WHAT'S UP... AND A RECIPE TO SHARE!

Oh my dear readers!  I have neglected my blog the past few weeks and I hate that, but sometimes it can't be helped.  I have some exciting things planned for the New Year and I can't wait to share them with you!  Also, I have been losing weight (Yay!) thanks to Jorge Cruise and his Body Fat Cure, and this morning I had a fantastic breakfast that I wanted to share.  Read on past the break for all the details!

CONFESSIONS OF A PATTERN HOARDER: PATTERN OVERLOAD!

Hello my friends! I a confession to make. I have recently come to the realization that I am a pattern hoarder. Yes, that's right, when I see a pattern, be it crochet, jewelry, or other crafts, I have to have it! I suppose the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Read on to discover my adventures in pattern addiction, and how I am trying to recover!!!

SATURDAY MUSINGS: VISITORS AND CATCHING UP

Well I didn't keep up with my schedule this week, but I had visitors, my daughter Amber and her friend Lauren were here, and we got to meet our grand dog Ellie for the first time!  She was such a cutie pie, and very rambunctious   Puppy kisses are the best!  The cats were not too thrilled to meet her, but all in all it was a great visit, which it always is anytime we get to see our Amber!  We are so incredibly proud of the way Amber has grown up and can't say enough about how well she has done for herself!
On another topic, I managed to catch up everything on the blog, excepting my crafty post for Thursday. which I actually wrote a step-by-step tutorial for, but I didn't get a chance to take pictures.  I am gonna save it for this coming week, and I know it is a project you will love!  Thanks for reading my little corner of the web!
Happy Weekend!
Love and Hugs!
Jillie

CROCHET FRIDAY: MANLY MAN PATTERNS

I have lots and lots of crochet projects that I want to do for Christmas.  One thing I find really frustrating is that it is hard to find crochet patterns that are manly.  Not that I am hung up on gender roles, but I just don't think men should walk around wearing a toque with a silly fluffy ball on top!  Never fear, I have gone out and done the leg work for you, read on for the manly man projects I have tracked down for you!

FOODIE WEDNESDAY: THE 3-MINUTE MUFFIN RECIPE

Everyone knows that once you retire, you get fat!  It happens to the best of us, and unfortunately, it has happened to my hubs and I!  Have no fear, we are making awesome progress following Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure.  Hubs has lost around 60 lbs and I have lost 30.  We enjoy real food and don't feel deprived!  This is truly a way you can eat for a life time!  Read more if you would like to learn more about The Belly Fat Cure!

TUESDAY JEWELRY MAKING: FREE TUTORIAL - BASES FOR EMBELLISHING

There are a gazillion jewelry making patterns out there on the web, but sometimes you just want to make something original!  Do not despair!  You don't have to be a fancy jewelry designer to make original creations.  Let me show you how to make some base patterns, then you can embellish them creatively for your own designs!  Read on for a base necklace, bracelet, and earring pattern that you will surely keep in your jewelry making repertoire for years to come!

MAKE UP MONDAY: FRANKEN-MAKE UP PART I

This is my first posting under my new format so I am super excited to be kicking it off!  While I was wondering what I would write about today I started thinking about how every time you want to try something new (like making your own cosmetics) you end up having to buy specialized ingredients and concoctions, which are pricey and who knows?  You may decide that making your own is not for you, then you are left with a drawer full of supplies you will never use.  As I was thinking about how to overcome this problem, it came to me: Franken-make up!  You already have a drawer full of make up, right?  Before making any costly investments, why not experiment with what you already have.  Read on for some tips on how to make your very own Franken-make up, customized just for you!

A NEW LEAF: REVAMPING MAKINGS AND MUSINGS!

Well, its not by chance that the month of September whooshed past me without a blog post.  I have been working on a new concept for Makings and Musings.  A concept where there will be more, uh, makings, and more musings!  Read on for more info on my plans, and to see what the upcoming months have in store for this blog!

BIBS AND BOOTIES FINISHED: WHEW! AND OTHER RAVINGS!

If you have been following along with me you will know I just got a brand new niece.  With any luck there will be a nephew in my future too!  I always wanted to be the good Auntie.  You know, the one who makes things and sends packages and such.  I have three sisters and they have been truly fantastic Aunts to my children, what an act to follow!  My siblings having children makes me appreciate them in a whole new way.  Seeing my brother interact with his daughter was simply a joy, and if the 60,000 pictures I have seen on Facebook are any indication, my sister is being a fantastic mother as well!  What does this all have to do with my blog?  Well...all these new babies need blankies and clothes and toys, which I can crochet!  Read on for the Days of the Week bibs and booties, and of course more of my rantings and ravings!

Frankie kitty was snoozing on the job, as usual, so Charlie doggie decided to step up and be my lovely assistant today!

See?  He's guarding my yarn!

FAVORITE PATTERNS AND TUTORIALS: JEWELRYLESSONS.COM

Hi all!  I was hoping to get a post off sooner than this, but unfortunately I am at the mercy of my back until we fix it, or at least mask the problem!  So I will file this under the "Better Late Than Never" category and dredge on with a smile!  This week I want to start a segment on Makings and Musings on which I share with you my favorite places to get patterns.  I am envisioning this as a once a week offering, please let me know if it is helpful to anyone!  Read on to discover my favorite pattern websites, my favorite designers, and there may even be a link to a freebie I found out there on the web!

BEADWOVEN TREASURE - TILA MOSAIC BRACELET BY EXTRANO

NEW ADDITION: CHILDREN'S JEWELRY AND A FEW OTHER PROJECTS!

Hello my friends! Yesterday my baby sister gave birth to a very sweet little girl! It is very exciting and so weird to think of my little sister as a Mother now! She was born when I was 12, so I am a tad bit older than her, lol. I gave her a few handmade items for her baby shower, and am feverishly working on a few more to send up for a "Welcome Home Baby" gift. I now have 3 nieces and a granddaughter, and another one of my sisters will be getting a baby soon too! Whew! All these babies! It got me thinking about children's jewelry. What is safe for them? What will be put away and cherished when they get older? Read on for a few baby projects and some more of my musings on the subject!

Welcome to the world Maisie Scout Leasure! 

PINTREST AND MY LEAVES BRACELET AND EARRINGS

Hi there lovely readers!  Well, my break from blogging is finally over, I think the majority of our out of town trips are through.  We did have a great summer!  I was reading the Rings and Things blog this morning and they were talking about PINTREST.  I am a HUGE fan of Pintrest and I was wondering if it's just me, or is it awesome?  Most of my Pins are craft and jewelry making patterns, oh, and lots of crochet patterns too!  I would be happy to share with anyone who wants to take a gander, there are thousands and thousands of Pins on my boards, so fair warning, you may get lost for the day in Pintrest land!  Its a great place to get ideas and waste some time, lots of time...I also wanted to share a bracelet and earring set that I made that was perfect for spring, summer too!  Sorry there is no tutorial, but I will explain what I did, it was pretty simple, so you can make one too!  Read on for some jewelry making goodness!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

As I am taking some time to regroup, and to update my blog design, I wanted to pop by and wish everyone a wonderful 4th of July weekend.  As you celebrate with your families and friends please stop and think of what makes the US such a great nation!  We have many flaws, and things aren't perfect, but the US is still the best place to live in the world!  Have a great 4th!  Will get the blog hopping again very soon!

HAPPY 4th!
Love and hugs!
Jillie

SEED BEADS: CUTTING THROUGH THE CONFUSION

Hi all!  I am back from seeing my step-son graduate from High School in Florida!  We are so proud of him!  Now I can get back to blogging, which I have definitely missed!  I was browsing about the net this morning, looking for bead weaving patterns, which I seem to be hoarding.  I haven't been bead weaving for too terribly long, but my searches this morning reminded me of how confusing the different sizes and types of seed beads were for me at the beginning.  So I thought I would do a post about them to try and clear it all up for you!  Read on for more than you ever wanted to know about seed beads!

Mixed Seed Beads

VACATION: GRADUATION!

We are off to Florida for my son's graduation!  (Whew!)
Gone for 6 days and then will start up the blog again for real!
Thanks for your patience!  I will soak up some sun for all!
Read on for a few pics from the cruise!

I think this was approaching San Juan...

MY LATEST FASCINATION: THE BEADED BEAD!

Hello my friends!  I have a new fascination: the beaded bead!  I am absolutely obsessed with them at the moment.  Can you blame me?  They are gorgeous!  Just look at this one:

Read on for more amazing beaded beads!

VACATION!

Hi my lovlies!  I have been on vacation the past 2 weeks!  We went to Miami, and then on a cruise to St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and to The Grand Turk Island.  We had an absolute blast and I will post some pictures as soon as I get them downloaded!  I wore my jewelry I have made and got tons of compliments on it!  I missed my blog and will get a proper post here in the next few days!

BEAD BUYING BLUES...

Have you ever wanted to buy some beads, but had a hard time picking out the beads, or even the store to buy them in?  I just experienced this phenomenon myself.  I call it the bead buying blues (BBB).  Keep reading to hear about my recent case of BBB and how I cured myself!!!

SOFT BALL AND OTHER MUSINGS...

Hi there!  We are off in a few hours to see my daughter Amber's Softball team play in a tournament!  She is the pitching Coach at WV Wesleyan College.  We couldn't be more proud of her!  While on the road I will be crocheting away, the hubs is driving.  Although crocheting and driving would be interesting!  At any rate, I have finished a cocoon, a blanket, and a set of booties, I am working on a set of Monday through Friday bibs and booties that coordinate with the blanket.  I will post photos, and one of the softball game too, when we get back!  Have a super weekend everyone!

Happy Weekending!
Love and Hugs,
Jillie

NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH CREATIONS!

Hey there!  I have been busy, busy, busy!  I have been celebrating  National Craft Month and I wanted to share with you my creations so far!  Read on to see what I have been up to, and to see where to catch the National Craft Month Linky Party!

NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH LINKY PARTY AT CONSUMER CRAFTS!

Hey my Darlings!  There is an awesome Linky Party at Consumer Crafts to celebrate National Craft Month!  Please check it out and link up!  Here is the link: (Click the picture!)

There are some great prizes as well!  I hope you will check it out!  

Happy Linking!

Love and Hugs!

Jillie

NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH! MY PERSONAL CHALLENGE

Wow!  March is National Craft Month!  Who Knew?  There are several companies and crafters that are sponsoring "A Craft a Day" type challenges this month.  I want to play!!  I guess I am a tad behind, since it is already the 5th, but I can catch up!  Read on for some challenges, plus my own personal challenge!

DECORATIVE LETTERS: H-O-M-E

Have you seen all the big decorative letters that are so popular lately?  I love them, and I have been coveting them for some time now.  I have a stockpile hoard of cardboard boxes stashed next to my washing machine in the laundry room, so I thought I'd see what I could do!  Read on for part one of my decorative letters tutorial!

LINKY FOLLOWERS BLOG HOP!

NEW FOLLOW ME TOOL: LINKY FOLLOWERS

My friends I heard a little rumor that Google Friends Connection (GFC) is going away very soon!  Apparently there is a follow me tool titled Linky Followers that will be taking its place.  It just takes a second to sign up, and I would be superbly awesomely appreciative if you would follow me on the new system!  The URL to sign up is http://www.linkyfollowers.com/ or just click on the Linky Followers widget to the right ---->  Thanks a million!!!

Happy Following!

Love and Hugs!

Jillie

PROJECT IN PROGRESS: THE GLASS MENAGERIE!

Hey there!  I am working on a beaded animal project that I am going to call my Glass Menagerie!  The Glass Menagerie is a play by Tennessee Williams, my favorite playwright!  The project is not ready to post, but I thought I would share the process of developing the idea with you.  Continue reading to see how I came up with this adorable beaded animal craft!

EGGSHELL MOSAIC JEWELRY AND TWO BONUS PROJECTS!

Hey my lovelies!  I have been working on some nice mosaic style jewelry to show you.  I got this idea from browsing on the Cool2Craft website.  I hope you find my tutorial interesting and try them yourself!  Read on to see my adventures in eggshell mosaic jewelry!

FRIDAY RECIPES AND FOOD: BRUSSELS SPROUTS!

I love Brussels Sprouts!  I know a lot of people don't like them, but to me they are wonderful!  I have gathered some info on these under appreciated veggies, as well as some great recipes for you to try!  I hope you will like them!

THURSDAY FAVORITE SHOPS AND PRODUCTS: MICHELLETAN DRESSES ON ETSY!

I often think it would be lovely to live in a different time.  A time when women were women.  I know, I know, I am probably setting Women's Lib back many years by just thinking that, but I really think women have let themselves go as a whole.  Women used to dress themselves nicely, even to run to the grocery store.  The fashions of the 40's and 50's were gorgeous, and even the housewives wore lovely dresses and did their hair!  As I write this I am wearing a slouchy T-Shirt and some yoga pants, I know of which I speak!  I discovered a shop on Etsy with absolutely stunning dresses that harken back to those times.  Read on to check out Michelle Tan's Handmade Retro Clothing and Vintage inspired dresses!

CRAFTY WEDNESDAY!

As you know I have a problem.  I absolutely hoard objects for crafting.  I looked around today, trying to think of what to do for Crafty Wednesday, and I saw that I had no less than five coffee cans in my stash!  Since I need them for storage, I thought it was high time I did something with them!  I have to let you know, I am out of batteries for my camera, so I will update this when I get hubs to get me some.  I thought it better to go ahead and post it, don't want to get too far behind!  Read on for my crafty goodness!

TUESDAY NEEDLE WORK: BABY ITEMS!

I have been so lucky as to have several women in my life find themselves in "the family way".  Yep, that's right, there are children cookin' right now that I will have the opportunity to spoil rotten!  This means I have nine months or so to get a head start on it and I am gettin' busy!  Read on for my itty bitty baby crochet plans!  Maybe you know someone who is knocked up that you can crochet for too!

MONDAY MAKE UP: MY FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Hi lovelies!  For this Make up Monday I thought I would share a few of my very favorite products.  These are things that I must have!  I hope you will share some of yours with me too!  Read on for my secret stash items!

COLOR TRENDS FOR SPRING 2012

The hot colors for 2012 are out and I thought I should share them with you!  Color trends can impact everything from clothing, make up, even home decor, like paint colors and wallpaper too!  Read on dear reader for this years color trends, hopefully some of your faves made the cut!

SCRAPBOOK PAPER WALL ART

Hello again my Dears!  I have some gorgeous wall art to share with you today.  I also want to let you know that I am going back to my old schedule.  I have found it difficult to stay on track without my blog to look forward to every day.  So I will be posting every day except for Sundays.  I will miss a day here and there due to my physical issues I am sure, but never fear, I am here.  Okie Dokie...Read on for the wall art and I promise no more rhyming...

THREE PANELED WALL HANGING TUTORIAL

Have I been busy!  Lots of craft projects are coming together here at my house.  This week I made an adorable three paneled wall hanging.  If you want to make one too, keep reading and I will show you how I did it!

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF AN INDIE BLOGGER -OR- HOW AN INDIE MERCHANT SCAMMED US, TWICE!

A beloved Indie Community Blogger has scammed us...once again! It is very sad that people who are trying to support Indie (Independent) companies (like those found on Etsy) are vulnerable to disreputable people who are out to make their money in a less than honest way. Please read more to find out who scammed us, and how!

MAKING JEWELRY! AND RE-PURPOSING ITEMS FOR CRAFTS...

Busy, busy, busy!  I have been working my little fingers off over here in Virginia, which has finally been blessing with something resembling winter!  I love the cold weather, mostly because I love snuggling under a blankie with a hot cup of tea.  So what have I been up to?  I have been making jewelry!  I am getting better and better at it, proof that practice makes perfect.  I also have caught the re-purposing fever.  Everything I see is starting to look like something I can use to craft with.  Read more to see my latest jewelry designs and to get the skinny on my re-purposing efforts...

ADDING EMBELLISHMENTS TO YOUR PROJECTS...

I have to tell you, I have been working on the cutest toddler sweater for my gorgeous grand daughter.  Of course I modified it a tad, I always do!  You know sometimes a project is super cute, but with a little imagination and some embellishment you can take it one step further to awesome!  Keep reading to see my take on embellishing crochet projects, and tips on where to get inspiration for your own ideas...

FRIDAY FAVORITE SHOPS: SUPPLIES

I thought today I would do a little post about where I like to shop for supplies.  I think this could be a great opportunity for us all to share tips on getting the best prices for our crafty adventures, cause unless you are independently wealthy, which I am not, the economy is a little crappy right now.  There is something to be said about getting a bargain, but sometimes quality is an issue as well.  Its not worth it to get a great price if the quality of the product is in question!  At any rate, read on for my own tips and tricks for getting the best prices, and please share yours as well!

CATCHING UP! AND THURSDAY FOOD AND RECIPES: MUSHROOMS!

Oh Dear!  I made a resolution to write everyday and I already broke it!  Go figure.  I have, however been working super hard on things for Makings and Musings, planning and ordering supplies!  Believe it or not, I am still finishing up Christmas presents!  I suppose at this point they are New Year's presents!  I didn't account for the delays caused by my stupid body when I made my list!  This year I will leave some leeway in the schedule for when my back goes out, my guts are hurting, or my fibromyalgia acts up!  If ya wanna know what I have been working on this week, read on!  I am gonna catch you up with a short post for Monday, Tues, and Weds, all in this Thursday post, and also, for Thursday we are talking about Mushrooms!