Branch Weave

I have been having a little fun with weaving lately. A couple post ago, I shared some things I created by weaving on a homemade loom. In case you missed it, you can find it HERE.

Then I learned about a thing called “Branch Weaving”. I looked at a few pictures and thought, “Hmmm, I think I can make that”. On high interest, I kept looking around. What is branch weaving and what do you do with it? Here is what I found.

1. Branch weaving started back 12000 years ago in the Neolithic times. Branches and twigs were interlaced to create fences and shelter.

2. Fiber artist created many different styles of branch weaving and no two are alike.

3. Creators make branch weaving as art to hang on walls. You can find them for sale on Etsy and other sites.

4. Some list for over 800.00! Smaller ones like mine are selling for approximately 50.00 each.

I just wanted to see if I could do it. There is just something about bringing nature indoors and creating something unique. 

I went out into the yard and found a twig from the only tree in the yard. The dogwood tree. 

I brought it in and had my husband cut it to the length I wanted. After a little rough sanding to get some of the loose dirt and bark off, I began stringing it from left to right. 

Then I grabbed a few colors and started weaving, making it up and winging it as I go. I was not sure how it would look until it was completed. 

I just impressed myself with this one. I loved the natural colors. If there was anything I would change about it would be to make the fringe longer. But hey, it’s my first one. Probably will not be my last one. Who knows, I am likely to find more nature to play with with. Stay tuned because I have another idea. 

Handmade Christmas Ornaments

I have a little Christmas tree in my work cubicle and needed some ornaments for it. My cubicle theme is mostly boho so I wanted something that would fit in with that style. That’s when I seen this pattern for tiny boho macramé ornaments. I had to give it try. 

I love how they turned out and they fit my theme perfectly. They are now hanging on my little tree along with the little gnome ornaments I purchased from Walmart. 

I have not done any crochet lately. In fact, I even closed my Etsy store. Because I was tired of making things and they never sold or if they did sell it was mostly people asking for another color other than what I already had made. I was just getting tired of meeting demands. When it becomes work, It’s not fun anymore. I also have not sold enough this year to cover the fees. So I gave it up. 

The other night I decided to pick up the crochet hook and create a couple little gnome ornaments for my tree at home. I made two. 

They were very easy to make and you can find the pattern HERE. 

It’s fun to crochet small things. Theses ornaments were fun to make and only took about 30 minutes to complete each one. They do not really go with my colors but they still look oddly good on the tree.

Do you use a theme at Christmas?

My theme at home is buffalo plaids and touches of red throughout. 

Fiber Feathers

The weather here has been unseasonably cool the past couple days with the temperatures dropping from the 90’s down into the 60’s. Put rain with that and it feels like October.

Weather like this makes me want to stay in my recliner and snuggle under my down throw. 

One day we stayed inside and watched tv all day. I got restless and wanted to crochet something but I did not have any idea what to make so I decided to craft a little instead. I like to keep my hands busy so I pulled out my basket of scrap yarn and decided to make some feathers. 

I have seen feathers like this hung on a branch and used as wall hangings. I love the boho style but I’m singled out on that. These will not be hanging in my house but I think they would look great in a teen room, or a cabin in the mountains. Just something about them have a rustic and native vibe. 

They were easy to make and did not require any sewing. Just cut and tie. You can make them as big or small as you like. They can be used to hang or simply lay them on a shelf or table for a unique decoration. 

Most of the bigger feathers I have seen like this are created with macramé. I remember my grandmother used to do a lot of macrame in the 70’s and 80’s. I have noticed around in stores that it has made a come back. Who remembers the macrame plant hangers or those crazy macrame owls hanging on the walls? As much as I love it, I have tried to stay away from purchasing the supplies to get into macrame, but I love how the yarn feathers turned out and can’t wait to make a few more.

How to create these feathers can be found HERE. 

Crochet Boho Coasters

I’m running low on yarn. I do not have enough in my stash to make anything large or in bulk. This has been a good time for me to use up some of those small pieces. There is a craft store that has stayed open here in town that carries a large selection of yarn but refuse to stand in a mile long while they limit the number of shoppers. They need to limit the shopping time for shoppers if you ask me. I mean, who wants to wait outside for an hour so Betty can make up her mind on a craft she wants to begin with no idea where to start?

Summer will be here soon and that gives me beach vibes. One of my favorite summer styles is boho. I love the natural or mixed colors, handmade looks, twill and fringe. That’s when the idea came across to create these cute boho style coasters. 

It has been a while since I crocheted any mug coasters. I love having a coaster under my cup because I hate the clinging sound it makes when it hits the table. Plus It gives me a focal spot to place my mug (That’s just one of my OCD things). 

They were fun and easy to make. I have seen most of these made with macrame. I remember macrame use to be big in the 70’s and 80’s. Well it’s back.

I found two small balls of cotton yarn in my remnants. This was perfect since I needed to use two strands of yarn together to get a macrame look. 

If you crochet, you can find the pattern for these cuties HERE. 

I have put this set in my Etsy shop and hope they sell. I like them so much, I may just have to bite the bullet and go stand in line for more yarn.

What are you makeing?

Crochet Earrings

March is finally here. This is the month we get to turn our clocks up an hour, the flowers start to bloom and days stay daylight longer. Soon it will be Spring. It is also when we will head down to the coast and get our camper ready for Summer. 

I have done a lot of crocheting this Winter. I have made several hats and blankets for my Etsy shop. Now it’s time to slow down as Winter wear is not a big seller in the warmer months. I haven’t been able to do much crocheting the past few days anyway.

Sunday while we were out walking, I took a nice ungraceful fall. We were about a quarter mile from the house when I tripped on an uneven crack in the sidewalk. The fall was quick and hard resulting in both palms cut and scraped along with two bruised knees. I was sore the next two days but by day three I was back out walking again. I heal pretty fast.

Once I was feeling better and my scraped palms are healing, I decided to pick up the crochet needle again and use up some of my small stashes of yarn. 

I had an idea. Once I get an idea in my head of something to make, I have to get to it. My idea was to crochet some fun earrings. 

These earrings will be perfect for the office or a day on the beach. My boho vibes are showing with the big mandalas and long tassels. 

I have these for sale in my shop while they last. I have already sold a few pair and hope to sell more. I will make more depending on the demand. They were fun to make and pretty easy. If you crochet, I have the pattern below. I may have to whip myself up a pair, in fact, I know I will soon. 

Earring Pattern: 

H hook

Make a magic circle.

8 sc in the circle. sl to the beginning sc (8)

2 sc in each sc around. sl to the beginning sc (16)

Tie off.

Add tassels using embroidered thread.

**Feel free to visit my Etsy shop and take a look around.**

LiLiDi at Etsy.com

Rep Announcement

I'm proud to announce that I am now a PuraVida Bracelet Representative. If you follow me on Instagram, you have noticed a lot of post of me promoting these cute little bracelets.

One day I ordered one and later my sister gave me a little set of them. Before I knew it, I was hooked. Then, in no time, I got an email letting me know I have been approved as a rep.

This is perfect for me as I love the beachy vibe of each bracelet. I also enjoy taking photos and promoting brands I love. I may even make a tiny commission and receive free gifts with sales I make. It's all for fun. It feels good to promote something that has a story behind it. Something that helps make a difference in other lives.

PuraVida bracelets was founded in Costa Rica where two Southern California friends went on a college graduation trip. They met two struggling artisans making colorful string bracelets. The two friends wanted to help so they requested 400 bracelets to take home to with them. After putting the bracelets in a local boutique, they sold out in just a few days. This was a movement that celebrated the simple things in life. This is were the name came from. "Pura Vida" is Spanish for "Pure Life". You can read the whole story HERE.

One size fits most as they adjust from 6 to 11 inches around with a small slip knot.
Each bracelet has a waxy feel and is waterproof and sand proof.
Each purchase includes little drawstring dust bag and a set of their popular fun stickers.

By purchasing one of these bracelets you are creating jobs for artisans.
Puravida also gives to more than 175 charities around the world through purchases made.

If you would like to purchase one of these bracelets 

you can visit my special link to the site HERE and get 20% off 

or just go to Puravidabracelets.com and use code: LISADIMEO20. 

Oui Pot Crochet Hangers

Often you will find me sitting in the center of the living room organizing my yarn basket. While most crochet addicts have a whole closet of yarn, I just have a little square storage cube type basket. It works perfect to hold the yarns I need and fits perfectly beside me chair.

I do not stock up on yarn. I buy as I go. It gives me an excuse to visit Hobby Lobby. Most of you can relate. However, I do wind up with a lot of smalls balls of yarn that are not big enough to make a full project. I will normally roll into what I call my scrap ball and will eventually use it to make a crazy multi colored scrap blanket.

I keep my acrylic yarn and cotton yarn separated. Cotton is my favorite fiber to crochet with. I like to keep scraps of cotton yarn to make small things like baby teethers, face wipes or coasters but I found something new to make with my scrap pieces.

Oui Pot Crochet Hangers

I am obsessed in these cute little crochet hangers. I'm thinking of adding some to my Etsy shop. They are just so darn cute. Can you imagine some cute little succulents in them? Oh my!

I have several Oui yogurt glass jars. Oui is a French yogurt by Yoplait and is delicious. You can find them at most grocery stores in the yogurt section and are usually only a dollar each and have several flavors to choose from. I always keep a few of these empty glass pots in the cabinet because they make great candle holders, and plant starters. You can actually purchase special lids from the Oui website if you want to use them to store things. They also have some other crafty ideas you can use these little pots for.


These crochet hangers are quick and easy. The original pattern can be found HERE.

Crochet Halters

Today your getting another crochet post. In case your wondering what I have been working on lately,....Com on, I know you have...

Well, I wanted to make some socks....and I did but, Oh my gawsh! While they are cute, they are not something I enjoy walking around on hardwood floors in. Talk about rough on the feet. I felt like I was turning my heels into waffles.

Needless to say, my crochet socks were a fail. Knitted socks are way more comfortable so if anyone would like to make me a homemade pair I would love you forever.....I'm serious.....I'll send you my mailing info, just ask.

So, I decided to crochet these cute little Simple Summer halter tops.

No, silly, not for me.
At 49 (almost 50) years old, I do not think I can rock a halter top.....Ok maybe I'll try this summer who knows. But for now, I just hope to sell them in my Etsy shop so I can have some beach money.

They are simple to make (says the fiber artist). I found a basic pattern and added a few of my own special touches. I also played around with a different stitch..

I made a granny square halter a while back. It still sits in my shop waiting for an owner. Again, I can't pull the look off, but some cute little beach babe or boho chic could.

I think they all turned out adorable and were fun to make. I would pair them with a pair of shorts or boyfriend jeans.

Handmade halters and more at LiLiDi on Etsy. 

Distressed shorts- Rue21.

Earrings- Sashka Co.

 Fedora- Ebay

Free Pattern to the Original Simple Summer Halter can be found at

heycarrie.com

Sashka -Review

I just purchased more arm candy. I love anything with a beach vibe. I am obsessed with the glass beaded rolled Nepal bracelets. I have several made from different Nepal artisans. That's why I'm excited to be part of SashkaCo's. advocate group.

SashkaCo. offers beautiful hand made jewelry that is delicately created in the valley of Nepal by artisans with passion, skill and love in putting together these one of a kind bracelets. Each piece is created using the worlds finest glass and sterling silver beads. My first purchase of more to come is this beautiful clear/white and gold beaded bracelet.

With every purchase made, proceeds go to empower Nepali artisans to rise above poverty through fair trade. Women earn a living wage that exceeds local minimum wage and get a fair price for their goods.

.....and you get to wear a beautiful bracelet like me! I love how these roll on bracelets are light weight and have just enough stretch to roll over your hand and onto your wrist. They wear good whether your sleeping, working, swimming or working out.

I like wearing mine best in the summer where they can be seen stacked on my arm with several other colors. I get a lot of compliments on my Nepal bracelets and they often become a great conversation piece.

Visit SashkaCo. today and purchase your very own one-of-a-kind bracelet. They even come in plus size and all bracelets are backed with a 100% guarantee.

 SashkaCo. 

This product was purchased by me, for me. 

Reviews and honest opinions are all my own. 

I may receive a small commission with each purchase.

Crochet Holes

I enjoy wearing my holey distressed jeans. If you follow my blog, you may have read how I distressed my own jeans. I will go shopping for new jeans and can’t hardly find any that are not full of holes and look like they have been in a bull rink. I just refuse to pay high prices for ripped jeans. But then, again, they are my favorite. Go figure.

Last night as I was itching for something to crochet. I seen my jeans laying in the stack of clean clothes that my husband had just folded. Yes I have a wonderful husband that does the laundry a lot. He also washes dishes. We are good at sharing chores.

As I was looking at my worn out jeans, A thought crossed my mind of crocheting a patch on one of the bigger holes. When I get a thought, I have to attempt the process or it will drive me crazy. I found some instructions online then pulled out my yarn and hook and crocheted a hole. 

[Husband rolls eyes]. 

I like how they turned out and it gives them some unique character. Distressed and holey jeans are fun to wear when the weather is too warm for pants but too cool for shorts. 

I remember back in the day we would wear holes in the knees of our jeans and mom would sew patches on them. We did not go anywhere with holes in our pants. We also used to wear our jeans until they were too short, then mom cut them off to make shorts. The cut off part would go into the scrap barrel and used for more patches in the future. 

Clothes were not thrown out and wasted like they are today. 

Crochet pattern can be found HERE.

Wave Ring

I have been wanting a “wave” ring. So I went online and started shopping.

The more I looked at them, the more the do-it-yourself-er in me said, “Hey I can just make one of these!” So I jumped online to find some directions and within two clicks, I found an instructional video. Seriously, you can find anything on Google or Pinterest now days.

I jumped from my recliner and told my my husband I would be in my craft closet if he needs me. Yes, I have a craft closet not a craft room, but that's a good thing. I would have a mess if I had a whole room. This is where I store my paints, ribbons, buttons and other crafty stuff. I really do not do that many crafts, well, unless an idea strikes, like this ring idea. 

After about 30 minutes of finding my roll of wire and the tools I needed, I started on the ring. I bent and twisted a two inch wire until I had what appeared to be a wave, or in my mind looked like a shark fin. At this point I knew I needed to stick to crochet and leave the jewelry making to someone else. 

While It looks ok in the picture, I did not have the right kind of wire. What I used was too thin. I wore it to work the next day but did not like how it felt. It was too flimsy and as fidgety I am, I had it bent all out of shape. I got the general idea of how to make one but I refused to keep trying. My patience are only about 30 minutes long. 

The next evening I went online and ended up ordering one from a shop in California. I chose not to pay a lot for it and I did not care what it was made of really. However, It will be a 925 piece (which means it 92.5% silver) and I’m sure I will enjoy it longer than what I can make myself.

Now I have to wait for it to get through the California fires and should be here sometime during the first week of December.

Instructional video I used for my DIY Wave Ring- found HERE.

Ring Purchased- found at The Vault Silver.