Construction Zone

Here's what my studio looks like this weekend:

We're installing a new plank floor in the basement (site of Quilted Cupcake HQ), so everything had to be move to one side.  Man, what an undertaking this has been (mostly for my DH).  Why do DIY projects always take more time and money than you estimate?

Next step is to weed through all my stuff and re-organize.  That's the part I really like (no, seriously).  The studio needs a good thinning - already took a ton of stuff to the thrift store and gave away 9 boxes of scrapbook paper via Freecyle.  That's another thing I learned this weekend - it's hard to give things away!  I put the offer up, got 20+ responses.  Emailed the first reply, who said they'd be over in the morning, so I waited.  No show.  Set up another time, no show.  Finally went back to the replies 2 more times before a very nice young mom showed up to take it all.

Don't fear, my scrapbook buddies - I still have an XXL full of scrapbook paper.

I can't WAIT to get back in my studio.  It's driving me crazy waiting for hubby to finish the floor on side one.  Patience is not my strong suit.  But, it will be worth the wait.  Look how cool it is already:

I'm thinking of doing a Shabby Chic theme.  Stay tuned for more details.....

p.s. - the kids have been doing "planking" jokes all weekend - cracks me up!

Thrifty Thursday #3

Thrifty Thursday #3 is finally here.  Sorry it's a bit late - had to turn the power off to fix the stove.

Let's make this one the biggest yet!  Remember, you can link to an older post from your blog.  I know you have something you can showcase.

Each link party lasts a whole week, so if you think of something to add on Saturday, come on back and add it.

Here's my entry, a non-Zombie Santa.  It's a card or napkin holder.  So well made and kitschy!  Only cost 50 cents!

OK, let's link!  

Holiday Finds and a Zombie Santa?

Found a bunch of great holiday decorations at the bi-annual Nearly New Sale.  Total paid for all: $3.50.  I love vintage holiday ornaments of all kinds - they definitely come with some history embedded.

Check out these hand-knit and crocheted bells and angels.  The small red and white bells even have small jingle bells in them.  The starched white bells are so dainty and pretty.  I send happy thoughts out to whoever made them.  Glad I could give them a good home.

The decorations were grouped and sold by the bag, and there were a few duds.  I didn't notice how freaky one of the Santas was until I was taking photos.  Does he look like strange, or have I just been too excited by the new season of The Walking Dead?  Creepy eyes, and what the heck are those weapons hanging from his belt?  I'm going with Zombie Santa.  Now, I kinda want to keep him.  He'll go well with my sparkly gold elf I found earlier this year.

My Appliances are Plotting Against Me

Glad I took pictures of this lovely cinnamon roll cake, a recipe found of course on Pinterest. Super easy to make - uses the economy Pillsbury biscuits.  Here's the recipe link - it's called the Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring.

Check out the glazed goodness when you pop the pan over:

Turns out it was the last thing I made before my oven stopped working this weekend.  I believe it's been talking to the new dishwasher I had to buy last month, who was shamed by new refrigerator I bought in July.  I swear, that darn fridge has been secretly boasting about how shiny and new it is, making the other kitchen appliances feel bad.  They're all the same age (9), so that might have something to do with the sudden mutiny.  

Luckily, the hubby found the starter the oven needs, and he can fix it for about $80.  I'm very lucky to have a handy husband.  That man's saved us a lot of money over the years.

BTW, Anyone know where I can get earplugs for a microwave?  I don't want it to get any big ideas.....:)

Thrifty Thursdays

Welcome to Thrifty Thursdays #2. A big thank you to everyone who added links last week. I found some new blogs to follow, and great things to add to my Pinterest board as future projects.


Important note about Thrifty Thursdays:  It's absolutely fine to link up an older project or post.  And, you don't have to create a special post to participate.  You can edit an old post to add the TT button.  Each party will remain open for 7 days, so if you're late, it's still OK to add a thrifty find.  Link away!

Here are my two Thrifty Finds of the Week:

First is a yard of retro Christmas fabric.  Longtime followers know of my love of vintage Christmas decor, so this was a real treat.  It's hard to find Christmas fabric with pink, so double bonus!

The second is an old fan, which I've been looking for since I started my thrifty trips. These are really popular, and usually pricey.  Would you believe, after traveling all over the East Coast, I finally found an affordable fan about 2 miles from my house?  Just $10.  Not sure if I'm just going to clean it, or if I'm also going to repaint it.  What do you think?  

OK, now it's your turn to share.  Post your links to thrifty projects you've done.  My interpretation of thrifty is very broad - if you found fabric for a great price, that's a thrifty find.  Can't wait to see what's added this week!

Too funny Not to Share - I have a Swagger Wagon, too!

Thrifty Thursdays - Weekly Blog Party at Quilted Cupcake!

New to the Quilted Cupcake blog - a weekly Blog Link Party. I've participated in lots of these, and I love finding a ton of inspiration in one place. So, I've decided to start my own, called "Thrifty Thursdays."

Each Thursday here on the blog, you can share thrifty projects that you've done, along with a link back to your blog. Even if you don't want to share a link, it's a great way to get a snapshot view of lots of projects. 

Here are some examples of the types of projects to submit (found on Flickr).

A great wreath by JeniB that uses stripes of vintage sheets:

A clever vintage hollowed-out book safe by Teal Stripes.

A bunch of vintage fabric primitive dolls by Grrl+dog:

So, let's get this party started!  I added my Tiara suitcase as an example.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Please share or tweet to anyone who likes thrifty, vintage, retro fun stuff. 

Vintage Sheet Charm Packs

I just added vintage sheet listings back to my Etsy shop.  With a twist this time.  I'm offering Vintage Sheet Charm Packs.  Each charm pack includes 40 of the popular 5 inch charm squares, plus 5 bonus squares.

Lots of people have asked when or if I'd be offering vintage sheets again, and the recent purchase of the AccuQuilt sparked the idea of making them more user-friendly  

Plus, I thought they'd be a good way for new vintage sheet fans to try out a variety of different prints, without  hunting down a bunch of vintage linens.  Since I'm cutting them using my AccuQuilt, they're very accurate.

For now, I only have 4 packs available.  I'm planning to add more, based on demand.  Check them out at my Etsy Shop.

I love playing with these fabrics, and using them in new and unique ways.  Look for some new projects coming soon.

My Vintage Tiara

Every girl wants a Tiara, and I finally got one.  Ha!  It's the model name on my new American Tourister Vintage Train Case.  Found at Goodwill for $6.  I would have preferred a prettier outside color, but the inside of this makes up for the plain outside.

The inside is in perfect shape - it even still had a bar of hotel soap from the Williamsburg Lodge in it. And, I love the removable tray.

I so wish the vintage goodies came with a back story.  Since they don't, I usually make up my own in my head.  I imagine a sweet young lady used this when she traveled to Williamsburg with her new husband.  Maybe the case was even part of a wedding gift of luggage.  Soon after the trip, they started a family, so she didn't get a chance to travel as much, which is why it's in such great shape. Can you think of a better story?  If so, please share in the comments.

I'm using it as my travel sewing case.  It's so much easier to keep a case of the essentials (rotary cutter, pins, machine needles, bobbins, etc.) packed and ready to go to craft events, classes, get-togethers, etc.  I find that having this essentials bag always packed makes me more likely to attend out-of-studio events, and have the things I need when I get there.

I've had great luck at thrift stores lately.  Check back for more finds soon.  I'm thinking of starting "Thrifty Thursdays" here on the blog. What do you think?

Windowpane Pillow

Windowpane pillow, made with bright Kaffe prints and white.  Nice pattern for charm pack squares.  Sort of reminds me of a giant nine patch.  Add sashing to 5" charm squares, and then bind.

For the back, I got to use more of my favorite modern thrifted sheet - this polka dot pattern is on several projects, and I still have lots left.  It's a Target sheet, and is super soft.

The turquoise binding was originally going to be "piping" that's sewn as part of the sandwich.  It didn't work out the way I liked, so I layered it as if a quilt, and bound the edges with the already cut turquoise.

This is on my couch, and I know the kids like it.  I had to clean nacho cheese drips off it before I could take photos.  Ah, motherhood.....:)

I Love Lucy

Here's my finished "I Love Lucy" mini quilt.  It uses blocks from the Bonnie K. Hunter "Crumbs" class.  Lots of my mom's fabric scraps incorporated, plus purple for Alzheimer's Awareness.

 

And, yes, I did include a label on the back - trying to get better about that!

Check out podcast episode 48 for more details!  More projects to come from latest Podcast episode!

Episode 48 is Posted!

Just finished and posted Podcast Episode 48, called "What's Up Cupcake?"  I'll add show notes later in the week.  This episode includes a review of my new Accu-Quilt machine, which I bought on sale.

Cupcake Pumpkin

Want an alternative to carved orange pumpkins?  How about a cool white pumpkin?  I made this one to match my style - bright and happy.

The faux pumpkins are easy to find, and easy to decorate.  I chose a white one, to be a bit different, and added all of my favorite ribbons.  Pink, teal and cupcakes - perfect decor for the Quilted Cupcake studio!

Want to make your own?  Just grab some of your favorite ribbons and pin them in "stripes" on a fake pumpkin.  I love that this technique allows me to change out the ribbons to create a new look if I want.  

Vintage Sheet Find

I found this awesome 70's retro print sheet on a recent trip to Goodwill. I love the great colors. The best thing about it (besides the $2 price) -- this baby was brand new. Never been used, or washed. It still had the "sizing" stiffness, and the colors were still super bright. Could be my best vintage sheet find of the year!

I think I may make a tablecloth from it. It matches my dining room perfectly!