Birdbath Planter

This is our birdbath converted into a planter. I've planted some Wingpod Purslane (aka Portulaca) that's blooming. Right behind it is an Elephant Bush that is an evergreen succulent. To the left and below is a Dazzleberry Sedum that is beginning to bloom and will have huge, brilliant raspberry colored flower clusters. They may outgrow the planter and I'll have to replant.

 

Our cast iron hummingbird rain gauge is staked in the ground and perched over our planter which sits atop a tree stump.

Succulent Planter

I feel I hit the jackpot when I picked up the Succulent Combo from the Garden Center! I planted them in our concrete planter and they are thriving!
 

 

 

 

 

 

The plethora of plants from Left to Right, Top to Bottom are:

Paddle Plant Kalanchoe, Coppertone Sedum, Topsy Tury Echeveria, Rainbow Bush, Pencil Tree Spurges (Sticks on Fire), Leatherpetal, and String of Pearls. I love my Plant ID App!

Summer Canvas Tote Bags

I sewed these Tote Bags and used outdoor canvas for the exterior and natural cotton canvas for the lining all of which I had in my stash.  Each has 3 interior pockets. Measure 13' H  (with 9" handles) 15" L x 5" W. Very spacious and durable bag. 

Versatile tote. Great to pack for summer day trips. Use it to go shopping, head to the beach, use as your book bag when you visit the library or to store your knitting.

 These tote bags were inspired by Laura over at Sew Very Easy. She offers a free downloadable pattern that's easy to follow.
 

This Morning's Trail Hike

 Spotted these on my walk this morning. Learned this is Golden Ragwort (Packera Aurea). 

A weedy perennial that's a member of the aster family and makes a beautiful golden groundcover.

"The ragworts, growing up so straight,
Are emperors who stand in state,
And march about, so proud and bold,
In crowns of fairy-story gold."
              ~ Frances Darwin Cornford

     (Frances was the  granddaughter of the well known and respected naturalist Charles Darwin.)

Flowers In All Forms

I used a petal template from Clover to create these fun fabric flowers. Works well with fabric that's the same on the 'wrong' side which was why I chose burlap and batik fabrics. 

After cutting out your petals you fold them in quarters (essentially you're cutting out circles for the petals) and through the center or the pointed part of the petal you insert a threaded needle as you stack or gather the petals. 

Once you've stacked enough petals, secure by knotting the thread. Pull apart the folds to create a nice full flower! Stitch your button of choice into the center. I used brooch pin clasps to stitch onto the backs

I've seen this done with hot glue instead of stitching including hot gluing your button and the pin on the back. Plenty more tutorials on the web!

 

Hobo Shoulder Bag

I sewed this Hobo Shoulder Bag using vintage floral fabric from my stash and denim for the lining. This also makes the bag reversible! 

 It has a tie closure to keep your belongings snug.

The bag folds up and wraps with the tie so you can toss it in your purse, quite handy when you run across those unexpected tag sales!

Thread Bowls

 This was a fun project creating Thread Bowls using water soluble stabilizer. I made bowls but you can create other 3D sculptural shapes.

Place fabric snippets (or ribbon, leaves lace, etc.) between layers of stabilizer then Free Motion Stitch while its in the hoop. Wet your creation just enough to melt the stabilizer and drape over your choice of bowl and let dry.

First time ever trying this so my attempt was rough and rather random but I was pleased with the interesting result!

More detail instructions are available online.