One of the easiest ways to fluff up your decor for different seasons is to print out some fun seasonal art and add it to your favorite frame. It’s also super inexpensive!
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I found this free patriotic printable at The Cottage Market. 🇺🇸 This particular printable has 4 different backgrounds and 2 sizes to choose from. I printed it onto white card stock and adjusted the size on my printer to fit my frame. Super quick and easy! The Cottage Market has tons of free printables to choose from for all kinds of decor.
Another one of my favorite sites to find free printable is On Sutton Place. Let me know if you have any other sites you love for finding free printables!
Hobby Lobby has canvas bags in all different sizes – some with zippers and some without. They are a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. 😊
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This pouch measures 9 by 10.75 inches and has a zipper. I created this Crochet Mini Circle Granny Square Pouch pattern to fit the pouch. I used I Love This Yarn in White and Key Lime with H/5mm and I/5.5mm crochet hooks to stitch up my pouch. 🧶
You can find the pattern below. There are also links to free PDFs – one with photos and one without.
Crochet Mini Circle Granny Square Pouch
Materials needed:
Worsted Weight (4) yarn – I used I Love This Yarn in Key Lime and White
H/5mm crochet hook
I/5.5mm crochet hook
Canvas zippered bag measuring 9 by 10.75 inches (from Hobby Lobby)
To make the granny square section of the bag, I followed this Circle Granny Square Pattern to make 6 squares using an H/5mm crochet hook.
Join the squares together so they will slip over the bag. I sewed them together using just the back loops of each square. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Set this aside. You will join it to the bag later.
Pattern for the main part of the bag.
Stitches used US terms:
Chain – ch
Single Crochet – sc
Half Double Crochet – hdc
Slip Stitch – ss
For the main part of the pouch, use an I/5.5mm crochet hook.
Note: chains at the beginning of rounds do not count as stitches.
Round 1: ch 34. sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 33 ch. Turn your work and working on the other side of beginning ch, sc in each sc across. Join with ss to first sc. (66 stitches)
Rounds 2-8: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). hdc in same stitch as ss and each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (66 stitches)
Round 9: ss into same stitch as ss and next 2 stitches. Line up the granny square piece and ss around to attach it to the main part of the pouch. Fasten off
Round 10: Attach white yarn to the top corner of the right granny square. ch 1. (does not count as a stitch) hdc in same stitch where you attached the yarn and in each stitch around. Making sure to have 11 stitches across each square. Join with ss to first hdc. (66 stitches)
Rounds 11-17: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). hdc in same stitch as ss and each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (66 stitches)
Change to Key Lime.
Round 18: ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). hdc in same stitch as ss and each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (66 stitches)
The next Round will make the handles.
Round 19: ch 1. (does not count as a stitch) sc in same stitch as ss and in next 18 stitches. ch 14. Skip the next 10 stitches. sc in next 23 stitches. ch 14. Skip 10 stitches. sc in last 4 stitches. Join with ss to first sc. (74 stitches)
Round 20: ch 1. (does not count as a stitch) sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch and chain around. Join with ss to first sc. (74 stitches)
Rounds 21-22: ch 1. (does not count as a stitch) sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (74 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Slip canvas pouch into crocheted piece. Working in sections, apply fabric hot glue around the top of the pouch and adhere crocheted piece at Row 18 (the hdc row of Key Lime), being careful to not get glue on the zipper.
This is the fabric hot glue that I used on my crochet pouch. I also have this hot glue gun that I only use with the fabric glue so my regular hot glue doesn’t mix with the fabric glue.
This Crochet Mini Circle Granny Square Pouch is great for packing essentials for a trip, taking along a small crochet project, using as a gift bag, or carrying your iPad and notebook.
This cute pouch can be made in any color combo or even in one solid color. It works up fairly quickly and would make a great gift! 🎁
I pulled out a couple of my older stamps to create this quick and easy card.
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The rose is from the Lovely Reminder stamp set from Unity Stamp Company and it is still available. The abstract swoosh is from a long discontinued set from Stampin’ Up called Work of Art. I think you could create a similar look by dragging a small ink cube across your card stock. The sentiment is also from a discontinued set from Stampin’ Up, but you could use any sentiment you have in your collection.
I stamped the swoosh with 3 different colors of ink on white card stock. Then I stamped the rose with Memento Tuxedo Black ink over the swooshes. I used my Misti Stamping Tool to line up the rose image so I could re-ink the stamp and stamp it twice to get a little darker image. The sentiment is stamped with the green ink that I used on the bottom swoosh.
Using these Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies, I die cut around the image and layered the piece to pink card stock die cut with the same set. The piece is attached to a white card.
This is a super quick card to make. You can use any flower image in your collection to achieve a similar look. Go through your stamp collection and pull out some of your older stamps you haven’t used in a while. You may fall in love with them all over again! 😊
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My sweet little reindeer stamp and matching die are from the 2024 Advent calendar from Unity Stamp Company. This little cutie is no longer available, but any of your favorite small Christmas stamps would work great on this layout.
I stamped the reindeer with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock, colored it with Copic markers, and die cut around it with the matching die.
Following the measurements on the sketch, I cut 8 (1-1/8 inch) squares of patterned paper and attached them to red card stock. Then I attached the piece to a white card.
Using these Scallops & Circles Nesting Dies, I die cut circles from red and white card stock and layered them together. They are attached to the card with foam tape. I stamped “Merry Christmas” with red ink on white card stock and die cut around it with these Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies. Both the reindeer and the sentiment are attached to the card with foam tape. My “Merry Christmas” stamp has been a part of my collection forever and is no longer available – use your favorite Christmas sentiment from your collection on your card.
I’ve been creating Christmas cards (about 6 of each design) each month to be ready for the busy holiday season. You can find my other cards so far this year in these posts: January, February, March, and April.
This layout could be used for so many different occasions – just change the colors, image, and sentiment. 😊
I shared this post on this cute Beach Cardi Coverup a few years ago and wanted to share it with you again! The pattern is by Wilmade and you can find a link to it below. There is also a link below if you want to buy a kit that includes the pattern and the yarn you need to make the coverup. The Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn comes lots of different colors and holds up beautifully. My coverup still looks brand new after several summers and trips to the beach.
Here’s the original post…
It’s getting close to beach and pool time! ☀️ That means it’s time to make a new swimsuit coverup. 🙂
This is a fun pattern from Wilmade.com for the Beach Cardi Coverup. It’s a great beginner pattern and she includes sizes S-5XL! The coverup is made from 3 rectangles that are sewn together. She includes instructions for an optional belt. My belt is a bit different – I’ve included instructions on what I did below.
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 Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn in Aqua with a J/6mm hook to stitch up my Beach Cardi. I love this color because it reminds me of Summer and the blue waters of the ocean. But if this isn’t your color, no worries – the yarn comes in lots of other colors! You can order a Crochet Kit here in your choice of size and color of yarn and it includes the free digital download of the pattern.
It’s perfect to wrap yourself in on those windy beach days or when you head in to your favorite beachside restaurant for lunch. It’s also great while you’re lounging at the pool sipping your favorite cold drink.🥤
To make my belt, I held 3 strands of yarn together and made a chain according to the pattern. Then I worked a single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. At the end of the row, I turned, chained 1, and worked a single crochet in each stitch across. Then I fastened off and wove in the ends.
I added fringe to both ends of my belt – using 2 sets of 3 strands of yarn folded in half on each end.
You can find other photos along with a video and links to a printable PDF over on Wilmade.com. She also has patterns for beautiful shawls, hats, and other wearables – you should check out her site. 🙂
This was a fun and easy pattern to make. Looking forward to wearing it on our beach trip to Destin, FL. ☀️
I love the way this birthday card turned out! Sometimes an idea in my head really does turn out when I create it. 😉
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I stamped the word “happy” on turquoise patterned paper and die cut it with the matching die. You can find the stamp here and the die here.
I used the Say It Big die set to die cut “birthday” from red card stock and the background from patterned paper. I love this Quickie Glue Pen for attaching thin due cuts. Both words are attached to the card using foam tape.
I punched 3/8 inch circles from red and turquoise card stock and scattered them randomly on the card.
This is a great layout to use for just about anyone! It can be done in any color scheme and is a great way to send birthday wishes. 🎈
I have a quick and fun Patriotic Wood Bead Garland to share with you today. It’s so easy to make and would be a fun project to do with the kids. 🇺🇸
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.
All you need to make your own Patriotic Wood Bead Garland are some red, white, and blue wood beads and cotton butcher’s twine. These are similar to the beads I used, although the blue is royal rather than navy. I had some red with white stripes and red with white polka dots beads in my craft stash that I added to my garland. There are also some patriotic bead sets like this that would make a fun garland. 🇺🇸
I started out by making a tassel for the first end. I wrapped twine around my fingers 20-25 times to get the size I wanted. Then I tied another piece of twine tightly near one end. Trim the loops at the opposite end and your tassel is ready.
I cut a long piece of twine – about 6 feet – and threaded one end through the loops at the top of my tassel and tied a double knot. I used a crochet hook to help make it easier the get through all of the loops.
I threaded the other end of my long piece of twine onto a large-eyed needle and started to string the beads onto the twine. I threaded the short end from the knot on the tassel through the first few beads to help secure it. Continue threading beads onto the twine in whatever pattern you like until your garland is the length you want.
When you have your garland the length you want, make another tassel for the other end. I threaded the twine from my garland through the top of the tassel and tied it as close to the last bead as I could with a double knot. Then I took another piece of twine and tied it around the tassel near the top. I trimmed the loops at the bottom to finish the tassel.
Here is the finished garland. It measures about 57 inches plus the tassels on each end.
This Patriotic Wood Bead Garland will make a fun addition to your decor from Memorial Day through the 4th of July! You can drape it onto your tiered tray, hang it on your mantel, or arrange it on a coffee table tray. I think it would also look great wrapped around a grapevine wreath on your front door. 🇺🇸
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.
Today I’m sharing how I’ve organized my stencil collection. Taylored Expressions has this great binder for storing their stencil sleeves that fit 6 by 6 stencils. They also have a set of 6 by 6 dividers that includes some printed labels along with blank labels to organize your stencils into categories.
The binder will hold up to 40 stencil sleeves and I think you could easily put 2 stencils in each sleeve. I cut gray card stock to 6 by 6 inches to slip into the sleeve behind the stencil to make it easier to see what it looks like. I also have labels for each stencil attached to each sleeve. I need to redo the labels so they are at the bottom of the sleeve instead of the side. I had them stored a different way when those labels were applied and now I think it would be better to have them at the bottom. I’ll use my Brother P-Touch Label Maker to make the new labels. I guess that will be my next project. 😊
I have a few slimline stencils that measure 6.25 inches long, but because the sleeves are open at the top I’ve still been able to include them in the binder. You can see them peeking out at the top of the photo on the right above.
This is a great way to keep all of my stencils in one place and the binder takes up very little space on my shelf.
It’s graduation season and I have a fun card for you today that can be given to any graduate. It’s super easy to make and only takes a few minutes. 🎓
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 Say It Big die set from Unity to die cut the word “congrats” from white card stock. I die cut the matching background from red card stock and attached the word to it using my favorite Quickie Glue Pen. The piece is attached to the card with foam tape. To finish the card and add a little bling, I randomly added red sequins and gold sequins.
This card would be fun to make in school colors. It would also be cute in primary colors for a preschool or kindergarten graduate. 🎓
A couple of weeks ago we were able to take a few days for a getaway to Gatlinburg, TN. We live just a few hours away and it’s one of our favorite places to go and relax. We love to get a hotel room or condo that has a balcony overlooking the Little Pigeon River so we can watch the water flow by. So peaceful!
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On our way to Gatlinburg through the mountains, we were following this fun Airstream camper. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of The Silver Beagle! 😊
As we were rounding the bend on the winding mountain road towards Gatlinburg, we were surprised by a stunning view of the trees still covered in snow! It was quite a surprising sight to see and thankfully there was a parking area that we (and everyone else) were able to pull into. I snapped a few photos because it was so beautiful. The photos really don’t do justice to the scene. The temperature on the mountain was about 40 degrees that day so I’m sure the snow didn’t last too much longer, but what an unexpected treat to see it!
We stayed at the Historic Rocky Waters Inn which was a new place for us. It dates back to 1935, but no worries, it is completely updated and beautiful. 😉 We had a wonderful room with a king bed and balcony overlooking the Little Pigeon River. The balcony had 2 rocking chairs, a little table, and an outdoor rug. It was just perfect!
The room was well equipped with a Nespresso coffee maker, tea bags, real ceramic coffee mugs, and glass glasses – no paper or plastic cups! There was a small fridge with a glass door – great if you’re like me and tend to forget things in there when it’s time to leave. 🙄 There was also a small safe in the room.
They met us at our car and showed us to our designated parking spot which is under the hotel so it is covered which is nice if it happens to be raining. Their customer service was great! We ran out of coffee so we texted them to let them know and they left a whole box of the little pods at our door. Everything was done through text including our check out. Oh, and there is no key/keycard to keep track off – each room has its own keypad entry.
Can you tell how much we enjoyed staying here? It’s on the main Parkway, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of all the shops and restaurants that it’s very peaceful. It’s just a short walk to anything on the strip.
We took a short drive into Great Smoky Mountains National Park along a beautiful winding road to visit Daisy Town. Daisy Town is called the birth place of tourism in the Smokies. The quiet road has a number of preserved vacation homes built between 1910 and 1935. You can’t rent them out, but they are fun to wander into. The area was originally a logging camp until 1925 when the logging industry here ended. This was a favorite vacation spot for the wealthier people of mainly Knoxville, TN until the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934. You can find a little more info here and here if you’re interested.
I can see why people loved to vacation here. It is very quiet and beautiful!
This little blue house was one of my favorites. I loved the big front porch and the large covered back deck for catching the breeze. The linoleum in the front room must have been really pretty in its heyday and look at that amazing farmhouse sink! This seems like it would have been a great place to get away from everything for a while.
I love the big wrap around porch on this one!
The beautiful flowers added some lovely spring color along the Parkway.
Gatlinburg, TN has something for everyone. Camping, hiking, beautiful drives, yummy food, lots of family activities, and gorgeous scenery. We’ve been there quite a few times and never tire of it!
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 