Round-Up:: 5 Crochet Summer Tops

The weather has been unusually warm this past week, which had me daydreaming of summer. Tank tops, flip flops, barbecues, camping, concerts, festivals...... and what better way to get ready for summer than by starting to update your wardrobe with this collection of crochet tops!!

1. Lace Topper designed by Kimberly K. McAlindin for Red Heart Yarns - I love how this top is open-worked, lacy and designed to have a flowing effect. Perfect for summer but may also be used during cooler months with a longer sleeved shirt underneath. The downloadable directions are for sizes S-XL.
2. Keila Top by Handy Kitty - I like this top so much, I am already working on one! You can also change the design by adjusting almost any square and triangle motif to fit the size you need.
3. Party by the Pool Cover-up designed by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby for Yarnspirations - Cover-ups are all over the place and who doesn't love something that has a hood on it? Pattern available in sizes S-4XL
4. Crochet Scalloped Top from Yarnspirations - I love the scalloped look of this design, however, I would most likely use a different yarn than the suggested Simply Soft. Never had much luck with that type of yarn and garments. Pattern available in sizes S-2XL
5.  Open Air Shrug from Lion Brand Yarns - Another over-sized piece that I just love, love, love! There is something about this shrug that has a 'free spirit' feel to it.  This is guaranteed to be made this year, for myself, of course! Pattern is available in sizes S-2XL.  

I will be working on the Keila Top this weekend since the rain has found it's way back to us *and* finishing two shop pieces! Hopefully, your weekend has brought you better weather than me. In case it hasn't, maybe this round-up will inspire you to start a project where you can at least dream of the sunshine!

Happy Saturday!!

DIY:: Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is tomorrow and whether you need a last minute gift or just want to add a little something extra for Mom's big day, these are perfect!! 

You could easily do them all and have a cute little package, or pick the one that stands out and screams, "my mom would love that!"

1. Mini Frame Fridge Magnets by Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts - The cute factor on this is overwhelming, I LOVE IT! I may just make these for myself. 
2. Teacup Succulents by Doreen at Hymns & Verses - What a great idea! All sorts of teacup and coffee mug options to plant your succulent in for Mom...... vintage teacup, new teacup, coffee mug with a design, saying, quote..... so many options!
3. Mother's Day DIY Box of Chocolates by Kelly at Live Laugh Rowe - I love a great up-cycle and using things you have around the house. This DIY box of chocolates from a matchbox is perfect for giving Mom a sweet little treat!
4. Crown Mother's Day Card (free printable!!) by Mr. Printables - Who doesn't love a crown?!?! This free printable, from Mr. Printables, comes in black, gold or blank so you (or the kids) can color it in! Write a message on the back or leave it blank. Either way, Mom has a super cool crown for the day!!
5. Stamped Burlap Vase by Friskars - Another great up-cycle with the bonus of flowers! You could use an oatmeal container as shown in the tutorial, but I bet a tin can would work just as well! I love how easy this is and the rustic look it has. I will be making this for my Mom for sure, I have more burlap than I know what to do with!
6. Mother's Day Card (free printable!!) by Kristi at I Should Be Mopping The Floor - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the design of this card!! Not to mention, it's a FREE printable! 

Happy Mother's Day!

Monday Book Review

This weekend, the downtown library had one of their huge book sales! I just love going to these!! There is always a large amount of books of all kinds. The first sale of theirs that I went to was a few years ago and it was a bag of books for $5.00!

Let's get to the goods...the BOOKS!!

I have only read one of these, but I've heard/know of most of them. 

1. Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott: A timeless classic, originally published in 1868. The edition I found at the library sale is a Complete Authorized Edition with the oldest copyright being 1911! All my research points to this book being from the 1911 print with the description of the illustrations inside and pictures of the cover. I have a newer version of this book, which I will donate now that I have found this copy. My favorite part of this find? The sticker on the inside:                                                                                              
2. The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger: Published in 1951, this is a book I have never read but heard of. I believe the higher achieving kids in High School had it as their reading requirements. The edition I found is from 1999 and by the looks of the cover, is obviously a mass print for being handed out in schools. I am excited to read this book. I've read that it deals with personal struggles that are always relevant, high school or adult; alienation, belonging, figuring out who you are...                                                               NOTE: Strange connection warning.... Apparently this book mentions another book I found at the sale, Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen. 
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Another book that I am surprised to not already own or have read *and* was High School reading. First published in 1813, this one is also a mass print, my copy being from 2003. I am sure this story is familiar to most with television shows, movies, plays..... too many adaptations to miss.
4. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway: We all know the author, but do you know of this book? Published in 1929, my edition being the copyright renewal in 1957. Apparently, this was his first 'best-seller' and a great love story. 
5. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen: Published in 1937, this copy is a 1963 reprint with an added introduction from Time Reading program. Something made me grab this book, I don't know what..... then, I found the connection to 'The Catcher in the Rye', and that made it more interesting!                     
   
6. A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: We're 'out of Africa', might as well take 'a passage to India', right? Sorry, I couldn't resist :) First published in 1924, this copy being from 1952. Again, I don't know why I grabbed the book, but I am looking forward to reading it!
7. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller: Another reading that I missed out on but am still interested in! I am sure most of you know that this is a major award winning play, first premiering in February of 1949. The copy I found is from 1969, but states it's the forty-second printing!! That's a lot in 20 years!
8. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: Denzel Washington is currently starring in this play on Broadway. This is how I knew of it and what peaked my interest. First premiering in March of 1959, this copy being from....1959! However, it's the seventh printing...
9. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: First published in the UK in 1884, then here in 1885, the earlier publications do not contain "The" in the title. My copy is from 1959 and full of little notes from a previous owner, adding a little extra to an already familiar tale.
10. The Day Lincoln was Shot by Jim Bishop: Published in 1955, this copy being one of the originals! The only thing missing is the jacket..... I know there are many books about the history of President Lincoln, but the age and jagged, yellow pages always get me.                                                             These next three were ones that I have seen before, either in the store or at previous book sales. I figured, 'why not?', the more books there are to read, the more occupied I will be! Besides, summer is coming! They aren't the oldies, but they sounded good at the time :)                                                                                                                                              
    
11. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski: Published in 2008 - First Edition 
12. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt: First published in 1996, this copy being the First Touchstone Edition. Most likely a re-print from when the sequel, 'Tis, was released. 
13. The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova: Published in 2010 - First Edition                                                                                     
    

We can't forget the kids!!!!

1. Freddy Fox Squirrel by R. W. Eschmeyer: First published in 1952, this being the second edition from 1953. Who can resist a book with a squirrel on it??
2. Aesops Fables by Aesops: Dover Publications 1994 - Aesops goes back to ancient times and these stories have been around for generations, teaching children morals and values.
3. Home For A Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown: A Golden Book, sixth printing, 1976 - first published in 1956. Now, if you know my son, then you know why I got this book. He is on an endearing quest to convince us that he needs a bunny!!
4. Animal Mix & Match by Caryl Koelling: First Delacorte print, April 1980 - first published in 1977. What isn't there to love about this book? 

You can tell the story like it's a lion.....

OR.... you can mix them up and make it silly!!

One day, I will have books everywhere. I feel they are a dying breed with all the e-readers coming out and that makes me horribly sad. Books have always brought me comfort, especially the older ones with their pages that aren't perfectly cut, the sturdiness, or lack of, in the binding. Most importantly, the smell. Books heighten the senses....

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are enjoying the start to this week!! 

DIY:: Party Crowns

Is it just me, or is the popularity of the party hat dying? 

My son is 4, my daughter just turned 1 and I have to say, this is the first party hat for us..... weird....

I remember having them at EVERY party when I was a kid!

Maybe it's how plain they have become? Or flimsy... and feeling like a useless waste of money?

Well, let's spice up the party hat and do a little up-cycling at the same time!

My inspiration came from Helena at Craft and Creativity. Her tutorial can be found here.

 I instantly fell in love with this idea instead of the ones you get at the store, and how she used washi tape instead of paint. I ended up using Sparkle Tape by Darice for mine. It seemed perfect for the look I wanted for my crowns.

Not to mention, a crown is quite fitting for a Very Merry Un-Birthday!! Boy or girl! 

So, let's get started!

Supplies:

• Toilet paper or paper towel rolls
• Sparkle Tape (multiple colors)
• Elastic cord
• Hole punch
• Scissors

To start, I cut all my strips of tape that I would need. 

For the toilet paper roll, I used 5.5" strips. The paper towel rolls needed to be a tad longer.

Next, I layered the strips of tape on the toilet paper roll, starting at the bottom/top, creating a stripe pattern. 

Feel free to make whatever design you want. I just used the stripe pattern for this post :)

Continue adding strips of tape until the entire roll is covered. 

Note: I used 7 strips on every toilet paper roll. Some rolls ended up having a little bit of extra cardboard showing at the top, no fear, just trim that off! 

Now, cut the points of your crown. I cut a 'V' down to the third strip from the top.

Grab your hole punch and punch a hole on each side of the crown. (Make sure the seam of the strips is in the back! Don't want that bad boy showing...) 

Also, if you have a lazy hole punch, like mine, you may need an Exacto knife to help guide that hole out a little bit...leaving a slightly sloppy hole. It works though!!

Next, cut the elastic cord to the size needed. 

I used 17" for the smaller heads and 19" for all the larger ones.

Finally, put an end of the cord through each of the holes, meeting in the middle of the hat, and tie a knot. Trim the excess from ends and you're done!

Quick, easy and cute! Just the way I like it!

There are so many different ways to decorate your crowns:

Duct tape, washi tape, paint, stickers, jewels, stencils, markers, pom-poms, crayons.........

You can make them for a party, like myself, or have the kids create their own. Even using this as a rainy day craft or Earth Day project is great as well!  (Too bad I didn't post this yesterday!!)

It's Almost Easter!!!

I feel like I slack in the holiday entertainment department once Christmas is over, but I am definitely trying! And, in case you are feeling just like me, slightly overwhelmed with how fast things keep sneaking up on you, here is a round up of Easter themed projects we are going to be doing around here.

1. Crochet Chevron Striped Easter Eggs & Bunny Hat Pattern 

Sarah @ Repeat Crafter Me

That's right, she has two because she is *that* crafty!

I absolutely love the modern, chevron twist to the traditional Easter egg! And the bunny hat with a link to a matching diaper cover? Yes, please!!

2. Easter Egg Potato Stamping - Michelle @ Sassy Dealz

What a great way to use up some potatoes, entertain the kids and make some art!! There are examples on how to create bunnies and chicks too!

3. Bonny Bunny Surprise - Tera @ Trifles & Treasures

Is there really anything that needs to be said here? I mean, it's a bunny scene tucked away in an egg!! Why wouldn't you want to make this??

4. Easter Lily Doll - from Yarnspirations

Cayley is turning in to a lover of dolls and this Easter Lily Doll is my favorite out of the entire line-up that Yarnspirations has. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

5. Yarn Bowl Craft - Shaunna @ Fantastic Fun and Learning

Carson is going to go crazy when I let him make this yarn bowl!! Great way to use up scraps, let the kids get messy and get a pretty awesome looking bowl out of it in the end!

Well, that's all folks! Just enough to keep everyone busy for the next few days and get in the groove of Easter festivities!! 

Hello! My Name Is.....

~*~ Lucille ~*~

Breed: Ameraucana (Silver Bantam)

I picked this pretty little lady because she was standing so tall and eyeing me at the store. Something about her said, "pick me"!! 

When I got her home, I noticed she already had some personal hygiene issues and she needed a nice little butt scrub. I think she appreciated it because she's been one fiesty chick ever since. She does love a good ear pet, though.

For her breed, Ameraucana, she will be my only blue egg layer. She is also considered to be the more aggressive of the breeds I got, so that explains her pestering the others.

~*~ Gladys ~*~

Breed: Red Sex Link

With Gladys, I am slightly confused on which breed she really is. She expresses traits of a Buff Orpington, but she was picked from the Red Sex Link bin. I think I will be able to tell more when she is older. She will be a large, brown egg layer and have a sweet personality. I, personally, think she already shows her sweet side. She is very shy and is always snuggling with Pearl.

~*~ Delilah ~*~

Breed: Black Sex Link

Hey there, Delilah! We have two black dogs already, so why not a black hen? She loves being snuggled and cupped in your hand. Falls right to sleep! Fits right in with her friendly and affectionate personality that Black Sex Links are known for. Unfortunately, they are also known for being very vocal, especially when laying eggs. Which, apparently she will be egg-cellent at! I *knew* chickens were a great idea to get back at my noisy neighbor legally ;)

~*~ Pearl ~*~

Breed: Buff Orpington

Last, but far from least, we have Pearl. Formally known as "Nana", since Nana picked her, she is considered a "dual purpose" breed. Great for eggs and meat!! Not sure I want to think about the meat aspect of this adventure quite yet, but good to know. Pearl is known for being another egg-cellent layer of medium to large, light brown eggs. She is also known for being the very first escape artist! With her cries of separation being heard at 4:30 am, I came to her rescue and put her back in her temporary home. Being a Buff Orpington, she gets picked on a lot, mostly by Lucille, and Gladys tends to comfort her. She is super jumpy now, but with time, should be extremely calm and friendly.

So, there you have it! The newest additions to our family and tiny homestead! If you didn't think I was crazy yet, you are now! I am beyond excited for these hens to join our family, clear these bugs from my yard and gardens and of course, lay us some eggs!

Call Me Crazy......

But I am doing it again!!

What is that, you ask? Oh, just another attempt at a birthday party for a little girl who deserves it more than anything!! You can't pass up this sweet face without feeling guilty that she was sick for her 1st Birthday and her party needed to be cancelled :(

It's the perfect excuse to throw an.......can you guess it???

Here is my super simple, last minute invitation. You can see her original invite here.

(I say last minute because we decided to do this party about 3 days ago.... I quit thinking and just did it!)

Using leftover card stock from her original invitation and some stamps I already had, I printed these out really quick, stamped them up and they are on their way to the mailbox this afternoon!

Nothing fancy, but just right!

We are hoping for some great weather to bring out all the fun kid stuff, have a BBQ and just enjoy a great day for a sweet little girl.

 If it rains, well so be it, I have a plan for that too!!
Now, it's time to get back to crafting... eh hem, I mean, um, cleaning.....

OR CRAFTING!!