How soon is soon enough?

Really?! I have been working on this project for a good bit now. I've taken it apart and restarted and had to take apart a big section and start on it again. I haven't gained much ground on this. I'll show you what I've been working on... in a bit. I've done sent out my Christmas presents now. So this is something I'm just going to send  to my mother when I'm finished. Like I posted before, I got the original pattern from little woollys blog. It was for the mixed stitched blanket. Well, the Catherine's Wheel has me all kinds of screwed up. I dont know why, maybe because I kept miss counting. I tend to do that when I'm rushing. I got frustrated and decided to eliminate that particular part. Then I said screw it. I'm going to take the stitches in the original pattern, and just mix it up. I'm doing this all mixed up and in no particular order. Don't judge me =p

I'm happy with it so far. Just as long as I can keep it on track with the stitch count. 

ANYWAY!!!!!! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!!! 

Until next time,

Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

The Perfect Scarf Kick off!!

Okay, I don't have anyone throwing themselves at the opportunity to join this crochet-a-long I wanted to do. And I might get more people interested in it if I just post what I've gotten done, and a description of how I did it. So here..

Yarn: Schachenmayr SMC Bravo in Natural (2 skeins used for main color, and I have used both skeins, leaving only enough to add some to the fringe I might add at the end)) , Black, Dark Heather Grey, Neon Yellow, Neon Orange, Neon pink, Turquoise and Caledon all one skein each. It's a DK weight yarn.
Hook: G (4.0mm)
Gauge: not important in this pattern.

I'm working with a granny stitch. It's simple, fast and looks good. I started off with a magic ring. I then ch2, and that's going to count as the first dc throughout this whole thing. Then 2 dc in magic ring, ch 2, then 3 dc in magic ring. Then ch 3, work 2 dcs into the same dc that you did the ch3 off of. Ch 1, 3 dc in ch 2 sp, 3 dc in same ch 2 sp, then ch 1, 3dc in top of last dc. Just keep doing that and it will increase as you go. Just remember, when you reach the ch2 space, it's 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch 1.

After I got finished with the Natural color, I fastened off and did the whole weaving in the ends deal. That way I don't have to worry about it later. But that's completely up to you.
Here's a picture of what I've been doing.

And here's a picture of the yarn I'm using again. I posted this earlier in another  post about this scarf. 

I think my next color will be Caledon. =) 

Until next time,

Tonya@WoollyGhoulie

Update on the scarf! Last night and this morning I have been working more on my scarf. Here's what I've gotten done so far

The first row of color, I just did a sc along the dcs in the granny stitch. In between each set of three dcs, there's a ch space, there I did a dc over to the middle of the previous row. If anyone has questions on that, just ask. It's basically just a spike stitch.  Then I just sc all the way around. In the ch 2 at the center point, just sc, ch 1, sc. The next stitch, I just did a shell stitch. You sc then skip two, then seven dcs in next st, skip two, sc, skip two so on and so forth. All the way. The next row is just seven dcs in each sc. I followed that up with a row of sc. 

That's all folks! I'll update it when I get more done!!!

Until next time, 

Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Here's more progress. I will finish this up hopefully tomorrow. So here's what I've done since the last update. A row of hdc. Three rows of granny stitch in different colors. Row of sc and spike st. Only thing I changed was I skipped a stitch, so I have 2 scs, and then the dc, instead of the three scs and then dc. Then I did a row ow ch 6, skip next 3 st, sc in next st. Then I did a row of ch 3, sc in 3rd ch sp. Then I did a row of dc in the same color as the last. That's it so far. I'm starting to create a slight ruffle. I don't mind that right now. But I definitely don't want it to get any more ruffled. So I'll be working on that tomorrow. I just need to start counting my stitches. No biggie. I've just been winging it with this project. I have done some looking around on Pinterest, and found a blog on blogger.com called MyValleyRose. She has a few patterns on there that I love. There's a shawl pattern I fell in love with. She also sells Tilda yarn in her etsy shop of the same name. So you should check it out. =)

Until next time

Tonya@WoollyGhoulie

Today's update! I'm not done yet folks!!!! Here's what I've got done today

Plus solid, after the row of yellow dcs, I did three rows of granny stitching. After that I did a row is black sc, then another spike row with sc. Then I did a row of sc, then hdc in blue. Then a row of clusters with a ch sp in between each one. Then a row of 2 sc in each ch 1 so. Then a row of hdc in black.. that's it so far!!!! 

CHRISTMAS!!!!! Recipes being shared =)

Hi!! I have some recipes my mother has been sending me. They're COOKIES!!!! And a couple candy recipes. She has made over 600 cookies!!!! I live about 900 miles away from her.. So I don't get any cookies and candy. But that's okay. I'm going to be making some of these recipes this Christmas and New year =) enjoy!!!
Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie


So here's the first one:
Simple cookies with M&M candies
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Robbis-MM-Cookies/Detail.aspx?prop24=etaf

Number two:
Norman-Marcus Cookies (my personal favorite)

2 cups butter

24 oz. Chocolate chips

4 cups flour

2 cups brown sugar

2 tsp. Baking soda

1 tsp. Salt

2 cups sugar

1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)

5 cups blended oatmeal

4 eggs

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp. Vanilla

3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)

Measure oatmeal and blend in a blend until a fine powder.

Cream the butter and both sugars.

Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.

Add chocolate chips, Hershey barm, and nuts. Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes at 375.

Recipe says makes 112 cookies but we rolled them 1 inch round balls and  got 206 cookies.  Had to take the mixture out of my Kitchenaid mixer bowl and put it in my biggest metal bowl because there was so much of it that it was overflowing  We just finished mixing it by hand.  I know now that next time I make these I will half the recipe.. The cookies are delicious though. 

Number three:

Jello Cookies

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 cups salted butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 (3 oz) pkg Jello You can use any flavors you want

Instructions

1. Beat butter in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla. Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
2. Divide dough into 4 sections. Sprinkle 2 Tb of Jello onto each section. Knead together with dough. You may want to add a few drops of food coloring to make the dough more vibrant.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in the extra Jello from the packets. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets. Flatten with bottom of bowl.
4. Bake 8 to 10 min at 350 on lined baking sheets. Cool on baking sheets 2 min. Remove to wire racks and cool completely.

Number four:

Lemon Cookies 

These cookies use only four ingredients, and mix up in less than 5 min. Seriously awesome. Even better, they use no oil or butter. I know, you might be a littl...e skeptical, too. But these are simply the lightest, softest, yummiest cookies ever. Low Fat Crinkle Cookies Ingredients 1 box lemon cake mix (any kind) 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 cups Cool Whip, thawed (8 ounce container) ½ to 1 cup powdered sugar Instructions Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and Cool Whip. The batter will be sticky! Form dough into tablespoonfuls and roll in powdered sugar. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Allow to cool 1 minute on baking sheet; then remove. Please SHARE so this will be SAVED to your timeline! Join us for more interesting facts, recipes, health tips, DIY projects and fun stuff atAll-Natural Weight Loss

Number five:

Walnut cookie balls

Serves: 20
Cook Time: 25 Min
Cooking Method: Bake

Ingredients

1 c  (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 c  confectioners' sugar, plus more for rolling
2 tsp  pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp  nutmeg, ground
1/8 tsp  salt
2 c  flour
1 1/2 c  Diamond of California chopped walnuts

Directions

1 Preheat oven to 350º. Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet or in a shallow pan. Bake, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned and fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool. Leave oven set to 350º.

2 Beat butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and salt; beat until well blended. Stir in flour and walnuts.

3 Shape into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

4 Bake until edges are lightly browned and cookies are set, about 15 minutes. Remove from baking sheets. Immediately roll hot cookies in additional confectioners' sugar. Place sugared cookies on wire racks to cool. When cool, roll again in sugar.

Number six:

Easy Pudding Cookies

(110)

Rate it now!

Photo by:Kraft

1K+

The best-kept secret of your chewy-cookie-making friends? Pudding. In this version it's chocolate pudding and white chocolate that do the trick.

Time

Prep:

15 min

Total:

27 min

Servings

Total:

42 servings, 1 cookie each

What You Need

1

Cup  butter or margarine, softened

1

Cup  packed brown sugar

1

Pkg.  (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

2

 Eggs

1

Tsp.  Baking soda

2

Cups  flour

1-1/2

Pkg.  (4 oz. Each) BAKER'S White Chocolate (6 oz.), chopped

Make It

HEAT oven to 350°F.

BEAT butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add dry pudding mix; beat until well blended. Add eggs and baking soda; mix well. Gradually beat in flour until well blended. Stir in chocolate.

DROP tablespoons of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets.

BAKE 10 to 12 min. Or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 min. On baking sheets; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size-Wise

These cookies are great for gift-giving and sharing on a special occasion.

Special Extra

Add 1 cup dried cranberries with the chocolate.

Variation

Prepare using other flavor combinations of JELL-O Instant Pudding and stir-ins, such as Pistachio Pudding with dried cherries, Lemon Pudding with chopped PLANTERS Pecans, and Vanilla Pudding with chopped BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Number seven:

Almond Joy Candies

 bag of shredded coconut

Approximately 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup

Almonds

Put the coconut in a food processor to chop up a little finer

I added about 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup,  start with 2 and go from there.  You may need more or less. 

You do not want it to thin.  Keep it the same consistency of almond joys.  For me it was about 3 tbs.

Squeeze the mixture together, if it doesn't hold then refrigerate for a few minutes. 

After its chilled, make small balls (about 1 inch round) and press an almond on top.  After you have all your coconut and almonds on the pan, return it to the fridge for about 15 minutes or so. 

In the meantime melt some chocolate (I had some Candiquik on hand)  I like that a lot better than chocolate chips for coating.. Any grocery store has it.    After the chocolate melted I dipped each piece of candy in the chocolate.  Returned it to the tray to harden.  It taste just like an almond joy.  This was my fist time making this and I will be making them again..

Number eight:

Buckeyes

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: Makes 60 to 70 Buckeyes

From Julie Espy {White Lights on Wednesday}

Ingredients

• 18 ounces creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 3 cups confectioner’s sugar (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 12 ounces chocolate chips
• 2 ounces parafin wax, optional

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add confectioner's sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until almost combined after each addition, until all sugar is incorporated.
2. Roll peanut butter mixture into bite sized balls. Place peanut butter balls onto a baking sheet lined with Sil-Pat, waxed paper, or parchment paper. Chill peanut butter balls for at least 1 hour.
3. In a double boiler set up, melt together chocolate chips and wax in a bowl. Once melted, stir together thoroughly to combine.
4. Insert a toothpick into the center of one peanut butter ball. Use the toothpick to dip the ball into the melted chocolate. Be sure to leave a circle of peanut butter showing at the top of the candy {this is what makes it look like a Buckeye}. Dip the ball once more, leaving peanut butter showing and then place back onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining peanut butter balls.
5. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until ready to serve*

Notes

If you are not using paraffin wax, you will need to refrigerate your candy until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour. If you are in a hurry, paraffin wax can be a great option. The wax makes the chocolate set at room temperature and does not need to be refrigerated. Paraffin wax is safe to digest. And unless you eat the entire batch yourself, you're really not consuming very much at all. Paraffin wax can be found at your local grocery store in the canning section.

Ribbit, ribbit, rippit, rip it...

So, I was about 1/4 of the way through this Christmas gift. I realized that my stitch count was WAY off. I had to go back, find out where it began, and take over half of my work apart. I should have been paying more attention to my count. There's a lesson here. Watching tv and NOT counting when you're working with a bunch of different stitches, is a BAD idea. It makes for a bunch of froggin! I have about 10 Christmas dish cloths to finish today, and I can go back to my project I've been working on. I really should have started sooner. It doesn't pay to procrastinate!!!!!!! I guess the perfect scarf is just going to have to wait a little longer! I need to order another color I left out anyway. Alright.. off to work I go!
Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Perfect scarf yarn!!!!

I received the yarn I ordered from Craftsy, last week. I found this yarn on sale.

It's Bravo, by Schachenmayr! I have never worked with this yarn before. It's from Germany, and is a dk weight. It's 100% acrylic yarn. These skeins consist of 1.75 oz. or 145 yds. I'm so excited! I'm still working on this Christmas present.. I got the idea for it from little woolly. She posted a CAL for a blanket of mixed stitches, and it turned out beautifully. So, I'm taking her pattern, and kind of putting my own twist on it. I'm not using dk weight yarn for the blanket, I'm using Red Heart Super Saver, it  worsted weight. It's turning out beautifully. Im really happy with the results. I'm not using much white, and the little bit that I am using, is soft white. I'm using a couple blues, a couple purples, a berry color red, spring green, pink, yellow, charcoal grey and light mint green. So far, mixing the colors has turned out really really well. Once I get the blanket done, I'll definitely post pictures. Well, maybe after Christmas. I don't want to take any chances on spoiling the gift!

Dinner plans:
Tonight, I'm eating Mexican food, folks. I LOVE fajitas. There's  a little Mexican restaurant here, and they're pretty good. So I'll be scarfing down some steak fajitas and queso and chips! Also, I'll be crocheting on that blanket! I've got to get it done so I can start my CAL on the perfect scarf!

The lucky me:
Our tree has presents under it, we've got food in our belly, and a warm home. I'm pretty lucky. I'm really glad I have the opportunity to surround myself in my favorite hobbies. I'm really lucky I've got the support to keep being creative, and pushing myself. I'm lucky to have my family. I lost my daddy on Dec. 17th of 2011, and I miss him more and more everyday. And this time of year kinda sucks because of that. But, I try to not let it get me too bad, and I try to keep cheery about it all.

So I've got work to do. And I can't do it if I'm blogging!
Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

P.S. here's little woollies blog www.littlewoollie.blogspot.com
Here's where I got the yarn www.craftsy.com
An  here's where you can get your Redheart Super Saver yarn www.redheart.com

Christmas tree Overload!!!

We have decorated our tree! It's the first year that I've ever had a real tree! It smells loverly!!! And it's huge! Biggest tree I have ever had!! So, most of the ornaments are vintage. A big part of them came from a lady whose house I helped clean a while ago. She moved, and gave these to my fiancees mom. She gave them to us! They're old Shine Brite ornaments. I love them! There's a bunch of handmade ones that are pretty old. We had some from when Paul was a boy that we put on there, and some we got a couple years ago from the dollar store. We have a butt load of ornaments. They're even hung inside! I used every single one. It turned out beautifully. Exactly what I wanted! I took some pictures!

 

I found an Elf on the Shelf ornament!!! He's on a bell, not a shelf. Still cute!!! My Momma made a Family Tree sunshine thing, I hung that on there, and of course I hung up a Christmas Pickle!!! I crocheted it myself. =) I've never been so excited about my Christmas Tree!!!!!! I'm going to be blogging again tomorrow on this project I'm working on. It's going to be a gift for someone for Christmas!!! 

Until next time,

Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

The perfect scarf!

I found the perfect scarf, folks. It's here
http://t-jonge.blogspot.nl/2013/09/uitnodiging.html
I LOVE the colors and the mixing of different stitches. I don't know what language that's in, or where to find the pattern. I've looked for a few days now. I can't find anything. So I'm going to try to figure it out on my own!!! If anyone can give me some helpful info on some of those stitches, I think it's mostly granny and shell and your basic hdc, dc, sl st and sc. But if you see something I don't, please let me know!! I love this and I need to have it!!! The colors are so pretty and put together so well, and its just perfect for anything I'd wear! I'm working on my mother's Christmas present now, but once I'm done with that, and I get my yarn I ordered from Craftsy.com, I'll be able to get it made!!!! I'm so excited!!

Here's what I might do. I might do a CAL with it! I wonder how many people I can get to participate and post pictures of their progress along with mine. I never have done a CAL before. I'm working the pattern of One now, but it's long done with. I will post that when I'm done =)
Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Craft show skip out.

I skipped out on the craft show folks. I had less items than I was comfortable with. I didn't have nearly enough Christmas stuff, and I didn't have enough "cheaper" items. See, I don't think you should sell yourself short. If you make something, if you take your hands, your brain and your talent and put it all to good hard work, and you actually create something, it's worth a lot more than a few bucks. It may take the right buyer, but hold on to it until you get what your time, skill, love and work is worth. It's worth more than just getting the money back on supplies. It's worth more than minimum wage an hour. It's worth blood, sweat and tears dammit! And I love my makes. I love every single one. That's why I decided to make them. I'm proud of them all. Even the ones that were just mess arounds and try outs. That's how you get to your best. You try things out. Now, I don't like to stick to just one thing. I like to make things with my hands, if it's hair pins, sculpting out little birds, painting, building rta jewelry boxes, casting resin, crocheting, any other needle work, or digging in the dirt. I try my best, and I'm not very good at most of that stuff. But I like it. I want to get better. I want other people to like it. No. I want other people to LOVE it. I want people asking me to make specific things, because  they know I'd do a fantastic job. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to devote more time to my craft. I'm not going to rush through anything anymore... with the exception of the Christmas present I'm working on. It has to be done soon. It will turn out beautifully though. I know it will, because I'm making it for my mommy. =) So I'm not selling myself short. I expect big things to happen with my crafts. I want to be the best I can be. My prices are fair. As  a consumer, please consider the time and skill that goes into each project. Please understand that the people that go balls to the wall with their skills, are passionate because they're working towards their best. They're probably putting everything they've got into each tiny sliver. I think people WANT handmade  but think it's too expensive, because they don't think about what goes into each item. If they did, they'd understand why the prices are what they are (as long as you're pricing fairly). That's not saying go bare minimum. If you know you can sell it for more, you've got to keep the ball rolling. You have to make money to resupply and pay for your time. You need to make profit. So I encourage you crafty folks out there to go balls to the wall!!

Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Thanksgiving Busy Bee

I had a GREAT Thanksgiving Day! It was the first in our house.  I cooked dinner from 7:30am to 1:00pm. I think that's pretty good. It was only three people. My fiance, his daddy and me. I made a small turkey breast, since I'm the only meat eater. I made Mac n cheese, tater salad, mashed taters, green bean casserole, cheddar and broccoli rice, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie and a chocolate dream pie. Paul Sr made the best baked beans I had ever had. They were delicious! I made my puppy dog a bowl of Turkey with gravy and mashed taters. He gobbled it up! I was so happy when I was done cooking. I took a nap after dinner! I earned that nap! Then I started working on my crocheted works. I have a table at the craft show tomorrow. I'm so excited! I hope to sell all of my stuff! But if that doesn't happen I'll be okay. I really just want to sell SOMETHING, and pass out some business cards tomorrow. Maybe get some customers and friends. That's what would make me happy. 

Christmas is just around the corner folks!!!! I hope you're getting all of your shopping done. I hope to get all my Christmas crocheting done in time. I've got a few projects.to.work on. One big one, and a few that aren't so big. But I'm sure I wot have any problems getting these things done. 

Until next time,

Tonya@WoollyGhoulie

Dream Catchers and Tea.

A few months ago I happened upon a picture of a dream catcher. It was made with a doiley and some ribbons and trimmings. I immediately felt like I had to make one. It was going to happen. I just needed to figure it out. So here's what I did. I spent a few weeks searching for a doiley pattern I couldn't live without... didn't find one. So I decided it wasn't going to be made with a doiley. I was going to make it with something else. Like a motif for a sweater or something. I couldn't find one. Then it hit me. I'm going to be crocheting over glass ornaments for the craft show. I found a pattern I kinda liked and wanted to spring off of in my Crochet Today magazine for Nov/Dec. 2013. Tromme Balls I think.very pretty and simple. So I took that pattern, made just the bottom part a LOT bigger using cotton twine. I crocheted around a clothes hanger I formed into a circle and attached the ornament pattern to that. It looks really cool just like that. But I needed to add pretty things to make it complete. I used twine I got from Family Dollar and its beige. So I wanted to keep it kinda vintage looking. Well, I have this huge bag full of old zippers and hem tape and lace and trimmings. Just a bunch of old stuff. And by old I mean from '68-'89. So I cut that stuff into various lengths, added some beads and buttons to the mix and tied it all to the part of the circle that I twisted together. It hides the lumps very nicely. Here's what I need up with.

I hung it up in the kitchen window to get a picture with light, but ridding turn out too well.  Either way, you get the idea. I LOVE my dream catcher. I'm making smaller ones now, different center. I'm aiming to sell them. I'll post them on etsy after Christmas... probably. Any questions, just ask!!!! 

Until next time,

Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Christmas Pattern!!!!!! Free!!

This is a pattern for a super easy star ornament I made this morning. 

I used redheart super saver in white, and a G (4.0mm) hook.

You can use wire or ribbon or yarn to hang these from your tree, or make garland. I'm going to make a few garlands in different colors and a bunch for ornaments, for the craft show at the end of the month. 

They take just a few minutes and are super cute!!!! 

Ch 4 sl st in first ch from hook to form ring.

Ch 3, counts as first dc of cluster st, finish cluster st, *ch 2, cluster st. Five times. Join w/ sl st at top of first cluster

*Ch 3, sc in ch2 sp. Sc in next cluster st. join with sl st in last sc. 

*Ch 3, 2dc in ch 3 sp. Pivot, ch 3 sc in next sc, sc next sc, join with sl st in last sc. Finish off, weave in ends, attach ornament hook.

If I goofed it up, just let me know and I'll get back with us asap!!!!

Until next time,

Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Craft Bazaar!!! I'll be there!!!

Yes, you read the subject line correctly! It's my very first craft show!!! I'm so excited and freaked out! It's a small one, I think. I've not been here in town when there's a craft show going on. I'm crocheting plenty of Christmas stuff, plenty of things that aren't Christmas related, and I'll be making stuff that's not crochet! I hope I have enough to fill up my table and make lots of sales!!! I ordered business cards! I'll be like an official business lady! Aren't you so proud Mom?! I need to really make sure I have a bit of everything I make. Not just crochet stuff. This is the first time people at  going to be able to see a display of my craft! That's like throwing yourself to the wolves! What the Hell am I doing?! Judgment, criticism, rejection and being over looked. Biggest fears. Whoa. I'm scared to death.

So setting up and preparing for a craft show is something I've never done before. I have quite a few items I've made just laying around the house, and put away. But I don't want to just put ANYTHING on my table. I want my best. I've got to make sure  everything is completed and all my ends are weaved in. All my edges are trimmed and all my stuff looks perfect. I understand there's going to be people that aren't going to like my stuff. I get that... but I hope there's more people that love my stuff!!! I need this real break to get this thing going. I hope to make clients and friends. If I come out of this with two sales and have met a bunch of great artists and crafters, then I think I have succeeded. I know not one person here that's not related to my Paul. I love his family, they're amazing people. I'm not complaining. I just don't know anyone else. I'm hoping to find someone that can show me the ropes. If they talk, I listen. I want t know as much as I possibly can!

I know I haven't posted any pictures of the leaves changing.. I'm sorry, but they all fell off before they turned. We had a hard freeze and everything was gone the next day. I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures posted. I'll do better next fall. Hopefully by then, I'll have a really good camera. My kindle doesn't do pictures unless I'm taking pictures.of myself. It's not good for that. So I have to use my phone, and it takes terrible pictures. Anyway.. I have a lot of work to do in 23 days.

Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Never finishing... Never Ending...

I ran across some large bobby pins at the store the other day, and some smaller ones.. I have all of these resin flowers, skulls, and body parts laying around, and needing to be done with. So I'm going to be making these cute little hair pins to put in my etsy store. I get accused of starting projects, getting distracted, and never finishing them. Well, I'm going to finish the projects I set out to do in the first place.

I have a couple of jewelry boxes I have been working on.. I'll be finishing them up. I hope. Those will also go in my etsy shop. There's a few wood projects I've started.. there's a few I haven't.. But I need to get them all done. So hopefully by the end of this month, since I'm not planning anything great for Halloween anyway, I can be busy finishing up my projects. =)

Speaking of Halloween. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE  Halloween. It's my favorite. But the last few years, we haven't really had any opportunities to go out and do anything. I don't know many people, don't like parties, and there aren't any concerts I HAVE to see. Actually, I'm sure there are plenty I wouldn't mind missing. I wish I had kids. Kids make Halloween so much better. Take for example my nieces. They are at my mother's house as I'm typing this, working on costumes!! My brother never misses a chance to get his girls to scare the cheap out of their mother. And now he's got our mother in on the whole thing. I miss that. We used to do Halloween together. But I moved, and now I have no one to make costumes with or for or do face paint with. I guess I could paint Paul's face and my own, but that'd be a little weird, sitting at home, watching scary movies with our faces painted. ... or is it? I think I'm face painting anyway! There's so many cool ideas out there, I can't NOT paint our faces. Even if we don't get trick or treaters. I gotta do this. I feel like Halloween has left me. I need to get back together with it.

Oh, yes. I will be finally tying the knot with my "ol man" around the beginning of May. I don't want a big wedding or a big party after the wedding. I'm keeping this simple and small, tiny and wee. I like things to be not a big deal. I know getting married is a huge deal, but I don't need something huge and ridiculous for it to be a huge deal with me. Paul, my fiance, is the same way, we both agree that it needs to be small and simple. We have the perfect place for a wedding, right here at our home in WV! We are surrounded by beautiful mountains. I couldn't think of a better place that's more fitting for the both of us hillbillies. It's going to be low cost, but still very pretty and nice. I won't have many real flowers, if any. And we'll be making the food ourselves. The only thing I can see costing anything is seats and tables, if someone doesn't already have that. His uncle will hopefully marry us, and other than the  marriage license and our clothes, we will not be spending much moolah.

So, as a wrap up, I have a butt load of work to be doing. And I'm sitting here, blogging. I don't even have people that comment on my blogs, yet, I blog. I hope one day, some people will be like "Damn, that's a good blog. I gotta read this girl's stuff all the time, and I would like to make some comments as well. Maybe even share ideas with her!" I'm hopeful.

Until next time,
Tonya @WoollyGhoulie

Day of the Dead, a blanket and dolls.

I have been crocheting my fingers to the bone. I finished off the Day of the Dead garland. Then I decided to make a blanket because I was cold. I have pictures of both.

My blinds need replaced, I know it. I'm getting to it. And my cat LOVES the granny square blanket I made.
Wal-Mart has been clearing out a bunch of yarn. I got four skeins of One Pound by Caron for $12!!!!! I thought that was a great deal, so then it sat in the totes for about a month... I decided to make skulls for my garland. Then I decided I needed to make a blanket. I did. It's finished. That's right. There's nothing better than finishing two big projects within a week.

The flowers for the garland were pretty easy. I just did spiral flowers in different sizes. The skulls are all different sizes, I was just kinda making them randomly. I didn't follow an exact pattern. I just looked at one from Redheart, and went from there. I backed the skulls with felt, and all the mouths and noses are stitched on, and the eyes, they're stitched on. I used some buttons I got in a bag at A.C.Moore, for $6.00. I didn't use them all. I have a good bit left. And the buttons are really neat. I love them.  The yarn I used for the flowers and the rope to stitch them all together was Redheart Super Saver yarn. I had a bunch of partial skeins left, and just used different colors I thought would look good together and make it bright.

For the blanket, I used three skeins of One Pound by Caron. One in a red, a purple and an off white. It's large, warm and cozy! I love the way the colors turned out together. It's very warm. I just used a granny stitch a and my I hook. I finished it off with a scalloped edge to make it even prettier. I hope y'all like it!!!

Also, there is something I have been obsessed with lately. Lalaloopsy dolls. They're ADORABLE!!!!!!! I love them so much! They're perfect as far as dolls go, in my opinion. They're not slutty looking and they have cute sidekicks. I love the born on dates, kinda like the CPK have, and they have a sweet little personality to them. I have ten now. It all started with a Sailor one. She was a workshop doll.  Then I got a double pack, the clown and princess. Then the mini, she looks like the tin man from Wizard of Oz. They have themes!!! I love it! I got the snow white looking one, and my fiance got me the two Halloween minis! I have an Oopsie, and a boy one. They're my favorite doll babies ever. But I must say, the Halloween Scraps Stitched and Sewn one is my favorite. If I could be a doll, I'd be that doll. It reminds me of me a little. Okay. That's all on that. I had to share.

Until next time,Tonya @ WoollyGhoulie

BRING BACK THE SCARY!!!!!!

It's here!! Well, tomorrow it will be here. HALLOWEEN!!!!!!! Yep, Halloween is an entire month long!!!!! So, what's your plans? Have you already decorated your home? Have you made your creepy costume yet?! What are  you dressing up as?! I want to know!!!!!! I had been pokin around on some sites for creepy things to crochet for Halloween, and I found some really neat things. There's loads of Halloween ornaments to hang on your Halloween tree! I will be making those little ornaments, but I'll put my own twist on them. I found a really cool pattern from REDHEART for garland. Here's the site for that!
***** http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/sugar-skull-garland *****
It's an affordable awesome decoration that I plan on leaving up all year long. I'm really excited about this month! I think October should be SCARY!!! Forget about all the cute sweet and sexy costumes. Halloween isn't suppose to be cute and sweet and sexy. It's suppose to be scary and creepy! Unless of course you're a baby and you look adorable in that little lion costume. Lions can be scary! I just think we should try to bring the creepy and scary back into Halloween. There should be one month out of every year where we dress like monsters, decorate our yards to look like abandoned houses, and have a good time doin it!!
Scary and creepy. That's what it's all about. Oh, and candy!
 Okay, one of my favorite sites for Halloween costumes, ornaments and other little things
*****http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?search=1&searchText=halloween&Go.x=1&Go.y=1&Go=1&start=0&pageLength=15 *****
Lionbrand has an amazing collection of Halloween patterns. I've also been digging around on Pinterest for sewing ideas and there's a lot, too many to pick and list. So I'm being lazy.
I'd love to read about any ideas you have for Halloween!! Post them below in the comments section and I'll reply!!!!

Until next time,
Tonya

Quick and Easy Slippers for Your Flippers!

This is something I've wanted to tackle on my own, for a long time now. I have found a million different styles of slippers, but I keep going back to the same style. Simple and cute. They're so easy to make. I took all the information I could gather from different patterns, and decided to just mush it together, take some things away, and make it so easy, that I can make these and never get bored with them. You can change them up so much, no pair has to look the same. Okay, here it is. If you find any issues, since this is my first pattern, just let me know.

I used RedHeart Super Saver yarn, and an H hook.

Start with a magic ring, ch 3, 7 dc in magic ring, join with sl st.
ch 3, 2 dc in ea st around.
ch 3, dc in first st, *2 dc in next, dc in next, repeat from * to last st, join with sl.
ch 3, dc in ea st around, join with sl st.
ch 3, dc in ea st around, join with sl st.
Now, you don't have to change color, but I did with the ones I made. If you DON'T change color, just continue to follow last step until your toes and the top of your foot are covered enough for you.
To change color here, join color with slip knot and sc, sc around, join with sl st.
I changed color again!
ch 3, dc around, join with sl st.
ch 3, dc across next 15 st.
Follow last step until the bottom (what you're working on now, and the sides too!) is as long as your foot. Once you get there, fold in half, and join the ends with sl st, making the back of the heel.
I made these for my Momma. She's been on me about slippers for a while now. I made hers in colors that I know she'd love together. She lives in Florida, I don't know why she needs slippers!
I'll be making more of these slippers and selling them in my etsy store.
Www.etsy.com/shop/WOOLLYGHOULIE

Until next time,
Tonya

Ever use crafting to get through some things?

I do. Everyday, actually. Crochet is my go-to when I'm down. It has helped get me through my dad dying. It's the counting, I think. You get in a rhythm, and you just crochet the crap out of that yarn! You have to be careful though. You crochet when you're too upset, you're liable to end up with something that's crocheted so tight, it's warped. Then you gotta frog it! I guess that would be a good way to get some anger out! 

So crafting keeps my mind busy. Almost busy enough where I don't think about things  constantly. My fiance and I have been pretty busy with rummage sales and Goodwill. We're what you call Goodwill Pickers. We pick and sell things on etsy, or ebay. That helps to keep my mind off of things. But, it's the long rides in the truck that get me sometimes. When you have time that you're not doing something with your hands, it hits you, and it sucks. 

Crocheting, cross stitching, sewing and upcycling stuff is what keeps my mind a safer place. Losing my daddy has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I NEED crafting, to help keep my mind off of things that bring me down. It's such a positive way to help with depression. You get something out of it. You get the finished product, the satisfaction that YOU created that awesomeness, and a few moments of a peace, if you're lucky. 

Healing your heart and mind doesn't happen with a finished lapghan or a shawl. But crafting, creating and working can help a whole lot. I think that if there's someone that has been an impact on your crafting and creating ability, it can bring you closer to that person emotionally. Every time I hammer a nail or sand down a piece of wood, I can't help but to think of my daddy, and how proud of me he would be. It makes me feel so much better. 

So in my conclusion, I believe that being creative is the best thing for a sad heart. It doesn't make it ever go away. It just helps to deal with things a little better. And it can help with self-esteem issues too. You create something bad ass, and someone compliments you on it, hell yeh!! You're an amazing artist!!! So craft people!! Create!!! Get through all that bad crap going on!!! Help yourself, and everyone else around you. 

Until next time,

Tonya

Results for Resin Castin' Motha'!!!!!

So here are my casts!!! They both came out very easily this morning. I'll do a recap! 

Yesterday I did my first resin epoxy casting, the blue anchor. 

Then I got  out the other mold, the flowers, and decided to try another attempt. Just to see if there would be different results. I haven't done this by Easy Casts standards. I haven't used their cast release spray. I haven't used their pigments. But I swear that Easy Cast is amazing. 

Anyway, what I did use for a release was cooking spray with the blue anchor. It works. It creates a barrier between the mold and the resin. It released very easily. Perfect for that. But, I'm not crazy about the matte finish. I don't want to buff these casts or have to do much sanding. Sanding around the edges is fine, but other than that, I'd rather not have to mess with the cast too much. 

As for the flowers, I used a silicone spray. It said that it protects rubber and so on and so forth, so I figured I'd give it a shot on the back of the mold first. It worked, so I casted some flowers. They turned out shiney. Just what I wanted.  

I used eye shadows to color the resin epoxy. As you can see, it works! It doesn't just work.. it works WONDERFULLY!!! 

Now, these casts haven't cured completely yet. They take about 73 hour for a complete cure. I popped them out of the molds with no problem, but they're still a little soft. So before in use these for anything, I'll let them set for another two days. 

I know it sounds like it takes forever, but you can't mess with perfection. I don't see any reason to search around for a different resin epoxy. I'm happy with my results and I don't mind the curing process. 

So, I have a LOT of casting to get done today, folks. I'm excited! And I have to get to work. I'm going to try a few things like a multi color casting. =) Wish me luck!!!!

Until next time,

Tonya

Resin Castin' Motha' YEAH!!!!

I have FINALLY received my resin molds in the mail today!! I've had my resin epoxy for about two weeks, and I've been looking for cheap ways to color my resin with.
Well, I bought Easy Cast resin. It's super easy to do. The instructions and trouble shooting tips are extremely easy to understand. A little bit goes a long way. So I'm glad for my first go round, I got a small kit. There's some helpful tips in there, like filling your mold with water before you mix the resin together, so you know how much to make, and you aren't wasting your resin epoxy mix. It's too expensive to waste. The small kit I got was about $14.00. But, like I said, it goes a long way, at least for what I'm using it for. The molds I purchased aren't very big. I recommend definitely getting rubber molds that are very flexible for things that have crevices, like flowers. The reason for that is, you need to make sure you get your mold casting release spray in every crevice. You need to test the release spray and resin on the back of your molds before you go pouring resin inside your perfectly wonderful mold. If whatever spray you're using isn't going to work with your mold for some funky reason, you need to know. It can ruin a perfectly fine mold. Waste. That's what you would have. Waste doesn't make a penny.
So today, I used eye shadow to color my resin. It was super cheap at Family Dollar, I think I spent $3.50 on eye shadows and I got seven different colors. You can also get eye shadow pallets on eBay for cheap. I haven't ventured into anything other than two molds. One is a cameo and the other is a mold that has three small flowers. The cool thing about the eye shadow is, it has a shimmer affect to it. I think these castings will be really pretty when they're done. I'm going to experiment more the day after tomorrow, after I find out if I can release these casts without ruining them. The Easy Cast says that it takes up to 73 hours for a hard cast, which is what I want. I don't want something pliable, just to make a mess of it.
Hopefully, if anyone is thinking about doing some resin casting, this helps out a little bit! I would suggest checking out Amazon and eBay for your molds and resin. And when you go mold shopping, make sure you can use them with resin!! You don't want ones that are for just food. So, there's a few tid bits of info for you. Happy casting!
Until next tome!
Tonya

Pom Pom Mayhem

I hate making pom poms. It's NOT easy, people! They never come out even and pretty and perfect. They come out all lopsided and uneven and stupid looking. I have been to SEVERAL websites that have posted on how to make these evil little yarn balls.
I know, it looks like a simple little cute addition to your hats, sweaters, jewelry, shoes, socks, gloves and whatever else you want to use pom poms for. Cute, yes. Easy to make, no. How come?!  How come everyone else's pom poms come out great, but I have the most difficult time making mine nice?! I just want nice ones. I don't mind having to trim up and cutting off the strays. But, when one side is two inches longer than the other side, and there's not enough on the shorter side to do anything with, ARGH!!!!!
Oh, the mayhem of POM POMS!!!!!! I follow directions. I do what it says, and still, mayhem!
I, eventually, WILL master this evil little monster. I have to! Everyone else makes these things like it's nothing. I need to be able to make pom poms. That's all there is to it. Once I get it mastered, I will post my perfect pom pom!
Are pom poms supposed to be perfect? If not, tough. I'm getting it as close to perfect as I can. I have experimented with every type of pom pom markery that I could find online. But I need to take parts of each one, and put them all together. Or maybe I might just need to throw it all out of the window! Forget about everything there is to know about making pom poms. Make a pom pom in an unorthodox fashion. I have no idea how I do this. I will figure it out soon!
The reason I'm going on about these pom poms...
I made a slouch hat in Heather grey and magenta. I made a sloppy, sorry and pitiful pom pom to top it off. I'm keeping this hat for myself. It's going to be getting cold, and I have no hats. I have hats to sell, but not any to keep. So this one, I'm keeping. It will match the scarf I made myself last year, out of the same Heather grey yarn! And my coat! It's black and Heather grey! Did you say mittens?! Don't mind if I do!! I think I'll go with a basic, quick mitten. I'll be posting pictures soon!! I'm excited!
I have work to do. I can't stay and blog allllllllllllll day!
Until next time,
Tonya

Going Crosseyed Over Cross Stitching

I have been doing cross stitch for a collective year... maybe. And I haven't figured out how to keep my back clean. It looks like a hot mess. So I did some reading(because I didn't do any research on how things are done BEFORE I started cross stitching), and found a few techniques to work with, to kinda find my find my niche. Here's a couple places I went to to get some info:
http://www.salt-and-pepper.com/Hints1a.htm
http://www.thecrossstitchguild.com/Cross_Stitch_Basics/Stitch_Basics/Away_Waste_Knot_Start.aspx
http://www.yarntree.com/007begin.htm

Hopefully these sites will help you! I also got some books a while ago to give me some cool modern ideas on something that's such an old craft. My most favorite one is Twisted Stitches by Phil Davison. That book has 30 creepy, scary and wonderfully twisted patterns for the creepy, scary and wonderfully twisted person! I'm working on the pig. Get that book and learn to cross stitch!!! It's frickin great!!
I also wanted to get into hand embroidery. SublimeStitching.com has a bunch of awesome patterns, kits and anything else you could possibly want and need for hand embroidery. Her books are extremely informative. The patterns are adorable and modern, with a vintage twist. The woman has great ideas!!! Go to the site, learn some things, get some books, get a kit or two, and embroider until your fingers cramp up! You can embroider on almost ANYTHING. Cross stitch too! As a matter of fact, for all of you hip iPhone users, there are cases that you can cross stitch on! I wanted an iPhone just for that reason. I don't even have cell phone reception here at home. That just proves that you can cross stitch the world, folks. Oh!!!! I have a great idea!! Cross stitch bombing!! You know how people yarn bomb, and photo bomb, and any other sort of art bombing. I wonder if it's ever been done?!!  And just to make it clear, for any people thinking I'm some sort of bombing maniac, I don't condone violence.
So, I have been working on a little cross stitch cat. It came in a kit, and its kind of a country themed cat. I hope it turns out neat. Yeah, I have two cross stitching projects going on. I also have received a large canvas that's been started already. It's called  crewel stitching. That thing is too intimidating for me right now. I might just put that in the closet for a day I run out of projects. I'll get to it... maybe when I'm 80.
So go check out the sites, the books and get creative. Maybe even make your own pattern with one of the free pattern makers online. Here's one for you to check out!!!
http://www.myphotostitch.com/Make_Pattern/Make_Pattern.html
Until next time,
Tonya

So many projects, so little time

I keep talking about wanting to make hats, slippers and scarves for all of my nieces and my fiancees cousins. That's 8 girls ranging from age four to 15!!!! None of them like the same thing. Everything would have to be completely different. That calls for a lot of ideas, eight to be exact, and a butt load of yarn!!! Not to mention the time I have to do this in. Just a few months left for Christmas and fall is creeping up my doorstep as I type this out!! I have throw blankets to put together for a birthday, I have projects for my shop and still have a ton of work to do on our house! I'm not sure it could all get done in time. I could make it inexpensive, but I can't expand my time.
The teenagers I would like to get some slouch hats and fingerless gloves done. No problem there, right? Slouchy hats are hip. Fingerless gloves are hip. I like the triangle scarves, but I don't think that'd fly with the kids. Maybe just the hats and gloves. Maybe mittens for the little ones. Maybe even some ear warmers for the little ones!! I need  to make slippers for my mother and my aunt! Ahhhhh!!
It's okay.. breath. I can do this. I just need my good, trust worthy, inexpensive Super Saver yarn by Redheart and my hooks. I got this, yo. Oh! And time management. I need time management. I need it more than anything else. It's going to be a busy busy busy busy next few weeks and months.
To top it off, I have a new puppy!!!! His name is Rinks!! And he's a handful!! But I love my puppy so much!!!! He's sweet and mean and loving and mean!!! And he has bad breath, and I love it!!!
So here is my plan: work on hats, gloves, slippers, ear warmers, scarves (maybe) and mittens! And everything else I have to get done.
Until next time..

Www.etsy.com/shop/WOOLLYGHOULIE
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According to Matt...: Crochet O'clock Tutorial

This is one great idea!!! I love this! I never thought about crocheting a clock! You can crochet ANYTHING!!!!!!!
According to Matt...: Crochet O'clock Tutorial: Well... I kind of disappeared from Blogland for a tad longer than usual...but I'm back with a little something to share with you ...

It's almost over!!

   Well, folks, it's almost over. It's almost time to put out your fall decorations and break out your warmer clothes!! Yay!!!! This means it's time to get bustin' butt to get some fall and winter items done and posted. It also means it's almost time for bonfires and hotdog roasts!!! But best of all, the leaves are changing, the air smells and feels cleaner, you can wear your boots and eat soup!!
   I have acquired some wreaths that need some serious makeovers. I have a few that are that pine needle stuff, and a few grapevine ones. I'm more interested in the  grapevine ones. I won't be selling these on my etsy shop. They'll be gifted out or I'll hoard them, depending on how they turn out. I have an idea that includes paper flowers, hot glue gun, straight pins, velvet ribbons and lots of buttons. If you could swim around  in my mind, I'm sure you'd agree it's a great idea. I will post these wreaths as I finish them. Unfortunately (not for me!!), right now, I have a ton of crocheting to get done. So it might take a few weeks. But the wreaths will be done!!
   As for the leaves changing, I will definitely be posting pictures of that! See, I live in a prime area for fantastic fall scenery. I live in the mountains of West By God Virginia, and we go on mini road trips occasionally. There's a place called Hawks Nest here. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful places any time of the year, but my favorite is Fall. There's a hiking path I'm dying to venture out on. One of these days, folks.. One of these days. You can walk to the lookout point and see the river from above and its breath taking. The view of the mountains with the river running between them, the colors of the leaves, just absolutely breath taking!!
  I have a few ideas for some crocheted tops and scarves. Scarves seem to be so boring to me anymore. I have to find a way to spice it up when it comes to a scarf. Something that I would want. I'm not a granny, but I love the granny stitch. It's simple, versatile and classic. There are many things you can make with the granny stitch. I subscribed to Crochet Today a while ago, and for the summer edition there was a pattern for swimming suit shorts. They were made with four granny squares and the rest was just basic stitching. Pretty easy, and very cute. I thought it was a good way to make a classic stitch very modern. There's tops, scarves, mittens and hats that are really pretty and neat that are crocheted in the granny stitch. I have some ideas that I'm very excited to get started on. I'll be posting those to sell in my etsy shop, but I will definitely be sharing them with you, here.
   I've been working on upcycling old Home Interior or Homco stuff lately. It's easy to do, and it has been turning out very well. Scrap materials, paint and a hot glue gun can go an awful long way. You just need an imagination to put it together. That stuff will also be posted  in my etsy shop!!
   This is going to be a very eventful fall/winter for me. I have a million and ten projects to get done! I have to stock up my shop and finish working on this house! I better get to work!!
Until next time!! Have a crafty day!
Tonya
Www.etsy.com/shop/WOOLLYGHOULIE