Looking Glass Designs

The Finished Chair!

2011-10-10T19:10:00.000-04:00

The Finished Chair!

I'm giving you a sneak peak of the finished chair. In the next couple of weeks I well show you step by step how I changed this chair from

this

Beauty of the Ocean

2011-10-04T19:11:00.000-04:00

Beauty of the Ocean

Wessagusset Beach Weymouth Massachusetts

More tomorrow

Keriann Handmade is having a giveaway.

2011-09-29T11:37:00.000-04:00

KerriAnn Handmade is having a giveaway

She's giving away this errand runner.

at this link http://blog.kerriannhandmade.com/2011/09/1000-sales-on-etsy-and-giveaway/#comment-637

Simply leave her a message. She's drawing a name on the 30th.. Hope I win :)

2011-09-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

Antique Pressed Oak Glider

I went to my sister's house this weekend to help her with a project.

She recently was asked to fix the seat in a Pressed Oak Glider.

Patty refinished the wood and restrung the seat.

Since she recently came to my house to help hang some molding I offered to go to her house with my air assist staple gun and help her with the seat.

This is what the glider looked like after we added foam and batting to the seat.

We added a 3" foam to the seat and Patty sliced that foam to 1 1/2" for the front.

I took some batting and rolled it to make the curve. We then took batting and covered the whole seat.

This is what the chair looks like now.

Here is a close up of the tacks. They match a flower in the fabric. Oh the fabric is from Calico Corners.

sterling silver and copper lacey bracelet

2011-05-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

DSC_0030, a photo by mrsmacrae55 on Flickr.

Very dainty sterling and copper lacey bracelet.. Lots of fun to make.

Olivia's sundress

2011-05-21T14:34:00.001-04:00

sundress, a photo by mrsmacrae55 on Flickr.

I made this top for my granddaughter Olivia.. The leggins are from Walmart. They didn't have white

Everything New Again Blue Again

2011-02-09T19:01:00.000-05:00

There we go!!

chair and footstool

New Again Blue Again

2011-02-09T18:58:00.000-05:00

Everything Blue Again becames new again... I've been doing a lot of upholstery lately and wanted to share my latest project. My daughters friends mother asked me to reupholster a couple of footstools and a pretty chair. This is the pretty footstool

for some reason it won't let me upload the chair.

I will post that next post.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2010-11-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2010-11-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

Your invited to a party

Ellie Inspired is having a party

Please join Laura over at

Ellie Inspired November 14-20th

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween

Sneak Peak

2010-10-27T22:53:00.000-04:00

I'm working on something and thought I'd give you a sneak peak... It involves thread painting...

the right star is painted the left is not. I'll post what it will be in a few days.

Chunky Bracelet and more!

2010-09-19T14:54:00.000-04:00

Chunky Bracelets and More!!

Black and white with a bit of color from Swarovski Crystals...

Boo

2010-08-23T14:56:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN APRON

BOO

HALF APRON PERFECT FOR SERVING ALL THOSE LITTLE GHOALS IN.

Circus Circus

2010-08-13T23:52:00.000-04:00

I have been busy this last week sewing a bumper pad for my future niece or nephew who will be born in a few weeks. The bumpers and a crib skirt will be on their way to New Orleans on Monday.. Isn't it adorable!! I used the fabric that my niece bought and used Nu-foam for the padding. The bumpers are an inch thick and 12 inches from top to bottom..

AUDI Best Buddy Challenge Please help if you can

2010-08-04T19:16:00.000-04:00

All proceeds go to AUDI BEST BUDDY challenge.

If you would like to just make a contribution Here is the link. thanks

My First Viking Weave Yeah!!

2010-07-31T17:55:00.003-04:00

I went to a Jewelry class this morning and finally learned the Viking Weave. I liked the way it came out.

Karen at Butterflies and Fairies has done it again!!

2010-07-20T12:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't this just too cute!!! You can go to her blog at this link or at my sidebar...

I love your work Karen it's so beautiful!!!

Victorian Edge!

2010-06-21T17:04:00.000-04:00

I love browsing yardsales and thrift stores to see what catches my eye.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up this Childs wicker chair at a yardsale and reupholstered it lime green.

2 days ago I walked into a thrift store in Rockland Massachusetts and found this adorable Victorian Childs Rocking chair. My granddaughter Olivia has inherited both chairs. She believes the chair below looks like the frog prince lol..

Also while I was in a creative mood I made a Lazy Girl Chelsea. I used black and white Toile I picked up at either Joann's in Hanover Ma or Sewfisticated in Dorchester Ma. My favorite store ...

I changed the pocket style on the chelsea..

sewnso's contest

2010-03-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

Laurie from Sewnso blog is having a contest. Please stop by her blog and check it out.

http://sewnso.blogspot.com/

Happy Saint Patricks Day

Summer is coming!!

2010-03-08T19:31:00.000-05:00

Gauzy Summer skirt on my Etsy shop now!

Need your opinion! Very first give away!!!

2010-02-14T14:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I received 2 parcels from my cousin Nikki with all kinds of neat patterns in the boxes!!

A lot of them were cute patterns for little girls. I choose Butterick 5815 size 3

and made a cute little jumper. I need your opinion on the pockets. Do I make them the way the pattern calls for ?

Do I change the pattern and just use the yellow ribbon??

Please help!

I am giving this jumper away to someone that gives me your comments.

To Market To Market

2010-01-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd show you the Market bag I am putting on Etsy in a few. A large blue toile pattern for the body and a slate blue with dainty white flowers for the lining. I added an inside double pocket.

Inside pocket

close-up of toile isn't is pretty!

Valentine Bracelet and Saint Patricks Day Necklace

2010-01-25T09:23:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA since New Year but hope to keep in touch in the future. I started making a pretty french country or shabby chic quilt and will post some pictures as I go. I haven't made a quilt in years. Having said that, I did finish 2 necklaces and a bracelet.

The bracelet is a Japanese weave with silver and dyed coral beads with a slide clasp in sterling. The next time I make this I'll make it bigger. I have a very small wrist and it just fit me. I believe that this is pink coral. It has been dyed to look deep red.

This is definitely a Valentine's bracelet.

Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Malachite Necklace perfect for Saint Patrick's Day..

Isn't this stone beautiful.

Malachite is believed to be a strong protector of children. It is said to protect the wearer from accidents and protects travelers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.

This is my favorite necklace. It's also a chain weave but is a flower weave with onyx between the flowers. There is a silver heart shaped clasp that can either be worn in the front or back or asymetrically.

Onyx was once thought to be the manifestation of a demon imprisoned. It is a protective stone that can be worn to face adversarial situations or people.

Onyx jewelry is worn to defend against negativity that is directed at you.
Black stones are associated with protection and healing.

Fortifies self confidence and responsibility

Sharpens your senses

Encourages a healthy egotism

All definitions came from Emily's Gems

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2009-12-31T20:25:00.002-05:00

Manchester Road Race Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

My cousins Mary, Nikki, Michaela and Susie ran/walked the Manchester 5 mile road race yesterday. Next year I am going to make sure I'm in better shape than this year.. OMG they had a heartbreak hill that went on for over a mile. Just when you thought you were over the hump there was another hill. Some wonderful girl gave me some water when I started downhill.. Thank you kind girl.. I'm really glad I did it.. Took me 1 hour 24 minutes and 37 seconds.. that was walking and running. Later we had a fun dinner with cousins. Next year I hope more of the family goes down...

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!

Handpainted bag organizer or makeup bag.

2009-11-16T18:44:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been awhile. I've been making things up for a craft fair I'm doing December 5th. This is one of the things I've been trying to make. I hand painted some canvas. Linned it with silk and made a bag organizer or makeup bag. I need to brush up on my painting (no pun intended) LOL.. Well here it is. I would love some honest critiquing..

Inspiration

2009-10-19T23:15:00.000-04:00

I need it! Thomas Edison once said that “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” I don't want genius just quality jewelry and clothing.. urggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need that 1 %....

Bracelet to match Earrings

2009-10-03T17:42:00.000-04:00

Here is my bracelet that matches the Sterling and Onyx Byzantine Earrings. aprox 7-7.5" long links are all sterling and the stones are faceted 8mm black onyx. Thank you for taking a look please let me know how you like the bracelet.

Sorry about the background but it was the lightest thing I have here today. It's dreary outside.

Byzantine Black Onyx Earrings

2009-10-02T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just learned to do the Byzantine Weave. Hopefully I did it correctly because these are going on my Etsy store today. Hope you like..

Thanksgiving dish towels

2009-10-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

I made a set of these dish towels from flour sacks and a 2 1/2" strip and some rickrack. I was going to put them either on my Etsy store or save them for the craft fair I'm doing in a few weeks but I found a tiny stain on the towel.. Looks like blood.. I tried peroxide but it didn't work so I guess I have myself some dish towels..

Hello October!!

2009-10-01T15:28:00.000-04:00

I have a lot of birthdays this month. Today is my Sister-in-law Cathy's and my son-in-law Chris' birthdays.. Happy Birthday you two!!! I went to a class today to learn the chainmaille technique.. Wow was that ever fun!! Teacher was great and the bracelet is coming along beautifully.. Will show you later..

Freecycle you have to love it!!!

2009-09-30T16:52:00.000-04:00

How many of Us really feel we will find anything of any quality on freecycle. Sometimes you'll pick up something that has a little use left in it. Well I hunt freecycle all the time. I even gave a couple my van rather than junk it. It still had a little use still left in it and why not they needed something and couldn't afford the payments on their car any longer. So I contacted them and gave them a van I no longer had any need of. Well yesterday I was sooooo upset. I women in my hometown was listing craft, sewing, vintage heirloom books on freecycle.. And wouldn't you know it yahoo has been acting up big time so I didn't see them until she had promised them to someone else. I never check my emails first thing unless I'm waiting for something. So today I didn't check it until 11am. She emailed me and told me that that other person never showed so if I still wanted the books to email her back. The thing is she emailed me at 8:30am now it's 11am and I'm frantic.. Well to make a long story a little shorter. she called me and this is what I came home with today..

All the patterns are included too Never been cut..

1) pattern " Judy's Jumper
2)Shadow Work Designs for Heirloom sewing by Julia Golson
3) Heirloom sewing for women Martha Pullen
4) Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie
5)An introduction to Machine Cutwork by Michelle Pullen
6) A Special Touch of Cutwork by Kathy Ghorashi
7) Shadow Work Handbook by Trudy Horne
8) French Sewing by Serger Kathy McMakin She teaches classes at MP school
9) French Hand Sewing by Machine Martha Pullen
10) Jacket Jazz by Judy Murrah
11) Made with Lace by Ginny Barnston
12) Special Embroidery Touches by machine by Kathy Ghorashi
13)Cutwork Embroidery for the sewing machine by Mardon Elstad
14) DMC flower instructions for floss
15) Shadow Work the easy way by Martha Pullen
16) Jami's Special Appliques by Martha Pullen
17) Point Well Taken The guide to Success with Needles and Threads by Debbie Garbers and Janet O'Brien
18) Primer Series Shadow Work Handbook by Trudy Horne
19) Kwik Sews Sewing for Baby by Kerstin Martensson
20)Everyday dresses by Cindy Taylor Oates
I think that's it LOL

I'm like a kid in a candy store I don't know which to read first.. Thanks you so much Laurie!!!!!

Olivia's Christening gown

2009-09-30T15:52:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd show you my granddaughter Olivia's Christening gown. The inspiration came from Martha Pullen's book " Grandmothers Hope Chest". The Puffing and Godet gown.

The Next Christening gown is also from MP's " Grandmothers Hope Chest". This one is a combination of a couple of gowns that my niece wanted for her baby. Lena looked so cute in it.

I'm showing you these today because someone from Freecycle just gave me so many books on heirloom sewing and shadow work. Do you know how lucky I am to be handed books like this for free. I will be showing you somemore of my christening gown later. Please I would love to hear your comments.

New Toile Apron

2009-09-28T17:45:00.001-04:00

I've had this fabric in my stash for over 2 years. It was originally intended for Roman Shades that never happened. The other day I was making coasters out of the fabric and decided to make an apron..Notice the lookinglass in the toile.. I think it came out cute. Hope you do to...

2 New Bracelets

2009-09-27T22:39:00.000-04:00

Take a look at the two new bracelets I made over the weekend. I thought they turned out real nice. I will be adding them to my Etsy Store soon. The first is a 7.5" amethyst Bangle with aprox 100 sterling silver spacers and pretty 4mm Swarovski Pearls. This bracelet is elegant enough to wear with that little black dress and would also go well with your favorite pair of jeans.

This next one is 7" Black Onyx with Sterling Silver Spacers and a sterling lobster clasp. It also has double rings and hand twisted silver around the faceted 10mm Black Onyx.

Please let me know what you think.

This is a riot

2009-09-24T22:27:00.003-04:00

Midnight in Cairo

2009-09-22T17:53:00.001-04:00

This is Midnight in Cairo a beautiful Lapis Lazuli necklace surrounded by sterling silver. The clasp was hand forged by me. I think it came out beautiful.. What do you think??? She's in my Etsy store..

2009-09-20T13:21:00.002-04:00

I thought I would show you some of the vintage apron patterns I have on my Etsy Store.These aprons are great to make for hostess gifts for the holiday season.

Advance 6463 size medium Apron. I believe it's around 1950's

Advance 7878 is a size large Cobbler Apron

I love vintage Aprons and you can see a lot more of them on my Etsy store under the name macslass or click the link on the left hand side under Etsy Stores that I like.

Chokeberries when I tell you the name of a plant check it with Google first

2009-09-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

Chokeberries
Aronia
Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) is a shrub that is native to the northeastern part of the United States. It produces clusters of small dark purple berries that are also known as “black chokeberries.” It has close botanical ties to the bilberry and the cranberry in that is contains high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids, both of which are very potent antioxidants. It has been reported that the aronia berry contains over five times greater levels of these compounds than the cranberry.

Pokeberries

2009-09-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

I guess these aren't boysenberries. They are Phytolacca americana, P. rigida, Pokeweed, pokeberry, poke, inkberry, pigeonberry more commonly known as Pokeberries. I just always assumed that they were boysenberry.. Guess not. You learn something new everyday..

Copper Jump Rings

2009-09-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

I made some Copper Jump Rings for my Etsy store. They were fun to make.

Steak Tips and Rice Yummmmm

2009-09-17T19:34:00.000-04:00

I'm making some steak tips and rice for dinner. Was going to make beef stew but started too late.

It's 11:15pm and I haven't done a whole heck of a lot today

2009-09-16T23:19:00.000-04:00

Other than taking a few pictures I didn't do anything that I wanted to do. I did shorten the straps on 2 dresses my sister brought over tuesday night. I have a ton of zippers to put in jumpsuits for F1 Boston. But what I really wanted to do was try my hand on applique so I can make a cute quilt I have in mind.. Well maybe tomorrow.. Ya think!!

Vintage Vogue Knitting book

2009-09-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to let you know that I have these wonderful vintage knitting books on my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5257130. Here is one of the knitting books

Vogue Knitting Magazine Winter/Fall 1949. There are some beautiful sweaters, dresses and evening blouses. Plus some cute baby sets and a little something for everyone.

Hope you stop by and take a look at my store.. See you soon.

A Walk Around the Block

2009-09-16T16:56:00.000-04:00

Before I start I'd like to say that my pictures, although not professional are still mine and are under my protection.. Please don't copy them without my permission. You can however post a link to this blog. thanks

I took a walk around my block today and these are the things I saw. Aren't they beautiful. Not sure what the name of this flower is but it sure is small and pretty.. I loved it against the rusted fence post.

Next I went across the street and these sweet little Blackeyed Susans welcomed me. Then a nice man in a truck stopped to let me go back across the street.. They must have thought I was nuts by this time. Not many people in my neighborhood walk around with their camera taking pics as they go.

Lets see I think I met the Bosenberries next

Then the Blackberries with blue sky peeking through.

Around the corner we met up with this really neat stone wall and the clouds started to form for my little rain walk .

Lets see I met up with a beautiful garden gate. Believe it or not there is a house behind that..

My last picture before my batteries died and the rain came down was this babbling brook I go by on my walk everyday or as much as possible.. Isn't it beautiful! I alway stop here for a few seconds just to take in this beautiful site..

All this in a 2 mile walk in Abington Massachusetts.

My Sister's first Table Runner

2009-09-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

My sister Carole has made 1 quilt in her life and 1 table runner. I thought I'd show you it. She really out did herself! I have 2 sister's and we all sew but pretty much have our own expertise. I love most sewing and can do most but my true love is children's clothing. My sister Patty is the upholster in the family and is a true perfectionist.. Then there is Carole who can turn silk into the most elegant drapes you have ever seen.. Truely lovely work. But this is her first table runner. It's the disappearing 9 block pattern with spooky halloween fabric.. Carole's store is Lena's Loft on Etsy. Please stop by and take a look. I have a hunch you will love her work. There is a link one the left..

Stamping tools!!!

2009-09-14T16:02:00.001-04:00

Look what I got in the mail today!
I ordered them from EviesTool Emporium
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5761288

Michelle is great to work with. They mailed these out on Friday and I had them in my little hands at 10am this morning.. Of course my mailman is terrific and delivered them himself.. Way to go Post Office...

I will definitely go back to EviesToolEmporium again. Check them out. !!!

Finally getting the hang of this

2009-09-14T13:22:00.002-04:00

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this. :)

Twitter!

2009-09-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

I don't remember opening a Twitter account but I guess I did.. hmmm lol..

I'm sooo excited I designed my first earrings..

2009-09-13T12:28:00.000-04:00

I'd like to show you my earrings. I made the ear wires too! They are made of copper wire 20 and 26 gauge and copper wrapped Swarovski crystals and pearls. Please let me know what you think. I really enjoy the challenge of making the wires. I will be adding new designs soon.

2009-09-13T12:10:00.001-04:00

Not sure why I started this Blog

2009-09-13T11:32:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you do things and you have no idea why.. Well this is one of those times.

I'd like to introduce myself. I'm a work at home grandmother of 3 wonderful kids, Chris 17, Tyler 14, and Miss Olivia 5. I love to sew and make jewelry, we'll be talking about that later, I've always wanted to start a blog but thought I had nothing to say that anyone would be interested in. We shall see.. I also have 2 lovely daughters, Julie, Mom to Chris, Tyler and Olivia. She's pretty much a stay at home mom and works a few days a week.. Jamie, my baby, is a graphic designer. I'm trying to con her into doing the graphics for my blog.. LOL.. I've already laid the ground work of the con .. Jamie lives in San Diego and is looking for work so if you need a very talented graphic designer she's your girl..

Hopeful my blog will consist of work that I have done and what I'm doing on any given day. I'll probably post pics of the grands since Livy is so much fun and the boys are so handsome.. :)

Please stay tune...