Year of the Rabbit by Bibliobags

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year. 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. Even though I was born in a Dog year, I've always been partial to rabbits. As a child, I collected rabbit everything. At one point, I remember having over 40 different rabbit dolls!

I had a baby shower to attend last weekend and what better theme for my gift than a rabbit for a baby being born in the year of the rabbit? I put this little bag together with things I already had around the house.

For the gift bag, I used a brown craft bag. I got out an old rabbit cookie cutter and traced it onto a piece of pink felt. I cut it out and cut out a little heart in the middle. Then I hot glued it to the bag.

Even though this was a simple project I really liked how it came out. I tend to go overboard so this was a nice reminder to keep it simple. The bag and card were a hit a hit at the shower.



For more details about this project and exciting news from Bibliobags, Check out her blog! 

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Book Purse by Bibliobags

A Rendezvous With Upcycling Pioneers

This weekend I attended the 40th Alafia River Rendezvous, the Southeast's largest pre-1840's interpretive encampment. Hosted by the Florida Frontiersmen, every year over 1200 participants come to Homeland, Florida and live in camps while portraying many different cultures and regions of Early America. Over 100 craftsmen demonstrate or sell a large variety of historic artifacts or reproductions. What does this have to do with upcycling, you ask? Pioneers, by necessity, were Upcyclers. They knew that the only way to survive was to be self-sufficient, and were forced to sustain themselves with what little they had. The results were often ingenious and innovative, some even revolutionary. Best of all, the beauty of their craftsmanship elevated these inspired objects to Art.

The day was crisp and lovely, and I was transported in time to a peaceful community of kind and gentle neighbors who shared a kindred spirit of love and appreciation for our history. Their knowledge of the tools and trades of this period was impressive and vast. I found myself wishing I had been there for their entire eleven day stay...One would need at least that much time to truly relish all that was there to offer: authentic food, drink, music and tales told round the fireside at night. But alas, I had but one day... it makes you consider the purchase of a canvas tent and some pioneer attire.

 

Mustang Sally and the Hamjo's