#419...dear santa

I was talking with a friend yesterday, and could not think of anything that I wanted for Christmas.....but then later I remembered some things I've been eyeing. This list is indulgent....but it's my blog, and it's the holidays, and that's what they are all about....right? Just kidding.

This doll....(yes, I'm a grown-up and I like knitted dolls)

this gold flatware

this bench

this dish towel

these moccasins

this ring

this book

these airplants

this newberry winner...(I collect them)

#418...red pine cones

A couple years ago, I spray painted a bunch of pine cones for a centerpiece, using this spray paint. It was a simple project, with a great result. The pine cones still look great. I started thinking about doing some holiday decorating this weekend, and the pine cones made their way into my Jonathan Adler turquoise bird bowl.

#417...thanksgiving table

My cousin Natalie and I spent Thanksgiving morning watching the Macy's parade, and sewing a tablecloth and cloth napkins for our Thanksgiving feast. We also went out in the yard and clipped some ginger, crepe myrtle, and Chinese fringe plant and arranged a centerpiece for our table.

The napkins are made from Alexander Henry's "buckaroos" print from 1997

The tablecloth is made from Marimekko print "Odori" from 2001

#416...cabana chair

I've been on the hunt for a chair for the cabana. I've dragged just about every chair in my house out there to try out, and have decided we need a wood chair to balance the heavily concrete and metal cabana interior. I really like the Hans chair by Dwell.

....but I'd have to sell my car to get it

When looking at the chair, I realized that it is somewhat similar to this chair that I bought at the Goodwill last year for $20, and have been hoarding in my garage.

Ok, so it is not as modern and it's skirted...

......but I figured it worth a try, so I ripped the skirt off, and put it out in the cabana

I'm trying out a few different fabric options for the cushions. My favorite thus far is this Robert Allen graphic print.

#415...planter bust

I have had this planter bust in my kitchen for several years but have had no success at keeping plants alive in it, so I decided it needed a change of scenery and I moved it outdoors to serve as a centerpiece on our outdoor table. I planted a new cactus in it, since I have had good success with cactus's in my back yard. It feels like the head is surveying the entire yard. It is a little creepy, but I like it.

#414...flame stitch pillow covers

I had some scraps leftover of the flame stitch upholstery fabric that my cat is lounging on in the last post, so I made up some pillow covers and put them up for sale in my etsy shop here and here.

#413...migration

The origami crane sculpture I made for my front entry room, has migrated to the back of my house above my dog crates to make way for a new furniture piece I am working on in my front room.

it was breakfast time during this photo shoot

I also recently recovered my dog beds with some buffalo check polar fleece. 

(this time I kept the bed inserts away from the dogs while I was busy sewing the covers)

As not to play favorites, and give proper photo time to all my animals, here is a shot of my fat, orange cat Gig'em resting on a flame stitch throw pillow that I recently made from a fabric remnant I came across. 

#412...colorful dance

I am totally drawn to the graphic, colorful, abstract art quality of this image from House Beautiful's November issue.

#411...mousepad makeover

I saw this post on design*sponge and got inspired to give my plain mouse pad and aluminum can pencil holder a face-lift.

before

after

Here is how I did it.........
I have a bin in my studio full of thrift store leather pants, skirts and jackets

I selected this black leather mini skirt from the pile to cut-up for my project

I cut the pattern shapes for the pencil can and mouse pad from the leather

I used this spray adhesive to adhere the leather pieces to the mouse pad and pencil can

Next, I used artist's tape to tape off the diagonal lines delineating the painted portions

I used this metallic fabric and leather paint in copper

I pulled the tape off while the paint was still wet, and let it dry before spraying a top coat of non-yellowing acrylic varnish on the pieces to seal the paint and help with wear. They dried, and I am using the mouse pad as I type this. I am curious how the painted pad will hold up to having the mouse run all over it. They sure are pretty though.

#410...snapshots of the street

My coast to coast travel binge is over, and I am glad to be back home today. Here are a few shots I took along the road where my grandparent's house sits.