Bringing in the Year

December went so fast and before you know it, Christmas was over. I decided that I would keep the tree up until the end of January to inspire me to make new ornaments. I am so much into recycling plastic bottles that it has actually became an obsession. The center of the bottle is what I tend to struggle with.

I finally think I found something to do with this section of the bottle. I think the most time consuming part of recycling crafts is the preparation of the product you are using.

This project is fun that this is what I have been making for several weeks now. These are made from the center of the plastic bottle and cut down into ring strips to the size I think will be appealing. I just love the fact that I can crochet over these strips and keep the plastic out of the landfills and also practice different crochet stitches.

I am going to use these as a frame for my Christmas cards that I receive. I really don't like to throw the cards out because they hold memories but sitting in a drawer is just not getting it anymore. You can do so many patterns and colors, it is just limitless.

I love them and they have brought in the New Year with passion and fresh new ideas.

I hope that everyone has a joyous and prosperous New Year.....

Cork Gnome

It is so busy that I am pulling things together at the last minute. As I fill the empty wine bottles with cranberries and water and place a long stemmed flower in the bottle, I realize that my Holiday is coming together just fine.

I have the task of what to do with the cork. I think just placing them in one of the apothecary jars would suffice. These are funner though. Wine cork crochet gnomes.

Of course, by now everyone knows I love mushrooms and I have had this vintage glass mushroom sitting on the counter for probably close to year or more and haven't done a thing with it.

Fill with some ornaments and pine cones and I am set. Now to make some Christmas color clothing for the gnomes.