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Upcycled Dress turned Pillow
About 10 years ago my friend traveled to West Africa and he brought me a dress made from Bògòlanfini or bogolan ("mud cloth"). The dress was several sizes too large so it sat in my closet untouched. I absolutely love the fabric and wanted to display it in a prominent way - I decided to do what I do best - make pillows. [caption id="attachment_1097" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="The Dress"][/caption] I agonized about cutting up the dress, but my friend gave his blessing and I went for it. I was able to make two 22x22 pillows covers. I added a feather...
The gray crowned crane inspiration
There are 2 gray crowned cranes living on the campus of my son's high school. Each morning as I inch along with the traffic, I watch them as the go about their business. They seem to peacefully coexist with the noise and confusion that accompanies teenagers. [caption id="attachment_1085" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="The Cranes"][/caption] One morning my son took a picture of the cranes, he sent the image to me with this message - " I can hardly wait to see your interpretation". I guess he has noticed that I do not see thing the same way others do... [caption id="attachment_1086" align="aligncenter"...
The hello world handmade pillow
[caption id="attachment_1070" align="alignleft" width="288" caption="M and J goes for a bike ride"][/caption] A few weeks ago I was walking to my mail box - yes, I still get snail mail- and saw my two young neighbors (Lets call them M and J) enjoying a lovely Florida day on their bike. As I approached J turned and waved - "hey Al" - "Hey J, please be careful", I said, "hold on with both hands". After all, we live on a cobble stone street, so if she fell off, that would certainly blight her prospects of becoming a model. Seeing both kids...
Wordless Wednesday - & today I made these
It was a productive day... [caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="From the alm pillow collection"][/caption] See more @ www.almcleary.com
Florida Fall Wreath
They say you know it's fall in Florida when the licenses plates being to change. Unlike our seasonal visitors from "up north" we do not have changing foliage as an indicator of fall. This year, I decided to welcome fall with a South Florida style creation. [caption id="attachment_1037" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Florida Fall Wreath"][/caption] Over the summer, I had a new AC unit installed at my home and the workmen left behind a piece of foam pipe insulation. It was begging to be used in one of my projects, but I did not know what until I read a blog post...