Archive for the ‘Great Gatherings’ Category

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but it’s not too late to make personalized gifts for the loved ones in your life. These simple projects are made from sweaters I found at Goodwill.

The easiest idea are wine bottle covers. Just cut off a sleeve to fit, sew up the bottom and embellish!

No need for a card this year. The pink wine “cozie” sports a traditional VD greeting. Glue Scrabble tiles to a sturdy ribbon and add a vintage pearl necklace (two gifts in one!).

Or give someone special the key to your heart. For this one, I tied on a leather “chain” with vintage key and added a bracelet.  Personalize your gift with little charms or pieces of jewelry.

Don’t forget Mom on Valentine’s Day.  Every woman loves flowers. Send her a bouquet in a custom designed vase. Using the front of an animal print sweater, I wrapped it around a rectangle shape jar (the perfect style for tulips). Hem the raw edges so it doesn’t ravel or if you don’t sew, use glue.

If your Mom is anything like me, her coffee gets cold before she finishes a cup. Keep her coffee warm with a mug cozie made from the cuff. Make sure you use the finished edge at the top. Then sew up the bottom with a running stitch and cut a slit on the side for the handle. I embroidered a simple heart, but you could add more charms or pins. Something just for Mom.

There is no end to the gifts you can make for the special people in your life from sweaters.

I would love to hear your DIY ideas for Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Wedding season may be months away, but it’s never too soon to start designing table settings and party favors, especially if you plan to make them yourself.  Table center pieces for the reception or bridal shower can be personalized to match your colors or theme.

I found everything for this elegant table decoration at Goodwill.

Instead of buying fabric by the yard, look for lace blouses in colors to coordinate with your theme. Choose tops with a bit of spandex. A little stretch makes the project easier to do.

Start collecting wine and water glasses. They don’t need to match, just pick ones that have a similar look in a variety of sizes. I liked the look of stemware with straight sides and they’re easier to work with than curved glasses.

Coat the glass with a thin layer of Mod Podge (or make your own with equal parts white glue and water). Cut the lace to fit and attach to glass. You might have to hold it in place while it dries. Trim the top edge even with the rim.

Arrange the trio on a charger and scatter baubles or ornaments. The result is a high-end centerpiece, but you did it yourself!

Tips:      

• Remember to work with odd numbers
• Look for coordinating chargers, plates or trays
• Fill in with “jewels” or marbles, confetti, beads, pearls, whatever goes with your style.

I host several parties every December, some casual, some formal and some just “family comfortable”. I use a set of Christmas dishes I bought at Goodwill (for a bargain). They’re very festive with red poinsettias around the rim. Since I use them a lot, I like to change up the accessories. This year, I’m opting for ”family casual”.

For a homespun family meal, I used an old quilt instead of a traditional table cloth.

Fold the napkin to look like a bow (pinch it in the middle) and place it between two dishes.

I like to make sure every guest leaves with a party favor. This year, I found felt snowflake ornaments and added a crystal snowflake to the center with glue. They not only add a layer to each place setting, but are great little gifts (no wrapping needed!).

Nothing is cuter than little snowmen. Group them around a white feather tree for a charming centerpiece. Use red jingle bells instead of the usual confetti.

Now if I only knew what to make for dinner!

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already decorated more than one Christmas tree in your home. As much as I love trees, they do take up a lot of space. A simple solution is a small tabletop (or counter top) tree. This one is perfect for the kitchen and the person who loves to cook.

I started with a little tree that will fit in the corner and added a string of white lights. Then I shopped Goodwill and raided my kitchen drawers for cookie cutters and baking utensils. They make perfect ornaments.

 I made hanging loops with colorful holiday ribbons.

I like the mixture of old and new, but you could stick with just copper or brass.

The brass angel napkin rings fill in the empty spaces and were less than $1.00 from Goodwill!

Finish it off with bead garland or string popcorn and cranberries for a country Christmas tree! No need for a fancy tree skirt, wrap the base with a Christmas kitchen towel.

Every tree needs a topper. A wine cork screw almost looks like an angel! We spend so much time in the kitchen, why not make it festive?

I made 12 Halloween costumes this month for kids 3-22. I used only clothes and accessoires I could find at Goodwill. It’s amazing what you can do with a little thought.

The key is to check out all the departments. Red Riding Hood’s cape is actually a tablecloth.

The pirates vest is a woman’s suede jacket with the sleeves removed (no sewing required)!

A shower curtain becomes a princess cape.

You have to think outside the box!

The Better Half TV show featuring Halloween Costumes from Goodwill

All our models were great. Check out the video to find out how I made these costumes. There are even a couple of no-sew ideas!

Windy City Live – Halloween Costume Fashion Show -Chicago

Windy City Live in Chicago was a blast too. Everything from a Minon (no-sew) to traditional costumes that never go out of style. Check out the video for more details.