Creating Me

USA 250 Sign🇺🇸

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

This year in the USA, we are celebrating 250 years on July 4th! 🇺🇸 I created a “USA 250” sign to add to my patriotic decor this year.

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 found my sign at Hobby Lobby on sale – it measures about 17 inches by 9.25 inches. My letters (3.5 inches) and numbers (2.5 inches) are also from Hobby Lobby. Other supplies I used are acrylic paint in red, white, blue, and brown, red and blue star patterned scrapbook paper, red and white beads, and some natural twine – this all came from my stash in my craft room. 🙂

I traced the USA letters on the back of the patterned paper and cut them out. Using Mod Podge, I attached the cutouts to the front of each letter. Then I added a thin coat to Mod Podge over the top.

I painted the frame of my sign with 2 coats of red paint. I also painted the entire back of the frame red to give it a finished look, but this is totally optional. Once dry, I painted the inside of the frame with 2 coats of white paint. I painted the numbers with 2 coats each of red, white, and blue.

To make the sign look a little rustic, I dry brushed the sign, letters, and numbers with brown paint. It also helped to hide any imperfections when painting the sign. 😉

I hot glued the letters to the center of the sign and the numbers to the frame.

To make the beaded hanger, I tied a knot at the end of a piece of natural twine leaving a short tail. Then I simply strung the beads onto the twine and tied a knot at the other end, again leaving a short tail. I used hot glue to attach the ends of the twine to the back of the frame – be careful not to burn your fingers! 😳 You can make your beaded hanger any length you want.

This project could be changed for so many different types of decor just by changing the letters and colors. It would make a cute sign with a child’s name, a family last name in colors to match your decor, a seasonal sign – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Easter, Noel, Halloween – there are so many options! You may have to change the size of your letters to fit, but you can be so creative! 🙂

Anita

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

Crochet Summer Tote Bag😎

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Just in time for all the warm weather activities, I have a Crochet Summer Tote Bag pattern to share with you today! It works up quickly holding 2 strands of worsted weight cotton yarn together. It is a great size to take to the pool, beach, or the farmer’s market this summer. 😎☀️🏖️

The tote bag is completely washable, but here are a couple of tips. Wash it in cold water on a medium cycle and lay flat to dry. Also, add a Shout Color Catcher to the washer because cotton yarn sometimes wants to run – this will help keeping the colors from running into the white.

I used I Love This Cotton Yarn in Red, White, and Royalty with an N/9mm crochet hook to stitch up my Summer Tote Bag. You can find the pattern below along with a link to a free PDF if you’d like to easily print it. There is also a link to a free PDF without photos if you would prefer that.

Crochet Summer Tote Bag

Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn – I used I Love This Cotton in Red, White, and Royalty – Two (3.5 ounce) skeins of each color

Note: You will not use all of the Royalty or Red, but you will need more than one skein of each.

N/9mm hook

Stitches used: US terms

Chain – ch

Single crochet – sc

Half double crochet – hdc

Slip stitch – ss

Back loop only – blo

Note: Bag is crocheted using 2 strands of yarn held together

Ch 36 loosely with Royalty (holding 2 strands together)

Row 1: sc in the back bump of 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1 and turn. (35 stitches)

Rows 2-5: sc in each stitch across. Ch 1 and turn. (35 stitches)

Row 6: sc in each stitch across. Ch 1. DO NOT TURN (35 stitches)

Begin working in rounds.

Round 1: Work 4 sc across end of rows. Work 2 sc in next stitch. sc in next 33 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Work 4 sc across end of rows. 2 sc in next stitch. sc in next 33 stitches. 2 sc in last stitch. Join with ss to 1st sc. (82 stitches)

Round 2: ch 1. sc in blo only of same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to 1st sc. (82 stitches)

Round 3: ch 1. Skip stitch that has the ss. sc in next stitch and in each stitch around, ending with final sc in skipped sc at the beginning of the round. Join with ss to 1st sc. (82 stitches)

Round 4: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to 1st sc. (82 stitches)

Rounds 5-10: Repeat rounds 3 and 4 (3 times). (82 stitches)

Change to White.

Round 11: ch 2. Skip stitch that has the ss. hdc in next stitch and each stitch around, ending with the final hdc in skipped stitch at the beginning of the round. Join with ss to 1st hdc. (82 stitches)

Round 12: ch 2. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to 1st hdc. (82 stitches)

Rounds 13-26: Repeat rounds 11 and 12 (7 times). (82 stitches)

Change to Red.

Rounds 27-32: Repeat rounds 3 and 4 (3 times). (82 stitches)

The next round will form the handles of the tote.

Round 33: ch 1. Skip stitch that has ss. sc in next 13 stitches. Ch 40. Skip next 14 stitches. sc in next 28 stitches. Ch 40. Skip next 14 stitches. sc in next 12 stitches. End the round with a sc in the stitch that was skipped at the beginning of the round. Join with ss to first sc. (134 stitches)

Round 34: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and each sc and ch around. Join with ss to first sc. (134 stitches)

Round 35: ch 1. Skip stitch that has the ss. sc in next stitch and in each stitch around, ending with the final sc in skipped stitch at the beginning of the round. Join with ss to first sc. (134 stitches)

Round 36: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (134 stitches)

Round 37: ch 1. Skip stitch that has the ss. sc in next stitch and in each stitch around, ending with the final sc in skipped stitch at the beginning of the round. Join with ss to first sc. (134 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finished tote measures approximately 17 inches wide by 15 inches tall plus handles and about 2.5 inches across the bottom.

Here are the free PDF links…

Crochet Summer Tote Bag with photos

Crochet Summer Tote Bag without photos

Of course you can stitch up your Crochet Summer Tote Bag in any color combo, or even just one solid color. What color will your tote bag be? 😊

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Summer | Leave a comment

Graduation Card 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

It’s Graduation season! 🎓 I needed to make bunch of graduation cards this year so I chose a simple layout that I could use for all of them.

I stamped a graduation cap with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock. I punched around it with an oval punch and layered it to a larger oval punched from black card stock. My stamp is an old one from Stampendous, but it’s discontinued. ☹️ You can also use any simple graduation stamp you have in your collection.

To make the card, I embossed a piece of white card stock with a graduation cap embossing folder (similar to this). Using these Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies, I die cut the piece and layered it to black card stock die cut with the same set. The piece is attached to a white card.

I attached a “class of 2026” ribbon that I found at Hobby Lobby to the card. The stamped image is attached to the card at a slight angle. To finish the card, I added 3 gold sequins.

Congrats to all the 2026 grads! 🎓🎉

Anita

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

No Bake Avalanche Cookies

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

No bake cookies are so quick and easy to make – and they’re yummy, too! 😋

This recipe is called No Bake Avalanche Cookies and you can find the recipe here at Cookies & Cups. They are super easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Add the crispy rice cereal and marshmallows to a large bowl, melt the peanut butter and white chocolate (I melted mine in the microwave), stir together, pour over the cereal and marshmallows, and mix well.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. I added some colorful sprinkles over the top of my cookies and then put them into the fridge until they were firm. You can make your cookies any size you want. I used a cookie scoop for my cookies.

You’ll want to store these cookies in a cool place so they don’t get too soft – in the fridge is great! You can eat them right out of the fridge or let them warm up a tad before eating them.

If you like peanut butter, I think you will love these cookies! 😋

Anita

Posted in Recipes | Tagged Recipe | Leave a comment

Last Minute Crochet Mother’s Day or Teacher Gift Idea

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Crochet spa cloths stitch up quickly and make a great gift! I’m sharing a couple of my favorite patterns if you need a last minute Mother’s Day or Teacher gift idea.🧶

Just click on each pictures or the links below to go to the posts with the free patterns.

Crochet Lemon Peel Stitch Spa Cloth

Crochet Granite Stitch Spa Cloth

Here’s a link to a free label wrap PDF for gift giving..

Crochet Spa Cloth Label

Add a couple of spa cloths along with body wash or handmade soap to a cute basket for a thoughtful gift. You could also include a gift card to a favorite store or coffee shop.

An added bonus – since these spa cloths are stitched with cotton yarn, they can also be used as dishcloths! 😊

Anita

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

Happiest Wishes – Handmade Card

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

This Woodland Wreath stamp set from Unity Stamp Company can be used for so many different occasions. I love the simple wreath and the set also includes 3 sentiment stamps.

I stamped the wreath with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on white card stock and colored it with Copic Markers.

Using these Scallops & Squares Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image and layered it to blush card stock die cut with the same set. The piece is then attached to a green card. To finish the card I attached 3 light green Dew Drops.

I used this card for a bridal shower, but with this sentiment or one of the other 2 in the set, it could be a perfect card for almost any happy occasion.

Anita

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

Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays – April 2026 Christmas Card

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

I managed to get my monthly Christmas card for April created with a couple of days to spare! 🎄You can find my other monthly Christmas card creations so far this year in these posts: January, February, and March.

This cute Santa is from the stamp set called Ho-Ho Holiday Check-In from Unity Stamp Company. I stamped him with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on white card stock and colored him with Copic Markers. Using these Scallops & Squares Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image.

To make the card, I embossed a piece of red card stock with a snowflake embossing folder (similar to this) and then die cut it with these Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies. I attached the piece to a white card and added a strip of green gingham patterned paper. The Santa image is attached over the top. The sentiment is stamped with red ink on white card stock, die cut with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies, and attached it to the card.

Have you started creating your Christmas cards yet? I promise you will be so glad if you start on them now! 🎄

Anita

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

Crochet Cluster Stitch Baby Blanket

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Baby blankets are one of my favorite things to crochet. They can be stitched up in so many different ways from simple to very elaborate. This is a simple pattern with an easy 2 row repeat that has a beautiful texture.

I stitched up my blanket using Baby Bee Yarn in the color Angel with G/4mm crochet hook. 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.

Crochet Cluster Stitch Baby Blanket

Baby Bee Sweet Delight yarn in Angel

G/4mm crochet hook

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Single Crochet – sc

Double Crochet – dc

Slip Stitch – ss

Special Stitch: Cluster – cs (yo, insert hook in stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook) 3 times. yo and pull through remaining 4 loops on the hook.

Chain 142

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook. (Skipped ch does not count as a stitch) sc in next ch. *ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch* Repeat from * to * until last 3 ch. ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in last 2 ch. Turn.

Row 2: ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch). skip first 2 stitches, cs in ch space. *ch 1, skip sc, cs in ch space* Repeat from * to * until last 2 stitches. ch 1, skip next stitch, dc in last stitch. Turn.

Row 3: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). sc in first stitch, sc in ch space before first cluster. *ch 1, sc in next ch space between clusters* Repeat from * to * across, working last sc in 4th ch of ch 4, sc in 3rd ch of ch 4. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until blanket measures about 30 inches, ending with Row 2. Turn.

Border – begin working in rounds.

Round 1: ch 1. work 3 sc in first stitch. sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each of the 3 other corners. Join with ss to first sc. Do Not Turn.

Round 2: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss *skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with ss to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finished blanket measures about 28.5 inches by 30.5 inches.

Here are the links to the free PDFs…

Crochet Cluster Stitch Baby Blanket with photos

Crochet Cluster Stitch Baby Blanket without photos

The Baby Bee Sweet Delight yarn comes in so many colors, but you can use any soft 3 weight yarn to stitch up your blanket. What color will you choose?

Anita

Posted in Baby, Crochet, Gifts | Tagged Baby, Crochet, Gifts | 2 Comments

Thoughts of You – Handmade Card

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

I recently found this stamp company called Creative Worship Stamps and they have some beautiful clear stamps with lovely sentiments.

This set is called Beautiful Bouquets. It includes 5 different bouquets and 8 sentiments. I stamped the tea pot with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored it with Copic Markers.

Using these Deckle & Stitches Nesting Die Set, I die cut around the image and layered it to purple card stock. I die cut a piece of light turquoise patterned paper with the same die set and attached it to a white card. Then I attached the stamped image over the top.

I stamped the sentiment with red ink on white card stock and die cut around it with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies. It’s attached to the card using foam tape.

A simple way to let someone know that they are on your mind.♥️

Anita

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

Broccoli Salad

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Anita

Hi friends,

Broccoli Salad is always a tasty side dish! I made this recipe from The Pioneer Woman for Easter this year and it was a hit. 😋

It’s super easy to make and you can mix it up a day ahead to give the flavors time to meld together. There are a lot of different recipes out there for broccoli salad. One of the things I love about this one is that it calls for smoked almonds and they add such great flavor.

Broccoli Salad will be a great addition to potlucks and BBQ’s this summer. You might even need to make a double batch to make sure you have enough. 😉