Waste Not, Part 1: Handmade Home

During the last month I was determined not to waste my break from school. I wanted to make sure I spend as much time as I could doing things I loved with people I loved. So, I decided to create a little series of posts called "Waste Not".

The first one is called "Handmade Home." I decided to make the majority of my Christmas presents to family this year. It was so fun!!!! I didn't end up saving any money, but hey, it was totally worth it!

Gathering supplies:

For everyday:

For Christmas:

Before:

After:

When Christmas was over, I was lucky enough to have some left over materials. So, I broke out my new sewing machine that my parents gave me for my (cough, cough) 30th birthday a few months ago.

I have tried to learn to sew several times during my life, but never able to really stick to it. I was a little nervous but decided to use some cute handkerchiefs I found at Hobby Lobby to make pillows. I thought, "If I mess up, who cares?!"

Well, God was good and let me come up with these!

I was so thrilled, this led to more blue and brown--a color combination I have LOVED for a long time.

I found this brown pillow cover at Hobby Lobby on clearance and I made some cute little fabric flowers.

I made some smaller candlesticks and attached the little glasses on top. Everything I made was used with a gift from Heaven: Gorilla Glue Epoxy. If you've ever used it, you know what I'm talking about. That stuff rocks!

I had these bare wood frames, painted them with my Rustolium Aqua spray paint, added some cute ribbon, and viola! Aren't they cute!? (I must say, that is the best bow I have ever tied in my life! I was so excited about it.)

A friend of mine directed me to some BEEEEA-U-TI-FUL curtains at Hobby Lobby. I had no idea they sold curtains. I know they're not homemade, but if buy them at Hobby Lobby it's close isn't it?

I'm so thankful to have had this time to use my hands for something other than taking notes for the last month. Don't get me wrong, I've loved school, but there is something so sweet about creating things and then giving them away or using them to make your home more comfortable and inviting for guests (and yourself). ;)

Many of you know what I mean when I refer to "The Proverbs 31 Woman". Typically, some of us will sigh and roll our eyes, believing that she is an example of an unattainable goal. I'm right there with you, but just because it seems so far away doesn't mean we should try for it. I'm no where near being "The Proverbs 31 Woman" but I do love the verses that say:

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.... her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy....

I don't know about you, but I could definitely learn a little more about "working with eager hands" and the later verse that says she "watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness".

Lord, make my arms and my self discipline stronger and thank You for the sweet time to be creative!