Colorful Ear Buds

This is a craft anyone can do. I saw this idea on Pinterest, and I wondered if it would really work. Overall I am pleased with the outcome. Fair warning: this craft looks small, but it is time consuming. Making these ear buds took me about 2 and 1/2 hours.

Begin with a set of cheap ear buds, cheap because if you mess up, you're only out a few dollars. Tape the end to your work surface for stability and ease of working.

When first starting or adding a color, tie on string with a simple knot.

Make your design by pulling the sting out with your thumb in the shape of a 4. Wrap string under the ear bud wires and other color string.

Finally pull the string tightly and repeat.

I hope you can see the pictures well enough despite the back ground. If you need further tips or a video, let me know, and I will gladly provide one showing more detail.

Once finished, cut the ends of the string. I put a little bit of craft glue on the end so the strings would not come undone.

Try this craft, and let me know how it works for you!

Spirograph Stationary

Here is a fun idea for a rainy day: Spirograph stationary. Yeah sure, it seems like a toy for kids, but you can't deny, these designs are pretty cool.


I bought white cards from Target which cost me less than $3.00. Then I used a Spirograph set. These can be found on Amazon: here. (or borrow one from a friend who was born in the 90s) Follow the directions to make cool designs, but I would suggest practicing on a piece of scrap paper before making the cards just to get used to the feel.


The most difficult part about this craft is not smudging the design. Otherwise: easy + fun=awesome.

Crocheted what?

It may seem strange, but it's true: crochet bikini tops are the new hipster trend. (Just google it!) So I thought I'd make my own pattern and see how it turns out.

This top took about 3 hours to make. It is single crocheted with Red Heart yarn, and crocheted with yarn hook size H.

The design is made to support and protect. The double string straps insure sturdiness, and the 15 stitch long side panels keep the top relatively modest. (pattern available upon request)

The top is not for swimming in, but are bikinis really for swimming in? This top is 100% made for showing off.

 Add a little extra something to the center to hide the sewing and add some flair!

Pig Pattern

Here is a complete free pattern for the pig I designed using Leisure Art's book "Easy Crochet Crittes"!

Beginning with cute pig butt:
ch2.
Round 1: Work 6sc in 2nd ch from hook

Round 2: 2 sc in each st for a total of 12 sc.

Round 3: (2sc, sc in next st) 6 times for a total of 18 sc.

Round 4: (2sc, sc in next 2 st) 6 times for a total of 24 st.

Round 5: (2sc, sc in next 3st) 6 times for a total of 30 st.

Round 6: (2sc, sc in next 4st) 6 times for a total of 36 st.

Round 7-14: Sc in each st.

Round 15: (Sc2tog, sc in next 4 st) 6 times total of 30 st.

Round 16: (sc2tog, sc in next 3 st) 6 times total of 24 st.

Round 17: (sc2tog, sc in next 2 st) 6 times total of 18 st.

Round 18: (sc2tog, sc in next st) 6 times total of 12 st.

Round 19: sc2tog 6 times and tie off.

Snout:
sc2
Round 1: 6sc in 2nd ch from hook
Round 2: work 2 sc in each of 6 sc for a total of 12 sc
Round 3-5: sc in each stitch. Tie off leaving a long tail of yarn to use to sew snout to face.

Ears (make 2)
ch2.
Round 1: 6sc
Round 2: (1sc ch2 1sc all in same st, sc in next st) 3 times for a total of 9 sc.

Legs (make 4)
ch2
Round 1: Work 8 sc in 2nd st from hook.
Round 2-3: sc in each st.

Tail: Chain 6
3sc in each st for a total of 18 st.

Sew all pieces on pig and add eyes.

Welcome to the Jungle

Here is a cute collection of critters from Leisure Arts Inc. The book titled "Easy Crochet Critters" does not lie, these animals are an easy afternoon project. The book is inexpensive and good for beginner crocheters looking to expand their crocheting resume. Find the book here on Amazon.

The animals are made in multiple segments sewn together. I hate reading patterns, but these are easy to follow. If I can do it, so can you.

The animals are made with soft yarn, button eyes, and snuggleability. Use Crochet hook size "G" and yarn weight 4, or use baby yarn.

Make sure the toys you make are safe for small children by attaching safety eyes or no eyes at all.


I used Poly-Fil stuffing to fill the animals, and since they are not very big, a 12 oz bag of fill will get you a long way!

These animals may be small, but they do take 1-3 hours to crochet and sew together.

Here is a design you won't find in the book! This pig is my own design complete will curly pig tail.

The Dahlia Throw

The Dahlia Throw comes from "Crochet Today" magazine Mach/April  2012 edition.

This afghan features the popcorn stitch, a stitch for intermediate level crocheters. This stitch makes the flowers stick out giving the afghan a beautiful 3D look and delightful texture.

The blanket is 5 squares x8 squares, and is made with hook size K, and use yarn weight 4. The magazine suggests using coral and pink for the dahlias.

Crochet each square together by placing the wrong sides together, crocheting together, and opening so the right side faces hiding the seam. If crocheting together proves too difficult, you can also use yarn to sew them together.

The afghan will brighten any room just in time to welcome in spring! I plan to put this afghan on the patio.

Crochet Ornaments

Need a last minute Christmas project? Ornaments are the way to go! Each of these took about 30 minutes to crochet, and they make the perfect mini gift for anyone who has a tree!

This pattern was taken from the "Crochet Today" magazine November/December 2011 issue. Although the magazine pattern has them made into a garland, I like them better as individual ornaments.

"Crochet Today" is a discontinued magazine, but luckily there are may sites online with free ornament patterns. I like this site because there is a large variety of complete patterns.

With Christmas only a few days away, these snowflakes will be ready just in time!