Enjoy the Little Things

Hello!  Today I'd love to share with you some cards that I've made the last couple days.  

It's been awhile since I've been into the papers and it was fun. 

As this year is drawing to a close, I am thankful for all that the Lord  has blessed me with, including the crafty space where I can sit and create.  

As we head into a new year, I want to consider each new day...the little things.  

I know it's a time of year people are dreaming big, and have grand plans and intentions for the new year.  But let us think on the little things.  To give attention to the details of each thing we do. 

May we dig deep into the Word of God and think on these things throughout our days.  It doesn't have to be big or grand....but the important things often come through the process of the: 

little things.  

It's good to show little kindnesses as we go about our days.  

Even just a gentle smile or a thoughtful gesture.  

I was given this stamp by a sweet lady and I just love it!  

Sometimes I've fallen into the trap of thinking that being a true friend means being in continual contact with someone.  But no, real friends can spend time apart, and then just pick up where they left off.  They can enjoy time together when possible, share and pray for each other.

Then there is always a need for these quick special cards.  

The ones that can be used for many different occasions.  

For special days come in many different ways. 

I love to have these cards around as well...for the times when you just want to tell someone that they are special to you.  

For times when you know someone who is ready for something new.  

Another for just a special day: a birthday, or special occasion, or just because you may have been feeling bad/sick and are now on the mend.  A day when anything can be enjoyed.

It's good to have thank you to share.  For those that the Lord brings into your life to care for and bless you.  Don't think that those little moments of kindness that you do go un-noticed.  

Thank you for dropping by!  Praying that you have a wonderful day, and as we head into a new year.  Consider the little things.  

Winter Frost and a New Hat

Hello! How is your day?  

Here in the Yukon it's gotten cold and frosty again. 

It's fun to go outside and see new places of frost and fresh snow.  

It's been so icy with the warmer temps we had that the slippery ice is starting to get covered up and is safer to get around on now.  

I love ice crystals, and how they are just a bundle of intriguing shapes, often glowing in the light.   

It's so interesting to have the kids study the intricate details of these crystals, and to see the variety that is created.  Plus, tasting goes on as well.  You know the scientific kind. 

~smiles~

I also love the frost on the side of boards.  

With some fresh snow that we had, we have been watching the variety of prints that criss crossing our yard.  Mice, squirrels, dogs, birds, and kids.  :)  

There is even a squirrel highway across the river from our place to the other shore as they are going back and forth to the feeders and the squirrels are chasing each other trying to fend off intruders to their territories.  You might need to click on the picture below to see it larger to see the highway.  

The river is still open is a couple spots, but is freezing over again quickly with the colder temperatures. 

Unfortunately the trail we often walk up the river has had so much overflow on it that it's too dangerous to tread now.  Below you can see where the trail curves around by the trees, and to the left drops off to the river. 

If you ever fell, you'd just slide right down...not safe! 

Lots of pretty frost along the over flow though. 

With the colder temps I decided to use a new ball of yarn I was given to make a new hat.  

I am kinda one to lean toward the slouchy hats, so this was perfect for me.  

It kind of looks tight around the brim, but it's very stretchy and very soft! 

I did modify it a touch.  I started off with a 5.5mm hook, and did the brim with a 5mm hook.  

The yarn is from Stitch Studio, and the pattern I used is:

Beanie: Acquanetta Ferguson Found at Olive + Brook.

Thank you for dropping by!  I hope you are enjoying the joy of winter!  

It's amazing that this year is coming to a close quickly.  

Crocheted Snowflakes

Hello!  Welcome to my blog today!  Thanks for dropping by!

Today I have some crocheted snowflakes to share with you. 

Our snow has been melting a lot outside and as I looked at our snowmen displayed on the bookshelf it looked like they needed something to compliment them.

We enjoy winter up here in the Yukon, and this is just a fun addition. 

I bought some new white cotton thread, pulled out my tiny needle (#7 Milward) and got to work. 

There are a ton of wonderful snowflake patterns on Pinterest, but I chose just a few. 

Then I hung up the snowflakes above the snowmen, 

using fishline and a random branch I got from by the wood shed.  

I pulled out a couple of these cool non-marking hangers and stuck them to the log. 

The branch set in the hooks nicely.

One thing to remember when tying fishline is to put the line through the loop twice before pulling tight.  I suppose if I were a fisherwoman I'd know how to do it without thinking.

They make a fun new addition to the hall and our snowmen display. 

It's amazing that these dainty little snowflakes don't take a huge amount of time to create. 

I know that you can block them, glue them and other things, but I for some reason like the softness of them just like this. I did smooth them out with my fingers.  

Thank you for dropping by, and when you have time, 

just think about the amazing detail that God has created in each and every snowflake.  

Such a great God he is!  

Blankets for My Boys

Hello!  I'd love to share with you some crocheted blankets that I have made for my sons this past few months.  

I used the Country Fair Chevron Crochet Pattern. 

One in camouflage for my youngest son, 

and the other in chocolate chip/ oatmeal twill for my oldest son.  

When I was young I was given a crocheted blanket from my mother (as were my brothers) and I cherish it still!  

Thus far my boys are loving theirs and the blankets help to keep them warm during sleep and play!  

Do you have any such keepsakes?  

Do you still use yours if you do?  

I hate to just put things away and not use them.  They were created to be used, so used they are!  

I hope you are enjoying something to snuggle up with during the colder winter temperatures!  

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Homemade Doggie Booties

Hello!  Today I'd love to share with you some dog booties that I made for my dog.  

We looked all over but couldn't find any that suited, so I looked at some at the pet store that were for smaller dogs and figured I could do the same. 

I went to a sewing shop and bought some velcro without the sticky stuff on it.  

I missed a picture of the fleece before I started.  

I cut it into strips 12 inches long by 4 inches wide.

I cut the poky velcro strip to 4 inches and sewed it on close to the top of the felt.  

Then in the picture below you can see the soft velcro side is turned so that it doesn't "stick" to the poky side.  I laid down the soft velcro across the poky stuff, then flopped the other side of the fleece over so that it matched up with the top of the other side.  (so that it looks like I'm sewing it inside out) 

You have to do this with the velcro, or when you wrap it around the dog's leg it actually attaches correctly.  No need to ask how I came to that conclusion. ~smiles~

Then all I did was sew down one side, and then the other.  

Turned it right side out and was done.  Simple!  

Next pictures shows how it is sewn in so that nothing will catch on it and rip it off. 

Then I just wrapped the soft velcro over on itself and stuck it to the poky side until it's needed.  

So nice to have these finished and our dog can use them.  She's a bit older and her feet get cold faster so this was a simple solution to that.  She loves being outside, and this just makes her a bit more comfortable...after she gets used to them that is. 

I'm sure you've seen dogs try booties on for the first time...a bit of a giggle fest often follows for those watching.  

Thanks for popping by!  

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Things to Brighten Your Day

Hello!  

Here are just some odds and ends that have brightened my days. 

We have had mostly cloudy overcast days that are quite muted as of late.  

Then the Lord blessed with this day of glorious sunshine and blue sky!  

OH how it cheered my heart!  

I also found some lovely vintage signs/ printable on Pinterest.  I printed them off, cut them out, layered them over some dark blue card stock and stuck them up.  

Something to freshen up the spaces.  There are many people who love big open spaces, but not me.  

I find that I love "stuff", and I find it interesting.  

These new signs make me smile!  

You can find them HERE! 

Then I've also seen so many beautifully designed pies lately.  

I made some of our own...maybe not so beautiful as others, 

but very delicious and they made us smile!  

It is such a comfort to me and a joy to take notice of simple things in life.  

Have you been discouraged?  Do you feel like life is a little bit "plain"? 

I encourage you to look around you and notice the beauty in God's creation, 

to add something new however small to your environment,

or bake yourself something yummy.  

Thanks for dropping by!  

You also make me smile!  

Praying you have a lovely day! 

Sharing with Raising Homemakers.

A Love of Doilies

Hello!  How is your day?  

I'd love to share with you today some of the doilies that I've been making as of late.  

I enjoy the details and delicateness of doilies.  

The above doily I just finished for my mother-in-law as she loves big doilies and loves red.  

She likes the red/black combo but I was without black crochet thread so used a cream instead. 

This doily is called Romantic Moment. 

I found it in a Magazine for crocheting.  The above link is to Ravelry that if you would like to try it you easily can.  

If for some reason it won't come up...I can take a picture for you from my magazine.  

It was the biggest doily I have ever made, and it was quite a challenge as it got bigger.  I do love how it turned out, and I do hope that my mother-in-law enjoys it.  

I think I'd like to make another one of these, but all in white for my home.

Funny thing about making doilies...I'm not sure if I have more than one that I've kept for my home.  

I do have doilies I've found or have been given.  

I love them all! 

This doily is called Mini Cluster Doily.

It was fun to do this as there were a couple different variations I haven't tried yet. 

This doily is called Country Starlet.  

I didn't block it so it's not as pointed as it could be. 

It's so nice to work with the small yarn, but I think that tatting with the fine thread is out of my league. ~smiles~ 

I think doilies add a special feminine touch to our homes.  

A coziness and holiness that calls out...a lady lives here. 

I hope you have a wonderful day!  

Sharing with Raising Homemakers.

String Art with Animals

Hello!  Today I'd love to share with  you one of the activities that our small homeschool group had fun doing.  

My oldest daughter led this class as it is a skill that she has acquired.  

She made a fun demo for everyone to see and painted a quote on it as well.  

For the class they only had time to paint the background and then do the string art.  

Later at home some of the creations got quotes.

So everyone of the children got to pick a colour to paint the background.  

Then they chose an animal silhouette.  

They took a hammer and pounded in the finishing nails all around the shape. 

Then they tore the paper off from around the nails.  

Then the stringing commenced.  Everyone got a small ball of crochet thread and they wove the string back and forth until they decided that it was complete. 

Below are a few that my children made for the class.  They are now set up around the house. 

~smiles~  

It is wonderful to see them using their fine motor skills in such a fun and interesting way!  

Thanks for dropping by!  Hope you have a great day! 

Sharing with Raising Homemakers.