Your Desk Wants a Makeover

My Three Offices....  Yes, I have three offices.  My home office, my "creative" office (aka my craft & sewing room), and the office where I spend the most time - the one that generates a paycheck.  

Unfortunately, the one where I spend the most time is the least cozy and appealing.  Organized - but that's not enough - right?  I want pretty!

Inspired by a Thrift Shop sweater, I transformed my ho-hum desk to a cozy retreat that I look forward to sitting at all day.

I started with the sweater and this lamp.  The lamp was a great find at the Thrift Shop.  It tested out perfectly (you always want to check the wiring).  It was really a perfectly fine lamp but just a tad boring.  

So I lopped off a sleeve of the sweater,  slipped it over the base of the lamp and was delighted with the results!  I used the cuff at the top, turning it down so it would fit properly and also provide a little extra interest.

I cut the bottom edge so that I had about 1/2" to turn under.  I used a bit of fabric glue to secure it. It still needed a little embellishment, so I added a couple of ribbons and the results were just what I wanted!




Next, I started in on some accessories.  I knew the plastic pencil organizer would have to go! So I found a glass vase, just the right size and shape and using the other sweater sleeve, made a little cozy.  See my post from AprilDress up a glass or vase with a sweater sleeve cozy!  Perfect!  

Next up.... the paper clip dish.  With another Thrift Shop find, some paint pens and a great idea from The Mother Huddle, I glued magnets on the bottom of the little plate, drew a cute design on the plain white dish and my paper clips now have a much cuter home than the unattractive plastic thing.

They won't fall out!

Before... not bad - just not very cozy.

Now my ho-hum and 'oh so ordinary' desk has lovely light and pretty accessories.  All from a cast off sweater and a few thrifty finds!  I couldn't be happier.

After - or maybe I should say "in process".

Next I think I will work on a dish for my sticky notes and maybe a new stylish mousepad.  Any more ideas?  I'd love to hear them.

Make a Cute Fish Pincushion

Put this on your craft to do list!  Make a felt pincushion that is a cute little fish.  This one is cute enough for Mom but also manly enough for a Father’s Day craft project. 

I found this tired and sad little fishy swimming around in Grandfather’s sewing basket.  I’m guessing he is about 60 or 70 years old.  Definitely needs to be retired since his innards are coming out.  So I found some felt and a few ribbon bits, dug out the pinking shears and started on a whole school of little fishies. 

Here’s how:

1.  Draw, then cut out a fish shape on paper.  Mine is about 6” long.

2.  Cut 3 identically sized felt pieces.  If you use a contrasting color for the bottom piece it makes a nice effect for the tail.

3.  On the two sides that will be the top of the fishes body, use pinking shears to give a jagged effect.

4.  By hand or machine with wrong sides together sew the pieces together to form the body.  Use a 1/8” seam allowance that will protrude and give him some dimension. 

5.  Leave the third side partially open so you can push in some stuffing.  I like Polyfill.  Stuff it rather tightly so that the pins will stay put.

6.  Before you stitch up the remaining bit, use some sparkly embroidery floss to make eyes.  I like to use a French knot but use your imagination and see what happens.

7.  Finish stitching the body. 

8.  Take a bit of ribbon (about 5-6” will do) and tie tightly so that the tail fans out.