Finger Crocheted Beanie

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I did!
My favorite part was after the presents are all wrapped and all the cooking was finished, I'd curl up in my chair with a ball of yarn and watch Hallmark Christmas movies.

I have a few projects by request I could have been working on but I do not have the yarn colors handy and no way was I going fight the traffic to get some. They will have to wait a few days.

That left me itching to make something. I didn't know what to make so I just grabbed a ball of yarn I had on hand and began fidgeting with it. I have seen where crafters will crochet with fingers and knit with arms but they all say you have to use bulky yarn. My yarn was not bulky, but I attempted it anyway.

With just my fingers and and idea, I created a this cute summer beanie. "I bet bulky yarn doesn't say summer like my plain ol four ply worsted yarn" . Mine turned out soft and loose and worked up just fine.

Finger Crocheted Beanie
This is crocheted in the round, not joining at beginning stitch so grab a stitch marker.

Make a magic circle
Row 1: sc 10 into the circle (10)
Row 2: 2sc in each sc around (20)
Row 3: sc in next, 2sc in next, cont. around (30)
Row 4: sc in each sc around (30)
Repeat Row 4 approx 24 more times (depending how slouchy you want it).
(my last few rows, I did tighter so it would create a band but this is not necessary)
Tie off and weave ends.

It was a little tricky during the first couple rounds but got alot easier as I went.

Now that I have the feel for it. I may create a couple more.
I have a pair of pink glasses that match this color and I looked like a total geek, but that's ok. It was just to get picture, which is hard to do by myself. Ha.

I'm going to say it again, "Perfect for summer" with its light weight and airy feel.

And speaking of summer, I can hardly wait!!!!


Ive shared this at:
cityofcreativedreams
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks

DIY Wine Cork Trivet

I finally got all my Christmas shopping done.... I think.... There is always one more thing I want to grab. Actually, I got my shopping done last weekend so I had this past week to clean house, and get some Christmas goodies made to share with friends and neighbors.

While working in the kitchen I kept eyeing my collection of wine corks. Ok, before you call me a wino, they are not all mine. My collection also consist of corks I have found laying around at the beach. I have been saving them to make a bird house for the spring, but this is all I have after two years so, a bird house isn't going to happen. Instead, I decided to make a hot plate.

I love the way it turned out and used only the corks from my favorite Carolina Duplin Wine. I was two short, of that design so I added a couple odd corks. It added a little uniqueness to it. I would love to do one with a variety of different corks but I will have to keep collecting. Sure they can be bought at thrift shops by the bag full but that takes all the fun out of it.

 

There are may different ways to make these but here is how I did mine.

Grab a wooden picture frame and removed the glass.
If the back has a flappy stand, remove that and the metal rail that the back slides onto.
Replace the cardboard into the frame and hot glue it in place. Push it as close toward the front as possible.
Flip over and place the corks in a pattern. There are many different ways to turn them and they can even be cut to fit small places.
Once you have a plan, hot glue each cork into the frame, using the cardboard you placed inside as the floor for them to glue too.
I also dabbled a little glue to the back side corners to keep it from sliding around while in use.

I've already used mine and it worked great! I like how it looks sitting on the counter as well.
If you have a lot of corks and a bigger frame, you can hang it on the wall and use it for a cork board.
That could possibly be my next cork idea but it will take me a while.

I've shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy.com
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts 

Sugar Lemon Cookies

Christmas is just a couple weeks away now and you still haven't decided what to take to that party. Or maybe you just want to add something sweet in the break room at work. Well, your at the right page. Im fixing to share a simple recipe for some lemon cookies that you can whip up in a matter of minutes.

These little powdered covered cookies will add just enough sweetness to any occasion. They are not to sweet and have a hint of lemon. If you want more lemon taste, just add more lemon juice.

It only takes about five minutes to mix them up and ten minutes to bake.

Try it.

Sugar Lemon Cookies.

 

One Stick of Butter

1 Cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 Tablespoon lemon juice (best from lemon squeeze)

2 Cups self rising flour

Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

With a mixer, Cream butter & sugar in a large bowl , add egg, vanilla, lemon juice and zest.

With a fork, Stir in flour. (dough will be sticky so use a spoon and spoon a ball into powdered sugar, roll it around coating all sides. Place 2-3 inches apart on a greased baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, Once cooled, coat with more powder sugar (optional).

That's all there is to it. They are simply light and sweet. Not sure if its the lemon I like best or the powder sugar. I love making things with powdered sugar. Maybe its just eating a cookie in general. Could you imagine how happy they world would be if everyone made cookies at the same time?



Ive shared this at:
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
mizhelenscountrycottage
cityofcreativedreams

Oh Fudge!

Ive made up my mind not to even try to diet in December. With all the Christmas parties and dinners planned, light eating is not going to happen.

With that being said, im going to share an easy fudge recipe with you. Grab your kids because its easy enough for them to do too. There is no cooking or electric mixers involved.

This is my first attempt and it turned out great.
 

Just look at that ewy gooey goodness.
 

Easy Fudge

4 tablespoons butter

3 cups simi sweet chocolate chips

1 14oz can condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

 

In a bowl, add chocolate , condensed milk and butter.

Microwave 1 minute

Add in salt and vanilla 

Mix until smooth

 

Line a pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.

Pour the fudge into the pan, smooth out and refrigerate until cool and firm.

Release fudge on to a clean counter space or cutting board and cut into squares.

Best served at room temperature.

 

This is not my recipe, its a recipe I found on Pinterest. You can click HERE to see a step by step video.

These fudge bites are so creamy and good. I even added one to my coffee for an extra sweet creamy shot.

The next batch I make will have peanuts or pecans in it.

What Is your favorite fudge flavor? Id love to hear all the possibilities.


Ive shared this at:
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage

 

Swowman

Swowman: My made up word  for a snowman made from a sweater. This is exactly what I just made. I'm loving the way he turned out. I'm loving my personalized buttons too. They can be purchase from wearhouseindustries. I use them on my crochet coffee cozies.

I was cleaning out a closet and came across a little knitted shawl that belonged to my daughter years ago. My favorite knitted colors are beige or tans so I wanted to transform it into something.

I thought first that I could use this shawl to cover a pillow but I couldn't find a pillow anywhere to use. Then another thought came into my mind. I have been looking for a simple decoration to use in my daughters room for Christmas. This worked perfect!

What happened is, I cut the fringe off the piece of knit and cut out enough to sew down one side and across the bottom. Once that was done, I stuffed him with some stuffing I had on hand. Next, I sewed the end shut (like making a pillow) then I took some yarn and stitched and gathered the middles. Nothing fancy or neat. I am definitely not a seamstress. Then for the fun part, I used some scrap yarn and crocheted him a hat and scarf. 

Waaa laaa, meet woolly the swowman.

Ive shared this at:
before-after-wednesday at thededicatedhouse 
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner  
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog 
weekend-bloggy-reading-link at serenitynowblog
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks FEATURED
nifty-thrifty-sunday at niftythriftythings
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
cityofcreativedreams.

Little Paper Houses

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend because my recently moved away daughter came to stay with us for four days! I miss her so much even though she's only 45 minutes away.

Its our tradition to put up the tree on Thanksgiving night after we are all stuffed and tired from all day visiting and eating. We turn on the Christmas music and get to work on decorations while drinking hot chocolate. Just puts you in the mood.

My daughter and I wanted to do something crafty during the weekend so I found this cute template on Pinterest to make paper houses. Simply cut them out and add a battery operated tea light inside to make them glow.

I used to have a Christmas village I would sit out and add a little to it each year. That ended a few years ago when my Christmas stash was accidentally sold in our garage sale. Imagine the feeling I had. A lot of memories went down in history now adorning someone else's tree. That's over now so there is no use crying over spilled milk. We just started a new collection and let it be a lesson learned.

Making the paper houses or paper villages would be a great craft to do with children. I left the paper white and plain but they can also be colored or painted and decorated. This will keep them busy for a while. An adult will need to cut out the houses as you will need a razor blade to do so.

first you will need:
Template

Card stock paper
scissors
razor
wax paper
glue or tape
battery operated tea lights.

I found my tea lights at the dollar store. They were two for a dollar and seem to burn a long time. They will get you through Christmas and then some.

On a cutting board, cut out the template. Using your razor blade, cut out the windows. Now cut some wax paper and glue to the inside so the windows will have a frosty glow. This is not necessary but makes it look better.

Then you fold the houses and tape or glue into place, add your tea light under them. I swapped the paper trees out for dollar store trees. They stood in place better.

In no time you will have a luxury village you can simply smash up and throw away at the end of the season.


Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy.com- FEATURED
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy 
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner 
Worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog 
Weekend bloggy reading link up at serenitynowblog
nifty-thrifty-sunday at niftythriftythings
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks

Happy Thanksgiving

I don't know about you but I've been so busy the past couple months. Getting my daughter moved out, rearranging my home, fall/Winter cleaning, and getting things ready for Thanks Giving, Christmas and hibernation.


I try hard not to let things get in the way of what Thanks Giving is all about. I am thankful for so many things. I hope each and everyone out there can find something to be thankful for. If you do not have family or a place to fellowship, or maybe you are grieving, I hope you can still find peace and thanksgiving in your heart.


I will get back to blogging soon. I have a few recipes I can't wait to share starting this weekend, but until then....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Crochet Pet Leg Warmers

It all started when my sister texted me a photo of her dog wearing a pair of baby socks. She thought it was so funny. In return, I sent her a picture of a funny dog wearing a pair of knitted leg warmers.

After we both had a chuckle, she asked if I could crochet her dog a pair of leg warmers. "I suppose I could", I said. She gave me the approximate size of her dogs legs and I told her I'd see what I could do.

Before I knew it, I had created a pair of leg warmers. I laughed at them for a minute because I think its rather silly how people dress their pets, but Im pretty sure I'd do the same thing if I had one . All I have is a fish and I'd make him something if he'd wear it but he would just get it wet and then it would be ruined....Ok that wasn't funny but, I do love my pet.

She asked me to make her four but most pet leg warmers are just worn on the front legs because the back legs are so curvy and used for ear scratching and such.

I liked the way they turned out. Here is her Shiz Tzu modeling the pair I made for her. I think she likes them.

 

They were so fun to make that I made a pair or two for my shop. If you cant crochet and would like a pair, just let visit my Etsy shop and let me know what color and size. If you can crochet and would like to make a pair for yourself, then im sharing my pattern for you today.

DOG LEG WARMERS
(Make 2)
chain 4
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc next 2 (3), ch1 turn
Row 2: sc across (back loop only) (3) ch 1 turn.
Row 3-11: repeat row 2, ch 1 turn
Row 12: repeat row 2, ch 1 but don't turn.
Row 13: sc each stitch down the ribbed band. (12) ch 3 turn.
Row 14: dc in each sc (12) ch 3 turn.
Row 15-18: Repeat row 14. Finish off at end of this row and leave enough yarn to seam together.

Seam the legwarmer together and turn right side out.
That's it.
You can make them as long and wide as you need by adding more or less stitches to the ribbing and length.

You are welcome to sale what you make with my pattern but please link back to my post. Please do not sale my pattern. Id also love to read any comments from those who tried my pattern out.

I've shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy
judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
link-and-share-wednesday at oombawkadesigncrochet

My Secret Skill

I have a skill I can not talk about. Why does it have to be so secretive and private in my world? Im talking about Phlebotomy.

While others that are certified in this field can shout it out to the world , I have to keep it balled up inside. However, I do have a little key chain I dangle from my keys. Ha.

I have always wanted to be a phlebotomist. I really don't know why. I just have. In November 2013, I did something about it. I found a local school that offered these classes and I dove in with a little money I had saved. My Husband just shaking his head. He and my daughter were the only ones that knew I was going after this certification. I was so excited. As hard as it was for me to keep it to myself. I didn't tell anyone until I was finished just incase I failed. I could not wait until it was over so I could announce it to my family.

When the wait was over and I got the call that I passed, I actually cried just a little. Then I waited until just the right moment to share my accomplishments. I barely got out the word "Phlebotomist" until someone screamed "eeeew! Stop right there". I didn't want to cause a ruckus so I hung down my head and shut my mouth. These same family members can talk about hunting and dead animals around the dinner table but lets don't speak anything about human blood. I was so hurt and discouraged.

That was it.

Its been a year now. No one speaks of it. However, I look at and study my notes from class regularly. Almost every day actually. They are all on my phone right at my finger tips. One person tells me I have to stay hush about it because It could result in me loosing the office job I have been at now for 21 years. I don't understand how. I mean, as long as I'm devoted to my job, It does not hurt for others to know that I have some schooling. I agree with him that I cant risk loosing my full time job just yet but that does not mean I cant do Phlebotomy on the side. Get some experience and then one day go on full time somewhere. Somewhere with benefits and professionalism.  Somewhere I can make a difference and help people. Somewhere I'm respected.

I am currently in the process of applying as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. I have one more step to take on the application. I would like to volunteer in the blood centers. I think just being around this line of work will help me build confidence and get some experience. A place I can enjoy being at. Even though its "Volunteer". I love helping people and get the satisfaction that I did something to good. I could stay at my full time job and volunteer on the weekends.

Right now, I'm stuck between going for it without any support from family, or just wait and carry my wishes around in my pocket. I really would love to hear the words " Just go for it", "Do what you want to do", "make something better of yourself", "Ill be behind you if you fall". I don't think Ill get that but I know in the long run, ill have some experience that I can fall back on if my current job ever ends. I still have 25 good work years left in me. Um....Just don't do the math.

Tennis Elbow Crochet Ice Pack.

Its been seven months now. Im suffering. Tennis elbow hurts! Im not sure what caused it but I have a few ideas. Its either my job as where I use my right arm to answer the phone and use the adding machine all day, eight hours a day, five days a week...or....Crocheting an hour almost each night. Im afraid its the crocheting. I gave it a break a few days and my elbow pain seemed to subside just a little. It went from an 8 in pain to about a 4.

Feeling better, I decided to crochet a hat last night and here I am suffering again. The pain is so bad that I cant lift my arm sometimes. Even though I can lift a heavy object with hardly any pain at all, I can't do a simple task of picking up the coffee pot, pour the laundry soap or even at times, texting. Sometimes the pain is so bad it keeps me up at night. I cant even lift it to without picking it up and lifting with my other arm. My arm throbs. Ibuprofen has become a drug habit.

I read where ice will help with tennis elbow. I had homemade ice packs in the freezer but hated having to sit still while holding or balancing it on my arm. That's when I decided to create some sort of ice pack that would fit around my arm, triggering the source of pain than radiates down my arm. And of course, crocheting was my answer at the moment. I needed something quick so I grabbed a ball of cotton yarn and began to crochet in agony.

 

My little ice pack will fit right down into it and then I can securely wrap it around my arm and fasten with a button. Its not pretty and Its a little too big for the cause but its working.
 

What do you think? Does anyone have any more suggestions? I open for any opinions or help. Has anyone ever had tennis elbow? How long did it last and how did you deal with it?

A little Vintage Decor

Ive been away from blogging like Id like too. It wont be long until I get back into the swing of things. I have had a lot going on and a few projects to complete.

It started in October when my daughter decided to move out on her own. Its put me in empty nest mode. Its different now at the house with her not here for me to tuck in at night and sharing our talks in the mornings. But I seem to be doing fine now. In fact, my husband and I have decided to redo her old bedroom and make it into a guest bedroom her a new bedroom. Im doing it in some of my imaginative ideas and colors of coral and tan. We actually sold her really cute french provincial bedroom suit and put our antique bedroom suit in its place. We will be getting a new one...Finally.

While all of the moving around the rooms is still under construction, I decided to do some decorating here and there to see what style I want to go with. I like the shabby chic look but not to frenchy. I like the modern look too but the furniture is old. So, I decided to mix it up and pull these looks into one.

One decoration I added is this vintage camera my father-in-law gave me. Ive had it put away and wanted to display it and found the perfect place. I love it. I also found a blue mason jar. I have been looking for a few of these. They are so pretty used as vases.

I called up my sister-in-law and asked if I could have some pom poms off her hydrangea bushes. I wasnt sure how dead they would be but after the ok, I drove over to cut some. I was was afraid they were too gone to use but took my chances.

Yes, they were really dried up. However, I think they added a special look to this little décor. To my husband, they are just dead flowers.
When the plants bloom in the spring or whenever they bloom. I will change them out with some colored ones.

So far thats all Ive got besides vintage suit cases I plan to use as a bed side table.

Words from my daughter- " That's enough old stuff. Any more, and it will look like a grandmaw room".
I think not. I think of it as shabby chic, modern vintage and I like it. As for the master bedroom, It will be different. But as long as I have an empty little girls room, I'm dolling it up.


Ive shared this at:
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
show-and-tell-friday at romantichome
weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up at serenitynowblog

DIY Monogrammed Table Runner

I've been busy doing some house cleaning since my daughter has moved out on her own. I started emptying her room to get it ready for a redo. Then I cleaned the office so it doesn't looked like a junk room anymore. I simply added the junk into the closet and created my own little craft room.

I have not really organized it yet. I just put it in there and will go back and get a little creative with it later. I need to get some more ideas first. If you have any you can share, please do.

While I was in a crafty mood, I decided to make a monogrammed table runner. It only cost $5.00 and its easy enough a child could do it.

 

What you will need:

• Roll of burlap- I purchased mine at Walmart for 5.00.
• Black Sharpie
• Printed Letter to cut out for a stencil.
• Razor cutter or scissors.

 

Cut the burlap to fit your table leaving enough to hang off each end.

Cut your letter out (card stock is better but I just used regular paper).

Using a sharpie, trace your letter,

 

 

Color it in with your Sharpie.

 

It turned out great and looks just like it's stamped.

 

You can get creative with your stencil and do any letter, wording, or picture. You can also use different colors and create your own work of art.

Now I have to get back to cleaning. I have lots of drawers and more closets to clean out. Its just another sign of my empty nesting.


Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
tuesday-pinspiration at thestitchinmommy
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
thursday-favorite-things at katherinescorner

Weekend Getaway

My husband and I were able to get away this past weekend. Its been a long summer. A lot has been going on. My work place has been stressing me out. Not the job but the people I work with. My daughter moved out on her own leaving me in an empty nest, and with all the recent world news, we simply just needed a break. Some alone time together. A date.

This was our last beach trip of the year. Yep, its that time of year we go to the beach and winterize the camper and leave it alone until spring. I already cant wait.

The weather was beautiful. It was in the 70s and 80s all weekend with only sunshine and no rain in site. Each morning we would take a stroll on the beach. We saws happy fishermen sit watching their lines while some people were walking their dogs or walking hand in hand with the ones they love. Just enjoying life.

One morning we walked a mile up the beach to visit my brother-in-law and niece. Then we walked around a yard sale and back to our place. Another morning we took a walk the other direction which goes past preserved land. We wanted to see what was on the other side of the dunes. As we approached the top of the dunes we saw benches in the distant.

It was rather weird as there were no trails leading to them. I felt like I found a secret place. I wonder what it was or what it had been. Whatever it was, It looked peaceful.

We sat our chairs out in the afternoons and soaked up the sound of the sea and fresh air. One afternoon we stayed out until sunset.

We went to our favorite places to eat and one night while at a Mexican restaurant, the power went out right after we ordered our food. There were more customers there and no one seem to mind even thought it was dark. You could see the glow of cell phone lights and lighters. Speaking of cell phone lights, I used mine as a lamp so we could see what we were eating.

It was pretty funny. I'm still confused on how they got our order out. I guess they used gas ovens, stoves and grills. Its was delicious all the same. It was was fun and certainly something different.

While packing up to leave on our last day, we got a call from our daughter. Her car battery was dead and didn't know how to get to work. She ended up calling her uncle to pick her up on his way since he worked near her workplace. While it brought on more stress and rushed us back on the road, It also reminded me that it was time to get back to reality and no matter how grown up my child is, she still needs her mom and dad at that makes me feel warm inside. Its also time to get back to work which I dread. But it gets me where I am and what I need. I am thankful for that. So for now, I will just dream of the day we can spend more time at the beach. Hurry up spring.

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

Ok all you coffee lovers out there. Here is a wonderful recipe for Biscotti with a touch of Autumn, and spice. Perfect dipped in your favorite hot drink.

 

 

This biscotti is not too sweet but just sweet enough to get your day started and Im going to share the recipe with you. But first, make sure you read the baking directions correctly. I thought I was miss Betty Crocker and went ahead of the directions then realized I was doing it all wrong. It was almost a mess but was an easy fix.

 

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

 

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

 

Sift together,

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

 

In another bowl whisk together,

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Directions:

• Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and blend together. (it will be dry and crumbly)
• Flour your hands and a clean counter top and kneed the dough.
• Form the dough into a log about 6 inches wide and 1/2 inch high.
• Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.
• Cut into 1 inch wide pieces.
• Turn oven down to 300 degrees and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes .

Makes about 24 pieces.


These turned out a little soft. If you like them more crisp like I do, just bake them a little longer and/or leave out uncovered overnight.

Biscotti also makes great gifts for neighbors, work, or friends.
Store in an airtight container or baggies.
Enjoy.


Ive shared this at:
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
something-fabulous at roubinek
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

The Corn Starch Experiment

I've always heard that you can use talc powder or cornstarch to remove grease from kitchen walls so when I got some on my practically new leather Toms, I had not choice but to try. Im not real sure how the grease got on my shoes but It was also on my jeans. I washed the jeans and it didn't come out .

After wearing my shoes all day with the stains on them that I tried to get out with water, They made me feel ugly. I was mad that this had happened. I was ready to toss them to the side but not until I at least tried the corn starch thing. The cornstarch is suppose to absorb and pull the grease out. We'll see.

I took pictures incase it worked so I could share it.... and well..... see for yourself.

Here is the greasy spots. Ugly right?

Here they are with the cornstarch on them. I let it sit on there for about an hour.

After about an hour, I used an old toothbrush and scrubbed around on the spots and brushed the leather until the cornstarch was gone...

and so were the spots.

It didn't take the spot out completely but at least they don't look like a giraffe anymore. If I would have left the cornstarch on longer it may have absorbed the spot more.

Pretty neat huh? I think I may go try it on my jeans now.

Ive shared this at:
tuesday-pin-spiration at thestitchinmommy
before-after Wednesday at thededicatedhouse 

DIY Hat Pumpkin

Happy Fall everyone! First I want to share this perfect leaf I found laying on the ground at Walmart. I was not sure if it was real or fake. I took it home and used it. It will work perfect on my Pumpkin I made.
So I thought.

   
Every year I come up with some way to recycle something from the house to create a pumpkin for Fall.

As I was searching around the house, I came across a bag of things I was going to take to the local Goodwill store. The bag was over stuffed and an old hat kept falling out. I kept stuffing it back in the bag as I searched for something of a sweater material to create a pumpkin with. There were no options in there. As I turned around to leave the room, the hat fell out again. That's when it hit me. "It is the perfect color. Could I? Will It work? I will make it work".

So, I filled the hat with stuffing.

With a string of yarn, I sewed and gathered the hat closed. Then I ran out into the yard and grabbed a piece of stick for the stem. and.....added the leaf.

I had some raffia and it was perfect for the bow. Remember the leaf? It turned out that it WAS real because after a day, it was not this pretty. This is a very easy project.

Here are a few of the other DIY pumpkins I've made through out the years.
DIY Lace Pumpkin
DIY Book Pumpkin
DIY Toilet Paper Pumpkin

Anything you see that can be gathered at the top, you can make a pumpkin. Now go round up something.

Ive Shared this at:
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy.
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

Good Ol Tent Revival

With all that's going on in the world today and even right here is our own towns, it is great to see a revival. There doesn't seem to be as many revivals today as there was in the 80's. So when I hear of one going on, I get all tickled inside.

Well I get to share with you the tent revival my own church held this week. I have been following the progress so I could share with all of my readers, careful not to let it take my mind of the true meaning of worship. It was way more than just something to blog about.

I got up early one morning to catch the men of the church lifting the tent to the sky. They worked so hard and proud. The young and old were strong just the same. They stretched, and pounded. They pulled and leaned. They worked for hours until it was just right.

As I rode by each day on my way home from work, I could still see men putting in the chairs, putting together the stage and having fun fellowship with each other. This was the beginning of the revival. Little did they know the impact they may have had on the passer-bys.

Finally, its time. The sun has gone down and the air is cool. You can see the lighted tent for what looked like 1/2 a mile away. The neighborhoods around will hear song and worship as they sit in their homes. Maybe they will decide to step out and come down. Maybe they will open the windows and turn off the TV. Either way, we will be heard.

 While the crowd packed in, you could smell the rain in the air and hear thunder in the distance. That didn't bother anyone. The music and worship would make the hairs stand on your head as they echoed across the field. Tears of hope filled my eyes in hopes that a lost soul would be saved.

Some had their hands folded or in their pockets, others clapped, while some had their hands in the air, all with spirit in their hearts. There were also knees buried in the dirt as they knelled in prayer.

I was not able to attend each night but It was great to be there when I could.
It was refreshing and reviving.  New friends were made and hearts were changed. Everyone seemed to have a great time and left with revival in there soul.

God is Good.