Grey and Red ~ my fav

Coffee Cup Cozy

Yep, another adorable Coffee Cozy added to the shop.  Ahhh...just look how cute!  Grey with a Red Heart - perfect for the holiday season.

Grey Coffee Cozy...

Grey Coffee Cozy

Ahhh, this time of year is filled with special coffee drinks and that makes me happy!  This is a new Cozy for the shop ~ Grey with Cream Heart ~ so precious!

Wool Felt Needle Books...

Grey Needle Book

I put some Felt Needle Books in the shop yesterday.  A fun gift topper or stocking stuffer for the lady who loves to sew.  I can't live without mine ~ it holds my long pins, short pins, fat needles, skinny needles, threaded needles, safety pins and stuff I don't want to lose...!  Hope your holiday season is filled with fun and laughter.

Holiday Coffee Cozy...




Lime Green Cozy

Fun holiday cozies for your coffee cup ~ they will put you in the mood to shop, or at least make you smile while you are walking thru the mall!  I hope your holidays are filled with joy and peace as you spend time with the ones you love.

Gift Tags...

'Holiday Wishes' Gift Tags

Hard to believe we are in the Christmas gift giving season....

I have been working on a few new projects to add to the shop.  'Gift tags' are always a fun thing to add to the top of your package, not only for practical purposes, but to add a little bit of whimsy too.

These Crochet Holiday Heart Gift Tags are an opportunity to do a little something special. 



'Thank You' Gift Tags

Craft Space...

New craft space...

We have been working on a fun place to organize all my many crafts things for awhile.  My husband has been a great sport through all of this - I put him in charge of shelves & lifting big things...!  Although this is a project that will continue to change & grow, it has been a lot of fun working & planning on it. 

Now, I have a large work table, shelving for most things, sewing machine table, storage cabinet & bins for yarn.  Whew.  More pictures coming...

Felt Flower Ornaments

(Retro Ornaments $13.00)

Just listed these in the shop.  I fall in love with each set!  There is something retro & special about them.  These little Ornaments are dainty sweet gifts or are a fun addition to your own collection.  Made from wool felt  ribbon. Simple!

Use them to...
Remind your friends how much you love them
Hang them around the house
Use as Bookmarks
Place on top of a gift
Give as a Hostess Gift

Holidays are approaching...

There is an overwhelming sense of 'holiday' going on around here lately.  And I love it!

I am excited to be adding some new things to the shop for the holiday season.  Will be loading up some pictures to show you soon - Crochet Heart Gift Tags, Felt Gift Tags, Felt Circle Garlands, Fabric Garlands, Felt Christmas Cookies, Felt Flower Ornaments...Fun stuff that makes me smile & sing, even though I am tired & busy!  Hee Hee.

Not sure where the summer went, seems it was 'just' here.  But, the cool fall season is a welcome change for now.  Lots of snuggling going on in this house...!

Basil Salt...



Basil Salt to freeze for winter

Basil Salt - my favorite way to use up the summer crops of Basil and keep the fresh taste of herbs through the winter months.  We use Celtic Salt in our house and when combined with fresh Basil - it makes a fresh seasoning for fish, salads, chicken, etc. 

Place basil and salt in the food processor until smooth.  Bake in a 225 degree oven, on a baking sheet, for approximately 45 minutes or until dried out (stirring to make sure it doesn't stick to bottom).  Let cool.  Put back into food processor and grind until smooth.  Store in airtight containers.  Freezes well!

(Sometimes I add parsley to this recipe, if I have too much.)  Yum.

Herbs...

The last parsley of the year.  And one more pumpkin!

Sadly, this is the last herb I will be picking, this year.  I've been harvesting and drying herbs all summer - and now it's over...?  I've enjoyed picking and hanging bunches of parsley, basil, sage, chives, mint and oregano all over the place.  When it's dry, I pulse it gently in a grinder and package it to use through the winter.  Truly, there is nothing better than fresh herbs.  The ones from the store don't even compare!  Winter is close at hand.

Now, time to plant the garlic...

New Cupcakes...

Girlie Pink Cupcakes!

I'm working on adding some more Felt Cupcakes to the shop.  A few more details, and they'll be ready to go...  Fun gift for the holidays.

Coasters for my fall table...

Yep, keep it simple.  That saying keeps proving itself over and over, here in my home.  Why I didn't catch on to that before now is beyond me...!

I needed something neutral for my fall kitchen table that wasn't too fussy.  These are perfect.  These Crochet Coasters  are 'simple', but 'oh' so fun to make.  They whip up quickly for a holiday gift too - wrapped with mugs, tea, chocolate, gift card, whatever you like...

I am looking forward to the weekend of rest with my family (although we have places to be and lots to do).  Getting chores done and running errands today.  How 'bout you?

Fall...?

Coffee Sleeve ($9.50)

Can't believe that October is already here (and half over).  In my house, it seems to be the busiest time of the year (although December hasn't gotten here yet!).

We had a fabulous family vacation a few weeks ago and I have had a difficult time getting back into the swing of things at home.  We were able to be away from the regular routine of life - be pampered, lay on the beach, search for perfect restaurants overlooking the ocean, hang out, laugh and play in a different way than normal (without the clock ticking or the next project looming).  Being back home reminds me that although the vacations of life come to an end, we are so very blessed with all we have.  When I am with the people I treasure, I am at peace.

So, the routine continues!...A hot cup of my favorite coffee, snuggly wrapped in one of my Coffee Cozies makes me feel warm today...Happy Autumn...

Face Scrubbies - Quick and Simple Pattern...!

Crochet Face Scrubbies ($4.00)

I think these are just adorable - not to mention reusable, eco friendly, safe, affordable...

Quick and Simple - a new motto around here! 

Something about the seasonal 'candy corn' colors makes me feel warm this year...

These Crochet Face Scrubbies are the perfect size for getting your face clean without too much mess (approximately 3").  Reusable.  Great texture.  Easy to throw into the wash.  Much more fun than a washcloth or cotton pad.  My children enjoy using them, as the large washcloth is always dripping down their arm and making a huge mess!!!

They make a sweet homemade gift for a teenager - wrapped in a jar with face wash, moisturizer and headband!  Fun idea for the holidays.

Although there are plenty of instructions (out there) on how to 'crochet in the round', this is a pattern I have tweaked and enjoy using.  This is very basic!  Have fun.

Round Facial Scrubbies Pattern

Stitches:
slip stitch = sl st
chain = ch
single crochet = sc
double crochet = dc

Materials:
'G' hook
cotton yarn

Finished size:
coaster should be approximately 3" round.

Instructions:
round #1:
ch 4.  12 dc in first ch.  join with sl st in first dc. (12)
round #2:
ch 2.  2 dc in each stitch around.   join with sl st in first stitch. (24)
round #3:
ch 2. *1 dc in next stitch. 2 dc in next stitch.* repeat around.  join with sl st in first stitch. (36)
round #4:
ch 1.  *sl st in next stitch.  sc in next stitch.* repeat around.  join.  fasten off.

Finishing:
weave in loose tails.

~this pattern is for personal use only~ 

Precious Hearts

Crochet Hearts (9 for $4.50)

Oh, how much fun are these?  I'm having a hard time stopping this addiction!  So fun to give away or send in the mail.  I have been making them for a teacher at church to pin on the children for birthdays - so precious!

Denim Scraps

Well, the stack of old denim jeans and scraps around here is getting to be too much.  The question is always "What should we make...?"  This little creation is a fun way to use up some of the denim pieces, incorporate some wool felt and have more small storage bins on my shelves for thread, punches, ribbon, scraps, buttons, etc. (you get the idea).  Oh, they are so much fun to fill!

Denim 'Box'

'Candy Corn' Hearts

 

'Candy Corn' Crochet Hearts ($4.50)

A fun thing to do on a rainy Pennsylvania day - crochet some heart love!  The colors are just perfect for this season...and although Candy Corn isn't my favorite sweet thing, I am fascinated by the happiness  it spreads. 

These little sweeties measure about 1 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" high.  A perfect treat to pin on your jacket, sweater; slip in an envelope to send to someone you love; or put on top of a package!  I'll put some of these in the shop (set of 9).

School has been in session at my house for 5 weeks now - oh my!  Time goes so quickly.

We've taken many vacations throughout the summer & enjoyed many festivals & concerts & baseball games.  We took a break from school for a family vacation & now we're back working at the regular routine.  Fall is here with some cooler temperatures & it feels good to  curl up in a blanket with hot chocolate instead of finding ways to find relief from the summer heat.  Soon enough, we will be talking about how we miss the warm summer temperatures...!

I am back to baking my breakfast casseroles, for special morning treats.  French Toast Casserole seems to be the favorite around here, drizzled with maple syrup & blueberries!  Yum.

There have been so many projects going on around here over the past few months.  Many of these things I end up using for gifts & they don't make it into the shop.  But, I have some Hang Tags, Denim Boxes, Crochet Hearts, & Coffee Cozies that will be listed in the shop soon.

Fall 2013

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing & perfect will."   Romans.  Twelve.  Two.

Purple Cookies...

Lavender Tea Party Cookies - ($14.00)

These 6 Purple Flower Tea Party Sugar Cookies are perfect for your next Tea Party! They are slightly stuffed to look freshly baked from the oven. They are hand-sewn and just the right size for little hands to touch and play with.

These little play pieces are created from recycled & wool blend felt - stuffed with Fiberfil. Spot wash with a damp sponge & hang to dry. Although these treats look yummy, Please Do Not Eat Them!!  They are not intended for children under 3 years of age (without adult supervision) or for children who still like to put things in their mouth.

* These designs are my original work & may not be copied or reproduced without my permission.

Felt Breakfast!

Strawberry & Banana Pancakes!

Simple Fun - This Strawberry Pancake Set is made for those kids who just love to play with their food! There are 2 buttermilk pancakes, 3 strawberry slices, 3 banana slices, & 2 dollops of whipped cream. The fuzzy soft felt creates a whimsy that they will enjoy adding to their kitchen!!

* These designs are my original work & may not be copied or reproduced without my permission.