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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
Editors’ Corner
“Despite the forecast, live like it's spring.” ~ Lilly Pulitzer ®
o f NJ an d D E and DE Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278 email@CountryRegisterOnline.com • www.countryregisteronline.com
The Country Register of NJ & DE • March & April 2016 • Vol. 16 No. 6
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. 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.
Because March weather can still be iffy, let’s take Ms. Pulitzer’s advice and “live like it’s spring!” And while we’re at it, it is never too early to start decorating for spring. The shops advertised here are displaying everything you will need to help you celebrate the new season. They all enjoy making this publication available to you free of charge as their gift to you for shopping with them. Please remember to let them know you appreciate it when you visit them. As we celebrate 16th year of publishing YOUR Country Register with this issue, we are proud to be involved with the fine advertisers who bring you this publication FREE every issue with their advertising commitments. Many of them have been advertising the entire 16 years and they do so because The Country Register works! You pick it up and read it, then you visit the shops who advertise with us when you need a gift for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, a wedding,
or want to decorate for the season. It is thanks to your response to their ads that the shop owners realize their investment is paying off. Letting them know by saying “Hey, I saw your ad in The Country Register...” verifies for them that they are spending their money wisely. Please check the events listing on the following page, taking note of the shop open houses and spring events. Mark your calendar or simply place a copy of The Country Register in your car so that you have it along should you find yourself in a shopping mood. Let us know what you think! Drop us a note or send us an email. All of our contact info is always on the top left of Page 2 to make it easy for you to find. We’d love to hear from you! Now....
Let’s Go ShoppingAND THE GR ANDKIDS! GRANDKIDS!
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THE COUNTRY REGISTER OF NEW JERSEY & DELAWARE P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Subscriptions: 1 Year (6 issues): $18 ~ Single copies: $3 for postage & handling
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. To receive a sample paper from another area, please mail $3.00 in U.S.A. or $4.00 in Canada to that area’s editor. 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 U SA Alabama: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 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: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760 Delaware: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 Florida: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Georgia: Linda Parish, 706-340-1049 Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 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 Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 443-243-1118 Maine: Gail Hagerman, 207-437-2663 Maryland: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Mass. & RI: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760 Michigan: Bill & Marlene Howell, 989-793-4211 Minnesota: Kim & Mick Keller, 763-754-1661 Missouri: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Montana: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Nebraska: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (N): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4702-523-1803
New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 603-463-3703 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: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Ohio: Barb Moore, 937-652-1157 Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Oregon: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Pennsylvania: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 919-661-1760 South Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 443-243-1118 Texas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 801-592-8498 Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Washington & E. OR: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 West Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, 715-838-9426 Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 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
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It’s Party Time with Lesley Spring Party Ideas
Parties are always a good way to catch up with your friends and family. Everyone needs a party break, and I have listed a few ideas that could spark a whole lot of fun and memories for yourself and your guests! A few of the ideas may not be worthy of a party, but I thought they were interesting. Some I have never heard of before either. March 1: Peanut Butter Lovers Day: Did you know that most Peanut Butters are made with 90% or more peanuts? Although it doesn’t say so on the label, the number one ingredient is peanuts. I think most of us grew up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and loving them. March 4: Employee Appreciation Day: Bosses have a bosses day, so it’s only fair that employees have their day too. Don’t expect the day off.....but a cake or special lunch would be appreciated. And ladies love flowers too. The first Employee Appreciation Day was marked on the calendar in 1995. So bosses....Surprise and show your appreciation for your employees! March 11: Worship of Tools Day: It’s a day to honor our guys, and of course the ladies who are good at mastering the tools too. Decorate with pictures of tools and plan a tools scramble game in which the guests must unscramble the words. It might be interesting to have everyone bring a wrapped tool of their choice. And then draw names to distribute the tools. You could set a price range for the tool. Ask your guests to bring their favorite casserole dish to help with the meal. March 12: Girl Scout Day: This could be a great idea for a girls birthday party and also to honor the founder of Girl Guides, Lady Olave Baden-Powell. She
by Lesley Nuttall
founded Girl Guides on March 12, 1912. Her husband, Lord Baden-Powell started the Boy Scouts. As a Brownie and Guide leader myself for many years, there was such a great opportunity for young girls to learn sewing, cooking and so much more. There is a lot of interesting history here, and any girls in the organization would enjoy this. There are millions of girls in Canada and the United States that are involved in Girl Guides and Brownies. March 27: Easter Sunday: Easter Sunday is always a wonderful day for a f a m i l y celebration. The real meaning of Easter is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people around the world attend the church of their faith on this day. The word, Easter comes from the Saxton Pagan Festival honoring the goddess, Easstre. The goddess’ symbol is the rabbit, thus the reason for the Easter Bunny. And we can’t forget the famous “Easter egg hunt” celebrated around the world which the children look forward to and love. The family holiday tradition varies. Some families have a brunch feast after church, while others opt for the Easter dinner of baked ham; and we all love the hot cross buns at Easter time. Decorations of brightly colored eggs can be the main table center, while the beautiful white lily will add a pleasant aroma to any room. My husbands common joke is: “when we become old and senile, we can hide our own Easter eggs.” I smile. April 1: April Fool’s Day: Traditionally, April Fool’s day is an opportunity to play jokes or tricks on your friends or family. The jokes or tricks must be harmless and
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March & April 2016
Events Listing
Advertiser Index
See shop & show ads for complete details.
Shops are listed alphabetically by location. Cities & Shops
P age # Page
Delaware Bethany Beach ...................... 4 Sea Needles Dagsboro ............................... 4 Serendipity Dover ..................................... 4 Delaware Sewing Center Milford ................................... 4 Delaware Sewing Center Newark .................................. 4 The Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast
New Jersey Bridgeton ............................... 6 Broad Meadows Country Fabrics Cape May ............................. 15 Historic Cold Spring Village Stitch by Stitch Elmer ................................... 11 Peggy’s Country Gifts Glendora .............................. 13 Cheryl’s Quilts & Crafts Morristown .......................... 10 Acorn Hall Mullica Hill .................... 12, 13 Amelia’s Teas & Holly Craftsmen Home Show
Cities & Shops
P age # Page
Creamy Acres Farm Needles & Pins Pedricktown .......................... 5 Heart Felt Designs The ETC Shop Pitman ................................. 13 Artists & Craftsmen Show Red Bank ............................. 10 Antique Center of Red Bank Salem ..................................... 7 Arts in Bloom Cawman’s Antique Mall Suse-E-Q’s Cottage Somerset .............................. 10 Quilting & Sewing Fest of NJ Tuckahoe ............................... 6 Spring In Tuckahoe Show Vineland ................................ 6 The Pin Cushion West Creek ......................... 8, 9 KC Creations Woodstown .......................... 13 Scarecrow Factory
Day
Event
March
Page #
3-6 Quilt & Sewing Fest, Somerset ........................................................................ 10 5 Opening Day - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ......................................... 12 5, 6 Easter Open House Weekend - Scarecrow Factory, Woodstown .............. 13 12 Open House - Heart Felt Designs, Pedricktown ............................................ 5 12, 13 Open House - The ETC Shop, Pedricktown .................................................. 5 12, 19, 25, 26 Hayrides & Easter Bunny - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ....... 12 Day
Event
April
Page #
2, 3 Spring Fling Weekend - Scarecrow Factory, Woodstown ............................ 13 9, 10 Spring in Tuckahoe Show, Tuckahoe ................................................................ 6 16, 17 Artists & Craftsmen Show & Sale, Pitman .................................................... 13 22-5/1 NJ Shop Hop, Various Towns .......................................................................... 16 Day
Event
May
Page #
3 Restaurant Gala - Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May ......................... 15 7, 8 Craftsmen Home Show, Mullica Hill .............................................................. 13 21, 22 Arts in Bloom Tour, Salem County ................................................................... 7
Not Classified by T own Town
Out of State ......................... 14 Shop Hop ............................ 16 Web-Based ........................... 14
Green ...An Appropriate Word for Spring
by Jo Branham
One of my favorite book series is “The Cat Who.” It’s about these two Siamese cats who own this guy named Qwill and they solve mysteries. Qwill is a semiretired newspaperman. In one of the books he says he can write a thousand word article on any word you give him. For some reason he picked the word “green” in the story. Green. What an appropriate word for March and April. Spring. St. Patrick’s Day. But I am not going to give you a thousand words. St. Patrick’s Day is the first thing that pops into my mind when I think green. The wearin’ o’ the green. Rivers colored green. Grren drinks. Even some food is tinted green – although usually green food is a real turn
Light and Quick Triple Fruit Dessert 1 pkg (1 ½ cups) frozen sliced peaches 1 pkg (or can, drained) (1 ½ cups) pineapple bits or chunks 1 pkg frozen raspberries, thawed Thaw the peaches and pineapple together. (It gives more flavor.) At ser ving time, add the thawed raspberries. Put a bit of whipped cream in your sherbert dishes, spoon in the fruit and top with more whipped cream. Makes 6 servings . Double for a larger crowd.
off. But on St. Pat’s Day – anything green goes. Then there’s Easter, and Easter egg hunts, and that green grass they put in the Easter baskets. They have pink “grass” now, but I don’t like it. Grass should be green. Peter Rabbit did not go hopping down a pink bunny trail. It was green. And speaking of grass makes me think of Spring. The fresh bright green of the leaves of the Spring flowers poking up from the earth. Crocuses. Daffodils. Tulips. Violets and Spring beauties. Dandelions. The new leaves budding out on the trees and bushes. I love Spring. And what I love most – besides the warmer weather – is all the green after a winter of browns and grays
Blueberry (or Cherry) Cheesecake Pie 1 - 8 0z. (250 g) package cream cheese 1 cup icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip) 1- 9 inch baked pie shell 1 can fruit pie filling Beat together, cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream, and spoon into baked, cooled pie shell. Chill until set. If desired, for serving, you can garnish with a spoonful of whipped cream. Serves 6-8
continued from page 2 fun. It could make for a fun party with everyone sharing what kind of jokes or tricks they have played on their friends. But I would stress not to invite friends to your party and then announce, April Fools. April 8: All is ours Day: This could be a spectacular day to celebrate with your family. Prepare a family favorite dinner and promote the love, caring and positive emotions that a family can share in. Start this as your own families first grateful party, and continue it on for years to come. At dinner time, have everyone relate what they are most grateful for in the past year. This could become your own yearly special bonding party for your entire family. April 22: Earth Day: Earth Day is celebrated in Canada and the United States on April 22 each year. The first Earth Day started on April 22, 1970. This green movement has grown from 20 million to well over a billion today. This could be combined as a work and party
venture. Contact your neighbors and engage them...and the children... in the task of cleaning up the area around your neighborhood. Tell the neighbors that a potluck will be held, (with their help) at your home after the clean up is completed. This is a good way to meet and keep in touch with the neighbors and get the neighborhood looking good at the same time. For any party that you are planning, always start with a pre-planning list which will make it easy for you to keep on track. Do as much as you can ahead of time. This will take the majority of the stress off of you, and leave you stress free to enjoy your party. Whatever party you are planning, enjoy it yourself and make some fantastic memories for both you and your guests. HAPPY SPRING TO ALL ! –© 2016 Lesley R. Nuttall is the Author of Secrets of Party Planning, a guide to easy entertaining. She lives in Dryden, Ontario, Canada. email: lesleyrose@shaw.ca
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
DEL AWARE DELA Welcome to
Serendipity
Hours: Mon-Sat 9-5 Closed Sun
Quilt Shop
• Over 3500 Bolts fabrics from Moda, Robert Kaufman, Timeless Treasures, Quilting Treasures, Marcus Brothers, Wilmington Prints, Windham Fabrics, Hoffman and more • Quilting, Sewing and Knitting Classes • Books and Patterns Like us on FACEBOOK
www.serendipityquiltshop.com
Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe
31821 Cannon St Dagsboro, DE 19939 (302) 732-6304
by Ann Stewart
Roots and Wings
This Spring we’re thawing out from our East Coast Snowmageddon and six days in a row of missed school. We’ve had other blizzards and brutal winters, but never three feet of snow dumped all at once. After we shoveled a 125- foot long, narrow passageway through the snow, we finally got to the barn to free the ewes. As the former hostages wove their way through the carved trail, my daughter Julia captured the exodus and posted it on Facebook. It’s a beautiful shot of our fuzzy four-legged fur balls being released from the barn after “doing time” huddled together. The off-white sheep look for direction in a white pathway nearly their own height, stuck at times in mini traffic jams. Maybe Facebook fans “like” the picture because it depicts the journey to spring. We trudge through a tunnel hoping to find light and freedom at the end. Or at least a pail of water or a bale of hay. Spring spells freedom, change, and invites growth. The snow shovel is replaced by the lawn mower and the garden trowel. We’ll plant the garden and wait for the seeds to take root in the newly tilled soil and then attempt to keep up with the growth. The many fruit trees outlining our front yard and the large weeping willow will provide a canopy of blossoms. And soon our ewes will be delivering lambs, drawing friends and family to see the new arrivals at Skye Moor Farm. I have my bag of fuzzy stuffed animal sheep to share with children who, after experiencing the wonder of holding a newborn lamb, want to take home one of their own. Even our college daughter Christine can hardly wait to break free from her
studies and come home for her college spring break. She’s also inviting college friends home for lambing season so she can share the beauty of spring on the farm. After all, there is nothing like holding a baby lamb for the first time—or the second or third or fourth, for that matter. Their little “bah” and the way they reach to suckle fingers, will be a delightful joy after midterm exams. Her college friends will not fathom that Christine has been tending and bottle feeding newborn lambs since she was two. It will be an opportunity for Christine to connect the dots from her home-awayfrom-home in Charlottesville, to Skye Moor Farm where she grew up. My down-to-earth daughter, will share her roots and the place that grounded her, with the friends who’ve seen her fly. We are often told that we are to give our children roots and wings. We want them to move on, learn, grow, and become self-supporting. But we also want them to know there’s a nest where they can land and be loved. Or a farm where they can revisit the cycle of life. When Christine called the other day, she emailed a quick note about college that warmed my heart. “I really liked talking to you today. Is it weird that although I really love it here, I’m still homesick?” It’s not weird. She’s learning, growing, and taking flight in so many new and wonderful ways. But though her home-awayfrom-home has her heart, no matter the season of her life or season of the year, she will always return home to her roots. ©2016 All rights reserved Used by permission, no reprint without author’s permission. Ann Stewart’s novel Stars in the Grass will come out November 2016Photo credit by Julia
Customer Appreciation I’ve interviewed a number of shop owners over the past few years. One thing they all have in common is their love of their customers. Each and every one of them told me stories of people who came into their shop as a customer – and left as a friend. “Making money isn’t what it’s all about,” one lady said. “Making people happy and helping them find what they’re looking for – that’s what it’s about. A common misconception a lot of us have is that someone who owns a craft store is lucky because they can obviously do all the crafting they want. They have all the supplies right there at their fingertips. What they don’t have, though, is time. One owner told me she didn’t think she’d worked on a single project for herself since she opened her shop. After the store closes, these people have to go home – or stay late in their office – and work on the business side of the job. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for personal crafting. Often the only crafting they get done is making samples for their shops. Not that anyone has ever complained. It’s easy to see how much these people love their jobs. I’ve never met a shop owner who closed her doors because she
by Jo Branham
got tired of the business. Those who have closed have done so because of age, illness or the economy. Another thing these folk all have in common is advertising with The Country Register. Many shop owners I have only been able to meet by phone as I do an interview. Their shops I have only been able to experience online. But the beauty of the shops and the warmth of their owners is not lessened by distance. I can feel the excitement for their particular crafts and their desire to share it with others over the phone line. As the days grow longer – and warmer, thank goodness! – and you begin to think about venturing out and about - pick up a copy of The Country Register and visit some of the shops you find advertised inside. If you’re visiting another state, check online for a copy of that state’s Country Register. Many of them have online editions in pdf format. And if you happen to be going to one of the states that does not offer an online version, you can find their contact info and request a copy be mailed to you. Always remember to tell the shop owners or their staff that you found out about them by reading The Country Register.
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March & April 2016
PEDRICK TOWN PEDRICKTOWN
est. 1979 New, Old, Vintage and Antique–A Unique Shopping Experience We feature 5,000 sq ft of country store items, giftware, collectibles and antiques.
Come see what’s new... The Naked Bee products - new and expanded selection large selection of jewelry, Polish Pottery and accessories, quality children’s toys by Melissa & Doug – lots more to choose from: soups, tapestry handbags and totes, Swan Creek Soy Candles, Real Milk Pant, unpaited and finished furniture, etc.... More vintange and antiques to choose from!
St. Patrick’s Day Open House
St. Patrick’s Day & Easter Open House Sat., Mar. 12th: 10 AM – 5 PM “Pick a Shamrock or Egg – Get a Discount”
Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13 Come see what’s new for Spring! 1 East Mill Street, Pedricktown, NJ 08067 (at the blinker light) (856) 299-2210 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5 • Thurs. 10-7; Sunday by chance
Rae & Charles W alzer Walzer alzer,, prop.
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www.etcshop.net
By Ann St Martin Stout
Similarities and Variety Create a Display When decorating with antiques, or creating a tableau with other collected or vintage items, choose items both similar and contrasting in nature to create interest. This balance is arrived at by both trial and error and with a few guidelines, and the decorator will recognizes what pleases the eye. Consider the size of the space, the size of the items and the overall feel desired for that special area of the room. When I go to the overcrowded storage cupboard to select items to show, I have decided where the display will go. Then I find what I’d like to showcase. The first few items are chosen based on similarities of size, shape, material and function.. Next consider variety in size, shape, and material. For example, several glass pitchers in different sizes and a range of colors. For the arrangement shown, I wanted to display my small collection of egg cups. Since I have only three or four, I selected a few other small items - a vintage pitcher, a small folk-style mug, and a diminutive egg-shaped salt shaker. Small books were added to achieve a variety of heights, and to fill the wall space above the shelf a favorite oval locket was mounted on velvet and slipped in a shadow-box type frame. In another twist to the arrangement, I hung a modern photo of eggs in a goblet, to carry the egg theme more completely into the exhibit. I also tried adding three eggs to the shelf. (Odd numbers and groups of three similar items are pleasing.) The table below the shelf holds a ceramic crock and a glass oil lantern.
Books are again used to achieve interest and height - three stacked, one open with eye glasses. The single lace antimacassar under the crock carries the delicacy as the porcelain egg cups and locket into the lower area. The slight surprise of the rustic crock adds some pleasing variety and visual weight to the overall scene. A carved bird decoy adds another small, egg-related element. Within this simple display I was able to show crocheted lace, salt shaker and an egg cup from my maternal grandmother, a prayer book and carving from my dad’s side of the family, a small pitcher from an elderly childhood neighbor, and either my photography or my jewelry. Years ago the wall was painted with a curve-top faux alcove to outline a display. The arched frame, combined with the curved shelf, gives importance to one or several small pieces. Other variations might be: adding a small lace doily under the books on the shelf, hanging a bundle of dried herbs from the curve of the alcove, or carrying a nature theme further with heaps of pine cones and dried weeds inserted in two or more areas of the display. These natural items will bring a warmth and casual element into the display. Of course, the most important “rule” is to create something you find pleasing to look at in your own home, while showing off your treasured possessions. –Ann St. Martin Stout writes from New Hampshire where she enjoys life’s simple things with her family, including crafts, cooking, photography, and local culture. Her blog is www.leavesarefree.tumblr.com. Contact Ann at leavesarefree@gmail.com
Door Prizes & Refreshments Come See What’s New! Photos & More – Check Us Out on Facebook Minutes from Commodore Barry & Delaware Memorial Bridges Hrs: Mon.-Sat.: 10-5, Sun.: Call First 24 S. Railroad Ave., Pedricktown, NJ PHONE: (856) 299-2133 • www.heartfeltdesigns.com
Bunnies and Chicks Easter is the only time of year when bunnies lay eggs. I can’t remember how old I was when I realized this was not normal. I loved coloring the eggs on the Saturday night before Easter. Mom usually bought one of those egg-dye kits. My sisters and I would put on our jammies and gather in the kitchen. At first we really tried to use those utensils they gave you to pick up the eggs out of the dye. But that took to long, so we ended up just picking them up out of the dye with our fingers. We had pastel fingertips for days. As we grew older, Mom let us experiment with colors and designs, using the wax crayon that was also provided in the egg-coloring kit. We came up with a purple one year that can only be described as puce. Or maybe eggplant. But WHY does the Easter Bunny bring Easter EGGS? While I’ve wondered about it for a number of years now, I only recently took the time to look into it. It is believed the Easter Bunny first arrived in the United States in the 1700s with German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania. They brought with them their tradition of an egg-laying hare called Osterhase. The children would leave out carrots and make nests for Osterhase to lay colored eggs in. Eventually the custom grew and spread across the US.
by Jo Branham Nowadays, you’ll often find there’s as many chocolate or plastic candy-filled eggs as there are the traditional variety. Speaking of candy, jelly beans became associated with Easter in the 1930s. Chocolate eggs rose to popularity in Europe in the 19th century. And the topselling non-chocolate Easter candy is: Peeps. My personal favorite is Robin’s Eggs – pastel colored candy-coated chocolate. There are a couple of Christian traditions and legends regarding the Easter eg g. In ancient times, eg gs symbolized fertility and rebirth. The early Christians of Mesopotamia dyed hard boiled eggs red to represent Christ’s blood shed on the cross; the shell represented the tomb; and the cracking of the shell, Christ’s resurrection. Another legend says that Mary Magdalene went to the Roman Emperor and stated, “Christ has risen.” The Emperor pointed to an egg on the table before him and replied, “Christ is no more risen than that egg is red.” The egg immediately turned blood red. As we munch on our Easter goodies, let’s not forget what the holiday is really about. It isn’t about bunnies or candy. It’s not about new outfits or hats. It’s about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He is risen. Hallelujah!
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
BRIDGETON - TUCK AHOE - VINEL AND TUCKAHOE VINELAND
Rt. 55 Exit 32
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By Barbara Conquest
What’s Old is New Again The days are lengthening; the sunshine is warmer; the longed-for new season is just around the corner. This is the season of newness: green shoots poking up through the debris of winter, new calves and lambs frolicking in the fields – and new fabrics and books appearing on store shelves. And what’s new in quilting? What’s old is new again: a shape you probably last encountered in high school geometry: the hexagon, that six-sided figure with 60-degree angles. The shape itself is hardly new to quilters ( r e m e m b e r Grandmother’s flower garden quilts) but to quilters long accustomed to working with squares, rectangles and triangles, these newly-popular shapes may present a challenge. If you need it, help is near. Trends in quilting are almost invariably reflected in how-to books (or is it the other way around, that new books create trends? A question for another day). Here are four books worthy of consideration for your quilting library, each with its own strengths. Hexagon Happenings (Landauer, 2014) teaches the basics by means of text and colour illustrations. Drafting the shapes, cutting with and without templates, selecting suitable fabrics, and assembling by machine or by hand are presented in some detail before the latter section of the book which gives directions for 14 projects. The author, Carolyn Forster, lives in England, so fabric requirements
are listed in both imperial and metric measurements, a nice break for those of us who sometimes have problems reconciling the two. Kelly Ashton’s Hexagons, Diamonds, Triangles and More: Skill-building Techniques for 60-Degree Patchwork (Martingale, 2014) is a useful book even if you never intend to explore the use of hexagons. It presents information, theory, tools and procedures rather than projects. The diagrams and text directions for sewing Yseams (also known as set-in seams) are exceptionally clear; they alone make the book a wise buy for people leery of tackling these seams on their own. However there is so much more: traceable template patterns, charts for calculating shape dimensions, cutting guides and a gallery of completed projects. This book will be used often by many quilters, and lends itself to the creation of originals. The third book is not as awkward as its title might imply. The New Hexagon: 52 Blocks to English Paper Piece by Katja Marek of Kamloops BC is a new and intriguing twist on the classic hexagon. The colourful cover hints of the delights inside. The author’s glue-basting method of English paper piecing speeds up considerably what has long been a tedious and laborious procedure that many quilters, myself included, have tried to avoid. The combination of components made using this technique results in 52 large (6”) striking hexagon shapes, well
Broad Meadows Country Fabrics & Treasures 100 Mary Elmer Drive Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Est. 1995
Homespuns • Vintage Linens • Dolls • Quilts Vintage Fabrics • 1800s Reproductions • Primitive Gifts Decors • Vintage Clothing Jewelry • Kitchen • Glassware and More Find us on facebook
Tues-Sat 10-6 • 856-332-7269
illustrated in the book – true eye candy! Quilters will not be limited to the blocks or sizes shown; the possibilities are endless. In addition to the 52 blocks, readers will appreciate directions for seven projects of various sizes and a brief colour gallery. Hexagons Made Easy: Machine Techniques for Exceptional Quilts by Jen Eskridge (Martingale 2013) is written by someone who doesn’t have time to waste, and chooses to use her sewing machine. Eskridge shows innovative methods of constructing and using hexagons. She tells us that she was inspired by English paper piecing, but goes on to say, “Fundamentally, my technique is to accurately stitch a facing to all sides of a geometric shape and then turn the piece right side out, yielding a finished shape with edges neatly folded under and smooth on all sides. Although the projects in this book are all hexagonbased, my technique can be applied to any geometric shape.” The finished/faced
hexagons are then applied to another surface, or they can be joined together as is for a reversible project, because there are no raw edges. Also, there are no limitations on size, as with other methods. Detailed directions for and photos of 18 blocks, a number of quilts and home décor projects (cushions, table runners, pot holders) invite even the busiest of quilters to get to the sewing machine, because fast machine techniques are used for fast results. Again, the cover of this book offers a tantalizing glimpse of the joys within. To sum up: Hexagons per se are not new, but new methods of construction and utilization are bringing the traditional shapes used for traditional quilts into the forefront of twenty-first century quilting. More importantly, they’re versatile and fun! –Barbara Conquest writes her column from Blue Sky Quilting in Tofield, AB. © Barbara Conquest.
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March & April 2016
SALEM - - V ARIOUS SSALEM ALEM COUNTY LOC ATIONS VARIOUS LOCA
Suse-E-Q’s Cottage Primitiv e • Country Primitive Cottag e Furnishing Cottage Furnishingss and Decor 107 A West Broadway, (Rt 49) (across from Historic Salem Oak) 856-935-0669 Wed to Sat 10 - 5, Sun Noon - 4 Closed Mon & Tues Major Credit Cards Welcome
Arts In Bloom
Salem County’s Free Studio Tour Salem County, NJ celebrates its artists on May 21 and 22 from 10am to 5pm with its 8th Annual Arts in Bloom free self-guided studio driving tour of its artists studios. With 24 locations to visit and over 50 artists showcasing their work and studio spaces this years event is sure to please. The theme this year is Open Spaces...Rural Places, and if you haven’t been to Salem County, NJ lately, come to 349 square miles of of scenic landscapes and rural living. As you drive throughout the county, you will understand why Open Spaces. . . Rural Places is the theme for this year’s event and why Salem County is so inspiring to our artists. What will you see? A wide variety of studios and galleries to meet the artists and for a unique look at their private workspaces for many behind-the-scenes, one-on-one experiences with the artists. On the tour, you will see fine art, including painting sculpture, pottery, jewelry, leatherwork, glass, wood, and more - there is something for all ages. Bring the children; they’ll enjoy the Dig Into Art locations where hands-on-art is the order of the day! Choose an area on the map in the Arts in Bloom map, available at many locations and on-line to see many kinds of art. In Carney’s Point Cathy and Henry Mauser have acrylic and oil paintings along with charcoal and pastel drawings. Cathy was not encourage to study art as a child, her father thinking that drawing naked people day was a waste, instead had a career as a nurse, caring for “naked” people. Returning to her high school aspirations, Cathy’s work has a sensitive touch that is reflected in her choice of subject matter and the technique in her paintings while Henry returns to art after supporting his family as a civil engineer and telecommunications senior designer. Nancy Sadowl, artist/singer/songwriter offers jewelry, window hangers, décor created from beads and sea glass collected from beaches at her Pennsville studio and the Third Star Fibre Artists Guild will be at Willow Farm, Pennsville with its members will demonstrate weaving, spinning, knitting and other fiber arts. You will also meet the Alpacas and a variety of other animals living at the farm. Salem hosts nine artists. At the Klayhorse Studio sculptor Deborah
Waddington Smith exhibits fine art in the classical tradition, both standing figures and bas reliefs. She works in bronze, terra cotta and cast stone with a concentration in life-size human figures. Come see a work-in-progress on the Delaware Bay Watermen’s Memorial monument. Mary Waddington’s fine art photography is documenting those in the region who still live off the land. Her images reflect satisfaction with hard work, humility, and respect for nature. Greg g Perry, a European trained furniture and clock restorer, will be demonstrating in his studio the art of gilding and wood sculpting. His grandfather clocks will be on display and for sale. Bruce Sanville turns flat wood into larger than life, threedimensional sculptures. See how different materials can be combined to create sculptures, wood items, and large wind chimes. There will be an assortment of materials available for the future artist to create their own sculpture. Cindy and Bob Wilson use exotic and local woods to create wood turned items and Richard McDermott creates drawings, paintings, and prints inspired mostly by agriculture and nature on the outer coastal plain. The Salem County Art League is at Port Royal Antique with its members painting on location, wildlife photographer Rebecca Purchase will be showing her photos and Ron Wilson demonstrating woodworking techniques and exhibiting his work. Deborah DiMarco and Jenn Goodale will show many ways of working with glass. Monroeville hosts Karen Taniguchi who uses vintage fabrics and repurposed items to create unique clothing, home décor and gift items. At the Ironstone Sculpture Garden, Woodstown, earth, iron and stone sculpted in a unique garden invite the experience of art and nature. Take in the beauty of Salem County’s landscape as you drive to any or all of the locations using the Arts in Bloom map to plan your visit. You may book a room at the local hotel or B&B to spend the weekend enjoying the quaint towns, local wineries and fine food. Bring the children; they’ll enjoy the Dig Into Art locations where hands-on-art is the order of the day! Go to www.artsinbloomnj.com to get more information, sign up for future newsletters and plan your two day event!
Ov er 40 Vendors in 12,000 sq ft Over
Cawman’s Antique Mall Antiques & Things on Consignment
529 Salem Quinton Road Salem, NJ 08079 856-935-0423 Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm WE ARE BIGGER THAN WE LOOK! See us on Facebook
PLEASE SEE next edition of The Country Register for more Salem County towns and artist biographies. Photographs: Top left: Henry Mauser; Top Right: Cathy Mauser; middle left: Mary Waddington at work; bottom left: Deborah Waddington Smith; bottom right: Third Star Fibre Artists
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
WEST CREEK
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March & April 2016
WEST CREEK
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MORRISTOWN - RED BANK - SOMERSET Est. 1964
The Antique Center of Red Bank Sundays 12-5pm
Daily 11-5pm
100 DEALERS – ALL SPECIALTIES 195 West Front St. (732) 842-3393
226 West Front St. (732) 842-4336
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Exit 109 Garden State Parkway
Morris County HistoriCal soCiety at aCorn Hall Spring is in the air, so plan a visit to Acorn Hall! Built in 1853, the mansion was remodeled in 1860 in the Italianate Villa-style. Donated to the Society by Mary Crane Hone in 1971, Acorn Hall is recognized for its authenticity and Victorian grandeur. Stroll the Victorian gardens, and stop by the Oak Leaf Gallery Gift Shop. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m. Exhibit: “Bright Lights and Big City: Discover pre-WWII Broadway through Mary Hone’s diverse acting career. On display are her stage costumes, make-up, photos, scripts, and other memorabilia. Coming June 2016: Romance abounds in a new Wedding Gowns exhibit. See website for more details - www.AcornHall.org Find us on FaceBook • Twitter • Tumbler 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973)267-3465
Clean Out Your Scraps
by Deb Heatherly
And Make a Great Quilt! It’s that time of year—time to sort and organize. For some reason, I feel the need to do this once every year in my sewing room. First, I neatly fold all of the yardage that has been haphazardly tossed back into the closet during frenzied moments of creations during the past year. Next, I take out all of the scraps that have been piling up in my scrap basket and sort and press each piece. I then cut these pieces into ‘usable’ pieces, such as 2 ½” strips, and 5” and 10” squares. My now ‘usable’ scraps are then placed into labeled boxes and ready to be stitched at a moment's notice. Finally, I cut a box full of light and dark 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles. These will go into my annual “Twist n Shout Rectangles” quilt. The blocks in this quilt are a great way to use up scraps and are
super easy. By themselves, they look pretty boring but, once they are sewn together, they form a secondary pattern that will have you shouting and doing the happy dance. This simple pattern makes a fast gift and is fun to do with friends. You could even organize a scrap exchange to give your quilt more variety. Make sure to email me pictures at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com. I would love to see your creations. –Deb Heatherly is a Creative Grids® designer and author of the books Cat’itude and Strippy Stars. Ask for her Creative Grids® CGRDH1 Cat’s Cradle Tool and CGRDH2 Strippy Stars tools, and these companion books at your local quilt shop. Deb owns Deb’s Cats N Quilts in Franklin, NC. She is a former freelance writer and designer for QUILT magazine.
Salvage Style
Old Funnel Hanging Planter
With Spring fast approaching (not fast enough for some of us), thoughts turn to gardening and decorating our porches and patios. For this project, I found an old funnel used on the far m for various tasks. They come in lots of sizes and are readily available at flea markets, farm auctions and antique malls. The dents, scratches and rust are a bonus in my book, but since these were often used for oil or chemicals, a thorough cleaning is a must. Use hot water, de-greaser and a brush to clean your funnel and rinse it well. Your plants will thank you. Decide what you want to use to hang your funnel. Wire, jute, twine, rope or small chain work well. Drill four appropriately sized holes equally spaced around the rim of the funnel. I used jute and knotted it on the underside of the rim. You can stop there if you want, but I think it is fun to add interest by wiring a piece of grapevine garland around the top of the funnel. I then used wire to attach
by Marla Wilson
some old farm tools and a rusty star garland. Some of the tools can hang or you can wire them up tight. Use your imagination to find other items to decorate the funnel. Place a piece of screen in the funnel hole to keep the dirt from falling through, fill with soil and your favorite plant. Enjoy!
–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
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March & April 2016
ELMER
P e g g y ’’ss Country Gifts & Antiques Established 1987
203 E 856--358 -2 310 Ellm er St & Pa rk Av Avee • E Ellm er, N J 0 8318 • 856 BRINGING BACK LOTS OF NEW FINDS - APRIL 14TH Kitchen Kettle Jams, Jellies and more! Old Shutters • Flexible Flyer Wagons We now carry: LIGHTED PICTURES • DECORATED OLD CHAIRSCandles & Homespun Material Potpourri • Legacy greeting cards • 3 w. Bulbs, also Brown wire lights Decorated trees & tree decorations • Bella Taylor Handbags Crossroads Candles • Thompson Tarts ANTIQUES: Crocks, Jugs, Butter Churns, Coffee Grinders, Kitchenware, Yelloware, Wood Advertising Boxes, Benches, Buckets, Water Cans, Cupboards - late 1800-1900’s, Enamel top tables, Milk Bottles - NJ, Old Quilts, Cookie Jars, Vintage Doilies, & More! NOW OPEN! Military Building Military WWII items – We buy and sell! This building open Fri & Sat.
PLEASE NOTE HOURS: Opening April 14th • Please call first • Thurs - Sat 10:30am – 4-ish Other hours by appointment. Call if coming from distance.
Gather – A Vintage Market
By Simone Gers
Living in Luxury - Small Things, Simple Pleasures - Using Your Finds in Unusal Ways Like most girls of my generation, I had several wedding showers and felt very lucky to receive a really nice set of stainless steel flatware. Thirty-five years later, I still have that set and I’ve added to it over the years, preferring to use flatware instead of plastic when we’ve had parties and get togethers. And I’ve always loved what I received, especially when unloading the dishwasher and putting away gifts from over the years. Over the last few years at the store, we’ve sold a lot of silver plate flatware. As I ring up these pieces, I love the way they feel in my hand. I love looking at the different sizes of the tines, the different shapes of the spoons. So this last year, I told my husband Tray, let’s switch out our utensils—you’re always finding good pieces and I don’t care if they’re all the same pattern. What I like is the weight, the different patterns and different sizes. And while Tray loves the thrill of the hunt, he’s magical when he’s hunting with a list. It took a few months, but we have gathered a mixed-matched drawer of silver plate and I love it. Just last week, I was eating my breakfast and got so happy— there’s nothing like a silver-plate delivery to make a kale smoothie taste great. Then, a couple of nights later, I made a big pot of bean soup, which Tray loves but I’m never too excited about. I like soup okay but it’s not my favorite. Maybe that’s because, when I was a girl, soup night was
when there wasn’t much in the pantry and Mama had to throw together whatever there was into a pot to squeeze out something for all of us to eat. Often, that soup had to last a couple of days and we all knew it without saying anything. But eating it with a silver spoon, the bean soup tasted so good. I marveled at how perfectly sized the bowl of the spoon was for the size of the beans and my mouth. I thought about how Tray likes a big spoon and I like a medium-sized, deeper bowl, and by mixing and matching, we both used what was perfect for our individual tastes. I was already looking forward to leftovers while enjoying each bite. Tray laughed at me when I said this is the best soup ever—I think it’s my new antique, silverplate spoon. Of course, he quipped, we should get some more. That’s the thing about being married to a collector. He’s always ready for a new love. We have been talking about teacups. They don’t sell that well and we started to talk about why. Tray’s thought was, well, people don’t know what to do with them. Not many people drink tea out of good cups anymore. And he’s right. So, at dinner, we started riffing on all the ways great
teacups could be used. We had so much fun that we’re already using them in innovative ways and he is, once again, hunting with a purpose. We’re now serving our desert in a teacup. From ice cream and a brownie to pudding and jello-based deserts, teacups make great ser ving pieces. They’re the perfect serving size and, with the saucer, there’s a builtin, easy-to-hold tray and place to rest the spoon between bites. I’m also using them in rows for holding office supplies—from paperclips to pushpins, demitasse cups make beautiful, cheerful holders. I discovered they are great on my vanity, holding hairclips and ponytail holders and other odds and ends—they help me keep everything organized and neat in a place where it’s easy to get messy. I’m always setting my rings down when I cook and I thought I could use a teacup by the side of the stove. What’s great is that I had my rings in the cup and then I needed to set down a fork I was using to turn some meat over and I realized, oh, this doubles as a place to rest the tines of the fork. Genius.
One of the unexpected joys of using teacups in innovative and utilitarian ways is that it’s easy to change the look and feel of a room. Make a yellow room pop with different colors—from the graphics of two-tone patterns like Spode. Have a room with a lot of solids or stripes, integrate a motif of birds, flowers or an Asian design to brighten and provide contrast. We’ve had so much fun figuring out innovative ways to use teacups and using them brings joy to mundane tasks and organization. And, just as eating bean soup out of a silver spoon changes everything, so does reaching for a paperclip out of a Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica work of art on my desk. I’m sure after we launch a revival of teacups, we’ll find something else to create with and repurpose. Part of the luxury of our lives is creating together—finding hidden gems, turning them over in our hands and wondering what else is possible. –Simone Gers began her antiquing journey 35 years ago when she married Tray, an avid collector. They still have the first piece they bought together—a pegged farm table that was so decrepit it was behind the antique store— and they have been upcycling vintage finds ever since. The Gers own Gather A Vintage Market in Tucson, AZ, a monthly market. Simone has taught writing and literature at the college level for many years.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MULLIC A HILL MULLICA Cr cr es FFaarm is one Creeamy A Acr cres of the ffew ew w orking D air working Dair airyy farms sstititilll in the aarre a…. Open: March 5th Mon - Fri 10-5, Sat 9 - 5 (Closed Sundays)
March 5h is Opening Day!
Visit our Greenhouse featuring…. Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Grape hyacinths, Hydrangeas. Come see our beautiful spring baskets too! We also have spring perennials, herbs and annuals along with original designed flower combo pots, urban container vegetable and herb pots and patio tomatoes. Buy local. Eat Fresh. Birthday parties now available for Spring & Summer. Please call for details of “A Fun on the Farm” Birthday Party Educational tours for the greenhouse, pre-k and up. Dairy tours available for all ages.
Lil’ Peeps Hayride & Easter Egg Hunt Hop on over to Creamy Acres for a fun filled day and see what spring has to offer! Kids can take a hayride down the bunny trail to the Egg Hunt, hop back onto the wagon and go to bunny land. In bunny land, you’re Lil’ Peeps will meet the Easter Bunny and exchange the eggs (empty eggs) for a special prize! Take pictures, play a game, visit the barnyard petting area or browse around our Garden Center! Be sure to bring your Easter Basket for Gathering of Eggs! Cost $7.00– per egg hunter (10 and under – Non egg hunter $2.00 includes hayride.)
Hayrides and Easter Bunny will be available from
10am to 4pm on Sat., March 12th & 19th and Good Friday March 25 & 26
TEA ROOM AND CHRISTMAS SHOP
Antique Elegance in a Relaxed Atmosphere Full Lunch Menu ~ Sweet Treats ~ Afternoon Tea Served Daily! Large Selection of Loose Teas Available Tea Gift Sets Including Tea Forte and Davidson’s Organic Teas, Tea Accessories, Books, Tea Sets, Children’s Tea Sets Authorized Byers Choice Dealer Jim Shore Figurines ~ Unique Ornaments
www.ameliasteasandholly.com 26 South Main St., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 (856) 223-0404
CLOSED SUNDAYS Shop our Country Store filled with… country – vintage and urban home and garden décor – beautiful irons and slate inserts, jams, dressing, grillin sauces, mustards, candies, nuts, and other goodies, along with local honey, farm fresh eggs and local produce, featuring heirloom produce. Present Coupon or For Upcoming Events in April, May & June, please visit our website. Mention this ad
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Reservations Recommended Parking in Rear of Building
Hours: Wed - Sat 11-4; Sun 12-4
for 25% OFF
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533 Mullica Hill Rd, Mullica Hill NJ 08062 • (856) 218-7467
A Cup of Tea with Lydia
By Lydia E. Harris
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what tea parties are made of. But what if you have health challenges and sugar isn’t nice for your body? Does that mean tea parties are over? Hardly! Here’s a tea menu to enjoy even if you must limit your wheat or sugar intake. Serve delicious foods. For my seven-TEAeth birthday, our daughter, A n i t a , delivered a tea party to our home. Since she has celiac disease and cannot eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains), she prepared a tasty glutenfree tea supper that we all enjoyed. Her menu included three-bean salad, fruit kabobs, cucumber boats stuffed with hummus and grilled chicken, and strips of cucumber and pastrami. For dessert, she served a creamy, frozen raspberry pie made with cashews and a gluten-free graham-cracker crust. It tasted delicious with our peach herbal tea. Spice up the presentation! “Teatimes are mostly about the presentation,” Anita
said. So she served the foods in appealing ways. The bean salad sat mounded on a large chunk of orange pepper with sliced beets for garnish on the side. Cantaloupe, red grapes, blueberries, and basil leaves looked pretty threaded onto skewers. The cucumber boats were new to me but are easy to make. Simply cut a cucumber into 2 1/2-inch pieces. Then cut each chunk in half lengthwise to make two boats. Scoop out some of the cucumber and seeds in the middle and heap the boat full of your favorite filling, such as hummus, cottage cheese, chicken salad, or egg salad. The dessert looked especially appealing topped with whipped cream, raspberry freezer jam, and a lemon slice. We enjoyed our colorful, healthy tea supper from the first to last bite. Make everything nice. When I posted pictures of our teatime on Facebook, friends commented: “Yummy and beautiful,” “lovely presentation and
Shop Hour s: Mon - Fri 10-5; Sat & Sun 10-4 Hours: Over 5000 Bolts of FFabric abric Classes offered, day & night
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healthy.” And “I wish someone would bring me such a delightful tea! What a precious daughter you have.” I couldn’t agree more. We enjoyed everything about our teatime. As you can tell from our daughter’s menu, teatimes can be sweet and lovely without a lot of sugar. If you want to serve desserts and scones, serve small portions. Dainty tidbits are perfect for teatime. And when going out for tea, consider ordering a salad with protein and a scone on the side. Tea itself is definitely part of the “everything nice” at teatimes. With virtually no calories and loaded with antioxidants, tea is good for you. And green tea, which is unfermented, is considered especially healthy. If you haven’t developed a taste for it, try a flavored green tea such as Bigelow’s Constant Comment, which makes a spicy brew.
Besides the health benefits of drinking tea, a tea break relieves stress. The ritual of brewing, sipping, and relaxing with a fragrant cup of tea provides a soothing interlude. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, select from decaffeinated choices. • So what are tea parties made of? • Sugar: the sweetness of time shared (and maybe a little sugar). • Spice: the beauty of the presentation (and perhaps some spiced tea). • Everything nice: the joy of teatime (with tea, delicious food, and cozy conversation). As you gather for tea, here’s a blessing for your teatime. Heavenly Father, sweeten our teatime with your presence. Warm our hearts with your love. And fill our cups to overflowing with friendship and joy. Amen. I’m ready to plan a sweet teatime without adding a lot of sugar. You too?
–Lydia E. Harris, who holds a master’s degree in Home Economics, is blessed with five grandchildren and authored the book, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting (AMG Publishers). No reprint without author’s permission.
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March & April 2016
GLENDORA - MULLIC A HILL - PITMAN - WOODSTOWN MULLICA South Jersey
Ar tists & C ho w & Sale Crraftsmen SSho how A pril 16-17 • Satur day 10-6, SSunday unday 11-4 aturday
70 Cr aftsmen • F ood • Giv ea ways Craftsmen Food Givea eaw Vir tua Total Tur xperience irtua urff E Experience 614 Lamb Rd., P itman, NJ Pitman, FREE A dmission – IIndoor ndoor E Admission Evv ent
www .sjpumpkinsho w.com www.sjpumpkinsho .sjpumpkinshow
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Cheryl’s Quilts-N-Crafts Custom made for you...handmade by me. Sewing • Quilting • Embroidery • Applique
www.cherylsquiltsncrafts.com • www.facebook.com/Cherylsquiltsncrafts on Instagram cherylsquiltsncrafts and twitter @Cheryls_Quilts
UPCOMING SHOWS See Website fo Current Listings
The Scarecrow Factory From Lydia’s Idea File
Cucumber Baskets with Veggies
Cucumber boats are quick and easy to make. But during the spring and Easter season, you might enjoy making cucumber baskets. • Large cucumber (makes 3 or 4 baskets) • Baby carrots or thin strips of carrots • Celery leaves • Small yellow zucchini • Toothpicks • Small grape tomatoes • Hummus, or filling of choice • Small radishes To Make: 1.Cut off 1 1/2–inch piece of cucumber. Make sure the cut ends are flat. Set on cut end to make basket. 2. Hollow out some of the center of the cucumber, but leave some for the sides and bottom of the basket. Fill with hummus. 3. Cut a 1/4-inch slice of cucumber to become the handle. Cut off the lower 1/ 3 of the slice. Then use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out some of the inside of the slice. What is left is the handle with the peel on top. 4. Cut zucchini and radishes into 1/4-inch slices. Put all vegetables except carrots on individual toothpicks. Arrange vegetables in the basket to make a colorful bouquet and poke the toothpicks into the hummus. Also poke in carrots. You should be able to fit two or more pieces of each vegetable into the basket. 5. Place the cucumber handle on top of the basket. The other veggies will hold it in place. Add a few celery leaves to fill in as greenery. 6. Make one basket for each guest. These cute, healthy baskets can also serve as place-card holders. Cut strips of paper, write names, attach toothpicks, and poke into the basket. Variation: Add other colorful veggies of your choice, such as yellow, orange, or red peppers. Green olives look nice as well. (No reprint without author’s permission.)
Easter Open House Weekend Saturday and Sunday March 5 (10-5) & March 6 (11-4) Beautiful hand-made Easter and Spring decor Locally made ... just for you! Specials throughout the store all weekend.
New Items Arriving Daily Saturday and Sunday April 2 (10-5) & April 3 (10-5) SPRING FLING WEEKEND Refreshments • Shop Specials Enter to win a Gift Certificate (856) 769-1050 Check our FACEBOOK page (theScarecrowFactoryCountryStore) for Special Sales New Spring Hours: Tue - Sat 10-5; Sun 12-4 Gift Certificates Available We consign quality handmade items – USA & Local made!
25 East Avenue (Rt. 40), Woodstown, NJ 08098
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
OUT OF ST ATE AD VER TISERS STA ADVER VERTISERS
The Vintage Revival Comes Alive in Walla Walla, WA
by Barbara Floyd
Love of Junk – June 17 - 18 The revival of all things vintage is in full swing across North America and across the sea as well. Those with an ear to the ground for trends and an eye for spotting good bones to achieve them are leading the way and inspiring others. By creatively reviving relics from the past, a fresh look is being created for decor in the 21st century making good use of what was once discarded. New vocabulary has been invented to describe what is happening: Upcycle, Repurpose, Deconstruct, etc, and spell check has yet to catch up! Vintage Revival is the most userfriendly trend imaginable. Anyone can get involved at some level with only a few basic tools and supplies such as a paint brush and hammer. Cash-strapped young couples and single mothers are often the most motivated, but even those in the midst of unrelated careers are discovering the satisfaction of taking something on its way to landfill and reviving it to be more beautiful or functional than it ever was before. And with pieces 'in the rough' affordable and plentiful, many are even making a business of it, opening stores or a mall booth, or joining in pop-up vintage shows. Through many decades, my own experience has been in creating businesses, Upon spotting an empty retail location I would imagine what business I would put in that location. In the 1960's, I actually started making some of them happen, beginning with the first ceramic studio in Prescott, AZ. A love of sewing and crafting, an art minor along with a science major in education, somehow all led to a shop called The Country Goose in Phoenix, followed by Gooseberries Tea Room & Gift shop, which was also in Phoenix. Being in business led to starting yet another, The Country Register newspaper chain. We needed a way of advertising as did other locally-owned related shops and shows. With this great avenue for promotion in place, we were soon producing the first school arts and crafts show and then the first arts and craft home show in Arizona. The Country Register expanded across the nation as a trusted and reliable source for gift shops, craft malls, festivals and other events, antiques, collectibles, tea rooms, and quilting businesses. Because we were already established as quilting evolved and bloomed into many shops and shows, this niche newspaper thrived when others didn't survive. Tea rooms started to be fewer in number and gift shops went from 'country' to more upscale offerings over the years. Those who did not reinvent themselves or at least adjust, did not survive as trends and eras came and went. Antiques enjoyed a heyday and then came the economic downturn several
years ago. What at first seemed like a smorgasboard for dealers as people downsized, ended up overwhelming a dwindling market. People were having to let go of collections and even family heirlooms as they could no longer afford the space to enjoy or store them. This reversal in supply and demand led to a drastic drop in pricing. That created the opportunity for a revival in interest in vintage, mid-century, industrial, and plain old junk. Junk! That is a really good word that everyone understands. To make use of what was now so available, the concepts of upcycling and repurposing surged. This trend was soon forming a whole new industry. How long it lasts will depend on how creative people continue to be. I see it growing, not letting up any time soon. Washington state has been a leader in the Vintage world, spawning some of the very first shows. New Vintage shops are
continually opening there, something that is happening elsewhere as well as the trend spreads and takes hold. Chalk paint has played a big part in creative refurbishing and provides an endless opportunity for one-of-a-kind merchandise for the shops and shows. The Country Register is perfect for connecting a perfect readership for these unique shops and shows, with an audience primed and eager for them. I was on the far m of my oldest daughter and her farmer husband in Washington one summer four years ago. We talked often about ways to sustain life on the sixty acre farm on the outskirts of Walla Walla they had bought a few years before that.. As was my nature, by summers end, I had envisioned a business for them. I announced they had the perfect set-up for a Vintage Show. Now
this was my daughter who really did not like my various shops nor did she enjoy the arts and crafts shows in our home when she was young and volunteering her services at the local hospital. But, she loves vintage, mainly mid-century and the industrial look, so she was intrigued and my son-inlaw was good with the idea. I volunteered or was volunteered to pull it together and it has been my joy to do so each year. They had e ve r y t h i n g needed to make it work. Big barn buildings, four mowed acres of green grass, large camping areas, and plenty of parking. We launched the concept by painting the doors of their century old farmhouse turquoise for an inspiring, updated touch of vintage before I left. I went back to Phoenix in the fall full of ideas and started the process of finding vendors, vintage trailer boutiques, lining up food trucks, and a chalk paint dealer.
A name was selected, our web site established and the date for our first show was set within a few months.. This June 17-18, 2016 will be our fourth annual Love of Junk, Walla Walla’s Vintage Market. The first event was successful and each year the attendance has grown. The Swenson Farm is a picturesque setting, with its great barns and green pastures backed by the Blue Mountains. Many of the vendors camp with us during the show. More than half of the vendors are indoors and the others set up on the grassy area adjacent to the barns. There are on-going chalk painting demos in one barn. Walla Walla is a destination town, a city known for outstanding food and wine. The Swenson farm is surrounded by over 150 Wineries. Historic Whitman Mission is near the farm as well as Blue Mountain Lavender Farm where you can pick your own lavender in June. You will love visiting the vibrant downtown area of Walla Walla with restaurants that are award-winning on a national level. Come and enjoy all this and more that the Southeastern corner of Washington State has to offer and get in on our fun on the farm and in the barn. Follow us on FB to see our updates and fun c r e a t i ve inspiration posts. Love of J u n k , Wa l l a Wa l l a ’s Vintage Market. Our web site has photos posted fromeach year's show and offers more information: www.loveofjunk.com. –Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register, Inc. retired four years ago from active publishing and enjoys traveling, reading, cooking and loves spending time with family and friends. Her volunteer job of co-ordinating Love of Junk, Walla Walla’s Vintage Market keeps her winters busy in Phoenix, her home for over 50 years. She can be reached at barbara@countryregister.com.
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March & April 2016
CAPE MA Y MAY
H IST ORIC C OLD S PRING V ILLAGE ISTORIC An Early American Living History AmericanLiving
Step back in time to the ... “Age of Homespun” and experience the sights, sounds and aromas of an agricultural town of the 1800s. Interpreters in period clothing welcome the opportunity to talk with visitors about the buildings and their trades & crafts.
St i tc h B y St i tc h <Cross Stitch & all the “goodies” <Needlepoint & Patanayan Wool <Custom Framing <Nancy Spruance Trunk Show We will be having classes, so please call for information. OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM - 5PM (Please Call First: 1-800-868-3215)
Washington Commons 315 Ocean St., Unit 9 Cape May, NJ 08204
Save the Date for Feasting on History The 16th Annual Restaurant Gala Tuesday, May 3rd at 6pm At the NASW Aviation Museum
If we don’t have it, we will order it. We ship anywhere.
Featuring over 40 area restaurants, wineries, breweries, bakeries and more! Advanced ticket sales only.
720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 3 Miles North of Cape May City Admission Charge (unless noted) - Free Parking
Call for more information 609-898-2300 or visit our website: www.hcsv.org
The Knitting Savant
MacGyver Would Be Proud I’m all about gadgets. I love electronics, apps for phone and tablet, and there are two drawers and a pitcher on our kitchen counter full of utensils. I’m well fixed for knitting do-dads, too. I enjoy and use them, but some of my best tools weren’t found in yarn or craft stores. Here are a few of my favorites: Zipper Bags – I’m not sure I could knit without plastic zipper bags. The gallon sizes will hold a large project in progress, yarn for a project and anything else you think will fit in one of these lovelies. Smaller sizes work for smaller projects, leftover yarn, any necessary notions and the odd peanut butter sandwich when you take your knitting on the road. I like being able to see everything in the bag without needing to open it and love that they’re reusable. Bedding Bags -- the clear zipper bags that blankets and sheets come in -- are also great containers for larger projects like Afghans. Sheet Protectors – Found in office supply stores, clear sheet protectors help keep paper patterns organized. They make it easier to keep all the pages of a pattern in once place and can be kept for reference in a three ring binder. Binder Clips (also called Bulldog Clips) – When you have a couple of these in your gadget bag, you can secure a pattern to keep pages from getting separated or hold the edges of two knitted pieces for sewing together. You can also improvise a yarn bowl by clipping one on the side of a small box or bowl and feeding the
By Andrea Springer
yarn through the handle. Snap Hair Clips – Snap hair clips are the perfect way to secure the outside end of a skein of yarn that was wound on a ball winder. We’ve all been in that situation. We’re in the middle of a project, pulling our working yarn from the inside, when suddenly, that outside tail goes “rogue” and starts to wind around the working yarn. Secure a hair clip on your “outside tail” and you’ll never have that problem again. Binder Rings – A small binder ring can hold a lot of stitch markers in your gadget bag or hold several sheet protectors with patterns together in one spot. Hard Back Book – Need a lot of fringe for a tassel or other project? Wrap your yarn around a hard back book, securing the end along the side where the book opens. When you’ve wrapped it around the book as many times as you need, you can easily cut the strands with a pair of scissors along the same side where you started. Bingo – your strands will be the same length. So I challenge you to think outside your gadget bag and come up with your own solution to your project needs. Remember, the latest and greatest knitting gadgets may be fun and useful but your favorite tools might just be in your desk or kitchen drawer! –Andrea Springer blogs at www.knittingsavant.com and is also on Facebook and Twitter.
Cook’s Library with Patsy Every spring when the purple hyacinths bloomed, my mom would pick a big bouquet and put it in a fruit jar in the middle of the dining room table. Even as a child, I realized this was about more than bringing flowers inside. Although I didn’t understand it then, she was satisfying an innate need we all have for beauty. Years ago I was writing a magazine story about a church with beautiful stained glass and one of the people I interviewed commented that beauty was a manifestation of the divine. I loved that statement and have thought about it many, many times since. It really resonated with me. I’ve been reading Beauty, a book by the poet John O’Donohue. “The human soul is hungry for beauty; we seek it everywhere – in landscape, music, art, clothes, furniture, gardening, companionship, love, religion and in ourselves,” he writes. “We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful for it meets the needs of our soul.” The adage that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” is so true. I’m attracted to things others might not be interested in at all – from rocks to old vases. Others love vintage cars or mid-century furniture. Whatever appeals to your sense of beauty satisfies something deep inside you. This extends to food, too. There’s a reason presentation is always one of the things graded on a competition cooking show. Over the years I’ve made some food that is pretty, but most of the food I make has more of a - charm - shall we say. But who doesn’t love a jar of homemade cookies on the counter? No extra decoration is required! Homemade food is always beautiful, whether simple
By Patsy Terrell
or dressed up. I thought this month I’d share with you one of my absolute favorite cookie recipes. I’ve been making these cookies for more than 25 years and so far no one has turned one down. They are delicious and perfect with a cup of tea when it’s just a little nippy outside. I decided I’d better share them while we still have some chilly days ahead. The bonus is that your house will smell amazing while they’re baking. Don’t be put off by the crystallized ginger – it’s easy to work with. If you don’t have any, and don’t want to get any, you can leave it out, but it does add a little something special to the recipe. –See more photos and recipes at cookslibrarywithpatsy.com Patsy Terrell lives with many, many pretty rocks - and fewer ginger cookies than she’d like. Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses 2 1/4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 ounces crystallized ginger, minced Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and molasses and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and crystallized ginger and mix. Make 48 one inch balls. Put on cookie sheet and flatten with glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
SHOP HOP TOWNS