Making a Beaded Plant Hanger

The real name of this post should be "Recycling the Stuff on the Porch" or "Eileen's Great Recycling Project." Something like that. It all started a while ago with a box of stuff I bought at a yard sale. After going through the box(es...there were four) I found a few things looked interesting but knew I couldn't sell or give away. There was the plate with the little chip that I made into a bird feeder (came out pretty cute, too) and a few other things, one of which was this lovely lead crystal bowl. When I first saw it I fell in love...then upon careful inspection I found one of the feet was broken. Couldn't sell it, can't give it away, can't donate it...what to do other than toss it.....and there's enough things in the dump without the crystal vase. The poor vase sat on the porch for months...and months...until the other day when a thought crossed my mind. If the vase can't stand on its own, hang it. 
I decided the vase needed a delicate hangar to let light in and show off the crystal so rope and chain were out. I wanted to hang in the in bathroom (the windows with the best light) so yarn was out..besides, yarn would look too chunky. 

                                                 Beautiful vase, nice lines.    

                                                       Doesn't stand level.

Broken Foot, darn -->

I decided beaded cord of some type would work; the beads would sparkle in the light and I still had beads leftover from the bird feeder. I decided to use fishing line for the cord. 

Number 10 fishing line, 2 brass rings, 6/1 seed beads, and various other beads.

  

I used some clear seed beads and brass rings for the base and the top hanger. The brass ring fit inside between the legs perfectly.

From there I tied the 6 pieces of fishing line to the ring. I strung the beads on the line with the line doubled for extra strength.

   The line was joined around the legs making a loop that secures each leg when hanging. 

I separated the lines and brought them together to form a basket.       Each segment was beaded prior to knotting or joining.

               Once there was a secure basket I added beads for length and tied them to the other brass ring on top. 

            

Once it was done I added a few glass gems (I love green) and hung it in the window. 

 Looks pretty good for a few beads, a couple of brass rings, some fishing line, and something that was destined for the landfill. After all, one person's trash is my treasure....sometimes. lol


                                   

 Post by Eileen...who's GoofingOff and getting stuff off the porch, albeit slowly. 

Friday's Freebies Christmas Pattern: Santa Wall Hanger

One of the best things about yard saling and thrifting is the cool stuff you get that is totally unexpected. One of my purchases included a loose leaf binder full of vintage magazine clippings. Here’s one of them. It’s a Santa Wall Hanger that looks way too cute to pass up.  

The pattern was a freebie with the purchase of Aunt Lydia’s yarn. I’m not sure when it was offered but the rest of the patterns were from the 70’s or before. The pattern uses a gallon bleach bottle (I love recycling), white yarn, moveable eyes or buttons, pipe cleaners, felt, pom pom ball, glue, and cardboard.

The instructions sound pretty easy and Santa looks pretty cute……besides, the holidays will be upon us before we know it.
Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff




MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

GeekkiBoutikki: Making Beautiful Jewelry from Computer Parts

 

GeekkiBoutikki was the Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for 9/9. The Blue Inductor Earrings won the hearts of many. Here is her interview.

Blue Inductor Earrings

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Hi there, I am Roxanne Gibson from Monterey, California. I am a math student hoping to make the leap into engineering this spring. I like to garden, cook, listen to books on tape, and climb. I am a long time crafter, well for 23. My mom gave me paints, possibly before she should have, and I painted everything in the yard. We used to go dumpster diving when I was little and it was more or less legal; people were not so protective of their trash then. I made things from scrap wood, old door knobs, and window frames. I made things of mud and used overly ripe olives to make purple paints for the sidewalk.

Crystal and Electronic Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

My mom’s creativity, my dad’s teachings of skills, my grandmother’s love of art, and my family’s constant support allows me to continue creating and going to school. My mathematics and biology background inspires me and gives me ideas for shapes, materials, and colors. Many of my pieces come from recycled items and the new ones are made in organic shapes and or mathematically structured.

Resistor and Inductor Necklace

Then as now, I try to make all of the gifts I give and sometimes even the boxes I give them in. That has got to be my favorite part; the “oh my gosh where in the world did you find this?!” and to be able to say “I made it for you’” feeling is fantastic. Whether the receiver of the gift wanted what you made or not they always cherish it because as soon as they have it they need it just because it was made by you. I also believe that I should have a story about everything I own, or at least that is one of my goals in life. I want everything to have a story or contain one in it.

What are your favorite materials?

Hand-made furniture, silverware, and stoneware are my current projects.
Lately, I have been working with and creating recycled, or up-cycled items. I like the juxtaposition of the new and the old, the useless and the useful. I never liked plastic until recently, it is cheap, feels unnatural, but its plastic attributes are oh so useful. Plastic is not a substance of poets, it is not precious, but should be, it resists nothing and can be everything. So I celebrate plastic as long as it is already around. Most of my products up at the moment are floppy disk. However, I mostly work with small electronic components but most of them go to craft fairs and swap meets. I have not seen many people take apart a computer and go “oh how gorgeous!” but I would like them to do just that; the pieces and parts just need the proper presentation.

 

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite things to work with are little neon blue almost glass looking polystyrene capacitors. Its just about my favorite color and size to work with at the moment though I very much like purples just because of how difficult it is to find the resistors in any such shade.

Green and Black Jelly Resistor Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I live in a thriving artist community; Monterey is full of them and each one has a different take on art. Whether I talk to a down-home crafter or the pretentious yellow-streak-of-paint-on- white-canvas artist I always come away with something.

Floppy Disk Bag Red Orange and Blue

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenge is my shop. Before this year I never thought I would sell any art. I am shy in person and have a tough time trying to sell my things; I do much better just making them. I have asked friends and family to help with these sorts of things.

I would like to give 20% off for your readers. Use the coupon code GKBTK1 for the discount.

Thank you GeekkiBoutikki for your interview. My readers and I will continue to watch your art grow.

Keep the Garden Growing: Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks 9.16.11

Congrats to GeekkiBoutikki and their winning Blue Inductor Earrings, the winner of last week’s Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks.




So, how was your week? Were you dazzled by the fashions shown off in NY during Fashion Week or were you too busy with real life to stop and look? That was my week, too busy to stop and look. Still, the few pics I did get to see were interesting. Got to get up the courage to wear 7 inch heels and slink around in a skimpy dress, though. Maybe not. Oh well, I guess I will stick to doing what I do best, picking fabulous Etsy finds and Goofing Off.



This is the last weekend of summer in the northern hemisphere. The weather is lovely with cool nights and warm days but those cool nights remind me that winter isn’t too far off. I love my garden, the flowers, veggies, fruit, in all its colorful glory and try to extend the season the best I can. I thought this year I would look to Etsy for some beautiful ways to dress up the garden so even when it is at its bleakest there will still be some color. Some of the items are for the garden; some can come in the house during the winter and dress up the table or a window, and still others are to wear and keep the garden close to your heart. Here’s my picks:






One Hand Blown Glass Garden Art Plant Stake (20 inches to 24 inches tall ) by Oberini
These stakes would be amazing even with snow on the ground. Stunning!


Gate to my Secret Garden by Pollini Design
Sweet look. Just lets the imagination run wild.





Rustic Copper OWLS Garden Wall Hanging-1980s by Vincent Drives
These owls are too cute! Hang them on a wall inside or out.



Bottle cap Mosaic Art Tile Garden Wall Decor by MosaicartGirl
I love the way Mosaic Art Girl takes bottle caps and uses them so creatively.




Flower Garden Baby/Knee Blanket by IsisOgololo
I love the colors in this blanket, so bright and cheery it could brighten up the drab winter days ahead.



Full Queen Quilt and Shams Earth Tones by LaShonneAbelDesigns
This quilt is absolutely gorgeous. The colors are fabulous! Imagine curling up on the sofa with this and a good book in front of the fireplace.




Fabric Leaf Potted Plant - Garden Green Linen by JaneJoss
Not all of us have a green thumb. I’d still be able to bring the plants in without bumping them off. Genius!






Bird Feeder Recycle Tire by KPDreams
Fantastic idea; recycle the mountains of old tires into bird feeders. Cute, useful, and recycled. A good way to feed the birds in the winter months ahead.



Well, what do you think of my picks? Not bad? There are some very talented folks on Etsy, this is just 8 of them. Voting starts as soon as this post goes up, winner gets a feature interview by me, MissEileen.


Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.



Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. Nothing like scaring the Bejesus out of the kids….all in fun.



Etsy Shops

GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Post by Eileen

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 7.15.11 Summer Entertaining

Summer’s here in the northern hemisphere and according to the weather people, it’s been a hot one. Down here in FLA we are finally into our rainy season, which we have sorely needed. The daily (yes, just about every day we have thunderstorms) showers are keeping our volunteer garden alive. We have tomatoes, melons, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydews, on the vine. Talk about a bonus. Very exciting, especially when you realize it is a freebie benefit.

So, how do you stay cool in the heat? Do you stay inside and take a luscious afternoon nap in the AC or go for a dip in the pool? Movies in the AC? Is it too hot to garden when the temp reaches over 100? Do you have parties and cookouts in the evening when it cools off? Maybe a picnic or poolside luncheon? Decorate in style!

           Waverly Sun N Shade Jewel of the Sea Indoor Outdoor 18"x18"  Pillow Cover by SewSusie1 Pretty enough for inside the house and ready to use poolside or in the hammock.

 

                            Mossy Green Pottery Rhubarb Leaf Plate by NancyBloklandPottery  What a lovely serving plate! Imagine this on the table. Even hot dogs will look elegant!

       Personalized Custom Wine Stave Tray by Rock Creek Furniture Co Fabulous way to carry the goodies out to the barbecue! It would make a wonderful wedding or hostess gift, too.

       Glass Pitcher and Glasses with Painted Poppy by Crafts n Nat Elegant (and gorgeous) way to serve lemonade or even ice water. Beautiful.

     Large Red Oak Platter with Carved Sections by Amie Jean Original Love the use of reclaimed wood. Imagine this on your summer table, indoors or outdoors.

     Fabric bowls - set of 2, teal, yellow, orange, purple by Textile Gifts. Fill these babies with snacks or bread. Pretty and summery!

           Turquoise Triangle Cocktail Veil by Cocktail Veils Fantastic idea to keep those pesky insects from dive bombing into your drink. Looks much better than a napkin and the turquoise holds it in place.

          Palm Trees Screen print cotton flour sack towel by Ms Veronicas Love the color (and the look).  These are gorgeous! I use  fabric napkins all the time. Wash, dry, fold, and put away and use again. Better than work, shop, buy, use, throw away.

OK, that’s the eight for the week. What do you think? Good ways to make the summer barbecue the “place to be?” Vote for your favorite. Poll will be in the upper left corner. Winner gets a feature blog interview.

Post by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off.

Check out our shops: MissEileen Vintage fun, fashion, decor

GoofingOff Etsy GoofingOff Artfire Sewing supplies, patterns, fabrics, Judaic fabric

MetalWoodsnWater Etsy MetalWoodsnWater Artfire Unique, weird, supplies, bones, metal work.

5.6.11 Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for the Week: Mother’s Day Edition

So much has been said about mothers, some complimentary, sometimes not so nice. Regardless of how sweet your mom is, was, or should be, she is still your mom, so one day a year dedicated to her is good. Let’s face it, if she is a wonderful mom, you tell her so more than once a year. Finding something to give as wonderful as her is another story. Sure, you can buy a card at the local dollar store or Wally-world but there is nothing handmade or genuine about it.

You still get to vote for your favorite but I love them all!

Congratulations to last week’s winner, Persine. Check back for her interview.

I love pink flamingos! So Florida and vintage. This flamingo pin is needle felted.

Flamingo Pin by Molly Ringbox

Is Mom a knitster? Indulge her habit with stitch markers. 

Sour Apple Green Hearts with Love Dangles Stitch Markers by GloriaPatre

Maybe a handbag?

Painted Prairie handbag hand felted wool with leather straps by Beatassoul

Finding ways to stay green are always welcome.

Reusable Bowl Covers, Eco Friendly, Mother's Day gift by SewMuchStyle

Soda Can Art Upcycled Bracelet by Jillmccp

Hanging Bird House - White with Teal Roof by CeramicsbyLisa

Mother Fuel Card by SimonesPrintables

 

Let’s Have a Cup of Tea Brooch by SunshineCottage

Stained Glass Mosaic Belt Buckle Turquoise and Green by AimeezArtz

Stingray artist/jewel box by WoodnCraft

Ok, those are my picks for the week. What do you think? Which do you think is a winner? What would Mom like? Poll is on the upper left corner. Don’t forget to vote.

Tonight starts the big Vogue pattern sale in my GoofingOff Stores. 50% off on all Vogue patterns in GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.Artfire.

Crocheted Water Bottle Cozy

 

I am in the mood to crochet. Like other crafty people, I know how to do a number of different crafts. I’m not really an expert at any but I can do a few things. I know how to knit a little, crochet a bit, and sew. My problem is I get distracted easily. I need to create when the mood is right. The pattern has to be challenging enough to get me interested but not too challenging to make me give up.

I have always been a recycler. I don’t like waste and plastic bottles of water make me cringe. I still buy them but cringe. I do have a refillable water bottle, though and thought it would be a great idea to get water bottles for my sisters and make holders to go with them. Since I am in the crocheting mood, it seemed a natural to buy some yarn and start hooking.

I used Peaches & Creme cotton yarn for each bottle. Each bottle uses a little less than 1 ball. I tried to complement the color bottle with the yarn. It’s been a while since I crocheted anything so I went to WikiHow to get me started.

Like the WikiHow article, you make a disk for the bottom of the bottle. Chain 6 stitches, slip stitch (sl st) to make a circle, and Rd 1 single crochet (sc)6 stitches into the circle. Rd 2 chain 2, then 2 sc into every stitch (total of 12 stitches in the 2nd rd), join the 11th stitch to the top of the chain with a sl st. Rd 3: Ch 2, *1 sc into 1st st, 2 sc into next st, continue until you reach the chain, sl st at top of chain. Rd 4: Ch 2, *1 sc in next 2 st, 2 sc into next st, continue until you reach the chain, sl st at top of chain. At this point the disk is probably big enough to fit the bottle, if not, crochet another round increasing the number of stitches with each round.

 

Once the disk is complete the creativity starts. You can use a simple sc stitch the entire way up until the cozy is tall enough. Simple sc lends itself well to embroidery or flowers. The one I made for my sister is done with a row of popcorn stitch alternating with 2 rows of half double crochet.

 

The handle starts with a chain of 40 stitches. I sc down 2 rows from the top and made a chain of 40 stitches. I then sc in each stitch of the chain and sc the end of the handle to the cozy to make it secure.

Here’s a picture of the completed cozy.

Just weave the loose threads in and it is done. Takes a few hours from start to finish. Good to do while watching TV or listening to music. Best of all, if I am stitching I’m not eating. 

I liked making the cozies so much I made one for myself.

Simple single crochet stitch, scalloped trim at the top, and a crocheted flower for a little bit of embellishment.

Abbreviations: Rd: round, sc: single crochet, hdc: half double crochet, sl st: slip stitch, ch: chain, st: stitch.

My thanks to Dvortygirl, Lois Wade, Krystle, Eric, and anyone else involved in the article. http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Water-Bottle-Cozy

Post and patterns by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com and GoofingOff.Artfire.com