a few pretty things

Projects for the kids

2012-01-23T10:22:00.000+02:00

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Hello, let's start this week with two ideas for things we can make by recycling things we already have. Both are for kids.
I found the first one here.
Shoe boxes, toilet paper rolls, pill boxes, some felt and paint were turned into this fairy tale castle. I 'm sure those children enjoyed very much making it.

The second one I found here is a hanging lampshade. If you look more carefully you will realize that it is a part of those hanging storage units. A trim with crystal beads was added and a fairy - though not visible- is hanging inside. Such a lovey idea!

Have a great week!

A ray of light

2012-01-18T23:25:00.001+02:00

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Today I found this quote on The Design Shop and thought I should post it here because it made me feel good . Of course it will take much more than the sunshine to fix this mess but it's a start. Besides the sun is a symbol of so many positive things, hope, power, inspiration, life itself.

(For those who don't understand what this is about, it refers to what is going on in Greece right now.)

Nursery painting

2012-01-17T18:36:00.000+02:00

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Last summer one of my best friends gave birth to twin boys. Before that, she had asked me to paint their room. And so I did. We decided for a theme that wouldn't be just for babies, but one that, we hope, will look interesting to the boys until they go to school. Unfortunately the pictures are not good, but you will get an idea. The sure thing is I enjoyed it very much and hope the babies will live their first years in this room very happily.

What you probably won't see in the above pictures is that the blue clouds, the three little houses, the helicopter, and the three trees are made of thick cardboard covered with fabric, trims and fabric hardener for protection, which gives a slight three dimensional effect. As soon as I get the chance to take more detailed pictures, I will post them here, together with other kids rooms I have painted in the past.

Happy new year!

2012-01-16T11:01:00.002+02:00

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Hello everyone and Happy 2012!

I know many of you (if there is anyone still around) have lost hope to see me here again, but as you know life is full of surprises. I won't analyze why I was away from this blog for so long nor make promises for how long I 'll stay, I just want to enjoy it for as long as it lasts.
Everybody is fed up with the bad news we hear all the time, day in, day out, here in Greece. It's not easy to keep your spirits high when everything around seems to only get worse but I will try to not panic until the catastrophe really comes. Until then I will hope it won't come eventually and try to distract my mind by trying to find little bits of beauty around me. I always did but now it seems a more important job than ever.

So let's start with some beautiful pictures.

I discovered Jane Heller on flickr when I was looking for a new picture for my Facebook profile. She very kindly gave me permission to use this one:

Many many thanks to Jane!

Take some time to visit her flickr and website. Jane Heller's work is for sale on etsy.

P.S. In my last post many had asked where did I find the papers to make the birds. I couldn't find the the etsy shop because I had a problem with my account. If there is anyone still interested I bought them here.

How to make patterned birdies to decorate your wall.

2011-02-02T23:54:00.001+02:00

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My wall in the dining room needed some color, so I decided to make some patterned birdies to decorate it.

I started by drawing on paper the bird parts, a branch and two leaves.

I chose some colorful papers with various patterns.

I cut the colorful papers using the bird drawings as patterns. I used different paper for every part of the birds, the branch and the leaves.

I also cut the bird patterns on cardboard, the kind architects use to make models. It comes in various thicnesses and you can choose the one you like.

I glued the patterned papers on the right place on the cardboard. Ideally if you want to hang your birds in a wall colored other than white, before glueing the patterned papers on the cardboard, you should paint the edge of the cardboard birds with the color you used for your wall, or at least a similar color, they will look better.

I used buttons as eyes and I glued the birds on the wall using blue tack.

DIY pockets for storage

2011-01-27T00:35:00.002+02:00

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Here are some good ideas for stylish pockets you can make yourself, which will help you store small objects and keep your space tidy.

Mondays

2011-01-24T22:48:00.004+02:00

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Mondays are Mondays, nobody likes them. And rainy ones are even worse. Some beautiful sunshiny photos to say goodnight to a rainy Monday.

Light of some kind

Kim Reiss Photography

Hey Harriet

Jenn DiGuglielmo

via Piccsy

Chesire Smile

Weekend, time for crafting

2011-01-21T20:12:00.000+02:00

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Another week is ending, and I guess I am not the only one who hopes to squeeze a bit of crafting among all the other things left to be done during the weekend. So here are a few crafting ideas I hope you find interesting:

A book bag

found on Country Living. You will need a book, a bit of fabric, a button, some ribbon, a set of handles and the instructions.

The second crafting project is for those who sew, I still haven't learn how to sew (I can add this to the to-do-list for 2011, it's still January). It doesn't seem too hard, though I have decided never to say that anymore. Nothing seems hard until you start making it.

A scarf

made of knit fabric found on Make it and Love it.

Happy weekend everyone, even if you don't make what I suggested, make something!

The finely handcrafted jewelry of Angela Gerhard

2011-01-19T23:27:00.003+02:00

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Do you feel like looking at some beautiful handcrafted jewelry today? I always do!
I found by chance the website of American jewelry artist Angela Gerhard, and her colorful, vibrant jewelry. I can't resist to beautiful colors so I share them with you. I read in her "about" page that her work is created through the fusing of vitreous enamel directly onto metal, either with a torch or in a furnace, at temperatures up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and that various metalworking techniques - both ancient and modern - are incorporated to create the base forms to which the vibrant glass color is fused.

Angela Gerhard has also an Etsy shop.

Vintage Paris images

2011-01-18T14:04:00.001+02:00

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A few days ago, looking for something in my parents' bookcase, oh joy, I stumbled upon this beautiful old book, featuring pictures of the most known Paris sites and attractions.

It must be older than a hundred years, only a few cars appear in the streets of Paris and in some pictures you only see horses and carriages. The pictures are so beautiful, black and white originally, colored by hand afterwards (no photo editing tools at the time!).

Looking at them makes you feel that life in Paris more than a century ago was perfect. I know that the world had always its problems, but seeing those elegant ladies and gentlemen strolling in the streets of this beautiful city, enjoying the sunshine, makes you want to join them immediately.

They are little works of art, I 'd love to see some of them framed on my wall, but I wouldn't dare destroy the book. My mom refuses to give it to me -how inpolite of her, don't you think?- which will bring me to the position to extremely delay to return it. I can't help it, I love this book!

Giveaway still running and a useful link

2011-01-17T21:47:00.000+02:00

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I would like to remind you that there's still time to win an elegant Coup de Coeur necklace. The giveaway is running on Heavenly Savings and ends tomorrow.

If you are a crafter, hobbyist or professional, I believe you will find Unanimous Craft a very interesting site.

photo via Crafting in Color Street Team

Here you will find hundreds of links for inspiration and information. It was made to offer indie creative businesses the resources they need in an organised way. You can also submit your own lists of things you think would be helpful for the creative community.

Learn to crochet

2011-01-16T15:56:00.001+02:00

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I want to tempt you.

Wouldn't be great if you could make some crochet works as beautiful as the above?
Time to learn how to crochet!

My friend Eve will teach some crochet lessons on Wednesday afternoons. The courses will be held in Psarokokalo's and Evridiki's shop-gallery La.trap, Trivonianou 56, Mets, Athens. Call them or email them for the details.

For more crochet and knitting inspiration visit Eve's blog.

Organizing made a little more fun

2011-01-11T10:19:00.001+02:00

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I bet that for many of you "getting more organized" was in the new year's resolution list maybe next to "read more books" or "loose weight". I promise to better organize my space and time every year. I have my good moments but most of the times it's a disaster. Once more I decided to be more organised through 2011. If you, like me, need some inspiration to do the job, keep reading.

Natalie Jost painted some old baking pans to use as containers for very small things.

Martha Stewart's Crafts dpt. suggestion is to use origami boxes to make the most of your drawers' space and to better organize all the tiny things that usually are randomly thrown in there. You can follow the instructions here.

Some pretty labels will make it easier for you to organize your belongings. You can download some for free on Skip to my Lou for a simple, clean look

or use those on Worldlabel if you are prefer a more romantic, vintage style.

To do lists are very helpful if you forget half of the things you should do during the day, they way I usually do and are even better when they are as cute as those found on A Little Hut

or those by Stephanie Fizer found on Modish

You may also put your recipes in order with these cards found on Tie that Binds via What about Orange.

I hope I opened your apetite for some organizing.

Happy New Year and a giveaway

2011-01-08T00:42:00.001+02:00

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Hello everyone, I hope you all had a great time during the holiday season. May 2011 bring you good health, joy and creativity! Especially to us Greeks I wish that this year will prove better than the signs show and that we will manage to keep our optimism and courage in the middle of all that's happening.

What would you say about beginning the new year with a new necklace around your neck? Follow all the steps on Heavenly Savings and win this beautiful Coup de Coeur necklace in three color options.

Good luck!

Easy holiday garland

2010-12-22T13:07:00.001+02:00

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I have to admit that this year I haven't made anything for Christmas yet. Luckily I had made some things last year so I have something to post. There's still time to make this garland, it's easy and quick.

I had three vintage cards reproductions with wishes for the new year. I wanted to make something with them without destroying them.

So I took 3 red wood pegs and some red faux suede cord.

I cut four hearts from red gingham paper. To tell you the truth I didn't have any gingham paper but I had some fabric which I scanned and printed.

I punched the hearts and attached a ring to each of them.

I tied the hearts and hang the cards with the pegs alternately on the cord

and voilà!

Holiday crafting with sweaters

2010-12-10T11:51:00.001+02:00

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What did I tell you the other time about the weather? It was a false alarm. The cold didn't last and despite the weather forecast for the upcoming very low temperatures, I took the decision to get reed of most of my woolen sweaters and knits which take up so much place in my closet. I wear them so rarely so I 'd rather make a wreath like this one on ReadyMade

οr maybe these lovely thrifted holiday trees

found on The long thread

If I have a couple of sleeves left afterwards I may dress one or two candles the way Sweet Paul shows:

All three crafts give a warm, cosy feeling which are what we seek these days and are easy to make.

Decorate with snowflakes

2010-12-06T10:33:00.002+02:00

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Finally some cold! After a warm and humid autumn and the first days of December hiting temperatures of 20 to 25˚C, for the first time yesterday I felt the need to wear warmer clothes. As far as it concerns the weather in Greece (I suppose elsewhere too) things are not exactly normal. Our winters used to be mild, but now we tend to have no winter at all. Snow was never a regular visitor to Athens, but once in a few years it snowed and those times are some of my most pleasant memories. Sometimes I fear that my children will never know what the snow is.
I want some snow please!

I strongly doubt that my wish will be heard so I will have to be satisfied with some paper snowflakes I will make. At least I will have a lovely, cheap and relatively easy to make decoration for Christmas.
I have a few options after some searching on the web.

Wouldn't this beautiful paper snowflake look lovely hanging from the chandelier?

Cut out + keep has all the info you need to make it.

Martha Stewart also has a step by step tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes which would look lovely on your window.

Are you looking for some inexpensive table decor? Use the paper snowflakes you made as a table runner, the way shelterpop shows:

Another idea is to make with them a delicate, airy curtain like the one on Ohdeedoh

If you want to try another material, apart from paper, you could use craft sticks the way Craftynest shows:

or make snowflakes with the tones of buttons you have collected so far following the steps on Shanty2Chic:

Have you ever made any snowflakes using some of the above methods or another one? Feel free to share a link in the comments.

A very quick and easy project

2010-11-29T13:47:00.000+02:00

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This is a spot in my living room. I love the combination of brown and acqua but I had the feeling it needed a drop of a warm, cheerful color to add some life to it.

So I took a branch from the garden and colorwashed it with white acrylic without covering completely its surface with color.

I bought some orange pom poms from a sewing supplies store. You can make your own if you have some wool, read how here.

With a few drops of fabric glue I glued the pom poms on the branch. I have a blooming branch in my vintage coffee pot now and I like this shelf more.

To blog or not to blog

2010-11-29T12:00:00.003+02:00

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This blog has been sleeping since July. That's too long! And I know a blog is not a blog unless it is frequently updated but unfortunately blogging is the first in my to do list to go when everyday life starts pressing hard. I was tempted to say "it's over" but to be honest I miss a lot the way this blog keeps me connected to the things I love so much, the wonderful world of handmade things and the amazing people who create them. So I say "to blog" for now and see how it goes.

Brooches

2010-07-07T09:33:00.000+03:00

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I saw these gorgeous brooches in Daily Art Muse and want to share them with you. Linnie Mclarty, the designer, has a background in fine arts and draws inspiration from aquatic life, fossils and plants.

These brooches are pinless, the fabric is squeezed through the central hole. There is a range of different sizes, with the "bigger pleasures" series being quite large to be worn by the bold ones but all of them are very special pieces of jewelry, don't you think?

Is quitting a bad thing?

2010-07-01T13:16:00.003+03:00

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picture by Phuong Possible

It's the first post of this kind in my blog but I couldn't resist the call of Scoutie Girl, one of my favorite daily reads to talk about quitting.

I dropped out University when I realised that what I had chosen to study had nothing to do with who I am, what I wanted to do, what made me feel good. Until now I never regretted that I haven't made it to my degree. I know that I would never use it professionally anyway, simply because I would be unsuccesful, the way you are when you don't have the least interest for what you do. Moreover I am really convinced that if I continued those studies I would end up with depression. Of course the whole process was not bloodless, people were hurt and frustrated, and I received some negative criticism, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

The minute that process was completed and I had left my studies behind, I had also quitted something else: that self who wanted to be the good girl, the one who wanted to please everyone, who would never say no, who was deaf to her inner voice and couldn't really tell if a decision was hers or imposed by others-even in a not so obvious way.

After that quitting got easier. In the following years I quit quite a few jobs. Of course the circumstances helped too, as I had only me to support, it was easier to get a job then as a young person and my parents were there in case I needed them. I saw no point, when a job became boring, unsatisfying, or made me sick (there were a couple like this), why I had to go on torturing myself. Some people thought I was unable to adjust, commit or was crazy, o.k. I thought the same for them, young people, qualified, full of energy, stuck with jobs they hated just because in their minds, and only in their minds, quitting was not an option. As for commitment, I proved later that I can do this too. When I want.

I also quit on some people. I don't want this to be misunderstood. My best friends are still the ones from school, plus a couple more life brought in my way later. I am very loyal to my relationships. But yes, I quit on some people that proved not to be what I needed them to be: nice, supportive, understanding, listening, fun, sharing, bringing good energy in my life or just when we stopped having anything in common and anything to say. It saved so much time for me and them.

I still quit when I have to. My energy and time are priceless to spend on things and situations that are dead end.Quitting liberates you and makes space for a fresh start. Quitting on pointless things is as much important as committing to the ones that matter. And you always know which are the ones that matter.

Even a tiny balcony deserves to be pretty

2010-06-28T12:16:00.001+03:00

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It 's been a hot day. You worked for many hours in the city but now, late in the afternoon you are back at home sweaty and exhausted by the high temperatures. You make yourself a drink and head to the garden where you collapse in a comfortable chair in the shadow of a tree. Time to relax, you think. The blue reflections of the swimming pool are tickling your eyes....and then you wake up in your small apartment with your miserable tiny balcony. Don't get despaired, with the right moves you can have your little corner of paradise too. Maybe you won't be able to have a party with many guests but at least you 'll have a cool spot to drink your coffee or read a book. Think about the positive aspect of the situation, since your balcony is so small you can make it on a very tight budget.
First you 'll need plants. Unfortunately you won't find gardening advice in this blog because all I know about plants is that they need watering. Anyway, suppose you get some plants. Now you have to place them somewhere. Υour balcony may be of minimum surface, but there are some walls and railings normally. So you have one solution: go vertical! Mount your flower pots on the walls or hang them on the railings, so that they leave the floor free. Hanging baskets, shelves and vertical flower pot racks make space for your plants without taking up much surface of your balcony. Small side tables and stools in the corners can do the job as well.

via Apartment Therapy

picture by pimpelwit-styling

picture by EDWW day dae

Here's a great idea that will save you space and allow you to have your own herb garden in a small balcony.

via sprig

Cans painted in striking colors is something you can make yourself and will add a mediterranean look to your balcony.

picture by Happy Sleepy

A new trend in gardening is vertical gardens, a wooden frame with soil and vegetation which can be hang on a wall.

picture by Jill Clardy

and more examples

on Flora's Blog

A ladder leaned against the wall could provide you with some additional space to put flower pots and some decorative accessories.

found on Viva Terra

Here you can find a tutorial to make easily a vertical stand for flower pots which will allow you to have flowers in you balcony but also save you space.

Now that you have plants but still some space left you will need furniture so you can sit and enjoy the results of your labor. Choose a table and chairs that don't take up much space, folding furniture is ideal. Don't use your balcony to store away broken or mismatched furniture unless you are sure the mix is pretty.

via Home Guide

via Flourish

picture by ambrayasmin

What your balcony lacks in surface must gain it in style. Add color by using colorful flower pots, accessories and fabrics.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Έτσι απλά (Etsi apla) magazine

picture by de zus

Then you have to add some things that will make your balcony a special place to spend some time in.

Some ethnic additions like a Buddha statuette

picture by designerscall

or moroccan pottery

found on E-Mosaic

will give an exotic style to your balcony.

It doesn't have to cost you much, it could be as simple as a collection of food tin cans to use as planters or vases,

via Mary You Me

or pebbles you collected last summer

picture by robep

But your work won't be finished until you light up your candles and lanterns

via Craftynest

picture by Tarkeena

because the point here is to create the right mood that will carry you away, no matter how many square meters are available.

Have you tried it yet, to make the most out of a tiny balcony? I'd love to see some pictures.

Lights please!

2010-06-08T02:58:00.002+03:00

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The lights I am showing you today have not so much in common but I like all of them!
The first case is a -literally- bright idea, lights made of vintage crystal decanters, after their bottom has been removed. They look beautiful in a cluster, the light sparkles as it passes through the crystal, adding luxury and elegance to the room.

Made by interior designer Lee Broomer, via Apartment Therapy.

Here's a lamp that looks like a book, designed by My-Seung Kim and Myung-Seo Kang, found on HomeDosh. The light can be adjusted by opening the book more or less.

The last one is a pair of lights made of wooden shoe trees, steel pipe and sphere lamps by Junction Products, a company that makes amazing things from stuff that people consider to be junk. I have a similar pair of shoe trees, I could try to make something like this.

I think all three ideas are very special and the addition of one of them in a room would immediately add character to it.

Crochet a plastic bag

2010-06-02T11:33:00.000+03:00

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Do you want to make something good for this planet and be creative at the same time? Recycle plastic bags to crochet a bag for the beach or for shopping. Click the following links to see how you can make them:

on plasticbagbag

and on cocoknits

Need some color inspiration?

2010-05-31T20:11:00.001+03:00

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Whether you are ready to start your next crafting project, or you are building a new website, or you are renovating a room or even planning your wedding reception, it's sure you will have to decide about colors. Do you feel you came out of ideas or the ones you have proved to be rather unsuccessful? Don't panic, tones of inspiration are waiting for you on some sites.

Kuler is a free web hosted application you can use to generate color themes for your project, whatever that is. You can explore thousands of color themes, make and try your own themes, create color themes from a picture.

Do you have a favorite color but have not a clue about how you should combine it? Visit Color Hunter,
write the name of the color you love and tens of color palettes including this color will appear. For example if you put turquoise, you will get these

and many more.You can also make palettes from images you can upload from your computer or from the web.

COLOURlovers is a site loaded with everything you would like to know about color. Thousands of palettes and patterns, tools, color trends regarding handmade creations, home interiors, fashion, and a very inspirational blog for those who need something more than plain palettes to get inspired.

If looking at color palettes is not enough to sparkle your inspiration, it is very likely that a visit to the following blogs will do.
On the famous decor8 under the tag color me pretty you will discover pictures bursting with colors that will make your heart beat.

Modish on the other hand uses the title color me happy for the colorboards he puts together where clothes, accessories and home decor objects in one or two colors, for example peaches and cream

are combined to give you tones of color inspiration

100 Layer Cake is a blog about weddings, nevertheless it can give you lots of ideas about color combinations. Color is color whether it's about your sofa and curtains, or the wool for the next scarf you want to knit. I love the colorboards on this blog.

And if you still haven't found what you are looking for, try the inspiration boards

of The Craft Begins

and The Picture Boards Blog

Don't forget to check Ali Edward's post . She is a scrapbooker and she gives an A to Z list of color inspiration sources. From art and candy to quilts and the zoo, it seems that thousand of color combination ideas are around us.

Wedding cakes

2010-05-24T16:59:00.006+03:00

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Wedding season has already started and future brides have to decide about the wedding cake among other things. You must have noticed: wedding cakes lately are not what they used to be. They are spectacular, too pretty to eat! Not just a wedding reception dessert but a well designed piece of art. Made by patissiers who are designers too. So brides to be, scroll down to see some amazing wedding cakes I found on the web:

The orchids are handmade of sugar (via Wicked Cakes Blog)

I don't know how it tastes but I love the color, on the same blog

another one with a modern zic zac pattern by Amy Atlas

found on Hostess with the Mostess

a funky wedding cake,

one inspired by the 1930's

and one in an elegant black and white combination, all found on
Perfect Wedding Day, where you can find a huge gallery of the most amazing wedding cakes.

What about purple? (Buttercakes by Evan)

or red? (Beautiful Bridal)
Unconventional colors for a wedding but they will sure make an impression

Here 's one inspired by the sea world via Wedding Wire
for those who love more quite colors

two blooming wedding cakes found on Project Wedding

a chocolate stiped one

and one with orange and purple swirls,
both also found in Project Wedding

an asian inspired wedding cake found on Martha Stewart

one more inspired by the sea by Maria Xericou

a playful wedding cake that combines dots and stripes, and different shaped tiers

by Graceful Cake Creations

How sweet is this one? And I don't mean the taste,

by Maisie Fantaisie

a wedding cake covered with pastel roses by Fancy Nancy

It would be very difficult for me to choose. Which one do you like most?

Make with fabric scraps

2010-05-11T02:44:00.003+03:00

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If you are a crafty person, most probably you keep a heap of fabric scraps in your closet, even if you are not a sewing expert. Good for you, because there are lots of things you can make with them and here are some ideas:

An easy fabric ball necklace, just fabric and wire. Learn how here.

On Make It and Love It you will learn to make this framed initial which is perfect for a kid's room but for other rooms also, depending on the fabric's pattern and color.

If you have tiny pieces of fabric and are ready to throw them away because you think they 're useless, don't until you read this tutorial about how you can decorate a plain pillow.

Little strips of fabric can become a pom pom, perfect as party decoration or as a permanent decorative item. Read the instructions here.

These yo-yos could make a pretty accent on your t-shirt, your hair or your purse. They are easy to make and Heather Bailey shows you how.

This is a beautiful idea. If you have larger fabric scraps you can make a gallery of fabric "works of art" to decorate your wall. Read how you can make them on Bella Dia.

On craftstylish I found these super easy and cute hair pins.

Aren't these fabric cuffs adorable? They require more advanced sewing skills but they are worth the effort. JCasa gives a free PDF to make them.

Again a no-sew project: a bouquet of fabric flowers for the days you don't have fresh flower in your vase. You will find the tutorial on Made.

A bunting is the perfect decoration for parties. Here you will find Purl Bee's version.

And of course you should never throw away your worn out jeans. Denim fabric will add extra style to your fabric scrap creations. Here are a few ideas:

A soft book for babies. Visit Thimbly Things to find the tutorial.

A very original pair of earrings made with silk and denim scraps by Tomates d' Epingles.

A way to get organized with style, found on All Free Crafts.

I hope this post gave you enough inspiration to try and make something of your own with your fabric scraps.

Bicycles

2010-03-16T01:24:00.004+02:00

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I 've been keeping my old rusty bicycle in the back balcony for more than two years, since the day I decided that I wouldn't use it any more, at least as a bicycle. All that time of course I was trying to come up with a way to upcycle - reuse it, partly or as a whole. Searching the web, I stumbled upon some projects concerning mainly the wheels, but I thought nothing matched my space. And then, when things showed the moment came for me and my bicycle to be separated for ever, as I intended to give it away to be recycled as metal, I came up with the idea: to paint it one color from top to bottom. In fact I copied the idea from a magazine, I don't remember now if it was a fashion or an interior design magazine, there were some totally one color painted bicycles as a background in some pictures. It only took one and a half can of green spray paint.

I think it made a very interesting addition to my otherwise neglected, not so green balcony. And since I don't have much of a view I prefer to look at my green bicycle. At least it brings to mind some joyful, relaxed moments.

It seems that a bicycle can be very pretty inside the house too, like in this New York apartment.

via Apartment Therapy

a bicycle wheel can be turned into a pot rack

via Apartment Therapy

or a clock

via Cool Buzz

or even a pendant light

via designspotter

the inner tube can become cool jewelry

via try handmade

bicycle freewheels and cogs can be upcycled into tea light holders

at Elsewares

and bicycle wheels can stand for feet to make a very special table -my favorite!

via Dude Craft

Like stained glass

2010-02-23T01:29:00.001+02:00

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via craftster

What a great idea! To make this really original curtain old photographic slides were used. The making is rather simple, a drill was used to make holes and they were attached to each other with rings. Click here to see exactly how. I like how they look as the sun light passes through them, it reminds me of churches' stained glass windows.

Simply gorgeous jewelry

2010-02-11T17:21:00.003+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

This blog has been very lazy lately (it had its reasons) but hopefully this is about to change.

And you know what? After all this time I feel like taking a look at really beautiful, inspired, unique, well designed jewelry of great craftmanship, that will make me feel jealous as a crafter and as a woman. Here some that caught my eye. Don't forget to click on the artists' names to see more of their work.

Brooches made of silver, acrylic, stainless steel by Chris Irick

polymer clay necklace by gRIS bLEU

rings by Ronna Sarvas Weltman

anodized aluminium bracelets by Jane Adam,
I think they are my favorites in this list

Marina Massone's pleated metal necklace

Yoko Izawa's veiled rings

jewelry made of lenses by Jiro Kamata

polymer clay brooch by Louise Fischer Cozzi

gold, pearl and velvet set of jewelry by Katerina Ioannidis

gold and silver earrings by Sydney Lynch

Liked them? I believe you did.

Before closing this post I'd like to thank Eve, Christiana and Xenia for giving my blog the sunshine award.

I know the rule is to pass the award to 12 other blogs but I 'm afraid I'll let you do the job. Pick your favorite blog from my blogroll or the list of the blogs I follow. They are all pretty, interesting, inspired blogs and really deserve it.

A small diy Christmas tree

2009-12-14T01:08:00.003+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

At first I made this tree as a display for some Christmas ornaments I had made. I needed something inexpensive and quick to make. So I opened the closet where I keep the "maybe I 'll need this some day" things and found a piece of wood 70 cm long where I opened holes from one side to the other, with 0,7 cm diameter with a drill. Each one has a 5cm distance from the others.

Then I found a piece of melamine where I opened a hole with diameter equal to the diameter of the stick.

Two coats of white paint to unify the look of the different materials and because I like it.

Then I pressed the stick into the hole of the base and started adding to each hole of the stick a used color pencil, the longer ones on the bottom and the shorter as I moved to the top. I only used half holes leaving a double space between the pencils, if you use them all your tree will look more dense.

And here it is decorated:

Mushroom jewelry

2009-11-24T23:09:00.008+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

In Autumn's issue of Marie - Claire Idees I found this beautiful velvet mushroom brooch

which gave me the idea to search for mushroom themed jewelry. And here's what I found:

jHenSunshine

Inspired by fall

2009-11-12T01:52:00.003+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

As we are in the last month of fall I'd like to show you some very pretty fall settings you could easily create in your home to make it feel warmer and more ambient now that the weather is getting colder. Warm oranges, browns and reds, dried leaves and fruits, bare branches and of course lit candles will create the right mood.

hgtv

boosalis bloggle

Penelope Illustration

For the baby's room

2009-11-07T00:58:00.002+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

I couldn't resist showing you those of you who can crochet, a crocheted lampshade for babies. It's so sweet! It's in Idees Maille Bebe which I found via La Brocante de Margote, a blog full of creative ideas.

Cheerful things for fall days

2009-11-01T20:50:00.002+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

Gloomy, rainy days like this can easily make you feel depressed, that's why I thought of making a list with the fall things that I like and can light up a bit your day.

Umbrellas with cute patterns

Pasotti Ombrelli

Colorful rain boots

DractlyCat

Fall colors

realkuhls

Juicy apples in a bowl

Colorful rain coats

Chrysanthemums and

Cyclamens

Hot aromatic coffee

Beautiful soft blankets

What's greek style for you?

2009-10-29T20:21:00.006+02:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

What comes to your mind when you hear the words "greek style"? I posted some pictures on the Etsy Greek Street blog. Of all these, what's greek style for you? All of them or none? Is it something else?

Click here to have a look.

Some very special chandeliers

2009-10-25T02:18:00.003+03:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

Madeleine Boulesteix started making chandeliers when she found some old glass drops. She continued by adding to her list of materials, teacups, glasses, kitchen utensils, and other recycled objects she finds in charity shops, flea markets and scrap metal yards. I think the result is gorgeous:

My favorites are her one bulb lanterns:

North Glenn Glass makes oil lamps with the finest reclaimed glass bottles. There is a central bottle filled with water which acts as a rise and fall counterweight but also as lens that catches the light and projects all shades of light in the surroundings.

How to make a wall hanging from doilies

2009-10-18T01:49:00.011+03:00

ελληνικό κείμενο

Despite my last post, I 'm still here. Moving was postponed, because due to the work it requires, it can't be done now. But still, I made some changes . I refreshed my blog's appearance and separated it to two sections, one with only English text and one with only Greek text. It looks more right this way and it' s easier to read.

I also made something to decorate my home. I thought I could use some of those doilies my mother kept hidden in her closets -she didn't like them much either. She was very surprised when I asked her to bring me some.

When I emptied the bag, I was thinking of what I could make with them. Then I remembered of that wall in my dining room which is quite empty and decided to make a wall hanging to decorate it.

I boiled equal quantities of sugar and water

and after the syrup cooled down, I completely soaked the doilies in it,

then I laid them on baking paper and waited with patience for them to get dry .

The method proved to be very effective, it stiffened the doilies without altering their appearance. Moreover, if you change your mind, all you have to do is wash the doilies and they return to their previous situation.

I used small copper rings, as they wouldn't show against my brown wall, to link 5 doilies and just one pin to hang the wall hanging.

If you republish this tutorial or/and photos, please put a link back to this blog.

2009-09-18T09:42:00.002+03:00

Hi all! It's been a looooong time since my last post. I 'm planning to move, you 'll hear from me soon.

Bunting

2009-06-10T21:15:00.004+03:00

I find fabric bunting to be a very charming decorative object, not only as an occasional festive decoration but as a permanent element which can add grace and color to a not so graceful space, apart from the kids room which would be the most obvious place to hang one, a corridor, a kitchen, the exterior of the house. For some reason it brings to mind summer and joyful moments, something you would love to have in your home for sure. Last year I made one to decorate the gate of the church where my second son's baptism took place, instead of the usual flower decoration, and I loved it. Probably the photographer didn't, because there is no picture where my bunting is visible. But I can show you some other. Mine now hangs in the kids' room in our summer house.

Lottakind

jek in the box

Chez Larsson

If you want to make your own bunting click here for a step by step tutorial.

Easter candles

2009-04-13T17:59:00.006+03:00

Here in Greece it's a custom that the night we go to the church to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, the children hold colorful candles, beautifully decorated with all kind of ribbons and other ornaments. In fact it's one of godmother's /godfather's most important duties to bring the child its easter candle. Flora makes such candles and they are really cute and pretty. Take a look! You 'll find more on her blog.

Naturally dyed eggs

2009-04-11T18:35:00.010+03:00

There 's still time for easter crafting as greek orthodox easter is a week later. Do you want to learn how to dye easter eggs naturally the way our grand mothers did? You just have to use the color some common vegetables release when boiled. Here are some step by step instructions. It looks quite easy and you won't have to worry if you should eat the colored part or not.I think I 'm going to try it.

Creative frames

2009-04-08T18:34:00.004+03:00

Are you looking for alternative ways to display pictures or for creative frames? Here's what I found:

On Design Sponge I found this cool idea, so simple and so clever. You can make it in a couple of minutes.

Another idea is to use fake decal frames instead of real ones (decor8).

This is also a nice idea, I found it here.

This is a different frame, I found it on fototiller, visit it, it has lots of framing ideas.

What about frames from recycled materials?

from palette woods and aluminium cans

and from reclaimed tin ceilings

Below are some diy ideas for those who prefer to make things with their own hands.

An old window can become a beautiful photo frame. On Get Scatty you will read the instructions.

Time to look at lego tiles with a different eye.

A new role for pant hangers (casasugar). I think it 's a cool idea.

On casasugar again I found this photo frame from an old book but also the tutorial to make it.

If you have a worn frame you can make it look as new if you wrap around it strips of fabric (Canadian Home and Country).

All those tiny things you don't want to throw away but drive you crazy scattered around your house and in your drawers, found a new purpose of being: they can become a really unique frame. Found here.

Caryl Hope made this cute frame/display. Click here and here to see what she used, you'll be surprised.

When Psarokokalo met Lou Lou & Oscar

2009-04-01T15:15:00.007+03:00

Psarokokalo is an artist from Greece. What she makes is unconventional with a strong sense of humor.

Lou Lou & Oscar on the other hand lives in the U.K. where she makes her one of a kind creatures with the unique style and the sweet details.

The two of them met on the web and became friends. A few days ago Psarokokalo interviewed Lou Lou & Oscar on behalf of the Etsy Greek Street Team blog. Read a very interesting interview here.

Doilies, the come back

2009-03-24T10:00:00.007+02:00

If you have spent many years hating this kind of handcrafted creation, thinking of it as boring, old fashioned and bad taste, it's time to change your mind. Doilies are everywhere, either the real thing or their motifs, but happily, they now look fresh, contemporary and desirable. And if you have thrown away your grandma's doilies you will be very sorry.

On Supermarket I found this wall vinyl decal by Elly Nelly

beauideal makes these stylish note cards.

Look at this easy way to decorate your candle holders, it would be perfect decoration for a wedding reception, found on Sweet Paul.

Ravenhill makes this beautiful garland from doilies and linen. It would also look very pretty in a wedding party I think, but I would love to put it in my house too.

Here's a key fob by MaryMo

Another wedding decoration on Once Wed.

This is a table made from laser cut acrylic, designed by David Eveleigh and Melissa Evans, found on MoCo Loco.

Look how beautiful are these stones covered with crochet. They're made by knitalatte.

I loved this idea! What a nice way to reclaim all those doilies you 've been hiding for years! You 'll find this lamp in nice.

If you appreciate all the work behind a crocheted doily or have memories connected to it and wonder how to incorporate them in a simple and elegant interior, here's a pretty way. See how to do it on Craftynest.

How to make stuff with recycled magazines

2009-03-12T11:40:00.001+02:00

If you look for a way to get rid of old magazines don't throw them away, instead do something creative and useful with them.

I stumbled upon this vase from recycled magazines in House of Handmade which gave me the idea to look for more inspiration on how to use the piles of magazines that accumulate week after week.

If you want to begin with something easy, use recycled magazines to make some coasters. Watch this video to find how.

I think this mobile looks really nice, you can try and make one yourself, with recycled magazines, click here for the tutorial.

If you like these boxes learn how to make them here.

If you prefer bowls, on Indiepublic you 'll learn how to make them.

You can make little ornaments like these (craftpod)

or use them as bows on your gift packages (crafster)

Another idea I liked is to make a frame with rolled magazine pages, click here to see how.

If you are not so patient to make all the above here 's the perfect idea for you, it will only take a few minutes: make a plant stand !

New handmade jewerly in my shop

2009-03-11T18:03:00.009+02:00

I just added these papier mache jewelry in my shop on Etsy, take a look!

a brooch

a ring

a pendant

Textile jewerly

2009-03-07T17:25:00.003+02:00

If the word "jewelry" brings to your mind only beads, crystals, gemstones and metal parts maybe you need to catch up on the handmade jewelry trends and I'm here to help you do it.
Jewelry artists nowadays use fibers, fabrics, ribbons, cords, threads, crocheted embellishments to create a different style of jewelry that is beautiful, unique, special and original. Enjoy!

fancypicnic

My Ladies Fine Design

Karlita

polindim

creations by eve

stemellina

Taya Shakouri

DIY lights

2009-03-04T01:50:00.003+02:00

Chichipiru's adventures to find the perfect designer light fixture gave me the idea to search the same theme from the diy point of view.

Olive Tree Girl made this cute light fixture with wire and ribbon and here explains how to do it.

These colorful lights that look like U.F.O.s on a night sky are made of plastic colanders. Click here to read the tutorial.

On Addicted 2 Decorating I found not one but two beautiful projects, one with multi-color straws and one with egg cartons.

On Apartment Therapy you will find the step by step instructions to make a light using branches and another one with coffee cups here.

If you want to learn how to save 11.644 dollars on a designer light read this.

For mood lightιng you could try this panel, although it is supposed to be a holiday project, I think it would look pretty all year.

This is a cool idea, a light made of empty cd cases, but it wasn't possible to find any instructions, maybe you could figure out how it is done. Found on Everyday Sugar.

Michelle Brand makes gorgeous chandeliers from recycled plastic bottle bases. Take a look at the picture, maybe you could try something like this yourself.

And if you have an old chandelier that you hate, there's always hope, don't throw it away before you read here for some inspiration.

Favorite couches

2009-02-27T17:20:00.007+02:00

Talented Star of the East with her unique jewelry has also a very interesting blog. She has recently started a post series with the title Little Sister, through which she wants to find out and share tiny little pieces of peoples lifes, all of them connected to the Etsy community, world wide. This week's post is titled Little Sister, on the Couch and five etsians - I am among them - share pictures of their favorite couches. Take a look here.

Make with paint chips

2009-02-21T15:53:00.014+02:00

It is a fact, when someone has the imagination and the inspiration needed, he can make truly beautiful little things using those that others throw away. Here's such a case I found on Go Make Something.Learn how you can use paint chip samples from wall paint companies to make cards, bookmarks and other stuff, here.

Here's another fun idea, using the same material: a paint chip garland.

If you click here you will learn how to make these cute little notebooks.

A search on Flickr brought these interesting results:

Greeting cards by Something to See

Cd covers by this is love forever

Another festive garland by paper ballet

Now you know what you will do the next time you pass by your neighbourhood's hardware store.

My favorite crafting magazine

2009-02-19T14:32:00.001+02:00

My favorite crafting magazine is french Marie - Claire Idees. And I assure you, Marie - Claire has the best ideas when it comes to crafting. Those of you who are into crafting probably are already aware of the existence of this magazine. The rest should go and buy it immediately. It is quarterly, today I bought the spring issue. The day Marie - Claire Idees comes out, is always a good day. I haven't opened yet this issue, no no, I am going to restrain myself until I find some quite moment when the kids are asleep, to enjoy it as it deserves. You will find lots of inspiration in it with the most wonderful projects in many crafting categories, mainly decorative objects, but also knitting, sewing, furniture makeover, cooking, art de la table, jewerly and accessories making. Most of have a sweet, romantic, nostalgic style, inspired by old times, but under a fresh point of view. Even if you don't speak french, the pictures will keep you totally satisfied. There is also a Marie - Claire Idees blog. Every October the magazine organizes Le Salon Marie - Claire Idees in Paris, a crafting related exhibition, which I so want to visit some time. The pictures are from older issues of the magazine.

Ways to store and display your jewelry

2009-02-15T01:07:00.013+02:00

Since two posts ago I showed you some jewelry, let's look at some nice ways to display and store jewelry. I showed some creative ways in a former post , here are some more. Naughty Secretary Club shows beautiful ways to keep your jewelry here and here.

Here are two interesting ideas I found on Flickr

Εδώ είναι δύο ενδιαφέρουσες ιδέες που βρήκα στο Flickr

by e.fawn

and by karly

On Ikea Hacker you can learn how to make this rack to display your jewelry

Αnd here 's a solution from Real Simple: keep little pieces of jewelry in ice trays.

Here's a coat rack that changed role found on Apartment Τherapy

I like the simplicity and style of this idea of Not So Random Stuff

On Joyful Abode you can learn how to make this elegant frame to display your jewelry.

I also loved this one. Do you get it? It's one of these trays where we keep cutlery, dressed in decorative papers. Learn how to make it here.

And here is the frame we already know executed in a very stylish way on Design Sponge.

I hope that soon I will be able to show you my ideas to display the jewelρy I make in my workspace.

Etsy Greek Team on Flickr

2009-02-12T19:25:00.005+02:00

The Etsy Greek Street Team on Flickr is a fact! It's brand new, counts only a few hours. It's a place for Greek crafters/artists who sell their creations on Etsy, to meet, communicate, post their pictures and show the world their handmade creations. If you want to see what Greek crafters/artists are up to, click here . Greek Etsy sellers, join now!

Jewelry again!

2009-02-11T01:20:00.005+02:00

I 'm never bored to look at jewelry, no matter of style, as long as they 're creative and inspired. So here's what I found this time.
On Brevity, Anna Corpron's dynamic jewelry, influenced by graphic design, architecture, and modern fabrication techniques. They are made of contemporary materials such as acrylic and stainless steel.

I 'm never bored to look at jewelry, no matter of style, as long as they 're creative and inspired. So here's what I found this time.
On Brevity, Anna Corpron's dynamic jewelry, influenced by graphic design, architecture, and modern fabrication techniques. They are made of contemporary materials such as acrylic and stainless steel.

On the opposite side it's meristem 's handmade jewelry, bursting with color, made with a variety of materials, from silver and gemstones to fabric, crystals and thread in unexpected combinations.

Which is your style?

Handcrafted bouquets

2009-02-06T01:23:00.007+02:00

It's true that fresh flowers can change the mood and looks of a room in a minute but what about empty vases when fresh flowers are gone? It would be nice if you had something to put in them until the next fresh cut bouquet arrives. And maybe that something could be handmade by you. For example these pom pom flowers match perfectly a modern space and here you can learn how to make them.

If you know how to sew, Amy Butler offers a free pattern to make fabric leaves.

Craftstylish's suggestion is this white airy paper bouquet and here you will find its step by step tutorial.

This one on Craftershock is beautiful and to see the "how to" you have to click here.

But if you want them scented as well, then you have to choose these, made from the scented paper on magazine perfume advertisements. Found on Daily Danny.

Not just for Valentine's day

2009-02-06T00:42:00.008+02:00

As Valentine's day (don't let me start) is getting close, here are some items one could relate to the day, but are more original than the usual stuff that we see every February. It's the love letters posters by Uppercase.

Awards

2009-02-02T22:26:00.005+02:00

It seems that there are indeed some people who read this blog and some of them even find it interesting! During the last one and a half month I had some nice surprises. I have to apologize for not posting about this earlier. First it was rkdsign88 who gave me One Lovely Blog award. She makes the cutest drawings which you can find at her Etsy shop. Thank you rkdsign88!

One lovely award goes to:

Bonzie

Paper flower girl

Vintage Indie

Chichipiru

And the rules are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

A few days later Veronica Escudero passed me the Lemonade award. Veronica is a visual artist and you can find her work here. Thank you so much Veronica!

And the Lemonade award goes to:

Bab la bricoleuse

Hip and Handmade

Craftynest

Same rules as above, at least 10 nominees.

It proved that this month was award month because after a few days I received the Proximidade award which is described like this: This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!'

This one came from my home country and not once but three times! More specifically it arrived to me from Antigoni with her elegant jewelry, Creations by Eve with her colorful knits and Olive Tree Girl who wants to try every possible craft. So nice of you, ladies!

The Proximidade award passes to:

Foxy Thoughts

Star of the East

Indie-guest

Same rules, 8 nominees.

You have noticed that according to the rules I had to pass the awards to 7 to 10 other bloggers. I found this really hard to do for 3 awards, so you will forgive me that I passed every award to only a few ones. There are lots of gorgeous blogs out there that I'm aware of but it would be too time consuming for me right now to gather them here.

If you have an empty wall...

2009-01-30T17:12:00.004+02:00

... here's a great way to decorate it. Tela, a design studio based in Berlin, offers a variety of decorative elements, for surfaces "as small as a single door or as large as a whole new hospital". Click here for many many more examples. Look how well it matches with romantic, modern or ethnic style spaces.

Handmade pottery

2009-01-30T16:18:00.004+02:00

Anne Black is a Danish ceramic designer that makes porcelain home wares and jewelry. Each product is unique, crafted by hand, and of high quality materials. Her porcelain collection is classical yet modern, simple yet intricate.

Colorful glass

2009-01-26T18:42:00.001+02:00

I stopped breathing for a second when I stumbled accidentally upon this series of vases made of blown glass. Aren't they gorgeous? I love them, they look like gems. You will find them at Tandem Glass Studio .

New papier mâché pendant

2009-01-20T22:21:00.011+02:00

Here's my new papier mâché pendant, I just added it in my Etsy shop. The shape of leaves is one of my favorites.

Creative recycling

2009-01-19T16:54:00.013+02:00

It seems that recycling and creativity are really close these days. Designers seem to be challenged by the fact that they have a worn, useless, ready to be thrown away object which have to make it desirable again.

Lori Marsha is a California based independent designer who makes one of a kind clothes, jewelry and accessories. Everything she makes incorporates vintage or recycled components.

Talking about clothes, if you have too many of them which you don't need any more here' s a cool way to reuse them: sew them together and make a carpet. I found this on Ecoble in an post about creative recycling ideas.

And if you want to try some creative recycling yourself, why not make a bag out of an old sweater? On WhipUp you will find an easy tutorial about it.

So different!

2009-01-14T15:50:00.006+02:00

If you are a bold girl and you want your jewelry to look like no one else's maybe you will find what you look for in Hookless Designs. When I first saw one of her necklaces it didn't cross my mind that it was made of zippers until I read the description. Combining a very original raw material and a playful attitude for the creation of her handmade jewelry, the designer behind Hookless Designs makes pieces that sometimes have and industrial and dynamic style, other times have softer, flowing lines but are always impossible not to look at them twice.

How to make an easy bookcase

2009-01-10T18:07:00.009+02:00

Look at this cute little bookcase. It 's not only cute, it 's also very functional, you can easily take it apart and move it in another place in the house, add or remove the shelves. It 's made of old drawers, clever no? I found it on Craftynest and here you will learn how to make it. Take a look at the other very interesting tutorials.

Recycle old textiles

2009-01-05T16:06:00.002+02:00

Do you wonder how you could reuse all those old t shirts you can't wear anymore but also the old linen and towels that beg for a second life? Make a bath mat! On Ecologue you will learn how to do it . You can watch this video. You will also find many other recycled crafting ideas.

Blogger templates

2009-01-02T18:25:00.002+02:00

If you use Blogger and you feel you need to freshen up your blog's appearance, Lena Towes is here for you. Visiting her site you will find lots of beautiful Βlogger templates in various styles which you can download for free and which will upgrade your blog's looks. If those don't satisfy you, Lena can create a template just for you one in very reasonable prices.

Under the tree

2009-01-02T17:33:00.002+02:00

If you want to feel like you are sleeping in the country, here's a very creative idea about how a bed should be. It' s a one of a kind creation by Shawn Lovell Metalworks.

Knit until you drop

2008-12-29T22:02:00.006+02:00

I know, knitting is a trend. But it seems some get a bit carried away.

Theresa Honeywell

Vogue Knitting

2008-12-29T15:53:00.003+02:00

I don't knit, although as a kid I had learned the basics. Those who do, probably know the existence of a Vogue specially made for them, Vogue Knitting. A look at their current cover convinced me that knits can not only be trendy, bohemian, feminine, warm, colorful, creative but also complete a glamorous evening look.

On their site you will find knitting tutorials but also many patterns for gorgeous handmade creations, some free some for sale

I hope that someone (she knows who), who used to know how to knit, and often talks about starting again, finds here the inspiration to do so at last!

A chandelier made of ....

2008-12-19T01:16:00.003+02:00

Take a good look at this impressive chandelier with the striking colors. Could you tell what it 's made of? You 'll need all your imagination.

Well, it's made of ...

Gummi Bears ! The artist is called Ya Ya Chou and it's obvious she has great sense of humor. I found this on Say No to Crack.

Beautiful accessories

2008-12-18T21:50:00.001+02:00

I am in love with these hand knitted warmers which are both for arms and legs . They are sold by FREE PEOPLE a label that makes clothes and accessories for women "smart, creative, confident in all aspects of their being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough, to tomboy to romantic".

On their site you will find a wide range of beautiful clothes and accessories like this knitted blouse

or this belt

How to make a shredded t shirt

2008-12-15T08:37:00.002+02:00

I like seeing clothes that have been creatively altered like this shredded t shirt, on crafty crafty, which I think is really cool. To see how to make this, click here to watch the video.

Delicate jewelry

2008-12-13T17:24:00.001+02:00

Vassiliki, friend and devoted fan of my creations, was recently introduced (by me of course) in treasure hunting, on etsy and the handmade stuff related blogs. Look what she discovered the other day: beautiful, delicate, romantic jewelry made of chain and lace, by Cursive Design. You 'll see many more on her site.

DIY christmas tree

2008-12-13T16:30:00.002+02:00

After my post about alternative christmas trees I had to show you this one in a post of its own. It sure isn't the kind of christmas tree I can imagine in my living room, but I have to admit that the person who made this, apart of being the biggest consumer of the drink in the green can, is also the king of diy and recycling. Visit home made christmas tree to see all the hard work behind this tree.

I'm on Cuteable!

2008-12-12T16:53:00.013+02:00

I 'm so excited, my "purple rectangle pendant with heart" is featured on Cuteable today. It's a very successful blog, very popular within the crafters/artists/etsy sellers community and with great readership and it's about cute things "for you and your home". It 's totally worth visiting. Lynsey, the blog owner, has great taste and the instict to discover the most amazing, original, artistic stuff by indie designers and crafters. So I consider this an honor.
Lynsey has an online shop too, Swirly Arts.

New earrings

2008-12-12T11:55:00.012+02:00

Lately, I didn't have much time to add new jewelry in my shop as I was trying to accomplish orders for other shops. But it's time to take a little care of it now, so a new pair of earrings is for sale since yesterday. It's totally handmade by me, with papier mache, acrylic colors and scraps of vintage magazines. Here they are, red and festive.

Alternative Christmas trees

2008-12-10T17:21:00.003+02:00

If you are fed up with decorating the same old traditional Christmas tree year after year and need a change here are some interesting ideas to inspire you to make your own alternative Christmas tree. Any other ideas of yours are welcome to post here.

David McHugh

Joy to the planet

Apartment Therapy Chicago

Elsewares

Curbly

neatorama

Hippyshopper

Akilea

Second life

2008-12-08T18:41:00.011+02:00

Pascale Palun is an artist based in Avignon, France. There, in her atelier, which I guess is a very interesting place, she makes her very special handmade creations using old, worn materials, giving them a second life. The objects she makes have a very personal, poetic style. But pictures speak better. You will see more if you visit www.voxpopuli-deco.com

The Christmas light

2008-12-06T16:34:00.002+02:00

I really liked this idea for a Christmas Ball Light. Click here to see how to make one. In fact I would like to make a colorful one to have it permanently in my living room, so here 's another thing that goes in the "to do" list. Don't forget to click on photos from everywhere link to see more amazing light balls.

Sweet design

2008-12-03T17:08:00.002+02:00

Look what I found, design chocolates! By an italian company called lagrange. I admit they are beautiful and original, but design or no design, personally Ι wouldn't hesitate a bit, I would eat them immediately.

Handmade christmas ornaments

2008-11-28T16:35:00.016+02:00

December is here already, time to get into the festive mood. Do you want to see some of the most beautiful handmade christmas ornaments?

haru

lusitania

Free plans for your diy projects

2008-11-27T18:11:00.017+02:00

Those of you who love to make things yourself and want to decorate your home with your handmade creations, will find Unique Projects very interesting. Their plans are free and suitable both for beginners and for more experienced. What I liked is that the creators of the site have a philosophy about what they do : they want to offer an antidote against consumerism, availability of tools and material needed is very important, the plans must be both beautiful and functional.

Creative storage

2008-11-26T15:06:00.019+02:00

It seems that one of the biggest challenges while trying to make your home beautiful is to find ways to keep all your stuff tidy in ways that are both practical and stylish. Look what I 've found on Flickr and Apartment Therapy.

Apartment Therapy Los Angeles

Apartment Therapy Chicago

blondie84

withflourish

mslil65

bigjimbocephus

Fixerupper

Simon Tennant

Anna Linder

How to make christmas ornaments using your old cds

2008-11-23T14:26:00.012+02:00

It's already time for christmas crafting so here 's one from my sister. She used old cds /dvds, glue and knitting left overs.

She glued two cds together so that she had two shiny surfaces and then she wrapped wool in two or three colors around the cds not covering them totally so that the shining shows through the gaps.

And here's another idea, you make a coil with wool in the center of the cd which you secure with glue, and also make a circle with wool on the perimeter of the cd using glue again.

They're simple and beautiful and most importantly you recycle some useless objects.

Yeah!

2008-11-22T18:53:00.015+02:00

A few days ago I had the nicest surprise. Indie Sista's blog passed me this award, which made my day as it came from such a great blog and it was so unexpected. After apologizing for my delay to write about the award I present you the rules

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award
4. Add links to those blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool

fleur fatale
little brown pen
feeling stitchy
blooming lily
gilbea
folding trees
scrumdilly dilly
the best of diy
spotted sparrow
Riz Sedek

Sew the easy way

2008-11-19T19:09:00.017+02:00

I saw these skirts on Print and Pattern and couldn't resist to show them here. The surprise is that these skirts and many more funky clothes are sold by Clothkits as sewing kits which include everything you need to make them easily even if you are not experienced. They also have jewelry, toys and kids clothes kits. If you hate sewing they can make it for you.

Crochet with imagination

2008-11-17T16:47:00.011+02:00

I love it when I see talented people using old, traditional techniques, considered dated and boring by some, to make charming handmade accessories, like this romantic, mysterious mask made with crochet. You will find the pattern in Stitch Diva Studios, together with many other beautiful crochet and knit patterns.

Shoes of paper

2008-11-12T21:08:00.016+02:00

Jennifer Collier creates non functional garments and accessories of great beauty using natural and found materials. Their aim is "to encourage people to speculate on the nature of value". Visit her site to see more of her work and also her commissioned creations.