Quick project for you - Bud vase

Hello! I had the afternoon off from work today, so I came up with a project to do with the girls (Kara and her BFF Sydney).  We altered some small glass bottles to use as bud vases.  We have gorgeous flowers blooming here and need a pretty way to display them all spring and summer.  So, we used these great bottles that I found on clearance at Michael's -

Now, I love the Easter image and kept a few for next year.  But, I was excited to alter these perfect sized bottles with some lace and vintage jewelry.  The girls love to sew. It is easiest to sew layers of lace and fabric if you pin them or even easier....glue them!

We measured the image on the bottle and then cut a page from an old book the same size. The layers of lace were selected and cut down before being glued down with spray adhesive. This will keep them from shifting while the girls sew. You can just make out the three layers - paper, white lace, ecru lace in the picture above. Kara is ready to sew!  You can sew the perimeter or consider doing an "X." Since the lace is transparent, the book page makes a nice background.

Here's the back after the layers have been sewn together. This will be glued directly onto the glass bottle in the next photo.  The book page we selected was a nice aged creamy white on one side and black on the other. 

Here's Kara adding some glue (EX600) directly onto the glass bottle with a paint brush. Yes, it ruins the paintbrush.  I do like how it gives you a nice thin layer of strong adhesive though. I just keep a few inexpensive brushes on hand for applying glue. The last thing to do is apply a vintage earring or brooch to the center. If you don't have any vintage jewelry, consider layering a few buttons for visual interest.  Here is Sydney's finished creation -

 Time to reveal Kara's beautiful little bud vase-

These are the cutest bottles and make great gifts for teachers at the end of the year.  I think we'll be making a few more soon.  Make sure you hit the clearance section this weekend if you are out shopping your local craft stores.  I hope you had a great week. One more day to enter my last giveaway of the month. See the link at the top right side bar.  Have a safe weekend everyone. Keep the tornado victims in your prayers please. xoxo

Is gardening just crafting outside?

My husband had a great idea to sell me on working in the yard. He told me working in the garden is like "crafting" (the only way he knows how to describe what I do) outside.  There is some truth in this.

When selecting what to use in our backyard garden we certainly used some basic art fundamentals like - composition (where should we put things), dominance (creating focal points or "heavy" areas) and aesthetics (will these be visually appealing together).  Before he gave me a speech on lines, color and texture...I just got in the car, and we were on the way to Home Depot. lol

Zoey didn't care about art elements and needed no motivation (only her doggy door) to head out back with us. She was just glad we were out playing in her domain.

Shelby took a moment to show us that the yellow Iris plants feel really good on your back when you walk super slow.  We call this her therapy. 

This is another one of our less demanding garden variety basset hounds.  This one is very low maintenance compared to the other two above!  Let's see what else we can find...

It has taken several weekends to clean things up after the hard freezes this past winter. We've added some fun elements and lots of new pots this year. Let's just hope we can keep up with it when the hot Florida summer days arrive...wait they might already be here. Today was 93.  Wish me luck with my herbs. I'm growing rosemary, basil, thyme and mint in containers. Let's go in on the porch and take a look.

We really love to sit out here at night. Even on the warmest of days, the afternoon thunder showers usually cool things off enough to enjoy our screened patio. I think the patio will help protect the containers a bit from the heat and offer some much needed shade. I grew basil last year successfully. We'll see how things go.

I hope you enjoyed the tour around our backyard and the patio. I hope things are warming up where you are in the world so you can enjoy the outdoors. I know many of my blog friends are still waiting to plant their vegetable and flower gardens due to cold weather. I'm praying none of you are also dealing with flooding or tornadoes this week.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I had a birthday on Sunday and received some fun gifts from my girlfriends. I'll share those in my next post.  Until then...xoxo.  ps - linking up to Cottage Flora at Fishtail Cottage.   Go see all the dreamy garden posts!

Last Giveaway this month!!

Hello my friends! Here she is...the last giveaway this month...an altered whisk broom.  If you follow my blog, you know I like to alter things. I can be a little quirky in my selection.  I love the texture of old whisk brooms. I think this would look great hanging on a wall in your kitchen or on a shelf with your favorite dishes.

 

I used layers of vintage lace, burlap, muslin and even a cheesecloth rosette to make this altered gift for you. I love the image of the rooster and the hen with her parasol.  From all your past comments, I know I have some rooster fans in the group. Many of you have shared that you collect roosters or love to use them in your home decor.  Well, here's a one of a kind item to add to the mix.

TO ENTER:
You'll have until 5 p.m. next Saturday to enter.
You have two chances to win.
1) Leave a comment here
2) Leave a second comment here letting me know you added my giveaway button, picture etc to your blog.

It is that simple! Now, I'd love for you to become a follower but I won't require it. The weekly winner will be announced next Saturday evening. If you don't have a blog be sure to leave your email, or I won't be able to find you and will have to pick another winner.  Good luck!  Thank you for your follows and comments! Linking up to -

We have a WINNER!!

Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my last post. I am still on cloud nine about my work being published in Somerset Studio this month. I'm also very excited about all my new followers and reaching 100 posts! There is definitely much to celebrate here.  I hope you have enjoyed my April month of giveaways so far. We have one more week to go!  It is time to announce another winner!  This adorable rooster apron above will be going to.....

Erin at Peony Wire Works!!

Hooray! Erin is one of my favorite people in blog land so I was so excited when my random number generator landed on her little comment.  Take a look at some of the great items you can find over at Erin's and in her Etsy shop Peony Wire Works.

Door pocket wall hanger

Tall cloche

Notion jars

Erin makes beautiful and creative items from chicken wire.  Check out her blog here.  There is a link to her Etsy.  She's a great gal that has been blogging for some time. She recently changed her vision a bit, started a  new blog and opened her new Etsy store.  I hope you'll drop by, say hello and give her a follow! Tell her that I sent you. 

New giveaway announced tomorrow evening!  Until then....Have a blessed Easter with your families and friends. xoxo

I can finally share my BIG news!!

I've been keeping a secret for the past three months! I'm published for the first time in the May/June issue of Somerset Studio!  It feels very surreal to see my name and my creations here. I don't know how I have contained myself these past few months and kept it under hat.

I have to pinch myself to think that I am published here amongst such talented, talented artists in my favorite magazine. It just doesn't seem possible?! I am very grateful to Christen Olivarez, editor, for the opportunity to be published and to write the technique article that accompanies my work.  I have to tell you I was just as thrilled to write the article as I was to provide the art. I'm also very grateful for the beautiful photography work that went in to capturing each altered recipe card.

I hope you'll take a peek if you find yourself in the bookstore or drop me a note if you are a subscriber. I can't wait to sit down later this evening with a glass of wine and take the whole issue in page by page.  Thank you for supporting me, for suggesting I submit my work and for following this blog. I would have never thought to submit work for publication before I started this blog. You've inspired me, encouraged me and opened doors for me my friends....thank you for sharing this special moment too.  xoxo

My favorite giveaway of the month!

All photos courtesy: Whoopsie Daisies

Giveaway month continues! This one of a kind giveaway is my favorite one yet! This handmade Rooster apron was made with vintage linens by the super talented LeeAnn of Whoopsie Daisies on Etsy.  

The pillowcase has hand crochet work on the bottom, and there is also a beautiful piece of blue crochet stitched across the front of the apron. Extra long ties, will allow you to bring them to the front if you wish. This apron is adorable.   I may have to enter myself...is that allowed?

TO ENTER:
You'll have until 5 p.m. next Saturday to enter.
You have two chances to win.
1) Leave a comment here
2) Leave a second comment here letting me know you added my giveaway button, picture etc to your blog.

It is that simple! Now, I'd love for you to become a follower but I won't require it. The weekly winner will be announced next Saturday evening. If you don't have a blog be sure to leave your email, or I won't be able to find you and will have to pick another winner.  Good luck!  xoxo  Linking up to:

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Kim from Musings from Kim K. for winning last weeks giveaway! Kim has a great blog and a lovely family. Be sure to check out her party ideas and her Flickr pics on the right side bar. They are a real treat!  Are you ready for my favorite giveaway yet this month??  Well, stay tuned...it's coming this evening.  You don't want to miss this one!