"I Can Make That Myself"

If you're a crafter like me, perhaps you think like I do.

When I'm shopping and see something I want, I look at the price and say to myself, "I can make that myself for a lot less".

Then I purchase the materials to make the item and never get around to actually making it.

Well, I finally did.

I made ruffles. Ruffled pillows and ruffled sheets.

The one on top is a thrifted find and is made of cotton and is embroidered in the corner.

I made the white linen ones.

There are two with ruffles around the edges and one with ruffles covering the entire front of the pillow.

I also made two for my chairs.

They are beige with blue flowers.

I added a big ruffle to the top of the sheet too.

I repurposed a tattered old tablecloth to make these lavender sachets to hang from the bed post.

You can never have too many pillows or lavender sachets.

I think it's time for me to nap now.

See ya soon.

Karen

Unconventional Crochet

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been playing around with some new crochet techniques.

Here are a few designs I've come up with using some antlers and jute.

I always prefer working with natural materials rather than synthetic.

I like working with vintage materials as well and these antlers are vintage, if there is such a thing as vintage antlers.

I found a box filled with antlers in my mother's basement.

My father was a hunter and these are the remains of his younger years as an outdoorsman.

Although I've never been a fan of hunting, I thought I might as well make use of these.

I had them cut to size and holes drilled, then bleached  them and stitched them to crocheted jute baskets.

I sort of like the way they turned out.

They seem appropriate for this time of year.

My father passed away in October 2000.

These are for you DAD.

Karen

Paper Roses

I just love things made from vintage sheet music.

A few months ago I was lucky enough to find some for next to nothing at a garage sale.

I followed the instructions from a tutorial I found HERE and made these sweet paper roses.

I dry brushed some seed starter pots with white paint and filled them with styrofoam and moss.

I tore strips of cotton gauze fabric and glued them around the pots.

I added a torn bit of gauze,

a bow,

a flower cut from some old lace,

and a pearl.

This vintage wire basket seemed like the perfect place for them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire

Yesterday was a fun filled day of yard sales and the Pick-A-Dilly Herb Faire.

I met the wonderful Georgette Syster, who is responsible for this fabulous affair.

I'm looking forward to visiting her herb farm and her antique shop, which is located in Penn Run, PA, where I grew up.  I purchased some Sweet Annie plants and some dried herbs as well from Georgette's booth.

I couldn't pass up these great old hardware pieces, also from Georgette's booth.

Another fabulous booth was that of Debbie Burkey.

She is an amazing textile and mixed media collage artist, from South Fork, PA.

Her shop name is Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Here are a couple of pieces from Debbie's collection.

The herbs and the arts and crafts were beautiful!

The pesto pizza wasn't bad either. I ate almost the whole thing myself.

Such a lovely event!

I can't wait for Georgette's Harvest Party in September!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

Hugs,

Karen

Spring Cleaning Giveaway

It's that time of year when most of us are sorting, organizing, and cleaning.

Some people call it nesting.

I've been doing the same.
I also did some Spring cleaning in my  Etsy shop and will be giving away a few of those items.
Three crocheted pieces.

Since winter refuses to let up, I've chosen something to keep you warm, something for your home, and something just for fun to help you think Spring.

Lets think Spring first.

A little crocheted worm on a mossy rock.

To keep you warm, a thick, crocheted cowl.

And for your home, a felted wool, wall pocket.

I will pick a winner on Monday, Feb. 14th.

To enter for the drawing:
Two chances to win.

Follow my blog for one entry and leave a comment for another.

I'd love to see what you're up to and check out your blogs as well.

I've met so many creative people through my blogging and have made some wonderful new friends.

I'm looking forward to more of the same.

I hope you decide to join me and to share with me your creative passions as well.

One clean and shiny corner of my home. A long way to go!

Hugs and best wishes to everyone.

Thank you for stopping in.

Karen

Frilly Friday

 Oh, the frill of it all! More thrifted lace goodies to use in my projects. This is an 80's jacket and skirt. Beautiful buttons, lace and fabric. I can use the entire thing for something pretty.

 I found this cute bag at the local antique mall. The hardware comes apart easily, so I was able to launder it without any trouble.

 And these are the coolest, ugliest, prettiest, pair of longjohns I've ever seen. I was thinking of cutting off the bottom and making a shirt, but they're just so wonderful and different, I hate to cut them up.



Art Junk

 For some reason I find myself being addicted to junk lately. Instead of my usual trips to the craft store for supplies, I've been gathering junk to use in my art projects and to decorate my home. When I found these old wire shoes, they were filled with dusty dirty silk flowers. My daughter said she wouldn't have seen the potetial in these when I bought them. I'm thinking of doing something with moss and antique lace. It's funny how somebody's dirty, old junk makes me happy.

 I love this primitive old drawer too. I'm thinking it would make a good shadowbox.

I took down several paintings and hung these old printers drawers in their place. I'm pretty sure my husband thinks I'm losing my mind. All I know is, I'm having fun collecting junk and thinking of ways to use them as art.