I am just finishing up this tablecloth.  Some of the linens date back to 1925, while others are new.  I haven't sewn down the pieces with sayings because I can't decide if I want to use them on the
tablecloth or a quilt.

My soon to be, sweet daughter-in-law, saw a wedding card box on Pinterest that she wanted for their wedding, and she asked me if I would make one. The average price of the boxes on Pinterest were about $125. I wanted to try this project and see if their price was justified. I bought stackable boxes at Michael's on sale for $25, satin fabric at Hobby Lobby for $15, and the pretty bobbles for $6 at Hobby Lobby. I had the netting already. It took me a couple of hours to cover the boxes and then cut the bottoms out so the cards could fall through. This was not a simple project, but I'm happy I could do it, and for $46. (Sorry about the reflection on the material)

Barter: To trade (goods or services) without using money.

I have bartered with two people over the last month.  I am wondering why people don't do it more often?
At the last show I did, the woman next to me wanted a suitcase I had, and I traded it for a bunch of jewelry parts.  We were both so happy!  Here were the parts I got.  Just wait, they will make very cool jewelry.

The other trade was unexpected.  A family friend called and asked me if I could give her some ideas on re-doing a little sewing cabinet she had.  Sure, it was my pleasure.  I ended up bringing the cabinet home to do for her.  In return, she gave me a vintage Singer sewing machine.  How sweet is that?

Below is the cabinet I did.  She wanted me to use the little sewing machine panels she had and I just added some 1920 quilt blocks I had.  A little paint and it was done.

I spent  5 days organizing my art, craft and office space.  Let me tell you, there is a lot of stuff packed into this space, but I can tell you exactly where to find anything & everything here!  I tried to empty out this room and put it back exactly like I wanted it.  I threw away a trash bin full of junk and took boxes of stuff to Soroptimist.  I got to a point where I really didn't enjoy being in this room, and I didn't have space to work.  During the cleaning and reorganizing I was so overwhelmed, but it is something I have wanted to do for a couple of years.  Now that I'm done, I love it! I have a section for tools, art supplies, sewing & material, stamping & papers, jewelry making, and an office space.  This room holds gifts and keepsakes from my family, students and friends.  I couldn't have this much stuff all over my house, but it's perfect in my creative space.

Below is a little slide show of space!  Hit play and enjoy!

I just finished this gypsy chair!  It has reversible cushions; one side is modern gypsy and the other side is from a 1924 crazy quilt.  Don't gasp because I used the quilt, because as hard as I tried, I couldn't piece it back together.  It will be enjoyed and  have more life now than if I had kept it on a shelf.  I also included a needlepoint piece that I have saved for at least 25 years.  What do you think?!