Fork and Spoon Earrings

Last year, I made myself a pair of Fork and Spoon earrings. I love them! They are fun and kind of hilarious and unexpected. People always comment on them. Today, the little boy I babysit said 'Why you have a spoon on your head? And a fork on your head?' :) I have sold a few pairs in the shop, and just added some silver ones too! In a moment of inspiration I made fried egg display cards for them because...just because!

Trash To Treasure Wreath

 My mom has a special gift: she can sniff out good trash a mile away. One of her recent finds was a whole mess of high quality floral stems, still new and in boxes.She did what any self-respecting trash picker would do, and brought it all home. I 'rescued' some things from the stash, including a few bundles of wisteria stems.

I have always wanted to plant wisteria somewhere, but until that happens, I have this wreath! It is very simply made. The stems came with ivy and wire tendrils, which made it easy to braid it all together into a wreath. I love how easy it is to change the look of a front door by switching out a wreath!

Latest Sewing Ventures

 Things have been quite busy around here and I haven't had nearly enough time to sew! Technically, I have been sewing but it is boring stuff like armrest covers for my neighbor's antique car, and alterations to a friend's bridesmaid dress.

 In the meantime, I have had a stack of buntings sitting around waiting to be photographed. I haven't yet come up with a great way to photograph them, but sometimes getting started is the hardest part.

 My favorite part of making these is picking out the fabrics! I spend too much time agonizing over the prints and placement, but it a fun kind of agonizing. :)

Like putting pickles and polka dots together, with a little bacon thrown in! 

Today a friend came over and together we reorganized my art room and made it more efficient! This involved going through each piece of my fabric stash. Now? I have more ideas than I have time to make which is the story of my life!

Vintage Sheet to Adorable Dress

 Last month I found a lovely vintage sheet and knew I had to make something out of it. This one was in fabulous condition and I imagine it to have lived on some adorable old lady's guest bed. The colors are fun and cheery: pink and orange, tempered with white flowers and green leaves. It was such soft fabric with a fluid drape, and I knew it would make a great circle skirt.

 I lined it with some coral pink/red fabric I got at the same sale. It came to me as the most horribly sewn curtains I have ever seen. Seriously. I couldn't even figure out what they were trying to accomplish, but the fabric was in great shape.

 Instead of a fabric flower, I switched this one up a little and added a bow. I am so happy with how it turned out! I kind of wish I had made it in my size. Think there's enough fabric left? ;)

Of course, I added the heart cut-out in the back and finished it off with a vintage pink button. Hopefully this dress will find its way to a little girl who likes to twirl!

Lastest Projects: Buntings, Buntings and More Buntings!

Phew! We have really been lax about posting this summer, but I am happy to say I have been able to squeeze in some sewing time. Also, all three of my kids are in school this year (yikes!) which means I will be able to have more time to devote to sewing and adding things to the shop. I have been working on a stack of buntings which have been so much fun! I love coming up with fun and funky color combinations and seeing them all come together.

So far I have over a dozen finished and waiting to be photographed. They range from shabby chic prints to polka dots and pickles! 

This one is the first one up in the shop. I think it would be a great addition to a playroom or a kids' bedroom. Six or seven years ago, I made a bunting for our family. I have used it at every birthday and party and it is such a fun tradition!

The Old Rocking Chair - Part 1: Wood Filler and Sanding

Oh hello there. 

It's been a looooooong time since I posted anything.  I've been in a DIY dead zone for the last few months since all of my time has been spent trying to pass Algebra and look for a house.  I have a few weeks before school starts up again and before we close so I decided to start refurbishing my beloved rocking chair for my new office.

It's obviously pretty dated but it's the chair I was lovingly rocked in as a little munchkin so it has major sentimental value. It's also solid wood and ridiculously comfortable so I've dragged it all over the country with me in anticipation of one day fixing it up. 

This post isn't terribly exciting but it's the before shot and initial prep work details that start the project off right.   

It's a big chair that's very solid.

80s stenciling...SWEET!

When we adopted our dog he had some separation anxiety during the first few months and took it out on my chair.

First coat of Elmer's Wood filler!

Some minor scratches that only needed a thin layer of filler.

Starting to sand!

So if you've made it this far down the post, here are a few more bits of info about what I'm planning on doing.  I vacillated between painting and restaining but ultimately decided to go with paint. It's less work than stain and I already have a lot of dark wood furniture. Plus, I'm thinking of painting it a fun color like turquoise or orange because why not?

I'm still in the sanding/filler stage but will post more as I go through each phase of the project! 

Crocheted Washcloth...Yes, Crochet!

 I recently had the opportunity to barter crafting skills with a friend. She showed us how to needle felt, I taught her daughter some jewelry making. It was so fun, we did it again and this round, she taught me crochet. I swapped my garden advice, which should not be construed as professional advice. ha! This was my first attempt, and yes, it appears there was a big smudge on my camera lens. I would tell you what stitch I used, but then I would sound like an idiot. I think it is the single chain, and I hooked through the back loop. See, I told you I'd sound ridiculous!

I love the ridges that are formed with this stitch. I used 100% cotton so it will make a nice washcloth. I am going to save it for Operation Christmas Child. The most amazing part of this is I finished it in a day and a half. Considering it took me months to knit a washcloth, I think I am quicker at crochet. Besides, it gives me something to do when I take my kids fishing. That is, when I am not removing hooks from hair, trees, and the occasional fish.