Trash to Treasure Tuesday...

A few weekends ago, I stopped at one of my favorite Thrift Stores my way home from a day of treasure hunting with my friend Kate...and this little beauty was just sitting there waiting for me!

If I told you what I paid for it you wouldn't believe me...I think someone mis-marked it because aside from being scratched up, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it!

After two coats of Glidden's Barely Jade, this is what it looks like today...

And it's perfect for holding all my handmade books and journals!

Rag Quilts...

If you like to quilt or if you've never quilted before but want to try it...I definitely suggest making a rag quilt. I made Matthew a quilt when I was pregnant with him (19 years ago) and I just finished a quilt for Sebastian (he's 10) right after Christmas so I figured I should probably make Shelby a quilt (she's 20) so she doesn't feel left out.

I was hoping to get it done before Valentine's day and oh happy day...it literally took me two days to complete this lovely thing (kind of want to keep it for myself!). I cut the squares one night while watching TV and did all the sewing and "fringing" the next night.

All my squares are 7" x 7" with a 3/4" seam allowance...and I did not use batting like most rag quilts call for because this is a flannel quilt (front and back) so I didn't want it to be too hot. For instructions just google "rag quilt" or search for instructions on pinterest...there'll be tons to choose from. And it's a very forgiving quilt (great for beginners)...not all of my seams matched up perfectly (as they need to do in regular quilting) but you'll never know cause the fringe covers everything up! I'm going to box it up and send it to Shelby along with some chocolates for Valentine's day...she's going to be so surprised (and I hope she loves it as much as I do.)

Happy quilting!

Wishy Washi

I have been going Washi Tape crazy lately...purchased 15 rolls from Etsy in the past week or so...

I would use them on everything if I could...and I might even try this (but not so sure how it'll turn out since my keyboard is black)...I got mine here, here, here and here...

but you can search Washi Tape on Etsy and find your own! The movie ticket stub is for We Bought A Zoo...I took the boys to see it Friday night and it got two thumbs up all around, you've got to see it if you haven't yet, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

Fabric Scrap Fun...

I love working with fabric so I end up with lots and lots of scraps. Like most crafters, I'm a bit of a hoarder so I never throw any of them away. But now my scrap box is literally overflowing so I thought I'd try to make a few things to free up some space in the box. And the nice thing about these two projects are that they're perfect to do while watching your favorite TV shows.

This heart wreath is made using a wooden embroidery hoop. Rip strips of fabric measuring about 1/2" x 6" and tie them (with a knot) around the hoop until the entire thing is covered. Next make little hearts of all shapes and sizes (mine measure 1 1/2" and 2" in length.) You can sew them on your machine and leave an opening to turn and stuff. After stuffing, sew the opening closed and glue them to the wreath using a glue gun or fabric glue. Tie some twine or pretty ribbon to the top to hang and viola! You have a pretty little wreath just in time for Valentine's Day.

For my next project, I used an old linen napkin (I like to snatch them up at flea markets when I find them for next-to-nothing...they're good for using in projects.) I sorted through my scraps and picked out my favorites then randomly hand-stitched them to the napkin.

When I was happy with how it looked I used my ??free-stitch presser foot??? (Don't know the technical name) and sewed three hearts in pink and the word "LOVE" in blue. I'm going to stitch it to the outside of a pillow (as soon as I find one!).

Happy stitching!

Favorite Etsy Finds...

You've got to check out my two new favorite Etsy stores...

This first one is Lenae. She has the cutest captured fairies held safely in all sorts of fancy wire cages. I want them all...heck, even their names are adorable!

And the second is Gozdeeker...is that not the cutest jelly fish you've ever seen? The store is full of fun and colorful paper mache goodies. You'll feel happy just browsing!