Hawk Feather

While walking the dog I found this hawk feather. I think it's from a Cooper's Hawk. The bird must has been in some kind of struggle to loose this feather.

Made from Scratch Suede Purse

I had a suede jacket that had seen better days. Portions of the jacket were still in good shape. I considered tossing the clothing and then I thought, "re-purpose, re-use, recycle". I cut the jacket apart and used the side pockets as the front and back of the purse. Since I don't have a heavy duty sewing machine, I glued, yes, glued the suede pieces together. I purchased brass chain and grommets to match. Making four holes, two on each side of the top flap. I installed the grommets and threaded the chain through the grommets to form a strap. Since I had a magnetic clasp in my sewing kit, I sliced two holes on either side of the suede and glued a piece of fabric over the folded down prongs. To finish the piece, I glued a leather flower to cover the magnet. So stylish!

Candle Making

I had a couple pillar candles that weren't too straight anymore. rather than tossing them, I melted the candles down and added 10 drops of essential oil to the wax along with a cotton wick. I used clean glass containers to house my new candles. To hold the wick in place as the wax dried, I used paperclips and binder clips. The wicks were wound around a pencil to hold the wick upright.

Homemade Bread

Something about cold, snowy days that makes me bake bread. And I bake it from scratch. I enjoy the whole process. Nothing better than fresh bread and unsalted butter. Happy Valentines Day!

Sketch for Baby Shower

Going to a baby shower and I decided to make a quick sketch of a baby with a bunny toy to go along with the Beatrix Potter, "Peter Rabbit: book and pink stuffed bunny.

Copper and Pearl Necklace

I was going to a fancy function and wanted a new necklace to go with my outfit. As always, I try to save money on non-essentials so I went into my stash of jewelry making supplies and found what I needed for my latest creation. I stripped wire to expose copper wiring and took apart a necklace made with imitation pearls. Everything on the Lilli-Anne necklace was made including the clasp/closure mechanism. The necklace got rave reviews and it has become one of my favorites.

Bavarian China with Crowley's Department Store Name

I found this sweet sugar and creamer set at a thrift store. The information on the bottom indicates it was distributed by Crowley Milner, a former department store based in Detroit. Looks like it's Bavarian china that was sold in different patterns to major department stores. I saw a different pattern for Macy's and for J. L. Hudson stores. How cool is this?!

Time to Start Growing Plants for Spring

After I brought my gerbera daisy in for the winter, I ignored it.I placed a plastic bag over it and almost all the leaves fell off - except for one small green leaf. That was a week and a half ago. Today, there are a couple leaves and new growth at its base.

I also started to grow micro greens. The little shoots are showing their heads after the third day. (see photo above) Soon I will have fresh salad greens. After winter is over, I plant the micro greens outside and they last well into July.

Sequinned Skirt Turned Pillow

This teeny tiny black sequinned skirt was just begging to be turned into a pillow. Total cost? $1

Succulent Watercolor Painting

Another wedding, another painting. This time the bride loved succulents and decorated her new shabby chic home with the plants. Part of the wedding gift included this painting.