April Instagram

I think that Instagram has got to be my favorite social media outlet, ever. I love the power of photography. But, the best part about it is capturing life's moments that would otherwise be forgotten. It's like a digital scrapbook. I love looking back through my feed and being reminded of the great memories. -Ruth-

How could I not take a million photos of Sophee! 

Dog bone, dog tag I made for Sophee

Sophee in a basket

Sophee getting a brushin'

Sophee wearing a poncho 

Mark and Sophee squirrel watching

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Ribeye and grilled onions 

Chives and Basil

Backyard beauties

Lounging on the deck

Spring blooms from the husband

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My Minnetonka Story

El Paso Suede Mocs c/o Minnetonka Moccasins

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Lake Texoma Cave Graffiti

Allen Flood Plain

Lake Texoma Ammonite Fossils

On owning an Etsy Shop

( image source )

My dear friend Emma from The Hippie Memoirs, recently celebrated her 21st first birthday. I really wanted to create something handmade for her that would be really special. I used my knowledge of metal smithing to create her this simple necklace. I hand cut brass triangles and a copper heart and hand stamped the words "All you need is" onto the brass triangles. These famous words sung by The Beatles are near and dear to Emma's heart, so I thought there wasn't a better phrase I could use. I just love the photographs she took! You should check them out right here!

I have really been toying around with the idea of opening an Etsy shop. I love to work with small metals and I would love to take it to the next level and step it up from just a hobby. But, part of me worries that the market is too over saturated with handmade jewelry. I feel that while my jewelry is a bit unique because of the manipulation, textures, and techniques used, it might slip between the cracks of more successful, veteran shops. I am also interested in selling my upcycled jewelry and accessories. I've recently become obsessed with reusing leather skirts. Check it out HERE and HERE! 

Maybe I should think about testing the market at craft fairs. What do you think? Do you own an Etsy Shop? Or are you a craft fair guru?  I would love to hear your advice and insight on craft fair scene, selling on consignment, and or owning an Etsy shop. -Ruth-

Just be...Free Printable

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Upcycled leather fringe earrings

Ok, so who doesn't love fringe. Right? I recently made this leather fringe cell phone sleeve from a thrifted leather skirt. Well, I of course still had tons of fabric left over so I began my adventure to make other leather things. How about a pair of upcycled leather fringe earrings! -Ruth-

Upcycled Leather Fringe Earrings

2 strips of leather (approx. 6")

4 jump rings

2 earrings hooks

Jewelry Pliers

Scissors

Fold leather strips in half

Slide through jump ring

Loop around and secure

Cut fringe

Attach second jump ring and earring hooks

Come on Texas

Sweater (Macy's) // Tank (Target) //  Leather Jacket (Tahari)

Boots and Jeans (Nine West) //Necklace (Sam Moon)

Ok, so the last three weeks in a row it has rained and gotten chilly. Then, it's 80°. Come on Texas! I guess we need the rain, we do have freshly sodded back yard! Well, that's all besides the point. The point is that it is almost the weekend! YAY! I think I spend the weekend crafting and designing, hanging out with my husband, and drinking some wine. What about you?  -Ruth-

Upcycled fringe cell phone sleeve

DIY: Upcycled Leather Fringe Cell Phone Sleeve

Thrifted leather garment

Scissors

Sewing machine or a needle and thread 

A blanket stitch would look super cute on this project!

Steps: 1//Cut a long strip from the leather garment big enough to cut three equal panels, remember you will need a little wiggle room for the side seams and the top opening. 2//Lay cell phone onto fabric and mark 1" in. 3//Mark 1" from the other side of your cell phone. 4//Cut fabric into three equal sections. 5//Use the third piece and cut in half length wise to create the fringe. 6// Lay both half's on top of one another and mark approximately 1" down from top. 7//Carefully cut fringe (I did both pieces using a ruler and a rotary cutter to ensure the same width and height)  8//Lay the fringe pieces on top of a long pieces lining up the upper edge. Repeat. 9// Individually stitch the fringe pieces to the longer pieces. I used two rows of stitching. Then, carefully cut of one piece of the fringe on each side. You will do this 4 times. The purpose is so that you can cleanly stitch up the side seams and not get a piece of fringe stuck in the stitch line or worry about sewing over it at the top. 10//Stitch the side seams and bottom together with wrong sides facing. Since it is leather, you don't have to worry about finishing or fraying. After I did this, I trimmed up all four edges to create a real nice straight edge. I find that using a ruler and a rotary cutter work best. -Ruth-

Spring Blooms

More often than not, my husband buys me flowers when he goes to Sam's club. He knows how much I enjoy having fresh flowers around...He even made this arrangement himself. .I am so grateful to have such an amazing husband. We had such a lovely weekend and we did more than we have in a long time. I love you Mark! What did you do this past weekend? -Ruth-

My Folks DIY Adventure

So, my parent recently embarked on this fine DIY project. Mind you, it took 5 years to drink all that wine! They decided to put all those pretty wine corks to use because their kitchen pub table was getting damaged just by everyday use! So, my mom came up with this clever idea. So, how did they do it? First, my mom created the pattern. What you see in her photographs is  4 placemats that create the circle. Then my dad used a utility knife to cut the corks in half. My mom used E6000 to glue the cork half's to a non-adhesive silicone self liner. Walla! Isn't it lovely! And just to give you an idea, they used about four 5oz. tubes of glue for this project. I haven't yet gotten a count on how many wine corks there are! -Ruth-

All photographs taken by Jolynda Reyes

My Minnetonka Story

Dress (Macy's) // Belt (Fossil) // Earrings (Sam Moon) 

 Cardigan (Marshalls) // Boots (Minnetonka)

Hey y'all! Hope you had an outstanding weekend! The hubs and I went to Lake Texoma and had a blast! I can't wait to share some of the beautiful photographs I took during our hike! Let's just say, it was not what I was expecting. Huge boulders, ammonite fossils, and a lot of rock climbing! 

I am both pleased and honored to announce that today my favorite shoe brand is featuring My Minnetonka Story today on their blog! Be sure to check it out! -Ruth-

Agave and Lemon Martini (Lemon Drop Martini)

I really, really love lemon. Well, lemon flavored drinks that is. This past weekend, Mark and I did some light landscaping. We had a blast! But, it was hot and humid! So, I thought I would make some refreshing lemon martini's. I mean, it was the weekend after all!

 Agave and Lemon Martini

lemon spirals or wedges for garnishing

4tbsp. lemon juice

4 tbsp. water

2 tbsp. agave

3 oz. vodka

ice

Fill a cocktail shaker full of ice. Add lemon juice, water, vodka, agave, and 2 lemon wedges. Shake until agave has completely blended into the drink. Serve with lemon spiral garnish. Enjoy! -Ruth-