Suitcase decor

Recently at a local flea market I picked up an older suitcase, I loved the color but wasn't sure what I would do with it. Before I could decide, I also found a old travel makeup case at good will, so I scooped that one up too! I hadn't thought about upcycling suitcases until I ran across the one I had and now I seem to see them on lots of blogs, unfortunately not so much in person...

So I've decided that I'll be using the smaller case as a craft container. It is a good size for keeping smaller projects together and it looks super cute in my living room.


It's not that I don't want to do something with the larger case, it's that I want to do too many thing with it and i just can't seem to decide on one project!

At first I thought that I would make it into a stand or a vanity or a table... see what I mean way too many ideas. Here is some of the inspiration that is keeping me from making a decision.

Via Suite Revival

Or I could hunt around and find a few more and do this..


Photo by Cupcakes and Cashmere 

These are all such great ideas I'm not sure which way to go.. I guess time will tell. I'm looking for a great base or some cute spindle legs but if a couple of more happen to wander home with me...

While I'm not in the market for any of these ideas, you might be, not everyone needs storage and hey it's good to think outside of the suitcase, er box I mean..

via Red Hen Home- for all of the details
Shelving out of suitcases, This would be a great idea for ones that are damaged!

A rolling bar for those smaller spaces.. Dane Holweger has a how to on Hometalk

Or a medicine Cabinet? I wouldn't have thought of this..

via Remodelaholic Great information on how to redo the interior also

umm, if I ever get another vacation I might need this..

Tutorial by Inspireco

The princess is a bit big for this but may be a great Christmas idea for the grandcats..

Tutorial by Megan on Cafemom can be found here

Needless to say I now how more ideas than suit cases so I'll end this week heading out to the thrift stores in search of the next great project and I hope you do the same. Stop back by on Monday for "T' and maybe a crumpet or two. Have a crafty weekend!

Rags for Rugs

Rag- noun A piece of old cloth, especially something torn  from a larger piece.

Sheets, clothing and towels all wear out over time, like everything else, but should they be doomed to the dump. To hang around forever at a landfill, taking up space, just for a worn spot or a hole? Of course not! They can find a new life in your home with just a bit of time and ingenuity .

Rag rugs can be sewn, braided, woven, crocheted or worked like a latch hook for a fluffier style. The patterns, shapes and styles are limited only by your imagination. I'll give you some ideas on each kind and then the rest is up to you as to what will find it's way into your home.

Sewn Rag Rugs- The majority of this sort of rug is done with strips of cloth, sewn together to make large strips that are then rolled or coiled in a circle and then the coils are stitched to the coil next to it. This produces a round or oval shaped rug and by design is very sturdy and colorful. When deciding on this style rug you can either coil the strips of fabric, which would give you a thinner rug or you could coil the fabric over either cotton piping or a rope, which would make the rug a bit studier.

The Ric Rac Blog has a great tutorial on sewn rugs, this one is done over a rope and doesn't require the strips to be sewn together before hand. 

Braided Rugs- This is the same concept as a sewn or coiled rug except in the fact that the rug strips are braided into a long strip and then coiled. This enables the rug to have a bit more texture and is can be used in a higher traffic area, since they are a heavier option.
Marissa from Little House Living shows how to create your own Braided Rag Rug with a great how to on a very sturdy non sewn join.



Woven Rugs also use the sewn strip method but instead of a continuous roll the strips are a certain length.  Longer strips will be placed in the loom for the length and then shorter stips will be woven in an under /over pattern to join the lengthwise strips together.  Due to the weaving process these will generally be rectangular in shape but can have various thicknesses and textures depending on the processes used. You don't always have to have a loom to make a woven rug, check out Laura's option on A Beautiful Mess. She has taken weaving to a new but simple level and ends up with a truly neat project you can recreate in your home.

via Abeautifulmess

Crochet or knitted rugs, just like it sounds, strips of fabric are crocheted or knitted just like you would yarn. This enables the rug to take on many shapes or patterns. Often used for more artful pieces.

Not what you typically think of when you think rag rug! Instructions for this version can be found on 

Meg Made With Love

She used sheets and gives all the details on how to create one yourself!

Latch hook fabric rugs are a lot like the latch hook kits so popular in years gone by. They use a backing and small strips of fabric which are left open on the top to give the rug a fluffy appearance. I would imagine this would be appropriate for a bedroom or a less traveled area but what a cute idea! As with all rag rugs the colors are very customizable.

 Jamie At Everyday Art created this rag rug for her daughters and has a very detailed and easy to follow instructions on her blog. These remind me of the shag carpet I had as a child! Ugg that might be giving away my age!

Rag rugs can be made out of most kinds of fabrics, sheets, or even denim. Don't have any extra scraps, shirts or jeans laying around? Check out goodwill, they normally have big bins of linens in all colors and at very good prices. You'll often put more time than money into a rag rug, but when you're keeping the materials out of the landfill that's a bonus.Then add the fact that you'll end up with a creation of your very own style, that makes it all worthwhile!

Thanks for playing along with me in the A to Z Challenge, there is a large group of very talented people who are also blogging the alphabet this month and you should check them out too. There are daily letter lists and the original list that can be stored by content or by theme. But whatever you do please be sure to check back tomorrow for my next installment, which includes a travel item being upcycled for your home.

Crafting with old quilts

My grandmother and I'd say all of the women in the family before her were avid quilters. Yes quilting is fun but they did it out of necessity. There wasn't a Target on every corner, but even if there had been my grandmother still wouldn't have gone.

People still quilt, quilts are still passed down but maybe they don't have the same meaning sewn into them as they once did. Like everything else a well loved quilt will get worn in spots or or worse become soiled and unable to be safely cleaned. That doesn't mean they still don't have a lot of use left in them. I personally have a chest of quilts made by my great grandmother and maybe even from before, that never see the light of day. My Grandmother, Elizabeth would be horrified, quilts are made to be used, they were after all mostly made from scraps from other sewing endeavors. So to honor those quilts beyond repair, personal or ones picked up at sales let's imagine ways to give them new lives.

We'll start with family quilts, the ones who have seen a bit too much of rough housing or who belonged to Children and were used a tug toys, camp forts or for naps in the grass. They are a part of their childhood and are often passed from kid to kid. Now they aren't in fit for the next generation, but not quite ready for the trash heap. How about making ornaments for each kid that loved that blanket? Something to talk about with the next generation and so the quilt doesn't really go away it gains a new following.

Jan  from JanMade used an old quilt to make Angels for her tree

How pretty is this and what a story it could tell. you could do other shapes as well, stars, barns, trees, hearts or any shape that fits your style. They make wonderful gifts for Christmas or any special occasion and everyone gets to take a tangible reminder of their special quilt.

If you have a larger quilt or one that you don't mind cutting into, stuffed animals are another option for gifting a quilt to numerous people. Bears, rabbits and even dolls can be made from old quilts.

via Stitch This

My personal favorite idea is one we saw while shopping in the North Carolina Mountains.

Aren't these the cutest sheep? I would think you could cut the shape out of wood and then wrap the quilt pieces and extra battling around it. The would make great decorations or even a foot stool. This idea has been hanging around for a while. I think it's time to get busy making some!

Thanks for visiting with me and my quilt ideas as I blog my way through the Alphabet with Blogging from A to Z. There are still  10 days left to go and I'm hoping you'll enjoy them as much as I am creating them. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see  you tomorrow with my R for Rags post.

Grab your Picture Frames

Picture frames of all sorts are a staple for yard sales and thrift stores. You see them in all shapes, sizes and materials but the questions is what could you do with them other than just reuse them as they are.
How about upcycling them into all kinds of different purposes, that have nothing to do with just framing your pictures.

You are used to seeing them on your wall but how about your door? Who said a wreath has to be round? Check out these ideas from simple and Classic to Big and Bold!

Under A Texas Sky has a great tutorial  for this Classic 

Or you can go all out like Celebrate and Decorate

I don't normally go for flash but this is really an awesome statement piece! 

I might have found a great idea for Mother's Day! 

Now to find a frame...

Don't need anything to add to your door? How about your patio or porch? Grab a handful of frames from the Dollar Store and get ready to create something original for just a couple of dollars.

Terrariums can get expensive quickly especially for the larger sizes. Country Living Gives you a easy and inexpensive alternative step by step to make this victorian style indoor greenhouse.

So instead of plants you need lighting? How about simple lanterns made from frames. I know I see these every time I go to Pier One, but who can afford those prices?!

Joan posted this tutorial at My repurposed life  and she shows how easy it is to change your decor with the seasons. Shiny Red Balls or how about a Christmas Scene. This would work inside or out. You could even leave the top open for real candles.

How about adding some interest to your ceiling for way less than a regular medallion.  

The Decorating Chica Used this old frame to liven up her Chandelier, and it's even better because it came from a family members home! 

Just see what Bonnie from Romance under the stars created with a frame and some molding. WOW!

So now from over the table to on the table, how about Trays from Frames?

A Lapin Life created this with a bit of paint and a transfer.. You could use a coordinated fabric to create a stunning addition to your table setting or Tea Time. 

These tiered trays are on my want to do list

via What Treasures Await

So are ya'll ready to take those pictures off of the wall and put them on the door, the ceiling and on the table, yet? Go you have another great idea for Picture Frames? Share with us so we can get on board too!

Thanks for following along with the A to Z Challenge this April and be sure to check back each day in April except for Sundays for a new letter as we blog the alphabet. I'll have more upcycled tips for  you tomorrow that go with Q!

Wishing you a very Creative Day!

Ornaments for the O In the A to Z Challenge

We're skipping around Holidays here, yesterday we talked about Father's Day gifts with Neckties and today I'm jumping to Christmas, so I can pick up a couple of ideas to reuse those ornaments.

Ornaments aren't just for your tree or just for the Cold winter seasons anymore. Many vintage ornaments came in pastels and bright colors, with a bit of craftiness you can upcycle them into everyday or still just holiday designs.

How about a Topiary for your entry or for table tops. Simply Designing created this design from things she just had laying around. Styrofoam ball, hot glue and of course ornaments

 Ornaments also make great Wreaths, which also don't have to be just for Christmas 

I found this "how to" on Bloglovin by liveloveDIY

Do you have some vintage ones that you love but are afraid to use? Try this Shadowbox idea

Via Brave and Brillant

They can be used as displays or wreaths when pared with a frame and a little ribbon. Paint to match the season or your decor.

Tutorial and Image from ArtsyChicksrule

Upcycling Christmas isn't just for the ornaments, pull out some of those big glass lights too.

They make very cute lightening bugs for your garden. I just had to sneak this one in there..

via Junkmarketstyle

Wow! We've made it all the way to O and P's next check back  tomorrow to see what can  be done with a Picture frame. And while you're poking around be sure to check in with others that are Blogging from A to Z

Bookish Tuesday- Wolf Moon By Steve Morris

Find it on Amazon            B&N        BAM 


Wolf Moon by Steve Morris is the 2nd instalment in the Lycanthropic Series about the Werewolf Apocalypse. While this book is totally awesome you'll need to start with Wolf Blood, book one of the series. The title says it all this really is the rise of the werewolves and it is everything you'd want in a horror/supernatural suspense novel.

Wolf Moon hit the ground running, New Years was a horror and the werewolf infection has turned into a plague and London has been turned into a war zone.

After the nightmare of New Years, London has been turned on its head. Many are still trying to get out of London while others are  digging in  preparing for the worst. Along with the  people who are trying to flee the city, are the infected and the plague is moving right along with them, undetected it has moved on to other countries and the government has to finally admit they have a problem The Prime Minister,  and the military are trying everything the can to stop the werewolves but it is an uphill battle. 

Leanne has declared  herself to be the Queen of the Werewolves and war on everyone who isn't. To facilitate this she has enlisted the help of the Wolf Brothers, a motorcycle gang to help her fulfil her  dream of world domination. Good Luck to anyone who gets in her way.

The government is working to contain the infected in the hospital allowing them to believe they are in control, but it's all another illusion.

Neighbors and Neighborhoods are turning on one another, No one can be trusted, when supply chains are disrupted and necessities are scarce.

The police are doing spread thin and one Liz has survived an attack, what will happen to her the next full moon.

James, the student turned werewolf, has vowed to never kill again. Will he be able to hold on to his vow and his life since he has turned his back on Leanne.

Not everyone will make it out alive and everyone will have lost something.

Great addition to the genre and a great series, I can't wait for the next installment. While it is fantasy, at least we hope, you can totally see how it the story would unfold if it happened in your neighborhood. Not only is the action wonderfully detailed and gory, the characters are rounded out and you feel for their plight.

Get your copy today and you'll want to leave a light on tonight just in case!

Neck Tie Crafts -A to Z Challenge

My dad rarely wore ties, but that's not to say that he didn't have quite a selection of them, his collection ranged through a lot of fashion periods, some good some not so much. My father in law loved loud ties and statement shirts, I think that could be traced back to his time in the military when he couldn't express himself, so once he retired, he let it all hang out..so to say.

When I started researching for this post I saw so many really different ideas for ties that I was blown away.  I've helped others make shirts from a family member who has passed into pillows, but what personality ties have. I think those could be an interesting pillow or other type of display if they were made with ties too. I think I'll dig out some from both of them and see if I can put something together for my daughter since they have both passed.

 I think these type projects would work well for memorials:

Very Detailed Tutorial Via Malfringo

If you are more experienced or a quilter 

Via Q-Bits

If you want to go all out and do a quilt,

My father in law's ties had quite the personality, I think his would benefit from this style of quilt

Via The Quilting Company

Or if yours are bit more traditional this might be an idea to use

Another great tutorial from Yes I quilt

Ties are fun and they don't have to be used just as a memorial you could pick up some you love at yard sales or goodwill. Want to try your hand a a fun craft check out these ideas.

Turn them into a wreath

from Craftaholicsanonymous

Turn them into a Artsy Necklace for you

Tutorial by ArtStar by Aletha

Joallie Petit Says the really ugly ones work best for these Flowers

Check out her Tutorial, These ties are often found in the very back of the closet..lol

For the person who has everything how about a Neck Tie Pouch from the Polkadot Chair 

I think this would be a great Retirement gift, they might not have to wear them anymore but they could still have one handy!

Not matter the design or reason behind it, ties are a great item to upcycle. The ideas are limited only by your imagination, as are some of the designs on ties I've seen. 

Tomorrow we'll switch to another holiday with "O" as I blog from A to Z, I hope you'll be back.