Friday, December 24, 2021

Crochet Pieces I've Been Working On

I started crocheting last February. Here are some things I have made since I lasted posted my crochet pieces in July. Except for the ornaments, these have been requests by people actually willing to pay me to create them. Apparently, the mistakes I made in them came across as "having character". I really enjoy having new and challenging projects to work on.

This little puppy was made with velvet yarn. It is really slippery to work with. The kiddo that received it, snuggles with it each night when she goes to sleep.

A friend requested an Alligator Loki for her son. I tried my best.

I was asked to try and make a cat based off of this beautiful animal. It did not turn out like I wanted it to. After this picture was taken, I added eyelids to change the shape of the eyes and whiskers. That made it look a bit less like a Dr. Seuss character. This was the first time I had to brush out acrylic yarn to make it look like fur. Whew, that took FOREVER!

My principal asked if I could make her daughter a purple cat. It turned out much smaller than I expected.

I still have not finished this dog. I love the way the body turned out. The legs are a bit wonky but still okay. I have made the head at least three times. I can't get it quite right. For now, I have set it aside and will someday go back and finish it. I gave the person who asked for a dog, a cute little beagle instead of this one.

Another request for a purple cat. This one was made with velvet yarn and turned out twice as big as the other purple cat.

Instead of Christmas cards, this year I made ornament cards for my teaching team.
My aunt saw these ornaments posted on my facebook page and asked if I could make and send her a few. Hobby Lobby has so many cute Christmas themed buttons. These came together quickly.


The person who asked for the black cat, asked if I could make a caracal for her other kiddo. I told her I would try my best. I made one and HATED it.
So, I started over and tried again. I think they are both a bit sad. She still bought them.
This is a picture her son drew of a caracal.

I made a hedgehog for Boogs for Christmas. I think our elf is going to leave it for him on Christmas morning. The yarn is a little too dark to look like Nebraska, our pet hedgehog. I think it turned out cute.

Right now, I am almost finished making an Exorcist doll. It looks HORRIBLE and not much like it should, but it is a jokey Christmas gift for a friend. The green yarn is supposed to look like projectile vomit. So gross, but I bet it will get a good laugh.

Next, I want to try and make a cardigan sweater. I am not very good at following a pattern. I lose count and just start winging it. Thinking about trying to make sleeves come out an even length seems a bit intimidating.

Have you been crocheting, knitting, or crafting anything lately? 


Feeling A Little Christmasy

We have been off of school for almost a week. Unfortunately, we are unable to go visit my in-laws like we usually do this time of year. So far, we have been having a very quiet break.

I have been doing quite a bit of crocheting. 

Boogs and Daddy are practically the same height this year.

We have been having lots of family pool tournaments. 


It was even chilly enough to use the fireplace. The fireplace program on Netflix looked and sounded better than our fire. So, we had that turned on, too.

We have been playing around with some of the activities Cutesy the Elf has bought us.

We have been going on a few walks to enjoy the beautiful Texas sunshine.


80 degrees in December does not feel very Christmasy.

We drove to Marble Falls to see the Walkway of Lights. It was a nice way to spend the evening.












Another Week of Cutesy the Elf 2021

Cutesy the Elf continues to find new ways to surprise us each morning. My favorite thing he has done this year is to get breakfast ready for Boogs.

Cutesy bunched up aluminum foil into a tube and used hot glue to keep the Fruit Loops in place.

Cutesy brought some yummy hot cocoa.

Cutesy created a workout corner. He was using resistance bands and his own dumbbell and barbell weights. 
Cutesy brought a balance challenge. You have to balance the cardboard strip on top of a tp roll tube and then build the cup tree on top of it.
Decorating with pom poms was harder than it looked. One false move and the entire thing could fall over.
Daddy pulled out a tape measure to find the exact center of the cardboard piece before he started his tree.
Cutesy reminded Boogs that he should give these unopened Tinkercrate Kits to someone who will use them. They are from a monthly subscription box gift he received 6 or 7 years ago. Boogs was never interested in them. We have found them a good home with a kiddo who will enjoy them.

What has your elf been up to?

If you want to see over 200 other visits from Cutesy, you can find them on his Pinterest board HERE.

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Homecoming 2021

 Homecoming 2021

Boogs is now a sophmore in high school. He has been friends with Z since they were in preschool together. Z asked Boogs to go to her school's homecoming dance. Boogs and I met up with Z and her mom at the prayer garden on the grounds of the church where they went to preschool. It was so cute. They were both nervous. These are all the pics I go that day:








They had a great time and I had fun crafting for Homecoming week.

I made a mum for Z to wear to school on the day of the homecoming game.


Then I tried my best to make a proper corsage. I think it turned out great and cost one fourth of what the flower shop wanted to charge. (Just ignore my old, wrinkly hand :-)

Boogs and Z had a great time at the dance. I had fun learning a new crafting skill.