Recycled Junk Mail Art

Inspired by my trip to the Saint Paul Craftstravaganza today, and a video I saw on the Craft Magazine blog, I tried my hand at some junk mail art. Mine doesn't look nearly as cool as Patricia's from A Little Hut, but it was a good first attempt.

I didn't have a nice cutting mat like hers, so I used my built-in breadboard. I've been a little hesitant to put food on it for some reason, but was more than happy to use it for crafting.

Using the box cutter on paper was easier than I expected.

The final product. Not sure where I want to hang them yet.

New Chair and Art

When I'm not making things for myself, I like to a) purchase someone else's handicraft, or b) get a great deal. Jenn's thriftiness came in handy last week. I'd been telling her how much I like her leather chair and ottoman, and she saw one on an online auction and called me immediately. Apparently, the auction was closing in 45 minutes and the top bid was only $120. Forty-five minutes later, I was the proud owner of a chair and ottoman I had only seen on the internet. Saturday morning she and I drove out to Spring Lake Park, a town I'd never even heard of, and picked up my $185 set (there was a last-minute bidding war--exciting!). I'm pretty happy with my thrifty purchase, although I wish it was more brown and less black, and I kinda wish it didn't smell like gasoline. I've been soliciting advice on that front, but since it's pleather, all the suggestions of Febreezing it don't really help. Any other suggestions welcome.

I'm also super excited about the new art hanging above the chair, which falls in the category of someone else's handicraft. I bought this lovely piece on from Erica at beeskneesstudio on etsy.com. It's my favorite website, where crafters sell their goods. I love having unique art that I know nobody can buy at Target.

And speaking of other crafters, I went to the Saint Paul Craftstravaganza today and got some great finds! More on those later. I'm gonna have to wash my hair if I'm going to model my new shirt!

Old crafts revisited: Coaster Set

Lately I've run across a few craft projects I'd forgotten about from days gone by. I was recently at my pal Sarah's house, and saw a music-themed coaster set I'd given her for Christmas a few years ago. I had decoupaged sheet music, photos of musicians, etc. onto bathroom tiles, and backed them with cork. I packaged them in a fabric box I designed and sewed myself. I was pretty proud!

Homework: Abby's room has a bed!

Dear Abby,

I bought a bed for your room. It's a queen size bed, in case you feel like really stretching out. I got it from this girl Marina, who I met last summer. She's now moving overseas, and selling everything she owns. I got the mattress, box spring, down comforter, bed skirt, and frame for $200. I don't think she lived in the U.S. for very long, so the bed is pretty newish. I also shampooed the carpet. There's an egress window for your safety. And if you look closely, you will see that The Boss is keeping watch in your absence. Did I mention it has its own bathroom? Come visit me, okay?

Homework: DIY carpeting

Tonight I laid the indoor/outdoor carpeting in the laundry room. The old floor was so uninviting. I think this is an improvement, and it covers more of the floor than a rug would. Plus this 6'x8' chunk cost me only $16.


I think if my current career doesn't work out, I have a future in carpetlaying!

The Housewarming

On Saturday night I had a "celebration of my new status as a homeowner" party. I didn't want to call it a housewarming party, because I didn't want friends to feel like they needed to bring a gift. Some did anyway, and they were lovely gifts! I now have a fully stocked wine rack, some crazy lovely smelling hand lotion, and more:

Some beautiful gardening tools from Kandace and Andrea

A fun garden stake from Linnea and Rob

Mums from Phil, and aloe and a plant whose name I can't remember (everlasting something) from the Roehl sisters (could have used that aloe earlier this week when I burned myself with a curling iron!)

A set of super-duper cute napkins made by the very crafty Jane

An adorable teapot from Kassie and CJ and a very hip picture frame from, I'm embarrassed to say, I can't remember! Whoever you are, please step forward!

And finally, a six pack of my favorite beverage, complete with a wet suit to keep those little guys at just the right temperature and humidity. From the thoughtful Angela and Andy.


Unfortunately, I was too busy having fun and giving proud tours to take any photos at the actual party. Thanks to everyone who came and helped celebrate! And extra big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped with the house so far, and to Jenn and Roya for helping clean and make food for the party. Oh, and especially Brynn, who called me Lorda all night and whenever I asked her for help with something, responded, "sure thing!"