What to do with Vintage Doilies

doily xmas tree decor

I came across two beautiful ways to recycle all those collected doilies! I will be picking up a Styrofoam cone next time I am at the craft store, I have everything else. I will update this post with a picture of how mine will come out. 

This one is so pretty! 

link to tree tutorial ~ http://thepolkadotcloset.blogspot.com/2010/11/starched-doily-christmas-tree.html

vintage doily table runner

Also while considering stitching them together randomly as a table runner I found another awesome blog post!  

 link with tutorial  ~ http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2009/12/16/diy-doily-table-runner/

vintage doily dream catcher

link ~ http://www.etsy.com/listing/154769334/custom-crochet-doilylace-dream-catcher

doily dream catcher

This is one I made awhile back. It has a green lamp-work glass heart (earring) in the upper part.

The beads I used to glue the feathers in are green tones of Murano glass Euro style.

I covered the hoop with green ribbon using the same ribbon for the white feathers & loop to hang.

Has anyone else made something from their doily collection? 

Christmas Lights in America!

working the lights in the jar 

Some say the American Christmas light tradition began from the medieval tradition of Yule. Yule is a tradition believed to have been started in Germany wherein people will celebrate the winter solstice and the short dark days of winter by burning the "Yule Log." 

The electric light bulb had been invented and Thomas Edison and his partner Edward Johnson introduced the first electric Christmas lights to the public in 1882.

Today it is estimated that more than 150 million light sets are sold in America each year with more than 80 million homes decorated with holiday lights. 

lights in a glass jar

Our local and national holiday displays and Christmas trees provide a forum for community gathering and socialization. 


To define the significance or meaning of the American tradition of decorating for the winter holidays regardless if we call them Christmas lights, holiday lights, ferry lights, twinkle lights or any other term this great tradition which as evolved over thousands of years, across multiple cultures, nationalities, and religions has a meaning and significance that is much more complex than a single word. - 


I bought my first strand of lights this year...usually, for me, these would be hung outdoors on the eaves of the house or on an evergreen tree. However, I have had a large mead making bottle & thought how nice it would be to have lights year round. I found a reasonable way to do that. Easy to do, find a pretty jar or bottle with an opening large enough to fit the end plug though. gently work the strand into the jar. I kept the light on while doing this in case I messed on up I knew which one. ha! but alls well. The pictures don't do it justice, it looks pretty. 

Next-lights outside :)

See more at: http://www.holidayleds.com/articles/history_and_meaning_christmas_lights_america#sthash.NjFcQ4Mt.dpuf

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Glammed Up DIY Picture Frame

Good evening! Well today I stopped in a second hand shop that I haven't been in for ages. I just needed one more piece for this project... That and I I like "window shopping" too. ~ the bed warmers, depression glass & old phone desks (also known as gossip chair) were what I admired the most.

I had found the old picture frame out in my shop, my mom gave me a few pieces old jewelry she was hanging on to. The small pearl beaded necklace in the upper left was broken already was my grandmothers, the earrings my mom wore to my first wedding and the pin in the lower corner I believe is an Avon pin. So that's nice having the memories. The other odds & ends I had about the house. The loose pearl beads were left over from some stretch bracelets I made in the past. 

If you would like to make one for yourself- (easy)




Materials Needed:

1.) a picture frame, I used a 4 x 6 that was silver colored 

2.) glue gun & sticks of glue 

3.) lots of beads & baubles! 

4.) a picture to display in the finished product 

To get started: 

Lay a piece of cardboard or newspaper under your work area. 

Plug in your glue gun, get hot. keep your beads in a bowl, pendants nearby.  

Next "dry fit" some beads to get an area to start. Also I placed the lager pieces around the frame early on to have those balance out the finished piece. 

Start gluing on your beads & baubles until the entire work area is covered.

Insert picture and sit back and admire your new piece of art! 

use hot glue gun to add pearls & pins to give new life to an old picture frame

decorated picture frame 

Check out yard-sales, thrift shops, even ask friends or relatives if they have old broken jewelry; earrings, necklaces, pins, pendants, bracelets. You will need to break the backs off the earrings & pins for sure. You can purchase the pearl beads for crafts at Walmart and of course check what you have, you may surprise yourself at what you find!

sitting on mantle 

Happy Fall Y'all

What wonderful weather this week here in North Carolina! 

Hope everyone is enjoying the change in the season as much as I am!

Well, its not much of a project but I have this smaller grapevine wreath that had seen its better days until I replaced the faded spring eggs with some clean and bright fall colors.

I found 2 bunches of mum flowers at Family dollar. I cut the stems apart with wire cutters and just weaved them in. No glue or any type of adhesive needed. 

Definitely adds a pop of color hanging up by the front door. 

 Here is a picture taken the same day with my oldest daughter, my grand-daughter & me. 

My youngest daughter was taking the picture. "girl time!" Yay!. 

 My grand-daughter, my 2 daughters (my oldest shown) and  me = Girl Time! 

Shabby Chic Coasters

Hi, I like shabby chic too :)~
so...I decided to make some coasters.
I picked some 4 x 4 tiles up at Lowe's and got busy.
I had the rest of the stuff on hand.



 Materials:

•  tiles 4 x 4 from your local home store
•  tissue paper or scrapbook paper
• mod podge
• polyurethane
• scissors
• small paint brushes, foam or bristles
•  felt feet from a walmart
• steel wool (optional) 

1) cut paper to fit, use the mod podge and brush it on tile then gently on the top. let dry.
2) if you want the edges to look worn use the steel wool to sand the edges
3) brush a coat of poly on to water proof it, I let dry & do a second coat as well.
4) let dry the add felt furniture protectors,




Wrap a ribbon around them to give as a gift.


Experiment with different papers & designs, great for gifts!

Make some with family photos, wedding pictures, baby pictures etc!

Ooops Paint

Do you check out the "oops" shelf at your local Lowe's & Home Depot when visiting?
I do! I'll tell you why, many of these are only $5 !
Not any decent colors you say?
Well that ugly dark mud color mixed with a $13.50 gallon of white paint make two beautiful perfect color gallons for the living dining-room!
added that Valspar $5 rebate and bam! free :)

so remember, next time you see that dark mistake think what you can mix it with, usually white... or maybe you have some light blue or some yellow left over at home at home? I haven't wasted an oops yet!

and even better yet I found 2 double roll designer wallpaper that I couldn't have chosen a better match, $1 each at Habitate Store. reg $26 ea. I'll post when done, hopefully soon, it will look so nice when done!

Winner!

I am a Winner of 20$ in lasts months drawing at e-poll!! wootwoot!!

Now that makes me makes me happy enough to do the "happy dance"! yay!!

Homemade Magnets

Homemade glass Magnets

I love making these fridge magnets :) I display these on an artist easel when I do my vendor tables/tent. displayed on a piece of steel painted a pretty darker turquoise color :)

I can make these with family/custom pictures too. If someone sends me pictures I can make some for you too. These glass circle are a consistent 1" round; clear of bubbles & defects that I ordered from my wholesale vendor.

recycled sewing table base

AND!! here is a pic of my sewing table base! I have wood I am sawing/sanding & poly to make the top real nice. Thanks to my sweety & his friend Randy welding a broken place & spraying flat black for me :)

This is something I am working on this week, I am beginning a rag quilt too! so I am looking forward to sewing again!

Forever Luxe Drawstring Handbag by Paula Abdul:

Well I'm loving this. 

Avon's Forever Luxe Drawstring Handbag by Paula Abdul:

On Sale Right Now at Avon! 

I received my new bag Friday & it's awesome!!

This is big enough to hold a tablet too, with plenty of room to spare for all those other necessities! Great pocketbook!!

if you would like  one for yourself  go to www.youravon.com/robinh 

And ~  don't forget direct drop ship to your home for FREE using coupon code FS30REP on all orders over 30$

All Natural Soaps!

A Loaf of 'Lilac' Soap with a Cutter and Board

I use this soap, I'll never go back to "beauty bars" or "soaps" in the store. These are amazing! They leave my skin so soft & hydrated, they smell sooo good! I just have to share these wonderful soaps & gift sets! 

As seen in December 2011 issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray

This is a great addition to the guest bath. You wouldn't give your guests a dirty towel so why offer them a used bar of soap? Your visitors can cut their own bar of fresh, all natural handcrafted soap.                                                                                The loaf is our fragrant Lilac; one of our most popular blends. Our soap cuts very easily and with a full loaf you can cut as little or as much as you need. This blend is for those who like their florals on the clean, fresh side of flirtatious. A solid lilac fragrance with a note of wisteria. 

Yesteryear soaps are made from all natural vegetable oils, scented with pure essential oils from plant extracts and colored with organic herbs. We use no synthetic fragrances, colorants or preservatives in any of our soap products.

The result is a gentle bar suitable for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin.

These are unique gift ideas that show you care.

PLUS 3 FREE samples with each purchase!

Jewelry Organizer Using an old Rake

jewelry display re-use for metal garden rake

Good Morning!

I saw this idea on Pinterest (my fav!) and when I came across two broken rakes in the shop I scooped them up for sure!

This is so helpful! It's on the wall besides my dresser. All my jewelry is right there. Earrings are in my jewelry box right under this..
and by "Box" I mean box. Tangled mess it was. I actually forgot I had some of my pieces.

So next time your rake breaks maybe find a use for it by hanging jewelry or spatulas!

and yup, I also have one in the kitchen for my serving spoons, spatulas etc. My girlfriend down the street wants one too. She loves it. and very convenient & good 'ol country  decor.

I Love gardens & I guess it shows.

Horseshoe Dream Catcher

Horseshoe Dream Catcher 

I have several horseshoes to play with, I decided to make a dream catcher.

If you want to make one on your own _

Supplies:

horseshoe
feathers
glue
hemp string (or similar substitute)
some beads, make sure the opening will satisfy to string
ribbon (optional)
silver cross charm

Be Creative! Each will be different.

I just used basic knots, measured so the sides are symmetrical.

If you want to make one there are several sites that show how to weave the web interior!
Sweet Dreams & Happy Crafting!

SOLD

A Dream Catcher made from a Lace Doily I found at a yard-sale Saturday ...

lace dream catcher

Well ~ Saturday I found what is now the center of this lace dream catcher. I had everything else on hand & like to keep busy while watching T.V. so here is what I did with it tonight.

This measures 26" long and 10" wide.

I used some glass Murano beads w/ .925 sterling core & one silver dangle flower charm on the center green tail. The heart you see above is a lampwork green heart bead. I love the white lace & pretty green!

My next dream catchers I have materials for are horse-shoes! I have some suede, hemp string for the center web, wooden beads for the tails. brown/ivory feathers.

So, I'll be posting those when finished,

Has anyone made a dream catcher, or have one, that is made from a horse-shoe?

I also have some end boards from the lumberyard scrap, still with bark on the sides, so I'll be making some wall hook plaques using the boards, horse-shoes & nails from the shoes.

before

But First! - I found this bedside table with two drawers for 3$ at the yard-sale Saturday too!
I brought down my turquoise & white paint from upstairs.

After a really good cleaning & sanding I am painting the turquoise color all over, the white I am using a large lace for a stencil along the top of each drawer. (I must be going through a "lace" phase ha!) I will find a really pretty liner for the drawers too. The knobs are nickle & I like, so I'll re-use with this one.

Crazy Daisy Afghan or Bed Scarf

I started my daisies for my bed scarf! I had this Crazy Daisy Winder as a child, I came across a 1933 afghan I just loved! so there is my first inspiration!

I had first purchased / tried the kind with the plastic "pins" they sell at Walmart but didn't have much luck as the pins kept falling out. So I ordered one on eBay it is the exact kind I had along time ago! It works wonderful! The daisies go quick! 

Just takes a few minutes during TV watching to make a daisy. I am winding 3 rows & will keep the diamond pattern as shown in the picture above when joining the together. I just used the color I had on hand, it is the "sugar & cream" brand. 

crazy daisy winder

If you decide you would like to loom up some daisies go here for tutorial: 

http://crochetkitten.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-make-crazy-daisies.html

Lace Dream Catcher

If you would like to purchase,
Buy Now item # VintageLDC $10.50 plus $5.50 shipping USPS with tracking number. see paypal button top right

or-
If you would like to make your own,
Supplies:

• an embroidery hoop
• a lace cloth
• vintage lace ribbon
• random embellishments, such as ribbons, white feathers, swarvorski crystal beads to stitch in, 
• mod podge and small brush 
• needle & thread
• cutting tool, I have rotor cutter, scissors will work too

lace dream catcher

I first used the mod podge and attached a ribbon around the hoop, only the one front one, the one that shows.
Second I chose a cloth, I used lace but you can use really any color, fabric that you like to look at.
I did tuck the ribbons inside the two hoops &  knotted.

Then I added the embellishments  I sewed some beads, glued some feathers, stitched some ribbon, made a pretty rosette from a bit of awesome ribbon I had (it's kinda hard to see in the pic, bottom left)

Last I added a piece of ribbon at the top, I did loosen the hoops & ran it through and knotted. This is to hang it up.

That's it!
My first attempt....what do you think?

I have more 8 embroidery hoops so I'll make more. Not sure yet what the next one will look like.

Nice thing about this craft you can pretty much use what you have on hand & be creative. It can be simple or gaudy or anything in between!

"A dream catcher consists of a circular wooden hoop containing a handcrafted design with a center hole. The bottom of the hoop features two or more dangling feathers. Hung above the dreamer, the dream catcher  filters dreams from the night air, letting only the good dreams or important messages through. Believed by some to concentrate good energy and neutralize negative energy". 

The Elements of Cape Cod Style

My Cape Cod in North Carolina

What it is: This popular cottage style traces its origins to colonial New England and is characterized by its low, broad profile, generally a story and a half tall, with a steeply pitched roof with end gables. 

Why you'll love it: This is the quintessential American cottage style. The floor plans are typically cozy and efficient, and the simple, symmetrical exteriors are ripe for curb appeal embellishments such as shutters, window boxes and pedestrian paths. Nothing says "home sweet home" quite like Cape Cod cottages.
Element: A steeply pitched roof with side gables. This is one of the most consistent characteristics of this style. 
Element: Double dormers. They punctuate the steep rooflines of many Cape Cod homes. The most common type of dormer used is a gabled one, which features a simple pitched roof with two sloping sides. 

font drive

How to make it your own: In addition to boosting curb appeal, dormers create additional floor space in the area tucked under the roofs, helping convert once unused attics into livable space.

Element: A wide front porch. Colonial versions of the style did not have front porches, due to climate and construction concerns, but they are common in revival incarnations of the look. 

How to make it your own: Pairs of planters and sconces on either side of entries can create the appearance of symmetry even when the fundamental layout is asymmetrical.

How to make it your own: Painting heavy trim surrounding entries white is one way to get a similar effect without calling in a carpenter. Another simple way to highlight the entry is to paint the door itself a bright color.

Source http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2318693/list/American-Architecture--The-Elements-of-Cape-Cod-Style

Bathroom Re-Do Phase 1 Before & After

so 80's bathroom :)

Phase 1

The shower/toilet area was separated by a wall from the vanity area. 
too many doors, too dark.

Notice the arch we did instead of squaring it off. 

There was a little water damage to sub-floor due to the commode wiggling. It was this way when I purchased the house. I did put in 2 wax rings that kept it secure for awhile. 

So we replaced a bit of plywood on the floor. We needed to purchase the plastic ring the bolts screwed into. That was what was broke. That was gorilla glued to the pipe! The only choice we had was cutting it off. It was easy to get to while the plywood was removed giving footing to the crawl space below. 

We bought the vanity top and had the vanity made to fit it. Soft close door & dark wood with just a little sanding around the edges to give it a slight distress look. Love it!

This was the first time removing popcorn ceiling. 
It was so easy! 

A spray bottle filled with water was used and then it scrapped right off with a plastic putty knife! I'll be doing the other rooms now I know how easy it is. Clean up was not as bad as I thought it would be. 
Also rubber-band the shop vac end to the putty knife & catch some before it hits the floor. 

The tiles are just dry fitted in this pic.  It looks & feels so much bigger! 

The small part of the wall was kept due to a vent pipe. (surprise!)
It gave us a place to keep the light switch though so that was good. 
We chose one that lights up in the dark so you can find it at night. 
That is cool. 

And I really like how the arch came out, gives some nice definition. We bought a thin board and cut to fit, screw it in, then mud, sand. mud, sand. 

Still need to choose a light fixture and a couple shelves over the commode.

Phase 2 of the bathroom will be adding tile surround and a window! A long horizontal in the shower closer to the ceiling. 
- debating on leaving the tub or make it a shower only. 

New Light Fixture

New Lighting Fixture

My home was built in 1986 with very few updates to it when when I got it. The light fixture over the dining table was the original inexpensive brass. ew.

I chose a nickel finish light with the bulbs pointing upwards so's not to be blinded from the bulbs. I love it! This particular one was purchased at a major home and garden store for only $65. Great improvement coming in the front door! The living room and dining room is what you see first. 

I also started painting gray with white trim! much brighter than the dull beige with cream trim.

and the journey begins...yay!

Crochet beginner's dishcloth

Beginner’s dishcloth

I found this on another blog, link below.
I am learning to crochet in the evening while watching tv, I really enjoy it. Starting simple :)

This is a basic, easy dishcloth, great for using up scraps or using a self-striping cotton yarn. Finished dishcloth measures approximately 8' square.

Cotton dishcloth yarn, such as Lily Sugar n Cream. Approximately half a ball / 35 grams / 60 yards

Size h hook
Gauge: 8 sc, ch 1 = 4; however, gauge doesn't matter, it's a dishcloth!
Ch 34.
Row 1: in second ch from hook, sc. * Ch 1, skip next ch sp, sc in next sp. * Rep across row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in first sc, sc in first ch sp. *Ch 1, skip sc, sc in next ch 1 sp. Rep across row, ending with a sc in ch 1 sp & sc in the last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in first sc, * ch 1, skip next sc, and sc in ch 1 sp. Repeat from * across row.

Repeat row 2 & 3 for desired number of times, ending with row 3 to balance stitch pattern.
Materials Needed:
Yarn: You'll need a high-quality sport weight cotton yarn.
To crochet my sample projects, I used Simply Cotton yarn by Knitpicks. Simply Cotton is an incredibly soft organic cotton yarn.

I used the off-white color called "Marshmallow" to crochet my sample cloths. 

Project Instructions:

Ch 35.

Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook. [Ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets across the entire row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in 1st sc, skip 1st ch, [sc in next sc, ch 1, skip next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets across the entire row. Ch 1, turn.

Design Notes: In rows 2 and up, I found that I was able to achieve straighter edges when crocheting my last stitch into the turning chain instead of crocheting it into the last sc st. You can do it either way, but whichever way you choose, be sure to be consistent.

If all goes according to plan, you will end up with 17 sc sts and 16 ch sts in each row.

Repeat row 2 until your dishcloth is square.

End off. Weave in ends.

Time to wash the dishes, your counter tops, your face, or any other surface you can think of! I hope you will love the luxurious softness of this cloth!

Or, alternatively, you could give the cloth as a gift to a friend; if you crochet several of these and bundle them up with pretty ribbons, they'd make a lovely housewarming gift. They could also be given as bridal shower gifts, Christmas gifts, etc.

http://crochet.about.com/od/easy-crochet-patterns/a/single-crochet-mesh-dishcloth-washcloth-free-pattern.htm