Synthetic Wine Cork Coaster Tutorial

At a recent friend's wedding we decided to confiscate all the wine corks from the bar.

When we got back home I started searching for a fun gift to make our Newlyweds.

Since our corks lacked any cool printing on the side, our project choice was limited.

I found images online of hot pads made from synthetic wine corks. But, if you needed heat to make them, why would you use heat on them afterwards? Dweeee.

We chose to make them smaller and call them drink coasters.

Our friends did tell us that they loved the coasters, and thought it was cool that they were made from their wedding reception corks.

It has been over a year, and I still use my prototype daily to hold my morning coffee cup.

I won't list step by step instructions since a picture speaks a thousand words. And video just catches every move.

Enjoy.

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From Shabby Eeeek to Mod

Shabby Eeeek or Shabby Chic               Mod Make-over

One thing I will need to admit is the fact that I can't resist a good art gallery, museum, flea market, yard sale or auction. 

Let's not forget to mention the hidden treasures that are ready to be discovered in antique shops and thrift shops.  Important things I carry: anti-bacterial gel and magnifying lens, and a list of needed items.

Boy, was I thrilled when I ran across this old vanity swivel chair on "the FREE table" at a local shed sale.

Shabby Chic or Shabby Eeeek!

I admit, I peeked under the skirt.  And once I saw its sexy legs, I knew I was in love.  So home she came.  And off came her skirt.

Mid-Century

First I thought the original covering was vinyl.  My hopes were up!  It was fabric, though durable, there was staining and one button had popped through the fabric.  Not to mention, the swivel was broken.

Broken swivel? No worry.  Use a metal Lazy Susan

I remembered that I had a Lazy Susan swivel leftover from when my girls were small.  The intended use was so their doll house could rotate, but it really wasn't necessary.

Ta Da!  ( Lazy Susans cost about $9 )

The most challenging thing I found was removing the old swivel.  Here's what I did.  Use the broken swivel image and the Lazy Susan image above as a guide.

1. Unscrew the mechanism from the seat base by removing visible screws that are attached to the base.
2. When these screws are removed you can lift the legs and swivel.  Stand it up so the swivel is on top.
3. Look at the swivel (or any lazy susan) there are large and small holes.
4. Rotate the LARGE hole until you see a screw beneath it. 
5. Remove that screw and rotate to where the others should be attached to the legs.
6. Once all the screws are removed, reverse the procedure to attach the new swivel/Lazy Susan

Now it was time to "Make it Mine".  A friend had recently given me some leftover paint.  And the pink can was calling my name.

The leftover pink paint attacked a piece of wicker too!

Remembering a local fabric store (Hancock Fabrics).  I immediately went to their website and printed off a coupon with full intentions of buying new fabric for this chair.  Instead, I found that their upholstery vinyl was on clearance for $3 a yard!!   I then stopped by Home Depot to get some amo for my staple gun.

A designers gun and amo.

Guess what!  This was my 1st upholstery project!  I may not have the best technique, but here's what I did:

1. Re-used the lining/cusion that came with the chair and stapled it down.
2. Next center the chair seat on the underside of the vinyl upholstery fabric.
3. Fold over and staple down 4 sections of the fabric. North, east, south & west.
4. Starting nearest to each of these 1st four staples, gently pull & fold enough fabric to take a staple.
5. One on each side of these 1st four staples. 
6. Then firmly & gently pull, fold and staple the remaining space.
7. Trim off the extra vinyl.

My finished project!

This was a perfect addition to my youngest daughter's room.

Mama likes her garden

There's something about childish play that my mom has never let go of.  I see it in her art studio, the gifts she gives and her garden.

Her artwork and stories reflect characters and their lifestyles which can only be found in a fantasy garden.  Although I do not have any of her artwork, I do have a copy of one of her stories. "The Bog".

Her gardens have become homes for adopted Gnomes, fairies and insects.   Notice how Mama Gnome clings to her baby outside of their boot home while Papa Gnome cautiously watches passerbys such as us. 

Nothing beats California weather when it comes to gardening and a dip in the pool.

Occasionally a rescue is needed from the swimming pool.

Caught me taking a picture of "me taking a picture" of mom.  There is plenty to see and learn about in her garden.   I probably should ask her how many different plant species she has.  The reply would either be "alot" or "not nearly enough".

A perfect place for lemonade or tea.

If this is what an empty nester's backyard looks like, I can hardly wait!  But I'm certain that the inner Hippy Chick in me would use banner flags or Moroccan decor.

My parents have their HOME SWEET HOME.



Rockin around the Christmas tree

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ROCKIN AROUND

THE

CHRISTMAS TREE

As my 17 year old would say, "Only in my house!"

This years Christmas tree turned out to be FUNFETTI.  Although, I must confess.  My first inspiration was to get a tie-dye look.

It all started with my daughter's black light party last year.  We had an old white artificial tree.  I thought it would glow under a black light, and it did.  But a blue/white glow wasn't enough for me, so I added flourescent pink and orange.  Unfortunately, The colors could only be seen upclose, from a distance it still looked blue/white.  

In daylight my flourescent painted tree looked pink. For me, way too  common.  Feeling an itch to re-use and save the earth (and our checking account), I decided to "Paint the Roses Red". Yes. I was planning to paint the tree.  So out came my spray and acrylic paints.  And I turned up the tunes.  No way was I going to listen to old Bing and dream of a "White Cristmas".  Instead, I pulled up Pandora Radio and listed to Tower of Power, James Brown and "Played some funky music 'white girl'"!

 With yellow enamel spray paint I randomly added yellow spots to the interior and exterior tree branches.  Then adding bright acrylic colors to my pallet, I again randomly placed colors as well as patterns such as this for a tie-dye look using a 1 1/2" wide trim brush.

With my new tree looking less alive than my old Grateful Dead T-shirt, I decided it needed to look alot more like a party.  For streamers(tinsel) I used bright ribbons in co-ordinating colors.  And since I've gone this far, the reflective qualities of  CD's were a no brainer for ornaments. The DVD's and CD's even reflected prisms of colorful little rainbows through out the room. 

This is what happens when you force a city girl into the country.

Have a blessed Christmas.

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Blue is great when I'm homesick

Today I'm homesick, but a cure is on its way.

I don't miss business suits, long commutes and climbing the corporate ladder.  But I do miss the diversity in business, the arts and people, not to forget the fog. 

The move wasn't all that bad

The Midwestern cost of living has been a God send.  I don't "have to work" to exist and now have the time to creatively breathe. 

We picked up some pretty fun instruments while trying our hand at a co-op gift shop. Learning to play upright and electric bass has been a total blast.  My favorite is still my flute and Gourdalin.  This last year has been great as we've gotten in on some gigs where my jewelry has gotten more exposure (and sales!)

But I still miss the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hubby and I have been working on organizing a benefit concert right in the middle of the busy holiday art & craft show season.  Like we weren't busy enough!  It's for a couple of great causes, and thankfully we won't have to freshen up our set and play.

It's a good thing to help others.  It takes the focus off of "us".

But God wired into me the need for some "me" time.  A time where I can be alone and create.  Pour my favorite beverage, put on some good tunes, and spread my supplies all around me and just dive in...for hours!   One thing I have learned is this;  Even though I feel like I could just burst if I don't creatively express myself, I won't.  And when I finally can focus on my creativity, the outcome will be good.  So I have made a decision.

Rest up and dress up

Tomorrow I will dress up in clothes that make me feel creative and special.  And tonight? I will get some much needed rest.  I now have a date with my pillow.

Meet "Blue".

Yes, I've named my pillow. 

dome-dome-dome-dome.......DOME!!!!

Do you ever feel like your chasing your tail working in circles?  Lately this has been me. 

I've been trying to create enough inventory for my first Holiday Extravaganza Show in years.  I realize some of you already have this down to an art.  But shows are relatively new for me and we'll have two more within the next 30 days.   I'm not complaining, but this is also a great time of year for Ebay listings.  Although it is quite possible that I am in denial that I'm over my head, I still want to make this all work.  Even though I feel like I'm running in circles! 

                                           But I have a remedy, BUILD A DOME HOME!
                                                    (this one is a Geodesic Dome home)

Why a dome home? I'm thinking it would add some (ahem) structure to my life, forcing me to follow a routine.  You're probably like, "what-ever girlfriend", but hear me out. 

It could be a great work environment.  Set up work stations around the inside perimeter of the building.  Just walk through the door and visit the stations the order of which they present themselves.

1st stop,  Station 1 -  Check your email and print all shipping documents.
2nd stop, Station 2 -  Packaging.  Then leave packages by the door @ the last station.
Station 3,4,5 etc     - designing, photography, research, etc.
Final Station - Pick up the packages you initially placed by the door and your day is done!

Since each work station is designated for each unique job, you're good to go when you hire help! Booyah!

But, no work environment is complete without a kitchen.  This wonderful unit would go right in the center of the dome.  I'd like an "S" shaped wall with this kitchen unit on one side and a small restroom on the other.

Should one not prefer the Geodesic design because of its angles, there is also the Monolithic design.

Both designs are known for economical heating/cooling.  Monolithic structures have no fire hazard or negative feng-shui angles. I still prefer the Geodesic design. Maybe because the Monolithic makes me hungry for dim sum.                                 
                                                          Chinese steamed pork buns.

And now, to give credit where credit is due.

 Geodesic dome homes by Timberline.
The Monolighic dome scoop  and full story.
Circle Kitchen by Compact Concepts.

Dream kitchen

Recently I was asked what my dream kitchen might have.
For me an ergonomic sink is a must!

Very similar to this Ferrari luxury kitchen sink center from KicheConcept.




I love the idea of stepping into the sink area instead of leaning completely over. A foot rest bar would be nice. I'd probably even go for a paisley or kidney shaped basin.

Color would be a must for me. I wouldn't have this solid red, too modern for me. 

And unless I want to spend the bulk of my kitchen time with cleaners, I say forget all the trendy whites.  Besides, I live in the Midwest and when it's cold and white outside, bringing it inside is the last thing we want to do.

 (But, if you like this, thank Kitchn.com.)



When my kids were younger they watched a show called Gulla Gulla Island.  I remember the set had a colorful kitchen.  I am leaning a wee bit in that direction, but on a more grown-up than pre-school level.

I just LOVE the yellow and blue  contrast!!    I'm talking color here.  Thank you hgtv.com

Actually, this blue/purple is the same color I purchased to paint the exterior of my home...with a yellow accents.
(hmmmm.......) 

Now back to reality. I don't get new cupboards, I'm stuck with the ones I have.

I'm tempted to use my outdoor paint in the kitchen for my cupboards. I'll check with my local hardware store for safety issues.
The sink and work center is awesome, but I think unrealistic for many middle class homes.
        

T-Shirt to Underpants Upcycling Tutorial

T-Shirt to Underpants Upcycling Tutorial



Thank you Haley Pierson-Cox. You are an inspiration. Check out her blog folks!

A FEW CHICKS IN A BARN

It's so exciting to be able to share this great news with all of you lovers of antiques, primitives, collectibles, crafts, food, and fun loving folks.  We have been invited to become part of The Country Loft's special holiday events

The Loft is a 100 year old barn that has been beautifully renovated.

If you dream of restoring your old barn, you'll love how they have decorated The Loft with family heirlooms.

During fair weather events we have even more antiques and primitives outdoors.

My creative juices have been flowing and at each upcoming event, I will be revealing a new collection of jewelry at the Country Loft.

We have a neighboring homestead with plenty of outbuildings full of antiques, collectibles and crafts.  Before you visit our neighbors, be sure to fill up an a healthy meal at The Loft.  Plenty of home-made pies are available with the daily meal specials.

On the 4th of July, we'll be just a heartbeat away from the Historical Seward Nebraska July 4th Celebrations.

Thanksgiving Weekend ~ Nov 3,4 and 5th

Christmas at the Loft ~ Dec 2,3 and 4th
A real life bearded Santa will be here.  Come get your picture laser engraved on an ornament!

Please come visit, just watch for the signs:

The Country Loft

***

Schweitzer Customs

2871 Rokeby Rd

Milford, Ne 68405

1(402)761-2727

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Dilemma Dahling - To wear or not to wear

Oh, the ever inspiring wide-wonderful-world of Etsy has uprooted my deep roots of contentment and stagnancy. To wear or not to wear, that is now my question. And my dilemma dahling.

Of course the more we expose our handmade artistic labors to others, the better the chances are of sales. It makes perfect sense, but I fight it. When people find out that I love to make jewelry and accessories, they immediately ask if I am wearing any of my own designs.

Arrrgh!

Some of my things are heirlooms. I wear them because of the warm fuzzies I get just knowing it belonged to Grandma.

But my creations are one-of-a-kind. Like this one:


If I wore some of my favorite pieces, they'd become "previously worn"... used. I just cannot get myself to sell or gift my designs in anything other than "new". (Would you buy socks worn for a day?) Blah! see what I mean?

In the meantime, while I wrestle with my dilemma, I'll wear Grandmas earrings and print up more business cards. Then when someone asks if I'm wearing any of my creations I can tell them about my loving grandmother and hand them a business card.

Black Light Rave in my lil cave

Tonight we celebrated our babys 17th birthday.

Woo-hoo!

(Well OK, it was more like we let her celebrate it).

She went from a luau theme to a rave theme...that's my girl!

I love a challenge (creatively).

But, she actually didn't want to paint herself and spray herself. And technically, I wasn't invited for playtime with the kids...so I couldn't paint and spray myself (sigh).

I did get to play interior decorator and head chef. So that was cool. Because I like to play Betty Crocker ( after all I was raised on playing with my easy bake oven).

Wanna know the menu? Suicide punch & mini pizza's and she sprung or sprang fer da chips n candy.

• Suicide punch: Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime Soda, Orange Soda, Strawberry Soda and Strawberry Margarita syrup mix.
• Pizza's CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!: Sliced french bread from Walmart $1.50 x 3 loaves and lotsa Motsarella cheese (no spell check...it had to go with the "lotsa") and an institutional size jug of ketchup...yup! I said ketchsup. I added 1/4 cup dried oregano, 1 small container of parmesan cheese, 7 or more good dashes of garlic powder, even more dashes of pepper, about 2 cups of water, 1 cup of wine (once it boils the alcohol is gone...this was for kids afterall) and a few tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 bay leaves which I removed afterwards. Lay the frenchbread slices on a cookie sheet spoon 2 TBS of sauce on the bread then cover lightly with cheese. Even the shy ones can't resist eating these!

Decor:

• Drag out the Christmas lights and lava lamps for visiting area and dining area. I used alot of black velvet in the dining area...it helped the colors of the candy POP. (sorry, I only took the picture of my table with a wine cloth...but the other's had black)
• The sucker tree is a clip picture holder (that's why I used this pic)
• I hung a white shower curtain to block off my hubby's study and my art room.
• We exchanged the hall light for a RED light bulb....exposed it bare!
• Her dance studio (ok..here's the story on this one. Her older brother painted his room dark blue and painted his floor and ceiling black, then he moved out) So...we added large mirrors (left over from old large dressers) hung a disco ball and borrowed A TON of black lights and lined them along the walls on the floor.

And what was even cooler..we found that blue florescent hair spray virtually disappeared on our blue walls in daylight, but under a black light?


BAM! We had our graffiti! --->

We also had our old ghetto Christmas tree...it was once white...we got it yellowed in parts and missing a branch, so we spraypainted orange florescent hairspray on it. And under the blacklights....oh yea...it was fun! Can you believe I saved the tree and plan to add more colors later?

And her best gift ever? It was from one of her classmates. Hungry Hippo! It was so much fun to have these 15-20 year olds playing and having fun.
Just like when they were (ahem) kids.









Hungry Hippo--->

How to make Outer Space Paper Art

To make Space giftwrap, greeting cards or art you'll need:

black construction paper

household bleach

water color paint brush

short stable drinking GLASS or glass jar

• Lay your black construction paper on a carefree surface in a well ventilated area.
• Pour everyday household laundry bleach into a short well balanced glass or glass jar.
• Dip clean paint brush into bleach and swirl onto the plain black construction paper.
• Also try splattering and or droplets of bleach onto paper.
  
  
  

Now to add a little color:

• Dip paintbrush wet with bleach into water color
• Drip colored bleach onto black constructin paper.
• Paint directly with thick coloring
• Paint rim of jar/glass with clear or colored bleach and stamp.

Colour my World

This morning I was getting familiar with http://tradeaholics.ning.com/ one of the new etsy related groups I've joined.

There is so much to learn and so much to share. I stumbled upon a beautifully layed out blog http://orionbotanicals.wordpress.com/ which seems a great place for botanical oils. While visiting their blog, I saw one of the most beautiful things ever...a Knick-Knack dish like no other by ReclaimedDesigns on Etsy. And so off I went....one thing leads to the next...and there it was...my Love for today.

reclaimeddesigns on etsy

Cheerful Spring Handbag w/ Vintage Accent

I fell in love with the texture and color of a chartreuse green handbag this past spring...I assume it was a promo/freebie with the purchase of Matrix hair products because of the inner label.

Being self-conscious of toting a "freebie promo bag"...I had to make it my own.

I am a jewelry packrat, but don't wear everything I collect. I never could get myself to wear a fuschia vintage flower brooch even though the coloring was so beautiful and the matching rhinestones were amazing, yet I wouldn't part with it.

It was simple. I decided to wear both! I pinned the brooch onto my bag and have gotten many compliments since!

I picked up the bag at a neighborhood yardsale, and the brooch is from the jewelry case of a local thrift shoppe. I paid $1.07 for both items.

Pins like this can be found in most antique shops.

Fuzzy Goals - location, location, location!!

I have a goal...and it's a fuzzy one.

But I want to clearly see my goal so badly. My bifocals are on. Yet when I look at the present...I can't see it. And when I look further away....I still can't see it.

So with a prayer in my heart and a mouse in my hand, again, I hit the internet.(Tabi's anyone?)

I've heard that blogs, forums, and chat rooms generate exposure...so here I am.

Todays goal: linking my links

I will post each link, in each location

-------------------------

StompZ

Where I offer the jewelry I design

http://www.stompz.etsy.com/

The Bird's Nest

Where I offer collectibles, antiques and other treasures

http://myworld.ebay.com/thebirdsnest/

NotChomama

Where I swap. Guilt free shopping

http://swapstyle.com/NotChomama

-------------------------

Location, location,location. Now, even though my goals may be fuzzy, when I finally get this "kicked-off" I should be able to score easily. Simply because of the goal placement.

.....babystep...goal......babystep...goal......

What ever shall I wear?

I sit here with my refreshment, but my tootsies get to chillin'. What ever shall I wear while surfing for ideas along the great internet highway? Socks! No question about it. And not just any kind of socks.

TABI SOCKS

Last summer we had a great time re-discovering the San Francisco Bay Area. And one of my favorite souveniers was a pair of Tabi socks that I found in Chinatown.

Tabi -vs- Toe

Toe socks are nothing new, I know. But it seems that the creative people behind toe-sock production have decided to make each toe glow, or have googie eyes or hair. I just can't. And, though they are very much like a pair of fun slippers...it is tough to cram each little sock covered toe into a pair of shoes as you run out the door. I'm not totally against toe-socks. I've worn them to bed during cold winter nights...and woke up finding my two toes sharing one toe-compartment (if you will) or the pinkie toe of my sock on the top of my foot. Pretty silliy looking.

Now....the Tabi on the other hand.



Tabi will separate only the papa toe. Which scores mega-points for this flip-flop fan!


My toes don't have to fight for space with my socks when I throw on a pair of shoes. I don't wake-up to find any missing or extra toes on my feet. I can run around in them like a light slipper, and slide right into my flip-flops and NOT look like I'm wearing comic relief on my feet. (referencing multi-colors & googie eyes).



My problem......I only got one pair.



I've searched for more on a couple of my favorite websites. Ebay, a place where I both buy and sell. And swapstyle.com another great hunting ground, of which I will discuss further later.



And so here I sat..with new Tabi's in mind, doing an internet search and BAM!



I found the motherload!

Not just a variety of Tabi socks...but socks for any occasion!



Sock Dreams

http://www.sockdreams.com/_shop/edit/index.php

life is good!