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Faux Galvanized Metal

I am a recovering cardboard box addict. That means I recognize that I have a problem with hoarding cardboard boxes, and that I’ve asked someone (Mr. SuzerSpace) to hold me accountable.

It’s taken years, but I have finally let go of all the boxes in the basement that belong to things we don’t own anymore. And I’ve cut down and recycled the big boxes from the televisions, and I’ve given up all the shoeboxes that I was saving for “some project.”

We also have a firm “one in then one out” rule which means if I want to keep a new box I’ve found, I have to let go of an old one.

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May 21, 2019 by suzer By Upcycling From a Tutorial I made this In the Craft Room

Herb Garden Markers

It’s no real secret that I don’t have a green thumb. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone, but whenever I see those beautiful photos of homes with indoor plants, my mind filters out the last time and it’s unhappy ending and starts dreaming of buying new greenery, scrubbing up some pots and rearranging furniture.

And then I come back to earth. It’s best for all involved if I stick to something simple like herbs. This year I accidentally became very successful growing garlic.

Hand lettering adds a special touch to this herb garden marker | SuzerSpace

A garlic head fell out of the basket I keep them in and became hidden behind the toaster. When I found it, it had sprouted two-inch long greens and a set of roots, so I dropped it in a small metal pail filled with dirt and it really took off. The long greens are super mild but add a nice topping to cooking – kind of like chives only garlicky.

I’m also good with basil and oregano, growing them in big pots outside and trimming them for cooking as needed.

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May 14, 2019 by suzer By Upcycling I made this In the Craft Room Using my Silhouette Cameo

Add A Pocket To Sweatpants

If I ever get around to updating the categories on this blog, this one is going under “Real World Sewing” because my project to add a pocket to sweatpants isn’t really pretty, but man is it practical.

I have a pair of well worn and well loved sweatpants. What I love about them is they fit, which is a miracle for a short person. They have one major flaw – they don’t have pockets.

My well loved workout wear has a flaw. My decision to add a pocket to sweatpants will fix that.

I do need to stop here and point out my utter disbelief that people are still wearing tights or yoga pants out in public all the time. There have been a lot of fashion fads that I have not understood, but what really surprises me is how long this one has carried on. And the funny part (to me) is how all these women think they are special for wearing this look, when in reality it’s become commonplace. Sometimes I wonder if I’m going to be ejected from Trader Joe’s for being the only woman not wearing form fitting leg wear as pants.

I actually wear these sweatpants for their two intended purposes – exercising and lounging around the house. Where I desperately need a pocket is on our morning walks – to hold my phone.

As it turns out, adding a pocket really wasn’t that difficult.

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May 7, 2019 by suzer By Upcycling I made this In the Craft Room In the Sewing Room

Hello May 2019

Spring in Kansas City is my second favorite season (Fall is my very favorite).

The days are long and bright, the flowers and trees bloom -the pollen is terrible but I’m trying a new allergy med so we’ll see how that goes. But it’s time for Hello May – my look back at the past month and a look forward at what’s coming next at SuzerSpace!

Three things I really enjoyed in April:

Hewitt Avenue’s Print Lettering Guide and her ProCreate Brush. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I’m super into learning how to do brush lettering. Most of my time has been spent on the cursive version, and I’m really liking Sarah’s take on the print.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs. I’m a hockey fan, even though I came to the sport late in life (growing up in West Texas kind of limits your exposure to winter sports). This year has been super interesting with some wild big upsets in the first round. It’s almost worth staying up past my earlybird bedtime to watch.
A new tradition. I have my annual physical in April, and I spend much of the end of March and most of April dreading it. This year, we tried something new – I took the entire morning off from work (so no guilt) and after the appointment Mr. SuzerSpace and I went to our favorite breakfast place for brunch. This was selfish in that it was a reward for getting through the appointment and gave me something to look forward to. It was also selfless, in that for the blood work I had to skip breakfast, so I did everyone at work a favor by stopping for food so as not to work hangry all morning.

Coming up in May –

Spring planing season in Kansas City officially kicks off Mother’s Day weekends (no real threat of frost after that). Marigolds were a huge hit last year, I’m planning on going overboard on them this year.
May is a month of racing fun – Monaco, Indy 500 and the Memorial Day Nascar race.
Don’t forget Mother’s Day. If you missed it, last week I posted a freebie printable Mother’s Day card with a tutorial on making an envelope liner.

May 1, 2019 by suzer Now

Mother’s Day Printable Card

Make a special card for a special day by adding an envelope liner to an instant download printable Mother's Day Card | SuzerSpace.com

Even in this really digital age, I think everyone appreciates an actual, physical card. Some holidays really seem to “require” them, and I think Mother’s Day is a good example of that.

But it’s tricky to remember to go to the card store and pick out a good one. And if you get there late, or worse, end up at the grocery store, the pickings may be slim. The good ones are all taken by those organized people who buy their cards early.

In my opinion, the invention of the instant download printable card was a really good one. You have the luxury of browsing from home, and when you find one you want, you can download it, print it, fold it and and you are done!

For this Mother’s Day, I’m offering you a free printable card to try out the process. And this one comes with a little bonus – a matching sheet of printable paper that makes a great envelope liner.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR MOTHER’S DAY CARD!

April 23, 2019 by suzer Freebies Holidays I made this In the Craft Room To Celebrate Using a Computer or iPad