EARLY START

I can't believe I haven't posted since last Tuesday!
After the garden tour, I kind of ran out of steam.
Now I'm thinking ahead to Christmas...
I know, go ahead and shoot me.

We do a Holiday Sale in November
and I have to
start thinking about what I'm going to
make and sell.
I usually do some kind of wreaths.
Last year I was very inspired
with all the burlap wreaths I saw
out there in blogland.
I'm starting to work
on a few ideas.

At the end of the season last year I bought up a bunch of
silver balls that I will incorporate into
this years wares.

I thought myself very clever when I purchase this bolt of
burlap at the local garden and feed shop.
It was a fraction of what I would have paid at
the fabric shop.
$16.99 for a 3' X 48' roll.

I've been making origami cranes all Summer.
I'm planning on doing several things with them.

I'm all about mixing unexpected things together.

My sister said...interesting.
I like it!

The next two are simple
and easy.
The picture doesn't do it justice
but the bright pink poke a dot ribbon
just makes you smile.

So that's what I've been up to.

Have a great day and
Happy Crafting!

Origami Cranes

I have been fascinated by origami cranes for about two years now.

Ever since I saw a tree decorated with red and white

polk-a -dot cranes in the Pottery Barn catalog two years ago,

I've wanted to learn how.

This past Christmas my brother and sister-in-law

gave me a book on Origami.

I've been practicing.

This is one of my projects. These cranes are made from the

smallest size paper. They are very light weight and look so

whimsical on the tree branches.

I used an assortment of paper.

Some are made with traditional origami paper, others with

scrapbook paper and lastly I used scented

drawer liner paper on some.

The hangers are fashioned using embroidery thread.


My second project is a couple of garlands. This time
I used different size paper for contrast.



This is not going to be the permanent home for these,
I plan on hanging them in a window, but the
lighting was a little better here.



Brown craft paper works very well for Origami.
I've also experimented with pages
from an old book.
I really like the look of those.



My last project.
Again, I used different size paper
as well as different type paper.
The others I strung on embroidery thread,
here I used raffia which I really like.


I used the colors of my kitchen on these since

that's where they will be living

for now.

Here they are hanging in my little upstairs kitchen,

which was by the way, a closet when we

bought the house.

*

I will be linking this post to some great parties @

Savvy Southern Style

The Shabby Chic Cottage

My Romantic Home

French Country Cottage

be different...act normal

CRAFT CLOSET COMPLETE...for now

Is a project ever completely over?

There is a beginning,

but the ending is always a little gray for me.

Some weeks back I showed you my

spare bedroom closet.

My hope was to turn it into a

"craft closet".

A home for all my tools, supplies, and ideas.

Here is what I have came up with.

I'm not saying it is finished, just resting

for the time being.

One of the hardest jobs, relocating all the STUFF

left behind in the space.

I removed the wire shelving...it was ugly and very

haphazardly installed.


The bolts left some major craters in the wall that had
to be dealt with first.


I used a product called Dry Dex, mainly because that's
what we had in the house.


Painted the walls the same color as the spare
bedroom.


We had an old shelving unit in the basement.
Wire baskets I knew would come in handy
some day.
Did I mention I'm a scavenger?


I went to town organizing all my many supplies

and treasures. I had them stashed everywhere.
Some were in drawers, under the bed, in closets,
you name it, I had something stashed in it.



It was such a treat getting everything in one area.
I should say almost everything, I feel like I still need
more space.


I made some cute labels, mostly just for aesthetics.


Some baskets contain projects I'm working on or
planning.

Hoping to make something wonderful with these

doilies from my late Aunt Virginia.

All my papers.

Magazines grouped and organized.

I dressed the window with a matching fabric use in the room.

Added some whimsy with a hand crafted bird and

some sweet snowflake garland.

I put a large bulletin board on one wall to hold my

ideas and inspirations.

I'm presently working on a Origami Crane project.

Ballard and Pottery Barn are always a great

source of inspiration for me.

So there you have it, my somewhat finished work.

I'm ready to get down to business and do some

crafting.

*

I will be linking with some great parties this week.

Savvy Southern Style

be different...act normal

My Romantic Home

French Country Cottage

Between Naps On The Porch

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Sweet Surprises In My Mailbox

Sweet surprises arrived for me yesterday from my sister- in-law, Terry.

Every year Terry sends me hand made Christmas ornaments,

most she makes herself.

This year a glittered crane along with an Origami book.
Last time I visited Terry and Rick, I told them
of my interest in learning how to make the Origami cranes.
I have visions of Origami canes
dancing in my head.


The second package contained this sweet white
gardening glove ornament.
Of course you know "gardening" is my all time
favorite past time.


Here's a look at some of the creations she's sent me
over the years.

You also know my love of cats.

This wreath, she sent me many many years ago.

I still love it!

Thank you Terry and Rick

I can't wait to dig into my Origami book.

Merry Christmas.