Christmas Randomness

Some stuff I've been working on, and quick ideas for wonderful Christmas presents that are inexpensive.


I used to work at a custom jewelry store and did a lot of beading using some of the most gorgeous beads I've ever seen. But, lo, these days those beads do not come my way and so I just wanted to show how you can take some craft store beads, add a bit of something special and make a great bracelet.


At a garage sale, I came across some guardian angel medals, and squirreled them away. That came in handy when I thought to use them on some bracelets I had made for my girls.

For another, I used an old Indian coin that I had from when my great aunt lived in Bombay for 15 years.

So, squirreling stuff away has it's uses. The other beads are from a chain craft store and I used bell clasps (which you tuck the knot into and clamp) and pretty toggles.

Another thing I came across from last year is a present that works up in a jiffy and should cost next to nothing if you are already a crafter-because I don't know many crafters who don't have epoxy hanging around. Then all you need is a copper cap.

So you epoxy the teacup to the saucer, and then, when it's dry, epoxy the cap to the saucer.

So it's all quite easy and, it makes an adorable bird feeder.

I made about 10 last year and had two left.

And then, you can do this...

photo credit-from the blog Corgis in My Garden

I think they are utterly charming and plan on making more for myself when I get some time.




Random knitting and crochet-a moebius cowl and a Divine Hat. The first time you make the hat it's so very hard to work though, but after that, you can whip them up one a day. Guess how I know this?

Another Divine hat, in a worsted weight yarn for a friend who has horses and is out in the cold all the time. I need to make one for myself this hat is so awesomely warm. I made another in a bluey green for another friend, too.

Hats,, hats, hats, for my son, my dad adn brother. A hat and cowl for mom, and another cowl and bracelets for Oldest Girl Hatchling.

Now this is just some craziness I had fun working on. I started out making it into an afghan, but I'm thinking it would make an awesome funky cowl. I just need to finish it up.

Now here is a project that I will be working on this week. I seem to have a talent for shrinking sweaters. And, then I hate to throw them away, so they get stashed for some project.

So I was on Pintrest, and found a pattern for fleece lined mittens using old sweaters.

And boy, did I have sweaters.

I think these edges will make gorgeous cuffs.

I picked this one up at the thrift store to the border, too.

A very large pile of mending and patching await me after the holidays.

When I was uploading the picture, I found this adorable one and was a bit jealous. This is my most sleep deprived time of year, and though I always swear I will Get Things Done Early, I remember how I hate knitting/crochet hats in the summer.


But, thankfully, there are naps. Cat naps.

Where I'd like to be.