Where Bloggers Create Party 2013. Tour my current studio here.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Grow Your Blog 2015

 Welcome to the third annual "Grow Your Blog" curated by Vicki Boster of 2 Bags Full. Do pop over to visit her and see her lovely knitted creations and fabulous fibre nests as well as links to the other bloggers taking part this year.

This is my first time participating. Welcome to my blog! My name is Jennifer and I live in Eastern Ontario, Canada. I've been blogging for 8 years now. Hard to believe it has been that long! A friend convinced me to give it a try so we could keep track of each other's life as I had moved away. Back then it was something my mom looked at daily. Now I have a number of regular followers from all over who drop by.  I never thought anyone beyond my mom and a few close friends would ever care to visit. I've met a lot of lovely people over the years!

I mostly share fun finds, pictures of our two dogs, the chickens gardens and whatever loveliness I come across my daily routine.

 We have lived on our little five acres for nine years now. We have begun to put the land to use and grew a large garden last summer. That also meant canning and freezing a lot.

                               I have three young adult sons, at various stages of leaving the nest.

                   My husband is rather handy and built this coop last summer for our hens.

         These are the girls. Edie, Esme, Ella, Etta, Ethel and Ruth. They give us lovely brown eggs. Each has its own distinct personality. I could easily spend an afternoon happily watching them going about their business.

 Then we got a rooster. This is my youngest son with Mr Mister. He's a most handsome Chantecler rooster. An heritage breed originating from Quebec. They are supposed to be winter hardy. Well, one heritage breed deserves some hens so we got two hens for him and then saved the eggs from those hens which in turn hatched into 7 chicks! That makes sixteen birds now.  We've also raised meat birds twice now and will do it again this spring.

 Besides the outside which takes up a fair bit of our time, I have always been a collector of one thing or another. antique dolls are my first love. China heads in particular.  I've actually been paring down on things so many have gone into my Etsy shop and from there to other homes around the world.

 Buttons are always fun to find when out thrifting. No time is more relaxing spent sorting through a tin of  buttons. You just never know what you will find.  These are also great for creative projects.

 I love to find groups of things, Instant collections.  These are both practical and pleasing to the eye.

 Antique ephemera is a treasure destined for my own collage and assemblage work. Not much time for creating of late but as life allows, I have plenty of ideas for future pieces. I do still trade artist trading cards with my mom each month.

 On our property is a little stone creamery which has been turned into a wee shop. All vintage and antique stuff perfect for the creative person looking for something special for their own projects. It is only open from April to November as it is not heated.


My studio normally does not look this tidy! Here is a rare glimpse of it in an unnatural state of peace and order.


In my own art I love to use old toys and small antique items or unusual things to create assemblages, usually in shadow boxes. The piece above is made up of an old paper doll and small toys.

 This piece features my grandfather. I printed photos from different times in his life on transparency.

More work of mine. Old dolls, toys, natural elements and ephemera are my favourite items to use.

 Hop on over to 2 Bags Full to find a list of links to other blog participants. Vicki will keep the list of links up for the rest of the year.
Thank you so much for dropping by!

50 comments:

creations.1 said...

My first stop on my blog hopping journey with Vickie's GYBP - and such a pleasant stop. I am now a follower of your blog and will be back to have a long nosey around - looking forward to it!! Have a great week!! Kerrie B http://channelbankcreations.blogspot.com.au

kathyinozarks said...

good morning, I am stopping by from the Party. you have a lovely blog-and we have allot in common-I am retired now but I still have a little garden with veggies to can and freeze. I am a country farm girl at heart-I do lots of fiber crafts-we live in the woods now in Missouri
nice to meet you Kathyinozarks

Outback Craftaholic said...

Hi Jennifer. What an amazing range of collections and things you have. Your chooks are lovely but I don't know how you keep their names straight! Good luck growing your blog. Cheers, Tracy.

September Violets said...

Hello Jennifer! I'm visiting from the GYB party. I read your intro post, and then couldn't stop reading all your interesting previous posts. I too live in Ontario, east of Toronto, and it's nice to find other blogs in this area. I'm now following along too :)
Wendy

Fil said...

Hello Jennifer
Lovely to meet you - I adore hens - we don't have any now as we travel a lot, but my mother always kept them and our neighbours have a few lurking in the middle of their Christmas tree farm - but they are not nearly as lucky as your ladies with their special coop :)
I'm enjoying visiting all the different corners of the world through this wonderful blog hop today.
Fil
Fil’s Place - Old songs and Memories

Cathy said...

Nice blog! You've got some wonderful collections, and it would be lovely to visit your shop!
Cathy
CraftyCat

Julie said...

Visiting from GYB today. Your life sounds very romantic, and your store is inviting. I wish I was close enough to visit. I love mixed media ideas, and therefore clicked to follow. Looking forward to going through some of your past posts next.

Julie

Shirley said...

Good Morning Jennifer, Welcome to blogland. I am your welcoming committee for Vicki and I have enjoyed learning about you. I loved the trip that Vicki took to Canada and shared with us. Even though it is only 5 acres I have enjoyed learning about your chickens because that takes me back to my childhood of growing up on the farm. Some day I would love to take a train ride in your country that I have heard so much about. Enjoy the party and meet a lot of new friends. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley@shirleystitches

thewovenspoke said...

I was unable to participate in Vickys blog hop this year, I did the first 2. I am now following you, will check out your blog more on my day off.

Unknown said...

Hopping by from the blog hop. I would love to browse through the treasures in your store! Am taken with the transparencies of your grandfather. It is an amazing piece.

Cozy Expressions said...

Blog hopping with “Grow Your Blog”. Its so great to meet you. Wishing you the best!!

Good Golly Ginger - Katie Dold said...

Hi Jennifer! On behalf of Vicki @ 2 Bags Full, welcome to the 2015 Grow Your Blog hop! I am so jealous of your chickens and chicken coop...I've been pinning coop ideas on pinterest for the last TWO years. Your coop is quite lovely. Love your blog! Have a lovely day!

Threads of Inspiration said...

Hi Jennifer, I really enjoyed reading your post. Your shop looks like a place I would love to poke around in! Your work is great as well. Susan

Sheila said...

Lovely post , it was nice to get to know a little about you and your collections and art work . I will be back :-)

Rhonda Halushka said...

Visiting from Grow Your Blog... what a lovely site I have stumbled upon! Love your little shop, wish I could come visit and peek at your arty treasures! And coveting your art studio space! What a fun place to work in! Glad to have found this blog!

Beti Horvath said...

Sounds like you are living a fantastic life. Love your collections. And it's so great that you have a little store to share your treasures. http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog.html?showComment=1422215817560#c5954811534203808173

Joyce Clark Frank said...

Visiting your blog from Grow Your Blog. What a great art you are creating.
enjoyed your blog posting.
would love for you to visit mine.
http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com

Terry said...

Hi Jennifer!

I come by the way of Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I noticed that you were featured in Jo Packham's book. Wow! Congratulations! I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Terry

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You have an absolutely gorgeous blog. I love everything you do, including the lovely garden you have created. Mine pales in comparison.

Your collections make me smile, since I collect rocking horses. You also have an absolutely GORGEOUS work/art space. It is beautiful, even if it IS clean (grin).

Loved the visit, since this is my first time at GYB. http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog-blog-hop-event.html

Sue Kosec said...

Your chickens (and rooster) are so cool. I imagine they do have unique personalities.

I've become a Follower ... because that's what this Grow Your Blog party is all about.

When you get down the list, you'll find me at SuZeQ Creations ... I'd love for you to visit.

Happy crafting!
SuZeQ

Sarah Huizenga said...

Your place looks awesome and I love the creamery as a little store. You collect many great things, and I know about the less than neat studio space.

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Hello Jennifer

Lovely to meet you too and see your collections - I love all that too!
LOVE those sweet little chickens roosting - you're living the 'good life'!

Following you too!
Hugs
Shane

Kathy said...

I have been a follower for a while not and was delighted to read this bio and learn more about you. I don't know how I missed that buttons are one of your loves. High five!

Anonymous said...

Hello Jennifer,
Stopping in from the GYB hop and admiring your girls! I've alway wanted chickens, but l can't due to where I live. So now I will live vicariously through yours �� I'll be following along from now on.
Hugs!
Lisa

Lady of the Manor said...

Visiting from GYB. What great collections you have! Isn't it fun to find treasures when you're out and about? Love your photography! I'll be back to visit again soon. Zenda

Sandra Cox said...

What a wonderful coop. A friend of mine raises chickens and loves them.

I'm now a follower;)

moongirl said...

Hello Jennifer! It was a pleasure to have you visit my blog and cyber-meet another homeschooler (or x-homeschooler). I could probably learn so much from you! :)

You home looks ever so wonderful! I will one day have a large garden and chickens for eggs, plus an art studio. At the moment, my 'studio' is a corner of the dining room but it’s better than nothing.

Looking forward to seeing more work! I just love the bird nest piece!!

SUGAR MOON said...

Enjoyed your blog! Great collections! Will follow and be back.

Lacie Rose said...

Hi! I'm Lacie Rose from https://rainbowsnsunshineshop.wordpress.com/ :) I stopped in from the blog party. Your art is so beautiful. I quite envy your property and workspace! :)

Patty Antle said...

So nice to meet you Jen. Thank you for visiting me. I look forward to reading more of your blog. It looks really interesting to me! I am following now!

Renee said...

I love the chicken coop! Love your collections, too. The pictures of your hens and rooster made me smile. I love the names you gave them all!

Unknown said...

Well hello, nice to meet you.
I have stopped by from the Grow Your Blog tour.
You have a wonderful studio/space to create in.
You said you trade ATC cards monthly with your mom, I love to trade ATC cards and do so in a few groups I am in.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

CatieAn said...

I am just getting started on the blog hopping and am so happy to find your blog. I love all of your art work and am into assemblage and vintage ephemera and doo dads. I felt like I walked into 'home' where your heart is tugged and reminded that this all looks familiar. I am a happy new follower. Come by and say hi

~JarieLyn~ said...

Just browsing via the blog party and I really resonated with your blog. I like hearing about life on the farm and crafty/artsy stuff. Your husband is one creative talented builder. That chicken coop is amazing. I also really love the photo of your 3 boys. I'm following you now and will be back to look around.

Shirlee Fassell said...

Just stopping by to check out your blog. Love your studio and your collages are great. Have fun at the party

Unknown said...

Hi Jennifer, Nice to meet you. I know exectly where Prescott is because I grew up in Cornwall and went to nursing school in Kingston. I might have to drop by your shop in the summer when I'm in your neck of the woods. I usually spend a week or so in eastern Ontario visiting friends and family. If I think I might I'll send you a message to get your actual address.
Your stone house and property look wonderful and I love your beautiful chickens. Looks like you're definitely living the "good life". I'll be back to see your blog again. Have a great party!

Maureen said...

I love your assemblages! The hens are so cute...didn't Ruth deserve an "E" or is she more special! :0)

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I loved the picture of your buttons - I have a large collection too, many of which came from my grandmother. Thank you for inviting us to visit!

Lorraine said...

Hi Jennifer. I've loved looking around your blog. Can't wait to see more of your thrifting finds and creations.

duchess_declutter said...

Jennifer, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I'm now a new follower - your blog looks like it has lots to interest me! What a lovely part of the world! cheers Wendy

suziqu's thread works said...

Hello Jennifer,
So nice to visit here on your 5 acres to read about your life there which is so much like my own here in Australia. We too have chickens, a huge garden, no shop but I have a great studio also.
Love your collections, assemblages and sweet doll and button collection.
Have lots of fun at the party and keep living that wonderful life as long as you can!

Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That) said...

I like your ideas. I will be back,Hope you stop by
GROW YOUR BLOG
Laura

Corrie H. @ Mountain Stitches said...

Your little farm is so cute! Don't you love country living! Thanks for sharing with us! I love canning, I feel it is a great way to know what i am feeding my kids. I look forward to seeing what you are growing/canning this summer. Do you quilt also?
~Corrie

Karin G said...

What a lovely blog! I love your collections and creations!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I enjoy thrifting too, we have several shops in the area all benefiting various charities, and all with great stuff. I even started a Pinterest board of thrift store finds. Mostly vintage jewelry, I have a weakness for rhinestones! Love your property and your chickens!

Maria said...

I've thoroughly enjoyed visiting your blog, Jennifer!

liniecat said...

Just love that picture of your boys!!
And Id love to have chooks, they are such characters, my Gran had some when I was small that Id see when I visited in school holidays.
Mind you I was gutted one sunday when I realised we were eating one of them!!
Im a thrift shop and car boot sale enthusiast too. I mostly look for vintage fabrics but have come home with all sorts of nostalgic 'crap' as my son calls it lol
Love the shadow boxes you've made!
Im following too, by email : )

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Wow, Jennifer, your place looks awesome! I imagine the treasures you must have handled over your years of collecting :) We have few thrift/antique shops here in northern NB. I share your fascination with buttons, old and new... I even make buttons occasionally :)

AppleApricot Wen said...

Hello Jennifer, thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog, it's nice to meet you and read about you. You live in a beautiful place. I love chickens! In fact I would love to have some of my own. But right now it won't do, so it will have to wait. I loved seeing your beautiful mixed media art. Great to see how you use thrifty finds in your work. I'm going to follow you through networked blogs, linky followers and feedly, because I already reached the maximum amount of followers one can follow through google friend connect. Wishing you a beautiful day!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and thoroughly enjoying your blog! Photo of your 3 boys is wonderful as is the work of your hands and heart.

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