Christmas Wrap up!

Took the tree down this past weekend and attended the last Christmas party of the season. Finally, the cookie crumbs have settled. Now that all the gifts have been opened, I can share pictures of several that I made.

Vintage clear glass buttons make this icicle sparkle!  The buttons are strung on light blue embroidery floss.

This hanging snowman’s hat is actually a rosy color. Made of cotton quilt batting, I sprayed stiffener on the back of it to give it a little more structure.

Here’s a close up:

The Victorian Santa was made for my son. He’s patiently waited years for me to make it for him. I presented him with the basic Santa on Christmas morning and let him go through my bins of trims to choose what Santa would hold. 

I love writing my stories, but creating these items reminded me how much I also enjoy the process and satisfaction of  creating with my hands. Looking forward to 2015, there will be time spent in my craft corner.

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Spring Mantle

Sorted through my collection of vintage doilies and ladies hankies to create this mantle for the warmer weather. I didn’t want to make the commitment to permanently whitewash the large barn board frame, so I took white chalk and rubbed the frame to lighten it. The fourth hankie from the right – purple floral – is round!  The handkerchief in the hob nail fan shaped vase is extra large.

Made these pom-pom flowers after seeing them time and again on Pinterest.

Vintage buttons in an old Ball Mason Jar. The tiny pink buttons are mother of pearl that has been dyed.

 The pellet stove heats the entire house.

I have to admit, the mantle has turned into a ‘touchy feely’ attraction. Every time I go by, I rearrange folds or fluff a pom pom. Who knew it would become interactive decor.

Mixed Media Cards

I love these! Could it be because I got to play with my stash of fabric and vintage buttons?

Layers include fabric, printed paper, tissue paper from an old pattern and cheese cloth. Cut small, medium and large flowers and circles (I used Sizzix dies – Flower Layers and Circles #2 – but cutting shapes free hand would work just as well.) then stack with the largest on the bottom and smallest on the top. Add a bit of cheese cloth at the bottom and between one of the layers. Sew a button in the center to hold the stack together and soak with spray starch. Pinch and scrunch to shape the flower, then let dry overnight.

Center a 2′ Glubers on the embossed background (Cuttlebug’s Textile folder). Add bits of ribbon, yarn, lace and beads around the edge of the Gluber. Then press the flower into the center.

Easy and fun!

Penny Rug

Finished my Penny Rug. I’m happy with the way it came out. I used vintage mother of pearl buttons in the center of each ‘penny’. It measures 15″x9″.