To Get and Give

Everyone knows that handmade gifts are the most precious things you can receive.  So in return for this amazing handmade shawl, I've created a handmade shawl pin.  My mother made me this beautiful piece  - one of my favorite winter items to wear around while working with my clay.  It's shocking how warm you feel when your shoulders don't' feel the breeze.

shawl pin with bamboo crochet hook

 I did the shawl pin with a pop of Spring color.  It's that lovely vibrant green you see when everything is new or being renewed for the year.  I love the way it plays off the subtle color of this shall.

Such beautiful work on this shawl

  And it's so warm, yet not heavy....I love it so much!

Next Up.......

Cottage Appliques

Honestly, I can't stay away from them too long, they are my obsession after-all:)

This picture shows how the appliques transform from your usual white to glazed pink-centered roses that think are so unique and perfect to decorate with. 

Before and after glazing

This is a set of four One-of-kind, yet coordinated, furniture appliques to enhance your cottage look.

the cottage look to perfection!

I love the way these look.  Although a reserved gift, I look forward to the opportunity to create complimentary pieces for all my fellow "Cottage Look" lovers.  I call them "one of a kind" because there are no molds used to create these.  I form each leaf and rose individually. But really that's how your rose garden is formed anyway.  Those subtle differences show the amazing detail in each piece.

CreatingCottage on Etsy!

I'm sharing this post with

Show off your cottage Monday @ House in the roses

 Crafty Scrappy Happy Me. Thursday @Crafty Scrappy Happy

Possible Christmas Gifts

I have a new favorite....fingerless gloves. It's absolutely amazing how warm they keep your hands, and yes, your fingers, despite the lack of over to your digits. Of course Mom is the one who got me going on these. She brought me a pair she knitted, but as I stated earlier, I certainly can't knit. I made these for my cousin Suzie that commented on a recent FB post. I like the fold over at the top so you can open them up for even more warmth. they are perfect for cuddling up on the couch under a blanket thumbing through your favorite magazine. Quick, easy - no pattern needed. Just make up your own.

Mom was here for a visit on Halloween and that always means I get inspired to crochet again. Although she and my brother both knit now, I'm still sticking to the uncoordinated man's knitting.......crocheting:)

This neck warmer is actually two chains that are chained together. The entire project cost me less than $2 since I found the yarn in the $2 yarn pile at 'justa knitting store' (I think that's the name.). It looks terrific with something casual....the only way I dress.....and my favorite part - it didn't take very long! Gotta love nearly instant gratification. I first saw this idea in a crochet magazine being worn on a child and in multi-colors, to resemble the construction paper, paper chains we used to make as kids. But I wanted an updated, more grown up version and I really like they way this denim looking yarn worked out. I recommend anything that is at least partially natural and very, very soft. Otherwise it may feel scratchy after a while. I've been wearing for daily now that it's cold and couldn't be happier with the results. Next I think a black/white chain might be fun! Hope you give it a try.