Burlap Coffee Bag Apron

When I was on vacation in Minnesota I found a dozen burlap coffee bean bags.  I kept thinking there has got to be some great uses for these bags.  I plan on using some to upholster stools and make pillows  

But, what else.....then this idea came to me. 

How cute would a burlap pocket be on an apron!   

I cut out the words from one bag which still leaves the picture graphics for another project.  I then sewed on vintage red rick rack and black vintage lace.  I love the play between the lace and burlap.

And of course I love myself some polka dots

Since I got back from vacation I have so many ideas swirling around my head.  I have a couple more ideas for using burlap, but that will have to wait until I finish my current sewing project and the two painting projects I will share with you when I finish them. 

Oh, and then I have got to start working on Christmas projects for my booth, website, and gifts.....Yes, we have to start thinking about the holidays!  OK... all together now GROAN!!!!

Happy Creating!

Carol

Antique Shopping in Minnesota

I just returned from my vacation in Minnesota visiting with family and spending a day with a blogging buddy

My Mom and I spent a fabulous day antique shopping and stopping at garage sales with  Deb, Garage Sale Gal.  I met Deb through blogging and when she was vacationing in Orlando this spring we met at my antique store.  So, as soon as I knew I was going to Minneapolis we planned a day together doing what we love!

The first stop was seeing her lovely house and meeting the kids

Then it was time to get the party started, garage sales first.  We found paper punches and .50 Sommerset Magazines

Then on to thrift stores

We hit 2 thrift stores, I found a $3 Vintage suitcase here and had to have it!

I also bought some linen 

And knobs

Whew that was exhausting, time to Eat!

This was a wonderful French Cafe, if you live in Minneapolis, this is a destination restaurant

Mom

&
 Deb

We were heading to see Debs antique store after lunch and stopped at one more garage sale.

This antique dresser was $3.00.....What!

We loaded it in Debs car, took it to her store, and it sold the same day!

Her booth was lovely.  It is located in a cute old house where each room and the yard are loaded with treasures.  Here's a few Items I had to have! 





Then it was back to Debs for coffee and brownies. When she wasn't looking I made a futile attempt to put "Sweet Pea" in my suitcase

NO such luck  :(


So, even though she wouldn't let me have her dog....
It was a perfect day!


I came home with so many ideas and projects swirling in my head, I can't wait to get started...Stay tuned!


Happy Crafting


Carol

Vintage Books, How to Alter and Price

I am sure you have all seen altered books 

 When I showed you on a past post some vintage books that were selling in my booth I had requests to show you how I altered mine. 

So, here ya go!

Pick up some books at the thrift store, they don't have to be really old just look a little worn, certainly not a new book

I rip off the front and side binding, some people rip off the whole hard cover.

At this point you could do like Ballard Design, tie them up with twine and call it a day.


Or you could pull out an interesting page from the book and some old sheet music

Get a graphics from Graphics Fairy and and run the book page or sheet music through your printer

At this point I pull out my rubber stamps and walnut ink 

and kind of mess them up!

I mod podged this altered page onto the front page of the book, then fancy it up and I am finished

I price these between $6 - $10 depending on how fancy they are and which embellishments I use.  


I am still on vacation and having a wonderful time!  Yesterday I spent the entire day going to antique and thrift stores with Deb from Garage Sale Gal...Toooo Fun!  I fly home to Orlando tomorrow night and as soon as I can get my brains together I will show you pictures of our great adventure.  


Happy Crafting!


Carol

My Antiques Booth

Before I left on vacation I stocked and tidied up my booth at Orange Tree

I thought you might want a look around

I found this great vintage gown at an antiques fair

Linen is one of my huge loves!  

They are a really good seller and I don't mind the cleaning and pressing part of it. 

I'm having a wonderful time on vacation in Minnesota but, guess what?  It is hotter here than in Orlando!


Happy Creating!


Carol

Transforming Dresses And Packing My Bags

I have my dresses altered and my bags packed

I am off on vacation to the exotic location of Minneapolis, Minnesota my hometown.  I hear the snow has melted and I am excited to visit family and friends

Why so many bags you ask?  I am going antiquing with my blog friend Garage Sale Gal, Deb.  She visited my booth when she was in Orlando and I'm going to visit her's in Minnesota...How cool is that!

I needed some new clothes to pack and realized it was time for a little shopping trip...

I found this dress and loved it but, it was way to long.

When I cut off the bottom I ended up with some strips of fabric

I ran a basting stitch and then gathered and pinned them in a random design on the bodice

I did this all at night, hence the crummy pictures!

I pinned the strips in place and then machine sewed them on

Since this was a knit material I didn't have to worry about the raw edges unraveling

I loved this next dress because it fit like a glove but, was a little to plain and of course to long

I used my ruffle foot and gathered ribbon

Hemmed the dress, and I'm ready to go!

Oh, guess who else packed her bags????

Creepy Lady!!

She went to a blog follower that emailed and said she wanted her?!

Lets all wish her....Insert creepy music.....Well!

See you in a week

Happy Creating

Carol

Stenciled Table

This stenciled table was not my original plan

I found this great little table at the thrift store

And originally painted it all heirloom white

I have seen some black and white showing up in blogland.  I really liked the way it looked and thought I would give it a try.  I stenciled on some black flowers.

When I finished it looked really great! 

 Then I saw a little area where the adhesive from the stencil had remained on the table.

I used a little solvent to remove the adhesive

And

I ended up removing the paint!!! 

I think I said poop, or something like that!

So, I went back to square one, sanded the top off, and stenciled directly on the table.

I was in desperate need of a table in my booth and at this point I just did not want to spend the time repainting the top.

Hey.....it turned out O.K.!

I covered it with stain and clear wax

And I am going to put it in my booth at Orange Tree for $55

I really liked the, black stenciled on white, and will try it the next time I come across a table

But, for today....Well, this will have to do!

Happy Creating!

Carol


I am happy to be joining
 Charm Bracelet Divas GW party