Whatcha Working on Wednesday

This week didn't provide a whole lot of crafting time for me. Since "Mother Nature" has finally stopped raining down on us, I have spent some quality time in my yard catching up with the mowing, mulching, weeding and yes, I am still planting flowers. Where has summer gone? I can't believe it is mid-July already and my gardens aren't done yet!

I did manage to complete a couple of projects. I try to spend at least an hour each morning in my craft room, accomplishing whatever I can. I am producing items for four different shops (consignments) and I am also trying to complete things for the fall fairs that I participate in.

Below, I completed another fall project. It is a pillow I patched using leftover squares from my fall wall-hangings that are almost finished. I decided to add an overlay with wool appliqued flowers to add interest to the already colorful pillow.

As I explained in previous posts, I love to recycle items and repurpose them. Below is a button bag that I designed. Inside the bag is a plastic coffee container and lid to keep the buttons. I just used scraps of Thimbleberries fabrics, bits and pieces of lace and household twine for the tie closure.

In between my household and yard duties I like to keep a lap project handy to work on during my coffee break. Below is a wool drape that I am making for an old, rustic black wooden box that I will decorate for the fall fair. This year we have an abundance of wild bittersweet growing all around us. I call it the "Bittersweet Forest" and I will make a sign! I plan to fill the box with bittersweet and perhaps make a sign to stick in it that says "Bittersweet Blessings".

Finally, I will tease you with another mystery project. I have laid out these items including various pieces of wool scraps, buttons, lace, fabric, a pillow to recycle, some embroidery floss and a crocheted item. I hope to have this done to show off next week. Any guesses? I'll give you a hint: it's a classic that has been around for many, many years!


To see what our other crafty friends are doing today, check out Leslie's blog at "My Country Home".

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

Today it's raining (yes, again) and I'm not taking the time to do much crafting. I did, however, finish up these signs that I pictured last week. Tomorrow I will be taking them to Primitive Gatherings.

.

I am still working on the Autumn wall hangings I pictured last week. They are almost completed. I will share photos when they are done.

I am also trying to finish up my granddaughter's baby quilt I posted a couple of months ago. I need to finish tying it and do the binding. Her birthday is August 8th, so I plan to present it then.

Baskets Baskets Baskets!

When it comes to baskets, I think you could say that I am crazy about them! I have collected baskets for years. I just love that they are handmade, useful, decorative and functional. This morning I toured my home with my camera and took several pictures to demonstrate how I use my baskets. Enjoy the trip!

Pictured below are a few baskets holding pinecones that I will "someday" work into a wreath. Seems like "someday" never comes. I've had these cones forever!

My favorite baskets to collect are pie and picnic baskets. They not only make excellent out-of-site storage, but they are also useful and decorative.

Inspired by baskets, I created this framed embroidery designed by Rhonda at Primitive Stitches. Tomorrow I will be consigning this at Primitive Gatherings, where I sell several of my creations.

Below is another one of my basket-inspired projects using a yard sale frame and bits and pieces of wool scraps with embroidery.


Baskets are so "useful", . . . . .

. . . . . and "decorative" . . . . .


. . . . . and "inspiring" . . . . .


. . . . . and "functional" . . . . .





I have this niche area in my bedroom that I had my husband wire for electricity. I lovingly decorated it with my favorite collectibles, including some baskets.


One of the walls in my bedroom is also decorated with my favorite rustic things.

I built this shelf above the door as a nice way to display more of my collectibles.

Another basket thrown atop a wardrobe with some rustic birdhouses.

Down cellar in my "girl cave" I have many many baskets containing fabrics, craft supplies, embellishments, etc. It is sometimes quite a chore to find things. I will have to develop a labeling system.

If you want to see some really awesome baskets, check out my blogging friend Pam's blog, Baskets n Prims. She does a great job with her baskets.

Jack and Norah

I just had to share this photo of my grandchildren. They are so sweet!

Tomorrow they will begin swimming lessons with their Mommy and I will be assisting. They were supposed to start their lessons two weeks ago, but the weather has not cooperated. Summer is now finally here!

Quote for the day . . . . .

Don't procrastinate JOY

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

Today I am really busy with a lot of things going on so I will quickly post my current projects.

Last week I mentioned that I would begin some fall projects in preparation for my fairs this season. I had pictured a "daisy" wall hanging in last week's "WWW" and explained that I would work it up in fall colors. I selected some Thimbleberries scraps, embroidery thread to match and also bits and pieces of wool to match.

In the first image, (please click on image to see the close up detail) I have already begun stitching the wreath. I still need to applique the wool flowers and leaves and add the button centers to the flowers. "Autumn Blessings" also needs to be embroidered in dark brown.

In the image below, I selected a pattern that I purchased from Rhonda at "Primitive Stitches". There is no wool work in this one, just embroidery. I will complete each wall hanging with binding and ties at the top of each piece so they can hang from small tree branches. I will share photos when they are completed.

Be sure to check out Leslie's blog "My Country Home" to see what other crafters are working on today. Have a wonderful Wednesday!