New Rings From Old

Lately, lots of people are pulling old jewelry out of the dresser and selling the gold and silver for a bit of cash. This is a great form of recycling! These metals are refined and sold to jewelry makers for reuse.
I had something I wanted to reuse, but it was a sentimental family piece, so I didn't feel right selling it. It was an old ring from my great great (perhaps another great) Aunt Lily. The ring was heavy and clunky, yet sized for a tiny finger (too small for my pinky.) It had Aunt Lily's initials, LMS, emblazoned on the front. Not something I would be able to wear as is.

My plan was to have it remade into something new for me to wear. And after looking it over, I realized the amount of gold and the two diamonds would allow for two new rings to be made. So I asked my daughter, Kira if she'd be interested in a ring from her great great great (etc) Aunt Lily, and she was thrilled!
I started looking around Etsy for someone who would do the job. I found Al and Caroline of beyondtherockz and they were a pleasure to work with. Kira and I decided on a design and Al said he could do it, no problem. We had the ring weighed and sent it to them in Connecticut. Then Al did his magic, and in less than two weeks, we had our brand new rings made from our own old ring.
It's great to have something we wear everyday instead of something that sits forgotten in a drawer. And, though the form has changed, we still remember Aunt Lily when we wear them.

Check out some of beyondtherockz' great designs from recycled metals. Click photos for info.

Lemon Pudding Cupcakes

Everybody asks for the recipe whenever I make these, so here it is. So simple I'm embarrassed to call it a "recipe."

1 box White Cake Mix (Yes, a box mix.) This calls for egg whites, save the yolks, you will need them for the pudding.
1 box lemon pudding mix (the cooked kind, not instant)
1 large bar of white chocolate (optional)
Confectioners sugar

Bake the cupcakes as instructed on the box. Let them cool.
Make the pudding as instructed on the box. Let it cool slightly, until thick but not set.
Use small serated knife to cut out a circle from each cupcake.


Spoon in pudding (pile it up a little) then top with the circle.


Add small chunks of white chocolate if desired.
Finish with a shake of confectioners sugar.


They are delicious! You can't eat just one! These were the birthday cupcakes my mom used to make us. I have a feeling this "recipe" originated in a women's homemaking magazine from the 1960s.

I imagine you could actually make the cake and pudding from scratch if you were more gifted in the kitchen than I.

Let me know if you make them!

The Lure of Lingerie

What is it about pretty vintage lingerie that is so irresistible? The soft colors and lacy textures just seem so touchable. And there is a romance to the demure styles.

On a recent thrift shopping trip, I picked up a bunch of older nylon slips in perfect condition. I couldn't resist! Look for them in my vintage shop.

EcoEtsy Street Team

For Etsy sellers, one of the perks is joining a Street Team. Teams are networks of like-minded or geographically linked sellers who support and promote each other. The first team I joined was TeamEcoEtsy, a group devoted to doing things a little bit (or a lot) greener. I like the idea of reusing and recycling before buying new, and this team agrees!

An Etsy search of "teamecoetsy" will bring you to the terrific, diverse items sold by EcoEtsy members.

Moss for your Wall by Ottoman $40


Sea Urchin Earrings by BlackStar $18.75


Tulips Pillow by chakrapennywhistle $50


Mandala Record Bowl by EyePopArt $58


I'd like to invite you to check out the EcoEtsy Blog. It's chock full of Eco Tips, Tutorials, and highlights on great items made by members.

Upcycling Vintage Goodies

I love vintage textiles! And I love to hunt for them at thrift shops. They are great to use as raw material for bags.

Well, I found this velvet wall hanging with mountain goats. It is so unusual I had to bring it home and make something from it. What I came up with was a big and fun tote bag.



This was a really nice printed dish towel. I love the colors and the design of old kitchen things.
I made this cute bag, which would be good for books or as a knitting bag.

When a Sweater is Not a Sweater

One of my favorite materials to upcycle - wool sweaters. After a process of felting (using hot water and agitation to soften and shrink the wool), I have found several ways to make something new from old sweaters. For these projects, it doesn't matter if there are moth holes or other flaws, you can use the good parts.

Currently the cold weather is calling for cozy neckwear. Above a circle scarf, made from 24 or so circles cut from a coordinated mix of patterned sweaters.

This is the Fringy Neckwarmer - using scraps and leftover bits. Simple, yet really cute!

This is a classic long scarf, which almost seems to play on the "Preppy sweater tied around the neck" look.
Upcycled wool accessories are in my shop now.

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Cat from polarity.etsy.com and olivebites blog.

Here are the rules of this tag:
*link to the person who tagged you * post the rules on your blog *write six random things about yourself * tag six people at the end of your post and link to them * let each person know they've been tagged

Here goes~~

1. I need to have a guinea pig around the house at all times. They are perfect for keeping your lap warm while you read a book.

2. I like to make anything except food! I am a very bad cook.


3. I love to design and make costumes, but never want to wear one! I have been part of many musical theater productions, and I respect the confidence of those who take to the stage. I love to be behind the scenes, making them all look great!

4. My entire family moved away (several states away) from me the year after I graduated college. Strangely enough, I was ok with that!

5. I've been lucky enough to be an "at home Mom" until my kids grew up. I found ways to work around their school hours and always be home by the end of the school day. This was perfect for us, though I know other families have found other "perfect" situations.

6. I hate snow.

I am tagging: TwoLeftHands, EcoKate, JunkyardGypsy, Branda, Madelaine, and Artmind