If I'm not crafting..I'm thinking about it!



Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Boho Sunrise Crochet Purse... Instructions

I was inspired by some cute bags other artist's have been crocheting...and decided to make my own version.  So this sweet little bag is being called Boho Sunshine.  It is about 9 1/2 inches wide and about 8-9 inches long.  Even beginners will enjoy this simple pattern.  Please use your imagination and mix and match colors.  My daughter wants one in a coral and turquoise color.  Send me pics of your creation and I will post for all to see.  Here are the directions and some pictures.  Enjoy your day!
Boho Sunrise PurseMaterials:
Worsted medium weight yarn in five colors of your choice.  I love love love..."I love this yarn" by Hobby Lobby
Size H crochet Hook
Two 6" purse handles (any kind you like)
Small amount of fabric for lining (if desired)
Skill Level: easy
All beginning chains count as first stitch, do not turn
Front flap...make 1
Make magic circle or chain 5 and join with ss
round 1. 12 DC in circle, join. ch 3
round 2. 2 DC in each DC around, join with ss. Change color. Ch3
round 3. 1 TRC in each space around. Join with ss.  Change color. Ch3
round 4. 2 HDC in each space around. Join with ss.  Change color. Ch2
round 5. 1 SC in each HDC around. Join with ss.  Change color. Ch 3
round 6. 1 HDC in back look of SC around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 7. 6 DC in same space as joining. *skip 1, ss in next, skip 1 6 DC in next* contine from * around. join with ss and finish off.
Front and Back...Make 2
Make magic circle or chain 6 and join with ss ch 3
round 1. 15 DC in circle. join with ss. change color. ch 3
round 2. 2 DC  in each DC around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 3. 1 TRC in each space around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 4. 2 HDC in each TRC around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 5. 1 DC in each HDC around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 6. 1 TRC in each DC around. Join with ss. Change color. Ch 3
round 7. 1 DC in each TRC around. Join with ss. Change color. ch 3
round 8. 1 TRC in each DC around. Join with ss. Change color. ch 3
Side Band...Make 1
Chain 54 or lay chain around outer edge of front and see how wide you would like your opening.
round 1-4. HDC in each ch space. Finish off
Assembly:
lay band on front, wrong side together, and SC the two together. Then lay back with band also wrong sides together and SC together.
finish off and tuck in and trim all ends.  Fold down top of the circle towards the inside of the bag and position handle..whip stitch
closed.  Now this may pucker a bit, but don't worry its suppose to. Do the same with the other side. Now, pick a front side and a
back side.  Lay your flap over the back on the outside and whip stitch it on...it should go through the front handle and voila..you
have completed your fun little bag.
                                                                          Front

                                                                           Back

                                                                          Inside

Monday, July 30, 2012

Coconut Mocha Frappachino...Ala Debbie Style

Happy Monday everyone!  I thought I would share a great recipe for a cool coffee treat...my version of the popular drink "coconut mocha frappachino"...my version is called  "coconut mocha ala Debbie"  If you enjoy an afternoon pickup, but hate the $5.50 price tag, try this:
3/4 cup of milk of your choice soy, whole, whatever
3/4 to 1 cup of strong cool coffee, I use the leftovers from the morning
1 shot glass of chocolate syrup
1 shot glass of coconut flavored syrup
about 2-3 cups of ice,  I use "crushed" on my fridge, but whole works too
1 teaspoon of  "pectin"...helps to avoid the seperating of the ice and coffee after blending

Stick it all in your blender, and whirl away.  I top with some whip cream and coconut sprinkles.  yum! It's literally about .75 to make, and takes only a few minutes.  Just think...if you make your own, you will save a couple hundred dollars a year! wow!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Maui Trip

My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit Maui this summer.  As a school employee, I am very fortunate to have summers off....too bad our break started so late this year!  We had lots of snow and ice, and unfortunately a long strike at the beginning of the year.  But the first week off, we hit Maui with both feet.  I will post some fun stuff we did and pictures for you to see.

My husband and I love to eat, and one of the best restaurants we went to was "Mama's Fish House". We were having a joint celebration, it was my mother-in-laws 75th birthday, my nephew's 30th birthday and we (my hub and I) were kind of celebrating our 35th anniversary (not really until Dec) I am not a big seafood kind of girl, and was a little nervous, but I ended up having a wonderful crab stuffed mahi mahi and was delightfully surprised at such a wonderful meal. Mama's is full of Maui charm...set right on the beach. The floor plan is open and and there is no windows, thus the birds flying around continued to entertain me. The meal and the ambiance was worth the spendy price tag, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone traveling to Maui.
                                          Front view from the restaurant          
                                           Open airy floor plan...amazing
                                          My Yummy Lunch
                                          My scrumptious dessert