My first Wristlet!

If you are like me you tell yourself that no matter what kind of craft skills that you have, you doubt that you can do even the simplest project!  Not too long ago I found this pattern and of course, I had to "pin" it...thinking that maybe one day I would try it. This girl gives great tutorials and I was able to follow it step by step.  Of course there were times when I had to look up terms on the Internet and read my sewing machine manual for "other" know-hows, but I absolutely love this site!  She does a great job of explaining each step.  Just recently, I have decided I need to get back into sewing.  After losing my grandma almost two years ago, I finally have been able to drag out all of the material of hers that I ended up with.  I'm one of those emotional touchy feely girls that even though it's only fabric, it was hers and I don't want to give any of the projects I do with her fabric away!  I know....I might actually be the hoarder my husband believes that I am (I hope he doesn't read this).  So, each piece of this (mostly) is from her fabric stash.  And since this is my first, of course I can't give this away, right?  Anyway, if you are up for the 4 hours it took me (I'm slow), then you can do it!!  I only ripped seams probably 4 times and the zipper was way easier following her directions than what I have been able to find online.  Just remember, take your time....do not rush projects (my downfall).  I even learned about different "feet" on the machine....who knew??  Here are my pics of my lovely new wristlet clutch!  Enjoy!

What do you think????

Rag Quilt

My First Rag Quilts

 

 

 

So my lovely sister-in-law just had the most beautiful babies!!  It was a shock to everyone when, instead of learning that she had only one in there, that there was actually two little heart beats!  I missed her baby shower because I had to work, which actually ended up perfect for me because I had been trying to get myself going on her blankets, but had been procrastinating like I do everything else in my life! So, the day before Thanksgiving and we get the call that they are admitting her because she is dilated to a 6 & her cervix is 100% effaced.  And I thought, "Oh no".  Now, in the meantime, there is company and cooking and visiting with family too, so my time was a little precious.  But, after further ado, I finally succeeded and was able to get it to them before they are in kindergarten...haha!

 

 



There I am in the background with that sweet baby!
Mr. Collin's blanket

 

 

 

 

Little Miss Ellie's

My love for ETSY

ETSY is the best thing in the world right now to me! I absolutely LOOOVVEE it! There is nothing better than skimming through vintage & homemade finds and tagging all of my loves into my favorites. I could spend way more on there than I could make, but hey, what's so wrong with that?? I just sold my 4th item on there. I love that you can go along and all of the sudden you get that email that says you've sold one of your precious finds. I would like to keep all of my treasures, but I don't think my hub would like that much! I love how ETSY supports the small business people, trying to make a little extra to get there families through this economy. People are getting so creative & I love it! Right now things have been kind of crazy & I haven't been able to work on any of my projects, but I do have my vintage finds on there. So, if you would like to check my shop out, go here. If not, just check out the site....you never know, you might find something you just can't live without.

Nothing better than an auction!!

I absolutely LOOOOOOVVVVVEEEE Saturdays off!! Especially when it's spring, summer & fall. Yep, you guessed it. You are listening to the auction, garage sale, flea market extroardinare! I got the pleasure of spending Saturday with my mom & dad at an auction. My mom was more along for the ride because if you are ever around my dad & I together, you realize where I get my love of junk from. He is the master. I wish I would have taken my camera to get some cool pics, but of course, I forgot! I did however, get some pics of some great vintage finds. You can check out my ETSY page if interested: The Nostalgic Owl. Check it out!!

In a world full of change....Be Yourself!!

So this whole Mod-Podge craze started & I've pretty much been in the blind.  I haven't messed around with it at all.  Until now!  I have to say, I had fun doing this project, but I think it takes talent and patience to get the paper just right so it won't crease or tear.  Maybe I put too much...maybe too little.  I don't know, but I am going to keep at it.  You can't become a pro at something without trial and error, right??  I saw this idea on a cool little blog, but so sorry, it's been so long ago that I couldn't find it to give them props!  There are amazing blogs though that you can get really cool ideas from & one day, maybe mine will be that!  Wishful thinking.  Anyways, I love the simplicity of the phrase "just be yourself".  This world is so crazy and changing, and sometimes people change too.  I know that over the years I have changed, some for the better, some for the worse.  But in the end, I have always tried to remain true to myself & that's all that matters.  So without further hesitation, here is my cute little project:

I think it turned out pretty good, especially for my first one!  I mod-podged strips of scrapbook paper, traced an outline with pencil of what I wanted it to say, painted around it, sanded the edges, stained the edges, glossed it & voila!  I think I might try to post it on ETSY, not sure.  What do you think?

What paint can do!

This cute little frame was bought at a garage sale.  It had a horrible picture of a bird of some sort and the glass was dirty with what looked like tobacco chew spit (not kidding).  My lovely sis bought it for me at the awesome price of 25 cents!  She knows my heart!!  So, after a good cleaning & some much needed love & paint, this little beauty was created:

My friend Desirea bought it for a photography prop!  How cool would that be??  You can check her out at:  www.desireapackardphotography.com/

My First Post!

I finally did it!  My mind has been jumbled with all of these ideas for my new creative adventures.  I have always thought of myself as a crafter, even though I can be self-conscious in my work.  I suppose everyone is.  I absolutely LOOOOOVE anything antique, vintage or upcycled, & if I could quit my day job & travel around this beautiful world finding treasures, I would!!  With nursing school behind me now, I have finally got the nerve to attempt to turn my passion into a bit more.  I have created an ETSY store account (where I will be posting soon), & plan on being on Facebook as well.  There, I will post my treasures I find, as well as my creations!!  Thanks for visiting!!