the flower song::

DIY flower press:

"Le Parlate D'Amor," meaning the flower song inspired me during the spring months. My husband found the remains of a perfect butterfly on our lawn which he gave me as a little gift. Afterwards, in a book it went for safe keeping.Wouldn't you know I started thinking about standard flower presses. I watched plenty of You tube videos, did my homework and even thought of using the phone book one point in time too. Having a broken crate on hand, I figured they could be cut down to size like a standard flower press. I think you've seen them before. Do you own one? Back to the drawing board, I decided not to cut the crate boards. After all, I would have more room for loads of wildflowers or specimens. Then, the process began. In the springtime,wildflowers are abundant I then began harvesting different varieties on my road where I live. So did sorting, pressing and sorting. The more I gathered, the more I became anxious to find more.. I sang the flower song! Here's a simple "How To" if you are so inclined to make one. FYI, I sometimes get a little carried away {below} a happy color story between snapshots.
 

                                                  
SUPPLIES:

  1. one crate or thin wood scraps

   2. wax paper

  3. wildflowers of different varieties

  4. stamps/stamp pad to apply words, phrases

  5. 1 belt for closure or ribbon to tie

  6. cardboard

Please note: my thoughts here were to reuse, recycle and re purpose items I already had. You can also shop at your local thrift shop, flea or garage sale to find your wood supply before making a trip to the hardware store or lumber yard.

DIRECTIONS:
 TAKE 2 pieces of crate boards and cut them in equal widths and lengths. Cut several pieces of cardboard same size. Measure and cut wax paper. Fold over like a book same size as wood and cardboard. In multiple layers layout wood, cardboard, wax paper.. and so on. Add wildflowers that you have gathered cut to any size you wish. Put inside your wax paper booklet. Put on top of cardboard. So, you'll end up with layers of flowers to be dried. Add a closure. I added a leather belt that I purchased at the flea for $1.00. Add some weights directly on top of your project.Look in your pantry for heavy weighted large can goods like crushed tomatoes. They come in handy. The process takes 2 days to dry. Use for different uses, crafts, stationary, art work and mixed media.

If you have any questions shoot me a email..I'm still collecting wildflowers on the roadside to dry. If you're not ready to tackle this project right now, wildflowers make for a lovely centerpiece for your home. Enjoy your weekend, enjoy the simple pleasures that nature has to offer.

                         all because he gave me a butterfly...

                                                                        xoxo Liz

crochet flower frog::

Hello there,

I hope you are enjoying this new month so far.. What's new?

After work today, there was typical errands to do. A trip to the post office lead me to watch some geese in a nearby pond. As I was leaving to get to my car I spotted many white and purple violets glistening in the sunshine. Grabbing what I could, I was hoping on my way home they would withstand the heat. Take a look what I did with them. Here they are in my make do crochet flower frog. So, simple it took me about 2 minutes to create. Find a small vessel to hold your clippings. Add a crochet doily and H20. Slip cuttings in place then, secure with twine. Easy Huh? No fuss, no mess and simple. Thank goodness for the weekend it's almost here. One more work day.. just one.
                                                                                Enjoy ;)
                                                                                   Liz  

Vintage Pillowcase Bag::

    Last summer, while visiting my Mom in Florida. Mom and I worked on this craft project together. We made this market bag out of a vintage pillowcase. A very inexpensive project straight from my Grandma's linen closet. Our inspiration came from Simply Sublime Gifts by: Jodi Kahn.

   Perfect for the market, pool or knitting/crochet. I also like that it's machine washable and easy to care for.

   Here' the link to her blog for great craft projects to do on those rainy days ;)

   link: http://simplysublime.typepad.com/

   Are you working on a craft project right now? I would love to hear what you've been working on. Have a great week!
                                                                                 xxx Liz
       
      

The Reveal::

                    I finished the lamp shade yesterday evening, during the Super Bowl. Two things, I discovered while doing this project. One, a drum like shade would have been easier. Maybe, I wanted that spacing effect more than gathered? You know what I mean? That's fine.. I used what I had on hand. Laura, from 52 Flea told me she has made several of these lamp shades before. She used charms to embellish her shades. That sounded cool too. So, many possibilities here. Also, rather than covering the paper brim of the top and bottom of the shade. I left it naked with the paper showing it's age.
                 So, if you have a naked lamp cage and some lace lying around. Make one! It took me about thirty minutes or so. More time wasted picking out lace and trim. That was the fun part. Let me know if you decide to make one. I would love to see it.
               Anyway, it's Monday. The start of a new week.
               Make it a good one :)
                                                                   xxx Liz
                

Lamp Shade DIY::

      It's  time to work on that vintage regency lamp. A  purchase that was made weeks ago thrifting. You know.. I brought it home with the dome? At the time, I was more excited about the dome. Now, I need a shade for this beauty of a lamp. Here's a sneak peek of this no sew project. My inspiration came a calling from Pinterest. I like to give credit where credit is do. I'm not sure if I'm happy with the beginnings. Help! What do you think? Should I continue? Try different patterns of lace? I'm stuck. So, for now I'll sit and stare at it. Ha, Ha. Till, I hear what the consensus is. Thanks guys ;)
                           Make it a great Sunday Folks!
                                                                         xxx Liz

Planter Project Complete

BEFORE:
AFTER:
One project completed... more to go! I'm not sure about the plates? What do you think? At least everything I purchased from LOWE'S markdown rack, is thriving. I have a black thumb remember.I planted petunias, morning glory's, impatiens and another pink flower. Not sure what they are? I couldn't save the wicker around the planter. Seemed to be Paper. When I tried to power wash the outside, it started to break. Oh, well!Here are the before and after pics.Now, you can see what I'm talking about.
Good luck on your projects at Home. Hugs, Liz