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







6 December 2014

Book Purses made from RetroGrandma on Etsy

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas made from Records and Books.  Here is just a few of my popular book purses that any book lover would love to receive for a gift - Nancy Drew, Charles Dickens or Harry Potter book purse.  http://www.retrograndma.etsy.com



14 November 2014

Harry Potter Hollow Book Safe by RetroGrandma

Check out this cool hollow book safe in my Etsy Shop:  RetroGrandma
Great secret hiding box for your valuables!  Great Christmas idea for men or women or for the Harry Potter Fan!

18 October 2014

Shakespeare Book Purse

New listing - A Vintage Shakespeare Handmade Book Purse.  I love the hardcover of this book - with the gold design! It's never too early to start your Christmas shopping.  This would make a unique gift for the teacher or book lover.  

26 September 2014

Book Purse for the book lover!

I love this amazing book purse because of it's hardcover!  Blue hardcover with gold printing and matching cotton floral material - watch heads turn as you walk down the street with this one!  John Steinbeck - Grapes of Wrath, The Moon is Down, Cannery Row, East of Eden and Of Mice and Men - click on this to view the listing in my Etsy Shop.  Remember it's never too early to get your Christmas shopping done now - before all the good ones are gone  :-)

23 September 2014

Nancy Drew Book Purse by RetroGrandma

Nancy Drew Fans will love this unique idea - Book Purses made from the books!  Great unique gift idea - never too early to start Christmas shopping now.  


13 September 2014

Jane Austen Book Purse

Just made this book purse this week.  I love the hardcover!  It made such a classy handbag.  
Jane Austen Book Purse found in my Etsy Store - RetroGrandma

6 September 2014

Back to School Gifts!

What a great gift for that special teacher or librarian!  You can find more of my book purses on Etsy.  Just search for RetroGrandma.  



26 July 2014

CraftyGirl Creates: CraftyGirl's Featured Shop: RetroGrandma

CraftyGirl Creates: CraftyGirl's Featured Shop: RetroGrandma: Today's featured shop brings new life into old books. Say hello to RetroGrandma , an Etsy shop with over 1800 sales and sparkling feedb...

15 June 2014

Wow! Time is sure going by fast!  Can't believe it's June already!
Here is another one of my book purse creations I just made.  Edgar Allan Poe Book Purse

5 February 2014

If you love to cook or know of a person who loves to cook here is something unique!  Cookbook Book Purse.  Just one of the many book purses I create and sell on  Etsy.  

1 February 2014

Free Bun Bread and Doughnut Recipe

On a cold day (and believe me it's cold where I live) nothing is better than smelling the aroma of freshly baked buns and bread throughout the house!  I love it!  This recipe is from a vintage church cookbook that my mom used - makes the best buns or cinnamon buns ever!  

2 pkg. yeast
1 tsp. sugar
1 cup lukewarm water
     Let rise 20 minutes.  Then add to:
3 c lukewarm water
3/4 c. mazola oil
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 c sugar
6 beaten eggs
- Flour to make a soft dough (approximately 14 cups - but don't add this all at once - just a few cups at a time and stop once you feel the consistency is right. Do not add to much flour - make it slightly sticky)
Let rise in a warm place for 2 hours....then punch down and let it rise 1 more hour.  Bake into plain buns, cinnamon buns, bread, or doughnuts.  When working with the dough add some oil to your hands and it will be easier.  Once you've made your buns let it rise in the pans again for approximately 20 minutes.  Bake buns and cinnamon buns at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  Bread will probably take longer - until golden brown.  
Nothing better than having a fresh bun with butter and homemade jam! yummmmmmm

14 October 2013

Ereader cover, Tablet Device Cases - made from books

Great gift idea for the man or woman who has everything!  It never fails to amuse others when seen that it's more than just a book.  A book transformed into a tablet cover. I enjoy making each one as each ereader cover is unique.   Find more from RetroGrandma in my Etsy shop
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12 October 2013

Are you thinking of what to buy her for Christmas?  Get something unique that will spark conversation every time she carries it around - buy her a book purse from RetroGrandma!  Here is just one of my handmade book purses by Charles Dickens.  Be sure to check out all my other items I have made from books and records in my Etsy Shop.  

11 October 2013

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Book Dock Station Charger



 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book made into a Dock Station Charger. Charge and sync usb cable compatible for IPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S & IPods. The wall adapter is not included which comes standard with all devices. Cord length is 38" - Connection: USB Male to 30-Pin Male.  A unique charging dock that gives a lovely vintage twist and style to the interior of your room with your favorite books!  You won't drop your cord behind those hard to reach places anymore! The cord is well secured in the book and the book has been sealed shut for durability. 
Enter my shop: retrograndma.etsy.com 

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!