What Can I Do With This? Yard Sale Finds From The 'Boro

Painting with Necklace

Who else likes yard sales and thrift stores? I love them because I can always find unusual objects to use in my arts and crafts. Today, I found a sunflower painting on canvas and a vintage amber colored necklace with a huge focal bead. I also got a paisley cotton sheet at Goodwill on Memorial in Murfreesboro, TN. Total cost of these materials = 5.50 dollars!

The sheet was 1.00 dollar and I harvested almost 3 yards of pure cotton fabric. The painting, which needs a little love and care to clean it up was 3.00 at a yard sale. Also found at the same yard sale was the necklace for 1.00 dollar. Now that is a lot of fun materials to work with for a small price. The big question that remains is, what am I going to do with it? I think I am going to clean up the painting and embellish it with metallic ink and rubber stamps, disassemble the necklace and salvage the beads, and turn the fabric into fabric ribbons. In the last picture, you can see some mixed media cards with metallic die cuts and the paisley fabric. I harvested a lot of fabric from the sheet, so I have plenty left to do more with, yay!
Before cutting the sheet with a rotary cutter, I put it through the washer and dryer twice to make it appear a little more worn and shabby. 

Close Up Necklace



Spot On Painting



Mixed Media Using Paisley Cotton Sheets From Goodwill

Make A Bucket 'O Love

My neighbor, owner of the Etsy shop NancyK4u, and resident of Murfreesboro, TN, made me this cute craft bucket as a Valentine's Day Gift. I loved it so much, that I decided to blog about this, in case anyone else has bits and pieces of craft material to wrap up as rainy day craft packs. I think kids, in particular, would enjoy a themed kit of materials to create the day away.

Handmade Valentine's Craft Gift Bucket

Inside the bucket were various bundles of scrap fabrics on spools, twine, mini clothespins and colored string. There are many things you could do with these materials, such as make homemade Valentine's Day cards, but the first things I did were use the items to make a tiny, decorative bunting and to wrap a plain bar of soap that I made, for a more festive appearance. I plan to glue the red burlap around the outside of mason jars for a decorative pencil jar. These supplies could also be useful for making collages or scrapbooking.

The pictures below are examples of the items in the gift bucket and some quick projects I made with the craft supplies. So, next time you have leftover string, buttons, paper shapes, fabric, and other materials, you can always group the odds and ends together in inspiration packs, put them in a cute container, and have an original gift for a crafty friend or and emergency kit for bored kids. Thanks for the gift, Nancy!

Spools of Fabric

Twine and Mini-clothespins

Bunting to Hang

Wrapping a Bar of Soap

Castille Soap All Wrapped Up

Reeves Sain: Your Destination For Shipping With Pleasure



Reeves-Sain on Memorial in Murfreesboro



Skip the busy main post office and ship your parcels at Reeves Sain in Murfreesboro; they make going to the Post Office a pleasant trip! Inside the drug shore, you can find gifts, a pharmacy, a soda fountain, and the US Post Office. They also serve famously delicious milk shakes and sell shipping supplies. Next time you need to mail your creations, check out this festive local venue. I recommend the home made cakes and salads to eat.

Reeves-Sain is located on Memorial in Murfreesboro, in front of Haynes Hardware. 



Unique Gifts




Soda Fountian




Inexpensive Shipping Supplies




Friendly Employees




Pile of Packages for Christmas Mailing




Great Tasting Food and Beverages



Made in TN With a Fall Flair

Autumn and craft show season is right around the corner. What a great time to enjoy the colors and flavors of Tennessee. Today I am going to show you some pictures of cute and unique fall items, handmade here in Tennessee. After the pictures will be a list of online shops where you can purchase these items; however, our crafters will also be making an appearance at many local craft shows and events. Follow us here and on Facebook to find out when and where these events are happening: http://www.facebook.com/TennesseeCrafts

Artisans from top to bottom:


VintageHoneyShop, Nashville:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageHoneyShop

RebeccasAccents, Woodbury:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RebeccasAccents

Girl216Designs, Nashville:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Girl216Designs

NRSVampChick, Clarksville:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NRSVampChick

Jamie Bowwe, Murfreesboro:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JamieBowwe

Mylana, Murfreesboro:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mylana

AlittleBitofJoy, Nashville:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ALittleBitofJoy

A New Craft Fair At MTSU, Table Fees To Benefit Student Organizations

Zadzukki, from Smyrna, TN is organizing a brand new craft fair to happen this fall at MTSU. There will be a 5.00 dollar table fee. Yes, you read that right, only 5.00 dollars for a 6 ft table; however, 10% of your revenue will be donated to MTSU student activities and clubs.


You can see Zadzukki's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Zadzukki



She is 22 years old and her sister is a student at MTSU, they are helping to organize the craft fair and raise money for university clubs. The craft fair will be held Wed. Nov 2nd. You don't need to be on Etsy to attend. Shopping by everyone is highly encouraged! And you can follow the discussion here and contact Zadzukki for updates through Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/middle-tennessee-etsy-team/discuss/8690349/page/1


The time is yet to be announced, but I will update on the blog as we get closer to the date.


The items pictured in this post are from Zadzukki's shop and similar to what she will be selling at the craft fair. Follow this blog or contact her directly for the latest updates.

A New Team Avatar and Name, New Members Welcome!

Whether you live in Tennessee, or your heart lies here, come join us! We now have a new team name and avatar to reflect the desire to grow and include everyone who loves this state to share in what local artisans are creating and celebrate the unique shopping experiences Tennessee has to offer!

Sunday Shop

Jennifer Mills of MillsDesignCo has a firm grip on what vintage is really all about: the love of fashion.
You won't find just any old thing in her shop. The things you find in her shop are things that aspiring designers have been striving to create for decades. 
These wonderful wing tip heels are something that you would buy first. Then you would search for the perfect complimenting dress later. They don't make shoes like this anymore. 

You can't tell me that this vintage wedding dress wasn't something you would plan a wedding around. Look at the lace detail. The back has beautiful buttons all the way down to the bottom of your bum. 

My favorite of her featured pieces is this leather belt. This belt would do fabulously with a button up shirt-dress and some cowboy boots. You could pair it with a plain sundress. You could even put it with a dark green cardigan and tan skirt. The possibilities are endless.


Do you have favorite places to dig for your fashion treasures?
I love going to estate sales. I have made friends with some people in my area who host estate sales so they usually let me have a sneak peek at the sale before everybody else :) I also go to a lot of yard sales and thrift stores with my Mother-In-Law. We started hunting for goodies together about five years ago and it became a weekend ritual! 


Are there any specific items that you love finding?
Oh goodness...are there any specific items that I DON'T love finding?! haha! Truthfully, I love everything! But I have a soft spot for apparel: clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories. I like luggage and housewares too, but not as much as I love clothes and shoes! 


What is your favorite time period for fashion?
I love the 1940's and 50's when the heels were thick and women were really beginning to venture out in their style. Dresses and shoes were unique and made with love. There's nothing better than the style of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly....Those ladies really set an example for future generations and left their fingerprints on specific styles that will never be forgotten. I mean, who can look at a white halter dancing dress and not think of Marilyn?!


What started your passion for vintage?
Well, I've always loved old stuff! When I was a young teenager my Mom and I went to my Grandmother's house to help clean out the basement...I came across a big box of clothes from the 60's - 70's and fell in love! I spent all of 8th grade in my Mom's old polyester shirts and bell bottom jeans! All of my friends would say, "Wow! Where did you get that shirt?" I never told anybody that my clothes were 30 years old! As I got older, my passion for vintage clothes broadened from groovy jeans and bold patterns to more classy styles that I could wear out to dinner with my husband. Now, at 30 years old... it's become more of lifestyle than a hobby.


Thank you so much, Jennifer for participating in this week's Sunday Shop. 


-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team

featured shop: MillsDesignCo.
featured shop's fb fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mills-Design-Co/106403369393877?sk=wall

Sunday Shop

Annie Dee's Designs is in bloom this spring with lovely hair accessories. From sweet pink satin to dark black silk, you can find something to match any spring dress or evening gown.

This yellow hair clip would be great for an Easter dress.This flower is made of organza and tulle fabric. It would complement a bright orange, royal blue or even a cream dress. 

This hair flower was made with baby blue chiffon, ivory chiffon, and white organza. It is simple enough for a picnic, but elegant enough for a dinner out. 

And in case you thought hair accessories was it, you can also find colorful, crocheted Easter eggs for any Easter basket. 

When did you start crafting?

I've always done something creative. My mom sewed the majority of my clothes and did hand embroidery. I took art lessons from the time I was 7 through high school. It's just always been a part of me - to craft and draw, create things.

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorites change frequently, but currently my favorite is my crochet projects. It's such a versatile craft - you can create anything!

What are your favorite colors to work with?

I love spring colors - bright and soft. Lots of color!

Do you have anything new that you would like to try in the future?

I would love to learn how to knit!

Thanks, Annie, for participating!

Be sure to check out her shop for all of your hair accessories!

- The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team

featured shop: Annie Dee's Designs
featured shop's fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/anniedees

Sunday Shop

Our featured seller this week is Nancy. If you want pillow fillers NancyK4U is the shop to go to... BUT while you're there look around, because she has a lot of colorful, fun things in her shop. You'll especially like them if you have kids or know anyone with kids. 

Her create-a-story pillows are the most creative thing that I've seen for children in a while. Dragon with a Wagon encourages a child's active imagination. All you have to do is ask the child a few questions about the colorful illustration, and you've got an entire story.  

Her birthday pillows are similar to the create-a-story pillow. Except that the Happy Birthday Pillows have a little pocket on the back of the pillow to hold a note, a card, or even some cash.

Another child-friendly item in Nancy's shop is the Snapkin. It's a giant napkin with a drawstring close. It's a convenient way to take snacks to go. So, not only is it great for kids, it's good for hiking or any other outdoor activity. It a great idea!

How long have you been sewing, Nancy?

I learned to sew on a treadle (which I still have) when I was about 8, I have never stopped since.
I was always fascinated watching my mother take apart a dress with a full skirt, lay it out and end up with dresses for my sisters and I or a fashionable '60 style for herself.

What made you jump on the Etsy train and start selling?

I think a friend suggested I check it out. When I saw the low listing fees I decided to try it out. My intention was to make pillow covers and offer inserts to go with them...haha, I don't think I ever sold a cover but I sell quite a few inserts! Everything else in my shop is an idea of mine and fun for me to do.

How do you come up with the ideas for your pillows?

The art pillows (which are-(heart)-on a pillow) came one night when it was quiet and I was remembering how (as a child) I always drew pictures while telling a story about the picture in my head. It starts with something that rhymes; Dragon with a wagon, little gray mouse with a big brown house. The birthday and tooth fairy pillows....just because, an alternative to a card? Something cozy and fun? :D

Very fun!

There is so much more in her shop. Stop by and check it out. 

Thanks for the interview Nancy! 

-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team

Featured Shop: NancyK4U

featured shop's fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fine-Linen-Scarlett/253433719247?sk=wall

Sunday Shop

Clare Corcoran has been making soaps and candles for 10 years. Her shop Mylana features a bright, upbeat variety of soaps and candles. Not only that, but she has also mastered the art of jewelry. Her pieces are fun and romantic. This beautiful Silver Snake Chain necklace with a vintage look has interchangeable pendants. Every piece of jewelry that Clare makes is one of a kind, because she uses a lot of found materials. Not only are they individualistic - they are also eco-friendly.




I would have to assume that a love for cooking inspired this adorable 22oz Blackberry Jam Candle. It looks delicious. My children would have a hard time trying not to eat it if it was in my kitchen. Who am I kidding? So would I. 
It is wax suspended in a wax gel. It will burn for over 100 hours and weighs two pounds. 
All of the candles and soaps in Mylana are limited edition until Clare can get a studio to increase her production.

This Vegan Herbal Mint Soap is great because it's minty, not sweet. You can buy it for men or women. 


Clare, how long have you been crafting and what got you started?
I have been making candles since high school and soap since college. I got started making candles from a kit at a church rummage sale when I was 14 or 15 and then when I was in college, my mom worked for a publishing group and they were publishing some books on crafts and soapmaking. She brought the books home and it looked awesome, but the supplies were hard to find, since not everyone had the internet. In 2000, I discovered Brambleberry, a great online supplier, and made my first cold process (from scratch) soap. I started doing jewelry in 2010 after my husband died as a form of meditation and finding peace.
I got started in etsy after my husband died of cancer at age 34. He loved Regretsy and had the book, so my sister contacted Regretsy about making him an urn, because I couldn't afford an urn or anything fancy. Here is the story:www.regretsy.com/2010/09/17/for-tim/

I started thinking about the urn and how it has references to Irish things, World of Warcraft, dragons and all sorts of things Tim loved, and that got me thinking about etsy. One week after he died, I tied up loose ends there and my place of employment had gone out of business, so I decided to get rid of almost everything and move to TN from WI to start over. My mom and dad used to live in Gallatin for his work, but I chose Murfreesboro because the VA is here and I served in Afghanistan, so I use the VA hospital and I don't have a car. When I got to TN, I didn't have a job or much money besides a small pension from the VA (I got medically retired when I was 26 for a non-combat related disease that I had diagnosed while overseas) and I had a lot of time on my hands, so I decided to get to work crafting and start working on making an etsy store.

Sometimes I wonder if my stuff is good enough to sell, but I think about Tim and his regretsy urn and all that ugly stuff they find that people are selling, and suddenly, my stuff doesn't look half bad!
I think we can all agree with that!




What are some big differences between Wisconsin(where you're from) and Tennessee?
[Murfreesboro] is very hard to get around as a pedestrian, no crosswalks, lots of traffic, and no bus service on weekends. 
Health care at the Va is great and accessible. It is clean and has a more diverse population than Stevens Point. I have a BA in Spanish, and while I have forgotten a lot, there is more opportunity here to use it. The climate is also nice and mild.
Back in WI, the population of the cities are a lot smaller, but they seem a lot more progressive environmentally, easier to navigate on bike or on foot, and more friendly to small business. There are a lot of farmer's markets and interesting shops and eateries that are not chains. Supporting local business is important to me and there is not a lot here in Murfreesboro that I have found. I do like the Bargain Center thrift store though. I buy a lot of candle jars there.

How long have you been playing WoW?

Tim and I used to play World of Warcraft together a lot, since he was very sick for a long time and couldn't do much else. We started playing in 2008, and our first characters that we played together were Mylana (me, a troll priestess) and Thornhide (him, an orc rogue). I chose Mylana for my shop so that my online friends could find my stuff easily and because the game was such a fun thing we could do together up until the end. He did not have insurance when he got diagnosed with cancer, so his online friends from wow pitched in together before he died so we could come here to TN on vacation. He was supposed to come with me and be part of a clinical trial in Nashville.
That's very romantic that you would name your shop after something that you and your husband did together. 

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorite thing to make are candles, but the supplies are also the most heavy, expensive, and hard to get, so I don't do it often. 

Stop by her shop, Mylana, and show Clare some love! 
And thanks so much, Clare, for letting us pick your brain for this week's feature! I hope that you get to have your own studio in the near future. 


-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team




featured shop: www.mylana.etsy.com
featured shop's fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/Mylana.creations


EDIT: 


PS. I have one of Clare Corcoran's candles in my home now. Delish! Get one for your home!