Crafting With Putka Pods

I am hooked on putka pods – miniature dried pumpkin shaped seed pods grown on trees in India.

These are great for decorating – add around a pillar candle, use in potpourri or create decorative wreaths and topiaries.

Though it is time consuming hot gluing each individual pod to the floral foam, it is well worth it once completed!

For the miniature wreath, moss was glued on top of a small grapevine wreath, then finished with the pods. A piece of jute was added so it can easily hang from a peg or knob.

For the large natural color wreath, a round green floral foam was used. Once I had two rows along the outer edge and two rows on the inside edge complete, it was easier to fill in the center.

The topiary was a little easier to make. I started on the bottom of the floral foam cone and worked my way up to the tip. Having various sizes of pods helped in filling in the gaps. Adding an old patina clay pot and moss makes this a wonderful holiday centerpiece.

If you would like to purchase putka pods for your own projects, please visit my Etsy shop, Cat Tales.

Hydrangeas

Two years ago we planted a few hydrangeas bushes, and this fall, the color on the flowers are fantastic with tones of pink and green.

I may make a wreath as there are a lot of stems, but in the meantime, I am displaying them in a vintage owl vase and an old wood crate.

Happy Easter!

Do you remember when your mom would buy special outfits for Easter? We all looked like little grownups! My mother would love to dress us up in a new coat, bonnet, purse, white gloves and patten leather shoes.

I came across this photo recently and had to share. The little man is my brother, and my sister is in the light blue and I am in the yellow coat – yes the one with the big head and large gloves!

Wishing you a wonderful Easter and hope it brings you many fond memories throughout the years.

Vintage Cluster Earring Magnets

Over the years my collection of vintage earrings has grown – the cluster type design are fabulous. I show them off by transforming them into pretty magnets. Currently they are displayed on a vintage iron trivet.

Schoharie Antique Show

I went to my first Springs Antiques in Schoharie show yesterday. Turned out to be a gorgeous day for a drive. There were so many vendors and so much to look through.

I did score some wonderful finds, including linens at $1 each and about 3 lbs of buttons for $15. The pint jar was a must have for only $5, and the egg basket will be filled with moss and faux eggs – a perfect decoration for Easter.

The vintage wood spools have already been transformed into organizers. Vintage tart mold were attached to the tops – perfect size to hold small supplies. They will be listed in my Etsy shop very soon.

Flowers

As I was outside picking a few weeds, I noticed how gorgeous the flowers and perennials were and decided to photograph their beauty.

 

Trip to Beekman 1802

My sister-in-law and I took a trip to Beekman 1802 in Sharon Springs, New York yesterday. Though it was cold and rainy, not the typical weather for Memorial weekend, it was still a nice drive out.




















I was looking forward to trying the Cajeta Goat Milk Caramel as seen on their tv show, the Fabulous Beekman Boys. I was saddened to hear they were out of stock, however they got a shipment of their new ice cream the evening before and of course I had to try the caramel flavor. It is made with goats milk and was really delicious!

I also purchased their Blaak Drizzle – Balsamic, Fig & Elderberry Sauce, along with their Chipotle Creamed Honey (I like spicy food). For dinner last night, I drizzled a bit of the honey on top of fried chicken – and let me tell you, that was yummy!

My sister-in-law picked up some items as well, including Goat Milk Soaps and their new Mortgage Lifter Heirloom Pasta Sauce – 25% of the pasta sauce profits goes back to farmers. How cool is that? View the pasta story here.

One more thing, we met Josh and Brent – didn't expect that! They were wonderful as well as their sales staff. We will definitely be baak (play on words).

 

We also took a trek to Schoharie to check out a store that opened a few weeks earlier, called Hive. The proprietor is a friend of my sister-in-law's. The shop is located on Main Street in an old house that was hit by Hurricane Irene in 2011. The main floor has been renovated and Theresa and her husband are in the process of renovating the upstairs.

As soon as I walked in I fell in love with all of the vintage wear and jewelry. I didn't walk out empty handed, I bought a few antique blue mason jars, vintage mill spools and jewelry (can never have enough mason jars and jewelry!). Plus, I nibbled on a few of their organic cookie samples from Holiday Farm Biscuit Company.

Below are two necklaces I purchased – can't wait to wear them. I also purchased earrings to match, they are shaped similar to a whisk on a Kitchen Aid mixer. Maybe that's why I liked them – reminded me of baking!