Is it just me or are these summer weekends going too fast?  Mine sure are! At least we get to see the next challenge faster

Last weeks challenge was the Knock-Off challenge and we had some great stuff! Ashley T was our winner with her knock-off of an Anthro pillow.

Hello pin tucking. You are gorgeous.

But we have to say good bye to Camilla.  Her awesome Nautical Bag would be a fantastic beach tote.  Right?

Be sure you check out her blog, Candied Apples for more great projects and tutorials.  You won’t be disappointed, believe me.

And here are the rest of the “who’s who”:

#1 - Anthro Double Dutch Tote – Ashley L
#2 – Twinkie Chan Scarf – Amy
#3 – Anthro Pillow - Ashley T
#4 – Pier 1 Directors Chairs – Laura
#5 – Anthro Nautical Bag – Camilla
#6 – Pottery Barn Bike Basket – Randi

And now for this week’s challenge…Upcycled!  The voting will be open until Friday night (July 22) so be sure to vote for your favorite and send your friends, too!

Craft #1 – T-Shirt Yarn Knit Market Bag – Randi @ Dukes & Duchesses

Craft #2 – Ruffle Bag – Ashley @ Cherished Bliss

Craft #3 – Monogram Wall Hanging – Laura  @ EmmieLu Designs

Upcycle is by far my favorite theme because upcycling is what I love to do!! I love the idea of using something old and ick in a new and innovative way. This week I used the following ingredients:
- and old beat up plaque [which you could make yourself uber-easily using remnants from the home depot]
- antique buttons I scored at a thrift store for $1
I added a bit of paint and some hot glue … and here is what I came up with:

 

Craft #4 – Terra Cotta Vase – Ashley @ Not Just Grannies

With no shortage of old gaggy vases that abound at goodwill, I decided there HAD to be a way to upcycle one into a terra cotta style vase, so reminiscent of Pottery Barn. Here was my opportunity.

One Lowe’s trip and a few coats later, I was able to turn this

into this!

It is the perfect accent to my previously boring entry table.

Craft #5 – Placemat Tote – Amy @ Spicy Tuesday Crafts

My favorite part about summer is the colors. All the stores have bright displays out and I love to browse and see what the new color schemes are for housewares and fashion. My sister recently sent me a care package in which she included several fantastically bright placemats. And while I love how this yellow one looked on my table:
I decided I wanted to be able to enjoy it more than just at mealtimes so I made it into a summery bag!
I added a double-sided (for added stability) ribbon for the handles and mitred the corners so it will stand up on the table by itself. It’s fully washable and dryable and stain-repellant because in real life it’s still a placemat. It’s just big enough for an on-the-go summer — my wallet, keys, phone, and a granola bar for the kids. I could also toss in a magazine or novel for those long hours by the pool.
I love how it looks hanging on my kitchen chair and can’t wait to give it a try!