Primitive country crafting is one of my most favorite types of crafting. It can be childlike, whimsical and pretty much anything goes. You are only limited by your imagination, because most primitive country crafters will use what ever is available. They are not striving for perfection, rather they are creating items that will warm the heart and home. Here are just a few quick and simple primitive country ideas, that I’m sure will spawn more.
Star Sachet Pillow-Using a disappearing ink pen, draw a star as big as you want on double thickness muslin. Don’t worry if the star isn’t straight or even. You really don’t want it to be. Pin the muslin pieces together and sew on the drawn line, either by hand or by machine. Stuff the star with polyfil before you close the last bit of the opening. Cut the star out about 1/2″ larger than the sewn star. Make a strong brew of coffee and soak the stuffed star for several minutes. The stronger the brew and the longer the soak will determine how dark your star will get. Wring out the star well and hang it to dry. After it has dried, wrap torn fabric strips, twine or rusty wire around and across it a few times and tie off. Attach a rusty star to the front of the star sachet. Sprinkle and spatter the pillow sachet with cinnamon spice and cinnamon oil. This project also looks nice using a long and skinny heart for a pattern.
Flag Pillow-Cut out two rectangular shaped pieces of muslin for your pillow. I like notebook paper size (8 1/2″ x 11″). Sew around the edges using a machine and leaving a 2″ opening. Turn right side out and stuff with polyfil. Sew the opening closed. Using acrylic paints in red, white and blue, paint the blue field and the red stripes of the American flag. When it is dry, paint a white star on the blue field. This is where your inner child comes through. Don’t worry if your design and lines are not even. It actually looks better if they don’t. After the paint has dried, use a dye of tea, coffee, or watered down brown paint and “paint” the entire pillow with it.
Jar Candle-Cut a star or heart out of contact paper and stick it to the front of your jar, You can use a canning jar or any recycled jar you have available. Sponge paint the entire jar brown, using acrylic enamel. Be sure to paint inside the rim of the jar. Allow it to dry. Sponge paint over the brown, using red acrylic enamel. When it is dry, peel off the contact paper carefully. Tie a raggedy strip of homespun fabric around the rim and place a tea light candle inside. The beautiful glow will shine through your star or heart cut out.
Post Candle Holder-Cut a 4×4 fence post about 6″ long. Sand, grind or cut the sharp side and top edges. Paint the post off white and when dry, sand the post to give it an aged look. Sponge paint a tuna can, inside and out with brown paint. Screw the tuna can (right side up) to the top of the post. Attach a rusty star to one side of the post and wrap the post with rusty wire. Place a short pillar candle in the tuna can to finish.
These projects make great craft show fillers. They take hardly any time and very few craft supplies. You could make several at one time.
