Bet you thought I had flown the coop! Not at all. I have been busy with work and making things, craft shows, and this and that. I have so neglected my blog and all of you and I apologize for that!

DSC00042 (640x519)

I have been playing with some vintage neckties. They have been a hit and are currently available at two local shops, Nest on Semmes Ave across from Forest Hill Park and Handmade Happiness Boutique in Chester. I put my own spin on them by adding vintage buttons to the center.

Will try to be better about the ole blog. Promise!

I am going to be selling at t wine festival in September, so thought I would get out that collection of corks I have accumulated from the thrifts shops and my Broski’s house. 

DSC09933 (1024x768)

I added some beads, buttons and the altered washers I made recently.

Had to stop and make some more washers!  That and locate that large Ziploc bag of corks I have…

DSC09935 (1024x368)

They have more to be done to them, but it is a good start. 

DSC09929 (1024x757)

I had seen a tutorial somewhere on the web to make these and thought I would give it a shot.  I had purchased the washers a long time ago at an estate sale for $1 for like a thousand.  After seeing the tute I thought I would give it a try. 

I used Mod Podge to put the text from a French book on the front and back of the washer.  After they were on the page (20 of them), I folded up the other half of the page after slathering the back with more Mod Podge.  I then took my brayer and rolled it over both sides several time to be sure they were tightly adhered to the page. 

DSC09930 (1024x846)I then let them dry.  After drying, I cut them into little individual squares and let them dry a bit more. I then used a sanding block to cut off the remaining paper and leave it only on the washer.  To make the center hole, I used my hole punch as it was the perfect sick. 

I then put Mod Podge Dimensional Glaze on top to give it a bit of depth.  I am working on some cork necklace for a wine festival I will be at in early September.  This will be on the top and bottom of the cork, so I only put the glaze on one side.  

I love how they came out! 

DSC09799 (1024x717)

I was emptying a box I received via UPS today and decided to make some more postcard templates.  I cut off a couple of the flaps and then measured and cut them into 4X6 inch blanks. 

While I was feeling in the creative mood, I decided to make another postcard.  I started with the paints on the background, then used a bit of bubble wrap to make a stamp. 

I added an image I cut from a newspaper and wrote on some text that I thought fit the image. 

DSC09798 (1024x715)

The back of the postcard has some different colors of paints and a wash of glitter paint that I used the heating tool to bubble a bit.  I used the postcard, line and flourish stamp directly on the card this time. 

It has been addressed and this one will be taking an international journey.  Let’s see how it makes it!

<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5437723/?claim=245kjtwm52g“> Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

DSC09766 (555x1024)Recently, I came upon a vintage Anagrams game.  It is from the 50s.  The tiles were plastic and were open at the back.  I liked the look of the letters and then the idea came to me…shadowbox! 

I do not solder, so look for ways to incorporate that look using other mediums.  I do want to learn to solder, but until I do, I will try this trick again. 

DSC09764 (598x1024)

Inside, I put a square from a vintage French dictionary, then sealed it well with a few coats of Mod Podge.  On top I glued a mother of pearl button with E6000 glue.  I let the glue dry overnight as it says. 

Then I filled the inside compartment with Diamond Glaze sealing in the button.  I took my time to make sure there were no spots that an air bubble could be created.  Sealing around the button tightly, then filling the button holes completely.  As you know, with Diamond glaze you will get air bubbles anywhere that air can be trapped.  I watched it for several hours checking for air bubbles so I could pop them if needed.  I only had one tiny bubble, that I popped!

When it had set up overnight I then drilled two holes at the corners for the jump rings.  Since it is a plastic game piece it is pretty light, so used some heavier beads at the bottom to give it some heft. 

I love how it came out in the end.  My next one, I will be sure to overfill the center as if you look closely you will see a bit of a wave effect as the Diamond Glaze settled. 

DSC09696 (759x1024)I took a drive on Saturday to Smithfield, VA.  Yes, THAT Smithfield, home of the ham!  The old town section was lovely and so quaint.  It was lined with art, shops, antiques and restaurants.  Also, many historic homes.  It was one of those trips that fed the soul as well as the junking jones!

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09700 (1024x755) (2)

I ran into Ben Franklin outside of the Smithfield Times newspaper office.

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09697 (1024x756) (2)

This porky beauty outside of the art gallery and visitor’s center.  It is part of their Porcine Parade

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09701 (570x1024) (2)This lovely was given to the Isle of Wight County by the Isle of Wight, England.  The phone was long gone, but it still had the crown at the top. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09705 (1024x768) (732x998)

I would love to live in this house beyond the Crepe Myrtles.  I love that window on the 2nd floor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09706 (768x1024) (2)

Check out this lovely confection of a Victorian home.  Isn’t the Gingerbread fabulous! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC09703 (756x1024) (2)

This was the view over the hill at the corner of Main and Church Streets.  It was lovely! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I managed to find a few trinkets and hit a few thrift shops, too.  I also had the best burger ever!  So, I will definitely be back again! 

Happy 4th of July!

I thought this one was too great not to share! Hope you are having a snappy 4th, too!

DSC09690 (1024x702)

I was cleaning out some papers from my desk when I came upon a scarp of cardboard.  Likely it was packing for something I ordered from Etsy or Ebay.  I thought, “that is the size of a postcard.” 

Then the wheels got turning.  I mixed some paints to make the background, found an image in my tin where I cut out cute images to use one day, and stamped the quote by Thomas Edison. 

DSC09692 (1024x705)

On the back I used scraps of book text to stamp the postcard, the line and the flourish on it. 

I added a thank you message for some craft goodies I received recently from a crafty friend, affixed a postcard stamp and it will be on its way tomorrow. 

I hope the recipient enjoys it!

 

 

 

   Johanita!!!

 

 

 

 

Send me your address and I will get it into the mail to you! 

Quote O’ The Month

"What this world needs
is a new kind of army
- the army of the kind."
~Cleveland Amory

E-mail Me

cindyforeyes at earthlink *dot* net

Sign Up To Follow My Crafty Adventures

Add to Technorati Favorites

Google Reader or Homepage
Add to My Yahoo!
Subscribe with Bloglines

Add to My AOL
Subscribe in myEarthlink

You Can Find My Creations At:

ReFinery
1221 Bellevue Ave.
Richmond, VA

Where Are You From?

Just ‘Cause

Pass it on just because!


Shop Local & Join the Cause!

Remember on November 26th...

Flickr Photos

Blog Stats

  • 225,333 hits