Steampunk

12.30.2009

I learned about Steampunk only a few months ago. It’s basically the idea of something being created in an era of steam power, but with elements of science fiction or fantasy. I still don’t fully understand it … But I find the whole concept intriguing. So much so that I’m planning to check out Brooklyn’s own steampunk bar, The Way Station ASAP.

In the meantime, I came across this Steampunk Wall Clock from Pastpassions. It was made from a wooden cigar box. What do you think? Too much steam? Not enough punk?

via PastPassion's Etsy Shop

via PastPassion's Etsy shop

Sugar High

12.29.2009

I’m happy to report that my roommate, Pete, actually turned the Christmas tree lights on (twice!) while I was in NC. He considered a third time but was concerned about the tree catching fire. Our tree literally caved inward while I was in NC. I’m now up to my elbows in dead Christmas tree pine needles.

That said… I’m not done with the holidays yet. Check out these gingerbread man made from cardboard shipping boxes.

Found via Bakerella

Wii chocolate

12.28.2009

Not to freak you out or anything, but you know what’s right around the corner? Yup, Valentines Day.

As the story goes, people like to eat chocolate on Valentines Day. Now, through very scientific calculations I’ve come to the conclusion that women like chocolate more than men do. But I bet I know what would make the male population, as a whole, like chocolate a little bit more…

If the chocolate were the shape of a remote control. Or a Wii control. Or basically any kind of electronic controller. Hope you saved those plastic control containers to use as chocolate molds. We’ve got some baking to do in just 1.5 months.

via Balakov's Flickr

My heart skipped a beat

There are things in life that take your breath away. Most likely these are extremely emotional experiences that shake you to the core and feature the ones you love.

But we’re living in a material world, and I’m a material girl.

When I saw this butcher block on the Black Dog Salvage blog, I stopped breathing. My heart may have even skipped a beat. Do you see how uneven the wood is on the top of the block? Years of love and life went into creating that dip. It makes it all the more perfect and priceless.

Massive Butcher Block, via Black Dog Salvage

The folks at Black Dog Salvage also knocked my socks off with this whimsical Christmas tree made out of salvaged wrought iron. It reminds me of the Whoville tree! If you want some serious eye candy, check out Black Dog Salvage’s ebay store!

Wrought Iron Tabletop Tree

Star!

On a side note: Christmas is over sadly. I’m about to depart for my flight back to NY (though I’ll get to live in a somewhat alternate reality with no work all week!) Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and safe travels back wherever you’re headed!

Christmas Traditions

12.24.2009

Being at home for Christmas is very important to me. My parent’s house is full of furniture and accessories, not to mention Christmas decorations, that hold years of memories and family traditions. We’re big on traditions in these parts.

For instance, one of my family’s holiday traditions is that my brother and I receive one gift each from our parents on Christmas Eve – and it’s always a pair of pajamas. Most years, they are matching pajamas. The one time that I remember my mother deviating from this tradition, we revolted. The following year we recieved matching pairs of boxers with flying pigs wearing Santa hats. And since those boxers have now been retired, I was just thinking… they might make awfully cute Christmas pillows.

I hope your Christmas Day is full of joy and happiness, family and friends. Whether you are in a home full of memories, or somewhere new with the special people in your life making new ones… have a very Merry Christmas.

Marilynnm63's Flickr

Anything can be an ornament!

12.23.2009

This is the whole kit and kaboodle of ornaments from all kinds of recycled and repurposed items. I now realize that I could have probably fit all of these in some of my past day’s groupings… but it’s Christmas, so you have to forgive that oversight.

Made using macaroni, EvenCleveland's blog

Made from an old leather handbag, GirlIndustries' Etsy shop

Made from repurposed film, RhapsodyinBoo's Etsy shop

Made from old key, CorieKline's Etsy shop

I’m not the only person who has a stash of random keys, right?

: Made from recycled Christmas card and vintage earring, CreationsbyDanielle’s Etsy shop

: Made from vintage spool, ReclaimedThreads’ Etsy shop

: Made from recycled CD, LetsBeCreative’s Etsy shop

Pour vous maman!

In the Kitchen with Santa

12.22.2009

My Santa Claus always ate all the holiday treats left for him at our fireplace. Therefore, naturally, he would approve of these ornaments made from items around the kitchen and dining room table.

Made using antique spoon, Ohmybutton's Etsy shop

Made using antique spoon, MyShabbyHeart's Etsy shop

Made using antique knife, CorieKline's Etsy Shop

Made using antique spoon, SunshineandRavioli's Etsy shop

Made using grocery plastic bags, GreenJeans50's Etsy page

Made from plastic shopping bag, Juani1's Etsy shop

These last two pretty much blow my mind. Especially the heart. That is made of crocheted plastic bags, people! Amazing!

They came bearing gifts

12.21.2009

Imagine it’s your kid’s birthday. You know, the kid in the manger, all swaddled up. And these three old dudes show up with gifts. Only they brought buttons, cork, and stuff from nature or something. You give a half smile and bow but… are these guys out of their mind? What on Earth are you supposed to do with buttons, nature, and cork? …

Made from recycled buttons, TheLittleGreenBean's Etsy shop

Made using recycled buttoms, CinnamonWoodsCrafts' Etsy shop

This looks like it could be a mistletoe alternative. I’m really into kissing balls right now so I like this a lot.

Made using recycled crab shell, Art4RecyclingHearts' Etsy shop

Made using recycled cherry wood, BallyBrophy's Etsy shop

Made using black cherry wood and recycled paper, RockCandyVintage's Etsy shop

Made using reclaimed acorns and twigs, TheCuriousHoliday's Etsy shop

So so cute. Nature is so good to us. To create something like these little toadstools would be a fantastic crafts project.

Made using recycled corks, TeaandSquirrels' Etsy shop

Made using recycled cork, SudioSu's Etsy shop

I LOVE this angel! She just looks super cool.

For a special treat see what one reader did to re-use corks from her infamous (and quite sizable) wine cork collection over on the Salvaged Grace Facebook page.