{preview}

{clockwise from top left} havenvintage, redhotpottery, whitneysmith, haven vintage
The weather has been so lackluster here that I haven't been able to get any really good photos of my latest project. Hopefully, tomorrow I can get home early and get the good light!

So, by tomorrow afternoon, start looking for a tutorial! Until then, I'm leaving you with a little sneak peak and a few things on Etsy that just perked me right up!

{spring things}

These hair pins and ring are just a few of the new pieces I have made. I'm really loving the colors, aqua and coral, and I just wish my new haircut was cute enough for those pins.

I used EcoGlue this time because I was tired of getting headaches from the awful stench of the glue. So, I tried this one out. It worked really well, despite all the problems I had in the beginning.

This glue is water-based, so it is much thinner than the other glue. The cabochons kept sliding off of the bases on the pins.

In the end I just kind of propped them up with other objects. I'm not sure I can use it to glue earrings to posts though because it is so thin.

However, I really appreciated not suffocating or feeling like I automatically had cancer while I was gluing my pieces together!

{posters}

I've been working on a little decoration for my theoretical craft room. I took a little inspiration from the New York Public Library's digital gallery, which I absolutely LOVE, as well as my favorite spring colors.

I also included a few of my favorite quotes-- two from Jane Austen because I'm on a bit of a kick after re-reading Emma.

I've designed the four prints shown above to hang in a square above my bookcase. I'm thinking black frames, but I'm not sure. What do you think?

{thrifted, found and made}

This is going to be a pretty big post to make up for my recent absence. Hopefully, I can get back into a routine soon, but don't fear: the crafting never stops.

I went thrifting today, which was fun for me. I'm using my purchases to display a few new things that I've made. The cake stand is something that I've had for a while, but I bought the bottle this morning and found the mini stand plate in my grandmother's attic.

The rosettes-- oh, how many I've made!-- are a newer, better, I think, version of my older ones. I think the beading is a lot more delicate than the vintage buttons, and, of course, I love the coral.

I wore one to my mother's birthday party this weekend, and I got a lot of compliments-- and it perfectly matched my sweater!

I'm thinking of pulling a page from doe-c-doe's blog and using pin backs to make it into a necklace-- and also a pin! I love things that can work two ways. It's so convenient.

P.S. exciting!!-- let me know what you think of the card designs! I've gotten an Etsy shop, but just haven't set it up. I'm thinking that will be my logo-- and name.

Earring necklace from doe-c-doe

I thought this adorable and thrifty idea was too good to pass up on the reposting of this adorable redesign from doe-c-doe.

I really wish I had one of those power tools--wouldn't that be dangerous though! It would have been very helpful when I repurposed my great-grandmother's pin into a necklace.

Productivity visits here

Infrequently, I can be very productive. This lazy, long weekend has actually turned out to be very productive. I didn't realize how much I had done until I finished.

I thrifted and refurbished this vintage plastic frame, turning it into a jewelry cork board.




I also gave this cutie a bath, and now he is fresh and lovely. Too bad it's raining, and he won't stay that way.




And while I was watching a rerun of the World's Strongest Man Contest-- wicked!!-- I started on this. It's sad that I can't finished it, as I have no sand! However, I should still be able to post pictures and a tutorial for this pin cushion/trash bag soon! Until then, stay productive!! It really does feel good...

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!!

OH MY LORD! It's the end of the world as I know it...

It's FINALLY here!! The first of the Penguin Classics clothbound series come out in the US tomorrow--at least according to Amazon. These books are beautiful and classic and WOW!!

I first saw these books on Design*Sponge. Some still aren't available in the US, but my favorite book, Pride &Prejudice--cliche, I know-- is available! I can't wait to get these tomorrow!!

Covered cork board jewelry frame

I did it! Okay... I half did it. I actually had two picture frames that I wanted to finish, but the second has staple problems. The first had its problems too, but I overcame, and the finished product is pretty nice!!

I started out with a slide-in picture frame that's back was completely grimey. But take a picture frame and patch your pieces of cork board to fit the frame. So, I replaced the back of the frame, with just a cardboard folder and glued the cork down to that.

Next, simply cut your fabric a couple of inches around the board. --I chose a jersey knit so that it would stretch around the board.-- Peel up the cardboard from the back of the cork and stretched the fabric around. Tuck it in between the cork and the cardboard, then press the cardboard firmly back in place.

After it's glued, let it dry!! I probably didn't let mine dry long enough, but it's working pretty well.

The last step? Just slip it into your picture frame and voila!! A beautiful and functional jewelry frame. Just pin your jewelry on the frame, and let it decorate your space as a multi-functional piece of art!

Weekend project idea: Jewelry Display

This weekend I'm hoping to finish some boards on which to display my jewelry. Hopefully, they'll be as beautiful as this one from Craftynest.

I've already found a few unused picture frames from my grandmother's attic, and I have fabric and paint in mind. So it's coming along swimmingly, and I'm hoping this weekend will be a nice one to do some painting!

So, check back Monday for a hopefully complete and completely beautiful project!


For a few more wonderful jewelry display ideas, check out these wonderful links:

• Craft Magazine
• Creature Comforts
• and another one from Creature Comforts

My true love gave to me...

Two turtle doves... aren't they cute?? I found this adorable vintage pendant on Etsy, and I knew I had to buy it. The colors are so vibrant and lovely that I could not resist.

And with the contrasting aqua beads and the antique raw brass chain, the necklace is delicate, beautiful and eco-friendly. It's one of my favorite new pieces to wear, and I have a few of these pendants to spare, so perhaps more turtle doves are in my future...

Mission upcycle

I love the idea of taking something old, like a t-shirt, and refashioning it into something new. I have been attempting this miracle for many years, and until recently, I never knew that it had its own word, upcycling. I must just be behind the times, because Etsy house tons of stores dedicated to upcycled clothing.

However, buyers be wary. The quality of some of the upcycled pieces leaves much desired. So, my mission now, try to upcycle something in my closet--because I know there are a ton of things that I love, but won't wear again. I hope some of you will join me in my mission, but if you cannot be persuaded, check out these fine Etsy retailers for the best of upcycling:

• Heidi & Seek offers a bit of everything, but the hodgepodge is definitely cute!
• Labudde won't be back until September, but her shop was definitely on the top of my list.
• wonderwear has some beautiful appliqued t-shirts that are a model of upcycling.

Birthday Quilt

This quilt, from my mother on my 20th birthday, has been in the works for years. This quilt is called "Turning Twenty," and uses twenty fat quarters. It's easy to cut out and piece together, and it is finally done-- almost... I have always loved these reproduction vintage fabrics, and this quilt, although a bit crazy-colorful, is pure happiness for me. The colors and prints just lift me up, and although they don't necessarily match, I think that it's the spirit that counts.

Fabric flower variations

I've been out of commission for a while, after a little bit of oral surgery and starting a new job, but I've still done a bit of crafting, of course! I seem to be stuck on making these flowers. But who can blame me? They are super simple, easy to adjust to whatever you need, and so cute.

I finally found my way to the quilting fabric store. My boyfriend had to reign me in because I had 20 fat quarters. Oops. However, I finally got some cute, floral, vintage-reprints that I think are perfect for spring.

The lighter fabrics are much better for spring than the heavier felts. They are also much easier to cut and sew, especially with this tutorial from Nest Decorating.

I've made a few variations to make a clip, which is the same technique as the blue bird hair clips. I also made the loop smaller on one to fit a skinny barrette for my sister.

I really do love all the things you can do with a few simple techniques, some cute fabric, felt, and vintage buttons!

Crafty Little Cupcake recommends Lilluxe

This blogger and jewelry designer has really caught my eye. The jewelry at Lilluxe is eclectic, vintage and eco-friendly. The designer uses materials that are vintage, handmade, or recycled that she has gathered from vintage stores, flea markets and thrift stores.

Her unique designs are just the right mix of vintage, chic and simple. Her whimsical blog is inspirational and truly beautiful. And her Etsy store is pretty great too! More than that, Sarah is such a sweetie.

I've, of course, made a few purchases from Lilluxe, and I am so in love with my new jewelry. Seeing such beautiful jewelry has inspired me to A: start wearing jewelry again and B: start making my own eco-friendly creations!

So, I definitely recommend checking out both Sarah's blog and her adorable Etsy shop.

Vintage flower pin necklace

Hello... My name is Emily. I am addicted to Etsy. There are just so many good ideas there.

On my first trip to Esty, so long ago, I saw this vintage rose cabochon necklace for $34, which is not too bad a price, but I thought, why couldn't I make that?

So, I did. I found this vintage pin that my grandmother had given me. Part of the pin had broken off the back, so I clipped off the rest of the closure and glued on bails on either side.

I made the chain with green faceted beads. It has 10 beads on one side of the pin and 15 on the other, so the flower is skewed to the left, just to be quirky.

Now I have a cute new necklace, just because I thought, why not?

April showers bring pretty, wearable flowers!

Praise be to Martha for her great wisdom and cute, cute crafting ideas. I got this idea from an issue of Martha Stewart Living, although she used eyelet lace to make a huge rose. And don't discount Martha because she might be middle-aged and frumpy... Anything can be made to fit any style.

To personalize mine, I used fringed strips of vintage-inspired fabric, to make smaller, more colorful flowers. It's amazing what five minutes of boredom can do...

• I basted the edge of the fabric, about a half inch from the edge, and pulled one end to create a ruffle, and twisted it around the center.


• I sewed the layers together with some stitches in a star (*) shape, making sure to connect each layer. It really does not have to be pretty on the bottom! No one sees it. Just make sure everything is secure.


• I just attached a colorful vintage button to the top and a pin to the back (and truth be told, I just pin mine on with a safety pin, but you can be fancy if you want), and voila!!

Other good ideas are lace, ribbon and any kind of fabric that you want for the flowers! And change up the centers with beads or sequins instead of buttons.

You can use smaller strips, both shorter and thinner, to make smaller flowers and vary the sizes. And three together looks even cuter!!