3 Scary Pumpkins

We are probably out Trick-or-Treating, but I thought I would share some pumpkins with you.  I cannot take credit for these, our neighbors carved them a few years ago.  Scary huh?


 Don't eat too many candies, remember they are for the kids :-)

Let's practice:

Trick-or-treat

smell my feet

give me something good to eat

Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

Happy Halloween Pumpkin

I just love taking pictures, don't you? This pumpkin was one of those "lucky shots" and I am so grateful that I was able to capture it.  When I remember to bring my camera and have the opportunity to take pictures I find that I can take hundreds of pictures... of course, I don't often get the opportunity to do it so I am usually happy if I took at least 3 pictures at an event - lol


We were pumpkin picking and we basically stumbled upon this guy.  The orange against the greens, browns, rusts, and orange colors make this picture pop.  The fact that the pumpkin has obviously fallen open and the seeds are visible inside makes this such an interesting composition for me.  I love all the textures of the pumpkin, the seeds, and the grass.

I hope you enjoy this photograph and I'd love to hear your story or see your favorite shots so please feel free to share.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Enjoy! Copyright for Personal Use Antonella DeFalco

Quilled Zombie Eyes for Halloween

Aren't these the cutest eyes you have ever seen? They come from Molly Smith, who is a very talented author and artist.  She posted the zombie eyes and the instructions for the eyes and the basket so that any respectable zombie can carry them last year (important note: These are the actually the eyes that Molly quilled, I copied the photo from her post because they were perfect).... I know, I waited a whole year to share them with you and I almost blew it and forgot... Luckily, I am sitting with my son while he is watching something I have no interest in and I had a few minutes to browse around and I found them again! Phew, that was close.

So, although I am a bit late in getting around to Halloween this year but better late than never!  Remember to check out the instructions on Molly's Blog by clicking here.  They remind me of these chocolate and peanut butter filled candies that we used to buy when my girls were little (over 10 years ago - yes, I am getting old), so when I see them I get this craving for chocolate - yum!

May your Halloween be "Frighteningly Fun"

Hugs,
Antonella :-)

Sweet Blogger Award

I received an award!! I am so EXCITED and HAPPY!!!!

My dear friend Regina gave me this "Sweet Blogger" award, what an honor! You have to check out her blog and see all of her wonderful work, she is one of the most creative people I know and I am honored to be able to call her my friend.

The best part of this award is that I am free to share it with others, I gave this much thought and decided to share it with a few of the paper crafters out there that I thought you might be interested in visiting:

NatiQuill Blog - check out Natilde's 3-D quilling
Amazing Paper Grace - Becca has the most beautiful cards, and finally
All Things Paper - the breadth of Ann's articles makes it fun and interesting

Thank you again my friend!
Enjoy,
Antonella :-)

Open Quilling Heart

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to post a quick picture of the final heart that was shipped off to Ramona.  Since the theme colors were red, white, and blue I stayed true to the colors when mounting the heart. 

The back sheet is red, a Martha Stewart punch created the border and a white ink pad was run along the sides.

What I loved about her post was the poem she included by Alexander Pushkin in 1825.  The poem is quite beautiful and I wanted to share it here with you as well (thanks Ramona). Apparently there are two English translations of the poem available - this version was translated by M. Kneller.

If By Life You Were Deceived...
by Alexander Pushkin (1825)

If by life you were deceived,
Don't be dismal, don't be wild!
In the day of grief, be mild
Merry days will come, believe.

Heart is living in tomorrow;
Present is dejected here;
In a moment, passes sorrow;
That which passes will be dear.

Enjoy!
Antonella :-)

Baby Puff Stitch Crochet Hat

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial: Baby Puff Stitch Crochet Hat

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Baby Puff Stitch Crochet Hat

Video Tutorial: Reverse Single Crochet

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
PS - Puff Stitch

Materials
Size G/4.25 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Size - 14 inches/36 centimeters

Stitch Instructions and Definitions

Puff Stitch 7 Loops :

1. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook below the chain. Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw through. There will be 3 loops on the hook.
2. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook below the chain. Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw through. There will be 5 loops on the hook.
3. Wrap the yarn over the hook, insert the hook below the chain. Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw through. There will be 7 loops on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull the yarn through all 7 loops.
5. Wrap the yarn over the hook, pull through(chain) to secure puff stitches at the top.

Chain 4, join with the beginning chain.


Round 1: Chain, pull up, *work 8 puff stitch around, join with the beginning puff stitch. Slip stitch in to the space between the puff stitch. 


Round 2: Chain, pull up, *  Work 2 puff stitch in each space around, join with the beginning puff stitch. Slip stitch in to the space between the puff stitch.(16 puff stitch total)


Round 3: Chain, pull up,   Work 1 PS in the space, *Work 2 puff stitch in the next space, work 1 PS in the next space. Continue around from * join with the beginning puff stitch. Slip stitch in to the space between the puff stitch. (24 puff stitch total)

Round 4-11:  Chain, pull up, *1 PS in each space around, join with the beginning puff stitch. (24 puff stitch total)


Round 12: Work 1 SC in the PS, 1 SC in the space, continue around and join with the beginning stitch.  You can continue with additional rounds of single crochet. 


Reverse Single Crochet:  Once the rounds of single crochet are finished, I work a round of the reverse single crochet. 

What do you Love Most? - Crochet Giveaway - Drawing on November 1st

The giveaway is being done on YouTube.  To participate, you will answer the question on YouTube. 

Amigurumi Crochet LadyBug Princess

Crochet LadyBug Princess

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet Amigurumi LadyBug Princess

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Amigurumi Crochet LadyBug Princess

Skill Level - Intermediate

Abbreviations
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch
EA - Each
ST - Stitch

Materials
Size H/5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn - 2 Main Colors
Tapestry Needle
Yarn Marker - A piece of scrap yarn will work to mark rounds

You can use different size crochet hooks and yarn with this project.  If the hook/yarn is smaller, it will make a smaller finished piece. If the hook/yarn is larger, it will make a larger finished piece.

The chain can be replaced with the magic circle, if you familiar with the technique.


LadyBug Shell Top
Attach a slip knot to the crochet hook. Chain 3, join
Round 1: Work 12 SC through the center of the chain. Do not join. The rest of this section will be worked with the continual round. Attach a yarn marker to mark the first stitch.
Round 2: Work 2 SC in each stitch around.  (24 single crochet total)
Round 3-4: 1 SC in each stitch around. (24 single crochet total)
Round 5: *1 SC in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 SC in the next ST. Continue around from * 8 times total. (32 single crochet total)
Round 6: 1 SC in EA ST around.  (32 single crochet total)
Round 7: *1 SC in EA of the next 7 ST. 2 SC in the next ST. Continue around from * 4 times total.   (36 single crochet total)
Round 8-10: 1 SC in EA stitch around.  (36 single crochet total)

LadyBug Bottom
Attach a slip knot to the crochet hook. Chain 3, Join.
Round 1: Work 12 SC through the chain.  Do not join. The rest of this section will be worked with the continual round. Attach a yarn marker to mark the first stitch.
Round 2: Work 2 SC in each stitch around.  (24 single crochet total)
Round 3: Work 1 SC in each stitch around.  (24 single crochet total)
Round 4: *1 SC in ea of the next 3 stitches, 2 SC in the next, continue around from *. (30 single crochet total)
Round 5:  *1 SC in ea of the next 4 stitches, 2 SC in the next, continue around from *. (36 single crochet total)
Round 6: 1 SC in each stitch around, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in the next to even off the round.  (36 single crochet total)

Legs
Chain 6, work 1 SC in each of the next 2 chains. Work 3 HDC in each of the next 3 chains. SL ST at the base of the HDC. Cut a long length of yarn, pull the tail through to secure.  This yarn will be used to attach the legs to the shell.


Head
CH 5.
Round 1: 1 SC in each of the 4 chains, 2 SC in the same chain, 1 SC in each of the next 2, 2 SC in the same chain as the first SC. Do not join and work in a continual round. (10 Stitches total)
Round 2:  2 SC in the same stitch, 1 SC in ea of the next 2,  2 SC in ea of the next 3 stitches, 1 SC in ea of the next 2, 2 SC in ea of the next 2 stitches. (16 stitches total)
Round 3: 1 SC in ea of next 6 stitches, 2 SC in ea of next 2 stitches, 1 SC in ea of next 6, 2 SC in ea of next 2. (20 stitches total)
Round 4-6: 1 SC in each stitch around.  (20 stitches total)

Eyes - Chain 3, join. With a contrasting color, work a French Knot in the center of the eye.  Sew a knot to secure on the inside of the head.  


Dots - Chain 3, join. Cut an extra long length of yarn. Pull both tails to the inside.  Knot the two tails. Take the long tail and secure the dot. Work some French Knots for different size dots.


Mouth and Shell Line:  Work an embroidery chain.  I found that pulling 4 ply yarn apart and using 2 strands made a thinner line.  Knot the tails on the inside of the head.

How to make the Puff Stitch Decrease

 How to make the Puff Stitch Decrease


Left Hand How to make the Puff Stitch Decrease