Mention vintage to most makers and their hearts skip - whether it’s fashion and style, home decor, notions and tools, or methods and techniques, there is an appreciation for the past.  There are different reasons for admiring vintage and one of them for me is honoring what led us as makers, sewists, designers, and stylists to where we are today.

My mother taught me how to sew I am not only appreciative for the technical skills she gave me, but sewing and creating was also one of the ways we bonded throughout my childhood.

Of course the love of vintage is not always so philosophical - check out the packaging and typefaces on these needle packs! There is something so charming about having such an ornate label on such a little envelope.

The image below of “The Perfect Pinker,” is what was used instead of pinking shears. Opposite the zig-zag wheel there is a smooth metal wheel and the fabric just glides through. How ingenious!

These notions were given to me by a neighbor’s (who passed away some time ago) family.  She had all sorts of vintage goodies left over in her stash and I feel happy that I could preserve some tools which were used in a previous generation for making, an endeavor that I am passionate about today.

Do you have a soft spot for vintage? What’s the draw for you?

Here are a few of my favorite diy holiday ornaments that I’ve seen floating around the blogosphere this season!

{Felted Bell Ornaments, Washi Tape Ornaments, Pom Pom Ornaments, Clay Lollipop Ornaments, Simple Statement Ornaments, Candy Cane Marbled Ornaments, Vintage Felt Baubles, Balls Up Ornaments}

Happy Holidays!

♥

You look familiar, have we met?

Yes my friends, I have been away for quite some time.  I do apologize! My dream world is one where “life” never impedes on crafting and making, but sometimes it’s inevitable. I hope you can forgive my neglect.

With that said, I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve been working on for my comeback:

First is my holly berry dress -

Only a sneak peak for now, but I promise more pics to come!  Aren’t those the sweetest little tulip sleeves?  I drafted them myself from this fabulous tutorial.

Next is a brand new endeavor I’m taking on in an attempt to expand my handmade lifestyle; I’m learning to cook! What could be more handmade? Not to mention healthy and money-saving.

My first dish is a creamy chicken soup with wild rice, courtesy of the fabulous blog Budget Bytes.

Last but not least is my DIY holiday display. I decided to forgo a tree this year in the interest of time and energy but I definitely wanted some holiday cheer and warmth in my space.

I took two wine bottles and spray painted one with silver metallic paint. The other is covered in torn strips of slightly opalescent stationary paper, adhered with Modpodge.

For the tea lights, I took plain glass candle holders and then spruced them up with some glitter via the project in Ruche’s Homemade Holiday guide. The wreath is a plain wreath from a craft supply store (I got mine at AC Moore) with a tiny felt bow on the lower right side.

The bunting is made from small felt triangles, hot glued to yarn, and the letters are written in glue and covered in glitter.

What crafts are you working on this holiday season?

I am always eager to expand my base of crafty knowledge as well as my reserve of tools and supplies.  This wonderful chart and accompanying article from DesignSponge is a great resource for doing just that.

Adhesives are a fundamental part of many handmade projects so learn which ones will work for you!

♥