Playing With Wool

Recently I joined an online group - Art4Mail- recommended by blogger friend Judy.

I have already mailed out a "spoolie" bird pin cushion- winging its way across the big pond!
I think I can safely post pics here - don't think my swap partner reads my blog!
I free hand cut a pattern using a coupon flyer from the Sunday paper - recycle, recyle!!!

Then, I dug out some of the hand dyed wool I have been hoarding (purchased from and created by Patty, years ago)
I had some wool strips left over from a rug hooking project,  knotted them together, and "wove" a bird's nest.

Then, took a vintage wooden spool, attached the bird in the nest (with some glue, and a wool strip attached to the nest and threaded thru the spool.)

The only thing I would have done differently, is to have sewn the bird closed on the bottom, instead of the top seam - brain wasn't fully operational at that exact point in time -for some reason!!
The little blue  bird has yellow wool wings, a cream colored breast, and vintage black snaps for eyes.

Now, how to ship the little twitter to arrive unscathed in England?

I just happened to have come upon a thrift store bird themed box - that was a perfect fit!!! That sturdy box, within another packing box should have made his trip comfy!!!

 

The other swap, was a one on one with Judy- a needle case.

She has already received hers, so I can post a pic!

Also made with some of Patty's hand dyed wool, and vintage thrift store cutter quilts, I fashioned this after one I have. 

Years ago, when I belonged to a wool group, called the Woolie Nuts(!) with Patty, Lennie, and Pat Sloan, we did several round robins.

One of them, was a wool needle case, which I LOVE, and use to this day!!!

Judy's is blanket stitched, with cotton batting sandwiched in between, a wool pocket, a quilt pocket, and a quilt pin cushion. There is a wool black eyed susan(one of my favorite flowers) inside and a red heart on the outside, with a strip of vintage tatting edging the cover. It folds wallet style.

 

Still having the issues, where blogger refuses to acknowledge that these pics were rotated, resized and saved. My new camera and blogger refuse to play nicely.. Oh, if only I were more computer literate.......

 

So, even tho they are upside down, you get the idea.

So, as summer winds down, sigh..........I'm dragging out the wool  to play again....

On Sale Now!!!

I'm so excited!! My teacup bird feeders are in two shops in town, Turner Ham/Fulks Run Grocery and Julieanna's!! Hopefully, they will be in two more shops next week. If I can figure out an inexpensive way to mail the taller ones, they will be in my Etsy shop soon!

I have some "new" vintage finds, ready to be upcycled into bird feeders, pin cushions, and shabby chic cake pedestals! Orphaned teacups and saucers are matched with new mates, slightly chipped or worn china is given new life and new purpose.
No two pieces are the same.

The bird feeders come with a starter packet of bird seed, and the cups are easily removed from the stake for cleaning. This way, you don't have to pull the stake out of the ground each time you need to clean or refill the cup.

They will come in two or 3 sizes- the smaller flower pot size would also fit nicely within a bushy garden plant - with just the teacup peeking out. It could be filled with seed, a small plant, or water for the birds to drink!

Feel free if you want to order one, if you can't make it to either of the local shops, to just contact me directly, and we'll work it out!!! Think spring!!!!!

Recycle, Upcycle, Make-do's!

Just a few other things I am working on - some will be in Etsy, some will be available locally.

I love vintage teacups, and sometimes they just aren't suited for tea anymore. I turn them into pin cushions, soap dishes, and now bird feeders.

Think spring!!! Aren't we all ready???The cups and saucers are on garden stakes- and can be put in the garden or in a flower pot. The stakes range from 3' down to flower pot size. They are easily removable from the stake for cleaning.As I was posting this, I realized I forgot to take a picture of the completed teacups on the stakes!! LOL I'll edit that in later!!!

I am also recycling vintage items and turning them into shabby chic pedestals - for cupcakes, candy, or jewelry. Here I combined an orphaned rose chintz saucer with a candlestick and found bobeche with prisms.