Playing with Paper

When a clever marketing person dubbed Sally Hansen’s combination base and top coat “Double Duty”, I’m pretty sure he was touting the fact that it’s two NAIL products in one.

But I’m using it for two separate purposes: Nails and BEADS!

You remember those paper beads we saw on our group-shopping extravaganza last week? Well, afterwards, I was inspired to grab a piece of scrapbook paper and try my hand at making a paper bead. (Can you imagine? This bead-lover had never made a paper bead before this week!)

Here they are with their manicure, um, I mean glossy top coat. It gives them a slight sheen and will protect them from a stray splash of water!

Now to figure out a jewelry design for them . . .

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth

In A Valentine’s Day Mood

There is so much inspiration on the internet that sometimes I am left absolutely speechless.

Currently, my “list of things I’d like to make” is taller than I am!

What’s a girl to do except make her best attempt at creating some of the loveliness that’s out there – as time permits.

When I first saw the item I’m about to show you today, I knew I had to try it.

This is more than a covered jar. It’s meant to hold a little tea light candle!

You can use any empty jar you have around your home, so while you’re making something pretty, it’s a great way to recycle, too.

I added a bow and lampwork glass heart beads to mine! ๐Ÿ™‚

See, you can just slip a candle inside . . .

And then, when it’s lit – there’s such a beautiful glow through the lace-like design!

Often, these are shown in a group of several jars, in multiple heights and widths, which makes a very stunning display! I’ve read that tea lights are recommended over other candles because they’re not as hot when they burn. I am not positive about that, but I did use a tea light for mine, and the glass did not seem overly hot while I was taking my photo (above). It’s probably best to light it only if you will be staying nearby. (Perhaps during your Valentine’s Day dinner?)

Lately, I find myself raising an eyebrow at the relish and jelly jars in the fridge – wondering how soon they’ll be empty! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth

————————————————————————————–

Edited to add:

Originally, for this item, I used a pattern that I found on the internet.

Sadly, it’s no longer online!

If you want to make this – try doing a google search for “crocheted jar cover” and a few similar patterns will pop up.

Some are shown with a large candle instead of the tea-light that I used.
If you use a candle that comes close to the top of your jar – do NOT allow the sides of your crocheted cover to be tall enough that they are close to the burning flame!

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.

curlyline

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! Donโ€™t the flowers look sweet on it?

Hereโ€™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 โ€œuse(d) it upโ€! ๐Ÿ˜€

I think my grandmother would be proud.

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth

Oh La La Wreath

If you’ve been visiting here for a while, you know Clenna. She’s one of our regulars!

Clenna always tells us that she is not the least bit crafty. But after this post, I think you’ll agree she is a genius at choosing great craft projects! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Last month, she sent me a link to a project she thought I might like. Oh my – did I ever! It was almost Christmas though, so I made myself a note to try it after the holidays.

I bought the supplies last week and what fun I have had making this.

It began with a styrofoam ring and a skein of yarn (You just knew I’d work purple in somehow!) . . .

Then I played with some scraps of wool felt . . .

And voila! I had a pretty fabulous wreath!

Sorry if I sound like a proud parent here, but I am so thrilled with how this turned out. ๐Ÿ˜€

It’s very easy to make and I can imagine it in all kinds of variations.

You’ll find the directions here.

Thank you Clenna! You are my current craft maven. ๐Ÿ™‚

curlyline

Hugs for all,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth

Baby It’s Cowl-d Outside

Remember just before Christmas when all my elves had quit, and I needed a break from the holiday prep, so I started an easy project to reenergize?

Well, here’s the result – a crocheted cowl “scarflette”! It’s just the thing for the chilly winds of January. I hope you can visualize how pretty it will drape on a person by viewing it here on my necklace stand.

Just imagine that there are shoulders on the necklace stand – so the scarf would be stretched a little wider across the neckline. (I knew better than to ask Sir Beads to model it! The man is a prince but he DOES have his limits.) ๐Ÿ˜‰

The pattern (found here) is EASY and quick as a wink to make. I would have shown it to you a while ago, but I needed to shop for the buttons. Although the photo shows them as a lighter shade of purple, in real life they match exactly.

Here it is with the coordinating bracelet.

Next, I’ll make one in a burgundy suede yarn. I still have those crocheted pillows in the queue. Hours! I need hours!

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth