How to wear a bedspread.

You've probably got images in your head from the
People of Walmart site.  You've seen those photos, haven't you?

If not, just picture yourself crawling out of bed in the morning (or noon as the case may be )
 and heading to the Walmart without changing out of your pj's.
Or combing your hair.
Or brushing your teeth.

Those are the good photos.  :)

So, when is it acceptable to wear a bedspread out in public?

When it's been transformed into a toddler jacket, that's when!

I was in the process of organizing all of my sewing paraphernalia and fabrics when I came across
 the worn-out vintage chenille bedspread I picked up for $4 at a local shop last year.
I'd look a little silly wearing a jacket made from the bedspread,
but it's perfect for a 2 1/2 year old!

 There were 3 floral areas on the bedspread, but this one
was in the best condition.  I arranged my pattern pieces so the design
would be on the front of the jacket.

Here's the pattern I used.

The only change I made to the pattern
 was to round out the collar.

The jacket is lined with pink polka dot flannel.

I chose blue buttons to pick up on the blue squiggle of the pocket.

A dreamy jacket.

Get it?

I haven't made a lined jacket in ages, but this pattern made it easy.
I've even got enough chenille and flannel left over to make
another jacket for granddaughter number two when she's a bit older......
and maybe a pair of pants for moi to wear to Walmart!

Look for me at "The People of Walmart" site.  :)
Vickie

*I'm joining the parties at:

Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style Wow us Wednesday

Ivy and Elephants What's it Wednesday

Walking on broken glass.

Over 2 years ago, I created the stained glass window ( on my sidebar to the right )
  as a raffle prize for a cancer benefit.

When I finished the window, I packed up my supplies and they remained untouched
 until just recently when I dusted off my glass cutters and grinder
 to make a simple window for the bedroom.
The guest bedroom that may never be finished!

Today I decided it's high time to dust off my blog that's been
sitting idle for over a month and publish a DIY stained glass tutorial.

See for yourself just how easy it is!

1.  Choose your glass.

2.  Find or make a frame.  I used an old thrifted window sash.

3.  Draw up a pattern, make a duplicate copy, and cut the pattern pieces apart from one copy.

4.  Glue the paper pattern pieces onto the glass and score with a glass cutter.

5.  Cut pieces and smooth the edges with a glass grinder.

6.  Wrap glass pieces with copper foil and pin together using the uncut pattern as your guide .

7.  Solder the pieces together.

8.  Blacken solder lines with patina solution.

Ta da!


I took a beginner stained glass class with a group of friends at a local studio about 15 years ago.
I was instantly hooked and bought all the equipment so I could work on projects at home.
Over the years, I made quite a few windows, but most of them were included
 in the purchase agreement when we sold our previous home.

 I compiled a collage below to show you the windows we left behind,
 but you'll have to excuse the photo quality as the images were scanned
 from photos taken with my old 35mm camera.

Top left:  Window for daughter Megan's room.
Top right:  Man cave door.
Middle left:  Main floor bath window.
Middle right:  Two of four kitchen cabinet doors.
Bottom left:  Window for daughter Julie.
Bottom right:  Basement bathroom window.

Below are a few magazine images I found that feature stained glass windows:

Interior wall accented with a vintage gothic window.  The photo on the right is the master

bath on the other side of the window.  Love.

 (Country Living)

I wish I could transport the shower on the left into our home!

(Better homes & Gardens)

Very simple design creates a modern vibe in this room.

(Source unknown)

The vintage window looks right at home in this classic farmhouse bathroom.

(Better Homes & Gardens)

Pretty window reflected in the mirror for twice the impact.

Striking glass colors!

(Design Sponge)

Privacy without the giving up natural light.

(Country Living)

Simple window reflected in the the mirror of the vanity that

I finally painted!

I thought about changing out the hardware and adding sheet music

to the damaged veneer on the drawers, but in the end, I repaired the veneer,

 gave it a coat of paint, and kept the original drawer pulls for a timeless look.

And it didn't cost me a dime.  :)

I have yet to master the art of taking photos of windows

with sunlight coming through.  Don't get me wrong, though, I'm not complaining.

We're enjoying our very first warm, sunshiny day!

To view hundreds of gorgeous antique stained glass windows and doors for sale

visit Oley Valley Antiques.  Or if you'd rather page through books filled with 

images of vintage windows, Schiffer published 3 books that are well worth purchasing.

  I "knocked off" most of my window designs from originals featured in these books.

Warning.

 No matter how careful you are and how well you clean up your mess,

 it's practically guaranteed that unsuspecting family members will step on the

  teeny tiny razor sharp slivers of glass

 left behind when the resident artiste cuts her glass on the laundry room table.

  So, if you decide you'd like to start working with glass, be sure to stock up on band aids first!

Thanks for visiting!

Vickie

*I'm joining the party at:

Common Ground  Be Inspired

Cozy Little House  Tweak it Tuesday

Jann Olson's  Share Your Cup Thursday

Funky Junk Interiors Party Junk

Ivy and Elephants What's it Wednesday

Blue Easter

If Elvis (and Porky Pig) can sing about a Blue Christmas,
I see no reason I can't create a b-b-b-b- Blue Easter!

It all started when I came across this old print while cleaning out a closet.

I bought the framed print last year for our youngest daughter whose husband grew 

up with dairy cows.  Well he didn't share a room with them, but you know what I mean.
  

The print is part of a 1915 advertising calendar for the De Laval (cream) Separator Company.

 Before I give it to my daughter, I'm planning to add archival glass to preserve the pretty colors,
but until I do, I may as well enjoy it on my mantel!

I found these 3 chicks still in their original packaging just last

week and perched them on top of some eggs. ( Actually, all of the eggs in our
refrigerator.)  I added a few blue and yellow malted eggs for color,
 and the chicks seem happy as can be in the basket.

  I hope nobody wants scrambled eggs for breakfast.

I filled my wood caddy with Pottery Barn plants

 and, of course, a few blue canning jars.

My blue ice cream maker has been
 transplanted here for the season.

My Blue Easter mantel.

Yes, that's a blue egg carton I used to elevate the picture.  Recycling is good, right?
Sometimes you just have to make due with what you've got available when the decorating bug bites.
If you're wondering why there's no candy in the jars, our girls our spending the holiday
 with their in-laws, and I know I'd just gobble up the candy all by myself.   oink oink

Around the corner on the dry sink, sits my 1940's American Bisque cookie jar.
Just a few short days ago, the canning jar was filled to the brim with pastel M & M's.
 Now who do you suppose has been eating them?

"N-n-n-not   m-m-m-me!"

Hmmmm.  I have my suspicions,
after all, she is a pig!

These two are each keeping a close blue eye on the

temptation right in front of them.  

 They have a lot more will power than I do! 

Well, ble-ble-ble-that's all folks! 

 I wish everybody a Happy Easter!

Vickie

I'm joining the party at:

Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Creative Cain Cabin Budget Decorating
Common Ground Be Inspried