Recycled Rosemary Wreath

  Rosemary is known as a symbol of remembrance, friendship and love. A story of rosemary tells that the flowers were originally white but changed to blue when the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on a bush while fleeing from Herod's soldiers with the Christ child.

  This is a simple recycled, artificial evergreen wreath that has been carefully hung and sprigs of fresh rosemary added to the frame. This adds a nice touch to an existing wreath and fragrance to the area where it hangs. In this case, it's my front door.

Jar Lid Plant Markers

  This is a great way to use previously used canning jar lids and is a quick project that adds a lot of interest in the home garden.

Supplies:

Used canning jar lids
Sharpie permanent marker
Heavy gauge wire, about 18 inches (Wire clothes hangers work well for this.)
Hammer
Pliers
Nail set (or nail for punching hole)

Place the pliers at the tip of the wire and bend around.
Take the pliers and place them at the back of the half loop that was formed and bend around again.
Place a small block of wood on a flat surface and place the lid on top.
Use the hammer and nail set or nail and punch a small hole near the top of the canning jar lid. (Smooth out any crimped metal on the back of the lid with the hammer.)
Write the name of your plant with the Sharpie marker.
Hang the lid on the wire and enjoy.

An additional hole can be punched near the bottom of the lid and a small bead can be hung at the bottom for added interest.

These little plant markers work great in the garden and have a nice little tinkling sound while swaying in the breeze.

When Life Gives You Stumps, Make A Bottle Tree

  A garden is like life, never static, ever changing, ever growing. Sometimes when something gets in your way you just have to make something beautiful out of it. Like this stump for instance, I'm to scared of a chain saw to cut it down and to tired to dig it up. So with a little chipping away at the bark around the base of the tree the roots no longer are able to send up vital nutrients and eventually die. In the mean time we can enjoy the visual interest it creates in the garden and the added benefit of capturing evil spooks, or so the Appalachians believed.

Homespun Re-Usable Grocery Store Tote Bag

  I asked my oldest Niece once, "What is the deal with us girls and our purses?" She replied. "It's our security Aunt Cheryl, we carry all of our stuff in it." Wisdom always makes sense.

Here's a quick project for bringing home some of the stuff from the grocery store.

Supply List
Used Grocery Store Tote Bag
Place Mat (if bottom support panel is missing)
Scrap Fabric
Thread to match
Sewing Machine
Pinking edge Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Directions:
Cut fabric squares and pin to tote bag and stitch in place 1/4 from edge of fabric. Cut place mat to fit bottom if the original support panel is missing

There you have it. A quick and easy tote bag with a homespun touch ready to go the the grocery store.

Tip: I like to designate certain bags for certain stores and hang them by the front door as a reminder to use them on my way out.

Love,
Cheryl

Up-Cycled T-Shirt Tote Bag

This is a fun craft with instant gratification.

Up-Cycled T-Shirt Tote Bag

Supply List:

Sewing Machine
Thread
Scissors
T-Shirt
Decorative Trim (Optional)

Prepare T-shirt:

Step 1:
Turn t-shirt wrong side out and hem bottom with straight stitch about 10-12 stitches per inch near existing t-shirt hem.  Sew an additional row of stitches about 1/8-1/4 from the beginning row to reinforce.

Note: If tank top style t-shirt is use simply turn the shirt right side out and sew optional trim on about 1/2 inch from the bottom edge with a straight stitch.

Step 2:
If sleeved type t-shirt is used, use a dinner plate as a template to draw a semi-circle at the neckline and arm holes.  Cut along the line.  Reinforce the remaining shoulder seams with a double row of stitching.  Back-stitch at the beginning and ending of all seams. Proceed with Step 1.  (The cut out sleeves can be used for a head bands.)

TaDa!

This is a great little bag that can be easily rolled up and carried in a purse for use at the store checkout or market.  I carry mine all the time and have even used it as a wash cloth and even a towel in a pinch.  Can be tossed into the washer with the regular laundry on wash day.  Make a bunch as gifts for friends and save the Planet.

Love,

Cheryl