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.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I've seen this done so many times and was itching to do something with my hands.
This was middles old desk chair lost in the attic.
Not anymore.

Now Lady Hazel doesn't have to strain her puppy neck.

Monday, April 9, 2012

room to grow

When the kids were little
I had those cute little wooden letters to spell out their names on their doors.
They were long ago pulled down and the doors left bare.
That is, until we found these embroidered name patches on our last junk hunt.
For pocket change we grabbed a couple. 
 It is difficult to find first names,
but we found one middle name and the nick-name of the middles, middle name.
These are the names I call them, so all the better.
It is a more grown up way to decorate their doors. 




Sunday, March 25, 2012

score!

we never remember to share the great scores we make when thrifting.
this one started at my house and ended up in E's porch where it looks fantastic!
It was clean, over the top, and cheap, just the way we like it.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

ruffle reinvented

before.

after.

can you tell that we like easy headbands around here?

hot water bottle cozy

a well worn sweater.
a hot water bottle that no one would want to cuddle with.
cut sweater to size, allowing about a 1/3 inch all the way around.
you don't want it to be too tight when finished.
also, choose a fabric that will stretch some.
this will allow for easy removal when it is time to wash, and extra room for when the bottle is filled with water.

I chose to sew on the flower for fun.
simply stitch all the way around leaving it open on the top.

you can either fold the neck down or keep it up,
it's cute either way.

2 minute tunic

It has been a toasty March, and the little lady needed something to wear.
This is a small woman's shirt that I no longer wear.
This style of neck works perfectly for this no sew project.
Simply cut off the sleeves all the way to the seam on all sides.
Depending on how deep the arm holes were, you may need to throw a little tank on under the tunic.

It's very light weight and keeps her cool and comfy in the heat.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

just one more way to make a headband.
keeping in the tradition of cutting up old shirts:)

a little hot glue and an old headband...

wish I had a better after picture, oh well.
a little fancy for free, can't beat that.
I will use the rest of the flowers for clips, or maybe a pin.
The shirt itself will be cut up and made into more flowers.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

ruffle my feathers

We love ruffles.
Both of us have been making ruffle pants for the girls for years.
They are simple and quick to make from scraps you have on hand.
The best part is, when your daughters favorite jeans get too short,
you can add on length with a cute ruffle.
Try it on leggings & cords too.
 I have also made worn leggings into biker shorts with a ruffle which look really cute with a matching tunic for summer. 

Monday, February 27, 2012

for now

Life has swallowed us up lately, and making anything has taken a back seat.
Here is my small attempt to change that.
I've had this tiny wreath forever with the intention of making
something for the little Miss.
I didn't want to commit to anything yet,
but I was also sick of looking at my naked wreath!
Auntie C brought over this pink belt and the rest I had laying around.
It is all just pinned on, so when true inspiration hits, we can start all over.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

a bed for hazel

Dog beds are expensive, and the cute ones are really expensive!

I wanted one I could wash, and something simple.
I found a small quilted blanket at the thrift store.
I had a sheet (for the back) in my stash at home as well as some memory foam.

All it is is a big pillow sham. 
I cut the sheet to size,
allowing a little extra to finish the exposed edges
and cutting it longer to allow for an overlap in the middle to slide the memory foam into.
It was a fast project, and she loves it!
The kids love it too, the memory foam is really comfortable.
I think it would be really cozy for arthritic and older dogs as well.
(If you prefer a puffy look, just use fiber fill.)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

rock on

before

I have been trying to figure out a storage solution for the biggests' bass for a while.
I couldn't buy one, but a stand was the best way to safely store it.
Because it is an 1/8th size,
I also wanted something that would accommodate a larger size when he moves up.
Well, let's just say the table has one less chair.
Couldn't have been easier.
I just unscrewed the seat.
Added two foam strips I found in the garage, and there it stands.
A one of a kind bass stand.
Maybe this summer big can paint it up to give it some personality:)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

gift bags and wrapping paper are expensive. 
we have made our own wrapping paper, but sometimes only a bag will do.  these canvas or fabric reusable bags are all over the thrift stores.  they are usually unused, and cheap!  the paper kind can cost up to $5.oo or more!  it is easy to have a stash of these around to use when you have a gift to give.  they won't rip, and can be used again and again!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

brrrr

not that we need to remind ourselves that it is freezing outside...
but this is a cute way to spell out anything using vintage game tiles.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

FYI

Even though the occasional sales have ended...
Mama's Happy has decided to keep most of our merchandise in their gift shop!
They don't have room for the clothes right now, but everything else is there.
If you need a gift for someone, check it out.
They are open most weekends.


I have recently been on the hunt for a
reading chair for my daughters kindergarten teacher.
You know how when you are looking for something in particular
it isn't anywhere to be found?
I finally think I found one that will do.
Usually I would have painted the frame and changed the fabric,
but I refrained, and I like it this way. 
To add the alphabet I used paper stencils and a
spray bottle with 2 parts water, one part bleach.
I love it, hopefully Mrs. P will too.