Category Archives: crochet

Reopening My Etsy Shop

My Etsy shop has been on vacation mode for almost a year. Fear and self doubt were the primary reasons for my hiatus, but I am determined to overcome that this year. I am reopening my Etsy shop, but things will be a little different (and hopefully a whole lot better) in 2020.

2019 was NOT my year for Etsy profits. In fact, I made one sale. That’s right folks, one whopping sale, and on the second to last day of the year. Now in my defense, I also wasn’t trying to sell for reasons I will explain in just a moment. But for 2020 I’m shifting my focus and reopening my Etsy shop.

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Handmade Toys for Christmas

This season is all about handmade toys for Christmas. It took months of planning and focus. But don’t be fooled into thinking I’m an elf stuck in Santa’s sweatshop. To make up for all the work I put into this year’s gifts, I outsourced a lot of other things I traditionally do. I am also sharing a fun handmade fail from Christmas past.

This is the Christmas I will tell my grandchildren about. I will likely embellish the story a bit. The tale will go a little something like this:

Dear sweet little grandchildren, way back in 2019 I orchestrated a most glorious handmade Christmas (now by this point in my life I will have an English accent). I went out into the rolling hills and found a pristine lamb. It graciously offered me its wool knowing the honorable way it would be used. After shearing the sweet little sheep, I spun the wool and knitted up hundreds of handmade toys for Christmas for everyone in our quaint little village.

Can you imagine their delight at my story? No? Neither can I. They will most likely respond with, “Grandma, you’re telling lies.” At that point I will abandon my storytelling and grab a spiked eggnog.

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Must Have Amigurumi Books

Amigurumi books are a steal. If you take into consideration the price of individual patterns on Ravelry and Etsy, books are a bargain. I’m sharing my favorite, must have amigurumi books that every enthusiast should have in their library.

I love books. There is something special about holding them in your hands and flipping back and forth through their pages. I like the way they smell and how they fit in your hands. My amigurumi books are written in, have smudges on the pages and are well worn. To me, that’s a sign of a good book. It looks used. It reminds me of my favorite cookbooks that are covered in sauce stains and dog ears.

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Simple Holiday Handmade Gift Tags

These simple holiday handmade gift tags will make gift giving extra special this Christmas season. Armed with a hot glue gun and a few materials you likely have on hand, you can create one of a kind tags for every occasion.

My mother-in-law taught me that packaging is part of the gift. She is a true southern belle and is an expert at making simple things beautiful. Elegant wrapping paper, gorgeous bows and handmade gift tags turn ordinary presents into special moments.

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Yarn Giveaway!

Who loves a giveaway? Meeeeeeee!! I am teaming up with Love Crafts Knitting to give one lucky winner 5 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn! Eeeeeeek!! I am so excited, if you can’t tell! The yarn giveaway will run December 9 – 15th, 2019. The winner will be randomly selected, is open worldwide, and is in no way affiliated with Instagram or YouTube.

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Craft Room Makeover: Before and After

A craft room makeover can be a daunting process, but with a little planning it can become your dream space. I’m sharing the before, during and after process of my own craft room makeover and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Now don’t judge me. This is a little embarrassing. I am so excited to share my brand new craft room makeover with you all, but I need to be honest. It didn’t always look presentable. This poor room has been a dumping ground for quite some time. While I’m super excited how it all turned out, I thought it was more honest (and helpful) to share the before shots as well, not just the after.

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Easy Owl Pom Pom Ornaments

These super easy owl pom pom ornaments will be a wonderful addition to your holiday decorations! With some scrap yarn and a little imagination you will whip up these cuties in no time flat!

When Jenna at A_Cute_Design asked if I would like a set of her brand new laser cut wooden ornaments I thought, yes please! I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with them but I loved the rustic natural look. The idea for a woodland creature came to mind and the easy owl pom pom ornament was born.

Since I am a naturally impatient crafter I wanted something that could be whipped up in an afternoon. I did purchase some of the supplies but the bulk I already had on hand. This project is a great reason to use up that scrap yarn you’ve been holding onto! So heat up your glue guns and let’s get crafting!

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#WhyIMake

Becoming a maker has transformed my life in so many positive ways. What began as a way to deal with stress turned into my path to prove to myself that I was more than just a mom. Finally the connections I have made within the maker community continue to inspire and challenge me to be a better person. #whyimake

When I read the email from LoveCrafts.com I teared up a little. They are hosting a blogger award and sent out an email to explain how to enter and what the qualifications are. They have asked bloggers to answer the question “Why Do You Make?” #whyimake

First of all, I have no delusions of grandeur going on here. There are so many amazing craft bloggers out there and I don’t think for one itty bitty second that I’ll make the short list. My little blog is a tremendous joy of mine, but it is very much a hobby. However, the question has been on my heart ever since. I knew I needed to write about it. Maybe it will be just for me or maybe you will see a little of yourself in my story.

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Amigurumi Book Recommendation

Sweet Crochet Friends is sure to be a new favorite amigurumi resource. In this amigurumi book recommendation I share the project I crocheted and all the adorable details.

Have you ever been in awe of someone’s talent, like really really impressed? This is exactly how I feel about the wonderfully talented Khuc Cay. I was beyond honored when she asked if I would like to preview her new amigurumi book, Sweet Crochet Friends

I’ve been a big fan of Khuc Cay’s amigurumi designs for quite some time. The first one I ever crocheted was her Kitsu the Fox pattern. His detailed face and unique clothing made him one of my favorite amigurumi projects ever.

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Beginner Amigurumi Tutorial

Are you ready for the easiest amigurumi pattern ever? My beginner amigurumi tutorial will walk you through each step so you can crochet this adorable Candy Corn Family in no time flat.

Mwahahahahah!!!!! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I love all the scary things! The witches, the chainsaws, the candy corn……wait, what? You don’t find candy corn scary? What about a family of candy corns? No? That’s not scary either?

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