brrrrr

Even though I live in a very sunny warm place, it's really cold here! I know it's all relative, but cold is cold. Okay 50 degrees isn't cold to a lot of folks, but I'm cold. No one would believe I spent my younger years in Canada and West Virginia! I guess I've become a cold weather wimp.

I am excited to finally need a sweater. It makes me think about an article I wrote some time ago about what to do with old sweaters. I had so many when I moved to Sanibel Island. I never wore them...so I chopped them up for projects. I've shared some of these ideas before, but this was on my mind so I thought I would share.
I took piles of my old sweaters and some knitting projects from my mom's stash and came up with a few easy ideas...

 

 

I saw some sweater pillows in a home décor shop and fell in love. But I didn't love the price. So I made some for pennies!

Simply cut out the shape and size of a throw pillow you wish to cover. Both sides can be sweater or one side sweater and the other can be a fabric remnant.

 

I took an old lampshade and stripped away the tattered covering. Then I wrapped a sweater around the wire form. Either sew the edges right sides together or use fabric or hot glue to make this a no-sew project. Don't forget to finish the raw edges by stitching the hem or glue along the edge and fold under.

 

Using a pile of old heavy socks (some are even wool), I made this fun winter wreath. Start with a foam wreath form. I covered the entire form with sections of the socks.

 

After I chopped up the sweaters for the pillows and the lampshade, I had the sleeves left over. So I pulled them up over plain glass vases. I have used these to display flowers. Another great use is to place a battery votive inside. It gives a warm winter glow.

 

If you love to sew, you can make these sweater purses...

 

On a personal note...

A few years ago when I went home to West Virginia, I photographed a farm. It is near and dear to my heart. The owners are like family. We met at church when I was still in high school. When I go home I love to drive out to Sugar Grove to see them. We ventured to the top of the farm so I could visit the final resting place of my sweet Mackenzie. She was my girl and a wonderful fur baby. I couldn't think of a better place to lay her to rest. As we rode up the hill on this particular day, we were followed by the sheep.

 

 

They had just been sheered...

 

In case you were wondering why I was sharing...

This visit was the inspiration for my sweater article!

Inspiration is all around us each and every day. Sometimes you just need to look for it!

Now I need to figure out how to stay warm. I chopped up all my sweaters!

 



snowbirds

January in South Florida on the Gulf of Mexico means one thing...

the snowbirds are here!

For those who don't know this phenomenon, Northerners flock to the South to soak up the warmth and sunshine.

Snowbirds are the inspiration for my January decor.

 

 

Not the "people snowbirds"...

actual birds are my inspiration!

 

Several years ago I photographed and wrote about some of my favorite January decorations for Victorian Homes magazine.

 

January is a tough month for decorating. I'm not ready to part with all my festive Christmas decorations, so I edit and leave out my winter "snowbirds".

 

I pack away the red and green, pine garlands and wreaths...but I leave out my precious vintage bird ornaments and anything snowy, white, silver and gold.

 

I love my glittering nests too...

 

I also showcase my collection of vintage costume jewelry. The special pieces from my grandmother take center stage.

 

Wishing all of you a peaceful,

warm and sparkling New Year!

 



merry christmas from the garden

Since so much of the country is heading for a winter deep freeze, I thought I would share some holiday warmth from the deep South.

I photographed this precious winter scene a few years ago for Romantic Homes magazine.

I thought this would be the perfect time to share a few more photos from that special day to warm your heart.

To all my gardening friends...

Enjoy!

 

 

 

I might be dreaming of a white Christmas...but I am so happy that I can dream of snow but live in my garden!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas...

 



ready for more...?

I am obsessed with ephemera!

Especially around the holidays.

How about another paper project?

Old papers, cards and letters are so beautiful. Here is a short tutorial on how-to make one of my favorite paper ornaments. It is a nod to the past...

 

 

1. Start by finding some old cards. You can make copies of some of your favorites or use clip art if you don't want to cut up old original images.

2. Then find a circle template that is 2 to 3 inches in diameter. I used a juice glass as you can see in the image below.

3. Now cut out the circles. Each ornament requires 6 circles of the same diameter.

 

4. Now fold each circle as to create a square shape in the center of the circle. (See image below.)

5. Make a 3 inch ribbon loop (cut the ribbon into 8 inch pieces for a 3 inch loop). This will be the hook used to hang the ornament.

6. To assemble the ornament, use paper glue (a glue stick works well), glue the folded edges together to create a cube.

Remember to tuck the ribbon loop into the cube before the final panel is glued into place.

 

I like to assemble a lot of these little beauties at one time. I hang them on my tree, on garlands and on gift boxes. They also make lovely favors for dinner pary guests. 



 

For a special treat for kids, you can hide little treats or money in each ornament. Then let the kiddos tear into them!

 

Feel free to copy the images below to get you started!

 

 

For those of you who follow my magazine articles, you might remember seeing versions of this idea! It was featured in Romantic Homes and Flea Market Decor magazines. Thank you for supporting me throughout the years!!!

 

This is a great project to get you into the holiday spirit. Maybe you can throw a kids (or adults) holiday crafting party! Frost sugar cookies and assemble ornaments. Don't forget to invite me too...it sounds like fun!

Enjoy.

 

 



christmas clip art

How about a few fun and easy crafts to get you in the holiday mood?

Clip art love!

 

 

Make a simple gift tag by gluing an image to a packing label.

Or make beautiful greeting cards with scrapbook papers, bits of lace and tiny buttons...

 

Make a cone out of a greeting card. Then glue on a ribbon handle and button embellishments. Fill the cones with tiny treats and hang them on your tree or around your home. They make adorable gifts for holiday guests.

 

Glue an image or a card to a piece of foam core, mat board or poster board. Glue ribbon or tinsel around the edge and make a hanger out of a piece of gold string. Voila...an ornament!

 

Glue a pretty image to a glass bottle. Next, use floral wire to create a hanger. Embellish with greenery or precious berries.

I turned this vintage image into a place card...
 



 

I thought this image was so beautiful. I enlarged it, made copies and cut out the heart shape. On the back is the dinner menu. It's a lovely table decoration and a take-away for your dinner guests!

 

 

Click on the images below and save them to your computer...then you too can make some fun and easy holiday crafts

 

Feeling crafty? I sure hope so! You can find a lot of other terrific holiday ideas on the Romantic Homes blog. You'll see some of my ideas featured there along with other wonderfully creative contributors. It's a great place to go to be inspired!

Have fun...