The T-Cozy

An Easy Peasy Apron Project

I'm happy to report that I made my Studios magazine article deadline. Yay! And I'm really pleased with how my refurbished vegetable bin turned out. 

For the article's photos, I styled the bin's interior with items that a crafter/painter might use. I dressed up lowly tin cans in pretty floral fabric and filled them with supplies like markers, paint brushes and colored pencils. I turned the cabinet's flip top into a mini bulletin board by adding handmade magnets. And I lined the shelves with a flower patterned vinyl tablecloth. It looks awesome! I wish I could show you, but you'll have to wait until it appears in the fall issue of the magazine.  

As a side project, I made an apron to go along with the cabinet. After all, getting crafty usually means getting messy, as least for me. In fact, I even wear an apron if I'm having soup for lunch because I invariably splash some on my shirt.

Making this apron was super easy. I started with an inexpensive vinyl picnic tablecloth, purchased as Home Goods for $4.99. It has a colorful polka dot pattern on the front and a flannel backing. Using an old apron as a pattern, I laid out the tablecloth face down, traced the body of the apron with a marker and cut it out. Then I cut two 25-inch strips for the ties and one 22-inch strip for the neck strap. I used two packages of white double bias tape as seam binding and machine sewed it to the edge of every piece. Then I securely sewed on the ties and neck strap to the reverse side of the apron body. 

Voilà! An easy peasy apron! I think I'll have soup for lunch . . .

Susan

Racing with the Clouds to Meet My Deadline

Please excuse my brevity, but time is tight for me today. I am shooting my upcycled vegetable bin for an upcoming Studios magazine article. 

Here's a little glimpse at its makeover . . .

I prefer to use natural light when taking my photographs. Luckily, today is partly cloudy with a few peeks of sun. With a forecast calling for rain for the remainder of the week here, this looks like the only day to get my pictures done before Thursday's deadline.

Ooh, the sun just came out. I better get going before I lose the light!

Susan

Azalea Colors, Crafty Projects, and A Garden Niche

While out on my morning walk, I couldn't help but notice the Azaleas in full bloom. 

I love their mix of vibrant colors, so much so that I believe I was influenced by them when I gathered together the materials, below.

These are just some of the things I'll be using to transform the vintage vegetable bin I shared with you a few posts back. It is getting a makeover this week. I will be repainting it, lining the inside with pretty patterns, creating magnets, and more. Just call me Crafty Sue! Then when it's all done, it will be making an appearance in Studios magazine.

Back outside, in the same garden as the Azalea bushes, you'll find this primitive garden niche. I have always been intrigued by it. 

Lined with little bits of turquoise tiles, this domed concrete structure is situated at the very edge of the garden, right along the street. 

Nestled inside is a porcelain figurine of a girl. Over the years, the elements have wreaked havoc on her, and she's missing part of her skirt. I can sympathize. Although my clothing is intact, I sometimes think the elements have gotten to me, too...  ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Susan

The Case of the Upcycled Case

Every so often, I get the urge to transform an object that has seen better days and turn it into something useful once again. My latest project — a lighted makeup case from a local thrift store. Although its white vinyl, faux alligator exterior had seen better days, I was sure that this 1970s relic had potential. All it needed was a little upcycling.

I was so excited to begin working on this project that I completely forget to take a "before" photo. (Sorry!) So what you are seeing is the refurbished case that is now pretty as a picture. 

Originally manufactured by Dunston Leathers of New York, this makeup mirror's snazzy new look was achieved by applying vintage paper that was once 1940s curtains. (Yes, they actually made curtains out of paper back then!) It has a beautiful Asian-inspired pattern of branches, leaves and flowers in shades of pink, brown, black and green on a gold and cream background. Love it!

The case opens to reveal a round double-sided mirror and four bulbs that turn on via a switch on the cord. So theatrical! I've added a velvet ribbon at the bottom to help pull out the mirror section and place it on an angle for easy viewing.

Inside, you'll find a lift-up flap with a small compartment for storing makeup and one for the cord when the case is not in use. 

It also has two channels along each side which are where the bulbs go when the case is closed. 

I am very pleased with how this refurbished case turned out. Wouldn't it would look great on a vanity table or dresser? Just listed in my Etsy shop this morning, it is now a perfect mix of 1940s glam and 1970s functionality. I'm hoping it will be discovered by a girly girl with an appreciation for vintage things.

Susan

Literary Origami: The Folded Book

Time for a super easy project!

While browsing around Etsy, I've discovered many creative sellers who alter and recycle books. Some use their covers and repurpose them into spiral bound journals. Others transform the interior pages and fold them into cutting-edge art. I decided to give the latter a try.

I started with a small vintage book that had seen better days. On a flat surface, I opened it to its first spread and folded each of the four corners diagonally in toward the center (above left). Next, I took the following three pages and folded them in half, all together, toward the center (above right).

Alternating between these two steps, I kept going until I had folded all of the pages in the book.

All done! Doesn't it look like a paper lantern? Pretty cool! This altered book can lay flat, stand upright on its own, or be hung on the wall using a metal plate hanger. 

Here's a variation on a theme. I opened up to the first spread with the folded corners, and unfolded the upper right and lower left folds so that they would stick out. 

I did this to every diagonally folded spread, leaving the three-page sections alone.

When complete, this version's pages have a sculptural twist.

So simple! And there are so many folding possibilities. To see inspiring examples from Etsy sellers that are much more complex than my first attempt, click here.

How fun to take a book that was ready for the discard pile and transform it into literary origami. Give it a try!

Susan

All Buttoned Up

Once upon a time, I acquired a lot of 25 vintage Japan salt shakers. I bought them because I knew they could become "vases" for my handmade button bouquets.

Little by little, when I was feeling crafty, I created a bouquet for each tiny shaker and listed it in my Etsy shop. Now there is only one left! 

I saved my favorite one, a salt shaker with colorful flowers, for last. It holds a button bouquet made to match in vibrant hues.

Gone but not forgotten, the three arrangements, below, sold last month. One shaker had a tiny landscape with a cottage painted on it in muted tones.

This shaker had a rather unusual design with a seagull flying over the waves and a yellow, black and orange color scheme.

I'm partial to the color aqua, so I particularly like the bouquet I put together for this windmill embellished shaker.

If you're like me and have a large stash of buttons, try making a button bouquet. You'll find a T-Party tutorial here. If you make one, or come up with other ways to up-cycle vintage buttons, please email me a photo and I'll share your creation in a T-Cozy post.

Susan

Cute as a Button

This week, I sold my last vintage salt shaker and matching button bouquet. It has been a while since I've gotten crafty, so I brought out my button stash yesterday and made this . . .

Isn't it the sweetest? I love this old Nippon shaker with its tiny cottage and muted colors. 

I filled it with 13 of my handmade button blossoms to match.

This cute-as-a-button item is now listed in my Etsy shop. Plus, to get ready for the holiday rush, I've recently added all sorts of new listings. I'll share some of those vintage goodies with you next week.

Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Susan

Fondant and Friends: Making a Birthday Cake for Jeff

Our good friend Jeff turned fifty a couple of days ago. His wife Keri threw him a fabulous party, complete with this homemade fondant covered creation . . .

This is the third cake that I've decorated with my friend Sherri. Remember John's fish cake from his 50th? Or how about Hannah's flower cake a couple of years ago? This time we teamed up with Keri, too, and had lots of fun making a cake that celebrated one of Jeff's hobbies — gardening.

Keri baked four cakes so that we could layer them into a tower. Sherri whipped up butter-cream icing to go between each layer while Keri and I worked on the faux vegetables.

We formed the veggies out of Rice Krispy treats. Then we covered them in fondant.

Sherri rolled out fondant to cover the sides of the cake tower and applied more frosting to fill in any gaps. She cut the fondant into strips and placed them around the sides to resemble a bushel basket. Then she scooped out a bit of chocolate cake from the top to make room for the vegetables. 

Here is what Keri and I made — an ear of corn, cukes, an eggplant, tomatoes, a carrot and pea pods.

And here is Sherri's bushel basket masterpiece . . .

We placed the veggies in and around the basket. The finishing touch was a sign just like the one Jeff has in his real garden.

The cake took about four hours to complete and we were all very pleased with how it turned out. Jeff loved it. And it was a hit at the party, too!

Susan

Bloom Where You're Seated

As we approach mid-August, my antique chair-turned-planter is just about in its glory. Have a look . . .

Located on my shady front stoop, I usually fill this piece with predictable Impatiens or Pansies, as shown in summers past, below. 

This season, I was slightly more adventurous and potted it up a little differently. Even though the Coleus has taken over, I'm happy with the result. 

Hankering for a project this weekend? If you'd like to make a chair planter of your own, check out my tutorial here.

Enjoy!

Susan

A Home in the Trees

I love it when I have happy customers. And I also love it when they share how they have used one of my items in their house. Here's a great example: The item, below, recently sold in my Etsy shop and then went on to a very special new house.

I made this pennant banner from vintage pink sheeting, braided trim and red buttons. It now resides in the sweetest hand built tree house fit for a princess.

This structure was a labor of love constructed by blogger Kim's husband Chris. Here is my pennant hanging in its lovely new home in the trees. Too sweet!

This darling tree house is a sight to behold. You must check it out! To see it in all of its glory, go to Kim's blog called Musings from Kim K. You'll be glad you did!

Susan

Vintage Flower Button Magnets

On Friday, I headed into New York City to have lunch with working girl Hannah. But before I left, I got a little crafty and created these summery flower magnets.

They are made from a variety of vintage buttons. Aren't they pretty? Look out for them in my Etsy shop sometime this week.

Yesterday, I went to the annual giant tag sale down the street at a local Rowayton church. I walked away with some wonderful finds that I'll share with your very soon.

It's such a beautiful morning here. I'm off to take a bike ride with John. Enjoy your Sunday!

Susan

Home Sweet Home Postcard Craftiness

Earlier this week, I was in the mood to get a little crafty. So I decided to see what I could come up with to make out of the stash of vintage lingerie trimmings from last month's over-the-top collector's estate sale. And once I found that darling Home Sweet Home postcard, I had some ideas.

This picnic tin is one of the many I use for storage in my studio. It's packed to the gills with yummy lace and trims. 

First I headed out to make some enlarged color copies of the postcard. Once I was back home, I began arranging a variety of trimmings around it to create a mixed-media fabric frame.

When I came up with an arrangement that pleased my eye, I used my sewing machine to stitch all of the elements together.

I think it turned out pretty sweet.

And I decided to make another one . . .

Different trims and colors, but just as darling.

I think these would make perfect gifts for Mother's Day, don't you? So I've decided to list them in my Etsy shop to see if anyone else thinks so, too!

Susan

A Button Bouquet for Beth

Last week, I received a request for a custom made button bouquet from Beth, one of my Etsy patrons. It was a rainy day and there is nothing I like better than getting crafty in my studio when it's dreary outside. Plus, I'd much rather work on a button bouquet than the pile of paperwork I had waiting for me on my desk.

So I turned on some music, had a seat at my drafting table and began to sort through my jars of vintage buttons.

Beth wanted the bouquet for her Hull lady planter, similar to the one I have. She also wanted it to match her kitchen which is done in Jadeite green, red and yellow with touches of blue. I got all of my supplies ready and searched for just the right buttons.

And here is the finished bouquet! Isn't it sweet?

I sent off the bouquet and it arrived to Beth just yesterday. She kindly left me positive Etsy feedback stating that it looks lovely in her planter. Yay! This was first time I was asked to do a custom button bouquet. I'm so glad Beth is pleased with it. 

Thanks, Beth. That was fun!

Susan

A Touch of Spring in December

This week, I've been working on some fun projects for my next Studios magazine article. Since my piece will appear in the spring issue, I've had to ignore the cold temperatures outside and channel some warm weather thoughts my way.

Here is a little peek at the springy things I've been working on . . .

First I painted two panels to resemble a field of wildflowers.

Next I sewed a fabric pennant banner out of some flowery vintage sheeting. I think it turned out really sweet, so I may use the remnants to make another one to sell in my Etsy shop.

Then I constructed letters that spell out the word "S-T-U-D-I-O."

Ahhh, it's a like a warm spring breeze has wafted in!

Now I'm off to work on my photographs for the article, some of which will use these whimsical elements. After that, I'll be doing what I consider the hardest part --- writing the article.

Unfortunately, that's all I can share with you now . . . until the spring issue of Studios hits the newsstands on February 22.

Susan

Little Somethings

Here they are! My latest creations . . .

As you may know, I'm always looking for ways to use my large vintage button collection. So I chose five pretty salt shakers from the lot I just acquired and made dainty little button bouquets for each of them. Aren't they darling?

The windmill shaker now holds a bouquet of nine button blossoms in pinks, blues and purples.

I love the colors of the shaker with the tree motif below. So I made its bouquet using bolder colored buttons to match.

The birds painted on this luster ware salt shaker are so charming. Its bouquet is in shades of blue, cream, black and orange.

Pink painted flowers grace the front of the Nippon shaker below. It now holds a sweet nine-blossom bouquet in matching hues.

This last salt shaker has a tiny cottage scene. I created a whimsical bouquet to go with it in an array of colors. Isn't it the cutest thing?

Tiny salt and pepper shakers like these are perfect "vases" for my button bouquets. And it was fun sifting through my vast collection to find the right buttons for each.

These new little somethings are now available for purchase in my Etsy shop. I sure hope they sell because I can't wait to make more!

Susan

A Common Thread, the Second Annual Artsy Girls Show

I am so pleased to be a part of a very special art show that opened this weekend. Staged in a beautiful gallery in Stamford, Connecticut, this show has one common theme --- the contributors are all "Artsy Girls." This group was the brainchild of Jane Pollack, a successful entrepreneur, public speaker and business coach, who wanted to bring together like-minded colleagues and friends who have created a name for themselves in their respective fields. 

The Artsy Girls group consists of painters, illustrators, writers, graphic designers, photographers, quilters, and more. At quarterly dinners hosted by each member, we share our triumphs, gain insights from each other, and discuss our creative journeys. These meetings include an update from each member, as well as a here's-how-I-did-it talk from a selected member of the group. Over the last ten years, Artsy Girls has grown to include more than 50 diverse woman from the Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts area ranging in age from early 20's to 80's+. Needless to say, I am honored to be a part of this amazing array of creative women.

This year's art show features over 20 works in a wide range of media, from painting, mixed media, photography and sculpture, to illustration, quilts and clothing. The show is at Pierce Ball Gallery, a lovely exhibition space connected to the home of Artsy Girl member Liz Ball, shown above next to one of her photographs.

I contributed something a little different to this year's show --- my upcycled vintage lunch box! Doesn't it look distinguished encased in plexiglass, below? 

Denyse Schmidt contributed one of her fabulous quilts to this year's show. Called The Proverbial Quilt, she even sells a pattern for it that you can find here.

Here are more views from the show . . .

The Artsy Girls show will run from September 25 through October 10 and is open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. The Pierce Ball Gallery is located at 9 Webbs Hill Road in Stamford, Connecticut. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by.

Susan

Button Blossoms by the Dozen

Yesterday evening, John was away on a business trip and Jacob was busy doing homework. So I parked myself in my studio, cranked up GleeKast Radio, and broke out my new vintage button stash. Okay, I admit it. I'm a Gleek (a fan of Glee TV show).

I selected the cream of the crop from my new inventory and created a dozen button blossoms.

I made four clusters with three blossoms of stacked vintage buttons in each. Such fun! I find them so lighthearted and whimsical. Aren't they cute? They're super easy to make, too. Check out my button bouquet tutorial if you'd like to give them a try.

Not bad for one evening's work! You can find these newest button bouquets for sale in my Etsy shop here.

Susan

Soap Powder Holder Before & After

What a difference a little paint and a vintage decal can make!

This plain Jane soap powder holder is now wearing a coat of subtle light green paint with a Cadet Blue handle, spout and knob. 

I looked through my collection of vintage Meyercord decals and decided to apply one with a fruit basket design to each side.

I'm pleased with how this hard-to-find soap flakes dispenser turned out. It looks better, don't you think? As promised, I should have it listed in my Etsy shop sometime tomorrow. 

Have a great weekend!

Susan

Vintage Wall Pocket Bouquets

A while back, I shared this unusual wall pocket with you . . .

Filled with one of my handmade vintage button bouquets, you'll find it among the cottage prints and needlework on my studio's wall.

 

On this rainy day in Connecticut, I decided to make a button bouquet especially for another unique wall pocket.

This wooden one has a primitive cut-out design and a red painted flower on the front. It's matching button bouquet is in shades of tan, brown and red. I plan to list in my Etsy shop sometime this week.

Vintage pieces like these are so interesting to me and I'm always curious about who made them. Perhaps it was a devoted son who crafted it for his mom in shop class. Or maybe it was someone who liked to putter around in his/her basement workshop. 

I especially like how this clever pocket can either stand on its own or hang on the wall. Isn't it fun? 

Susan   

Next Week on Etsy

It has been a while since I've had time to do any new Etsy listings, so I'll be dipping back into that gargantuan linen lot I purchased back in February. The vintage textiles, below, will make an appearance in my Etsy shop sometime next week. Here's a little preview . . .

Aren't they sweet?

Have a great weekend!

Susan      

Little Vases that are Big on Fun

Whenever I come across miniature vases in my travels, I can't resist the urge to bring them home because I can just picture them filled with tiny blossoms from the garden. And when fresh flowers are harder to come by, I fill them with my hand crafted, diminutive button bouquets. I'd like to share a few with you today. Some are from my Etsy shop and a couple are part of my personal collection.

This cute faux wicker pitcher and it's five cluster bouquet is for sale in my Etsy shop here.

Sometimes the vase is so small, I can only fit a single blossom inside, like the one resting in the (sold) cast iron Scottie below.

It's fun to make the bouquet match the vase, like the burgundy and gold cluster in this Shawnee Pottery piece in my Etsy shop here.

When this kitschy kitty and its matching bouquet sold on Etsy, it was sent off to its new home in Australia.

Talk about tiny! Below, the miniature porcelain vase with its three cluster bouquet measures under three inches tall. You can find it in my Etsy shop here.

Another tiny porcelain piece --- it's a little pitcher with a five cluster bouquet that sold a while back.

This Shawnee Pottery bud vase is also for sale in my Etsy shop. It's shaped like a small cornucopia and is paired with a matching button bouquet in cheerful shades of yellow and orange.

How cute is this (sold) tiny porcelain puppy! Made in occupied Japan, he probably was once a toothpick holder.

Pretty in pink, this small Art Deco vase sold on Etsy just recently. It came with a matching nine blossom bouquet in red, pink and white.

And here are two miniature vases from my personal collection. Both the hand vase and the Shawnee miniature watering can are only big enough for a single blossom. Aren't they sweet?

Tiny pieces like these are a fun accent within a larger grouping of objects. They beckon you closer and are sure to make you smile. So the next time you stop at the flea market or thrift store, be on the lookout for little vases. And if you'd like to try your hand at making a button bouquet, click here to view my tutorial.

Susan

Favorite Posts from the Last Three Years

The T-Cozy's anniversary has given me the urge to take a look back at my three years of blogging. So here are a few posts from the past that I particularly like. I hope you'll enjoy them, too.

I've listed them chronologically and included the title and first line of each post. If you'd like to read more, simply click on the title to be redirected to the original post.

June 06, 2007: Every Day is a Picnic.  I must confess that I have another large collection.

June 19, 2007: Rites of Passage. Last week marked two significant events for our son.

July 29, 2007: It's Not All Glamour. A lot of people, especially those who have always wanted a shop or tea room of their own, ask me what it's like to own one.

June 01, 2008: All Good Things Must Come to an End. Yesterday was the last tea day at our sweet little antiques shop and tea room.

June 24, 2008: My Tribute to T-Party. I'll be taking a little blogging break for the remainder of this week to give my aching back a rest.

January 04, 2009: Setting Foot on the Appalachian Trail. Early last week, my family and I took a short two-day trip to the northwestern corner of Connecticut.

February 01, 2009: My Pie Safe Revisited. While housebound due to Wednesday's snow and ice storm, I went ahead and gave my pie safe a face lift.

February 28, 2009: Elevating the Lowly Lunch Box. This past week, I rescued a black metal dome lunch box from the thrift store.

May 19, 2009: A Very Special Summer Place: Our Cozy Screened Porch. At 6 a.m. today, here's what our screened porch looked like.

September 23, 2009: The Well-Dressed Toaster. I had a guest in my studio this past weekend.

October 27, 2009: Feats of Fondant: A Fish Cake for John. You don't turn fifty every day.

February 15, 2010: Snow Day Creativity. My "Great Wall of Cottages" has a new addition.

As I browsed through close to 600 posts, I noticed that my photos have improved and I think my writing has gotten better, as well. At least I hope it has. Here's to my next 600 posts! And don't forget to enter my Get Your Cozy On contest.

Susan

The Well-Dressed Pillow

We had yet another snow day last Friday. There is something about being cooped up in the house that brings out my crafty side. As the white stuff fell outside my studio window, I finally decided what to do with the overalls that Andrea embroidered for me back in 1978.

I combined my overalls, a pillow form, and a remaining yard of floral fabric that I found on Martha's Vineyard last summer. 

First I sewed up a simple envelope-back cover for the pillow form. Then, I took my scissors to the overalls. I was nervous about cutting them up, but the chance of me ever wearing them again was rather slim. (I'll never be as thin as I was back in college. Plus, overalls on someone over 50 might look a bit foolish.)

I bravely cut the overalls along the front and back seam just below the waist. Then I sewed the two sides together at the bottom. Now it was all ready to slide over the new pillow.

And there you have it --- a whimsical and well dressed pillow! Super-easy to make, I'm pleased with how it turned out. It's silly and fun, don't you think?

Now this wacky creation sits on the wicker chair in my studio where I can enjoy it daily.

When I wrote about my vintage overalls last month, I asked for your suggestions on what to make out of them. Thank you to those who offered your thoughts. And I so appreciate the information I received in my last post about how linens, both vintage and new, are tinted using ordinary crayons. I had no idea that's how it's done! Many thanks to those who shared their knowledge on this topic.

(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)

Susan

Snow Day Creativity

My "Great Wall of Cottages" has a new addition.

The serendipitous find from earlier this month has been added to the collection on my studio wall. To make room for it, I simply had to move down one photograph. Now my newest crewelwork cottage picture looks right at home.

I also hung up an unusual antique wall pocket crafted out of an old cigar box. This piece has a folk/tramp art vibe with a cut-out leaf design and its original aqua paint. However, I thought it needed some embellishment, so I decided to fill it with one of my whimsical handmade button bouquets. 

I rooted around in my revamped and reorganized button storage cabinet where I found vintage buttons in similar colors as the flowers in the cottage gardens on the wall.

Isn't this new bouquet fun? And while I was at it, I made another one to spiff up the sweet old watering can on my windowsill.

It's a teeny button bouquet with a cluster of five blossoms. So cute!

And that's just some of what I was up to while housebound during last week's snow storm. Did you have a snow day, too? If so, what were you up to?

Susan

My Blooming Note Cards

Ugh! Lots more snow here in Connecticut this morning. And with about three months of winter left, I'm longing for a break in the deep freeze. But I'm staying warm and toasty in my cozy studio, working on some new listings today. These note cards, just listed for sale on the T-Cozy's sister blog, Kitsch Encounter, are a welcome reminder of warmer days to come.

I designed my blooming note cards over 20 years ago while working as a graphic designer in Manhattan. I've enjoyed them ever since, and over the years have sent them as a quick greeting to brighten a friend's day. I have only fours sets remaining, so I thought it would be fun to share them with you. 

On the front of each card is a flower that has yet to bloom; open the card to reveal a row of beautiful blossoms along with a tiny butterfly sailing through the air.

Printed on linen textured cover stock with fibers, this set of six cards comes with cream envelopes. The pack is tied together with T-Party bakery twine.

 

Just like the special Grand Central Terminal poster I designed around the same time, these exclusive, limited edition note cards will always be one of my favorite designs. And now you can enjoy them, too.

Susan

A Patchwork of Good Wishes

I created this Photoshop medley of seasonal images from appealing 1930's holiday cards, depicting winter and all the beauty it brings.

 

These charming cards were purchased in my Etsy shop by Marion, one of my favorite T-Party customers from Australia. Here in Connecticut, we are encased in a blanket of snow. But Christmas for those down under occurs during Australia's summer. No snow and log fires for them. Their holiday celebrations might include a backyard barbecue or a picnic at the beach.

However you choose to enjoy this festive time of year, I wish you and yours all the best. Happy Holidays!

Susan

My Inspiration Book Revisited

As the new year approaches, I'm in the mood for a fresh start in my studio. After this busy month, I feel compelled to get organized and straighten up the mess, especially the pile of magazines I've been hanging on to. So I spent some time this morning leafing through them and pulling out tear sheets to add to my inspiration book.

Consisting of a simple, inexpensive sketch book with my own handmade cover, my inspiration book is filled with images from favorite shelter magazines. Though I enjoy these publications, I don't have room to keep them all. 

But before they get tossed into the recycling bin, I always make sure to skim through them one more time and rip out the photos that speak to me. Today's new pile will get added to the many sheets already in my book.

I'm all done tackling my overflowing basket of magazines and things are already looking tidier in my studio.

Hmm, how interesting . . . I just noticed that most of the publications are over a year old. I guess since I frequent many beautiful blogs, my desire to read decorating magazines has diminished. The only one I have faithfully saved is every single issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. I never tire of looking through those pages and wouldn't dream of tearing them apart, especially since the magazine is no longer published.

So now I'm left this morning with a big stack of inspiring tear sheets. And as I only have a few pages left in my inspiration book, it looks like it's time to start Volume II.

(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)

Susan

Let It Glow

This Sunday, our friends Dede and Ed are hosting a Winter Solstice party. Each guest is asked to bring a candle from home so that, on the longest and darkest night of the year, we can ceremoniously light all of the candles en masse. What fun; I love that idea!

I want our candle to also be their host/hostess gift, so I headed out to Target this morning to see what I could find. I was a little dismayed as the shelves in the home decor section were a bit bare and the merchandise was somewhat picked over.

So with limited choices, I decided to purchase a glittery silver pillar candle, a jar of translucent aqua vase filler, and an etched glass candle holder that looks a little like frost on a windowpane.

I simply placed the unwrapped candle in the holder, filled it about half way with the glass stones, and added some ribbon. Voilà! So pretty and oh so easy! And like me, Dede loves the ocean so I'm sure she'll like the color scheme and, particularly, the glass stones that are reminiscent of sea glass.

 

Just for fun, I placed the candle, surrounded by more glass stones, on a vintage aluminum tray. That's awfully pretty, too!

I'm looking forward to the party and seeing everyone's candles all aglow. I'm also looking forward to daylight growing longer, little by little, every day. Aren't you?

Susan

A Blustery Day Project

When I got up this morning to 40mph winds and driving rain, I knew my plans for the day had to change. The weather was so foul that my morning walk and errand run would have to wait. Instead, I decided to hunker down in my studio and try my hand at another bark cloth tack board.

I gathered together my materials: a chippy old picture frame, 1940's bark cloth, my staple gun, foam core and cork panels.

I followed the same instructions as the larger tack board I made a couple of weeks ago.

For a bulletin board like this, I like to use bark cloth because it is sturdy and its textured appearance will hide any holes created from thumb tacks.

Even when nothing is tacked to this board, its bark cloth design will be pleasing to look at and is much more interesting than fabric with a repetitive pattern would be.

I'm so pleased with how my latest tack board turned out. Isn't is pretty as a picture? And I've just listed it in my Etsy shop! Use it to display a favorite photo, note, or tear sheets for inspiration in your studio, office or craft room.

Right after I finished this blustery day project, the weather settled down here by early afternoon. I was finally able to get out for a brisk walk, but I'll have to tackle my long list of errands tomorrow.

(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)

Susan

A Picturesque Project: My New Tack Board

What do you get when you combine an old picture frame with a bark cloth remnant, a few squares of cork, and a chunk of foam core? You get a handmade one-of-a-kind tack board! I've been wanting to put this wooden frame, below,  to good use for some time now. And I've also been saving a fabulous piece of vintage bark cloth for just the right project. When I came across a new book called One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, I found simple instructions for a useful addition to my studio.

I began with this large vintage picture frame which was given to me a few years ago by a generous T-Party patron. It was already painted a perfect shade of aqua. I found the Asian-inspired 1940's bark cloth remnant at the neighborhood estate sale I went to in October.

I headed over to Staples and purchased a pack of four cork bulletin board tiles. I pieced them together and used spray adhesive to attach them securely to a scrap piece of foam core left over from my kids' science fair projects. Then I trimmed the foam core so it was a bit larger than the frame's opening.

I ironed on fusible interfacing to the back of the bark cloth to reinforce it. Next, using a staple gun, I carefully stretched and stapled the bark cloth to the underside of the picture frame. Lastly, I attached the cork-covered foam core to the backside of the frame using heavy duty duct tape.

And there you have it! Isn't it fun? This board will be so handy for tacking up notes and bits of inspiration in my studio. And it will be pretty to have around even when I don't have anything pinned to it. You can't say that for most bulletin boards.

This picturesque project was super easy. And what a great way to repurposed a vintage frame and fabric.

Susan