A Stitched Project Finally Finished

I came across this stitch project in my sewing room as I was cleaning and sorting.

I must have started it about 3 years ago.

It was just the background which is my favorite part of the whole thing, but I felt like it needed to be finished, so here it is.

I suppose I was inspired by the Robin I saw last week and the promise of Spring.

My favorite way to create is to just do it without any real plan.

Just layering and adding things that I have on hand.

Finally finished.

Today I'll finish cleaning the kitchen and doing the laundry I think.

Not as fun as stitching, but still satisfying when it's done.

Karen

A Day Of Buttons

Over the years I've collected quite a few jars of buttons.

I finally took a day to sort through and organize them.

Although one day wasn't enough time to get them all sorted, I did manage to get through most of them.

 

 I was shocked at how dirty they were.

I spent another few hours cleaning the ones that I did sort.

Although I have jars filled with pretty antique glass ones, fancy metal ones, colorful ones, etc.

I like the bone ones best, but only found a handful of those.

The ones made of shell are my next favorite.

 I imagine them to have been from children's wear.

They're tiny, worn thin and the edges are no longer perfect.

I love how they look in the little antique bottles.

One of these days I'll get back to sorting the rest of them.

karen

Inspired By Nature

As I walked along the dusty country lane that leads to my house, I came upon these.

 

These little berry like buds reminded me of tiny tufted pillows.

Then I thought...hmm...perfect idea for my felted pincushions.

So...I added a sweet ceramic button to the top and the bottom of my pin cushions and I think they are quite fine.

If you are in need of any of these wonderful ceramic buttons, you can purchase them from Anita @ www.potteryhead.etsy.com.

Thanks for stopping by!

karen ann



Gathering & Making Supplies

All summer long I've been gathering supplies for creating and decorating.

Winter seems to last forever here and I wanted to make sure I have enough things to keep myself busy without having to venture out into the cold and snow.

I'm always inspired by antique lace and happened to find a real bargain on this bunch while in New England last week.

I'm always looking for unique buttons and beads for my projects and handmade ones are my favorite.

My brother had given me a box of antlers a few months ago and my sweet son-in-law was kind enough to turn them into buttons and beads for me. Some of them were made into handles for my jute baskets as well.

I've been crocheting flowers to use in some projects too.

These ones are quite large and are made from cotton and jute.

In the upcoming weeks you will see these supplies again in finished projects.

I am so inspired by the blogs I visit and I'm always searching for more.

I hope some of my ideas will inspire you as well.

Have a wonderful day.

Karen

Not Forgotten

Remembering a day long ago.

Playing on the beach while mom sat nearby.

Small bits of lace and buttons from her sundress and yours.

Some torn linen from the tablecloth where you had your picnic together.

Freshwater pearls from the shop on the boardwalk.

Time goes by so quickly.

It seems like only yesterday.

Hand stitched bits of antique linen and lace.

Antique and vintage buttons.

Freshwater pearls.

A vintage watch case altered to hold a little girls picture and a free moving pearl.

Remembering special moments.

They are Not Forgotten.

This one of a kind art wear necklace will be available for sale in my Etsy shop.

Thanks for stopping by.

Please take a minute to say hi while you're here.

Happy 4th of July weekend to you all.

Karen

Limitless

Yesterday should have been my Frilly Friday post, but sometimes there just aren't enough hours in a day. I'm sure you all know what I mean.

I've been working on this necklace for weeks now and finally decided last night that it is finished.

I named it limitless, because of the limitless possibilities that you can wear this piece.

It's 100% cotton thread, crocheted in a freeform lace, around 130 inches of cotton cord.

The ends connect with 2 pearl buttons.

It has a vine of flowers, vintage glass pearls and loops (leaves).

The loops can button onto any of the pearls along the vine.

It can dangle, be wrapped around as many times as you like, or removed and worn as a bracelet.

The necklace itself can be worn long and lengthy or wrapped up tight as a choker.

This is the most versatile, one of a kind piece, I've created so far.

I think you could wear it as a casual piece or all dressed up.

It is available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

I also finished up this bag I've been working on for my stepdaughter, Anita.

She's coming home from TN this weekend and I wanted to have it finished for her when she gets here.

Anita is a potter and also works for MTV.

The huge, beautiful button on the bag was created by her. You can purchase buttons like this at her Etsy shop.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

It gets me through the day knowing that you are out there creating just like me.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Organization

Organization is the key to having more time to create. I make the biggest messes with my art supplies and spend half my time trying to clean it up or find things. I bought these cute little stackable drawers for my beads and buttons and some clear compartment boxes too.