Teacup Pumpkin

I was inspired by this charming idea to use some of my vintage teacups for a unique display in the shop. Thank you Thrifty Rebel Vintage! ♥

The beauty of this project is the items are not glued or altered so they can still be used if desired.

 Her creative version used a screwdriver in the center with wire curlicues coming out from the center. I took a lid off a strawberry shaped bowl in the shop for my version.

 Cups are resting in a pie plate.

Hanky Dresses

These are my recent additions in my Etsy shop. They are such a fun way to make each hanky/hankie a little more special! To see what I have available go here > Hanky Dresses . If you have a special hanky, you can purchase the bodice and hanger separately, too!

These are also one of my best sellers in our local store as well.

So making use of the cold days to stay in and get a few projects done.

All Things Tilda

 Roberta likes to roam in the shop, lol!

Sometime over the summer I discovered the world of Tilda. I've become rather smitten by it and the fun creations by other crafters so I was inspired to work on a few of my own projects. So many charming themes and designs.  So my first piece was the large Tilda doll from the Tilda Summer Ideas book. I call her Roberta.

This charming snail was my next project made from an upcycled vintage pillow case and dress!

I next started working the Tilda doll from the Seaside Ideas book. Loved the little sailing jacket so started it before working on the doll. I had some pretty polka dot fabric and wanted her to have a little hat which wasn't in the book so had to fashion my own.
Also decided to make a little frog closure out of some small cord thread.

Then next were some whales...the large one still isn't finished but had to make the small whale, too! Also, the Tilda bug from the Spring ideas...

And I'm working on some flowers from the Summer Ideas book. I just have them pinned to a bird cage while I decide placement but fun and easy to make. I have a silver colored bead in the center of each one. The large one I layered the large pattern and the small.

So many fun projects! Thanks for visiting!

Revitalizing a tired bench

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

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!

BYOB Project - Construction Details

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!

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!