Paper Bag Wallets

Spent the day in my studio recycling brown paperbags into wallets.

I enjoy figuring out ways to reuse items that we would normally toss away or send to the recycle center. As I looked around my stash of brown paperbags I decided that it would be fun to create a wallet and cell phone holder.

Gathering bits and pieces of fabrics, trims and buttons I began assembling a wallet. Having no pattern, of course, I began experimenting with strengthening the bag so it wouldn't rip and how to assemble it.





Then using the sewing machine and a free-style quilting stitch I quilted one of the pocket, decorated it with bits of lace and a button. Soon I had a Vintage wallet.


















Since I am frequently drawn to bright colors and have a lot of scraps in my fabric treasures, I decided to create a paperbag wallet in brights. Here is the result:





These unique creations are small and just the thing when you want to head off on a shopping trip and prefer to leave your large handbag at home. You can place your money in the deep pocket and cell phone in the front decorative pocket.

Please leave a comment telling me what you think of these fun wallets. You will be entered in my monthly drawing and could possible win something special if you name is drawn.

Perhaps a fun wallet???? What is your favorite color? When is your birthday?

Please tell me. You just never know what "goodie" could find its way to you.

What IS Your Choice?.....

Would you like this month's givaway to be a packet of Vintage papers, laces, yarns and ephemera.....OR would you like to receive an original piece of artwork that I create?

I am going to let the visitors to my blog decide. This month when you visit my blog please leave a comment telling me what you would like to receive from me.

On the first of June when I draw if your name is chosen you will recieve the gift of your choice!

Your choice and My fun! I really want the monthly drawings to be all about YOU so I thought what could I do for YOU!

Please leave a comment each time you visit so you will have more chances to win!

Good Luck! AND Happy Spring!!!!

Art & Soul Virginia

As always Tracie and I had a blast teaching our classes. The students were FANTASTIC and OH, so TALENTED! I am completely in AWE everytime we teach our painting classes at what the students create! This is especially rewarding when many of our students have NEVER painted before and to tackle painting a bird takes courage.

Each student brings a given talent that she was not aware she had. With our techniques and showing them a few tricks the paintings are BEAUTIFUL!

Without sounding like an infomercial....this IS the class for you if you have ever wanted to pick up a paint brush and begin creating something to be proud to show family and friends! YOU, too, can create beauties like these:







































Here are the BEAUTIFUL necklaces painted by students:

A Mother's Thoughts

Our middle son left for Afganistan this week and needless to say I miss him already. He will only be gone a short time ( 6 weeks) but being a mom I am still concerned for his safety.

Mother's Day will not be the same without his laughter and sense of humor entertaining all of us.

My heart is sad as I think of him being one of the most dangerous areas of the world.....and Oh, so far from home.

This tall handsome responsible young man will always be that tiny beautiful baby with the blue eyes and blond hair that I held in my arms many years ago.

I still see that little boy every time he laughs and teases. Precious are the memories of the fun times when he and his brothers share stories and play games.

I will be counting the days until his safe return and his laughter fills the air I breathe.

I love you, Chad.

Mom

APRIL GIVEAWAY WINNER

The winner of the April Giveaway is Denise (DeeX355). I will be mailing her the packet of goodies so she can create some FABULOUS artwork!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DENISE!!!!

The May giveaway will be announced in a day or two. I just returned from Art & Soul Virginia so am running a little behind. Please click on the link on the upper right of my blog to read what the giveaways are all about.

Always leave a comment when you visit so you can be entered into the giveaways!