Buttons, Buttons, Buttons!!!

I can't believe it!


My mom just brought over a tub of buttons that she rescued from my grandmother's old house. They are caked in dust, but there are metal buttons, wooden buttons, "plastic" buttons, and even an old U.S. Army button - wonder if it was my grandfather's?

One square Czech glass button, too!

I sorted out the plastic ones and am getting ready to scrub the layers off, but here are just a few that I had to show - love the colors! I'm guessing they are mostly from the 50s?

And a couple of buckles, too - I have no idea what they used to buckle, but they are so sweet and dainty!

My Latest Project - Cat Approved!

It's always nice when someone appreciates your work!

When I was visiting my local quilt shop, I discovered a really neat way to use leftover fabric to make a rug - it's called locker hooking because instead of just pushing the fabric through and (imo) hoping it stays, there is actually a tool so you can drag a cord through the loops and "lock" them in place!

I always wanted to try rugmaking because there is a great example in one of my Laura Ashley books, but I just couldn't figure out how it would actually stay.

I'm going to sort through my huge garage sale pile soon, but I couldn't wait to get started so I found some sheets and pillowcases at the thrift store and jumped right in. I used one king sized sheet, a pillowcase, some scrap fabric (and about 1/4 of an old sheet in my linen closet!) This one is for my kids' beachy bathroom.

You will never see one in my shop, though, because the cost of labor would make this little 30" x 20" rug about $300. I hope I get faster!

I found a how-to if you want to try one yourself! I made my strips fatter.

Before and After

Just thought I'd give you a glimpse of how the tin looks before I get started, and what happens along the way.

Here's an example of one of my salvaged tin pieces - a little worse for wear, but tons of life left.

I grab all of my templates, think about what designs will look best with the tin and get started laying them out just so and tracing.

If I plan carefully, I can get a lot out of one piece with surprisingly little waste.

Finished and sealed, the tin is ready to start it's second life!

I Can Do It Myself!

My first two children were/are more than content to let me do everything for them. My third wants to do everything herself. So, to avoid seeing the precarious stacks of baskets and boxes she normally uses to change her wardrobe 5 times a day, I asked my sweetie to help me make her a kid-height closet rod.

We simply picked out the fattest wooden dowel at the home improvement store, cut it to the right size in the store, and bought some cording. I let my husband measure - I hate measuring - and get the cord the right size. He looped it around the dowel and tied it snugly to the closet rod and even melted the knot (nylon cord) to make it extra sturdy.

I'll just have to rotate the dresses occasionally so she doesn't get bored.

As you can see, she loves dresses and she is so excited to be able to Do It Herself!

Howdy!

I know I should be filling up my shop, but I am just in a sewing mood! Guess what my little one's favorite color is! And my least? You guessed it, yellow!

She has been begging and begging for a yellow dress, so I finally found a fabric that was in several color choices, so I could like it in pink and then actually make it in yellow.

I have always wanted to make a fabric rose, so I thought I would give that a try as well. I think I will add a few more tomorrow when I buy more thread.

She will look a little bit like Minnie Pearl, but I think that will be okay, too!

A Pair of Doves

Hi everyone! I'm taking a little poll today. I have a new design and I'm trying to decide if I should sell as a pair or singly. I will not be able to duplicate them since I no longer have enough of a supply of that tin. They measure approximately 9 1/2" x 7 3/4". I would love to hear what you think. Thanks!

Just for Fun!

Just before vacation I purchased these sweet little wooden dress forms from the cutest shop, PopaliciousToo! She is also the fabulous leader of our Cottage Style Team on Etsy.


I have been looking for just the right thing to set by my computer to hold my charm bracelets because they just get in the way when I am typing.


I even bought some vintage buttons to glue to the base to give it some weight, but I didn't need them! It is so sturdy (my bracelet is almost 3 oz), but I might add them later just because!


She has loads of other fabulous cut outs - I'm sure you'll find something just perfect for you!