Stuffing...Making Progress

I continue to work towards making more dress-form pin cushions, stuffed birds and small bowl pin cushions using the vintage linens I acquired during this last summer.  I have most of the stuffing portion done.  The next portion is the most fun...putting all the pieces together.

Dress-Forms

Birds

Pin Cushions for small bowls

Pin Cushions for small bowls

Lots to Sew...

This has been a busy week!  Among other things, I have been working on more items for the upcoming craft fairs.  I have cut lots of embroidered and applique vintage linens into dress-form shapes, circles for pin cushions and buttons.  In addition to that, I have decided to create little stuff birds, also from vintage linens.  So, now, I have lots of sewing....followed by stuffing (polyester batting) and some hand-stitching!  

A Wonderful Birthday!

On last weeks post, I mentioned my friend June was coming to visit from Texas.  On Wednesday morning, I picked her up at the airport.  We headed towards Commerce City to visit a little shop, It's Cheaper Than Therapy.  June and I both love to use our Sizzix machines and dies, but what I did not know was that she frequently shops online at this very store! Although I live in the area, I had never made it to the actual store front...I had only placed an order online.   So, imagine our delight at the opportunity to visit the shop in person and realize we both love this online shop.   We were both very happy with our new die purchases.  We were like children at the candy store.

Thursday and Friday mornings, we shopped several Estate Sales.  Thursday we also shopped at my friend Carolyn's Vintage shop -  The Vintage Vendors in historic old town Littleton (5776 S. Rapp St.).   June and I found little treasures we could not live without...the best part is that we got to spend time together.  Phone calls, cards, e-mails are great...but, really, spending time in person is something we both value the most since I moved to Colorado. 

The reason for June's visit?   One of them was it was my birthday!  Last Thursday I...well, I am now a year older.  I was touched by my family and friends who called, gave/sent  me cards or sent me messages via Facebook.  Again, thank you to all who thought of me on that day and especially to those who even sang happy birthday over the phone...my dad, my sister Gaby & nephews, my friend Amy.  It was truly a fun day for me.  I got to hang out with June all day, my daughter Laura baked me my favorite...turtle brownies.  Laura did a fantastic job...the brownies were moist and perfect.  Laura was a little sneaky though, she put trick candles so it took         f-o-r-e-v-e-r     to blow out those candles...Alex and Laura had to help me! It was funny and memorable.

 Saturday morning, June and my family (yes, hubby and both kids) went to the Paris Street Market in Aspen Grove.  It's a great vintage market held on the first Saturday of each month (May - October).  Again, more purchases were made by June and I.  Afterwards, we took June to the airport.  She returned safely home to San Antonio. 

Isabel and June --BFFs

Upcycled Felted Wool Butterfly Hair Pins

Mini felted wool butterflies are truly versatile.  Not only have I made them into magnets and rings, but also hair pins.  

Upcycled Felted Wool Butterfly Pins - Medium Size

Years ago, I used this old Sizzix butterfly die to create butterfly bookmarks. I still have some available on my Etsy shop.  Although I still love to read the actual book, I know many now read their books using electronic devices.  My daughter Laura (avid reader) wants a Kindle for Christmas.  

Rather than create more bookmarks, I decided to create pins. 

My Friend June and more Upcycled Felted Wool Butterfly Pins

Today is a special day.  My dear friend June from San Antonio Texas is coming!  I will be picking her up at the airport later this morning.  We have been friends for many years...she is family.  She is a sister to me, a sister in law to my husband and a favorite aunt for my kids.  We have been  blessed that she has been able to  visit our family, at least once a year in the past 5 years since our move to Colorado. 

These butterflies were created using the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die.  This Sizzix die is sold only through Stampin' Up who by the way, is now sold my friend June. I look forward to all the projects she will be creating in the future.  I also look forward to spending the next few days with my friend!

Upcycled Large Felted Wool Butterfly Pins

I have created pins using this Sizzix butterfly die with canvas but this is the first time I used felted wool.  Due to the size of these butterflies (almost 5 inches wide and 3.5 height), I found using the thicker felted wool worked best.  Like the smaller butterfly pins, these also have two layers of felt.  I think these large butterfly pins will be great embellishments for winter coats, tote bags and maybe even scarfs.   Here are some of my favorites: