Today I am heading to Los Angeles for the Winter Craft and Hobby show. It's cold and snowing here, but I am heading to 80 degree weather and sun! Yipee! But before I go get some rays, I wanted to share with you this weeks thrifty finds and a DIY project I know you are going to think is wacky but pretty fun! lol
My first set of finds are totally random I know. One is a fun summer dress (brand new mind you).. that was too small for me.. but would make the most adorable set of pillows for a fresh spring makeover or a fun gift for friend for her birthday! I picked it up for $2.00. The next is a vintage china plate.. that is great to use in a bathroom with scented candles on. It was $.50. The last piece in the picture is an old wooden plaque featuring two adorable little girls in vintage attire. I originally got the plaque to recycle. I was planning on painting over it and doing my own artwork on it (a cheap alternative to buying a new piece of wood). But honestly the print on it is so cute, I think I might have to keep it and maybe spruce it up a bit. It would make a really great baby shower gift!
here is a closeup of the dress and plate.. yum!
okay.. so as you probably already know I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage clip-on earrings! I love using them in a lot of jewelry I create. I am going to be teaching a mini workshop at Donna Downey's Inspired event in May!. and we will be making the leather cuffs I showed you last week in this post. So I am collection vintage earrings now.. so my students will have plenty to choose from! I got these little baby's off ebay! Gotta love ebay! Most of them ranged from $1.50- $2.00 a pair.
I don't really wear striped sweaters.. and especially ones in these wonderful patterns.. but when I saw these.. I KNEW I had to have them for a DIY project I was dying to try out! I have posted it below.. but these babies cost me $3.00 each.
So speaking of my DIY.. Here is a fun little project you can try using old sweaters you might be thinking of giving to Good Will.
I made this cute little Hand/Arm gloves out of the sweaters featured above. They are perfect to keep me warm while I am working at my computer or working in my garage while creating my art.. or even just going out with!
The first thing I did was cut the arms off each sweater. I cut mine about 8-10" in length (depending on if I will roll up the ends or not). Kids sweaters are PERFECT for these, because you want them to be a little tight. Not Loose. If they are loose, you can simply sew them on your machine, to make them fit better.
Next I gathered thread (you could also use yarn or embriodery thread) and a needle..
and stitched around the outside edge of the cut side.
ANd that's it! Simple DIY project you can do in literally minutes! You can also add buttons, ribbon or even a flower to the arm mittens to pesronalize them!
PLUS you have the entire body of the sweater left that would be perfect for a handbag, a pillow, or even a matching scarf!
So the next time you are thinking about getting rid of some old sweaters. Think again! They are so fun to re-cycle and make new again!
Happy Friday!
I also want to starting DIY project for home decorating and I use some of recycle fabric to make a curtains.
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Posted by: Robert Cave | October 01, 2012 at 01:57 AM
That is such a cute project - love it and I just may try it. Also, where on earth did you get that coat? It's adorable!
Posted by: Angie | February 05, 2011 at 06:51 AM
love
love
love and some more love with these fun hand warmers!!!
love the colors!!
you are SOOOO STINKIN TALENTED!!!!
oxoxoxo
smooches
k
Posted by: kolleen | February 01, 2011 at 06:15 PM
I love all of those vintage earrings! And, the cuff is gorgeous! Would so love to have one of those....and the old sweaters in my closet are looking pretty good now for the recycled use! Thank you for sharing your creativity!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 01, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Great finds and super re-do ideas. I have no kid's sweaters but will look for a couple on my next thrifty shop. I could really use something to keep my hands warm when I'm on the puter or crafting.
Posted by: Susan | January 30, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Love those arm gloves!
I tried to put the badges on my blog, but I'm unable to copy and paste it :( Any ideas?
Posted by: Toni K | January 30, 2011 at 05:50 AM
Sheila! Lol nope not me! Lol.. I got these a month or so ago! Lol
Posted by: Christy tomlinson | January 29, 2011 at 08:20 AM
COOL gloves!!! That china plate...OMG...it's the same pattern that belonged to my husband's grandmother years and years ago...my daughter inherited them! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Anita Van Hal | January 28, 2011 at 09:39 PM
ahhhhhhhhh... after i saw that awesome bracelet you made i have been trying to win earrings off ebay... now i know i'm being outbid by you !!!! ha ha ha
Posted by: sheila | January 28, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I love the DIY project ! Have fun at CHA
Posted by: Cim Allen | January 28, 2011 at 08:22 AM
I have fallen in love with your blog! Love your finds and fun ideas. And I'm so excited to know you are teaching at Inspired!! I'll see you there! Can't wait to take your class!
Posted by: Amy Patterson | January 28, 2011 at 06:35 AM