Little Things

Are you charmed by little things? I am.

For example, if I’m in a gift shop – I’m much more likely to be attracted to a tiny doll than to a large one.

When I am making things, it’s the same story.

A couple of months ago, I made a little purse and a tiny rose to adorn it . . .

and then I couldn’t stop!


I made some more purses.

And then some more roses.

I thought about which rose for which purse . . .


Then I wondered if I should ditch the rose and try beads instead for embellishment.

I have a dozen ideas for these. They’ve been quite a welcome distraction during the incredibly sultry weather we’ve had here lately!

What do you like to do when it’s just too hot to move?

Hugs,

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It truly is the thought that counts . . .

Remember when you were a little kid and you made a card or gift in school?

Usually, there was colorful construction paper involved.

Among your tools, you probably had blunt edge scissors, some sort of glue or paste, paints, brushes, crayons, scraps of tissue paper, glitter, and perhaps a paper doily or two?

Wasn’t it kind of exciting to be creating those first works of “art”?

Personally, I feel sure my creative spirit was born during those early projects. I also believe it was the time I first recognized that making a present for someone you love is a gift for yourself, as well. 😀

Recently, I was reminded of those early attempts at designing something pretty. It was a week before Mother’s Day and I’d been wracking my brain trying to come up with a gift for my Mum. I visited the mall and scanned the online stores but nothing called out to me. I wanted something different, not the usual Mother’s Day fare.

I made one decision…. No jewelry! I’ve made jewelry for her on many occasions – Christmas, birthdays, previous Mother’s Days, etc.

Flowers seemed too standard.

Not a new handbag – been there, done that, too.

Well, time was getting short and I was beginning to get a little panicky. It was funny, though. The more I thought about Mother’s Day – the more my mind flooded with memories of making those little gifts in school as a child.

Suddenly, it hit me that I should stop stressing. I reminded myself that, in the end, it really is the thought that counts. Then, it occurred to me that even though I’ve made jewelry for my mother, I’ve never made a pendant!

I searched through my beads and found her favorite color – rose! Then I added her birthstone – pearls. I did a little beadweaving and slipped the finished piece on a sterling silver chain.

Next, I needed a clever way to present the gift. Again, I chose her color and made a tiny little handbag. The pendant just fit, but something was missing. It needed a little pop of adornment so I crocheted a rose to top it off. (Flowers and Mother’s Day do go together after all.) 😉

To say that I enjoyed making this gift would be an understatement. It truly was a delight.

But I’m sure you can guess the best part of all . . .

I think she really liked it! 😀

Hugs,

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A Purse to Crochet

Remember a while back when I made several flowers (here), including this one?

I figured it would eventually come in handy to jazz-up a project . . .



I think I found a good use for it! 🙂

When I mentioned that I had done some “quick crocheting” last week, it was this little purse to which I was referring.

The pattern (found here) is really well-written and works up in a flash, which makes it a great “tv time” project!

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Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms, and I would also include aunts, sisters, grandmothers, and friends on that list!

In my view, the true spirit of Mother’s Day is the celebration of the nurturing woman – whomever she may be! 😀

See you Monday, Kids!

Hugs,
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It’s Fun To Be Frugal

Our ancestors had a saying during the Depression Years:

Use it up; wear it out; make it do; or do without!

I just finished a project where I was able to follow the first part of those instructions.

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You remember my wreath from yesterday?

When it was complete, I was left with half of a skein of yarn. Sometimes such a small amount will languish in the craft stash for a very long time before it can be used – if ever.

But, I started to play with making a couple of crocheted flowers. They looked a little like daisies.

I thought they were cute with the multi-shades of the variegated yarn and I wondered if I still had enough to make a small purse on which to place them.

Turns out I did! Don’t the flowers look sweet on it?

Here’s the reverse side of the clutch bag

Sorry I don’t have a link to a pattern for any of this – I was making it up as I went along.

Now all that remains is a yard, or so, of yarn.

Yep, I “use(d) it up”! 😀

I think my grandmother would be proud.

Hugs,

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