Scraps Made Pretty

Last night I had my sewing machine out preparing for a class. I was going to be sewing some burlap and I wanted to test the tension on the machine with a rectangular{ish} scrap piece. I ran down one side and adjusted the machine and then down another side. What I had was a pocket that I didn't plan on making. I cast the scrap aside and continued with my class prep. Later as I was cleaning up I looked around for a use for my not-so-perfect pocket. That's when I spied the vase of flowers on the table. It was a bit of a tight squeeze but i pulled it up around the neck of the vase and what an adorable little slipcover it made! Figuring I'd gone that far I added a crocheted ribbon and a flea market brooch. Not sure why I never intentionally thought to do this but I love it and it was so simple!

Nested Goods

It's been awhile since I've shared some projects. I taught this shadow box of nested goods this past Saturday. I'm thinking about teaching it again at a future studio class. Here is a picture of the contents.



I never tire of these old doll heads...



this compartment was so pretty I wanted to leave it empty...



old accoutrements...



an interesting floating glass glittered frame...



wonderful old fabric measuring tape...



special buttons on button cards...



closure and closed box...





I really enjoyed making this box. Lately I'm all about making things that I'm going to use, not just admire. I decided this box is just the thing to rotate some of my "better" finds in and out of. Where do you put the button that was $8.00 at the flea market? Not in the jar of 1,584 regular buttons that you have right? Or a trim that is wonderful but old, old, old. Some things deserve a special place to live until the right project comes along don't you think?

I just got my preview for the 40x40 canvas that I ordered here for my living room wall. I really liked that they were willing to customize it with my favorite scripture.



Last night was my last night alone with the kids. My husband has been working nights for the past two months since his old work closed and he starts a new job on Monday! {3 days on and 4 days off, that lucky dog!}. I'm SO happy to have help again with the kids in the evenings. Oh yeah, and to see him again too! We are blessed.

Cheddar Pear Pie

I've been craving this pie for weeks and I finally made one tonight. Using pears instead of apples gives it a more subtle sweetness and the cheese topping is a bit salty so it's got alot goin on. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try making one for your peeps:

Ingredients:

4 large ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 c sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1 unbaked pastry shell {9 inch}

Topping:

1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c flour
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine pears, sugar, cornstarch and salt; toss gently to coat. Pour into pastry shell,

For topping, combine the cheese, flour, sugar and salt; stir in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling.

Bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

If you try the recipe be sure and let me know how you liked it!

80's Lady

It's already abundantly clear that I love all things vintage but I also cannot resist fun things like this new line, "Dreamland", by Paperchase. When I picked up these stickers {I know, stickers...} my mind snapped back to 1985. I was making myself a bologna sandwhich in my grandma's kitchen watching MTV swiggin a Jolt cola with the summer sun coming through the backdoor. Oh good times I tell ya! Of course I've already laughed at myself thinking, "what can I stick these on?".

One things for sure though, I married the right man. As I type he's on the couch admiring his new 70th anniversary edition Daisy Red Ryder BB gun that he got today. I wonder if we have anything flourescent that we can put on?

This Cart Is Full!

I'm not sure I can cram anything more into the shopping cart I use to store all of the offerings I sell during my workshops. I've been busy packaging up this and that and a few flea market finds. One of the items, the doll head, is for my friend Carole. She wanted me to be on the lookout at the flea for one for her studio and I found one. I've also added lots more music paper from the 40's as well as the most adorable tiny metal cameras from the 50's. I made one into an ornament for my mini tree and I love it. I didn't think to snap a picture of it to show you but I will this weekend when I post again.

It's My Birthday I Can Lie If I Want To

I'm kidding. I'm tempted to tell you that I'm 29 today but I'm 37. This past week I actually forgot if I was turning 36 or 37 and had to do the math. By the way, I don't eat my birthday Sundae's that way anymore (ok I still get all up in a Sundae but I do use my hands now).

I think the thing that amazes me more each year is how sentimental I've become. I've always felt like I've possessed a lot of strength personally. Even in early adulthood, I was bent but would not break. I've never been much of a crier, in good times or bad. It's not that I have anything against it it's just not been my way. That has slowly changed over the past couple of years and I often find myself getting that warning sign where your nose starts to burn a little bit and then your eyes water up right afterwards. I decided to drive past my grandparents old house the other day when I happened to be going that direction. As I turned down their street I just couldn't stop the tears from coming. A rush of memories came, one after another. When I put my handprint in the concrete, the front window that was broken, running through the sprinkler in the front yard and covering the sidewalk in chalk. So many days full of love that shaped my life.

My kids really bring it on too. My middle boy who's 5 looks like he could have been my twin brother. His little face reminds me everyday of my same mirrored reflection that I saw when I'd comb my hair or brush my teeth. Some days it feels like just yesterday and some days it feels like it was all a movie that I saw. I could only hope for 37 more years as good as the ones I've had.

I leave you with this hilarious picture taken the same day as the one above. This was the little boy that lived next door to my grandma. Check out his hand on my boob, I'm CLEARLY not happy about it. Look at my fist! You can tell I'm thinkin, "don't make me rip these pearls off and punch you in the neck".

I'm A Guest Curator This Week

I'm so excited to be a guest curator over at CRESCENDOh this week! Check it out here. Pop over there, my bunny cake story will make you laugh.