Designs by Laura

Wall Decor - Styling with Coffee Filters

2012-01-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

So I saw a fun idea on Pinterest and it led me to this great website with a great idea creating high impact, low cost art for your wall using large orange thumbtacks, paper doilies, and cupcake liners!

Someone suggested using coffee filter so off I went to get some along with white thumbtacks, the only ones I could find. I folded my filters and cut a variety of petal shape and sizes layering at least four filters, occasionally six. I didn't like them as well in a flattened state so I scruched them up and then spread them apart for a more dimensional look.

On a few I added some gold inking for a little change but on my light wall it was a textural, tone-on-tone look that is fun and whimsical along with butterflies and dragonflies also in groups on the wall. I didn't have the room to create the wall drama of the original but I do like the look and hope to find a larger space to do more!

Beaded Swirl and Disk Pattern

2011-12-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

After months of searching to find the name of this pattern I finally got an answer thanks to my contact with Catlady Kate's Elegant and Depression Glass. I tried a number of potentional searches, swirls and circles, yellow and pink depression glass, etc. However, once I got the correct name for these beauties I discovered that the Beaded Swirl and Disk pattern by US Glass had been discontinued in 1904 which certainly predates the depression glass era.

I was so delighted to finally know something about these unique beauties. I've had them for a while and can't even recall how or where I found them but I wanted to share them here. I have not found any online in this pattern in the yellow and pink, just clear but if you have some I'd love to see it!

Think Pink!

2011-10-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

I picked up this sweet little night stand. Some of the paint was peeling and I decided to change it up and make it more girly so I sanded and did a little color changing to make it pink. Now I know it won't appeal to everyone but it is only paint after all and paint can be changed! But for now this is it's new life!

Revitalizing a tired bench

2011-10-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

We bought this beautiful desk with a bench that had, well seen better days...so I dug through my fabric stash and found a great design to breathe new life into this piece....yaaayyy! Plus it was an easy redo. I added a single layer of fiberfill batting to give it just a wee bit more cush and it's so much prettier!

Jewelry Hangers

2011-09-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some ideas for using items that lend themselves to multiple purposes. This wicker rattan shelf houses several of my flamingos but the doors also serve as an earring holder. Bonus!

The other little wood house was put out by Hallmark and had the hooks already in place and is perfect for smaller earrings...it's fun to repurpose and reuse and recycle!

Blooming Aloe Vera!

2011-07-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well, this isn't one of my personal designs...but a special gift from the Greatest Designer in the universe! This was the first time I have seen a common aloe vera houseplant bloom so wanted to share the pictures.

July 5, 2011

This shot was taken June 24, 2011.

I told the gentleman that gave my the start of this aloe that it was blooming and he asked me what I did to make it bloom.

"I don't know! But, apparently neglect serves it well!"

I had moved several houseplants to our office so the aloe has had a diffused northern exposure for several months so that change of environment may have made all the difference. Whatever the reason, I've been excited to share this special blooming moment!

Brownie Bot - an Upcycled Robot

2011-04-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of my Brownie Bot. Her head rotates and the arms are held with a magnet that allows for many positions so it allows for several posing options, the first one is my husband's favorite! Look away from the food, look away from the food!

My husband loves the hand in front of the mouth!

LKC - Laura's Kooky Creations!

2011-04-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

So not everything I do is "kooky" but I must confess it is fun to create a variety of personalities with found objects that get assembled and given a life unknown to them previously. And it often brings a smile (and perhaps a raised eyebrow or two). It's a refreshing diversion from the massage office especially when I'm slammed as is typical for this time of year. So I'm getting closer to completion but for now here is the motley crew! So I'm still trying to decide on names. The camera character I'll call Brownie. The fondue pot...Sunny...the other two...not sure yet. Any suggestions? Brownie (which is the camera name, so not very original) but the fella behind her still needs a name... Sunny...she's simple and cheerful! And I'm not sure what name to give the Garden Girl...

They join Rosie (my firstborn), Hootie, Aladdin and Pinnochio (though P has a new home now).

Hootie the Owl

Aladdin the Thermodoor (part thermos, part doorstop!)

Pinocchio

A Romantic Crochet Wrist Cuff

2010-12-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

So I found this adorable crocheted cuff pattern from an Etsy shop called Magenta Sky Studio where she offers a variety of knit and crochet items she makes as well as the pattern for this beautiful cuff so being a crocheter I bought the pattern a couple of days ago.

I used what I had available and thankfully knew where my crochet hooks were since it had been awhile and away I went...a relatively quick project. As I looked at my multi-colored creation (a litle bulkier than her delicate version), I realized it could be a fun way to enjoy wearing some of my gorgeous pins so I opted not to attach the medallion that is shown on the original pattern (though I do intend to make one like it...because I love it!) and many of you who have followed some of my posts know I love to find different ways to wear my jewelry pieces...so this may inspire you to want to make something similar. Thanks for stopping by!

I wore this vintage pin today...it's such a great Judy Lee piece!

I think the black will set off many of my pins...I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this design!

I'm feeling blue

2010-12-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Some beautiful items I found on Etsy and put in this stunning Treasury!

'I'm feeling Blue...' by lkcDesign

Blue...Vibrant in the sky above and gives richness to the depths below...it calms and gives a sense of serenity and nurtures the soul.

Vintage COBALT blue... CapriciousTrav... $	READY TO SHIP - CAR... TheHeadbandSho... $	blue sequined rick-... lucilleandthel... $6.00	Blue vintage jewel ... jillian1984 $18.00
BIRD BATH, Glass an... GloriousGlassG... $	Shredded Midnight B... Textilemonster $	Beach Chairs, Water... lauratrevey $	Dupioni Silk Peacoc... BabyEtte $
Peacock Wedding Inv... DesignsbyAdj $	HUGE SAVINGS. STORE... RenaeSchoeffel... $	Tropical Flowers-Bl... WillowBranchGr... $3.00	Starry Night- Origi... JamiesArt $20.00
Vintage 80's CO... viralthreads $25.00	BIG BLUE TRANNY....... beatlebabyglas... $	Blue Bells Billie H... billiebrand $15.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

BYOB Project - Construction Details

2010-12-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

I meant to do this sooner, but just been hammered this past month so finally here are some additional ideas and suggestions related to the BYOB project converting t-shirts into usable bags!

First I'll show what I did with the pretty blue bag featured in the earlier post.

To create the curve, I folded the shirt in half and used the pins to help determine the curve...of course it could just be sewn straight across. A reminder...you must use your STRETCH STITCH to ensure the bag will stand up to the wear and tear of heavy objects.

I used a white bar of soap (courtesy of a motel stay!) which makes it easy to see on darker fabric and it will wash out, too! So, after marking both sides you can unpin and sew...I also used a decorative stretch stitch just for fun.

To cut the collar and widen the top opening I used a plate as a template...depending on the size of the shirt you may need to vary the size...pan lids would work great, too!

I uaed my pinking shears to cut through the sleeve leaving about 2 inches attached at the top so I can add a key clip and a place to hang my recycled tie cell phone holder. If you don't want to do that you can just cut off both sleeves.

The piece I've cut out I use to create a tie at the top of each sleeve to gather and hold them together.

I cut off the other sleeve completely.

I used my trusty bar of soap to mark off about one inch fringe strips.

I folded the shirt in half again and put a marker on my scissors and did some decorative slits in the main body of the shirt (which I later used for my ribbon assortment!

I even used the collar by fringing it (I eyeballed it) and decided it might be just the right size to put over a small lamp shade and realized it was a great place to hang my fishhook earrings...bonus! It would also be an adorable necklace for a little girl...you could even add some pony beads.

I have provided a pdf file with instructions to create a flat bottom bag, too, click here to get it and quick reminders on the details shown in this post...have fun and remember, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Recycling on a whole new level!

2010-11-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by an incredible and fun (and prolific) artist on Etsy named Will W. and he brings recycled things to life! You will have fun and be inspired by visiting his Etsy shop called Reclaim2Fame.

His work inspired me to do a very different recyclying project from the previous ones posted here...enjoy and be inspired! I've named her Rosie.

Some of the items include brass candlesticks, an exotic wood yoyo made by husband which he graciously donated to a higher cause, a vintage brooch and tin and miscellaneous beads and jewelry parts...it's a little girly compared to the shop that inspired me but you get the basic idea of giving these items a new lease on life, things that would otherwise be subjugated to a lonely separate life in a box or drawer now proudly stand as one!

The BYOB Project

2010-11-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

I was asked to participate in a local 3R's Fair - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle which is something I love to do anyway so I wanted to present a project that might be fun and interesting and practical, too. So I found a great idea for recycling t-shirts into functional bags...I have a link on our website where you can download a pdf file with some idea reminders that I will also show in this post.

There are a number of variations with this project and it can be very simple and basic or more fussy...it's up to you! I'll show you some of the things I've done with one of my favorite t-shirt bags!

With this shirt, I opted to add a fringe and some horizontal cuts in the main part of the bag which is fun and funky as long as you aren't carrying a lot of cereal boxes but wouldn't it be great for ribbons?!

Detailed instructions to come...

Be careful what you ask for...

2010-11-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ask and you shall receive...and receive I did! I was one of the few people in this world who would actually ASK for zucchini and large ones at that (most people lock their cars for fear it might show up!) Anyway, I got several donations and have done a variety of things with them that have been tasty options but thought I'd share one we have really enjoyed and that was juicing the zucchini. Paired with a couple of Granny Smith apples it was delicious. One person thought it tasted like Jolly Rancher Green Apple candy...so if you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try it! What a great use for something that might otherwise not get used...I'm going to try using the leftover pulp for bread instead of the usual grated zucchini. Isn't the color wonderful? Thanks for stopping by!

Tie One On!

2010-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, here is one of my latest projects...I've recycled this tie to use as a cell phone holder for my purse...and judging by the size of my purse, you may well understand why I need a special place for my phone. I wanted to make it longer but it would drag on the floor so I resized it again to fit. I used a heavy clear vinyl to hold it which also allows the tie fabric to show. I added the ring to make it easier to move it from one purse to another...stay tuned I'll be making more!

Not necessary but I did feel compelled to take this adorable
little tie tac and add it as a little bling bling!

Upcycled Jewelry and Etsy find

2010-10-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to share some pics of a necklace I made from other older, reclaimed necklaces that didn't really jazz me...and I added some little black beads as spacers...I love the colors and it works with many things I wear not that I have a shortage of jewelry choices but in spite of that don't you often find you are still looking for just the right combination of colors.

Then I found this sweet little vintage set on Etsy. It is a clip-on pair of earrings and decorative clip for creating a pendant effect with a beaded necklace so I thought I would show how pretty it is on a necklace and it creates a fun and different look, too!

I love vintage (and new) jewelry and creating my own special treasures. This treasure was found at YesterdaysMemories09 Etsy shop.

Enjoy and save those old necklace and give them a new. recycled life!

Pretty as a Peacock

2010-10-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went to a local sale and found this unusual piece of art...it spoke to us and we decided it needed a home in our office...it's an intricate, well-made and unique so my question to you is what do you think it is made from? Leave comments in this post and enjoy this gorgeous piece of art!

I'm batty for you...

2010-09-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Now many of you may not know this but on September 1 my husband had the unfortunate experience of being bitten by a bat so he has recently completed a rabies series of shots, so I thought this little origami project was appropriate for him.

Here's a link to an article about his experience...if you're interested.

Hoffhaus Gardens and 1910 Secret Coffeehouse

2010-08-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful little coffeehouse in Alliance, Nebraska that is a favorite of ours and it has a great eclectic vibe to it and it's nestled inside a greenhouse...so I took some pictures the other day and played with them in one of my drawing programs to create scenes that had more of an illustrated and watercolor feel...here's one of them.

If you're in the area...be sure to stop by...their website is 1910 Secret Coffeehouse.

The greenhouse is celebrating a hundred years in business...
and they look great for their age!

This picture has more of a watercolor feel and is a beautiful, restful vignette in front of the pond.

Jewelry Art

2010-08-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for ways to enjoy jewelry rather than it just sitting tucked away in my jewelry armoire so I'm sharing some ways I'm enjoying necklaces I have.
I bought this vintage piece yesterday and it matched by shirt so closely I didn't want to wear it on the shirt so decided I would wear my chain looped around a belt loop and the other end tucked in the pocket...kinda funky but I'm likin' it!

These necklaces had an obvious theme with the elephants on them and I love having them hanging in the living room to enjoy!

Miniature Chair

2010-08-15T22:47:00.000-07:00

I've been in a decoupage mode and feel compelled to alter things and give them a new lease on life...so this chair was one of those projects. It started as a white, ordinarty 11" wooden chair. I used some coffee-themed paper and cut a mosaic tile pattern for the seat and the upper back and then cut strips of the paper to cover long narrow areas. After sealing it with a matte finish I used a turquoise glazing and some brown paint to allow some the copy to show through. I love how it turned out and the dragonflies add a little touch of whimsy.

Make this easy Awning!

2010-07-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Notice the difference with adjusting the angle of the pvc pipe. The awning is lightweight enough not to require any securing of the pipe.

Just sharing an idea I have in my little shop...it's a simple awning design...the material is wrapped around a simple 1" square wood dowel and a rod pocket put in toward the bottom. In the rod pocket I use pvc pipe cut to the width of the material, two pvc elbows and two shorter pieces...the length of those pieces really depend on the look you prefer. If you want more drama a length of 8-10 inches may suit you, if you want less obvious you could try 4-6 inches...the pictures also show that you can change the angle of the pvc on the wall to try different looks...create your own bistro! You can also do this with a curtain valance as well...Give it a go...share pics!

Decoupage Chair Project

2010-07-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Another recycling project...I saved some images from a Mary Englebreit calendar I had a few years ago and used those to give a new personality to this little child's chair...it's sturdy but a little rough and plain...so armed with paper images and Modge Podge, away I went!

Blackboard Paint

2010-07-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

I needed to recoat a blackboard I bought recently so while I was at it I decided to sand and coat the top of an old footstool. It's a great way to give a new and different life to something that might be headed to the dumpster...I think it could be fun at a porch entry or a place for kids to be creative.

I painted with a brushed on two coats of Krylon Blackboard Paint (around $10 a quart) on and after 24 hours of drying time you can create to your hearts delight!

Origami Shirt and Tie from a dollar bill

2009-10-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

My first attempt...I was delighted to have made the tie but realized it was too long and I was unable to make sleeves but at least I was on the right track!

Some time ago I saw a photo of an origami shirt and tie...I had done several shirts with pants and even a dress but not a shirt with a tie. I looked high and low for directions but could find none. So, I was intrigued and studied the picture so I could try and figure it out. A big help was that it was done with a dollar bill so I could look at the markings for reference. So I will try and show some of the steps. If you're not familiar with origami it may seem difficult but studying the pictures should help. I will try and post the steps at a later time. It is a fun way to leave a tip. I've also made an anniversary card with the suit and a dress also made from a dollar. I was going to post the steps I took to create my shirt and tie but found a great tuturial here!

Mini Teapots

2009-10-07T12:34:00.001-07:00

Not sure why I felt compelled to make these but I know I was inspired by Mary Engelbreit. I love the cheerful upbeat looks of her designs. These were done with the clay that always stays pliable and I've had them for a few years now...but I think it could be a fun project for a little girls tea party. I used a toothpick to create some of the details.

Tea Cup Topiaries

2009-08-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a picture of something I did a few years back. It was inspired by a wallpaper border and thought it might be a fun idea to share.
I made tea cup topiaries to go on each table and thought I might offer some as gifts.

You'll need:

Tea cups or other vase-type containers

sand

branches

3" Styrofoam ball

moss

I took mismatched cups as well as some adorable ceramic boots and filled them with sand. I then took branches cut from bushes and vines in the yard and wedge them in a 3" styrofoam ball covered with sheet moss.

After wetting the sand in the cups I covered the top of them with the moss as well. I had considered using plaster in the cups to stabilize but didn't know if I wanted to do that to the items I was using. I showed them to some friends a few days later and much to my surprise, the branches are leafing out do to the wet sand, which makes them look more authentic!

Wooden Pins

2009-03-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

These are a variety of layered, wood pins I've made out of some of the beautiful scrap pieces of exotic woods from my husband's workshop. Many have both a magnetic holder and a tradition pin backing. The magnetic hold is nice when I want to wear one on a jacket and don't want to poke a hole in it. The down side to a magnetic holder is throwing a jacket over a metal framed chair may secure it more than I planned! I've had to pry it away on occasion!

Foam Cornices

2009-03-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is a project from a few years ago...I did it using the 2" dense foam, stencils and a dremel tool. I wanted to create a cornice but because we have block or brick wall I had to attach to the wood frame around my windows so decided to try a create a dimensional cornice for my bathroom window that could be support by shelf brackets attached to the wood frame. I would be easy to make any design or lettering and tape the design or use repositional adhesive sprayed on the back to hold it in place and dremel away...it's fairly quick and a fun project...I thought of building a faux mantle doing the same thing. The thicker foam has a tongue and groove feature so I took advantage of it on top. The "stone" color was sponged on using a mottling of gray and white.

Laney tag

2009-02-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

Single strand wire...Plantin Schoolbook tag.