What is it?

I've been sewing, can you guess what I am making?

Painted Prints

Last weekend I spent my Sunday stamping 6 inch squares with one of my carved stamps. I am so used to using fabrics with a lot of color so I decided these pretty, but plain prints needed a touch of color. So each square was painted with a different color combo. I love how they turned out. The next step is to figure out what to do with them. I thought about a bag, but I am not sure how colorfast the stamp ink is (I wouldn't want it rubbing off on someones white sweater). Do you think a journal or maybe an art quilt would be pretty? Tell me what you think. I'd love your ideas!

What to do with those Strawberries...

Ms Lindsay Brackeen inspired me to post about one of my favorite summer recipes. I absolutely love that time of year when the markets start to sell berries. I LOVE berries. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and beautiful strawberries. I eat them all summer. One of my favorite, easy recipes is a strawberry salad. Here is what I do:

Toss Together:

1 bag of spring mix salad

about 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or chopped walnuts (toasted is even better)

about 1/4 cup of feta cheese

about 1/4 cup of chopped red onion

about 1 cup of sliced strawberries

Blend together (for dressing):

about 9 strawberries

1/3 cup of vegetable oil

1/4 cup of honey

2 tablespoons of lemon or grapefruit juice

2 tablespoons of cider vinegar

1 teaspoon of dry mustard

I sometimes grill a chicken breast to eat along side it, but always like a nice piece of crusty bread to sop up the delicious dressing. Hope you enjoy it!

Happy Weekend!

Hope your weekend is beautiful and bright! I plan on carving stamps, sewing, cleaning, and enjoying the sun. How about you?

And the Winner Is...

So here's how the drawing went down. My hubby was the witness (and photographer). He made sure to keep me honest and be sure the drawing wasn't rigged. The numbers were written on bits of old wallpaper and put into one of my own "wallpapered" boxes.

The bits of paper were mixed up and tossed about.

I closed my eyes and reached into the box. I kinda ruffled up the papers before I pulled out...

Numero uno!

"~Courtney", it looks like Little Miss M will get her cool wallpaper lined drawers! Thanks so much for everyone who played. I loved all of your ideas! Rest assured that I will have other giveaways in the future. This was fun. Have a happy Saturday!

Pockets Anyone?

I was commissioned to create a bag for a friend of mine. She makes jewelry and wanted a bag that would carry all her jars of beads and jewelry making supplies. I stitched together this bag using a basic tote design. I added pleated pockets, 6 on each side for the jars-o-beads and then one on each end, for a grand total of 14 outside pockets. I trimmed the pockets with a mustard fabric to highlight the shape. I think it added a cute "ruffled" look to the bag.

Don't Miss the Giveaway

Don't forget about my wallpaper giveaway! Tomorrow's the last day to get in the running to win some free vintage wallpaper! All you have to do is comment on how you'd use a yard of old wallpaper.

Vintage Wallpaper Giveaway

Patchwork or Paint?

My sister asked me to make a bag for a silent auction for my niece and nephew's school. I was torn as to whether I should make a scrap bag or a painted bag...which one would bring in more money? I wasn't sure, so I decided to combine the two. I made a scrap clutch using some pieces of hand painted fabric. Hopefully it will be a hit!

Don't forget about my Vintage Wallpaper Giveaway!

Have Jewelry, Will Travel

I made these lightweight pieces for my mom. She has a trip coming up and is trying to travel light. She asked that I make her something that would go with the black and red in her wardrobe. The flowers on the necklace can be easily taken off and turned into a brooch so that she has options. The earrings are lightweight yo-yos that I have embellished with Czech beads. Fun, flexible, and easy-to-wear, the perfect travel companion.

Vintage Wallpaper Giveaway!!!

Did you know that I have a vintage shop on Etsy? At gingerscraps I sell random odds-n-ends that I find when I am out thrifting. I love hunting for discarded treasures! Garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores are a great way to spend a day. I get so excited when I find something wonderful that someone else just throws out.

One of my favorite thrifting finds was last year when I found a huge collection of vintage wallpaper. I purchased the whole lot and loaded it in my car. As I headed down the road, my mind was spinning with crafting and decorating ideas. After I had my fun with it, there was so much left that I decided to sell it by the yard on Etsy.

I would like to offer you a chance to win some of my vintage wallpaper. Just leave a comment and include a great crafting or decorating idea that uses about one yard of wallpaper. On Thursday, 5/20, I will pick a random winner. Check back on Saturday 5/22, when I will announce the winner. The winner will be able to pick 2 yards of any of the cool wallpapers from my shop. Here are some pictures of wallpapers you could win:

I have a lot more in my shop so check it out! Have fun!

Patchwork Roses

This weekend I spent time filling an order for one of my favorite customers, my sister! It is time for the "annual end-of-the-year teacher gifts." I hope my niece's and nephew's teachers like their patchwork roses!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mom, when I look back at these old pictures of you it brings back memories of my wondrous childhood. You took care of me, allowed me to experience and explore my world, and taught me how to be the person I am. You are such a beautiful woman. I love you so much. These pictures of you from the beginning of my life are just lovely and it makes me happy for others to get a glimpse of the amazing mother (and person) you are.

Carve Out Some Stamps

I have always wanted to print my own fabric. The book "Printing by Hand" by Lena Corwin is part of my collection. I love the book and it has been inspiring, but it wasn't until I read the hand carved stamp tutorial from Geninne's Art Blog, that I decided to give carving stamps a try. Geninne made it look so easy...I used my birthday money from my in-laws (thanks guys!) and stocked up on needed supplies.

I am so excited! Here are the first two stamps that I have ever carved! Thanks Geninne for helping me to take the plunge. I think I found a new hobby.

Preferred Reading

I have a bit of an addiction to crafting books, I admit it. It is the same reason that I love to look at beautiful blogs. How-to books are just like my favorite blogs in that there is so much inspiration on each page. The difference is that I can hold them in my hands. I can comfortably read them in bed. I can take them to the beach.


Crafting books have taught me something that is invaluable, they taught me how to sew. Of course, my mother taught me sewing basics. She showed me how to stitch a straight line. I made some pretty good pillows after her instructions, thanks mom! But craft books have taught me the rest. I learned how to gather and how to do patchwork. I learned how to print and how to paint on fabric.


It is no wonder I am addicted to collecting them. The wonderful women who have written the books have become my teachers; the kind of teachers that you grow to love and admire. The ones that you want to "become". Craft books saved me in a sense. I know that sounds dramatic...but if feels that way at times. Do you ever feel the same way about something? What are your favorite crafting books?

Sew and Braid

Here's what kept me busy this weekend:

Braided Bangles

A Vintage Library Tote

Clutches with Painted Fabric Appliques