Those adorable Kissy Heads, Squeezums or Kiss'n Critters...

Everyone has seen or had one of these at some time or another. They're known by various names: Squeezums, Kissy Heads, Kiss'n Critters, Kiss Me Quicks, and probably others that I can't think of right now. Squeeze their cheeks and their mouth opens wide. They're terrific for holding some tiny little surprise item, the most traditional use is with a Hershey's candy kiss in the mouth so when you squeeze the cheeks you get a kiss!!!

These make up quickly with Plastic Canvas and there are dozens of delightful designs to choose from. You can use them for Party Favors, adorable magnets (clamp your notes in the mouth), Christmas Stocking stuffers, to hold money for a gift, as package ties, placecard holders... the possibilities are endless. They're perfect for clamping (biting?) onto the branches of a Christmas Tree as Ornaments. Pass them out in the morning and they'll keep the kids occupied and happy... and give you a few minutes to relax before the day really gets going.

Kiss Me Quick from Leisure Arts has patterns for a Lion, Clown, Alligator, Zebra, Parrot, Lamb, Monkey and a Cow. Christmas Squeezums from American School of Needlework has over 2 dozen Holiday designs including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Snowflake Singers, Angels and more. Squeezum Folks from American School of Needlework has another 2 dozen or so designs that you'll love, like: Punk Rocker, Construction Worker, Fortune-Teller, Highway Patrolman and others. You can find a terrific assortment of Craft Patterns for Squeezums at Stone Hill Collectibles. While you're there check out all the other wonderful Craft Patterns for other great projects. And don't forget to pick out your Free item before you check out with your goodies... one per order (please) and NO minimum dollar amount required.

Rainy Day Clothespin Crafts

What do you do on those cold dreary rainy days of Fall and Winter.... when you start to hear "Mom, there's nothing to do"?? You stop whatever you're doing and try to come up with something interesting to occupy the kids. Sometimes you might say "Let's make cookies". Sometimes you might "suggest" they clean their rooms (accompanied by the sounds of groans and wails of protest). Well here are some fun ideas for projects that will keep the kids busy, happy and productive (even the grown-up kids) using simple modest wooden clothespins. You'll definitely want to keep a stash on hand. And the really good news is, inflation hasn't caught up with the lowly clothespin yet!!!

So, what can you do with a wood clothespin? Has your child ever brought home from school a reindeer ornament made with 3 clothespins? Well, that's one of hundreds of possibilities. You can make clothespin dolls, clothespin dollhouse furniture, clothespin toys, clothespin ornaments, clothespin wall plaques... and more.

There are different types of wood clothespins available, some in different sizes, and they can all be used. There are Flat Clothespins (also packaged as "no-roll" clothespins), Doll Pins (round clothespins that have already had the ends trimmed off straight), and Spring Clothespin Halves (spring clothespins with the spring removed).

Here are some suggestions for your Rainy Day Clothespin Project Box:
1. Clothespins... LOTS of wood clothespins
2. Popsicle Sticks
3. Glue
4. Paints and inexpensive brushes
5. Colored marking pens
6. Fabric scraps
7. Yarn
8. Beads
9. Trims
10. Wood spools
11. ... anything else that might make a fun embellishment.

This is sure to be a favorite rainy day activity for the kids, so keep that project box full and ready.

The Clothespin Book by Jan Way has some adorable projects: a Toy Soldier, the cutest owls you ever saw, Raggedy Anne & Andy Dolls, a clothespin train (complete with Engine, Coal Tender, Milk Car, Tank Car, Box Car, Log Car and a Caboose) and more. Clothespin Critters and Other Fun Things by Geri Whetham is filled with ideas including: Camels, Boats, Horses, Planes, Tractors, an Astronaut and tons more. Cleverness with 3 Kinds of Clothespins from Plaid includes: Baskets, Planters, the 3 Wisemen ornaments, an eagle, an Indian Chief plaque and even more ideas. And finally there's a fantastic book from Hazel Pearson called Clothespin Dolls and Furniture including Spool Ornaments with projects like Indian Brave, Squaw, dollhouse furniture (bed, table, chair, vanity) and the neatest spool ornaments for the Christmas Tree.

If you're looking for even more Rainy Day project ideas for kids, stop by Stone Hill Collectibles and browse the shelves. I have over 1000 craft patterns now (and adding more all the time)... and even a few cookbooks written specially for children.

Handpainted Tole, Rosemaling & Folk Art by Grammy BJ

Grammy BJ is my Mom. She's 89 and an amazing artist with a passion and a gift for painting. All too often I see the spark dim in seniors who don't have hobbies or interests. But not my Mom. She does beautiful Tole work, Rosemaling, Folk Art and Primitive Folk Art... and the real gift is her desire to share her work. She loves to paint and enjoys tremendously seeing her work show up "on the computer". So she paints and paints away her days... and hands off wonderful pieces to me, looking forward to seeing them in my online store.

She just recently handed me a collection of trinket and treasure boxes, and said "these would be perfect for Christmas". So I took lots and lots of photos and now they're "on the computer". These are mostly wooden boxes with hinged lids and a latch in the front. There's even one box with a rosemaling design that could be used as a way cool retro wood purse... it has metal corners, a hinged lid, latches AND a handle.

And what collection of rosemaling would be complete without a stunning design on a black background??? This truly would be a lovely one-of-a-kind gift to surprise someone with... it's just beautiful!!

You can see all of her boxes "on the computer" in my online store now. Mom broke her hip on Valentine's Day 2008. Painting was the last thing on her mind for a while, but she's back on her feet and doing terrific (and alot more careful about what she's doing). It's a real joy to see her painting again... and I hope you enjoy her art as much as I do.

But wait.... there's more!!!! She also had fun painting some delightful birdhouses (which are "on the computer")... and some precious miniature pieces called ACEO's (they measure about 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" and can be slipped right into your wallet for art to go!!)... also "on the computer". There are miniature Fanciful Birds and there are a few Other Critters. You'll fall in love with all of them for sure!!!

So if you're looking for something special for someone on your Christmas List... be sure to stop by Stone Hill Collectibles... a Grammy BJ original might be just what you're looking for!!!

The old-fashioned art of Tin Punch

The Colonial days of early America were filled with the hard work of building a new life, home and nation. The pleasures and comforts of life were few and far between and difficult to come by. Tin punching was easily accomplished using materials that could be found around the home. Candlelight was enhanced with tin punched shades of different shapes and sizes. Tin punched panels that would let air in but stop the insects worked beautifully as screens. The Pie Safe provided a place to store baked goods while they cooled... the decorative tin punched panel protected the food while the hot air escaped. Finished Tin Punch pieces added appeal to otherwise sparse and modestly decorated homes. The Welcome placque shown here is from a 1983 Tin Punch pattern book.

So are you ready to give this wonderful craft a try?? The tools required for tin punching are simple and you probably already have what you need around the house. You'll need a lightweight hammer, a center punch, and a piece of plywood that is at least 1/4" thick. The plywood should be the same size or a little larger than the piece you will be punching. You'll also need some tracing paper to copy your patterns onto and masking tape to fasten the traced designs to the metal. If you want a satin finish on your completed project you'll also need some 0000 steel wool and any brand of dull or matte finish plastic spray. This Colonial Couple is from a 1983 Tin Punch pattern book by Jan Way.

A variety of metals can be used: Tin, Tooling and Decorative Foil, and heavier metals (.010" to .020" in copper, brass or bronze, and aluminum).The choice of metal and material thickness will depend on the effects you'd like to achieve. Copper and Bronze or Brass will produce a rich, lustrous finish. Aluminum and Tin can be finished with various antiquing finishes (don't be afraid to experiment). Aluminum is not a traditional tin punch material, but it won't rust and can be finished with a lovely pewter effect. What appears to be quilt blocks to the left? This is just an example of some of the amazing effects you can accomplish by combining your imagination, creativity and tin punching. You'll find these patterns in a 1984 Tin Punch pattern book by Jan Way.

The thinner materials will produce a more rustic effect. The heavier metals will give a quilted effect. Whatever your choice, you'll achieve the best effects if your punch tool is not allowed to heavily pierce the metal. Practice on some small pieces until you get the hang of punching... and experiment to see what effects you like the looks of best.

So what can you make? Lampshades, Candle Shades, Picture Frames, Placques, and many other beautiful items. Locating vintage pattern books for Tin Punch designs can be difficult but I currently have several Tin Punch books available in addition to wonderful pattern books for many other crafts. Please come and browse my selection of items at Stone Hill Collectibles. And don't forget to check out the "Free with Purchase" craft patterns (no minimum purchase required).

Recipe for September - Raisin Cake

This is a handwritten recipe found in a copy of the
1923 Household Science Cookbook

1 C Sugar
1/4 C butter
1 egg well beaten
1 cup raisins cooked 20 min in 1-1/2 cups water
1/2 C raisin water
1 tsps soda
2 cup flour
Bake in loaf

Browse our fantastic selection of vintage Cookbooks . They all contain more delicious and unusual recipes.

Do you have your own special recipe that you would like to share? (you know... the one everyone raves about when you make it???). Send it to me at Recipes . I'd love to include it here and in my next newsletter!!

FREE with Purchase!!

I've "inherited" an amazing collection of vintage Craft patterns and other items that were once offered as "advertising" giveaways by Manufacturers and Retail Stores. Most of these items are at least 10 years old and older and I'm offering them FREE with any purchase as a special thank you to my wonderful customers. I'm just starting to get these added to the store with lots more to come. New Items will be added each month so please check back often! Come see what Free with Purchase items I've listed so far!! Select any ONE item and receive it FREE with your purchase.

Offer good while supplies last!! NO minimum purchase required.

Offer limited to one item per purchase.

Visit me at Stone Hill Collectibles and check out all the goodies I have listed. You're welcome to kick off your shoes and set a spell. We love company!!

Huck Weaving or Swedish Weaving

Huck weaving, also known as Swedish Weaving, is a very popular and fascinating form of needlework. The double raised thread that runs parallel to the selvage, usually considered the wrong side of material, is used to weave the designs. Some designs may also be worked on the right side of material using the single loops that run lengthwise of material.

The collage of patterns shown in blue are from a vintage Aunt Martha's booklet: Huck Weaving Patterns. Not dated but most likely circa 1960's. This is a great collection of Huck patterns with numerous Borders, Flowers, and more.

Designs are always started in the center of material with only a few exceptions. Count the pairs of threads to find the exact center of huck material to be decorated. This spaces the pattern evenly so edges will end alike. Begin with a thread long enough to work across the design without joining.

Work from left to right. Pull working thread half way through under center loop or threads, leaving remaining length to work other half of design. Count accurately and keep thread on top; never allow it to go through on underside of material. Do not pull threads too tight or piece will pucker. Cotton fabrics should be pre-laundered to minimize potential shrinkage.

Some excellent examples of completed Huck Weavings are shown below, used to embellish a Frame, as a Towel border, on a Place Mat, Napkin Ring, Clutch Purse and more. These are projects and patterns included in a 1981 "Teach Yourself" leaflet which illustrates six basic stitch types and techniques needed for working these huck patterns.

Please come visit Stone Hill Collectibles and enjoy browsing the selection.... now close to 1000 vintage and out of print Craft Pattern items in addition to other wonderful vintage treasures.