Painted Thrift Store Mugs

Not too long ago, I purchased these plain coffee mugs for $2.70.

I purchased Folk Art Enamels in Vivid Orange. The Enamels are specially for glass and ceramics and the price is around $3. You can print out a Michaels coupon and get 40% off if you'd like. 

I chose an easy pattern using dots in rows, starting at the bottom.

I

Next row is right on top of the previous. I did just eye ball the placement, but you could draw a guideline to keep the dots more straight.

Third row, I started under the handle so I knew where to start for the rest of the mugs. 

Although the product is a waterbase and non-toxic, I chose a pattern that wouldn't be touching your mouth.

Let dry for 1 hour, then place in a cool oven and heat to 350.

Bake for 30 minutes, then let it cool in the oven. You can then either hand wash or place in the top rack of your dishwasher.

Pretty enough for Easter brunch???

Spring Rock Critters

Yeah! Spring is here and out come all the critters, so thought I would add some of my own to the garden.

From a pile of rocks on the side of my house, I selected a few rocks that had good shapes for my critters about the size of potatoes. A couple of girly ladybugs and a quirky caterpillar were the my bugs of choice.

I first cleaned the rocks and let them dry, and painted the rocks with two coats of paint.

I really like Martha Stewart's brand of multi-surface paint. The colors are brilliant and the high gloss gives projects a nice finish.

I then painted the face, also with two coats of paint.

I  

Stripes and legs:

 In the garden!!

Aren't they cute??

Thrifting

There are many thrift stores to browse through to find great items, but one particular one, Amvets, is my favorite. They have a ton of stuff and the store is constantly replenished by the truckloads.
There are a few Amvets in San Diego county, but the best one is near downtown off Frontage Road.

It is in an odd area, but it is a big warehouse full of stuff. They have half price off some items every day. Wednesday is half price almost everything. It does get crowded on Wednesdays, so you have to be in a patient mood when everyone seems to be pushy.

Also, it would help to own a staple remover because they double staple their tags to items, like the clothes. Nothing like a getting a rip in that great shirt you just found.

Here's a few of the items I found on my last trip:

95 cent tin tray with paisley design

90 cents for pair of spring tea cups

Pair of cappuccino cups $1

This last photo is of six plain coffee mugs. You can find these just about anywhere. Yes, they are very plain, but I have an idea.

Set of 6 white mugs for $2.70. 

So coming soon will be what I did with these plain old white coffee mugs.

Decorative tray

Over the weekend I stopped at a few garage sales and have to say lately that the pickings have been good.  
One find, that happened to be next door to my mom and dad's house, was this painted tray. It quickly made it to my coffee table. Check out the painted detail:

Only $1.50.

Yea!

Sweater Beanie Hat

This past weekend was 80 degrees at the west coast. Then the weather dropped to about 60 degrees. Brrrrrr. So time to make a hat.

I was browsing at "Make it and Love It" where she had this easy tutorial on how to turn an old sweater into a hat. She has made a few, and they are so cute. Find her tutorial here.  Hers are much better than mine, but here's what I did on the first try. 

I pulled out a sweater from the donate bag and cut out the shape.  I cut both sides at the same time so they were even:

Then, right sides facing each other, I used the sewing machine to sew them together, leaving the opening for the head.

I turned it right side out and hand stitched rosettes I formed from some strips of the sweater.

Sew, it wasn't too hard, and it didn't cost anything. The hardest part was making the rounded shape of the beanie just right. I did do some extra trimming and sewing to have a better fit. 

This is a great way to upcycle those stretched out, or shrunken sweaters for use on a 60 degree day.