Handmade cutie contest

Hook, Line and Sinker is having a contest on facebook. It's the "Handmade cutie contest." I entered my daughter into the contest and would love for her to win a new hat! The photo with the most likes wins! She is not in first and we need to get her there...so if you click here and "like" the picture you can vote for her. Also if you like Hook, line and sinker's stuff go ahead and like her page. Thanks for showing your support!

Now how can you NOT vote for that face??!!? :)

Click here to go vote!

Mary Kay Makeover

This morning my friend and Mary Kay consultant hosted a little get together to do facials. She is in a race with herself to do as many facials as she can. If she does enough she just may win some money for her favorite local charities. I was happy to lend my face.

We had some muffins. We had some juice...it was a pretty good morning. :)

...on to the make-up! I have to start by saying I have tried many different products and Mary Kay always seems to work out best for me. I've tried their lip, face and hand products mostly and have been nothing less than satisfied with them.

With all my crocheting I have terrible dry hands. Their satin hands is AMAZING!

Satin lips is pretty amazing too. :)

I have very fair skin, and I'll admit I do not take care of my skin like I should. I was glad to go today to get a kick in the right direction. My face/cheeks mostly, are always very red. I wouldn't consider it rosacea, but they are definitely rosy! 

The lighting isn't the greatest for this picture, but my face usually is this red! lol

I was so pleased with the foundation she chose for me. You can hardly tell I have anything on my face and the redness was subdued. I love it!

The lipstick was a big change. I NEVER wear lipstick. I can never find the right shade. I am too cheap to buy different kinds to trial and error. This is why I love Mary Kay. I can try everything!

This lipstick is called "Maple."

 I think it has more of a pink tint on my lips. 

(I have pink undertones everywhere!)

 Every shade is different on everyone so I suggest trying them all! 

It's more fun that way ;p

I can't remember what all was on my eyes, but if you like this shade of lipstick here is the link to the website.

Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Maple

And here is my friend's business page on Facebook. She is extremely motivated, an EXCELLENT consultant. :)

Jane - Mary Kay Consultant Facebook page

Dinosaur Costume Photography Prop

Dinosaur Costume Photography Prop

Original Design

By:

Kayla Anderson

Size:

Infant

(Hat can be made in other sizes)

Supplies:

Size J crochet hook for body

Size G crochet hook for spikes

Worsted weight yarn in two colors

Darning needle

Poly-fil

Gauge:

5 hdc=2 inches

4 rows=2 inches

Crochet techniques used:

Magic ring=wrap yarn around finger two times, 

insert hook through loop, yarn over hook, pull through loop.
Ch=chain

Sc=single crochet

Hdc=half double crochet

Hdc2tog=half double crochet 2 together

Sl st-slip stitch

Starting at hat:

Make a magic ring.

Hdc 6 times in ring.

2hdc in next 6 st = 12 stitches.

(2hdc, 1hdc)* 6 times=18 stitches.

(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc)* 6 times=24 stitches.

(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc)* 6 times=30 stitches.

(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc)* 6 times= 36 stitches.

(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc)* 6 times= 42 stitches.

Hdc 4 rows.

Continuing to back and tail: 

Sc 3 times, turn ch 2.

Hdc 11 times.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Turn, ch2, hdc across.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc , hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc 6, 2hdc, hdc 6, 2hdc in last stitch.

Turn ch 2, hdc across.

Repeat for 6 more rows.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 6, hdc2tog, hdc 6, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 5, hdc2tog, hdc 4, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Repeat for 2 more rows.

Turn, ch2, 2hdc, hdc 3, 2hdc, hdc 3, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc 4, 2hdc, hdc 5, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc4, hdc2tog, hdc5, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 2, hdc2tog, hdc1, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Repeat.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc 1, 2hdc, hdc 2, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc 3, 2hdc, hdc 3, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2 hdc across.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog, hdc 3, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 2, hdc2tog, hdc 1, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc2tog, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, 2hdc, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2, 2hdc, hdc 2, 2hdc, hdc 1, 2hdc.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 1, hdc2tog, hdc 2, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc 2, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc across.

Repeat.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc2tog.

Turn, ch 2, hdc2tog.

Sl st.

Sc all the way to hat, sl st around hat, sc down the rest of the back piece and down tail.

Once you get to the tip of the tail, instead of sc the last two stitches, ch 2, and dc 2 at the tip, sc, and sl st. Finish off and weave in ends.  The placement of these stitches should be placed so that the tail evenly comes to a point. 

Take the other color that you will use for the spikes and sc all around the hat, back, and tail.

Spikes:

Using G hook.

Largest Size:

ch 12, sc across

turn, ch 1, sc2tog.

Repeat until there is one stitch left.

Sl st. finish off weave in ends.

Makes another the same size.

Do not weave in ends yet. Sew together almost all the way around, right before you finish, stuff with poly-fil.

Makes one more this size.  

Total of 2 Large spikes

Medium size:

Ch 10, sc across

Turn, ch 1, sc2tog,

Repeat until there is one stitch left.

 Sl st. finish off weave in ends.

Do not weave in ends yet. Sew together almost all the way around, right before you finish, stuff with poly-fil.

Total of 3 medium spikes.

Smallest size:

ch 8, sc across

turn, ch 1, sc2tog,

repeat until there is one stitch left.

 sl st. finish off weave in ends.

make another one this size.

Sew two pieces together all around until you are almost to the end, and stuff with polyfil, finish sewing.

Total of 2 small spikes.

Sew pieces on like shown in the pictures.

I find the easiest way to sew them on is to place it where you 

want and then wrap the body around the spike and sew from 

the inside. It tucks it in place and stay more secure. It doesn’t 

move around as easily when you are trying to sew it in place.

Thank you for taking the time to support my blog. 
I hope you enjoy this free pattern.

Please do not distribute this pattern as your own. 
You may link to this pattern. You may sell finished products from this pattern. 
Giving design credits from your finished pieces would be awesome, but not necessary.

Missing my Big 'ol Belly

A year ago this time I was well on my way to uncomfortable. I also got a beautiful view of my soon-to-be daughter in 3D. It all went so fast. I was ready to meet her at the time so it couldn't go fast enough, but now looking back I miss it all. And I actually loved my body back then. Here is a collage of some of my favorite shots of the belly.

About a year ago this time we went to Santa Monica Pier, Ca and I got some great shots of the belly with the sun setting. It was amazing. I am so glad I have this picture to capture that special time in my pregnancy.

My little girl is 9 months old today and it seems like just yesterday she was born! 

Time flies so take it all in!

Striped Pixie Earflap Hat

Striped Pixie Earflap Hat

Original Design

by:

Kayla Anderson

Supplies:

Size J crochet hook

worsted weight self-striping yarn

(self-striping cotton was used in this pattern)

95 yards=1 skein of cotton

some extra in accent color for pom pom

darning needle

gauge:

4.5stitches and 3 rows =1.5 inches

Stitches used:
Magic ring=wrap yarn around finger two times, 
insert hook through loop, yarn over hook, pull through loop.
ch=chain
sl st=slip stitch
sc=single crochet
hdc=half double crochet
braid

When making this pattern the end of each "row" does 

not line up with one another (at the end of the pattern) as it grows in diameter. 

This will create a smoother transition with increases.

The nature of this pattern allows for imperfection.

Counting off on one or two stitches will not change the finished product. 

I hope you find this simple and adorable! Thank you.

Starting at the top of the hat...

Make a magic ring

Hdc 6 times in ring

Do not join rows with a sl st. This is worked continuously.

Hdc 6 times

from here you will increase your hdc's-do not repeat the 2hdc again.

                                                                      ( )=number of stitches

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times (7)

2hdc, (hdc)* 6 times (8)

2hdc, (hdc)* 7 times (9)

2hdc, (hdc)* 8 times (10)

2hdc, (hdc)* 9 times (11)

2hdc, (hdc)* 10 times (12)

2hdc, (hdc)* 11 times (13)

2hdc, (hdc)* 12 times (14)

2hdc, (hdc)* 13 times (15)

2hdc, (hdc)* 14 times (16)

2hdc, (hdc)* 15 times (17)

Starting now the rows will not line up. 

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2hdc, (hdc)* 10 times

2hdc, (hdc )*5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 11 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 12 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 13 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 14 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 15 times

2hdc, (hdc)*5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 16 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 17 times

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 18 times   

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 19 times  

2hdc, (hdc)* 5 times, 2 hdc, (hdc)* 20 times

Hdc 3 rounds.

sc3, sl st 3

ch2 turn, hdc 9

ch 2 turn, hdc2tog, hdc across

repeat until 1 stitch remains.

finish off leaving about 10 inches of yarn (this can weave into the braids.)

Other earflap:

Skip about 8 stitches

Attach and ch 2, hdc 9

ch 2, turn hdc2tog, hdc across

repeat until 1 stitch remains.

Finish off leaving about 10 inches of yarn (this can weave into the braids.)

Cut about 22 pieces of yarn to about 20 inches long.

use 11 pieces and weave through the bottom tip of the earflap pulling equal on both sides. Braid. do this for the other earflap.

Turn hat inside out. Move on to pom pom

Pompom:

Using the accent color wrap the yarn around a 3 inch 

object many times (100+ depending on how thick you want the pom pom.) 

I used my cell phone.

 Pull the yarn off the object and tie with a piece of yarn of the same color around the center. Pull as tight as you can without breaking the yarn. 

Cut the loops that are created by tying. 

Fluff a little and you have a pompom. 

You can hold it over a trashcan and trim so that all 

the strands are the same size. I chose not to because 

I prefer the messier look. Attach to the tip of the hat.

NOTE: You can make this hat in any size you just keep increasing until you get the correct circumference. Just remember the way this pattern is written, the larger the hat, the longer the tail. Also consider adding a few more stitches to each earflap to accommodate for the larger size.

Thank you for stopping by my blog to check out my patterns. 

Please do not redistribute this pattern as your own. 

Linking up to this post is welcome. 

You may also sell whatever you make from this pattern.

Giving design credits from whatever you make 

would be awesome, but not necessary.

Happy Crocheting!

Girls Night Out

Tonight I got to get out of the house on a friday for the first time in a very long time.

One of my girl friends picked me up and we played BINGO. Neither one of us won, but we had a good time. I was just glad I had an excuse to wear something other than sweats. I wasn't too fancy, but it's a huge step up from my normal attire. (You don't have to get too dressy to crochet or write a blog,lol) My friend is also pregnant and due very soon! I got to touch the belly. Hopefully that will bring me better luck for the next time we play. 

This special little guy is the recipient of my next crochet project. That pattern will be coming soon and offered for FREE! So keep checking back. I am hoping to have it up within the week.

Happy Friday!

Vinyl frame Menu Board

I just can't get enough of all this vinyl on glass! I just made the Mr. and Mrs. signs, but a couple weeks ago I also went to a party where we made our own menu boards. My friend cut the vinyl to the size of frame we had and we put it on the glass. I added some cute scrapbook paper and ended up with an adorable menu board.

This one was also made cutting the vinyl backwards so it sticks to the inside of the frame. It makes it so much easier to erase and write again. Your menu board will last longer because you aren't trying to wipe over the letters all the time.

I need to hang this one too. I am falling behind. I think by the time I get everything hung up we will have to move again. :)

...and, YES, that is Klaus on the TV in the background...I love me some Vampire Diaries!

Vinyl Mr. & Mrs. Signs

While meandering through pins on Pinterest I saw a DIY project for signs for the bedroom.

I really can't remember what medium was used, but I do remember that is said, "Mr. & Mrs."

I thought that was the perfect thing for a married couple's bedroom. I am totally in love with my husband and I will jump at any opportunity to show my love for him and let the world know. Although most of the world does not see my bedroom I still like the idea of showing that I am apart of an amazing relationship with my husband, so what better way to do that than putting it in black and white?! Literally! :)

So to change it up a bit I just went with the vinyl on a picture frame. I used two 8x10 frames (these were cheap document frames). I got with my vinyl lady and she made me some vinyl in the Alice in Wonderland font. (We love all these Tim Burton-it fit our personality and what our relationship is about). I know many of you have some sort of crafting/cutting machine that could cut the vinyl for you. That will be even cheaper and easier! I really need to break down and buy one. I scrapbook OFTEN and DIY and CRAFT all the time. I really don't know how I don't already have one...

...ANYWAY! back on topic...

She cut them so that the vinyl was backward to stick on the inside of the glass. This way is much better because it makes it easier to clean. Doing it the other way makes it so you have to clean around the letters. It will still look nice if you can't do it backwards.

Here they are!

I will have them hung up once my hubby gets a few minutes. I would attempt it, but it will look horrible and uneven if I try. I am horrible at hanging stuff on the walls.

I plan to hang them on either side of the bed. 

Chair Planter

Spring will be here before we know it and it's time to start planning how to display all the beautiful flowers and greenery. I made this planter last spring and thought I would share it with you.

 I have never planted anything before and now that I am married and have a place to make beautiful I want to surround the place with color! This desert dryness and lack of color is really getting to me! ...This old white chair was an eye sore also. We had a whole set that we used around the old dining room table. One of the chairs was broken so we got a new dining set. The table became my new craft table which I love, and the chairs have just been hanging around. They were already white so I didn't need to add any paint-unless I want to go with some funky fun color later. I just cut a hole in the center of the chair just slightly smaller than the plastic planter I was using. I cut it using a combination of tools-knife, saw blade and pruning scissors. The pruning scissors worked best, but definitely flared up my arthritis! I could not use my hand for a whole week afterward! lol I am very pleased with the outcome of my planter, it was very  much worth all the pain. Now my front porch is a little more welcoming :)

I was able to just add the planter into the circle because the wicker chair was very stiff and sturdy. If the chair you are using isn't very sturdy I would consider reinforcing it with small pieces of 

wood screwed underneath out of sight.

Jeweled Note Frame

I've decided to jump on the photo frame/note/dry erase bandwagon! I scored this awesome frame with a lot of detail at a second hand store. It's a little scuffed and imperfect, but that's what makes it perfect!

I had some scrapbook paper that I bought awhile back because it matched the decor of our master bedroom. I cut a couple sheets, put one over the other making sure I have the plain sheet of paper on top so you can see what you write.

After assembling all of that into the frame I used some leftover rhinestone stickers to decorate the outside surface of the glass. The ones I used actually came with the decals I got from target that I used in a different post to decorate a mirror. They are meant for walls so they are VERY sticky.

I am still in the process of decorating the bedroom so I only have a few things so far. 

I don't plan on having it all on this side table. I think the vase looks a little out of place because I have height with the candlesticks, so I think I'll move it to some other spot. I still need to find candles in the right color. I have plans for a few other large pieces for the room. I am REALLY excited about them.

If you have any ideas for my bedroom feel free to comment.

The theme is sparkling elegance using the demask symbol, blacks, whites, dark wood, turquoise blue, and crystal.

Happy Decorating!

It's Valentine's Day again!

In years past, even when I wasn't with someone, I ALWAYS loved Valentine's Day. I love the colors. I love the candies. I love, Love, LOVE the FLOWERS! Oh how I love flowers... The great thing about this day is you can share it with anyone. It doesn't have to be a significant other. In grade school I  enjoyed giving and receiving those cheesy little cards. The best part was when you got one from your crush and you took that "Bzzzzz Bee Mine" or "I'm bananas for you" a little too literally. Hehe. My fun didn't end there. I always had to hand make special cards for my family and friends. This didn't end when I got older. I continued this cheesy little tradition. I had a few boyfriends through school, but the relationships never lasted through the big day. Then one day I got a boyfriend in December, haha... So Valentine's Day rolls around and I got TWO DOZEN ROSES! That was so amazing to me. I have not been the same ever since. I LOVE FLOWERS! That relationship didn't last, but I will never forget the first time a boy, besides my dad, gave me roses. :) Now I am married and have kids. I have to say, it just gets better and better. My husband and I don't do too much now that we've been together for awhile, but I really enjoy doing something special for the kids. They adore it! The small things really excite them right now and I want to do as much to make them happy as I can.

UNFORTUNATELY! This year I was a bad mama. I got caught up trying to finish that pattern, that the day snuck up on me! How does that happen? I feel terrible. Luckily one of my great friends invited me over at almost midnight to help me make something for them. (I almost settled for the store-bought kind-but they were sold out!)

I'm glad they were sold out so I could make something. It was totally last minute, and not very original at all, but this mama needed some shut-eye too.

Here is what I came up with...the standard heart and candy Valentine...

It feels totally lame because I have been crafting for years and this is all I did. The kids woke up the next morning and loved them! It wasn't all bad. :)

I had to remind my 5 year old that the candy was for her classmates and not her. I could tell by the look in her eye. She thought she got to have a whole bag to herself. ;p

I didn't have a chance to put together anything special for their gift so I bought two easter gift baskets! Like I said, they were sold out of Valentines and most of the other good stuff.

I will add a few paper hearts to it and they won't know the different. I never buy those Easter Baskets at easter time so they may never notice!

Now to recap last year when I was much better at this thing...

I went all out. It was technically my and my husband's first Valentine's Day together. I made him a man bouquet. I got a red container (I  think it was actually a planter-it must have been on sale) hehe, and filled it with random things he loves. I attached a special note to each one explaining in a clever way why I included that in the bouquet.

Some of the things in it was:

Wing sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings (Our first Date)

Monster drink(It's his favorite)

and all of his favorite candies.

I used scrapbook paper for the notes and I attached them with tape to wooden skewers. I attached a few good pictures of us to some too. I think it came out pretty good. I think he enjoyed it more than he would real flowers. :)

The kids also got some bags filled with cookies, chips and candy...all the good stuff they don't normally get. I threw in a few toys and and tied a party city heart balloon to the top.

They LOVED it! Why wouldn't they. Junk food and toys are the best.

I made some Valentine cupcakes as well. I got a little creative with those. I put the icing in a zip lock baggie and cut a tiny hole in the corner and made some crazy designs. After I was finished Icing I dipped them in pink sparkle sprinkles.

Some of them I made a template of a heart and poured the sprinkles on.

Some I dipped and then added more icing to give more dimension. They were almost all different and tasted wonderful. I used Pillsbury strawberry cake mix and Betty Crocker milk chocolate icing.

I think all in all last year was an awesome Valentine's Day. I will update you later on how today goes :)