Author: Caryn

Recycled wreath

On By CarynIn Craft

I had a grapevine wreath covered in origami flowers that lasted two years before the flower picks started looking sad. I hit an after fall sale (really, even though it is still very much fall here in Texas) to get some decorations for a chorus concert, then after the concert used the picks and garland to redecorate the grapevine wreath. So all the elements have been used at least once before, so I feel safe in calling it a recycled wreath.

Photo description: Fall wreath on a red front door with faux pumpkins, orange and red berries, and leaves on a grape vine base

Nothing is glued in, just twisted and tucked, so it can all be taken apart and used again. Bonus.

Couldn’t resist

On By CarynIn Craft

Friendly loom has my number, or rather, my email address, and had a sale and a color collection called “Pumpkin Spice.” I couldn’t resist, especially when I found out they had an online design app. Ooo.

I made one of the designs they suggested on a card they sent, and the card also has a link to the Potholder Design Wizard. Like I said, they have my number.

Photo description: Pro sized potholder made from flax, orange, and tiger lily colored cotton loops with wood ring sitting with the Friendly Loom design card with QR code

I ordered the wood rings too, since they are such a nice way to tie off the last loop, and I didn’t know about them before either. Ooo.

Meadow cat increase

On By CarynIn Cats

We’ve had an additional cat join the meadow colony. He is a large fluffy black tom, who has seen some scraps. I hope his notched ear was from getting fixed and not the same fight that caught his lip giving him a permanent fang exposure. He is getting along with the other cats, and gets close to me, but doesn’t trust me enough to brush him yet. On the brushing front, I currently brush two long hair outdoor cats. I’ve been able to get close enough to brush Momma cat (a long hair calico) a couple times, but she has a long memory and doesn’t trust me.

Photo description: impressive long haired black cat with notched ears and the lower right fang showing

Worm problem

On By CarynIn Craft

I may have a worm obsession. I went at making these crochet worry worms with a fervor, using up all my scrap yarn and getting more acrylic yarn. Yes, I bought acrylic yarn. For someone who spins and adores natural fibers, it was a telling sign of a distraction gone rogue. The main advantage of acrylic, other than the low cost, is that the yarn is less likely to cause allergic reactions. There are many people allergic to animal hair or plant fibers, so making a solace gift that could cause allergies feels… icky.

Photo description: crocheted spiral worry worms made from variegated yarn with sewn on eyes

My biggest downfall was the Mary Maxim yarn that was red, white, and green with silver sparkles. Maybe I should find a local addictive crochet support group.

Simple earrings

On By CarynIn Craft

I needed red earrings for a chorus performance. Hm. I went through my stash and found sparkly red beads, wire, and ear hooks.

Photo description: one long earring strung with red crystal beads, with the second earring parts including the silver wire, beads, ear hook, and pliers

I bent the end of the wire into a very small loop, strung on the beads, and made a larger loop that connected to the ear hook. Simple, sparkly, red.