Sometimes You Win, and Sometimes You Have To Try Again

I recently bought this really nifty vintage metal cabinet that had been painted white, but had no top. I found some wide wood boards at Home Depot, and made a top for the cabinet, then painted the cabinet, top and handles so they somewhat match the microwave.  I've been looking for something to use to set my KitchenAid on, as it's too tall to fit on the counter. I love the color and how it turned out.

I got it because I've been looking for something to use to set my KitchenAid on, as it's too tall to fit on the counter. I was hoping to set up a baking area on the right end of the counter, over where all my baking supplies are. Well the best laid plans went awry when I didn't measure the depth of the counter, taking into account that the heat register and the base board take up some space. It's okay at the other end of the counter, but totally defeats the purpose I got it for. I also have other things in mind for that area. So the search goes on, and this can go downstairs in the someday to be art studio, as it will match my desk perfectly. 

As you can see by the mess on the counter I'm still unpacking and trying to decide where everything will go. For now I need to go hunt down my shoes. I know they're in one of those boxes somewhere.....

Butterfly Bliss Upcycled Vintage Brooch Choker

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond. 

~Irish Blessing

Find this lovely choker at SIMPLY SHERYL'S

New Earring Holders Using Re-purposed, Up-cycled Graters a Work In Progress

These graters have outlived their usefulness as such, but I hate to throw anything away, especially a vintage treasure. They were used for at least 60 years by the same person, and don't really grate well. Why not turn them into  fun and funky earring hangers, trees, holders, whatever you want to call them. I still have a few finishing touches for them, and will post later.

Cottage Chic for Wedding Gifts

It's that time of year again, when unique and meaningful wedding gifts can be somewhat hard to find. With re-purposing and up-cycling such a popular trend, why not give a gift with purpose, style and charm. These pedestal style dishes are very useful for soaps in the bathroom. They keep the muck off the counter, eliminate plastic bottles on the counter, and look stylish. Or, you can use these for jewelry and rings, even candy. There are many possibilities! Visit Simply Sheryl's for more gift ideas.

Cottage Chic Soap Dish

A lovely pairing to create a sweet and pretty cottage chic jewelry tray or soap dish. See this at Simply Sheryl's etsy

Red is for Love Broken China Pendant Necklace

Red is for love, sacrifice, and redemption. All three have a connection in that when we love, we are willing to sacrifice, and redemption, true change can come when one feels love.

A bit of broken Memory Lane China by Royal became a lovely wire wrapped pendant, embellished with glass beads and silver findings. To see more about this stop by my etsy shop - Simply Sheryl's

Thrifty Thursday Upcycle Tip for Kitchens

I love yard sales, garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores! You can find so many treasures and come up with so many ways to use things otherwise thrown away. I have had this lattice work for a window hanging around for awhile. I knew what I wanted to do with it, but was waiting to get it painted. I think I only paid a couple of dollars for it, and I love how it looks as a hanger for kitchen gadgets. I still have to place it permanently, but I wanted to get an idea of how it would look so I tacked it up last year. There's still more spots to hang from but I need to redo my walls before I make this permanent. What I like is that it is unique, utilizes a wall that would otherwise be blank and empty as it's in a nook in the entry to the kitchen, but close to the stove. What do you think, keep it or trash it?

A Walk Down Memory Lane - Up-cycled Bleach Bottle Tote

 I have been wanting to do this since I took up crocheting again while watching TV with the folks at night. When I was about 12 or 13, Teri you might remember this, Mom taught a couple of 4-H classes in Joseph, Oregon.

 One of them was using bleach bottles to make totes out of. I couldn't remember how we did them exactly, as far as the stitching count, but I worked it out to where the top is not larger than the bottom in width. After I cut the top off as high as I could go, there's an actual ridge in the bottle you can use as a guide. Scissors work great after getting the hole started, I punched holes around the top edge, leaving about a quarter of an inch border on top. I then did a single crochet stitch in each hole, alternating between one and two stitches per hole. At the end of each row I slip stitched into the first stitch of each row and chained 2 for HDC and 3 for DC stitches, which I alternated rows of.  There's no hard and fast rule on how many rows to make, you decide how you want the tote to look.

I then made a crocheted draw string handle to match as I didn't have ribbon or fabric available. I also added the large crocheted flower and leaves. Can you see the possibilities with this idea? Next time you are thinking of tossing out a laundry detergent or bleach bottle, even a large juice bottle, why not give this a try.

Vintage Upcycling with Class....soap or jewelry dishes

 Okay, before I say anything else, the top soap dish is mine. Just saying. I have a dream for my bathroom in our little fix up cottage in Joseph, a turquoise and white, with gold and bronze themed bath. So I'm testing the waters in our apartment in Wendover, and I'm loving the results so far.

 For a romantic bed or bath, these lovely dishes are perfect! Think wedding or Valentines for that special someone, or treat yourself!

These are upcycled vintage tea cup saucers without their mates, that I've added bases to to give them new life and a new purpose. You can find these inexpensive giftables at  SIMPLY SHERYL'S