I Heart Milk Glass

I was thrilled to find this little bud vase at the Goodwill, along with a little candy dish (not pictured). Each for $1.99! Great find. I don't know what is is about vintage milk glass pieces that draw me to them, especially the Fenton hobnail style of the 1950's. I had a lamp in my bedroom growing up (that now lives in my guest room) that I'm sure you've seen (similar to this one).

My Aunt sent me some beautiful pieces that still had the original Fenton labels on them. Ruffled bowls (left) and candle stick holders (not pictured).


My Mom searched flea markets high and low to find a vase that we had when I was growing up (that I didn't appreciate at the time, of course). She found one! Leave it to my Mom to find that desired item and not give up until she does. Do I have a great Mom or what?!

I found this goblet style...candy dish? fruit bowl? during my first trip to Rices Sale & Country Market in New Hope, Pennsylvania while visiting our family. What a place THAT is. If you are ever in the area on a Tuesday or Saturday (7am-1pm) you MUST check it out. They have knock-off designer purses, sports team T-shirts, jewelry, antiques, As Seen on TV items, you name it! I'm using it to store all my buttons.

I heart milk glass.

Baby Bibs

I really enjoy making these adorable baby bibs and giving them as gifts. I recently had my first order for some boy's bibs (pictured). They are perfect for baby showers, and quite stylish I might add! If you are interested in some custom made bibs for your little cutie pie, or as a gift, send me an email. I love making these.

Working on Perfecting the Zipper Pouch

One of my current projects is the zipper pouch or wristlet. I have been experimenting with different sewing techniques, trying to get nice neat seams. The challenge has been tucking in both ends of the zipper, without overlapping or getting bunchy corners. Practice makes perfect! I have made 5 zipper pouches so far, and have plans for many more. These little bags are perfect for your cell phone, money/credit cards, lip gloss or small items that usually get lost in your big purse. Or if you want to go out without a huge bag. You can even clip your keys onto the lobster clasp. Handy, right? Once I get a few more made, I plan on selling these. If anyone is interested just let me know. I'd be happy to take special requests.

"Life is good... enjoy the little things."

Well said. (Click photo to zoom in if needed)

Showing Some Football Love

Although I am not a football fan (by far), the people I love are. To show how much I care about them and their love for their teams, I headed to the NFL fabric section. For my husband, I sewed a pillow for him to rest on while he watches his beloved Eagles (when they actually broadcast a game in Rochester on a non-ESPN channel). For my dear friend Jamie, who is the second most loyal female Steelers fan (her Mom is the #1 fan), I sewed a tote bag with matching zipper pouch in TWO different Steelers fabrics. Fancy, huh? Yes, technically the zipper pouch fabric is upside down, but I assure you, the interior lining is right side up (something I realized AFTER it was too late to fix. Next time.) If a girl who doesn't watch football, that was raised a Bills fan [you may insert Bills joke here], sewing Eagles AND Steelers memorabilia doesn't equal love and true friendship, then I don't know what does! :-)

CD Case Scrapbook Cards & Envelopes

This is probably the project that started my crafting juices rolling, almost a year ago. I wanted to make something that incorporated an empty CD jewel case, to give as gifts. With the help of my dear friend "Crafty Christy," we put our heads together and came up with a little stationary set, of handmade envelops and cards, using scrapbook paper and card stock. We had one of those beautiful Victorian themed scrapbook pads that included matching stickers. We made templates for the cards and envelopes (after a few trial and errors...). A single square of the note card design was glued to the CD case cover, and embellished with stickers, then tied with raffia and a gift tag. We also included small stickers with the recipients initial for sealing the envelopes. I think the hardest part was choosing which design to make and which ones to give away (I wanted to keep them all!). Here are some photos of how they turned out...

The Tote Bag

I am so appreciative of blogger's who provide excellent tutorials, especially the ones with easy to follow photos! When I saw this step-by-step guide on how to make a simple reversible tote bag, I couldn't wait to try it. I'm almost afraid to share my secret, because once people see how possible it is to make a beautiful tote bag, they won't be as impressed with my sewing skills. But, I gotta give credit where credit is due, so thank you Skip to My Lou! To make the bag, you need 4 pieces of fabric that are 13 inches wide by 14 inches tall, and 2 strips of fabric that are between 4-6 inches wide and 22 inches long. I like my straps to be a little wider, so I cut them each 6 inches wide. The bags are reversible, so you can either use a coordinating fabric for the inside or a completely different fabric (The straps are not reversible, I had to be mindful of that). I used a lightweight denim fabric on some interiors to give it a little more weight. I like to use heavier cotton fabrics so they aren't too floppy. Here are some of the fun bags I've been making. My 7 month kitty, Chancho (Named after one of the orphan boys in Nacho Libre) likes to observe the bag making process. An added fabric flower and button give it the finishing touch.This one is my personal favorite, and I use it almost every day.
I made this one for my cousin's 2nd birthday.
This java themed bag was specially made for my coffee-loving sister's birthday.
This "Something blue" wedding dress pattern made a perfect addition to a bridal shower gift. I have always had a love for purses. I guess you can officially call me the "Bag Lady" now.