Sewing Bag Set

I finally got out my embroidered patches and put them to good use. I have wanted bags to transport my craft projects in. This is what I dreamed up. Again, no pattern here. I just have used the awesome embroidered patches as my basis for inspiration. I wanted a little bag for all the the embroidery thread and then a bigger bag for the pieces that I am working on. So when it is time for a ride in the car everything will be together.

In the small bag I added a piece of red ribbon and added a pin cushion and tie for my ginhger snippers.

Yes, that is me, giggling at my hubby's face when he takes photos. The front of the big bag has a huge pocket for carrying rulers and large hoops.

Recycling Awesomeness

Part of my job at the bakery is donating bread to those in need on a regular basis. One of our recipients is this awesome recycling center called Bring. They employ very few and use volunteers and court appointed work release to get it all done.  A few weeks ago they sent a stack of coupons to our staff, which is was a great reason to come out and check see what they offer.

I was so in awe of how it is all set up, and very well organized. There are a few very large metal roofed areas to protect items from the rain, but majority of the space is open to the elements. They used some great times to keep it all sorted, like this train car. The majority of what they offer is home building materials, tools, large cabinets, metal, tiles.  The fans along the roof line collect rain water.

This is a fabulous place for artist too. There are so many materials I can see to use when creating an artful garden, unique home spaces, a lot of decorative items as well. I really appreciate the creative  use of recycled materials in the yards I see in Eugene and around Cascadia.   You will see metal pipes for planting. Many raised gardens are made from scrap wood and mini greenhouses are made from used windows. Often you will find metal piping rain collection and irrigation. Yard art is abound here, most are created using recycled materials. These yards are so different from what I saw in the manicured lawns of the Raleigh and around the South.

Along the garden side there was this awesome structure that was created by an Architecture class from U of O using only materials from Bring. The back wall was a beautiful welded fence and masonry. I love the lines in the concrete pad. They were giving a tour when I was there, and it seems that in the summer months they host a few events in this space.

Part of this chain link fence was filled in with PVC plumbing and bike spokes. They also carry new rain barrels, natural paints, and some plants in the summer. We bought some awesome oak chairs that had been poorly painted.
Most of the items for sale were donated. I wish I had discovered this spot sooner. I will be back. Trash is beautiful to me!

Sewing room

This is my office/ sewing room. I am sitting on a futon on the other side of the room. I made the desk out of a solid wood door and PVC legs. Believe me it is one heavy/ sturdy sewing table. I have a large self healing mat at the left end. The self is sitting on recycled milk crates. I recently bought the letter press tray at the NC state flea market for $5. I love it for showing off all the antique sewing notions I have. I have many painted glass jars holding crafting goodies. I also have put to use my blue jean boxes and pin cushion. The shiny black filing cabinet is super duper heavy and sturdy. My dad saved it for me from the neighbors and repainted it for me. I love it. It holds a ton. All of the pencil artwork was done by a friend/ old roommate. I have lots more of his artwork. I have enjoyed having this space to sprawl out and create in. I have huge bins of fabric under the table. I generally have a ironing board set up where the chair is. I just got awesome lighting to help me out on these dark dripping winter days!

Painted Glass Jars

I really enjoy recycling objects that I have around my home. When we moved I realized that we had a nice collection of glass jars. I have a lot of glass paint that I used when I painted my M.I.L. a cake plate last Christmas. I love the pearlescent purple paint. My office/computer/craft space is red and black. So I used the red as an accent. I know they are funky, I wanted to spice it up with a little color and pattern. Most of the jars are old jelly jars (the labels came off easier).

I like the shorter jars because the skinny tall items stick out and my hand wont get stuck trying to get the item out. Yes, that is little Me and young Monk in the sock monkey frame! 
I do like the bigger jars as well. This one Ball Jar on the Right had a great raised image that I crudely painted. This one I end up pouring everything out on the table to find what I am looking for. I enjoy having everything out at eye level for whenever creativity strikes me! In my old space at the old house everything was in boxes or plastic crates. I had no idea what treasures I had. I have taken way fewer trips to Joann's recently because I have found multiples everything!