Creating Me

Candy Cane Inspired Crochet Ornaments

Posted on November 13, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Red and white are traditional Christmas colors that are so fun and festive. I was inspired by candy canes to create this cute crochet Christmas ornament. It’s super quick and easy to make.🎄

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 stitched up my ornament using I Love This Yarn in Red and White using an H/5mm crochet hook. You’ll also need a clear plastic 4 inch disc ornament. I found my plastic ornaments at Hobby Lobby in a package of 8.

You can find the pattern below along with links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without – if you’d like to easily print it.

Candy Cane Inspired Crochet Ornaments

Worsted weight (4) yarn in Red and White – I used I Love This Yarn

Clear plastic 4 inch disc ornament

H/5mm hook

Stitches used (US terms):

Chain – ch

Slip Stitch – ss

Single Crochet – sc

Half Double Crochet – hdc

Note: Chains at the beginning of each round do not count as stitches.

Make 2 circles.

Make a magic ring with color Red, Ch 2.

Round 1: Work 12 hdc in ring. Join with ss to first hdc. Pull ring tight. (12 stitches)

Round 2: Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in same stitch as ss and each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (24 stitches)

Change to White.

Round 3: Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in same stitch as ss, hdc in next 2 stitches. *2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in each of next 2 stitches* Repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to first hdc. (32 stitches)

Change to Red.

Round 4: Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in same stitch as ss, hdc in next 3 stitches. *2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in each of next 3 stitches* Repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to first hdc. Change to color B. (40 stitches)

Change to White.

Round 5: Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in same stitch as ss, hdc in next 4 stitches. *2 hdc in next stitch, 1 hdc in each of next 4 stitches* Repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to first hdc. (48 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Place circles with wrong sides together. Attach Red through both circles in any stitch of Round 5 with a ss. Chain 1. sc in same stitch as ss through both layers. Continue with sc around, slipping ornament inside, until the crocheted pieces are tight around the ornament top.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Here are the links to the free PDFs…

Candy Cane Inspired Cochet Ornaments pattern with photos

Candy Cane Inspired Cochet Ornaments pattern without photos

You can also make these cute ornaments in any color combo or even in a solid color. They work up quickly and would make great gifts, too!🎄

Anita

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

Paper Hugs – Handmade Card

Posted on November 11, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

I can’t get enough of these adorable little mice from Unity Stamp Company! 🙂 This cutie is from the set called The Little Cardmakers.

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 image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on white card stock and colored him with Copic markers. Using these Postage Stamp Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image.

To make the card, using the same die set, I cut a piece of orange patterned paper and bright green card stock. Then I attached them to a white card at an angle. The stamped image is attached over the green card stock. The sentiment is stamped with orange ink on white card stock, die cut with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies, and attached to the card.

This will make a fun Thanksgiving card, birthday card, or thinking of you card. 🧡💚

Anita

Posted in Cards, Fall, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Fall, Stamping | Leave a comment

Dollar Tree Gnome Christmas Ornaments

Posted on November 10, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Did you know that you can make Gnome Christmas Ornaments using wood Halloween cutouts from Dollar Tree? They are so easy to make!🎄

You’ll need the witches hat and ghost wood cutouts along with 1/2 inch split wood balls, some Christmas scrapbook paper, ribbon, and buttons. You’ll also need some white, gray, and pink acrylic paint and Mod Podge.

First, paint the hat and ghost with 2 coats of white paint. I painted the backs also to give it a more finished look, but that’s totally optional. Once dry, I used a stiff brush to dry brush a little gray on the “beard” and along the edges. It didn’t show up well in the photos, but it adds a little depth to the beard. Next, paint the split wood balls with pink paint.

Trace the hat on the back of the scrapbook paper and cut out. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of the hat and attach the scrapbook paper. Then apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper.

Glue the hat to the ghost, covering up the ghost face. Glue the pink wood ball under the hat for the gnome’s nose. Attach a piece of ribbon to the hat. Tie a button with some natural twine and glue the button over the ribbon. I used E6000 clear adhesive but I think hot glue would work, too.

Punch through the paper where the little hole is at the top of the hat. Tie a piece of natural twine through the hole for the hanger.

These Gnome Christmas Ornaments are so cute and fun! They will be great on the tree, to decorate a wreath, or as package tie-ons. You can even make them look like Santa with a red hat, some white felt or fuzzy cotton on the brim, and a little white pom pom on the tip of the hat.🎅🏻

Anita

Posted in Christmas, Decor, Gifts | Tagged Christmas, Decor, Gifts, ornaments | Leave a comment

Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloth

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

The crochet waffle stitch is such a fun stitch and it has a great texture. It works so well for stitching up spa cloths – the texture gently exfoliates as you are using it. I created a simple pattern for a spa cloth made with cotton yarn.

I stitched up my spa cloths using I Love This Cotton yarn in White, Parchment, and Antique Cream with an H/5mm crochet hook.

You can find the pattern for my Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloth below along with links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without – if you’d like to easily print it.

Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloth

Worsted weight cotton yarn (size 4) – I used I Love This Cotton in White, Parchment, and Antique Cream

H/5mm crochet hook

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Double Crochet – dc

Front Post Double Crochet – fpdc

Single Crochet – sc

Slip Stitch – ss

Back Loop Only – blo

Chain 23

Row 1: dc in the back bump of the 3rd ch from hook. (Skipped 2 ch does not count as a stitch.) dc in the back bump in each stitch across. Turn. (21 stitches)

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). *fpdc around next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches* Repeat from * to * across to last 2 stitches. fpdc around next stitch, dc in last stitch. Turn. (21 stitches)

Row 3: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). dc in next stitch. *fpdc around next 2 stitches, dc in next stitch* Repeat from * to * across to last stitch. dc in last stitch. Turn. (21 stitches)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until spa cloth measures about 5.5 inches, ending with Row 2.

Do not turn after last row.

Begin working in Rounds.

Round 1: ch 1. sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with ss to first sc.

Round 2: ch 1. sc in blo in each stitch around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with ss to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finished spa cloth measures about 6 inches by 6.5 inches.

You can easily change the size of your spa cloth by changing the number of stitches in the beginning chain or adding or subtracting the number of rows. Just be sure your beginning chain is in multiples of 3 plus 2 stitches.

Here are the links to the free PDFs…

Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloth pattern with photos

Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloth pattern without photos

These spa cloths make great gifts and you can make them in any color! Add a couple to a cute basket with some body wash and lotion – maybe add some yummy chocolates, too. I’ve included a free PDF for my simple label wrap for gift giving. Simply print it onto your favorite card stock, cut it into strips, wrap it around the spa cloth, and secure it with tape.

Crochet Spa Cloth Label

What color will you make your Crochet Waffle Stitch Spa Cloths?

Anita

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

A Little Fall Hello – Handmade Card

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

This cute little guy from the Mice & Cozy stamp set from Unity Stamp Company is so fun for sending Thanksgiving wishes. 🍁🍂

I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on white card stock and colored him with Copic markers. Using these Scallops & Circles Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image. Then I added light blue ink to the piece using a blender brush.

I die cut patterned paper with these Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies and attached it to a white card. I stamped the sentiment with brown ink on white card stock, die cut around it with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies, layered it to brown card stock die cut with the same die set, and attached it to the bottom of the card. The stamped image is attached to the upper left of the card. To finish the card, I added 2 little wood leaf embellishments.

This sweet little guy would also make a great Fall birthday card! 🍁🍂

Anita

Posted in Cards, Fall, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Fall, Stamping | Leave a comment

Easy White Chicken Chili

Posted on November 3, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Looking for a warm and cozy meal on a crisp Fall evening? Try this tasty White Chicken Chili. It’s super easy to make – just add a side salad and some cornbread for a perfect Fall dinner.

White Chicken Chili

1 lb chicken breasts (or you can use ground turkey)
1-1/4 cups chopped onion
4 oz. can diced mild chiles
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2 (15 oz.) cans Great Northern beans
10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1/4 cup dried parsley (Sometimes I leave this out and it’s just as good!)
garlic salt to taste

Boil chicken until done and shred (or brown ground turkey).

Mix together with onions, green chiles, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Place in a Dutch oven. Add chicken broth, Great Northern Beans, tomatoes, parsley, and garlic salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Serve with your favorite cheese sprinkled on top.

You can also place the cooked chicken with the rest of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-4 hours.

This freezes well so go ahead and make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal on a busy night!

Anita

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Happy Halloween! 🎃

Posted on October 31, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Just popping in to say Boo! and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🐈‍⬛

I hope you get some of your favorite treats today. 🎃

You can find the details for this cute card in this post if you’re interested.

Anita

Posted in Cards, Halloween, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Halloween, Stamping | Leave a comment

Photos From Our Trip To Charleston, SC

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

We took a trip to Charleston, SC in September and I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos with you. It’s a beautiful city filled with history and good food – a great place to visit.

Angel Oak Tree – estimated to be over 400 years old

United States Custom House – built in phases from 1853 to 1879

A few of the beautiful homes near the waterfront.

We also spent a few days on Sullivans Island, SC just steps from the beach.

And I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of Mugdock Castle on Sullivans Island. It was originally built as an Episcopal Church in the late 1890s. It is now renovated and available as a rental on VRBO. This is a great article I found about it at Charleston Living Magazine.

There is so much history in Charleston. From Fort Moultrie first built in 1776 during the Revolutionary War to Fort Sumter where the Civil War began. There is also the sad and awful history of the slave trade which was very active due to the port of Charleston.

Downtown Charleston is a very walkable city, but you can also take horse drawn carriage tours to view all the sites. There is everything from beautiful old homes, to restaurants in restored old buildings, to modern shopping along King street, to beautiful views of Charleston Harbor from Charleston Waterfront Park. And don’t forget to visit Charleston City Market – it’s 4 blocks long with all kinds of vendors including local seagrass basket weavers.

We stayed in the Church Street Inn Historic Charleston. The Inn is steps from the City Market and within walking distance of everything else. The staff was very kind and helpful and our “room” was actually a 2 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath suite with a full kitchen. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

If you get a chance to visit beautiful Charleston, I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Anita

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Gather the Goodness – Handmade Card

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

The Mice & Cozy stamp set from Unity Stamp Company makes the best Fall cards! 🍁🍂 It includes 3 cute little mice and 3 sentiments for all the different Fall occasions. This little guy is gathering up the goodness for a Fall feast. 🙂

I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on white card stock and colored him with Copic markers. I die cut around the image with these Scallops & Squares Nesting Dies and added light blue ink to the piece using a blender brush.

I added a piece of brown card stock to a white card. Using these Postage Stamp Nesting Dies, I die cut a piece of patterned paper and attached it to the card. The stamped image is attached to the card with foam tape. I finished the card by adding 3 gold sequins.

A perfect little card for a Fall birthday, Thanksgiving, or just a little Fall hello. 🍁🍂

Anita

Posted in Cards, Fall, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Fall, Stamping | Leave a comment

Mini Fall Pallet

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

These little wood pallets from Dollar Tree are great for crafting. They measure about 6 by 4 inches and can be decorated in so many ways.

This Mini Fall Pallet is easy and quick to make. You’ll need the pallet along with a small wood pumpkin cutout, a fall wood word cutout, a few fall leaf embellishments, fall scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and white and brown paint. I had all my supplies in my craft stash, but you can find the pumpkin, similar wood words, and little leaves at Hobby Lobby or Dollar Tree.

First, trace the pumpkin on the back of the scrapbook paper and cut it out. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the pumpkin and attach the paper. Then apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top. Once dry, using a stiff brush, add brown paint to the edges of the pumpkin.