Thrifty By Design

Workshop project #2: A basic brooch

2013-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Next project was a quick and dirty brooch using the same materials. I'm going to try a few brooch designs - simple to a bit more complicated. My first attempt is super simple and took maybe a half hour to make.

Here are the materials other than the wool sweater pieces...

A selection of buttons...

A flower pattern on the left and a butterfly pattern on the right...

And then the bar pins for the back.

I chose the turquoise flower button then used a piece of turquoise sweater for the back. I cut out the flower pattern from a grey sweater.

I sewed the bar pin to the back piece and then the turquoise button to the front piece.

Then buttonhole stitched the front and back together. And it was done!

Next I'll be making another stuffie, more brooches, more barrettes, a bracelet... And more!

Workshop project #1: A cutie pie cat stuffie

2013-05-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

I'm prepping projects for the Get Crafty Upcycling Workshop at the Capilano Branch of the North Vancouver District Library next month. I'm presenting a bunch of projects using old wool sweaters, remnant buttons and junky jewelry. I've got ideas for all levels and all ages. My first prep project is making a stuffie cat.

Meet Felix... He's made from a few felted wool sweaters, a couple of buttons and then eco fill.

Here's the initial drawing I doodled as a pattern.

I folded the drawing then cut it out. This way both sides were exactly the same.

I cut out a face then placed the buttons and nose.

Here's the initial stitching.

I pinned the front and back together then started to stitch the sides up.

I realized halfway through the stitching that I forgot the whiskers. So I took apart a bit of the stitching, added the whiskers then stitched him back up.

Here he is. All done!

Next I want to make a monster stuffie. Fun!

Get Crafty Upcycling Workshop

2013-05-14T22:16:00.001-07:00

Well looks like I have another workshop coming up! Hope you'll join me! It's June 15th from 1pm to 3pm at the Capilano Branch of the North Vancouver District Library. I'm pumped!

Love how serendipitous life is right now... So many kewl things seem to just pop up. The talk through the Craft Council of BC last month and then the upcoming Culture Days National Congress on May 23 and 24 in Toronto and now another upcycling workshop. Super yay!

I was mulling over materials and ideas... And a title. I'm calling it 'Get Crafty Upcycling Workshop'. Materials will include old wool sweaters, remnant buttons and junky jewelry. And what will we make?! Tons of stuff!

I need to work on some projects this weekend prior to Toronto and Cuba. So gosh darn it I'm making a creature out of an old wool sweater and buttons. Then a brooch, barrettes, bracelet and more! I need a range of projects for all ages and all levels. I figure those will get me started!

And thankfully I've started finding nifty things to repurpose! Found some swanky necklaces to relove. On the left is the necklace from the Eastside Flea Market for $5 and on the right is a necklace from the Lions Gate Thrift Store for $2.

The beads are super cute and perfect for some barrettes or the center of a brooch. Who knows!

I'll post my workshop projects as I finish them up. Happy crafting!

My Mom's Day frame update is done

2013-05-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

I finished up my Mom's Day frame update tonight. It was an easy peasy update and the frame was well worth $6.99. I hope Mom likes the frame and photo!

AFTER

BEFORE

I love the soft white finish. I added a coat of white craft paint then rubbed the frame with a sponge to remove the white from the details. Then I varathaned the frame. I was able to 'hide' the imperfections in the frame or atleast make them less obvious.

I had one hiccup. I added the photo then realized I needed a cushion between the photo and the back of the frame so the photo sat flush in the frame.

Luckily I save things that I think I can reuse. I found this sponge type object from some pushpins a friend gave me.

I placed the object in and it fit perfectly. I sealed up the back and it's good to go!

Next I'll grab a voucher for a pedicure and a card. Mom's Day is going to be great!

BC Champion for Culture Days

2013-05-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

What a week! Holy smokers - I've had a few great moments lately. I'm feeling super blessed these days.

One big piece of news is I applied to be the BC Champion for Culture Days and well I got it! Yay! I'm being flown to Toronto for the Culture Days National Congress on May 23 and 24. The flight, accommodation and conference are being paid for. So kewl! I'll be promoting Culture Days as well as organizing a workshop. I'll keep you posted on the day, time and location for the workshop - Culture Days is September 27, 28 and 29. I have two ideas I'm going to try to set up so we'll see!

I'm so excited! Yes I do love Culture Days!

I also was asked to host another upcycling workshop in June. This time it's through another North Vancouver library. It'll be at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Library. I've got to figure out a plan ASAP and get the details sorted out. I'll post the day and time soon!

Lastly I booked a ticket for Cuba. I'm off for a 2 week trek at the end of the month. I still need to figure out an itinerary, accommodation, etc. I've been thinking about a trip the past while and now it's gonna happen. This month may be a teeny bit hectic but man 2013 is pretty kick butt!

Mom's Day giftie in the works

2013-05-06T14:51:00.001-07:00

I went to the Salvation Army on Saturday in search of frames. I want to update one for my Mom as part of her Mom's Day gift. My Dad recently took a lovely photo of us which is perfect for framing.

These are the frames I found. A basic wood frame for $3.99 and a lovely ornate one for $6.99.

I love the detail in the ornate frame. There are some chunks missing from the frame but once I paint it no one 'should' notice.

Yesterday morning I ordered prints from London Drugs. Next is to paint the ornate frame. I may just sand the plain wood frame and then stain it.

I'm super excited about refinishing this frame - it's going to look gorgeous!!

I want to finish it like this frame - add a white wash over top of the silver.

This was a mirror a friend gave me. It had a silver leaf finish that was a bit too much so I painted the sides a solid white then rubbed a layer of white paint into the surface to give depth and to soften the details. This is one of my very favourite pieces!

This should be an easy peasy update and hopefully my Mom will like it. I already have the sappy card and just need to pick up the voucher for a pedicure. Love my Mom!

Craftiness out of old & new buttons

2013-05-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

I made a few things this weekend out of old and new buttons. Plus old jewelry. I have a stash of buttons and junky jewelry thanks to my crafty buddy Edytha (EBar Designs). I've used the jewelry for a few crafty projects lately. They've come in super handy!

One of this weekend's projects was to start making funky barrettes for a friend's daughters. Dollar store plain barrettes turned into funsie designs.

I also worked on the leaf buttons from Button Button that I wanted to turn into drop earrings. Here's my start...

I looked through my bag of buttons and jewelry to find a few things I could use for the barrettes.

I decided to include a felt applique accent. I first stitched up a flower then sewed the button and flower to the felt piece.

One set will have flowers and the other will have stars...

I looked into the correct glue to use. Someone at Michaels suggested Crazy Glue so that's what I used. If anyone has a better suggestion - just let me know!

Here they are ready to go. Easy and super cute!

Next I grabbed some silver wire from Collective Stone in Lonsdale Quay. I paid $2/foot. Thankfully I bought more than I thought I needed. The first button now earring went smoothly. Uh well the second one - not so much. I ended up having to redo the wire a few times!

The back doesn't look too elegant but it's hidden so I figure that's OK.

Here are the finished pair of earrings. Hope to wear these to work tomorrow!

Next project is part of my Mom's Day gift. I'm painting tonight!

Culture Days 2013

2013-05-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

The past week or so I've been out and about at markets, volunteering at the North Vancouver ReStore and I also went to an info session about Culture Days 2013. Last year I put on my very first upcycling workshop through Culture Days in partnership with the North Vancouver City Library. It was so amazing! And I'm stewing on some ideas for a couple of workshops for Culture Days 2013.

Visit the Culture Days website for more info or to post an event. This year Culture Days will take place on September 27, 28 and 29.

This info brochure was created through The Arts Office - and check it out... There's my woodworking photo!

Join the fun - create, participate & celebrate! I know I will be!

Gotta love crafty dates

2013-05-04T11:31:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was one of my first Fridays off in awhile. I'm back to my usual schedule which allows for crafty dates, more time to make stuff, etc. I jammed four friend dates in yesterday! Left the house at 10am and got back in just after 1am. A long but super fun day!

First I met up with LaVerne. I met LaVerne at the Engaging Community Through Creative Cardmaking workshop I attended last September. We hit it off and have kept in touch since. We were finally able to coordinate an outing and have date #2 already planned.

First we grabbed coffee then hit Button Button in Gastown.

We both admired the mirror with the button frame. This may be a project we work on together. I know I have a bunch of buttons that have been donated to me that could work!

We checked out a few funky stores in Gastown then on my way to date two I stop in at Salmagundi West at 321 West Cordova Street. These assemblage art pieces reminded me of art school. It's like a memory box which could be an interesting addition to my 'wall of kewlness'.

Also thought these light fixtures made from old musical instruments were pretty nifty!

Here are the buttons I purchased. The big wood button I'll use for a sweater. The pale blue button will be a broach. The heart buttons I'm not sure of yet. And I love the leaves!

These are going to be drop earrings. Maybe I can work on these today. I love the colours and I seem to have this 'thing' for leaves these days.

I cut up these earrings so now have five mini leaves that hopefully will be studs soon enough.

Can't wait to finish up a few easy peasy projects!

Refresh Market | Vintage, Handmade + Pop-up

2013-05-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Crafty season has arrived! Tons of craft markets and creative events are happening these days. This past weekend was Got Craft?, the Vancouver Hop and then Refresh Market. So many things to choose from on a Saturday afternoon!

I chose Refresh since I've been to Got Craft? a few times. And it's in Squamish, BC. I ended up going with some of my work peeps from Squamish which was a nice change. Then we went to a craft beer event, Tap Takeover 2013, at Howe Sound Brew Pub. Can't complain!

It was at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park which is a funky location for a craft market! And so many different vendors than I'm used to.

I saw a few offline and online peeps like Amanda at The Mill. Love these guys!

They have some kewl stuff! Their store space is gorgeous.

I also met up with Brick & Mortar Living. A couple of my friends sell stuff in their store which is in New Westminster. I never get out that way! So it was fun to see their stuff in person. Love these painted mason jars.

They also sell my buddy Andrea's stuff, Pattern & Pin. She makes a unique line of coasters made from vintage sewing patterns and books.

I checked out and then again upcycled cutlery. You can find jewelry made from old cutlery which is quite lovely...

Or stamped cutlery with fun sayings like 'eat your greens'. Very sweet!

Overall it was a great event! Definitely worth the trek... The caramel sea salt chocolate from Urge Chocolates was so darn yummy too. Local handmade pieces + chocolate + craft beer = a pretty darn fabulous day! :-)

'(owl) always love you'

2013-04-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

Oh ya baby - I'm back! Yowzers... You don't know how much you miss something until you get back into it. I actually pulled out my sewing machine last night. My poor Singer missed me. And I it. Here's a pillow cover I meant to sew at least a month ago for a friend - '(owl) always love you'... Thrift store material with felt applique. Cutie patootie!

First I worked on the stitching... Added the owl then the heart...

And then the script...

I used a pinky orange thread for the edges.

Here it is! It's ready and waiting for its happy home.

Still love this font for the text.

And it looks like I'll be making another one soon enough. I posted this to Facebook and well I am now making one for a very dear friend.

Next I'm working on updating these thrift store earrings. I paid $1 for them. One is broken so I've decided to turn them into studs. Leaf studs. I have a few holes in my lobes and apparently they never grow over. Phew! It's been years since I've worn earrings! I'm going to make these studs then have leaves in my lobes. For some reason, I'm really excited about that! Long, dangling earrings are difficult to get used to these days!

And then I'm also going to make some custom hair clips for my friend's daughters. Maybe use old jewelry and/or buttons... Or maybe even make felt applique flowers. Should be a fun, easy project. Hopefully!

Kewl links for crafty peeps

2013-04-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

During and after my presentation at the 'Craft, The Environment and Our Community' talk, I mentioned a few kewl places and organizations to check out. Here are a few for you to peruse:

BIRD ON A WIRE
2535 Main Street @ East Broadway
www.birdonawirecreations.com
Crafty store showcasing local hand-made items plus they host tons of fun workshops at a reasonable cost.

BUTTON BUTTON
318 Homer Street
www.buttonbutton.ca
A small store with tons of buttons. How could you not love this place?!

LIONS GATE HOSPITAL THRIFT SHOP
128 West 15th Street
This is my favourite thrift store. It's a hidden gem where you can usually find something - I've scored some fabulous jewelry! And the volunteers are super wonderful!

RESTORES: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER VANCOUVER
Various locations
www.vancouverrestores.ca
I'll be volunteering at the North Shore ReStore which is opening this week. Great place for furniture, tools, etc.

ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
181 Roundhouse Mews (Davie & Pacific)
www.roundhouse.ca
This is where I took my intro to woodworking course. Love the Roundhouse! Find a course, go for an event, etc. Such a wonderful community centre with good vibe-age.

SPOOL OF THREAD SEWING LOUNGE
101-649 East 15th Avenue (at 15th and Fraser)
www.spoolofthread.com
Not only do they sell fabric but you can sign up for sewing classes. Yay!

TERMINAL CITY GLASS CO-OP
1191 Parker Street
www.terminalcityglass.com
Terminal City Glass Co-op is a non-profit co-operative where you can take a glass arts class. I definitely want to check them out!

VANCOUVER TOOL LIBRARY
3448 Commercial Street
www.vancouvertoollibrary.com
The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a cooperative tool lending library. They also offer affordable workshops on tool related skills and projects. Kewl!

VANCOUVER TRADE SCHOOL
Various locations
www.tradeschool.coop/Vancouver/class
Trade School Vancouver is a non-traditional learning community that runs on barter. Pay for class with items and services, not money. Either take a class or give a class. Check their site regularly - the classes fill up FAST!

Outside of Vancouver...

GIBSONS RECYCLING DEPOT
1012 Venture Way, Gibsons, BC
www.gibsonsrecycling.ca
This is my fav place. Barb and Buddy are the best. Check out their Share Shed for books, clothes, furniture - anything and everything can be found here for cheap.

MAKERHAUS
122 NW 36th Street, Seattle WA
www.makerhaus.com
MakerHaus is a studio environment with a professional staff from diverse backgrounds in design, manufacturing, creative strategy, and business. They offer some pretty nifty workshops and classes. Too bad they're in Seattle! They just look so darn great!

SECHELT LANDFILL
4905 Dusty Road, Sechelt, BC
www.scrd.ca/Sechelt-Landfill
Either check out the Share Shed or dig through the wood pile. Have found some gems here. Everything in the Share Shed is one dollar!

Feeling crafty & lovin' it!

2013-04-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I finished up my cutie patootie wooden cars. Yay! And luckily I found happy homes for them. I have two more to update. I kept the painting simple. I love these colours - citron and robins egg blue.

I added a couple of coats of varathane and they look shiny new!

BEFORE

Here they are looking super shellac-y. Not my thing and usually I don't like to paint wood but in this case removing the shellac would have been darn near impossible even if I used a chemical stripper.

AFTER

Next project - I'm going to sew. Maybe some pillow covers. Or maybe I'll track down some furniture to update. Happy days!

An amazing evening at the Craft Council of BC talk

2013-04-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

Holy smokes! What a night! Big thanks to Bill, Camila and Penny at the Craft Council of BC (CCBC). The evening was so much fun and I met so many super lovely people. And I survived speaking in front of a bunch of strangers - phew!

Here's the intro from Penny Parry, President of the CCBC. I've adopted her! Everyone at the CCBC are just so darn fabulous. And well she's quite the dynamo! We actually had more people than in this photo. A lot of people streamed in during the talks. I was last. A bit nerve-racking but I think my talk went well.

Here a couple of shots of my table. I brought a wide selection of projects to show people the variety of things you can make from second-hand items. I gave away a bunch of fridge magnets, wooden clothes pegs and both of my wooden cars found new homes.

And my cookies were gone - they were a hit! My Mom made these - gosh my parents are the bestest! No matter how old you are - you're never too old for your Mom to make uber yummy cookies for you!

I made some new friends last night. Carl and Janet from ReVision are like-minded souls. They brought this old Electrolux vacuum that has been turned into the kewlest art piece ever. This was my favourite item from the evening. Not that I could see myself owning this but it's so darn neato.

The details are great!

After the talks we hung out at our tables and mingled. I met so many wonderful people. They ate cookies, grabbed a free fridge magnet and wooden clothes peg and then shared their war stories... Apparently lots of people have dumpster diving stories or kewl finds from the dump. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in the evening. Big thanks and love to Bill, Camila and Penny of the CCBC!

My friend Carol Browne came for the talk then took some pics of me. She's quite the social media queen - she's crafty, into photography and has that whole Twitter/Facebook/etc thing down. Here are some of the shots she took... Me with my chair.

A few 'action' shots...

A couple of shots of my pieces...

And then here's my presentation and then my new friend, Penny.

Tons of thanks to everyone who came to the talk and all the crafty peeps who dropped by my table for cookies and for a chat. Such a perfect night. I'm feeling inspired and so appreciative of everyone. Crafting is definitely a wonderful way to connect with people. Gosh darn it - I'm sewing this weekend! Bring it on!

PS Visit Carol's blog post about last night. I really enjoyed having her there to cheer me on!

A day of painting

2013-04-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

I've had a super duper day of painting! Feels so fabulous to work on some projects that had been hanging around for a long time! And some not so long. I finished updating this candle holder. It went from a gaudy, bronze finish to an art deco (I hope!)/Alice in Wonderland finish. I like it. I might rework the finish but for now it's good to go.

BEFORE

AFTER

I also worked on these wooden cars from months ago. I have a total of four that I picked up at the thrift store for $0.25/each. They had a shellac finish. I decided to paint them so they were more fun.

Here are the two I started updating...

And here they are finished. I'm varathaning them this evening then they'll be done.

I also picked up my prints this aft. The teak frames I used for photos from a recent trek to Victoria, BC. In one frame is me and in the other is one of my besties, Will. The other frame includes four photos of some of my FAV friends - Rachelle at The Regional Assembly of Text at their monthly Letter Writing Club, Emiko with her origami at a pub crawl, Marnie and her lovely daughters on Canada Day and then Mike at a masquerade ball we went to a couple of months ago. Love these guys!!

The teak frames are in my bedroom and the shabby chic white frame has been added to the expanding 'wall of kewlness'.

Now off to add more varathane to my wooden cars. Yay!

Giveaways for the Craft Council of BC talk

2013-04-21T11:19:00.001-07:00

I had a fabulous crafty afternoon yesterday. Felt so darn great to make a few things, hang stuff, etc. I decided I wanted to make a few things that I could giveaway after the Craft Council of BC talk on Wednesday. I'm going to make a few more items this afternoon. I'm feeling very zenful.

First project was one of my FAVs - fridge magnets! Yay!

I used a flyer from my last trek to Trader Joe's.

I loved this elephant and it was the perfect fit for one of the larger glass jewels I have.

Here's the final fridge magnet.

Here are the other ones - I love the people ones and then the ones that say 'wish' and 'fly'.

Next project was to jazz up some wooden clothing pegs. I decided to use items that had been given to me. My friend Edytha (EBar Designs) gave me a ton of old buttons and then Tiffany at Zing Paperie and Design gave me a bunch of scrap gift wrap.

Here are the ones I've created so far. It was a super easy projects... Got out my modge podge, glued the paper, trimmed the sides then glue gunned the buttons. I love my glue gun!

This is one of my favourites with the leaves and then the flower button. Cute!

Hope everyone is having a wonderfully crafty weekend. I'm off to pick up some prints for my thrift store frames. Fun!

Having fun with thrift store frames

2013-04-20T18:04:00.001-07:00

Well things are getting back to normal - FINALLY! I miss my crafty time these days so hope to spend more time making things, updating things, etc. This weekend I'm zen-ing out. First I prepped photos this aft then sent them off to be printed. I have TONS of thrift store frames I want to fill up.

I bought this crazy brass frame from the Lions Gate Thrift Store for $12 a week ago. It's pretty ornate... And was extravagant for me.

It has cherubs along the sides and then the top has a woman's head with loads of floral details.

I decided to take these old photos of my parents and use them in the brass frame. Seemed like a perfect fit. I also love these teak frames I picked up for cheap at the thrift store ages ago.

After a bit of maneuvering I got the photos in the frame. I want to add this frame to my ever-progressing 'wall of kewlness'.

I found the perfect spot above my cow photo.

And done! Soon my whole wall will be taken up with mirrors, photos, etc.

I sent off photos for these frames - the white frame and then the teak frames Not sure what I'll be adding to the other frame which has yet to be repainted.

While I'm at it I still need either photos or prints for these frames I refinished ages ago.

I also added this to my 'wall of kewlness'. It's something I picked up a long time ago that I decided to add to my wall. I want to sand the paint down some more so you can see the metal.

While I wait to pick up my prints for the other frames, I'm going to paint 'stuff' this aft. I'm revisiting these silver/grey wall pieces. I want to make them lighter - maybe add a coat of white over top to soften the finish.

And while I'm at it I'm finishing these candle holders. Breaking out the paint and having some fun today. Feels so good!!

Tomorrow I'll be working on some other crafty items. Maybe some quick and dirty fridge magnets to give out after my presentation on Wednesday. Sharing the crafty love!

Craft, The Environment and Our Community talk is coming up!

2013-04-19T12:03:00.001-07:00

This upcoming Wednesday is the 'Craft, The Environment and Our Community' talk at the Vancouver Public Library through the Craft Council of BC. The talk takes place in the Alice MacKay Room from 7pm to 8:30pm. Should be a fun night!

I'm looking forward to meeting the other presenters! And hopefully meeting some fellow crafters! Now to work on my presentation! :-)

Grant proposals, web updates, etc

2013-04-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hello stranger! Yup I've been MIA again. Working tons... Real work. And not enough time for craftiness... But I have been working on a few things when I can. I submitted my very first grant proposal at the end of March! We'll see what happens. * fingers crossed *

Neighbourhood Small Grants help connect and engage residents in their community by encouraging them to come up with their own ideas for how their neighbourhood can be strengthened. Vancouver Foundation then funds those ideas.

After I sent in the grant, I updated my TBD website. Wow - it was out of date!

And to my surprise, I had a bunch of additions to my News & Events page!

Next I updated my blog with details about the upcoming talk through the Craft Council of BC on April 24th. I'll be working on my presentation this weekend. Very kewl!!

So many updates! I also FINALLY got back to Etsy!

And here's my Etsy store with a few of my lavender sachets... The only ones I have left after giving a bunch away to friends.

And the geekfest continues - I also updated my personal website. Holy smokes - it was desperate for some content edits!!

Hopefully the geeky stuff is done for a bit and I can find some time to be creative!

Upcycled teak pepper grinder

2013-03-20T12:21:00.002-07:00

I've been pretty busy with work, etc which is cutting into my crafty time unfortunately. I have done a few small projects like this teak vase. It's actually a pepper grinder from the Lions Gate Thrift Store.

I bought these last week. I wanted to paint the silver candle holder since it's a bit rusty. I also thought of turning the pepper grinder into a candle holder but a vase for dried flowers seemed like a better, less invasive fit.

The top was irretrievable. Plus it was missing the screw at the top.

First step was removing the middle metal piece.

I unscrewed the bottom, removed the middle piece then screwed the bottom back. Notice the name of the manufacturer - it's Haenlein Winterthur. Apparently the pepper grinder in good condition could sell on eBay for $150-200. Crazy! But mine is broken and I paid $2. Although a friend of mine thinks it would easy enough to make a new top for it and track down a screw. Maybe one day I'll turn it back into a grinder. I'll keep all of the pieces for now.

Next I sanded the teak a bit then added some oil. I love the shape of the grinder - very simple and elegant. I added some pussy willows. I'm really liking the grinder as a vase!

I have a few pussy willows around my place - they're perfect for someone who is horrible with plants. They look good and require no TLC. ;-)

Next I'll work on updating the silver candle holder.

Thrift Store Finds

I'm finding a few FAB things at the thrift store these days. Mainly the Lions Gate Thrift Store. I bought this scarf for $1. I'm going to make house-shaped lavender sachets using this fabric.

And this purchase has already been upcycled! I paid $1 for this card holder. Love the design!

The card holders are made by URBAG out of polyester posters.

Happy Spring everyone! Here's hoping the sunny, warm weather is on its way!

Craft, the Environment and Our Community

2013-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the info about the upcoming series I'm part of through the Craft Council of BC. So exciting! I'm really grateful to the Craft Council of BC for asking me to be part of the 'Craft, the Environment and Our Community' talk. It's going to be super fun! Hope to see some of my crafty peeps there!

I'm going to try and attend the other talks like this one on March 20th - 'Library Resources & Creative Inspiration'.

I'll post more info about my talk in the next while.

A plethora of sachets

2013-03-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm still cranking out the lavender sachets. I love how I can use up scraps of fabric or repurpose an apron or a tea towel into cute, useful lavender sachets. I'm still hoping to get some onto my Etsy site but I keep giving them away! :-)

So here's my latest pile of sachets.

First I cut out a bunch of different sizes and shapes of the heart using the fabric from the thrift store aprons. Then I sewed the back and front together leaving an opening for the lavender. Added the lavender then sewed up the opening. And then they were done!

I used one of my cookie cutters for this one - I have large and small heart shaped cookie cutters which would be perfect for a set of sachets. Cookie cutters are so great to use as patterns for ornaments, sachets... And for felt applique projects!

Here are the sachets I've been sewing so far.

Next I want to use this tea towel from the thrift store. I'm going to try different shapes - maybe squares or maybe a leaf shape!

I also found this mauve fabric I used for some pillow covers out of the vintage apron. I can combine these for more sachets. Sooner or later I'll move on to something new and exciting but am super happy with this project.

This weekend I'll post another quick and dirty upcycling project... Found some funky items yesterday at the Lions Gate Thrift Store that I want to fix up this weekend. Yay!

Back to the old hood

2013-03-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've started to work on my presentation as part of the Craft and Environment talk through the Craft Council of BC. The obvious beginning is when I was living in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast trekking around garage sales, the Sechelt dump and the Gibsons Recycling Depot for items to update. This is where my upcycling adventures began and where I met people who inspired me.

My first stop was the Gibsons Recycling Depot to see Barb. She's one kewl friend and always full of support and inspiration!

The depot is growing, developing and making great things happen! Gibsons Recycling Depot received the Best Green Business Award, as recognition for its commitment to energy and sustainability through leadership and green practices with a long-term commitment to energy conservation and waste reduction. The award is part of the Successful You Awards Contest, hosted by Small Business BC.

The depot was crazy busy!

I of course had to check out the Reuse Store to see if anything took my fancy.

These chairs were tempting!

They had tons of houseware items...

Next I hit the Sechelt dump to check out the Share Shed.

I miss the Share Shed! I found so many funky items to update! And paid $1 for each item! My favourite chair is still one of my Share Shed finds.

The Share Shed was pretty bare but again found some chairs that would have been worthy of an update. I resisted!

Here's the wood pile where I've found brass drawers pulls, wood legs, etc.

You really could find some FAB things to update...

Like this would be fun to refinish into a table. Maybe?

Was a perfect day revisiting my old haunts and meeting up with Barb. The day was definitely inspiring and made me think I need to work less, create more and see how I can make a difference in my own way.

Upcycled linen coasters - love 'em!

2013-02-26T20:26:00.001-08:00

Well I've been away so haven't been too crafty these days. I went to Victoria for a few days to see friends this past weekend. Next weekend I'm heading to my old stomping grounds - the Sunshine Coast. I'm going to take some photos of the Sechelt dump and then the Gibsons Recycling Depot. I want to start working on my presentation for the Craft Council of BC talk about Craft and the Environment. I'll keep you posted on further details!

Anyways I'm back to cranking out lavender sachets - my new favourite project. Easy, useful and perfect for using upcycled materials!

Here are 4 linen coasters I picked up at the thrift store ages ago. They were $1 or so. They seemed perfect for lavender sachets.

I used some free linen I got from a friend. Brown linen was a good fit to go with the coasters.

I pinned the linen coasters to the brown linen...

I stitched most of the sachet leaving an opening along the top for the lavender.

I added the lavender then pinned the opening so I could stitch it closed.

I used a pink thread for the stitching.

Here are my 4 linen coasters that are now uber lovely lavender sachets. I'm going to revisit my Etsy store - I started one then never ended up getting it going. Now I figure these are a great starting point for items to sell via Etsy.

And I still have a bunch of lavender for more sachets!

Also I've been cutting up fabric - I have a pile of hearts to fill with lavender. Yay!

Man oh man I am loving sewing, crafting & making kewl stuff from upcycled pieces.

Valentine's Day upcycling project #3

2013-02-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Another quick and dirty Valentine's Day project is in the works! And it's easy! Yay! I only have 3 lavender sachets done at this point. I'll be making more and trying a few other patterns, etc. I used upcycled fabric for my sachets - both fabrics are from thrift store aprons.

Here are my cutie patootie sachets. So sweet!

Here's the fabric and the heart pattern I've been using.

I picked up a bunch of loose lavender from a tea shop by work - I figure I can make at least a dozen sachets! Be warned anyone whose a friend of mine - you may be getting your very own, handmade by Denise sachet in the near future!

First I cut out the front and back and then pinned them together along with the addition of a ribbon. For this fabric I'm using a bright green thread for the stitching.

First I stitched up 90% of the sachet leaving a small opening for adding the loose lavender.

Here's my make-shift funnel for inserting the loose lavender. I thought this would help minimize the mess - apparently not. I have lavender everywhere!

Once I filled the sachet up with lavender, I then stitched it up and voila! My sachets are done! The sewing is primitive I guess but I like the quick and dirty... Hmmm 'basic' look of my sachets.

Best wishes to everyone for a FAB Valentine's Day - may you give the love, share the love and feel the love! :-)