Upcycled Chalkboard

I found a framed restaurant brunch menu at an antique store and decided that it would make an awesome chalkboard. In addition to a reflective background, the frame also has very useful hooks and a sheet of metal sitting behind the glass part (making the surface magnetic as well). I picked up a can of Rustoleum spray chalkboard paint for less than 6 bucks at the hardware store and gave the sheet of metal a couple of coats. You can use this idea for various types of material, making any surface a chalkboard. 

SNAG THIS IDEA from: Apartment Therapy, A Love for All Things Branches, Holiday Centerpieces

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/dining-room/5-low-cost-big-impact-diy-branch-centerpieces--132223

Fall Knits: Inexpensive Gift Ideas That Keep Everyone Warm

Earwarmer Headbands: keep your ears warm without getting hat hair from a full beanie, and they're super CUTE!

I just finished this children's watermelon beanie I crocheted for my goddaughter.

For the main hat portion, I used this video: http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-crochet-a-baby-beanie-using-a-single-crochet-stitch

For the scalloped brim, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=japGIpp4p5I

I experimented with some black buttons for the "seeds", but ended up hand stitching them instead using black yarn.

I am so excited to gift this to the little kiddies in my life. I want to make a similar beanie that resembles a strawberry.

Another project I just finished is this cowl neckwarmer:
I used circuluar needles to create a tube using the simple knit stitch, and then created the flower by using a scallop pattern. I then took the scalloped lace and configured into a flower. To attach the flower onto the cowl I simply sewed the whole flower onto the cowl using the same yarn and and embroidery needle.

Many prefer a cowl to a scarf because it consists of one looped piece; ie: no wrapping. This cowl can easily be pulled over your head, sit nicely around your neck and chest, and under your zipped up winter coat.