The Little Mermaid

My co-worker asked me to crochet a mermaid for her granddaughter and I told her that it would be impossible to find a pattern. Thank goodness for Ravelry, because I was able to find this adorable little mermaid pattern. I had to start working on it the minute I saw it. I added a couple extra rows to the tail, but I think she came out amazing!




















Now if I only I could be swimming in tropical waters like her right now!

Ribbon Necklace

My sister and Sarah came over for an arts and crafts day. Right now I'm taking a break from crafting because I burnt myself finger really badly with the hot glue gun and it's now blistering, but I can still type slowly. Lauren and I were determined to make these necklaces that we found on Yellow Blackbird. It was kind of like a throwback to making gimp lanyards at summer camp when I was 10, but I think the finished product is much classier! Focus on the necklaces here, not our sweaty gym clothes...















(Not pictured is Sarah taking our picture because I am ridiculously terrible at taking self portraits and they all came out crooked. She also promised to write a guest post about the awesome baby scrapbook she is making, right?)















Here is a closeup of Lauren's necklace. She burned the end on the candle. (We had really bad luck with heat today.) You can't really tell, but I used glue to keep the edges from fraying on mine just in case.















Here is my necklace overlooking the crazy high waters of the Housatonic River outside our window. I really like how they came out, but I think it would be cool to try using thinner ribbon, maybe satin instead of grosgrain. And I can't wait to try the other jewelry tutorials on Yellow Blackbird as well!

Daffodils for Spring

I had a Stampin' Up party yesterday and, of course, I made party favors! I found this cute idea for egg carton lollipops on Crafts by Amanda and had to try them out. They looked perfect displayed in a vintage Ball jar with some doilies and everyone loved them!
















Now I can't wait to get my new stamps and supplies to make some more goodies! And hopefully the March showers will bring real flowers...

Vermont

We just got back from Vermont where we stayed at the most amazing cottage. As soon as we got there, I felt like I was stepping into and Anthropologie store. From the Ball jar lighting fixtures to the shabby chic furniture and dishes, everything was perfect.






























We started off with a whole grains baking class at King Arthur Flour.













































We went cross country skiing at Dartmouth where the intermediate trail seemed like a double black diamond. I think I fell more than anyone.















Everywhere I went, I got compliments on the convertible hat I am wearing in this picture. I got the pattern for it here. I told Danny that I would make him one, but I think he was too excited about his personalized tractor hat.















We also went to Billings Farm in Woodstock for a sleigh ride and to visit the adorable baby cows. The farmhouse was full of antiques like this marble sink that I want in my future bathroom, a vintage creamery machine, and a toleware pantry.













































Last but not least, we got to experience the true tastes of Vermont. And not just the cheese and maple syrup!

Angry Birds

I didn't want a Valentine's Day gift this year. Maybe it has something to do with my excessive spending on arts and crafts. So James made me butternut squash soup and I made him an angry bird and an egg-thief pig:















I have been looking for a free pattern to make these for quite a while and was so excited when I came across them on angels have the phone box through Ravelry. The directions were very clear and they were so quick and easy to make! Another two to add to the homemade crochet animal pile that is quickly amassing in our bedroom...

Valentine's Day Wreath

Happy Valentine's Day!















I made this wreath for my mom using pages from an old book. The paper in the middle is from K&Company and I have no clue where the various embellishments are from. Needless to say she loved it. At least I know one person who appreciates my crafting obsession! XOXO

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Chippers

All these snow days are going to make me fat. Seriously. I stay home all day baking. And of course, the minute I saw this recipe I had to try them out.















They were definitely up there with the best cookies in the world. I substituted white whole wheat flour to make me feel less guilty and they were still amazing. Good thing my sister is coming over to bring what's left to my dad so I don't eat anymore!!