My First Pine Needle Basket

This is the first pine needle basket I've ever attempted. I used pine needles collected on a dog walk - I used one of the (clean) poop bags to collect a bunch! I soaked the pine needles in hot water for half an hour, then threaded my big needle with purple cotton floss. I know the tradition is to use raffia, but I figured I could let it slide while I'm learning.

I used about 8 needles at a time, adding more as they ended or broke off. :) Even though they were dry to begin with, a little sap still got on my hands and the thread.

In the basket is my adorable little Murphy! She posed so beautifully. This basket is actually for my mom's birthday. I made it in time for her birthday, but not in time to send it to her! Oops...

A Birthday Present

I finally got this to my brother, so now I'm free to post pictures of it! It took me longer than I assumed it would, but I think it turned out well. The thread is some vintage crochet thread I found at a thrift store; the pattern is a slightly modified one I found on the net.

Three New Haruos

These are Haruos. A Haruo is a type of sweater monster, each one unique, each one with a special item. Sweater monsters are softies made out of recycled clothing, with button eyes. They are all about 10 inches high.


This guy's name is Brett. He used to be a tax auditor, but decided that wasn't exciting enough. Besides, tax auditors use too much paper. He's taken a job as a tree activist, and can be seen sitting in trees next to construction sites. The patch on his side reads "Hug A Tree". His tree friend goes with him everywhere, and contributes much to the activist meetings, held every Wednesday at 7pm.

Likes: trees (his favorite the Joshua Tree), fruit smoothies, and watercolor landscapes.
Dislikes: people who don't recycle, bulldozers, and chamomile tea.


This red guy is Jonny. He loves sleeping so much, he works at a mattress store! His little fleece teddy bear goes everywhere with him. When Jonny needs his hand for something, his bear goes in his pocket!

Likes: down pillows, banana waffles, and hot apple cider.
Dislikes: cheap mattresses, anything with caffeine, and the color green.


This guy is Harry. He used to live up in the Himalayas, but he got tired of being called the Abominable Snowman. So the Snowman (they're friends) gave him a ride to the airport, and now Harry is hoping for a sunny place to stay! He's interested in getting a tan, and comes with his beach ball.

Likes: blueberry snow cones, suntan lotion, and the color magenta.
Dislikes: identity theft, sand in his suit, and green cars.

New Sweater Monster Book

This is a new book/sweater monster. I wish that I could sew the head, feet and legs on, but I have to glue them. This is because you put the base layer on and put it in a press, which I couldn't do if the pieces were attached at that point. I am getting better at hand-sewing the headbands.

New Earrings

I made these out of a delicious crochet thread I found at DI (a local thrift store). I decided I liked them so much that I wanted to write up the pattern.


This is my first attempt at a picture pattern. Sorry it's so weird looking. :)

Hearts for Haiti

You should definitely check out http://heartsforhaiti.etsy.com. It's an online shop that features handmade wonders, with all proceeds to go to Doctors Without Borders. I recently put up these wrist warmers, which sold the day they were posted.

Organized Ribbon Box

I can't find the picture I took of the ribbon box before I organized it, but it was messy. I don't have a ton of ribbon, but I've been trying to organize all of my craft things. The ribbon was untangled, then wrapped around pieces of scrap framing mat board that I cut (I got a bunch of it when I worked in a craft store). Secure it with a pin, and the box looks much better!

Crocheted Earrings

I never did show these off, huh? I've sold one pair of them. The others are in my shop.

New and Improved Sweater Rocks

These are the new and improved sweater rocks! Most are kid-friendly, with safety eyes and embroidered faces. The bows are glued on, but the tongues are sewn in place. The ones with felt moustaches, though, just have glue. Up in my shop! Come take a look!

Dragons

Here's some pics of some old projects I made for my dragon-loving brother! The picture is made of wire I shaped, and attached to the background with other bits of wire. The other is a sleepy little dragon I painted on a rock I found.