Here it is:  the long awaited tutorial for the skirt made from upcycled neck ties.... that I introduced to you in this previous post.

I love this skirt.  It is so fun to see some of the ties that my husband used to wear....  Not gone, just used in a different capacity..  :)  It's like a memory-quilt, except it's a piece of clothing....

This skirt is a size "small" but thanks to the t-shirt waistband, fits SOOOO many different people.  It is so fun to see how great it looks on many different figures. 

My friend Elly Gray agreed to be my model for today, and I am glad she did!  We had a fun time outside (even if it was a bit cold), and we got some cool pictures.  She is a gifted and creative person and a wonderful mom to three terrific kids.

Doesn't she look great?

The skirt looks totally different when you turn it to show off different ties,
and combine it with different colors...  Isn't it great?

Follow the slide-show instructions below for easy step-by-step directions to make your own tie-skirt with t-shirt waistband.

From THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD comes this quote:

I was asked to teach a class on the subject of families in church, so naturally, after studying the subject for a couple of weeks, my creative juices started flowing....

I got busy and upcycled a cheap-o canvas clearance "painting" I had purchased at Target for just a few dollars and re-painted my family on it.
As you can see, my hubby has gray hair....
And our oldest daughter is just a bit taller than I am, PLUS she has been blessed with voluminous hair....

We are a lucky family of five:  two parents, and three awesome kids....
We have been so blessed. 
They are all three great kids

In my first few sketches I had everyone holding arms around everyone else, but as I made the final product, only mom and dad kept their arms.  The kids felt a little left out, but I explained to them that it is not their responsibility to take care of the family:  that is ours as the parents.  Daddy is largely in charge of providing and protecting, while mommy is the nurturer.  The kids' responsibility is to grow up and become happy and independent, responsible adults.  And along the way we help each other as much as we can....  :)

Anyway, this is my first "large" mixed media attempt and though I am picking it apart in my head all the time, I am kinda happy with all the symbolism behind it...  :)

What mixed media projects have you made?

I link up to a number of these bloggy friends.... as well as to Today’s Creative Blog, Home Stories A 2 Z, Funky Junk Interiors, The Shabby Nest, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Thrifty Decor Chick, Between Naps on the Porch

It's that time of year again:  time to start pulling out the Christmas decorations....

I try to show Idaho pride as I decorate my home:  
Potato sacks from Idaho are the key.... 
heeheehee...!

I decided to hang our stockings over the piano.....
After all, if you remember, our mantle is kinda wimpy...  heeheeheehee...  :)

And there you have it:  Idaho potato sack stockings,

• for the Idaho lover,
• or the potato lover,
• or just for the burlap lover..... 

YIPPY!!!!

Here is the recipe I use every Thanksgiving to make a little tasty Cranberry Sauce out of real fresh cranberries....
It tastes delicious on the turkey, and also on rolls.

It has the consistency of jam, but if you want it to be more like a jello, just add an additional package of unflavored gelatin...


It makes quite a bit.  I usually give at least half of it away, and we still have leftovers....
(will keep well in the freezer also)

Happy Feasting!

Ingredients:

1 pkg fresh cranberries
2 apples, peeled & cored & diced
1 orange
2 cups sugar
1 small box raspberry jello
1 envelope unflavored gelatin

_Directions:

Grind cranberries in blender or food processor, add apples.  Grind orange peel (about 2 Tbs) and add also.
Squeeze juice out of the orange into mixture as well.  Add 2 cups sugar and mix well.
Dissolve jello in 1 cup boiling water and let cool (not until firm --just until cool!) 
Mix jello and gelatin into cranberry mixture and refrigerate.

I just use the Vitamix for the whole procedure and instead of squeezing the juice out of the orange, I just throw the whole orange in....



Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Do you have  favorite Thanksgiving recipe?

Because I have such a weakness for purses and anything from the Netherlands, I thought I would share these awesome bags with you....
I hope you'll like them as much as I do....      :)

My friend and blog reader Ingrid van Berchum lives in Holland (the Netherlands) and LOVES to make handbags:  a girl after my heart!
She was so generous as to share a couple of the purses she has made over the last few months, using PTT Post canvas from the actual mailbags used by the Dutch post office.

Ingrid purchased the PTT Post stof: at Samitex in Wierden

The messenger bag sewing tutorial Ingrid used (and made some minor alterations to) is available at OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder.

Using colors from the Dutch flag (red, white and blue) Ingrid crocheted this wonderful messenger bag using a design by Stella Roodbeen.  this is the winning design of the KreaDoe 2011 contest and was published in HobbyHandig Magazine, no. 165, Jan./Feb. 2012  (written in Dutch).

Ingrid crocheted this fab bag using Catina Cotton (red, white and blue) and Phildar cotton (tan) . 

The interior and adjustable shoulder strap are also made of PTT sack fabric, but of a softer, thinner variety....

I think these Dutch vibe bags are so marvelous.....









Whatdoyouthink?

I link up to a number of these bloggy friends.... as well as to Today’s Creative Blog, TipJunkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Funky Junk Interiors, The Shabby Nest, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Thrifty Decor Chick, Between Naps on the Porch

Let's share a bit of warmth.....

I'm sure we've all seen images on the TV and the internet of the damage hurricane Sandy has done on the East coast.  So today is a good day to help those poor people out.  And what about you? Don't you love a nice warm, dry, clean pair of sacks when you feel yucky and miserable?
I do!
Socks for Sandy is a project put together by Hometalk Community, and I for one am getting involved.

Buying and mailing socks is a small and easy thing to do that is sure to bring some small relief (perhaps even a little smile) to the people who have been affected by hurricane Sandy.

Tragedy can strike at any moment. It’s super scary. Let’s help bring a little warmth and comfort to those affected by Sandy. Send socks, gloves, and hats to:

Socks for Sandy
P.O. Box 520
Little Egg Harbor, NJ  08087  

Please mail packages by Friday, November 9, the need is urgent.


Laura will receive all packages and immediately take these to the local hurricane shelter for distribution. Any excess will be given to the other hurricane shelters up and down New Jersey's coastline. 

Thank you so much for helping out...  :)

Other ways to help out:  donate directly to the Red Cross
Spread the word about "Socks for Sandy"

Election Day is coming up REALLY quickly....

We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can vote according to our conscience.  We are so blessed to have the ability to read and educate ourselves on the issues at hand.  We are blessed to have a voice.  Many people in history have sacrificed so much for our right to vote.  I would hate to let their sacrifices go to waste....

I love this vintage poster above with the lady hanging a "Votes for Women" poster on a wall.  Such an awesome part of history.  I love  the plainness of the writing on the poster, the expression on her face....  And what do you think of her stylish hat?  I wonder what her name was, what her life was like....

Inspired by this poster and the necklace I saw on Crafty Teacher Lady's site, I made myself a necklace to celebrate our right to vote (whether we are male or female).

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormons), we are encouraged to play a role as responsible citizens in our communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.  Our church does not endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.  Rather, we as members are expected to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters. (read more about the Mormon church's stand on neutrality and view on politics right here)

Wishing you a happy Election Day 2012!
Celebrate Your Right To Vote!

To celebrate the arrival of November, I am sharing this lovely vintage print from Harper's...

Enjoy using it in all your different creative ways!


Happy Thanksgiving!

hugs ~ Crystelle







The download is at the bottom of the post and does not contain the Crystelle Boutique brand logo