'before' and after

There's probably no point to 'before and after' shots when you forget to take the 'before' pics, but I had to share my new/old coffee table. It was a standard height, rustic, farmhouse style kitchen table. We picked it up at an antique store and I knew it would be perfect. You can tell it was most likely handmade as the top is a little off from the base.
The base was painted a turquoise/green which wasn't bad, just not the color I wanted. I have used this lighter green on a few other things and just love it. The top was very dry, gray and stained from years of use. I like the worn look of it so just applied a clear varnish and the color changed to such a rich, warm brown. The reason I didn't get pics right away is because we had to saw the legs down in the parking lot just to get it in our rather small car! I have wanted a bigger coffee table because I do a lot of projects in this room and need the space to spread out.
My latest project is what I am calling 'felted tiles'. I have wanted to do some felting, but wanted a project I could still incorporate my embroidery and crochet into.
I crocheted the squares and then hand felted them. I like to leave some of the crocheting effect visible for added texture.
Then I added the embroidery leaving the knotted and tasseled ends for added interest.
I like polka dots so this one got crocheted dots.
I am not completely satisfied with these yet, but I have lots of ideas so will keep experimenting.
So this is what I have been doing lately. We still are having off and on miserable weather, still waiting to start gardening. Have to keep busy!

bags on etsy

I decided to work on some pouch bags to list on etsy. These two were finished a while ago
and it's a nice break from the usual. I particularly like the deep red of this wool. The little two tone leaves were fun to do.
I used both size 8 and size 5 perle cotton on this one which gave it more texture.
Both are listed in my etsy shop. I'm currently working on one in blue that I might add some beautiful beads to from my ever increasing stash. I have a show in June I need to stock up for, so back to work!

lovely gifts from Liz

What a wonderful surprise today to go out to the mail box and find a nice fat package from Liz. I so enjoy her blog and was very excited to see what goodies lied within!
I knew it would be beautifully wrapped- a lovely vintage lace piece and one of Liz' pretty handmade tags. I do admire her tags! The lace is hand crocheted so I can really appreciate the workmanship- such a pretty pattern.
I must confess I knew lavender was included because the package smelled divine even before I opened it! It is my absolute favorite! I was delighted to see these beautiful hand sewn sachets:
There are 4 of them! Even the ribbons are wonderful- I carefully wound them up and saved them for a future project. Just my colors!
Each one has such pretty seed packet pictures on them. As you can see from my last post I love the graphics on seed packets. This is such a special gift and came at just the right time. I think we all could use a lovely Springtime boost like this. While I am doing spring cleaning I will pop a sachet here and there and enjoy the scent of lavender. Thank you so much, Liz! Not only for these gifts, but also your friendship!