Got garlic?

 ShirleyArt

Last year we started a little vegetable garden, this year we expanded. We also moved it to a completely different spot.

We moved it into the back yard….the kids don’t play in the yard anymore, they are more interested in going to work or hanging out with friends and boyfriends…..soooo, we reclaimed a small part of the yard to try our hands at gardening. We’ll see how it goes. 

retrotreasurehunters

The garden ended up being a little bigger than we first planned, but now that we have everything planted, it’s not big enough.

One thing I wanted to plant is garlic, but after reading about it I have to wait until the fall to plant it for next summer.

BoomerangRedux

littlebirdvintage

Did you know that most of the garlic you buy in supermarkets is treated to last longer, and that it does not have nearly as much taste as untreated garlic?  There are two main types of garlic which is then broken down into several different names, with different tastes. So I figure now I have all summer to decide which kinds I want to grow and to see if I can find them. It is pretty easy to grow and does not need much care. You do have to cure it for 2 to 3 weeks once it is harvested. That could be the tricky part if we continue to have this kind of damp rainy weather we’ve been having lately.

MossandLichen

Since I can’t plant any garlic now, I did a little searching (out of curiosity) to see what would show up.

carolbroadleypottery

sierraclayart

Well…

there was a lot that came up and all the pictures here are some of what I found. From vintage to handmade, useful to decorative.  Hope you enjoy looking at these fun items.

HomespunSprout

melbangel

Besides all the health benefits of garlic, there is always the fact that it does keep vampires away…. (just something to keep in mind)

brebird

(jj)

THE FRENCH TREND

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66394444/la-tour-eiffel-red-ticking-set

As you all know, I love vintage, I'm crazy about vintage, a real sucker for vintage! And now I've discovered the vintage/french style of creating. The art of combining the french look and vintage items makes for the most interesting and lovely creations. There are some artisans who do outstanding work and have a real creative flair.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/67788823/french-script-love-birds-pillow-cover
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66275532/french-inspired-winter-in-paris-glassine

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40669614/treasury-item-french-inspired-gift-tags

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65625183/sale-paris-france-inspired-glass-tile

In searching Etsy and Artfire you can find the simple digital sheets and stamps that allow you so do your own creating.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2813163

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2527334

And you can find jewelry, jewelry bags, gift bags, gift tags, journals, journal covers, market bags, pillows, hats, clothes, and just really unique and clever stuff.
 
pepper/Helmet Head

Upcycle with Cutter Fabric, Lace, and Linens

Those old stained and worn linens and fabrics can be upcycled into wonderful new items. So many times we see them at flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales for just pennies, but we pass them by because they aren't perfect,

Look closely at the trim and needlework. Is it in good condition? If it is, these sections can be cut out and reused. The salvaged trim and needlework are beautiful on pillows, purses, clothing, and anything else your creative mind can imagine. Look closely at the fabric, are there large enough sections that can be cut out and reused?

Check out these shops to see just how wonderful the upcycled items can be.

I thought this blouse was so unique. I've never seen recycled fabric used this way.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39905675/pink-lime-button-shirt-top-upcycled



Look at this tote made using salvaged fabric.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56033592/animal-farm-cotton-tote?ref=v1_other_2


And look at the wonderful use of vintage doilies in this pillow.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40503471/beach-shabby-chic-throw-pillow?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=the+shabby+chic+pillows&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title



The next time you run across a treasure trove of vintage linens, stop and take a closer look at them.  For just a little bit of money, you can make wonderful keepsakes by upcycling them.  Have fun and set your imagination free!

pepper