Talisman

Her crown is an old ‘Prince of Wales’ trinket of my husband’s, the pearls I’ve collected and carted around the world for years, the bottom of the charm is trimmed with vintage lace from my maternal grandmother’s collection.  Hanging from the bottom is a vintage watch balance I have been aching to find a place for.

The chain is constructed of old bits and pieces from three different necklaces, and finally there is a dictionary definition from my paternal grandmothers old elementary book. 

Abide – great love, faithful to; to put up with…

It’s a powerful magic around my neck each time I wear it.

Read Full Post »

Recycled Silk

Why is all the good stuff in Australia?   When I am shopping Ebay for recycled fabric it seems like so much of the good stuff is in Australia.  I happened across these recycled sari silks months ago and finally came up with the perfect use.

This is just one piece, because it’s a strip of sari silk it has these beautiful decorative areas at one end.  I twisted and twisted the piece of silk and tacked it down with a few simple stitches.  The backing is felt, and I use a simple safty pin to tack it on my jacket or sweater.

If I happen to find a good source for these I’ll share, in the mean time, prepare yourselves to pay for shipping from Australia and an almost month long wait for delivery.

Best,

Read Full Post »

Homemade Father’s Day

I’m struggling with my holidays this year… I totally forgot about Father’s Day and then convinced myself that it was earlier in the month – yeah a self-induced panic attack.  So when I didn’t have anything for my sweetheart I had to get a little creative.  This year he got something more handmade.

I got the idea from those creative folks over at Cart before the Horse (Dylan and Jo) and did a little cheater quilt of my own with my girls silhouettes.  I painted on muslin and then used some old flannel blankets for the batting and jeans for the backing (seems to make it sturdy).

Each picture was transferred from a photo and a little black and white work in Adobe Photoshop.  I did a pencil outline and then painted with charcoal gray.  After painting the silhouette and frame I did some hand sewing to quilt all the layers together.

This was so fun and I loved the way it turned out so well that I’m planning a few more.

Read Full Post »

Spring is here

It’s fall here in Brazil, we’re getting colder at night and still I just can’t accept it.  With Easter just a week or so ago I can’t seem to reconcile myself to this side of the Equator.  So in my home it’s spring and we’re making little pastel houses and decorating eggs with vintage trim.

The little houses are upcycled cardboard with vintage lace.  I’m still at work on the birds who will live in these sweet little homes.

Read Full Post »

Decorating for the season

We are away from home and family this holiday season.  It’s always hard for me this time of year – I know exactly what I am missing.  Somehow the weather just doesn’t feel like Christmas, growing up in Colorado I need at least a little snow to feel like I’m ready for Christmas and New Years.  As far as I know, Brazil doesn’t get snow, even during the ‘winter’.

To make the house feel a little more festive and to help break out of my little funk I’ve done some decorating.  On Saturday my husband helped me make some paper stars from old wrapping paper and hang them from our absolutely horrific light fixture.

recycled wrapping paper stars

We also hung up some of our old Christmas cards.  I punch some holes in the top corners and then string them up around the house.  Most of the pictures have lovely winter scenes and snowy mountains.

Happy Holidays!

Read Full Post »

Silk Flower Hair Pins

I found a new use for my silk fabric sample books.  I saw some of these chic little silk flower hair pins over on Etsy the other day and decided to try my hand at them.

To begin I cut out some circles, three of varying sizes works best and makes the flower look really pretty. My largest circles are about 1 inch across.

Then with a candle you learn how to pass the edges of the circle through the flame until you’ve got a slight singe on all of the raw edges. This will be a learning process, be patient and cut a few extras so you have some practice circles.

Next take some thread and secure all the circles together and add a center bead.  Pass through the flowers and bead twice before attaching to the hair pin.

Add the hair pin and wrap 4 times, tie a good square knot and glue.  I used a multi-purpose glue that is more gel than liquid, that way it doesn’t leak through the fabric and stain the flower.  Once you’ve got a good secure attatchment to the hair pin clip the threads and wear.

This little project is good for head bands and little clips as well.  This is such a great way to use up some scraps you might have around your house.

Read Full Post »