A Review of the Year and Wishing you a very Happy Holidays

I know! I know! Some people have a problem with the term "Happy Holidays," but there is more than one holiday during the month of December and January. So, that's what I am saying. I want to wish all of you a very Happy set of Holidays, whichever holiday it is. In this post, I want to reflect a little on my year and some of the wishes I have for the future.

This year was pretty amazing here on the blog. It went by too quickly personally, but that may be my advancing age. Okay...If you want to know, I am 31. Not too advanced, but I sure ain't a spring chicken. Either way, I was just asking my husband a few weeks ago "Where has this year gone?" Perhaps it is a mark of growing older. Time slips away making it harder and more important to connect to the things we truly love and cherish.

One thing that is not really known on this blog is that I am a writer. I recently graduated (as in a few months ago) college with a Bachelors in English. My main focus was literature - old and new. Writing and literature has been one of my passions since I was about 8 or 9 years old. That can be attributed to one person - Mrs. Leihkauff. Mrs. Leihkauff was my third grade teacher. She opened my eyes and heart to the world of reading and a love of writing. Because of her, I delved in writing my first short story (16 pages) at 9. It was crap, but it was mine. It was the start of a passion in me that hasn't been matched by anything else.

In the past few months, I have been working on my first novels and preparing them for publish. That choice has meant that sometimes this blog gets neglected. It is sad, but the reality is that each of us need to focus on the things that are our passions whether it is our family, our job, our hobby, or our passion. So I urgently request that instead of making resolutions that revolve around your weight or something else that may not happen...make one that puts you closer to something you cherish and love with all your heart. I know that 2015 holds the key to opening the door on my future.

Now, on to some fun stuff.

The 5 Most Popular Posts of 2014

1. Clothespin Snowflakes 

2. Sled Ornaments

3. Washcloth Lollipops

4. The Photo Box

5. Christmas Skirt - Throwback Thursday

Those are some fantastic posts. Make it Monday and Throwback Thursday have been a popular addition to my blog. Quite frankly, it is something that I enjoy doing. I plan to continue that through 2015. What has your favorite post been?

Mine? Well...I LOVED making the Snowflakes and Sleds. It was something new and exciting.

4000 Page Views

This was an accomplishment I pushed for. Thank you to everyone who has read what I wrote. I have been featured at some of the news sites for crochet which made me immensely happy.

For 2015

As we catapult into the new year, we are ultimately forced (sometimes reluctantly) to view our year, life, and who we want to become in the next year. Here are some of the things I wish...

• a safe and happy holiday for each of you.
• a year filled with laughter and joy
• peace to overcome this nation
• love and tranquility
• for everyone to find someone to rely on
• respect, tolerance, and growth for all creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnic background
• time to craft, hobby, and just have fun
• to cherish every moment as if it were my last

This post will be the last one for 2015. We will pick up again in 2015 with more crafts, more crochet, more laughter, more tears, more Make it Mondays, Throwback Thursdays, and fun. From my messy craft room and loving home to yours, my family would like to wish each and every one of you a safe, happy, and loving holiday.

Until 2015,

Sarah

Christmas Ball Reveal

In Week 12, I offered up a free pattern for a Christmas ball with a mention that it was inspired by a certain animated character. My roommate absolutely adores the movie this character is in, but I have always been leery about posting the finished products involving inspirations of certain characters. I have read too many horror stories about how companies who trademark suck the fun out of this art. Since this is not up for sale and just an artistic expression for my household only, I am going to show what I crocheted using my Christmas Ball pattern (offered on Week 12). The only addition to the pattern was a little bit more yarn and some puffy paint.

Look how stinkin' adorable that little guy is. Obviously, this is not a true representation of the character as it was inspired. At the end of the day, I know the receiver will enjoy this little ornament. There has been many ideas floating into my mind about how to customize this Christmas ball pattern for whatever receiver you wish. Ella inspired. Mouse inspired. You name it, you can probably create one.

So if you are interested, feel free to experiment. Don't forget to share with me on Ravelry through your projects. I would LOVE to see what you make with my patterns.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12 Reveal

Wow. Can you believe that 12 weeks has already flown by? I sure can't. When I first decided to do this, I had no clue that it would go so quickly. Yet, here it is...the reveal for Week 12. The free pattern given for Week 12 was the Christmas Balls pattern in small and large. The large is one that can be customized the most for characters of animated movies or other such embellishments. The colors I chose (especially for the large one) may indicate the character I am going to embellish mine for.

There will be just one more post in 2014. Please come back on December 24th for a look back on this year at Dande Creations. If you just came here for the countdown, I would like to thank you for joining me on this journey. It has been a pleasure to do.

A Soapy Preparation

For the last few weeks, my nimble little fingers have been working to the bone to create the gifts that I want to give my family members at our annual holiday party. You have been seeing updates on my blog since I am almost sure that no one from my family reads my blog. I am very thankful that this year my whole family is not going to be in attendance or I would have to spend the next four days running around like a chicken with her head cut off. This year has been wonderful so far. Despite just a few purchased gifts, everything else is homemade. We are making some caramel popcorn and cookie dough for each family that is coming. They will also receive a family sled ornament as seen on my blog.

For my younger nieces, I made them a Barbie dress and a treat bag.

For my older nieces, I made them some chocolate chip cookie dough soap and a bookmark.

For my older nephew, I am buying him some guitar stuff.

For my baby nephew (only 2 months old), I am unsure as of right now. I might buy him something, but he is so little.

Either way, the soap is something I slung together today. It was a melt and pour glycerin soap. I cut up the base for two batches. The first one I melted down and poured the chocolate chip cookie dough scent into. I used the plastic containers I had lying around which happened to be a sour cream container and a yogurt container. Since one of my "older" nieces is just about to turn 10, I made her soap a little smaller.

The second batch of soap I made in death by chocolate. Both of them smelled so heavenly. What I did was let them set for a few hours until they firmed up. Then I pushed and pulled on the plastic until the soap popped out. I was so proud of the results being as it was my first time making soap. I opted out of the alcohol spray as my family didn't care. I was lucky to only have a few bubbles show on the bottom of the soap.

Are you ready to see some pictures? Because I sure am ready to show you.

One small chocolate chip cookie dough and one small death by chocolate

Two death by chocolate

One chocolate chip cookie dough

Here they are together!

The only problem I had was that the yogurt container had a recycle symbol on the bottom, so I had to try to smooth the majority of it away. The large ones came out perfect and look almost professional. LOL! My roommate suggested it was time to start selling soap, which is something I have turned over in my head multiple times.

Happy Crafting,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12

This final week was one I struggled over. I wanted to offer a free pattern as a gift to my blog readers and followers. It seemed like a great idea, yet I had no clue what I was going to do. When I saw a rash of ball ornaments transformed into animated characters, I wanted to jump head first in crocheting similar things. BUT, it goes against trademark and copyright to use a character's image in that way. So, I settled with just crocheting some simple Christmas balls for your tree. It isn't a hard project or a fancy one; however, appliques can be added to make it fancier.

For now, this pattern will only be available on my blog. At a future time I will be adding it to my Ravelry shop and perhaps Craftsy. It is available in two sizes. In the future, there may be a third size added. It will remain free for the entire time my patterns are up.

Christmas Ball Ornament

Notes:

U.S. Terminology

This pattern will contain a stitch count at the end of the round.

This pattern does not have rows. It is completed continuously. 

The "*" symbol indicates a repeating trend.

If you are a beginning crocheter, use Youtube to learn any stitch you do not know. It is a great resource.

Materials:

Size G or H hook

Scissors

Stitch marker

Fiberfil

Yarn needle

Abbreviations:

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sc2tog = single crochet 2 togther

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

Small Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

 4-6: sc in each st around (18)

Stuff ball.

7: sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

8. sctog around (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Using long tail and yarn needle, close the remaining 6 sts.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.

Large Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

4. *2 sc, sc in next 2 sts (24)

5. *2 sc, sc in next 3 sts (30)

6. *2 sc, sc in next 4 sts (36)

7-12: sc around (36)

13: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts (30)

14. sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts (24)

15. sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts (18)

Stuff ball.

16. sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

17. sc2tog (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Close remaining stitches with yarn needle and tail.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.


I will reveal the pictures on Monday.

Another Scrappy Project - Bookmarks 3

I feel this may become a theme in 2015 - Another Scrappy Project. It seems like an amazing concept that takes scraps and turns them into new items. So......

Oh yes, bookmarks. Number 3. LOL!

What I found interesting about this bunch is that I used the same background color. I took one piece of cream colored 8.5 by 11 paper and cut it in half long ways. That meant the paper was 4 1/4 by 11. I then cut each length into 2 inch pieces of paper. That made 10 bookmark size pieces.

The scrap paper I cut into 4 x 1 3/4 to fit. That gave a small clearance of 1/4 on all sides in most cases. Some I cut down to stamp. Here's the photos:

The green chevron paper did NOT want to be photographed. 

As you can see, the Thinking of You stamp has scrap paper a little shorter to allow for stamping directly on the base paper.

What would you like to see done with scraps? I am planning on doing a section with crochet and other such crafts. This new theme and concept will not be just paper crafts!

Sarah

Another Scrappy Project - Bookmarks 2

Apparently this is a new and exciting thing for me. Using up scraps has become a way for me to expand my mind into creating new unions. And, it is an AWESOME way to reduce unused materials. Here's the next batch of bookmarks. These are all varying in size and shape to utilize the most of the scrap paper.

These are the pretty papers I found in my scrap box. I was almost tempted to search through my pattern books for more just so I could make cards to match. I resisted the temptation since I wanted to just use scraps!

Here's the first batch of true Christmas bookmarks. I am sure these will make their way into some gift bags for my nieces and nephew this Christmas. 

What I love about making bookmarks and using scraps is that you can allow your mind to wander. It is a completely easy craft to do. I spent so little time actually piecing these together. I believe the longest part was making sure there was no tiny paper fibers on the outside because my paper cutter is weird. That means someone with a great paper cutter can whip these out quickly. If you don't have a paper cutter, feel free to do this with a ruler and scissors. It is completely do-able. 

Sending positive crafting vibes,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 11 Reveal

Since snowflakes are my favorite holiday symbol, I was so pleased to share Simply Sweet's snowflake pattern. I found it so quick and easy. There is no issue with being able to crochet multiple ones in a hour. I have crocheted them in dark blue, pale blue, and white, but you do not have to stop there. If you have a red tree and want red snowflakes, go for it! This time, I did crochet the snowflake in white.

Here's the photo:

The only changes I made was to add a holder. Like all my previous hangers, I usually ch 16 and sl st in the same stitch.

You can use a glue mixture to stiffen and glitter it if you wish. You would just soak the snowflakes in the glue mixture and pin it to a piece of board. There are plenty of tutorials on stiffening yarn and string ornaments. I personally do not care if the snowflake isn't stiff.

We have just one more week. I have a treat and a gift for each of you. Please stay tuned for Week 12 for yours.

Another Scrappy Project - Stacie Granny Square Blanket

In the early hours of the night, I was freezing and decided to start a project. What started out as a blanket set for Barbie, Skipper, and Stacie ended up with just one...for Stacie...because it's granny square. LOL! I started with white and yellow yarn to create small, one row granny squares. I chose a G hook to make them as small as my hands could handle.

I will admit readily that I have never accomplished a granny square project the last thirteen years of crocheting. I will also readily admit that I may not ever do one again after I attached 15 small granny squares and weaved in the ends. LOL! That was so much work for just a tiny little blanket. It looks entirely cute, but geez...so...much....work.

The size is 5 x 3 with two rows of granny around it.

Before the edging.

Finished with edging.

As you can see, the Stacie doll I am using is one of the modern Stacies. She is taller than the older dolls. So using this method will fit any Stacie doll, past and present. Middle of the night project does equal less than optimal pictures, but you get the idea.

Saturday's Christmas Craft - What Do You Do With Scraps?

When I think about my year as a crafter, I realize that I have untold amount of scraps all over the craft room (and perhaps the house). That includes yarn, ribbon, paper, and sequins. Everything I have used has some sort of scraps. Without being wasteful, I squirrel them away in hopes I can use them in a future project. And sometimes, that "future" doesn't come. So as I was thinking about what I had and what type of things I can make with them, my mind fell on the paper scraps that keep piling up.

Now, I am sure those who exclusively do cards have a larger pile of scraps than I do, but what I have is enough for many of today's craft. Several of them! I realize that I am just getting started. Would you like to see what you can do with your scraps in time for Christmas and able to make many at once?

Yep! Bookmarks! All shapes. All sizes. And in varying patterns. Take a look.

I spent about a hour (including the time it took to search) completing 13 bookmarks with scraps. I only used one new sheet of paper to match the deep purple pattern paper as I didn't have any scraps. This time also included finding my laminating paper and laminator to make these bookmarks last.

Who would have thought? It is one of the most stressful times of the year for crafters and here I found a great way to destash and enjoy a few quick projects.

I do not have any specifications for these bookmarks. It literally depended on the size and shape of the scrap paper. Allow your imagination to soar. If you want to add something else to this, use a hole punch at the top and add some ribbon.

What are you working on this Saturday?

Sarah

Holiday Craft Update - Photo Heavy

If you are like me, you are busy crafting your little fingers off to finish the presents before Christmas. I would love to say in the second week of December that all my gifts and cards are made and packaged neatly for gift giving, but alas, I cannot. My list, fortunately, is not that long; however, I still have a lot of last minute crafting and packaging to do. Along with that, I have tons of cookies to make for a family get together where we plan on sharing cocoa, cookies, and caroling much to the joy of my little nieces.

Why am I writing this then instead of crafting my little fingers off? Well besides the fact that my wrists need a break, I wanted to share some of the things I have accomplished as gifts. I am lucky to know that most of my family members do not know about this blog much less frequent it. So, below you will see some photos of the gifts and how I have them packaged with a small description.

Tea Length Barbie Dresses

I was able to make 3 of these for my nieces this year. All of whom are avid Barbie lovers. It is the first thing in my house that gets fought over.

If you are looking for this pattern, you can find it at the following links:

     

Remember December Deals is going on at Ravelry. 35% off without a coupon code!

Christmas Cards

The following are the cards I have made thus far.

Lastly, the sleds I blogged about previously. These are such fun to make. 

This one is slightly different than the one I blogged about. It has longer sticks as the runners and a small cross bar.

I look forward to sharing more with you. My list is slowly dwindling, but I still have a long way to go.

What have you been working on?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 11

This week's pattern is my all time favorite snowflake pattern. What is so unique is that this pattern is actually an applique attached to a small child's beanie. The original designer is Simply Sweet. I found it one day scrolling through Pinterest. Since then, the designer has removed it from her blog; however, you can find the pattern (free) as a Ravelry download by clicking HERE!

I have made this snowflake previously. Multiple times because it is just so darling. It is quick, simple, and versatile. Add it to a wine cozy, a hat, a blanket, or make it into an ornament. Which is what I am going to do this week. Below is a picture of my previous attempts. This one is done in pale blue.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in  White.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

This week is another simple pattern. It is one that I created and will be making free for the rest of December as a gift to those of you who read my blog or participate on Twitter. It was recently introduced as a new pattern in previous weeks on this blog.

The Swirl Ornament

Please click the Ravelry picture below to be transferred to the free pattern.

This pattern is written fairly simple for all types of crocheters to understand. What I love about this is that when hung on a tree, it looks like icicles hanging down. If you used some white yarn with silver thread in it, it would give that illusion even more dazzle. Had I a craft store closer to me, I would pop to the store and pick up some of that yarn to see. Unfortunately, I am stuck with the colors I have in my house.

Looking forward to reveal,

Sarah

Preparing the Ornaments

As I have mentioned previously, the ornaments I crocheted for this countdown up until tomorrow would be packaged for a Christmas party that benefited the Angel Tree in my local community. I will admit that the busyness of the season has prevented me from crocheting a lot of ornaments. What I wanted to do was share with you the packages I created.

If you ignore the blatant pink desk (My sister and I painted it years ago), you will see the ornaments are packaged individually. I added 4 of the popsicle sleds that have a tutorial here.

What I like about these little gifts is that they look so homely and lovely. I would be pleased to receive any of these as a gift or from a raffle. I know that my taste does not carry through some of society. But, parents have received gifts from their children for ages. What I hope with these is that they find a good perch on someone's tree who will love them and enjoy them.

What are you crafting now?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9 Reveal

I hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I spent my week having a wonderful get together with my extended family and a private dinner with myself, my husband, and our roommate. I used my lone pumpkin to make our pie.

This week has been a fun and easy time with crochet. Small snowflakes are not only the perfect way to decorate the tree, but this pattern is super easy and quick. That means you can spend less time crocheting gifts and ornaments and more time with your family. Especially in the week of Thanksgiving, having some extra time to spend with friends and family is amazing.

Despite the small issues I mentioned in the first post about the pattern and lack of a holder, these things are simple to correct. It worked up very easy and I had no issue understanding the pattern as a designer. If the corrections were done, this would be a perfect snowflake pattern to rely on.

Now, I am going to show you the photo of my completed ones.

If you were to crochet these with a sparkly yarn, they would glitter in your tree! You could also string them together between chains of yarn and make a garland. Such a versatile pattern!

Looking forward to Week 10. We only have 3 more weeks to go.