It's spring! And what better way to celebrate than to dig up an old hobby, beading. 

These necklaces took a long time to make but I love every single one of them. 

For the first time ever I'm offering to sell them.  I've started an etsy.com account to promote my handmade crafts and these 4 necklaces are my first items!  Check them out on etsy.







Which one's your favourite?







I'm happy to make any custom necklaces, or crochet stuffed animals, hats, or blankets.  If you see something on my craft blog that you're interested in please let me know!

Tags: Other Crafts

Another challenge from my good friend Holly!  She's taking her kids to Disney World and requested Mickey hats for her two little ones.

Holly sent me measurements for the hats and I got to work on this custom request.  I used a general double crochet hat and then added my own details.



Since this hat is made for an active little boy I decided a chin strap was probably a good idea (and oh so cute!).



Holly asked for two Mickey hats but I couldn't resist turning her daughter's into a Mini Mouse hat.  The bow is removable so it's the best of both worlds.



If you need custom hats made for your kids please write me and let me know.  Maybe I can help you out!

P.S. Holly, I expect pictures!

Tags: Crochet Projects

I designed this one-page website to promote the Optimist Club of Uxbridge's popular Duck Derby event.

It is a simple online purchase and payment site. You can conveniently visit the site and purchase rubber ducks for the derby this year. Visitors will use the popular and trusted PayPal payment system. You can see the site at www.uxbridgeduckderby.com!

Tags: Graphic Design

A rewarding and simple at-home project.  Anyone can do this.  The results are beautiful and will make you smile every time you walk past your finished project.

First, find an old, used and inexpensive piece of furniture that you can rejuvenate.  Here's my before bookcase:



I didn't think my bookshelf was quite fancy enough for what I envisioned so I added quarter round (edging) around the outside. I filled any holes or cracks with wood filler.

It's best to fully clean the entire surface first. After, if your chosen piece is wood, you'll need to sand it so the paint will adhere properly to the surface. Vacuum and clean the surface again when done. 

If it's not wood you'll need to speak with a professional at your local hardware or paint store to find out what the best primer will be.

Use a paint primer before you apply your colour coats.  I used white and needed to apply three layers.  Let the paint completely dry, two or three days, before you apply any wallpaper.

Cut your wallpaper to fit the spaces before you get it wet or apply any adhesive.  Apply your wallpaper, let dry and Voila!



Find a home for it and fill it with your favorite things!  I love mine!



Please write if you have any questions.

Tags: Other Crafts

My good friend's birthday is today!  So I've posted a baby blanket I made for her a while ago just before her beautiful baby boy was born.



This is the first fully quilted blanket I've ever made and I'm very proud of it.  I'm so happy it has a good home.

A great and easy recycling project.  These beautiful pet beds are made out of old sheets!  It's lots of fun to visit your local Value Village or Goodwill to find the most outrageous and colourful bed sheets for this project.



You start by ripping or cutting your sheets into 1 - 2 inch strips. You then attach your strips together for crocheting.  You'll need to purchase a very large crochet hook or you can try using your fingers.

Here's a great website to learn more: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html. 



You start off by making a rag rug similar, if not the same, to the one illustrated on Vintage Chica's blog. When you've reached a point where your rug is a little larger than how big you want the base of your pet bed you can start decreasing your crochet stitches (dec sc).  You might find it slightly difficult at first but by the time you make your second bed, you'll be a pro!


Good Luck!

Tags: Crochet Projects