Snow-Guys get on the Bus!

Today I am posting about what I have been working on in my studio {aka: the basement}.

I just finished 24 of these vintage bottle Snow-Guys, but before they get on the bus for the big time {Texas Antique Shows in the Fall} I got some of them to pose for a picture....Note: They are going, I'm not, boo!

...so you all can begin thinking about Christmas and making some gifts for your friends and family.

Never too early to think about making Christmas presents.

Now is the time before you get too busy!!!



Check out how they started. I showed their beginnings when I participated in the Where Bloggers Create blog party.



The most expensive part can be the clay for their heads, but it you have a Michael's or Joann's, just use your discount coupon.



All the other elements are bits and pieces that you might have around the house
.. old books, buttons, jewelry snippets, glitter and tinsel...
now get those brain-wheels turning and see what you can come up with..

How to: A Picture Easel

PROJECT SKILL LEVEL: CBE {Couldn't be Easier}

Are you looking for a fun and casual new way to display your photos and pictures?

Today I will be showing you how make a picture/photo easel from an vintage hem measurer.



These "flashes from the past" often show up at garage and estate sales, or the thrifts. This one cost 50 cents at a local thrift shop.



That bottom part held a pin cushion which I removed. Its cover was dirty, red and full of holes.




I took the bottom apart easily by unscrewing two small screws. I am lazy, I used a knife blade instead of looking for my little screw driver.



I decided not to recover the pad. I liked how the gray felt underpad looked. I screwed it back into place. I used the knife again.

Don't tell my husband.



I flipped the metal arm part over. I just loosened the wing nut (What a phrase!) and slipped the metal arm over the ruler part upside down. This gave me a way to hold the picture in place.



Now I have an interesting easel to display things I sell at the flea market. I hope you have another idea about how you can have fun with your stuff.

An Ode To...

the lowly and lovely clothespin.



Monday was always washday for my grandmother, and then later, my mom. Clothes, bed linens, socks, wringer washer, clothesline, wicker washbasket...



and of course, the essential clothespin...



of unchanging design...homey, simple, basic, endlessly versatile and useful...costing pennies each, even now, and PRICELESS!