Decorating a Small Flocked Tree

Hello!

I found these 10'' flocked bottle brush trees

at the Dollar tree.

I wanted to see if I could decorate these small trees. 

I got out the glue gun and went through

some of my craft stash.

    The mini angel tree topper was part of a corsage.

I even had some very old birds

from wedding decorations.

 Fill with trinkets and odds and ends.

I also added some bits and pieces from vintage corsages,

small ornaments, bells, mercury glass beads, berries,

even cupcake toppers.

I save broken strings of vintage lights and glue

single bulbs to tree.

A one of a kind tree just the right size

for a small room.

This one is going to someone in the hospital.

Thank you,

xo Lisa S

Sewing Pattern Journals

 

Hello my friend !

I'm back with another Junk Journal.

If you like thrifting like I do, you probably find patterns available

all the time for about a dollar.

Before I get started I like to scan the covers into my

computer. Then I can use the images again for paper dolls

and greeting cards.

I used scissors to open the envelopes.

Love the Bell-Bottoms!

To give the covers extra stability, I used a piece of

Reynolds FREEZER PAPER.

One side is plastic coated and the other side is not.

With the coated side up place cover on top

right side up.

Carefully ironing the two layers together.

Trim extra freezer paper with scissors.

I had some extra papers I want to add to the journal.

They are thin and one sided,

 so I backed these with another piece of freezer paper.

This is another cover.

I used fabric to cover holes and tears.

This is the inside cover.

I used a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine

and went around the outside edge.

The signature was sewn by machine.

To make the ruffle edge, I cut a long strip of tissue paper

and pushed it through the sewing machine an inch

at a time and tucking under as it was sewn.

I like to add tuck spots.

The instruction guide can be included.

If folded it an also be made into a pocket.

A gathered strip of tissue can make a rosette or flower.

I have a pad of extra large ledger pages.

That's a short flip through

to give you an idea of what's inside.

This one is my favorite-

I liked the loose threads and added some buttons.

I made just a few.

To finish

I wrapped them up with

 some wrinkled vintage seam binding-

Things to make with extra pattern tissue-

This wreath here-

and years ago I decoupaged my dress form.

I'm just about finished with getting ready for

my Holiday Boutique. 

These journals would make nice gifts for friends

that like to sew or enjoy fashion.

Thank you so much for being here-

It is so fun to share with you !

XO Lisa S

Easy Stenciled Sign

Hi friends,

Do you like to go to DOLLAR TREE for craft supplies?

I found these large wood cut outs.

For this price I can't even buy the wood and I don't

have to ask for help from Mr. FRESH VINTAGE....

I liked the tree shape-

The tree was 11.5'' tall !

I used acrylic paint to cover the tree front and back.

The color I had on hand was English Moss.

 

 The wood cutouts come with a jute hanger.

I had a small 1'' wood star that I painted gold.

I untied the jute and added the wood star.

 

I had this stencil- I thought I could make  a small sign.

The best part about stencils is you can pick and choose

what part of the stencil to use.

I checked what would fit on my sign, then

blocked off the other areas with painters tape and paper.

I painted only the area I wanted by moving and adjusting

the stencil with tape.

Letting the paint dry before moving the stencil to another section.

I gave the tree a light sanding.

Then used a spray sealer over the whole sign.

Just in case someone wants to put the sign outside.

I want to get a good head start on Christmas!

Thank you-

xo Lisa S

Sweet Corn Casserole

 Hi friends,

We were invited to a Chili Cook Off Potluck last weekend.

I decided to make one of our favorite side dishes.

It's something we always have for Thanksgiving so I thought

I'd share it with you now.

You might have most of these ingredients in your pantry.

Let's make it together and I'll give you the recipe again at the end.

1 cup sour cream

1 stick of butter, melted

1 box JIFFY corn muffin mix

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup grated cheese-

( we like cheddar/Jack mix )

1- 14 oz. can creamed corn

1/4 cup Ortega chopped green chiles

Everything gets mixed together-

couldn't be any easier!

Pour into a buttered casserole dish.

Bake 350 degrees for  45  to 50 min.

Golden brown and creamy !

Check with a tooth pick.

Smells delicious!

Transports well if you are driving to your family 

Thanksgiving celebration.

We shared this dish at the potluck.

It went so fast I didn't even get a picture.

It can be served with a spoon. I like to use

 an ice cream scoop because it 

makes a pretty presentation.

Sweet Corn Casserole

1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix

1- 14 oz. Creamed Corn

1 stick melted butter

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated cheese

1/4 cup Diced Ortega Chilis

2 eggs, beaten

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Pour into a

  buttered casserole dish

approx. 8'' x  8" or other deep dish

Bake 350 degrees

 45 min. until golden and set

I hope you try our family favorite.

xo Lisa S

Smashed Buttons-

 Hello my friend!

I save any button that comes my way...

so I would have to say I collect buttons.

The other day I noticed I had a very large amount of 

metal shank buttons saved from a past jewelry project.

They were used to make button charm bracelets.

Most of the metal buttons I have are made of brass.

I wondered what else I could do with them 

and this was what I came up with-

I brought the buttons out to our workbench-

I took one at a time, wrapped in cloth

to the vise and started to tighten each button flat!

If you don't have  a vise you could use a mallet or a hammer.

The buttons look like small coins, tokens and medallions.

I wanted to use them as embellishments on my

small journal covers.

They are thin and remind me of an old fashion

wax seal.

This journal flips up to open.

Maybe you will be inspired to make some smashed buttons

for your own jewelry or artwork.

Tell me what you think-

xo Lisa S