Falling in Love with Crochet Again.

It is absolutely storming here today in "Sunny" Miami as I write this post. In fact, it has been like this everyday since the end of May. It is turning out to be another typical summer for Miami where it rains every single day at the same time. Well, at least the rain keeps me indoors and out of trouble in the craft stores. How's the summer weather where you are?

These last few weeks I have been busy playing with Yarn. I enjoy knitting but I am finding that I enjoy crochet more. Perhaps that is because I am still new to knitting and don't have much experience yet with it. I am on a mission to learn how to make socks though. I just have to master those crazy double pointed needles. 

After about the 6th attempt at starting socks, I decided to pick up my crochet hooks again. I have so much yarn stash that I have decided to use it up for projects for my Etsy Store. I have come to realize in the last few weeks that I know absolutely nothing about yarn. I thought I did, but I don't! It is not all the same. The information on the label is there for a reason and just because you can use one kind of yarn to make this item doesn't mean you can use this different yarn to make the same item. Boy I can kick myself for spending so much money on stashing yarn.

Here are a few projects I have crocheted in the last few weeks. It is a start, but I'm working on more to add. I can only keep so many items for myself.

Travel Cup Cozies 
A nice alternative to those cardboard sleeves the coffee shop uses. I got the pattern from another lovely artist on Etsy.

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Coasters with Color

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Soap Sacks
This is my own design. Working on a new one.

I am enjoying my new adventure with my Etsy Store. I found that it takes quite a bit of time to get it going. There is so much to learn especially if you are new at selling your crafts. I am enjoying it, but as far as Etsy goes, the competition is tough. There are so many talented artists all with the same goals of selling their items. I have found quite a bit of inspiration too.

I made a couple of new Scissor Fobs too

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As a special thank you to you my blog readers who I consider my Blog Buddies, I have decided to offer you a special 10% discount to anything in my Etsy store. This my way of saying Thank You for taking the time to read my little blog and for your encouraging comments on my creations throughout this new adventure. My offer is good from now through July 31. Just use the code BLOGBUDDY10 in the coupon area of the checkout. I will be adding more items in the coming weeks so keep checking back.

I hope you have a Fabulous Weekend.

**Hugs and Love from Rainy Miami**
Jen

Playing with Beads

I have not crafted with beads in a long time. In fact, I have such an extensive bead stash that until recently I had no idea what to do with it. There was a time that I was into making beaded flowers.

That time was long ago as I haven't made these in a couple of years. The final result is pretty but the process to make these is not enjoyable at all. I could make them every once in a while, but not everyday all day. My poor fingers won't tolerate that. 

 One day I was reading one of my favorite blogs: Sew We Quilt. Madame Samm is so creative and her blog is so much fun to read. She always has new fun project in the works. I don't think the lady sleeps but she swears up and down to her readers that she does. Just recently, she taught herself how to make Scissor FOBS. I thought to myself, what a perfect way to use up my bead stash. I should give it a try. Here are the few I have created so far:

The FOBS are a great project for larger beads but not so much seed beads. What that in mind, I went on an internet search for what I could do with my seed bead collection. I came across a project that spoke to the inner book worm in me. Book Marks! or as they are sometimes called Book Thongs. 

There is still something so wonderful about having an actual book in your hand. I have an e-reader which I love but it still doesn't compare to having an actual book in my hand. 

Aren't those beads on the end lovely? They are glass beads with a gold foil inside. I found them at the local bead store in a tray of loose beads they were selling.

I've decided to put all of these new beaded beauties for sale in My Etsy Store. If any peek your interest, click on the link or the widget on the right bar of my page to be taken straight to my store.

I decided to take today off from work to give myself another 3 day weekend. I think I will spend some time today on my stitching. I started working on my Bluebell Fairy's dress. I am really enjoying it. She is starting to really come to life on the fabric. I have also been doing some knitting, but I will show those projects in another post.

Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks for the lovely comments on my North Carolina pictures in my other post. I still miss NC. I can't wait till we can visit again.

 The summer time is definitely here in Miami as the rain clouds have started to kick up again. The humidity is getting worse too. Just more reason to stay indoors.

Take Care Everyone.

**Hugs from Sunny Miami**

Jen