GreenCraft Magazine: Autumn

I was walking down the magazine aisle of Wegman's, when I came to an abrupt stop... the newest issue of GreenCraft had just been delivered! I'm always alone at these exciting moments, but yesterday my daughter was at my side. It was so fun to search for the right page with her and hear, "Hey mama those rings are just like ours!" Yup, they ARE ours!

She also can read now... so that made it extra thrilling.  The napkin rings are based on these and these that I made last winter, but I used fabric selvage instead. This third issue might just be my favorite! I'm so happy  and honored to be in the company of  such  fantastic artists. The diversity of the projects is just wonderful... all 85 of them! But who's counting? Here are several that caught my eye upon my first perusal:

My favorite part of GreenCraft is that it goes beyond just eye candy and inspiration... there are specific instructions/techniques for so many of the features. You must check it out the next time your at the supermarket or bookstsore. It's so much more than just a magazine!

barn living and repurposed crates

As a life-long serial renter, my mother has had lots of wonderful opportunities to perfect her ability to create comfortable, beautiful and inviting spaces on a budget. She's a master! We've been spending so much time at her barn  this summer.  The above view is what we saw when we opened the door for dinner last night. The evening sun illuminated the couch and all the new pillows she had recently made... it just calls you to settle in and put your feet up, doesn't it? The pillows were covered with vintage fabric from her stash. We moved the original couch out to the deck. That old metal glider is happier out there and this simple (and somewhat disguised) futon is feeling perfect for all the "hanging out" we do together. My mother had dreamed of a new couch, but the reality that we had this futon already, made it hard to justify not putting it to use. Bonus: it's a great overnight bed for guests and worthy of doctoring up. The ottoman/coffee table was improvised recently and might be a keeper. Two perfectly weathered crates (garage sale 2 weekends ago) topped with a little something for summer toes.

The idea came from the old sheepskin I've put on my own thrifted cushioned ottoman/coffee table this summer... but I think this particular iteration is an ingenious idea for small spaces. Slipping something soft over a couple of vintage crates  could translate to a lot of different living rooms.  When space is at a premium, furniture may need to play double duty. This solution is sturdy enough to serve as a bench, could be pulled apart for singular seating, or turned upright for an extra seat at the dining table. As a coffee table, use a tray for beverages or snacks. Do you have any furniture that plays double- duty?

editor's note:  I stopped over today and took the following shots to give a better perspective on both the crates and the square footage of the kitchen/living room.

dog days...

 I often have to remind myself that the hands of the clock move differently during the summer... Sure, the days are longer, but they are so much fuller. Keeping everyone cool, happy and well fed takes up most of the hours in each day. In between, I'm working on several new variations of this skirt I keep talking about... there are so many possibilities, and I want the instructions  to include interesting ways to manipulate the fabric and pretty little details. I do love details...

 

...even if they come more slowly during the dog days of summer. I keep whispering to myself to smile and enjoy the process... even if it's in bits and bursts. Rushing isn't the point. Doing something well and with love is what truly makes me happy.

 Love your process... whatever it is!

barn toilette

  My mother plumbed her barn home for an upstairs bathroom, but had never installed one. The designated space first served as her sewing corner, and then transformed into a dressing room. This past spring, the toilet was finally delivered and installed. Am I really writing a post about a toilet? Well, I've already done one on a toilet paper holder, and this is more about the what surrounds the throne than anything else. So, yes, I believe I will. There are no doors in the studio/bedroom- it's a very open floor plan. The first thing you see upon climbing the stairs is that toilet.What to do? We discussed at least a million different options. We thought some kind of movable screen would be just right. I liked the idea of something like this. Not in the budget, but that barn and shed are filled with every kind of styling prop, material, etc. one could ever need. My mother had a wooden dowel floor mat not in use, because it felt bumpy under your feet... but as a screen? Hmmm...

It seems to work in a similar way to the Gaiam divider, but after reading reviews, I think hers is sturdier! It wasn't quite tall enough, but a bouquet of parasols seems to add a little more definition to the space... a delicate division.

So now you know where the circus zebra and parasols rest when they're not in "the ring"!

The sink is next... and a garage sale over the weekend featured the prize:  a small Ikea utility sink- $10. We'll let you know if it works.

impromptu circus resources

The circus is almost ready to leave town, so I thought I'd compile a little list of already mentioned links and add some favorites, too. If you know of any more, please mention them in the comment section. Thanks again for joining in this week!


Make:
How to make a hula hoop
Learn to juggle
Juggle 3 balls 
Newspaper bunting tutorial
Find:
Parasols
also try e-bay for vintage parasols and umbrellas
Toys:
Woodmouse Circus set
Etsy:
The Black Apples's Lost on the Midway postcard set
Collage sheet of vintage circus advertisements and ephemera
Roadside Projects amazing circus prints
vintage wooden circus toy chest

Children's books:
Last Night I dreamed of the Circus

See Circus Lift Flap

 Circus

Painted Circus Presents Mesmerizing Menagerie


Kids Perform Circus Arts

skirts and scarves

And here we are... the final day of the our Impromptu Circus Party. Kathrin, of annekata, and I enjoy ourselves so much every time we get together in real life, so it was a joy to celebrate our fun and inspiration with all of you. A special thanks to our wonderful friend (and model) Casey Benson, who will be in the spotlight next week. The circus was a playful way to introduce our shared love for one of the most accessible and versatile materials for repurposing:  the humble t-shirt.  Cotton t-shirts abundantly hang on racks in every thrift store or are piled in the back of many closets... They come in every color of the rainbow, and I'm certain  you can get your hands on some.

Juggling balls, and flaming hoops were just the beginning of the t-shirt projects.  I designed my new absolute favorite piece: it's the go to skirt for women and girls! Simple to sew, lovely and easy to wear... It can be created in any number of variations depending on how complex you want to make it and the style that fits your mood. I'll be sharing more details and fresh photos next week, when the instructions becomes available as a pdf in my shop.

Kathrin designed an amazing spiral scarf that you've seen sprinkled in photos throughout the week, as well. It can be worn in your hair, around your waist and, of course elegantly, draped around your neck. They add a little magic to every outfit, and I've been wearing one all summer long... it's the accessory I reach for every time I want  a little somethin'!  Guess what? She's holding a giveaway right now, and a lucky winner will receive not one, but three of these gorgeous scarves!  Go see... The fun doesn't seem to stop!! Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

balancing act

~ A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your step as you walk the tightrope of life. ~
William Arthur Ward

Day 5 of the circus brings a tightrope of sorts... an impromptu balance beam. A place to find inner quiet, courage... to build confidence and coordination... to be silly and dramatic!

All you need:
- 2x4 between 8 and 10 feet long
- two sturdy chairs
- parasols and pretty skirts are optional

Words to live by: Get up on that tightrope. Don't look down. Find your balance. Know when to hold someone's hand... and when to let go.

Be brave!

hoops and fire rings

Hula hoops have been around since the days of ancient Greece, when they were used for exercise, to 3000 years ago in Egypt where hoops of grapevine were rolled. They were rediscovered in the 1950's and became an icon of that era. Modern children and adults still find hula hooping a great form of exercise and just plain fun. We have a hoop for each family member and a couple extras for guests. They're put to use constantly and bridge all ages... my daughter started hooping at 4, and her grandmother even gets into the action! Hula hoops are a fabulous activity for any outdoor party/gathering, whether you make them with a group or just have a bunch ready for action. Here's a link to make your own. Make several in various circumferences.

Now what's a circus without a ring of flames? Make an (almost) instant flaming hoop for daring performers and any available wild cats!  Create fire with strips of multicolored jersey cut  from various old t-shirts. Oranges and reds are perfect, but I'd love to experiment with a rainbow ring, as well.  Space them evenly around the hoop.

Dare the first tiger you happen upon to jump through...

If they won't cooperate, search out a local zebra... they're quite agreeable!

diy: juggling rag balls

Welcome to day 3 of the circus! Juggling under the Big Top is a must.  My mother's vintage rag balls were the inspiration for making some modern juggling balls with simple materials.

A little rice, an old t-shirt and a few stray socks are all you need to make your own set. They're firm, don't bounce and can be customized to the hands of the juggler!

Need:

• Old small sock (toddler size is just right)
• Rice
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• 1-2 inch wide strips of t-shirts cut against the grain.

Make:

1. Cut toe off sock. Fill toe with rice and sew opening shut. 
2. Fold over excess seam allowance to create a ball.
3. Wind strips of fabric around and around the rice ball. Keep it tight and even until it’s the size of a tangerine. It will look wonky, at first. Keep going.
4. Tuck in the last few inches of fabric in several different spots to secure. Add  few stitches in varying spots for added durability. It's done!!

Make a set of at least three and learn how to juggle... an older child can master it, too!  Juggling has a long and rich history. Check out Annekata's latest post for more facts and links.

During these busy times, it seems like we all  have so many "balls" in the air... learning at least one way to juggle them would feel so satisfying... wink. wink.

A big thank you to Casey Benson for playing circus with us. More details on this amazing woman next week!