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

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

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9

Week 9

Snowflake Ornament

(http://flowergirlcottage.blogspot.com/2013/11/easy-crochet-snowflake-pattern.html)

I have mentioned previously that I absolutely love snow and snowmen. I may not like to get out in it, but it's beauty is something to behold every year with a breath of anticipation and reverence. So when I crochet ornaments, one kind I love completing is a snowflake. Who doesn't enjoy snowflakes? Imagine that on your tree...snowflakes covering a green tree, simulating actual snow. Well...maybe not, but you can imagine right?

So this week's pattern comes from a blog called Flower Girl Cottage. It is a quick and simple pattern without much frills. What makes this pattern so great is the versatility it provides. You can use any color you wish (light blue, white, even silver) and still have wonderful snowflakes.

One note before you start the project. Part of the pattern is written incorrectly. The woman of the blog states in the comments that she is not a professional pattern designers, which is more than fine. As I am able to write patterns, I did spot an issue.

Her Pattern: 
Round 1:
Ch 4 (this counts as as hdc, ch 2) Hdc, Ch2 (5 times) into the circle or magic circle

Correction:
Ch 4 (counts as hdc, ch 2), hdc, ch 2 (5 times) sl st to 2nd st in ch 4. This creates 6 clusters.

The only issue was closing the round.

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)

Uses for finished product

• embellishment on a present
• ornament
• hat embellishment
• garland

For a hanger: On final sl st, ch 15 and sl st to the same spot. Fasten off and sew in all ends.

Come back on Monday to see the finished product! I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Please have a safe holiday and a holiday weekend. If you do your shopping, be wary of the mass amount of people and kind to others.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8

Week 8

Mini Wreath

(http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/mini-wreath-ornament/)

In recent months, I have become slightly obsessed with the swirl type ornaments as you probably guessed. One of my most recent patterns involved creating an icicle looking ornament (based on the color you choose) with one of these swirls. I absolutely love how they look. It's like little ringlets. So when I happened to stumble upon Planet June's Mini Wreath pattern that incorporated something I am so enjoying, I knew that I had to include it in my countdown. So here are the stats:

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used size I/9.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Medium Thyme and Burgundy.

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

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift

Check back on Monday to see the reveal!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

This wonderful week is inspired by my newest free pattern. You can find them by clicking the following logos:

  

Like all the previous weeks, this is a quick and simple pattern for those who wish to have more time pursuing other things. I have already provided a picture of this project in the blog post, so it won't be much of a surprise for the reveal. I plan on making this pattern in multiple colors though, since they are going to charity.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: I/9 5.50mm hook
    Recommended - For smaller beanie, use a smaller hook

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

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

Please join me in this Week's project. 5 more weeks until our countdown is done!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 6 Reveal

There is something so wonderful about a pine cone. I remember taking walks with my mother and sisters when I was younger. We would walk down our country road enjoying the scenery and nature. Every once in a while I would watch my mother swoop down and pick something up. She would eagerly show us what she found. Sometimes it was a small pine cone. Sometimes it was an interesting rock. At that younger age, it was interesting to view them. Looking back as an adult, I see it as a connection to my family that shared a memory.

Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to this pattern. It reminds me off times gone by. As I am trying to fill up my tree with homemade ornaments, this fits the bill. One made from a memory.

The changes I made are:

• I did a chain 18 first and sl st to the beginning chain. This creates the hanger without having to add it later.
• I did not weave in ends. Instead, I used them to create a bow at the top so I could reduce my work. If you don't like the look, please go ahead and weave them in.
• I also slip stitched the final stitch to the same chain to create a uniform top. 
• I used a size I/9 hook instead of the suggested G hook. This created a bigger, fuller pine cone.

It is such a quick and easy pattern for experts and beginners alike. If you want a more natural looking tree, you could make these and add them. I also thought you could go back in and add some white yarn to create a "snow" capped pine cone.

Next week, we will be doing my newest pattern - The Beanie!

See you then,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas List

The 12 Weeks of Christmas is a great way to become connected to that sense of spirit that catapults our minds and hearts into the child zone of the holiday. Each week, I offer a free ornament pattern and show you what I have done to make it my own. Think of it as a "crochet"-a-long. Here's the list:

Week 1: Stocking Ornament

Week 2: Crochet Mitten

Week 3: Hot Chocolate/Coffee Mug ornament

Week 4: Lion Brand Snowman

Week 5: Granny Square Star

Week 6: Pine Cone Ornament

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9:

Week 10:

Week 11:

Week 12:

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4

Week 4

Lion Brand Snowman

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-snowman-ornament)

(http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80967AD.html)

Please note: Before starting this pattern, it requires an account with Lion Brand's website. It is a free website and takes less than 2 minutes to register. 

What I love about this pattern is that it is another adorable pattern. I LOVE snowmen, so this one just fits the bill. The first time I made it was for my mother a few years ago. It is pretty simple to follow. It does work up a little bit slower than the first two simply because of the added steps.

Here's some photos from previous makes. Excuse the photo quality and background. These were not meant for blog posting.

Before scarf and hat

After scarf and hat. And you can see my kitties to the right!

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 Burgundy and White.

Extra requirements:
Fiberfil
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)
Small mm beads for eyes (optional)
     -6 mm recommended

Uses for finished product

• Without the holder, this could be a cute baby rattle or toy. If you make it into a toy, do not put beads or other embellishments on the snowman.
• Ornament
• a cute gift
• An embellishment to a gift

Look forward to seeing your finished products!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3

Week 3

Hot Chocolate/Coffee Ornament

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hot-cocoa-mug-ornament)

Like the last pattern, I have crocheted this ornament before and absolutely love it. The Hot Cocoa Mug Ornament was created by Frayed Knot and is absolutely adorable! Yes, I used absolutely twice in one sentence. There is no way to not fall in love with this little ornament. Last year, I crocheted it as a gift for my roommate who grew up working in the coffee business in Puerto Rico. What a perfect gift for the coffee lover huh? He adored it!

NOTE: Please do not use the link at the bottom of the Ravelry post. You will get an File Not Found page. You can download it for free from Ravelry at the top of the note section.

Project Type: Scrap buster

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

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy and Cafe Latte.

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

Uses for finished product

• Without using the fiberfil or the "coffee" part, you could make a set for a children's tea set.
• An ornament
• A gift

Because of the type of project, this may take a little more time. I attempted to schedule some of the more time consuming ornaments further away from Christmas. I find that it is easier to take a little extra time in October and the beginning of November than 2 weeks before Christmas. Christmas parties, shopping, and just spending time with loved ones takes priority to making last minute gifts or ornaments....for....yourself. LOL!

What do you do when it gets closer to Christmas?

Sarah

Clothespin Snowflakes - Photo Heavy

I recently saw a pin on Pinterest for a cute and inexpensive ornament that had my heart aflutter. Snowflakes, snow, and snowmen are my most favorite ornament and Christmas decoration out of everything. I can pass up Santa for a good snowflake! So when I saw this cute little pin, I knew I had to try it. I already had the glue sticks. I had the ribbon. All I needed was the clothes pins!

A few weeks ago, I found myself in the craft section of my local Walmart looking for clothespins. They had a set of 18 or so for almost 4 dollars. That makes this project less budget friendly. So I headed to the laundry section to see if they had a better pack for cheap. They did! A 50 pack for about $0.97. That is more than budget friendly as I could pick up 3 packs of 50 for the price of 1 in the craft section.

Materials:
50 pack of Wooden Clothespins from Walmart ($0.97)
Glue sticks (In stock)
Glue Gun (In stock)
Ribbon (In stock, but cost $1.00 per spool)

Optional: paint, glitter, craft glue, paint brushes


Now, for the instructions. I will be posting a set of pictures with the instructions below it. Please view all the instructions before beginning the project.

Here's the materials. I chose to not use paint and glitter, although I am looking into adding that later.

Twist the clothes pin until the twisted one pops out the spring.

Lay the one side off and pull off the spring.

It should be relatively easy. I have no use for the spring, so I just toss them.

Now you are let with both sides. Lay the sides with the straight sides up. Make sure the cut outs are facing the same way.

Place a line of glue along the pin.

Now that it is on, place the two sides together. Match up the cut out.

Here you can see what the glued pin looks like.

Tie the ribbon. I am going to show pictures of how I do it, but feel free to do it how you feel comfortable.

I actually added my ribbon into the pin as I glued it for the most stability. It is about an inch from the top of the pin.

Next, add some glue to the bottom of one pin and attach another completely opposite.

In the center, add another bead of glue and attach another pin.

Repeat for the other side.

Now, in each area between two pins, add glue and another pin. I did have some issues getting the pins to completely adhere due to the angle, but I just added some glue up the sides so the angles attach.

Here's the completed snowflake.

From one half of the package, I got three snowflakes. These are unpainted, but still beautiful.

One thing I would caution you about is that the glue does snow, but can be covered with paint and glitter to mask. I do not have a problem with the view of paint, but some may. The original pin shows these snowflakes stained as more of a vintage look. What I say is to do what you like with them!

In about 30 minutes, I had all three completed including taking photos for this post! That is a quick and inexpensive ornament. The cost breakdown is below.

Costs

8 clothes pins  -   $0.16
1/2-1 hot glue stick   -   $0.10
Hot glue gun  - free
Ribbon     -$0.16
_____________________
Total Cost - $0.42


Each pack of wooden clothespins (50) can make 6 snowflakes.

Happy Crafting

Sarah