Sometimes you just need to stop and photograph the flowers.
daisy desktop background
I’m still going through my flower pictures from last summer. One of my favorite flowers is the daisy. I like how the petals curl under on this particular one. They seem so graceful and relaxed.
My laptop desktop is littered with screen shots and icons. This pretty flower gave me the incentive to finally clean things up.
Feel free to download and share.
tiny crochet flower pattern
I wanted to make some tiny crochet flowers last week, and figured I could just add a petal to my four leaf clover pattern. Five petals were too bulky, however, and they looked crowded. I reworked the petal a little bit and came up with these cuties. Happy Spring and enjoy the pattern!
Tiny Crochet Flower Pattern
worsted weight yarn
size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook
tapestry needle for weaving ends
dc: double crochet
hdc: half double crochet
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
gauge: not important, but my worsted weight flowers are about 1 1/2 inches across.
Note: The smaller flowers were made with a smaller hooks and different sock yarns.
Make a magic ring.
R1: chain 1, sc into loop 5 times, pull loop closed, join with sl st in first stitch
R2: continue in the first stitch with a hdc, dc, chain 1, dc, hdc; *sl st, hdc, dc, ch1, dc, hdc* in each of the four remaining stitches, finish with a sl st
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I’ve been trying to document my creative projects at least once a day using Instagram. It automatically posts my pictures to twitter, facebook, flickr and my rss feed. If only it could update the blog! Anyway, if you are on any of these platforms, stop by and say hello!
tiny crochet flowers + other small things
I’ve become enamored with small things lately. I think the little pin cushions started it. After finishing them, I felt all those little yarn odds and ends calling me. This week has been all about flowers. I’m also thinking about tiny baskets, boxes and more pin cushions.
Small projects are so satisfying to me. They’re finished quickly, so I can squeeze them in between helping with homework and waiting for the pasta water to boil. They are an easy way to dress up a tote, shirt or ponytail. They make all of those leftover yarn bits feel useful.
What are you in love with right now?
rainy days and mondays
Last Monday I planned to take a lot of crafty pictures for the blog. It was the first day after spring break and I was excited to get down to work. Within minutes of dropping my daughter off at school it got very, very, very dark. I couldn’t believe it! Huge storm clouds were rolling in. I was so bummed.
Then I thought: I can still take pictures, just not what I had originally planned. I stayed close to home because I was worried the sky would open up at any minute. I pushed myself discover something new within the familiar sights of the front yard.
Mother Nature didn’t give me a lot of time, but I got a few good shots before heading back inside. I love that little nest!
unblocked crochet projects
I’ve been hooking up a storm lately. I finished this scarf and I’m using up the extra bits to make a bookmark. I’ve also started a new scarf that’s almost done. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. Maybe it’s the cool Autumn weather?
I can’t wait to block the scarf for a final reveal. It’s going to be so beautiful!
What are you working on this week?
my creative space
I’m not sure how our Summer got so busy. Kindergarten starts soon and I should be soaking up these last few weeks of kid activities. But I have to admit, I’m ready for some alone time.
The only creativity I’ve been able to fit into our schedule is behind the lens. Last week I managed to sneak away for a walk in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden while my daughter was at camp. I took lots of sculpture photos, but I’m really loving my nature shots.
I’ll be back to sewing, knitting, thrifting and crocheting soon enough. (It’s too hot for wool yarn anyway!) In the meantime, if you see a crazy lady with a camera kneeling in a bed of roses, stop and say hello!
More creative spaces here.
handmade goodies from the farmers’ market
There’s so much more to the Farmers’ Market than fresh veggies. Last weekend we went with my parents and my mom wanted to buy a few things for my daughter. The hair clip and headband are from Owl People (my friend Kaitlyn) and are lovely.
I wish I could tell you who made “Ladybug Girl.” I can’t remember the name of the booth and she didn’t come with a card or hang tag. Nothing was even stamped on the bag. If you know, post in the comments! (Note to artisans: always put your name on your work!) My daughter loves her.
What are your favorite non-food items from the Farmers’ Market?
and then there were three
My experiment in crocheting motifs with self-striping yarn just keeps growing. I’m joining as I go, and it’s now destined to be a scarf. I’m going to have to block as I go, too, so I don’t run out of pins.
Original motif blogged here.
valentine’s day pencil cards
We are doing very simple Valentine’s Day cards this year. I wanted to keep my daughter involved in the process, but between preschool and nature school, she’s got over 30 classmates. Even though she loves crafts, I can’t imagine her staying interested in such a
We picked out Valentine’s pencils together and we used what we had for the cards. You’ll notice that she didn’t use any of the supplies I gathered, but chose her own stickers and pencil for the project — such crafty independence!
Using the big scallop paper punch, I cut out a bunch of flowers. I told her she could decorate them anyway she liked, but she had to make sure she put her name on them. Once finished, we taped them to the pencils.
We started this project early and she’s been doing a few a day. We’ll see if they get finished by next week or if I’ll have to make up the last few.
What do you do for Valentine’s Day cards? Buy or make? Include candy or not? Is your child involved in the process?
from the archives: handmade valentine’s cards, valentine’s day heart bunting, tiny crochet heart pattern