KNIT & CROCHET 101

"Cutie-Patootie EtsyKids Knit & Crochet"

I've been having so much fun over the past year learning how to knit & crochet! It's fascinating to me that you can take a ball of colorful yarn & some very simple tools and end up with a delightful hat, a cozy scarf, or even a soft baby toy! It seems like magic to me to watch the yarn transform into something warm, useful & very personal.

Now admittedly, I'm still at the "Cozy Scarf" stage! I've just about mastered knitting in a straight line & I'm well-into creating Scarf #6! Can't wait to move on to something a bit more challenging... Maybe I'll try baby hats next!  ;)

The picture above is a little peek at an EtsyKids Treasury I created yesterday featuring kid-friendly crochet from a variety of talented EtsyKids members. These ADORABLE monster & animal baby hats make me smile & inspire me to keep creating! I hope you'll hop on over to see the rest of the Cutie-Patootie EtsyKids Knit & Crochet Treasury!

I (HEART) ETSY

I admit it!... I am totally NUTS about Etsy!!

As a "Maker of Things" at Heart, I have sometimes wondered if other people were as obsessed with creating colorful arts & crafts from simple everyday materials as I am. I love everything about colors & textures and taking what's at hand & making "something out of nothing!" The process of creating simply fascinates me!

So, you can imagine my great delight to first learn of Etsy's Handmade Market Place! Suddenly I had access to an incredible, ever-changing online gallery of creativity from around the globe! What's more, I could learn about other artists & crafters like me, and virtually "peek over their shoulders" as they skillfully create their wares.

I find it so inspiring & encouraging to have found so many other "Makers of Things" in this world!... And I'm grateful to know there are so many others like me who share the joys of creativity!! 

The art & handcrafts above were created by Etsy sellers whose colorful & whimsical work I admire!   :)

HAPPY B'DAY 2 ME!!!

I celebrated my 50th b'day last month, and it got me thinking about things I've learned about myself along the way. Here are a few simple facts about me (in no particular order!) :

* It's important to me to be authentic.
* I'm most comfortable in my blue jeans.
* Quiet time re-energizes me; busy-ness makes my battery run low.
* I doubt I'll ever be an avid gardener, a gourmet cook, or a sports fan.
* I like living in a place where the seasons change. Spring and Fall are my favorites!
* I think of myself as a stay-at-home-mom/ self-taught artist/ craftperson.
* I don't usually like to shop, but I can spend hours exploring a bookstore, a craft store, or a hardware store.
* I like to live simply. For me, that means eating basic, healthy food, keeping my home uncluttered and friendly, and juggling only a few commitments at a time.
* I'm a better listener than a talker.
* Playing with craft supplies -- colorful papers, punches, markers, glitter, glue, paint, and clay -- makes me happy!
* One of the most important life skills I'm trying to cultivate is the ability to have a thankful heart.
* Being a wife and mom have been the greatest blessings of my life!!!

Written 3/16/06