Now, if you’re an old timer to Gracious Rain you may be sayin’ “Whoa, Nellie–you already made this sweet, little garland a couple of years back!”
And I would say back to you–“That’s right…sort of.”
First of all, the last candy garland got eaten by “woodland creatures” so a new one was in order. This time, it’s much easier to make. Seriously, took about 20 minutes start to finish.
Just a simple crochet chain stitch and every 10 stitches I wrapped the loop around one end of the taffy, pulled it tight and kept right on going. Cinchy.
However, if you have a house with little people in it, like we do, you’ll have to either hang it up high or just be ready to have it nibbled on by the critters.
This time–I’ll take my chances with the outdoor squirrels.
If you happen to be an unabashed button freak–like me–then, you, my darling, are about to be very happy. Perhaps even squealing with delight will be in order. Wanna play with all those buttons–you know you have a stash–and have a pretty little bracelet when you’re finished?
I thought so.
First, choose your color pallet. Mine will be pinks, purples and black…because I barely know any other colors exist. Ask my kids. :}
I’m using a few newer buttons and a ton of vintage ones because they are gorgeous and they’ve been cooped up long enough. It’s time they went out on the town.
All you need for this lovely project is:
A piece of 1/4 inch elastic–the size of your wrist + 3/4 inches
Some thread– I used embroidery floss because it was the perfect color and, well, I liked it.
Buttons–a little pile of them
First sew your elastic together–
by machine or by hand…either way.
Now the fun part–start sewing on those buttons. Any order. Stacked or alone. Be sure to let them overlap just the tiniest bit so that the elastic stays hidden when you wear it.
Knot each button separately so that if you ever have to replace one–it will be easy. Keep going around the elastic until the last button meets the first.
Now then, don’t you just have the most adorable bracelet on earth? And just imagine the possibilities–a new bracelet for every outfit…quick and easy Christmas presents…thank you gifts…kids party favors…you get the picture.
And the best part is–quite likely, you didn’t spend one thin dime.
I’m crazy about handmade soap. I discovered it’s wonderful-ness late in life–like last year when Amethyst Soap donated a busload of their “Sorcerer Stone” samples to our Harry Potter party. I checked out the site and believe me–I was hooked. ANYway, the one thing you have to be careful about with any soap, but even more so with the handmade types is that they are allowed to dry between uses. We wouldn’t want it getting all mushy, now would we?
So to help with that quest, check out my clever little Soap Sacks. Not only will they allow the soap to drip dry, but the cotton bags also act as a gentle scrubbie in the shower.
Plus, they are just perfect for all those pesky little, slippery soap ends that no one ever knows what to do with. Smart, hmmmm?
If you crochet at all–this is an easy one. You may find yourself making one for everybody in the world–they’re that easy! If you don’t crochet–fear not. We’re revamping the Etsy Shop in the next little while and these will be in it for sure.
Aren’t they just adorable?
If you’d like the pattern posted let me know. I’d be happy to share.
I have a sweet friend over at Starshine Chic who wrote this really clever post about taking photos of simple things and turning them into art. Check it out, if you like, but come right back. :}
I was so intrigued by the idea that I just started snapping interesting pictures…you know…
of anything and everything…to see where it went.
Let me just warn you–if you try this, and you should, because it’s dang fun—
you may just find yourself looking at everything around you…
with an odd little tilt to your head…
and suddenly, the strangest things will begin to look like art…LETTER art. And all it takes is a bit of flipping and a little cropping to help everyone see things–the way you do.
See for yourself.
“F”
“A”
“M”
“I”
“L”
“Y”
What do you think? Cool–eh?
Try it–and be prepared to suddenly see things very differently.
Good luck!
I’m off to find a pretty little frame…and amaze people.
