Author Archives: alookatthelittlethings
TAD Day 28: Crochet head wrap
The weather forecast calls for 6-12 inches of snow on Monday. I’ll need something to keep my ears warm. I’m not a hat person.
TAD Day 28: Crochet head wrap
The weather forecast calls for 6-12 inches of snow on Monday. I’ll need something to keep my ears warm. I’m not a hat person.
TAD Day 27: St. Brigid’s cross
I am neither Irish nor Catholic, but traditionally this is supposed to protect your house from fire and evil. It is usually made (according to Wikipedia) on February 1 from rushes. I made a trial one first from pipe cleaners
TAD Day 27: St. Brigid’s cross
I am neither Irish nor Catholic, but traditionally this is supposed to protect your house from fire and evil. It is usually made (according to Wikipedia) on February 1 from rushes. I made a trial one first from pipe cleaners
TAD Day 26: Yarn basket
My first attempt at making any kind of basket weaving. I figured I was safe with yarn because it wouldn’t split and break like natural fibers. I clearly have some things to learn about finishing off the top, but I
TAD Day 26: Yarn basket
My first attempt at making any kind of basket weaving. I figured I was safe with yarn because it wouldn’t split and break like natural fibers. I clearly have some things to learn about finishing off the top, but I
TAD Day 25: Coffee filter tea bags
Quick, easy, and early post since I know it is going to be a busy day, and I now can cross one thing off my to-do list. Homemade tea bags from coffee filters for when you want to bring your
TAD Day 25: Coffee filter tea bags
Quick, easy, and early post since I know it is going to be a busy day, and I now can cross one thing off my to-do list. Homemade tea bags from coffee filters for when you want to bring your
TAD Day 24: Christmas card ornament
This brought me back to elementary school, we did these for a project for some youth group I was in. Cutting and pasting…they are the basics and maybe the first kind of crafting you learn how to do. This is
TAD Day 24: Christmas card ornament
This brought me back to elementary school, we did these for a project for some youth group I was in. Cutting and pasting…they are the basics and maybe the first kind of crafting you learn how to do. This is
TAD Day 23: Wool slippers
Inspired by Spangler2’s moccasins from earlier this month, I set out to find a way to make some slippers. I don’t have sheets of leather to use, but I do have a large moth-eaten wool cape that I felted a
TAD Day 23: Wool slippers
Inspired by Spangler2’s moccasins from earlier this month, I set out to find a way to make some slippers. I don’t have sheets of leather to use, but I do have a large moth-eaten wool cape that I felted a
TAD Day 22: Button bookmarks
It seems like on the weekends, I have either more time, or less time to work on projects. Today was one of those busy days when I had less time. I am lucky that friends keep giving me the button
TAD Day 22: Button bookmarks
It seems like on the weekends, I have either more time, or less time to work on projects. Today was one of those busy days when I had less time. I am lucky that friends keep giving me the button
TAD Day 21: Gnomes
A friend on facebook mentioned that the little tree from day 17 needed some gnomes.
TAD Day 21: Gnomes
A friend on facebook mentioned that the little tree from day 17 needed some gnomes.
TAD Day 20: Hanging wall vase
I was originally going to use hose clamps for this, but we didn’t have the right size in the house. I have two kitty cats who consider all fresh flowers and plants in the house their personal salad bar, so
TAD Day 20: Hanging wall vase
I was originally going to use hose clamps for this, but we didn’t have the right size in the house. I have two kitty cats who consider all fresh flowers and plants in the house their personal salad bar, so
TAD Day 19: Mason jar pin cushion/Sewing kit
This little project came across my Twitter feed this week. You could fill the jar with buttons, ribbons, spools of thread, really anything. I added thread, scissors, needles, some buttons, and a measuring tape so it could be a mini
TAD Day 19: Mason jar pin cushion/Sewing kit
This little project came across my Twitter feed this week. You could fill the jar with buttons, ribbons, spools of thread, really anything. I added thread, scissors, needles, some buttons, and a measuring tape so it could be a mini
TAD Day 18: Nest necklace
I was able to get this done earlier today as I waited for the snow to clear the roads before I left for work. These would be cute to make for friends with kids. If I do it again, I
TAD Day 18: Nest necklace
I was able to get this done earlier today as I waited for the snow to clear the roads before I left for work. These would be cute to make for friends with kids. If I do it again, I
TAD Day 17: Tiny cork crochet tree
It’s already past the half way point and I hadn’t done any crochet projects. That is now fixed. The yarn is more of a blue-green than the photo is showing. This worked up very quickly, and it fits over a
TAD Day 17: Tiny cork crochet tree
It’s already past the half way point and I hadn’t done any crochet projects. That is now fixed. The yarn is more of a blue-green than the photo is showing. This worked up very quickly, and it fits over a
TAD Day 16: Braided beaded bracelet
I’m normally happier when I work on craft projects that don’t require such small work, but I do have a box full of beads and findings that I pull out and play with every once in a while. I also
TAD Day 16: Braided beaded bracelet
I’m normally happier when I work on craft projects that don’t require such small work, but I do have a box full of beads and findings that I pull out and play with every once in a while. I also
TAD Day 15: Recovered folding chair
We got an old set of folding chairs from my father-in-law. I love how sturdy they are, but some have seen better days. I recovered the worst one of them, and added thicker foam. I’ll pop the cushion back off
TAD Day 15: Recovered folding chair
We got an old set of folding chairs from my father-in-law. I love how sturdy they are, but some have seen better days. I recovered the worst one of them, and added thicker foam. I’ll pop the cushion back off
TAD Day 14: Felt heart
Rough day today culminating in unexpected dental surgery. Tempted to skip, but here’s a little felt heart to honor Valentine’s Day.
TAD Day 14: Felt heart
Rough day today culminating in unexpected dental surgery. Tempted to skip, but here’s a little felt heart to honor Valentine’s Day.
TAD Day 13: Button wreath ornament
Today I woke up to snow. Lots of snow. Then sleet, then rain, and various wintry mixes. It would have been the perfect day for working on projects, but I was tied to the computer working form home so I
TAD Day 13: Button wreath ornament
Today I woke up to snow. Lots of snow. Then sleet, then rain, and various wintry mixes. It would have been the perfect day for working on projects, but I was tied to the computer working form home so I
TAD Day 12: Rice & lavender heating pad
If you use cotton fabric, this can be popped in the microwave and the rice heats up. I added lavender to make it more relaxing. It’s about a 3:1 rice to lavender ratio. No instructions as I made this from
TAD Day 12: Rice & lavender heating pad
If you use cotton fabric, this can be popped in the microwave and the rice heats up. I added lavender to make it more relaxing. It’s about a 3:1 rice to lavender ratio. No instructions as I made this from
TAD Day 11: Felted dryer ball/inadvertant cat toy
I spent the day home sick today, so I knew I needed a project that required little concentration. Wool felting is pretty mindless when you are just making a ball. These are supposed to be a chemical-free alternative to dryer
TAD Day 11: Felted dryer ball/inadvertant cat toy
I spent the day home sick today, so I knew I needed a project that required little concentration. Wool felting is pretty mindless when you are just making a ball. These are supposed to be a chemical-free alternative to dryer
TAD Day 10: Vanilla extract
Technically this project won’t be done for 6 more weeks, but the assembly was all done today. The beauty of making cordials or something like this at home is that you can use bottom-bottom shelf vodka as the base. I
TAD Day 10: Vanilla extract
Technically this project won’t be done for 6 more weeks, but the assembly was all done today. The beauty of making cordials or something like this at home is that you can use bottom-bottom shelf vodka as the base. I
TAD Day 9: String art heart
This took me back to my days of summer camp and Vacation Bible School. I used cork instead of wood because as you can see, getting nails hammered in straight is not one of my stronger skills. Inspiration here: http://boxycolonial.com/string-art-heart-ornament-last-second-christmas-post/
TAD Day 9: String art heart
This took me back to my days of summer camp and Vacation Bible School. I used cork instead of wood because as you can see, getting nails hammered in straight is not one of my stronger skills. Inspiration here: http://boxycolonial.com/string-art-heart-ornament-last-second-christmas-post/
TAD Day 8: Hearth broom
I took a class today on broom making. We were able to make 2, a cobweb broom which is longer and the ends are not trimmed, and a hearth broom. The cats were a little too interested in the brooms
TAD Day 8: Hearth broom
I took a class today on broom making. We were able to make 2, a cobweb broom which is longer and the ends are not trimmed, and a hearth broom. The cats were a little too interested in the brooms
TAD Day 7:Scissor fob
Quick and early project this morning since I’m headed straight from work to Lancaster, PA for an early class Saturday morning. I didn’t have a clasp in the house large enough to fit the handles, so I added a key
TAD Day 7:Scissor fob
Quick and early project this morning since I’m headed straight from work to Lancaster, PA for an early class Saturday morning. I didn’t have a clasp in the house large enough to fit the handles, so I added a key
TAD Day 6: Felt ornament
It seems each year, there is something that looks so much better in person than I can capture in a photograph. I’m actually pretty happy with how this looks, and could see doing more of them. They are about 3
TAD Day 6: Felt ornament
It seems each year, there is something that looks so much better in person than I can capture in a photograph. I’m actually pretty happy with how this looks, and could see doing more of them. They are about 3
TAD Day 5: Wine cork Christmas tree
A big ice storm in Philadelphia last night left over a half a million homes without power. We were lucky to only lose power for an hour this morning when a tree came down on the lines a block away.
TAD Day 5: Wine cork Christmas tree
A big ice storm in Philadelphia last night left over a half a million homes without power. We were lucky to only lose power for an hour this morning when a tree came down on the lines a block away.
TAD Day 4: Repurposed frame mini cork board
I had pinned this on pinterest months ago as a possible TAD project. I was sort of ‘meh’ about it, but for some reason, it has been the most pinned thing on all of my boards. The original instructions used
TAD Day 4: Repurposed frame mini cork board
I had pinned this on pinterest months ago as a possible TAD project. I was sort of ‘meh’ about it, but for some reason, it has been the most pinned thing on all of my boards. The original instructions used
TAD Day 3: Lace doily basket
I was afraid this would not dry in time to make it on day 3, but turning on the fan, even as the snow fell here, did the trick. Instructions found here: http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/accents/one-hour-diy-projects/?socsrc=bhgpin010214lacebowls&page=3&crlt.pid=camp.DejLPMqxrhAT
TAD Day 3: Lace doily basket
I was afraid this would not dry in time to make it on day 3, but turning on the fan, even as the snow fell here, did the trick. Instructions found here: http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/accents/one-hour-diy-projects/?socsrc=bhgpin010214lacebowls&page=3&crlt.pid=camp.DejLPMqxrhAT
TAD Day 2: Fabric basket
The original instructions for this basket called for using the pants legs from an old pair of jeans with a fun fabric for the liner. I had a set of old curtains from a friend’s grandmother’s fabric stash, and used
TAD Day 2: Fabric basket
The original instructions for this basket called for using the pants legs from an old pair of jeans with a fun fabric for the liner. I had a set of old curtains from a friend’s grandmother’s fabric stash, and used
TAD Day 1: Ornament wreath
Before the Christmas decorations got buried too deep in the attic, I wanted to put one of these together. Now I have to figure out how to store it safely until next year. And I think this has just about
TAD Day 1: Ornament wreath
Before the Christmas decorations got buried too deep in the attic, I wanted to put one of these together. Now I have to figure out how to store it safely until next year. And I think this has just about
TAD 28: Lace-covered candle holder
I started a different project and has a complete and utter craft fail. I just couldn’t have that on day 28! A friend had given me a box of fabric from her grandmother, including a panel of lace from the
TAD 28: Lace-covered candle holder
I started a different project and has a complete and utter craft fail. I just couldn’t have that on day 28! A friend had given me a box of fabric from her grandmother, including a panel of lace from the
TAD 27: Santa wreath
A little out of season, but easy enough to tuck away with the rest of the Christmas decorations.
TAD 27: Santa wreath
A little out of season, but easy enough to tuck away with the rest of the Christmas decorations.
TAD 26: Bath Salts
You can tell what kind of house I live in that I first looked for our food coloring in my husband’s workshop, then in the garage, then in the kitchen. I finally found it in a box of dry walling
TAD 26: Bath Salts
You can tell what kind of house I live in that I first looked for our food coloring in my husband’s workshop, then in the garage, then in the kitchen. I finally found it in a box of dry walling
TAD 25: Almond liqueur
This is supposed to taste like the brand Disaronno, but as it is 7 am here, and I am headed off to work, I’ll have to wait until tonight to see how it turned out.
TAD 25: Almond liqueur
This is supposed to taste like the brand Disaronno, but as it is 7 am here, and I am headed off to work, I’ll have to wait until tonight to see how it turned out.
TAD 24: Tulle scrubbie
A quick little scrubber for non-stick pans.
TAD 23: Needle-felted needle case
I like the alternate name for this: A housewife. Now if only it would hem my pants for me!
TAD 23: Needle-felted needle case
I like the alternate name for this: A housewife. Now if only it would hem my pants for me!
TAD 22: Earrings for knitters
I need to work on my yarn wrapping, but these have potential.
TAD 21: Hair scrunchies
Two versions, one loopy and one simple. Useful little scrap yarn project if you are like me and still use these even though I’ve been told they are far, far out of style. They just make pulling the hair out
TAD 21: Hair scrunchies
Two versions, one loopy and one simple. Useful little scrap yarn project if you are like me and still use these even though I’ve been told they are far, far out of style. They just make pulling the hair out
TAD 20: Fabric daffodil
My favorite flower. It means, more than even the early crocus, that winter may finally be over.
TAD 20: Fabric daffodil
My favorite flower. It means, more than even the early crocus, that winter may finally be over.
TAD 19: Wine cork trivet
Did you know that corks come in three basic heights? I just discovered that. What took the most time on this easy-peasy project was sorting out the corks to get all the ones that were the same height together.
TAD 19: Wine cork trivet
Did you know that corks come in three basic heights? I just discovered that. What took the most time on this easy-peasy project was sorting out the corks to get all the ones that were the same height together.
TAD 18: Flower hair clips
A friend of mine sent me this idea to use for TAD. The instructions were for hair clips, but I’m thinking in the future of scattering a bunch of them over a black scarf. These are so little they are
TAD 18: Flower hair clips
A friend of mine sent me this idea to use for TAD. The instructions were for hair clips, but I’m thinking in the future of scattering a bunch of them over a black scarf. These are so little they are
TAD 17: Hand-soap dispenser
I’ve seen these made from traditional mason jars, but really any jar will do. I got this one when I bought pickles at a farmer’s market.
TAD 17: Hand-soap dispenser
I’ve seen these made from traditional mason jars, but really any jar will do. I got this one when I bought pickles at a farmer’s market.
Thing-a-Day Forever 