T-shirt Backpack

I made a t-shirt backpack today with this tutorial from Brassy Apple and I love the results! This is a completed pic, please excuse the shoestring I didn't get a chance to replace it with a new one! All you need is a sewing machine, scissors, thread, one shoestring, an old t-shirt, and something for the strap, I used a belt I got from the Dollar Tree.

Placemat Purses for sale

I just wanted to do a new post about my latest purses for sale, each one is $10, now on sale (more to be added soon!). To purchase one, contact me at pumpkinsfan76@gmail.com.

Hello My Friend

Sorry I have been away for so long, I have been busy making quilts, snow globes, purses and lately pincushions. I am going to try to sell the purses that I have made at a yard sale and if that goes well I may try selling on Etsy.

My latest purse, and one of my best.

Another really nice purse.

Becky's Headbands I made for her.

Kat's bandanna quilt.

My pincushion I made for me.

Swap!

Things I am looking for: buttons, beads (just about any kind), acculon, fabric (just about any kind), patches, 16 gauge wire, ribbons, thread, floss, schmetz universal sewing machine needles,  place mats, old jeans, blue or white mason jars, metal garden seed stakes (the ones that you can write what plants you have planted on), homemade jewelry, spices, herbs, buttons and chai tea. I also like Emily the Strange, Invader Zim, Hello Kitty...

Please email me with what you have to swap, I am willing to swap other items not listed.
pumpkinsfan76@gmail.com

Include in email
1) Name
2) Address
3) Items desired
4) Items to swap with pictures

I looked around the house and came up with some more goodies.....The first four purses I made and the necklaces I made.

Used once.

Used....one small mark on the bottom, otherwise excellent condition

Used but not abused

Cargo Purse brand new never used

Only one pattern cut, the rest are intact, cut pattern in excellent condition

Washer necklace with sheer ribbon.

Small scrap of satin-like fabric, 17"x37" plus some extra scraps.

Size 6/8/10/12 gown pattern new and uncut

I got the idea for the swap from April over at Natural Nester, please visit her site for a lot more craft swapping fun!

Placemat Purse

This craft idea is nifty and comes from Heather over at Dollar Store Crafts. I spent about $8 total on this bag, and that is because I had to buy handles from Jo-Ann's. The rosettes are very easy to make Be sure to use a leather or heavy duty needle on your sewing machine. I used some rose metallic beads for the centers of the rosettes that  I had on hand, I got them from Micheal's.

Placemat $1
Ribbon $1
Handles $5
Thread $1
Metallic Rose beads, on hand

Nuts Bracelet

Hey kids, I was inspired by the washer bracelet from The Answer is Chocolate on this one. I used "silver" beads, glass pearls and plastic pink beads. On the jump rings, yes those are nuts. I found them in Chris's toolbox while looking for wire cutters and decided to use them as charms on this charming and dainty little bracelet. If I can find small washers, I will add them to the bracelet.

Washer Necklace

I made the beautiful washer necklace, below from this tutorial from The Small Object. Mine does not look as pretty but I am pleased with the results. From trial I have found that the best ribbon to use is sheer, as used in the tutorial, and of course other washer sizes can be used. I believe I got this ribbon from Dollar Tree and you can also get washers there. More washer crafts to come! For lots of cheap ideas for crafts, visit Dollar Store Crafts.

Strawberry-Lemonade Smoothie

I made some lemonade the other day (from scratch) and I decided to make this smoothie...I was pouring a glass of lemonade and had a "Eureka" moment, LOL. I looked up this recipe and decided to make it today since I have all of the ingredients on hand. How was it? In a word, shock-tart! This one makes you pucker. Add sweetener to this one.

Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

Yet another fascinating ingredient that I often see at Tan-A. I have decided to do all Asian Foods week and Chris loves it. For this recipe, we will simply be steaming the broccoli and topping it with oyster sauce, simple, simple. Here is the recipe that I originally found this idea on. I really liked this, it tastes just like broccoli but leafy. Try this!

Oyster & Shittake Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce

This is a simple recipe for these flavorful mushrooms. I have been wanting to try king oysters for a long time. They usually come three to a package at the Asian Grocer. Chris and I really enjoyed these mushrooms, they are "meaty" enough to use as a meat substitute.