On a break...

kay. I can't lie. It's a fact. So... I have to say that there probably won't be a lot of projects posted this month from me.

I can't believe that Christmas is almost around the corner, and I'm just starting to craft my Christmas gifts. And, of course, I can't just put them online for all the recipients to see!

There is one shareable project in the works, but I'm having a time trying to finish it! So, for now, there might not be too many projects, but not to worry! The crafting never stops!!

Drink Up

Winter is one of my absolute favorites times of the year, mostly because of all the delicious things to drink. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, there's no better way to enjoy cold weather.

I'm not so sure how grown-up I want my hot chocolate to be... But here are a few quick recipes and crafts to help enjoy this chilly weather!!

• Grown-up Hot Chocolate via Craftzine
• knitted cup cozies on Meet Me at Mike's
• to top off your coffee, a coffee stencil from How About Orange...
• apple cider... in apple cups via Craftynest
• felt cup warmers on The Small Object
• a free tutorial for coffee cup cozies from mmmcrafts
• and to top off the deliciousness Cookie Cream Sandwiches on Design*Sponge

Retro Patterns???

I have just died and gone to heaven again. I didn't notice when pattern makers began republishing old patterns, but I have to thank them.

I went into my local crafting store to look for the pattern for a pencil skirt, and I found way more than I wanted to, as is my habit! But how could I resist retro patterns?? Plus, this pattern worked much better for my purpose than did any of the others that I saw; although, I think I am going to modify it by adding some kangaroo pockets in the front...

I think the sizing is a bit different in older patterns. Has anyone noticed this? I am having to make a size 12, where I am usually an 8...

Alas, I have so many projects and so little time, that I'm not sure when I will get this fabulous skirt done...

Inspired by Penelope

So, this has to be one of my favorite movies, period. It's not necessarily about the story or the acting, but just the sheer beauty of it.

The sets and wardrobe are a perfectly crafted mix of handmade and retro, and I love the vibe it gives. Plus, just about every part of the movie reminds me of fall. Honestly, if I could live in any world, it would be the one in Penelope.

In a Ode to Penelope, of sorts, here are a few fun links to begin the week!

• crochet wrist warmers via attic 24
• an adorable flower brooch from Crafty Pod
• pretty much everything on the lovelyNest Decorating
• a beautifulshirt redesign via Etsy's How-Tuesday

And for my fall and winter, Penelope inspired wish list, check out some of these fine Etsy sellers and products:

1The Frill of It 2Silvia66 3Jennifer Lauren

1Mi Bazaar Latino 2Necessity is the Mother 3Bagonia


1Nest Pretty Things 2Catbooks 1940s 3Lirola's

Tee 'Em, Boys

I saw this wonderful T-shirt tutorial on Etsy's Storque. It's super cute and definitely a good way to recycle old tees.

And this made me wonder about other ways to recycle old shirts. So, I did a little research.

• turn an old men's shirt into a cute ruffled dress from Chic Steals
• revamp an old tee with some beaded flair from Still Dottie
• weave your tees into a beautiful pillow
• add some ruffles to a tee like Wardrobe Refashion
• check out this video on how to turn a t-shirt into a dress

Or, if you'd like to buy upcycled fashions, check out some of these Etsy sellers:

1Peeko Apparel 2all the numbers 3wonderwear 4Peeko Apparel

New Beauties

I've been working on a few new things this week. Some earrings that I can't quite figure out, and this super cute necklace!!

I found this adorable sea-faring pendant from one of my favorite Etsy suppliers, mksupplies. And I've made another of these necklaces to go on sale.

It's a pretty basic necklace, but I got quite a few compliments on it today, which is a great feeling!!