Nineteen days...

and counting until I've got to get everything pulled together for this years pirate party. I've gotten the invitations made and labeled to be passed out this week. I made a total of 30...

I also made some medals to pass out to the best dressed pirates. I used dollar store medals which I simply glued large rhinestone babbles on the base to pirate them up a bit...

I also bought a bag of twelve paddle balls for only $1.00 recently...
The instant I saw them I wanted to make them over into something "piratey"... so I did just that...

 I also added a pirate skull cap to a singing/animated stuffed animal...
yes, I'm goofing off....
big hugs~

Bottoms Up!

Even though this past weekend was a busy one for me, I did manage to hit a couple of yard sales. I was lucky enough to come across this red bull drink display stand for only $10.00. I was wanting something just like this to hold drinks in our backyard when we have parties. I have a really large standing/rolling ice chest that opens from the top--- but I was wanting something that would fit into our backyard pirate theme.

So, with that in mind I set out to transform it from Red Bull to Piratey fun! I easily pulled off the printed graphic on the outside of the drink display and wrapped some bamboo fencing to fit around the circumference. I used some rope wrapped around the bamboo to hold it all in place. Soooo Gilligan's Island right?
 
I love-love-love the clear lid on the top... I think at some point I'll add a vinyl skull and cross bones to the lid. But for now, it'll do...

I also picked up a fabulous wooden sea gull for only $1.00... and this metal hook/pulley for $6.00... happily, things are coming together!

big hugs,
 

Ruffled Tablecloth

*UPDATE*.... The event I was selling at this past weekend was theeeeee worst ever! It was laughable--- which I did a lot of! Oh well... at least the money I spent for the "space" will provide some income to the small business that is trying to eek out a business for herself. I did have a few sales and met some very nice people so the day wasn't a total waste of time!

I finished the ruffled tablecloth I was wanting to make for this weekends sale. *big sigh of relief*

 I used white sheets that I tore into various sizes then ruffled. I then stitched the ruffles onto a piece of fabric that goes around the table completely. I blogged about how to make easy ruffles here.
 I figured if I was committing to making a ruffled tablecloth, I might as well commit completely and do the entire skirt of the tablecloth, front, sides and back. My initial thought for the table top fabric piece was to use a piece of a quilt I had previously cut apart--- but I just couldn't bring myself to use it for this project. Luckily, I had in my fabric stash some ruched fabric that I picked up for a couple of bucks about a month ago. I love the look of the elegant ruched fabric with the shabbiness of the ruffles. Love-love-love it!

 I centered the seams of the tables skirt in the center of the table and left them un-stitched. I can either have it with the opening in the back for easy access to supplies, boxes and bags.... or pull the skirt open for a dramatic focal point to showcase something under the table.
I think it turned out rather well.... but I am definitely  ruffled out for quite some time...

I had one last fitting of the table cloth on the table before packing it up... and wouldn't you know it? The little stinker....

big hugs,
 

Covered Cushions-- done!

Well, I can cross off the cushion covers for the outdoor couch set off of my to do list.

I was all set to purchase outdoor fabric to cover the cushions but even at half price, I was looking at well over $200 bucks to cover them. So, I used the ol' stand-by.... canvas painters tarp. One $35 dollar tarp covered 9 cushions with left overs to boot!

I still need to paint the foot stool and the coffee table that match this set--- but for now--- here it is in all its glory.
I am so glad that huge project is behind me as I need to get ready for the show and sale I am participating in this Saturday. I started sewing a table cover that has rows and rows of ruffles on it. Well, ok to be truthful it only has one row of ruffles so far. Hmmmm do I really want to sit at my sewing machine and sew all that? Eh gawds... the thought of doing that makes me fussy!

Goofing around~

I have nine cushions I should be sewing covers for... instead I stitched up a colorful bunting for our pirate ship~

 This year I went with some bright reds--- polka dot and stripes~

 Then, I hung up some fish net curtains in the pirate store~

 Played with some pirate stuff~

 Stuck a wooden sea gull in a plant pot~ My husband found the life ring that says, "USS SHIP WRECK"

 Played in the pirate tattoo parlor. I got a huge bag full of rope for only .50¢.... score!

 Added some more sea shells to this bird bath~

 Anything to get out of sewing cushion covers! BoRiNg!!
big hugs,

Yarrrrghd Work

Last weekend I bought an old-old patio couch and chair set. My cat Pee-Wee and the neighbors cat Puss-Puss enjoy it very much. *wink* I bought some painters canvas to recover the cushions with, eventually.

 I've also been moving various pirate things around the yard. I never have the yard exactly the same from year to year.

 I bought a fabulous hammered fireplace bucket for only $2 at a yard sale today, the Cannas plant was only $3 at a yard sale as well. I guess if I really thought about it, practically everything in my yard came from a yard sale!

 Ahhhhhh look at Chum-Chum... what a love bug~

 Before you know it, it is going to be to hot to work in the yard. I am rushing to get everything in place before the heat comes to stay.

 big hugs,

Happy Birthday Banner

I love to rummage through old Halloween costumes at one of my favorite thrift stores. They have a huge selection all year long of fun outfits that I often times buy solely for the fabric. Recently, I came across a blue velvet two piece outfit that had gold thread applique across the bottom of the scalloped edge of the top. Upon first glance, I thought it looked very piratey and new I had to have it. The embroidery even has rhinestones throughout the design, its amazing. I bought the two piece outfit for $2.00.
 
I cut a large piece using the front of the shirt to create a birthday banner. I added white and black felt to spell out the words, "Arrrrrrgh, Happy Birthday"

I found a skull and crossbones online to use on the banner as well. No easy task, I tell ya. I have a huge-HUGE amount of flat backed rhinestones that I was able to use on this banner to add even more piratey magic. The elliptical shapes on the letters are black faceted rhinestones.... arrrrrrgh!

I wanted to hang the banner from a plastic sword, but it wasn't long enough. So, I simply cut it in half and extended the length of it by adding some foam core to the middle. I then glued the newly elongated sword to a long piece of 1x1 to give it some added strength.
Arrrrrrgh!
 
big hugs,