Great Repurposing Ideas from Crafty Nest!

Just in time for those spring projects, here are a few great ideas for repurposing and reusing items from around the house, second hand stores, or salvage. Some of my favorites I found at Crafty Nest.com, which is a goldmine of inspiration for us Do-It-Yourself folks, complete with awesome tutorials! Above are a few examples, but be sure to check it out for yourself!

*Salvaged Drawers=Modular Bookcase: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/12/salvaged-drawers-modular-bookcase/
*Hanging Jar Lanterns: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/10/hanging-jar-lanterns/
*Salvaged Cupboard Door=Serving Tray: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/12/salvaged-cupboard-door-serving-tray/

Feathered Friend

My incredibly talented husband is a photographer as a hobbie. He prefers nature photography, but is great no matter what the subject is. (It's true, even if I am biased...) He totally underestimates his own talent, which I am constantly bringing to his attention. Recently he had to take a day trip to Newport for work, and brought his camera along just in case. Among the many awesome photos he came back with, these really stood out for me. (the cropping is my fault, not his) This feathered fellow makes me think of a proud old man, wary and wise, surveying his domain. I love these photos so much, I had to share...enjoy!

Sweet Tweet Treats

The crafting community is so immense, it's easy to feel disconnected at times. Thankfully, crafters are also a friendly bunch! Sometimes a fellow crafter or artisan will just reach out and make your day. Lucky for me, Lonna of Rose Cottage Boutique is just such an individual!

A fellow seller on Etsy.com, she creates cottage-style accessories that are beautiful and charming! My favorite is this pretty decorative set of 3 Little Red Birds. They have that vintage style that I love!

You can check them out for yourself at Lonna's shop on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosecottageboutique2

Get Crafty for Valentine's Day!!!

Cool Crafty Projects! Perfect for Valentine's Day, for those of us who love to create something unexpected from everyday materials! 1. White Paper Flowers Bouquet, 2. Heart Pop-Out Card, 3. Duct Tape Roses, 4. Love Beads, 5. Heart Book Pendant

Here's where you can find instructions or tutorials for these beautiful projects:
1. http://www.craftstylish.com/item/7515/how-to-make-simple-white-paper-flowers
2. http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-2010/heart-pop-up-card-841601/
3. http://www.duckbrand.com/Duck%20Tape%20Club/ducktivities/crafts/How%20to%20Make%20a%20Duck%20Tape%20Rose.aspx
4. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/love-beads-665995/
5. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/crafts/heart-book-pendant/

Have a Happy *DIY* Valentine's Day!

Oooh Pretty

Toadstool Cottage and Mushroom House: free pattern and tutorial
By Calypso


Toadstool Cottage (left) and Mushroom House (right)

Just because crafting can get messy, and we all know it can be a bit chaotic, doesn't mean we can't craft in style! By the same token, keeping a home doesn't have to be a chore, if you have the right materials. I've embarked on a quest to find useful handmade crafting and household items or tools, that are useful and appealing to the eye. These items should serve a purpose in the home, studio or workshop, as well as nurturing that part of us that craves color, beauty and art.

Here is my first find! Aren't these little Toadstool Pincushions adorable? I found these on "the little house by the sea" blog, complete with instructions and patterns! Thanks so much for sharing! Here's the link to her original article: http://thelittlehousebythesea.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/toadstool-cottage-and-mushroom-house-%E2%80%93-free-pattern-and-tutorial/