Artful Thursday

For anyone who visited my old blog, Bella Grace, I made a post about working on Pettiskirts. Unfortunately, I had purchased the wrong kind of fabric, and although it looked okay in the pictures, it wasn't not something I would have let the little one walk out of the house in! It was HORRIBLE!!! I was determined to make one that she could wear out, as I had falling hopelessly in love with the skirts. So, with a purchase of the correct fabric, I started over. And after a lot of trial and error, I completed the skirt. But was missing one last part...the adjustable waist. Since I am not a seamstress, this little detail threw me into a fit of chaos. My Mamma is the seamstress, but since she had yet to view the skirts, she could only offer a little advice. She was still thoroughly complexed by the y-a-r-d-s and y-a-r-d-s of ruffles. I was on my own.

On Wednesday, My sweet Hubby & I took a road trip to a town just North of us that has a huge fabric store. What should have been a quick trip turned into a few hours wandering the roads and taking some really great pictures (another post!)

I explained to the clerks in the fabric store and they really didn't have an exact answer either, but I purchased the elastic and buttons. And sat down yesterday and experimented. And had my hand ruler with me for a gentle reminder...

After one mistake... then two... then three...and a few more throw in...I made an Adjustable Waistband for my new Pettiskirt!!!

(Please forgive the fact the Gracyn is wearing her pj top, it's been cold and raining and we were being lazy!)

I just L-O-V-E the ruffles!!

And someone started getting tired...

Sweet little toes!

Thank you for joining me for Artful Thursday...even though I'm a day late!!!

Artful Thursday ~ Week 4

I happened upon a wonderful new blog, The Adventures of Bluegirl, and the owner, Julie, is hosting a fun event every Thursday called Artful Thursdays. The object being to have a dedicated day to work on one of the languishing projects that has been hiding in the back of your closet, tucked away in a little shoe box, or gathering dust in the garage. Sorry I missed the first three (I might still try to play catch-up) but I did get something ready for today.

Rosette Ornament

I ♥ books, especially old ones. I have amassed quite a collection, and have used them for decorating purposes but have been somewhat stumped about anything else to do with them. And for awhile now I have seen these beautiful rosette ornaments made from vintage sheet music. Well, just the other day, I got the idea to make some ornaments using my vintage encyclopedias for the 1950's! Sorry I don't have all the pictures to the steps, I started this project prior to finding out about Artful Thursday, but I did manage to get a few pictures of the key steps. Enjoy!

I adore the cover of this set of encyclopedias, not sure what to do with those yet.

Very careful, remove a page from the book. And start folding...and folding...and folding. Might want to turn on a favorite movie while doing this. Or listen to XM Chill Channel, love that music...A tranquil mood with attitude!

Once you are done with the folding, glue the seams together.

I decided to try and make a crepe paper rosette also, so I will be layering that over the encyclopedia page.

I had thought that making these for friends and family with their initials on them would be great, so I did this one for my Mamma, Judith.

I had to handcut the circle with the "J", as you can see here I started with scalloped scissors, but that did turn out very well. Think I will stop by the craft store and look at the circle punches. And I'll glue a little piece of ribbon for a hanger...

Do you like it? I have so many extra books, I think I might make some of these to put in Grace Goods, - Yes, No?

Thanks for joining me on my first Artful Thursday. And a HUGE Thank You to Julie for hosting this wonderful event! Now be sure to check out her blog for her crafty idea (she has some amazing stuff!) and the other participates! Have an "ART"-ful Day!

Finally, a New Blog!

I have been debating for quite some time now about starting a new blog. Since I have opened my Etsy shop with the name of Grace Goods, I thought it might be a little confusing to have the blog name and the shop name differently. So...I now have a new blog!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am about not only the blog but all the wonderful things I have brewing up in my head for the shop! So, please join me on this magical journey, as we wander down side roads and dusty lanes, fields of sunflowers and cobblestone alleyways looking for vintage wares, hole-in-the-wall diners, quirky handmade items, homemade ice cream and anything else that looks like fun!