Fun Sock Monkey!

yes..I did it! I have joined the ranks of making the infamous SOCK MONKEY!

A local gift shop has the CAAUTEST sock monkey's I've ever seen...so colorful! Though the traditional grey and red is a cutie too.

I searched online for a pattern and found a tutorial as well. I had no idea all this time (YEARS!) how easy and FUN these are to create.



In my search however..locally...I only could find this ONE pair at Kmart. I would have preferred an all over pattern (they look better) but she did turn out pretty cute even if she does have the measles (husband's input!)...but her Measles sure made good eyes (I added eyelashes) and her ears almost appear to have earrings!


This is the sock pattern I began with...and the beginning steps. I did a search and found a great YouTube....find the one by mandybentley her blog didn't come up in my search but it is under DIY YouTube sock monkey's. Her instructions are very clear...

I also found a print out pattern by http://lennytaylor.freeyello.com if you don't link go to your search engine and type in lenny taylor sock monkey pattern. This is the one I followed.


Some monkey's have stitched X's for the nose or eyes..some had buttons. Some times the button eyes can look scary...so I pondered what to do..and decided why not TRY making eyelashes. I was so pleased it turned out. Some have the cutest little caps with fringe. Some of those take more than one sock for parts. So if you were to purchase three sets of the same sock pattern you can make TWINS!



Some of the tools needed...the polyfil came with a stick for pushing the filling..but I found my CHOPSTICK worked better as it was a little thicker and the end was more square.



It wasn't quite as easy stuffing as I had expected...so if your hands are arthritic..make the opening a little larger... Here is her body getting STUFFED!



So let me know what you think? Any suggestions on future Sock Monkey's..as I plan to make bunches! Just have to search for the cute socks. I heard that Children's Place probably carries them. Kmart's price was perfect at $2.99 and the batting a huge bag for the same price and I still have tons left for more Monkey's.

And here she is.....All dressed up!


My CREATIVE HEART can't wait to make more of these cuties! and now I'm not so intimidated by the pattern...just give her eyelashes and it makes it! (I think so!)

Blessings..

HOPE

Simple Pleasures

I put together this simple little gift to WELCOME a young couple into our neighborhood. Sweet newlyweds and military. We chatted for a while and I invited them to church. I also let them know we are prior military, so we understand the separation times and are nearby if they need us for anything.

I didn't want to give a food item since you never know if anyone has food allergies or on a DIET! like most of us are! So, as I pondered around in the store....I thought about potpourri smelling nice in a new house! I looked around and loved this little container.

I went back and forth on colors...then decided the smell of this potpourri was refreshing and so went with the brown and teal ribbon to match. Popular colors now..so maybe it'll fit



I had purchased the little sticker on my (humble) little homemade card a while back and how handy it was for this gift. The perfect touch.



They were very surprised when I came over with gift in hand!! and as I was leaving...Adam said....

"Thank you, thank you very much! this really means a lot!"

As I walked across the street back to my home, I thanked the LORD for the opportunity to not only show kindness and friendship, but also invite them to church...and have such a positive response! Praise the LORD!!

I thought about the many parents who have Prodigals out of church and pray daily for someone to encourage them or invite them to church!!

Maybe..just maybe...I was someone's answer to prayer! (a nice thought!!)

A Creative Heart...can also be a Loving Heart...and a Giving Heart!


HOPE~

Busy Hands...

A couple of my grandsons collect pennants. I decided to try my hand at making my own..and personalize them for the boys. I hope they are pleasantly surprised!



I found some heavy duty felt at the store. This has a sticky backing, but I chose to leave on the removable paper backing. It gave it a little more stiffness by leaving it on. If peeled off, it is very sticky...definitely would be permanently affixed somewhere!


I also found some peel and stick felt letters! Perfect! I chose to put the boys birth year along with their names.




Since their mom just redid their room decor in shades of blues...I also chose a piece of fabric to edge the pennant in shades of blue with stars.... for the STARS!

(one note of caution: I used up two sewing needles due to the "sticky" backing...I was able to stitch one pennant and then had to replace the needle, due to sticky residue left on the needle...luckily, I have an abundant supply of sewing machine needles!)


...and one more new adventure I've taken on...

Crocheted cotton dish cloths! I LOVE THEM! They are theeeeee best to use! and WHITE is perfect to bleach out any stains and still look great.




This is the first time I've made them and now I can't stop...my family is going to find a few in future "goody" boxes!!!


It is so rewarding to work willingly with your hands...and then to pass on the creation is all the more rewarding for the SMILES in return.

Blessings..
HOPE~

Sewing for FUN...

I've had this French Provincial looking fabric for a couple of years now and still adding to the collection of different fabrics...waiting to make a Quilt...

In my latest sewing frenzy!! I decided I'd like to make a kitchen curtain to cover the bottom half of my window above the sink.

Instead of looking at the neighbors fence..how 'bout the SKY above the window!


I bravely and hesitantly CUT this gorgeous fabric...thankfully I had purchased several yards so there is actually enough left for QUILTING!! I have to make myself a French Provincial Quilt...one of these days!

But, for now..it's a French Country Kitchen!!



I'm not a huge fan of the color yellow..but this time...it was perfect and cheerful..and it matches my kitchen decor perfectly!



A little French Country rooster...here and there...





~VOILA~WELCOME to my French Country Kitchen!!



Stay tuned for more of this burst of energy that has come upon A CREATIVE HEART!!

Blessings...
HOPE~