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Artistic Endeavors

All Things Home

easy crochet cat (or dog) bed tutorial & pattern

Shortly after we brought our kitties home from adoption day at our local pet store, I crocheted them each a cat bed. They weren’t interested in the beds at first, much to my dismay, but then I would find them snuggled together in them regularly. They are now a staple in front of the fireplace and in sunny spots around the house. I have received so many requests for a tutorial, but the yarn I used was discontinued. I have tried four other yarns over the past year and either they were discontinued before I could buy more to make a tutorial or I didn’t like them! Anyway, I finally found a yarn that was a winner and it’s still available. So, here is the easy crochet cat (or dog) bed video tutorial and pattern. Finally! The yarn I finally landed on was Bernat Big Blanket yarn in the color

January 21, 2021 28 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

Helpful resources for beginner knitting

Our 3-day weekend turned into a 4-day weekend due to a rare snow day here in Minnesota. We get snow, but they know what to do with it and trust people know how to drive in it, so schools aren’t often closed. (And the kids have recess outside until is below 10º.) So, I ended up doing a lot of hanging out with the family this weekend and only did a little work yesterday. It’s catching up with me today, though, and I’ve been running a little behind. In today’s blog post, I’m going to share all of the resources that have been helpful for me as a knitting beginner. | First of all, I have been reading through a few different books that have been a helpful resource. I like reading out the information and then, if I get stuck, I’ll find a video tutorial online made for

January 19, 2021 36 Comments

All Things Home

crochet vs. knitting

As I shared last week, I learned to knit over the Christmas break. I’ve been wanting to learn for a while, so I bought a couple of knitting books and supplemented them with YouTube tutorials when I needed to see someone perform a particular stitch. I haven’t knitted anything particularly useful, but have been making squares and rectangles to practice stitches, work on my tension, learn to “see” the stitches, and to play with different types of yarn and needle sizes. I’ve been asked by a lot of people who are interested in learning one or the other to share a comparison, so that’s what this post is all about – crochet vs. knitting! I will share a separate post with beginner knitting resources I’ve found to be most helpful. crochet vs. knitting – which one is easiest? I think this question is a tough one and I’ve had readers

January 12, 2021 80 Comments

All Things Home

Gift-Wrapping Ideas with Walmart

Disclosure: This gift-wrapping ideas post is sponsored by . As always, all opinions expressed are honest and my own. As I shared a couple of weeks ago, I’m feeling extra crafty this year! I know it’s because we’re home more than usual and creating things not only brings me joy, but it’s a great stress-reliever. I put on some good Christmas music and I don’t worry about time or what’s happening in the world. For an hour or two, I can just “be where my hands are” and focus on what I’m making. A few days ago, I decided to use some of that quiet, creative time to wrap some pretty packages for my family and I thought I should share those Christmas gift-wrapping ideas with you! I ended up with some really cute packages and they were all pretty quick and easy. Before I started on this project, I

December 18, 2020 42 Comments

All Things Home

easy chunky crochet snowflake tutorial

I wanted to make crocheted snowflakes this year, but I knew I didn’t want to make little lacy, dainty ones. I didn’t want to get into fine, tedious work with little hooks, but wanted something quick and simple to do while I was watching TV. So, I worked on making a simple, chunky snowflake that would complement the chunky knit elements in my Christmas decor and would also make nice gifts, present toppers, and components for a garland, etc. Here is the tutorial for the chunky crochet snowflake I ended up making! It is so sweet and only takes about 10-15 minutes to make each one. You’ll get quicker as you learn the pattern, and this is a simple project that’s great for beginners. Before I share the tutorial and pattern, I wanted to share some yarn options. My snowflake is chunky because of the yarn I used, but you

December 14, 2020 20 Comments

Art

creative play | handmade brushes & pens

Let me just first put it out there that I don’t need another hobby. I have too many already and not enough time to do them all! I just can’t help myself, though. I get curious about something and then I want to try it out. Honestly, I like the excuse to delve into a new corner of the world of art supplies, too. I would love to get into pottery, but I’m realizing that is very involved, and going to a class (once we’re past this pandemic) might be a good place to start. But one thing that has captured my interest that I can do in my own studio is handmade brushes and pens. I’ve seen some handmade brushes and pens here and there online, but it was the book that gave me the nudge to try it myself. Coincidentally, Jeanne Oliver also offered a class on handmade

December 2, 2020 11 Comments

All Things Home

black Friday art sale & giveaway

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m still taking some time off, but I wanted to share just one Black Friday sale for those who are interested. If you missed the original art sale I had last week, I have added some of my new paintings to Society6 and they are having a Black Friday sale today! This includes 50% off wall art! Here are a few of the recent additions for the Black Friday art sale… abstract landscape pair 1/2 and 2/2 abstract seascape no. 5 nice view no. 1 nice view no. 3 …and Nice View no. 5, which is the Blue Nose II Schooner I also added some of my older paintings for the Black Friday art sale, like the Pair of Pears and a couple of the barns. I hope you find something you like if my paintings speak to you and you’re looking to

November 27, 2020 391 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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