Flea Market Style

Flea Market Style 2011

Let me say, I rarely ever will spend $10.00 on a magazine.
~HOWEVER~
The other day while I was waiting on my Pharmacist to fill a prescription I flipped through the magazine. Oh My Gosh! This is an awesome find!
I had to buy! I'm not sure I will actually ever do these projects and or buy these items, but I want to!

How cool is this? What a brilliant idea! Especially for a boys room.

This article was on the coolest house. They had some really great collection pieces. I absolutely LOVE the side table! It is an old washing machine tub insert with a glass tabletop! So clever!  And, you know how I love bowls & jars full of collections. The antique cue balls are a great pop of color. This, I can see myself doing.

Check out this "How to" on transforming shirts into crafty items! The next page gave a great project transforming a shirt to a wine gift bag. Another into a lampshade. There are simple instructions and they look great.

Look at these Ball Flowers! Aren't they cool?

I also loved this ideal of transforming vintage rulers into re-purposed items. I would like to try making a frame with some. I remember these being given away from salesmen with logos of their employment. Especially remember Hardware stores, Realtors, and politicians.

This is my favorite! (The reason I bought the magazine).  Isn't this amazing???
 It is made almost completely of this woman's Flea Market finds. She envisioned it and started collected pieces to be included in it for years. Her Husband, Father, and two Sons built it for her as a Mother's Day gift. 
Oh My!  Tooooooooo Coooooool!
I want my Hubby to make this for me!

The Big Baby Clothes Project ...

It has begun!
The big Baby Clothes / Tree Skirt Project I have been dreaming of for years.
I have actually started this HUGE craft project.

Wednesday I will be giving up Facebook, my current addiction, and so I am hoping my "project" will consume me and keep me from FB withdraw. I know this project could take me a long time.

So, what is this "project" I am embracing you wonder?

I, like many Moms, have an over-abundance of baby clothes I can't part with. They have been sitting in Rubbermaid containers for years...20 years. I love them. They are so full of memories of my Darlings. Having two girls, hand-me-downs, were a must. But even when my girls were tiny, they had a mind of their own and favored certain outfits. Before Emily could talk, she would fuss about certain clothes. We found if I gave her a choice, she happily would agree to one of the choices, as long as she had a choice (and their was pink involved). Baby Annie, had a flare for bright colors, and animal prints (sometimes crazy mixes).

sweet baby clothes

My project is to make these precious garments into quilting squares, then turning the fabric into vivid Christmas tree skirts. Three of them. One for each daughter and one for me. Here is a sample photo of the skirts I am attempting:

{Piece N Quilt}

The tutorial can be found HERE .  This will show you how to make a tree skirt. The baby clothes is my choice of fabric.
Which brings us to the tedious task of ripping seams and cutting up the clothes. Now, I know what you are thinking...what a waste of Baby clothes that some babies could wear!  Hold your Horses! I have split the clothing into several piles and many will find their way to good homes. Most of the clothes I am using are not recyclable for wear, the elastic is shot, they have those stains that are invisible when you packed them, but reappear years later. Milk stains? Anyway, I am re-purposing these into a new useful purpose. Why am I explaining? 
ANYWAY~
I am busy ripping out seams while watching television with Hubby. It is a time evaporator. Very, very tedious indeed. I am pleased with the progress. Knowing this is a long project I am trying to pace myself and not fuss.

Annie's 1st Christmas Dress

I thought I would have a tough time with disecting these clothes but, actually, it is wonderful! Each item brings me memories. Even Hubby, will look over, smile and say something sweet about a memory or how he remembered who wore what.

My daughters are excited about this gift as well. I thought they would think it was strange or even ugly, but they have genuinely showed gratitude and anticipation.

I will keep you posted as I progress. With patience and hard work, I am hoping they turn out just the way I envision♥

Pay It Forward

YIKES!
I have won over at my favorite Blogger Pammy sue @ Scotty's Place this fun little Pay It Forward contest.
Pammy is ultra talented so I am a lucky girl to win anything from her. I know I will love it.
My winner's hopefully have a sense of humor and know that my heart is in this but, your handmade prizes may be, well, let's just say less desirable!
Okay, here is how it works:
*1st THREE people to comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me! Something in the next 6 months (I will try to get moving...but I procrastinate too much)
*2nd IF you are one of the lucky winners, you will have to host the same Pay It Forward on your Blog and send gifts to three winners as well.

So, I know you are excited! I'm so crafty and all. hahaahaa! maybe there was a time with my little Brownies & preschoolers...
What are you waiting for? Comment now.

ps~ Mark P... it would be so interesting to see your handmade "gifts".. you too WIZZ♥