Granny Square help!

I think it's safe to say that I am obsessed with yarn. Truly. So now that the nights are a little colder and I'm constantly thinking about ways to make my home cozier, my constant go-to is Granny Squares. I wanted to share a bit of this obsession with you.

Here's a lovely Granny Square tutorial for the newbies! The Purl Bee is such a great resource and provides beautiful pictures to make sure you have a clear picture of what you're project should look like (which I think is key to any good DIY).

A while ago, Holly from Create Loves posted on one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess this adorable DIY Granny Square neck warmer. Go forth and enjoy!

Instead of crocheting 70 or 80 individual granny squares to make an afghan, what about one continuous granny square? I made one of these for a student a few months ago here.

Check out The Purl Bee again for this DIY.

Are you as obsessed as me yet? Hmm?

If you don't know how to crochet, make sure you check out my Learn How to Crochet post for additional resources!

Theme of the Week...

After today's DIY Overload post, I decided that it should be the theme of the week. I understand you may not be in the same frame of mind as me (you know, craving some serious crafty time)... but I thought it would be handy to have SO many awesome DIYs all in one place! Agree?

Check back EVERY day this week for more DIYs to add to your To Make list or your gift list for the upcoming holiday season. I challenge you to try out a few of these DIYs and let me know how they go! Also, be sure to give credit where it's due to the artists behind the DIYs. They are so talented!

So go! Go make something! Enjoy your week and spend a little time in your creative mind :)

xo, Liz

(P.S. Anyone know the original source of the image above?)

Creative Energy: DIY overload!

I have been so inspired recently. There's something about the simplist of scenery this time of year and the brilliance of the colors. It's like eating a cake that is so good your mouth waters for it 24/7. Isn't that so crazy?! I never realized a season could do this to me! Half the time while I'm at work, I am writing a list of everything I want to make/do when the weekend comes that I lose track of what I'm actually supposed to be doing! I still do my job... but my brain gets a little sidetracked.

I am finally able to clear my schedule a little to craft at home. I have been bookmarking DIYs that have been appearing on various blogs for the longest time. I've been secretly pining for the weekend where I can have an endless supply of hot cider and tackle some of these amazing projects!

Of course, I want to share some of these DIYs with you! Here we go...

Over at That is Charming, Becky from Strumpets Crumpets guest posted this adorable embroidered book illustration. Talk about a quick way to incorporate your favorite illustration into a cozy piece for your home. Turn it into a pillow or think about someone on your holiday shopping list who would prefer an illustration from their favorite book over the typical store bought item. Talk about the perfect personalized gift for Christmas or a baby shower! This has my mind going a mile a minute with ideas!

Speaking of Carol from That is Charming, another guest blogger, Kyla posted this ADORABLE Patterend "Fortune Cookies" tutorial. Can we say PERFECT DIY for a quick and easy holiday centerpiece or accent in a pretty vintage bowl? This would also be a fun way to have people introduce one another at a holiday party. So adorable with endless possibilities!

Of course, there is the tride and true fall felt garland (that I have already made for my mantle) from Pam Garison. Adorable and perfect for every nook and every cranny! Just get some scissors and some felt, a needle and thread, and you're in business!

Think a Sock Monkey is a key to your autumn and winter success? What about the coziest gift for a little person you know who needs something new to cuddle with? Check out this Sock Monkey DIY from Lenny Taylor.

Are you totally smitten with Granny Squares now that you're digging through your closet and are realizing you have a non-existant afghan collection? Here's what you can do with all those granny squares that are floating around in your brain! Check out this awesome post from Thread Banger that will show you just what you can use them for, like this amazing vintage patch pillow!

I hope that will keep you busy for at least a few days!

I'll be back later this week with more ah-mazing DIYs from the online world!

With love and DIYs,

Liz

Autumn Wishes

It's 10-10-10!

As geeky as it sounds, I love it when the dates align as so.

There is just something so magical and inspiring about it.

Maybe it's just me...

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I know that I talk a lot about my love of this season, but it truly makes me feel so comfortable. It's nice to be myself again. Sometimes I feel like I pressure myself to fill my calendar to the brim when the weather is nice outside. Gotta take advantage of those beautiful days, ya know? However, I think fall and winter allow me to move at my own pace. Take a moment to cuddle if I want to. That's how I feel at least.

I love being able to take it s-l-o-w.

I am so excited for the last few months of 2010.

So in the name of taking it slow, here's what I hope to accomplish:

finish my handmade gifts for Christmas

decorate and re-decorate my home over and over again

drink lots of hot cider and hot chocolate

spend some time outdoors when the air is chilly and crisp

fall in love all over again

What are you putting on your plate for the rest of the year?

P.S. I'll be back later tonight with some adorable DIYs I've been bookmarking recently. Check back if you're in need of creative inspiration or gift ideas!

Long time no see...

Good morning! I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week; things have been very busy after school prepping for the big Homecoming Dance (tonight)! I haven't even had the time to pick up a crochet hook! boo!

Homecoming Week at the school I teach at looks a little something like this:

Monday-Friday is Spirit Week and each day has a different theme. These themes are omnipresent in the hallways, are the inspiration for many crazy outfits, and give us something to think about other than the regular hub-lub.

Thursday evening, after the home soccer game, is the annual Homecoming Bonfire on the softball field. Many school organizations set up booths with games, food, and photo ops, to raise a little money for their group. We have a large bonfire and the cheerleaders cheer, the band plays, and it's all around good holesome fun. It's one of my all-time favorite traditions. We even have a local fire truck that comes to "watch guard" that is green and white (our school colors).

Friday during the school day my classes help me and the SGA in the gym to help decorate for the dance. We usually have to stay after school for a few hours to finish up--but this year it went off without an ounce of trouble! We finished in RECORD time and I was pleased to have a few hours to myself before the annual Friday evening Homecoming football game. This where I am in charge of organizing the Homecoming Court and their families to be announced during halftime. This is where dreams come true and the Homecoming King and Queen are announced! This is also a lot of fun as mothers usually cry and dads well up, but hold it back.

Saturday is the Homecoming Dance from 8-11, but as advisor, I have to be at school a few hours early to greet the balloon delivery and DJ. I am so happy this year, though, because Ben (our friend and DJ from our wedding) is DJing the dance! Nothing like being able to hangout with your friend while at work!

As of midnight tonight, life will become normal as we tuck ourselves into a very deep and deserving sleep. I might wake up with a little more glitter in my hair than any other typical night, but it will be worth it.

I think I have finally found my happy place with school. I just had to stop comparing my students to semesters of yester years. It's a transition, and I know they are completely capable of achieving great things, but I think I need to be a bit more patient and show them "the way."

So off I go to find a new Little Black Dress for tonight's dance, but I want to leave you with some of my favorite dance photos! Have a lovely Saturday!

(P.S. All images were found here).

I love Autumn

I had such a fun weekend. Really. I realized this weekend how long it had truly been since I had good, wholesome fun.

Long story short, Cory and I took Friday evening to relax, watch movies, and pack up all my crocheted goodies for the jewelry show on Saturday. Saturday I spent such a lovely day surrounded by talented artisans and friendly customers. It was such a lovely day to be outside! Later that evening, we traveled down to Northern Virginia (a simple 45 minute drive) to Beth's condo to cook dinner and hang out with she and Rich. We stayed up late and played Apples to Apples and had a great time.

Sunday, on our way home, Cory and I stopped at Einstein's Bagels in Bethesda for delicious pumpkin bagels and coffee.

On the drive home to Frederick, I couldn't help but lose focus by just staring out the window. Maryland is SUCH a beautiful state. I love it more the older I get. It's beauty appears to be effortless. There are so many wonderful features of this state: mountains, beach, large cities, small towns, lots of farms and orchards. You name it. I love it.

Anyway, I feel so lucky living in such a wonderful place. Especially a place that is so artist friendly. It's really quite wonderful.

I'll be back with real pictures later this week... but until then, know that I love you Maryland. And what I love even more than that, is Autumn in Maryland.

It's like I'm getting a hug from nature.

It's that time of year...

In general, I do not ask for much from those around me. I don't spend a lot of money on myself; I would rather spend it on going out and doing things than buying clothes or whatever else could strike my fancy.

Even though I try to shop as thrifty as possible, there are a few items making my birthday and Christmas wish list. This one I just couldn't resist to show you. It might possibly be the best thing for 2011!

Charley Harper Postcard Calendar.

Have you seen this adorable pocket calendar? Ohmygosh. It is so handsome! Love!

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What is on your wish list?