"B" for...Beanies, Beads, Buttons, and Bianca

I came across a pattern for an adorable crochet hat at my sister's house last week. Once I got started I just couldn't seem to stop and made another, then another, and yet another. Each time trying to perfect it or personalize the pattern. After making three, I realized that it seemed that I was favoring girls and thought I'd make one blue for a boy. However, no matter what I did with the pattern or any embellishment, the hat still screamed girl. In the end I gave in and let it be. I concluded that it was the pattern, with it's lacy appearance, that makes it very much a girls beanie. These were so fun and easy to make, especially when it came to adding the embellishments. The only thing now is that I feel challenged to create a crochet hat that's all boy - and when I do, I'll be sure to share.

You can find the pattern at www.ottobredesign.com.

This week, my sister and I attended a beading class in my neighborhood. We can make whatever project we choose and there are so many beads to choose from. This is probably the hardest part for me...making up my mind. But this time I made it easy for myself and made some earrings to match a bracelet that I had previously created using turquoise and smokey quartz beads. Bianca made a gorgeous matching bracelet and necklace. Check out my sister's blog to see what she made and you'll see that she is super talented herself in so many ways. She inspires me!

Then if that wasn't enough for one week (there's never enough, especially time to do all that I'd love to)...we sat down last night and put some more fabric covered buttons together for hair clips. I just love the simplicity and beauty of these.

Primary Children's Medical Center

**UPDATE** The auction has ended. The sketchbook sold for $410 - all of which was donated to Primary Children's Medical Center. What an awesome experience to have been a part of! I couldn't help leaving the hospital with thoughts of "what could I do next?" Thank you everyone who supported this wonderful cause.

You may or may not be aware, that Randy and I have been working on an ebay auction to raise funds for Primary Children’s Medical Center. During our trip to San Diego in July, Randy collected original signed sketches from a number of talented and well-known artists. It was very exciting for us and we were overwhelmed by the artist’s willingness and generosity to contribute.

Ever since our return from San Diego, we’ve been jumping through all sorts of hoops trying to be in compliance with all of the required policies, relating to auctioning for a charity. However, we are very excited to let you know that the sketchbook auction is finally under way and wanted to share it with you.

We would also ask you to share this with everyone you know who may be interested. It is for a great cause, and it is an amazing sketchbook.

Here are the links to the auction and the story behind the sketchbook.

Buttons and More

With just a little bit of ribbon, scraps of fabric and some clips, the variety of little girls’ accessories are limitless. I used the snap clips here but have often used the single prong salon clips too. Some I covered with ribbon and others I covered buttons with scraps of fabric and secured them to the clip. The clips I covered with ribbon I accessorized with any embellishments on hand, buttons, flowers and more ribbon.

They are so easy and fun to make! I think they look so cute and would make charming gifts too. Now if only I could learn to make shoes like I can make hair accessories, then my wardrobe would be complete, right?

It's about time

I've been giving a lot of thought to doing some more wood crafts. I recently did a little project for a baby shower gift and realized how long it had been since I had done anything. I love to play with this creative medium, but what was most fun is when I could get a group to craft together. Here are some projects that we worked on last year.

But now I am eager to work on something new. Don't you think it's about time?