Key holder

This is a project that was a Christmas present for my Mom's office. I took a large piece of wood 3/4 inches thick, sorry I forgot the other dimensions but you can size it to your needs. I painted it a nice neutral color and then added a sort of photo collage. I varied the sizes on the photos for interest but a row of all the same size could be really cute too especially if it's the same subject matter or event. I used antique looking mug hooks that have a threaded end, you will want to predrill the holes for those. Then I used the sawthooth hangers on the back. Since my piece was fairly large I used two so that it would be balanced and secure to the wall. Lastly I found this really pretty ribbon. It was somewhat sheer and then had fibers running through it of complimentary colors, so it had a little texture too. I added the keys for a decorative touch. I'm thinking of making one for my bedroom that uses some of my cute vintage clip art instead of photos and slightly bigger hooks so that I can hang purses from it. Maybe you'll see it in a future post...

Flash card round up...

My son received quite a few sets of flash cards from my Mom (a teacher) for Christmas and within maybe 30 seconds of opening they were strewn all over my house. Whose kids don't do that with flash cards? So I came up with a way for them to be usable but not "losable". I put them all in order and punched a hole in the corner. Then I used a one of those individual binder rings to hold them together and tied some ribbon scraps to make it cute. You can get the rings at Walmart or office supply stores and I recommend having them around because they can be very useful for organizing. Now the flashcards are more portable and not all over my house!

Valentine sweetheart ring

Well it's time to get down to the business of crafting. My etsy shop has not had anything added to it since October. My goal this week is to get some stuff listed. This is my newest item. It's a ring made from a vintage button, a new heart button and tarnish resistant jewelry wire. I love it! Of course I will have to have to make one for myself. I will be adding things hopefully all week so keep checking!

Reversible apron

I've had this made for ages ever since I went through my crazy for aprons phase. I had made some for Mystic Paper and some as gifts but I kept this one. It is reversible as you can see in the pics and the bottom section is a pocket divided into sections as well. I love it! I will be making a slightly longer version soon and will post a tutorial and pattern. Hopefully I will get it done soon!

Valentine Candy Dish Spoolie

Newest creation! This is a candy "dish" I made out of an empty cardboard ribbon spool. I will post a complete tutorial in the morning. Check back!

Housework burn out!

Okay, so I normally complain that with working I don't have enough time to get all my housework done. Well guess what I am in "let's take a nap" mode already. It could be because I had no sleep last night. One of my dogs was having nightmares and kept waking up yelping and barking. Well he shares his kennel with out other dog Peter who was terrified that he was going to be eaten at any moment. He's just a little dachsund so I don't blame him. So we took him into our room and then Clayton (my son) woke up and then I had to get up at 5:15 to get my older son up and take him to school early for basketball practice. Never the less I did get a lot accomplished already but I am tired now and I don't feel terribly motivated. However the Christmas tree and other decorations are not going to put themselves away and I am so sick of looking at them! Bah Humbug! I've already moved on to Valentine's Day!

Ribbon holder

I have been working like mad to organize my craft room. I have had this ribbon holder on my "to do" list for a while. I love the way it is so easily organizes my ribbon and creates some wall interest at the same time. I simply took a wooden frame and measured the space inside. My frame happened to be 19 1/2 by 15 1/2. I simply measured the diameter of some of my larger spools of ribbon to determine how much clearance each of the wood dowels would need. I needed to space my dowels 4 inches apart. I measured and marked my frame off accordingly. I allowed a top and bottom margin and then marked off every four inches on both sides of the frame. Then I drilled a hole on each of those points and screwed in the hooks. These are just mug hooks with a threaded screw type end. Then I measured and cut down my dowels to fit in the hooks. Lastly I added my ribbon. The dowels easily pull out of the hooks but are still secure even when they are full of ribbon spools. Once I get this room painted I may repaint the frame and dowels but until then it serves its purpose.