serendipity

Free Pattern :: Spool Knit I Cord Coaster

"Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven." -- Jessi Lane Adams

Every mug needs a coaster.  I love how this i-cord works up when stitched in a spiral.  It adds just the right amount 
of cushion to protect your table's surface.

Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop :: Pearly Queen Dog Collar

Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare - and precious as a pearl.  --  Tahar Ben Jelloun

 Toony joined our family last fall when we adopted her from the local Humane Society.  She is quite a character and brings us
endless joy.   As she is no ordinary pooch, she deserves a collar befitting her ladyship.  Inspired by the history of the Pearly
Kings and Queens of London, I made her this pearly collar using buttons from my stash.

Free Pattern :: Button Embellished Kitchen Canister

“If you're afraid of butter, use cream.” ” - Julia Child

This kitchen canister was given by a colleague during a holiday gift exchange.  I have since made many of my own,
some which I've kept and others which I've given filled with homemade goodies.  They make a great host(ess) gift!

Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop :: Wish Upon a Star Knit Baby Beanie

  

"It is said that the present is pregnant with the future."  --  Voltaire

This month's theme at Designer Crafts Connection is "wishes."  I can't think of a better wish than for a better and brighter future for the  children of our world.  I designed this shooting star baby cap with them in mind.

Finished size 16" / Infant 0-6 months

Free Crochet E-Book

Looking for some fun crochet projects?  Favecrafts has published a free book of patterns
for those of us who are yarn-obsessed.  I've downloaded several of their previous publications
and they are always fun and full of great patterns.  Besides, how can you go wrong with free?

Free Pattern :: Loom Knit Baby's Cap

DIY Slide Bracelet Components from Cousin

I love my bling and Cousin makes it so easy!  Their new slide bracelet components are gorgeous and simple to use.  I had to keep my daughter out of the studio as I worked.  She kept trying to sneak off with the finished bracelets before I had a chance to photograph them!  For each bracelet I was able to coordinate and add as I wanted. The slide beads come in pre-coordinated sets for all tastes from rock-n-roll to girly romantic.  I rarely wear bracelets as they are generally too big
for my skinny wrists, so I especially love that I can cut the leather bands to size. 

  

 

Crafting with Smoothfoam

"Creativity is the natural extension of our enthusiasm."  --  Earl Nightengale

Have I mentioned that I'm now on the design team for Smoothfoam?  Smoothfoam has a great surface for painting,
sanding, collaging, marking and cutting. It  comes in numerous shapes and sizes which makes it ideal for
use in crafting.  As a teacher, I've found endless uses for it in the classroom, whether for art lessons, math manipulatives
or science fair projects (fabulous for solar system and DNA models). 

Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop :: Recycled Magazine Flower Door Decoration

 

Yesterday I spotted my first flower of the season! Wooohooo!  Winter is over!  In celebration, I wanted to add a bright jolt of
color to my front door.  I made this door decoration from recycled magazines and buttons from my stash. 

Free Pattern :: Crochet Twist Necklace

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles."  --  Sonja Henie

Spring weather is fickle.  I am ready to pull out the t-shirts, but there is still a chill in the air.
I'm bored with scarves, so I made this twisted, crocheted choker. It adds a warm dash of color.