Twas the Week Before the Backwood's Marketplace

'Twas the week before Backwood's and all of Santa's elves were working hard to finish their goods for market! 

We were all burning the midnight oil ( lanterns by Renee)

Melody's been stirring up soap, (Snicker doodle latte cocoa butter soap by Melody)

Angea and I are sewing, (sew much pinning and sewing on pillows and shirts at my factory)

Carla's been decorating, (decor at Blackstone Ridge - Santa painting by Cleo's Calling)

and everyone's painting... (Joy to the World Sign by Cleo's Calling)

(Rustic signs by Renee)

Creating photo art (photo art by Memories by Michele)

The stockings are ready to be hung by the mantle with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas and shoppers, soon would be there; (vintage Santa will be in the Rooster Tails tent)

The pillows are ready to be nestled all snug in their old iron bed,

Visions of American Girl Dolls have danc'd in Karen and Betty's head, (American Girl Doll Clothes by Karen and Betty)

We repurposed the 'kerchiefs, into new clothing and such

And there's crochet caps, scarves, and ear warmers too. ( My mom has made some crochet items for our booth this time.) 

We've settled our brains on how we want our booths to appear, (if only the weather cooperates and gives us time to set up.)

Out on the roof there arose such a clatter.

Up from the bed, I sprang rusty Angels for you. 

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, (Christmas lantern  by Renee) 

Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below; (decor at the market)

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature muffin tin, and tiny vintage reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. (Santa Wreath by Angea)

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
"Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer and Vixen,
"On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Donder and Blitzen;

 This is one of the houses on Blackstone Ridge - such a gorgeous, primitive style setting. No snow predicted for this week - just cooler, fall like weather that will be enjoyable for Christmas shopping. 

Now we all hope you can come out to the Backwood's Marketplace this weekend! These are just a few of the sample pictures that have been shared in our facebook group. There are several new additions to the market this time and I'm anxious to meet them and see what all they will have! We certainly look forward to seeing each of you who come out and visit and shop with us at the marketplace. Your support for small business and the individual makers and artist is greatly appreciated. It does make a difference in all of our lives and we thank you!

The 4-H is providing concession stands - yummy homemade dessert, beans and cornbread, BBQ sandwiches and such. We will be open late on Saturday night, so everyone can see all the Christmas lights and shop late. Also, door prizes will be given away, including a leaf blower and a basket of items from all the booths.

The market is located in a rural setting, west of Gilmer, Texas on FM 49, between the Hopewell and Little Mound Churches. Here's the direction from Carla:

Directions to marketplace on Nov.19th and 20th: Use GPS for 9553 FM 49 or from Upshur County Courthouse in Gilmer, Texas 75644, go west on 154 for a mile, turn left on FM 49 (at traffic light), go about five and a half miles on FM 49, (NEXT TURN IS THE ONE YOU HAVE TO WATCH FOR, THERE WILL BE A MARKETPLACE SIGN AT THIS TURN) take sharp right with FM 49, towards Little Mound. After this right, go almost three miles, the Blackstone Ridge Homestead is on the left. You can turn in either of the two drives.