Recycled Denim

It would seem that all I've done as of late is apologize.  I'm apologizing for missing Girl Scout meetings, for not having dinner ready on time, for my not so tidy home and for neglecting my blog.  I swear I've lost a few weeks somewhere, and I'm not sure how to recover from being so far behind other than to learn how to say 'no' every once in a while.  I always take on too much believing that I can handle it all, only to find myself in this predicament, but I am proud to say that my reason (or rather reasons) for my mismanagement of time is that I'm spending more of it with my three girls.  They're home on summer vacation, and we've been taking advantage of the perfect weather to venture out to the ocean and our state parks.  The way I see it, they're only young for a very short time, and it won't be long before they're on their own and doing their own things; therefore, when they ask to do something, I say 'yes'.  The rest of it will be there when I get back.  I do hope you understand and give me a little wiggle room in the time between postings, but always know that I will be back (with a gorgeous tan :)

With that said (and with a great weight lifted off my shoulders), I'd like to share a few new projects using recycled denim jeans.  Our family usually donates any unwanted slightly used clothing to our local Goodwill, but we had a pair of jeans that were in pretty bad shape, so I thought I'd try to salvage some of the material rather than just throwing them away. 

I cut off the back pockets and created these darling little gift bags, and the best part is there wasn't any sewing involved.

This first pocket has a flower created out of rose trim and some vintage lace...one of my favorite embellishments.  I tucked a bit of tulle on the inside (though you can't see it in this picture) to balance out the top of the pocket with a little softness.  

With the other pocket, I decided to ink it with a Tim Holtz stencil.   

Some more vintage lace, Making Memories glass pebbles and metal key with a ribbon rose and a vintage doily.

You can see the tulle here, and I really think it does soften the edges a bit.  It can also be used to wrap your gifts in...like tissue paper.

I was also able to cut out flags from the denim for a banner.

This required a little sewing around the edges and along the top to secure the loops for the jute.

Simple and sweet.  

I've got quite a few flags left for another banner, but this time I'm going to do something for the Fourth of July.

I sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience, and I hope you'll stop back by again soon.  I have so much to share, I just have to find the time to post it. ;)

I hope you have a great night, my friends.

Happy Crafting!

M.