Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing our US Readers 

A Happy Holiday Weekend!

PennyWise will be kicking off summer with new seasonal projects, DIY's and recipes so please check back!

Memorial Day: Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery

 Last Year I had the honor of visiting the beaches of Normandy, France and the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, a place of rest for those lost in Europe during World War Two. Although not typical of our posts, I thought Memorial Day a fitting time to share some photos of this both heartbreaking and breathtaking place.

 The bronze statue entitled Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves

 9,387 Americans of different faiths, including three women, rest here.

 

 The names 1,557 lost and not recovered are listed on the memorial wall circling the central garden. 

A time capsule with reports of the Normandy landings is sealed and buried by the visitor's center and is set to be opened June 6th 2044

   

The land is perpetually granted to the U.S. free of charge

Trees line the bluff overlooking the water. 

The grounds are impeccably maintained

 Approximately one million visitors a year pay tribute here

 Arromanches, France, outside the D-day Museum 

Bunker with wildflowers, Normandy France

Wishing all our U.S. readers

 Health and Happiness this 

Memorial Day

and 

 to our readers overseas

a Happy Start to Summer

The graphics fairy

Tea Cup Pin Cushion: DIY gift for Mom

No matter how old one gets, our mothers still seem to cherish most those gifts that are made by hand. So with Mother's day fast approaching I thought I'd whip up an easy DIY that combines two of my Mom's loves: sewing and tea.

During a recent window shopping venture I stumbled on the most delightful little teacup pincushions but with a less than delightful price tag I immediately thought of ways to recreate one at home. Although a quick search online revealed pages of how-to's for fun variations of this project, they all used the same basic elements, just personalized with favorite colors, styles or theme.
Not just for mothers or grandmothers, this is a sweet gift for anyone who enjoys sewing and cup of tea.

I used

a thrifted tea cup

a pot scrubby 

(you can also use fiberfill or a small pincushion if fits snugly)

rubberband

scrap of fabric

tiny scissors

ribbon or trim

accessories

glue

 wrap fabric around scrubby

secure with rubber band, trimming excess.

glue into cup and add trim and accents if desired
I added faux pearl trim and tiny flowers

a tag and mini scissors tied with ribbon makes a lovely (and handy) addition

I created tags with a vintage image from the fabulous the graphics fairy

A Happy Mother's Day
to Grandmothers, Godmothers, Stepmothers
Pet Mothers 
and
 Like-a-Moms