The Art of Repurposing

What in the world is repurposing you ask?? Well I define it as taking an object with it's original purpose and using it for something entirely different giving it a new purpose. You may have repurposed items all around your home without even realizing it. The laundry basket used to store toys, a pretty mug used to hold pencils by the phone, or empty baby food jars used to organize nuts and bolts in the garage. All good examples of repurposed items. Items for repurposing can be found just about anywhere. They can be new items or previously used items. I must admit I have been known to rescue items from the certain demise of the garbage man. I call these items curb-side treasures :) To master the art of repurposing you must "think outside the box". Well that's how my family refers to me anyway. When I look at an item I think about what it would look like with a fresh coat of white paint, or how I could use this item for unique storage or what would this item look like in the garden? It helps to give new purpose to things. Are you still confused ? Let me show you a few examples from around my home.......

First let's visit my garden.A bucket that once held coal now holds a pretty flower.

An old worn out shutter makes a nice background for a cheerful potted flower.

An old locker basket is now the new home for a happy geranium.

I have lots of repurposed items inside my home as well. Here are just a few of my favorites.

When I saw this old fan blade guard I just fell in love with it's charm. I wasn't sure what I would do with this little treasure but since it was only a quarter I scooped it right up. After I got it home I realized what a wonderful towel rack it would make hanging on my little red table in the kitchen.
















This was a real find at a local flea market. It's original purpose was to display bags of chips for sale at a grocery store. I thought it would be perfect to display some of my favorite vintage photos of my family.

I love to repurpose items in my craft studio as well.

I have always loved the look of these old flower frogs.
I have quite a collection of them. This one found it's way to my scrapbook table and is the perfect thing to hold all of my pencils and pens.










I just recently added this repurposed item. When I came home with this my family just shook their heads. I told them not to worry I had the perfect plan for this treasure. What is it you ask...well it is the springs of a baby crib (painted that pretty shade of blue that I love) It is the perfect way to store all of my die-cuts. I purchased some little "S" hooks for them to hang on---now I can easily see what I have and it makes them so accessible.


I found this sweet little salt shaker at an estate sale recently. I really loved the way the glass was cut. I use salt shakers in my craft studio to store my glitter, but this one is so pretty I thought it would make the ideal vase for those dainty flowers growing in my garden right now.

As you can see, it is so much fun to repurpose items. Just use your imagination and "think outside the box". You will be amazed at how once that was headed for the trash will now become one of your prized treasures. Have fun and Happy treasure hunting :)

Precious Family History

With the month of June right around the corner, it started me thinking about weddings and the romance surrounding each happy union. Each wedding with it's own unique story of how the happy couple met and fell in love. Was it love at first sight or was it a friendship that grew into love. How two separate families become one with one simple "I do". How the joining of two people embarks the journey of a new family.

This picture records the day that my maternal grandparents were joined in marriage. Andrew and Anna Gulyas were united in marriage on September 1, 1935. They met at their place of employment --my grandfather was the assistant pastry chef at a local bakery where my grandmother was also employed.

My paternal grandparents lived on the same street growing up. It was there they met and fell in love. George and Mary Smisko were united in marriage August 15, 1933.

I love everything about these photos. The dresses, the shoes, the hats, the flowers, the bow ties, are all so charming and romantic.

The family tree continued to grow with the marriage of my parents Bill and Joanne Smisko on June 2, 1962.

I feel so blessed to know the history of how my family began and to have these precious pictures forever recording the day.

Happy Mother's Day

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

Our life together has just begun

You're a part of me my little one.

As mother with child, each day I grew,

My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I'd daydream of the things we'd share,

Like late-night bottles and teddy bears.

Like first steps and skinned knees,

Like bedtime stories and ABC's.

When I first saw your precious face

I prayed your life be touched with grace.

I thanked the angels from above,

And promised you unending love.

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

As mother and child our journeys begun,

My heart is yours forever little one.
~Author unknown~

From the time I was a little girl I can remember nothing I wanted more than to be a mother.
As I played with my baby dolls I would imagine what it would be like to actually have a baby of my own. I had no idea what a wonderful journey it would be. To hold this tiny little being in my arms totally dependant on me for everything.

I had so many questions and uncertainties..." what does it mean when he cries like this, is he getting enough to eat, does he sleep too much, am I caring for him in the best way possible? I was so thankful and felt truly blessed that I had the most amazing person to turn to with all of my uncertainties--my own Mom. I really don't know what I would have done without her then and even still to this day. My mom is not only a mother to me, but I can honestly say she is my friend. Through her example I have learned how to be a caring, nurturing mother to my own son. This is one of my favorite pictures of us. My mom, my younger sister and me.

Today was a wonderful day spending time with my family celebrating my mom and the blessing of being a mom.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you so much. Thanks for being the best mom and friend that a daughter could ask for.

Wishing all of you a day filled with love as you celebrate those special Mom's in your life.

Girlfriends and Greenhouses

Growing up as a child, I never realized how important family traditions would become to me. When you are young, attending yearly family events was just something that you did. As I grow older, I realize how precious these traditions really are. Some traditions are started from the time you are born and others just seem to develop later in life. One such tradition that has developed later in my life and has become so special to me happens each year around this time---the week before Mother's Day. My Mom, my best friend Heidi, and I all meet at a wonderful local greenhouse called Kaelins Farm Market where we choose our flowers for the coming season together. Kaelins is a family run farm and one of my favorite places to visit. From the moment you walk into the door you feel welcome. I love that Mrs. Kaelin remembers me from year to year and is always so friendly and helpful. Not only is it a beautiful greenhouse but there is also a little luncheon kitchen where some of the yummiest of treats are cooked up. If I time it right, I am sometimes greeted with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked sweets. In the Fall there is nothing better than a freshly baked apple pie still hot right from the oven.

Their greenhouses are simply wonderful. I could get lost wandering from greenhouse to greenhouse just taking in all the beauty.

I usually plant in the same color palette reds, yellows, and blues but this year these wonderful pink dahlias changed my mind. I just had to have them.

After making our selections we load all our beautiful flowers into our cars and hurry home to plant. I love that this annual event has now become a special tradition. The memories of this day last forever. All summer long as I care for these beauties, I am reminded of the two very special people who share this day with me.

A Wonderful Surprise......

When I decided to enter into the world of etsy and blogging, it was mainly to share my art with others. I had no idea that I would meet so many wonderful people in the process. I must say that I have really enjoyed getting to know new friends and chatting with them on line. The inspiration they give me through their art work and their blogs is amazing. One such person is Barbara of Southern Lady's Vintage. Her Etsy shop is filled with lovely vintage pieces. If you love roses as I do, please take a minute to look at all of her hand painted items with the most romantic roses that I have ever seen. Barbara also has a beautiful blog. From the moment you enter her blog you know it is someplace special. You are greeted with such beautiful music which invites you stay and visit for a while. Barbara recently had a special give away on her blog to celebrate her 100th post!! Guess what----I won. I was so happy to be part of the celebration and the recipient of such a lovely gift.

Thank you so much and Happy 100th post Barbara. I look forward to many more to come!

Home Sweet Home

Having someplace to go is home.

Having someone to love is family.

Having both is a blessing.

I have been truly blessed by both a loving family and a place of my own to call home. My home is not one of grand stature, but it is one full of love and wonderful memories. It is the place where we started our family, it is the place where our family has gathered for many picnics, a place where many a holiday and birthday have been celebrated, a place where our friends are always welcome, a place where we feel safe and comfortable.

Each room in my home is special to me, each in it's own way. I look at my son's room once a room decorated in the soft colors of a baby's nursery now filled with things belonging to a 17 year old young man. Wrestling trophy's, an electric guitar, an x box, and Cd's have long replaced teddy bears, Lego's and matchbox cars.

As I look at my kitchen, I am reminded of how when I decided to redecorate, my family and friends chipped right in to help out. Never complaining when the cabinets needed just one more coat of paint then we had originally thought. My best friend's husband took so much time and care to hang wainscoting giving the room that cottage look that I love.

Our game room filled with vintage signs and framed sports jerseys--the place my son and husband "hang out" with each other. I love the sound of their laughter as they watch a goofy movie that only

they would enjoy.

My craft room that has allowed me so much happiness as I create. Someday I will show you pictures when it is just a little more tidy (lol)

Then there is my living room. The one place in my house that I can retreat to when there is craziness everywhere else. The room with no TV where I can just sit and think. The place where I have decorated with my true personality. This is the room that I sit and visit with special friends and the room I would love to share with you.

This sweet pillow was made for me by my mom. She is such a talented sewer and quilter. I plan on sharing more of her work with you in my mother's day post. I can't wait to show you her amazing quilts--I know you will love them.

I guess the line from one of my favorite movies is true----There really is no place like HOME!

How Time Flies

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger that a minute.
How it amazes me you're changin' with every blink.

Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

~lyrics from song entitled "Let them be little"~
~Written and sung by artist Billy Dean~

It seems like just yesterday that I woke my husband at 4:30am to tell him it was time to go the hospital. Oh I can still remember how excited and nervous I was to become a mother. For as long as I can remember, that was my dream--to be a mommy. This day April 26, 1991 that dream would finally come true. I had a son, Alexander William Panormios and he was mine to love forever.
Time passes so quickly. It really does seem as though I blinked and he grew into a young man.
Today we celebrated Alex's 17th birthday with a picnic--the first of the season. Grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends enjoying each others company and celebrating Alex. What better way to spend a Saturday.
Happy Birthday Son
I love you!!

***Alex's first Birthday-----17 years ago . Good thing he still doesn't eat like this :) ***

Crafty Sweetness

What do you do with a few minutes all to yourself?---- read a book, take a bubble bath, listen to music. Well with my few minutes I decided to wander around a craft store and check out what was new. I also had a 40% off coupon for Michaels that I just couldn't let go to waste :) I wandered up and down the isles looking at everything from silk flowers to rubber stamps finding nothing to spend my coupon on. Oh well, I thought, this coupon will just have to expire. And then I spied them. The cutest new die cuts from Sizzix. There were love bugs, teddy bears, baby girl and boy die cuts---I just could not decide. If you would like to take a peek at all the die cuts, here is the link to the Sizzix website.....http://www.sizzix.com/campaigns/cshow/2 I decided on the baby animal set.
Aren't they the sweetest little animals! I could hardly wait to create something with them. This is what I came up with........
This little elephant card was made with the new baby line from Melissa Frances. I just love this paper. It is so soft and sweet.


The little giraffe and lion cards were made with one of my all time favorite lines of paper--Tres Jolie by My Mind's Eye.
Let me know what you think-------

A Beautiful Nuisance

As I was contemplating starting my blog and opening my etsy shop, many thoughts swam in my head. What would I write about, what would I sell in my shop and what in the world would I call my blog and shop? Oh I had a list of names---which one should I choose? I finally decided on Dandelion Wishes. Why that name you ask? Why a dandelion--they are such a nuisance poking their little yellow heads right out into the beautiful green grass. Then there are those little white seed parachutes floating over my lawn just looking for a place to land and grow more little yellow heads in my beautiful grass. If I would have stopped at that thought I never would have choosen the dandelion to represent my blog. Who want's to be known as a nuisance?? Not me :)

As I stopped and looked at the little yellow flower, I discovered that it is really quite beautiful. With it's many petals and it's happy yellow color I found it to be really very cheery. And then the thought struck me. There are many things that come into our lives that at first we consider a nuisance. But if we really stop to think about them, often they can become a thing of beauty--teaching lessons and helping us to grow and mature in our lives. I couldn't think of a better name for my blog and shop. It helps to remind me to stop and see the beauty in all situations, to ask myself what lesson am I to be learning, and how does this situation help me to grow into a better person. I wish that for all of you my friends as well.

And who could not love a bouquet of these sweet little beauties. Hand picked with tiny hands just for you and given to you with all the love in the world.

Flea Market Pretties and Beautiful Banners

As I have shared in previous posts, one of my favorite things to do on beautiful days is to treasure hunt at local flea markets. Well it was a simply lovely day today--sunny and warm--the perfect day for treasure hunting. So my husband, my son (yes who should have been in school :), Emma (the little girl I babysit), and I piled into the car and headed for Rogers, Ohio. An amazing flea market is held there every Friday. Rows and Rows of treasures just waiting to be discovered. I usually dig into every box I see, I could be there for hours and hours. Today however I did use some restraint knowing that the patience of a three year old would soon be gone. Emma and I searched the booths together looking for the perfect purchases. We had fun looking at all the vintage toys. She was such a good girl and so patient. Just look at the beautiful things we found :

First is this lovely vintage rhinestone crown pin. I just could not leave this behind. And guess what it was only $1.00. I could hardly believe it.

Oh and I just loved these pretty little pins and sweet earrings. I can just picture how they will look on my next collage.

And these precious buttons---all in my favorite colors.

I think my favorite treasure of the day is this sweet vintage rose pin. I wish I had a whole garden of this precious pin.

Before I close this post for today I would love to share with you this splendid mosaic collage sent to me by Tamy Ottomeyer. Tamy is the gracious host of a banner swap that I recently participated in. She has a lovely blog Ga Ga for Garlands http://simplymein.typepad.com/gagaforgarlands/

I had such fun creating my banner and really appreciate all her hard work to make this swap possible. Thank you again Tamy!!!! I love to see all the creative work that went into these banners. Enjoy the collage---each banner is just lovely.

Biscotti, Lavender, and Ribbon

Today was one of the most enjoyable days!! I spent the whole day having fun with my mom. The weather was sunny and warm--the perfect day to spend at the Strip. No I didn't say to strip :) Here in Pittsburgh, just east of the city, we have a terrific place called The Strip District. It is known for its wholesalers, restaurants and fun funky shops. There are so many ethnic groups represented in the Strip and the street vendors are plenty as well selling everything from ethnic food to T-Shirts. We had a wonderful lunch at a diner called Pamela's and then we shopped until we dropped. Here are a few of my favorite purchases.

If you like Biscotti, this is the place for you. I bought these at the most amazing little bakery. There were so many flavors I could hardly decide. I finally made my selection and left happily with them as well as a coconut macaroon that I ate right away!!!! So YUMMY!!!

These next two purchases are from one of my favorite shops ever. A little shop called Roxannes Dried Flowers. As soon as you enter this shop you know it is someplace special. It is packed full of beautiful dried flowers, wreaths, ribbons, and wonderful rod iron art for the garden. In the back of the shop is a door that leads out onto a patio. In the summer this patio is full of beautiful flowers. I could stay there forever and just dream the day away. The picture above is of some beautiful fragrant lavender. I just couldn't leave without filling a container to take with me. I love lavender---the smell is so romantic.

I also couldn't leave without these beautiful ribbons. The colors were so soft and they all have that wonderful vintage look that I love so much. The day was topped off with the most delicious chi-tea latte from a wonderful coffee shop called Prestogeorge.
The lunch and shopping were so much fun, but the best part of the day was spending time with my mom. She is not only my mother but also my friend.