7th Day of Craftmas: Book Page Christmas Tree Topiary

Hello!
Here is the seventh day of craftmas pattern:

Book Page Christmas Tree Topiary

This pattern is by Shellie Wilson and the link takes you to the pattern on her website. The photo is also from the pattern. This Christmas craft very sophisticated and it looks gorgeous!

Libby

6th Day of Craftmas: Snowman Soup

Hello!
Here is the sixth day of craftmas craft: Snowman Soup.

Snowman Soup Recipe

This recipe is by Stephanie Locsei and the link takes you to the pattern on her website. The photo is also from her pattern. Snowman Soup is a hot chocolate mix with delicious toppers and is lovely as a little token to show you care and who doesn't love a hot chocolate in the cold winter months?

Libby

5th Day of Craftmas: Pom-Pom Snowmen

Hello!
Here it is: the adorable fifth day of craftmas pattern!

Pom-Pom Snowmen

The pattern is by Stephanie Locsei and the link takes you to the pattern on her website. The photos and photo arrangement is also from her website. I think that these are adorable and people of any age can make them!

Libby

4th Day of Craftmas: Pipe-Cleaner Snowflake Ornaments

Hello!
I'm sorry it's late but here it is: the 4th day of craftmas pattern:

Pipe-Cleaner Snowflake Ornaments

This pattern is by Martha Stewart and the link takes you straight to the pattern on her website. The photo is also from the pattern. These snowflakes would look lovely on a Christmas tree and would be a lovely quick craft to make for a late gift or something like that.

Libby

3rd Day of Craftmas: Candy Cane Mice

Hello!
I am so sorry this is late but here it is: the third day of craftmas.

Candy Cane Mice

This pattern is by Martha Stewart and the link takes you to the pattern on her website. The photo is also from her pattern. These mice are adorable and you could have such a lovely family time making them together.

Libby

Yarn Review: Rico Creative Cotton Aran

Hello!
Soon as my most popular post to date is my Easy World Craft: Crochet, which was a super-quick review-style post. It has 24 page views to date so either you guys want me to stop blabbing so much or you like reviews: I'm going to take it a as the latter! Also, I said in my Reviews and other stuff post that I wanted you to tell me if I should do some more reviews: I didn't get any answers so I am just going to go ahead and do one! Just to say no-one is paying me to say anything or anything like that so this is just my honest opinion.

So the yarn I am reviewing is the Rico Creative Cotton Aran yarn and I am using it for the blanket that I am making. It is really soft and it works up beautifully. The only problem with it is it splits really easily which isn't ideal if you are trying to make a project speedily. Overall I would recumbent it but if you get frustrated with split yarn you might want to try something.

Libby

2nd Day of Craftmas: Wrapping Paper Wreath

Hello!
Here we have the second day of craftmas pattern! Ready to see?

Wrapping Paper Wreath

This pattern is by Kate Riley and the link takes you to the pattern on her blog Centsational Girl. The photo is also from the post that is linked. It is stunning and it is a different craft from what I would usually share on here which is really cool!

Libby

1st Day of Craftmas: Snowflake Earrings

Hello!
Sorry I am late posting this: yesterday was Christmas day though, and I hope you all had a lovely, happy day. Here is the (late) first day of craftmas pattern:

Snowflake Earrings

This pattern is by Janet and the link takes you straight to the pattern on her blog, Yellow, Pink and Sparkly, to make the snowflake earrings. The photo was from the linked post on her blog too. The pattern is crochet as well and it is super cute!

Libby

Organisation, updates and CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Hi!

Today I really want to organise my blog to make it clear when I will post and the sort of things I will be posting about so if you don't like something you can skip it! With my "10 of the most amazing" series, one will be posted once every 3 weeks on Fridays. For general updates (things like this!), those will be posted on Tuesdays, and I aim to to them 3 times a month so you know what I'm up to! Of course there will be random posts at random times and I'm hoping to do more DIY's soon!

Onto the updates section: on my crochet blanket I have finished all eight squares in the Rose shade and I am onto this gorgeous purple called Cardinal. If I haven't mentioned previously, the yarn I am using is Rico Creative Cotton (Aran) and here is the link to buy it: http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/creative-cotton-aran-black-90-50g. I have also done a really exciting craft project that I will be sharing with you very soon in form of a DIY!

Now, I adore Christmas. I think it is the best time of the year and I just always feel so happy when it comes around!  I would really like to do a Christmassy series but I am a bit to late do do one this advent. Instead I will be doing a "12 days of craftmas" series starting on Christmas day (Thursday 25th December this year!) and ending on 5th January (a Monday this year!). In this series I will be posting a cute Christmas pattern to prepare for next year or maybe you were late on your Christmas presents!

Libby

10 of the most amazing winter jumpers!

Hello!
 It's getting to that time of the year when it's acceptable to buy big Christmassy wooly jumpers and I LOVE IT! I'm just so excited for Christmas! Just to say I don't own these, these aren't my own photos, they are from the company that sell them (I will attach a link in each jumper description) and I'm not being paid by anyone or anything like that so these are just ten cute ones that I have found!

                                                     
10. Is it just me or is he the most innocent bear you have ever seen?!
 By it at http://www.johnlewis.com/louche-bear-knit-jumper-black/p1685229                                                 
 On the subject of John Lewis, what do you think of their new Christmas advert starring Monty the     Penguin? Comment down below!

9. You can't see it that well but I'm head-over-heels for this adorable polar bear jumper! You can get it at: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/navy-christmas-party-polar-bear-jumper-_320835549.

8. How can I not have a penguin jumper in this? It looks so fluffy and warm: perfect for those chilly winter days! Buy it at http://www.matalan.co.uk/discover/christmas-jumpers/s2576918/christmas-penguin-jumper.

7. The penguins are in love so I'M IN LOVE!!!!! Again, lovely and fluffy, this jumper is so adorable! Get it at http://www.marksandspencer.com/sequin-embellished-penguin-fluffy-jumper/p/p22336546.

6. Here to give you some gingerbread Christmas cheer is (Que the drumroll please..) this jumper! Get it at http://www.next.co.uk/g402082s1#826605g40.

5. Oh, how cute is this deer? The classic Christmas animal! Get the jumper at http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/ wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_034020362306_-1

4. This jumper is soooooooo adorable! SOOO CUTE!!! Only drawback... for 1-7 year olds! Get it here: http://www.marksandspencer.com/eyelash-penguin-jumper-1-7-years-/p/p22336847.


Onto the top three! This is where it got so hard... they are all my favourite!

3. Reindeer robin- why didn't I think of that? this jumper is just so adorable and I love the bobbly snowflakes! Get it at http://direct.asda.com/george/women/jumpers-cardigans/bobble-robin-christmas-jumper/G004763573,default,pd.html.

 2. I think this jumper is just adorable!  It would be perfect with some skinny jeans and a polo-neck top for a perfect winter look! Find it at http://www.clothingattesco.com/knitwear/f+f-reindeer-jumper/invt/bm423388.

Number 1: This adorable santa jumper! I think this is absolutely amazing and is just so cute!!!! The shape of it looks lovely and it looks so pretty! Get it at http://direct.asda.com/george/women/jumpers-cardigans/christmas-santa-sweatshirt/G004768656,default,pd.html.

Hope you enjoyed this post and you are looking forward to more in this style,
Libby

New Look and Art & Craft!

Hello!
I'm sincerely sorry I haven't posted in a while but I have been doing a little bit of blog research! I decided to freshen things up and give the blog a new look and, in my opinion, it makes it look way more crafty: what do you think?

I have been doing quite a lot of crafty suff lately including making my own notebook and zentangle! I've done this in my school's art club and it has been so much fun! Here it is:

I made the notebook totally by myself! I had an old Amazon box and cut it up to the size I wanted, and started decorating! Once that was done, the decoupage on the inside to, I got my compass and punctured holes where I wanted them with three different sections of paper to make it easier to sew in.

Title Page with doodles!

A start on zentangle!

Then the art teacher showed us how to start with zentangle and showed us some of her designs for inspiration and we made a start! I'll keep on updating you on how it goes and when I start a proper zentangle design!
Libby
P.S. Look out for an AWESOME Christmas themed post coming on Friday!

Good news and general updates!

Hi! So, let's open up with the good news..................

I have 500 pageveiws!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much! This is so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

So just to update you on what's going on the half term challenge was completely and utterly a huge fail: I didn't even start it! Maybe I should just forget about giving myself extreme challenges..... I'll finish stuff in my own time! Also I have finished the 8 fuchsia squares so I'm onto the rose (baby pink) colour! I've made one so far and I'm on my second. With the amount of white yarn I've still got I think after I've made 8 with each colour I'll still be able to make more to get a bigger blanket which will be nice.

For posts you can be looking forward to I'm going to do a look inside my sketchbook post soon because although I've only had 4 views on the Duct Tape post I think that the good news makes up for that, don't you? I am also going to make a series of  "10 of the most amazing...." because you seemed to like the one I did about loom bands in that style.

Libby

Maybelline Baby Lips review!

Hello!
As I've mentioned previously, my most viewed post was a review so today I've decided to do something a little different from what you'd usually get form me and do a beauty item review! Before I get started I just want to say this isn't sponsored and I'm not getting any money from it or anything like that so this is just my honest opinion! Let's get into it!

I brought some Maybelline Baby Lips and they are lip balms with a hint of colour and lovely fragrances. I got three and they are (staring from the left to the right): Pink Punch, Strike a Rose (which is from the Electro Baby Lips line), and Peach Kiss. Pink Punch and Strike a Rose both have the same fruity smell which is gorgeous and Peach Kiss has a peach smell that is just perfection!

Strike a Rose has a lovely pink shade between baby pink and hot pink that looks soooooo pretty and, don't worry, is not nearly as bright as the tube actually looks! You can make it really subtle if you want with just one coat or build it up to get a darker shade. There are 3 other shades in the Electro line so comment down bellow if you would like me to get those and review them for you guys!

Pink Shock is a beautiful hot pink colour but if you apply the right amount it looks subtle and bright when you look close! As always, the more you apply the brighter and I love this colour!

Peach Kiss has a colour that I can't really describe: it's almost the exact colour as my normal lips! It's a light baby pink and it's really natural-looking and pretty and  I am obsessed after one application! By the way the colour in the tube looks entirely different: it's not that shiny brown/pink at all but it does have a nice little shine!Again, the more you apply the bolder it is but I love this colour quite subtle with 2-3 coats!

Overall, I think that the Maybelline Baby Lips are amazing and super moisturising and the colours and scents are great! The only thing is the colour doesn't last very long so overall I would definitely recommend this!
Hope you enjoyed!
Libby

Amigurumi

Hello!
Do you remember my fail on my summer amigurumi challenge? I said that i was going to do it again in the October half term? Well, I've chosen my pattern! It is the cutest unicorn I have ever seen! I
found the pattern on Ravelry and I FELL IN LOVE! Here is the link to the pattern...

Tiny Rainbow Unicorn Pattern

I can't wait to get started next weekend!
Libby

Scooby Tutorial

Hey!
It's here!!!!!!!!!!! My very first scooby tutorial! Today I'll be showing you the Chinese Staircase stitch: it's simple and perfect for beginners plus the effect is gorgeous!

The Finished Product!

 Just to say, this is not my original design, I got taught! Let's get started....

You will need:
-2 scoobies
-a pencil (this is not necessary, you can use your fingers, but I find it easier with one!)

Scooby tutorial: Chinese Staircase

1.Fold both scoobies in half around your pencil (or finger). With all "four" strings tie a secure knot, pull the strings, and knot it again. If the strings aren't that even, it's OK, you neaten it up at the end!

2. Create a loop that goes over the other three scoobies and back into the starting loop to create a knot shape.

3. Continue this until lots of that scoobie has been used, but I suggest that there is at least 5cm of scoobie left for a neater effect. Then change color and repeat step 2.

4. Carry on until it is at the desired length and voila! This would look lovely as a keyring, just make sure the loop is long enough! You could do this by adding 2 pencils/pens instead of one.


I hope you liked this post: it took a while to come out!
Libby

Reviews and Other Stuff!

Hello guys!

Today I'm doing kind of an overview post and its more of a tell-me-what-you'd-like-me-to-do kind of thing. So far a really popular post of mine was a review post on the crochet book Easy World Craft: Crochet. Would you like me to do more of these? If so, what would you like them to be about? Another popular one was the 10 of my favourite loom band creations. would you like me to do more in this series thingy? Would you like them staying on the route of craft or would you like them to be a  wider range? I really want to know what you guys think I should do so that I can create content that you will actually want to read! And maybe I might be a little stuck on ideas........... :-)!Comment down bellow about what you think!
Libby

Duct Tape Crafts

Helloooooo!
I am soooooo sorry about not posting in, like, a month! I absolutely love posting but I've been really busy lately and tired when I'm not busy! I've got a tutorial coming soon that I've had in my drafts for around 2 months now!

So, on with the show!

I've really been into duct tape for ; in a watching You-Tube way! Where I am I can't really find any big rolls but in Tiger I've found some great mini rolls for 50've got p each which is amazing! I've got 2 mini rolls from Tiger: a moustache print and a check print.

As you may be able to see, I've used the moustache roll way more than the check print: I haven't even used the check print one, hence the green tab! I used the moustache roll to cover a grey sketch book to make it trendy and a little more jazzy!

If this post gets 10 views I will be working on a post that would show you my sketch book: I really got into drawing in the last weeks of the summer holidays! Also, comment if you have any posts that you'd like me to do!
Libby

Epic FAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey!
I'm sooooo sorry I haven't posted for ages! I had a totally chilled end to the summer holidays and then    it was back-to-school and I've been exhausted! Also, do you remember I said I was going to do amigurumi this summer? That was such an epic FAIL!!!!!!!! I didn't even start!!!!!!!!! I'm postponing it and I've given myself a week to do it........ this October half term I will do it, starting on the Sunday, ending the next Sunday! Yay-zeeez! Since my last post, my Mum glue gunned the brooch back onto the cherry brooch and another square was added to my stash!
That's it for all the updates but I am working on a  scoobie tutorial for you guys so expect that soon!
Libby

Crochet and other updates!

Hey!
Sorry for yet another delay in posting! I am working on something for you guys but it's half finished!

So this week I have got quite a bit of crochet done and the blanket has two more squares for me to add to my other three: sheesh, I better get a move on! Also I got issue forty-three of Mollie Makes and if, like me, you adore staring at crafty mags for ages and ages, you will know that in this issue of Mollie Makes there is a free kit for a cherry broach and so Wednesday afternoon and a little of Sunday was spent making the super-cute broach! All I've got left to do now is glue the broach back on and I'll be done!

Got a little stack now!

How cute!?

Do you like? The phone camera didn't capture the colour of the cherries but you get the picture! ;)

I remember at the start of the holidays I told you I was going to learn a new technique: amigurumi. I'm going to get a move on and hope for the best!

Libby

10 of the Most Amazing Loom Band Creations!

Yippee! This blog just reached the 300 page view mark! :)!!! How many do I reckon were me...... about 25%! But I'm still super pleased! As you might have guessed, I've been away for the past week and I decided to check my blog today, the third day of being home and voila! I'm instantly way too happy!

Onto crafts......... I practically made another square for the blanket- only a few more granny trebles left on the square until it's done! With rainbow loom I've made a super- cute rabbit........... and that's about it! On the subject of rainbow loom, I reckon I should start from the beginning with things like chain, fishtail, inverted fishtail and so on.

Now onto the post subject: 10 of the Most Amazing Loom Band Creations! Before we get started I just want to say this is only my opinion and I haven't seen every single loom creation of course! Also, NONE OF THESE ARE MY OWN DESIGN AND NEITHER HAVE I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THEM!!! I've found the pictures off of Google images!! Now, On with the show........

10 of the Most Amazing Loom Band Creations! 

10: Rainbow Loom Phone Case!

 How cool is this! So fashionable and cute, I'd totally use this!

9: Rainbow Loom Hat

 This is just awesome! I love the rainbow effect on this cosy-looking hat!

8: Rainbow Loom Unicorn

How cute is he?! I just love this adorable unicorn figurine! You can make this unicorn for yourself following MadeByMommy's tutorial:How to Make a Unicorn, Pony or Horse charm

7. Rainbow Loom Fishtail Spiral

This spectacle of colours is mind-blowing! Anyone can do a fishtail but this just takes it to a new level!

6. Rainbow Loom Gloves

These are AMAZING! I NEED A PATTERN! Anyone got one?

5.Rainbow Loom Bag

This bag is absolutely gorgeous!! It's so perfect for a Christmassy event (cause of the colours!) and the design is so cute!

4. Rainbow Loom Sandals

These are summer style taken to a completely new level! That gem in the centre gives it a touch of sophistication and I love the colour choices!

3. Rainbow Loom Tank Top

This is so nice!! It must have taken ages and the finished product has definitely payed off!

2.Rainbow Loom Dress

How stunning is this fringed rainbow loom dress?! This is looming taken to a completely new amazing level!

1. Rainbow Loom Shoes

These are undoubtedly gorgeous! I'd wear them all day, every day FOREVER!!!!!!!! I love the bow embellishment and the style is just beautiful!

Hope you enjoyed!
Libby

Nail Art

Hey!

Over the past few days, I have been obsessed with nail art! I found this amazing youtuber, MissJenFABULOUS, and she has an amazing series Easy Nail Art For Beginners and yesterday I tried out a design from her first nail art for beginners video, Easy Nail Art For Beginners! (number 1).   Since I don't have any tools, I thought the first nail design would be the perfect thing to start with: here it is!

Pretty cool, huh?  I had to redo it a couple of times because it smudged and when it worked best was when you waited at least 5 minutes before starting the next layer! I was really pleased with the outcome! Here are the polishes I used:

The first layer of nail polish was Claire's "acid" colour and the other two nail polishes were a present in a set of four and I think they were from Primark! Make sure you check out the tutorial (linked in first paragraph!) and check out the easy nail art playlist and MissJenFABULOUS' channel! (I'll link them below!)

Libby

Easy Nail Art For Beginners playlist

MissJenFABULOUS channel

Rainbow loom tutorial: capped chain

Hey!
Yessssss, it's finally here! A rainbow loom tutorial! I have no idea if you're a rainbow loom pro or if you haven't even heard of rainbow loom before so I've made this stitch one that's simple but cute! I didn't want to start with something like chain because quite a lot of people know how to do that but I  also didn't want to start with something really tricky! The capped chain is simple but a bit fiddly so I'd suggest finding out a little bit about loom bands if you're a total beginner! Before I start I want to point out that this is NOT ORIGINAL AT AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got told how to do this from my friend and so on! So it is TOTALLY NOT ORIGINAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, let's get started....

Rainbow loom tutorial: capped chain!

You will need:
-loom bands
-A loom (any kind), optional
-A hook, required if using a loom.
NOTE: You can do this on your fingers but it is quite tight so every now and again take it off your fingers and if it ever starts to hurt take it off! When I refer to "pins" I mean the cylinder plastic parts on the rainbow loom and you can use your fingers instead!

Step 1: Put the first band on any pin, twist it once and put it on the next pin, twist it again and put it back upon itself, twist it again and put it on the first pin you used. It should appear as a double

figure-of-eight. This is the only band that should make a figure-of-eight.

Step 2: Add a band over the top of both pins, twist it and put it back upon itself until its on the pin you started with. 

Step 3: With a hook or your fingers, hook the bottom two bands over the top two bands on each side.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 until the bracelet is long enough to fit around your wrist and voila!

Hope you liked the tutorial!
Libby

Amigurumi and more!

Hello!
I've decided on a summer project: amigurumi! I've never tried it before but it is so cute and I've found some super-cute patterns on Ravelry and I can't wait to get started! Have you ever tried amigurumi? Also, if you've got any more ideas for a Summer project or something that you want me to do comment!
Libby

Attic24: Bower Bird Pattern!

Hey!
This post is a pattern sharing one: I know it isn't the summer holidays yet but I saw this pattern and I couldn't resist! If you are like me and LOVE Attic24 then you will know about the Bower Bird: I've been waiting for the pattern and it's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!! The bower bird isn't in the amigurumi style and  looks OK but time consuming: perfect summer pattern. :)

Bower Bird Pattern

Coming Soon!

Hello!
Sorry about not blogging for ages! This post is kinda like a preview of what's coming! I've hardly done any crochet since my last post: I've been so busy! The summer will be so much quieter and so hopefully it will be stuffed with blog posts! Here's what you can expect:

Rainbow Loom Tutorials:
I know I've been talking about this for ages now but in the summer I will get some rainbow loom tutorials up! I don't think it will be an original design but you never know.........
P.S. I don't actually know if I'm the only one that's OBSESSED with Rainbow Loom so the more comments I get about Rainbow Loom bracelets/tutorials the more lightly I am to make more tutorials so PLEASE COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scooby Tutorials:
Ohhhhh, I can't wait to upload some scooby tutorials! It'll probably be fairly simple stitches such as the Chinese Staircase and will maybe progress to Circle or Square stitch if you want: this will only be done if you COMMENT so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!

Pattern sharing:
Will be me posting on amazing crochet patterns from different blogs or websites and it will hopefully inspire you to make some of those super cute things!

So all that and more will be coming this summer! You've noticed I've mentioned commenting all the way through this post: please do comment about anything-stuff you want me to do, suggestions, links to another cool blog or anything! I'd love to know what you're doing and if you're liking the blog! All you need to do is enter your e-mail address and comment away! Thanks!
Libby

Granny Square Blanket

Hey!
Sorry I haven't posted for ages! I have been doing behind the scenes work and this past week I have been away on my school residential! For my birthday I recived a whole stash of beautiful, beautiful yarn! I's Rico Creative Cotton (aran) and here are the colours: rose, fuchsia, violet, cardinal and loads of white wool!

My Yarn!

The colours go so well together and the granny squarers are so simple! The reason I chose it is because it is ultra-cute and to get better at colour changing and so far so good! I have done 3 squares so far and here they are:

My Squares!

Sorry about the yarn ends but I'll sew them in later on! I've used fuchsia on the third round on each of these squares so far and I will make eight squares with each colour except from white and put them together with a border in fuchsia!
Can't wait till I am further on- I think it's gonna look great!
Libby