Upcycling a tweed blazer during quarantine time

I found a simple wool tweed blazer at a recycle clothing shop, 

and it still being chilly weather, I took it on

as my latest project during quarantine time.

Below is a before photo, of the forlorn-looking jacket, 

so that you can see what I started with.

I began embellishing it with embroidery thread using a simple topstitch, in a complementary color, along the collar, pockets, and front panel.

 

Then I foraged through my stash of vintage trims and lace,

and found some great treasures to continue the project with!

I chose bits of vintage lace for the cuffs 

and fabulous embroidered fabric 

that I cut out and hand appliquéd into place! 

I had just enough of this ornate vintage trim to embellish one cuff 

and one pocket.

Then I pulled from my stash of embroidered fabrics 

to continue hand appliquéing pieces along the shoulder 

and back of the blazer.

The finishing touches were added after perusing through my button collection for some fun finds.

Did you notice all the additional vintage buttons 

that I added along the front to add quirkiness?

Yeah, that's just my style!

.

Treasured vintage button collection

I pulled out my button box and gathered together over 50 

of my all-time favorite vintage gold toned buttons.

A wide piece of elastic was the perfect base to attach them to. 

I cut it to fit my wrist and dyed it to match.

Some of my treasured collection of vintage gold tone buttons

that have been hidden away for so long are brought out and

 all lovingly hand sewn onto a piece of wide elastic 

that I dyed to match.

I love it!   

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too!

I couldn't seem to stop with just one!

Grateful to have it included in the latest issue of 

Jewelry Affaire!

.

.

Tabletop treasures

Romantic Homes Magazine asked me to share a few

tips and tricks...

for adding holiday sparkle to our tabletops in this months issue.

.

Here are a few suggestions...

Consider using mirrors in a variety of ways on your tablescape,

mirrors are wonderful for reflecting light & colors

and even better when paired with candlelights flickering!

Silver with whites are great neutrals.

Add a pop of your favorite holiday color to the neutral color scheme

even pink or turquoise,

by piling your treasured ornaments into a beautifully cut crystal bowl.

Costume jewelry is great for additional holiday sparkle,

raid grandmother's jewelry box for embellishments

on place tags, napkin holders, wreaths and Christmas stockings.

Grandfather's pocket watch adds family history,

sentiment and interest.

Combining old, cherished pieces with new purchases creates original recycling chic,

especially when using collectibles with a family history.

Silver spray paint on dried leaves, berries and pine cones

are rich embellishments and cost so little,

displayed with a nest created out of tinsel

and a bird topping it adds to the sparkling nature scene.

Consider decorating the table with positive quotes

in place of name tags

or as the focal point of the centerpiece.

Whatever you choose to do,

enjoy the process and have a happy holiday !

To view how the mirror tree was created click here

Grateful for the opportunity to share the fun !

Pink confections

.Pink confections created with clay

just in time for Valentines Day !

just having fun with ceramic clay

still time to decoupage, embellish

and continue to play

and it all started when my friend Cheryl came to visit Summerland Cottage

and gifted me with a set of Fiskars fun paper edger scissors

Thank you Cheryl !

♥.HAPPY HEART'S DAY . ♥

Partridge in an acorn tree

I trained a climbing fig plant over this topiary frame

it has become the perfect perch for the partridge

acorn ornaments were added,

a tiny corner of the window ledge is styled for the holidays

view more about the jeweled tree here.

.

Holiday sparkle...

gold tone 18" sequins cone tree found at T. J. MAXX for $9.99...

embellishment needed...

gold thread, vintage jewels, beads and buttons are gathered for inspiration...

& an old brass candlestick is beginning to look like a pedestal stand

progress is being made

{ actually it's not finished,

I just wanted to get the post up to inspire others,

while they could still find the cone tree }

View more creative holiday sparkle here

Fun in the sun Summer Sandals

.

are enhanced with a bit of embellishing

seashells, buttons, bits of lace, vintage jewelry...

Miscellaneous creativity continues at Summerland Cottage...

.

Experimenting with clay...

and stamps, and wax, and glazing techniques

then including some of my favorite collectibles...

lace, ribbon, and vintage buttons,

for new, one of a kind ceramic designs.

.

Cashmere sweater weather

It was pretty, pink and a favorite that I inadvertently shrunk.

Fortunately the new size of the sweater was a perfect fit for my adorable

7 year old neighbor who was thrilled with the cozy pink acquisition.

When she out grew it she returned it for me to create a warm wrap

for her tiny tea cup chihuahua,

cutting off one sleeve and adding a little soft pink netting

for a girlie collar ...too cute!

There was still plenty left, that came in handy,

for creating sea shell ceramic pin cushions,

and later a hand painted and beaded flower pin.

Re purposing is good!

Anthropologie plus...

.

I believe the artist in each of us,

upon approaching the window and previous to entering the store,

are compelled to stop, enjoy, admire and be inspired by

the amazing talents of this company's team of clever and gifted personnel.

Notwithstanding,

I couldn't seem to let this charming piece just be as it was created,

something inside me causes me to tweak it and make it my own.

Hmmm...possibly it is the possessing of a cache of delicate delights

needing to be seen,

and not tucked out of sight any longer.

I am especially pleased with the addition of vintage lace cuffs

added with the mismatched buttons.

I can assure you this piece is much better looking draped on a form

than the floor, but unfortunately there is no model available today.

.

Fifty plus buttons later...

Simple and sweet little ruffled t-shirt found at the Loft

along with a camel colored cardigan,

and my vintage fabric covered button box full of gems

becomes my creative amusement

as I curl up into the cozy sofa and watch the latest Hallmark movie.

Fifty plus buttons later et Voila !

This may be called having your cake and eating it too.

It's so fun to find a new home for the tiny treasures,

where they are allowed to come out and be enjoyed by others.

Grateful to share it in Belle Armoire Magazine !