Author: admin

Everyone loves handmade ornaments on a tree. This beautiful little crochet
snowflake is just perfect for Christmas. Hang them on the tree or tie them on a
package. I will be doing them in metallic thread as well. I will be adding some
beading as well to mine. Original pattern was designed by Julie Buldoc. USED
WITH PERMISSION

Pretty Snowflake

Materials Needed

Small amount white cotton crochet thread size 10.
Size 7 steel crochet hook
Fabric Stiffener
Straight pins
Foam Board
Waxed Paper
A paper towel
Tapestry Needle
Ornament hanger

Gauge 10sc=1″
Finished Size 4″ diameter
Skill Level Beginner

Instructions :
RND 1: Ch6, join w/slst to first ch to form ring. Ch3. 2dc in ring. Ch6, join w/slst
to 6th ch from hook. *3dc in ring. Ch6, join w/slst to 6th ch from hook. Rep
from * 4 times more. You should now have 6 ch6 loops around.

RND 2: Slst into the next dc. Ch3. 2dc, ch5, 2dc in
next ch6 lp. *Sk next dc. Dc in next dc. Sk next dc. 2dc, ch5, 2dc in next ch6
lp. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to top of ch3.

RND 3: Ch3. Sk next 2 dc. Dc, ch3, dc, ch5, dc, ch3, dc
in next ch5 sp. Sk next 2 dc. *Dc in next dc. Sk next 2 dc. Dc, ch3, dc, ch5,
dc, ch3, dc in next ch5 sp. Sk next 2 dc. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to top
of ch3.

RND 4: Ch3. Sc in next ch3 sp. Dc, ch3, dc, ch3, dc,
ch5, dc, ch3, dc, ch3, dc in next ch5 sp. Sc in next ch3 sp. Ch3. Sk next dc.
*Sc in next dc. Sc in next ch3 sp. Dc, ch3, dc, ch3, dc, ch5, dc, ch3, dc, ch3,
dc in next ch5 sp. Sc in next ch3 sp. Ch3. Sk next dc. Rep from * around. Join
w/slst to first base of ch3. Fasten off. Weave all ends into work. Stiffen with
fabric stiffener. Attach hanger to one of the points.

To Stiffen Snowflake:

1. Pin waxed paper to foam board to protect it.
2. Pour 1-2 tbsp fabric stiffener into a small bowl, I
   used a custard cup.
3. Dip snowflake into fabric stiffener and completely
   soak it till it’s dripping wet.
4. Pat excess stiffener off with paper towel, do not
   wring the snowflake.
5. Lay the snowflake onto the waxed paper covered board
   and stretch and pin it into shape.
6. Allow to dry overnight! Be patient for best results.
7. When dry, remove from board and attach hanger. If
   you like, you can sprinkle irredesent flakes on it while it is still wet for
   a sparkly effect.

   Hint: If you plan to make a bunch of snowflakes,
   crochet them all first, then use a large foam board and use a larger amount
   of stiffener. In other words, stiffen them all at once.

You will need:

• borax ~ found in the laundry section of supermarkets
• red food color
• pipe cleaners red or white
• a wide-mouthed jar
• yarn and a pencil

Directions:

• Twist the pipe cleaner into a heart shape
• Find out how many cups of eater your jar holds.
• Fill the jar using boiling water.
• Using 3 tablespoons of borax per cup of
  water, mix the borax into the water, a little at a time. You need to stir
  quite vigorously to get it to dissolve. There may be a little that doesn’t
  dissolve.
• Add some red food coloring to the jar and mix
  thoroughly
• Attach a piece of yarn to the top of your
  heart and lower it into the jar. Tie it off round a pencil, resting across
  the mouth of the jar, so that the heart is completely submerged in the
  solution, but not resting on the bottom.

Leave it for 24 hours and then remove it from the jar.
You should have a crystal covered heart. You can give it as a gift the way it
is, or use it to frame a picture or message.

Grow Your Own Snowflakes

Grow your own snowflakes in a jar.  Adult supervision is required, as you need boiling
water. After you have made snow flakes you can experiment with other shapes,
too.

Materials:

• large wide-mouthed jar
• pipe cleaners
• pencil
• yarn or string
• boiling water
• borax ~ found in the laundry section of the supermarket
• food coloring (optional)

For the most realistic results use white pipe cleaners and yarn and no food
coloring. For variety use different colors.

Instructions:

• Cut the pipe cleaner into 3 equal parts. 
• Twist
  them together in the center and fan out the ends so you have six evenly spaced
  spokes.
• Attach some yarn to the end of one of the spokes and pass it across each
  spoke in turn, twisting it around the spokes as you go.
• Measure the amount of water your jar holds, using cups.
• Empty the jar out and refill it using boiling water.
• Using 3 tablespoons of borax per cup of water, mix the borax into the
  water, a little at a time. You need to stir quite vigorously to get it to
  dissolve. There may be a little that doesn’t dissolve.
• Attach a piece of yarn to the top of your snowflake-shaped pipe cleaners,
  and lower it into the jar. Tie it off round a pencil, resting across the mouth
  of the jar, so that the snowflake is completely submerged in the solution, but
  not resting on the bottom.

Leave the entire thing for 24 hours. When the 24 hours are up, remove
your snowflake and you will find it has shiny crystals all over it. You can hang
it up in a window or door way, or even use it as a decoration on a Christmas
tree.

You can make them in various colors by adding a few drops of food
coloring to the borax solution, or by using colored yarn and pipe cleaners. Try
making them in different colors and using them to make  a mobile.

This makes
beautiful gift wrap! Just choose the right colors for the right season.
Red & green for Christmas, pastel for spring or Easter. The
possibilities are endless!

My
children and I made this instead of purchasing gift wrap! It was easy
and fun! You can use this for any occasion. Color
coordinating bows finish the job.

You will need to
have plenty of paper towels on hand for cleaning up. Spread lots of
newspaper down and wear old clothes. Also have water for cleaning
brushes, etc

Materials:

• acrylic or
  tempera paints
• 
  Cheap paintbrush – about 1/2′ wide. The 5 yr old used a toothbrush.
• 
  Small containers to put paint in. Egg cartons, clean yogurt
  containers, etc.
• Paper to paint. We have used the brown craft paper, newsprint (free
  from the newspaper), or butcher paper.

Directions:

Pour a small
amount of paint into your container. Add a little water to thin it
down some. Stir it well. Do this for as many colors as you want to
use.

Cut pieces of
paper whatever size you want. Dip your brush into the paint Hold the
brush above the paper and tap the brush with your other hand sharply
so the paint spatters onto the paper. Little ones using a paint brush
can flick their thumb across the brush. Continue this with ONE color
until you have as much on as you like.

You can add more
color layers but make sure your first layer is completely dry! 

NOTE:

You can also
sponge paint your paper for another neat affect!