Elisa's Custom Creations

Handkerchiefs of The Past (Fazzoletti del Passato)

2026-05-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

Handkerchiefs have been part of human life for thousands of years, evolving from simple cloths for practical use to intricate fashion statements and cultural symbols.

Handkerchiefs were colorful, affordable and carried by almost everyone. They served as gifts, keepsakes, and even promotional items.

Disposable tissues replaced them by the 1980s, making the handkerchief a fashion relic. However, in the 2000s, vintage hankies saw a revival among crafters, eco-conscious consumers, and collectors.

Handkerchiefs of the past were far more than cloths—they were tools, symbols, and cultural records, telling stories of fashion, status, love, and everyday life across centuries.

SHARING MY COMPANION BLOG: LA CASA E IL GIARDINO

2026-04-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

A PERSONAL COLLECTION: Home, Garden, Food.....and Life.

LOVE GARDENING

LA CASA E IL GIARDINO

FRUIT THEMED PLACEMATS AND KITCHEN TOWELS

2026-02-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

As we approach summer, fruit placemats and kitchen towels evoke a sense of freshness and cheerfulness in the kitchen and dining room.

These fruit placemats are an attractive and functional addition to any dining experience, providing both protection for surfaces and an aesthetic appeal.

Fruit Placemats

These kitchen towels with vibrant fruits can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the cooking space while serving essential purposes like drying dishes, cleaning countertops, or wrapping freshly baked goods.

Pears

Cherries

Mixed Tropical Fruits

Apples

Cherries

Plums

Cucumbers and Strawberries

FOR THE LOVE OF CHICKENS

2026-02-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Whether one is raising chickens in the country, canning tomatoes in the suburbs or ordering takeout from a studio apartment in the city, adding a dash of farmhouse charm with kitchen towels like these will give anyone's kitchen a happy feeling.

Making these kitchen towels with a variety of chickens were not only perfect for bringing a bit of countryside in my kitchen, I picked up on some interesting facts about different chicken varieties.

That's wonderful!

White Frizzle

Australorp

Brown Leghorn

Silver Sussex

Embellished Children T-shirts

2025-03-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

In order of expressing my creativity further, I decided to embellish children t-shirts. Instead of painting, as I get inspired, I use fabric. Decorating a t-shirt is a fun job for me.

I cut the patterns and figures from a scrap of fabric and then sew them on the t-shirts.

Creativity has no limits, and with a little patience and dedication it is possible to create cutest children's masterpieces.

NEW YEAR 2024

2023-12-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

LET'S INSPIRE A FRESH START IN 2024!

For the new year,

I wish you to always keep a smile on your lips even if sometimes it's really difficult,

I wish you to always have the strength to get up after all the falls,

and that you never lack the confidence to know that behind every cloud there is always a ray of sunshine and after every storm a beautiful rainbow.

Happy New Year!

2023-11-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Placemats in bag (Set of 4)

Thanksgiving Themed Table Decor

GARDENING: Expressing Myself Creatively

2023-07-27T19:45:00.033-07:00

Besides my crafting hobby, gardening is my favorite pastime because it's good for my mind, body and spirit.

My garden style is traditional... a combination of landscape and perennials. It’s a place that reflects my personality and character. Being a happy and sincere hard worker, I am not afraid to be proud of my accomplishments.

I love to see flowers and plants grow.

Hydrangea tree

Crepe Myrtle and Black-eyed Susans

The only annuals I plant are in vases. Love geraniums combined with other flowers.

Geraniums and marigolds

Hanging geraniums

Another reason why I enjoy gardening is that it builds my strength and helps me maintain a healthy weight. Every spring, I create curves in my landscaping which in turn sculpts and strengthens my body.

Early spring

Early summer

Late August

Gardening captures my heritage as I remember my parents that instilled the love of doing it.

Bean plants from seeds

Vegetable garden

A crochet Bedspread in my Italian Trunk

2023-01-15T10:08:00.006-08:00

LA CASA E IL GIARDINO: A Crochet Bedspread in my Italian Trunk - Il Copriletto all'uncinetto nel mio Baule (casa-giardino.blogspot.com)

Canning and Crafting with Love

2023-01-14T17:02:00.022-08:00

For me, canning and crafting are both creative activities.

Canning

Canning is as much science as it is kitchen art. I strongly believe that the act of preserving food at home and creating something in the kitchen that tastes good and extends the season is very satisfying.

Canned tomatoes and peppers

Pickled eggplants

Crafting

When I'm focused on creating something beautiful, my mind has the opportunity to rest and relieves stress. Also, I feel a sense of accomplishment when I admire my creation and the hard work that went into it.

Not only I have fun making crafts but also serve a purpose like home decor or adorable homemade gifts.

Anything handmade these days is regarded as special.

“An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he -

for some reason -

thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”

― Andy Warhol

Handmade Personalized Dog Bed

2023-01-02T17:13:00.020-08:00

My first attempt at making a dog's bed.

It's not perfect but the dog is thrilled to jump on it.

I added his name to make sure everyone knows whose bed it is!

I used materials which I already had on hand and some simple sewing.

Started with a 20" square foam. Covered the foam with an old cotton pillowcase. Then I used a large beach towel to cover the bed and create sides.

Finally, I felt the beach towel was not soft enough for a small dog and decided to cover the whole bed with few yards of light blue, soft flannel.

Added the name ROCKY

Rocky...so cute!

Took some large alphabet letters. With a pencil, I drew around the letters. Then did some simple embroidery.

Looking forward in making another soon.

HOLIDAY KITCHEN TOWELS and GIFT BAGS

2022-12-17T19:12:00.001-08:00

Holiday party season is officially upon us. Here are few items to appreciate your foodie friends and for the persons hosting the parties and holiday dinners.

Growing Lemons Rock My World

2022-11-19T12:48:00.025-08:00

Planting lemon trees, watching them grow, caring for them and using the fruit is really satisfying. Their vibrant yellow color and bright green leaves brighten up the forgotten corner of our patio beautifully.

In the summer, I place them in our outdoor patio.

but when winter arrives, I place them inside for survival.

Once the lemons are big and bright yellow in color, I harvest them to cook, bake and decorate with them.

Lemons in the kitchen what a fragrance!

Cooking:

Traditional marinate for chicken

Grilled chicken cutlets

Fried fish with a squeeze of lemon

Baking

Lemon peel but also its juice is a fundamental ingredient in baking. The peel, both grated and in pieces is used to flavor desserts and making creams.

Cookies with olive oil and lemon

Crema pasticcera

Just add the zest and once cooked, remove it from the cream.

Decorating with lemons

Placemats with matching jute tote bag

Kitchen towels with matching jute tote bag

If there is one fruit I can’t do without, it is the lemon!

HOLIDAY PLACEMATS IN REUSABLE POUCH

2022-11-14T18:46:00.001-08:00

We all know that the most memorable gifts are the hand-made ones.

These sophisticated placemats can take a holiday party or dinner to extraordinary.

Holiday Jute Gift Bags

2022-10-06T17:16:00.030-07:00

It's October, time to start crafting for Christmas. Whether it be creating holiday decor or gifts that one wishes to give, this is the perfect time to gather all of the supplies and take time to create holiday crafts.

I have already made some holiday jute gift bags. To me, jute bags are environment friendly and long lasting. They have great strength which is why they can bear heavy weight.

These jute bags were embellished with fabric and paint.

Jute wine bags with giftcard pocket

So, I suggest to all of you not to delay. Get going today!

VINTAGE KITCHEN ACCESSORIES

2022-09-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

To me, vintage designs feel unique as they convey a feeling of nostalgia.

After my mother's death, having found this tablecloth from the early 50's, I decided to embellish these items and inspire you from an earlier era.

50's Tablecloth with Kitchen Utensils and Flowers

Linen towel from the early 40's.

Took this plain cotton apron and embellished it with portion of the kitchen utensils.

Embellished kitchen towels.

EGGPLANT: The most versatile vegetable in the kitchen

2022-08-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

LA CASA E IL GIARDINO: EGGPLANT: the most versatile vegetable in the kitchen. (casa-giardino.blogspot.com)

Embellished kitchen towel

Eggplants found at farmers' markets or specialty markets, are usually dependably fresh because they tend to be local. In the grocery store, it is more of a crap shoot. The eggplants there are often oversize and old.

EXPLORE SUNFLOWERS FROM GARDEN TO HOME DECOR

2022-07-16T19:13:00.007-07:00

In backyards, sunflowers stand out from the rest of the flowers in the garden.

These plants are known for their impressive height and growing them is not difficult.

In early May, simply plant some sunflower seeds an inch deep and within 80 to 100

days, these towering treasures will bloom.

Decorating with sunflowers is a simple way to give one's home instant charm and bring the outside in. From centerpieces to pillows, sunflowers decor will add an amazing pop of color!

If you are a total sunflower addict like me, you can also incorporate sunflowers into your kitchen with these kitchen towels.

FATHER'S DAY

2022-06-11T19:29:00.001-07:00

Don't know what to get dad for father's day? Get him a gift card to his favorite store or restaurant and put it in one of our hand-stitched, reusable holders.

Giftcard Holders for Teachers

2022-05-31T19:29:00.001-07:00

Most teachers I know always appreciate gift certificates to Starbucks, Target, school supply stores, bookstores and spas. Use a little creativity when you wrap up the card and your gift will get a gold star.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT FOR CEMETERY CRYPT

2022-05-21T19:55:00.048-07:00

We all know that flowers help us celebrate a life that’s been lost.

Having lost a loved one recently, I decided to honor her memory by adding a bouquet of silk flowers to an otherwise cold monument.

A small act of kindness for someone who is no longer living.

It's fall time, decided to change the flower arrangement featuring orange and brown tones to create a sense of coziness and ease.

It's Christmas time! Some greenery and pinecones.

Fresh holiday greenery for two cemetery graves

A FLOWERING DOGWOOD in my MOTHER'S MEMORY

2022-05-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

LA CASA E IL GIARDINO: A Flowering Dogwood in my Mother's Memory (casa-giardino.blogspot.com)

CREATIVE GIFTCARD PACKAGING FOR BABIES

2022-04-20T19:05:00.002-07:00

Just because you’re giving a gift card for a baby shower, a newborn or young child doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t present it with care. After all, the right presentation will help the giftee feel appreciated.

Gender Neutral Baby Shower Giftcard Packaging

It's a Girl!

Girls and Boys

It's a Boy!

1st Birthday

My Love for Tomatoes

2022-04-13T19:42:00.018-07:00

I love tomatoes in the garden, in my recipes and as "art" in my kitchen.

Made these kitchen towels and they look superb in my kitchen because the rendering is colorful and bright.

Not only we grow tomatoes,

We also cook with them. Tomatoes are in so many dishes. You can eat them plain, big or small, in sauce or throw them in pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, chili, Italian dishes and of course pizza. So so delicious!

Bow tie pasta with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella

Simple sauce

Pizza

Tomato salad

Garden tomatoes and bread.....My daily lunch during the summer season.

WELCOME SPRING!

2022-03-21T05:31:00.023-07:00

“All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” — E.B. White

Our garden:

Hand decorated bag and kitchen towels