DIY Friday - Holiday

I have been visiting some happy places out in blogland looking for some holiday inspiration. There are some gorgeous goings on let me tell you! I have decided to share some of what I found. Whether they be tutorials or inspiration for your own Do It Yourself holiday, there is certain to be something that will spark your imagination.

This beautiful wreath from the ever inspiring Rachel from Smile and Wave! She has the how to HERE. I am also over the moon for her holiday diorama!

My friend Vic from Punky's Mamma gives the basics of how she made this very cool tree decal for her home. I love her sweet Advent Calendar too!

And garlands! Always room for more garlands!

A classic felted garland tutorial can be found HERE.

This beautiful and inspired Dixie Cup garland how-to can be found HERE!

I adore these little winter jars. I found them at The Tortoise and the Hare. You can find them HERE!

and for a whole mess of lovely ornaments, we can always count on Martha!

Well, I have been inspired, how about you. Do you have a holiday DIY that I should know about? I've got some ideas floating around, now if I can only find the time!

Oh, and be sure to check out Dottie Angel's 12 Days of Joyfulness!

Hello Monday - Calling all elves

Hello lovelies! There has been much talk of the onset of winter here in the little green cottage. Chill and wet with a dreary sky but, we wont let that get us down. No, I have been beavering away on the making and doing, hunkering down and getting to the business end of things. All the while channeling some serious whimsy (wait, whimsy isn't serious)!

Journals, journals, journals! Ha! Whilst I think my latest journals are perfectly suited to just about anyone, I think this newest batch has a certain childlike fancy. Wonderful gifts for young budding writers.

I myself, am a little partial to The Roller Derby Queen here, it's the metal eyelets, they delight me I must say.

...and because nary a day goes by that an enchanted Pegasus doesn't pop up in our imaginary play, I just had to make this little number.

All of these journals have found their way to my little shop, just waiting for their new "for always" homes.

This week I have lots more in the works, I am hoping to bring back the very popular 'Hook Books' and maybe a couple of new things too! I could use some help though, there's still all the presents for family left to be done as well...so if you know any elves who are willing to work for homemade stew and freshly baked bread, please send them my way. It's the little green cottage with the 'free range' chickens wandering about on the front steps. You can't miss it!

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?

Lola on the town...Part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of my weekend gallivant about the lovely city of Portland. Today's installment is about my solo jaunt to down town for Little Winter, a handmade market.
Perhaps you are asking yourself, 'How on earth did she get so much free time off on her own, to do as she pleased? No little rascal tugging upon her arm or playing bull in a china shop? No Mr. impatiently shifting his weight from one foot to the other before finally announcing he'll go wait in the car? How can that be?'
Let's just say I owe a big thanks to The Engineer. He took Pony Girl off on other adventures or got her ready for bed whilst I was out and about. I think he saw the glimmer of madness in my eyes, knew that the cabin fever had struck, and very graciously (and wisely) said to me, "Go for it!"

Created by Abby Powell Thompson of Abby Try Again and Chelsea Fuss of Frolic!, Little Winter is a handmade market featuring 20+ artists and craftspeople from Portland and beyond." The market ran for 2 days this weekend.
So, on Saturday I put on my best pair of stripey socks, my good luck necklace, and threw caution to the wind as I headed down town. As I approached the building, I could see that already there was a buzz of excitement and a general milling about. The place was styled beautifully. I wish I could have grabbed a decent photo of the place, especially the black and white gingham curtains...I'm a sucker for a nice gingham you know. The space had a sort of stylized old one room schoolhouse feel. I liked it.

There was so much pretty going on. All the vendors wares were quite lovely and it was nice to see in person and up close, what I have seen only in blog land. For a list of vendors go to the web site and it's on the sidebar.

The item I was most enchanted by, were these wonderful tiny wooden houses with wee plants growing out of them, by my house party.

There were a couple of drawbacks to the market. One was I think, a matter of timing on my part. I went right after opening and the place was jammed. Good for the market but, not so great for one trying to get a good look at everything. I might have been better off waiting till later in the day or, gone the 2nd day. Because it was so tight, I couldn't imagine staying too long.

The other downside, it would have been the perfect outing to have along a friend, an artsy-craftsy gal pal to peruse and discuss with. Afterwards sharing a pleasant lunch and trading our observations. That would have been most nice. Still, I did enjoy myself and I wasn't entirely alone, I brought Nadine the Nikon with me and she took some sweet photos.

Afterwards, I took myself to lunch at one of Portland's most excellent food carts. It was delish!

I have learned that I need to make it a point to get out on the town more often, maybe I can swing it once a month or so. I live in an amazing place and I don't want to take it for granted.

What are some of the great things about your home town?

Lola on the town

Part One
Have I mentioned lately how much I love where I live? No? Then I have been remiss. Portland is one amazing city. Sometimes though, I don't get the chance to go out and see just how amazing; there is a lot going on 'round here! This weekend I decided that it was high time I ventured out on the town to have a look-see at the local happenings.

On Friday night I took myself out to Modern Domestic for their open house. This fantastic place is just up the street from The little green cottage, lucky me. Let me tell y'all about this local gem...actually, why don't I let the folks of MD tell you themselves.

"Modern Domestic is a sewing studio and retail space offering two fully equipped classrooms, a comfortable seating area and a growing community of creative makers. We offer classes in sewing for all skill levels, whether you’ve never touched a machine before or you’re continuing your mastery of the craft. Our classes cover (but are not limited to): beginning sewing, sewing for kids and teens, felting, silk screen, intermediate and advanced sewing." -from the web site

Three lovely ladies from the neighborhood opened this venture together. I am so pleased it's just 'round the corner!

I felt immediately drawn in by the warm atmosphere, the dancing candle light, and the promise of a champagne cocktail.

Did I mention there were snacks?
The building is modern airy loft, clean lines and uncluttered, open space. With this in mind, I was impressed with how they managed to create an intimate feel to the space. A place you want to hang out and chat about bias binding, quilt batting or, the newest bakery up the street.
Clever, non-fussy displays with vintage detail were eye catching and educational.

A shelf with rows of sewing machine feet with descriptive cards telling you "what for".


Along the walls, you can see and touch the finished products from classes they offer. Which led me to make a long 'wish list' of classes that I'm itching to take. They also seem to carry all the best books.

In the upstairs classroom loft they had 'open sewing' available. During the festivities it was great to see some very clever crafty types working away on their projects. The whole atmosphere seems to be one of neighborhood and community. A truly friendly and comforting environment to learn and share.

They offer machines and tools for use while taking classes or for 'open sewing', which is pretty handy I think.

They also had some awesome giveaways...I didn't win but, I know that the folks who did are well and truly chuffed. Modern Domestic puts together terrific sewing kits with all the necessary tools to get you going down the goodly path of handmade. I'm thinking these little numbers would make stellar holiday gifts...for someone like myself for example. I'm just sayin'.

Though I didn't get to stay long, I am really glad I went. It was my first opportunity to really check out the place. They made me feel quite welcome. It was so nice to see my neighbors gathered in this cool place supporting small neighborhood business with heart. What's better than that?

If you live in the area or are planning to be in the area, please go say hi and sign up for a class.

I'll be back on Tuesday with Part 2 of Lola on the town. In which I tell all about Saturday's adventure to Little Winter, A Handmade Market!
Until then, I dare you to go have an adventure in your own back yard.

Hello Monday - Crafty Pile Up

This crisp fall Monday morning I have a lot to think about. I have set aside time to work, to craft, to create. Trouble is, there is a mess of projects waiting their turn for my attention. Like the improv piecing in the photo above, that is something I would like to work on.

There is the stuff I should work on...

The stuff I need to work on...

...and the stuff I really want to work on...

So what's it gonna be, pants for Pony Girl or, playing hooky?

What have you got going on?

A quick and crafty recycling tip

Just a quick tip for May Day bouquets or Mother's Day gifts. Paint, decoupage, wrap in paper or fabric, and otherwise decorate...those food cans! Good for flowers or, for mother's day - put some soil in with a little plant start. It's a perfect kid project, just watch out for any sharp edges.!

Old yarn, New tricks

So, I mentioned in my last post, that this year I was going to try to learn some new tricks. Over the holiday break, I had visions of unfettered crafty doings, what with the engineer off the week after Christmas, I was thinking that there would be all this time on my hands to do some handiwork. Turns out, it didn't quite muddle out that way. Instead there were some last minute gifts that needed finalizing...and I found myself wrapped up in the daily embrace of my families togetherness and kind of just pottered about with them. Then there was the big New Year's Basement Tidy, which took quite a lot out of me but, there is a nice clean slate to wreck my crafty havoc upon and that is good.

I did manage a few new tricks with my "crochet affair", which gives me hope for the future.



I received a couple of crochet books as gifts and have set about stumbling my way through the reading of patterns.

The turquoise square is from this book. I have only made up the one block so far and found it reasonable. I look forward to trying out some of the other blocks.

The other two motifs are from this book...

...which so far, I really like. I have heard that her other book is quite good as well.

I was also fortunate enough to receive a gift card that allowed me to purchase some yarn, which was becoming a point of anxiety due to the challenge and the fact that like the rest of the blogging world, I too have become crochet obsessed. Really, new yarn is such a fabulous thing.

The only thing I have made with my new yarn is the purple flower motif in the top photo. I am still stewing about it, thinking up ways to show it off in all it's glory.

Stay tuned for other new tricks and I will be back later this week with more. More of what you ask? One never can tell.