2008 Recap

Here's to a crafty 2009!

2008 Countdown

While many people are counting down their top new stories and favorite celebrity debacles of 2008, I thought I would countdown some of my favorites things that happened in 2008.

• Sarah Palin - I still have not grasped why so many people have an absolute hatred for her, my theory is they are terrified of her and what she can do for the Conservatives, which is probably why I just adore her. Bring on 2012!


• Pittsburgh Steelers winning AFC North & first round bye: Thank goodness we got the bye or Ben's concussion would be a whole lot worse, not that it isn't bad anyway. And thank goodness we have the best defense in football, especially if we have to play the Colts in two weeks!


• New Kids on the Block comeback - Love them or hate them, they had one heck of a hit with "Single", one of my favorite songs of the year.


• My blog - The best thing about blogging is getting to meet people from all over the world who share my similar interests. Thank you to all of you who have left comments or emailed me over the past year. I truly cherish all of my online buddies.         

May God bless all of us in 2009! 

                    

Check out my cool, new threads!

As soon as I saw this shirt I knew I had to have it. I love skulls, probably because they remind me of pirates and I just love pirates, and the cross (hook) bones are just too cute. I found the site, Spreadshop, through Craftster.

The coolest part about the shirt. . . I got to come up with my own saying. So here it is, my crafting motto:

"Respect the Hook!"

I have a really big problem with knitters who think crocheters are beneath them. I mean, what makes them better? I have experienced this superiority complex first hand on several occasions, even at some craft stores, and I am sick of it.

So, I will wear this shirt with pride for all crocheters. And to all you snooty knitters out there, just remember to "Respect the Hook"!!!

Want to learn how to make some felt M&M cookies? 

Swing over to Dabbled to see my guest post featuring my new tutorial!

More '80s Embroidery Fun

A really great embroidery site, Urban Threads, offers both hand sewn and machine sewn embroidery patterns. 

They have plenty of different styles to choose from, each $3.00, but of course I was looking for some '80s themed ones. Here's what I found:

• 8-bit Invaders
  
• For Those About to Rock
• Geek in Greek
• Hungry Like the Wolf
• I Want to Believe
• King of Spades
• Love My Music
• Queen of Hearts
• Rock On
• Sweet Ride
• Tape Boy

Be sure to check out the project gallery for some ideas on how to use the designs! 

I'll be getting ready for the '80s craft-a-long over the next few weeks, so my posts will be few and far between. But do not fear, once the craft-a-long begins there will be a post a day for the length of the craft-a-long. Wow, 70 posts! Plus, the blog will be getting a super rad '80s makeover! So stay tuned. :)

Merry Christmas!

Drusilla and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, 

and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Yummy Christmas Gifts

A last minute gift for each of my coworkers. Last year I made ornaments, this year I opted for something edible.

Little zucchini bread loaves wrapped in colored Saran wrap with a gift tag found at LollyChops!

They smell really good and look pretty cute too!

Fun with Felting

I have been wanting to give crochet felting a try for quite some time, but really never knew how to begin.

A few weeks ago, on one of my weekly trips to the local AC Moore, I came across a crochet to felt sushi wallet kit by One Stick Two Stick.

Photo courtesy One Stick Two Stick

Not only was it the complete kit, which included several balls of colored wool yarn, a zipper, and instructions for crochet and knitting, but it was on sale (at least with my 50% coupon it was). I just couldn't pass it up.

After crocheting the wallet and several pieces of sushi, it was time to throw it in the washing machine. After about 15 minutes of washing the wallet and sushi pieces, it looked to be done. The instructions said to pat the pieces dry with a towel and leave them out to dry.

I think it turned out really nice, though a little bigger than I thought, but I think I did a decent job on my first felting attempt.

I did learn a few things that I will need to remember for my next project:

1. Set the washing machine to high agitation. I did it on a low setting so the piece wouldn't fall apart, but it took double the time to felt.


2. Don't use light and dark yarn. My sushi pieces had off-white, green, and pink in them. The off-white is now tinted pink.


3. Don't wait until the last minute to crochet and felt the item. It took about three days for the wallet and sushi to dry!

Other than these few minor issues the project went pretty smoothly. I still have some yarn left over, so I am thinking of making Drusilla some felted toy balls for Christmas. She loves felted balls!

Crochet while you travel

Want a quick and easy crochet pattern to work on while driving or flying to your Christmas destination? Check out Lion Brand Yarn's website. They have so many simple, cute, and, best of all, free patterns.

I just love the giraffe! 

Favorite Christmas Recipe

I think my favorite Christmas recipe of all time is my great aunt's zucchini bread. 

It might not sound very appetizing, but it is so good, especially for breakfast with cream cheese spread over it. Not very healthy, but who eats healthy at Christmastime?

Aunt Mil's Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

3 eggs (beaten until light and fluffy)

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

2 cups peeled and grated zucchini (seeds and all)

3 tsps. vanilla

3 cups flour

3 tsps. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup raisins (light California)

Directions:

Mix thoroughly and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Makes enough batter for two bread tin loaves.

Enjoy!!!

December's Featured Etsy Blogger

I joined Etsy Bloggers last month but have yet to post anything. So, here we go!

December's Featured Etsy Blogger is Spotted Cow Soaps!

Spotted Cow Soaps features plenty of homemade soap and crocheted bath accessories. Yummy! These whipped sugar scrubs look good enough to eat!

Spotted Cow Soaps is still accepting Christmas orders, so swing by the shop and check out all of the great handmade items.

Making a List and Checking it Twice

7 days and counting. . .

1. Finish grandmother's lapghan!!!

Okay, I worked on this thing for four hours including all the way through NCIS last night and am only a little further along than I was two days ago. Not looking good!

2. Felt wallet & keychains 

This should be interesting since this is my first felting project. I hope it turns out, fingers crossed. :)

3. Work on tutorial for Dabbled.com

Dot at Dabbled asked me to write a guest post for her blog next week. I decided to do a fun, simple tutorial that can be made as a last minute Christmas present. Be sure to check out Dabbled next week for the post and tute!

4. '80s craft-a-long projects 

I'll be working on these all through the craft-a-long. I already have a few projects started and some tutorials in the works using felt, yarn, thread, and even Legos. Don't forget to join in the fun!  And remember, it's not just craft projects. You can join in with your '80s stories, pictures, and favorite '80s memories.

5. Go to the dentist

Back to the dentist tomorrow. Not looking forward to it, but the office is in the mall. I might do some last minute Christmas shopping. . . for myself! No sweets though, I still have no taste buds. 

Shrink This!

The coolest '80s toy ever, well next to Colorforms anyway is Shrinky Dinks!

photo courtesy of Retroland

I had no idea they still made Shrinky Dinks. I mean actual Shrinky Dinks not the shrinking plastic you can buy in the craft stores. I was pleasantly surprised to find a site that sells them along with kits, accessories, and pencils to decorate them. 

I also found some on Ebay. I did a search and found Raggedy Ann, Flash Gordon, Hot Wheels, and of all things, Police Academy!

They are super cool, but pretty expensive. A complete kit can cost over $16.00. The more efficient thing to do is to buy some of the plastic sheets and make your own. I found the cutest idea for Shrinky Dinks here. Wouldn't these be great as the Breakfast Club characters or the Goonies. If only I could draw :(

Flickr Swap

I have always had terrible luck with swaps. Even when I was a kid and we would would have to participate in a secret Santa at school, I would buy a great gift but get stuck with a re-gift or a really cheap one.

This is why I don't take part in swaps anymore. I'd love to, because there are so many really great craft swaps all over the internet, but I know I always get the shaft!

So, when a fellow crafter on Flickr emailed me to take part in a swap I was really very hesitant. But I already had the items completed, so I figured I'd give it one more try. I am really glad I did.

She asked what I liked and I told her anything cat related. So, this is what she sent me:

Isn't she so cute? I just love that she made her black, just like Drusilla! Thanks, Jenny!!!

I might have to rethink my hatred of swaps now that this one was a complete success.

Here we go Steelers, Here we go!

Congrats, Steelers!!!!

Winners of the AFC North!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Here is a little Christian rock to get you pumped up!

Fireflight - Unbreakable

Where are the people that accused me?

The ones who beat me down and bruised me
They hide just out of sight
Can’t face me in the light
They’ll return but I’ll be stronger

God, I want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there
This time I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable, it’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me

Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can’t see
To reach my destiny
I want to take control but I know better

Forget the fear it’s just a crutch
That tries to hold you back
And turn your dreams to dust
All you need to do is just trust

Similar artists: Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Garbage

Super Cute Embroidery

One of my favorite craft blogs, Pimp Stitch, is offering a totally rad "Made in the 80s" embroidery pattern. Talk about perfect timing for the craft-a-long!

photo courtesy of pimpstitch.com

 

The pattern includes a boom box with music notes, cassette tape, heart shaped sunglasses, and the letters "Made in the 80s" with a lightning bolt. 

There are also patterns available with '80s titles like Home Sweet Home and The Breakfast Club.

You can pick up any of the patterns for $3.00 on the Pimp Stitch site. I have already picked up my "Made in the '80s" copy; I just have to figure out what to embroider it on!

Poor Gingy

As soon as I saw this pattern on One Pretty Thing's Ornament Wrap Up I knew I had to make one.

He is so sad, but cute! And a few more ornaments I finished for Christmas presents.

The Christmas tree pattern I made up myself, the seahorse can be found on Futuregirl's blog, and the crocheted wreath I got on Ravelry. Just in case anyone wants to make one for Christmas!

Winner of the Wonderland tea set

The winner of the Wonderland tea set via the Mega Giveaway on the NC Triangle Team blog is. . .

Melanie from Whimsical Creations! Congrats, Melanie! I'll be emailing you soon for your contact information.

Look for some more themed tea sets coming to the shop spring 2009!

One more to go

I finally finished my sister's brown and teal pillow last night. Whew, I really busted my bum on this gift. It turned out to be a little more time consuming than I thought. But, here it is, all crocheted and stuffed.

I wish I had either used a lighter teal or lighter brown; the colors look so dark to me. These are the colors she requested though, so I guess it will be okay.

Now I am down to only one handmade Christmas present to finish, but this one is a doozy! My grandmother's lapghan is only in the beginning stages and it is due in two weeks, yikes! I guess you know what I'll be spending the next two weeks working on. :)

Don't forget to take a peek at the '80s craft ideas link to get ready for the '80s craft-a-long. I'll be posting links to some other '80s related crafts from now until the craft-a-long begins. (I have a really cool one for tomorrow!)

I have also been working on some '80s craft tutorials as well as some fun '80s trivia and games. In all of my web searching, I found the coolest online crossword puzzle site that I am having so much fun with. Sometimes the internet is pretty cool!

Toothy Grin

I spent this past Friday getting poked and prodded by the dentist. I don't have a fear of the dentist, as so many people do, but it is still not where I want to spend my day off. 

After two hours, I was told I have a pretty serious gum infection. Ouch! Not what I wanted to hear. The dentist gave me some funky medicated mouthwash that not only kills the infection but my taste buds too. It feels like I drank something hot and burned my tongue, only all the time. 

It was weird, but I really haven't felt any pain over the past several months, until I started on the mouthwash. Now my mouth throbs all the time! I guess the infection was pretty bad after all. But it is manageable, no surgery thank goodness, so I will endure the nasty mouthwash for the next 30 days! 

After that big ordeal, I was inspired to whip up a little tooth from Crafty Carnival's pattern. This is how my teeth will feel once this infection is gone!

Happy Teeth!

Crafting Through the '80s

I love the '80s! I am totally a child of the '80s: Madonna, Sixteen Candles, Pound Puppies, Growing Pains all hold a very special place in my heart.

I see so many blogs hosting themed alongs, whether it is sharing recipes, crafts, or funny stories that I thought I'd join in the fun.

Beginning on Monday, January 12, I'll be crafting my way through the decade of excess and INXS! I'll spend one week per year, all the while posting '80s craft ideas, patterns, and tutorials, as well as pics of crafts I have worked on inspired by the '80s. There will also be some fun '80s facts, trivia, music, memories, and maybe even '80s pictures (Yikes!).

I'd love for all of you '80s fans to join in on the fun. If you'd like to play along, please leave me a comment or email me a link to your blog. I'll post a blogroll here with all of the participating blogs so we can be sure to check in and see everyone's rad '80s crafts. I'll also have a button soon that you can grab for your blog to let everyone know you're playing along.

Check out the '80s crafts link at the top of the page too. I hope it will get you in the '80s spirit and help inspire some totally awesome '80s crafts.

Not crafty? Don't Worry, Be Happy! You can still play along by posting your favorite memories, movies, albums, recipes, pictures, etc. Or if you only want to play along with one or two years that is cool too. It's all in good '80s fun!

So get ready! Beginning on January 12 we will be heading back to the year when the US hockey team defeated the Russians in the Olympics, The Empire Strikes Back was the number one movie, and we asked that burning question, "Who shot JR?"

The year. . .1980!

Under Construction

I'm going to be fooling around with the colors and layout of my blog today.

Just a little FYI in case things start to look a little funky!

P.S. Is anyone having issues with Flickr pictures? Mine seem to disappear and reappear throughout the day. According to both Blogger and Flickr there are no problems. I figure maybe a simple and brand new layout is the way to go.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Point of Grace - Blue Skies

My favorite Point of Grace song!



Similar secular artists: Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson

Not A Creature Was Stirring

. . .not even Drusilla!

The Counterfeit Crochet Project

I just came across the coolest crochet site, the counterfeit crochet project. I think it was started several years ago, so I am coming a little late to the party, but better late than never.

The goal of each participant is to take a designer handbag and craft their own knock off. I love it! I've decided to join in too, though I am not sure how long the entire project will take me, but I'll give it a whirl. 

For my project, I am going to make the Burberry Haymarket clutch.

The original on the Burberry website is $895.00!!! Okay, that is insane. I mean, that is almost one month's mortgage payment! But to be honest, if I was loaded I would definitely be carrying or wearing something Burberry, like the $200 hair scrunchie I saw at the Burberry store in Venice, Italy. Now that is insane!

So, we'll see how authentic my knock off comes out. I'll be sure to post pics once I get it started.

Last Christmas

Last Christmas was my first attempt at making handmade Christmas crafts. While some turned out really cute, others were complete disasters! 

Here is a look back at last year's handmade presents: the good, the bad, and the ugly!

1. Teal Scarf 2. Amigurumi Penguin 3. Reindeer gift card holders 4. Peace Dove Ornaments 5. Crocheted mushrooms 6. Daisy Wallet 7. Pair of Crocheted Hangers 8. Angel ornament 9. Crocheted Doily (aka hat) 10. Crocheted flip flops 11. Felt Frogs 12. Rosie the Mini Doggie 13. (middle square) Little Vroomie

My favorite is the one in the middle, the little Vroomie. I think it turned out cute and I love the bright colors. The hangers turned out nice too, nicer than the picture (I was new to posting pictures online too), but they were a pain in the butt to put together. 

The red doily on the bottom left hand corner was my first and only attempt at making a hat. At least I got to use it for something. I think I'd like to give another hat a try, but am pretty hesitant. I found an easy pattern on Etsy that I am contemplating buying, a buckle cloche hat. It reminds me of something Nancy Drew would wear.

I added links to the items with patterns/tutorials in case you'd like to give any of them a try. The Peace Doves and the Reindeer card holders were both a huge hit last year, and both super easy to make. Shhh, the recipients don't need to know that! :)

Skull-A-Day

My (Pittsburgh) pirate skull potholder found it's way onto the Skull-A-Day site. Yay!

If you are a fan of skulls, isn't everyone?, you must check out the site. I love the pictures of every day objects that just happen to look like a skull, like the one of the pear skull eating a jalapeno. Hilarious and creepy!

Butterfly Kisses

I am slowly but surely finishing my Christmas presents, only two to go!

Here is my crocheted, toy butterfly I finished Sunday night while watching my Steelers destroy the loathsome Patriots (what a sweet victory that was)! I still have a smile on my face this morning. ;)

I got this pattern from rosieok's shop on Etsy. She has got some really cute crochet patterns in her shop.

My little butterfly came out quite a bit larger than I had thought it would. Come to think of it, I might have used a larger hook than I was supposed to, but I did get to use up some of my cotton yarn. I don't think I'll ever get rid of that stuff. I also substituted felt instead of doll eyes, just in case.

Yes, I was one of those crazy people!

How come the weekends go by so fast and the weeks so slow? I really don't know where the Thanksgiving holiday went. One day I was cooking turkey and the next I was back to work. I really needed a few more days off, if only to finish my crafts.

I did brave the stores and the mall on Black Friday. Thank goodness I didn't experience anything crazy, like that poor man who was trampled at WalMart. Just another reason for me to stay away from WalMart (I am not a fan of the place, but you can get really good deals). 

I did go to Target and got quite a bit of Christmas shopping done, but it was all for myself. So much for the season of giving! I actually needed everything I got, except for the moldy Swiss cheese. I guess that is what I get for buying Swiss cheese at Target!

I was quite surprised that the lines weren't as long as I had expected. I think the longest line I stood in was at Sears and that was about 7 or 8 minutes. I did see the line to Game Stop was ginormous. Thank goodness I don't know anyone obsessed with video games. Just looking into the teeny tiny store with about a hundred people in it made me claustrophobic.

Unfortunately, I was also surprised that the deals weren't that great. You'd think with the state of the economy the stores would really be dropping their prices. Some claimed they did. 

Anyone else try to use the awesome Macy's coupon from the newspaper? You know the one that gave you $10 off any purchase of $25 or more. Well there was fine print, and lots of it. You couldn't use it on brand names. What's up with that?

I was so excited to have finally found a pair of jeans that fit me without having that extra space in the back when you bend over. They were Levi's and I figured I would use my coupon and only have to pay $20 for them. I was so excited until I got up there and the woman, who wasn't very nice I might add, told me the coupon didn't work on my brand. I still bought them, but I it would've been nice to save a little money.

The good news is I finished all of my Christmas shopping while stimulating the economy a little too. I just wished the stores would've been a little better with their sales.

Mega Giveaway Begins Today

Today begins the NCTriangle Etsy Street Team's Mega Giveaway. There will be a new giveaway every day this week, beginning with some items from my Etsy shop!

My giveaway includes a slice of unbirthday cake, two Queen of Hearts tarts, a red crocheted tea cup, and a felt tea bag.

Visit the NCTriangle Team blog to enter. Good Luck!