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This is for all of those knitters like me who have a front load washing machine but still want to felt...

I started this pattern knowing that I would have to felt it but having no idea how I would accomplish it since I have a front load washer.  I wanted to make myself a gift and I fell in love with this stocking pattern in the book I Can't Believe I'm Loom Knitting.  My stocking looks nothing like the one in the book...I did not have the size loom that the pattern required.  I knew the pattern would come out different even though I followed the pattern completely because of the size difference.  I am still pleased with the outcome even though I could not completely felt it because the width would be too small if I did.  I like that you can still tell that it's a knit!

OK, so back to dryer felting...I researched online for information and couldn't find anything about it.  I decided to give it a go on my own.  Below is the stocking before I started the felting process.  You can still see the swirl look of the original pattern.  When it felted, the pattern changed significantly and no longer made the candy cane swirls.  I'm assuming this is because I used a smaller loom then the pattern called for!
#dryerfelting #dryerfeltingwool #feltingwool


This is how I did it...Dryer Felting

-First I soaked the stocking in a large pot until it was saturated through.  This is important because wool naturally seems to repel water. My colors ran pretty bad and my white took on a pinkish quality.  I kind of think it gives the stocking an antique look which I like but it was a surprise at first.
-I did not use any shampoo or additives...I've heard that it's unnecessary and of course it would make a mess in the dryer.
-I then squeezed as much water out as I could (gently).
-I placed four tennis balls in the dryer with the stocking. This sounds really bad but doesn't damage the dryer...the balls beating the wool helps the felting process.
-I turned the dryer to the highest heat setting.
-I checked my stocking every 15 minutes until the end when I started checking much more frequently (every 5-10 minutes)...felting is permanent!!  You can always felt it more but you can't undo what's done.
-About a half hour into the felting process, I noticed my stocking was forming hard creases where I didn't want it to.  I solved this problem by stuffing old hand towels into the stocking and forcing it to take the shape I wanted.  I imagine that you could also place a sweater dryer in your machine and felt it flat too.  I'll have to try that in the future!
-At about this time, your fine wool will start to smell like a wet dog lol!
-The entire process took approximately one hour.  The stocking was still wet (which is good).
-I removed the stocking from the dryer and blocked it with a combination of plastic bags and large mason jars.

My conclusion is that dryer felting works quite well.  I felt that (no pun intended), with frequent checking, you still had control over the felting process.  I would imagine that different dryers act differently temperature wise. Mine is a gas dryer and is pretty gentle even at the highest setting, yet it still had no problem felting the stocking.  Keep an eye on the shape of your project as it will tend to want to do its own thing in the dryer.  I imagine this is not a problem in the washing machine.  I would definitely use this method again!

Below is the beginning and finished dimensions of my project for those like me who are curious about the amount of shrinking in the felting process.  I've heard that a good rule of thumb is that the project should start at three times the size you would like the finished project to be.  I did notice that my project was definitely shrinking more in length then in width...thankfully because I used a smaller loom and was very worried about its final width.  Knowing this is important if you are trying to form squares, as in coasters or other items!

Dimensions:

Top of Stocking to Heel:  Before Felting:  23 1/2"   After Felting:  16 3/4"
Toe to Heel:  Before Felting:  15"  After Felting:  11 1/2"
Width of Top Portion of Stocking:  Before Felting:  8"   After Felting:  4 1/2"
Width/Height of Foot Portion:  Before Felting:  6 1/2"   After Felting:  4 3/4"

THANKS FOR READING!

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.


Extra Warm and Oh So Soft in Baby Alpaca...

Take your loom knitting to the next level with this luxurious hat and cowl set!  This makes an extra special gift set for someone special.  It is not hard to loom knit as long as you remember to keep your stitches loose where indicated.  It is definitely the nicest hat and cowl set that I have loomed to date. It will make a nice keepsake!
#freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitcowls #loomknitscarves #loomknitalpaca #loomknitting #loomknithats

The matching Cowl Pattern can be found Here:  http://thismomentisgood.blogspot.com/2013/12/loom-knit-pleated-cowl-pattern.html

SUPPLIES:

Yellow Knifty Knitter loom or similar
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook
2 Skein/bundles Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Magna in Jade

HAT PATTERN:

-Chain cast on all pegs and join to work in the round.
Row 1:     *p1, k1, repeat from * around, end row with p1.
Row 2:     *k1, p1, repeat from * around, end row with k1.
Row 3:     *p1, k1, repeat from * around, end row with p1.
Row 4:     *k1, p1, repeat from * around, end row with k1.
Row 5:     *p1, k1, repeat from * around, end row with p1.
Row 6:     *k1, p1, repeat from * around, end row with k1.
Row 7:     *p1, k1, repeat from * around, end row with p1.

NOTE:     Knit Rows 8-10 and 12-14 very loosely so you will be able to move your loops easily in the                  decreases.
NOTE:     Here is a helpful link on YRP, left decreases:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZgKhixi04

Row 8:     Knit
Row 9:     Purl
Row 10:   Knit
Row 11:   YRP, right decrease around, Purl the last peg on row.
Row 12:   Knit
Row 13:   Purl
Row 14:   Knit
Row 15:   YRP, left decrease around, Purl the last peg on row.

Repeat Row/Rounds 8-15... five times

-Knit one row/round
-Purl one row/round
-Knit one row/round loosely.
-Now: move loop from peg 1 to peg 2, peg 3 to peg 4, peg 5 to peg 6 and so on around.
-Knit pegs with two loops
-Gathered Bind Off.
-BLOCK hat to stretch lace stitches out and show ridges/pattern better.  Blocking Directions Here:  http://thismomentisgood.blogspot.com/2013/12/loom-knit-lace-ridge-hat-cowl-set.html


THANK YOU FOR READING.  I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS PATTERN!


Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, Nicole F. Cox, all rights reserved.

A Happy Accident...


This week I was trying to come up with something new that I haven't seen before in loom knitting.  After wracking my brain and not coming up with anything, I started thinking about other crafts I had done in the past.  I used to machine quilt quite a bit for a craft shop I owned.  I loved to do patchwork quilts...the more pieces the better!  It was so cool to take 400 pieces of fabric and make a single design out of them.  So I thought why not try to make a sampler scarf/cowl?  Instead of changing the yarn, I decided to change the stitch in every section and keep the yarn consistent  (I didn't want it to get too crazy, lol).  I am so pleased with the result and am giving it to someone special as a Christmas gift.

Unfortunately, I didn't write notes on this scarf as I was doing it because I had to frog it four times and wasn't sure what I was going to come up with.  So there is no formal pattern for this one.  I can say that I worked in rows of Fourteen.  Meaning, every 14 rows I changed my stitch (pattern).  I did six separate blocks.  That gave me a total of 84 rows.  I used super bulky Hometown, USA yarn by Lion; two different colors.  I used a straight loom as double knitting.  My daughter and I both love Periwinkle Blue, that's why I chose this color. It also reminds me of blue jeans so I thought it would match just about everything. The metal buttons were a find at Joann Fabrics and I think they embellish it perfect.  I love how the large button stands out in the center of this piece and the two smaller buttons balance it out.  The edge of the cowl is a crochet picot edge, done by hand.

I hope this piece inspires you to come up with something new and just play a little with your loom knitting.  You never know what you'll come up with...It could be fabulous!

THANKS FOR READING! HAPPY LOOM KNITTING ALL!

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, Nicole F. Cox, all rights reserved.

#loomknitcowl #loomknitscarves #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknittingideas #loomknitting
This Super Soft & Airy Hat is Perfect For Adults, Children and Baby...


Pattern is in adult size.  Adjust accordingly for children and babies. #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknithat #loomknitbabyhat #loomknitsnowysofthat #freeloomknithatpattern

SUPPLIES 

1 Skein Patons Divine (5) in Icicle White
Green Loom (for Adult) Use smaller loom for Child or Baby
Crochet Hook
Knitting Tool

PATTERN:

-Chain Bind on (1 strand)
Row 1-17:  Alternate each row/round with e-wrap knits and e-wrap purls.  Begin with e-wrap knits. Shorten this section if making for a child or baby.
-Reach down and grab first row of stitches and place on pegs, this will form brim.
-knit together.
-Rows 18-34:  e-wrap knit (with 1 strand for light and airy hat or 2 strands for thicker warmer hat).  Shorten this section if making a baby or child hat.
-Now; move peg 1 to peg 2, peg 3 to peg 4, peg 5 to peg 6 and so on all the way around.  Knit the pegs with two loops.
-gathered bind off.

I placed the hat in the sun to show how light and airy it looks and feels!  If you would like a warmer hat use 2 strands of yarn for the body of the hat.

Thank You For Reading. I Hope You Enjoyed This Pattern!

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, Nicole F. Cox, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  Although these patterns have been tested by me, they are still considered test patterns because they have not been done by a large group of knitters. They are being shared free for this reason.  Please knit these patterns at your own risk.  Patterns are for personal use only and are not to be knit and sold.  Links to this pattern are okay but do not copy and paste onto any website or document.

Add a feminine touch to your boots with these picot edged toppers!


I love girly things.  These boot toppers were just what I was looking for to make winter boots look more feminine.  Best of all, they knit up really quick!
#loomknitbootcuffs #loomknitboottoppers #knitting #loomknitting #loomknittingpatterns #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitbootsocks

Supplies You'll Need:


Blue Knifty Knitter Loom (or larger if you have a large calf)
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook
1 Skein Patons Shetland Chunky; Color: Charcoal

Pattern:


-With (1) strand yarn, chain cast on (this makes a nice edge that stays stretchy)
-Garter Stitch (5) Rows...
Row/Round 1: Knit
Row/Round 2: Purl
Row/Round 3: Knit
Row/Round 4: Purl
Row/Round 5: Knit

-Now: E-Wrap Knit Stitch (14) Rows
-Garter Stitch (5) Rows...refer to above
-Chain one bind off to preserve stretch.  Make sure to encourage stretch before knotting.
-Weave in ends
-Crochet a picot edge around top of each boot cuff.
-Here is a great video link for how to do the picot edging:  PICOT EDGE VIDEO

So Easy! Happy Loom Knitting all!















copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, Nicole F. Cox, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  Although these patterns have been tested by me, they are still considered test patterns because they have not been done by a large group of knitters. They are being shared free for this reason.  Please knit these patterns at your own risk.  Patterns are for personal use only!

This hat knits up quick in one evening and would look great in any color!
I Loom Knit this hat for my oldest daughter to match a pea coat I bought her for Christmas.  It turned out so cute that I loomed her a matching pair of Boot Toppers to go with it.  Both items turned out really nice and I wanted to share the patterns with you!  I hope you like them as much as I do. #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitslouchhat #loomknitboottoppers #loomknitbootcuffpatterns #loomknithatpatterns


Finished Length:  9" but can be lengthened with blocking (if using natural fibers like wool) and assuming you are using similar weight yarns. #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitslouchhatpattern #loomknithat #loomknittingpatterns #loomknitstripedslouchhat #loomknitstripedhat

SUPPLIES:

Lion Brand Yarn Jiffy in Silver Heather(5):  (1) Strand worked throughout project
Lamb's Pride Worsted in Charcoal Heather: (2) Strands worked throughout project
Yellow Round Knifty Knitter Loom
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook

PATTERN:

-Chain cast on 41 pegs with Charcoal Heather (using 2 strands as one).
-Knit 14 Rows (do not e-wrap)
-Reach down and fold up first row of stitches and place on pegs forming brim of hat. Knit together.
-e-wrap knit 3 Rows.
-Drop Charcoal but don't cut. Twist together with Silver Heather at the end of each row (do this throughout     the rest of the pattern)
-With Silver Heather (1 strand) e-wrap knit 4 rows/rounds.
-Change to Charcoal and e-wrap knit 7 rows.
-Change to Silver and e-wrap knit 4 rows.
-Change to Charcoal and e-wrap knit 7 rows.
-Change to Silver and e-wrap knit 4 rows.
-Move peg 1 to peg 2, peg 3 to peg 4, peg 5 to peg 6 and so on to decrease stitches. This will also give you   the star pattern at the end of the hat.
-Knit pegs with 2 loops together; don't use the working yarn. (you will have one extra peg: ignore this peg)
-Gathered bind off.

The back of the hat forms a pinwheel/flower pattern!

The matching boot cuffs pictured above with hat!


Enjoy Your New Hat. Thank You For Reading!

copyright, 2013, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.   
Richly Textured and Wooly...These Boot Toppers Will Keep You Comfy and Cozy all Winter and They Look Great Too!



These Boot Cuffs/Toppers take a little more time but are wonderfully textured and rich looking.  They make a great gift.  I designed these as a gift for my daughter.  When you get to rows 9-24 of your knitting the yarn will start to pull upward and it will seem like your toppers are getting shorter.  This is normal so don't worry, after blocking they lay flat and even but still retain all their texture. Please use natural fibers like wool for this pattern as they do require blocking to lay correctly. I have many other boot cuff/topper patterns on this blog! #freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitboottopperpatterns #loomknitbootcuffs #loomknitbootcuffpatterns #boottoppers #bootcuffs #bootsocks

SUPPLIES:

Lamb's Pride Worsted in Charcoal Heather (You'll Want to use wool or other natural fiber because this pattern requires blocking to lay correctly)
Blue Knifty Knitter
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook

PATTERN:

-Chain cast on all pegs using 2 strands as one.
-Rows 1-5: all rounds/rows; *k2, p2, k2, p2, repeat from *.
-Rows 6-8: all rounds/rows; e-wrap all pegs. *k2,  pull top loop down through bottom loop, pull off peg and put loop back on peg for two pegs, repeat from *.
-Rows 9-24: e-wrap all pegs then *k2, p2, k2, p2, repeat from *
-Rows 25-29:  e-wrap knit.
-Row 30: *e-wrap knit 2, Bobble, e-wrap knit 2, Bobble, repeat from *. See Bobble directions below.

BOBBLES:  This bobble is a one stitch bobble that gets knitted five times to form a small bobble. Reach the peg/stitch where you want your bobble to be. Knit on that peg 5 times. Take the last loop off the peg and hold it on your knitting tool. Reach down and bring back to the peg the very first stitch that was on the peg. Place the loop being held on the tool back on the peg. Peg has now 2 loops. Knit.

-Rows 31-33:  *k2, p2, k2, p2, repeat from *.
-Chain One Bind Off to preserve stretch. Encourage stretch before knotting off.
-Crochet Scallop Edge..I used one strand here as I wanted a small scallop but you can also use the two strands for a more noticeable scallop. Here's a good link if you don't know how:  Scallop Edge Video

-Block Boot Topper:  Wet with Cold Water. Squeeze excess water out. Now lay between towel layers and press to get out excess water.  Stretch around a container to even out stitches. I used a large mason jar to block mine. Don't over stretch, you just want it even from top to bottom!


Matching Hat Pattern Available On This Blog.
Thank You For Reading and Happy Looming!

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, Nicole F. Cox, all rights reserved.
Loom Knit This Beautiful Pleated Cowl In One Evening...


This Pleated Cowl is knit in two sections and then joined together.  The matching hat pattern is now Here: Ridge & Lace Slouch Hat Pattern
#freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknitcowlpattern #loomknitneckwarmerpattern #loomknitting

SUPPLIES:

1 Skein/bundle Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Magna in Jade
Round Knifty Knitter Loom 24 pegs or more
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook

PATTERN:

FIRST SECTION:

-Chain cast on 10 pegs (single knitting)
ALL STITCHES BELOW ARE TO BE KNIT LOOSELY
-Row 1:  Knit
-Row 2:  Purl
-Row 3:  Knit
-Row 4:  Purl
-Row 5:  Knit
-Now reach down to the first row of stitches and put each stitch on the pegs to form first pleat.
-Knit together
-e-wrap knit (3) rows

-REPEAT all steps above (except cast on) 4 more times.  You should have a total of 5 pleats.
-Chain One Bind Off
-Weave in ends
-Your first section is done...Set aside.

SECOND SECTION:

-Chain cast on 24 pegs.
-e-wrap knit stitch 19 Rows (don't worry if knitting rolls, it is part of the look)
-Chain One Bind Off.
-Second section is complete.

JOIN BOTH SECTIONS:

-Lay wrong sides together, aligning the bottom edges and sew together, one side at a time.  Take your time with this step as your cowl will lay nicer if the join is even.  There will be about an inch extra at the top (on the back portion) that will roll down and form a nice collar.

BLOCK your cowl so that the stitches look even and the cowl hangs more relaxed...Directions Here:  http://thismomentisgood.blogspot.com/2013/12/loom-knit-lace-ridge-hat-cowl-set.html  

Matching Hat Pattern Coming Soon!

Thank You For Reading!

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  I am not a professional pattern writer.  Although these patterns have been tested by me, they are still considered test patterns because they have not been done by a large group of knitters. They are being shared free for this reason.  Please knit these patterns at your own risk.

copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.
Keep Warm & Toasty With This Loom Knit Set...


I was in a wonderful yarn shop in Cape May, New Jersey called Fiber Arts and fell in love with this baby alpaca yarn in Jade.  I had never felt anything so soft and the color was so rich.  I bought the yarn and quickly returned home and knit the cowl.  I was so pleased with my cowl, with its beautiful pleats, until I tried it on and found out that it was kind of itchy around the neck.  Although I was disappointed that it wasn't comfortable, I decided to persevere and make the slouch hat to go along with it.  The hat turned out wonderful with alternating ridges and lace and was warm and comfortable.  Despite negative things I had heard about blocking Alpaca (it has no memory and may go limp), I went ahead and blocked the hat using a combination of a soccer ball and Pyrex bowl to shape it.  It turned out just as I had hoped and opened up the pattern so it really stood out.  Energized, I went ahead and soaked the cowl in Eucalan and blocked that too after rinsing.  The cowl now stands away from the neck and is no longer picky!
#freeloomknittingpatterns #loomknithat #loomknitcowl #loomknithatandscarf

You can find the Cowl Pattern Here:  COWL PATTERN
You can find the Hat Pattern Here:  Hat Pattern


Directions for blocking the hat and cowl:
1.  Wet hat completely.
2.  Gently squeeze out excess water
3.  Lay hat on thick towel and gently blot between layers
4.  Put together a balloon or ball with a Pyrex bowl as seen below...

This is the set up I used to block the hat.  I did not want the brim area to stretch out so I needed that area to taper in.



5.  Shape hat around ball and straighten stitches.
6.  Let dry thoroughly.

For Cowl:
1.  Repeat steps 1-3 using cowl.
2.  Shape cowl around canister or similar item and straighten stitches. See Below.
3.  Let dry thoroughly.


2013, Copyright, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  



Use this wreath as a napkin ring and send it home with your guests as a gift...


This morning when I woke up I started thinking about ways to make my holiday table special and got an idea for a loom knit napkin ring that could also double as an ornament.  The picture above is what I came up with.  I'm very pleased that It worked out on the first try and it was a pretty easy knit.  I think the hardest part was putting the wire on the wreath and not stabbing myself repeatedly with it!  I hope you like this pattern and it works well for you!
#loomknitting #loomknitwreath #loomknitchristmasornament #loomknitnapkinring #freeloomknittingpatterns

SUPPLIES:

Knifty Knitter Loom (red) 31 pegs
Knitting Tool
Crochet Hook
Red Super Bulky Yarn (6)
White Super Bulky Yarn (6)
Green Floral Wire
Needle/Floss for sewing on button
Button

DIRECTIONS:

-Chain cast on all 31 pegs with red yarn.
-Row 1: Knit
-Row 2: Purl
-Row 3: Knit
-Row 5-6: e-wrap knit
-Row 7: Purl
-Row 8: Knit
-Gathered Cast off: Gather until you form center circle of wreath.
-Wire around entire top of wreath, 1/4 inch in, hiding wire under knitting.
-Ruffle top of wreath slightly by bending and shaping wire.


Make Belt for Wreath:

-Chain Cast on 16 pegs with white.
-Row 1: Knit
-Row 2: Purl
-Row 3: Knit
-Row 4: Purl
-Chain one bind off
-Tie on Wreath securing it through the center, hiding seem in the back.

Make Bow:

-Chain cast on with red 23 pegs.
-Pull off loom and knot ends
-Shape into a bow.
-Sew on Belt.
-Sew on Button or other embellishment in center of bow.


ENJOY YOUR NEW WREATH & THANK YOU FOR READING!

copyright, 2013, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:  I have made every effort to ensure that these instructions are accurate and complete.  I cannot, however, be reponsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.  I am not a professional pattern writer.  Although these patterns have been tested by me, they are still considered test patterns because they have not been done by a large group of knitters. They are being shared free for this reason.  Please knit these patterns at your own risk.


This Wreath Makes A Beautiful Christmas Gift for the Bird Lover...

There are a lot of recipes for this wreath on the Internet. I've made some with flour as the paste that have dried cloudy and fell apart easily.  This recipe/method seems to hold up best for me and the wreath dries clear.  I have tweaked it with a little more gelatin as I think it sets up nicer for me.  I never have the same experience twice when I use gelatin, sometimes it sets up fast and other times it seems to take forever to form a paste. With patience it always thickens for me!  I like to tie my wreaths with tulle as it is wide and soft and doesn't cut into the wreath while hanging.  Double it up, for strength.  It's also a nice touch to wrap the wreath in cellophane with a bow for gift giving!
#birdseedwreaths #diychristmasgifts #crafts #giftsforbirdlovers

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 slightly rounded cup cornstarch
1/2 cup warm water
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 and 1/2  package unflavored gelatin
4 cups bird food (such as seeds, peanuts, berries, dried fruits)
1 bundt pans or you can use other molds
Nonstick cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Please read through all the directions before starting...

Spray bundt pan with cooking spray, set aside.On stove top over medium heat, whisk gelatin and water until dissolved. Whisk in corn syrup and cornstarch next.  Keep whisking until there are no lumps.  It will form a thick paste.  Make sure mixture is thick before moving on to the next step (there is a picture of one of my wreaths that failed because I got impatient, see below)...if it's slow to thicken, sometimes allowing it to cool helps.

Add 4 cups bird seed to thickened mixture.  Mix well.  Spoon into mold.  Spray back of metal spoon with cooking spray and press firmly down on mixture so it is well packed in the mold.  Place in refrigerator until set. It will be hard to the touch when it's set. It usually takes about 1/2 hour. Remove from mold onto baking sheet, carefully.  Let dry for a couple of days (turning occasionally).  Tie on a bow for hanging (warning: do not use twine or other thin hard hangers as it will cut through the wreath and cause it to fall)

NOTE:  If you would like...you can add a wire ring in the middle of mixture. It will hold together better when put outside. (hangers work well!)  Make sure your wire ring is not springy, you do not want to add pressure inside your wreath. This step is not necessary to form wreath but it does make a stronger wreath.  I usually do this step! **Also, do not put these wreaths out if rain is in the forecast for the week, they will fall apart in the rain (all food does).





A Sprinkle of Dried Fruit adds color!
Lay Hanger in center of mixture
Turn carefully onto flat sheet

Place rest of mixture on top

Your Wreath Will Dry Clear & Strong!


This is what will happen if you do not thicken your paste, it will pool at the bottom of the pan and dry cloudy and the wreath will not be strong.  Still edible for the birds but not a very nice gift! Sometimes I rush too much when I have a lot of them to make lol!

Update January 2017
Commonly asked questions
Will the wreathes mold? They are food so like all food they will mold at some point. It's best to make them a few days ahead of when you will use them/gift them. Use the same judgement as you would for your own food.
Are the ingredients bad for birds? Sugar, cornstarch, etc. are bad for any species in high quantity. This is meant to be a snack/treat not a major part of the diet. I have a Parrot and he loves a treat as much as I do and I think it adds to the quality of his life as it does mine. Please use your own judgement, it is not necessary to make comments below on this, just move on if you do not agree with feeding the birds.
Should I put them out in the rain? No, it's food, it will fall apart. Some people move them in and out if rain is called for in the forecast. Yes, occasionally they hold together even in the rain.
My wreath fell apart even though I think I did everything right! Yep, this happens. This is the best recipe I have made but it's food and sometimes doesn't cooperate. Put the broken one out on a pan for the birds up high away from predators (the squirrels will probably get it first but the birds will get in there too). My best advice, make a couple/few extras just in case something went wrong. 

THANK YOU FOR READING!

copyright, 2013, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.



Make this Fun Family Christmas Gift Yourself...


I've seen these buckets for sale on the Internet for years but was always disappointed when I saw the dimensions.  They are not cheap and the bucket is only about 4 inches high with 6 small "snowballs" inside.  My nephews are getting to the age where I know they would love something like this.  We live in New Jersey and rarely have snow on the ground.  It tends to melt fast here!  I'm trying to make all my Christmas gifts this year but I didn't want to disappoint the boys by not having a toy for them.  I think they're really going to like this.  My husband has been throwing the snowballs at me ever since I made them so I think the adults are going to love them too!  The bucket I got is large and the snowballs are soft and safe for inside. I have directions for the snowman ornament here:  Snowman Ornament Directions!
#snowballfightinabucket #craftingforkids #christmasgiftsforkids #holidaycraftstogive #christmascrafts #familycrafts

SUPPLIES:

1 Large Pom Pom Maker (or use cardboard)
1 Skein Patons Divine Yarn  Color:  Icicle White
1 Galvanized Bucket 
I Pack of Letter Stickers
Orange Felt
Acrylic Paints: White, Black, Pink
Paintbrushes
Glue Gun
Mod Podge

DIRECTIONS:


1.  Make 10 Large Pom Poms


2.  Paint bucket as pictured (the white areas will take 4 coats)
3.  Cut out a nose for the snowman out of orange felt.  Mod Podge or hot glue on bucket.


4.  Remove Stickiness from back of stickers by repeatedly sticking them to fabric.  Mod Podge the stickers on to the bucket...Center letters.
5.  Wait for Paint to dry.


6.  Mod Podge the entire front of bucket with a light coat of Mod Podge (Do Not Mod Podge the felt nose, just the edges), using a damp sponge brush...from seam to seam.  Put on 3 coats, leaving 1 hour in between coats for drying.  This is important so that your bucket does not remain sticky.
7.  Dry for 24 hours or longer.  Spray with a craft finishing spray 2 Coats.
NOTE:  Sealing the bucket is necessary, as the paint will scratch off the bucket without it!  It will also give almost a plastic feel to the front which I think makes it feel more "finished".


8. Fill bucket with "Snowballs"!
9.  Make Snowman Ornament to go with bucket.  Directions Here: Snowman Ornament Directions!


THANK YOU FOR READING!

copyright, 2013, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.

Quick & Easy Holiday Ornament Using Yarn...

This little guy would be perfect as a gift tag or as a gift in itself.  This yarn is super fluffy & soft, it will remind you of freshly fallin' snow!

Add Twigs with Hot Glue for Easy Arms!

I wanted something extra to add to my Snowball Fight in a Bucket gift for my nephews.  I also wanted it to match and look like it was made to go with the bucket.  I needed it to be quick because I had already spent several hours on this gift and I have limited time for each project.  I love the yarn that I made the "snowballs" out of so I was happy to use it again.  It's so soft and fluffy, it really does remind me of snow, without the cold icy feel of course!  I think he turned out so sweet and he was an easy project.  He'll be the perfect accent to my bucket.  I'm sure I'll find all kinds of uses for this little guy in the future!

#easyteachersgift #holidaycrafts #snowmanornament #christmastreeornament #snowmen
 SUPPLIES:

Patons Divine, Color: Icicle White
3 Pom Pom Makers, ex-small, small & Medium (or make them with cardboard)
Red, Black, & Orange felt
Hot Glue Gun


 DIRECTIONS:

 Make 3 different size Pom Poms.  Double up your Yarn when tying the pom poms because you will need strands for tying the sections together and also a loop at the top to use as a hanger!




Tie Your Pom Poms Together or Glue. Smallest pom pom at the top, leaving loop for hanging!
Cut out the pieces you will need for the face and scarf.  Fray the ends of your scarf to make fringe.  See Picture for shapes!


Hot Glue them on.  Add Twigs as arms, if you wish.  Sorry, I do not have a Picture of that!



Enjoy Your Cute Little Ornament!
THANKS FOR READING!

2013, Copyright, Nicole F. Cox, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.


Add a touch of spring to your home with this cute wreath...


I love everything about spring especially the flowers and new growth of leaves in my garden.  I made this paper wreath to remind me of that time of year.  It's bright and cheerful and best of all, easy to do! Use it to brighten up any area in your home.  I have mine hanging on my back door in my kitchen.  So far, even though the door is glass, it has not faded.  Below I've explained how I did it...it's really pretty fool proof and doesn't cost anything to make if you have some springy looking paper. 
#papercrafting #paperleafwreath #springpaperwreath #springwreath

SUPPLIES:

Decorative Scrap booking Paper (a few different colors)
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun (low temp)
Cardboard

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Use a pie dish or other circular item (in a size that you'd like your wreath to be) and cut a circle out of your cardboard.
  2. Now leaving about 3" cut a center circle out of that circle.
  3. If you are going to see the back of your wreath (hanging it on a glass door like mine) cover the back of your cardboard with fabric or scrap booking paper.
  4. Add a ribbon hanger to your new wreath base.
  5. Using 3-5 different paper designs, cut out leaf shapes, all the same size (see pictures) and then fold them in half, right sides together.
  6. Hot glue them to the wreath base, overlapping each leaf, and alternating colors in a random pattern. Cover the entire wreath.

MAKING THE PAPER ROSES:

  1. Cut 1 1/2" strips of scrapbook paper.
  2. For each rose you will need (2) of these strips glued together at the ends.
  3. Fold strips in half, wrong sides together.
  4. Tightly roll the strip, loosening as you go...See picture...and bend paper to give shape.
  5. Glue when satisfied with shape, 
  6. Make 3 roses.
  7. Glue to wreath.
  8. Add bow to bottom of wreath.


ENJOY YOUR NEW WREATH!

Easy, affordable, paper crafting!
Copyright, 2013, thismomentisgood.blogspot.com, all rights reserved.




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