Mamas*Little*Treasures

More Monday Projects: Sweet Sachet Pillows

How is it that a week can just fly right by and I didn't even see it?  This past couple of weeks have been filled with so many other demands on my time that I barely remember the fleeting moments since last Monday.  Oh well, it's Monday again   ;o)  and here I am, trying to catch my breath and get back to doing what I love.  Here in my little Cyber Corner of the World I can share all of my creative projects and ideas, as well as tell you all about the fun things that are going on.  For today, however, I'll just share a couple of things with you . . . . here are the sweet sachet pillows that I'm making for Valentine's Day.  These are for the Eclectic Artisans Team Valentine's Challenge. 

I've been wanting to make some of these ever since Grandma brought us a couple of these wonderful warming pillows that are filled with dry corn.  On these bitterly cold, frosty nights, it really warms up your toes if you take one of these (very practical) little bags of corn, pop it into the microwave for about 3 - 4 minutes and then put it in your bed down by your frozen piggies   ;o)   Warms you right up! 

Well, I thought how fun it would be to make something similar, but a bit more feminine (of course!) that could be used for those of us who sometimes experience migraine headaches.  These pretty little sachet pillows are filled with rice, so they work the same way as the corn does, but the rice doesn't have that homey, cornbread smell.  Which is not a BAD smell, it's just that I thought I could use rice and then add some sachet beads to make the pillows smell really nice.  Kind of like aromatherapy in a bag! 

So, I experimented with several different designs, and I have many more ideas in my head (as usual!), but here are the first three that I made.  I wanted to make a simple pillow that could be used without the little pillow case, but also have the pretty covering so that these pretty pillows could be kept out on your bed or dresser. 

The plan is to make one of these for each of my daughters with their initial on them to make it more personalized.  These are great for warming up and placing on your forehead when you have a headache . . . . I especially use mine with a sinus headache.  Just one  more fun way to make the world a more beautiful place!  I'll post the tutorial later this week,  so please stop back soon because I have lots more news to share with you about new eBooks, tutorials, and even an eZine project that you could get involved with if you want to.  Hopefully this week will slow down so that I can at least remember what happens   ;o)   Chat tomorrow, N

Just a little more sugar won't hurt . . . .

We really have been trying to make healthier choices in all areas of our lives this past year . . . . trying to eat right, get more exercise, minimize stress and anxiety, get enough sleep . . . . and most of the time we do quite well, actually!  Occasionally, however, we all get a bit off track, and with the holidays and all of the yummy stuff to eat that seems to magically appear this time of year, we are all hitting the bottom of the sugar crash. 

Monday things will be back on schedule.  Daddy will be back to work, the girls will be back in school, and I will be back to . . . . . . sanity!!!   ;o)   But for this weekend, our next youngest daughter and her family will be here this afternoon until Monday morning, with three children under the age of 5!  So I have a few more hours of wild and crazy, chaotic fun before things settle down. 

In the meantime, I finished up the Danish Puff that we always make on New Year's weekend - sometimes we have it for a special brunch on New Year's Day, but this year we are saving it for a special brunch tomorrow with all of kids and grandbabies.  Just another one of those family traditions that seem to mean so much to us, and perhaps the kind of thing that you love, too.  If you are still looking for one more special recipe to add to your holiday traditions, this one is so easy!  You will be surprised, however, how yummy it is.  Actually the only sugar is in the almond glaze that is swirled over the top.  This recipe originally came from Great Grandma Steed who loved to bake.  Another one of her specialties was Peanut Brittle.  We didn't get that made this year, but I'm definitely going to make some next year! 

I also found the recipe in my trusty old Betty Crocker Cookbook, so that's a double confirmation that this is a very special recipe!  It would really be a great treat for any special brunch or breakfast, not just at New Year's celebrations.  This would make a wonderful addition to an Easter breakfast, or Mother's Day treat, or any other special occasion that your family celebrates.  

Great-Grandma's Danish Puff

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup flour

2 T. water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup water

1 t. almond extract

1 cup flour

3 eggs

*  Almond Glaze

*  Chopped nuts

Step 1:  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut 1/2 cup butter into 1 cup flour.  Sprinkle 2 T. water over mixture; mix.  

 

Step 2:  Round into ball; divide in half.  On ungreased baking sheet, lay out two sheets of tinfoil to make individual baking "pans." 

Pat each half into oval shape, approximately 4" wide X 8" or 9" long.  Fold tinfoil up around each dough oval to make a small edge.

 

Step 3:  Heat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to rolling boil in medium saucepan.  Remove from heat and quickly stir in almond extract and 1 cup flour.

Step 4:  Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. 

Remove from heat and beat in eggs, all at once, until smooth and glossy. 

Step 5:  Divide  mixture in half; spread each half evenly over strips. 

 

Step 6:

  Bake about 60 minutes or until topping is crisp and brown.  Cool.  (Topping will shrink and fall, forming the custardy top of this puff.)

Step 7:

  Frost with Almond Glaze and sprinkle generously with nuts.

* Almond Glaze:

  Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2 T. butter or margarine, softened, 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract and 1 - 2 T. milk or water until smooth and of spreading consistency. 

 

*  If you want to wrap them up for gift-giving, the little tinfoil "pans" make it very easy to pick them up, put them in individual plastic bags, and tie up with a festive ribbon.

And there you have a beautiful Danish Puff with very little effort!  Have fun on this last few hours of celebration before life returns to normal . . . . . but perhaps we should all make a commitment to celebrate EVERY day in 2010 for all of our blessings and even for the difficulties, because they always bring us opportunities for new open doors.  We'll chat about that more next week!  Until then, hugs and happiness for this day    ;o) 

You can still get this finished before Christmas!

Just in case there is still one more name on your gift list, and you can't figure out what you can possibly give to that person . . . . here's an idea that might be perfect!  Well, of course it depends on WHO that person is, but often times we have people in our lives who really don't NEED anything; they seem to already have everything that they need and want; and yet you still want to give them a little something to show them how much you love them.  This Vintage Collage Wallhanging is so super simple that you could whip it up this afternoon and take it to Grandma's Christmas Dinner or even to the family Christmas Eve get-together. 

This project is really quite beautiful, and it is very personalized . . . . and it can be as creative as you are!  But it really works best if you give it to someone you love who tends to be rather sentimental   ;o)   especially for Grandmas, Mamas, Aunts, or Sisters.  But you could also make something up for Grandpa or Daddy, especially if he has a hobby or a sports interest.  Our Grandpa really loves John Deere tractors.  So we could make up a collage for him using images of tractors, and then include pictures of him in his younger days with one of his tractors . . . . or perhaps you could make a collage with a poem that Aunt Sally wrote once upon a time . . . . or a song that Uncle Bob wrote back in 1962 and include a picture of him with his favorite guitar.  So many different ways that this project could be interpreted! 

I decided to use a favorite family recipe that has become a traditional treat, especially at birthdays, but has even been included in a couple of family weddings.  This is my original recipe for Waldorf Astoria Red Cake.  I wrote this recipe down over 30 years ago, given to me by a special aunt on my husband's side of the family.  For many years after that, we would always have Red Cake for every birthday celebration.  And it became one of our most important traditions.  Every time I would pull those recipe cards out of my recipe box, I would think that I really needed to re-write the recipe down on a new card, because it was getting so old, tattered, and worn.  If you look closely, you will see that there are stains from all the years of use when children would spill vanilla or smear buttery fingers over the card.  In one place, you can even see some tiny scribbles in a childish hand. 

I realized that these cards are truly a treasure just the way they are!  But the originals won't last forever, but the memories will . . . . and one way to keep those memories alive is to preserve them today.  So, go ahead and be creative with your design, and use whatever treasured momentos you have in your family, and make a collage that will preserve those memories for generations to come. 

Vintage Collage Wallhanging 

Supplies: 

* Frame 

* Vintage momentos such as pictures, images, baseball cards, tickets, tags, anything that you might use to create a scrapbook page 

*  Glue or acid-free scrapbooking tape 

* Acid-free scrapbooking paper  

* Various trims and embellishments such as stickers, tags, puzzle pieces 

* Vintage buttons 

Step 1:

  You can either use the original momentos or make photo copies of them on acid-free paper.  

Step 2:  Cut out the copies or using the originals, mount them on acid-free scrapbooking paper in a coordinating color of your choice. 

Step 3:  Place objects on acid-free paper background.  Include any additional paper shapes or designs to complete your composition. 

 

 

 

Step 4:  Add any additional ephemera or embellishments desired.  I also added a small notation in the corner of each of my wallhangings with the date and that it was from me, Mom! 

Step 5:  When your collage is complete, place it into the frame and lock the back into place. 

Step 6:  If desired, you can embellish the frame with vintage buttons, lace, or ribbons. 

This is such a quick and easy project, but it shares treasured moments and family traditions with someone you love very much . . . . or several someones, as in my case I made one of these collages for each of my adult children and their families.  They will all remember the family tradition, as they have all carried on the tradition in their own homes.   Such a personal gift for anyone who shares a love of family traditions, whether it be our parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren . . . . . really anyone you want to tell, "I love you, and I remember all the special times we have shared together."  Have a wonderful Christmas with those you love . . . . and remember that the giving is what makes your heart glow with the warmth of family, friendship, and the love of our Heavenly Father.  Blessings this day! 

Lost in a Blizzard of Creative Beauty

Even my girls have been overcome by the spirit of creativity these past few wintry days!  And even though it is still two weeks until Christmas, they are really getting in the mood of the holidays with their own creative projects.  This morning they were painting on tin foil . . . . that was their idea, and then they decided to include a few paper plates in their artistic adventures.  I will post some pictures of their beautiful designs later today, but just wanted to let you all know that I'm still busy sending out the eBook patterns for the teacup pincushions and the applique projects.  If you posted a comment and I have not gotten your eBook off to you, I will be working on that this afternoon again and hope to have them all sent out by tomorrow.  I hope!  Thank you again for your wonderful response - and please stop back because I have so many ideas that I want to share with you   ;o) 

Today I have a couple of other ideas that I will be writing up into tutorials this weekend (after I get ALL of the current requests filled!) and should have the new eBooks ready by next week sometime.  I'll keep you posted on my progress!  In the meantime, the girls and I have a couple of recipes we want to try this afternoon, including the Candy Cane Fudge recipe that I found online, AND we really want to finish up with our holiday home decorations. 

Here's the goal that is keeping me moving forward on all of these projects:  I know that many of us are struggling to make a joyous holiday for our families in the midst of a recession.  Many of our families have lost jobs this past year, and even if some people are finally finding work again, it is going to take quite a while to recover from the months and months of falling behind . . . . much less having funds to purchase gifts at Christmas.  So . . .. I've suddenly had so many ideas of things that we could make for the people that we love, and not only stay on our budget but also let the people in our lives know how much they mean to us. 

Think about it - perhaps it would really be nice to be able to give an expensive gift, but remember that when you give someone a gift that you made yourself, there is a deeper message that we give.  When you give a gift that you created, and invested the time, energy, thought, and love into it, that speaks so clearly of your genuine love.  So whatever your financial circumstances this holiday season, here are a few more ideas of ways to share the true spirit of Christmas and relieve some of the anxiety of worrying about money.  Let's create a place of peace and simplicity and give a gift that will be remembered long after the Christmas decorations are put away for the year.  Give someone you love a treasure from your heart and your hands, and make it yourself!

 

I've been working on the crazy-patch piece journal covers and fiber art bookmarks, as well as the Christmas Tree table runner.  Either one of these projects can easily be made up in an afternoon and they are made from snippets and scraps of fabric, ribbon, lace, vintage buttons, beads, charms . . . . and the sewing machine!  Super simple, really inexpensive, and great fun to make as a gift or even for yourself!  I'm working on getting them written up, just as soon as I send out all of the rest of the other eBooks and tutorials.  Let me know what you think . . . . 'cuz I've got several more ideas in my little brain and can't wait to share them with you!  Have a wonderful Thursday and stay warm   ;o)  

PS If you want to see more pictures of the crazy patch journal, take a peek at my Etsy shop.  They are all custom-made to order and this one is sold, but you will be able to see a few more pictures. 

Old friends and family traditions make holiday memories

In my recipe card file, I have many recipes that have been handed down to me over the years from the grandmas, moms, aunts, sisters, cousins, and treasured friends.  When I went through the recipe card box yesterday, I was reminded that even the box was a gift!  It must be at least 30 or 35 years old, and it was given to me one Christmas by my sister-in-law. 

It is a beautiful wooden box with a charming picture decoupaged on the top.  That is ONE way I KNOW that it is at least 30 years old   ;o)   But it brings back so many memories every time I open it  . . . . and I keep it right on my kitchen counter.  It has always been on my kitchen counter, no matter where we have lived over those 30 years of making memories.  But when I open that treasured little box, so many more memories come alive in my heart and in my mind!  This holiday season, for the first time in a couple of years, I'm really in the mood to do some holiday baking, and I want to share that with my readers who also treasure the simple, homemade joy of family, friendships, traditions and memories. 

The first recipe I wanted to share today is one that I have made frequently over the years, but not nearly so often as one of my oldest and dearest friends, Auntie Ellen.  Now, of course, she really isn't my children's aunt, biologically speaking . . . but we have been friends since our oldest children were babies, and that is a LONG time! 

We walked with each other through some dark and painful days, and we celebrated together in the joyous moments that make motherhood a bittersweet gift.  We've just always been there for each other, and I'm sure you have a friend or two like Ellen . . . . . no matter how long it has been since you've chatted over a cup of coffee, whispering and giggling like two school girls, as soon as I hear her voice, we just pick up again as if we had just finished our previous conversation a minute or two ago.  Auntie Ellen makes her Creamy Caramels every year for her entire family . . . . which always includes us, of course . .. . and she has done that for so many years, I don't even know how long this recipe has actually been a tradition in her family! 

I should ask her where she got the recipe.  Maybe it was one that was handed down to her from her mom, or her grandma.  But the story of Auntie Ellen's Creamy Caramels in our family is that, ever since she started making these wonderful little yummy delights and giving them to us at the holidays, I knew that I needed to get the recipe from her.  So, after a few years when I was looking for another great holiday recipe, I called up Auntie Ellen and she gave me the recipe.  And we've been making these caramels ever since! 

Of course, I always look forward to getting Auntie Ellen's caramels, because they are so much better than mine   ;o)   But we keep practicing, and one day ours might be almost as good as hers!  Here is the recipe, and since I didn't have any pictures (yet) of my family making our caramels this year, I found a similar recipe at "How to Make Caramels," by Elizabeth LaBau, and have included a few of the pictures that you can find there.  Please take a peek around that website, and you'll find lots of really fun holiday recipes.  I've actually decided to try out a couple new recipes this year with the girls, because you can never have too many traditions, especially at the holidays!

Auntie Ellen's Creamy Caramels

*  2 cups sugar

*  3/4 cup light corn syrup

*  2 cups light cream (20%)

*  1/2 cup butter

Butter square pan, 8 X 8 X 2 inches, or line pan with tinfoil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Combine sugar,corn syrup, butter and half the cream in large saucepan.  Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir in remain cream.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to 245 degrees on a candy thermometer (or until a small amount ofmixture droppedinto very cold water forms a firm ball.  This is the way my mama always did it!) 

Immediately spread mixture evenly in pan.  Cool. Cut into 1" squares.  Makes about 5 dozen candies.  You can wrap the individual caramels in squares of wax paper or tinfoil to keep them from sticking to each other and to hold their shape. 

 

 

Thank you to Elizabeth LaBau for the beautiful pictures!  Please visit her website to find so many more great holiday recipes . . . I wonder if she knows Auntie Ellen, too?    ;o) 

Sweet and Simple Holiday Gift Projects You Can Make TODAY!

Looking for a few ideas for your holiday gift-giving projects that you can make yourself?  But you don't have lots of extra time or money?  Here is a fun little pincushion that you can make with items your either already have on hand, or that you can pick up very inexpensively at your local thrift shop.

One of these sweet little teacup pincushions would make the perfect gift for your mom, grandma, sister, cousin, friend .... for any one of the special women in your life!  Even if this special girlfriend isn't much of a seamstress, these pincushions are a delightful addition to any desktop or dresser, to hold earrings, pins, necklaces, rings or any other other little "stuff" that gets tossed up there. 

All of these beautiful pincushions are created from lovely teacups and saucers that were discovered on my thrift shop adventures, and then with a little bit of fabric and ribbon, a few beads and buttons, a hot glue gun, and some extra-long straight pins, these lonely little teacups have been resurrected into gorgeous gifts for the holidays! 

If you would like to make your own teacup pincushion, just leave a comment below and I will send the eBook off to you today   ;o)  

Also, in addition to the eBook on how to make these delightful teacup pincushions, I will include the tutorial on making the elegant stick pins that you can make to include with the pincusion for your gift-giving this holiday season.  

 Super simple . .. . really quick and easy .. . . and these little pincushions will fit just about anyone's budget! 

And if you are looking for more eBook patterns to guide you along the way in making the most of your sewing skills in creating clothing for your children, please visit my Etsy shop, mamas*little*treasures where you'll find lots of great ideas to inspire YOUR creative spirit!

What's up with all these shoes, anway?

We've all heard about Imelda Marcos and her fascination with shoes.  Well, lots of us have, if we're over the age of 30   ;o)  and I don't remember too much about the whole story, except that here was a woman who had so many shoes that there was never going to be the possibility that she could wear them all, even if she only wore each pair one time in her entire life!  Or something like that.  At least, Mrs. Marcos owned thousands of pairs of shoes.  Why?  What is it about shoes that causes women to spend their last dime to purchase yet another pair of shoes?  What is our fascination with our feet? 

And when you look at the gazillions of different shoes designs, it almost makes your mind go numb.  Who would think that there could be SOOOOO many angles and visions of glorious gorgeousness for something that we put on our feet, for goodness sake!  I think that the original intent of shoes was simply a covering and protection for those overworked, under-appreciated little tootsies of the cave men and women.  You know, animal skins sewn together with strips of tree bark, or perhaps slabs of ancient wood strapped on to those prehistoric piggies with lengths of goat hide.  Who knows for sure, but we've come a very long way, baby, from those days of practical, if imperfect, footwear.

Now, I've never been much of a fashion diva, having come from a background where clothing was for the purpose of modesty, safety, and occasionally warmth.  However, I've always had this "thing" for shoes.  Where did that come from?  So, when I began to notice that I am finding more and more beautiful vintage and "almost vintage" shoes while out and about on my treasure hunting expeditions, I started to think about my own fascination with shoes.  As I was out in the studio the other day, meticulously snipping lace and stitching embellishments to my latest pair of decorated shoes, I suddenly recalled a time from long ago.  It was a memory surrounding my shoes (or in this particular case, the lack thereof) that helped me connect some of the dots about my obsession with shoes. 

Sometimes it is a good thing to think about who you are and how you got to be who you are . . . . . and examine some of the memories that might have triggered your little idiosyncracies.  You know you have them.  We all do.  Kind of like the time the therapist told me, "The good news is, you're not psychotic."  Whew!  That was a relief!  Here all along I thought I was the Wild-Eyed Wacko Woman Pretending to be Someone's Mother, when all along I'm just normal.  Well, sort of.  Then he said, "But the bad news is, your ARE neurotic."  Uh-oh!  "Now what am I going to do?" I thought.  But then he cleared it right up for me:  "Yep, you are neurotic, but so is everyone else!"  I AM normal, after all!  That was a great day in the life of this Wild-Eyed Wacko Woman Who Really IS Someone's Mother.  Whether they claim me, or not.  It's a done deal.

So . . . . . back to the shoe fetish thing.  I remembered the time, when I was about 10 or 11, that I had this great pair of loafers.  I know, that was a long time ago.  Just stay with me here.  You know, those beautiful brown penny loafers, with a little slot on the front where you really could slide in a penny.  They had just the perfect flat heel, so they were very comfy, and the front of the loafers had this magnificent stitching all around the toes, attaching the top of the shoe to the sides.  That stitching was so amazing!  And I really loved those shoes!   I probably really did have another pair of shoes somewhere, or I certainly could have gotten another pair at the local thrift shop for .25 or .50 . . . . but that didn't matter to me at the time.  For all I could care, those penny loafers were the ONLY pair of shoes I owned. 

So, every afternoon I would come home from school, take off my loafers and run around the house in my stocking-feet.  Made my mom nuts, because I ruined so many pair of socks, but what's a kid supposed to do?  I guesss I could have put on house slippers, like my mom did, but what the heck!  I was a kid   ;o)   And every night, before I went to bed, I took a needle and thread, doubled up for durability of course, and stitched up those penny loafers.  Because, once the original stitching wore out, the thread I was using wasn't very strong, and they would inevitably come undone throughout the course of the school day.  I remember stitching up those wonderful penny loafers for a long time.  Because I just LOVED those shoes! 

Ever since I was a little girl, for some reason shoes have held quite a fascination for me.  I wonder if it is because I didn't have many beautiful shoes when I was younger.  But maybe not, because there are millions of women who have an obsession with shoes, and they've had more gorgeous shoes than they will ever wear in a lifetime of plodding through the ancient remains of prehistoric caves while wearing boots made of animal skins tied together with strips of bark . . . . and still the shoe fetish remains.  What the heck is that all about, anyway?  If you have any clues, I'm open to suggestions!

If you have a fascination with fun, funky, dramatic, romantic, and just generally unique shoes, please visit my Etsy shop to see my collection of gorgeously embellished vintage and "almost vintage" shoes:     I promise, you won't be disappointed in all of the gorgeous shoes you will find there!  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and remember to  be grateful for what you HAVE and don't let yourself focus on what you DON'T have.  It's a waste of time . . . . that you could be spending on finding another pair of amazing shoes!  Maybe a pair of vintage penny loafers . . . . . .

My philosophy of "Old Stuff"

I've always known (kind of) about the Chinese culture, which holds great reverence for their ancestors and elderly relatives.  So much so, that sons of Chinese families, traditionally, care for their aging parents, while daughters typically marry into another family and help care for the aging parents of their husbands.  With this tradition in mind, I think often of my own daughters and what their lives would be like if they had remained in China.  I am not suggesting that this Chinese tradition is not as good as our American traditions . . . . far from it!  If our elderly relatives were treated with the same level of respect as is shown to the "senior citizens" of China, well we just might be having a different kind of discussion about health care, nursing homes, and the "sandwich generation." 

So there is definitely something to be said in favor of the social and cultural value that is placed on older people in China.  Of course the other side of that observation is that, when this tradition is followed closely, it severely limits options for the women of that country.  On the other hand, sometimes all of the "opportunities" that are available to American young people are not always safe, healthy, or wise.  But that is another discussion . . . . . all of this got me to thinking (again) about how we, as Americans, have for so long been pursuing the dream of having it all. 

And the problems that it has created for people who have been fortunate to have ALMOST all (of whatever they are seeking), and now are faced with the reality of a struggling economy.  Many of us simply can no longer spend our Saturday afternoons wandering around in a huge mall, with cheery music tempting us to feel all warm and fuzzy as we rack up those $$$$ on our charge cards.  We can always pay it off later!  Unfortunately, "later" has caught up with us, and it is not much fun for many Americans. 

My girls will often ask me, "Mom, did you have M&Ms when you were a kid?" or "Was there TV around when you were a kid?" or other equally wise observations from their perspective.  And I will tell them the truth . . . . . yep, those things "were around" but I didn't have nearly as much of it as they do.  And I lived to tell about it!  For some people, that overwhelming desire to have more stuff, new stuff, expensive stuff, and beautiful stuff becomes almost like a noose around the neck.  It becomes all-consuming, to the point of destroying marriages and forcing people into bankruptcy. 

Now, all of us have faced financial struggles at some point in our lives . . . . . and some end up needing to file bankruptcy for very legitimate reasons.  That is not the point of this thought process.  It is about the mindless consumption of material goods that has become such an accepted part of the "American Dream."  So, when I chatted with one of my older daughters about how difficult it is to keep going when there is just never enough money to go around, we came to the conclusion that there are millions of people right now who are actually in more difficult circumstances than we are encountering, and that there are also millions of Americans who lived through the Great Depression . . . . . and they survived.  Not only did they survive, many became stronger, more independent, more resourceful, and more joyful directly in proportion to their determination to be thankful for what they had.  No matter how simple, they learned to appreciate the little things in life. 

So, when one of our nieces posted a comment on my FB page about my ability to take "old stuff" and make it into something kind of cool (or something like that!), it reminded me of a conversation I had with my mother-in-law over 30 years ago.  Even back then, she made the observation that I "could make a beautiful home out of just about nothing."  My philosophy all of my life has been, a coat of paint doesn't cost much and it will make a whole room feel brand-new!  As I carry that philosophy of "old stuff" over into my daily life, I am continually confronted with the ways in which we so often just "throw away" things that are no longer brand-new (well, actually some of it IS brand-new, as evidenced by the number of gorgeous items I find in thrift shops that still have the tags attached!) - but we've grown tired of it, or it is no longer the "latest fashion." 

And that attitude carries over into our lives as we encounter people . . . . those who are older, or a bit slower, or perhaps can't "snap it up" to our level of expectation.  I see it frequently when we are out with our daughter, Missy Stubborn-Pants.  She WILL do it herself, even when it takes her a bit longer than most other kids because of her CP.  Stubborn in that case is a good thing (of course, it sometimes makes me crazy, like when it is time for school and she somehow thinks that just because she is determined to zip her own coat, that will change what time the bell rings!).  Anyway, I've been thinking about "old stuff," perhaps more so because I just had a birthday last week   ;o)  but I've recognized that one of the reasons that I love vintage stuff, and fixing up "old stuff" so much is because I see so much waste in our society. 

 I think it is time for us all to re-think our own "philosophy of old stuff" and begin to get a bit more comfortable with the treasures that can be discovered in all things "vintage."  Including Grandma and Grandpa!   Have a blessed Monday!  I'm off to the studio to fix up some more "old stuff" because it seems that there are at least a few folks out there in the world who like my style! 

Please visit my little Etsy shop at www.gossamerwingsstudio.etsy.com to see more of my "old stuff" that I have turned into beautiful "new stuff" - you won't be disappointed!    

Thrifty Thursday Ideas for Autumn

Well . . . . it's been quite a week around here!  Actually it has been more like two weeks since I've had the time and / or energy to update my blog.  And then, just when I thought things were getting kind of "normal," my computer started giving me a little attitude.  So, I took it back in to the computer shop today, and the tech spent about an hour and a half with me, explaining all kinds of things.  Including the possibility that somehow my resolution was set too high  (who knew?  not me obviously) and then he reset it for me.  He did a bunch of other magic hocus pocus, carried it out to my car, and wouldn't let me pay him anything for his time.  "I didn't do anything," he said.  I guess when I'm ready to upgrade my computer, you know where I'll be going! 

When I got home with my pride and joy, we set it up and voila!  Good as new!  Finally, I can get caught up on a bunch of stuff that needs to be done.  I've been working on hubby's laptop, and it makes me crazy!  When you are used to having a mouse, and then try to use that silly little finger doo-dad, I just wouldn't be able to work for the amount of time needed to do everything that needed to be done.  So, here I am finally, getting caught up!  I've got a writing project that is due in a few days, and eBooks that need to be sent out, and Etsy listings that need to be put up.  And when all of that stuff was in THIS computer, I just had to wait until it came home. 

One of my projects in the next few weeks is posting all of the gorgeous vintage, and almost vintage items that I have discovered recently.  Once I am officially finished with my JOB, I am going to be so busy working on new designs and embellishment projects,  that I want to get as much of this stuff listed and available as possible.  With the economy still struggling, and people still needing to find ways to stay on their family budgets, I am committed to offering beautiful clothing at very reasonable prices.  I read a sign today that said "Recession 101:  One thing to remember about recessions:  they always end."  I think we all need to be reminded of that, as well as the fact that 10% unemployment equals 90% employment.  But that doesn't help when YOU are the one without a job and trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage and buy groceries. 

Here are just a few of the transition items that are available in my Etsy shop and my Bonanzle shop.  I will also be working on a little shop at

www.1000markets.com  and www.marketpublique.com  this fall.  I'll keep you posted on my progress!  Have a great Thursday, and I hope to be back tomorrow with more great ideas for a recession-proof autumn wardrobe. 

I don't know why . . . . red just seemed like a good color for today! 

Frugal Friday: Thrifty Treasures and Your Creativity

Find something beautiful and create a little corner of charm!  Especially if you have small children, and you really can't have your entire home filled with nostalgic, vintage treasures.  And then there is the whole dusting thing   ;o)  But if you love the look of days gone by, or even if you are more into the kitschy kind of decorating style of the 50s . . . . just start in one corner, with one or two small pieces and build around whatever you have. 

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed when we try to re-create some of the ideas that we see in decorating magazines.  And I think that might be because in a magazine article you typically see lots of beautiful home decor items all staged together to be attractive.  Why would be buy the magazine if the pictures weren't that gorgeous?  But normal families with kids, a dog and a cat (or two, or more, and whoever else lives in YOUR house!), with a real job (inside or outside the home), bills to pay, a lawn to mow, and muddy boots and mittens piling up in the kitchen during the winter months . . . . well, it is just not NORMAL for our houses to look like those pictures in the magazines!

But we can re-create the peaceful or whimsical or funky or elegant ambiance that we love, even if we focus on just a corner or two.  Besides it is so much easier to dust that way   ;o)  So here's a place to start if you are:

1)  Limited on expendable income (who isn't these days?) . . .

2)  Loving the look of orderly elegance, vintage charm, or wonderful whimsey . . .

3)  Looking for a way to incorporate YOUR personality into a crazy, kid-filled house . . . .

4)  Launching out on the beginnings of a collection of treasures to display . . . .

5)  Lacking the time and / or resources to "do it all" at once.

One day, a long time ago, when I really had very few options for updating my wardrobe (this really does relate to the topic at hand . . . . but then it could also be the beginning of another Frugal Friday blog post), I decided to try something different.  So, I pulled everything out of my closet, sorted it all out, tried it all on, and then rearranged everything that I could think of!  Instead of this skirt with that sweater, how about THAT skirt with THIS sweater?  And would that jacket look good over that dress to make a completely new outfit?  A red ribbon from my sewing room was added to a simple white sweater to create a sweet little bow at the neckline, and now it really looked very nice with the red and black plaid skirt that had been hanging in the back of the closet because I didn't have "anything" to wear with it. 

That's how it can be when you want to redecorate a corner of your little world!  Here's just one example of what I'm talking about:  the dresser in our bedroom is kind of tall (it is beautiful, but not my favorite piece of furniture!), so I removed everything that had accumulated up there since the last time I dusted   ;o)  Really, I try to dust the furniture every week, but that doesn't always happen!  The jewelry, hubby's wallet, keys, change, and guitar picks all were put into a pretty little vintage dish and set aside.  Pictures, last week's mail, bills to pay (out of my sight!), and sucker sticks the girls "forgot" to throw away.  OK, they don't get suckers very often, so I'll just deal with it . . . . but NEXT time . . .. .

Once the top of the dresser was cleared off, of course I dusted it!  How easy was that, dusting the top of a dresser that has absolutely NOTHING on it   ;o)  Now this is the fun part!  I had a curtain . . . . just one curtain that I found at a garage sale last time we went to Grandma's house . .. . that couldn't be used as a curtain anymore.  But it is beautiful!  Is is a sheer golden fabric with embroidery and the most gorgeous golden lace trim . . . . I love it!  I might actually cut it up eventually to use for some of my garment reconstruction projects, but for now it's going on the dresser.  And since I love the lace trim so much, I wanted to be sure to display it prominently.  So I draped it partially over the mirror that hangs just over the dresser (also a thrift shop treasure), down the side of the mirror and onto the top of the dresser with the lace trim all along the front edge.  One more little addition to the mirror . . . . an old charm necklace (who knows where that came from, but it's been around here a long time!) that I love but don't wear as a necklace (or for anything else, either) was hung from the mirror to reflect the whole golden theme I have going on.

Then it was time to add all the other discoveries that I had gathered up in my treasure hunt around the house and in the garage!  Well, the first treasure that got this whole thing started is the "thing" on the left side of the dresser.  We took a drive up through the countryside a week or so ago and stopped into the "Curiosity Shop" in one little village.  Didn't find much there, but I did see this "thing" in the corner of the shop for $3.00.  When I asked what it was, no one seemed to know, but it is definitely beautiful (at least I think it is beautiful!), and the price was right.  We brought it home and I decided that it could be a candle holder, but Sweet Hubby warned me not to put the top on when I had a candle in it, even though there are holes for ventilation.  That was my interpretation, anyway!  I suppose it could also be turned into a real electric lamp if we wanted to wire it, but I like it just the way it is.

I also found this old alarm clock in a box in the garage, and then I remembered this sweet little shadow box that I made a few years ago.  The frame is painted gold (perfect to keep my gold theme going) and I filled it with a variety of vintage sewing items, a vintage handkerchief, and a vintage bow pin.  A few vintage buttons with the tiny spools of thread, and I think it is pretty cute!  In a corner of another room, long forgotten, was this vintage-looking miniature dress form, a Victorian-style photo frame with a picture of our Shoe Diva as a baby, and a vintage green bottle that was on a shelf in another room.  Then I found another vintage-style necklace that I wore to our Adventurous Son's wedding.  The necklace is a dark gold with red stones.  A few touches of color to my golden corner! 

Finally, I went to my sewing studio to search through my vintage "stuff" that I have collected for reconstruction / restyling projects, and found this gorgeous black beaded evening bag.  Just the right finishing touch for my little corner of elegance!  Now, if I tried to create this kind of scenario in my entire house . . . . well, that would last about two seconds!  But here it is high enough that (usually) no one will NEED to drop a bunch of junk up there, no one will NEED to move things around, and it is out of the way of all of the "practical" events that go on in a family home.  But I still get to have a tiny corner of my world that provides me with the joy of beauty, tranquility, peace, and elegance.  Now it's back to the rest of my life, the singing Hubby, and giggling Girls (Shoe Diva in her raggedy jeans and Miss Determined in her matching red blouse AND sparkly red "high heels"), bills to pay, dishes to wash and laundry piling up . . . . . but it has been fun to express a tiny bit of my creativity, even if it is only on the top of my dresser! 

Have a wonderful Friday, and may all your dreams be created through the use of YOUR own imagination and determination!