Leather Purse Restyle

 This is the first time I have attempted a restyle on anything besides fabric. It was so fun!! I used the mantra "If I don't like it, its not done yet..." and that really worked for me. This sedate little bag got the full Gypsy treatment. I can't wait to get my hands on more of these little gems!!

 A vintage wallpaper flower.

Collage-style front pocket.

Available for purchase under Gifts With Heart on Etsy!

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GIFTS WITH HEART!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is the official launch of my newest project: Gifts With Heart! There could not be a better day to start this adventure. Two months ago, December 14th 2012, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut rocked that community, our country and the world. There is no making sense of such an unthinkable day. For me, as the numbness and shock slowly wore away I was left with an overwhelming sadness. But as sad as I was, I still had my own children and so very much to be grateful for.

Slowly, even in the worst of times, life continues. Kids go back to school, errands need done, bills need paid...and so it goes. I have not been able to stop thinking about the parents, families and friends who live in Newtown and how hard it would be to continue - to be forced to find a "new normal." The need for support, counseling, time and love is huge. No one, let alone an entire community, just moves on without obstacles. I wondered what could I do?? I am one person; just a mom who lives on the opposite side of the country with no direct link to Connecticut. But a recurring thought kept coming back to me - "We can't do it all, but what if we all did a little?"

With that thought in mind I decided to take a baby step in the right direction. Do what I can now, within my abilities and hopefully it will be one more drop to help fill up someone else's cup. And so Gifts With Heart was born! Available on Etsy, all proceeds from Gifts With Heart will go to causes close to my own heart, beginning with the United Way of Western Connecticut, Sandy Hook Fund. There is no end date...just when it feels right.

I hope you will visit Etsy and I invite you to check back as there will be new items going up regularly as well as featured artists who are pitching in the help make a difference. I am excited about this...and a bit nervous. It won't produce millions but I believe whole heartedly that no matter what, it all adds up! Lets remember those 26 beautiful souls as we reach out to those they left behind by giving Gifts With Heart.

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Upcycled Butterfly Bag

This bag caught my eye because of the color and texture but it was a tad plain. I dug into my wool stash and fussy cut a simple butterfly shape then added some bling for the body. Voila! An easy, cute project that got a lot of notice at the craft bazaar recently. 

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PUBLISHED!!! (exciting stuff)

My first time in a beautiful publication!

I am so excited and grateful to announce that my restyled purse "Vintage Station" is included in the October issue of Haute Handbags magazine! There are many, many beautiful bags and purses of all types in this publication and to be among them means a lot to me. I hope you have a chance to check it out and enjoy all of the incredibly talented artists who are included.

This is the back side of the purse, not pictured in the magazine.

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Funky Messenger Bag

Nothing like a little "Before and After!" I had a lot of fun and was excited to see how this bag turned out. My "plans" went out the window and serendipity kicked in - I love it when that happens!

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Purse-A-Palooza!

I am such a junky!! Who needs THREE new purses? Apparently, I do! These were thrifty finds this week and my immediate plan was to restore and sell...but now I'm thinking I might keep one, or two! They are so unique and funky I can imagine a need for all three! We'll see. Happy, happy weekend!

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