 E Ellm er St & Park Av Avee Elm er, N J 08318 856 856--358 -2310
The Greater Elmer Area Historical Society Serving Elmer Borough, Pittsgrove Township, & Upper Pittsgrove Township Located at 117 Broad Street, Elmer NJ 08318
Come visit our new museum and archives! OPEN HOUSE 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am - 2 pm
REGULAR MEETINGS 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm For more information, please contact the society at: PO Box 35, Elmer NJ 08318 greaterelmerareahistory@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/greaterelmerareahistoricalsociety There is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether or not to paint a piece of furniture. If you think that the piece would be more attractive if it was painted, then paint it! The great thing about the antiques, rustic and vintage market is that there is room for a wide variety of styles. These styles, from totally restored oak furniture to recently painted pieces, can work well together in any decor. –Dave Emigh and his wife Jill are the owners of Shady Lawn Antiques in Walla Walla, WA. Professionally trained woodworker, Dave, and his son Nick, specialize in the restoration of oak furniture. www.shadylawnantiques.com.
NOW OPEN! Military Building Military WWII items, We buy and sell! Bldg open Fri & Sat. (When shop is open)
A Cup of Tea with Lydia
by Lydia E. Harris
Start the New Year with a Teatime Twist Happy New Year! Let’s celebrate with a new teatime twist. Instead of a traditional high tea with crustless sandwiches, scones, and sweets, let’s add unexpected foods to create a fun and unique tea lunch. Souper First Course - We started with A-maze-ing Corn Chowder with Sausage and Easy Batter Bread, which taste delicious any season—especially on a brisk winter day. The Easy Batter Bread was inspired by a recipe from Oma Rosemarie in Indonesia. It smells so appetizing while baking that it’s hard to wait to munch on its crisp crust and soft center. Our beverages included sparkling cider and peach herbal tea. Hearty Second Course - Next, we enjoyed warm Ham and Swiss Cheese Melts made with Hawaiian sweet rolls. This favorite from a friend has become our family favorite too. I cut the melts in half diagonally to form triangles and placed the points together to make a butterfly. A Bacon Knot between the sandwich wings became the body. The knots are easy to make by tying bacon strips into knots and topping them with brown sugar, maple syrup, or spices. Then bake them until crisp. We enjoyed the scent of several blends of tea and chose Paris tea, a fruity black tea with vanilla, caramel, and Bergamot flavors. Sweet Finale - You can’t have a tea party without sweets. For Valentine’s Day, strawberry ice cream bread with a scoop of strawberry ice cream makes a pretty and delicious treat. We ended with a black tea from Kenya. My “samples tea” turned out to be a TEA-lightful time, and my guests gave my recipes a thumbs-up. Gather new recipes or old favorites and serve a “samples tea” to a friend. Think outside the tea box and create a memorable teatime with a new twist. After all, it’s a new year! --Lydia E. Harris has five grandchildren, and they call her “Grandma Tea.” She wrote the book Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting (AMG Publishers 2010), and her new book, In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together (Harvest House Publishers), will release in August. This cookbook is now available for preorder on Amazon.com.
Page 14
The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MORRISTOWN - RED BANK
MORRIS COUNTY HISTORI HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT
ACORN HALL
The Antique Center of Red Bank Daily 11-5pm
Est. 1964
Sundays 12-5pm
100 DEALERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ALL SPECIALTIES
226 West Front St. (732) 842-4336
195 West Front St. (732) 842-3393
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Exit 109 Garden State Parkway
Founded in 1945, MCHS has operated Acorn Hall as a house museum since 1971. Nationally recognized for its original mid-19th FHQWXU\ GHFRUDWLYH DQG ILQH DUWV $FRUQ +DOO¡V UHFHQWO\ UHVWRUHG exterior provides visitors an authentic Victorian Era experience. Acorn Hall is open for tours Wednesday & Thursday, 11am-4pm, and Sunday, 1-4pm Morris County Historical Society presents:
Iconic Culture: From Little Black Dress to Bell Bottoms A cultural retrospective exhibition featuring over 40 historic garments drawn H[FOXVLYHO\ IURP 0&+6¡V historic textile collection, Iconic Culture also features photos, books, and music ² a one stop experience for a walk down memory lane. 68 Lafayette Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960, (973)267-3465, MorrisCountyHistory.org
Wit & Wisdom
by Judyann Grant
A Cheerful Giver Annie clutched a mini-bagel (the size of a silver dollar) in her hand. She only had time to eat half of it before the pre-school bus came. When she returned home for lunch, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the bagel; she wanted her favorite mac nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cheese. So I decided to toast the other half of the mini-bagel and eat it myself. That was a big mistake . . . â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mine!â&#x20AC;? Annie said between mouthfuls of macaroni. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eating my bagel!â&#x20AC;? She pushed away from the table and ran off to pout. My first thought was I should have asked permission. My second thought was, the little rascal! I mentally rehashed everything I had done for Annie just that morningâ&#x20AC;Ś. making her breakfastâ&#x20AC;Ś getting her ready for schoolâ&#x20AC;Śwaiting outside with her for the bus to comeâ&#x20AC;Śthen waiting in the cold and snow for her bus to returnâ&#x20AC;Śgetting her a snack and a drinkâ&#x20AC;Śorganizing her desk and printing new pictures for her to colorâ&#x20AC;Ś.the list was endless! Then, as I finished taking the mental score, the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that your attitude, too?â&#x20AC;? And, unfortunately, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true. Often my attitude is just like that of our four-yearold granddaughter. God gives and gives, showering us with endless blessings and yet I expect (and often demand) more. Annie pouted because I took what she felt was rightfully hers. I, too, pout when God appears to withhold or takes away what I feel is rightfully mine. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.â&#x20AC;? God set the standard for giving when He sent His Only Son to die for our sins (Romans 8:32.) Our Heavenly Father is pleased when His children, likewise, display an attitude of selflessness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; putting others and their needs before our own. I eventually coaxed Annie out of hiding by promising to give her a large, heartshaped sugar cookie I had saved to enjoy with my tea. And the mini-bagel? I ate it, but you can be sure Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never do that again! -Judyann Grant, and her husband, Don, from Mannsville, New York, enjoy hosting Sunday dinners for their children and grandchildren who all live close by.
Town and Country Cooking Soup as an Antidote Ah, January! It follows the month of non-stop eating. Sometimes, after days of heavy snacks and super-sweet desserts, all we really want is a bowl of soup. Satisfy your need for soup by trying one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of these winter-appropriate recipes. Created in a slow cooker, Cheese Tortellini Soup is an easy, one-dish meal. Try it vegetarian-style or with sausage. Either way, it just may become a new family favorite. Enchilada Soup is a flavorful blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. It, too, utilizes a slow cooker for easy preparation. Salmon Chowder is traditional winter fare. When prepared with boneless, skinless salmon from a can, it comes together quickly on the stovetop. The mild Monterey Jack lends richness without overwhelming the flavor of the salmon. Soups are the perfect antidote to holiday eating, so counteract all of the decadence with a freshly prepared pot of your choosing.
Cheese Tortellini Soup 6 ounces cream cheese OR 6 ounces white American cheese* 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 16 ounces frozen cheese tortellini 2 14½-ounce cans Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes 1 bag (5 to 6 ounces) fresh baby spinach Freshly ground pepper ½ pound cooked, thinly sliced Italian sausage, if desired Parmesan cheese, for serving Cut cream cheese or American cheese into cubes. Place broth and cheese in microwave-safe dish. Heat until cheese begins to soften and melt. Remove from microwave and, using whisk or immersion blender, mix until smooth. Combine frozen tortellini, tomatoes and spinach in slow cooker. Pour broth mixture over ingredients. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Cook on low for 2 hours. Carefully stir and then cook an additional 1 to 2 hours. If desired, add cooked Italian sausage shortly before serving. Offer grated or shaved parmesan cheese on the side. Makes approximately 10 servings. *This cheese is sold by weight in most deli departments.
by Janette Hess Salmon Chowder
3 tablespoons butter 1 generous cup finely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 6 tablespoons flour 5½ cups milk 2 cups frozen corn 1 14½-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 2 5-ounce cans boneless, skinless salmon, drained* 2 teaspoons dill weed 1 teaspoon salt Ÿ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, finely grated Cayenne pepper for garnish Melt butter in soup pot or Dutch oven. Add onion and sautÊ until nearly soft. Add garlic and continue cooking until both onion and garlic are soft. Stir in flour. Add milk, corn, tomatoes, salmon, dill, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over mediumlow heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add cheese and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper before serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings. Note: Peeled, cooked shrimp or leftover grilled, flaked salmon may be substituted for canned salmon
Enchilada Soup 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast ½ cup chopped onion 1 can red enchilada sauce 1 14½-ounce can diced tomatoes 4 cups unsalted chicken stock (from a box) 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained 2 cups frozen or canned corn 1 to 2 cups cooked rice 1 package taco seasoning mix Sliced black olives, grated cheese and sour cream for garnish Place chicken breast in slow cooker and cover with onion, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, black beans and chicken stock. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until chicken shreds easily. Completely shred chicken and then add beans, corn and rice. Adjust seasoning with taco mix, starting with ½ package and taste-testing until desired saltiness is achieved. Heat through and serve with garnishes. Makes 10 to 12 servings.
â&#x20AC;&#x201C;A trained journalist, Janette Hess focuses her writing on interesting foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local Extension service and enjoys collecting, testing and sharing recipes.
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January & February 2019
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Observations and Confessions
Decorating with Quilts
by Deb Heatherly
Christmas is over, the decorations have come down and your home feels almost bare. Gone are the packages, the ribbons and all of the colorful things that make your house feel festive during the holidays. Some people get a touch of the winter blues once the holiday rush is over, but now it’s time to dress your home for winter! Did you use snowmen in any of your Christmas décor? If so, let them stay out a little longer. Snowmen, mittens, snowshoes and anything snow related make perfect winter décor. Pair the snowmen with quilts and you have a recipe for winter decorations that makes you feel warm all over. I’ve start decorating the entrance to my studio with winter decorations in early December instead of the traditional Christmas décor. That way my outside decorations can stay in place until spring and I don’t have to worry about taking them down in January when old man winter is huffing and puffing his frigid temperatures. No snowmen? Then just use your quilts! Quilts on ladders, on tables and placed randomly around your home make you feel cozy just by looking at them. I like to use quilts with a blue theme to pair with my snowmen but anything works for the rest of the house. Grab a pretty basket and roll quilts for a fun display that’s sure to get attention. Fold them and stack them on trunks, on shelves and on stools for even more visual impact. Did you know that if you place batting in quilt tops and fold them so that the batting does not show, you can enjoy those tops even before they make their trip to your long arm quilter? I learned this trick from a famous author many years ago. During her lecture she told the audience that some of the pictures in her early books only looked like quilts stacked on the shelves. Many were just quilt tops with batting folded inside. She further stated that, if you folded them just right, it could look like two quilts instead of one. What an eye opener! All I know is that they sure looked inviting whether quilted or not. Make sure to fold a quilt and place it on the back of your sofa or recliner too! Your mind will instantly conjure images of hot cocoa, a good book and snowflakes outside your window. Just remember to save room for the four-legged children. My fur babies always love to join me when I settle in for a good read with a quilt across my lap. The gentle purrs that result make me smile from head to toe. Yes, we’ve got several weeks of winter ahead of us, but your home can wrap you in a hug when you come home from a long day at work if you use your quilts in your décor. There’s nothing better than the vision of warmth and coziness they create. Sit down by the fireplace, grab your stitching and embrace the season by decorating with quilts. –Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids® rulers and tools. When not in her studio, she is on the road doing Creative Grids® lectures and workshops for guilds and shops across the country. She is the designer of the Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle tool, Strippy Stars tool, Turbo 4 Patch, Ultimate Flying Geese tool and the new Cat’s Cradle XL. She is the author of the books ‘Cat’itude, Strippy Stars, 4-Patch Panache, The Ultimate Flying Geese Book, and Catitude XL. Visit her website at www.Debscatsnquilts.com.
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A Bucketful of Thoughts for a New Year by Kerri Habben This simple exchange occurred months ago, but the lesson lingers with me. I must warn you—it is a dirty story in some ways but I will keep it as clean as possible. I found the moral of this tale at a dollar store. I know, Aesop did a lot better with settings. However, I have learned to welcome a truth where I find it. Or perhaps where it finds me. First, for the least poetic aspect—for some months of Mom’s illness, she needed a bedside commode. Having grown up with a grandfather and a great-aunt in a wheelchair, I was prepared for this. Pardon the pun but when you love someone, you quite literally, with dignity and gentleness, do what is necessary. The problem wasn’t with the commode. It was that I didn’t have the original bucket that fit exactly in place. I dug around in the garage until I found every option. One bucket fit but it was too high. One didn’t fit at all, and a metal one appeared to fit just right. No, Goldilocks and the Three Bears are not in in this story, either. Back to the bucket. One day, when everything that could be in the bucket was, it fell with a clang upon the carpet, revealing that it didn’t actually fit the commode. Then I adapted, holding the bucket in place with twisty ties as needed. The next time Mom and I went out, I stopped at the Dollar Store. I found every bucket they had along with more lemon ammonia to disinfect. That is the last of any bathroom details, I promise. Now, visualize me at the Dollar Store checkout. The clerk rings up my purchases and I ask, “How are you today?” He looks at me with empty eyes and says quite wearily, “Just trying to get through the day.” I gazed at him for a moment. My first thought was, “I have shoes older than you.” My second was “well, at least you’re honest.” My third wasn’t so kind: “Do you have any idea why I am buying all these buckets?” Thankfully, I paused until my fourth thought, “And you don’t know why he is struggling any more than he knows why you need a bucket.” I touched his hand for a second as I handed him $4.00 and change. “How about this,” I suggested. “I’ll think good thoughts for you and you think good thoughts for me. Who knows? It just might get better for both of us.” He smiled at me then and those dull eyes lit up for a precious instant. We live in a harshly reactive world. People are connected by technology but we sometimes forget how to genuinely and kindly give. If I had responded immediately to my friend at the Dollar Store, at best I would have been derisive and, at worst, defensively indignant. I am grateful I waited. If we all lived on mountain tops, it would be easy to seek our best selves in our solitude. But we don’t. We live in the thumb tacks and sometimes dirty details of life. One of our strongest resources in traveling this sometimes-tenuous journey is helping one another. We are often each other's greatest gift. As we drove home last year, I shared with Mom about our exchange. She said, “Maybe one day you’ll write about this.” Perhaps you are wondering if any of the buckets fit. One did, like Baby Bear’s porridge. –Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer, and crochet instructor living in Raleigh, NC.
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Life In Skunk Hollow
by Julie A. Druck
Sewing & Reaping
. . . for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. - Galatians 6:7b Several months ago I joined a ministry at church – the Sewing Circle. This faithful little handful of ladies meets every Tuesday to lovingly sew dolls for a local medical center. The hospital uses the dolls for what they call “medical play.” Put simply, the dolls are given to children who are patients that will have some type of treatment or surgery done. The staff uses the dolls to help explain to the children what the doctor will be doing to them in the hopes that this will lessen their fears. Each faceless doll is dressed in colorful pajamas, and the children are encouraged to paint in the faces of their new friend. I began attending Sewing Circle in the hope of being of help and of learning a little. I, indeed, got so much more. Right from the start, the ladies of the Circle welcomed me with open arms. They were thrilled to have me come and take an interest in what they’re doing. And even though I join them just one or two Tuesday afternoons a month, they’re always so happy to have me. Miss Polly, who usually meets me at the door with a hug, immediately took me under her wing and taught me how to cut out the fabric from the pattern for the dolls’ PJs. Her constant encouragement and assurance that I would never be “fired” immediately bolstered my confidence. Miss Dorothy acts as a terrific “crew chief ” and keeps the Circle organized and productive. And Miss Pauline eagerly asks me on Sundays after church if I’ll be able to be at the Circle on Tuesday. Miss Mary is in charge of teasing, and I was delighted to discover her quick wit. When I arrive after lunch on Tuesdays, faithful Miss Effie is in the kitchen washing up everyone’s lunch dishes before getting back to hand-sewing collars on or stuffing another doll. She is, indeed, a Jill-of-all-trades. Miss Donna’s sewing abilities really shine in the Circle – she lately created a wonderful Amish doll at the request of the hospital for their few Amish patients. These ladies have taught me many things other than sewing tips – I’ve listened to them talk about what it’s like to be widows, how things used to be when they were young, the physical “joys” of growing older, and how things look from their perspective. And I store all this newfound knowledge away for a future season. You know, I have often experienced the reality that service for the Kingdom results in blessing – not only for those who receive the service, but also for the server. The concept of reaping what we sow displays truth on many levels – whether we sow good or evil. And I, once again, experienced that reality in being part of the Circle. For I have sown (and sewn) good and gotten back far more than I ever imagined. -Julie Druck is from York, Pennsylvania, and writes from her farm in Skunk Hollow. She’d welcome your comments at thedrucks@netzero.com.
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