F is for Felt

This is such an adorable idea from Sew Mama Sew! This little piece of artwork would look excellent hanging in a craft room.

You can find the tutorial here- Little Pink House Tutorial (Wool Felt Applique in Hoop Frame)

E is for Eggs

This post isn't craft related but I had to share.

                                                                   April 7th 9:30pm

We placed these duck eggs in the incubator 29 days ago. They started pipping yesterday morning so we should have baby ducklings sometime this evening.

                                                                 UPDATE April 8th 1:30pm
                                                                        Almost there!

 

UPDATE April 8th 4:30pm

We have our first baby duck!

 

We started with almost 20 eggs. After the 7 day candle test we found that only 4 were fertile. We ended with 2 baby ducklings, giving us a 50% hatch rate which isn't so bad on our first try. Below is a picture of the cute little ones.

 

 

D is for Dog Toy

This pattern is a cheap and quick alternative to buying your dog store bought toys.

Supplies:
Yarn for Small Dogs

Old T-shirt Strips for Large Dogs
Scissors

 

I used yarn to make this dog toy, as my toy is for a smaller dog. If you have a medium to large sized dog replace yarn with old t-shirt strips so that the end result will be more durable.

 

Step 1: Cut (18) 40" strands of yarn.

Step 2: Bunch the strands into 2 groups, 9 strands in each group.

Step 2: Form an X by crisscrossing the 2 groups of yarn. (I grouped mine by the colors red, white, & blue)

 

Step 3: Tie knot into the center of X.

Step 4: Braid each section, 4 sections total. Trim ends to even length.

 

You may add more strands of yarn to increase the overall thickness of the toy.

 

Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. You are welcome to make this item, using my pattern, for both personal and business use. If you sell items made using this pattern, please provide a link back to this post. Thank you! J

C is for Coaster (Includes Free Pattern)

This crochet pattern is to celebrate us moving into our new home. These coasters would make the perfect housewarming gift!

Supplies:
Yarn- Peaches & Crème- I used Burgundy (A), Dark Taupe (B) & White (C)
Crochet hook size G 4.25MM
Small Piece of Thin Cardboard
Craft Felt
Fabric Fusion Glue
scissors

NOTE: This pattern is worked in a round so it may be helpful to use a stitch marker.
 
Coaster Pattern
ROUND 1- With color A, Crochet a Magic Ring, ch 1, 6sc inside magic ring (6sc)
ROUND 2- *2sc in each stitch* repeat around (12sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 3- With color B, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next stitch* repeat around (18sc)
ROUND 4- *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 2 stitches* repeat around (24sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 5- With color C, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 2 stitches* repeat around (32sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 6- With Color A, *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 3 stitches* repeat around (40sc)
ROUND 7- *2sc in next stitch, 1sc in next 4 stitches* repeat around (48sc)
~Color Change~
ROUND 8- With color C, *1 sc in next stitch, chain 2, skip next stitch, sc in next stitch* repeat around (23sc & 23 chain 2’s)
Tie off and weave in ends
 
Construction
Cut a small circle of craft felt that is a touch smaller than your coaster.
Cut a small circle of thin cardboard (soda pop box) that is a touch smaller than your circle of craft felt.
Glue the cardboard to the back center of your coaster.
Glue the felt to the back center of the cardboard.
Set a flat heavy object over coaster and allow coaster to dry for 24 hours.
This backing will help cover any weaved in yarn ends and provide a more stable coaster.

 
Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. You are welcome to make this item, using my pattern, for both personal and business use. If you sell items made using this pattern, please provide a link back to this post. Thank you!

B is for Button (Includes Free Pattern)

I wrote this cute little pattern incorporating a button because…who doesn’t love buttons?!?!

Supplies:
Yarn- Peaches & Crème (I used hot orange and white)
Crochet hook size F 3.75MM
Button of your choice
Metal Single Prong Hair Clip
Hot glue

Flower Pattern

ROUND 1- Crochet a Magic Ring, ch 1, 9sc inside magic ring, Slip Stitch to first sc
ROUND 2- Ch 4, slip stitch into next sc *ch 4, skip 1, slip stitch into next sc * Repeat from * to * around
ROUND 3- Change color. *(sc, dc, ch 1, tr, ch 1,dc, sc) in ch 4 space from previous round* Repeat from * to * around, slip stitch into top of first sc from beginning of round
Tie off and weave in ends.

Construction

Sew button onto center of flower. I used Peaches and Crème yarn in white to sew my button to the center of the flower. You may use sewing thread if you prefer. Glue flower onto hair clip.

Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. You are welcome to make this item, using my pattern, for both personal and business use. If you sell items made using this pattern, please provide a link back to this post. Thank you! J

A is for Amigurumi

Amigurumi - The Japanese art form of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals. Crocheting is worked with single crochet stitches and all stitches are worked in a round.

The crochet world has so many different styles and techniques. Amigurumi is just one of those techniques. When I first learned to crochet one of the first projects I worked on was worked using this technique. All stitches are worked in a round. So instead of slip stitching at the end of each round, you just keep going. This creates a nice seamless look on all your crochet stuffed animals. Below is a gorgeous crochet elephant that I just recently added to my shop.

You can find it for sale at Craft Creek You can find the pattern for sale at Elephant Pattern

A-Z Challenge

I will be doing the A-Z challenge. I will post a new blog entry Monday through Saturday during the entire month of April, with each new post centering on the next letter in the alphabet. I would like to stick with craft oriented posts but sometimes my mind roams to faraway places. I could be on a totally different path halfway through the alphabet, lol. Yes I skipped yesterday, April 1st, so I will be posting twice today. STAY TUNED.................

Easter Crochet Items Coming Soon

I'm working on some new crochet items for my shop. This upcoming weekend will be full of colorful yarn and lots of tiny bunny ears. Stay tuned for my Easter album to make it's appearance on my Facebook page. http://facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet

Owl Hat ... Hoot Hoot!

So I ran across this gorgeous owl pattern. It uses Vanna's Choice yarn which makes for a really soft hat. You can buy my finished product here... http://facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet Don't forget to like my page!

You can find the pattern here... http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/04/crochet-owl-hat-pattern.html

Peep Into My Nest

I've spent the last year and a half working on losing weight and exercising. I've lost a little over 30lbs, quit smoking, and took up running. Unfortunately, I developed a knee injury shortly after my first 5K back in May.

(My friend Brandi on the left and myself on the right.)

Since then I've slowly slacked off on eating healthy and exercising. I'm hoping to get back in the groove soon. I was really feeling great about myself.

My Goal is to be able to fit comfortably into my Carhartt coverall bibs by November 10th, 2012, which is the opening day of deer season here in Kentucky. Go me!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Fix for Old Leak Stains

Water leak stains are not attractive. If you have a busy schedule or a tight budget, painting the entire ceiling to cover up one stain may not be an option. A $2 bottle of white shoe polish is a great temporary fix. It will cover mild water stains in a jiffy. For a tougher water stain, like the one pictured below, you may be left with just a hint of the stain. Unless your guests walk in with a magnifying glass, they will be none the wiser to your quick fix.

• Step 1- Remove lid from white shoe polish.
• Step 2- Press polish downward onto paper plate and gently squeeze sides to release polish.
• Step 3- Blot end of bottle across stain.
• Step 4- Repeat until stain is covered. (No need to wait as the polish dries very quickly) 

Pork Tenderloin & Sauteed Veggies

• Boneless Pork Tenderloin Loaf (seasoned)
• 1 Cup Dale's Liquid Seasoning
• 1/2 Head of Brocoli Chopped
• 1 Small Sweet White Onion Sliced
• 5 Whole Mushrooms Sliced
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
• Oil

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
Trim fat from tenderloin and slice directly down the center (vertically) creating 2 halves.
Pour Dale's Seasoning into 9"X13" glass casserole dish.
Place tenderloin in dish making sure all sides are coated with Dale's Seasoning.
Place in Oven. Cook for 35 minutes (internal temp of at least 145 degrees), turning once around the halfway mark.
Once meat reaches halfway mark and is turned, slice mushrooms, brocoli, and onions.
Heat oil in small pan to medium.
Place all vegetables in pan. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook vegetables on medium for 5-7 minutes or until tender.

Rainbow Journal

Sometimes I find it so hard to stay on track with counting calories, making healthy food choices, staying hydrated and exercising. This journal is a colorful reminder of those things. This is a great tool for a daily dose of motivation.

Breakfast Pizza

My little boy LOVES this pizza. This is super easy to make. Feel free to get creative and try other toppings.

• 3 Cups Bisquick
• 3/4 Cup HOT Water
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Salt
• 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese Powder
• 1/4 Cup Ragu Meat Flavored Sauce
• 1/2 Pound Mild Sausage (cooked)
• 10-12 Pepperonis
• 3/4 Cup Mozzarella Provolone Shredded
• 3/4 Cup Colby & Monteray Jack Shredded
• 1/4 Cup Sharp Cheddar Shredded

Preheat Oven to 450 Degrees.
Brown sausage until fully cooked, then crumble. Set aside.
Mix Bisquick, hot water, and garlic salt until soft dough forms. (Dough may feel a little sticky)
Press dough in lightly greased 9"X13" glass casserole dish.
Spread Ragu sauce and crumbled sausage evenly across dough.
Sprinkle all 3 cheeses across top.
Add Pepperonis and sprinkle with parmesan cheese powder.
Bake uncovered 12-14 minutes or until cheese is melted and dough is cooked through.

Duck...Duck...PEN!

When I first met the man in my life he was very anti-pets. There was only one fuzzy creature on this planet he tolerated and that was HIS cat Hot Rod.

 

Fast forward 5 years and look how well trained my hubby is. :) This is the duck pen that he built me this past summer. He added a perfect little gate for easy access. He also built a hutch on the side, so that I can lock the ducks up at night.

 

I currently have a khaki campbell drake, pekin hen, black swedish hen, and a crested blue swedish hen.

 

For the record, he has built me a chicken coop, rabbit hutch, raccoon hutch, and this duck pen. I think it's safe to say that I've converted him into an animal lover!