I’m stumped. I need some advice from a few crafty souls out there.
What would you do with a bag of corks?
Chronic Crafting
April and I went to a “Handmade Boutique” this last week and saw—and worse–couldn’t resist so many things. There was jewelry, clothing, art work, handbags, doll houses, stationery, baby toys–even homemade jam. Admittedly, April came out with more than I did, but she’ll have to confess her own sins…if you get my drift.
Here are a couple of my “indiscretions.”
The first thing that caught my eye was this stained glass bird. You can’t see it here but his tail is pink. I’m a sucker for lavender and pink. I hung him in my bedroom window and he simply sparkles up the whole room.
Then there were these “Babushka” magnets. They reminded me of my far away boy–so they came home with me too.
We even went a little nuts and bought one of those ridiculous cupcakes that seem to be all the rage these days. Somebody ate it before we could get a picture. Sheesh.
Ok, ok–it was pretty dang good.
For me, the best part about going to these things is that for a long time after, I can’t seem to stop…you know…making stuff. There’s just something very empowering about being surrounded by incredibly crafty souls.
The inspiration rubs off and makes me excited to try things like this “Flapper Hat” for Lily. It feels so good to have my hands busy no matter what else is going on–I end up with projects in every room, and one in the car so that no time is wasted.
The more I make the more I can’t wait to make. It never ends!
Must. Find. More. Crochet. Thread. Now.
Chronic: “Something that has been going on for a long time. It may never get better. It is something you will have to live with.”
heh, heh, heh…
Happy Earth Day!
Who would have guessed that the Earth has it’s own day? Apparently, this event has been going on for a long time and I was just not aware. It’s kind of embarrassing to tell the truth. I’ve been around a long time and I didn’t know anything about this.
In fact, as you can see, my own daughter has a shirt that sort of rips on the idea that the Earth–you know the big, huge, all-the-people-in-the-world, EARTH only gets one day–when it appears it would like more — all 365 in fact.
So, I did a tiny bit of research, and found that this has been going on since the 70’s—I remember them–and has evolved to the point that the more earth-conscious folks actually, you know…like…DO stuff.
At first, I figured that it was just one more rigged plot to make me feel guilty–but I was wrong. The more I read, the more I learned about how easy it can be to do things a bit better–and really help a lot. It made me feel a bit super heroish. Just doing my part to save the universe.
So first, we should all take the Green QUIZ to see how green we are really living. Don’t be afraid. It is fun. You might be surprised at how well you’re doing. If you need some new tips that’s ok too.
Then, I read about this cute idea for making a compost bin. As long as it doesn’t stink up the place or attract rats or bears or anything–I’m game. It looks pretty cute and my dad used to swear by compost for his garden.
Next, I stumbled onto an adorable paper mache globe that is easy enough to make during nap time. I love globes–they remind me of that little baby that had memorized the map. So cool. Anyway, this globe would be a fun activity for the day.
If you need a Mall adventure here’s one. Take 3 plastic bottles to a Disney Store near you and they will give you a free reusable tote bag , or reusable water bottle.
Earth Day Tips:
Plant some flowers or even a tree.
Step up your recycling efforts by calling the city and ordering a recycle bin.
Find alternatives to bringing your groceries home in plastic bags.
Drink from a reusable water bottle.
Reuse the bags that you have to give them a new purpose–forgive the shameless plug.
Pick up and throw away litter in your neighborhood.
Walk somewhere instead of driving.
Send an Earth-Day greeting to a friend.
Turn off the lights.
Open the windows for a nice cool breeze.
Smile at someone you don’t know.
Buy the organic version of a product you love.
Finally–as a nice bedtime story—watch Wall-E.
I know this post is a link-fest, but there was just so much good stuff–I couldn’t help myself. I hope you’ll click on them.
Even more cool Earth Day Stuff!
Let me know what you’re doing to celebrate our planet.
Happy Earth Day.
The Perfectly Carved Family
So, what do you think of my cute little family? They are carved and stamped out of scraps of leather, and are suppose to be my dad–the chef, my mom and her poofy hair and…ahhh…me. I found them in a box of old treasures–and they are 31 years old!
Long, long ago, my brother was the manager of Tandy Leather company in Garden Grove, California and for a few months—when I was 19, my job was to be the cashier girl. When things were slow we sat in the back making stuff. Of course, he made real things like belts and sandals and wallets but I just goofed around at this kind of thing.
The best part about finding these little guys is that they really look just like my parents–no, they really do. So it’s been fun to have them around!
Create