Creating Crochet Heart Patterns

There's a lot of Heart crochet patterns online that I tried.  As many of you know the HEART is my favorite shape.  I've been crocheting hearts lately but was looking for a bit of a variety.  Since I'm far from being able to create my own pattern I decided to use a grid method that's typically used for knitting and crochet.  So I went to my handy dandy excel sheet and created a few hearts using the grid.  I then crochet one stitch of choice for each box on the grid.  I tried it and it worked! :) I've seen people and tutorials out there that start the upper half of the heart by doing the 2 semi circles and then attaching to it the bottom of the heart which is the triangle.  To me that was just too much attachments so to speak so I decided to crochet the heart from the bottom up and work the first semi circle then the second semi circle by attaching a new piece of yarn.  I've also Crocheted a heart using the grid sideways and it turned out great and looked like a knit since the lines where going up and down.  Crocheting from one side to the other meant that I only need to use on piece of yarn throughout the pattern which I liked.  Now the possibilities are limitless since I can crochet many different patterns using this method. Doves perhaps? Let's see what I come up with!

I'll be photographing my hearts soon but for now here's a screen shot of my excel spreadsheet.

I actually have graph paper on hand too so I can doodle until I come up with something that's created all by myself! :) That makes me happy!

Do you use this method? Let me know if this was helpful and please share your thoughts.

xoxo,
May

Heart Wreath

There's something about having a wreath on your front door that always made me feel like it makes a house feel like a home.  Months back I was on a hunt for a heart shaped wreath when I finally found the perfect size hearts at Michaels.  I snatched them up and was so excited to get home.  I already had the silk flowers from ACMoore from the year before and with some ribbon I went ahead and started to attach my flowers to the hearts.  I then attached the hearts to one another and I love how they look when I drive up to the house.  Dont' mind the shiny paint on the door.  That's on my "to tackle" list but slowly and surely right? Here's what it looks like! I heart it! Literally!

How do you like it?
xoxo,
May

Crocheting for the Cold!

It's been a while since I've written but this past month was full of so much to do.  This past month I spent Eid (the Muslim holiday) with my family up in New Jersey and we all had a blast spending 10 days there.  I also started to crochet some scarves and cowls for the winter.  I love drinking a cup of tea as the girls play around while I crochet.  Something so relaxing and cozy about doing that.  I've crocheted a scarf and cowl for my sister and I've also added some items to the Shop.  I also crocheted some coasters for my mom. Then this past weekend hubby, the girls, and I spent some great time in Ocean City, MD.  The weather was spectacular and it was for my birthday. Yes the big 28 which is two years away form the big 30.  All I can say is that I'm blessed and pray that God continues to bless me.  Anyway, here's some crochet pix :)

Would love to hear from you! xo, May

It's Sewing Time!

Hello Loves!
This past week I've been itching to sew and just hear my machine running...the things that make me happy ... Well anyway, I decided to sew some pillowcases for my daughters and add some crochet edging to give them a vintage inspired look and a feminine feel.  So I got my fabric ready and my crochet hooks out and started working...I've made 8 cases since Thursday! Not bad for a Monday post huh?  The older (2year old) daughter approves and I got a lot of kisses for this one.  I've made a few to put in my etsy shop so be sure to check them out and I'll be sure to add some more.  These really make me happy and add instant color to the bed.  They are so soft and just fabulous to sleep on.  The crochet detailing makes each case unique and one of kind.  Here's some photos for you to enjoy.

 

So what do you think?

xoxo, Mayuya

Prayer Beads!

This blog world is full of some really awesome people! Lisha from onehouseonecouple emailed me about this "craft party" posted by Louise from laidoffmom that I didn't know about.  I love how these virtual get togethers motivate us to be more creative.  Thanks to both ladies! We had to make something using beads and gift to someone and say why.  So I made prayer beads for my husband so that he may remember me as he prays.  We're into this together and promised to help make each other better spiritually.  Here's how they turned out! He loved them.  Nothing like a gift that's hand made with love. 
What do you think?

Goodnight, May

Ramadan Mantel

I know we're past the middle of Ramadan but better late than never right?  Well I did decorate the house for Ramadan before it actually started but never got around to photographing it until today.  Life just happens and this whole uploading, editing, and posting thing requires a lot of time and energy.  The little "monsterettes" just don't let it happen that easy.  Anyway, the reason I like to decorate for Islamic occasions and holidays is because it makes me feel the spirit of the shifting seasons that are typical of the Islamic calendar.  Also it's to keep my family attached to traditions and associate certain objects with certain holidays.  After Ramadan these decorations will be invisible until next year.  It's just fun for everyone. 

Here's some pictures (this fireplace has come along way from when I first posted about it here)

I printed my own artwork using the "Keep Calm and Carry On" signs for inspirations.  I printed them on nice resume paper and placed them in dollar store frames (they serve the purpose).  The two jars on the left have dried dates in them for a pre-dawn/post-dusk snacks and the one on the right used to be filled with chocolates.  This picture was taken today and quite frankly I had no more chocolates left.  The bottles are of sparkling juices and are NOT ALCOHOLIC and therefore are in line with Islamic teachings.  I just love the look and the taste of these juices.  On the far right is a large copy of the Holy Quran for when I want to pick it up and read.  There's candles in the vases and tea lights in the lanterns for a festive look after dark.  The calendar in the middle is an Islamic "yearless" flip calendar with a daily verse from the Quran.  I tried to not only keep this mantle pretty but to keep it also functional.  I think it turned out pretty good.  What do you think? 

Thank God I published this before Eid came around.  Have a blessed rest of the month :)

Yay! Featured!

Thank God for social media! Just one day when I signed up for twitter I got connected somehow to Lisha from One House One Couple.  She invited me to join her and her other blogging buddies to participate in the UFO DIY challenge.  So I did and entered my desk as my finished project and she chose my desk as a winner!  It was my first time participating in something like this and it really got me excited and motivated to finish my project. Thank you Lisha and looking forward to participate in many more parties to come! Now I'm featured!

Jars, Bottles, & Anyting Glass

Those who know me know that I hate when edible goods or crafting items come in plastic bags or containers and stay there.  So I'm a big fan of re-purposing food jars and bottles (I don't drink and these bottles had sparkling juices in them).  I love how they look in the kitchen and how they're see through and work as an exhibit for the stuff that's in them.  In this photo is a whole bunch of bottles and jars getting a good soaking.

This is what I do to clean these babies up:

• Soak in warm soapy water for a couple of hours (or longer if you can).  This will most likely get them clean.
• If there's stubborn labels and glue then rub with Goo B Gone (I've used it but God knows what's in it so this time I used coconut oil that smells ooohhh so yummy)
• Scrub with some steel wool or crumbled up foil like I did.
• Run them in the dishwasher for a good final clean.
• Fill with yummies or crafty supplies and enjoy.

I had also bought some fresh mint that day to dry up.  I put it in my black tea for an added great taste and aroma.  In the winter I usually wash the mint and strain thoroughly and put on a cotton pillow case on top of a heating vent.  But since I don't have the heat on these days I put the oven on 150 degrees and place the mint in the oven for a couple of hours until almost dry.  You don't want to go any warmer than this to keep the mint from actually cooking and loosing it's nutritious value.  Then leave in the oven for another day until none of the leaves are moist. 

Here's my yummy mint on my vintage aluminum tray! 

Here's some of my bottles and jars in action loaded with (from the left):

Popcorn - Mint (from above) - Oil - Turmeric - Sage

If you look outside the glass on the top right of the photo you'll notice to small planters outside.  One is Thyme and the other is Oregano.  I love adding those two to homemade breads. 

Here's another angle. 
If you're wondering what are these plants in the back in the carton, they are Lavender (which is now planted in a nice looking planter) and Marigold (to add to salads).

That's it for this post:  Now tell me:

Do you repupose glass containers?

What's your favorite things to put in them?

Till next time,

Mayuya

Desk Makeover

Ok so yesterday I found a vintage desk on craigslist for really cheap.  Yay! I'll tell you how much when I actually give it a makeover...you'll have to wait :)
Anyway, the drawers are beautifully made and dovetailed, it's in pretty good shape, and is curvy in all the right places.  I love me some solid wood furniture to makeover! I plan to paint the bottom with Annie Sloan furniture paint and stain the top. I also plan on giving it a distressed look and finishing it off with a good waxing.  Did I mention that it has brass pulls?  Can't wait to get started.....probably sometime next week as I have to order the paint and then wait for my little girlies to go to bed early one night.....sigh*
Here's what this bad boy looks like for now....<3  Goodnight!

Foyer Progress!

So this past week I've been working on painting the foyer.  I like how it's turning out so far.  It's really come a long way yet still has a long way to go.  I need to change the "not so pretty" light fixture (ugly is a strong word).  I also need to add some art to the walls and maybe a small scale piece of furniture. 
The Wainscoting took a long time because not only was there a lot of brush work involved but the previous yellowy color for some reason was in gloss.  I love the pale blue with the pure white, makes it feel light and airy when you walk in.
Here's how it looks!  Let me know what you think!



Front Door/Foyer Progress

Front Door/Foyer Before

   


View From front door before

View From front door After

This Pottery Barn rug is really sturdy and is a perfect piece for such a high traffic area!

Night Night,
May

Firplace Makeover! (2)

Ok so between juggling groceries, taking care of a toddler, cooking, and trying to get this new house cleaned up and decorated I've finally made some progress concerning the fireplace.  While my daughter was sleeping this past week I'd sneak in a few paint projects and hopefully have them dry before she's up and running again.  I painted the fireplace mantle two layers of white and started to get the "almost" final project completed.

First I washed the mantle with a mild soap and warm water then I hand dried it.  I also let it air dry completely for a few minutes.  The water became so dark and murky because of how heavily used the fireplace was.  Here's the "after wash" photo.

I then applied the first coat of paint to one side and along one edge and left it to dry before flipping it over.

I finally waited until it dried and until my little monsterette fell asleep and put it back on the fireplace and added a few belongings here and there to make it look more warm and homey.

Note: I still have to paint the firebox with the black fire resistant paint that I mentioned before and add some candles before this makeover is completely complete. 

I'd love to know what you think of it so far.

Night! Night!

Fireplace Makeover!

I hated the yellowy glossy color that the fireplace used to be so i wanted to paint it white to match the panels in the adjacent room.  I first cleaned all the brick with a brush to make sure there's no dust or cob webs.  Then i scrubbed down the firebox with soap and water first then sprayed it with a TSP solution that I got from The Home Depot (This took forever!).  Make sure you have one of those huge sponges to absorb all "blackened" liquid and wash it as you go.  Then I Caulked parts of the interior that were missing grout with a fire resistant masonry caulk and let it dry overnight.  The next day i painted it two coats of Ultra Pure White from Behr in an eggshell finish.  You'll need to paint it with a roll first and then fill in the holes and cracks with a brush then smooth it out again with a roll.  Here's what it looked like and what it looks like for now.

My house's journey on becoming a home



This picture wasn't taken by me ~ It's my house though!

My hubby and I bought our first home less than two months ago and ever since it's been one minnie project after another.  I'm the DIY fan and I'm working on converting my hubby.  The first week we moved in I painted the living room/family room and the dining room.  They took forever because I have wainscoting on the bottom and only a brush would do the job right.  Then my preggo self needed a break so I just started up again this past Monday.  I painted the upper wall in the foyer/enterance, the top crown molding of that area, scrubbed down the dirtiest fireplace on earth (TSP solution is great after an initial scrub with soap and water), and i painted the fireplace exterior.  I'm planning on painting the inside with a heat resistant black paint so that it's usable.  I only intend to place candles in it though.  I will post pictures soon so that you may see what I'm doing to transform my "house into home" just as my husband put it before he kissed me goodnight last night.