Mini Wooden Chalkboard

For the Crochet Motif Challenge, I needed something to write the number of each motif on, for pictures.  My first thought was post it notes, then I thought about cut out numbers....then....bing....the light bulb went on and the mini wooden chalkboard was born.

Materials:
Branch about 2 1/2" in diameter
Sand paper
Saw
Chalkboard paint

Directions:
Saw off a disk any thickness.  Mine is about 1/2" thick.
Sand down edges and cut sides.
Apply Chalkboard paint according to instructions on bottle.
Write messages, draw pictures....enjoy!

Week One of Challenge

One week down, 11 motifs complete!

My friend and I started the "Challenge" last Thrusday and so far I have completed 11 motifs.  I find making these very enjoyable and feel like I am going thru crochet school.  It has been good for me to have some crochet homework, it keeps me motivated to stay creative. 

Here are the motifs I have completed:
The number is the number of the motif in the book.



The Challenge

Every Thursday is "Crochet Night" with a friend of mine.  We crochet, talk, laugh and drink tea.  Girl time is healing.  When we started this a few months back, we both decided to work on our "30 year" projects.  Both are done!!!  So we have started a new challenge......

Beyond the Square, Crochet Motifs By Edie Eckman

The Friendship Blanket Crochet Motif Challenge

Objective:

To crochet one of all 144 Motifs, more if yarn permits.

Details:

• The two of us will divide all the motifs, I am in charge of Odd numbered motifs.
• We have chosen six different colors of yarn.
• Once all motifs are crocheted, we will divide the motifs we each did in half and give one half to the other.
• We will each make a "Friendship Blanket" with our motifs.



My Octopus' Garden

It's finished!!!!!!!!!!!  Insert happy dance here!

"I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade
He'd let us in, knows where we've been
In his octopus' garden in the shade

I'd ask my friends to come and see
An octopus' garden with me
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade.

We would be warm below the storm
In our little hideaway beneath the waves
Resting our head on the sea bed
In an octopus' garden near a cave

We would sing and dance around
Because we know we can't be found
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade

We would shout and swim about
The coral that lies beneath the waves
(Lies beneath the ocean waves)
Oh what joy for every girl and boy
Knowing they're happy and they're safe
(Happy and they're safe)

We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden with you."

(The Beatles, Octopus' Garden)

Let's Create Some Ruckus

More bling for my Ruckus....a crocheted basket.  This project has been in the works for some time now.  Initially it was going to be big enough for a bag of fast food, but it would of been way to big and out of place.  Plus being out front of the bike would cool the food down before I could get it home.

It was crocheted using the same paracord as the under the seat netting.  To help keep the shape when speeding down the road at 40mph I threaded a wire hanger around the top edge.  I secured it to the bike with some zip ties.

Saturday was gorgeous, full sun and little wind...this is after we received a week straight of rain.  So with no place in particular to go, I cruised around town to "test the basket".  The basket didn't budge. 

Peace Rocks!

What could make a lady happier than a bunch of peace rocks?  They just put a smile on my face!

Materials used:
Plain old rocks found on the beach.
Acrylic Paint
Lacquer

A Little Piece of the Beach

Last weekend, despite an on and off rain sprinkle, my pittbull Kane and I ventured to the beach in search of smooth rocks.  We choose a beach that is close to home, yet usually empty.  Kane does not play nice with other dogs, so we have to find places where there are no doggy friends.

We had a great time, collecting rocks, playing catch and taking videos.

The Beach Rock Mat

Supplies:

Smooth Rocks, about the same size.

Rubber Door Mat, I used this.

E6000 Glue

Directions:

Frolic on the beach and gather rocks, lots of them.  On the backside of the mat, layout all the rocks so that they fit nicely and are space the way you like.  Starting at a corner, apply glue to the bottom of the rock, secure to mat.  Make sure to have a window open, unless you want to get high while you craft.  Continue till all rocks are glued to mat.  Let dry and enjoy!





Petal Posy Trivets

These Petal Posy Trivets have been all over the Internet...it seems that everyone is making them, but that doesn't mean I can't try them as well.  I followed the pattern from Crochet Todays July/August 2011 issue.

The pattern is well written, but be careful to read thru the directions before charging away.  There is a little bit of back and forth in the pattern when following the pattern for the large posy, some rows follow rows in the small posy. 

Not sure why I get the gaps, perhaps I need to shape them more.

The small "Posy" was super easy and I completed it in a flash.

Yarn used was good old Peaches and Creme Cotton and Lily Sugar'n Cream.



Trial and Error

The adventures of Crayola Air Dry Clay......

There are lots of options when it comes to clay.  The key is finding the right type for your project.  I have experimented with lots of homemade clay, mainly the kind you use to make Christmas ornaments with.  But I wanted a more "clay" like product that did not cost me too much to play with.  So for less than $10 I tried the Crayola Air Dry Clay.

New desk accessories was the goal.  Working with the clay is easy.  It is soft and molds well.  Slightly sticking if rolled directly onto a countertop, a layer of plastic or freezer paper would be helpful.  Accepts paints remarkably. 

Once dry, will take a few days to fully dry, it is slightly fragile.  I had to take extra care in areas where the clay was thinner.  It also shrinks as it dries, which can be a problem.  One of the folds of the pink container cracked as it dried.  As you will notice the center of the purple flower also broke in half with only slight pressure as I was gluing it in.

For the right kind of project, I can see the Crayola Air Dry Clay working well.  And althougth these containers didn't come out exactly as planned, they are still fabulous.  They were a good learning project.



* Crayola did not ask me or pay me anything to write about their product.

Craft Space

I am constantly rearranging and reorganizing my house.  It seems like there will never come a time when I will be completely satisfied with where things are.  The craft room is one of the main rooms that I can't seem to "get right".  Maybe it is because new tools and supplies are going into that room all the time.  Who knows? 

Almost a year ago I acquired this dresser, deco podged it and moved it into the room for yarn storage.  At the time, I was in no mood to rearrange the entire room, so I found the emptiest spot and there it has sat ever since.  This dresser has become my work space, and up until this weekend I have been sitting at it and facing a wall.  Who can be creative sitting facing a wall? Not me.  So I moved it.  It is not a great view looking out the window of the craft room, but it is better than starring at a wall. 

Moving the dresser to this spot also opened up the sides for more organization.  Simple yet effective, I attached some hooks to a scrap piece of wood, and screwed it to the side for tool storage.  On the other side of the dresser, I mounted a power strip. 

What am I working on???  I have been experimenting with crayola Air Dry clay.  Not sure if I really like the clay or not...In progress, beach glass tea light holders, pebble bowl, jewelry containers, and mushroom recipe holder.

Finding My Inner Fisherman

My husband tells me all the time, "you should of been a fisherman!"  He is usually referring to the knots and nets that I make using crochet.  Maybe though, that is why I am drawn to my little fishing town....deep down I am a fisher-woman at heart. 

Being drawn to knot type crafts, friendship bracelets, crochet, macrame....somehow I have never picked up a knot book.  After the tax deadline, my boss usually gives all of us a small bonus.  I almost always have to use it responsibly and this year was no different, but I did decide to buy myself something.  A little treat for my hard work.

I decided on buying the book "Decorative Fusion Knots".  (I have not been paid to talk about this book)

This book was well worth the money I spent on it.  It arrived in the mail yesterday and I spent all night tying knots.  Even if I never pick up this book again, it has already served its purpose.

I only kept a few of them tied and after a while wished I had a different color to experiment with.  A trip to the hardware store for some rope is definitely in my future.

Some things to make with knots....

• Earrings
• Necklace
• Key chain
• Barrett
• Rug

Peace at the Poker Table

Every Friday night is Poker night at my house, and has been for the last five years.  As of late there has been a bad egg in the group that has created lots of drama.  Poker night is supposed to be a fun night.  It is not a place for getting picked on, yelled at or any negativity!

My husband asked me to create a sign for the shop/poker room.  He wanted it to say, "No getting mad at how others play cards."

This is my interpretation.

What's For Dinner

Every day it's, "What do you want to have for dinner?"  It is a frustrating process when you don't have anything planned.  I have actually ventured to the store, after work, without a plan, and walked up every aisle just to put together a dinner.  Ridiculous!  In an attempt to organize life better, I created a Weekly Menu board, which I will update every Sunday. 

After searching on Pinterest, and google, I found some layouts that I liked and got started on gathering the supplies.

Supplies I used:
A deck of old playing cards.
2 old playing card boxes
Acrylic Paint
Close Pins
Dimensional Paint
Beads
Scrap booking Card stock
Hemp Cord
3 magnets (to keep it from swinging around)
Removable Hook

Bringing Outdoor Fun Inside

Not sure where the idea to make an indoor Hop Scotch came from (somewhere on the internet), but I knew I needed to make one for my niece.   

 

Materials Used:
Craft Felt
Acrylic Paint
Non-slip Shelf Liner
Scrap Fabric and beans, for Bean Bags

Directions:
Plan out the layout.
Paint numbers on each of the rectangles. I had to paint three to four coats on each.
Sew together; take #3 and #4, put right sides together and sew middle seam. Do the same with #6 and #7.
Next, take #2 and overlap the bottom edge 1/2" on top of the top edge of #1, sew together. 
Take #3/4 and overlap the bottom edge 1/2" on top of the top edge of #2, sew together.
Take #5 and underlap the bottom edge 1/2" underneath of the top edge of #3/4, sew together.
Take #6/7 and overlap the bottom edge 1/2" on top of the top edge of #5, sew together.
Take #8 and underlap the bottom edge 1/2" underneath the top edge of #6/7, sew together.

Pin Non-slip Shelf liner on the backside starting at #1, up to #8.  Sew the together along the outside edge.  Trim excess.  Measure and cut additional rectangles to sew to the back side of the outer edges of #6, 7, 3 and 4.

Bean Bags:  Using scrap material cut four, 4" squares, sew three sides, fill with 1/4 cup beans, sew fourth side.

Just Add Water

My first attempt at a hemp twine pot holder.  This pot holder has been in the "work in progress" pile for some time.  It is the third or fourth try, and has been looked over because up until last night it was curled up and distorted.  I just could not get the two different sizes to lay right with each other.

After doing a major clean up of the craft room I looked at this and it dawned on me....just block it!  So to the sink it went.  Amazing what a little bit of water will do.

Next up hemp medallions to hang in the window.

I am a Gaget Queen

Electronic gadgets, I LOVE them!  I have a laptop, net book, BeBook reader, PSP, three different mp3 players and that is the small list.  My newest favorite toy is my Kindle Fire, that my husband got it for me for Christmas.  I was really nervous asking for the Fire after reading all the reviews on Amazon...but now that I own it, I can't believe I ever lived without it. (Amazon is not paying me to say this)

So when does the crafting come in?  Well, all of my gadgets NEED cozies, and the Kindle Fire is no exception.  I looked everywhere on the web for a nice cover/case, but all were super expensive and they weren't anything special.  Of course this means I made one.

The cozy is crocheted using Rowan "Cotton Braid" yarn.

I made the button myself.

My Sweet Pea

Another Merry Heart-mas present complete!  For the past few Saturdays, my friend and I have been getting together so I can teach her how to crochet.  This has been great for me in many ways.  For one, I am making dedicated "crochet" time and the bonus "girl" time is good for the soul as well.

This pattern is from the book "Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker", called the Sweet Pea Shawl.  It was an easy pattern to follow, but it took a few rows for me to get the hang of it. 

Failed Attempt

Since last Friday, I have been working on a tutorial for sea glass coasters.  Unfortunately, as of today, I still don't have any made and have gone through numerous batches of homemade "clay".  I have a great vision in my head and hopefully one day (soon), it will become something.

Other crafts???  Not really. 

Don't Throw Them Out

A favorite "hanging around the house" outfit of mine is men's ribbed tank tops and pajama pants.  The tank tops take a bit of abuse, cooking grease splatter, bleach spots from doing laundry and crafting, all take its toll on them.  At some point they they have to retire, but not before they get a makeover and a new leash on life.

At one time, these three tank tops were a solid red, blue and black.  The red was riddled with bacon grease stains all over the front of it, so much so I had stopped wearing it.  The blue and black tank tops had bleached out spots on them.  In an attempt to make them wearable again, I used a bleach tie dye bath.  I am not as happy with the blue and black tank tops as much as I am with the way the red turned out.

Do you want to give an old tank top some new life?  Here is how to make the stripped tank.

First, in a sink or small bucket pour about 1/4" layer of bleach.  If you would like, you can dilute the bleach with a little water.

Next, fold the tank in an accordion, starting from the bottom edge, see picture below.  Just like you fold a paper fan.

Then fold in half, see picture below. Using two rubber bands, wrap them around the folded tank top.  Do you notice the light pink stripes, that is where I wrapped the rubber bands.

Set the tank top in the bleach, do not submerge.  You want the tank to absorb the bleach at it's own speed.  Wait about 5 to 10 minutes, or until you have achieved your desired result.  (I did not time how long my tank was in the bleach.)  When you think it is done bleaching, rinse the bleach off the tank by spraying first with hot water, them cold water on the top.  Notice in the above picture, the tank is red on one side and light pink/purple on the other.  The red was the top and the pink/purple was the bottom.  I did not move the tank in the sink and to rinse, sprayed directly on the top.

Once fully rinsed, undo the rubber bands and wring as much water out of the tank as you can.  Dry and enjoy!

If you have any questions regarding this tutorial, please feel free to email me at hippiemissy@gmail.com