Fisheye View

Blue

2010-07-10T13:40:00.005-04:00

Weathering the Heat Wave

2010-07-10T13:07:00.003-04:00

We have spent the past few weekends working on this section of the yard. It started with a bluestone pathway leading from the front walk to the side yard. The stones are so nice to walk on. We made the path a little wavy, then tucked the plantings around it.
Using several of the big hostas that were here, we spread them out for an interesting mix of shapes and colors.
We mulched the whole thing and are calling it done for now. The heat wave with temps over 100, has meant that we are on a busy watering schedule. So far, everything is holding up.
And we are enjoying general approval from the neighbors.

Scaring the Neighbors

2010-06-27T07:57:00.005-04:00

So, just to catch up - we bought this house 8 months ago. The former owner was a full time home gardener. We even heard reports of her mowing, weeding and digging at 11 at night! Our lovely property was planted and manicured from edge to edge. The above photo was taken just before she filled that circle with bountiful flowers in a pattern of pink and white. Seriously, when we met our new neighbors, each and every one said, "Oh, the house with all the gardens."
So, after spending the winter and spring on major indoor projects, we knew it was time to keep up with the yard. And yes, it is lovely, but we want to make it our style. So, I'm sorry, but we had to give the neighbors a real scare!
Yup, we ripped out the entire front lawn! Oh, and the shrubbery. We do have a plan. No, really.
The front will be filled with interesting plants and flowers that will show more of our creative nature. (Literally "creative nature!") The plan is to have things that will grow and thrive without constant watering and grooming. And a lot of what we're planting there is being moved from other parts of the yard where it's overcrowded. So, its recycling, actually.
We have planted small sections, so far, but a heat wave is keeping us waiting on moving forward.
I'm sure the neighbors are anxious to see what's next!

Counter Culture

2010-04-01T17:07:00.005-04:00

So it is week EIGHT of the kitchen renovation. Things are coming together now. We had about six weeks of tearing things out, one section at a time, so that we could use the kitchen as long as possible. That went ok, but was very messy and caused a mounting (or should I say "mountaining") accumulation of STUFF in the adjacent areas. We had to keep bringing stuff out of the parts that were being torn out every few days, and ran out of places to put it all.
But now that is done and we are beginning to put some of the stuff back in there. The floors are done. The new appliances are in and working, except for the dishwasher. We have cabinets in place, not all, but most of them. The soapstone is on order for the counters and sink. But, best of all, we have the custom reclaimed wood counter in place on the eating peninsula.
The peninsula, island, whatever you want to call it is something we knew we needed. When we put one in at the old house, it was so useful and perfect for our way of eating. So in this house, it was a part of the plan from the start.

We planned for a big counter and knew we wanted it to be topped with wood, comfortable to lean on and not cold like stone. We wanted an old wood with character, and hoped to find something reclaimed to "keep it green." I kept my eyes open on Craigslist and it finally paid off. I found a craftsman who was able to get his hands on some beautiful old chestnut beams from a 300 year old barn in Princeton, NJ - not far from here. And this craftsman, Josh has a similar aesthetic sense to ours, so we were able to "get on the same wavelength" right away.
And now it is done! It is the counter of our dreams, if we were going to dream about counters. It has style and presence and it has character and age. It even has wormholes. And it turns out, we love wormholes!

It looks great now, just imagine how perfect it will be when everything surrounding it is done.

Vintage Sunshine

2010-03-11T14:24:00.004-05:00

It's almost Spring! and I've been seeing a lot of sunshiny yellow around Etsy vintage lately. Something about that soft faded kind of yellow is just so soothing.
So in honor of the coming season, here are a few bits of vintage sunshine. Click each item to see the Etsy listing.

Handmade Girl's Easter Dress

Soft Boiled Eggs Salt and Pepper Shakers

Rooster Egg Plate

Deco Shakers and Egg Cup

Easter Basket Covered Dish

Golden Apple Shakers
Happy Spring!

Ties that Bind

2010-02-23T09:32:00.007-05:00

In my two years of selling my handmade creations on Etsy, I've encountered many different and interesting people. Occasionally, I have had the opportunity to touch their lives.
A young woman contacted me through Etsy, saying she was local and wanted to talk to me about a custom job. She had seen in my Fisheye Shop that I make all kinds of bags out of reused and upcycled materials, and had a special bag in mind as a gift for her mother.
Her father, who had recently passed away, had been a guy known for his colorful neckties. She had saved a box of his ties because they were such a special remembrance of him. What she had in mind was for me to make a tote bag for the mom highlighting some of the ties in a stylish way. She gave me specifications on size and shape, but left the design up to me.

I had a nice piece of charcoal pinstripe in my stash, so that is what I decided to use for a base. Using several of the ties in a cohesive color scheme, I made a design that is not at first recognized as neckties. Once I got going, I started to feel good that I would have some part in the healing of this family's loss. I sewed a secret heart inside the bag, for the woman to see each time she opened it.

With the leftover ends cut from the ties, I made a small clutch to go with the tote or for the daughter, herself, to keep.

This is the kind of work I really enjoy. If I make something unique and it is special to someone else, that's what it's all about.

A Paper Trail

2010-02-20T12:10:00.003-05:00

Home renovation can be a bit like an archeological dig. You make discoveries about past life in the region as you remove the layers built up over time. Here's what we've been discovering about our house.

Sometime around the 1930s the owners decided to spiff up the kitchen with this pinky-peach paper decorated with little patterns in tan or gold. It gave the room a real lift after 30 years of use. Those folks were looking for a soothing mood in the kitchen.

Around 1955-1960, the family that lived here chose this trendy paper with "early American" motifs, in the up-to-date colors of turquoise, salmon and olive green. This time we got a homey warm feel.

Late 60s or early 70s, it seems there was a shift to the earthy, Asian style of this paper covered in ferns on a bamboo lattice. And of course there was orange! A hippie chic tone!

Then we have the look that welcomed us when we moved in. This paper needs no introduction - its mauve and grey tones are quintessential 1980s. It's had a good run -- time to say goodbye!

I almost wish we were planning wallpaper in our design, just to carry on the tradition!

Dust

2010-02-19T15:40:00.005-05:00

Dawn to dusk, we are covered in dust.
When the moon comes up and sleep we must
We lay our heads on sheets of dust.
We wipe and sweep and make a fuss,
But the world seems filled with more, more dust.

The latest phase of our old house renovation is defined by dust. We have started on the kitchen redo, which began with removing a wall - a 100 year old plaster wall - a 9 1/2 foot tall wall, a wall that wanted to crumble to bits. That is a lot of dust!
Then we moved on to the ceiling, drywall over plaster - two big layers for more fun!

Stay tuned for more about the kitchen! I have to go sweep now.

Old House - New Bathroom

2010-01-29T20:51:00.004-05:00

When we moved into the new house, the first (and immediate) project was to complete the bathroom. The previous owner had demoed and had the room drywalled. The tub was in place, but nothing else. We moved into a house with only a powder room!

We chose travertine tile for the shower walls and floor with accents of green onyx. The onyx was a find when we tried to match the colors of the existing stained glass window - green, golden yellow and amber brown. None of the glass tile seemed to have the right intensity, but the onyx had a great blend of those colors.

We picked simple cleanlined fixtures and brushed nickel accessories.
We added a beadboard wainscot around the room and matched the house's existing moldings using some salvaged pieces from the basement and some new to fill in. Then we put up a vintage dresser mirror over the sink.

I think the room blends well with the age of the house, but looks fresh and modern at the same time.

New House - Old House

2010-01-26T11:04:00.007-05:00

It's been a looooong time since my last post, but there is a good reason. We sold a house, bought a house and moved to a new town.

First there was all the fixing up of our old house and preparing to sell. Then there was the big open house and selling it. Then the minor thing of sorting and packing 10 years of belongings.

We have moved into our new/old house and there is a lot to do here. We are busy in the new house, which, as you can see, is really an old house. It is 100 years old!

The previous owner was a wonderful lady who took extreme pride in her yard. It is filled with flower beds big and small. There is not one tiny spot that has not been planted with love and care. We are lucky to be able to take over this gift. We will have a lot to keep up with when Springtime comes!

Inside the house, we are making it our own, as they say. There are wonderful original Victorian features to work with - stained glass windows, chestnut woodwork, pocket doors. But there are also the quirks of an old building - sloping floors, crazy wiring, damp basement.

I will try to post a bit in the coming weeks about the progress we are making. Before and afters are always fun, aren't they?

New Rings From Old

2009-06-07T17:10:00.006-04:00

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

2009-05-31T09:57:00.007-04:00

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

2009-03-05T14:26:00.006-05:00

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

2009-02-16T08:17:00.007-05:00

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

2009-02-05T17:02:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-19T14:52:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-17T19:12:00.002-05:00

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

What do you do with Doilies?

2008-09-03T14:47:00.001-04:00

I've been sorting out my materials lately and one thing I have a lot of is doilies. Those silly, lacy, seemingly useless, but pretty bits of crochet, are everywhere!

So, here are a couple of ideas I had to use some of them. First I dyed some in pretty colors. I added one of the dyed doilies to a plaid skirt. I think it looks updated and handmade at the same time. Then I made a couple of scarves out of upcycled fabrics and added the doilies at each end as a ruffle or fringe detail. These have a fun look and can be worn in Fall when it's not really cold enough for a wool scarf.

Buttons

2008-08-16T20:18:00.003-04:00

I've been making buttons! Clay has turned out to be a great material for this project. I have experimented with different ways of texturizing and various glazing techniques. My favorites are the tree bark buttons!

Check out my buttons and other pottery accessories in my Etsy Shop!

Re-made Clothing

2008-07-20T11:18:00.000-04:00

I've been re-making clothes for a long time, mainly for friends, family, and the theater. I'd find garments in thrift stores with great fabrics and details and restyle them into one-of-a-kind pieces. I just started listing some new re-made Summer clothes for sale in my Etsy shop.A light and breezy Babydoll Top or Mini Dress $42
This is made from a sheer cotton India skirt and a silky poly tank top.
A fresh, soft 100% Linen Tunic Top $38
Made from a printed linen skirt and vintage cotton lace trim.
Lightweight 100% Linen Crop Jacket $44
This little jacket was made into a 3/4 sleeve style, trimmed with vintage floral cotton and vintage lace. Adorned with old wood toggles and a handmade brooch.

Little Houses in the Garden

2008-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

My little houses are multiplying fast! I don't seem to be able to stop making them. I started making these whimsical abodes in pottery class. Since it takes many steps to complete any pottery piece, I really get attached to each one during the process. They each have their own personality.
First I made a couple candle houses. As Spring began, I decided these same houses could add whimsey to a garden. From there I made a few Toad Houses, real homes for those friendly and useful critters. Now, I've started on bird houses.
Maybe these little houses are a good diversion from having to deal with my own house!

Little Bags

2008-02-17T08:51:00.005-05:00

I've been organizing again. Well, not organizing in the classic sense, but lets say moving the piles around. And I've come across lots of soft, springy fabrics and trims. I decided they would be great for little girls' Spring/Easter bags. I made a design that is lightweight and easy to carry, and can double as an Easter basket or gift bag.
It's important to me that these are one of a kind, so each has its own style. And since
they are small, I've been able to use some of my small pieces of material. I'll be listing them in my Etsy Shop as they are completed.

You can do that?

2008-02-09T10:46:00.001-05:00

You can make an XL tee shirt into a size small? Yes, you can. And it's easy.

Many times you have tee shirts (often giveaways for events, etc.) that are WAY too big. They just print a batch of XL and figure they will fit everyone. These shirts either get worn as sleepwear or sit around waiting to become rags.
But often the shirt is from something special you've done and you want to wear it. The answer is to make it your size. And you can do that! This is something I've done for my daughter, with shirts from some of her college events, making the shirts a part of her wardrobe rather than a gift to Goodwill.

This is a great job for a serger, but I use a zigzag stitch on my regular machine and it works fine. This could also be done by hand by any competent stitcher.
View step by step photos here.

Your most important tool is a shirt that fits; this will be your pattern.

Cut off the sleeves of the big shirt at the seams.
Lay the pattern shirt on the shirt folding sleeves up and out of the way. Match the shoulder seams of the two shirts.
Cut shirt approx. 1/4 inch larger than pattern at each side, and 3/4 inch longer at bottom.
Turn shirt inside out (right sides together in sewing talk) and pin the side seams from armpit to bottom.
Sew along pinned sides 1/4 inch from edge. Then turn up the bottom and stitch around hem.
For sleeves the shortening is done from the cut edge, you will keep the hem as is. Use pattern shirt to cut sleeves, match hems and cut top edge 1/4 inch longer. Then cut seamed edge to narrow the sleeve leaving 1/4 inch to sew
Turn sleeve right sides together and stitch underarm seam.
Turn sleeve right side out and pin inside shirt armhole opening. Match seam of sleeve with seam of shirt, make sure you have right sides together. Shirt is inside out, sleeve is rightside out, see photo.
Sew around pinned sleeve seam. This is not as hard as it looks. Just follow the edges around, and since fabric stretches it goes together easily.
Last step, cut out that size label!

Do Something New

2008-02-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

I recently started taking a pottery class. It's something I haven't done in many years, and when I did it I was never very good. Well, I'm still not producing anything very special, and you won't see photos of my work in this post. But, it is a fun, soothing, and destressing activity. I look forward to the class and I tell people all about it. I get to the studio and form blob after blob for my drying shelf.
Doing something new is remarkably invigorating. It seems to get a new part of the brain going. It doesn't matter what the activity is, it's the change that matters. So, do something new and give yourself a boost.
This beautiful bowl is by LAS Designs, clearly not a student in Pottery 101.

A Sampling from my Shop

2008-01-19T22:36:00.001-05:00

New to the Blog world

2008-01-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

This is my first entry on my first blog ever. I guess I will talk about my projects and observations about the world. I have been selling some of my bags and purses on Etsy for about 2 months now, and it seems like many of the artisans like blogging. I don't like to be left out, so here I am.