Keep your hands and your hearts warm this winter with these homemade hand warmers! This would make a great last minute holiday gift, or plan ahead and make this for your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day.
Search Results for: heart
Crock Pot Corn Chowder
Directions:
1. Mix everything together in crock pot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
So easy, right?! And this chowder comes out thick and oh-so yummy! Serves 4-6, but I don’t see any problem with doubling this recipe 🙂
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Crochet Hats
My sons preschool asked each class to come up with a themed basket for the school’s annual auction. Our class decided on a books basket and I am having so much fun coming up with creative ideas for items to include! I had been wanting to make Thing 1 and Thing 2 crochets hats for awhile and knew it would be a perfect donation along with a Cat in the Hat book. But being that it is also October, and we are only a couple weeks away from Halloween, I thought they would make a great costume as well! So I am going to share with you how I made these hats in case any of you are inspired to make your own.
First you need the right color yarn. I used Vanna’s Choice worsted weight yarn in Scarlet. And Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Turqua. Any black and white colored worsted weight yarn will work for the Thing 1 and Thing 2 patches.
Next, I followed a basic crochet hat pattern.
I like this FREE earflap hat pattern by Alli Crafts. You can choose to include earflaps or leave them off as I did. Just make sure you use red for the hat and then switch to blue along the last row.
Here is the pattern for Thing 1 and Thing 2 patches:
With size H hook and white yarn,
Magic Ring, 10 DC in magic ring, join, chain 2.
Round 2: 2 DC in each stitch around (20 DC), join, chain 2.
Round 3: 2 DC in each stitch around (40 DC),
now change color to black and Slip Stitch in the back loops only all the way around the circle. Fasten off and weave in ends.
To make the Thing 1 and Thing 2 writing, I used a technique call a surface slip stitch. HERE is a great tutorial on how to make a surface slip stitch from the Crochet Spot.
Lastly, you need to make an extra large pom pom.
1. Cut out two cardboard circles that are approx. 4.5″ wide (I traced the lid to a sour cream container). Then cut a smaller circle in the middle of each one that are approx. 1.5″ wide.
2. Lay the two cardboard donuts on top of each other and start wrapping your yarn through the small hole and around your donuts. You will have to use multiple small balls of yarn. Don’t worry about connecting your yarn ends. Just make sure when you start and stop a new strand, the loose end is sticking out the edge of the donut and not in the middle.
3. Cut the edge of the yarn between cardboard donuts.
4. This is what your yarn should look like.
5. Slightly separate the cardboard pieces and tie a piece of yarn TIGHTLY around the middle.
6. Remove the cardboard completely and trim pom pom until all the strands look nice and neat and attach to the top of your hat!
These would be a great costume for siblings! And wouldn’t these make the perfect gift for twin babies?!
*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.***
Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peeks and when they will be available on my blog!
Fishy Bento Lunch with Chalkboard Note Area
We’ve been through variety of bento style lunch boxes over the past 2 years but I think I finally found the perfect bento box! I just love the Spencer Bento Box Container from Pottery Barn Kids. It has the perfect size compartments all in one solid box. That means no separate containers to wash and lids to loose.
to write and draw little notes and pictures. The markers also work on mirror, plastic, ceramics and windows! Don’t bother trying to find them at your local stores. I called every craft store, Target, Walmart, etc, and no one carries them. You have to order them on Amazon. I also ordered the Chalkboard Contact Paper
from Amazon. It wipes clean with just a damp paper towel so I can change the note each day. And if I need to, I figure I can easily replace it or peal it off when I need to send it through the dishwasher.
So now lets open up the bento box and see how I made this fishy lunch!
I used a variety of cookie cutters for the fish shaped cheese sandwich. A large circle cutter to cut out the bread and a smaller circle cutter for the cheese scales. A small heart cutter made a perfect cheese mouth and a small triangle for the cheese tail. The eye is a Wilton Candy Eyeball.
Mickey and Minnie Inspired Crochet Diaper Covers
Shortly after I posted the pattern for my Mickey and Minnie Mouse Crochet Hats, I promised you guys I would work on matching diaper covers. I am happy to say I finally was able to work some up! This pattern is an adaptation of Crochet A Flowers crochet diaper cover pattern. And in order to give her proper credit, I will not and cannot repost her pattern so I apologize in advance if you need to jump from my page to hers to get the complete instructions for the Mickey/Minnie version. But hopefully this won’t be too confusing.
Mickey Mouse Inspired Diaper Cover:
Follow the instructions for Crochet A Flowers FREE Crochet Diaper Cover Pattern EXCEPT begin by only chaining 47. So the first 3 rows will only have 46 stitches across instead of 54.
At the end of Row 3 Count 11 stitches (instead of 16 stitches) over to attach yarn.
Continue to finish the pattern as posted by Crochet A Flowers.
Instead of attaching one button in the middle, attach two buttons like in this picture:
Minnie Mouse Inspired Diaper Cover:
Follow the instructions for Crochet A Flowers FREE Crochet Diaper Cover Pattern EXCEPT at the end of Row 3 where you attach the yarn, you will attach it 20 stitches over (instead of 16 stitches) so that in the end you will have one long strap and one short strap (so the skirt looks more like a wrap).
Sew on buttons as in this picture:
Minnie Skirt:
Materials:
Pink Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Red Heart)
Size H Crochet Hook
White buttons
Abbreviations:
HDC= Half Double Crochet
Chain 55, HDC in second chain from hook and all the way across, chain 1, turn (54 HDC)
Row 2: 2 HDC in first stitch, HDC in next, *2 HDC, HDC, *continue for the rest of row, chain 1, turn
Row 3-9: HDC across, chain 1, turn
At the end of row 9 fasten off, weave in ends.
Connect skirt to top of diaper cover by single crocheting through both the top row of the skirt and top row of the diaper cover at the same time (starting from the right end of the strap to the other end of the strap). It’s ok if the skirt is longer and hangs over a bit. When you get to the edge of the diaper cover strap, do NOT connect it to the skirt. Continue to SC around the remaining edges of the skirt (see picture below). Fasten off, weave in ends.
Sew on white buttons to skirt to make the polka dots.
Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peaks and when they will be available on my blog!
Seashell Crafts
We recently got back from a wonderful vacation in Oak Island, North Carolina. We really enjoy going to the Carolina Coast each year because the beaches are so different than the ones here in the Pacific Northwest. The water is warm, the sand is soft and there are tons of seashells! Big Brother had a great time collecting the shells each day. With so different many textures and shapes it made for a great sensory activity.
We came home with 3 ziploc bags of shells, so I knew some immediate seashell crafting was in order.
Tip: Clean your shells by washing them in the dish washer! I put them in the utensil compartment or if you have a baby bottle dishwasher basket that encloses, that would work too.
We started by making Souvenir Seashell Frames. I bought small 3×3 wood frames for $1.00 at Michael’s and painted them with white acrylic paint. I used my alphabet stamps from Mindy Mae’s Market to stamp on the location of our trip. Then I arranged the seashells and hot-glued them on! I love how the mussel shells make a sweet heart on top.
Lastly, I made some cute Seashell Butterfly Artwork. I love how when the shells come together, they form what looks to be butterfly wings.
Originally, I had big brother put together the butterflies with pipe cleaners, but then I decided to use yarn since I had more colors and it was easier to glue.
I glued the yarn onto a matte frame with Elmer’s glue and then hot glued the seashells on top of the yarn. I found a cute butterfly quote/artwork from the Craftionary. I printed it out and glued it between the matte frame and a piece of foam core. This would be beautiful hanging, or resting in an easel frame.
If you have a beach trip planned this summer, consider saving your seashells! They make wonderful souvenirs and craft projects.
Like this post? Follow Repeat Crafter Me’s Facebook Page for more craft ideas and sneak peeks of upcoming projects.
Crochet Owl Family Amigurumi Pattern
Owls seem to be popular these days and I’m not complaining! I love seeing cute little owls everywhere. I even decorated little brother’s room in an owl theme. So it was time to make some cute little crochet owls. These were actually made for Adrianne and her daughter Raya from Happy Hour Projects (Adrianne, Hope you guys like them!). Fortunately I wrote down the pattern as I went along so I could share it with all of you :o)
Daddy Owl Pattern:
Materials:
Vanna’s Choice Yarn (Barely)
Loops and Threads Impeccibale Yarn (Aqua)
Black buttons (or safety eyes) for eyes
Hook Size: G (4.0)
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)
Round 5: 2 SC, SC in next 3, around (30 SC)
Round 6: 2 SC, SC in next 4, around (36 SC)
Round 7-15: SC around (36 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 16: SC around (36 SC)
Round 17: SC decrease, SC in next 4, around
Round 18: Sc decrease, SC in next 3, around
Round 19: Sc decrease, SC in next 2, around, slip stitch to join
Work in rounds
Magic ring, chain 1
SC 6 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC, around (18 SC)
Round 4-9: Sc around
Round 10: SC Decrease, SC, around
Magic ring, chain 1
8 sc in ring ,pull tight, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each, join, leave long tail.
Weave in all other ends, attach button in center. Sew onto body, centered on color change line.
Start with pink yarn
Magic ring, Chain 1, 6 SC in making ring, do not join
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)
Round 5: 2 SC, SC in next 3, around (30 SC)
Round 6: 2 SC, SC in next 4, around (36 SC)
Round 7-12: SC around (36 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 13: SC around (36 SC)
Round 14: SC decrease, SC in next 4, around
Round 15: Sc decrease, SC in next 3, around
Round 16: Sc decrease, SC in next 2, around, slip stitch to join
Stuff, sew top edges together. Follow instructions above for sewing ears.
Wings (make 2):
Work in rounds
Magic ring, chain 1
SC 6 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC, around (18 SC)
Round 4-7: Sc around
Round 8: SC Decrease, SC, around
Sew shut and follow instructions above for sewing wings on.
Magic ring, chain 1
8 sc in ring ,pull tight, join, chain 1
Round 2: 2 SC in each, join, leave long tail.
Weave in all other ends, attach button in center. Sew onto body, centered on color change line.
Work in rounds and use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds
Round 2: 2 SC in each, around (12 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, around (18 SC)
Round 4: 2 SC, SC in next 2, around (24 SC)
Change color to brown
Round 9: SC decrease, SC in next 2, around
Stuff, sew top edges together. Follow instructions above for sewing ears.
Magic ring, SC 4 in magic ring,
Round 2: 2 SC in each around, (8 SC)
Round 3: 2 SC, SC in next, (12 SC)
Round 4-6: SC around (12 SC)
Round 7: SC Decrease, around
Eyes (Make 2):
Magic ring, chain 1, 6 SC in magic ring, join, chain 1
Change color
2 SC in each around (12sc), join, leave long tail
Update 9/14/12: I made another set of these and found that it is easier to sew on the eyes and nose before stuffing it. Also, I recommend using safety eyes instead of buttons. They look better and are easier to attach (and safer too!).
Want more free patterns? Keep in touch on my Repeat Crafter Me Facebook Page for new pattern sneak peaks and when they will be available on my blog!
Crochet Baseball Cap
“50 Reasons Why I love You” Candy Jar Gift
My husband and I are celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary today! I have heard from so many people that a good marriage takes a lot of hard work, but so far, being married to my husband is the easiest thing I have ever done. He has such a big heart and will do anything for his family. He frequently travels for business and works long hours to support and care for us. I feel so fortunate and thankful that because of him I am able to be a stay at home mom to our two boys. He even puts up with all my crafts and latest hobbies. And a lot of the time he is the only one who comments on my Facebook page posts. He’s definitely my #1 fan. We are going out on a special date this weekend so we told each other that we wouldn’t do gifts. These days we like to spend our money on our boys and not ourselves, but I felt like an anniversary card just wasn’t enough. When I saw his favorite candy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, was on the after-Easter sale, I had an idea…
I filled a jar full of 50 Reese’s mini cups and on the bottom of each candy, on a dot sticker, I wrote a reason why I love him.
The dot stickers were a perfect size (3/4″ wide) and I was able to find a pack of over 300 at the dollar store. But I am sure you can pick up them up at Target or Office Depot as well. And I loved that the stickers matched the colored candy wrappers. I finished it with a label made with my Cricut and tied it on with a piece of yarn.
I imagine that this will sit on his desk and every time he grabs a candy, he will be reminded why I love him. Not only is this a “sweet” anniversary gift, but it also would be nice for a birthday, Valentine’s Day or just because.
I will never forget our first date on August 25th, 2005. The day I met my best friend and soulmate. I love you Hubs, Happy Anniversary!
Gift Bag Tissue Window
My Cricut came with a cute little bag template that I have been dying to use. I thought it would be the perfect size to hold my Paper and Pipe Cleaner Flowers. But I wanted to add a little detail to the bags. I thought a tissue paper window would be perfect. You could do this with any shape, but since it’s Spring, I decided to use my flower punch as the window.
First cut out your paper bag. If you don’t have a Cricut, HERE is a cute little paper bag template. Make a punch in the side that will be the front of your bag. Put your glue (I used Mod Podge) on the paper around where you made the punch and then lay a tissue paper square on top. After it dries, assemble your bag.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
All four of us were sick with colds at some point in the past two weeks. And it hit hubs and I the hardest. We were in need of some hearty beef stew to help us get over this sickness once and for all!
I really try to keep the recipes I use as simple as possible. And when I am feeling under the weather, I don’t have the energy to do anything complicated. So this recipe was perfect for us since you only need a handful of ingredients and barely any prep work.
Ingredients:
– 3 16oz bags of frozen stew vegetables
– 1.5lbs cubed stew meat
– 1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 10.5oz can beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup flour
Directions
1. Dump frozen veggies in the bottom of the crock pot
2. In a separate bowl, coat the beef cubes with flour. (you can add a little salt if desired). Add to crock pot.
3. Pour can of diced tomatoes, beef broth and 1 cup water into crock pot and mix up.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Of course you could always use fresh veggies but the frozen packages were just too convenient to pass up this week. The recipe turned out great! Even little brother enjoyed it. We all had seconds and then the rest over rice the next day.
Valentine’s Candy Crochet Bags
Ok, it was officially a bad idea to wait till the last minute to make valentine’s for my son’s Valentine’s Day party. Somebody please remind me to plan ahead for next year! But I think these cute little crochet candy bags were worth the work this weekend. I just love how they turned out! And I hope the kids like them too 🙂 They are filled with Hershey Kisses but after the candy is eaten, they can use them to store all their little treasures. My son counted out 10 kisses for each bag and filled each one himself. I think he is getting excited to hand them out!
I followed Creative Jewish Mom’s gelt bag pattern with a couple little tweaks. To make the bottom wider, I started with one round of dc’s and the next round of hdc’s. Then made the bag shorter by doing a continuous sc’s from rows 5-12 (instead of 16 rows). I chained 60 for the tie and used red heart buttons for a nice finish on the ends. The tags were made by first printing out the message (with each child’s name) on card stock and then cutting it with my Cricut. I actually think this would work better if you had a circle punch since it is hard to line up the printed words with the Cricut cutter.
These could be made in many different colors for many different occasions. I am already thinking about halloween party candy bags!
Happy Valentine’s Day! XOXO
Yarn Words and Shapes
A couple weeks ago, I was searching for projects I could do with yarn (since I have so much laying around!) and came across a post called “Yarn Font” from The Journals of Giddy Giddy. Her pictures and tutorial are much better than what I have done. But I wanted to share how cute this could be sitting on your mantel or bookshelf. Especially with Valentine’s Day upon us.
And the directions couldn’t be easier.
Using pipe cleaners, create a word, letter or shape. Cut strips of yarn (about a foot or so) and wrap around pipe cleaners. You can reshape when you are done.
I love the imperfections of this project. And the possibilities are endless when it comes to color and shape. I am thinking about making little yarn animals in the near future :o)
Valentine’s GIVEAWAY!
Hello friends! I want to thank you for all the support so far in my new journey as a blogger by having a Valentine’s GIVEAWAY! If I can reach 100 Facebook “likes” by February 1st, I will give away this Crocheted Valentine’s Hat. And I will ship it for FREE!
Love Bugs
I brought out the pipe cleaners, pom poms and goggle eyes for some afternoon crafty fun. With Valentines Day in mind, we created Love Bugs by using pom poms for the body, heart shaped felt stickers for the feet, goggle eyes, and pipe cleaners for antennae!
The best part of these little critters is that the feet are stickers so you can stick them wherever you want…