Planters to Lights

Jeremy and I love Ikea. Our trips are special occasions; we try not to take the girls. We have been a few dozen times and still peruse upstairs, knowing we are definitely not in the market for any large pieces. Before heading downstairs we stop at the cafe and discuss our wish list. Most times we are looking for some linens or maybe those handy bag clips they sell. On this occasion we ran into the beautiful planters featured on the left but imagined the fabulous lights on the right. They definitely add the perfect amount of whimsy to the nursery.

Pillowcases to Art

Here is some background information on this project. I want to learn how to embroider for a number of reasons. First, it looks really cool. Second, it is just one more technique that can make something pretty or plain look even better. Third - and most importantly - when I was about twelve or thirteen I found a tin full of embroidery thread that belonged to my grandmother. I never met my grandmother and don't even know if she embroidered. Despite my lack of knowledge I have embraced this as a way to connect. 

If you are a thrifting shopper you probably come across embroidered linens often. I run across pillowcases constantly and although they are beautiful I do not trust myself or my children to keep from ruining them. On one shopping trip I found a beautiful pair of embroidered pillows and a couple of oval embroidery hoops.