Doesn't Hurt to Try!

So, spring in Iowa means loads of rain. And constant checking that the sump pump is in working order (it always is, but I fear flooded basements). Our sump is under the stairs where there are a few shelves of partially used paints. From the last owners of the house. 13 years ago (or more). We never removed them (don't judge). But today, I found gold (literally)!!!

Huge shout out to Rust-oleum today. This can had been sitting on a shelf over a decade but five minutes of shaking and one thin coat later, and I have some awesome shiny test pieces! You never know until you try!

To Market, To Market

Our wonderful farmer's market begins this Saturday!! I love the fresh start of the season, Spring is in the air, seeing old friends and making new ones. I always like to bring something different in the way of displays each year, but never like to buy new when I can reuse. So, out comes all the old PVC pieces from past displays, a big piece of peg board (in need of paint but that comes later), and then the Lego-loving child in me comes out and I build new structures.

WIP Wednesday

Well, this was just going to be a work in progress post, but I finished up all 14 new Market Bags and had to share!

Yin and Yang versions

Linings

Outer shells

Ready for their closeup

Yes, bicycle bags are back!!!

Stunning fabric made by a local artist

Spring greens

London, baby!

Upcycling and a haiku

Vintage linen love

Repurpose with a purpose

What's old becomes new.

Happy haiku to go with these new projects!

Vintage embroidered pillowcase + sheets

Key fobs with vintage fabrics and hankies

Mirrors with vintage hankies and linens

Grocery bag Sack Stashers form vintage curtains, aprons and tablecloths

Memo boards from up cycled frames and vintage fabrics

15 Minute Meal- Sirloin and Asparagus

Rediscover Your Broiler

Finished in 15 minutes

As a (retired) chef, I love to cook. I love complex meals with many sauces and sides. I love cooking for hours, even days in advance, to make an epic plate of food. But, running a business, caring for the darling peanut and sweet hubs, that doesn't happen too often. So my go-to meals are usually simple ingredients, cooked easily in an hour to so. But that is sometimes too long! So, time to break out what in our house is the most underused feature in the kitchen- the broiler. 

Broilers, or in the restaurant kitchen, a salamander, bring the heat from the top down. A broiler is often used as a last minute finish to a dish- adding color, crisping skin, melting cheese. But you can also cook a great meal in one pan, in 15 minutes no less. 

Ingredients: A couple sirloins or strip steaks, a bunch of asparagus, olive oil and salt and pepper.

Turn the broiler on, line a sheet pan with foil, toss asparagus with olive oil and s&p

S&P steaks, and place above veggies on a metal cooling rack

Broiled for 6 minutes. Flip steaks for another 5 minutes. Done!

Perfectly cooked for us, add a minute or two if you like it more done. 

You can mix it up with spice rubs, different oils or clarified butter, other cuts of meat. Enjoy!

Hoopfulla Vintage Wishes

Hoopfulla (n): a vintage embroidery hoop full of something special

In this new design for spring, vintage sheets and pillowcases create a sweet message, perfect for decorating a child's room, an office, or even the hallway.

Drying

Stamped

Make a wish...

A Fresh Perspective

I have a love of vintage. Like, "It is a good thing I am married and have to share living space with someone else or my house would be featured on Hoarders" love of vintage. 

Especially 60's and 70's vintage- give me an avocado green anything and I am in heaven (like my favorite set of hard sided luggage found thrifting years ago). Throw in some Fisher Price buildings, vintage sheets and linens, a few embroidery hoops...you get the idea- my studio is full up! So what better way to corral the clutter than by signing up for a new experience- a craft show only using recycled/upcycled, vintage, and repurposed anything. 

The great thing about taking a risk such as this is rediscovering the unbridled joy in my studio. Freed from my current line-up of patterns and products, I am challenged to find a way to put these collections to use so their history can continue in a new way in a new home.

First up, repurposing some vintage tennis rackets and calendar tea towels. 

I found a trove of vintage rackets and frames

Each tea towel will turn into several different projects

Later on- embroidery hoops, old picture frames, and a vintage cutter quilt. I can't wait to share what the results!

Old wood hoops can become so many things

Quilted cuff bracelets from a 1930's quilt

And for your calendars, if you are in the Iowa City area- Sunday, April 19th: Craft Your Environment at the East Side Recycling Center and ReStore.