Repurposed into carnival themed party centerpieces

Thrift stores are awesome places to find cast offs...and typically I run into other creative people there.  Creative minds usually work really well together and seem to ignite creativity.  This is what I found while on my search for items to transform into useful carnival style center pieces.....
This first picture shows 3 carnival looking table pieces.
 The first one holding popcorn and cupcakes, is made up of 3 metal pieces that I have no idea what their original use was. Because it is steel, it is heavy enough to not have balance issues. The top 2 pieces Tom welded together for me and they are sitting inside the neck of the somewhat larger base. The support for the plate is a metal rack that fit perfectly over the neck of the base. I then cut a hole in the red plastic wheel (with an electric heat knife cutter) so it too would fit over the neck base,
  The popcorn just happen to fit into the top second metal piece that was an after thought. (I didn't paint it aqua as I did the rest of it.) Sorry the pics are not better, although I think you can get the idea. 

The metal pieces are sprayed with 2 coats of Valspar paint + primer gloss, in exotic sea. The red plate is slipped over the neck and the top welded piece is inverted into the base neck. I rolled striped paper up the size of a dowel, ( which could have been used as well) this added in the red color we were working with. I found a pack of 2 pinwheels at the dollar store and wahla we have our version of a tilt- o- whirl.  The plate is cut tight enough that we could tilt it as a typical tilto whirl.  I could have gotten a little more creative with a cool top for the tiltowheel, but I was just running out of time.

Here is my version of the carosel.  It again was a conglomiration of objects found and repurposed.  the Top Star is a brass candle holder sprayed red gloss.  The ribbons are woven through the gold upside down wire basket and anchored on another one of those metal pieces used in the tiltowhirl.  The tension of the ribbon all the way around makes the metal piece secure as it sits on the striped lined cardboard piece which I duplicated on the inside also. ( the basket bottom was wire like the basket at the top.  ( the liner was needed for a solid surface.) The red bow is again woven through the basket.  The wire basket sets on top of a metal vase turned upside down. I didn't have to secure it as it is all sturdy enough that it didnt warrant it.
 I cut the 4 center wires of the wwire rack in the middle and bent them up to slip the rack over the vase ( a trick but it worked) I drilled 4 holes on each side of the vase  to stick the metal cut wires in to stabilize. (measuring height and position) It was then all sprayed with a glitzy gold spray paint from Lowes.  The popcorn cones I made on my silhouette.

This was a very fun project and I think it added some of the carnival flair they were going for.

As a side note... I have sold 2 on ebay, one more to go......whoo hoo!

 

SUCESS, for the patio table with broken glass!


Last year when we were putting on a new roof....I inadvertently broke the  glass on our patio table.  To replace it was going to be costly, and  to buy a new set....... well  I had redone my cushions not to long ago, so I had to come up with a new plan... I had asked my husband if he could make a stainless top to which he told me he could, although he did not know when.......I was  invisioning summer with no table....  then one day while still trying to sell the wedding left overs......I stood staring at the food tables we had made, and an idea came to me......  It didn't take too much adjusting.........the circular saw and power drill a few more wood screws and wahla !   It fit perfectly, will almost.. LOL
I discovered that out door tablecloths work well if it rains and the left over tents from weddings past worked well in place of the umbrellas I'm tired of buying.  I really like the privacy room provided by the tents and the ability to change the look of them easily...it's working extremely well for us.   I found some off white pottery barn curtains at my local thrift store for
2.00 and I am on the hunt for a couple more,  for  now just using what I have .

Plum Tucker'd

I have been at it again...........My craft room was a catastrophe with left over holidays and taxes looming, it was such a mess, that I didn't want to venture into that part of the house.  And then I attended a business conference that was meant to get you charged to attack all those things typical of procrastination.  So did I respond to my seminar?  You bet I did!  
                            Taxes are done, christmas is all put away, the craft room reorganized. Time to get inspired....pinterest is a great starting place for me.  For some of you who have not ventured out to this sight yet, go check it out there is something for everyone.   You will find so many talented people with many great tutorials. From kids projects to cleaning helps, party suggestions and repurposing, home fixes and organizing, places to see/visit, gardening, and so much more.  BONUS ...of course you can save anything you like to your Pinterest, with a touch of a button.  Also,  tipjunkie is a great site to follow. I receive tip junkie emails a few times a week and it has become one of the emails I always look forward to.... I love it.  You can also submit your own ideas on tip Tuesday and just maybe, it will be selected to be shared with everyone.
 I have been busy balancing Real Estate, family and my creative longings.
currently in process: making super cute diaper changing organizers, for moms and babies on the go.  Along with cute wet bags and onesies,  wooden hangers and cutout letters, colorful frames for use as chalk boards/pictures/magnet. Quilted alphabet letters, re-purposed furniture and so much more.  Of course Im thinking ahead to gift giving events, although I am hoping to have something ready for one of the upcoming  boutiques.    I haven't done one for ever and am entertaining doing so.


Just came across this and a couple of other un-published entries.  Decided to go ahead and publish them before starting another.  I am not being very consistent with this LOL

I love my silhouette !

Ive either been really busy or really uninspired to write...probably a little of both!  Haha
My husband bought me a silhouette for Christmas...although he had no idea what it was.  After reading alot about it and being told It was a bit of a learning curve, I will tell you I have to agree, however it was well worth it.  *note I am still learning... And utube has lots of videos thank goodness.  I can already imagine all the neat things I can make and it has already come in really handy.  I love the stencil aspects, the ability to print and cut for fabric transfers and the vinyl lettering I've made, what fun!  of course I actually was inspired by some pinterest creations I've saved.  I will post them with my pics soon.

Baby's and Brides

Wow I'm finally back to blogging....baby's and brides and of course all that's life...what a busy year! Before I get going on my fall fun, I thought I would share a few fun things from Brad and Chelsey's wedding First off she was a beautiful bride and he a handsome groom! This wedding was labeled "Shabby Chic Vintage"...it was a fun one to create for. From repurposing antique furniture to collecting old china it was almost like a full time job! LOL These awesome lace chargers we made..which just the collecting of the 300 plus chargers and lace curtains, was a project in and of itself! After purchasing 3 gallons of Elmer's Washable School Glue - Glue & Adhesives (Google Affiliate Ad) which we used for almost all the projects we had going, that stuff is amazing and can replace modge podge on most everything. The gals that helped to accomplish this daunting feat, I am forever grateful to. I mean lets face it 300 is a big number. We were real good at assembly line.. Janie cut the lace squares...and the gals proceeded with the glue and lace. Beginning with slightly watered down glue @ 2-1 (glue to water) we brushed the glue on to the charger laid on the lace, one more coat of glue, dry and trim......beautiful lace chargers! We collected canning jars like everyone else was also doing, although we covered them with lace, doilies or burlap cuffs. I made too many trips to count to goodwill stores, because they sell their jars for 19 cents each... Deal! Made 600 mini fabric rosettes that were glued onto jute then tied on drinking glasses and vases. Wooden signs out of repurposed fence and pallet boards, some inspired by Pinterest, the rest just came out of need. We used Elmer's Glue again to put a satin coat on the wooden signs for a great looking finish. I can't even begin to cover it all..however it must be said, that part of the fun NOW has been selling it all to brides to be. Although I will not recoup my time effort and money, it is fun seeing the excitement of all these girls I've met who are loving the process of 'collecting treasures' for their special day. And they are thrilled it's already done for them. As for me.... I love that all my treasures are being used again!

Wedding projects

Chelseys coming home this weekend and I have projects galore for her and anyone willing to help...look out my dear its 'wedding frolic' time.  So much more to finish.....Oh my what a list, its going to be a beautiful wedding though.

Wedding planning is so much fun especially when you are unleashed to be creative.    It is a chalenge to try and mimmick exactly what the Bride and Groom want their special day to look like, however, I have learned some of the neatest tricks along the way trying to do so.  I so enjoy it!

I have a true pasion to create, I know this because I never tire of it.  If I could get up every morning  and make a decent living from it alone, that would be my dream job.  I know there are alot of you out there who feel the same way.  Some who are more tech savy have done just  that, made it their dream job.  Others of us just continue the only way we know,  but with the same pasion and love for what we do.  I would love to find  a way to walk everyone through the process with an easy way of learning step by step, utube videos, linking, building blog sites...web sites, and I am sure countless other ways to get what we do out there and make a living at doing what we love and are gifted at.

My time is currently spoken for....wedding deadlines are closing in on me....time to get my creativity going again.  Although, after this special day, I will check into Tech school for creatively gifted people...Im sure some such thing exists, doesn't it?  And I will make my pasion... my gift, more than what it is.  As someone very dear to me once told me, " you missed your calling", I intend to find it.  Blessings to all you crafters out there you have blessed me with all your ideas and enthusiasm.  Keep crafting!

Blog banners

A big shout out to my daughter in-law Allison Grace Tucker! 

By the way don't you just love her full name...

              ...she surprised me one day with a labor of love...

You see, I am not very good at this blogging thing.  I couldn't even figure out why people couldn't join/follow my blog....not sure I got it right yet. LOL

........Any hoo.......I was so frustrated with it all I kinda quit  blogging.  

 And then Allison emails me, with one of the most frustrating things for me to figure out,

An awesome BANNER....WOO HOO, 

I was so excited and look at it.... isn't she awesome...! 

 Thank you Allison Grace... you don't know how you blessed me! You are brilliant!

Grandma and Tucker

I just returned home from a blessed week with a beautiful baby boy!

Tucker

  What a good little guy he is, full of happy smiles and inquisitive looks as he discovers his surroundings. I had lots of Grandma time and he certainly kept me busy with lots of fun. Little Tucker Beckham Bray is as sweet as the day is long. He's sleeping through the night and growing like so fast.

 I took this to send to daddy and mommy while they were in Canada.....not quite a thumbs up, a pinky up though!

 

He really enjoys his bath time every night....

and is a real cuddle bug

especially after bath and bottle!

Of course I had to try all the clothes on 

I had made him..He's almost grown out

of them :) 

We took the Bob out walking at a local shopping center, as well as the neighborhood near home, all which are beautiful in Carlsbad. The weather was perfect although we got caught once in a bit of  a surprize drizzle. We enjoyed stopping along the way to watch the kids swimming in the pool and shared time with close neighbors. I didn't make it to the beach ...but we will next time, he'll be a little older then. The week flew by and of course grandma hated to leave.

Wedding Shower Fun

One more shower...this one was for Chelsey, a beatiful bride she will be!
Shelby did an awesome job on pulling it together quickly...we were running out of dates that would work for us all. Even still we missed some of you who had prior commitments, although the shower was still a huge success.
 A good friend of ours, Cherrise, offered her backyard which was perfect for the event, with a shabby chic garden style tea .  Thank you Cherrise for your graciousness extended once again, we love you for all you are in our lifes!

The tents were made for Shelby's wedding by my husband. He, by the way often gets drug into theses projects and always rescues us in our attempts to create what we can't. I had collected lace panels from local thrift shops for another project we are doing for the wedding ( I'll show at a later date). I held some aside to use as curtains on the backside of two of the tents, mainly for the look. We all know Cherrise's yard doesnn't need covering...with all the florals and plantings and the quaints play house, it truly lent to the overall look perfectly. The bare wire lamp shades with crystal chandeliers hung from each tent and added more shabby chic looks.

 The vintage china plates and tea cups,
part of the collection for the wedding,
came in handy for the morning tea

and brunch. Our menu consisted of 2 delicious egg dishes with mini muffins prepared by Kristen.  I made an assortment of muffins, bannana, apple cinnamon and blueberry cream cheese. Home made jams & jellies, bluberry pecan &  raspberry, made by Aunt Janie,  Alot of love...... 

Butter croissants and cut fresh fruit provided  by Stacey. Our Teas were blueberry, cranberry and peach..served from quaint tea pots with sugar  and cream. We served raspberry lemonade in

canning jars as well.

  I made these net food coverings Ill have to show later the picture is not good.  I toolamp shades and stripped them down to the wire and found this fabulous netting material to cover them with, added an anthropology drawer pull (I swiped from my daughters room) and walllla....functional and ver chic.

We used the old shabby chic dresser to store

extras, napkins cups and saucers as well as the beautiful cupcakes made by Freda.

  The cupcakes, hydrangea and roses, not only looked amazing they tasted amazing, raspberry was my favorite, although the lemon was wonderful too.





Chelsey received many thoughtful gifts and was genuinely overwhelmed by all. Thank you again to everyone attending as well as all the help in blessing Chelsey with this event.

Baby Tucker's coming

Getting ready for another exciting trip, Tuckers Due date is coming fast... I am preparing to head down south again.  Hoping to stop in on  5 adorable girls to give them all some grandma love ..... and then on to await the arrival of baby Tucker. 
I have to say I  have had great use out of my emboidery, sewing and serger machines all set up in my craft room permanently....one of the only good things about gaining back rooms:)
 I must say its been awhile...What fun I have had making boy stuff ...

Wish the pictures were clearer...

Houndstooth shoes

Shoe holder

Khaki Canvas shoes

animals and blocks



crochet baby blanket

repourposed onesie

crochet hoody

wipe pad set

flannel & terry wash cloths

Car & truck Shirt

I am so excited to continue creating, although still organizing my craft room, the machines are up to stay and what a difference that makes.  Ideas are beginning to flow again..... 

 

Nursery

I recently came back from a fun trip to Carlsbad where Aunt Janie and I were able to join Shelby, family and friends at yet another shower.     

Shelby's sister & mother in law put on a wonderful shower for all in southern CA.  It was a great time of fellowship, wonderful food and lots of fun . 

Tucker is surely  BLESSED by all

who love him. 

There were so many creative souls, with so many creative gifts, made with such love,  personally I was like a kid in a candy shop....My kind of people..... It was a book shower and all the different books were so cute...the beginnings of a small library....

After the shower we stayed on a few days.... enjoying the hospitalty so much...

The beach was beautiful the weather of course was too.  There was enough to keep us busy and the time flew by...We left the sunshine, salt water and sand, coming home to rainy Sacramento with seashells and new memories of time spent, although not before helping finish up some last minute projects..  The Nursery looks great, now just waiting for our little sailor, Tucker, to arrive. 

Great job on the quilt Shelby, such talent!

Showers

Well Christmas is certainly over...It was awesome having everyone home!  thought I would get on here to share some but couldnt seem to get to it. Maybe I'll make it next year as its kinda late and out of season now.
 I can't believe it is the end of February...I know I have been really busy...crafting, along with  all my other duties of course.
Most recently, with the talented help of my sister in-law, Janie, we were able to bless Shelby with a special baby shower day. This shower consumed my time, happily, over the last month or so. Her invite list included all her special friends and family.   I could see from the beginning when I received it, it was going to be  larger than I could host at home. An appeal to a dear friend, Mary Ellen, and she graciously jumped on it. She was able to reserve the clubhouse where she lives, for the event, it was perfect. One thing leading to another,  creative people conspiring.....and whaala.... we had a perfect party for our little sailor Tucker..... We took inspiration from a few others  and add lieb to make it our own.  There are some really great ideas out there, thank you to all who share:

http://princessandthefrogblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/sailboat-party.html; http://overcocktails.blogspot.com/2010/01/nautical-shower-for-baby-oliver.html http://pinterest.com/search/?q=paper+mache+boats

Tuckers whale hangs above his crib now.

Freda makes beautiful cakes she is so talented.. thank you again

 The whale was a  special order from Shelby, Lee's mom Theresa, grasiously lent me an overhead projector to in large my whale drawing.   Tom cut it out for me...I sanded very little as it was fine smooth plywood.  Then painted it dark grey,  crackeled it added a  coat of white paint on top & it was looking great...  The whales face was easy to draw...And then I finished 

Janie did a beautiful job with the food table she is awesome!

it with a little sanding on the edges and sealed with a spray matte sealer. ( both sides are finished so she could choose her direction)


What a beautiful cake, Freda you are so creative. It fit so perfect with everything.  Not only do your cakes look good,  they always taste so yummy.  One layer was strawberry filled the other lemon... and white cake as Shelby doesn't care for chocolate.  I am always fascinated when she arives and sets it up,  as it always, always is more than I expected. The detail is amazing, the edible sand and shells...the cute boat on top and the stand wrapped in rope......Tucker's nameon it,
An  anchor cake is all I asked for....:)


Aunt Janie so willing gave me a hand on every project I was doing, from invitations to food.....whether it needed starting, completing or just encouraged along, she was available.

*Pre reqs. were you gotta know a lot about many things,  creating, sewing, stamping, cutting, glueing, cooking.... 

I couldn't ask for a more creative accomplice,  with detailed & meticulous love she deserves many thanks for all she did!

Our little banners, pylons, sand and pennant flags tied it all to gether.

Playing pass the book our unique ice breaker

Thank you all for joining in the fun and blessing Shelby and
Tucker...
Till the next shower where I am sure new ideas will flow from someone.   LOL

The large penants and mini penants filled the room stretching from windows and doorways throughout...they were inexpensive to make and made our theme alot of fun,
 Thank you Chelsey & Delaney for all your help too!



We played a fun game as an ice breaker....It was a goofy poem of sorts, I found the idea on line, although changed most all of it to fit our shower...then I asked Aunt Janie if she could put the poem sheets in a little book format so we could pass it easier.....Oh my... did she ever... it was too cute.. I need to take more pics of it soon to show it off.....

Our Holiday in San Diego

What an awesome time we had with family in Carlsbad, with even a stop over in Glendora to pick up Chelsey at her cute little house she shares with several other college gals! A yummy Thanksgiving dinner at Chad & Summer's with their little munchkins plus the rest of the fam...not any less important, although those little ones steal your hearts. Savanah, was quite a character, playful and ohhh so smart she kept us all going, and Blake, we decided was content in Toms arms anytime. Their turkey shirts mommy made were adorable. It was all enough to take our minds off of the pending dilemma with the broke down diesel truck. We had a 3 day extended stay in Carlsbad due to this ongoing saga. A big note of appreciation to Aaron & Shelby, whose hospitality & help was amazing, you know we love you both! That poor shop they thought they had it all figured out and we hoped they did too, although in the end we flew home leaving the mystery of the big black truck for the shop to uncover. Now 2 weeks later they think the oil something..something part is the issue too. However they can't get to it with that big ol engine in the way, $$$$$$$$$$ is what I see...and I am less sure they know that this new idea will make it run....I think there will be a new plan....with Tom & his brother Bill 'fetching ' that ol beauty and bringing her/him home. Even with the stress of our plans having to be adjusted a few times, we did make the best of it and enjoyed the extra time spent at the Brays. After a bumpy flight, we were anxious to be home. So much so that I ran off with someone else luggage...oh my...a second trip immediately back out to the airport....we hit the sack quite exhausted, although none the less thankful indeed.

Feelings of Fall

I love the feeling of fall, the wind blowing leaves and crisping up the air. As we slip into the changing weather we are lighting those fires, bringing out the warm blankets, and looking through the cold weather receipies. I always find I am desiring to bake and smell the cinamon, cloves, nutmeg and all that is reminicisent of the season.  Put together some of our favorite home made soup and breads....ahh, how cozy I feel.

Now the decorating....it is always a bonus for me, you all know I love to create. I usually keep the same florals and assortment of pumpkins for  as long as they will last. However they take on a new and different look every year..this year we have a spray on the door ...its always fun to deviate from the traditional wreath

My front porch is adorned slightly, because Tom has told me he would enjoy sitting out there with the fire pit or heat lamp enjoying some hot cider. Sounded good to me...so I am redoing the porch swing with some fabric I have had left over from another project..coming soon.

Even though the family dinner is not at home this year, I just couldn't skip the dinning room and entry way. Hope you have had time to bring the season into your home in the ways that are special to you

 .

Funky little tree

Oh my goodness, I am so excited about my latest finished project...I wasn't at all sure what I was going to do with my little phone book tree, however,    'one thing led to another and ...'  
                                                                                             ( didn't you just love' Mama Mia '...)

 ...Although that is exactly how this funky little tree began.......
  
 I liked the skirt effect left by the folded pages.  In order to leave them on, I had to find something to set it up on. The black rod iron candlestand worked out perfect. I made minor adjustments on the underside of the tree for it to sit flat.
Beautiful.....but plain ....then I remembered some interesting paper beads I had saved on pinterest.  Wow did I get carried away, I must've made a hundred or more.

My husband naturally got talked into helping, (no he wouldn't make beads, but he has these talents for creating tools and all sorts of stuff). He made a bamboo stick with a slot in it to replace the tooth picks I had been using. Boy am I ever thankful for my new bamboo stick, simple as it is,  my fingers were on the way to  callouses.

    Well back to the  funky little tree...
it is doused with 5 colors of glitter.  The bead enhancements are those paper beads I mentioned earlier. The stars are shaped from wire, one with beads the other left plain to dangle.

The post holding up the star is covered with crocheted wire and more fun twisted beaded wire. I think it will look fantastic as a table top piece.
   (So sorry I am not a photographer it looks much better for real.)

I am sure it would look awesome in all white glitter as well. I am loving it and thinking all it needs is a tree skirt out of some  felted sweaters I have been working with. 

  

Hopefully my special someone will  love this  funky little tree when I give it to her ...

Holidays

I feel the holidays closing in on us rather quickly...so I have been on the look out for those fun ideas that I can mimmick or put together with something entirely different to come up with something fresh. I really don't need anything, I have decorations galore...but what is the season without reason to create...even if to give it away , it is such fun!


I am finding that all sorts of old ideas are coming back again. Last night I went out to the mail box and low and behold another phone book...what is a person to do with all these different phone books..that we seldom use anymore. Well...the old folded Christmas tree, is a splendid project, so I began folding. My husband is always comical when he comes home and sees me doing something new or strange. Although this time he recognized my efforts immediately, I wish I could remember his comments, always unexpected but indearing if even slightly twisted, he makes me smile. Well this project will already be a give away, I have someone in mind. I will have to post a pic. once I finish it. Ireally  had to take a break after at least an hour of folding, this phone book I can tell is the perfect size.
 

<---I had fun making these  last year, to put around this huge mirror in my daughters room 

 

All this paper led me to search out other ideas.... how about the paper beads, flowers, baskets, purses, wreaths, placemats, jewelry ....it is endless in this day of recycling. I am planning on making some garland for the tree this year maybe with news paper who knows. The wheels are turning....... :)

........RecYcle.....rEcYcLe...ReCYcLe....recyclE..........

Unfinished projects

It's a beautiful fall Day today... 

Thought I'd share a baby quilt I have been working on here and there, amongst all my other projects,  I just have not finished it. I am not a big granny square crocheter, mostly because of pieceing them together. However, something came over me and I decided to make one. As you can see I just couldn't stop the square...it kept getting bigger and bigger. I ended up with one big bright granny square....I am thrilled that I solved the issue of joining all those squares....although I was not yet loving it   :(.   I am liking it much better now that the border is finished...if I can just get to the last details of securing all those ends, I would love to move on to other things....

The Bib

I forgot to share the cute bib.  I made up this pattern to mimmick the owl in the skip hop design .  It was quite fun.  I will have to write the pattern down so you can try it......  coming soon....