"Explosion Bow"-Altrusa of Santa Maria Service Committee Craft Night

Altrusa of Santa Maria Service Committee meeting June 2011 was a fun and unusual way to get to know this year's members.  Fran generously opened her home and we got to work!
Fran's completed "Explosion Bow" on her front door.

Rudy was introduced to a "circle cutter" and became the best circle cutter ever!  Thanks for cutting out all the circles needed for the members to complete their "rockets"


Lisa works intently on her bow as she recalls all the hours she spent making bows the "hard way".




Tammy and Maureen decide it maybe easier to team up.

Lisa and Rudy show off their creation!





Monya breaks out in a sweat!  What a "craftaphobe"!

 Donna finally makes a bow!  Her previous attempts didn't end well!

Wire Pumpkin Stack

Wire pumpkin Stack, a photo by davisturner on Flickr.

3 tier wire pumpkin with sunflowers and gourds

"Upcycled" Tea and Coffee Pots

 Upcycling is a very big part of my life and work.  I encourage all of my clients to reuse, and upcycle as much as possible.  Any one who has had a wedding, anniversary party, or any large event knows just how expensive floral containers can be.  Why use a boring glass vase?  This adorable teapot was rescued from a thrift store for .90 cents.  A perfect baby shower centerpiece, or perhaps, Grandma's kitchen table?

The client that this was designed for loves "Southwest" style and couldn't wait to have me make an arrangement for him in this rustic "cowboy" style coffee pot. He requested some natural elements along with some color and pheasant feathers.



"Stay tuned" for more "upcycled" ideas.  And of course, remember to always recycle, reuse, "upcycle" and help save our world!

Happy Birthday, USA

July 4th is a big day in our family.  The whole west coast portion of the clan all get together in Cyucos at the beach house for John and Mickie's incredible BBQ and to catch up on the family gossip.  The tiny beach community puts on a fantastic fireworks show and the whole community opens their homes and businesses with open arms.  We spend the day playing on the beach, body surfing and eating unspeakable amounts of food. A perfect way to celebrate our freedom and liberties.  More 4th of July items to come soon! (Hopefully)

Let's Party, Aloha Style!

Hot Pink Tiki Torch Arrangement

Altrusa of Santa Maria, Inc. Service Committee hosts a "Deli Nite" every August to raise funds for the community.  This year our theme is "Aloha".  Our Service Committee members make the decorations, then we auction/sell them after the event.  This year our efforts will benefit "North County Rape Crisis Center".  We hope to collect and raise enough money to purchase 50 pairs of sweat suits for rape victims.  I'll try to post related items at a later date.

If you Pinterset, then you have seen the wreath below.  It used 100 or so cocktail umbrellas, and a straw wreath.  I left the plastic wrap on.  Randomly poke the umbrellas into the wreath, until satisfied with the result.  Be sure to place enough umbellas on the outside edge to cover the straw underneath.

 More "Aloha" party ideas to come next month.

Winter Wedding Ideas

Winter Wedding

With just a few short months until winter,  I have to start on my winter designs now!  This could be used as a bridal bouquet or centerpieces in tall clear vases.  I'll be working on some related items and plan to add some teeny-tiny lites to many of the Winter Wedding items. 

My Mushroom Garden

A collection of garden plants with loads of mushrooms, some dandilions,  nest of eggs,and a ladybug  all tucked into a low rectangular ceramic container. Perfect for kitchen window or table.

charger plate treatment

 I was recently working on two different events and realized that I needed the same charger plate treatment for both . The actual china varied slightly from the china shown, however, the overall effect was the same. This treatment is so easy and works in so many settings. I used 6 in. white tulle and tied it across the charger plate. Added a spray of white tulle, a red rose and tied them together with gold ribbon. Both events were a big hit and the treatment takes only a few seconds per setting. Add a lovely hand written placard and you're finished!