For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved stuff that has been handcrafted, made from things of the past. Growing up, I would raid my Grandpa’s junk yard for materials that I could fix up or include in some latest art venture. Ok, I admit, I still do this. Last weekend, I took home an old wooden frame that I found on his back porch. This look has become crazy popular lately. Everything is made to look old-fashioned, worn, antique… the older the better it seems.
Since starting this blog, I’ve been doing a bit more web surfing that normal and have discovered that this handcrafted, independent type of art, whether visual, music, fashion or film carries the label “indie” as of late. I think it’s somewhat ironic that this has become the staple look, sound and feel of everything commercial when in it’s very nature “indie” means to be independent, made by hand and self-sufficient. That’s America for you.
Anyway, back to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house. I mentioned that I visited last weekend. I always knew they had collected old stuff throughout the years, but never fully realized how incredibly sweet it all is. I took some pictures to share. I love that years before “indie” anything became popular, my grandparents were just being completely authentic with what they liked.
Dreaming about R.E.M. next weekend. (sigh)
This week I’ve been a crafting fool. I’m thinking about the damage I’ve done so far and it’s only Tuesday. I found this fabric at a wholesale fabric warehouse yesterday. I drive by this place everyday. It’s like one of those places that you see, but you don’t see. You know what I mean? Anyway, I finally visited it and they have great fabrics that are incredibly affordable. Who knew?
Rosa liked it too…
I started a small quilt for my good friend whose having a baby boy in July. I’ve only finished the front as of today. There’s nothing more fun than vintage cowboys (and girls).
Yesterday, I ventured to a new project. I’ve been wanting some sort of hanging solution by the front door. Something to hang the keys, dog leash, etc. I discovered the section at the craft store that has all the unfinished wood objects and found some great plaques. They come in all shapes and sizes. I also had some cool fabric left over from a former project. So I whipped these babies up. Quick and easy!
Tools you will need:
fabric
wood plaque
hat and coat hook set (hook and screws)
sawtooth picture hanger set (hanger and nails)
sheetrock screw (to mount to wall)
scissors
staple gun
hammer
power drill (phillips bit)
How to:
1. With your scissors and fabric, cut out a piece of fabric about 1.5 to 2 inches larger than the size of your wood plaque (large enough to stretch around and behind it).
2. Stretch the fabric around and behind the wood plaque on one side and staple with the staple gun. To stretch the fabric evenly, make sure to staple once in the center of all four sides before stretching the rest.
3. Center your hook in the middle of the plaque, on top of the fabric, and screw in place.
4. Nail the sawtooth picture hanger on the back.
5. Mount it on the wall by hanging it from the sheetrock screw.
*Note: These are intended for lighter objects like a set of keys, dog leash or a hat. In order to make them more stable for heavier things such as coats or bags, you may want to use longer sheetrock screws and drill directly through the wood plaque into the wall behind it.
No, not my oven… My sister’s. She’s prego! I found out this last weekend while visiting. She’s about six weeks along and she’s so excited. Out of the three of us, this will be the first baby in the family. What a crazy feeling, to add another branch to the tree.
She’s due around or on Christmas Day. Fun. Merry Christmas to all. I’m dying to know if it’s a boy or girl… or both. Her husband’s a twin. Wouldn’t that be a trip. Ok, I already have tons of crafty baby projects brewing. Stay tuned for updates to come.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved stuff that has been handcrafted, made from things of the past. Growing up, I would raid my Grandpa’s junk yard for materials that I could fix up or include in some latest art venture. Ok, I admit, I still do this. Last weekend, I took home an old wooden frame that I found on his back porch. This look has become crazy popular lately. Everything is made to look old-fashioned, worn, antique… the older the better it seems.
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