Adorable Granny Square Scarf + 10 More Uses for Granny Squares

April 18, 2019 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

When it comes to crochet, I simply can’t get enough granny square patterns. I love them. Granny squares are the perfect way to add unique designs to virtually any crochet project. With the right colors, they can make your project decadent and elegant or stylish and kitschy, which makes them incredibly useful and versatile. While most crafters tend to use granny squares for afghans, I like to experiment. It’s fun to see how many different projects you can use them with.

I recently discovered this Adorable Granny Square Crochet Scarf Pattern from Red Heart Yarn, and it incorporates a new granny square design in a phenomenal way. With this pattern, the granny square is used to build a crochet scarf that’s beautiful and very eye-catching. The scarf is so ornate that you would think it was made by a leading fashion designer. That’s the beauty of it. Even more beautiful is the fact that this crochet scarf pattern is easy to duplicate. With just a handful of materials, you could use this crochet scarf pattern to make a piece so stunning that you’ll have family and friends asking you where you bought that magnificent scarf.

Love it yet? Find the printable pattern on FaveCrafts!

10 More Cute Granny Square Patterns:

I’ve shown you one of my favorite granny square projects. What’s your favorite way to use your granny squares?

Over 30 Fashion Painting Ideas from DecoArt

August 15, 2018 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

Upgrade your accessories with the beautiful fashion painting projects in 30+ Fashion Painting Ideas with DecoArt® Stylin™. Our friends at DecoArt have a new line of paints called Stylin™, and these paints have been specially formulated to be used on fabric, leather, and other textiles so you can take your accessories to new heights!

30+ Fashion Painting Ideas with DecoArt® Stylin™

There is a wonderful variety of fashion painting ideas in this eBook from several different designers. You’ll find gorgeous retro projects, watercolors, stenciling ideas, projects with templates, and more. The ideas in this eBook are so inspiring, and you don’t have to be a master artist to pull them off! Follow the thorough step-by-step instructions to make any of the beautiful projects in this eBook.

Here is a sneak preview of some of our favorite projects from this eBook:

Watercolor Effect Canvas Shoes & Pouch

Aren’t these flowers amazingly gorgeous? They are so easy to paint! Learn the basics of watercolor using these paints, and more darling shoes you’ll be so excited to wear.

Navajo Clutch & Belt

Use a basic template to make this American Indian-inspired belt and clutch. The bold colors and tassel detail really make this an eye-catching and vibrant project.

Galaxy Tennis Shoes

These galaxy shoes are simply mystifying. They look professionally painted, but they’re really very easy to replicate! Follow the step-by-step tutorial to learn how to make these starry shoes.

80s Mod Pumps & Clutch

Go back in time with this stunning vintage project! The simple shapes and bright colors make this a super easy project to make a vibrant accessory set.

Butterfly Shoes & Purse

The way the colors fade and blend on the purse and shoes featured here is really magical! You can learn how to do basic color blending like this and paint gorgeous butterflies for a stunning effect.

Sweetheart Cherries Heels & Purse

These shoes and the purse are such sweet accessories, especially when paired with a red lip and 50s hairstyle!

From now until September 13, you have the option to win some of this fantastic new paint and a gift card to buy shoes to paint! Check out our giveaways page to see the latest giveaways, and enter for your chance to win! Open to US and Canada residents only, excluding Quebec.

How would you update an item in your wardrobe with paint?

Our Top 5 Homemade Gifts For Men

July 10, 2018 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

Everybody loves a homemade gift. Whether you’re given a crochet scarf or a handmade card, homemade gifts make you feel a little extra loved and appreciated. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I would love a brand-new pair of shoes. But nothing beats a homemade gift because it means somebody spent their time and energy crafting a personalized gift just for you.

Although receiving homemade gifts is wonderful, crafting one is even better! When you create your own gift, you’re showing someone that you care about them so much that you’d go above and beyond to make them happy. And when you’re married or in a relationship, it’s always important to show your appreciation for your significant other on special occasions (and every other day, really).

So, if you’d like to make your man feel special on your anniversary or his birthday, I’ve compiled this list of Our Top 5 Homemade Gifts For Men! With any of these homemade gifts for men, your special guy will see that you’ve dedicated a lot of time and energy to creating his present. He’ll know that you really love and appreciate him. And he’ll be so happy that he might cry tears of joy!

Our Top 5 Homemade Gifts for Men

Our Top Homemade Gifts for Men

Men’s Winter Hat and Scarf

Everybody needs a warm and cozy hat and scarf, including your boyfriend or husband! If your man is someone who never wears winter accessories, then he’ll definitely need this lovely crochet set. Sometimes, practical items are the best gifts, and your significant other will surely thank you once it’s wintertime! Every time that he leaves the house wrapped up in this hat and scarf, he’ll remember that you spent your time crocheting them for him. After all, crocheting is the best way to the heart!

Get the Men’s Winter Hat and Scarf Pattern

Woven Paracord Watchband

Does your boyfriend or spouse wear watches often? Are his watches beginning to look old and worn-down? If so, you should definitely craft this DIY watchband for your next special occasion! This woven watchband withstands all types of pressure, and it’s super long-lasting. This homemade gift is great if your guy works in laborious conditions. And he’ll look so fashionable with this watch that he’ll enjoy wearing it every day!

Get the Woven Paracord Watchband

DIY Beard Oil

While you might’ve never thought about gifting your man a self-care product, this DIY Beard Oil is definitely a gift that you should consider! Most men do not practice any form of self-care, so their skin and hair tend to be dry and rough. Beard oil is important because it moisturizes your husband’s facial hair and the skin beneath it. And if your significant other has wild facial hair, the DIY oil will help tame that too! So, although your spouse/boyfriend might not immediately appreciate it, he’ll definitely thank you later.

Get the DIY Beard Oil

Beer Bottle Holder

Is your husband or boyfriend a beer enthusiast? If so, this DIY bottle holder is a must! Whether he has a few friends over for a barbecue or you’re both enjoying a lovely day outside, this beer bottle holder will be super handy to him. With his beer holder, he won’t struggle to find a beer underneath all the ice. Instead, his drink will be easy to find and super convenient! This DIY bottle holder will quickly become your favorite guy’s favorite, and he’ll carry it everywhere!

Get the Beer Bottle Holder

Rustic Woods Men’s Cap

Yes, I know that I’ve already included a crochet hat in this collection. But can you blame me? Crochet projects are always fun, and this hat is absolutely beautiful! If your boyfriend/husband loves the rustic trend, then he’ll wear this cap all the time. The hat’s lovely colors will bring out your husband’s best features, and it’ll keep him warm during the fall and winter. And imagine how handsome he’ll look in this crochet hat? You’ll be drooling over him!

Get the Rustic Woods Men’s Cap Pattern

To see our complete collection of gift ideas, visit this page: 20 Homemade Birthday Gifts for Husband

What homemade gifts have you crafted for your significant other? Let us know in the comments below!

15 Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed

June 15, 2018 by FaveCrafts 2 Comments

As the state of our environment continues to worsen, I’ve started including environmentally-friendly habits into my lifestyle. For example, if I need to be somewhere nearby, I’ll walk instead of drive. Whether you believe it or not, small habits can go a long way. Maybe you can’t save the planet on your own, but switching to a greener lifestyle will definitely contribute to conserving our environment.

Although you have so many possibilities for helping the earth, green crafting is a great way to reduce pollution and waste. One of the biggest contributors to the environment’s current state is landfills. We throw so much garbage away daily that we don’t know what to do with it anymore. Even recyclable materials such as plastic and paper aren’t always recycled. Instead, they’re mixed with all of the other trash.

Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed

To eliminate this large amount of waste, we should start repurposing recyclable materials. And this 15 Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed will help you do that. From toilet paper roll to wine bottle crafts, this list of recycled crafts will provide you with so many environmentally-friendly craft ideas. Instead of throwing your glass or cardboard in the recycling bin, you can create a beautiful craft that you’d never expect. Whether it is a vase, footstool or a planter, these DIY recycled crafts will reduce your daily waste and make your home a little greener. And the best part is that these upcycled crafts aren’t useless! All of these recycled crafts have a practical use that you’ll really appreciate.

What are some of your favorite upcycled crafts? Let us know in the comments below!

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

October 9, 2017 by FaveCrafts 2 Comments

So you’ve just learned to crochet or knit. That’s fantastic! Great beginner patterns include knit or crocheted dishcloths and scarves. Once you’ve mastered some of these basic patterns, it’s time to graduate to afghans!

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

Beginner Knit Afghan Patterns

Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket, by the designers from Lion Brand Yarn

Okay, so I recently unearthed the Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket pattern on FaveCrafts and I love it so much! It is probably the easiest knit afghan pattern we have. Whip up squares of garter stitch and seam the squares together with a contrasting yarn for that country look. You can make this blanket bigger by just working up more squares, too!

Chunky Funky One Day Blanket, by Lynn Spencer from nourishandnestle.com

This Chunky Funky One Day Blanket features a basic stockinette stitch. Beginner knitters should be reasonably comfortable with this stitch because this pattern features oversized needles and yarn to complete it. The results are so worth it!

Easy Chunky Knit Blanket, by the designers of Bernat Yarns

This pattern will make you pay attention, but it’s still so easy for beginners! Get the effect of those unique textured bars with this Easy Chunky Knit Blanket pattern. It looks great with a variegated yarn or a solid! A solid will help draw attention to the texture even more.

Find more of our favorite knit afghans in our collection of 33 Free Knit Afghan Patterns.

Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern, by the designers of Lion Brand Yarn

This fast pattern is wildly easy. The Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern features the V stitch—one of my favorite beginner stitches ever!—and you hold three strands of yarn together so it works up ultra quickly.

Red Crochet Afghan, by the designers of Bernat

The name says it all. This Red Crochet Afghan just has a few pattern steps that repeat. The combinations of chain stitches, single, and double crochets give this pattern a lovely texture.

If you’re looking for a new throw, explore your options! Check out our collection of 21 Gorgeous Free Crochet Throw Patterns.

Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan, by Amy Ramnarine from thestitchinmommy.com

Master the basic granny stitch, which is essentially clusters of double crochet, and you can complete this Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan pattern. Some very easy color changing along with a fundamental stitch are all you need to know.

Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket, by Kirsten Ballering from haakmaarraak.nl

This Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket may look complicated, but it’s much easier than you think. Beginners who’ve mastered the granny square can pull off this pattern with just a bit of basic color changing and joins.

If you adored these afghans for beginners, be sure to check out our complete collection of 51 Free Crochet Blanket Patterns for Beginners.

What are your favorite blankets to work up? Do you have a go-to pattern for gift-giving, etc?

8 Adorable Rainbow Loom Animals Your Kids Will Adore

September 11, 2017 by AllFreeKidsCrafts 3 Comments

Rainbow Loom is such a great idea for kids who love to go outside the box with their crafting. It’s so crazy to even think how we are now able to create cute little Rainbow Loom animals out of something as simple as rubber bands, and oh boy is this craft idea addictive. I currently have several different Rainbow Loom animals decorating my keys and random places around my house. I love learning new patterns, especially when they’re as cute as the Rainbow Loom Elephant Charm. This Rainbow Loom pattern was even easier for me to conquer because there was an amazing video that took me step by step through the process.

The great thing about Rainbow Loom is that it can definitely keep kids entertained for hours. I mean it’s almost impossible to get bored over these neat design ideas. My little niece is actually the one who showed me how to make my first Rainbow Loom animal. We both decided that the Slithering Rainbow Loom Snakes pattern was the way to go because it’s a little easier on beginners. We had a lot of fun working on this little project together. So if you’re looking for some bonding time ideas with your kids, this activity is definitely a great idea. They will love being able to teach their parents what they learned how to do.

Fun Rainbow Loom Animal Patterns

You can never go wrong with adorable Rainbow Loom animals. These amazing tutorials are great for guiding your kids through the process slowly so they don’t get frustrated over this activity. Pretty soon your house will be filled with tons of these rubber band animals.

BONUS Rainbow Loom Videos

These Rainbow Loom videos just made creating cute little charms a lot easier! You’ll find that it’s hard to keep your kids from making tons of rubber band animals after they get a hold of these fun Rainbow Loom designs.

Rainbow Loom Jellyfish Charm

The great thing about this Rainbow Loom Jellyfish Charm is that it’s one of the easier animal charm patterns. So if you come across this post and your kids are just beginning to master the art of the Rainbow Loom, then this is one of the first animal charms that they should tackle.

Rainbow Loom 3D “Piggy Bank” Charm

The first thing that popped into my head when I saw this Piggy Bank charm was the little pig from Toy Story. I love pigs, so of course when I saw it I was very excited to share the idea with my niece. Her Piggy Bank Charm count is at 5 and growing.

Rainbow Loom Polar Bear Cub Charm

Kids always love the baby animals, so they’ll definitely love the Rainbow Loom Polar Bear Cub Charm. Rainbow Loom animal charms can’t get much cuter than this!

If your kids love Rainbow Loom, then they’ll love all of the rest of our patterns! We have tons of fun Rainbow Loom bracelet patterns that they’ll go crazy over.

Have your kids ever made Rainbow Loom animals?

10 Easy Friendship Bracelet Patterns for Kids

May 22, 2017 by AllFreeKidsCrafts 2 Comments

When I was a kid, friendship bracelets were the “go-to” craft when you wanted to get even the littlest bit creative. My friends and I would get together to show each other the new ways we learned how to braid our bracelets. Of course, we didn’t know how to do the nifty friendship bracelet designs like the Trendy Simple Stick Bracelet or the Hand-Crocheted Knit Bracelet, but we perfected the art of crafting the Classic Friendship Bracelets and the Tightly Woven Friendship Bracelet. I taught my kids how to make the classic braided bracelet first, but then I found all of these cool new ways to make a bracelet! They absolutely loved these cool friendship bracelet design ideas that I found.

Your kids will have a blast with all of these new friendship bracelet patterns! They can get super creative by adding beads to “bling-up” the bracelet, or they can make their friendship bracelets out of felt. There are just so many new and fun ways that they can create bracelets for their friends to let them know that they’re thinking about them. The great thing about these bracelet design ideas is that they’re super easy! Most of them take no time at all, so your kids will have plenty of time to make a lot. They’ll also love being able to share the new ways they learned to make a friendship bracelet with their friends.

Classic Friendship Bracelet Patterns

Classic friendship bracelets are always super fun to make, and they’re a great way to start teaching your kids how to weave a simple friendship bracelet.

Tightly Woven Friendship Bracelet

Classic Friendship Bracelets

How to Make a Braid Round

Easy Bejeweled Bracelets

If you want to give your friend a little something extra on her bracelet, then put some bling on it! You can never go wrong with a little extra sparkle. There are so many fun ways that you can add something else to a friendship bracelet. Your kids will love being able to add colored beads or gems to their hand-woven creations. My little girl loves putting jewels on the bracelets that she makes.

Stretchy Jewelry Gems

Giant Jewel Bracelet

Easy Beaded Bracelet

Other Friendship Bracelet Designs

If you want to make your friendship bracelet design even more unique, then why not make it out of something other than just string? You can make it out of felt, or you can put your favorite buttons on it! There are just an endless amount of cute and fun ways to make your friendship bracelet a one-of-a-kind.

No Sew Flower Power Bracelet

Trendy Simple Stick Bracelet

Whimsical Button Bracelet

Hand-Crocheted Knit Bracelet

What fun kinds of friendship bracelets do your kids know how to make?

22 Beach Wedding Jewelry Ideas

May 15, 2017 by AllFreeJewelryMaking 1 Comment

The summer season is fast approaching! Where do your thoughts go when you are day-dreaming about summer? Mine go straight to the beach. There a very few sights that are as breathtaking and calming as an ocean view. With gorgeous scenery, light weight fabrics, tan skin, and sand between your feet, there is only one more thing you could possibly need, and that is a stunning piece of beach-worthy jewelry. Since wedding season is in full swing, we here at AllFreeJewelryMaking have designed a collection just for you of some fabulous beach-worthy wedding jewelry projects. Whether you are a bride, bridesmaid, or a simply a wedding guest at a beach wedding, there is something for everyone in the collection of beach jewelry ideas.

Seashells, nautical knots, and sea glass pieces are all fabulous elements to incorporate into a wedding them in creative ways. From braided bracelets to colorful bauble rings, everyone will be able to find the piece needed to complete their beach wedding look in this collection.

Seashell Jewelry Pieces

There is no way to better represent a beach wedding then to include elements in your ensemble that are actually from the ocean. Stunning seashell projects like this Seashell Wire Necklace are prefect for a beach wedding theme. Find more seashell jewelry projects amongst these beach wedding jewelry ideas.

Ocean-Inspired Jewelry

Whether you are looking for your something blue, or are simply inspired by ocean hues, these ocean-inspired projects are for you. This Super Easy Sea Glass Stretch Bracelet is the ideal beading project both for beginners and for veteran beaders looking for an easy, stress-free DIY jewelry design. Find more alluring sea glass jewelry pieces and more in the Ocean-Inspired section of our beach wedding jewelry ideas collection page.

Even More Beachy Jewelry Ideas

Are you looking for more cute beach-inspired patterns? Try this lovely ring pattern. The beads on the Under the Sea Bauble Ring resemble seas urchins, making it the perfect accessory for a summer beach wedding getaway. Still haven’t found the right beach wedding jewelry piece for you? There are even more beachy jewelry ideas for you to choose from on this fun collection page. Also, be sure to visit AllFreeJewelryMaking.com for the latest summer DIY projects and wedding jewelry designs.

What is your favorite piece of beach jewelry?

Teacher’s Pet: 19 Incredibly Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts

May 9, 2017 by AllFreeKidsCrafts 2 Comments

Everyone has that one teacher that we’ll never forget, who inspired us in some way and helped us grow as a person. For me, that was my high school art teacher, who encouraged me to experiment with all kinds of art and to push my creative boundaries. I’ll admit, I am terrible at drawing and art in general, but her encouragement definitely inspired me to push myself creatively and for that, I thank her deeply. Being a teacher is certainly an under appreciated field, given how extremely important their jobs are, so as this school year ends, let your little ones show their teacher just how special they are with this collection of incredibly easy teacher appreciation gifts.

From classroom-inspired gifts to one-of-a-kind crafts that your kids can personalize, there’s a perfect gift for any and every teacher. I’ve made sure to include gifts in a jar and other budget-friendly crafts that go a long way, so that your kids can shower their teachers in awesome gifts without breaking the bank. Your kids will love showing their teacher they love them with this list of fantastic end of year ways to say thank you.

If you have any other great teacher appreciation ideas, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading and be sure to celebrate your child’s teacher with these wonderful DIY teacher appreciation gifts!

Teacher’s Pet: 19 Incredibly Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts

An Apple for the Teacher: Cute Apple Gifts

Fun Fact: Did you know the tradition of giving teachers apples started in Denmark?

Adorable Apple Jar
Tiny Apple Refrigerator Magnets – Love This!
Plastic Bottle Apple Gift
Teacher Appreciation Book and Cookies – Yummy!
Wooden Apple Name Plates

Write to It: Pencil-Inspired Gifts

This DIY craft would look perfect on any teacher’s desk!

Crayon Vase Gift for Teachers – So Colorful!
Teacher’s Pencil Vase
Back to School Pencil Magnets
Succulent Pen Teacher Gift – Literally Mind-Blowing!

Gifts in a Jar and Other DIY Ideas

A great gift idea with tons of wonderful surprises!

Teacher Appreciation Day Goodie Jar
Teacher’s Pencil Cup – Budget-Friendly!
Teacher’s Favorite Mug
School Supplies Tower – Teachers Will Love This!

One-of-Kind Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Your kids can show their teacher just how much they rule!

Thanks a Bunch Flower Pot – Perfect for Spring!
Adorable Candy Bar Wrapper Template
School Teacher Clock – Great in Any Classroom!
Handprint Art Butterfly Keepsakes
School Rules Homemade Chalkboard – Must-Have!
Notebook Paper Tote

How will your kids’ show their teachers some appreciation this school year? Leave a comment below!

Jewelry Tools 101: Comparing Pliers And Tweezers

April 20, 2017 by FaveCraftsBlog 2 Comments

Having the right tools for jewelry making is key to your success. The right tools and jewelry making techniques will help you get the results you want while also saving you time and a whole lot of frustration. You can also avoid wasting materials that get broken or lost because the tools you are using don’t have the right grip or strength.

Jewelry tweezers are relatively straightforward. Jewelry tweezers have a very fine tip that comes to a sharp point. They are used to pick up tiny gems and beads, as well as to get into tight spaces when you are positioning beads, threading wire, or wrapping wire.

Tweezers come in different material types to offer different strength and longevity. They can also be magnetized so that it is easier to pick up and hold onto certain jewelry findings.

Jewelry pliers, on the other hand, come in a much wider variety of options. They are larger and stronger, allowing you to grip beads tighter or to twist and manipulate thick wire. Here’s a look at some of the different types of jewelry pliers that you might need:

1) Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are some of the most commonly used jewelry pliers. They have round tips all the way around, including inside the jaws. You can use them to make perfectly rounded pieces of wire, such as for closing head pins, jump rings, or other closures. You can also use them to create beautiful wire creations.

Round nose pliers can be purchased in different sizes and different materials to accommodate the type of project you are working on. For example, you might need stronger pliers if you are working with a heavier weight of wire.

2) Chain Nose Pliers

Chain nose pliers are the standard pliers. You will find these in any handy man’s toolbox, and they are a basic tool for jewelry makers.

Chain nose pliers typically have a serrated jaw, which makes it easier for them to grip things. You can also get them with a smooth jaw. You can use them for all-purpose work, but they are typically not small enough for fine details. You can buy smaller sizes for more detailed work, but you’ll need a pair of tweezers or other specialty pliers to get into really tight spaces.

3) Bent Nose Pliers

You can’t always tackle your project head on. Sometimes, there are beads, wire or other findings blocking your way, or sometimes the area you are trying to reach is so recessed that even holding the pliers in your hand can block it.

Bent nose pliers allow you to get into spaces at any angle, giving you a clear view and letting you access hard-to-reach places on your design. You’ll need to get a few sizes to make sure you can get into the smallest spaces when needed. The finer the tip, the more delicate the work you can do.

4) Flat Nose Pliers

Most pliers have a relatively narrow nose or even a round nose. Flat nose pliers have a wider nose that works almost like a clamp. The flat nose allows for a wider grip, and it can be used to create some interesting shapes when bending wire.

Guest post from Nina Blaicher of Tronex Tools

What tools do you like to work with?

10 More Cute Granny Square Patterns:

I’ve shown you one of my favorite granny square projects. What’s your favorite way to use your granny squares?

How would you update an item in your wardrobe with paint?

Our Top 5 Homemade Gifts for Men

Men’s Winter Hat and Scarf

Woven Paracord Watchband

DIY Beard Oil

Beer Bottle Holder

Rustic Woods Men’s Cap

To see our complete collection of gift ideas, visit this page: 20 Homemade Birthday Gifts for Husband

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

Beginner Knit Afghan Patterns

Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

What are your favorite blankets to work up? Do you have a go-to pattern for gift-giving, etc?

Fun Rainbow Loom Animal Patterns

BONUS Rainbow Loom Videos

Rainbow Loom Jellyfish Charm

Rainbow Loom 3D “Piggy Bank” Charm

Rainbow Loom Polar Bear Cub Charm

Have your kids ever made Rainbow Loom animals?

Easy Bejeweled Bracelets

Other Friendship Bracelet Designs

What fun kinds of friendship bracelets do your kids know how to make?

Seashell Jewelry Pieces

Ocean-Inspired Jewelry

Even More Beachy Jewelry Ideas

What is your favorite piece of beach jewelry?

What tools do you like to work with?

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