Take 2

This cheerful purse was a Christmas gift for my mom, and an improvement over the last one I made. The layer of interfacing makes a world of a difference, and allows it to stand up on its own. For the lining I used Lotta Jansdotter's Echo fabric in Brass Florine. Instead of elastic cord for the closure I sewed a loop out of canvas and pressed it flat to fit snugly. The carved wooden button is from my mom's own collection-- she was happy to see it put to good use!

All Set

We have a small 36" round table and finding the right size placemat has been a challenge. I decided to end the hunt by crocheting a set of 14" placemats using the Granny Circle Placemat pattern and Blue Sky Skinny Cotton Yarn. They add a lot of warmth to our table and also help protect it from the inevitable nicks and scratches.

*I made these small bowls in a ceramics course a few years ago. They're perfect for our morning oatmeal.

Thrift Wrap: Part 5

I wrapped my grandmother's gift in a kraft bag I saved from my October visit to Terrain. Every piece of their packaging is so beautifully designed and worth holding on to. The graphic magnolias inspired me to finally use the vintage paper magnolia I'd picked up from Parcel a couple of years ago.

Thrift Wrap: Part 4

I stamped and stitched my way through this wrapping session.

Thrift Wrap: Part 3

The rich and colorful pages of Anthropologie catalogs make for great wrapping paper. I cut this page up and sewed it back together using Sajou metallic thread. That little bit of gold adds the perfect touch of glam.

Thrift Wrap: Part 2

In this little collection of gifts I reused packing materials from my online holiday shopping, tissue paper, and painter's masking paper. A handmade bird stamp and some stitches really dress them up nicely.

Thrift Wrap: Part 1

Anyone that knows me knows that I will drop good money on paper. My obsession helps keep stores like Kate's Paperie and NY Central in business. I also come across great paper finds on a daily basis, some that are so ordinary some people might mistake them for trash. Not me... almost anything has the potential for a second life as gift wrap including security envelope lining, butcher paper, catalog pages... everything's up for grabs!