Creating Me

Crochet Patriotic Mason Jar Covers

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

Summer is just around the corner! That means cookouts, pool parties, and picnics! Not to mention Memorial Day and the 4th of July! 🇺🇸 This is a fun way to add a little patriotic color to your table.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

These Crochet Patriotic Mason Jar Covers are super easy and quick to make. They fit wide mouth pint size mason jars and have so many uses. They are great to hold utensils on the table, or fill them with fresh flowers for a great summer centerpiece. There are all kinds of fun patriotic picks at the craft stores right now if you don’t want to use fresh flowers. Use them to hold straws on the picnic table. You could even put citronella votive candles in them to help keep the bugs away. 😊

You can find the pattern below. I’ve also included a link to a free PDF if you’d like to easily print it.

Crochet Patriotic Mason Jar Cover

These mason jar covers will fit wide mouth pint size jars.

I Love This Cotton Yarn – I used Red, White, and Royalty

G/4mm hook

Stitches used – US terms:

Magic ring

Chain – ch

Slip Stitch – ss

Single crochet – sc

Half double crochet – hdc

Make magic ring with Royalty chain one.

Round 1: Work 9 hdc in ring. Join with ss to first hdc. Pull ring closed. (9 stitches)

Round 2: ch 1. 2 hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (18 stitches)

Round 3: ch 1. 2 hdc in same stitch as ss. *hdc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch* Repeat from * to * around to last stitch. hdc in last stitch. Join with ss to first hdc. (27 stitches)

Round 4: ch 1. 2 hdc in same stitch as ss. *hdc in next 2 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch* Repeat from * to * around to last stitch. hdc in last stitch. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Round 5: ch 1. Working in blo, sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (36 stitches)

Rounds 6-7: ch 1. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Rounds 8-10: ch 1. hdc in 3rd loop in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Change to White.

Round 11: ch 1. hdc in 3rd loop in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Rounds 12-13: ch 1. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Change to Red.

Rounds 14-15: ch 1. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Rounds 16-18: ch 1. hdc in 3rd loop in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Round 19: ch 1. sc in 3rd loop in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (36 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Here’s the link to the free PDF…

Crochet Patriotic Mason Jar Cover

Just a little tip: when washing something made with cotton yarn, sometimes the colors want to run. I always wash in cold water and add a Shout Color Catcher Sheet to the washer. That seems to keep the colors from running into each other.

I think this pattern would also be great in bright summer colors – with stripes or even one solid color. What color will you make yours?

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Summer | Tagged Crochet, Summer | Leave a comment

Pink Balloon Birthday Wishes (Handmade Card)

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

This sweet mouse makes such a cute birthday card for a little girl – or even a big girl! 🙂

The tiny mouse is from the stamp set called A Little Mousy from Unity Stamp Company. (If you’ve followed me for a minute, you know I love this company! 😉) There are several more cute mouse stamps in the set for different occasions.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I stamped the mouse with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored her with Copic markers. Using the Scallops & Circles Nesting Dies from Unity Stamp Company, I die cut around the image and layered it to pink card stock die cut with the same set.

I embossed a piece of white card stock with a birthday embossing folder (this is similar) and attached it to a white card. I attached a strip of light green patterned paper to the card and then attached the stamped piece with foam tape. To add a little shine to the card, I applied Diamond Glaze to the balloon.

Isn’t she just the sweetest?!?! This card can be made in any color combo from pastels to brights. A Little Mousy is such a fun stamp set. 🙂

Anita

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Patriotic Popsicle Stick Stars

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have a fun popsicle stick craft that would be great to make with the kids! These Patriotic Popsicle Stick Stars are super inexpensive and easy to make.

All you need are craft popsicle sticks, acrylic paints, and a little glue. I used jumbo popsicle sticks because I had them in my craft stash, but the regular size ones would work great, too – the stars would just be smaller. 😊

I painted both sides and the edges of my popsicle sticks with 2 coats of paint using a foam brush and letting them dry between coats. I painted both sides in case they would be showing in my decor, but if you are sure you will only see the front of your stars, you can just paint the front and edges.

Then I simply glued the popsicle sticks together into a star shape. You can see in the photos below how I overlapped them. I used this Art Institute Designer Dries Clear Adhesive to glue my sticks together, but any craft glue that dries clear will work. Hold the sticks together for a minute for the glue to set before moving on to the next corner. Or use clothespins or craft clips to hold them together. I also added a little glue where the sticks overlapped for extra stability, not just at the corners.

And that’s it! Super easy and fun for the kids – and you. 😊 You can add the stars to a piece of wood to make a sign – either vertically or horizontally. Tuck them onto your tiered tray or fireplace mantel with your other patriotic decor. String them together to make a garland. So many fun uses.

How many stars will you make?

Anita

Posted in Decor, Summer | Tagged Decor, Summer | 3 Comments

Mini Crochet Patriotic Star Pillows

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

Memorial Day and the 4th of July are just around the corner! 🇺🇸 I know…the year is going so fast! 😳

If you decorate for the Summer holidays, these cute Mini Crochet Patriotic Star Pillows will add a bit of fun to your decor. They measure about 6.5 inches across and work up quickly.

I used the Blanket Yarn Crochet Star pattern from Jen Hayes Creations to stitch up my mini star pillows. Instead of using blanket yarn, I used Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek yarn – which is a worsted weight (4) yarn – and a G/4mm hook to crochet the stars. They obviously turned out much smaller than using blanket yarn which was just what I wanted. 🙂 You’ll also need some poly-fill stuffing to stuff your stars.

They are the perfect size to add to your tiered tray, tuck into your mantel decor, or to fill a basket in your entryway. The little ones will love playing with them, too! 🇺🇸

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Decor, Summer | Tagged Crochet, Decor, Summer | 1 Comment

Sending You Joy (Handmade Card)

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

I’ve had this stamp set in my collection for a while but had never inked it up. I’m trying to be more creative and use some of my older stamps or ones I have never used. 😳 Sometimes I get caught up in all the new stamps and forget to show love to the ones I’ve had for a while. 🥺

This stamp set from Unity Stamp Company is called Joy and Brighter Days. I love the tulips and how Spring-y this stamp is with the rain boots.

I made the same card layout in 2 different color combos and I really don’t know which one I like best! 🤷🏼‍♀️

The boots with tulips image is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored with Copic markers. I stamped the sentiment with sage ink above the tulips. Using the Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies from Unity Stamp Company, I die cut around the image and also die cut a larger piece of coordinating patterned paper. I attached the stamped image to the patterned paper at an angle.

To make the card, I embossed a piece of pink card stock with the Dotted Lattice embossing folder from Taylored Expressions and attached it to a white card. That embossing folder is discontinued but this is a similar one. The stamped piece is attached to the card at an angle with foam tape. To finish it off, I added a few drops of Nuvo Drops to the card.

Which color combo do you like best?

Anita

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Simply Southern Large Waterproof Tote Bag

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have been thinking about getting one of these large waterproof tote bags for a while. We try to go on a beach vacation to Florida about once a year and this is honestly something I don’t need, but it’s been on my wish list. 😊

The original large Bogg Bags run about $90 and I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much.

But… I found this dupe bag from Simply Southern here on Amazon. It’s about the same size as the large Bogg Bag and comes in several colors. I got mine on sale a few weeks ago for $60 – right now the price is $75. (We all know how prices change on Amazon.)

The color of my bag is called Lime. It is a bit more of a bright green than the pictures below show – I just couldn’t get good lighting. 🤷🏼‍♀️

The bag measures about 19 x 14 x 9.5 inches with the handles measuring about 29.5 inches. It includes a clear zippered pocket inside to hold keys, wallet, sunglasses etc.

Here it is with 4 beach towels rolled up and tucked inside. There’s still room leftover for sunscreen and snacks. 😊

The bag has a flat bottom so it won’t fall over in the sand or at the pool. And it’s made from EVA material so you can just rinse it off with the hose.

It’s not just a beach or pool tote! You can use it for so much more. It would be great for carrying your current crochet or craft project to a crafty gathering. Use it for carrying necessities on your camping trip. Fill it with things you need for your next road trip. Put it in your trunk to carry groceries. I’m sure there tons of other uses for this great tote.

It’s not the least expensive tote, but I think I will use it enough to make it worth the expense. I can fit more into it than the canvas tote I’ve been taking to the beach and I won’t have to worry about it tipping over all the time like the canvas one does. 😆

Anita

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Crochet Backpack Buddies

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

These little Crochet Backpack Buddies are so cute! I made them for 2 special girls and I hope that they love them. 😊

I found the pattern for the giraffe here 🦒 and the penguin here 🐧. I used I Love This Cotton Yarn with a G/4mm crochet hook to stitch up my Backpack Buddies. You’ll also need some poly-fil stuffing to stuff them along with some 6-8 mm safety eyes.

I found my keychain clips with split rings at Hobby Lobby. I simply threaded the splits rings through a few stitches near the top of their heads to secure them.

I decided they needed a bit of accessorizing, so I made them little scarves. 🙂 I crocheted a row of foundation half double crochet until it was long enough to tie around their necks.

They turned out so fun and cute! 🦒🐧

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Gifts, Uncategorized | Tagged Crochet, Gifts | Leave a comment

Graduation Congrats From Pooh (Handmade Card)

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

It’s almost graduation time! 🎓 This cute Winnie the Pooh stamp is a fun way to say “congrats”.

The stamp set is from Unity Stamp Company and is called Winnie the Pooh: Pooh’s Grand Adventure. It comes with a matching sentiment.

To make the card, I stamped Pooh with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock using my Misti stamp tool so I could stamp the image a couple of times and get a good, crisp image. I colored him with these Copic markers – Y19, Y21, Y26.

I die cut around the image using the Deckle & Stitches Nesting Die Set from Unity Stamp Company and layered it to red card stock die cut with the same set. Then I attached it to a white card.

I die cut the word “congrats” and glued it to the front of the card. This particular die is discontinued, but this is a similar one. You can also use your favorite graduation stamp instead. This Quickie Glue Pen is my favorite adhesive for adding small die cuts to my projects. I finished the card by adding a few red sequins.

You can see another card I made last year using this same stamp set in this post. Such a fun stamp for celebrating the beginning of a grand adventure!

Anita

Posted in Cards, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Stamping | 2 Comments

Beaded Wood Riser

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

I saw these 2 unfinished wood circles on clearance at Hobby Lobby and knew I could use them for something. 🙂 They measure 8.5 inches in diameter and are about half an inch thick. I’ve seen beaded risers in home stores and decided to try to make my own.

I already had some painted white wood beads (you’ll need enough to go around the wood circle), 1.5 inch unfinished ball knobs (you’ll need 4), and white chalk paint in my craft stash. My white beads are about half an inch in diameter, but you can use larger ones, too. Using pre-painted beads is so much easier than trying to paint them!

First, paint the wood circles and the ball knobs with 2-3 coats of white chalk paint (or acrylic paint if that’s what you have on hand). Once the paint is dry, glue your beads around the top edge of one of the wood circles. I used E6000 clear adhesive to glue on my beads. It’s a very strong adhesive, but it takes a little while to dry so you can adjust your bead placement if you need to. Let it dry for an hour or two so the beads won’t shift. Then spread a line of adhesive around the outside edge of the other wood circle and place it on top of the beads on the other wood circle. It may help to place a heavy book on top to keep it in place until the adhesive has dried.

Once the adhesive has completely dried, turn it over and glue on the 4 ball knobs to the bottom for feet on the riser.

I think it turned out really cute! It was super easy to make, but did take some time because of the drying time of the paint and adhesive.

This is a pretty way to add a little height to your decor – and I love having some of my own DIY projects scattered around my house. 🙂

I’ve also made other smaller risers – you can find them in these posts – Farmhouse Mini Wood Riser and Farmhouse Pillar Candle Risers. It’s always fun to take some paint and unfinished wood and turn it into something for your home. 🙂

Anita

Posted in Decor | Tagged Decor, Farmhouse | Leave a comment

Christmas Crew – April 2024 Christmas Card

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have a fun little card for April’s Christmas Card. The stamp I used is called Christmas Crew from Unity Stamp Company. I used the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge #44 from Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers as inspiration for my card. They release a new sketch every month to help us build our card stash before the holidays and there is always lots of inspiration on their Facebook page.

You can find the Christmas cards I’ve created so far this year in these posts – January, February, and March.

To make the card, I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored it with Copic Markers. I die cut around the image and layered it to red card stock cut with the same die set. This particular die set is no longer available, but the Wonky Stitched Mini Slimline STAX Die-namics from Mft Stamps would work great for this card. The Copic Marker colors I used are in the photo below.