Thrifted Transformations

I bought this frame at a thrift store a while back for a quarter! Not real attractive, but I knew it had potential. I really like thrifting old picture frames. Their cheap of course, but a lot of times you can get really nice frames that are actually made of wood, unlike a lot of the frames you buy these days. A quick spray paint and they are as good as new (or better!).



As soon as my postcards arrived from The Black Apple I knew I would definitely be framing one of them. So, I dug out this frame and some high gloss oil paint. I debated spray paint, but its too cold outside. And I was looking for a nicer finish than acrylic would give me, and I knew latex would take a ton of coats, so oil it was. We had this on hand from some past unknown project. After a good coat of black I let it dry and added some silver acrylic. I know, I know you shouldn't put acrylic over oil, but it worked just fine. Here is the finished product.

Saggy Middles Unite!

In honor of one of Amanda's latest purse creations, I decided to make this! She had a little problem with a saggy middle, as she put it. So, I figured I would just embrace the saggy middle and run with it! This bag is huge - the bottom measures 21" and the top is 13". It is about 11" tall. The long strap is adjustable (thanks Lee!).

Here is a closeup of my fabric, which has been in the stash for years just waiting for its moment in the sun.

And here it is in all its slouchy saggy goodness. This bag fits a ton of stuff! In this picture it has all of my normal purse contents and could hold much more. With the long shoulder strap that can fit across me, I'm thinking this would be the perfect flea market/garage sale shopping purse.

Sweet Dreams!

I whipped this up yesterday for a good friend of mine that is in need of a little extra pampering. I gave it to her today, so now I can finally post about it. One side is a very snuggly suede type fabric in chocolate brown. The other side is a fun satiny fabric. I am currently working on a tutorial for these to share with you all. I know I've said that before, but this time I mean it!! I screwed a lot of stuff up on this the first time around, so to prevent any further seem ripping, I thought I would document it. The jar next to the pillow is full of lavender. I sprinkled just a little bit in between the layers. Hopefully it brings sweet relaxing dreams!

Postal Love

I've been getting a ton of love from my postal worker lately!! Haven't you just been loving all the giveaways out here lately? MaryAnn is still going strong with hers, better check it out! I won some really cool metallic paper from her, and some awesome cards and gift tags from Amy. Thanks Ladies! Then I received a Christmas in Progress package from Teresa. Have you checked out her adorable birds? I didn't win her giveaway, but I got one anyway! Thanks Teresa - you're the best! I think Sydney and I are going to have to make some of these (I'll cut them out, she'll color...I don't think we are ready for glitter yet. But soon!). She loves to watch the birds out our patio door. They are really starting to migrate back up here already...don't they know its still cold! When we go for walks outside she stops as soon as she hears birds and starts "beeping" back at them. Normal birds tweet, Sydney beeps! Pretty cute stuff.

Sorry, I got distracted for a second there... I also received my order from The Black Apple. I gave in last week and ordered Cold Toes Warm Heart in the postcard pack. I love that picture and figured the postcards were the most economical choice.

Hopefully will get some actual crafting done today. See you soon!

Did a little thriftin...

My mom and aunt were in town this weekend. We did a little thrift store shopping, hit a few quilt stores and fabric stores and had a great time. Thanks ladies! Come back and do it again soon, okay! Here are my thrift store finds. Some pretty funky vintage ties that I'm not sure what I will do with yet. The red tie is Oleg Cassini.
There is about 2 yards of this fabric...


And this old scarf (same problem as old ties...love them, just can't figure out what to do with them!). The scarf is Oscar de la Renta. Who knew, high fashion for a buck!

Total cost: $9. Now, what to do with it all...

Circles & Stripes and Everything Nice

My latest tote bag. I love this one so much I made two so I can keep one and hopefully sell one! I got the circle patterned fabric on our trip to Minneapolis a couple weeks ago. I was crazy about it, but I tried to stay under control and only got 1/2 yard of it. Luckily its 60" wide fabric, so 1/2 yard goes a long way. The lining is some sort of satiny polyester that I got at my trim "variety store" (which, sob, no longer has my trim!! They shipped it to another store!! That's all I can say about it right now, I'm still in mourning.) I got 4 different patterns of stripes all in the same color scheme and about 1 yard of each one for $1. Can't beat that! I love finding fabric that is a little different than you might find in your local JoAnns (especially when its cheap!!) I've gotten some other fabric at that store that came from an old tie manufacturer. Its pretty cool stuff, just haven't found the right thing to do with it yet.

The stiff dark washed denim is my favorite old standby. Instead of actual interfacing I used some weird fleecey stuff I had in the stash. It gives the bag really good shape and makes the inside feel nice and cushy. I am really happy with how this one turned out. Don't you love it when that happens...you have an idea, make a plan, and it works! Its rare, so I'm going to enjoy it!

All Sorts of Pretties

I've been working on (and even finishing!) all sorts of pretty stuff.

Vintage Earrings turned magnets, soon to be found here.

Spring flower bag for my friend Stacy. Between the two of us, we had this whipped up in one short afternoon! Thanks Stacy - it was lots of fun. Hope you enjoy the bag!

Up next? I'm thinking something with these...