Happy New Year

In Warner Bros. movie "New Years Eve" the New Year’s ball inadvertently stops half-way down and creates a moment when Hillary Swank says the following:

It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by.

To remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken.  The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt because that is what new years is all about --- getting another chance.

A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more.  And stop worrying about what if and start embracing what would be.  So when that ball drops at midnight and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other.  And not just tonight, but all year long.

Black Tie

 This is the same foundation-less double crochet stitch I used for the beige scarf (click HERE), but looks completely different when a lace weight wool yarn is used and an "F" crochet hook.

 This one took a little longer, but I'm very happy with it.

Foundation-Less Double Crochet

I made one shawl, a couple of scarves and one cowl for some gifts this year.  This yarn is gorgeous and crazy soft.  Today and the next two posts are all made with the same stitch--foundation-less double crochet.  Some people call it a "Foundation Double Crochet" as in this YouTube tutorial (click HERE).

 It works up fast and is so beautiful when done with a lace weight or specialty yarn.  I used a "Q" crochet hook, so it was done in a blink.

Happy Holiday

Wishing you a warm and wondrous Christmas.

Meowy Christmas!

Polymer clay canes, cookie cutter shapes, googlie eyes, alphabet stamps and some card stock make for a  fun holiday card.  Lots of good wishes for a very meowy holiday!

Polymer Holiday Card

Polymer Escargot

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, 
                       and folks dressed up like escargots......

Crocheted Basket

I picked up some odds and ends sale yarn.  Made a basket to throw them in and then sat and looked through dozens of patterns on Pinterest trying to decide what to make with the odds & ends that don't match.  I guess it doesn't matter, I just need to be doing something.    

 Still overcome with sadness.  The more I see and hear on the news about the shooting, the sadder I get.  The cruelty and meanness of some people to intentionally cause hurt, pain and suffering and to wait until the holidays.....there are no words to describe how despicable that is.

Belt Buckle Pendant

 I cut the belt, looped it around, glued and clamped it overnight to create a pendant out of the buckle.

Holiday Lights Necklace

One of my favorite holiday necklaces.  I wore it to a holiday party that was phenomenal.   It was so well organized from the seating to the entertainment.  A few well spoken words about speaking the truth, lightening your heart and standing in grace; being able to look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day--that it all starts there with the gift of self respect.  Brought tears to my eyes. Thank goodness the hilarious entertainment followed.  It was really memorable.  I came home inspired and started sculpting.  Hopefully I'll get it posted soon.

Holiday Button Tree

I love this button tree.  The buttons have meaning; some were my grandmother's and some my mother-in-law's. The rest were purchased, found or given to me.  The new mixed in with the old; the perfect mixed in with the broken.  Nothing valuable, but yet, invaluable.

A button is a fastener.  It fastens (connects) one part to another - literally and, for my tree, symbolically.  Wishing you lots of opportunities this holiday season to button.

Vintage Buttons

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart. 

To a customer, service. 

To all, charity. 

To every child, a good example. 

To yourself, respect.” - Quote by Oren Arnold

Jewelry Display

I'm in California spending time with friends and family who are nurturing my soul and lifting my spirits.  So a post of an abstract painting I made as a display for this bead crochet rope.  Be back soon.  Hope your holiday season has started out with kindness and joy!

Dear Santa

 My pasta machine motor is on its last legs, so I'm back to using the crank.  Whew, working up a sweat!  Who needs a pasta machine motor?  I do.  Dear Santa.........