It's the time of the season for craf-ting

I know I know, I am already married so I don't need this book. I got it anyhow. It has been quite useful already. First, it led me to take my first Paper Source class. Then I was hurled into craft mode for the summer. This is when I actually have time for all of the things that I want to create.

These photos are a bit grainy because I used my cell in an effort to actually blog in a timely manner. The tissue flowers project was so easy to follow. The blue ones really perk up a kitchen table in a snap!

This poorly shot photo shows the little paper goods I created in my Paper Source class last weekend. I hope your summer guides you into loads of craftventures!
xo

Lite Brite Flower Pot

Do you remember playing with Lite Brites as a kid? I don't think Lite Brites are being used much anymore but there are probably lots of the pegs floating around out there (calling my name). I've noticed that the toys and treasures of my childhood keep bringing me back to my crafty side. My Mom actually turned me on to the idea of making a lamp shade of sorts with Lite Brite pegs. She even provided me with the supplies! She handed over a plastic flower pot, pegs, and drill bits. I then asked my Dad for an old drill for my crafting and mangling purposes. I enlisted the help of Sweet D and his sister L to drill the holes in the flower pot. I refurbished a battery operated, goodwill bound lamp. Once we were all done we placed the pegs and admired our work. This was a simple project yet I am so proud! I love taking something old or discarded and making it into something new. It makes me feel so good, like I've really accomplished something.



Tada! Send those Lite Brite pegs my way; I've got more ideas brewing! xo

Please note: the battery operated lamp is not shown because I needed something a bit brighter for the photo.

I'm Back

I didn't really leave; I've just been busy and not blogging. My crafts and little family jaunts have kept me on the move. I'm hoping to have a date with my sewing machine a little more often. Once a week would be nice. I mean well; I have an idea journal, an inspiration notebook and supplies floating about the house. I suppose I'll get down to it. Here's a video about sewing machines. It uses one of my favorite words. Can you guess what it is?





xo

Adventures In Babysitting

I've been feeling super crafty and staying so busy. I kind of slack when it comes to blogging about my fun. I enjoy babysitting and I had the opportunity to sit with some sweet kiddos. The night ranged from playing with "old" toys like smurfs and wrestlers to eating pizza and creating shrinky dink magic. Everything was enjoyable but the best was brushing little M's teeth and making shrinky dinks with my man friend and H, the oldest kiddo. H was an absolute doll. She was helpful, excited, and totally understanding to our uncertainty of the project outcome. I brought lots of supplies and vintage flash cards for drawing ideas. We followed the directions from Poopscape's tutorial and away we went! These aren't the best pics but I'm happy I took them just the same.

I did it! I'm on etsy!

It has taken me for-ev-er to get my act together enough to even start an etsy site. I did it and I hope to keep adding new and vintage items to my shop! There are so many ideas floating around in my fuzzy brain. I just need to get them out. They said something about ransom. Don't fear I have a great friend who is a secret agent. She's good at talking ideas down.

Cute As A Button-CD spindle cake dome

Supplies-CD spindle cake dome
Originally uploaded by sweetmeatpiggy

I entered the Upcyclist Party Contest today. I'm hoping to win but there are lots of hopefuls in the competition! These are the goods I used!

Here is my end product. I'm so proud of it! The CD spindle was one of those items I held over the trash can but couldn't throw away {Pack rat}. The idea of using it for cupcakes or a mini bundt cake saved it from a landfill. Hoarder or recycler? I think I'm a little of both. This article tickled me a bit.
Know a hoarder? A guide to helping
Use a gentle, respectful approach.
Assess the situation for safety.
Refer the hoarder to a doctor for evaluation of the underlying cause.
During clean up, expect slow, gradual change.
Let the hoarder touch and talk about the items to be discarded.
Reassure the hoarder that others will help.
Get the hoarder involved in the solution.

Perhaps I need this type of intervention :)

Owlivia Gets An Eye...Patch

I saw this clock hanging in my elderly neighbor's garage as I was helping her get rid of some puzzles. I dreamed of this clock; I wanted this clock. You see, I collect owl tidbits and this one had caught my eye. I thought I should have offered $5 for it when I was there but then the moment passed and I never did. Months later my BF and I were driving by and noticed it laying with some other salvageable goods before trash day. This baby wasn't trash! I immediately yelled for BF to stop driving and go back. He thought something tragic was on my mind. There was no tragedy unless you consider this treasure going to the trash a tragedy. I quickly scooped it up, gave the neighbors a sweet grin and wave through their screen door and we were off. At last it was mine! I noticed the missing eye from little Owlivia and thought I would put a googly eye or doll eye in it's place. I hung up the clock and kept meaning to take care of her. I finally did it! I decided she could be like Aunt Lily in Pushing Daisies and wear an eye patch although I don't think Owlivia lost her eye while cleaning out the cat box. Anyone have a patch pattern or idea for her next look? I'm open to suggestions!