What do wine bottles, wire hangers and fabric have in common?  Trade Show displays!  If you are like me there is a certain amount of guilt involved when you empty any kind of glass container and then throw it in the trash.  I am even known to keep plastic containers from drink mixes, seasonings and unique packaging.  In my mind I think I could do something with that. So I put it into my cabinet along with the other salvaged items and wait for inspiration.  Well my cabinet is getting pretty full so being on the verge of culling some things, I decided to make a few displays for my crafts.

Look how snazzy these are!  The material I used on the displays is a polyester knit. It has some sparkle and drapes beautifully.  You would hardly know that these trade show displays are made with wine bottles and wire hangers!

So many different types of crafts could be displayed on them like knitted wear and sewn collars or even scarves and jewelry.  The best part is you probably already have everything in your house right now to make them.

A little sneak peak for you at the wire hanger bends.....

Click on the link below to download the pattern for these trade show displays.  I have included a printout that you can lay your hangers on top of to make sure the wire is bent in the appropriate shape and size.  Don't forget to weight the bottles with glass beads or small pebbles so your merchandise will be stable.  I hope you have enjoyed this post, pass on what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!

Much like my previous post on "Undermade Dolls" this project was so enjoyable.  The little doll was found in a second hand store and came without clothes and feet. In the picture below you can see how she looked right after I purchased her with the price tag still on her belly. Great care was taken to clean her up by washing and conditioning her hair.  The factory face paint was carefully taken off also and a new face painted on and sealed. Her feet/shoes were hand colored and molded and clothes were sewn especially for her.  A portion of the factory hair was pink and because of the location it was strategically trimmed to remove most of it. Once braided, the pink is barely noticeable. Several inches were also taken off as the ends were damaged and prone to tangling.

Here she is all ready to go in her bedtime story PJs.  Can you say Hey Diddle Diddle?

The change is unbelievable when you look at them side by side.  I am working toward finding a very special home that she will go to be played with and cherished.  One less used toy in a landfill.  I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!

One of the best feelings in the world is finishing a project that you are making for a particular person and imagining how they will feel receiving it.  Even better is the genuine surprise when you happen to see that person actually using what you have made for them.  Not only using it occasionally but keeping it in their daily rotation of everyday items.  I frequent thrift shops and clearance sales and have a difficult time passing up anything crafty.  On a recent shopping trip I came across a purse kit.  These are like treasure to sewers because most of the work is already done for you!  The fabric is coordinated and is usually already cut to size.  When I purchased the kit I did not have an idea of who I might make it for but a friend's daughter was graduating from college and I knew it would be perfect.  Her major is art and every artist needs a great bag they can sling around with.  This young lady is also very trendy so I knew I could go a little over the top with my embellishments.

I had some black velvet in my stash that I used to create an outer pocket with. Before stitching it on the purse I used my embroidery machine and some "Girly Skulls " by "Designs by Sick(Link) . (no affiliation)

I also used some designer stiches on my sewing machine to make the handle of the purse a little more fun.

The polka dot fabric came in the kit but I had some pink fabric that I used to add an inside pocket to catch those smaller items that always wind up floating around.  The label was added so she would know it was made especially for her.

When I finished and wrapped it up, I sent it on it's way with best wishes thinking I would never see it again..

What a sweet surprise to see it being used!

Just like I imagined but even better in person!  I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!