match point

Years ago, I saw this idea in a magazine and when I found a bunch of old rackets at a thrift store, it all came flooding back. Wall mirrors..

Cool, old wood rackets with chippy paint and torn tape are the frame for a new oval mirror.

With a decorative paper backing, it is ready to hang.

No hanger needed either, as just a little bit of strings are left to create an instant hook.

Find this recycled trio, Saturday at the Atwood Summerfest.

Dinah chair

Part of a recent haul, this is the first chair I finished....and a kitchen chair at that. Nice angles, but hard to see under all the dark stain....that silk damask cover wasn't helping things either.

Ahh, now thats better.

The detail in the legs looks so much better, now that they are highlighted. A mis-tinted can of apple green paint from the ReStore, a vintage towel and some new bamboo batting was all it took to give this girl a new life.

A truly GREEN project, this transformation has multiple eco components. Now that is one chair I wouldn't mind being in the kitchen with.

Find Dinah, and her friends, at this Saturday's Atwood Summerfest.

12-7 pm

Whimsy House

Find me here today.

Molly makes the best earrings, rings and pendants from old buttons and ribbon. You'll have a hard time finding just one. Read a little more about me, and enter the giveaway for some free Green Cricket stuff.

Atwood Summer fest 2010

Make your plans now for this Saturday's big event. The Atwood Summerfest street fair, and Green Cricket's anniversary of going public. Oh my, it went so quick...not just the year but the month of July.

I have loads of new transformations to reveal. Benches made from old sections of UW bleachers, a unique use for tennis rackets and of course...plenty of upcycled chairs.

There are always about 5 to 7 more things that I want to start this close to a show. It usually seems to happen. I guess creative inspiration comes when it comes. Like this patina"ed" chair, I did Friday afternoon. A bit beyond my skills to re-cane the seat, it is now a bright plant holder to display in your vintage garden.

2 live music stages, food, drink and art....and the weather is scheduled to be perfect.

I am also feverishly working on a vendor sign for my booth. It uses the parts from this....

Hope it turns out as good as it looks in my mind. See you there.

the Mason lounge

There is this great new hang out in town, and the other night, a few friends & I checked it out. The Mason Lounge, on Park Street, has this awesome selection of craft beers served in, what else, but Mason jars. Lagunitas, Potosi, just take look at this list. You'll certainly find something to wet your whistle.

But, as a consummate salvager, what I couldn't take my eyes off, was all the groovy recycled decor. Mismatched furniture , kitschy vintage accessories, and this display.

Paint can lids, hung with fishing wire, make these 'not so landfill friendly' disks, into fantastically graphic wall art. Makes me want to raid the garage, or my local paint store, and recreate it. I love it when people think outside the box when it comes to re-use....just fantastic.

You have to see, and taste, this spot for yourself. Cheers and have a great weekend.

Gem of a find

As great as it would be to have every transformation turn into a show-stopper, sometimes, it is the shear challenge of making something re-useable that is the thrill for me.

Last summer/fall I picked up anything I could find that was curbside. After a serious purge this spring, I was still left with a few "what am I going to do with this" objects. Prime example....this wooden restaurant highchair.

Because I have 2 small nephews, I first thought they could use it when they came to visit. Well, we all know how long that phase lasts, and now they would not have any use for it. But that is what sparked an idea.

Since this chair is only used for a short period of time, why not cater to it lifespan? How about something that you would use only once and then hopefully pass it on to another? How about a birthday throne for your little prince or princess ?

Since the birthday boy or girl are sitting in a highchair for the big cake event anyway...why not make it part of the decor. Encrusted in 'jewels', gilded with paint and given a cardboard crown, this landfill bound chair has been given the royal treatment.

Now, as much as I think it would be fun to hand this down to generations year after year, this is not really one of those heirloom pieces, but neither is the price (cheaper than a few dozen balloons.) It is however, a really fun "green" piece to add a little flair to your child's first birthday celebration, and then pass on to your friend for their kid's party.

Find this gem of a treasure as well as a load of other great goodies at the Nuit Blanche market over at Confectionique tonight.

sage brown butter

No sooner did I think.... man, I haven't done a food post in awhile, did I think of a really great one to share. Sage brown butter sauce . Really easy, really tasty and makes an instant 'restaurant quality' meal in minutes.

One of the lesser used herbs in gardens, sage should not just be sentenced for Thanksgiving or cleansing a room from old spirits . Besides having this great fuzzy texture, sage has a wonderful earthy, grassiness to it. It is quite hearty in the garden (sometimes lasting a year or two in the Midwest) and also doubles as a great fragrant cutting for your kitchen bouquet...but back to the dish.

First, about a half and stick of butter, melted over low heat in pan. This is for a healthy serving for 2.

When almost melted, add it 4-5 whole sage leaves. The object here is to slowly heat the butter until it browns and releases all that nutty flavor. When the butter starts to get brown with little bits running thru it, remove the crispy sage leaves and set them aside, about 3-6 min. While still on the low heat, add about 1/2 cup of fine breadcrumbs to the melted butter. Stir to coat and just cook for a few minutes. Toasts it a bit and takes away that flour taste.

as a base.....really any pasta will do. We picked up some RP's butternut squash ravioli at the farmers market. The warm buttery squash with the earthy sage...a perfect pairing.

Once they float, pull the ravioli out of the boiling water and add to the butter mixture. Toss lightly with a little of the starchy water and top with a few crispy sage leaves.

Simple, tasty and unbelievably fresh. Add this method to your repertoire for a special, quick meal or a weekday treat with a great bottle of wine.

the Dolby chair

...as in Thomas, of course.

Last week, this sad little chair found its way home to Wisconsin where it received a 1980's new wave makeover.

I have lots of small scraps of fabric that I pick up when something catches my eye, and often it can take months for the fabric to meets its frame. This modern tube chair seems like it was just waiting for something bright, graphic and a bit retro.

A new wooden seat with bamboo batting, a coating of hot pink and this new wave combo is well..... blinding folks with science.

Come fly with me

Attention passengers ... Confectionique's monthly market is on a SUNDAY this week. In conjunction with the Morey airport's Fly in Breakfast, the ladies are opening their doors to the masses of aviation fans to add the fun. As well as a few airline inspired items, you will find these recycled treasures.

Fantastically weathered terra cotta pots with a chalkboard stripe to identify your herbs.

dictionary bud vases. They were once this dull wood, but after being covered in sheets of an old dictionary (highlighting some flora) the test tube holes are much more fitting for your precious cuttings.

and hopefully.....if I can finish in time. A restaurant highchair (salvaged from a curb) transformed into a Gilded Birthday Throne. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I think it might turn out weirdly, cool. That alone is worth checking it out.

Happy Birthday Abby

Today is my precious pup, Abby's, 12th birthday. In her honor, a collection of some canine inspired Etsy favorites. They make me smile almost as much as she does.

Yawning vintage dog- the Vintaquarian

Vintage Scottie- Shop at Geri's

Wire Fox Terrier dog - Todd Young

Regal Beagle Coffee Co. - Gemini Studio

Goodnight Mr. Owl - J Austin Ryan

Guess what I've got ? - Kerry Beary

Discussion - Jennifer Dennis Potter

Enjoy your day puppy girl! You're always my favorite.

Projects, Pasta & Pyrotechnics

Although we didn't make any big plans, our 4th was chock full of some really fun stuff. Starting Friday with a day full of local thrifting, followed Saturday with a trip down to the amazing Kane Co flea , where I picked up this old set of spindles salvaged from a 100 yr. old Illinois farmhouse porch. They will make perfect legs for something cool.

I also snagged this wonderfully, humorous old coffee tin, which will most likely be the base for something.

Later that night, we found a spot on a small dock to watch the annual Rhythm and Booms firework show, with our toes just dipping in Lake Mendota. My one photo is a little lack luster, but seeing those big starbursts reflected in the water was just magical.

Then Sunday, lots and lots of sanding, priming and scheming for these upcoming projects. Yikes, when it is all together...looks a little overwhelming.

An all new Confectionique market is this Sunday, July 11th, and I am stocking them up with a fresh crop of upcycled items. I am also, just 4 weeks away from the show that started off this whole adventure last year. The Atwood Summerfest July 31. This year, I am planning to kick it up even more with inventive re-uses for the unwanted, including lamps, benches and of course chairs. (I'll be sure to post some sneak peeks as the weeks pass.)

And finally, speaking of exciting reveals....while walking by the capital square here in Madison, I saw a very appetizing new banner. Francesca's al Lago opening soon ! If you are familiar with the family of Mia Francesca restaurants in Chicago, you know of their mouthwatering pastas and other Italian delights. (image)

When I was in Wicker park last month, my sis and I dined at one of their newer restaurants, Francesca's Forno and seriously had one of the best meals I have had in awhile. Handmade squash ravioli with pine nuts, fresh ricotta with honey and peppercorns... just fantastic! If this new venture is anything like their other spots, Madison is in for a real treat.....and will see Nate & I dining there very soon. I hear mid July. Sante !

For not making any plans, I say we sure did soak up the opportunities. What did your holiday weekend look like ?