Handmade Highlights, Month by Month

 

I haven't posted since July, but I've had many ideas swirling around in my head for this blog. You see, I don't like to blog about my daily activities, since I have just as much time in my day as you do. I do like to read other blogs, but forcing myself to sit down and write what is on my mind is what sometimes takes a little effort. So instead, I try to sit down and post about a new project or something I'm really into.

Besides the usual, albeit boring, tasks we do each week, I have had some creative fun here and there. So let me share a few things that I've been up to. I left off in JULY, where we returned from our annual family vacation. My son had just turned one. My daughter then turned 3 at the end of the month.

In AUGUST, we took an unexpected second trip to the coast for my sister-in-law's wedding. It was my first beach wedding experience and it was wonderful spending time with family members we didn't see the first visit.

In SEPTEMBER, Olivia started preschool, which she absolutely loves. Here she is on her first day of school. I made her a little dress and headband to match.

She's also holding two apple pins for her teachers. We spent a lot of time at the library this summer, where I found the sweetest little book, Heart-Felt Holidays: 40 Festive Felt Projects to Celebrate the Seasons. I attached brooch pins to the back, embroidered "From Olivia 2013" to the back, and also embroidered each teacher's name on the front. They were adorable.

A matching backpack was the last thing I made for her. You can find the backpack tutorial I followed here, though it is slightly altered in size. It had to be a little bigger, so that it would hold papers and a folder.

And, of course, it had to have something crocheted on it! You may recognize the eyes and beak from Mamachee's Killian's Owl Hat pattern. She's a sweet friend of mine, that lovely Tara Murray.

In OCTOBER, I designed the Witchy Hat Table Centerpiece crochet pattern...

and the Witchy Hat in 6 Sizes crochet pattern.

Then I made Halloween costumes for the kids. Here they are as Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. (Clicking on the photo will show a much larger, clearer view).

This photo was taken by Timeless Reflection Photography & Studio. So cute with my little man giving a GROWL!

 

In NOVEMBER I designed the Frostbite Mittens crochet pattern, which are available in all of my shops (Etsy, Craftsy & Ravelry) as a 2 for 1 combo, along with...

the new Despicable Me Minion (Inspired) Mittons crochet pattern.

 

It has been a busy and fun several months. And as the Farmer's Almanac claims, we could be looking at a nasty winter. So I look forward to designing so many more patterns to share with you, since we're certain to be snowed in for a while. In the meantime, Happy Crocheting!

How to Make Bunny Masks {An Easter Craft} TUTORIAL

 

Today, I want to share with you an easy tutorial for making cute bunny masks. They're fun and adorable. They're perfect for Easter, too!

 

You need only a few basic supplies to make these masks. And in minutes, your kiddos will be enjoying them. These will be going in our Easter baskets, next weekend. I also included adult sizes with the pattern. I think they would be so fun for all the family to wear in photos.

 

Let's get started.

Green Eggs & Ham Bow Tie Onesie [A TUTORIAL]

As I posted before, St. Patrick's Day was just another reason to create something cute for my little guy. I'm not into all the shamrocks, rainbows and luck, but it had to be green, of course!

One great thing about this onesie is that lil man can wear it any day, not just St. Patty's Day. It's green, yet unassuming. Besides, who can resist a baby in a bowtie?

This onesie is a combo of two types of crafting bliss: Fabric Transfers and Sewing. As I promised in my Double Bowtie Tutorial, I'll show you how to make one of your own.

The Easiest Double Bow Tie You'll Ever Make [A TUTORIAL]

St. Patrick's Day is this weekend, and while I don't really celebrate the holiday, it was a perfect opportunity to dress up my little man. Plus, I get to share all the fun with you. Today we'll learn how to make super easy Double Bowties.

 



This is a great project if you're looking to use up scraps of fabric. And the bowties can be altered to just about any size you like. Also, you can easily attach these to your favorite style hair clip, like an alligator clip, and let your little girl wear one, too. Trust me, they're adorable both ways.

And when you attach one to a onesie, you might just sqeal like I did! {Tutorial for the outfit can be found here}