by definition gil.ly.flow.er n. 1. any of several old world plants cultivated for their brightly colored flowers. 2. Eurasian plant with pink to purple spice scented usually doubled flowers; widely cultivated in many varieties and many colors.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

craft day


I wish I had taken more pictures,
but we were too busy having fun!
We filled our space with anything we could make into something and got to work!
We started so many projects, inspired each other, and tried new things.
Can I just highly suggest this as a way to spend time with good friends?
The day was gone in a flash, and we all agreed we could have filled the weekend.


Friday, October 28, 2011


Now that the weather is cool,
the lime tree has moved inside.
The pot that it sits in on the deck is pretty blah, so
I made a simple slipcover to camouflage it.
It is really simple.
A long strip of fabric, enough to cover the pot, one stitch down the side.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

from plastic to perfect


The middle man's old desk storage was a plastic eyesore from the Target $spot.
The new one was half the price from the thrift store!
An old shoe shine kit with a lot more personality and longevity.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

lighten up


The little lady's lamp needed a redo.
The shade was a faded green eyesore.
We had a few stray quilting scraps that I hot glued right over the old lamp shade.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Be still and know

Just another way to make the most of a doily.
Looking back, I should have just hand written the letters.
The stamping part of it makes it look a little sloppy.
Lesson learned.
I still like what it says:)

big boxes from big box stores

I'm sure that a few of you have this box that your bulk card purchase came in. 
Once all of the cards have been given, you are left with a cuter than not, mostly sturdy box, and a few dividers as well.
I have always kept the boxes to store things in, but you can use the dividers too!
Just cut off the top label, and fold in half.
Have your kids decorate it to give as a new reinvented birthday card.

The box effectively hides squinkies as well.
Less clutter.
Much better.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

shrunk to fit

I have always had a love/hate relationship with wool.
I am almost embarrassed to admit how many sweaters have been
accidentally "modified" in the last two weeks.
Sometimes though, everything turns out for the better.

This little mistake just so happens to fit a certain six year old!
It took less than a minute to sew this flower on for her.
Sew glad she loves it!

table cloth ruffle pillow


Here is a sneak peak of a pillow you will see at the next Mama's Happy sale.
We are hoping to be there in November and December, more details to come...
I love the color of this pillow, it has a really soft suede texture and a down insert.
The ruffle was made from the edge of a vintage table cloth, and of course a doily to finish it off! 

burlap wreath


We had a few extra embroidery hoops...as well as some free burlap.
By using the outer adjustable hoop, you can easily cover the circle with simple sewn strips of the burlap bag.
First, remove the blocks of wood and any staples that remain.
Cut two strips down each sewn edge of the bag.
Estimate width to the size hoop you will be using.
Using the finished edge as a guide,
sew another seam all the way down each piece.
Allow just enough room for a snug fit around the hoop.

Now, thread your strips onto the hoop through the opening.
Before you cover the opening with the burlap, tape it closed to complete the circle.
To beef up the wreath a bit, I flipped it right side down, and hot glued an extra strip around the entire back of the hoop. 

I gathered up a few random doilies and buttons
and hot glued them on to make it a little more colorful.
The glare doesn't do the wreath justice,
 it was unusually bright when I took this picture.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

2 minute garland


I picked this package of paper leaves up for less than $1.oo
Simply sew a straight line, lining up the leaves as you go.
Use the extra thread at the beginning and end to tie off and hang. 

Saturday, October 1, 2011

there is nothing better than spending the day in good company:)