Upcycled Crafts - A Fun DIY Day

Coming from the Midwest I certainly can emphasis with those living back East and going through the monstrous snow storm.  I can remember that while it was a pain I did enjoy the fact that I could excuse myself from work and my kids from school without having to be sick.  Of course as crafters we were always well supply just for those occasions and would immediately plan our day of activities.  So I pray that everyone going through the storm will be safe and comfortable in their homes or place of choice.



I collected a wonderful selection of projects using materials that are maybe around your house already and that involves some upcycling.  Since I am in sunny Cali now, I have no excuse (that I can think of) to stay home and play with glue, so I will have to plan it for another day.   I hope you enjoy the selection.

Upcycle your old glass containers into usable vases

This is a wonderful way to reuse your old glass jars and bottles. They have found a way to stain them that is waterproof and will not wash away when you use it. Here is the link to My Design Fold at http://mydesignfolder.com/design-blog/d-i-y-stained-bottles/

Fabric Bows
 

Fabric Bows that could be made with upcycled material. I love these! I found the instructions in the blog Where The Buffalo Play at http://www.wherethebuffaloplay.com/2010/12/i-heart-gift-wrap-guest-post-diy-burlap.html

May be showing an autumn display but these paper bag flowers could make a lovely spring decoration

I found the paper bag flower instructions on APlaceForUs at http://aplaceforusblog.com/brown-paper-flowers-tutorial/

This one is more for the kids in the family

I love this idea and it is so simple.  The kids could decorated it for easter putting little blossoms on it and eggs around it.  How cute, yes?  I found this and a few other great ideas on blog, PikadillyCharm, at http://pikadillycharm.blogspot.com/search/label/Paper%20Craft  A must if you have little ones that are bored.

Feeling Creative Today? Favorite DIY Around The Net

I love to look at the new craft ideas.  I just wish there was more time in my day to be able to do some of these.  I hope you get a chance to check out and try some of these amazing simple projects that turn out simply amazing.  The links will take you to their site so you can look at their instructions and additional pictures. 

This one is called DIY String Chandeliers from the Blog Ruffled at http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1qH2kl/ruffledblog.com/diy-string-wedding-chandelier/

I think they look so magical and yet they are farely simple to make!

Here is another great project Gift Bags from Newspaper!  from Blog How About Orange http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1k3LEO/www.candletech.com/techniques-and-ideas/water-balloon-luminaries/

This next one called Crayon Monogram is from Chic & Cheap Nursery but it would be so nice as a back to school gift for teachers or for your little student's room.  The directions on how to make this awesome project is found at http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1Wh5wM/www.chiccheapnursery.com/2011/do-it-yourself/diy-how-to-make-a-crayon-monogram/



I hope you have a great DIY Day!

Monday Meet and Greet the Members of the Pacific Postcards Team - FrenchKissed

Trishia Jacobs-Carney, shop FrenchKissed, has been a member of the Pacific Postcards Team since spring of last year. Trishia has over 400 hundred digital pieces of art available in her shop just waiting for you and your next project.  These perfect 3.5 inch x 5.5 inch postcard sized images would be perfect for your next special occasion.  You could have an unique invite, thank you or general occasion card in a matter of minutes.  


You could also use these images in your scrapbooking, craft projects, and so much more.
These are just a few of my favorites:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56353755/digital-scan-patriotic-fashion-usa-flag

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90744325/art-deco-wedding-bride-groom-pearl-beads

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100404498/digital-scan-genteel-victorian-girl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100980602/digital-scan-sailor-boy-in-blue-climbing

Currently FrenchKissed is offering some wonderful specials:  "SCANdalous Bribery: 3 free scans, $3.99 or under, with a minimum $30 order. Don't put your freebies in your shopping cart. Just email or convo me the titles/links to your freebies.
Also, LOOK for "Unadvertised Special" in item descriptions:) Many Buy 2, Get 1 Free offers can be found in my listings!
Weekly free download on my blog: frenchkissedpostcards.blogspot.com" ~ Trishia  Jacobs-Carney

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69605496/red-breasted-birds-under-umbrella-pussy

From Trishia's Profile Page:
"My name is Trishia Jacobs. I'm a Deltiologist Francophile, which is a fancy way of saying I love French postcards! I have been to France six times and I dream of getting to live there, even if just for 6 months or a year. I live an hour's drive east of Portland, Oregon, on the Columbia River.

I have been collecting and selling antique French postcards since 2003. I bought my first batch of 50 postcards from a dealer in Isle sur la Sorgue in southern France in July, 2003. I have been hooked ever since. I haven't counted every single one, but I have close to 10,000 postcards. As the French would say: that's beaucoup de cartes postales! Most of my cards are pre-1914, from the "golden age" of postcards. But I also love the bright colors and designs of the Art Deco 1920s and 1930s postcards. So please look through my shop and check out these "little Van Goghs" -- precious works of art that deserve to be rediscovered, recycled and loved again! Here on Etsy I'm offering digital scans of antique cards from my personal collection."
~Trishia Jacobs-Carney

If you are interested on becoming a member of the Pacific Postcards Team please go to this link http://www.etsy.com/teams/9158/pacific-postcards-team?ref=pr_teams and click "Apply."

We have just started offering 2 different memberships: one will be for general membership, for those who love postcards and collecting postcards and the other will be for shops with at least 25% of their

items listed are postcards.

The only difference in the memberships is that the latter will be included in shop

interviews, BNRs and postcard related activities. We also plan on having activities for

the general memberships. Hope to see you there soon.

A little reminder about two great giveaways: One of my own that is hosted by Christie Cottage at http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2012/06/win-it-wednesday-giveaway-ending-62012.html

This is what you could win for entering:

And the other giveaway I am hosting for The Museum Shop and can be entered at http://butterflyintheattic.blogspot.com/2012/06/featured-artist-giveaway-on-this-fun.html for this wonderfu piece of art:

WOW! - Handmade Fabric Postcards ~ Introducing ~ Sew Upscale

What a wonderful Christmas Eve!  Pine scent is in the air, I am off work and I just met a great artist; who could ask for more?

I love stitchery and you all know I   L  O  V  E   postcards! so what could be better than handmade fabric postcards.   Linda Johnson, owner of Sew Upscale, creates these unique quilted postcards.  I must confess that this is the first time I have seen a combination of the two arts and I think they are simply wonderful.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewUpscale?&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_content=shops&utm_campaign=fb_seller_shop

Tell me a bit about yourself……
Making quilted fabric postcards has been an obsession for about three years. I thought I would get over it, get bored and want to move to something new but I haven’t. I think it is because each one is so different. Soon after I joined Etsy in 2007 as a buyer, I started selling a variety of sewn items. I saw a quilted fabric postcard and taught myself how to make one. After that, I started selling the postcards on Etsy. I have developed a style I feel is unique. I’m very lucky to have a wonderful family that encourages my passion.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88764234/fabric-postcard-art-quilt-fiber-art

Apart from creating, what do you do? 
 I am retired from my job as a social worker so my schedule is flexible. I try to exercise regularly. I walk and hike. Also love to spend time with my grandchildren. I recently got a bread machine so I have been experimenting with making bread. Traveling is also a passion of mine.


What first made you want to create?
Sewing was the first crafting I can remember doing. My mother and grandmother both sewed so I learned from them. I’ve just always loved to create things.


Describe your creative process? 
My creativity is driven by my surroundings. I love nature and outdoor stuff so these are my inspiration. I don’t use a pattern. I start with a 4” by 6” piece of fabric and build from there. I draw with scissors and paint with thread.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86316659/cat-and-moon-fabric-postcard-art-quilt

What handmade possession do you cherish most? 
A doll quilt made by my grandmother.


How are you promoting your work? 
I promote my work online by using Facebook and Twitter. My Facebook is http://facebook.com/SewUpscaleQuilts and twitter is http://twitter.com/sewupscale. My postcards are also sold at Mountain Made in downtown Asheville, NC.

Thank you Linda for taking the time to do this interview. 

Please stop by Linda Johnson's cute little shop Sew Upscale to see more of her amazing art.  Remember to add her shop to your favorites and circle too! 

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!!!