Leaning to Crochet

   My Grandmother could crochet beautifully, she was so talented. She would make all her grand kids blankets and dolls. When I was pregnant with my first baby she made her the most darling outfits and booties. 

    When I was about 8 I went to her house for the afternoon and she taught me how to crochet a little purse. I really enjoyed doing it and was so proud of what I had made. 

 Unfortunately I never went back for another lesson. 

Recently I was going through some old childhood toys and things I had saved through the years and I found the little red purse I made that day. It brought back great memories and it made me want to learn again.

    Today I  bought a crochet hook and some yarn. I really love crocheted flowers, I think they look so cute on hairbands and as little embellishments. 

   I looked on the internet and found this tutorial. It was easy to follow and had a really good video. She also has some other crochet tutorials that I am anxious to try. 

  Here's my first attempt at a flower. It's not the best but I don't think too bad for a first try. I will keep practicing! 

Any tips or advice would be appreciated!

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Kids Craft... Valentine's Knot Wreath

No-Sew Valentine's Knot Wreath

This is a very easy no-sew way for kids to make their own wreath. All you need is some fabric strips and a wire hanger.

I happened to have a pink wire hanger, I have no idea where it came from but it works perfectly!! I also had all the fabric already on hand.


Shape the hanger into a circle as best as you can, the fabric will hide all the imperfections.

I cut out strips of 3 different fabrics, I just sort of guessed on the size.
Mine happen to be 4 1/2 X 9.



Now you just start tying knots all the way around.

My daughter had fun making this cute and easy wreath, she plans to hang it on her bedroom door. It was a nice afternoon craft and it was free!

Valentine's Day Coffee Filter Wreath

I have seen coffee filter wreaths before and since Valentine's Day is not far away I thought a heart shaped wreath would be perfect. I found a foam heart wreath at Joann's and I also bought the floral pins and ribbon. I had the coffee filters and dye on hand.


I put the coffee filters in the sink with the dye in hot water. It didn't take very long for them to change color. Once they were done I rinsed them with warm water and put them on cookie sheets to dry.


We weren't very patient with the drying process so we got out hair dryers and my handy assistants started drying. That went much faster!!




I cut out the ribbon and pinned it in placed on my wreath before I added the roses, that way I wouldn't have to find a place for it later.




I took a few filters and wrapped them around the wreath so that none of the white foam would show through. I made rosettes out of the filters, it took me a bit but I finally got the hang of it.






The same could be done with tissue paper, I liked using the filters because they are so much more durable.

After I was done I changed my mind and decided to put the bow on the wreath instead of at the top.

I like the way it turned out and I was so happy that I discovered dyeing coffee filters, it was a lot of fun!!

Happy (early) Valentine's Day

Spice Rack Turned K-Cup Coffee Holder

I have a Keurig coffee maker, which I love having and I have seen the holders that they sell for the coffee k-cups, but they are usually around $30. Since it isn't a high priority item, I haven't bought one yet.

I was at a thrift store the other day and I saw a empty spice rack and it looked like it might just hold the K-cup coffees. Well, for $3 it was worth a try.

I brought it home and it worked perfectly!

I added a knob on the top for easier turning, but I didn't get a picture of it. I ended up giving this one as a gift to my Grandpa who received a Keurig for Christmas. I am on the look out for another, which doesn't seem like it will be too hard to find. Spice racks must not be all that great, they are always at the thrift stores! Good thing for me I guess :)

Personalized Pillow Cases

I made a few of these pillow cases for Christmas gifts this year and I had so much fun making them I thought I would share.

I used a pillow case I already had for the template and cut out the fabric I needed. I printed out the letters in a font I liked and then used them as a pattern to cut out the name. I attached the letters before I completed the pillow case. It makes it much easier that way.


I pinned the letters in place then sewed around them twice in a somewhat messy way. I thought it gave it a cute look and it was easier than trying to get a straight line. I didn't use any fabric heat n bond with the letters, it worked for me to just pin them.

Then I added some little labels I made to them.

I think they are so cute and I loved making them. It would be a cute party favor for a slumber party too!