on the worktable: hooked on scraps

I know I have posted several times on the love of using scraps of fabric but here I am again. I just can't bear to part with them. Just because they are small doesn't mean they aren't beautiful or useful - right? This time I paired that love with another favorite of mine. Rug hooking. What I got was an unexpected surprise.

Using a blend of fibers, hand dyed cottons, wool, tulle and more this bag turned out to be a textile lover's dream come true. Chunky, lofty, and just plain yummy. In rug hooking I take special care to vary the loft of the project, giving it added depth. I did the same here and this created the added bonus of shading- bringing out the vibrant color of the bag.

A reclaimed quilt block and vintage style spray made a perfect closure for the bag. I love the charm of the floral and tulle - a throwback addition to the funkiness of the modern hooked look. Touching this bag is wonderful!

Now can you see why I can't throw all those scraps away?

on the worktable: bible covers

Old quilts find new life around here all the time. This week I have been working on more Bible Covers. A fresh laundering, pretty stitching and bright flowers make them unique and pretty all at once.

 Custom orders for covers available now in my etsy shoppe! Enjoy!

live the repurposed life: lemon frogs

We already know I am of the nature to re-purpose anthing I can. Glass jars are by far my favorite recyclable though. I use them for just about everything, in every room in my house as you will see here, here,  here and here. So rather than buy a vase - grab an empty candle jar and some fruit!

Once I have my stems inserted into the slits, fill a jar with water and gently place your new lemon frog in the bottom. Add a bit more water to cover top of lemon if needed. Try this in the Fall with a miniature pumpkin or squash!

Pretty - Functional - Recycled. Enjoy!

on the worktable: new art journals

This week on the worktable: Using the last of my favorite reclaimed quilt remnants to make some new art journals. It must be time to go quilt hunting again!

sneak peek: go green workshop

Here is another sneak peek at the ALL NEW GO GREEN WORKSHOP! Part of the 2013 21 Secrets Workshop! In just a few weeks all 21 workshops will go live and I am super excited to begin creating alongside of all of you! Read all about it here, and REGISTER HERE!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INSTRUCTORS OF 21 SECRETS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATE CODE FOR REGISTRATION. IF YOU REGISTER THROUGH MY CODE I WILL GET CREDIT AND PAYMENT FOR THE WORKSHOP! I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS ENDEAVOR!***

MY REGISTRATION LINK IS HERE!

sneak peek 4 & 5: 21 secrets

It's almost time to begin this SIMPLE and FUN workshop and I am super excited to share the final sneak peeks with you! GO GREEN is sure to change the way you look at your recyclables! READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE! Then join me in creating something beautiful - REGISTER WITH  ME HERE!

 

***PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INSTRUCTORS OF 21 SECRETS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATE CODE FOR REGISTRATION. IF YOU REGISTER THROUGH MY CODE I WILL GET CREDIT AND PAYMENT FOR THE WORKSHOP! I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS ENDEAVOR!***

MY REGISTRATION LINK IS HERE!

on the worktable: more fabric journals

Have I ever mentioned I have a sweet addiction to fabric? Nah - never I am sure! Especially the cool raggedly vintage stuff. Pulled out of the dryer, after a fresh wash, it is more raggedy and yummier than ever.

Random, doodle style stitching just makes it all the yummier -

These chunky pieces of fabric make lovely fabric art journals.

This one is headed to Montana.

workshops: artful handbag shared

I love it when someone takes one of my workshops and shares their creative beauty - like this BEAUTIFUL ARTFUL HANDBAG created by Monique, in France.

I was thrilled when Monique agreed to let me share her pretty project!

What a wonderfully talented artist she is! Thank you for sharing Monique!

If you are interested in creating the ARTFUL HANDBAG, please learn more about here or click on the WORKSHOPS tab at the top of this page to read about my CHUNKY IDEA KEEPER WORKSHOP that was featured this month in GREENCRAFT Magazine!

on the worktable: back by popular demand

Since I have had some inquiries as to "where have the fabric art journals gone" I decided to sit down and whip up a few more. I love using old quilt remnants and then spicing them up with a bright and silky flower and a few wool stitched leaves.

Vintage buttons, colorful doodled stitching and upcycled hankies add character to this little travel size journal. Great for popping into your bag or purse!

Look for more to come!

Live the repurposed life: flowers & zippers

It is no secret i like to repurpose anything I can get my hands on....well -

a while back I was gifted these tiny paper flowers....
and more recently these cool vintage zippers.....

I wonder what their new lease on life will be?