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Fun, Easy and Pretty Votives/Candle holders (Home Decor)

By Yolanda on January 7, 2015 in Uncategorized 0

Home Decor – Fun, Easy and Pretty Votice Candle holders are fun and easy to make.

Candle Votice Holders

Home Decor – Candle Holders

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I love candle holders. I have to admit I just love the look of a soft flickering light. If I can do anything to make that even nicer I want to do it. I was inspired by some votive holders that I have seen both online and at Pier 1 Imports. Remember when Pier 1 Imports was actually affordable, or is that me? I like having pretty things around me so I decided to make my own. It’s super fast and easy. You will need a glass (candle holder) be sure it is rated to use with candles. Regular kitchen glasses may become too hot and break. You will need some glass colored beads (I got the ones that are the flat one one side) in the color of your choice. I purchased mine at Michael’s in the floral section of the store. They have tons of colors available and they are also sold at Hobby Lobby. I used E6000 glue. Be careful this stuff has a very strong smell. You will want to be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. After washing and drying your glass you are ready to begin. I just add a drop of glue under every bead. I line up my rows of beads. I let them dry overnight. If you want to add all the beads at once you can use transparent tape (scotch tape) to tape down the glass beads in place while they dry. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so perhaps you could use red glass heads to use this little candle holder for your dinner table. Romantic, isn’t it? Oh, gosh I’m so mushy. I hope you make a few of these.

That’s it, I told you it was Fun, Easy and Pretty. You are ready to enjoy the soft light of a flickering candle.

Here is the video link if you are more of a visual learner: Video Tutorial

Be sure to visit my Facebook page and become a fan. You can post photos, request video tutorials and become part of a fun community. If you go to watch my YouTube video be sure to subscribe. I have 100’s of free video tutorials for all types of fun crafts.

Welcome 2015! The year of the “Sheep”

By Yolanda on January 2, 2015 in Uncategorized 0

Can you believe it, it’s 2015. 2015 is the year of the sheep. Sheep = wool, which = more fun crochet and knitting projects. I’m still wondering where 2014 went. It seems that each year seems to go by faster than the one before. 2014 brought a lot of changes. Last January was the first time I attended CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Mega Show in Anaheim, California. There I met so many wonderful and creative people including Vanna White, Vickie Howell, Mary Kathryn Vaughn aka. Crochetchiq, Mikey of Crochet Crowd, Mark Montano, and many more. Unfortunately, I missed meeting Kathy Cano-Murrillo aka Crafty Chica. I was lucky to meet her here in San Diego while she was on her Michael’s stores tour. Guess what? She as as great in person as I always imagined her to be.

There were so many booths that I couldn’t visit all of them. I got up close and personal with the new yarns for Lion Brand, Red Heart, Caron, Bernat and several others. Being able to be there and see, feel, smell and just absorb all those beautiful fibers was incredible. I also met the folks over at Leisure Arts and from that meeting they have now published my first ever crochet book “Animal Lovie Blankets”. It’s really a dream come true and it looks like I may be working on another book for them (keeping my fingers crossed). This year I will also be attending. I will be there from January 9 – 12, 2015. I can hardly wait. If you happen to be there please be sure to say “hello”.

I have many projects planned for this year and am looking for guest bloggers. If you would like to write a blog for this site please let me know. Email me at: [email protected] Be sure to put “guest blogger” in the subject line. I want to wish you a “Happy and Prosperous 2015!” I appreciate you so much. If you are a member of this site I will be sending out the first 2 written patterns next week so be sure to sign up. All you need to do is add your email. Happy Crafting!

Crochet and knitting lovers Christmas ornaments

By Yolanda on December 17, 2014 in Uncategorized 0

Looking for a fun and easy Cnristmas ornament that is still appropriate for the yarn enthusiast? This little ornament combines polymer clay and of course yarn. You choose the colors you want for the yarn and the clay. To make these fun ornaments you will need:

Styrofoam ball (your choice of size)

yarn scraps

Polymer Clay

Ribbon about 10 inches

Sewing pin with head on it

pencil (to poke hole thru styrofoam)

Hot glue gun

clay cutting tool or exacto knife
I like to shape the knitting needles or the crochet hook first. Take about 1/4 of the package of polymer clay (most are already scored). You will need to condition the clay before using. This just entails softening the clay until it is soft and pliable. I just knead the clay between my fingers. If you have a pasta machine (Only used for clay, DO NOT use with food and clay) you can run your clay thru the machine to soften it up.

1) Roll into a long tube shape. Measure against the styrofoam ball to make sure it is longer than the styrofoam. Allow about an extra inch since the ball with be bigger after you wrap the yarn around it.

2) If you are making the knitting needles, gently push down on one tip of the tube and continue rolling back and forth. This will shape the needle tip.

3) If you are making the crochet hook row your long tube shape, also measure against the ball. Now you will use your knife to cut to shape the crochet hook. (See video tutorial for more details)

4) Put your needles and hooks into an oven. I use a disposable aluminum tray purchased at the dollar tree. If you are using a cooking sheet from your kitchen be sure to line it with aluminum foil. You do NOT want to cook your clay on the same surface you use for cooking food. Follow the clay manufacturers instructions for baking. I baked my items for 30-35 minutes at 260 degrees farenheit.

5) Let needles and hook cool completely before handling.

While the needles and hooks are cooling I take a pencil and make the holes thru the styrofoam ball. For the crochet hook you will only need one hole that goes all the way thru the ball. For knitting needles you will need 2 holes that go all the way thru. It’s very important that they do not intersect inside the ball or you won’t be able to push both needles thru. Make sure one hole is slightly in front of the other.

Take your cooled crochet hook or needles and insert to your ball. Now take your glue gun and dab a drop onto the ball to adhere the beginning of the yarn strand to the ball. Wrap around the ball. When you finish making sure to add another dab of glue to hold the end of the yarn strand. Do the same with the knitting needles. To hang ornaments cut a piece of ribbon about 10 inches long. Tie the ends together and use a sewing pin with a head on it to attach it to the yarn ball. Now it is ready for the tree. Enjoy!

Are you more of a visual learner? No problem, be sure to watch the video tutorial. Enjoy your ornaments. Be sure to make some for your crochet and knitting friends.

To purchase supplies: (containers affiliate links)

1) Polymer clay

2) Styrofoam balls:

3) Yarn:

4) Pins:

Easy Crochet Elf Hat

By Yolanda on December 16, 2014 in Crochet Hats, Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Holiday Projects 0

This Easy Crochet Elf Hat is so fast and easy to make. As promised I have included the ears. Ears are optional but do give it that “elf” look. This is just a fun hat and can be made in your favorite Christmas colors.

Easy Crochet Elf Hat

This is sized for a women/older teenager. To adjust for a child Check out these hook suggestions. Everyone crochets differently. I tend to crochet tightly especially after my hands are tired.

This sizing chart are just suggestions. Try the hat on the recipient probably before making your last 3 rows of the green (after Round 19); If it’s too tight just repeat one more row of increases. I hope you enjoy this fun hat. Remember, after this post free written patterns will be emailed every 2 weeks to members only. If you want to receive my bi-weekly newsletter (It will be short, I promise) and free written patterns for any projects created that week (I will also start adding patterns for past videos) you need to sign up to become a member. Sign-up is easy. Just submit your email when you see the membership signup notice. I need your email in order to send you the newsletter, patterns and other goodies. Basic membership is free.

There are two options available with or without ears. YouTube Video Tutorial click Here

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Easy to Crochet Rose

By Yolanda on January 16, 2014 in Crochet Projects, Crochet Stitches and Crochet Motifs, Home Decor

Adding a Crochet Rose to any item is a beautiful way to embellish your hats, scarfs, blankets, etc. This crochet rose is easy to make. It has become one of my favorites crochet rose and I really like how easy and fast it is to make. You can use any size hook (appropriate for yarn weight) and any type of yarn. To make this large rose 4″ (10cm) I am using a size J/10 6.00mm and medium weight yarn. You can adjust the size by changing up the size of your hook. The larger the hook, the larger the rose. The smaller the hook the smaller the rose.

Easy to Crochet Rose Instructions:

To begin: Chain 74

Row 1: 1 hdc in each chain beginning in 2nd chain from hook.

Row 2: ch 3, skip 2 st, sc, *skip 2 st, sc* repeat from * to * to end of row

Row 3: (1^st third of ch-3 spaces), ch 1 (counts as sc), [hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc] all in same ch-3 sp, *[sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc] all in next ch-3 sp*, repeat from * to * for your remaining first third of work (stop when you reach your stitch marker).

Row 3: (2nd third of ch-3 spaces), *[hdc, 5dc, hdc] all in next ch-3 sp*, repeat from * to * for next 1/3 of stitches (stop when you get to your next stitch marker)

Row 3: (last 1/3 of ch-3 spaces), *[hdc, 7 dc, hdc] all in next ch-3 sp*, repeat from * to * to end of row, fasten off

Sewing the rose together: To begin: Roll strip like you would a fruit roll-up. You will begin sewing the bottom edge of the strip (on the first row of hdc) the petals will remain free. Work a little a time. This is the wrong side of your work.

Keep rolling and sewing your rose to your previous rolls… your piece will be taking shape on the reverse side. To see a video tutorial you can go to my YouTube video tutorial. When you finish rolling up and sewing your row (bottom edge) sew in your tails. You can now sew on a clip or just sew your rose onto a hat, scarfs, etc. I prefer to sew a jewelry type of brooch pin to the back of the rose. This allows me to remove the rose from my item in order to be able to wash my items or to use my rose on multiple pieces. I hope you enjoy this Rose.

Are you a visual learner? No problem check out the video tutorial here:

Happy Crocheting!

Yolanda Soto-Lopez

All Crafts Channel

www.youtube.com/user/yolandasotolopez

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Tag Archives | yolanda soto lopez

Home Decor – Fun, Easy and Pretty Votice Candle holders are fun and easy to make.

Easy to Crochet Rose Instructions: