Janet of All Trades

I named my Jewelry Mannequin Mable over the Spring since I really thought she needed a name. She is an average size but I always thought she was a little plain and need a scarf or top to dress her up. So I thought I would make my own dress for here that alway would serve as a cover to protect her stark  white skin. I started with an old sheet in a light tan color that I thought would work the best for display purposes. Next I basically made a sack. Two rectangular pieces sewn together on two sides only. Much like a pillow case but open on both ends. Next I cut out the shoulder cuts. I did this first by placing the sack on Mable and tracing the curve of the shoulder. I then cut both sides to match.  Now the last few steps I kind of fumbled along with since I have never made a piece of clothing that looked anything like it was suppose to nor do I have the best sewing skills. I basically but the sack on Mable and pinned and re-pinned and sewed and resewed until i...

A few months back we purchased a dresser from Ikea. And as you know it came unassembled in large box with many pieces. Upon putting the dresser together my lovely husband notice two outstanding pieces of cardboard(not to heavy or light) that were used between the pieces. Now to this girl who loves to recycle, this looked like a piece of gold and knew I would have some use for it. And I finally did. First I cut out a mannequin or bust shape from the cardboard and a second pair of legs. I free hand drew the pattern but it took me a few ties to get it just right. I covered the mannequin with an old book page and sealed with two coats of Mod Podge and then wrapped the edges around the back. I probably could have cut a piece to cover edges of the back,note for the next one. For it to stand I then had to cut a slit in the mannequin base from the bottom to just below the paper. On the other base, I cut a slit about 1 inch long from the top and slid them together. The make...

Sometimes you buy something at an Estate Sale and you don't know what you have until you get it home and look thru it. That is what happen to me a few weeks ago when I purchase a coffee can full of vintage wooden and bamboo beads.  Surprise! the beads are fun and remind me of summer camp, so I knew I needed to create a piece of jewelry with them.  I started with some Stretch Magic Cord in black and clear in 1mm thickness. I had never used Stretch Magic before and was happy to read that it is made in the USA and is very easy to work with. I first cut a piece about 12 inches long since I had decided to make a 7" bracelet and would need a little more on each end to knot. Now you will need to Pre-Stretch the cord as per the directions, which means stretching it about 2 or 3 times with one end in both hands. Then I started stringing my beads which is super easy and if you have a bead stopper it helps to keep the beads organized. After a few trial and errors with I figu...

I can't say love insects, but I certainly don't hate them either. They spread pollen, eat other harmful insects that destroy gardens and can bite you too. They're interesting and strange.  So when I was recently given a few books on Entomology and insect identification from my SIL Margie, this recycler knew just how to honor these strange and sometimes beautiful creatures. The images are odd and scary. But they were the perfect size for my recycling idea so I started cutting,glueing and using a little  Dimensional Magic and I created..  A few Insect Pendants! Just a few interesting bugs to hang around your neck. Maybe they will keep others away? Or maybe they will look good on Halloween! Enjoy

This summer bright colors and color blocking are in and luckily I have access to some bright felt scraps. They are the perfect colors and I just needed the perfect idea to create something with them that I could wear.  I had recently picked up a box of dominoes at an Estate Sale and then the lightbulb went on! I could combine the two to make color block pendants. Purple,Green and yellow with just a little of the black dominoe showing thru. The perfect accent of color and so simples Orange and Pink..   think this is my favorite! Reminds me of Rainbow sherbet! An inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Now I just need to pick which one to wear first! Enjoy!

I have a large collection of plant identification tags that I have accumulated over the many years that I have been gardening. I occasionally look thru them and remind myself of all the beautiful flowers I have planted. As I sorted them I picked a few of my favorites since I had the perfect idea on how to reuse them. Next I got items from my jewelry making stash. Some tiles, bracelet pieces and some buttons. Then after a little cutting,glueing with Mod Podge and sealing Dimensional Magic.. My Plant Tag Pendants were complete! Pretty Button with Tag English Stock Tag Tag with tile backer. Zinnia Tag with Button.  The were easy to create... and nice reminder of my past gardens.. Enjoy!