Craft A Week #22 Broomstick Crochet Bracelet

In one of my pinning expeditions, I found a beautiful bracelet done in Broomstick Crochet. I've been a crocheter for 35 years but never heard of this stitch. The stitch seems complicated but once you get the hang of it, it is rather simple and very, very pretty.

I love how you get a different look depending upon the kind of yarn used. These came out so pretty that I may just have the motivation I need to finally open my Etsy Shop!

These were made with hemp. I found the hemp much easier to use if it is soaked in water a few hours before trying to crochet with it. The bracelet on the right was created with the softened hemp. It gives a much smoother look than the one on the left.

I like the lacey effect this technique creates.

Here's a close-up of the hemp bracelet.

This bracelet was made from Sugar and Creme yarn.

This was made from soy yarn. It is much smoother (and lighter).  I would really like to see these with cool, vintage buttons. All I had on hand were these wooden beads. I think these are pretty but my style is more vintage. Guess I have something else to keep an eye out for when yard saling and thrift shopping.

The link I found on Pinterest gave a pattern that was rather awkward to do. Rather than follow those instructions (which called for keeping the stitches on the "broomstick" or large crochet hook I used), I caste on the stitches (as instructed in the following link) but then removed ALL stitches from the "broomstick" while working them. If you are careful with the stitches, they won't unravel. I found it just too difficult to try and work the stitches while keeping them on the post.

Here is a good tutorial for Broomstick Crochet:  Yarn Lover's Room.  Don't be intimidated by the stitch; it's really pretty simple. So simple that I think I'm going to teach my 9 year old grandson.

Happy Crafting!

Craft A Week #21 Chunky Toddler Crayons

I have a total of seven grandkids and at least one or two come visit every few weeks. I LOVE having them come stay - and I even enjoy the stuff that comes from kids. I'm talking about army men, Matchbox cars, dolls and doll clothes,and last but not least, crayons! I have a coffee tub for crayons but there's always at least a few that don't seem to make it back into their proper place. 

Yesterday I was harvesting up the errant crayons (many of which were broken) and it struck me.  Let's turn this into a craft project!  I decided to snap them into pieces and melt into chunky toddler crayons. This was another super simple craft and they came out so cute.

Just take the paper off the crayons, break them up, and put into muffin tins or other molds.  I sprayed a little cooking spray before adding the crayons just to be sure they would not stick. I was a little worried about mucking up my pans, which proved to be unwarranted.  I put the crayons directly into my heart shaped muffin tin.

I also had these super adorable hard boiled egg shapers that I used as well. If you are not familar with these, they are plastic molds (these are a bear and a rabbit). If you hard boil an egg, peel it, and put into the mold while it is still warm. As it cools, the egg takes on the shape of the mold.These are used in Japanese miso boxes (or by me for super cute hard boiled eggs).

I forgot to take a picture of the empty mold before melting the crayons (hence the green wax). The molds are made of plastic but because these are melted on such a low temperature, they are fine in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Melt the crayons for about 10 minutes (or until they are melted).

 Aren't they pretty?

I left them in the molds for a few hours (while I ran errands). Make sure they are cooled completely before you try to remove them from the molds. The heart shaped crayons just popped out, however, the bunny and bear needed to go into the freezer for a bit to loosen.

These came out so nicely, if I do say so myself!

I LOVE these!

Lesson learned though: Be careful when removing these from their molds. One of the bunnies lost the tips of his ears (I think because I hit it too hard on the counter). They are still adorable!

None of our grandbabies are toddlers anymore (or yet) but I think I shall get some clear plastic party bags from the Dollar Store and save for a toddler gift that I'm sure I will need sometime in the future.

This really was a super simple craft and would be great for kids to do. It's such a neat transformation and a great way to repurpose broken crayons.

Happy Crafting!

Craft A Week #20 Simple Crochet Bracelets

I am on a roll with my craftiness! Yesterday when I was cleaning up in the grandkids room, I started gathering up the plethora of plastic bracelets that have taken up residence there. You know these bracelets; they are meant to make a statement for a cause (think the yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets that started them all).  On my quick excavation, I came up with a bunch.

I also found a cute wooden one that I didn't use for this project....yet.

I got to thinking, what can I do with these? No one (in my family) wears them anymore, which seems rather wasteful.  Then it hit me....crochet them!

I used varigated crochet embroidery thread. Didn't they come out cute?  My granddaughter Jasmine turns 10 next month and I think I shall send some of these to her. I like the little lacy effect that comes from the crochet stitch. Much prettier than plain plastic, don't you think?

 These worked up really fast, maybe half an hour to do each one.  It takes the better part of a skein of embroidery floss for each.

Here's a close up. This may be my favorite one, which I may keep for myself.  This would look pretty covered with colored hemp as well.

I figured out how to do this myself, however, the basic instructions for this can be found at this site:  The Kraft Farm.  You really don't need any crocheting skills per se to do this project. It is super simple once you get the hang of it. And what a great way to recycle and breathe some extra life into what would otherwise end up in the trash.

Happy Crafting!

Craft A Week #19 Lost Sock Area

Like other  people, I have an issue with lost socks in the laundry. Most every time I do wash, I end up with a lone sock or two. The mate usually turns up but that's only good if I can locate the first sock (which I usually cannot). I have a bin in the laundry room that I toss random socks, but it's just not an efficient system. I end up with a big pile of socks that I need to sort through.

I got this idea from a pin on Pinterest but, of course, I changed it.  The original post looked like the wording was painted on the wall, which was just too much work for me. My way was much more simple.

I'm not sure what the original wording was but I like my version better. I had some cloud paper and a 5" x 7" frame. All I did was print this off and I was good to go.

I had clothesline cord and clothespins left over from my son's baby shower last week. I just hammered in a few nails and hung the cord.  See, I told you it was simple.

Now the single socks can be hung up and will be so much easier to pair up with their mate.  Since it's just me, I didn't need to use a whole lot of cord. I'm making one for my daughter that will be longer (or maybe do several layers).

Craft A Week #18: Crocheted Lalaloopsy Doll Modified

This weekend marks the start of Spring Break. Having a week off from work in mid-March is definately one of the perks of teaching. While I am looking forward to relaxing and catching up on some work, I'm also looking forward to crafting. I've had a good and productive two days but before I post the new things I've done, I want to post something I created awhile ago and never posted.

Way back when, in Craft A Week #2, I made a few crocheted Lalaloopsy dolls.  While they came out cute, I was not a fan of their extremely oversized heads. They looked too far out of proportion for my tastes. So me being me, I modified the pattern to be something that I liked much better.  Here she is:

She still has a skinny body but her head is not so huge and wobbly.

 Isn't she cute?!

My favorite part of her is her hair. It's spiral curls and I used this cool vintage yarn that is fuzzy (I think it has some wool in it).

 Here she is with a spring flower. She has set up camp on my fireplace hearth for the time being. Don't you love her?!

I feel like I need to make at least another one before I post my instructions. I did jot them down while I was making her but I want to make certain they are correct before handing off to someone else. I've moved on to other things but, hopefully, I'll get back to this in another month or so.

Happy Crafting!

Dr. Seuss Words To Live By

I love Dr. Seuss. His messages are so clear and full of wisdom but delivered in a way that is not preachy.  I found this on Pinterest and just had to share here.

[Via: 30 Dr. Seuss Quotes to Live By]

Not sure what this was originally (a poster? bookmark?)  In any case, it's wonderful. Words to live by!

Craft A Week #17 Crocheted Easter Bunny

In my quest to actually do things I find on Pinterest, yesterday I made this cute little crocheted bunny. I had this soft, fuzzy, vintage white yarn and it seemed perfect for bunny. 

Isn't she cute?

 I like her pink nose and cheeks.

Because I used the vintage yarn, she will be an Easter decoration (as opposed to a kid's toy).

The instructions can be found here:  Sweetheart Bunny.  The instructions are pretty straightforward, however, I used a different size hook because my yarn was textured.

Happy Crafting!

Craft A Week #16 Chalkboard Coffee Cans

I must have a dozen plastic coffee cans around my house from my pre-Keurig days.

Being the avid saver that I am, I always figure there is something that I can/will do with them.  They make great storage containers but they really aren't very pretty (sorry Folgers).  So I decided to upcycle them by painting with chalkboard paint. 

I had this chalkboard paint on hand but you can also find instructions on how to make your own on Pinterest.  The label instructions say to paint at least two coats, letting dry an hour between. I did three but if I had to do again, I'd do at least four coats and I would scuff it up with sandpaper before the first coat. I'm thinking this will give the paint something to hold onto (rather than the slick surface of the plastic).

After you put on the desired number of paint coats, let it dry for 24 hours. After that, cover the entire surface with chalk to cure it.  You can wipe if right off and now it is ready for use.

Super simple!  I really wanted/needed a compost bin but I think these would be great for all kinds of kids toys and art supplies. I actually have a bunch of these coffee cans (unpainted) that I use to store the grandkids toys (crayons, army men, Polly Pockets). These will look much nicer on the shelf than the unpainted red ones. And the kids can decorate. Art and organization! Who could ask for more?!

Craft A Week #15 Crocheted Stones

Yes, it has been awhile since I've posted (thanks for reminding me Ariel). I haven't been crafting too much lately because of work responsibilities (and Pinterest). I have actually made several things that came from Pinning but none that were really postworthy.

That is until making these crocheted stone covers. I know it sounds strange but they look pretty cool. (The grandkids called them sweaters for rocks). Whatever you call them, I love the juxtaposition of the thread against the stones. They are pretty and different. And super easy and quick to make.

Aren't they pretty? I have them in a tray on the counter but I think singularly they would make a nice gift (as paper weight?). 

I got the idea from this site (Purlbee.com) but I didn't really follow her instructions. If you know how to crochet, all you need to do is start with a ring and go from there. That was the real fun part of this project; the randomness of creation. I just started crocheting and then found the rock that fit best. As I said, super simple.

I will try to be more diligent in posting. It's hard to call posts "Craft a Week" when I don't post weekly!  If you sign up as a follower or via email, you will automatically get an email when I publish a new post. 

Happy Crafting!



Craft A Week #14: Pelier Bead Bowl

Another super simple kid craft!  Take Pelier beads (those little plastic beads that are used to melt onto a plastic frame) and melt in the oven to make a bowl.  Really, it's that simple. Here's more details:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Oil an oven safe bowl.
3. Dump a handful of Pelier beads in the bowl. Push them into the bowl so they are single layer and go up the sides of the bowl. Make sure you have large gaps filled.
4. Put the bowl on a cookie sheet and heat for 10 minutes.
5. Keep an eye on this so they don't burn. Once the beads start to spread and the center hole gets large, they are done.
6. Allow to cool (about 10 minutes).
7. Slide the melted plastic bowl out.
8. Wash the oil off the bowl with a little dishwash soap. Just do so carefully.

(See, told you it was super simple).  Here's what they looked like shortly after removing from oven:

See how they've expanded (melted)?

Here's the final product (after letting it cool and then sliding out of the bowl):

I don't think they were that spectacular but the kids liked them. They seem sturdy enough for things like change, keys, jewelry, etc. I just don't think they'd withstand alot of handling.  If I do again, I think I'd find a slightly smaller bowl to put inside the first one so the beads can be stacked up higher and have a more finished look.

Happy Crafting!