This is a simple card, but it sends big birthday wishes! 🎈
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 used these Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies to cut a piece of red polka dot patterned paper and attached it to a white card. The white balloons are attached randomly over the patterned paper.
I attached the red balloon with foam tape, catching a piece of red/white bakers twine underneath. I tacked the twine with tiny drops of glue in a couple of places on the card. I added a bow made from the twine to the balloon.
What could be sweeter than a cute little gingerbread man for Christmas? 🎄 This month’s Christmas card features a little guy from the Unity Stamp Company 2023 advent calendar.
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.
You can find the other Christmas cards I’ve created each month so far this year in these posts – January, February, March, April, May, June, and July.
I added patterned paper to red card stock and attached it to a white card. Then I attached a strip of coordinating patterned paper to the card and attached the gingerbread man with foam tape.
The sentiment is stamped with green ink on white card stock and layered to red card stock. It’s attached to the card with foam tape.
Both my gingerbread man and sentiment stamps are no longer available, but any smaller Christmas stamp with your favorite sentiment would work great with this layout. 😊
Have you started creating your Christmas cards yet? 🎄
Today I have a new pattern to share with you – Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters. These work up in about 10 minutes and I love the texture of this stitch!
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 coasters using 3mm Cotton Macrame Cord with a K/6.5mm crochet hook. You can find the super quick and easy pattern below along with links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without – if you’d like to easily print it.
Crochet Granite Stitch Cotton Cord Coasters
3mm Natural Cotton Macrame Cord
K/6.5mm crochet hook
Stitches used in US terms:
Chain – ch
Single Crochet – sc
Note: don’t crochet too tightly, the cord does not stretch.
Chain 14.
Row 1: sc in the 4th ch from hook. *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch* Repeat from * to * across. Turn.
Row 2: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 3 space in Row 1. Turn.
Row 3: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 2 space in the previous row. Turn.
I used a natural color cord, but it comes in a whole array of colors to match any decor. These would also make a great gift. Tie them up with a pretty ribbon and add a cute tag. 🙂
Monochromatic cards are so pretty! This card is easy to make and you can make it in any color.
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 flowers from the Insightful Meadows stamp set from Unity Stamp Company with turquoise ink on white card stock. This particular stamp set is discontinued, but the Serene Silhouettes stamp set has images that would work great. Any simple flower or foliage stamps are great on this layout. I trimmed it close and applied turquoise ink to the edges of the piece using a blender brush.
I stamped the sentiment on turquoise card stock with turquoise ink and punched around it with a scalloped oval punch (similar to this one). I punched a slightly larger oval (here’s a similar punch) from white card stock, inked the edges with turquoise ink, and layered the scalloped oval on top.
To make the card, I embossed a piece of turquoise card stock and attached it to a white card. I attached both the stamped flower piece and the sentiment to the card with foam tape. I finished the card by adding 3 enamel dots.
This card can be used for so many different occasions – thinking of you, birthday, just a note, even for a sympathy card.
Now that school has started back up, quick and easy dinner recipes will come in handy! 😋
This is a really simple main dish recipe that comes together in just minutes. I found the recipe here at House of Yumm. It’s a great way to get all the taco flavors without the carbs from the tortillas – if you’re watching those. Or it’s just a tasty meal even if you’re not!
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.
After cutting my avocados in half and removing the pit, I carefully scooped out each half keeping it intact. I placed the halves on my plate and added the cooked taco meat. Then just add your favorite toppings – cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro – all the yummy toppings you would add to a traditional taco.
Add a side of chips and salsa or Mexican rice and you have a tasty, quick, and easy meal!
This a super easy recipe to double if you need to. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I’ve got a cute Crochet Ghost Potholder pattern for you today. 👻 It’s simple to make and will add a little spookiness to your kitchen for Halloween. 🎃
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.
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 Ghost Potholder
Worsted Weight 100% Cotton Yarn – I used I Love This Cotton in White and Black
100% cotton batting
H/5mm crochet hook
Stitches used in US terms:
Chain – ch
Single Crochet – sc
Magic Ring
Slip Stitch – ss
Potholder – Make 2
Chain 30 with White
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook. *ch 1 skip next ch, sc in next ch * Repeat from * to * across. Turn. (29 stitches)
Row 2: ch 1. sc in 1st stitch, sc in ch 1 space. *ch 1, skip next stitch , sc in next ch 1 space.* Repeat from * to * across to last stitch. sc in last stitch. Turn. (29 stitches)
Row 3: ch 1. sc in 1st stitch, *ch 1, skip next stitch, sc in next ch 1 space.* Repeat from * to * across to last 2 stitches. ch 1, skip next stitch, sc in last stitch. Turn. (29 stitches)
Rows 4-31: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 (14) times.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
To make the face:
Eyes – Make 2
Round 1: Make magic ring with Black. ch 1 and work 6 sc in ring. Join with ss to first sc. (6 stitches)
Round 2: ch 1. 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (12 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Mouth – Make 1
Round 1: ch 6 with Black. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch. Work 3 sc in next stitch. Working in the opposite side of the chain, sc in next 4 stitches. Work 3 sc in last stitch. Join with ss to first sc. (14 stitches)
Round 2: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and next 4 stitches. Work 3 sc in next stitch. sc in next 6 stitches. Work 3 sc in next stitch. sc in last stitch. Join with ss to first sc. (18 stitches)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembling the potholder:
Sew eyes and mouth onto one of the potholders.
Cut a piece of batting slightly smaller than the potholder. Layer onto the bottom potholder and place the piece with the face on top. Pin to hold in place.
Using white yarn, tack the corners and the center of each side together through all 3 layers. Go from back to front and the through to the back again. Tie the ends together in a double knot. Using your crochet hook, pull the yarn ends through the back of the potholder so they are hidden between the potholder and the batting.
Border:
With right side facing you (face side), attach yarn in bottom right corner. sc evenly around potholder through both layers, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with ss to first sc.
If you want a hanging loop:
When you get to the top left corner, sc 2 in same stitch, ch 12, sc in same stitch to make the 3rd corner stitch. Continue the sc border around to first sc. Join with ss to first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finished Ghost Potholder measures about 7 by 8 inches.
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 various ice cream images with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock. Using blender brushes with the matching stencils, I applied color from dye ink pads to each image. I used a small sponge dauber to add the circles on the yellow popsicle. Then I cut the images out using my favorite detail scissors.
Using these Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies, I die cut a piece patterned paper, layered it to coordinating card stock cut with the same set, and attached it to a white card. The ice cream images are attached to the card with foam tape.
Did you collect some beautiful seashells on your Summer vacation? I have to admit that if I am anywhere near a beach, I am going to be out looking for shells. 😊🐚
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 saw this fun way to create some Seashell Art – I wish I could remember where so I could give them credit. ☹️ Anyway, I thought I’d give it a go with a few of my many seashells I have stashed away. 😊 Be sure to soak your seashells in bleach water for an hour or so to kill any bacteria on them! Rinse and let dry before crafting with them.
You’ll need some seashells, a stretched canvas (mine is 8 by 10), spackling compound (I used this one), and a putty knife or scraper to spread the spackle. I ended up using a jumbo craft stick to spread my spackle and it worked great! And no cleanup – I just threw it away after I was done. 😊
Spread a layer of spackling compound onto the canvas – it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth – just thick enough to hold your seashells. Then push your shells into the spackle in whatever arrangement you want. Set it aside to dry completely. I let mine dry overnight. Don’t worry, the spackle will dry white!!
That’s all there is to it! Now you have a fun and different keepsake from your Summer beach vacation. 🐚
This would be a great project to make with the kids! They can collect shells on the beach and use their favorites to create their own Seashell Art. 🙂🐚
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 used the cord along with a K/6.5mm crochet hook to stitch up my trivets. 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 Granite Stitch Cotton Trivet/Hotpad
3mm Natural Cotton Macrame Cord
K/6.5mm crochet hook
Stitches used in US terms:
Chain – ch
Single Crochet – sc
Note: don’t crochet too tightly, the cord does not stretch.
Chain 20.
Row 1: sc in the 4th ch from hook. *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch* Repeat from * to * across. Turn.
Row 2: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 3 space in Row 1. Turn.
Row 3: ch 2. sc in first ch 1 space, *ch 1, sc in next ch 1 space* Repeat from * to * across, ending with a sc in the ch 2 space in the previous row. Turn.
Repeat Row 3 to desired length.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
I crocheted a total of 17 rows for my trivet.
My finished trivet measures about 6.5 by 6.5 inches.
For the larger trivet I chained 24 to begin and crocheted a total of 21 rows. It measures about 8 by 8 inches.
You can adjust the size of your trivet by simply adding to or subtracting from your beginning chain. Just be sure to chain an even number. Then follow the pattern, crocheting your desired number of rows.
These trivets are great to protect your table when serving hot dishes. They are also pliable enough to use as potholders to remove hot dishes from the oven.
Make sure to use 100% cotton cord when making your trivets/potholders so they will be able to withstand the heat and won’t melt!
Recently, some dear friends celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary! ❤️ Quite the milestone! It was fun to celebrate with them and their sweet family and friends.
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.
The 65th wedding anniversary is called the “Blue Sapphire Anniversary” so I chose to make the card in sapphire blue and white. The “happy” stamp is from the Heart of Autumn set from Unity Stamp Company. I stamped it with blue ink on white card stock and die cut around it with the matching die from Unity.
I die cut the numbers 6 and 5 from blue card stock using this set of number dies. I attached a piece of blue card stock to a white card. I embossed a piece of white card stock with a frame embossing folder and attached it to the card. This particular embossing folder is no longer available, but this would be a pretty frame on the card. I attached both “happy” and “65” to the card using foam tape.
This would be a great layout for celebrating any special anniversary – or a special birthday. And isn’t every anniversary or birthday special?!?! 🙂
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.
Creating Me 