Showing posts with label Crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crafts. Show all posts

Sep 2, 2021

Repurpose your Little Girl’s Old Pajamas

 

“Whenever you got sick as a kid, we had to dig out the same pajamas.”

 “The blue puppies.”

 “Yeah, the blue ones with puppies. When you outgrew them there was hell to pay.”

 “You cut them up and made me a little pillow out of the fabric. And it was okay again.”


Chasing Fire


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James Chew from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons



Everyone has a favorite pair of cloth they just can’t wear but are not willing to part with. Some clothes, particularly your kid’s attire like your girl’s pajamas, carry many memories you probably still want to hold onto. So, instead of just lying in your wardrobe, how can you repurpose them?  Here’s a few ways that you can repurpose your little girl’s old pajamas.


Life your way

Oct 19, 2020

Awesome Backyard Home Offices




Now she pulled open the door of the utility shed. It was a big square building, as wide as the
average barn, with hardwood floors and paneled walls. Uncle Jolley hadn't believed in the primitive.
Hitting the switch, she flooded the building with light.
As per her instructions, the crates and boxes she'd shipped had been stacked along one wall. The shelves where Uncle Jolley had kept his gardening tools during his brief, torrid gardening stage had been packed away. The plumbing was good, with a full-size stainless-steel sink and a small but more than adequate bath with shower enclosed in the rear. She counted five workbenches. The light and ventilation were excellent.
It wouldn't take her long, Pandora figured, to turn the shed into an organized, productive
workroom.
It took three hours.


A Will and A Way





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Tour the personalized studios and sheds Houzz pros designed and built for themselves






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Boyd gave a hoot of laughter and opened the door of the workshop. "What do you think?"
The garage-size room was full of tables, machines, shelves, tools, stacks of wood There appeared to be a number of projects in progress, but Jonah couldn't tell what they were, or what they were intended to be.
"Impressive," he decided, diplomatically. "What do you do here?"
"I make a great deal of noise. Other than that, I haven't figured it out. I helped Keenan build a
bird-house about ten years ago. Came out pretty good. Cilia started buying me tools. Boy toys, she calls them."
He ran his hand over the guard of a skill saw. "Then I needed a place to keep them. Before I knew it, I had a fully equipped workshop. I think it was all a ploy to get me out of her hair."



Night Shield




Oct 18, 2019

Creative Pumpkin Ideas for Halloween





“Ah, we’re decorating for Halloween tomorrow, if you want to
come over.”
“Are you kidding? I have major skills in this area.”
“Great, you can carve the pumpkin. The boys are 
old enough now to realize how lousy I
am at it. Come by later. I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”


The Next Always



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Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4595130





It’s that time of year again! Time to decide how to decorate your fall pumpkins. We’ve gathered 15 project ideas and tips that will make your pumpkin the best on the block!







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The hulls would serve as decorations on her front porch. 
Big, fat, scary pumpkins to entertain the neighbors and
children.
She was up to her elbows in pumpkin meat and seeds 
when Zack strolled in the door. "I get to do the
third one." He came up behind her, wrapping his 
arms tight, nuzzling her neck. "I'm a jack-o'-lantern
master."
"The things you learn about people."


Dance Upon the Air

May 30, 2019

How Crochet and Knitting Help the Brain





With one ear cocked toward Phoebe’s room, 
Essie carefully folded the white-on-white
bedspread with its stylized pattern of lovebirds. 
The intricate stitching had kept her mind
calm, as it tended to. She often thought that
being productive-and creative with it, if she
could brag a bit-held a firm rein on her mind 
and refused to allow it to wander into those
places where panic waited. It was good work, she could think that, 
and the bride who
received it as a wedding gift would have 
something unique and special, something that
could be passed on for generations. 
She arranged the dark silver tissue. 
Even that, the
fussing with the finished product, 
the meticulous packaging of it,
 helped keep her hands
busy and her mind steady.


High Noon






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By flora - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1475589




I am a nurse and lifelong knitter with a calling to bring my best self in service to others.
My background in neuro-developmental pediatrics and experience working with children and adults with brain injury, spinal cord injury, strokes, and neurological disorders, led to a fascination with neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to “rewire” itself.


Because the practice of knitting/crochet is so helpful in dealing with anxiety, the ARC was the first organization I approached, and they, and you, were interested! I’m very excited for this opportunity to teach these skills as a tool to quiet the mind, mend the brain, and soothe the soul.







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“Who thought of bringing her mother ’s crocheting in?”
“Bo did.”
“Well, it’s excellent therapy for both of them. 
Cora’s teaching Alice to crochet, and they’re
spending time quietly that way. It’s good for both of them. 
It’s going to take time, Maureen. I wish I could tell you how much time.”


Come Sundown




Aug 28, 2018

Things Every DIYer Should Own







“What are you doing with that tool at four-thirty in the morning?”
“Some of the cabinet doors are a little loose—makes me crazy. I’m just tightening them up. And the pantry door squeaks a little—or did. I couldn’t find any WD-40 in your utility closet, so had to get mine. You can’t live in the world without WD-40, Ash. And duct tape. Plus super-glue.”
“I’ll make a note of it.”



The Collector




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By Jp Zapata - Imported from 500px (archived version) by the 
Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY 3.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71355569







Whether you’re a novice or an expert, these tools are crucial for getting jobs done at home. 

Bet there isn’t a DIYer around that doesn’t have #19 at the ready!











Apr 17, 2018

Easy Outdoor Chairs You Can Build






“No. You could use a new rocker for your porch. The one you have is ugly.”
“It’s not ugly. It’s serviceable. And it needs repainting.”
“The left arm is warped.”
She opened her mouth to deny it, then realized she wasn’t sure either way.


The Search





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By Moritz Poll - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63525929





These amazing outdoor chair projects may look difficult to build, but they're actually really easy—even for a beginner! We've got the step-by-step plans for each project, so all you need to do is decide which one will look best in your backyard; then get started!









Feb 7, 2018

What to do with your kids ahead of Valentine's Day





"I made something for you in school." 
Embarrassed, Radley held his hands behind his back.
"Yeah?" Mitch set his coffee down. "Do I get to see it?"
"It's Valentine's Day, you know." 
After a moment's hesitation, he handed Mitch a card fashioned out of construction paper and blue ribbon. 
"I made Mom this heart with lace stuff, but I thought the ribbon was better for guys." Radley shuffled his feet. "It opens."
Not certain he could trust his voice, Mitch opened the card. Radley had used his very best block printing.
"To my best friend, Mitch. I love you, Radley." 
He had to clear his throat, and hoped he wouldn't make a fool out of himself. 
"It's great. I, ah, nobody ever made me a card before."
"Really?" Embarrassment faded with surprise. 
"I make them for Mom all the time. She says she likes them better than the ones you buy."
"I like this one a lot better," Mitch told him.



Local Hero


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By Jim Pennucci from Hope, USA - Painting, CC BY 2.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19451952







February 14 is a few days away and while most parents will cringe at their idea of their little children 'in love', the truth is love has more dimensions than mainstream media chooses to project.
There is the love between parent and child, a love for grandparents, pets, for teachers and friends.
Love can be multi-dimensional. It also can add to your life.



IOL






Nov 16, 2017

Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet






By ten, when the light was gone and the house quiet, she'd moved
beyond worry to resignation. He would come back when he would
come, she thought, and settled down in her room, her knitting in
her lap and her dog at her feet.


Born in Ice




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By Loggie-log - Own work, Public Domain, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2072996



We have been crocheting for many years and have felt many of the benefits of doing so, especially when it comes down to reducing our stress and relaxing.

We are sure there is nothing that beats an afternoon curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, a ball of yarn and our crochet hook.

With that said, we were very surprised to find out just how much our favorite activity is benefiting not only our own health, but many others out there!











Mar 22, 2016

Happy Easter!!!

His mother wanted him to come home for Easter dinner. He’d intended to go, to ask Abra to come with him. He’d been ready for it, primed for it—the family event, with Abra in it, the big ham Alice would bake and his mother would insist on glazing herself. 

The baskets, the candy, the colored eggs.

The tradition of it. And the comfort of it.


Whiskey Beach

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It was a good day, though he ate enough candy that the idea of waffles for breakfast made him a little queasy. But he ate them anyway, and put everything aside to enjoy the moments.
His father in light-up bunny ears that made Selina belly-laugh. The pleasure on his grandmother’s face when he gave her a pretty bowl filled with mixed spring bulbs in fragrant bloom.

Waging war with water pistols against his brother-in-law and accidentally (mostly) shooting his sister dead in the heart when she opened the terrace door.

Surprising Abra with a vivid green orchid because it reminded him of her.

They feasted on ham and roasted potatoes, tender asparagus and Abra’s herbed bread, on eggs deviled out of their colorful shells—and more—in the formal dining room. Candles flickering, crystal winking, the sea singing its siren song against the rocky shore made the perfect backdrop for the very good day he’d predicted.


Whiskey Beach

Feb 19, 2016

Make a Macramé Wall Hanging

Amused. Reece finished stuffing the mushrooms. "What does she do?"

"She's a psychiatrist. Private practice."

Trying to ignore the automatic bump in her belly. Reece concentrated on the mushroom caps. "Oh."

"And she macrames."

"She what?"

"Makes things by tying rope into knots. I think she once macramed a small studio apartment. Furnished. It's an obsession."


Angels Fall



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 Modern macramé artist, Emily Katz, teaches how to make her signature bohemian wall hanging.





Nov 14, 2014

"12 Days of Christmas"



She was almost at the door before she saw the little potted tree sitting on the stoop in the porch light. Baffled, she crouched down, stared at the little stuffed bird attached to a branch from which golden silk pears dripped.

Since the attached card carried her name, she tugged it free and ripped it open.



Consider this the first day of Christmas.
Bran



He'd sent her a partridge in a pear tree, Gwen thought, and, pressing the card to her breast, sighed hugely. How incredibly sweet. She skimmed her finger over one of the glossy pears and set it swinging, smiled foolishly at the colorful, plump bird.

- The MacGregor Brides -

Gwendolyn





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Celebrate "12 Days of Christmas" With These Merry Crafts

Inspired by the classic song, these fun DIYs will have you humming all season long. 

 

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

 

 

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"It's Bran." 
Stunned, Julia stared outside. There on the wide slope of lawn were ten burly men in kilts, leaping in a Scottish reel. 
"Ten lords a-leaping," she managed.
"Lairds," Julia corrected, grinning like an idiot. 
"Even better, there are eleven pipers piping, and twelve drummers drumming. I'd say that wraps it up, honey. Your true love didn't miss a trick."

 

- The MacGregor Brides -

Gwendolyn

May 27, 2012

Memorial Day

The banners were flying for the annual Memorial Day parade and picnic. He
could see several people busily scrubbing or painting their porches in
preparation for the event.
It was an event he enjoyed, even with its logistical and traffic headaches.
He liked the continuity of it, the predictability. The way people would
plant themselves with their folding chairs and coolers along the curb, hours
before parade time, to ensure that they would have a good view of the
marching bands and twirling batons.

The Heart of Devin MacKade


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Fire up the grill and kick off summer with juicy burgers and festive flag-themed decor.



Burgers

(Perhaps no one dish represents grilling season better than the hamburger)



American flag



Crafts

(Patriotic Red, White, and Blue)




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