Fun Projects Finally Completed! YAY!!!

 So many fun projects! Have you ever found yourself almost done with about 20 projects?  Seriously!  I am always working on several things at one time.  I kinda like it that way, until I get behind.  And I am awful about taking photos. I am determined, though, to get all my unfinished projects done! 

I did finally finish several projects that have been on my work table for some time.  This cute little Pin cushion I made in a class with Lisa Super (Vintage Handmade).  Lisa has workshops a few times a year and a creative campout every summer.  I got to go last year for the first time and am excited to go again this year!  I adore this pin keep, (I think Lisa has the kit for sale on her site) I have it perched on an old spool for display.

We also made this cute little shadow box with a stamp from Catherine Moore, Character Construction.  It's about 3 x 3".  I made mine steampunk and added gears inside the box that roll around.  I added silver metal wings and perched her ontop of an old spool that I covered in washi tape and pigment dye.  I love her!  Lisa always has such fun projects for us to do. 

I became addicted to Character Constructions stamps last summer at Lisa's Creative Campout.  So I have bought a few.  This steampunk girl is one of the new ones from the Time Keeper's Garden set and yes it is the same one that I used in my shadow box. 

I made a heart pillow for my friend Marsha (Tattered Chick) after Valentine's day.  Marsha likes neutral colors and is an awesome "junker".  I repurposed a couple of kitchen towels, crocheted doily, vintage lace, buttons and some charms that spell out "junk".  I stamped the image on some old ducking cloth and added a charm to the bottom.  I am really pleased with the way it turned out.  I think Marsha liked it too! 

 

Kim at Kim's Whims on Facebook, hosted a prim easter/spring themed swap.  I was partnered with Kim Robinson.  We decided to do a bird themed swap.  I made this little Prim paper clay bird on some vintage spools that I covered with washi tape, vintage lace and an old rusty pin.  I attached the spools to a vintage tart tin and added nest moss and flowers.  This little birdy has a paper hat and ruffled collar.

Here are some jewelry pieces I made for a local shop.  I am using old hardware, watch parts, frozen charlottes, and vintage jewelry and buttons creating unique and one of a kind necklaces.  Here are a few.

 

 I made this little primitive paper clay birdie doll. Her name is Hazel. She has a bird nest in her pocket on her apron.  Her fancy bonnet is made with vintage lace.   I learned how to make these birds from Colleen Moody.  Colleen is teaching the birdie class online this summer through Artful Gathering 2013 online retreat.  It's not too late to sign up.  There will be two sessions and lots of great classes being offered. 

 

  

I found this lamp base awhile ago and then found this old vintage colander that is a faded grey and a little rusty.  So, I recruited my brother-in-law and we made a lamp shade ou of the colander.  I painted the lamp base a satin pewter color to match with the shade and stuck a vintage edison type bulb in it!  It is so cute! 

 

 These are fun photo or card holders that I repurposed from old door knobs and funnels.  I blinged them up a little with vintager rhinestones, beads and wire. 

 

You can find some of my jewelry, aprons, pillows, photo holders, lamp, soy candles, and many other awesome finds from other vendors, at Embellish and Restore in Visalia, Ca.

 

Kim at Art Joy Stuff is doing an ATC swap called "52 Weeks, 52 Artists, 52 Trades"  I was lucky enough to get one of her ATC's and I made this one to send her in return.  If you haven't already participated, check out her blog and contact her when she posts the ATC for the week.  Awesome Idea!

 

 

 

 

 Finally, another project from a kit I purchased from Lisa Super. Hese are little metal file tags and they are embellished, with paper, lace, tibbon, buttons, and a frozen charlotte. They are great to hang as small ornaments or tags for that special gift. Lisa has kits in her store often, so check it out!

I sure hope I didn't overload you on pictures.  Thanks for the visit, have a great week and God Bless You!     Becs

 

Repurposed to Remember...

Several months ago I was asked to take old linens that were family heirlooms from a beloved mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother who had recently passed away and create aprons for all the girls in the family.  Monica, the lovely girl that approached me, thought it would be an awesome way to honor the woman and give each family a piece of history.  Monica and I met at a holiday boutique where I was selling my repurposed aprons using my old linens... so we conspired. 

Monica gave me the names and sizes of each woman, including one for a little girl and handed me a huge bag of old but beautiful vintage table clothes, runners, pillowcases, dresser scarves, napkins and hankies. 

There were nine aprons total plus one more to make for the little girl for when she is grown up.  Monica was so patient with us as it took several months to get them all done.  They are all designed by my sister and me with no patterns or anything.  We decided on the name one at a time and created for each individual based on the information that Monica gave us about each lady.  It was such a great thing learning about them and hoping they would each like their aprons. 

I am so grateful that Monica asked us to do this.  It was an honor to be able to create something for each of the girls that will hold a special place in their hearts and continue with the family heirlooms from the past. 

I love the workmanship, handwork, and textures of old linens.  And I adore the imperfections that time adds to these everyday articles that adorned homes.  They tell the story of life and love!  My sister and I had many conversations as we put these aprons together.  Often we wondered what caused the stain or tear in a certain piece.   Or, if a particular item was used only for special occassions.  There was one table cloth that my sister hated to cut up because it was so beautiful.  We argued about that one for a couple of days!  LOL  It was the gorgeous battenburg piece that we were able to use in a couple of the aprons. 

Have you repurposed old linens that were in your family for similar uses?  If so, please share.  Was it hard to cut them up?  Or did it give you a sense of rejuvenation?  Hope to hear from you soon!  God Bless...Becs