Whimsical Flower Garland

One of my favorite things to do is find an idea and some how recreate it to make it mine.

I'll often look at a pattern and think I like this part of it or that but not the whole thing. 

Taking pieces of an idea and implementing them into a new idea is a lot of fun for me!

I wish I had more time to do it, but I try and find things now that don't require a lot of time.

Try finding something you love and add it to new pattern.

Mixing up old patterns make it fresh and unique and people love it!

At least I do!

I decided to take two different flowers and alternate them using different colors.

The possibilities are endless as you can use one color, make different size flowers or like I did in this case, make a beautiful garland that can be used for girls/ladies of all ages!

How do you revive your craft projects?

Garlands and Ornaments

I had plenty of time to crochet over the holiday weekend.

With a five hour drive, you can't do much else!

Here are some of the projects I completed during that time.

Garlands to decorate walls, windows, fireplaces and your tree!

This garland is 53 inches long with (7) 4" snowflakes.

This beautiful red garland is over 8 ft long. 

Perfect for wrapping around your tree!

Christmas Ornaments to hang on the wall,

windows, cabinets, tree and much more!

Fourth Of July

I have two reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

Two very special reasons.

One, I never want to forget the reason our ancestors came to this country. 

Religious freedom.

Two, my son was born two days after the Fourth! 

He will be one in another week.

While time flies and it's easy to forget what is important to us, take a minute to stop and appreciate all the blessings God has put into your life.  If it's hard to be thankful, find something to be thankful for each day.  Never forget that we have what we have because of God and because of the men long ago who fought for our country.

My Fourth of July Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket

Free shipping on the Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blankets

now through July 4th!



Little Girls Hand Bag

I made this little hand bag sometime in the last 6 months.  What I love about it is the beautiful colors in it.  Especially the tangerine.  The tangerine is a recycled cotton yarn.  I actually like using it for the purse that I made, as it seems more durable.

I thought the rabbit cuddle blanket I made was super cute in it!

I used a button to attach the strap to the bag. 

The button adds a little fun to the eye catching bag!

Up close and personal! 

I want people to be able to see how tight the stitches are on here.

Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket

I decided to list this on Etsy!

It's been a long time since I have made something I feel like blogging about.  I really enjoy making something new to show others, but I am afraid since it's been so long since I posted last, I may not have anyone read this. 

Growing up I had a blanky that was my favorite.  I used to take it everywhere I go and I wouldn't sleep without it.  I always think that it is so sweet to see little one attach to something special.  I hope that this Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket will find a home soon.  I might become attached!

The original pattern I had gave directions for making eyes and a mouth, but I thought it was sweet without it.  I did think it needed something special to it so I stitched a flower to it.  The pattern I used was from Lion Brand.  It was alot of fun to work on! In fact it turned out a lot cuter then the pattern picture!

So what projects do you work on during the summer to pass time? 

Usually summers are much busier for me, but my son is in Summer School for a month so I am enjoying picking up my hobby again while my other one sleep.

Making Waves-Bib Tutorial

The bib I bought for my oldest son has seen it's better days.  I hesitated to toss it because it has been a great bib!  I can't say that for all bibs out there.  What I like about it is that it snaps together at the bottom creating a catchall basin for food that drops.  Now that I have used it so many times it has finally started to fall apart.  That's a sign of true love! 

Well a couple months ago, it dawned on me when I saw someone making a bib that I too should recreate the bib I love so much! While the old one is made out of a canvas material, I decided to just grab some $1 cotton fabric swatches from Wal-Mart.  This way I can throw this one in the wash and dry it.  The canvas one you have to hang dry it.

Some of the things you will need for this are your material, thread, interfacing and snaps.

1.  Trace your pattern onto your material for a

front piece,

back piece

and interfacing piece.

Tip:  Recommend making a paper pattern so that each piece you cut is the same.

2.  Cut the front, back and interfacing pieces.

3.  Since white can be a little boring...

I took my scrapbooking cutter and made a wave design on some paper. 

Next, trace the wave pattern on the material and cut it out.

4.  With the white material and interfacing together,

 I pinned the wave material on the white backing, right sides facing each other.

5.  Stitch along the bottom edge.

6.  Fold down and press.

7.  With your sewing machine, stitch the wave down.

This will leave the raw edges showing.

8.  Next pin the top piece onto the interfacing and back piece.

9.  Sew the 3 pieces together to prevent shifting,

 when stitching the bias tape in place.

10.  Pin your bias tape.

Almost done!

11.  For your catching "tray": 

Fold up the bottom edge and stitch the edges.

12.  Add your snaps and you are done!

Snowflakes

Winter time is one of my favorite times to crochet things, but I must confess that it has really worn on me lately.  We have had snow on the ground for almost a month now so really the idea of adding more snowflakes to my home should not excite me, but these are too cute to not to make. 

I am thankful that the weather is a lot warmer.  The snow is melting and I am so ready to see green grass, budding flowers and smell the fresh air of spring.  But before I say good-bye to Mr. Winter and say hello to Spring, I wanted to add another touch to my collection.  I came across a pattern for a snowflake garland, but I really didn't want to spend time crocheting 15 snowflakes for a Christmas Tree that won't be up for another 10 months...  so I decided to make little door hangers with each snowflake instead.  It's still Winter right?  These little snowflakes are perfect for decorating your home all Winter long. 

You can put them anywhere you want.... 

Like this:

This darling little snowflake adds the perfect accent to doors,

Close up view.

your Christmas tree,

Front Door Wreaths or even your kitchen cabinet doors!

Each snowflake is approximately 3". 

While they are not as diverse as an actual snowflake's anatomy, you can still enjoy the miraculous beauty of each one crocheted!  I am offering these darling snowflakes in a set of 3.  Each set sells for $6 per set.

Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts

I am departing today from my normal crafts and blogging about something I really enjoy doing..... 

baking. 

Since it is Valentine's Day weekend, I thought I would have a little fun doing something that says "I Love You" to my family.  My husband was away for a few days for a work conference and I wanted to do something special for him when he got home. 

Thursday night I ended up baking brownies because we had family over to visit but we didn't end up eating them.  So I thought that it would be fun to use my little heart shaped cookie cutter to make brownie hearts.  But why stop there?  Why not make them even more chocolaty?  Dangerous I know.

So over my kids nap time, I cut out heart shaped brownies.

 

Melting Chocolate

I used left over Chocolate Almond Bark and some chocolate chips and 1/2 tablespoon of Crisco to melt my chocolate. 

Want a fool proof way to melt chocolate?  Take a pan of water several inches deep and warm it up.  Add a glass bowl to sit on top with your chocolate and stir away.  I turned down the heat once it was all melted.  This worked great for me as it didn't burn or scorch!

Looking Good!

Now just dip the brownie bits into the chocolate with a fork and tap your fork on the side of the bowl until excess chocolate drops off.  I used the tip of a sharp knife to slide it off my fork on waxed paper.

Now for a pretty presentation....

Arrange hearts on 1 paper doily on a colored plate.

Enjoy!