Adventures in failed craft projects

I saw this idea on Pinterest, where so many half-baked craft ideas go to infect the minds of innocent Internet browsers.

A pumpkin bird feeder.

I had a few pumpkins still lying around from Halloween. I had twine. It seemed like a good idea.

It's so seasonal.

We haven't seen a single bird anywhere near it.

That's been the biggest flaw of our new pumpkin bird feeders. No birds.

The source of the Pinterest post that touched off my bird feeder lust was Dreamy Whites, and -- to her credit -- her pumpkin bird feeders look magnificent. And appear to be visited by actual birds.

So, maybe it's just me. Or maybe the birds in our yard are pumpkin-resistant? Pumpkin intolerant?

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Typewriter key magnets

I loved this project. It was simple to do, after the components were all scrounged up.

To make a set of your own typewriter key magnets, you'll first need a set of typewriter keys. This is the hard part.

You'll also need to wrestle with the guilt of defacing a typewriter.

I turned to Ebay for my keys, but there are other options -- thrift stores, estate sales and Etsy.

You'll also need magnets. I used 3/8 x 1/16 neodymium magnets because they are very strong and perfectly sized to the back of a typewriter key.

Acquire some glue -- I used good ol' E6000.

Glue your keys to your magnets. Enjoy.

There is also a more colorful variation on this formula using vintage milk bottle caps:

Repurposed feedsacks

These burlap/canvas buckets are from Maya Donenfeld's popular pattern. She suggests using old coffee sacks, but I happened to get my hands on some old burlap feedsacks. I particularly love the look on the buffalo's face.

This one is a crazy-enlarged version of the original pattern with a 15" diameter. Good for loose blankets and living room what-not, maybe?

Great strides in organization and a little backpedaling

I'm trying to be organized. It's a never-ending battle, but I'm fighting the good fight with my new purchase of flimsy white storage furniture.




I've already succumbed to temptation and ordered two new dress patterns (more distractions):



Adorable!

Couch!

This is our new thrift store couch. So comfy. There may be a slipcover and some cushion recovering in its future, though, despite my being kind of in love with its big ol' ugly floral self.