the market is open...

I am very happy to announce that the crochet café market is now open... the crochet café market

I have listed 3 sets of corked tile coasters (in custard, white, and rust). The coasters are made of porcelain tile and are fully backed with thick cork. I stain the cork in the shade of your choosing (honey, hazelnut, amaretto, or coffee bean). I love cork, so it only seemed right for it to have as much focus as the tile. I made some for around the apartment... my hubby loves them and I do as well. Nice, durable coasters...

I plan to list crochet works as well... some bracelets and scarves... but they are not quite ready yet.

Have a look around the market... you may see something you love!

green thumb...

I am in the mood for spring... here is a little bit of springtime for my apartment...

I finally had a chance to plant my ponytail palm in this terrarium. Looking back, it sure is crazy how time can get away from me. I have had the palm for almost a year now and the fishbowl for about two years... boy was the fishbowl dusty! I got a super deal on the fishbowl at TJ Maxx... so if you are ever in the market for nice, affordable glassware... that is the first place I check...

Terrariums can be closed or open systems. In a closed container, most of the water lost through transpiration and evaporation remains inside, creating a humid environment. This type of terrarium requires the least amount of care... with infrequent waterings you can pretty much just plant and enjoy. In an open container like my fishbowl, more frequent watering is necessary, but less so compared to a completely open planter. I like the open fishbowl for grass-like plants like the ponytail palm since there is more room for growth. For this terrarium, I layered (in order from bottom to top) peat moss, sand, activated carbon, rocks and gravel, more activated carbon, and potting soil.  The activated carbon reduces odors and the rocks and gravel are for drainage to prevent overwatering.

I love how apartment friendly terrariums are... they take up such little space and require so little care. So lovely...

under construction...

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Over the next couple of days I will be working on some blog layout... so if the site looks a little odd, bear with me while I work on the coding...   o_O

hello spring break...

aahhhh... spring break!  I only have a few school-related tasks to do this week (grading...), but otherwise I am free!  I have big plans for the break... especially for my crafting and blog... but I will be sure to be a bum for at least a little while.  First thing tomorrow (oh.. it is after midnight, so I guess today) I will roast and brew some fresh coffee and get started...

I ordered some yarn from Knit Picks.  I am a bit weary of buying yarn online without ever seeing and feeling it, but I decided to give it a shot because of the price and selection of colors.  I ordered these fingering weight, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool yarns...

for use with... my loom!

My mom and dad gave me this loom for Christmas.  I haven't had a chance to really try it out yet, but I am so excited to try something new.  A few years ago, during the Earth Week events at my university, I bought a woven scarf made in Bolivia from alpaca fiber.  I absolutely love the woven look... and I wear the scarf all the time.  So when my mom and dad asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I asked for the loom.  My mom searched everywhere for one, but every time she asked a salesperson if they carried it or something similar, they looked at her like she had three eyes or something (I certainly know that look... when I was looking for squeakies to put in dog toys a while back). They finally had to go to the internet to buy it... so wonderful to go through all that trouble just to get me a Christmas present.  I do love my family.   :)   Maybe the yarn will get here before spring break is over so I can attempt to weave a scarf!

So I have made a goal for my spring break... to launch my Etsy shop.  Fingers crossed... hope I can make it.  Here is a close-up of what I am currently working on...

night! ...

sunshine blog award...

Back in February the wonderful Sarah... the mind behind EssHaych... listed me for the Sunshine Blog Award.  Aaahhh... that was so sweet and it certainly made my day to see her comment.  Thank you Sarah... smiles!

This blog award is perpetuated by those who receive it... and I am happy to pass it along by doing the following:

• Put the logo on your blog or within your post
• Pass the award onto 12 bloggers
• Link to the nominees within your post
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award

Here is my list... 

• Home and Holiday Keepsakes
• ozetta
• collect the moments, one by one
• LucyRavenscar
• Ellie's Sew and Tell
• Skunkboy Creatures
• this old dress
• papermode
• Owlishly
• Bent Objects
• art = love = life
• Stitches and Glue

I love reading these blogs... I hope you like them too!  Thanks again Sarah...  :)

hello blog...

After a bit of a hiatus, it is nice to sit down and write for my blog again. It certainly does provide a needed respite from my responsibilities as a graduate student.  Now for some exciting news (I think so at least)... I have a website! This blog is now located at www.thecrochetcafe.com. I have much to share... finished projects, new stuff, and a blog award!

For now, though, here is a photo I love... 

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