Sand Dollar Earrings

Well, here it is September already and are you like me wondering, "Where did summer go?"

As you can tell from my lack of blog posts this summer, I was taking a break from working on my computer - it was great to spend time outdoors reading books, photographing wildlife, going for bike rides and having fun with my family.  And now that the school year is about to begin, I have a good amount of catching up to do!

Yes, I went to Ireland with Annie's and Craftours - it was wonderful! Stay tuned for photos and stories from that trip.

But for now I have a small project to show you - Sand Dollar Earrings.

I love to beach comb and find all kinds of 'treasures' from unique shells to sea glass.  I would love to find a Sand Dollar but I haven't visited a beach that would have some.  I remember our neighbor bringing one home from Myrtle beach and being impressed by the delicate design on top. I tried to replicate its pretty design with these earrings and thought they would make a unique accessory.

You can find the pattern in the August 2016 issue of the digital magazine, I Like Crochet -
www.ilikecrochet.com.

These work up very quickly and would be a great addition to your outfit for a Labor Day weekend barbecue to celebrate the last days of summer!

(The great thing about I Like Crochet is that once you have a subscription, you have access to ALL of the past patterns that have been published with a simple click!)

Last minute Mother's Day gifts

There is still time to make a special gift for your mother. Here are 2 quick gifts that any mom would love.

Capiz Shell Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

Have you seen the Capiz Shell pendant lights or outdoor wind chimes?  They have a soft glow and pretty sound and always remind me of a beautiful day at the beach.  This pendant is crocheted around a large capiz shell bead (that I found at Hobby Lobby) with size 10 crochet cotton thread. The pattern for this design can be found in one of Annie's special issues - Creative Crochet in a Day - which is on newsstands now or can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

 

Another quick project idea for mom can be found in this same magazine -

 Primrose Jar Wrap.

 

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

I found these great mason jar glasses at Hobby Lobby recently.  The decorative possibilities are endless with this clear blank canvas!  For this project I used Nazli Gelin's Size 10 Egyptian cotton crochet thread and a simple flower motif.  Your mom could use this every day and be reminded of how much you appreciate and love her.

 

 

Quick Snowflake Projects

 

Well, it is that time of year again when the snowflakes will soon start to fall - at least in our part of the country.  Our family loves to watch the snow fall in the winter especially around Christmastime.  We are still waiting eagerly for the first official snowfall but until then, I'll enjoy the various snowflake ornaments and decorations we have up around the house.



I love the beautiful designs of snowflakes so much that I created two designs that are in the current issues of Crochet! and Crochet World magazines.




This Snowflake Photo Ornament can easily be made in an afternoon and given as a unique gift complete with your own special photo inside. You can purchase a print or digital copy of Crochet World magazine - December 2015 - here.


The Snow Crystal Cowl would make another perfect gift for someone who loves winter or to wear to your next Christmas party.  (I think it would be a great accessory to wear to a Frozen-themed party as well!)  For this project I used a double-strand of a luxurious mohair and silk yarn  - Stacy Charles "Luna" (see Ravelry page here )in a beautiful blue.  Each of the snowflakes was crocheted with a very classy silk metallic yarn by the same manufacturer - "Stella" (see Ravelry page here ). Both yarns have an elegant metallic sheen that gives the look of real ice or glass.




This pattern and many other great winter projects in the Winter 2015 issue of Crochet! magazine can be downloaded here.


 

Free Pattern - Great Last Minute Christmas Gift!

Merry Christmas!

Here is another very quick Christmas gift idea for you:



WOVEN NECKLACE


 

This necklace is a FREE pattern and can be found here at www.redheart.com.

This chunky style necklace is made with Metallic Sashay Ruffle yarn in a unique way - This yarn is usually used to make ruffley scarves but I decided to crochet with it coming right off the ball.  Then the long chains are woven together in a special pattern to make the attractive center piece.

All instructions and diagrams can be found in the pattern.

I think this could make a great Christmas gift in red and white or red and green using the beautiful Sashay yarns.