Tagged: support
I’m Actually Going to Make It!
As of this past Thursday evening I had 151 pins on my Pinterest board called “Make”. I know most of you have a board like this. It’s the one with all the wonderful crafts and DIY projects you are planning to make in all your spare time (insert laughter here). The key word here is planning because that’s how far any of us get.
Well this week I decided I am actually going to make ONE item off my “Make” board. So I looked at all the crafty goodness and I oohed and aahed at the possibilities. Then I came to my senses and chose the following criteria for the project.
First, it must not require supplies most people don’t have lying around, like a mile high stack of pallets, 115 vintage hankies or 55 yards of antique french lace.
Second, it must not require tools most people don’t own, like a blow torch, kiln or tower crane.
Third, it should not require skills the average Joe doesn’t possess, like glass blowing, tatting or scrimshaw.
And Lastly, it cannot take three days to make!
Well, those criteria really put a dent in my list. But there is one little project we probably can all make without using too many “sentence enhancers” and here it is.
This cutie little pin came from the flickr link above, according to Pinterest.
Now it’s our turn to make one. First we need to pick some ribbons to use. Simple, right?
Yeah, I know that’s obscene, and the bad part is that this is only SOME of the ribbon I have!
Okay, now we can really get started.
Cut a length of ribbon and fold it in half over the non-moving arm of the pin. It is important that you don’t use the side of the pin you need to open and close to attach it to your clothing. Sew the ribbon right under the pin arm. You can use a sewing machine like I did (with zipper foot), hand sew it or I guess even use glue!
Cut the end of the ribbon to the desired length and angle.
Next we’re going to pick a piece of lace to layer over the ribbon. Simple, right?
This is just ONE box of lace and ribbon scraps I have. I won’t even show you the rolls of lace!!
Now I’ve just snipped some lace and put it in place.
Find a button, flower, fabric yo-yo or some other kind of embellishment to sew or glue on top.
Here are some sample pins I made.
Now I know this is not high fashion jewelry, however, it is easy to make and uses stuff we probably all have on hand. You can customize them any way you want. These little pins would be great to make for fund raisers, as a VBS craft, for a make-it-and-take-it at a party, or to show your support for a cause.
If you would excuse me now, a whole drawer full of ribbon is calling me to make it into pins!
A Passionate Plea
Halloween has passed and now we face almost two months of frenzied activity and rampant commercialism. While we hold tightly to the traditions we love, there are things about the Christmas season that we probably all would like to change. Food is pretty much all traditional at our house. I may try a new cookie recipe once in a while, however, I know better than to forgo the crack-up candy and homemade cinnamon rolls. Can anyone say Mutiny on the Bounty? There are couple parties we always look forward to attending. And of course, our family has the silly white elephant gift swap, which is always good for a ton of laughs.
My passionate plea has nothing to do with changing these things. Rather, I am focusing more on decorations and gifts. I’m not going to bore you with details on how much stuff we import from China or how full our landfills are becoming. I’m assuming most of you have at least some idea of what is going on in these areas. What I am asking is that all my readers consider buying vintage and handmade gifts and decorations instead of going to (insert big box store name here) and buying cheap junk that is only benefiting the rich owners of the manufacturing companies and box stores.
Vintage glasses, Christmas Hanky and Light Up Bells
Okay Helen, take a breath. There are craft fairs galore this time of year. Ask around and see which ones might have stuff that interests you. Yes, I know there are craft fairs that carry crocheted pot holders and the like. However, now more than ever you will find better shows that feature handmade items like jewelry, purses, decorations, bath products and mixed media art. Not like your sainted granny’s show!
Hand Decorated Christmas Candles on Glass Stands
You are literally helping your local economy when you buy from American crafts people and artisans. Believe me, if you buy something I make, I will in turn have money to buy something from someone else. And I always try to buy local first. I would much rather give someone a handmade gift than a mass-produced item that carries little thought. Okay, so I can’t crochet an iPad, but I can find really nice handmade iPad holders at craft shows and on Etsy.
Mixed Media Stuffed Ornaments and Glittered Tree Toppers
There are also tons of cute, vintage decorations to be had at antique shops, flea markets and thrift stores. Again, these purchases support small local businesses.
Hand Made Vintage Style Bottle Brush Wreaths
I don’t care if you vote Republican or Democrat next week, one thing is for sure. Our economy is not going to get stronger if we don’t start making and buying products in the USA! This is not a shameless advertisement for Mossy Cottage, because I’m less interested in you buying your gifts and decorations from me (although that would be nice) as I am for you to buy from any small business or craftsman here in this country. And if craft shows are not your “thing”, then check out antique shops or shopping online at Etsy. There is really so much cool stuff out there, stuff I know I would enjoy getting, you just have to think outside the (big) box!!!!! See what I did there?
Vintage Style Tabletop Tree and Vintage Carolers
glitteronmyface 