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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!:  Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:05:33 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (Shennandoah, #8578) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Expert Furniture Makeover Merit Badge!
"For this badge I picked up this buffet on Facebook for $100. It was listed by a woman who inherited it from her aunt. The company that made it, Lea Furniture, is out of business. Other original buffets like this one from this company run for $1500-$3000 on eBay. This one had been painted with a heavy duty enamel and had lots of dings and gouges, so had to fill in what I could and sand down the filler before painting. The finish and gouges made it so I had to paint it instead of stripping and staining. Painted to match our existing furniture using a low VOC paint. I couldn’t use my usual furniture paint as they did not have anything to match our other pieces. It took several days to prep and paint as I had to work around rainstorms. I purchased new hardware to match our cabinets and gave the old ones to the local charity shop.
The finish turned out a little darker and more modern looking than I intended. Once I added a runner and decor that toned it down and made it more rustic cottage like our decor so now it ties in well with our other pieces. I filled the drawers with my vintage linens and holiday entertaining items. Love having more space for my linens and such, plus it’s a great surface for holiday displays!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:07:03 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Icing on the Cake Merit Badge!
"I created my own decorating kit. I also used my decorating tools to bake and frost a cake for an Easter party. I used three different tips and designs.
I have collected up all of my decorating tools and placed them in a special little container in a drawer in my kitchen. I baked and decorated the cake for our Easter get-together. It was appropriately a carrot cake. I decorated it with a Bunny and flowers and grass."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:08:22 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Intermediate Quilting Merit Badge!
"Quilt On! I picked a harder pattern than the ones I had been working on. There was a 20 hour time minimum. I also quilted in the company of a friend for 5 hours.
I made a pretty quilt for fall, in oranges and tans. I worked on it for over twenty hours. I also worked on it while I was spending time with my Sister. I have found out that I really love to quilt! Next project is already picked out and in the works!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:10:07 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Relaxation Merit Badge!
"I researched the health benefits of relaxation and the problems that can be caused by stress. I also have been taking 5 minutes out of my day to breathe deeply, clear my mind, and relax my body.
Stress can cause so many different problems in our minds and bodies. Everything from depression and headaches to high blood pressure and anxiety attacks. Relaxation really helps to control these things. I have been taking several time outs during the day to stop and totally relax, clear my mind, and breathe deeply. after a few minutes, I can feel all tension in my body disappear. Great way to take a quick rest, too!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:10:55 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Relaxation Merit Badge!
"I found out what calms me, and I have taken time out of every day to read. I don't do anything else during this time. I focus on being relaxed and enjoying the reading. I did it everyday for two weeks.
I have found out that reading really relaxes me! I forget about everything when I am reading. I make sure that I have no interruptions during my reading time, and it's so great! I have been reading for more than two weeks and find that I have far less stress. I am able to get more done during my days because I can relax and focus better."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2024 : 4:13:02 PM
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Donna Rich (6Dragonflys, #7476) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Quilting Merit Badge!
"I made 2 1/2 inch straps of batik fabric to make my dog a blanket for his crate.
I sewed each strip together, changing direction each time so it would not buckle. After finishing the top I sewed on a fuzzy back and brought the edges over, folded it under to make the binding and edge.
It turned out great. It was on display at the Petaluma Community Center."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2024 : 2:41:17 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Intermediate Pottery/Ceramics Merit Badge!
"I researched kiln firing. I learned about the different kinds of kilns and firing techniques. I researched the process from mud to clay. I learned the difference between low, mid, and high range firings. I created a piece of pottery and prepared it for firing. I spent more than the 10 hour requirement on this badge.
I learned that there are 19 different types of kilns that have been used to fire pottery. Modern kilns are: Propane Gas, Natural Gas, Updraft, Downdraft, Reduction and Oxidation (which are not kiln types, but the way the kiln works), Top Load Electric, Front Load, Top Hat, Microwave assisted (only for fusing glass), Raku, and Car. Traditional kilns are: Climbing (China, 500A.D. Dragon Kiln) (Japan Anagama Kiln), Wood Burning, Soda, Beehive, and Bottle. The last types are Primitive kilns: Stack Firing, Pit Firing, and Sawdust kilns.
I found out that, while not difficult, it is time consuming to make your own clay. It takes lots of work and quite a few day to get clay from the soil. It does sound like fun though.
Low firing for clay is 1,700F to 2,100F (Cone 4 - 6), Mid firing is 2,124F to 2,264F (Cone 2 - 7), High firing is 2,305F to 2,336F (Cone 8 - 12 with 10 being most used). Porcelain is fired at 2,381F to 2,455F (Cone 10 - 13) Pure Kaolin is fired at 3,272F.
I created a small jar that I use to keep change in. I just love it!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2024 : 2:44:55 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Expert Pottery/Ceramics Merit Badge!
"I researched more advanced pottery techniques. I learned about different glazes and how to use them. I learned to create a pot on a potter's wheel.
I chose to make three pieces that were related to each other.
I spent more than the minimum of 20 hours on this badge.
I took a ceramics class to help me learn more about the art. We learned different techniques including different types of glazes and applications for them. I learned how to throw a pot on a potter's wheel. It was harder than it looked! But, I finally got it!
I made a more advanced project - three related pieces. I made a small bowl, a plate, and a small pitcher."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 12:47:05 PM
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Rachel Scott (raynaylor (rayscott), #8515) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning all three levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert) of the Get It Together Merit Badge!
"I am applying for all three levels.
Beginner:
I recently moved into a new house and got married so we got a lot of new storage containers. I went through my cabinets and recycled the old ones and organized all of the new ones. This included using some for my pantry organization of staple items.
Intermediate:
I had made the list of things I needed from my registry and between my aunt and grandmother I have everything I need for a functional kitchen, and then some. I packed up some of the extra items to donate.
Expert:
My dad loves to sharpen knives so he taught me how to do so and gave me the tool to do it with. I had recently gotten new knives so he helped me sharpen my old ones to use in my camp kitchen box.
This turned out great as when I first moved into my new home I was overwhelmed with items and did not have things organized in my kitchen the way I wanted. Now I feel better and have been able to try new things in the kitchen such as bread making. "
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 12:53:16 PM
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Linda Bowlby (Illinois Farmher, #7585) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate Calligraphy Merit Badge!
"It was a lot of fun to go shopping for Calligraphy supplies. There were many tempting products that did not make it into my cart. But I now have a lovely assortment of pens, nibs and lots of ink in many colors. I can play at will!
I spent a great deal of time learning the feel of the various pens, adjusting angles and trying out nibs that I liked. I am still keeping the journal to keep my skills up.
I sent a Thank You note to a friend for a special favor. I sent a 2 page letter to a friend in California and a longer letter to my sister in Texas. Even after that I continue to play with Calligraphy styles and placements when I address envelopes.
This is one of those skills that stays with you - though it's best to play once in a while to keep them sharp. I find that the Calligraphy I've learned has worked its way into my everyday cursive writing."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 12:55:35 PM
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Linda Bowlby (Illinois Farmher, #7585) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Calligraphy Merit Badge!
" I have always been interested in Calligraphy and have studied it many times. I created a calligraphy journal and work in it most evenings before I go to bed. I have several Calligraphy markers and enjoy practicing the established alphabets and creating my own.
I read "Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy. I learned a great deal about the history, nibs and inks. It is very rewarding to create something of such beauty.
I'm still working regularly"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:00:13 PM
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Linda Bowlby (Illinois Farmher, #7585) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate UFOs Merit Badge!
" My Orlando friend Ellen (now deceased) and I have taken several classes together with cross stitch designer Susan Greening Davis both here in Illinois and Florida. So, we have some of the same UFO's! I very much wanted to complete the monogrammed bag that we had begun at a class in Florida. So I called Ellen and said let's do this together! We kept tabs on each other's progress and encouraged more progress before the next phone call. I already had the multiple color and design border complete around my "L" and between us Ellen completed her "E". This included phone sessions to keep her motivated and me stitching. We spent well over 5 hours over time with this. I finished my "L" and backstitched the finished piece to the bag. Sadly, Ellen only got 1/2 way through the border. (3 hours finishing)
I then pulled out the cross stitch candle mat (bees and hive). The stitching was complete. I cut the stitched piece and the wool background to shape and size, with the wool background being double and larger. Then I blanket-stitched the stitched piece to the center of the top wool piece followed by blanket stitching around the doubled wool piece. Proudly displayed with a votive (2 hours).
Another of those class pieces was a candle cover for a battery operated candle. Again, the stitching was complete. It has a ruffled bead top. All that was left to do was hem the bottom and whipstitch the back seam. Then it was ready to slip over the candle and shine (2 hours).
I had a wool pin cushion kit with a bright red cardinal in the center. I traced and ironed all the pieces onto freezer paper and cut them out. All these pieces were blanket-stitched to the black wool background and the edges were blanket-stitched together. I filled it with crushed walnut shells. Too pretty to use - but a lovely sewing room adornment (3 hours).
I had begun a Lori Birmingham cross stitch project. It is a woven edge banner with teapots, bunnies, a cottage, vines and birdhouses. It was embellished with bee and dragonfly charms. I finished all the stitching, attached all the charms, then finished the top and bottom edges for hanging. Too cut! (18 hours)
I belong to a cross stitch group that meets once a month. Between 6/14/19 and 2/3/20 we spent 28 hours stitching together.
Total Hours: 33 + 28 = 61 hours
As you can see I am catching up on old reports.
As a Maker I still have a great many UFO's and even add to them frequently.
My dear friend Ellen died in September 2022 and I miss all our crafting and encouraging.
The wool pincushion with the cardinal became a target for the only mouse I've had in 20 years - alas it is no more.
My cross stitch group continues to meet and we challenge each other in our skills all the time and have a lot of fun doing it."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:04:12 PM
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Linda Bowlby (Illinois Farmher, #7585) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning a Beginner Geography Merit Badge!
" I have a globe that belongs to my husband that he received in Jr. High. It is fun to observe how things were back then in the early 60's. Many boundaries and names have changed since then. I also have several current USA and World atlases and maps.
There are 7 continents and 5 oceans. The US Great Lakes are the largest expanse of freshwater in the world. The area of all the Great Lakes in 95,160 sq miles. Greenland is the largest island in the world, with an area of 836,330 sq miles. The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range in Europe. They stretch about 750 miles across 8 countries. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with an area of 0.17 sq mile and population of around 1,000. Monaco is the 2nd smallest country in the world with an area of .77 sq mile. About 70% of Albania is mountainous and often inaccessible. It covers an area of 11,099 sq miles. Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world, covering an area of 17,212,000 sq miles or approximately 8.8% of the Earth's total surface. Russia is the world's largest country, covering an area of 6,601,668 sq miles. China is the world's most populous with 1.374 billion inhabitants. Approximately 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice that averages 1.2 miles in thickness. Libya was originally Tripoli (of the Marine anthem), one of the 4 Barbary States in NW Africa!
I read "The History of Cartography" by Leo Bagrow, ed by R.A. Skelton. This was originally published in German. It is a LARGE book and I did indeed wade through it in its entirety. I loved it. It was very detailed and went pretty much back to the beginning of time LOL. My best takeaway is this statement "Maps, the evolution, are a graphic chronicle...of man's growing knowledge of his way around."
I LOVE maps and thoroughly enjoyed this first step for this badge."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:16:48 PM
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Krista Butters (MaryJanesNiece, #528) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Macrame Merit Badge!
"I earned this badge by learning additional macrame knots and making 3 large plant coasters. I made one for my mom, my mother-in-law, and myself. It was a 12-hour time investment.
I think they turned out great. Mine is being used daily on my end table for my plant. I have really become fond of macrame and look forward to making many more things."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:23:22 PM
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Krista Butters (MaryJanesNiece, #528) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Buttoned Up Merit Badge!
"I earned my badge by filling a jar with buttons to start my collection. This jar will keep them safe and all together for future use.
I only had a couple buttons laying around, so I needed to purchase some new ones to fill my jar. I chose a large assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors so that I am ready for whatever I may need them for."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:28:34 PM
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Terry Reynolds (Tchr66, #8042) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Leave It Better Than You Found It Merit Badge!
"In order to complete the beginner level of this badge, I enlisted the assistance of my 5th grade science classes. It was interesting to discover their responses.
They explained we must take care of the planet in order to protect the animals and provide a home for them. (I reminded them this is also the only planet that we are aware of that supports life as we know it.)
When we discussed the highways, my students reminded me that the raptors that we saw on the fieldtrip were rescues that had been injured when hunting along the highways. Public places must be kept clean to prevent the spread of disease.
My students had a great time reviewing environmental science. This went very well."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:39:34 PM
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Wanda Aldridge (Wanda Sue, #3677) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner UFOs Merit Badge!
"Ok, so in January of 2023 I made a list of eight UFO’s that I would like to complete. I have many more, but these were the oldest. I shared this list on a page for a UFO challenge.
This past April of 2024 I chose the first project to finish, a latch-hook kit. So finally I completed this latch-hook wall hanging today, August 1, 2024.
I am very pleased with the finished product. This was a gift many years ago from my MIL, and I was determined to finish it. After beginning it back then, it got tucked away and forgotten. I had to look up a YouTube video to refresh my memory on how to complete it. I was worried about the binding, but decided to just fold over and trim and stitch the edges. I am very proud of the finished product and will be hanging it in my home."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:49:34 PM
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Susan Wich (sueWPA, #7816) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Crochet Merit Badge!
"Using references (MaryJane's Stitching Room and other crochet books), and YouTube tutorials for left-handed crocheters, I learned to crochet and made a scarf. I learned to make a foundation chain, single crochet and double crochet, change colors and finish off.
I like it! I used yarn I had already, just sitting and waiting for a project. It's not colors I will wear, so I see this as a gift for someone."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 1:56:40 PM
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Shenandoah Connor (shennandoah, #8578) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Lost Art of Letter Writing Merit Badge!
"First, I went to a couple of thrift craft stores and gathered some cute stationary, cards, and stickers to include in my letter writing station. I repurposed a desk top organizer I had and added a little embellishment. I also did some googling and found a company that buys forever stamps from businesses that closed and resells them for half the cost. They are verified and shipped directly to my house so I got a great bargain! I also added my farmgirl of the year cards to my station, which I’ve been using to send ATC swaps and such to sisters. I put my letter station on the bookcase next to my desk, which is where I keep my assorted pens. My address book lives in my digital contacts. I took this opportunity to clean up my contacts and ensure I had correct addresses for family and friends.
I think it turned out cute! I love that I was able to find so much of it second hand and in great condition. That way I could keep the cost manageable. I used to have a habit of sending thank you cards and exchanging letters with pen pals, but it’s fallen to the wayside in recent years as I’ve dealt with family issues. I look forward to getting back into it!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:03:25 PM
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Candy Hogan (Tigger9777, #8283) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Expert Disconnect to Reconnect Merit Badge!
"I went backpack camping on 8/3 & 8/4/2024.
While camping I cooked outdoors, took pictures, read magazines on Hunting & Beekeeping and a Cowgirl Cookbook.
I practiced Tatting.
It was nice to get away for the weekend.
It was great."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:18:37 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (Shennandoah, #8578) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Gaining Ground Merit Badge!
"For this badge, since I had already read Worms Eat My Garbage I read The Complete Compost Gardening Guide. This book was great as it talked about a number of methods for composting including banner compost (or composting in place), in bins, vermicompost, etc. I also have taken a few classes and listened to several podcasts, primarily from Joe Gardener. It's been interesting to learn what can be composted and finding ways to leverage more food and household waste for soil building.
At our old house I had a tumbler compost bin. It broke down the material quickly but was difficult to extract soil from. When we moved to our new property, I secured some free pallets and framed out two sections, one for adding to, and the other for finishing. After reading the Complete Guide I also started leveraging banner compost in a few of the raised beds that had less than stellar soil. The banner compost worked great until I rescued a puppy who loved to dig it up and eat it (which could make her sick). So I had to nix that idea and block the open compost bins I had.
It's been going very well! I do passive composting, so during the hot months (which there are many in South Texas) it breaks down quickly. It doesn't break down as much in the winter, but I turn it and ensure it doesn't dry out. It's amazing how it breaks down to a fraction of the cubic size of the material I put in. I'm always looking for ways to add more material. Every chance I get I pick up spent coffee grounds from the coffee shop, as well as scraps from family gatherings.
I used the compost that it generated to build two pollinator beds next to the potting shed in my pottage garden (I'm including a picture of the beautiful blooms I had this spring). It saved me from buying soil, especially when I paired it with leaf mold I gathered and made off our 4.5 wooded acres. When I got the chickens I built another set of compost bins out of pallets. The first batch has reached maturity now, so I am looking forward to adding it to the garden and seeing if it helps!
No indoor worm bins though. My husband doesn't mind my counter top scrap bin, but isn't keen on bugs in the house. I am looking at how I could do vermicomposting outside, I'm just really concerned about maintaining moisture and temperature in our blazing hot summers. "
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:23:33 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (Shennandoah, #8578) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Canning Merit Badge!
"For this badge I asked my mother-in-law to come over and help me can the overflow of tomatoes I had. We found a recipe for water bath canning and prepped the jars, canner, and tomatoes (lots of dicing!!). She showed me how to ensure there weren't bubbles, how to measure the head, and how to clean the rim with vinegar. We did one batch - it was fun to hear them pop! The following week I did another batch of tomatoes and tried my hand at a strawberry compote recipe I found. The second batch of tomatoes solo went well -- all of them popped! The strawberries popped, but when I opened them a month later the color was not appealing. So unfortunately those had to be composted.
I gave jars of canned tomatoes to my mom, sister, and two neighbors to use for soups or sauce. My mom is interested in learning to can so I shared her what we did and what supplies she needs. She hasn't tried it yet.
My next recipes to try will be to pressure can green beans this fall (I always have an abundance), I also want to try to pressure can ground meat to have on hand for quick suppers (like spaghetti). We always forget to defrost meat in time for dinner during the week. "
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:30:53 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (Shennandoah, #8578) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Intermediate Living Zero Waste Merit Badge!
"There were three key things from the waste audit that I started implementing in May. The first was to look at ways to do zero waste gifting. I love making a gift beautiful, including being beautifully wrapped. To make my gift presentations zero waste friendly I employed a few strategies. First, I bought a book on Furoski, the Japanese art of gifting using reusable silk fabric. I thrift some silk fabric and scarves to use and have been learning how to wrap items using this method. I also switched to putting gifts into reusable shopping bags, baskets, and bins. Last, I save and reuse as much of the wrapping, boxes and bags we receive as well as secure bags for gift giving at the thrift store. The main thing I have focused on is reducing the use of paper, plastic, and plastic ribbon in my wrapping. Everyone has loved the packaging so far and appreciates my goal to give gifts without waste.
The second item I identified was to locate bulk food stores that would let me refill bulk items using my own reusable containers. The local grocery store has a small bulk food section that we can get a few items from. For produce I don't grow in the garden, I located River City Produce in downtown San Antonio. Folks will go in together on produce since the minimums can be more than one household can use, but they started carrying organic items recently so it's been a good resource. A couple of other bulk stores have opened up in the area including the Sweet Land of Litter Free that has refillable bath and beauty products, coffee, teas, and other items. They have a small selection but hopefully they will continue to expand.
The third zero waste initiative I took on was to find ways to reduce waste when crafting. I've found several really cool podcasts that had zero waste episodes as well as ethical and sustainable sourcing episodes on things like fabric and yarn. I also located two craft thrift stores/maker spaces nearby that have become great resources for sourcing fabric, thread, stationary, and other items that would otherwise end up in the landfill (for a fraction of the cost). The proceeds go to support providing supplies to local teachers so triple win!
I've also been looking at ways to get creative with using scraps and remnants from crafting. Small bits of thread and fabric too small to use I save to use as stuffing for projects. Natural fibers can be composted, but I haven't tried it yet. All useable remnants I'm saving for crazy quilts and other small waste buster items including making my own pattern weights, scrunchies, and rag rugs. I'm also accumulating old t-shirts to cut into strips for rag rugs and rag baskets.I did discover that H&M will recycle old clothes so anything I can't repair or donate can be taken there.
When it comes to thrift stores, I am a thrift store queen. I was a single mom for many years, and had to learn how to stretch a dollar. So thrift stores have always been my go-to. Finding those two craft thrift stores make it even better because now I can get lots of craft supplies at a discount while saving them from the landfill.
The longevity item is something I have become hyper aware of after reading about how many consumer products end up in the trash. For that reason I minimize what appliances and electronics we purchase as most are difficult to repair and produce waste that can't be recycled. That's why I don't have a Keurig or a coffee machine, and instead use a French press. I also don't buy single use gadgets like a garlic peeler.
I am the queen of repurposing as well. Old sour cream tubs are paint containers, bug transports, seed storage, etc. The bulk of the materials I used in the garden to build the decks, potting bench, beehive stands, etc were all salvaged from Facebook for free by people who would otherwise throw it away. So I don't only repurpose our waste but other peoples too! I've stopped and picked up stuff from the side of the road on many occasions, and know that elbow grease and a bit of paint can bring new life to almost anything. Recently, I repurposed the bunk bed I had made for my girls when they were younger and turned it into shelving for my potting shed. It's fun to find new ways to repair and upcycle things. I darn holes in socks and sweaters, and have started playing with visible mending. My next project is to take an old pair of jeans and an old pair of garden overalls and turn them into bags. Wish me luck!
I should probably add that I am that person who saves rubber bands, screws, wood scraps, etc and always finds a use for them. I also save glass jars to reuse for things like bacon grease and left overs. We still have lots of waste from things like snacks and chips - with a husband and teenagers, it's hard not to have lots of those around!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:42:04 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Intermediate Rootin' Tootin Merit Badge!
"I grew two different root vegetables in my garden. I cooked a meal for my family using them.
I researched root vegetables that grow in my area.
I planted onions and garlic in my garden this year. I have not had much luck with my onions, and it was the first time I have planted garlic. I was pleasantly surprised when they grew so well. A friend of ours had given me garlic to plant and told me what to do. He gave me the courage to try onions again. I am so glad that I did. I used them in my cooking, and they really are amazing!
I researched where wild onions grow in my area. I found out that there is an onion called the San Bernardino Mountain Onion that is endemic to this region. So, they only grow in this area. They grow in moist areas on grassy slopes in the Traverse Mountain ranges and the Peninsular Mountain ranges in Southern California."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2024 : 2:43:07 PM
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Nancy Joplin (Nancy Joplin, #8352) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate Lost Art of Letter Writing Merit Badge!
"I read a book on letter writing. I sent three cards to friends, relatives, or acquaintances who could use a pick-me-up.
The book that I chose was "If You Find This Letter", by Hannah Brencher. I had trouble getting into the book at first, but as I read I understood where she was going with it. In this day and age, we are missing the human contact that we once had; people are not as supportive of each other as we were when I was young.
I sent my cards to my Daughter, my Niece in Arizona, and my Nephew who just moved his family back to California from Seattle."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees
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