Great Gifts To Make

  • Handmade Holiday: Simple Crocheted Washcloths…Pure Luxury!

    Crocheted washcloths? Really? Yes! And in any case, if you think I’ve crossed the line into crafting insanity, well I can’t take credit for this now popular idea of crocheting washcloths and dishcloths from 100% cotton yarn. I’ll have to admit, I was a bit sceptical myself! But the more crocheted washcloths I saw, the…

  • Handmade Holiday: Make A Beautiful & Simple Rosette With Crocheted Trim!

    Isn’t this sweet? If you know how to crochet (and I really hope you do!) you can whip up a bunch of these rosettes in no time from just a piece of crocheted trim that you can make yourself. They look great attached to a ready made headband, as a pin, or even a napkin…

  • You Can Make A Lace Bowl From A Crocheted Doily!

    Between you and me, I really can’t believe I made this! I’m just thrilled, totally and completely, as you will be too if you decide to make one! A crocheted bowl that’s actually usable? Yes! The secret? Fabric stiffener, you knew that of course? And if this doily looks just a bit familiar, well it’s…

  • Adventures In Needle Felting Part 1: How To Felt With Wool Yarn

    Isn’t this fun? I’m happy to say that I’ve had this idea (or something similar) in my head for a few years now, and it’s finally made its way into the physical world!  I treated myself to the basic supplies for needle felting on a trip to the US a full year ago, and today…

  • Simple Crocheted Bracelets— Make A Bunch For Gifts In No Time!

    This is quite simply the easiest and quickest crochet project I’ve ever done, short of crocheting a chain!  You may want to use them as bracelets, but honestly I’m thinking picture frames or some other decorative item!   (Check back on Tuesday to see what I just did with 9 of them, or actually started to…

  • Crochet A Wonderfully Rustic Basket From Rags!

    As you may know, I’ve been really into crocheting and knitting with rags lately. And my desire to make a crocheted basket together with the idea that one such bowl/basket would be a nice gift for my brother’s house in Sonoma led to the question: “Mom, do you have any old sheets that you don’t…

  • A Whimsical Crocheted Pin Cushion

      A while back when I made some cute but small flower pin cushions, I realized it was about time that I actually tried to design something myself. So here it is, a sculptural three tiered pin cushion! Yes, it does look like it arrived from outer space, and I have been using it and…

  • Crocheted Hexigon Baby Surprise Sweater: Super Simple, Super Cute!

      Isn’t this just the sweetest? And guess what, it really is super simple to make, believe me, I’ve already made three of them! This little sweater is made up of just two pieces that magically fold to become sweater halves, with construction inspired by the Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Sweater.  (Don’t worry, I didn’t…

  • Rosebud Magnet Party Favors Made With Craft Foam!

    I made these magnets last week very late one night because the birthday prize and treat we had planned to give each of my daughter’s 2nd grade class mates suddenly looked very small! Mom to the rescue with this magnet idea, which I also used to decorate the bag. Her classmates were so excited about…

  • Zipper Flowers At Last!

    I can now finally breathe a sigh of relief. Phew. My daughter is on her way to having a drawer full of fashionable hair accessories! What took me so long you ask? Well, life just somehow got in the way of me and the very popular zipper flower. No reasonable explanation really, especially since these…

  • Make Cute Nursery Decor Using Cookie Cutters And Polymer Clay!

    Today I am so pleased to share with you this adorable and simple project brought to you by Dana, of Studio Danale. Dana is a mom of twin three year old girls, and has a cute shop on Etsy here, where you can purchase some delightful nursery/kids decor items. And Dana also lives in Israel! …

  • Crocheting With Yarn And Jute: Make A Fun Portable Vase (Cover) Or A Water Bottle Holder

    There is something about my latest little crochet project that just makes me so happy! You may or may not feel the same way, but let me tell you why I think it’s so wonderful. First of all, I actually set out to make a water bottle holder, not a vase cover, so this metamorphosis…