Off the Beaten Path...

Cobblestone or pebble mosaic path by MaggyHowarth.  This design is created by imbedding individual stones in cement according to a predesigned pattern.  This one is very colorful and intricate but simpler ones are quite the eye candy, also.

Having long been a fan of cobblestone mosaics, I have patiently waited for a chance to do something with this art form that doesn't take a lifetime, after all, I do have a day job.

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Well, darn it, the grout between my flagstone has cracked in various places and needs tending to.  Hmm, cobblestones!

Get some of these from your local rock yard after looking at inspiration like this and see what you can make.

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 This vining pebble mosaic here in the grout line gave me the inspiration go do a cobblestone grout project.  While this flat stone vein is attractive, I craved something stunning.  Placing the stones on their side will do the trick.  I believe this will take me the better part of the summer to complete, so you can expect a progress check blog later.

Fine Gardening was kind enough to instruct us on how to create a pebble mosaic. Photo by Virginia Small.  

I want to share with you a much smaller project because I suspect your grout is fine and some of you wouldn't mind creating a stunning pebble mosaic in this lifetime.  Check out these outdoor mosaic projects:

The contrived tree rends a healthy workload.

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DIY MATTERS OF STYLE

I've found myself in a lot of trouble at home for sharing all manner of delicious recipes with you. Seems people at my house want to eat those things I told you about and they're harassing me - so no food for you this time as I need the peace. I will share a FEMME passion of mine: I am a closet freak |^_~| . Of course I'm speaking of my love for clothes and jewels like those at J.Crew. I pretty much give them most of my money except that sometimes I give some $$ to the nice folks over at Juicy Couture for fragrance and the occasional track suit and blingy baubles like this ostentatious key fob which I just had to have.

PHOTO: MICHELLE OBAMA IN J. CREW RUFFLEd blouse AND matching CARDIGAN

J. Crew, though, they reel me in but man are they crazy expensive! I hardly ever fall in love for much under $100 an item over there and when I do, that's 1 item like a blouse or a sweater and $40 and up for a tee shirt. I tell you, it stops my breath for a moment - long enough to come up with SEW DIY things based on: imitation -noun 1. copy 2. sincere form of flattery.

”Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” Jamie Paolinetti

See this fantastic and alluring casual top which will

cost you about $88- it can be recreated for much less if you are willing to wield a pair of scissors and sew a little. I was totally going to show you how to recreate this gem and then I thought, reinventing the wheel is not necessary so instead I will share with you how the Divas at Enchantresses 3 whipped up such delight right here with a bunch of hearts.

I like winter well enough but I'm not crazy about actually being cold so I like to wrap on a scarf to control my temperature. Here's the downside: necklaces are hidden under the scarf that I may remove. J. and the Crew bust that myth with this look with a ribbon necklace and I lurved it so I bought this exact one.

Did I mention that I live near a J. Crew outlet and paid only 40% of the online price for this lovely? I was almost happy but I wanted more, so I thought SEW DIY because, well, I'm creative like that. After some research I came across these set of directions from lovely Mrs. Erica and made my own ribbon necklace

from some grosgrain ribbon and some existing bling in my jewelry collection. I followed the directions (scroll down) beginning where she added the ribbon and wow, I love it. You can feel free to make an entire necklace from scratch but really... really? Why... you and I both know that you have a bunch of tired things which you could just redo with a little ribbon you find at your fabric store. Grosgrain ribbon by the way comes in hundreds of styles, is sturdy and did I mention rather inexpensive at about $2 for a roll of 18 feet like here at JoAnnes fabric and crafts. Yep.

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Since you're in the mood for a little creative purposing, how about giving a go at this embellished Cardigan al a J. and the Crew - directions found here at MISMATCHERIE

or recreate the J. inspired no-sew ruffle like Bromeliad shares here made from a recycled tee shirt and harmonizing colored blouse.

Ruffles of all kinds abound on garments today which is the perfect opportunity to do a little something about "peek control". Say yes to Hoboken shows how here on this V Neck tee (scroll down half way) which she embellishes with pinch pleats. Make it your own by doing the same thing with purchased ribbon or lace. You're a more ambitious seamstress? Try a ruffle detail on a classic Trench as shown here at INTO-THE-FRAY.

There was also this sort of ribbon neckline added to shirts and cardigans which has unfinished hems and is gathered into a ruffle and attached as MY MAMMA MADE IT does here.

We can do the entire ruffles and petals thing according to other designers. ... love Maegan.com shows how to add petals and ruffles to shoes: heels flats pumps, stilettos..you name it. Her site has lots of DIY for your creative diva side. We needn't limit our creativity to the kitchen, I certainly bring creativity to every aspect of my life. I hope you give one of these projects a try. If you see any fabulous J. makeables I hope you share with me...

Leave me a comment!!