Lined Crocodile Stitch Purse

I just had to share with you my newest project that I love! My crocodile stitch purse!  

It is difficult for me to follow patterns without deviating at least a bit; so this time I decided I'd create one on my own.

Such a CUTE bag! And a joy to make! 

With a stylish white "scale" ~  it gives the stitch even more definition.

This bag is about 9x6" created with dark green medium weight yarn and lined with a light-weight cotton. Strap is about an inch wide by about 18-20" long. One button closure that is the same color as the yarn. See the photos for details. (Crocodile stitch is only on the flap of the bag.)

It does close by itself, but I added a button to help secure it more. Made to order in almost any available color you request.
Would you like one in a different color and/or size? Just add your desired color and/or size preference to the comment section of the order form. Order today! Would make a wonderful and unique gift!
It will be ready to ship in about 5-days. Order today through my Etsy shop page. Cost is $38.50 plus $8.00 shipping by Priority Mail. But get free shipping when using this code on any order over $30, when ordering through Etsy!  FREESHIPPING2014

Great gift for a friend for Valentine's Day!

Courtesy of Jose Crochet

Click to go to original posting and alternate languages.

 Free Crochet Pattern: HEART

Materials needed:

• 100% mercerized cotton, suited for hook 3-4 mm
• a crochet hook at least one size smaller than advised on the label of your skein (I used a 2mm hook)
• tapestry needle
• stuffing
• accessories to decorate like: keyring, ribbon, buttons, beads, bells, felt etc.

Stitches:
ch  - chain                                     

SS – slip stitch                        

SC – single crochet                      

HDC – half double crochet      

DC – double crochet                  

TC – treble crochet   

(chart: with thanks to Teresa Richardson)

Note: I like to crochet quite tight for this project. You don't want gaps or the stuffing to show on the outside.

Start with chain 8.

Turn, and SC in second chain from hook and in the next 6 chains.

* Chain 1, turn, 1 SC in each sc * ;  repeat between * …... * 5 more times.

(You have now a total of 7 rows of 7 SC and completed a small square)

Note: In the original pattern of Karin, it  says to do 8 rows of 7 SC.

Turn, crochet 7 TC in the center (4^th stitch) along the side. SS in the opposite corner. You've made the first arch.

Tilt your work and crochet another 7 TC in the center along the next side.

SS in the chain 1 (8^th chain) of the starting chain. You've made the second arch.

Chain 3 (this will count as your first DC), work 6 DC evenly along the side.

In the corner (where your tail is): do 1 DC – 1 TC – 1 DC.

Tilt your work again and make 7 DC evenly along the side.

Work 2 DC in each of the next 6 TC. In the 7^th you do 1 HDC and 1 SC.

In the first TC of the next of 7-TC-set you do 1 SC and 1 HDC.

Work 2 DC in each of the next 6 TC.

Cut the yarn, leaving an approx. 3 inch tail and pull the yarn through.

Put your crochet-hook in the first DC made in this last round (passed the chain3), grab the tail from the back and pull it through to the front.

Put your hook upwards in the front loop of the last DC made, grab the tail and pull it through downwards.

Put your hook from the backside to the front of the same last DC. Grab the tail and pull it through to the back of your work.

You sew the tail in along the back of the last DC's made. 

Don't do this too tight. You've just created a sort of mock-stitch that you will need when you crochet the 2 parts together. It replaces the top of the chain 3.

You can notice that this way it's hardly visible where your work ended. 

   

Crochet another heart.

Knock yourself out decorating the both parts.

Now you've come to the point were you can crochet the both parts together.

Put the wrong sides together and start at the bottom point.

Attach the yarn and do a chain 1. Work a SC in the same bottom stitch.

Work 1 SC in every next stitch.

When you've crocheted the last sc on the right arch, you could do a chain 30 and continue to crochet sc's in the left arch. This way you have made your own loop on which you can attach the keyring.

When you have approx. 6-7 stitches left, you can stuff your heart, but don't put too much in it.

Do the remaining SC's and work 2 SC in the same stitch were you've started.

Note: I use the tails to attach a bead or bell before sewing in. (see photo at top of post)

Attach a ribbon and keyring (or crochet your own ribbon).

Enjoy!

Bookmarks - great stocking stuffers!

I agree with all of this but especially the first paragraph. If I'm not crocheting - I'm reading.  :)  And I realize that many, many of us have e-readers that we use, but there is still the occasional or favorite book that we read, including the Bible maybe. So bookmarks still serve a purpose.  Here is a good article from one of my favorite sources:

I absolutely love reading. Everywhere I go, I bring a book. I read during lunch and have my nose buried in a book before bed. Most of my friends who read as much as I do save their place in a book by folding over the top corner of the page. I always hated doing so, because it would always leave a permanent crease mark on the page. That is why I always carry my favorite bookmark around with me.
One of the best things about bookmarks is that you can easily craft yourself one. Bookmarks are fun, easy-to-do projects that make for practical and affordable gifts. I got my favorite bookmark as a gift years ago, and now it is one of my prized possessions. Whether for yourself or someone else, craft a colorful and handy bookmark today. Give one of these great craft projects a try today.

Bead and Ribbon Bookmark – This project is a cool twist on the classic bookmark because it uses a ribbon instead of a clip or cardboard. This bookmark adds a classy touch to any book.
Secret Sister Flower Bookmark – This is a simple and elegant bookmark that would be a perfect gift for a bookworm friend.
Beaded Paper Clip Bookmark – Turn a simple paper clip into a symbol of love with this heart-shaped bookmark that makes for a simple and inexpensive Valentine’s Day gift.
Painted Bookmark for Mom – I got my love of reading from my mother, one of the few people who reads more than me. A beautiful hand-painted bookmark is a gift any mother can appreciate.
Bookworm Bookmark – This is the ideal bookmark for true bookworms because it is visually stunning and durable enough to last for years.
Furry Friends Bookmarks – Making these adorable felt bookmarks is almost as enjoyable as reading a good book. You might spend more time staring at these cute bookmarks than you will at the book.
Embossed Blue Bookmarks – Use glue to add depth and texture to these wonderful bookmarks. You could give them away as gifts, but you might enjoy them too much to do that.
Beaded Book Thong – This bookmark is fantastic because it can never be bent out of shape, and the project uses leftover craft supplies.
Rainbow Trout Bookmark – This is a fun and colorful crochet project perfect for use in fishing and wildlife books.
Floral Fish Bookmark – Small and compact, this creative and simple-to-make bookmark is great for on-the-go reading.

Here are some photos I found online that are easy to put together for most of us. I think I like the ribbon ones the best... with the button on both ends to keep it from escaping the book! 

Quick gift to make

Give a Gift in a Jar with a Hot Rice Pack

I realize that there are lots and lots of "gifts in a jar" posted all over, but I think one of the very best is the Chicken Noodle Soup one. It would come in so handy to just have up in the cupboard for those times when you just don't feel well. And then you'd think of the person who gave it to you as a gift earlier on and say, "What a thoughtful gift!"  So why not make it for that friend this year that you are not sure what to get for a Christmas or birthday gift.  They would think of you later when they may have that cold or just want a nice hot quick meal!

Printable Label for Chicken Noodle Soup Jar

Here is how it is made:

Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar

Layered soup in a jar makes a super stand-alone gift any time. But combined in a “theme” gift basket they make an even more impressive gift in a jar presentation. Inexpensive ingredients and quick to assemble!

I made my first layered soup in a jar recipes for my Christmas gift baskets 10 years ago. This recipe for Chicken Noodle Soup, along with a jar of Minestrone Soup, were nestled in with a rice hot pack, crackers, pine cones, a Christmas ornament and homemade kahlua. All this in an orange crate wrapped in cellophane and tied with curling ribbon.  Ten years hence, and its still a classic gift.

This idea is also a great pick-me-up for a poorly friend. Pack in a crate or basket: a Rice Hot Pack, Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar, cough drops, Vicks vapor rub, and a good book.

And, of course, this is a great soup mix to have in the pantry for yourself, especially after Thanksgiving or Christmas, or whenever you have leftover chicken or turkey.

Ingredients:

¼ cup of red lentils
2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1½ tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
½ tsp. dried dill weed or dill seed
1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder
approximately 1 cup medium egg noodles
1 bay leaf.

Directions:
In a two-cup jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above, then seal the jar.
 
Include these instructions:
You can use our free printable to attach the recipe instructions to your jar gift or write your own with the following instructions:

Bring 8 cups of water to boil in large saucepan. Stir in jar of soup mix. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf and stir in 1½ cups of frozen corn or mixed vegetables and 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or turkey. Simmer for five minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is heated through.

Okay, here is my opinion. If you are going to give this soup mix to someone, then give them at least a can of cooked, diced chicken too. It is already cooked and diced so it can be opened and dumped into the pan when the jar of soup mix is put in. No hassles! Make up a basket gift adding this jar of pre-made soup, a can of cooked, diced chicken, some cough drops, a hot rice pack, and possibly a good book to read. What a thoughtful gift for an ill person. 
Now if this is to be a birthday or maybe a holiday gift, then possibly skip the cough drops, but the rest will do! Be creative. Think of what that friend would love to see in that basket!

Hot Rice Pack - A How To:

If you wish to add the power of aromatherapy to your hot packs, you can add small amounts of herbs or a few drops of your favourite herbal essential oil to the rice before filling the packs. Lavender smells wonderful and has been used for centuries for its calming effect.

Handy Tip: Both rice hot pack variations can be used as hot packs by heating in the microwave, but they also make useful cold packs to ease sprains and strains when stored in the freezer.

Directions for the Original Rice Hot Pack: For those who would like to stick with the traditional rice pack project, which produces a 3' x 4.5" tube, divided into rice filled segments, here are the full directions:

Supplies: scrap of cotton fabric, 37"x 10"; thread; chalk; sewing machine; one cup measure; measuring tape; scissors; 6 cups of white rice (not instant).

It is SO much easier using washclothes. The easiest way to do this is to use a nice if not NEW washcloth. Fold it in half lengthwise and stitch the one end and whole side of it shut. Fill the open end with about 1 to 2 cups (as seems right to you) of RAW WHITE RICE. Then stitch that last end shut as well. 

Skills:
This is an easy to make beginner's sewing project. Ability to measure, cut, and sew rectangles with half inch seams.

What You Do:
Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the bottom and length using half inch seams. Turn tube right side out. Measure and mark with chalk, from bottom seam, every 6" along the length, ending a half inch from end. Pour one cup of rice into tube and sew across width at the first 6" mark, enclosing rice in a 6" x 4.5" rectangle. Repeat for remaining 5 cups of rice. Turn in a half inch from end, and sew very near the edge to close tube.

Include these instructions with your gift: "Rice Buddy Hot Pack/Cold Pack. Microwave for 3-5 minutes, until hot, and use as you would a hot water bottle. Great for easing aches and pains. For cold pack, store in the freezer."

Okay, now go make one and add it to the gift basket.  :)

Canning Jar Lamp Craft Project

I just know that many of you will LOVE this idea!  Let me know which one you decided to make! Pretty much all the instructions are below, but if you want to get it all from the source, click here to go to All Free Crafts, where there are other crafts too.

Project is by Jane Lake

Here's how to turn an ordinary canning jar into an attractive electric lamp using a canning jar lamp kit.

Our sample is meant as a sewing room lamp, and is filled with colored spools of thread - but we've compiled a list of other suggestions so you can create a canning jar lamp that is personal to you.

These canning jar lamps also make excellent homemade gifts - just choose a theme to suit the gift recipient and it's sure to be a winner.

What You Will Need:

• canning jar lamp kit - these are available in craft stores, some hardware stores, and online from Amazon (about $10 - $15). There are usually two styles to choose from - one with the switch built into the socket, the other with the switch built into the wire. With both lamp kit styles, the wire exits from the socket, so there is no need to drill a hole in a jar.
• light bulb
• lamp shade
• your choice of lamp theme items

Canning Jar Lamp Themes:  
Sewing Lamp:
Fill the jar with assorted sizes of colored thread spools, a mixture of thread spools and bobbins, or thread jam.
lots of colored buttons. Thimbles, large colored plastic yarn needles or metal needle threaders make nice additions to arrange close to the glass. If you do a lot of sewing, or have access to a large assortment of tangled threads, try making

Floral Lamp:
Fill jar with dried or silk flower heads, or potpourri. As you can see in this Wedding Jar Candle project, you can spray paint old potpourri for an entirely different look that retains the texture of potpourri while coordinating with your chosen color scheme.

Woodland Lamp:
Pack with assorted sizes of pinecones, dried teasels or dried seed heads.

Seaside Lamp:
Fill entirely with seashells or sea glass; or make a beach in a bottle - fill the jar half full with sand, then add a few fancy seashells, a small piece of driftwood and a miniature boat.

Boy's Jar Lamp:
Fill with marbles, polished stones, pebbles or fossils.

Girl's Jar Lamp:
Pack with small dolls or miniature teddy bears; colored pompoms or brightly colored beads.

Coin Collection Lamp:
This one can be as common as pennies or as rare as a jar of old coins. You might also consider displaying your collection of foreign coins in a lamp jar.


Soup in a Jar Lamp
Layered soup mixes are very pretty and look attractive displayed in the kitchen. Why not use one as the base for a jar lamp? For a very easy version, simply fill with tri-color pasta, rice or dried beans.

Candy Jar Lamp
Pick up some pretty wrapped candies from the bulk food section of your grocery store; rotate every week for a different look guaranteed to enchant the grandkids. They can eat the candy from last week's jar - and look forward to the current display on their next visit!

Bathtime Lamp
Miniature soaps, bath cubes, bath beads or layered bathsalts all look great in a mason jar.

Boudoir Lamp
Stuff the canning jar with a cloud of tulle or nylon netting, white or colored feathers, or handfuls of baubles such as costume jewellery necklaces, bracelets, earrings and old-fashioned brooches.

Office Lamp
How about a jar full of colored push pins, pencils, or erasers?

Christmas Jar Lamp:
Fill with Christmas potpourri; tiny, decorated gift boxes or small Christmas tree ornaments.

Snowmen Stuck in a Jar Lamp:
Decorate large, fluffy white pompoms as snowman heads, with felt carrot noses and beaded eyes. Pack one lightly on top of another until you get to the top of the jar; the effect is rather like a crowd of snowmen trying to look out.

Toyland Lamp:
Pack with miniature toy cars and trucks, tiny dolls or doll house items; fill spaces with pompoms and marbles.

Suggestions:
If the filling of your jar is too light to support the lamp shade, consider adding weight to the jar in some way to add stability. For instance, you could close the end of a toilet paper tube with tape, fill it with sand or pebbles, tape the other end, then insert the tube into the center of the jar. Arrange feathers, or other lightweight fillings, all around until the weighted tube is completely hidden within the jar.

Reader Idea: Use the lamp as a safe place to store cash or valuables. Simply hide your treasures in the center of the jar, hidden by whatever filling you have chosen. This is similar in concept to our book safe craft project.

Embellishments:

• Tie a length of raffia around the neck of the jar for a classic country accent.
  
• Make a bow from wire edged ribbon; tie around the jar neck, or cover the threads of the metal socket/jar lid.
• Glue one or two items on the outside of the jar - this would work well for seashells, seaglass, fossils or potpourri, but could even be done effectively using a toy micro car, a tiny doll, or some other small decoration that suits your theme.

Create a Tradition: A Thanksgiving Box

I thought it would be nice to remember those friends and relatives that are far away during Thanksgiving.

We need to remember those who cannot be home and are also special in our lives. And as this photo says, family isn't always blood.  So I put on my own thinking cap and set out to find how we can remember those far away during this time of the year. 

I came up with this idea. Create a tradition of sending a Thanksgiving Box with a card and photo out to those who cannot be nearby to share the day with you. (This idea is great for Christmas too!)

Let the ones who can't be with you today know that you are thankful for them and they are in your hearts and minds by sending them a regular greeting card along with a special gift basket/box that says that you remembered them.  You could also snap a family photo sometime earlier (if you have time) during a normal family day and send it off with your love in that basket/box.  (An older photo is good too, but one from right now is best.)

Some may not agree with me, but putting together a gift basket is creative as well as fun.  It just takes thinking outside of the standard gift giving rules. All it takes is to just toss their favorites in that gift box -- that you hopefully will mail this week in time for Thanksgiving, next Thursday.

Here are some ideas of what to add to the box or basket:

• Their favorite sweet treats, like: chewy cookies, brownies, chocolate wafer cookies, chocolate and milk bars, assorted dry fruits, licorice, granola bars, homemade treats, etc.  You get the idea.
• The higher price shampoo that they really love, but don't often buy... surrounded with hair essentials or packs of gum or candy that they love. (great for the college kids)
• Gourmet gift basket with olive oil, cutting board, spaghetti and sauce. (great for couples)
• Tea and cookie basket with pack of green tea, iced tea, butter wafers, candy and cookies. (I'm thinking for older folk)
• Gift certificates to a favorite restaurant or another favorite store or such, but BE SURE to add something personal too, even if it is just a can of the fancier cookies.
• bath, body and spa gifts - depends upon the recipient
• men love barbecue and sports related gifts - again depends on the recipient. You would not want to send a football fan another teams item! Again, personalize these!
• a basket of handmade scented candles with a candle stand is a great gift idea.
• an action movie DVD with the microwave popcorn and seasonings with M&M's candies.
• A photo book from somewhere like Shutterfly - this is a bit more spendy, but may be perfect for someone.

FOCUS on personalized gift baskets - What does the recipient like? Think about it and make it special. And be sure to always add the Thanksgiving or Christmas (or other) card too and maybe a family snapshot. Believe me, the photo really makes the difference!

For those who are in your hearts but can no longer be with you, say a prayer of thanks for their blessing upon your life or light a pretty candle in memory and in thankfulness of their life.

I hope you enjoyed my own personal blog posting this time around. Gift baskets and photo albums are close to my heart and I had to share my thoughts. I hope you consider this idea this year.
   ~ Carol

Make Your Own Hurricane Candles

These are so easy and inexpensive! So versatile too!!  I get such satisfaction from making my own things - when I can. Admittedly, at times I just purchase what I want because I realize I'd be in over my head. But these candles are doable!  I am giving you a few photos, but come to their website to see the complete details. 

This is all you need....all purchased at the dollar store!
Use a good adhesive and glue the hurricane glass to the pedestal.
Once they're set and dry, add your candle and THAT'S IT!!
I embellished a couple of mine with some beaded garland I found at Hobby Lobby.
The possibilities are endless and seasonless!