A cowgirl's tips and tutorials on how to live a crafty life. I hope I can help empower you to get your craft on by sharing some of the things that inspire me in everyday life. I believe the best things in life are homemade. So if you enjoy handmade crafts and DIY projects, jewelry designing, gardening, cooking and baking, decorating, horses and all things cowgirl, you've come to the right place. Kick your shoes off and stay awhile!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
My New Girl!
I've been meaning to write about my two new girl. Unfortunately, time has a way of flying by when you're busy with your two boys...and their basketball games and cub scout activities and, well, you get the idea. The latest activity being our first pine derby car race. I'm so proud! Both of my boys worked really hard on their cars and each won a trophy. Colin, 6, got 1st place and Travis, 9, got 3rd place. Way to go guys! My husband is already planning next year's car with them, probably a Star Wars pod racer or something!
Anyway, back to my girl, Phoebe, who happens to be a Palomino quarter horse and one more reason I've taken so long to write this! I've loved horses all my life, but growing up in the city didn't afford many chances to ride. We've been living on this ranch for almost 11 years now and I finally got my own horse. Someone pinch me! I mean, excited doesn't begin to cover it! My husband and I went to pick up one horse and ended up coming home with two. The tag-a-long was Blondie, a great kid's horse, and my Phoebe, who is an ex-barrel racing horse. I don't think anyone has ever just ridden Phoebe just for pleasure. I could tell right away she was very hot. I was told by several people to not waste my time with her, but she has a such terrific personality and I had a feeling she would be worth the effort. Unfortunately, I had to take Blondie back because she has Equine Cushings Disease to which there is no cure and the monthly medicine would be costly. I will miss you Blondie!
When I first got Phoebe I couldn't get a bit in her mouth or even put my hand near her ears. The vet said there was nothing wrong with her physically, it was just that she had probably not been treated very well. I've learned that some people who barrel race horses will twist the horses ear to make them comply with whatever their want because it's quick and easy. I'm happy to report after only 3 months of spending time and loving her, I can rub her ears with no problem.
When we decided to keep her, I prayed I would find a way to re-train her so she would understand that every ride would not be a race and she would be able to just enjoy being a horse and being ridden. My prayers were answered when I found out a new friend at church, Sarah, was a horse trainer and offered to train her at no cost. She said that not enough people just help each other out without expecting something in return. This is amazing to me because she's right. Not enough people help each other anymore. That's why I love my church, Cowboy Fellowship, the people there including Sarah are awesome and are always willing to help anyone that needs it.
I guess Phoebe and I are both getting trained since I only have some basic knowledge about riding and zero knowledge about training horses. Sarah lives about 30 minutes away and is keeping Phoebe at her house with her beautiful mare, Fancy. This way I don't have to trailer her back and forth, I just supply the hay for her. I've decided to make Sarah a necklace or bracelet to thank her for all her help.
Well, Phoebe's first lesson went extremely well. She saddled her, actually got a bit in her mouth the first time and then worked her in the round pen from the ground for awhile doing circles. Then Sarah had Phoebe turn her nose to one side, then the other, towards the saddle. She would hold the rein there until Phoebe gave some slack then Sarah would give her relief and let her relax. Sarah rode her around in the round pen a little and decided she has a few issues we'll have to work on such as turning, backing up and her alpha female attitude. All in all, it went much better than I was expecting and I don't think it will take long to get her in great riding shape. I plan on writing more posts on mine and Phoebe's training progression soon.
Anyway, back to my girl, Phoebe, who happens to be a Palomino quarter horse and one more reason I've taken so long to write this! I've loved horses all my life, but growing up in the city didn't afford many chances to ride. We've been living on this ranch for almost 11 years now and I finally got my own horse. Someone pinch me! I mean, excited doesn't begin to cover it! My husband and I went to pick up one horse and ended up coming home with two. The tag-a-long was Blondie, a great kid's horse, and my Phoebe, who is an ex-barrel racing horse. I don't think anyone has ever just ridden Phoebe just for pleasure. I could tell right away she was very hot. I was told by several people to not waste my time with her, but she has a such terrific personality and I had a feeling she would be worth the effort. Unfortunately, I had to take Blondie back because she has Equine Cushings Disease to which there is no cure and the monthly medicine would be costly. I will miss you Blondie!
 |
| Phoebe & Blondie |
 |
| Phoebe |
 |
| Phoebe |
When I first got Phoebe I couldn't get a bit in her mouth or even put my hand near her ears. The vet said there was nothing wrong with her physically, it was just that she had probably not been treated very well. I've learned that some people who barrel race horses will twist the horses ear to make them comply with whatever their want because it's quick and easy. I'm happy to report after only 3 months of spending time and loving her, I can rub her ears with no problem.
When we decided to keep her, I prayed I would find a way to re-train her so she would understand that every ride would not be a race and she would be able to just enjoy being a horse and being ridden. My prayers were answered when I found out a new friend at church, Sarah, was a horse trainer and offered to train her at no cost. She said that not enough people just help each other out without expecting something in return. This is amazing to me because she's right. Not enough people help each other anymore. That's why I love my church, Cowboy Fellowship, the people there including Sarah are awesome and are always willing to help anyone that needs it.
I guess Phoebe and I are both getting trained since I only have some basic knowledge about riding and zero knowledge about training horses. Sarah lives about 30 minutes away and is keeping Phoebe at her house with her beautiful mare, Fancy. This way I don't have to trailer her back and forth, I just supply the hay for her. I've decided to make Sarah a necklace or bracelet to thank her for all her help.
Well, Phoebe's first lesson went extremely well. She saddled her, actually got a bit in her mouth the first time and then worked her in the round pen from the ground for awhile doing circles. Then Sarah had Phoebe turn her nose to one side, then the other, towards the saddle. She would hold the rein there until Phoebe gave some slack then Sarah would give her relief and let her relax. Sarah rode her around in the round pen a little and decided she has a few issues we'll have to work on such as turning, backing up and her alpha female attitude. All in all, it went much better than I was expecting and I don't think it will take long to get her in great riding shape. I plan on writing more posts on mine and Phoebe's training progression soon.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Discover This Part 1
I want to start something new to help promote my fellow artisans on ArtFire and get the word out about their wonderful work. This will be the first in a series that will include several featured artisans. Please check back to see the latest handmade studios. I love handmade and will continue to shop and share my latest "findings" from the world of handmade.
The first featured studio is c'est magnifique! Lynn is the owner of the vintage French shop, "La Manche".
She has a large selection of wonderful items in her shop that range from tins and trinkets to clothes to curiosities! Many of her vintage items are French but there are many from all around Europe. There's a little something for everyone, even toys!
There's so much more and I'm sure you'll have a fun time browsing this fantastic shop.
Visit Lynn's blog to see her handmade side and to hear about her ventures shopping flea markets and forgotten stores, arts and crafts and life in France. Follow her on Twitter to hear about new finds, promotions, sales, etc.
The first featured studio is c'est magnifique! Lynn is the owner of the vintage French shop, "La Manche".
She has a large selection of wonderful items in her shop that range from tins and trinkets to clothes to curiosities! Many of her vintage items are French but there are many from all around Europe. There's a little something for everyone, even toys!
There's so much more and I'm sure you'll have a fun time browsing this fantastic shop.
Visit Lynn's blog to see her handmade side and to hear about her ventures shopping flea markets and forgotten stores, arts and crafts and life in France. Follow her on Twitter to hear about new finds, promotions, sales, etc.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you come back soon and see the other features studios that are coming up soon!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Discover This
I want to start something new to help promote my fellow artisans on ArtFire and get the word out about their wonderful work. This will be the first in a series that will include several featured artisans, each in a separate post.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Checklist For Winterizing Your Farm
It's time to cowgirl up! Whether you are a rancher with 200+ head of cattle in Texas, or a small horse farm in Ohio, preparing for winter is essential in keeping your barn in top operating condition. Winterizing your barn helps prevent damages from harsh weather, helps keep your livestock healthy and comfortable, and aids in fire prevention during the long winter months. To keep winter preparations simple and easy, develop a check list to help prevent mishaps during the cold weather. Below is Rod’s check list for winterizing the farm.
1. Give Your Farm A Good Once-Over – Check fencing, the roof, stalls and pastures for any necessary repairs. Neglecting even the smallest of repairs can cause major problems during the winter months.
2. Heated Water – Now is the time to bring out the heated water bucket or trough to prevent water from freezing and make sure your animals have a water source.
3. Salt Walkways – Slick and icy walkways and entrances can be harmful for both animals and humans. Help prevent falling or slipping by keeping a bag of salt near the walkway and salt often! Even the smallest amount of snow or rain could make for an unsafe walkway.
4. Heat Tape – This could prevent any extra "honey do's" and expense. Heat tape is a great way to prevent faucets from freezing. It can be found in most hardware stores and is a quick and easy way to winterize this winter.
5. Lanterns – Let there be light! It is always a good idea to keep a battery operated lantern in the barn in case of a power outage.
6. Stock Up – Stock up on hay, grain, and winter blankets for the barn. You never know when a large snow front will come through and make roads inaccessible. Remember what grandma' used to say, "Better to be safe, than sorry".
7. Halter/Lead and Blanket – Keep a halter, lead rope, and blanket at every occupied stall for a quick escape in case of a fire.
8. Ventilation – Never completely close up the barn during the winter. Air movement is essential in preventing fires and even respiratory problems for the animals.
9. Animal First Aid Kit – Keep a first aid kit in the tack room in case of an emergency during harsh weather. It may take an extended amount of time for the vet to get to you, or you to get the animal to a vet.
10. Clean Sweep – Move the “Spring Cleaning” to fall, and clear your farm and barn of debris, trash and all flammables. Get the whole family involved and knock it out. My kid's would rather clean the stalls then their rooms anyway.
I hope your family and your animals have a safe and happy winter!
1. Give Your Farm A Good Once-Over – Check fencing, the roof, stalls and pastures for any necessary repairs. Neglecting even the smallest of repairs can cause major problems during the winter months.
2. Heated Water – Now is the time to bring out the heated water bucket or trough to prevent water from freezing and make sure your animals have a water source.
3. Salt Walkways – Slick and icy walkways and entrances can be harmful for both animals and humans. Help prevent falling or slipping by keeping a bag of salt near the walkway and salt often! Even the smallest amount of snow or rain could make for an unsafe walkway.
4. Heat Tape – This could prevent any extra "honey do's" and expense. Heat tape is a great way to prevent faucets from freezing. It can be found in most hardware stores and is a quick and easy way to winterize this winter.
5. Lanterns – Let there be light! It is always a good idea to keep a battery operated lantern in the barn in case of a power outage.
6. Stock Up – Stock up on hay, grain, and winter blankets for the barn. You never know when a large snow front will come through and make roads inaccessible. Remember what grandma' used to say, "Better to be safe, than sorry".
7. Halter/Lead and Blanket – Keep a halter, lead rope, and blanket at every occupied stall for a quick escape in case of a fire.
8. Ventilation – Never completely close up the barn during the winter. Air movement is essential in preventing fires and even respiratory problems for the animals.
9. Animal First Aid Kit – Keep a first aid kit in the tack room in case of an emergency during harsh weather. It may take an extended amount of time for the vet to get to you, or you to get the animal to a vet.
10. Clean Sweep – Move the “Spring Cleaning” to fall, and clear your farm and barn of debris, trash and all flammables. Get the whole family involved and knock it out. My kid's would rather clean the stalls then their rooms anyway.
I hope your family and your animals have a safe and happy winter!
Until next time, someone once said: "Success is a journey, not a destination."
A cowgirl once said: "The journey to success is just one wild ride after the other!" 
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What's New?
So, it's been awhile...so we should catch upon things. First off, since today is Veteran's Day, I would like the give a big "THANK YOU" to all the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in our military. God bless you and your family.
We are in the process of getting a new Palomino mare. Excited doesn't begin to cover it! I have been praying for months and months to find the right horse that my boys and I could all ride. She's beautiful and sweet and I can't wait! We've been getting a little taste of all the work involved in taking care of a horse. Well, kind of. I have to say, I've never set so many posts and built this much barbed wire fence in my life! But, it looks great. It's a love-hate thing.
I've also been working overtime designing and making new jewelry. There are many new items listed in my Artfire studio. Come on by and visit, kick your shoes off and stay awhile! Oh, yeah. I had to "graduate" to a larger torch so I could get enough heat to make copper head pins from my wire. It's so cool!. My small torch works fine on my Argentium and fine silver, but I still couldn't fuse the heavy gauges. Now I can with my new torch so I've been playing around with some new design ideas. As far as I know, there is no copper solder I've been able to find. People seem to be using gold solder or rose gold solder to solder copper. I read that you could use a fine gauge of copper wire as a sort of solder. This is going to be my next project. Check back soon and I'll post some pictures!
We are in the process of getting a new Palomino mare. Excited doesn't begin to cover it! I have been praying for months and months to find the right horse that my boys and I could all ride. She's beautiful and sweet and I can't wait! We've been getting a little taste of all the work involved in taking care of a horse. Well, kind of. I have to say, I've never set so many posts and built this much barbed wire fence in my life! But, it looks great. It's a love-hate thing.
I've also been working overtime designing and making new jewelry. There are many new items listed in my Artfire studio. Come on by and visit, kick your shoes off and stay awhile! Oh, yeah. I had to "graduate" to a larger torch so I could get enough heat to make copper head pins from my wire. It's so cool!. My small torch works fine on my Argentium and fine silver, but I still couldn't fuse the heavy gauges. Now I can with my new torch so I've been playing around with some new design ideas. As far as I know, there is no copper solder I've been able to find. People seem to be using gold solder or rose gold solder to solder copper. I read that you could use a fine gauge of copper wire as a sort of solder. This is going to be my next project. Check back soon and I'll post some pictures!
Until next time, someone once said: "Success is a journey, not a destination."
A cowgirl once said: "The journey to success is just one wild ride after the other!"
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy - 'Tis The Season
It's that time of year for all of us. Shopping for presents, Christmas parties, the kid's Christmas plays, decorating the tree, lights on the house, and somewhere in there find some time to make my jewelry, take the pictures and get them posted. Whew! Oh, yeah, I almost forgot...I can't stay off Facebook for more than a day or two or I go into withdraws! My sister-in-law warned me it was addicting.
I wanted to share with you some little tidbits I received. :-)
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 & never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is to simply be kind to others.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
The second mouse gets the cheese.
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
I wanted to share with you some little tidbits I received. :-)
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 & never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is to simply be kind to others.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
The second mouse gets the cheese.
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Until next time, someone once said: "Success is a journey, not a destination."
A cowgirl once said: "The journey to success is just one wild ride after the other!"
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