Handmade objects always have a story. They have a real character and charm over mass-produced items. My blog is featuring all the handmade items I make and I'm also going to post Free Patterns for crocheting, knitting and other crafts. I'm also going to post my favourite recipes for free! Are you interested in a certain pattern or recipe? Feel free to contact me.

I love to recycle books and records and create unique purses, clocks, IPhone docks, Ereader Tablet Covers, hollow safe books. You can find my crafting in My RETROGRANDMA Etsy Store

I also love to seek out collectible treasures and you can find them in my RetroClassics shop on Etsy

I've had a number of opportunities for my unique handmade items to be featured on many blogs. I LOVE the RETRO ERA and that's why they call me "RETROGRANDMA"! FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/Retrograndma







14 October 2012

Unique Christmas Presents!

Why not get ahead of the rush and start your Christmas shopping now?  Avoid the store line-ups. Find unique gifts made from records and books in my Etsy Shop.   Handmade gifts are the best unique idea that everyone loves to receive!







8 October 2012

IPod Touch or IPhone Cases made from Books - Hollow Book Safes


Hollow Book Safe made from a Hardy Boys Book - great to store your iPod Touch, IPhone, money, jewelry or any other valuables.   Place on your dresser, table, book shelf, or car - and who would think to look inside for your secret treasures as it will blend into any setting!   I have many more hollow books listed on Etsy - please come and visit my shop - http://www.retrograndma.etsy.com

22 April 2012

Hunger Games Book Purse


Did you see the Hunger Games movie?  I decided to make a purse out of the book. It was very hard to remove the pages from the book as they were glued tight against the spine - but after doing some tricky work I got it!  You can find it for sale on Etsy 

18 March 2012

The Beatles Record Handbag

Wow! March 18 and it's spring weather! What an unusual year it has been - the most mildest winter I've ever experienced here in Canada.
I've been a fan of the Beatles from the day they were on the Ed Sullivan show!  A Blast From the Past with this unique Beatles Record Handbag!   Pop over and see more handbags made from The Beatles in my Etsy Shop.

28 January 2012

25 January 2012

Recipe for Great Homemade Buns, Bread or Doughnuts

I'd like to share one of my favourite recipes.  This particular recipe was from a church cookbook  made in the early 1970's and it was my mother's favourite.

Buns/Bread/Cinnamon Buns/Doughnut Recipe
2 pkgs. yeast
1 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. sugar
 Let this rise for 20 minutes...then add:
3 c. lukewarm water             
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. mazola
1 Tbsp. salt
6 beaten eggs
Enough flour to make a soft dough. (have it slightly sticky)
Let this rise for 2 hours in a warm place and then punch down.  Let it rise again for another one hour and then make into bread, plain buns, cinnamon buns or doughnuts.  (roll dough out and use a jar lid to cut out into doughnuts....cut a small hole in the middle with a smaller lid - I use my small salt shaker lid)
I love the aroma of fresh buns baking!
Enjoy!


24 January 2012

Bookends made from Records

My bookends made it to the Front Page of Etsy!!  A neat way to display your favourite books! Record bookends made from two records.  You will find them in my Etsy Shop:  

20 January 2012

IPad Kindle Nook Kobo Covers made from Books



With our new technology we can read thousands of books on our small ereaders. But don't you miss the feel of reading a real book? This is the perfect replacement for the feel of reading a real book in your hands - ereader covers made from hardcover books. Choose your favourite book or send me one of your favourites and I will create your own unique cover. I have many to choose from in my Etsy shop at the moment. Happy reading!!!!

New Year - New Unique Recycled Items


As a new year begins so do my new recycled crafts begin! I have so many 45 rpm records and with some thought I decided I could create a table lamp with them! Great for office or home - or as a unique gift idea for the "hard to buy for" person. You can find this particular one and others in my Etsy shop