Christmas Stocking

Christmas Stocking

This Christmas Stocking pattern was easy to complete. As an alternative to cross stitch names, you can add your applique designs of choice. Add a crocheted item and/or word. Lots of different ways to make this uniquely your own.

For this project, I used a 4.0mm hook and RHSS yarn in  Red, White and Green. 

First, I used the red yarn and made the red portion first. I made 2 - the front and the back. I whip stitched attached one side. 

At this point, I completed the cross stitch work on the front. 

Once I was complete with the cross stitch, I resumed whip stitching the stocking across the bottom and up the other side, securing it.

Now, for the top portion. I used white yarn and for the first row I single crocheted around. Beginning in the second row, I started with make popcorn stitches around. 

I completed round 1and then 5 rounds of popcorn stitches with a final single crochet round. Weaved ends. 

For the loop, I used 3 long pieces (I didn’t measure; maybe 18”-24”) of each color. I then made 3 groups of Red, white and green. Tie the 3 groups together at the top with yarn and then plait. Weave one end into the white section, tie a center knot for the loop. 

Now, make 2 poms for the ends. I held three strands together and wrapped around my four fingers 20 times. I tied a center knot to secure and then trimmed and shaped. Attach each pom to the end. 

Happy Crocheting...

As for LEGAL — check my blog out - you know the rules!!!!

Joy Sign

Joy Sign

How cute is this simple “Joy” sign?  I bought the sign from the Dollar Tree. Plain $1.00 sign became a cute seasonal decorate item I can use for years to come. 

To create:

1.  I removed the rope backing. 

2.  I painted the front white. 

3.  I used a pencil and lightly, vertically freehand printed the letters J O Y. 

4.  I then painted the J, Y and outline of O black.  

5.  I decided on a snowman face for my O and just freestyled it. 

6.  For the J, I decided on red, black and white stripes. 

7.  For the Y, I added polka dots. 

8.  I had a couple wooden snowflakes so I painted them blue and hot glued to the sign. 

9. Last, I hot glued the rope hanger to the back. 

Happy Crafting...

Christmas Centerpiece

Christmas Centerpiece 

December has definitely proven to be a busy month for me with homeschooling my grandsons and decorating my home for the Christmas holidays. 

With my decorating, I like to blend items I’ve bought through the years with items I’ve made. I also like to include projects I do with my grandchildren. 

My granddaughter, Miss Arielle, describes my home as a “Christmas explosion...” 

So, today, I was looking at my dining room table and realized it’s 12 days until Christmas and I still hadn’t made a centerpiece.  I found my planter with the greenery in a hidden spot in the house.  I heated up my glue gun and attached ornaments, a few scented pinecones, trio of bells in two corners, leftover floral and a little elf doll.  

And, I absolutely LOVE the outcome of my centerpiece.  I used cheap, extra decor I had on hand and made a simple planter with greenery look sophisticated and elegant.

What do you all think???

Happy Crafting...

Frosty & Blessed

Frosty & Blessed

I painted this 8x10 “Frosty-inspired” snowman a few days ago. I liked it so much, I decided to buy a matted 11x14 black frame from Hobby Lobby at 50% off — $5.99!!!  What, an awesome bargain for the frame and it just really made my snowman look so cute!!!  

As luck would have it, I came across the “Blessed” sign that was also on sale for 50% off — $7.99. 

Under $15.00 and I have this gorgeous Christmas decor on the wall behind my kitchen table.  I absolutely LOVE it.  What do you all think?  

For an added touch, I added a plain garland, I purchased from the Dollar Tree, on the shelf and then just fancied it up with florals and tiny snowmen I had on hand...

I’m by no means a professional when it comes to painting but I’m teaching myself something new and having fun doing it. Learning a new craft with a new medium is challenging and rewarding...

I hope this inspires you to try a new craft. 

Happy Crafting...

Plaid Christmas Season

 I love making plaid projects — crocheting, painting, woodwork, fabric — anything and everything plaid is just stunningly beautiful to me!!!

How cute are these projects below???!!!  And, best of all — super cheap and easy to make!!!

I used a repurposed one liter soda bottle to make the Santa boot — use it for candy or place a bottle of wine in it. Tons of different things to do with this....

The JOY letters were purchased at Hobby Lobby. I used Modpodge and plaid paper to make. I then hot glued each letter to my ribbon of choice. Last I hot glued a ribbon loop to the top. 

There’s a previous post on my Faith sign. The silver tray was purchased from the Dollar Tree. 

My red truck was purchased from Hobby Lobby. Modpodged with paper and ribbon loop hot glued to back. 

Simply Christmas holiday projects that I hope will inspire you to make something for your home.  

Happy Crafting...

Snowman With Rudolph

I’m SO happy with the outcome of this freestyle artwork I completed. This is my first ever attempt at drawing and/or painting a deer. And isn’t he so adorable?  

I decided to add holly and berries to the hat and make a striped scarf.  This was a very fun painting to complete that I thoroughly enjoyed designing...

         

Happy Crafting...

Snowman Painting

I painted this special Snowman painting for my mom-in-law, Mary. She loves decorating at Christmastime, especially with snowmen.  

I used a 16”x20” white canvas. First, I painted it black. From there, I freehand painted my snow mountain.

Then I painted my snowman (bottom up).  As you can see the circle above is worked within the circle below it.  The picture below is after the first coat of paint.  I added 1-2 more coats, working in a swirl pattern.  

Now, the fun part.  I add my eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, arms, mitts, scarf and hat with a flower.  This part can be done in so many different ways to make uniquely your own.  So, have fun and play with different colors, try different things.  Mistakes are okay.  (You can always paint over them...lol)

Last, I added a tree with two shades of green and a yellow star on top.  

Happy Crafting...

Snowman at Nighttime

Snowman at Nighttime 

I’ve been trying to dabble and play with paint for the past few months.  I’ve created some very fun, easy and cheap seasonal projects.  So, check out past posts. Recently, I’ve moved toward canvas painting.  I’m finding it very relaxing and fun.  

I painted this freestyle Snowman to hang near my kitchen sink for the Christmas season....I think he turned out super cute for my beginner artistic painting abilities.  

First, I took a white canvas I already had on hand and painted it black.  I then added my snowy ground by painting a semicircle with white at the bottom.  For my snowman, I made each circle (bottom up) a little smaller than the one below and within the previous circle.  I painted in a swirly pattern in each circle.  I used the tip of the brush and just dabbed all over the canvas for the snowflakes.  

The details of my snowman were basic and simple with the eyes, nose, mouth, arms with mitts and a hat with a flower and a red bird.  You can do this as simple or as detailed as you would like.  I’m still learning so mine is pretty basic.  

Overall, I’m very happy with the finished painting and hope to complete a few more Christmas paintings this winter season.  

Happy Crafting...

Rosy Cheeks Cardigan & Hat

 Rosy Cheeks Cardigan & Hat

Materials:

-5mm hook

-(2) skeins #4 worsted weight yarn; I used I Love This Yarn in “Rosy Cheeks”

-Needle for weaving

-6 buttons

Directions:

For the cardigan, I used the “Baby Bear Crochet Hoodie” pattern from Yarnspirations.com.  I tweaked the pattern to make mine a 15-month old pattern  Here is the link for the pattern:  

RedHeartBabyBearCrochetHoodie

For the hat, I used a combination of DC stitches (for the increase rounds) and then HDC stitches in groups of 3 (3-4 rounds) and 1 HDC crossover stitch round.  My final round was SC stitches  

Happy Crocheting...

Pumpkin Spice Painting

Fall literally screams pumpkins, pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie — everything PUMPKIN to me!!!

I have been busy this fall time with home schooling Jacob, Gabriel and Luke; working on new crochet projects; learning to paint on different mediums and crafting with glass, wood, chipboard, Styrofoam and so on....

Here is my completed “Pumpkin Spice” Canvas Painting. I’m by no means a professional but I’m thrilled with this finished piece of artwork. 

Happy Crafting...

  

Faith Wall Hanging

 I absolutely LOVE how this project turned out!!!  It’s simple, cheap and beautiful. 

So, here’s what I did to turn something cheap into something chic for my fireplace in the den:  

Materials: 

(From Dollar Tree)

—silver tray

—modpodge 

—sponge brush 

—faith word

—black and white paint

(From Hobby Lobby)

—1 sheet of black/white plaid scrapbook paper 

—1 roll of 3/4” red/black ribbon 

My items from Hobby Lobby were purchased when each department was on sale at 40% off.

(Items I already had)

—jute twine

—scissors 

—hot glue gun

—old cloth/rag

Directions:

1.  First, I used my sponge brush and painted the front and back of the silver tray. I only applied one coat. I wanted a streaked, aged look. 

2.  Second, I painted “faith” word black. Let dry completely. I then used an old cloth and dipped it in white paint and then rubbed the white onto each letter to give it a faded look. (Look at pics to see the difference it made) 

3.  Third, I cut my plaid scrapbook paper to fit on top of the tray. For this, I turned the tray upside down and laid the paper (plaid side down) on top. I used a pencil to draw an outline of the center of the tray. 

4.  Next, evenly brush modpodge on the tray. Carefully, lie the paper down and gently brush your hand across to get any air bubbles out. Let dry and then modpodge the top. Dry completely.

5.  I used hot glue to attach the ribbon around the outline of the paper. 

6.  I hot glued “faith” to the center. 

7.  I made a loop with the jute twine and then hot glued to center back. 

And, that’s it!!!!

Happy Crafting...

Rustic Snowman Trio

 Rustic Snowman Trio

Hi, y’all.  So, I found a couple of 1” x 4” boards lying around in my garage and thought they would be perfect for a Christmas craft project. I had hubby cut them for me into 3 size lengths: 

— 20” 

—16” 

—12” 

First, I spray-painted a base coat of white paint on the top and around the sides of each board.  I did this outside.  Allow to dry completely.  

The remainder of the project was completed inside the house.  I used “Apple Barrel” paint in: 

—Snow White 

—Black

—Orange 

You can find this paint in the craft department at your local store.  I purchased mine at Wal-Mart.  

1.  I applied a coat of Snow White paint to each board and allowed it to dry completely.  

2.  I then used a pencil to freestyle draw on the eyes, nose, mouth and buttons.  

3.  I used black paint to fill in the eyes, mouth and buttons.  I used orange to fill in the nose.  I used white to add insides to the eyes.  For the eyebrows, I used a black paint marker.  However, you can use your black paint to create this.  My hand isn’t steady enough.  

Allow paint to dry completely....

For the hat and scarf, I found a plaid mini-tree skirt at the Dollar General store for $1.00. 

1.  I cut 3 triangle-shaped pieces.  

2.  With right sides facing each other hot glue the ends together. Turn right side out.  Hot glue to the top of your snowman.  Repeat for the remaining two.

3.  For the pom, I used white yarn and wrapped around my three fingers 20-30 times, tied in the center and trimmed ends. I then hot glued to the top of the hat.  If you don’t have yarn, you can simply purchase a bag of poms at the Dollar Tree for $1.00 and hot glue to the end.  

4.  For the scarf, I trimmed 5 blocks of the mini-tree skirt fabric and hot glued it to the board just above the top button.  I then took another piece of fabric, tied a center knot and glued to the center to complete the “scarf.”

Alternatives:

—use fuzzy socks for the hats 

—make a crochet or knitted hat and scarf

—use black buttons for the eyes, mouth and belly

—trim a larger piece of fabric and wrap around each board and secure with a knot for the scarf 

The possibilities are endless.  Get creative and just have FUN!!!

And that’s it!!!  I think these turned out so SUPER cute. 

I hope you all enjoy this project as much as I do.  If you try it, please be sure to tag me in your posts #rilla2u @rilla2u.  I’d love to see what you create.....

Happy Crafting...

Fall Pumpkin Topiary

 I just love everything about fall — the weather, the smell, the colors...just everything!!!  With the help of my grand kids, I got my living room fireplace decorated. 

I hung up a mesh wreath that I had made a few years ago. To the mantel, I added plaid pumpkins on each end and fall decor items I’ve had for years. 

To finish off, my mantel, I added my “Pumpkin Topiary” canvas painting. It took me 3-4 hours to complete, including drying time and touch-ups.

I’m very pleased with the overall look...

Happy Crafting...

Boy & Girl Scarecrow Faces...

 How cute is this Boy & Girl Scarecrow set?  Easy and cheap design that I had fun making. I used worsted weight yarn to make the little boy’s hat.  

Each would be great to hang on the wall, sit on the shelf or add to a wreath. Lots of different ways to incorporate this easy craft into your fall decorating...

Happy Crocheting & Crafting...

More Crafting...

 I spent the weekend working on MORE craft projects for the Fall and Winter season. I’m in love with all of the completed pieces. 

Simple and inexpensive crafts making my home looking beautiful!!!

Happy Crocheting & Crafting...

Scarecrow Craft

Scarecrow Craft

I made this simple Scarecrow with an 8” round piece of wood I purchased in the craft department at Wal-Mart. I think the cost was $0.97. 

First, I applied two coats of white paint to the front side.  While this was drying, I used a 5.5mm hook and worsted weight yarn in Warm Brown to make the hat. 

Next, I hot glued a square piece of plaid scrap yarn to my hat. I used red raffia to wrap around the hat and tied in a bow. Now, the hat is ready to be hot glued to the wood. 

I glued the eyes. I used orange paint for the triangle nose; pink paint for the cheeks on each side; and black for the stitched mouth. 

I then used raffia to hot glue “hair” to each side, under the hat. I made a small bow with red raffia and hot glued below the mouth. 

Last, I used a piece of twine to make a loop and hot glued to the back of the hat for hanging. 

Simple. Easy. And, SO cute!!!  You can add this to a wreath, hang on the wall, sit on a shelf, place in a fall decor basket, etc. So many ways to utilize. 

Enjoy!!!!

Happy Crocheting & Crafting...