The T-Cozy

Happy Earth Day!

Cabin Fever Projects

Yikes! What a winter it has been so far. It seems like we have a snow event every few days. Our last one started as snow and then changed to sleet making every surface an icy mess. When that happens, I stay put and get crafty in my studio.

Here are a few of my favorite projects, perfect for when the weather gets feisty and you have to remain indoors.

If you have an old globe that has seen better days, use it as the canvas for this worldly art project. View my tutorial at this link: Altered art globe.

Pennant banners are easy to make. All you need is a little fabric, rick-rack trim, a sewing machine and an iron. View my tutorial at this link: Itty bitty pennant banner.

Make your own tack board out of an old picture frame, vintage bark cloth, a few squares of cork and a chunk of foam core. View my tutorial at this link: Handmade tack board.

This vintage bin once stored bread and produce in the 1940s pantry. I brought mine back to life with a fresh coat of paint. View my tutorial at this link: Refurbished vegetable bin.

If you are a button collector like me, give a button bouquet a try. Then place your creation in a vintage salt shaker. View my tutorial at this link: Button bouquet.

There you go — five projects to keep you busy this winter when cabin fever sets in!

Susan

"We live on a planet and it's very unpredictable."

After a hurricane or a similar wacky weather event, I often remark, "We live on a planet and it's very unpredictable." I've been saying this to my family for years, so when they hear me utter it, they usually roll their eyes. But if nothing else, my comment helps us to remember that this generous planet we live on is all we've got. Therefore, my family and I try our very best to go easy on dear old Mother Earth and treat her with the respect she deserves. I'm sure you do, too.

Happy Earth Day!

Susan

My $5 Vintage Pottery Lamp

I stopped by the local thrift shop the other day. As usual, I failed to walk out empty handed. A five-dollar vintage pottery lamp in a sunny shade of yellow came home with me. Love the lamp — not so crazy about its plain white lamp shade. Time for a little upcycling project...

I decided to transform the shade using a flower and leaf patterned paper with a bark cloth vibe. This paper is actually a vintage curtain panel. Did you know that back in the 1940s and 50s, they manufactured draperies for the home out of paper? Seriously. 

Within 30 minutes, a lovely decoupaged shade was sitting atop my new/old lamp. Doesn't it look sweet?

I have used this paper curtain for other crafty pursuits. Back in 2009, it helped to elevate a black domed lunch box that I found at the very same thrift store.

And last year at the same shop, I discovered an old lighted makeup case. Its white vinyl, faux alligator exterior had seen better days. The paper and more Mod Podge saved the day.

Sadly, I have just about used up the curtain panel. I must keep my eye out for more as they are perfect for decoupage projects.

That's it for now. Wishing you all a happy and safe weekend.

Susan

Say “Ahhh” to Spring!

At last! The spring 2013 issue of Studios magazine has just been released. This idea-filled magazine provides loads of innovative ideas to help you turn your vision of a dream studio space into a reality. Artists and crafters of all types, including quilters, fiber artists, mixed-media artists, jewelry makers, sewists, painters, writers, bloggers, and more, share their stories, tips, and studios. 

On page 20 of the new issue, you'll find my article titled "Say "Ahhh" to Spring!" As you may know, it was inspired by the window display I saw last May at Baltimore's Trohv store here. My article has photos and step by step instructions on how to make a craft stick valence, perfect to add a bit of whimsy and color to your studio.

Look for the spring issue of Studios at a bookstore or newsstand near you. Or you can order it online at this link.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Susan

Eat, Shop, Learn... and Read My New Blog!

A few days ago, I mentioned that I'm working on a new project. Well, here it is!

I have volunteered to blog for SoNo Market Place. With six years of blogging experience under my belt, doing another one is pretty easy for me. Plus, the market has a lot going on, so I'm certain to never be caught short without something interesting to write about.

I hope you'll read, follow, and tell your friends about this new blog called Eat Shop Learn. You can find it at this link: sonomarketplaceblog.typepad.com

Thanks!

Susan

Repurposing Vintage Books into Spiral-Bound Journals

Have a peek at my latest crafty project — these four spiral-bound journals! 

Well loved by various owners over the years, these vintage books had seen better days. So I reclaimed their lovely covers and gave these rescued relics new life.

Starting at the left, Chubby Cheeks is a rare book that was originally published in the 1890s. Featuring charming illustrations on the front and back, it also sports an inscription on the inside front cover. Now its interior is filled with recycled cream-colored paper stock with fibers and flecks. 

At Home and Away is a 1940 primer. I love how the sweet illustrations on its covers have crayon marks made by a child long ago.This notebook is now filled with ivory parchment paper. 

Skipping Time is a rare book that was published in the 1880s. I filled it with Strathmore watermarked paper stock in white paper to match the little girl's apron. Along with its darling illustrations on the front and back, I included the first page with an inscription writen in 1888. Isn't the handwriting beautiful? 

Originally published in 1922, Children's Hour with Puss in Boots and Other Stories features a picture of Puss on the front cover. Now this reclaimed book is filled with ivory parchment paper. 

I am so pleased with how these journals turned out. And from now on, I won't pass up tattered old books with beautiful covers. I'll simply repurpose them into notebooks brimming with vintage appeal. These four can be found for sale in my Etsy shop here.

Susan 

Question Answered: Paint!

Based on all of your comments, I decided to go for it. Now all of the wooden pieces I posted about last week are painted a nice, clean white. Don't they look better?

Susan

Handmade Altered Art Globe Tutorial

If you ever come across a vintage globe for sale that is no longer geographically accurate, don't pass it up. Instead, buy it! Then when you're feeling crafty, use it as the canvas for this worldly art project.

A wonderful old primer, titled We Are Neighbors, provided the images for my latest upcycled globe. But instead of cutting up the actual book, I made color copies of my favorite pages and carefuly cut them out with an X-acto knife.

With a foam brush, I used Mod Podge to coat the globe where the pictures would go.

I made sure that the images were distributed evenly around the world. That way the globe was interesting from every angle.

When all of the pictures were glued on, I applied several top coats of Mod Podge over the entire globe's surface.

I love this altered art globe! Isn't is sweet?

I hope to create more of these earthly art pieces when I find more vintage globes. In the meantime, this one can be found for sale in my booth at the SoNo Market Place.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Susan

Welcome to My New Old House

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving. Ours was very nice — and very busy. I spent Friday through Sunday working at my new SoNo Market Place stall. It was great fun, especially because all of my favorite friends and local patrons stopped by to say hello and wish me well.

This weekend is the marketplace's official grand opening. There will be all sorts of festivities — from a ribbon cutting and VIP reception, to carolers, face painting, a magic show and even a visit from Santa himself. To add a little holiday sparkle to my booth, I have a very special item I'll be bringing in. This vintage dollhouse! 

Isn't it adorable? This handmade abode is 28 inches tall and sports an exaggerated peaked roof and three stories. I just love how its little green shutters open and close on every window.

I spent this rainy afternoon making a tiny wreath out of adds and ends I found in my studio's supply closet. I also added tiny white lights in each window which give this charming structure a warm glow.

I think this darling house will feel right at home in my SoNo booth. Don't you? 

Susan

Tack Board Tutorial

My handmade tack board is a perfect spot to display the 1940s postcards I am offering for sale in my new SoNo Market Place stall. It was super easy to make. Here's how...

I found the large oval frame at the thrift store. In my supply closet, I gathered together these materials: scissors, a roll of cork, an X-Acto knife, foam core, a can of spray mount, vintage fabric, a staple gun, brown kraft paper, double-sided tape, picture wire, and two eye hooks.

With an X-Acto knife, I cut both the foam core and cork to fit the frame. Then I glued them together with a generous coat of spray mount. 

I pulled the fabric taut, stapled it to the backside of the frame, and trimmed off the excess fabric. Using more spray mount, I glued the cork and foam core to the fabric. 

Using double-sided tape, I secured brown kraft paper to the back of the frame and added eye hooks and picture wire.

All done! Now wasn't that easy?

Susan

Looking Up

Progress at the SoNo MarketPlace has been steady, but painfully slow — mainly because of that pesky Hurricane Sandy. During the storm, the building that houses the marketplace took on two feet of water! So the grand opening had to be postponed. Unfortunately, all of the furniture pieces in my booth have water damage. Although they've been drying out day by day, most likely I won't be able to offer them for sale. However, they will still work nicely for display. Thank goodness I hadn't brought in my smalls yet!

Yesterday, John and I headed over to my marketplace stall and hung four white paper lanterns from the rafters along with my handmade pennant banners. Doesn't it look festive?

Scheduled to open on November 17, I have a feeling the marketplace may need even more time to recover from the storm. However, even with the delays and flooding issues, the place is looking absolutely wonderful. I'm very excited to be a part of it and can't wait to share it with you.

Susan

A "Sticky" Project

Lights, heat, telephone, internet! After last week's hurricane, we are finally up and running at our house. But enough about Sandy. Let's move on to more fun topics.

Here is a sneak peek at my latest project for Studios magazine. It's an interpretation of the window display I saw last May at Baltimore's Trohv store. (I shared their fabulous display with you in a post at this link.)

For my craft stick valance, I chose to use 6-inch tongue depressors rather than the smaller Popsicle sticks used in Trohv's windows. My article will appear in the spring 2013 issue, so I painted the sticks in five springtime fresh colors.

I shot my tutorial-style article as a series of photographs that take you through the project step by step. You can read all about it and view the pictures when the spring issue of Studios hits the newsstands, probably sometime in late February.

On a different note, it was wonderful to have electricity back in time to watch last night's election returns. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome. Congratulations, Mr. President!

Susan

Views From a Busy Weekend

How was your weekend? Mine was busy, busy! 

I made steady progress on my Studios magazine project: 250 sticks are painted, drilled, and strung with baker's twine. This week, I'll fashion them into a wooden valence, hang them in a studio window, and photograph the result for my article.

I also sewed this little pennant banner to dress up my sign at the SoNo MarketPlace. I put it up with vintage curtain tie-back pins in the shape of flowers. Doesn't it look cute?

I even had time to begin another decoupaged altered art globe. This one will have the same "We Are Neighbors" theme as my first one, but with different images from a charming 1940s reader.

And finally, yesterday afternoon I took a break from working on all of these projects to take a bike ride with John and Hannah. We stopped at the community dock down the road from our house where I captured this lovely view.

See? I told you it was busy! And it's looking like a busy week ahead.

Susan

An Artsy Craftsy Kind of Day

We're expecting lots of rain here, making it the perfect day to hunker down in my studio and work on my next Studios magazine article. I'm putting together a version of Trohv's window display that I blogged about last month, only on a smaller scale so it is suitable for a creative work space's window. 

While it rains buckets outside today, I'll be blasting my iTunes and drilling, painting and stringing hundreds of wooden tongue depressors. This artsy craftsy project reminds me of summer camp when we'd use Popsicle sticks to make picture frames, bowls, trivets and boxes. 

When the weather is better next week, I'll hang these painted sticks from a rod in a sunny studio window creating a valence of sorts. Then I will take lots of photos and write my article so that I can hit my end-of-month deadline. Once the piece is published in the spring issue of Studios (which comes out in late winter), I'll be sure to share it with you. 

Enjoy your Friday — and have a nice weekend!

Susan

Keeping Busy

It has been a busy week of projects. First off, I made these bark cloth pillows. They will be displayed in the antique baby crib in my SoNo MarketPlace stall.

The items below will also be joining me at the MarketPlace. Although they were threatening to take over my dining room, now they're all priced, packed in boxes, and ready to go to SoNo.

In my booth, I'll be perched on this vintage kitchen stool behind my little wrap desk. Isn't it cute? This week, I sewed a cushion for it out of the leftover apple fabric I used for the desk's skirt and swatch portraits.

And I made yet another pennant banner. This one has a scalloped shape to match the graphic on my website, blog and business cards. I may use it in some way in my stall, just not sure how yet.

Here's a peek at next week's projects . . .

Yesterday I found this oval, gold painted wooden frame for $3 at a local thrift shop. It will become another of my bark cloth tack boards.

Before this vintage globe heads to my booth at SoNo, I'm going to transform it into another decoupaged altered art globe.

And finally, I'll round out the week by heading to a couple of estate sales tomorrow morning. Wish you could join me!

Susan

Vintage Apples

I am a bit of a fabric hoarder. When I discover old textiles that I like, I squirrel them away in my studio's supply closet. Eventually I put them to good use in small sewing projects, like my pennant banners. This morning, I searched through my fabric stash for a curtain panel I've saved for years. It has a wonderful apple pattern that I thought would be fun to use somehow in my new SoNo MarketPlace stall. 

Autumn is fast approaching and apples are the perfect fall motif. So I decided to make some large swatch portraits to hang and sell in my space. Aren't they fun?

I transformed the remaining yardage into a gathered skirt for a small vintage cabinet. I plan to use this piece as the cash/wrap desk in my booth. 

The fabric hides the back so it can face out toward the customer. The front, with its sliding doors and storage shelves, will face me. Now that this cabinet is all dressed up, I think it looks pretty sweet. Don't you?

Susan

My Handmade Pennant Banners

Look what I made!

I've been mulling over how to liven up the SoNo MarketPlace stall shown in my last post. This rustic, raw space has a stained concrete floor, rough-hewn wood walls, and a chunky wooden lattice across the top. I want my booth to be extra fun and festive to reflect the unpretentious, whimsical nature of the items I sell. So I decided to sew up some simple pennant banners and hang them from the lattice.

First I searched through my stash of vintage fabric and pulled out six of my favorites. I chose a couple of 1940s bark cloth remnants and four floral textiles. Then, I added a cotton mini-print fabric on the reverse side, several yards of double-fold bias tape at the top — and voilà!   

I think they turned out really pretty! Which one is your favorite? I'm partial to the colorful one with carnations and red gingham on the back.  

Measuring over eight feet long each, I'm hoping these pennant banners will add just the right touch of whimsy to my booth. Once they are up later this month, I'll snap a photo to share with you.

Oops. I almost forgot to mention — the banners will be for sale!

Susan

My Refurbished Vegetable Bin Revealed

To refresh your memory, here is what my vintage bin looked like before. This metal cabinet, once used to store bread and produce in the 1940s pantry, has a door that opens and shelves inside, along with a top that flips up revealing even more storage.

To begin this up-cycling endeavor, I removed the bin's handle, sanded down every surface both inside and out (wearing a high filtration mask), and wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust. 

I was determined to preserve the large flower basket decal on the front. To do so, I carefully coated it with a generous layer of petroleum jelly. 

Since the decal's background would be visible, I needed spray paint that was a good match to the original color. Luckily, I found some. I gave the cabinet two generous coats of paint. Once it was dry, I wiped off the petroleum jelly to reveal the decal. The technique worked perfectly!

When I styled the photos for my recent Studios article, I chose to fill the bin with supplies that a crafter might use. 

I made magnets and used them to transform the inside of the lid into a bulletin board. Then I filled the top shelf with rubber stamps and stamp pads.

Inside, I utilized vintage pottery and tins to corral a variety of art supplies. The narrow shelf on the door holds markers, colored pencils and paint brushes inside tin cans dressed up with floral fabric. The door's bottom shelf is just the right size for books and magazines. And don't forget my itty-bitty pennant banner at the bottom!

I'm very pleased with how the cabinet turned out. And I'm so happy to be able to share it with you here, and with the world in the fall 2012 issue of Studios magazine. 

Susan

My Latest Studios Magazine Article Has Been Published . . . At Last!

Remember the refurbished veggie bin article I wrote? It has finally been published! 

The fall 2012 issue of Studios magazine is chock full of inspiring craft spaces. This particular issue even has a section that is near and dear to my heart: using antiques for studio storage. My spruced up cabinet is an example of just that. 

It is always a thrill to see my name in the magazine's Table of Contents. I am also pleased that one of my photos is featured there, as well.

My article, titled "Good Green Fun," takes you step by step through several creative projects: the bin's makeover, dressing up tin cans to use for supplies, creating magnets, and sewing an easy, waterproof apron to protect your clothes from crafty messes.

I think the designers at Studios did a wonderful job of laying out the projects. The spread, below, is nicely organized and very inviting.

Now on newsstands, the magazine can also be ordered online here. I'd like to thank Studios editor Linda Blinn for giving me the opportunity to contribute. It was my first time working with Linda as she is fairly new to the position. It was a real pleasure! 

Please be sure to stop back next time when I can finally give you a closer look at my vegetable bin in all of its up-cycled glory.

Susan

Back to School and Afternoon Play Dates

Doesn't summer go by too fast? It's already August and before you know it, children everywhere will be heading back to school. In the retail world, now is the time for back to school shopping. When I was in grade school, that always meant new shoes, crispy new school supplies, and sometimes a new lunch box. I always liked school, so perhaps that is why I gravitate toward items in my Etsy shop with a vintage grade school vibe.

Back in elementary school (do they still call it that?), once the school day ended, I always loved having play dates with my friends. We all walked home from school and lived near each other, so I would stop at my house to collect a Barbie Doll or two and run over to a friend's house to play.

I wonder if these playful items from my shop were anyone's play date favorites?

In a few short weeks, it will be time for Jacob to go back to college. He will be living in an apartment this year, so we still have some back to school shopping to do. And I'm sure it will feel odd to Hannah that she's staying behind. Now that she has graduated, she's keeping very busy and enjoying her new job. Although her days are long, she doesn't miss the homework or the hours spent in the library. And since she is living at home until she can afford to move into NYC, John and I are happy to no longer be empty-nesters, at least for a little while.

Wishing you a good weekend. California, here we come!

Susan

My Studio’s Vintage Fabric Swatch Portraits

For your viewing pleasure . . . embroidery hoop art on the wall in my studio.

My new swatch portraits look right at home alongside the vintage tablecloths on the ladder. Plus, I love how they relate to other "circles" in that area, like the clock, paper umbrella, and saucers resting behind the aqua teacups.

What an easy and fun way to liven up this corner of my studio!

Susan

Embroidery Hoop Art Tutorial

My swatch portraits are done! They were super easy to do. If you'd like to make one, here is what you'll need:
• A wooden embroidery hoop, any size
• A fabric remnant a few inches wider than the hoop
• White fabric glue
• Fabric scissors

Here is what to do: Place the hoop on the fabric with the smaller hoop on the wrong side and the larger one on top. Pull the fabric taught with even tension all around. Tighten the brass screw on the hoop's bracket.

On the wrong side, run a small bead of glue along the inside hoop next to the fabric. Press the fabric into the glue all the way around and allow the glue to dry. Trim the excess fabric about 1/2-inch from the edge of the hoop. 

That's all there is to it! Using all nine of my thrift store hoops, I made this array of swatch portraits. Aren't they pretty? 

Some of the remnants are vintage tablecloths, others are old aprons. I even framed one of the apron's pockets. And the floral textile shown in the step-by-step photos is a cloth napkin with sentimental value. It was used for five years in my tea room!

Tomorrow, I'll show you how these new swatch portraits look hung on the wall in my studio. I hope you'll stop by!

Susan

Changing the World, Continued

Back in April, I wrote a post about a weathered and worn vintage globe that I rescued from Goodwill. With plans of giving it a facelift, I decided to get crafty this week and perform its transformation.

Like my globe, a 1950s primer called We Are Neighbors had seen better days. So I had no problem with taking the book apart to use its vintage illustrations in my project. I particularly liked the images of neighbors near a picket fence and all the activity that went on around it. 

I carefully cut out my favorite images with an X-acto knife. Then I dug out a jar of Mod Podge from my supply closet and the fun began — decoupaging the paper ephemera so it circled the globe in an interesting fashion.

I added words here and there to drive home the message that, around the world, we are all neighbors sharing the same home — dear old Mother Earth.

I'm so pleased with my altered art globe. How do you like it?

I hope you have a nice weekend. Looks like we're in for some sun here — at last!

Susan

My Etsy Shop's New “About” Page

Etsy rolled out a fabulous new opportunity yesterday. Here is what they have to say about it: We are thrilled to announce a new space within your shop where you can share the story of your business with the world. In your shop's new About page, you can upload pictures of your process, your studio and yourselves. And of course you will have plenty of space to tell the world how you got started, what inspires you, and what your shop is all about.

What a great feature! The folks at Etsy are always working to improve an already awesome site. 

My About page is still a work in progress. What do you think of it so far? 

To view my page in its entirety, click here. And to find this page for all of your favorite Etsy sellers, click on the "About" link listed under the seller's "Shop Info." 

Enjoy the weekend!

Susan

Making an Itty-Bitty Pennant Banner

I could tell from your comments that many of you are anxious to see the inside of my refurbished vegetable bin. Unfortunately, I'm not able to share it with you until my Studios magazine article is published this fall. However, I can give you a peek at something I made to make the bin a little more festive — an itty-bitty pennant banner. 

Isn't it darling? Pennant banners like these are so easy to make. All you need is fabric, rick-rack trim, a sewing machine and an iron. 

At Walmart, I purchased a cotton floral mini-print and a roll of tiny rick-rack. First, I cut an isosceles triangle out of poster board to use as a pattern. It has two equal sides measuring 3.5 inches long and the top measures 3.25 inches.

Using the pattern, I cut two triangles for each pennant out of the fabric. Then with the right sides together, I machine sewed along the longer sides, leaving the top open. Next, I turned them right-side-out and ironed them flat. 

Lastly, using green thread, I machine sewed the rick-rack to the top edge of each little pennant.

And that's all there is to it! Super simple — and super charming, too.

Susan

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 up-cycled 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 Up-cycled 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 up-cycling.

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
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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

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.

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