Hey! I made a little book.

I've been fascinated by the idea of art journaling and altered books for years but have always been intimidated by it. I can't paint or draw and many of the lovely page spreads I've seen include both. Add to that, I can never figure out or decide what type of book to actually use.

I knew what I would really like to do is create my own book anyway. I finally found a great tutorial and made one, chunky, little book. I am so excited to make more. I also started an art journal but it's not finished yet so no pix for that.

It wasn't very hard at all. Supplies used were: index cards, card stock, scrap card board, scrap of ribbon and a glue gun. Voila'!

The cover was created using a very thick card stock, it was a little hard to crease and fold properly. next time I'll use regular card stock that isn't so thick. I also want to make a bigger one.

Check out this great tutorial to make your own hand made book!

Linking to:

DebbieDoos Newbie Party

St. Patrick's day goodies

St. Patrick's Day gets barely a nod in our home but I did manage a few treats and goodies. I have been seeing folded paper medallions online and decided to make one for our front door. I gave it my own 'twist' by only creating a half medallion. I layered 3 different papers on top of each other, topped with a *clearance* sparkly shamrock.

It was quick and simple...once I found my glue gun. Never found the glue sticks so I hopped back into the car for the 2 minute drive down the street to Joann's to purchase a bag of glue sticks. I had my %40 off coupon handy so they only cost a few dollars.

Later, I melted vanilla and chocolate 'meltys' in my sister-in-love's microwave to dip pretzel sticks in for a yummy and simple treat. I used neon green food coloring in the vanilla and green sprinkles for a festive look. Nothing is yummier than a sweet and salty treat like a chocolate dipped pretzel! Right?

Dipped pretzels make a great treat gift for any occasion. All you hvae to do is coordinate your sprinkles for the occasion & voila'!

Save those pants!

We rarely have much less use bleach in our home. However, of course the ONE time we do---the Birdy Girl mysteriously got bleach spots on a pair of her pants. They fit her well and had lots of life left int hem, so I hated to have to get rid of them.

After seeing a few pots in blog land about 'art' they made with bleach pens....I splurged and purchased one. I knew that was the answer.

We went to town creating dots and flowers and eventually swirls on her pants to cover up the original spots. It took some getting used too but by the end we were nearly pros. haha.

The 'pen' has two ends, a fine point and a thicker point. The fine point was used for the swirls and the thicker end worked well for the larger polka-dots. Occasionally, the liquid would come out fast and thick so you really should practice on scrap fabric to get the hang of it. We didn't care too much since these pants were already *ruined*, we had nothing to lose. The girl loves how they turned out and now she has extra life in her pants as well a fun 'new' pair.

Love This.

Source: austinkleon.com via Katy on Pinterest

I love this.I really do. There is so much creative inspiration in the world around us....mostly I see an idea somewhere else and then I create my own version of it...that is why I don't sell much. I don't make a good seller--I'd rather SHOW YOU how to make your OWN version than charge you so I can make it for you.....sigh.

I especially like #3 and #6...which rules to you like the best?

Skirt to Scarf

I needed a gift for  a friend so I dove into my donate stash and found these two skirts. I knew exactly what I wanted to make: a fabric scarf.

(forgive the pics...toddler got to the camera and it seems to be permanently out of commission. SO I had to take these with my phone. Boo!)

I chose the black skirt especially for the trim. The other fabric is a nice neutral. 

Tada! Reversible scarf!

Christmas Memorial Wreath

I wanted to make a rosemary wreath this year. I love the scent and the symbolism. Rosemary means remembrance. I thought it would be a nice way to remember those we miss so much during the holiday seasons. Plus I have three bushes of it growing in my garden. It also welcomes guests with a lovely fragrance when they enter through our doorway.
 

SUPPLIES:

wreath form

floral wire

rosemary

scissors (to cut wire)

I used two coupons I had for Joann's. The wreath form and floral wire were around $2 each full price but with my two coupons I was able to get each of them for about half price. I have lots of wire left over for another project too. That makes the cost of this wreath UNDER $2!

You could virtually make this project for *free* using a wire hanger (we never have any since the Mr. no longer needs to dry clean his clothes) bent into a circle wreath form and yarn, twine, fabric scraps, or twisty ties that you have around the house to attach the rosemary. Don't be afraid to try various herbs or plants. I have read that boxwood makes a great wreath...I might try that next because I have a large box wood bush in my back yard too.

1. Starting with the longest and most pliable pieces, I wired stems along the inner most ring of the wreath. Work the wire like thread, up and around the stems and wire.

2. Use other long and pliable pieces to wire stems along the outer most ring of the form. Over lap tips and ends.

3. Use the split or bushy stems to fill in the center of the ring. Over lap tips over ends, wiring as you go. This section is more of a challenge to work with the wire. I suggest using smaller lengths of wire at a time and twisty them off on the back. I actually flipped the wreath form over at this point in order to wire the pieces on through the back. Keep the form face down on top of the rosemary to help prevent moving. Once the pieces are initially secure on their ends, go back and wire them along their tips.

4. Fill in any spaces with shorter, straight pieces. I was able to work the small pieces into the wreath form with out having to add any more wire, but go ahead if you need to. It's amazing how the wire disappears!

When it's as full as you like-you're finished!

There is a very large rusty nail in our door that we could NOT remove, making the red ribbon hang askew. Oh well. 

I also used bits of wild rosemary, which does not grow in straight stems, to add a little more texture and fluff around it. 

I would also like mine to be fuller so I think next time I will purchase a larger wreath form. OH! The rosemary will dry...so I am going to attempt to keep it fresher longer by spritzing with water daily. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or ideas for that.

Now, whenever anyone enters my home, they are greeted with the intoxicating scent of rosemary. I LOVE it.

Linked to:
LoeLaLoep

Recent Treasure finds

To go along with my recent Creative Myths series, I wanted to share some recent thrifted treasures.

This stash was from a bag of notions. I don't remember exactly but I think the bag was no more than $2.95. It contained mainly vintage sewing notions. I couldn't resist. There were two packs of snaps, two small containers of grommets, hook & eye closures, collar stays, elastic, vintage lace elastic, wire stays, roll of pink binding, a few patches, ribbon, vintage lace, vintage wool mending yarn, crochet hook w/ wire (& knitting needles w/ wire not pictured) and some other items I am not sure what they are but they look cool.

Then I found this fabulous treasure for $1.95:

The roll is 10 yards of brand new flat white lace, and tons of other lace trims:TONS. I wish you could see the cream eyelet trim up close. I think it's my most favorite. But...the BEADS! What a steal, huh? They are so pretty and lovely!!! Who knows what project will grace their trim.

TRUE CONFESSION TIME:
When I'm at the thrift store & I see home made items...I feel SO bad for them. I wonder if that is what will happen to all the home made gifts I give....they will be donated to the thrift store!?!
I know how much time and energy goes into a crocheted blanket or home made quilt. Many are very lovely too, not just yellow baby blankets. I always want to buy them all...out of appreciation if nothing else.

So the other day...I did! Birdy and I found two big bags of crochet granny squares. I have not counted them all yet but I think there might be around .... 200? Maybe. They are in the loveliest colors too!

These pix do not even show them ALL. many of them are squares with a flower in the middle. So lovely. Both bags together were under $10. We have big plans for all of them. Some will be a blanket, then maybe a scarf, a bag...so many possibilities.

Even when you are low on funds, as you can see, you can find plenty of materials for inexpensive at the thrift store. I know you can find items at yard sales too! Don't be afraid. Get to crafting!!!

I can't afford to sew...and other creative myths #2

Everyone is on a budget. Crafting need not be expensive. For some reason 'crafting' & DIY has hit the mainstream and is currently en vogue. Martha Stewart led the DIY charge! BUT 'crafting' initially was done due to necessity, not because there was leisure time. Blankets and clothing *had* to be made or else you didn't have any.

Creative Myths is a series I'm doing to encourage the reluctant crafter by addressing all the myths we tell ourselves that hinder our creativity.

Creative Myth #2

I can't afford to sew!

Borrow a sewing machine. Many women have sewing machines. If the woman uses hers, she will say so but often, there is one sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust! Sometimes a seasoned crafter will even have an extra machine on hand. Don't be afraid to ask around. If you can afford a little, check craigslist, yard sales and thrift stores for a used machine.

Repurpose, reuse, recycle: you don't need to go out and purchase brand new fabric to make a quilt. This is NOT how they did it in the old days. They saved scraps of fabric and then used those scraps to create a blanket for warmth. Where do I get the fabric to start with? you ask...Well, most homes have clothing in abundance, for starters. Go through your closets, your children's closets etc.  There's a whole menagerie of fabric opportunities just waiting to be discovered in your closet. Don't forget your linen closet! Yes, sheets are a steal when you compare the price per yardage.

Again, if you have a little money you can find great deals on sheets at yard sales and thrift stores. I've seen bags full of fabric at the thrift store for pennies on the dollar. I've also seen lawns full at yard sales and ads on craigslist. Again, don't be afraid to ask around too. Most fabric crafters have an over abundance--ask me how I know. ;-)

Before you make something completely from scratch, ask yourself if you can simply alter something you already have? Is there a shirt that has a stain? Instead of ditching the shirt or sewing a whole new one...can you sew a flower and attach that over the stain? Allow your creativity to lead and guide you in new directions.

Linens are the best source for fabric: sheets can be made into curtains, skirts, shirts, pillows, stuffed animals, slip covers etc.

There are many online tutorials for creating a new piece of clothing from an old piece of clothing. (see below for ideas)

Notions: You will need to purchase some notions like needles and thread. Keep in mind that most thread will not be seen. Therefore you do NOT need to have thread in every color. A good basic or whatever is on sale will do. As long as it is strong and keeps your item together, it will do. I found a TON of thread once in my garage. Spools and spools and spools of brown and yellow...lasted me for YEARS! (actually I STILL have some) The color has never been a problem.

When you reach the end of your spool and there is still a bit left. Wind that bit around your fingers a few times and save the piece for the times when you only need a little to close a stuffed project via hand sewing.

Use Alternatives: Most patterns that need elastic can use a draw string instead. You can use a ribbon or create one with the fabric you have on hand. If something calls for a zipper, can you use buttons...and vice-versa. 

Save the elastic from underwear. Really. When a pair of undies has exhausted itself for some reason, I cut the elastic off if it still has stretch, stash it in my supply drawer and then toss the rest.

Save buttons from other items of clothing that are no longer useable.

Salvage Zippers: those plastic bags that bedding often come in as well as some random toys have zippers that are easy to remove with a seam ripper!

Use the library to check out pattern and sewing books. Or save some time by looking online. You can also search online for how to create your own patterns OR use an item of clothing that already fits you well as the basis for the new item. 

If you do buy a pattern: wait until they are on sale. They go on sale often for about $1 each. Also, patterns can be found at the thrift store for nearly a dime a dozen.

Stuffing for toys or pillows: you can purchase fluff OR you can use other strips of fabric or old cloths for filler.

The possibilities are endless!

Repurposed Inspirations:

Men's shirt into toddler sundress

T-shirt into ruffled toddler skirt

Men's shirt into skirt

Pillow case to toddler dress

Adult Tshirt to toddler Tshirt

Classic pillow case dress

Simple doll dress using stretch fabric

There are many more inspiring ideas online. Start sewing! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Please be sure to come back and share your projects, I'd love to see them. Now quick: go grab your guy's shirts before he notices. ;-)

Baby Book

Another baby shower, another baby gift. I had a root canal on Friday--& it was much more traumatic (ie: *painful*) than I expected. I had planned on creating my gift on Friday but just couldn't. I was pressed for time on Saturday, the day of the shower, and needed to change plans slightly.

I made this cloth book. It was plan B, admittedly. It is an easy go to & makes the perfect gift for a little one. A baby can chew on it, spit up on it, drag it around...Hey! It can even double as a burp cloth over your shoulder--just flip the page each time. haha.

Then just toss in the wash!

Cloth books make great beginner sewing projects & the recipient will *always* love them & won't even notice any mistakes.

Since I was unable to go with my original gift idea, I also added home made baby wipes/wash cloths.  Another simple 'go-to'. 

I cut squares of flannel I had on hand and serged all around the edges. Voila'!

Soft, economical AND eco-friendly + an easy way to stash-bust. 

I wrapped everything in a sweet bow and placed in a brown paper gift bag. Birdy cut out & then glued on extra fabric motifs from the cloth book to the sides of the bag.

The recipient loved it.

And her shower was absolutely lovely!

The table centerpieces were gallon sized succulents wrapped in brown paper & twine. Each guest received a small succulent plant wrapped the same way. So sweet. The best looking gender-nuetral shower I've ever seen. (the parents to be have chosen to keep baby's gender a secret--even to themselves-how exciting!)

Felt Halloween Candy Bag

Although my kiddos each made their own individual costumes this year--I couldn't *not* have my hand in something! We dressed the toddler as an Angry Bird (based on a video game).  I figured I could @ least make his candy bag.

His trick-R-treat bag is a pig character from the game. (the birds are shot @ the pigs) I thought it turned out adorable and was very simple.

I hand sewed the primary bag pieces together. The rest of the facial pieces were hot-glued on in the name of time efficiency. I used green felt I had on hand and bits & pieces of black & white felt.

He was able to wear it messenger bag style--across his chest. ;-)

Felt is such a good choice for simple or beginner crafts. It doesn't fray when cut so it never needs seams or serging. It's also great for use with crafts for children as well a wide variety of other crafts like: felt flowers to be used as brooches or hair pins, hand or finger puppets, ornaments, book covers, baby shoes, holiday garlands, pin cushions or as an accent on an already made project. Just google felt crafts to find inspiration.

I don't have TIME to sew...and other creative myths #1.

The idea of working on a a project, can be more over whelming than the project itself. I'm a busy wife and mom but I make time to create. It feeds my soul in numerous ways and if I neglect my creative side for too long I has a negative impact on my psyche. Really. I truly believe creativity is good for one's mental and emotional state and probably even spiritual state.

I want to enlighten you to many of the myths we tell ourselves to hold back those creative forces and offer you the truth...or at least some creative solutions to the obstacles that hold us back. This series will focus on one myth per post and offer some tips and tricks to help over come the creative myth.

Creative Myth #1

I don't have time to sew!

Break it down into bite size creative chunks: Any project can be broken down in to smaller time increments. For example, cut your fabric pieces one day and put it away. The next day sew parts of it together. The day after that, do the hem. etc. You get the idea. Fight the feeling that you *must* complete a project in one sitting.

Learn short cuts: if you're making a clothing item for around the house, let's say for a child, it does not need to be perfect. Especially play or lounge clothes! The children won't notice or care. They don't need French Seams or that every seam be serged. Of course you want it to last until they out grow it, but that usually happens sooner rather than later. Pinking shears (the scissors that cut in a zig-zag pattern) are very useful to help prevent fabric from fraying. Save the attention to detail for special occasions.

Ditch the pattern: patterns are great tools for learning to sew new items. They are not always necessary though.  You can find lots of free tutorials online these days that instruct how to create various sewn object using pictures and instructions. Using patterns unnecessarily uses up valuable time. 

For example:Do you really need a pattern to create a skirt? Guess what? NO! A basic skirt is a tube of fabric! Get it? Cut a large strip, sew up the side and fold down the top, sew leaving a small opening. Insert elastic OR even better a ribbon you can tie to fit you perfectly. If you are an *absolute* beginner and have *never* sewn anything before, then look online for how-to's to fill in the fine details.

You can use clothing you already have as a sizing guide instead of purchasing a pattern and taking time to figure it out and cut out the pieces.

Leave your machine out: I know, you're worried about what type of example you'll be setting for your kids if you don't put away your supplies *as soon as you finish*, right? Well, you are NOT finished! It can be tedious to have to unpack your sewing machine each and every time, just to have to immediately repack it away because the baby woke up unexpectedly or the 8 year old needs help with their spelling words or you smell the brownies you forgot about, burning--you get the idea.

Leave it out! If you are using your dining table to sew, then store it under the table where you can easily access it tomorrow. When you have only 10 or 20 minutes, you need to conserve those seconds when you can! You can put away the machine when you are expecting company. ;-)

What you can do with ONLY 20 minutes:

cut fabric pieces

sew a dress

sew a hem

sew a casing for skirt or child pants

attach two legs for a pair or lounge pants

cut fabric for an owl pillow

cut squares for a quilt

pin a 'quilt sandwich'

sew a simple doll dress

measure your child's waist and legs for width & length of pants (don't forget to write it down)

Find an item of clothing in the closet that fits well, to use as a sizing guide.

Serge an adult T-shirt into a toddler size T

gather a ruffle or a skirt

You get the idea. Once you get started and have everything in perspective, you will be amazed how much you CAN get accomplished in very little time at all.

Hey! Go set up your machine and get started before the brownies burn. ;-)

Big Brother T to lil brother T: make your own toddler T-shirt

The toddler needs clothes. Really. He has outgrown all but one pair of jeans. The temps have taken a dip so he also needs some long sleeved T's. I haven't gotten a chance to go to the thrift store and I really hate to spend money unnecessarily. In an instant I told oldest to see if he had a T-shirt he no longer wore, maybe was too small...I wanted to see if I could make the toddler a quick shirt.

It was ridiculously simple. Sorry for the poor pic quality--I always think to take pix too late. Here is a semi-tutorial for using larger T's to create a piece of toddler clothing.

We put the T on him wrong side out so we could pin it to fit. We used LARGE safety pins. This avoids the risk of being poked. (Isn't this little guy such a patient little cutie?)

1. Pull up the shoulders first so you can pin it to avoid the the neck being too wide. Make sure it fits around the head easily to remove.

2. Have the toddler hold out his/her arms just long enough to get a good pin under. This will be where the 'sleeve' will begin.

3. Pin the sides along the waist for an appropriate fit.

4. Don't forget to mark the length you want.

5. I took my serger and eyeballed along the pinned edges. From under the arm to down the sides you are basically cutting or serging an upside down L shape on each side.

BE SURE to NOT serge or cut too close to the child's underarm OR they will not be able to comfortably remove or put on the shirt. Always better to be TOO BIG than too small...because you can always make it smaller but you can't make it bigger. IF you don't have a serger, you can simply sew a straight stitch along your lines/pins.

6. Serge (or cut & sew) the tops of the shoulders. Again pay attention NOT to make the sleeve too narrow. Line up the 'collar' so the edges are even.

7. After the underarm, sides & shoulders are cut and serged/sewn, serge the bottom or hem. I am blessed to have a serger so no hemming was required.

TaDaaaa!

I couldn't be happier with how this turned out. It took all of 10 minutes? 

And the sleeve length was perfect! An adult size, short sleeve T produced a long sleeve toddler shirt. 

The shirt cut ended up being more of a roomy-boxy sweat shirt shape but you could also ways cut/sew it narrower along the abdomen if you wanted. I didn't mind how this turned out and I can't wait to create more.

I love when I can repurpose an item into something new. I know we have a bunch of T's around here and now I can put them to good use instead of tossing and/or buying new ones that this little guy will out grow in no time!

Don't you think this would make a great GIFT for new parents?....sneak one of daddy's old favorite T's & recreate it into a shirt the toddler can wear. You can also make little pants out of old T's as well. (have I posted that before? if not, I really should!)  I have a baby shower coming up soon...hhhmmm... ;-)

For a little girl's T, you could even flare the sleeves, which would be adorable. Don't you think? So many options--it's too easy NOT to try, isn't it? This would make a great first sewing or serging project. The toddler won't mind if you make a mistake and no one will even notice. Go ahead, try it today. I know you can do it. 














 


   

For the Garden

I've been working on my garden the past few months, not only adding plants but also trying to add visual interest. Being a renter, I've also tried to keep plants in pots so they are portable. A few of our pots were faded and pretty boring looking.

The other day I decided to spruce them up a bit with spray paint I had around the house. I bought it months ago for another project then changed my mind and they were never used. I decided to paint the larger one a golden yellow color and the smaller one a bright orange. The bright orange one's original color was a darker green so it ended up not being so bright, which was actually nicer. The colors go well for Fall but I think they will look good year round.

For now they are on the porch. The green one behind them could use some work, but it's harder to do while there is still a plant in it. The two we painted were empty.

My mini-roses aren't looking so hot right now. Not sure why. They were on the porch and looked lush and lovely, about to bloom again. Then suddenly a few days later they looked near death. 

The bigger yellow pot has a gardenia in it. It was looking neglected too but sprung back the next day after replanting it. Hopefully the roses will recover just as well.

Bedroom Side Table re-do

I must've forced the Mr. to curb crawl this side table months ago if not last year. It took residence on our porch, sadly calling out to me every time I went in or out of my front door. I planned to get to it as soon as I could.

Same old story, right? Well, this weekend I was in a creative frenzy. I finally dragged-ok had oldest carry-that heavy little table to the back yard and the Birdy girl & I got to work.

I used primer, since I wasn't going to do any sanding, I already had on hand and some grey-blue oops paint I had also scored months ago.
We painted Birdy's room white this summer and have slowly been decorating it a neutral white on white since the male toddler is also housed there. Birdy also has this idea that she wants her room *vintage*. Well, this side table certainly fits that description.

It's not a new piece, but it definitely has much more life in it now!

It was the perfect day to paint it too, warm and dry. Almost too warm. The coats dried quickly so we were able to complete the entire piece in one afternoon.

I found the drawer pulls at Michael's Arts & Crafts store for only $1.50 each. Initially, I purchased them thinking I could use them for my own desk that doesn't have any, but the screws were too big. They fit the drawer in this table perfectly!

Aren't they just adorable? I thought so too.

Whoooos got a Kindle?

This was the original E-reader I made. I began crocheting one before I decided to sew the one I posted about previously.

I was not happy with how it came out over all, but I do think it's really cute.

I realize some modifications I could make that would help me (or anyone) enjoy it more.

I wanted it to open so I made the wings with the ability to open. Pretty cool design but it ended up with to many 'pieces' IMO and too bulky over all. The bulkiness might be really helpful if you drop your bag or something--it would help cushion the blow.

I meant to write a pattern for it, but then I forgot.

I think I can figure it out by next week.....

This one is going to be donated toward an auction that will help support artistic, theatrical endeavors that a friend is involved in.

BaBEE quilt

I made this quilt for a friend, on Saturday. I chose a simple, large square lay out to simplify the process and build it quickly. However, my machine began to be temperamental as soon as I changed the presser foot to the quilting foot. I could not figure out what the problem was, something with the tension. After hours of fighting with it and having to rip out all the quilted seems....I finally gave up and switched back to the regular foot and simply quilted it with a square motif and was finished quickly. Except by then, the shower was over. :-(

Her baby theme colors were black and yellow, like a bee. I love how it turned out over all. Another friend is having a surprise-gender-baby and I think this color scheme will make the perfect neutral. I plan on making another one but with more red accents. I have a good amount of fabric left over.

The back fabric is flannel. Doesn't it look like a honey comb? I did not use any batting, which makes it a great weight. Not too heavy, not too light. The 'scribbles' you see in the quilting are words; fruits of the spirit. I think I had to remove one or two permanently due to the tension issue.  I was looking at it tonight and it looks like most of them survived.

I thought the words would show up better on the honey comb side...they don't. So the front yellow pieces have bold black threaded words running through them, backwards. The momma like it though, that is all that counts.

This was also the first time I used satin binding. It was pretty easy to work with except for the fact that I ran out on a small section--which is why it is red. The red adds to it's 'modern' charm, though.

Kindle Cover

I didn't want to buy a Kindle cover when I knew I could whip one out myself. It was pretty easy, like a pillow case for your e-reader. It did end up being a wee bit tight for it, but not unusable. Now that I have one made I know how I can make another easier and better.

It opens like a book. The Kindle can slide into the left side, like a sleeve. The right side has corner pockets to hold it in place while reading. The only thing I didn't do but would have liked, was to create something to keep it closed. I was going to attach a ribbon, but I forgot. I used some left over interfacing (I think that is what it is?) in between the fabric pieces for sturdiness.

I did look online and didn't see any I liked....especially not one with as much character as an owl with giant eyes. I fashioned it after the owl pillows I made before.

I'd like to make another...maybe not an owl but something anyway...simple but attractive.

New Lighting Fixture

After repainting my daughter's room this summer, marshmallow white, I decided to go with this idea of white on white for decorating. It's a slow process but we're getting there. I saw some pictures of creating focal points with paper lanterns and I knew it was exactly what I wanted in her room for the lighting.

I realize now I should have taken a pic of the lighting fixture that was there before. (I might have one in the painting pix, if so, I'll post them later) It was a vintage, pink, glass bowl-like dish that hung down below the light bulb. I found these paper lanterns for very inexpensive and finally went to work.  

I also found large plastic crystal-chandelier like beads that I had planned on hanging intermingled with the lanterns but once we had the lanterns finangled, they seemed well enough with out them. Well, plus it was pretty tough on the arms and shoulders. There are beads hanging around the light bulb but they are too close to the lanterns to even see. bummer. (that's what those white strings are around the top of the light) They were a good idea in theory but gave us the most grief in application.

The whole thing was put together using upholstery thread. (just because that is the only white thread I had & I couldn't find my *invisible thread) The thread doesn't show on the lanterns but you can clearly see it attached to the beads. I attached the thread randomly to the wires of the lanterns and just kept pulling & tying until they hung in the shape and length we wanted. (oldest son was helping me) The beads are threaded onto a wire, wrapped around the metal fixture. I applied a strip of hot glue around the fixture to help it not slip. (learned the hard way after it slipped numerous times, entangling the beads) I tried tos tick to using what I had on hand.

I also realize the actual metal fixture the light bulb is affixed to, would look much better if *it* were also painted white. Don't know WHY I didn't think of that when we painted the room. 

I'm still debating whether or not to add beads but it looks nice and simple the way it is. The shape came out lovely. I can imagine having this in various shades, colors & textures would also be smashing. It creates a nice glow when the light is on too.

I'm thinking of adding more paper lanterns around the house...

Another Birthday Banner

Any excuse to sew? Instead of using glue to attach pieces of this super easy banner, I sewed them.

It was the Mr.'s birthday and besides the fact that he was always present (I like to surprise), I hardly had a moment to spare. So while he was out playing tennis for the morning, I went to work.

I free hand cut larger pennant triangles from fall themed paper I had, then smaller ones.  I sewed straight across the tops to attach the smaller pieces on top and to attach each pennant to the next. I left my free motion quilting foot on my machine all summer, this was another excuse to put it to practice. (And boy do I need practice using it!!!!) After all the triangles were attached, I created a string of swirls on each individual pennant. I had plenty of letters but none that went with the color scheme of the papers. I noticed some letters the day before while I was @ Target & knew they would match. I quickly went to Target, used a $5 gift card I had and paid a dollar out of pocket for a pack of alphabet stickers in the exact hues I needed.  Voila'!

Easy peasy and festive to boot!

Crochet Washcloth

This is the first crochet washcloth I have ever made, believe it or not. I made this for my neighbor as a gift.  I will be including a bar of home made soap, maybe one of the ones I felted...

I am not too happy w/ the mix of colors.  I like each of the yarns individually, but they don't work as well together as I was hoping.  

It's a nice & easy pattern though. I'd like to make it again using solid colored yarn instead.