Creating Me

Jingle Bell Wood Bead Ornaments

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

It’s July 1st and that means it’s time for Christmas in July!! 🎄 I have some fun things planned for this month so I hope you’ll follow along with me. And if you don’t want to craft for Christmas just yet, pin my posts to your Pinterest boards for later. 😊

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.

We’ll start the month off with a fun and easy Jingle Bell Wood Bead ornament. You’ll need some jingle bells (mine are about 3/4 inch), natural wood beads (mine are about 3/4 inch), natural twine, and 1/8 inch ribbon to tie the little bows. You can also change the size of the jingle bells and wood beads to make the ornaments larger or smaller.

Begin by cutting a piece of twine about 14 inches long and thread the jingle bell onto the twine. Then thread both ends of the twine through 3 wood beads.

Tie a knot close to the top bead. I tied 2 knots, overlapping the 1st knot with the 2nd knot so my beads weren’t able to slide on the twine. Leaving a loop for hanging, tie the ends of the twine together. Trim any excess twine.

Using the ribbon, tie a bow just above the top bead and your ornament is finished! Super quick and easy to make.

This would be a fun activity to do with the kids on a hot Summer afternoon. They could make them for all their friends and be ready for Christmas gift giving.

These cute Jingle Bell Wood Bead Ornaments can also be used as package tie-ons. They will add a little jingle-y fun to all your gifts. 😊

I made another fun ornament using wood beads a few years ago in this post. It’s a little snowman and he’s so cute! It’s also a great project to do with the kids. 🎄

Anita

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

Crochet Summer Brights Can Cozy

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

Summer means bright colors, hot temps, and cold drinks! My Crochet Summer Brights Can Cozy will help protect your table – and your hands – from the condensation on your cold cans while showing off the bright colors of Summer. Such a fun make to use poolside or on the beach!

I used I Love This Cotton yarn in Bright Citrus, White, and Glowing with an H/5mm hook to stitch up my cozies. You’ll find the pattern below along with a link to a free PDF for easy printing. I added the cute flower buttons just for fun – they are totally optional. 🙂

Crochet Summer Brights Can Cozy

I Love This Cotton (4 weight yarn) – Bright Citrus, White, and Glowing

H/5mm hook

Flower buttons (optional)

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Single Crochet – sc

Half Double Crochet – hdc

Slip Stitch – ss

Special Stitch:

V-stitch – (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch

Make Magic Ring with Bright Citrus, ch 1.

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. Working in blo, sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 5-7: ch 1. Working in both loops, sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Change to White.

Round 8: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc and ch 1), dc in same stitch as ss – first v-stitch made. *skip next 2 stitches, work v-stitch in next stitch* Repeat from * to * 7 more times. Join with ss to 2nd ch of beginning ch 3. (9 v-stitches)

Rounds 9-12: ss into ch 1 space, ch 3, dc into same ch 1 space. Work v-stitch in each ch 1 space around. Join with ss to 2nd ch of beginning ch 3. (9 v-stitches)

Chang to Glowing.

Round 13: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each ch 1 space and dc around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 14-17: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew on buttons if using.

Here’s the link to the free PDF…

Crochet Summer Brights Can Cozy

I hope you enjoy this pattern! What colors will you use to stitch up your Crochet Summer Brights Can Cozy? I would love to see your makes!

Anita

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

Crochet Star(Fish) Dishcloths

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

I found this Crochet Star Dishcloth pattern on Pinterest and really liked the texture it has. It also reminded me of a starfish – probably because I love the beach so much. 😉 It made me think of the starfish we saw while we were visiting Bar Harbor, Maine a few years ago. It was low tide and this little guy was hanging out in just a few inches of water waiting for the tide to roll back in. I shared about our trip to New England in the Fall of 2016 here – it is high on my list of favorite vacations!

I chose to make my Star Dishcloths in beachy colors since I was thinking of starfish 😉 , but of course you can make them any color. I used I Love This Cotton yarn in White, Aqua, and Taupe with an H/5mm hook to stitch up my dishcloths. They work up quickly and are really fun to make!

Since they are made with cotton yarn, they can also be used as spa cloths. I think they would make a whimsical and fun hostess gift for a friend who lives near the ocean, maybe with some cute seashell soaps. Or make them in Christmas colors and get a head start on your gift making. What color will you make yours?

Anita

Posted in Crochet, Gifts | Tagged Crochet, Gifts | 9 Comments

Gingerbread Cookies – June Christmas Card

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

We’re halfway through the year which means it’s time for June’s Christmas Card design. 🎄 I’m so excited that I have kept up my goal to design and create a Christmas card each month! You can find the cards I’ve made so far here… January, February, March, April, and May. I’ve been trying to keep my cards fairly simple so I can make several at a time. I’ve made 4 to 6 cards each month which seems to be working out well for me. 🙂

This sweet card was made using the stamp set called Gingerbread Cookies from Mama Elephant. The sentiment is from the Merry Little Cupcakes stamp set from Unity Stamp Company.

I stamped the plate of gingerbread cookies with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored the image with Copic markers. Then I cut the image out, leaving a tiny white border around it.

I attached a piece of green card stock to a white card and layered a strip of patterned paper over it. I stamped “Sweet Holiday Wishes” with black ink near the top left side of the card. I attached the plate of cookies to the card using foam tape. To finish it off, I added 3 red sequins. Super sweet and simple!

This would be a cute card to attach to a plate of homemade cookies for a sweet Christmas gift. 🍪

Have you started making any Christmas cards yet? I think I’m really going to like having so many made ahead of time. 🙂

Anita

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Christmas, Stamping | 6 Comments

4th of July Star Door Hanger

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day? The 4th of July is just around the corner and I have a fun Star Door Hanger to add to your patriotic decor. 🇺🇸

Here’s what you’ll need…

Unfinished wood star hanger – mine is 10 inches wide and I found it at Dollar Tree
12 inch piece of patterned scrapbook paper
3/4 inch or 1 inch wood beads (like these and these) – I used red, white, and natural
Natural jute twine
4 inch unfinished wood star cutout
Various ribbons to match your scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Foam brush
Hot glue gun

First, trace your 10 inch star on the back of the scrapbook paper and cut out. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the wood star using a foam brush. Attach the cut out paper star to the wood star, smoothing out any wrinkles. Let dry and apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the paper. Let dry.

Make your beaded hanger by cutting a piece of twine about 16 inches long. Fold it in half and thread the beads onto the twine. I used 6 beads on mine. Pull the loop through the top bead, leaving enough for a hanging loop, and tie a knot close to the bead. Also tie a knot close to the bead at the bottom. Use an awl, or the tip of your scissors, to poke a hole through the paper at the top of the star. Thread one end of the twine on the beaded hanger through the hole and tie in a double knot on the back. Trim any excess twine.

I used the easy Re-fabbed bow method to make a bow with various ribbons I had on hand. Then I attached the bow and my 4 inch star using my hot glue gun.

This little project took less than 30 minutes to put together! It would be a fun Summer activity to do with the kids.

I think this would also be cute done in white and natural for a little farmhouse Christmas decor. I may have to go get some more supplies…😉

Anita

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

Patriotic Wreath

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have a fun Patriotic Wreath for you today! It’s super easy to make and will just take a few minutes to be ready for your front door.

You’ll need a styrofoam wreath form (mine is 14-inches), some patriotic print ribbon, your choice of embellishments, and a few straight pins. I found all of my supplies at Hobby Lobby.

Start by attaching your ribbon to the wreath form with a couple of straight pins like in the photo below.

Then wrap the ribbon tightly around the wreath form, overlapping the edges. Secure with more straight pins and trim off the excess ribbon.

If you are using a second ribbon, like my thinner blue ribbon with white stars, wrap it over the other ribbon and secure with a straight pin.

I cut a small piece of the blue ribbon, folded it in half, and attached it with a straight pin to the back of the wreath for a hanger.

Then attach the embellishments. I used hot glue to attach my curly red sparkles. The pom poms were attached to a wire stem, so I cut them down and poked the wire into the wreath – it will go right through the ribbon.

It’s the perfect wreath for your front door all Summer!

Don’t need a Patriotic Wreath? Make it in your favorite colors to match your decor – the color options are endless! Embellish your wreath with flowers, greenery, pom poms or anything else that works for you. 🙂

Anita

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

Crochet Patriotic Cup Cozy

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

Are you having a BBQ or picnic for the 4th of July? Or maybe you just want a new cup cozy for Summer? This easy Crochet Patriotic Cup Cozy works up so quickly that you can make one for all of your guests to take home with them after the party. 🙂

It’s a super easy pattern using half double crochet stitches. The white section is worked in the 3rd loop to give it a little more texture. (Here’s a great tutorial on crocheting in the 3rd loop.) I used I Love This Cotton yarn with a G/4.0mm hook to stitch up my cozies.

Here’s the pattern along with a link to a free PDF for easy printing.

Crochet Patriotic Cup Cozy

Worsted weight yarn (size 4) – I used I Love This Cotton in White, Red, and Royalty

G/4.0mm hook

Star button – optional

Stitches used in US terms:

Chain – ch

Slip Stitch – ss

Half Double Crochet – hdc

Note: chains at beginning of rounds do not count as stitches.

Chain 34 with Royalty and join to first chain with ss to form a ring.

Rounds 1-4: ch 1. hdc in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (34 stitches)

Change to White.

Rounds 5-9: ch 1. hdc in the 3rd loop of each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (34 stitches)

Change to Red.

Round 10: ch 1. hdc in the 3rd loop of each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (34 stitches)

Rounds 11-13: ch 1. hdc in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (34 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew on button if desired.

Here’s the link to the free PDF…

Crochet Patriotic Cup Cozy

Of course you can always make the Crochet Patriotic Cup Cozy in any color combo or even a solid color. It would be so fun in bright Summer colors like orange, white, and lime green!

Anita

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

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

Who likes chocolate chip cookies? 🙋🏼‍♀️ These Double Chocolate Chip Cookies take them to the next level! There are chocolate chips, cocoa, and to kick the flavor up a notch, instant coffee granules added to the batter. Oh my!

Don’t worry if you’re not a coffee fan. It’s not my favorite either – the coffee just enhances the chocolate to a richer flavor. The cookies are so tasty! You can find the recipe here at Chef Savvy.

Here they are just out of the oven. They smell amazing! If you don’t have any, I highly recommend silicone baking mats for making cookies – no more cookies sticking to your baking sheets. 😊

I made a double batch to take to a graduation party and there were only 3 or 4 cookies left so I think they enjoyed them!

Oh, and they are amazing warm and fresh from the oven – so gooey and yummy!

Anita

Posted in Recipes | Tagged Recipe | Leave a comment

A Hundred Minus One – Winnie the Pooh Card

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

My husband and I just celebrated our 40th anniversary last month! How can it possibly be 40 years?!?!? It has gone by so quickly and been filled with so much – joy, laughter, fun, hard times, good times, travel, rest, sickness, but most of all love.

The Winnie the Pooh: A Hundred Minus One stamp set from Unity Stamp Company was the perfect choice for making my anniversary card for him. I have loved Winnie the Pooh forever and the sentiment says it all. 🙂

I stamped the image and sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored it with Copic markers. Using the large scalloped rectangle die from the Scallops & Rectangles Nesting Dies from Unity Stamp Company, I die cut a piece of light blue card stock. I trimmed my stamped image to fit onto the blue die cut and attached the piece to a white card with foam tape.

Unity Stamp Company has so many great Winnie the Pooh stamps! If you are a fan, you might want to check them out. I’m hoping they will add many more to the collection.

Anita

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

Easy Crochet Granny Square Pouch

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Anita

Hi friends,

Did you see the post for my Crochet Sand and Sea Summer Tote Bag? It’s a great tote for all the Summer things! I had leftover yarn from making my tote and thought it would be great to have a little pouch to hold my drivers license, credit card, or cash that I could tuck into my bag.

I went super easy and just made a granny square. If you need a refresher on making a simple granny square, this is a great tutorial. After making my granny square, I crocheted a single crochet border working 2 single crochet in each corner. For the last corner, I worked one single crochet, chained 10, and then worked the 2nd single crochet to create the button loop.

I used I Love This Cotton yarn in Aqua and Taupe with a H/5mm hook to stitch up my pouch.

To make the square into a pouch, fold in 3 corners, leaving the corner with the chains at the top. Starting at the bottom right corner, attach the yarn with a slip stitch. Slip stitch the sides together, continuing the slip stitches around the top of the bottom corner to the other side, and slip stitch the sides together down to the bottom left corner. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Sew on the button.