I clipped an article from Martha Stewart Living over 10 years ago. It purported to be an introduction to crochet, and showed you how to make exquisite snowflakes. The last few weeks here in our new location, it's been cold, without any snow (I know most of the country is covered, but we haven't been so lucky!) I thought this would be a perfect activity when we're hanging out as a family, and I needed something to do with my hands.
It took me several tries to get the hang of these. I wish there had been step by step photos. Here's the LINK again for those who might want to try them. For example, I didn't realize you crochet around the foundation ring, not into the chain. Took me three readings to figure that one out. Once I had three decent snowflakes, I wanted to make them stiff, but didn't want to purchase fabric stiffener. I prepared my box by covering it with clear contact paper. Then I made my own "stiffener".
I mixed tacky glue and water using a one to one ratio in a shallow bowl, making sure that it was thoroughly mixed. One at a time, I soaked the snowflakes and then carefully stretched them out on the cardboard, using pins to hold them in place.
Word of caution...I had one pin on each snowflake rust a bit and make a stain. I'm not sure how to prevent that from happening. Here's how they look on my mantle:
The snowflakes added just the right touch. I like how they compliment the banner and snowballs. You can also get a glimpse of my paint job from the other weekend. I added antique white stripes to the wall left of the fireplace, and painted around the fireplace antique white. I cannot justify repainting everything right now, but I had to brighten the place up a bit.
Here's the before, in case you forgot:
And just for fun, a close-up of the snowflakes:
The results are so satisfying, I made three more to hang from the chandelier during the Super Bowl.
Now I feel like I could tackle crochet on a bigger scale. Best part, I can keep these up all of February, and thus have a little continuity between January and February decor. Have any of you tried crochet before?
Sharing with Kojo Designs, and Creation Corner, and Tatertots and Jello.
9 happy thoughts:
they are really cool! wish i could crochet :-(
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Leigh at The Sewing Diva
I love your crocheted snowflakes... they look lovely on your mantle! Perfect with the rest of the snowy items!
OK this is a little freaky. I saved the exact same section of my Martha Mag 10 years ago and got it out this year right before Christmas to work on throughout the holidays...didn't happen but I hope to do them someday (maybe next year). Yours are great! I was planning to do a whole bunch to hang in our big window.
I have always wanted to crochet snowflakes! Very pretty. They add the perfect touch to your decorations!
ooh, i need to learn how to crochet! will gladly trade some of our snow for your snowflakes. :)
and the stripes are awesome. love how the mantle pops against the white!
These are fabulous! I have wanted to try to crochet and knit for quite some time! Love your snowflakes!
So pretty, I wish I crocheted. I tried macarame (now there's a 70s flashback) snowflakes in December. While they look very similar, they were a little time-consuming (I finished only one!)I suspect crochet is so much faster and yours look so nice in a grouping with the branches. {PS I am not wishing for anymore snow though!}
I have kept this exact same clipping from Martha!! I made 4 the first year I was married and always planned on making more throughout the years and just never have. Funny how something from so long ago sticks with each of us. Super cute by the way!
I used to crochet lots when I was younger and have recently started up again. I'm loving it!!
Your snowflakes are lovely. Sp wintery and pretty.
Sarahx
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