Friday, July 5, 2013

Recycled and Upcycled TOMS for Pink Saturday

My favorite old brown TOMS had seen better days…they were “water the lawn” shoes for sure…

TOMS Before

But I saw some pictures on Pinterest  of darling make-overs that had transformed shoes with fabric scraps and buttons…I had nothing to lose so I dragged out the scrap basket. First I picked colors…greens, browns, blues and Pinks, of course.

TOMS first layer  

Fabric glue held the squares in place…I used permanent washable glue hoping that the repairs will last through the summer. My friend, Lally, had just finished a couple of quilts and pieces of her fabrics found themselves in the first layer.  Next I added vintage tiny velvet flowers, lace, and buttons. The second layer was sewn down with dental floss since that seems really strong and easy to sew with. Oops, a sentence ending with a preposition…oh, well, it’s summer…I tried to keep similar colors and sizes on both sides so they would still look like a pair.

TOMS after

How’s that for reclaimed TOMS ready for the trash can? My nieces just saw them and they were a hit! Now I’m wearing a pair of  resurrected shoes out in public instead of kicking them off at the back door.

We’ll see how long they last, but hey, I have lots more glue and scads of buttons for the next layer…I hope the edges fray and soften a bit as time goes by. Well, that’s what I did on my summer vacation. Let’s head over to check in with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to check out how here Pink Summer is going.



Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.