Christmas is Coming

Like many others in the crafting world, I am furiously working on finishing up Christmas presents for friends and family!  I have an ever-expanding list of things to crochet, sew or scrap.  

In the last week, I've been working on a pattern for a crocheted elephant for someone on my list.  After tearing the ears out at least four times, I think I made some that are worthy for this cute elephant.  All of the yarn I used was Vanna's Choice...which just happens to be my choice for most of my crochet projects.  

Here she is!  After the Christmas rush is over, I'm going to have to try and make her a boyfriend complete with overalls. :) 

Next up...finishing a crocheted dinosaur hat for my sweet nephew Charlie! :)

October Card Chain Challenge

Once again, I joined the Card Chain Challenge!  This month, I made a card for Kim in Canada and received a card from Pam in Indiana.  What I absolutely love about this challenge is that our fearless leader gives us some very basic guidelines to follow...like a sketch, or a color combo, or a theme, or always the theme of friendship.  Because the guidelines are so basic, it is always easy to make a card to send off to a fellow crafter!  If you haven't joined up, you must give it a try next month (CCC guidelines).  I've received cards from all over the world...and sent them all over the world.  I love feeling part of something bigger than myself! 

Below is the card that mailed off to Kim.  I recently bought a new set of Lawn Fawn stamps that I had to use.  I also used the color combo that Deb suggested: camel, amethyst, and charcoal.  I really love all of the different tones of gray that seem to be popular right now, so I was excited to try it out for myself.  I also really love the chevron pattern, so I incorporated it into my card too.  The patterned paper is from Recollections 'Bold Basics.' 

Fall is in the Air

As I look outside the big picture window in my family room, I feel blessed to see the beautiful bright colors of the leaves on the tree in my front yard!  Last weekend, I made myself sit down and make some fall cards (fall is my favorite season to make cards in).  I say, 'force myself' not because I hate doing it, but because my busy schedule forces me to ignore my craft table! :(  

I decided to do some paper piecing with some red, orange and yellow paper to make these simple cards.  I am actually one of those strange people who enjoys cutting things out, so this project wasn't too tedious for me.  As my husband and I caught up on some much loved DVR'd tv, I cut out all of my pieces.  

I have, obviously, loved owls for years, so I have a huge collection of owl stamps.  Owls are very easily incorporated into fall paper crafting.  This owl was easy to make unique on each card by cutting different patterned paper out and piecing them together.  

Owl is from Hampton Art, and sentiment is from Hero Arts.  Patterned paper from Recollections 'Bold Basics.'

These paper pieced trees make me happy.  The different colors of the trees during this year is definitely my favorite part of the season.  As I drive through my older neighborhood, I see a variety of color from the trees lining the street.  Just beautiful!

Sentiment and trees from Hampton Art.  Patterned paper from Recollections 'Bold Basics.'

And last, but not least, this adorable squirrel with the acorns.  The squirrel was stamped on craft paper and then a patterned paper was used for his belly and tail.  I love the plaid pattern on the acorn with the sentiment, 'There is no one like you!'  On the inside corner of the card, another plaid acorn is seen for a special touch.

The squirrel and acorns are from Hampton Art, sentiment from Hero Arts.  Patterned paper from Recollections 'Bold Basics.'  

Whenever I work on cards, now-a-days, I always make sure to make multiples of the same or similar kind.  When you don't have a lot of time to craft, it is always good to make sure that you have some extras on hand when you need them in a hurry.  

Happy crafting and happy fall!

Back to the CCC

Now that life is getting somewhat back to normal, I decided to join the Card Chain Challenge for August.  If you haven't ever participated, I highly recommend joining for September.  All you have to do is make a card using one of the challenge guidelines and you get a handmade card in the mail at the end of the month! Below is the card that I made and mailed to Mariette from the Netherlands.  I used a Lawn Fawn stamp from the 'Admit One' set.  

Now I'm off to create for the September CCC! 

It Has Been Awhile!

As I typed in the address of my own blog, I wasn't sure when the last post would be dated!  It has been a long 9 months or so...starting with the unexpected death of my dad in November and ending with my husband resigning from his job and all the fun that comes with moving.  During those months of grieving and then packing, I didn't have any time to do what I love the most...craft!  

Now that we are becoming settled in our new house, I have all of my supplies at my fingertips again!  Below are some of the most recent projects I've been working on at our new zip code. 

A card for a friend, using Stamp n Up and Lawn Fawn stamps.

Our new address cards for friends and family. 

I crocheted 150 of the hearts seen on bookmarks my sister gave as wedding favors.  The stamp says, "Made for each other."

The beginning of an owl purse for my niece.  Can't wait to finish it with a lining and cute strap made just for a special two year old!

I made 10 of these mini journals for my Aunt to give to her friends.  They include different names of God from the Bible.  

And last, just this morning, I made a new name plaque for my sister.  She had one in her classroom last year with her maiden name on it and needed it revised for the new school year!

Hopefully now that we are moved in and settled, I'll have the time to do even more projects and feature them here!

Booties!

My husband and I have been in the process of trying to adopt for over two years now.  You can read about our journey on our adoption blog.  We've recently decided that we need to do some more fundraising.  As my contribution, I am continuing to make and sell knit, crochet, and scrapbooked items.  All of the proceeds of any sales will go towards the "Future Ford Fund" in helping us finance this adoption. 

These crocheted boots were made using a pattern by The Lovely Crow for my niece and future nephew.  These boots come in sizes newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, or 6-12 months.  Just let me know the size you need and colors you desire! Each pair of boots is $20 and all of the money will go towards the "Future Ford Fund," in helping finance our adoption.