Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Small Thank You

I recently needed a small (and inexpensive!) thank you for a sweet friend who made my day with her thoughtfulness a few weeks back.  We both love the primitive, country look so I decided to print her some country recipe cards and make her a hand-crocheted dish cloth.
Here are some great links for printable country recipes cards:
I used THIS pattern for the dishcloth and added a red ruffly edge by:
ch 3, sc in each sp and in the center of each set of 3 dc

Monday, February 27, 2012

Clean and Simple

It's especially helpful when creating a whole set of cards to remember that  "not every card needs to be a masterpiece."  When making multiples sometimes "less is more."  Such is the case for this card set.......believe me when I say CAS (clean and simple) cards are not easy for me....it totally goes against my "pile it on" nature.  I try to make up for the lack of elements by adding details such as outlining, inking edges, faux stitching, and sewing to give the card extra depth.
Here's a closer view of the two different (and yet the same) cards I did for the above set.
Card #1
 Card #2


The supplies are pretty basic:
  • Two coordinating pattern papers from Garden Florals (Recollections)
  • Ribbon
  • Kraft cardstock
  • Free Scripture printable (below)
  • Sharpie and Bic markers (outlining and faux stitching on tag)
I'm including a the free Scripture printable I created to use on these cards. You'll notice I cut the right edge in a scallop pattern to give it a little more "pop."
Images on this tag came from:
Papercraft Memories, Mel Stampz, Vintage Holiday Crafts

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Birthday Cookie - The cat's meow!

Remember last year's "cookie cake" for my husband's birthday?  Well, this year my daughter and I had fun making him a "Cat Cookie Cake." It's especially appropriate for him since cats are his very favorite pet to own (and we have 5 of them --- outside of course!).
Note: Follow the "cookie cake" link for the recipe I use and some tips on baking soft and chewy cookies!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Scripture Card Set

I made a  set of Scripture cards (actually 3 sets) to give away as gifts using the free images I posted on Monday.
I used the same design and elements for each of them, just changing the colors and images for variety.  
(Don't they put you in mind of spring?)
Here's a close up of each of the cards
Supplies used:
  •  Snow Flowers embossing folder (Sizzix)
  • White ribbon
  • White doily
  • Scripture printable
  • Sharpie marker (faux stitching around Scripture printable)
    • oops I took this picture before I added the faux stitching -- you can see it in the 1st photo
  • Sewing machine - stitching around the card 
    Supplies used:
    • Kassie's Brocade embossing folder (Provo Craft)
    • White cardstock
    • Threading Water Border Punch (Fiskars)
    • White doily
    • Scripture printable
    • Sharpie marker (faux stitching around Scripture printable)
    • Sewing machine - stitching around the card 
    Supplies used:
    • Victoria embossing folder (Provo Craft)
    • White ribbon
    • White doily
    • Scripture printable
    • Sharpie marker (faux stitching around Scripture printable)
    • Sewing machine - stitching around the card  
    I also made some flower seals for the envelopes using free clip art from Vintage Holiday Crafts.  I printed them on sticker paper (sent to me by my sweet friend Abby), and then cut them out with a 2 inch circle punch.
    I'm including two free sheets of these for you to use on your own creations! 


    This post linked to:

    Tuesday, February 21, 2012

    Owl Purses

    I found this adorable pattern for a crocheted owl purse, and just had to try it out (x3)!  I did alter the pattern just a bit (since I was using thinner yarn than suggested, and it would have made the purse smaller). I added one more round - just hdc's to the overall circle, added one more row of hdc's to the top of the owl, and a row of hdc to the chain strap.  Otherwise I followed the directions given -- quick and easy and LOTS of fun!
    Here's a link to another owl pattern (a bib) that could easily be made into a purse!
    This post linked to:

    Friday, February 17, 2012

    Crocheted Apple Hot Pad

    Here's an add on toWednesday's gift....a Crocheted Apple Hot Pad. I had to wing this one -- no pattern, just a picture to go by.  Here's my first attempt at writing a crochet pattern, so please excuse if it has any mistakes in it.

    Make a Magic Ring
    Round 1: ch2 (counts as 1st dc throughout) - 11 dc in ring - sl st in top of ch2
    Round 2: ch 2,  2 dc in each st around - 24 stitches total
    Round 3: ch 2,  2 dc in each st around - 48 stitches total
    Round 4: ch 2  * 2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next stitch * Repeat from * to * all the way around 72 stitches total
    Round 5: 5sc, 1 hdc, *1dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat from * to * 4 times, 11 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 2 tr in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 2 tr in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 11 sc, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st* repeat from * to * 4 times, 1 hdc, 5 sc, sl st finish off

    Here's a great tutorial for the leaves
    Doesn't it made a nice add on to my previously posted gift?
    This post linked to

    Thursday, February 16, 2012

    Mini Cards

    I used some of the free Scripture Printables from this post and made some mini note-cards for a gift.  I used patterned paper to make some simple envelopes to go along with them.
     My envelopes are about 3 x 5 inches....here's a template that I think would work --- if it's not quite right you could re-size it a bit.
     I'm including two sheets of "ready to print" mini notecards -- just print, trim, and fold.
    This post linked to:

    Wednesday, February 15, 2012

    Crocheted Hostess Gift

    It sure feels good to be back to normal again after a week-end of being sick!
    Today I'm sharing some crocheted gifts I've made. Wouldn't these make nice hostess gifts for someone with a country kitchen? (I just happen to know several people that fit that category!)
    Here's what's in the pack:
    • 2 hand towels w/crocheted hangers
    • 1 dish cloth
    • 1 apple scrubbie
    Here are the patterns I used to make them:
    Since I have shoulder/neck problems I can't push my crochet needle through the towel when attaching the yarn.  I found that using a regular needle and sewing the loops on before I start to crochet worked out good for me  and didn't cause me undo pain like the "normal" way does.
    I didn't actually have a pattern for the topper (except another towel that was gifted to me), but I used all treble crochet stitches to make these toppers.
    This post linked to:

    Monday, February 13, 2012

    Butterfly Cut Out

    Another Pinterest Pin inspired card......the inspiration came from here.
    As you can see I went with a monochromatic blue, and I really love how all the shades and prints went together.
    Supplies used:
    • Kraft/Teal blue cardstock
    • Butterfly die and embossing folder (Provo Craft)
    • Homemade dew drops
    • White ribbon
    • Twine
    • Paisly Embossing Folder (Provo Craft)
    • White ink pad (I lightly inked over the embossing)
    • Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities
    Here's the inside where I tucked a Scripture pretty from my friend, Christa!
    This post linked to