One of my many projects

I know it is spring and summer will soon be here too. But, honestly does that matter when it comes to crocheting? For me, no. I love to do it year around. Each season brings new inspiration from color combinations to fashion trends to new projects. I have a list of things to make and a collection of patterns that keeps growing. But, right know I am slowing but surely working on my own version of this afghan that Dottie Angel has in her company. I asked her about it and she said she bought it off of Etsy. So, the good thing about creating works of art no matter what material or medium that you use, you can recreate with putting your own twist on it.

Check out Dottie Angel's Flickr Photostream for more inspiration.

Here is the pattern that I am using for the granny squares.

I have no idea how I am going to put all these babies together and I still haven't found a rose motif pattern that I am happy with yet. So, if you guys and gals come across something that might work will you please pass it along. But, don't worry quite yet because I have to make a ton more squares.

One more request . . . please post what you have been working on lately. Please?

Did you know?

Did you know that March is National Crochet Month? I love to crochet. I love it, love it, love it.

You could say I am addict. I, Renee Campbell, am a crochetolic.

The best part is that there is inspiration wherever you look! One of my favorite places to find patterns is Ravelry. It is online community that has a little something of everything for knitters and crocheters.

Also, blogger, Attic 24, is always creating something nifty.

And Flickr and Etsy will keep a person busy all day!

Here are a few of my favorites (with the patterns) . . .

Colorful crochet DROPS blanket in 2 strands ”Alpaca”.

Bella Luna Shawl

Hexagon Grandmothers Flower Garden

"Sunshine Day Baby Afghan" Crochet Pattern, $6

Tarina O-Ring Necklace

Chunky Granny Square Pillows

Autumn Log Cabin Throw

Firenze

Coral

Please tell me what your hook has been makin'. ;)

I am also have a sale in my Etsy store Hooked on Art come take a look before it ends!

YouTube Videos

This weekend Art and I played 'Name That Tune' using YouTube. We would take turns guessing the name and artist of different songs. It was a blast. Anyways, it reminded me of my two favorite videos that I have bookmarked on YouTube. But, they aren't just any music video, they are inspiring and down right amazing.

Check out the artist's page for a few more videos.

They are here!

My business cards came in the mail today. I am so excited! This is a first for me. Holy Cows. To read more about how to get your own cards see my previous post.

Two Wishes

If I had two wishes today, they would be that I knew how to knit and I had a baby to make this for. Holy cows this little sunflower is adorable and perfect for a spring baby.

PDF file link

How cute is this!?

Check this, Baby, out! Oh my goodness, I would love to see one of these driving towards me on the road. I would turn around and follow it just so I could get my picture with it. This me in a camper form. . .

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I went a little crazy at the grocery store. . .

I definitely picked up some random things at the store this evening. I was cracking myself up as I was putting items into my cart. Here are a few things I brought home. . . I keyword is few. :D

Art went through a whole can last weekend. He is stocked for this weekend.

My friend Ashlee got me started on these yummies. Love Them!!

I have been craving hamburgers lately and these sure looking tempting. I read they taste like McDonald's hamburgers. I will soon find out.

Update: They really do taste like McDonald's hamburges . . . oh, so good.

I treated myself to make a nice tomato salad with fresh mozzarella I love pickled anything. Now, I am craving pickled Herring. Yummy in the Tummy!

Never tried it but the check-out lady said it has been flying off the shelves. It must be because I got the last one.

Finally there is help

There are days where finding something to wear is near impossible. And don't get me started on being creative and finding color combinations that work well together. My sister started me on layering and Stacy and Clinton are always saying, "layer, layer, layer." But what colors look good with what? How do you think outside of the box? Teach me about how to add color accents such as a scarf or jewelry. Yes, I have a ton of jewelry but I never wear it. I play it safe and wear my silver hoops almost everyday. But, finally today I found help. Thank you, Wear Palettes! You have have given me inspiration and guidance. This is my the color combination of my outfit tomorrow:
---------------------------------shoes----------- shirt -----------necklace ---layering tank top

and I even threw in a dash of red! Go me!

Here is my next outfit challenge:

Wear Palettes also have a widget that you can add to your blog. I added one to mine because not only is it a great source for your wardrobe but think of scrapbook layouts, embroidery, quilting, jewelry making, and other crafty projects! Holy cows, do you feel as inspired as I am?!

I had the choice. . .

Today I am back to the grind stone. Spring break is offically over. It is time to go back to school. Ugh. No more free time. Books, homework, reading, typing, solving problems, and going to classes. I got home this afternoon and I was soooo tiiiiirrrreeddd, so tired. I gave myself two choices:

Coffee

Or a Nap

And the NAP WON!!!

According to Dr. Deb the benefits of taking an afternoon power nap (20-30 minutes)are:

*promote physical well-being

* improve mood and memory

*sharpen senses

*revitalize a person

"Research also says that taking a nap of 30 minutes a day is better than sleeping 30 minutes later in the morning"

So, go rest your eyes because research says it is good for you!

all images via weheartit.com

Front Page!

Holy Crap!!! My treasury made it to the front page. The homepage of Etsy. I can't believe my eyes. Of course, they took out my item but who cares. I can see "reneerose82" on Etsy' s mainpage. What a day!!! Holy cows!

Home

Today I have been thinking a lot about home. It is my sister's birthday and birthdays have always been a big deal in our family. However, she lives in Maryland and I live in Wyoming, but Minnesota will always be HOME in our hearts (I miss you mom and dad). Laura, this is for you . . .

ME2Designs

dougspots

lovecalifornia

truche

mfmapparel

Happy Birthday, Sister!

Happy Birthday, Laura!

I wish I was there to spend Your Day with you.

But always know that I am with you in your heart & you are always in mine.

Peach Blossoms

I just got another treasury.

I call this one Peach Blossoms.

I am aching for spring.

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Fabric is the theme for today

Today I have been busy making all sorts of fabric necklaces. I have been braiding, wrapping, and knotting. I will post my creations this weekend or the beginning of next week but until then here is some inspiration and turtorials that I found. . . .

How to wrap a bead with fabric by Twirling Betty

Braided Necklaces by Cakies

Braided Neclace with a chain by Jenny Ryan on Craftzine.com

Braided Bracelet by Craftaholics Anonymous

Beaded Neclace with Silk by Martha Swetart

Recycled T-shirt knotted Bracelet by This Old Dress

LV "Knock Off" Fabric Bead Necklace by foo*gal

Chain and Fabric Necklace by love Maegan

Knotted Necklace by Curious Bird

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By: Elan Geylani

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Did you know about this?

26 Olive Street has a colormatch feature were you upload a picture and it will color match of all the colors in your uploaded picture to other similar pictures in Etsy. The program will give you a color palate of all the colors that are in your picture and then click on each color to see the same color in other Etsy pictures.

Also, if you want your search to focus on one thing use the "keywords" button. For example, type in floral if you want a search specific to flowers.

It so cool and great for treasuries!

It is a good day. . .

I am not addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, shoes, clothes, drugs, but I am addicted to these Haribo Raspberries.

Today is a good day!!!

I just received this 5lb bag from Amazon along with my two other books that I ordered. I can't wait to DIVE into all THREE!

Photo editing by:

Rollip - Good Looking Online Photo Effects!

Happy Patty's Day!

Fabric - Bead Bracelet Tutorial

Hello! I have been wanting to do a tutorial for a long time but I didn't know what to do. Then, it just came to me. You know those moments when the light bulb goes on, you then get a huge smile on your face, and get all giddy. That is what happened to me last night.

My vision turned out . . . and I will share with you all the steps to make your own bracelet.

List:

1. Wooden beads
2. Sand paper
3. Extra beads of your choice
4. Fabric
5. Scissors
6. Fabric tack
7. Stretchy cord
8. Glimmer ( I don't know the proper name but see image further below)
9. Paint
10. 2-3 paint brushes

The finished look. . . okay let's begin

Find some wooden beads of your choice. I like the large ones for a bolder statement.

Start sanding. You want to sand off all the shine/coat to make sure the paint will stick.

Next, paint your beads with one coat. Another coat will come later.

Get out your glimmer. Sorry, I don't know the correct name for this stuff.

When the first coat of paint is dry, apply another coat to your beads. However, this time don't paint them all at once. Do a few and then brush on some glimmer while the beads are still tacky from the paint.

You might need two paint brushes for this task (applying on the glimmer) and don't use the brush that you are using for the painting) because the brush will probably get damp from the paint and a dry brush works better.

Here is the finished look of the beads. They are shiny and pretty!

Oh, don't worry about getting an even coat of glimmer. It adds more character when everything is not perfect.

Use your scissors to cut triangles from a piece of fabric. Use your creativity.

You can choose all different colors, widths, lengths, etc.

Mine were .5 inches - 1.5 inches in width

and about 8 inches in length.

Again don't worry about perfection. Be random.

I used a paint brush as a dowel but I wish I could have found something a little smaller but I am happy. (Some of the ends of the fabric bead got a little large.)

Next, apply a tad of fabric tack to the right side of the widest part of your fabric and down both sides of the wrong side of the fabric to the end of the triangle.

Now, roll it up. I like holding it like this because you can twist the dowel and guide the fabric with your thumb. You will get sticky.

Here is one done.

I did five. All a little different.

Trim up the edges and stray threads if you chose.

As the beads are drying get out your stretchy cord.

Now start playing! Arrange and rearrange until you are happy.

Make sure it fits your wrist. Not too big. Not too small.

I had extra wooden beads and fabric beads left over.

I will use them for another bracelet later.

Then, make a surgeon's knot to secure the ends.

Source: Bead Style

Place a tad of fabric tack on the knot.

Trim the extra cord and tuck in the knot into a bead.

DONE!

Have fun!

AND ENJOY YOUR NEW BRACELET!

Once you make one, you can't help but to think of all the new color combinations, bead options, etc.

Please be sure to share with me your new creations.