I'm so EXCITED!!! It's time for the yearly party of Where Bloggers Create hosted by Karen Valentine at My Dessert Cottage. Karen has spent YEARS hosting this awesome party and I am now in my 4th year of joining. Thank you for stopping by and browsing through my creative space. My dress form, Nadine, will be joining us for the photos to 'help' me show off the collections of laces, vintage sewing items, and pretties that I love. Nadine is excited to be a part of the photo shoot this year, and has dressed up in a vintage pink lace two-piece outfit. The upper shirtwaist attaches to the skirt with hooks and eyes all the way around. We decided she would look better with a lovely vintage swiss dot apron that was gifted to me from a special lady to help hide the imperfections in the dress. (Nadine loves chocolate and her hands being what they are, well, alas, it was quite a mess ; ) ) Also, Nadine wouldn't be seen without her huge pearls, so on they went! (hiding more chocolate stains I presume). Vintage glove boxes and divided boxes play a huge part in helping me keep my collection of laces and trims organized. They also look gorgeous! The tray under the glove boxes is from an old trunk that had seen better days. I have it filled with more laces and lovelies. The north window is on this wall making a wonderful light for most of the day. The floral containers in the bottom of the cabinet are from Michaels, and they are perfect for storing more laces and trims (what else??). They fit perfectly with my decor, and I love the ease of use. I may need some more of these!! You can see the hutch (it's PINK!!) that I have placed on top of an old drop leaf coffee table that now houses some of my sewing box collection. I fell in love with it, and so of course, I had to have it! The child's sewing machines are so cute up here! And the old tin roof panel is a lovely background for them. Turning the corner is the east window where I have hung the sheerest white vintage dresses that I have started collecting. I can't believe it when I find some of these. Aren't they so sweet? My sewing machine is covered in a plain pillowcase so I can easily access it. I love using old or re-purposed jars for some of my laces and sewing items. They make a lovely display, don't cost much (garage sales!!), and allow me to see what I have. Small glass dishes and pitchers also make lovely containers for showing off pretty collections! (By the way, I showed this post to my husband before it went live, and when he saw the picture above, he called these spools of thread....THREAD KABOBS!! ) Making the next turn, Nadine is showing you the work table made from nothing more than a solid door that is sitting on plastic drawers. I've covered the lower part with a garage sale find curtain originally made for a baby's crib. I cut it to fit my two desks, added a bit of old lace curtain found at a garage sale as well, and find that although beautiful and unifying for the room, it is difficult to access the drawers and storage beneath. I may be removing them in the future. I work here the most and LOVE how easy it is to be inspired. Keeping my favorite things in view seems to give me the most enjoyment. It sometimes gets a bit difficult to locate certain items, but seriously, I always find what I'm looking for! There are gifts from sweet friends over the years included with my collections, and I am always reminded of generous and lovely friendships I've made. Sending hugs to each of YOU!! NADINE!!! You silly girl!! CUT THAT OUT!!!! This is where I keep all my little spice jars of buttons and baubles. Lots of baubles!! And this is also where the BEST of the laces and appliques live. Oh getting tired now are we?? This lace book was a wonderfully fun project that I made earlier this year. I think I had EVERY piece of lace I own OUT and I went through ALL my buttons and baubles too. What FUN!!! I love certain color groups more than others, but generally, the pastels are my faves. I love pink and cream together, so my shelves display lots of colors but usually lean towards the pastels. In the picture above, I have a little square purple sachet with a heart embroidered on it that I made when I was in grade school! Items from my Grossmutter, Birth mother, close friends and loved ones are special to me, so I have them displayed to enjoy. I love to read, therefore bookcases have been used a lot in my craft space. But I've managed to put the books in other rooms of my house making more CRAFT storage!!! And I still have more room for more LACE!! So now you're exhausted??? Get out of my chair!!! This is a dress form that is a Barr product of molded plastic, mod podged with copies of music from the internet! I had a blast making this and LOVE the way she adds a touch of class to my craft room. She is wearing vintage lace bridal pieces, the yoke being a gorgeous piece that I found on the internet. The pearl and lace cap is one of my favorite pieces. Well I say Nadine, jealousy does NOT become you!!! Pouty thing!! Well, I hope that you will forgive her obtuseness! I'm sure she will come around in a moment or two. As I finish up the tour, I'd like to thank each of you for coming by to visit me! I had so much fun getting my room ready for you to see. Please have a look at the rest of my blog if you like what you've seen. And be sure and go visit Karen's blog here to see the rest of the participants in the party! Thank you Karen for all your work and for making the party a yearly activity that we all look forward to!!! All smiles now!! I am off to visit all of your rooms and spaces now!!! Hugs and blessings to you!!! Doni
The layering possibilities of reduction printing inspired Grace Gillespie to play with color and complexity.
Try out this super easy homemade flubber recipe. It only takes five minutes to prepare but will delight your kids for hours.
How to Make a Desktop Viking Catapult (with a Bonus Wargame to Play).: The other main types of siege engine (trebuchet, torsion catapult, slingshot) are already well represented on Instructables, but we don't seem to have a Viking Catapult.Inspired by a combination of Scout lashing activities and the books of William G…
Lesson: Jesus gives life (Luke 8:40-56; Mark 5:21-42) 1. Story: Tell the story of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from Luke 8:40-56 and ...
These adorable Dancing Princesses are the cutest Pipe Cleaner Craft for kids, are mess free, great for imaginary play and make sweetest room decorations.
- Handmade Poster From US - Fast shiping - size 11.33x17 IN - size 16x24 IN - size 24x36 IN
1. Story (based on Luke 24:36-53; John 20:24-29) Last week we learnt about how Jesus appeared to some of His disciples. How many? (2) What was the name of one of them? (Cleopas). Where were they walking to? (Emmaus) After the two disciples recognized Jesus, they quickly ran all the way back to Jerusalem to tell the others that they had seen Jesus. The other disciples were also excited … Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter. As they were talking, suddenly, guess who appeared before them? Jesus! The disciples were startled and afraid. They thought He was a ghost! Jesus proves He is not a ghost Jesus immediately proclaimed, “Peace be with you. Why are you troubled, and why do you doubt?” To prove to the disciples that he was not a ghost, or their imagination or a projected image, Jesus asked them to touch Him. “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” The disciples saw Jesus’ hands and feet. They saw the place where the nails were pierced. They were amazed. But still they didn’t believe completely it was really Jesus! So Jesus asked for something to eat. They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and Jesus took it and ate it in front of it. After all, ghosts don’t eat! Jesus proves Himself to Thomas There was one disciple who wasn’t in there when Jesus appeared. His name was Thomas. When his friends told him they had seen Jesus, He still did not believe. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus proves Himself to us We may not have seen Jesus appear in physical form. We may not have touched his sides and his hands. We may not have seen him eat a piece of fish in front of us. But we can still know that He lives in us and through us. Even though we do not see His body, we have His spirit. Jesus is alive. And He is with us every day! Jesus calls us “blessed” because of our faith in Him. Do you want to believe in Jesus? If yes, please pray with me. Lord Jesus, even though I don’t see you, I can believe in you and receive you into my life. Thank you for loving me, for dying on the cross for me, and for raising from the dead. Thank you for your Spirit living in me always. In your name I pray, Amen! 2. Suggested Activities Memory Verse activity: any game/activity that helps kids to memorise the Memory Verse. John 20:29 Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Word search
A free printable template, and craft idea using paper plate hats to learn about the Holy Spirit on Pentecost!
People say that one of the hardest things in the world to do is apologize. But it could be said that one of the hardest things in the world is actually to forgive. Matthew 18:21-22 says, “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive […]
Whether you are new to amigurumi or you've made you're fair share, this post is intended to provide helpful tips to learning the joyous techniques of the trade! We will cover common language used in amigurumi patterns along with photos to help you learn the basics. My goal here was to make this a resource that you can come to anytime you're met with something that seems unfamiliar in amigurumi. So, it's kind of lengthy, feel free to PIN this to your favorite board so you can refer back to it anytime! I absolutely love questions! If I don't know the answer I enjoy researching it so I can learn it too! Joining the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook is a great way to reach out with your questions (or to share what you've made and your favorite go-to patterns!). Amigurumi is usually worked in the round, meaning you won't join each round unless otherwise noted. You will want to use stitch markers to mark either the first or last round as you go so you don't lose your place. They can be purchased or you can use a scrap piece of yarn, bobby pin or safety pin! When you are stuffing be sure to stuff it firmly (you are working to find the point just before the stitches start to stretch). Over time your stuffing will settle and 'squish' down, stuffing firmly to begin with help it to stay firm! Check out this tutorial for additional stuffing tips! If you are new to amigurumi and have any questions about what materials to use, read this post here to see my favorites! This post may contain affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn! Below are some of the common abbreviations and terms you are likely to come across in amigurumi patterns. US Crochet Abbreviations MC - Magic Circle SC - Single Crochet SC INC - Single Crochet Increase (complete 2 single crochets into one stitch) HDC - Half Double Crochet HDC INC - Half Double Crochet Increase (complete 2 half double crochets into one stitch) DC - Double Crochet DC INC - Double Crochet Increase (complete 2 double crochets into one stitch) INV DEC - Invisible Decrease Rep - Repeat Sl St - Slip Stitch Ch - Chain Blo - Back loop only Flo - Front loop only YO - Yarn Over Joining Legs in Amigurumi To create an amigurumi in a standing position a lot of patterns will join the legs together with a chain. This creates a bridge to connect the legs together and allows you to then continue crocheting to form the body. Here's a step by step video tutorial in both left and right handed versions! Right Handed Left Handed Magic Circle A magic circle (also called an adjustable loop) is the most common way to start amigurumi. 1. Leaving about a 4 inch tail wrap the yarn into a circle as in the photos below. 2. Hold the loop by placing your fingers over the part where the working yarn crosses over the tail. 3. Insert your hook into the circle, yarn over, pull through and chain 1 4. You're magic circle is now ready to start as your pattern instructs (ex: if round one says 6 SC you will complete 6 SC around the loop) 5. Pull your tail tight to close Invisible Decrease This is the preferred way to decrease in amigurumi, it keeps the decrease tight and avoids the 'bump' of a regular SC decrease. An invisible decrease happens over two stitches, insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch and then into the front loop of the second stitch (you will have 3 loops on your hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (you will have 2 loops left on your hook), yarn over again and pull through all loops on the hook. You've just made an invisible decrease! Invisible Color Join When changing colors it can have a jagged look because we are working in rounds. This method helps the colors change smoothly. When you are completing the last stitch before you are instructed to change colors you will complete the first half of the stitch with your old color and finish the stitch with your new color. Meaning, you will insert your hook into your stitch, yarn over with the old color and pull through, now drop your old color and use your new color to yarn over and finish the stitch by pulling through all loops on your hook. You now have your new color on your hook. I like to tie off my old color here if I'm not carrying it to change again, (like in Mia and Marshall the Frog). As you start your next round, complete the first stitch as a slip stitch instead of a sc. When you come back around to start your next round be sure to sc into your slip stitch as a regular stitch. Above I mentioned how you can carry colors when changing often. I used this in my frog patterns to create their striped outfits. Because, I was changing back and forth quite often that would create a LOT of loose ends. Instead, I would drop the yarn, change to the new one and when it was time to change again I would drop and go back to the color I had. I continued this all the way up and then tied off when I was completely done. This saves time, which is quite nice! Here's an example of the inside of Marshall the Frog, you can see where I carried the yarn and only had to tie off at the end! Front and Back Loop Only This is usually used in the feet or bodies of amigurumi. In a foot it helps it to have a flat bottom to work up (like in this cow pattern). I also like to use it to attach to later and make a skirt or ruffle along a dress (see Holly the Honey Bear for an example. The pattern uses back loop only on one row of the body, we later attach to it and make the ruffled part of her dress!) When crocheting, the front loops are closest to you and the back loops are away from you (on the inside of the round) Tension This section is short and sweet. You want a tight tension so that your stitches are close together, if they are loose they will have gaps that your stuffing will show through. I like to have my hook help control my tension, we don't want your hands to hurt from trying to crochet really tightly. I recommend starting with a 3.5mm (or one close in size if you don't have this on hand). If you feel your stitches are too loose go down a size (maybe try a 3mm or 2.75mm). If your stitches are too tight (meaning you are having trouble getting your hook into the stitch) try a 4mm hook. Once you find your favorite hook size to use you will find yourself reaching for it every time! These recommendations are based on using #4 worsted weight yarn. You can also use chunky yarn or cotton yarn, but because they have a different thickness you will want to adjust. Example, I use 4-4.5mm for chunky yarn and 3mm for cotton! Sewing Parts Together I like to use the whip stitch to sew on my limbs and heads. A lot of you have shared that you enjoy it too! Most patterns will have this noted, but it is good to leave a long tail when fastening off (we're talking probably 12 inches long) to use later for sewing that part on. As I mentioned in my materials for amigurumi post, the bent tip needles really work wonders to get into the stitches! Using pins to hold each part in place can help you line them up where you want them, this is completely optional. Example with the picture above we're sewing on the arm, you would insert your hook into a stitch on the body and then into a stitch across the top of the arm, pull through. Complete this across the arm to secure. I sometimes will go back across to add extra strength. Secure with a knot and then push your needle through the body and bring the yarn out the other side, cut the string and it's done! Crochet Eyes and Plastic Safety Eyes Most amigurumi are made with plastic safety eyes (some with plastic safety noses)! These are super easy to install. They come as two parts, the eye and the washer. Insert your eyes into the desired stitches (move them around if needed to get the look you are going for, once the washers are on there's no getting them back off to move them!). If you are embroidering eyelashes be sure to do so before attaching your eyes, it will be much easier to have them lined up! Your washer will have a curve to it, you will want the curve to cup your eye to be installed properly. Push the washer tightly to bring together (you will hear some clicks). Plastic safety eyes are recommended for children over 3, if you would like an alternative I have a tutorial for crochet eyes here! I hope this has been a helpful tutorial! If you're looking for a pattern to get started check out the Cuddly Caterpillar, she's great for beginners! What is your favorite tip for making amigurumi? Have I missed something you would like added? Leave a comment below!
As a young child, I remember my wonderfully elegant grandmother wearing her cardigans backwards with…
It is Friday the 13th! Here is a list of "Wards" I found and thought were interesting! Pay no mind to the last one on the list, though ;) Wh...
This is the list you should be checking out if you want simple and enjoyable craft projects that will enliven your free time!
The companion Maid Marion's Hooded Bandana Cowl is located here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maid-marian-hooded-bandanaRobin’s Hooded Cowl is so very cozy and warm. A generous hood and stylish shape make this a unique accessory. It can be worn under or over your outerwear and adds an extra layer of warmth. Perfect for both men and women!!!!! Robin’s Hooded Cowl knits up quickly in a single strand of bulky or worsted weight held double strand. Knit it all in one color or with coordinating colors. An optional crocheted edging highlights the shape.Yarn Used – Paton’s Wool Roving which makes a very soft garment Finished measurements: Neck opening circumference - 20 inches Cowl length at widest part – 25 inches Cowl length from neck to tip – 17 inches Hood - 15 inches high x 10.5 inches wideMaterials: U.S. Size 11 24-inch circular needles Recommend using natural fibers because they block so nicely Color A for Hood Trim and Crocheted Edge – 30 yards
We recently had our Lesson about Jacob and his AMAZING dream!! I LOVE this Bible Story!!! Our DO YOU KNOW? Wall was filled with the information that I feel the KIDDOS NEED to know. If they are able to answer these questions I feel they understand the LESSON. Our GOD'S AWESOME PLAN FOR MAN timeline is filling up with the stories about the Patriarchs. We added "BETHEL" to our MAP WALL. We sang "JACOB HAD A DREAM." I love for songs to teach the story. This one reminds the KIDDOS how JACOB was part of GOD'S AWESOME PLAN....JESUS would come through his family!!! Our Memory Verse is Romans 8:31. This is one of those verses that gives KIDDOS comfort and courage. Remember those paper bracelets I bought at the Dollar Tree a few months ago. Well, we are putting them to use!! I write the KIDDOS Memory Verse on them and we place them on their wrist, before they leave the classroom. http://handsonbibleteacher.blogspot.com/2014/12/bible-class-supplies-found-at-dollar.html The KIDDOS made little LADDERS as their TAKE HOME project. Years ago, I was able to buy little ladders at Hobby Lobby...however, when I went looking for them a few moths ago, they no longer carried them. So, I decided to make them. I used dowels (I have a bunch in the resource room) and small popcicle sticks. Glued them together and TA-DA....we have ladders!! To make them stand up, I wrap a rock in Crayola Model Magic Dough. The Kiddos glued on the Angels. The angels were coded to read, "I AM WITH YOU." Genesis 28:15 Our VISUAL served a secondary purpose. It was also, our REVIEW GAME. The KIDDOS loved "PLAYING" this game. They would pick an angel and remove it, answer the question that was written on the back and then hand it to me. Once all the angels were removed and since the angels were going up and down on the ladder, to represent the "going up" we had the KIDDOS answer a different question from the angels and put it back on the ladder!! They LOVED it!!! The following week the KIDDOS made these to add to their Explorer Journal. The ladders are made from long skinny popcicle style craft sticks and short colored craft sticks. The angel stickers are just printed from my computer and ran through my sticker maker machine. The KIDDOS, also, glued on a ROCK for Jacob to sleep on. We had so much fun and excitement with this lesson!!! The KIDDOS really enjoyed it!!! Blessings, Ronda
This sarcophagus craft is a unique idea I had as I was brainstorming how to teach my children about mummies and sarcophagi. First I grabbed a small hin
Peter Gentenaar isn't any ordinary paper artist. He creates extraordinarily beautiful paper sculptures that have an ethereal quality to them. His
Thomas Allen brings literary characters to life in a charming diorama series of paper "dolls" cut from book illustrations. The tiny people he
What is grace for kids? We'll cover what is grace of God with youth games on grace, children’s activities on grace, and object lesson on grace—all that are perfect for teaching grace to kids in youth group, preschool Sunday school lesson, or homeschool.
This week’s 10 in 10 Blog Hop from iHomeschool Network is “toys that have lasted in my home”, and I thought I would share a few of our favorite toys. These are toys that we’ve had for a while that the girls still play with…and toys I anticipate they will continue to play with incontinue Reading...
We are working on a "big picture" of the Sacraments in Religion at school right now. I created these notes for the kids with the four main ideas we keep coming back to: Jesus' mission, the Church, the Sacraments, and Grace...and how they are all related. Here is my version with a little color added to make it pretty. You can print out my copy of the notes by clicking here: Or you can print the blank notes to have the kids fill in by clicking here: You might also like our Sacrament Symbols notes or some of the other activities under the Sacraments tab above.
Ari Seth Cohen's glamorous street style images of New York's old folks come to life in his new coloring book.
Numerology is the study of the symbolism of numbers. It can be used to determine your personality, strengths and talents; help you overcome obstacles; and help you better deal with emotional needs. Numerology can help you better understand why you do the things you do and why you react to the things you react to. Numerology can be traced back nearly 10,000 years, dating all the way back to Babylonia and ancient Egypt. Numerology and Vibrations • Everything in the universe vibrates, and numerology uses this principle by establishing the energy present at one’s birth. • Using the name and
Thousands of cannula sleeves have been made by a knitting group since it was set up by a Chester singer.
