repurpose.remake.reuse.reclaim

She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes. ~Frank Deford I'm not one to wear too much jewelry.  But I thought this was fun to make and wear.  Instead of carrying photos in your wallet, you bear them on your wrist. I've had the materials, it seems like, forever.  I finally had the chance to use them last summer when we went on vacation (remember how I bring arts & craft materials for those down time?)  These photo pendants usually have plastic coverings to protect the images but that didn't seem to hold securely so I used good ol' Mod Podge.  It worked perfectly.  It created that scratchy, nostalgic feel to it. I love the clasps the most.  They add such character even to the dullest design.  The bead pattern was very basic and simple.  The photos were cut carefully from the contact sheets that come with the batch of photo orders from Costco. It didn't take that long to make this...

How to tame this wild bucket hat?  I'm finally posting something to do with sewing, and some rippin'. First, I took off petals from a bouquet of fake flowers (Dollar Store carries several). I have beads that I've been saving forever...knowing I will use them someday. That day finally came.  Sewed beads into the petals. Just be careful because the petal material is not as soft as fabric. This is a dangerous project =.) But I thought the project came out nice and sweet... ...especially if your model is fun and cooperative. (At least for the moment--notice the change of countenance from one photo to another. Being a model is hard work!) So I made another one for another type of hat and and turned out just as nice. Two of David's family members received them for Christmas gifts. Now go and make one.  It's so easy.  It's an all year-round project.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. ~Proverbs 20:15 One of the things I bring with me when we go on mini-vacations are beads and wire.  I keep all materials on a table and anytime during the day, the kids & I can create something in between activities during the day.  Memory wires are so easy to use.  Clasps are fun, too, but a littler harder to manage. All you need is a good pair of small pliers to start and end a bracelet or a necklace.  It's so easy and cathartic.  Put on some Pandora music and a cup of tea or coffee. Make random designs or have an "ABC" pattern.  My kids still do that. They make beautiful gifts. With smaller hands, you can use bigger beads and elastics.  Less pokey and easier to manage.  Have fun.

Most of you know I wasn't born to cook or bake.  Not to say that I can't do either.  I have to feed my family, right?  I can actually whip up a really nice meal given a very nice incentive, of course.  With that said, I am always in awe of people who can make beautiful things to eat. Anastasia of Indie Cakes is definitely one of them.  Check out her website: www.indiecakes.com and order some good stuff from her. You'll be amazed at how handsome her creations are. Last Christmas right after school was out (both our girls, now in 6th grade, attend the same middle school), much to my delight, Anastasia handed me a boxful of her baked goods.  What a very nice surprise! Okay, this is the topper.  I don't like caramel.  Never been a fan of such sweet.  But that weekend, Sydney & I were fighting over the last bite.  I would only get my caramel from Indie Cakes. I wanted to take a very nice photo of the beautiful gift the next morning but ...

A dear friend took up the challenge of using only available materials and surprised me with this awesome gift, a crochet shoulder bag.  She made it with left-over yarn... ...using a strap and lining from an old purse ready to retire. How clever is that! Along with the beautifully crochet bag were home baked biscotti made from a recipe book by Tartine. Wait! There's more! Homegrown avocados and lemons right from their own backyard. Pleasure was in the house!  I mean, the car! Thanks, Lucia (& Dan), for such great gifts made with so much love.  I'm SO inspired. *O.C. = Orange County

This blog is created to justify my creative messiness of projects of past, present and future .  I hope to share my joy and frustration in this world of creating. Here's an Ikea mirror mosaic made completely out of beans and rice.  You can almost eat this project.  But you have to "BE PATIENT" =.)  This was one of the projects I facilitated during one of our homeschool co-op classes (just last year--it seems so long ago!) to simulate the Roman mosaic art. Anyone can make this out of any found objects.  I'll post the children's project once I get them.  It's easy but time-consuming. Collage by my kids made out of small toys and other found objects like beads, shells, etc. Strings, felt and fabric paint were used to write the words on a heavy piece of board found in the garage.  Fun project for little hands.