Collectibles

Over the years I've had many "collections."  Everything from dolls and plates to milk bottles and clocks.  It's always fun to find clever ways to display your collectibles.  Today we stopped at a yard sale and I was able to snag 3 wrought iron plate holders for just eight dollars.  A fresh coat of paint and they'll be a perfect place for some of my collector plates.

Item of the Day

How about a collection of collies.  This porcelain collectible comes from CJ Marchese and is priced at $15.00.  This beautifully detailed piece is made by Andrea by Sadek.

School Field Trips

I just had to share this today.  This morning as were sitting here in the store a parade of children passed by the window.  We watched as they passed all of the stores in the plaza, crossed the parking, passed by the stores on the other side, crossed back over the parking lot, and then headed towards Broad River Road apparently on their way back to Dutch Fork Elementary School which is just down the road.  I was just too curious and had to ask what it was all about.  One of the chaperons told me it was a "community field trip."  Now I know times are tough and funds for school trips just aren't there, but I certainly would have not been excited at that age to just walk by some stores.  I hope next time they plan one of these they at least let the store owners know.  I could have at least handed out some lollipops or something, maybe some coupons to take home to the parents. :-)

Item of the Day

Made by Susan Crawford this cute skirt is upcycled from a pair of jeans.  Susan offers these skirts in sizes 2 through 7 in a variety of patterns and styles.  So cute and unique, your little girl will definitely feel special wearing one of these.  $16.00  Susan will make larger sizes upon request.

It's Officially Fall

Well the other day fall officially began.  What that means to some here in South Carolina is a trip to the beach.  The summer crowds are gone and the temperature is still mild.  If you can't make to the beach you can always bring a little bit of it to you with today's...

Item of the Day

Artist Debbie Plowman works with shells, sea glass, and other objects found at the beach.  Her "signature" mark of small sea turtle can be found in each of her pieces.  Most of her pieces are large but she has done several small pieces for us that sell for just $10 each.  These are the perfect accents to hang in small areas or in a table top vignette. 

Better late ...

So, it took a little bit of time but I'm finally posting the instructions for the magazine page bag.  I had decided to try a video tutorial instead of trying to write out all of the steps.  My daughter helped out and since I'm very camera shy, was instructed to only photograph my hands.  Now keep in mind that whenever I hear my recorded voice I don't believe that's what I really sound like and now that I see it my hands should be camera shy too...  Plus we did this with no editing whatsoever (as you'll be able to tell by the crying baby in the background) and for some reason it was divided up into 4 parts.  Not exactly riveting entertainment but it is our very first attempt.  Well, here it is, Grandma's House's first ever (and possibly the last) video tutorial ... Magazine Page Bag in 4 parts ...

Item of the Day

This pair of pretty earrings was made by none other then our very own Melissa.  Lovely topaz colored glass beads on silver plated ear wires with black and silver accent beads.  These are on sale now for $10.00

Where did September Go?

I know I say this way too often but where did the time go.  We're already past the midpoint of September.  Before you know it Halloween will be here and then in a flash Thanksgiving will over and we'll all start to stress about Christmas.  I don't know about you, but I was just getting used to 2013 and 2014 is knocking at the door.  Anyone know the secret to make time stand still...at least for a little while so I can catch up.

Item of the Day

This cute collection of items are handcrafted by Kairi Kannik.  These felted pumpkins and spider are perfect decorations for the fall.  Large pumpkin sells for $8 while the small one sells for $4.  The spider is available for $8.00.  He has such a personality I really think he deserves a name.  Take him home with you and give him a name to match his personality.

A sense of Timelessness

I've always thought that one of the cool things about being "famous" was that you got to live forever.  Now I know that famous people are not immortal, but their lives are so "recorded" they are remembered for generations after they are gone.  All of the movie stars of the past are still remembered today and in our minds are as young and beautiful as they were in their prime.  Today is the birthday of my brother who passed away a few years ago.  But because of social media, the everyday person also gets to be frozen in time.  I can still visit the "pages" of departed friends and family, and even leave them messages.  Somehow I'm comforted by that.

Just my ramblings for the day....  

Item of the Day

What kid wouldn't love getting clean with a soap and scrubby that looked like an ice cream cone.  Brought to you by Rhonda Martin owner of Angel Kisses Bath Boutique.

New Etsy Shop

On a personal note today, I'm opening a new shop on Etsy.  I had one many years ago and sold my Faerie doors from there.  They were a pretty popular item, and I may just bring some back because I really loved making them.  The shop, Grandmas General Store, only has a few items in it so far and I still need to work on all the small details like a banner and store policies, but I was excited to get it started as quickly as possible.  Hope you stop by and visit...let me know what you think.

Item of the Day

Available at Grandma's House

Today's item is this most adorable mini terrarium in a light bulb shaped bottle.  Made by Janice Lane of  Inspired Lane on Etsy, this item sells for $6.00.  This plant is so easy to care for it's perfect for any home or office.

Monday Morning Quick Craft

Today's craft was a paper bag flower.  Made basically like the standard tissue paper flowers these are just smaller versions.  There are tons of possibilities with these little cuties and they are so easy you'll want to make a bunch.  Here's what you'll need:

• Small brown lunch bag
• Scissors
• Twine
• Markers or crayons optional
• Scrapbook decorative scissors optional

Start by cutting down the seam of the bag.  I used the fancy edged scissors but regular scissor will work fine too.

Next cut off the bottom of the bag.

Cut off the remaining piece of the seam.  Don't worry if you forget this step it will still work out just fine.

Now just scribble away, this is a good thing for little kids to help with.  You can do one side or both with any colors and designs you'd like.  I just did a multi-colored scribble on one side.  Once you're done, cut the bag into 4 even pieces.  In other words cut it in half and then cut those in half again.  Again,I used my decorative scissors but you can use plane ones if you'd like.

Stack the four pieces up and do an accordion fold.  Just like you used to do to make a fan as a child.

When you're done folding tie a piece of twine around the middle.  I like to wrap it twice by first making the knot at the top side of my flower and then bring the twine around and do a double know on the underside of the flower.  

Fan out your flower so that it's pretty much circular.

Gently start pulling the layers apart starting with the top layer.  This will be the center of your flower.  Do both sides of each layer before going on to the next layer.  

When you have pulled all the layers apart gently manipulate the bottom so that it is basically flat.

TA-DA!  Admire your work!

There are lots of things you can do with these.

• Add a stem using wire and florist tape
• Make a bunch and make a wreath
• If you cut your twine long you could use it as a package tie
• Glue them onto a picture frame or mirror
• String some together to make a garland

You get the idea.  Be creative.  I'd love to hear from you, tell me how you used your's.

Item of the Day

This football baby blanket made by yours truly is so soft and cuddly I want one for myself.  Bumpy minky fabric on one side the other is a cotton with a collegiate print.  The blanket measures about 27 inches by 40 inches and sells for $40.00.  This one happens to be Clemson, but USC Gamecock fabric is also available.

Fair Trade

According to Wikipedia "Fair trade is an organized social movement that aims to help producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. It advocates the payment of a higher price to exporters as well as higher social and environmental standards."  We are happy to have "Mollywog Post" as a vendor in our store that specializes in selling these items. 

Item of the Day

This product is hand crafted by economically disadvantaged members of the Kamba tribe in Kenya.  The 6 piece set of napkin rings sells for $30.  The purchase of this product will help provide sustainable income for the carvers, enabling them to support their families.

Happy Cream Filled Doughnut Day

Cream Doughnut

Yes today is very special!  I get a reason to eat my favorite kind of doughnut.  Not that I ever really need a reason.  But, it does tie in with our item for today ...

Item of the Day

Kendra Matheny makes this adorable little pouches, one holds a tea bag and the other holds a single size serving of coffee.  Each has a little message attached to let someone know you are thinking about them.  These are the perfect size to slip into a card to mail out to a friend far away.

Happy Friday the 13th

I've always thought that Friday the 13th, like a black cat crossing my path, was a lucky sign for me instead of something unlucky.  I did a little bit of research to see just why Friday the 13th has gotten such a bad reputation.  From what I have read it's merely a combination of 13 being an "unlucky" number and Friday being an "unlucky" day.  Whatever the reason is I hope you all have good luck today!

Item of the Day

The Cotton Pickers by Bette Commander

The Cotton Pickers

We are pleased to have this original acrylic painting on canvas by Bette Commander available in our store, but wouldn't it look better hanging in your home.  The last one available from a series, Bette has reduced the price on this piece recently.  So, stop by the store today and show your support for our local artists and craftsmen.

Set a Beautiful Table

With the holidays fast approaching its time to start thinking about all of those little details that make the day special.  Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around the food we eat so make sure your table conveys the mood.  One thing you'll want to keep in mind is your centerpiece.  Remember to keep it low so that it doesn't interfere with conversion across the table.  To that end we present ...

The Item of The Day

Available for only $5.00 each these earthy ceramic candle holders would be the perfect start for your Thanksgiving holiday centerpiece.  Add some natural materials and light the candles for the perfect fall mood.

A Fun Night At Grandma's House

I'm happy to report that our first Pinterest Party Class appears to have been a success.  Thanks to all our crafty ladies for joining us!

Item of the Day

 Hand sewn and smocked by Michelle Reisenwitz of Michelle's Heirloom Sewing this pretty little dress is perfect for the fall and sells for $37.00

Our First Craft Class

We're all very excited that our first Pinterest Party Craft Class is tonight.  We've worked very hard to get the word out about the class and have 8 people definitely attending.  I'm getting just a little nervous, but I think I've remembered everything so all should go smoothly.  We'll post pictures tomorrow of everyone's creations.

Item of the Day

Today's item is this beautifully crocheted necklace by Diane Deltova.  This one of a kind piece is sure to garner tons of compliments.  No one needs to know the price was a mere $12.00.  

Monday Morning Quick Craft

Duct Tape Change Purse
Today's quick craft was a duct tape change purse.  To make one of these you will need:

• 2 or 3 coordinated duct tapes
• Straight edge
• Razor or Exacto knife
• Small piece of self stick velrco

Start out by cutting two strips of duct tape to a length of a little over 11 inches.  If you are using tape with a repeating pattern you can try to match it up as best you can.  Overlap one piece of tape lengthwise onto the other making a width of about 3 1/2 inches.  This will be the outside of your purse.

With the coordinated tape cut another two lengths about 11 inches.  Lay one piece at a time onto the first piece, sticky side to sticky side.  Line it up along the long edge and don't worry if it extends a little on the ends.  Do the same for the second piece of coordinated tape.

Trim the ends so the length is 11 inches and there are no sticky sides exposed.

Cut a piece of another coordinated tape (you may also use the same tape as the inside or outside if you prefer) to about 4 inches.  Using your straight edge and razor knife slice this in half lengthwise. These will be the trim pieces on the short edges. 

 I like to gently roll the tape up so that it is almost folded in half lengthwise, butt the edge of my purse piece up to the fold and then let it fall down unto the purse piece.  This makes it a little easier to get the inside and outside trim even.  

Trim ends of edging tape with razor knife.

Fold up one end of tape about 4 inches.

Cut another piece of your coordinated edge tape to just over 7 inches long and then cut in half lengthwise.

Using the same method as before trim the long ends of the purse while keeping the 4 inches folded up.

Carefully trim the excess binding tape.

I also like to carefully slit the tape on the inside to free up the purse's opening.

With your loop and hook sides of the velcro stuck together cut off a small tab and remove one sides self stick covering.  Stick it on the flap of your coin purse. Remove the other covering exposing the self stick and then fold the purse flap down and press into place.

And there you have it...

A duct tape change purse.

Item of the Day

Today's item(s) of the day are these adorable baby booties created by Susan Crawford.  Available in assorted sizes and styles, we love the little boy booties with the basketball buttons.  Susan also makes bibs and burp clothes for you to coordinate a nice baby shower gift.  Booties sell for $9.00.