Wildly Artistic Living

Category: Uncategorized

  • Crochet Lessons

    Crochet Lessons for absolute beginners. I have recently been made aware of the need for someone locally to teach crochet to many. This has been something I’ve always been drawn to, just never thought about how to begin. Therefore I have the Youtube channel.

    I had 2 friends approach me about this in one day, then the opportunity came for me to teach one friend. That was a success! and now more opportunity has arrived. I am holding a class at one of the local libraries on Thursday afternoons in July. I may also start another night class very soon.

    FOR my class at the library, I wanted to make available a special set of videos. (Not yet published!) (COMING SOON!!)

    And FOR my class of any time, a list of all the things you need or things that make crochet more convenient. Yarn is a very important part of that! Most of my yarn I thrift. Some I get on Amazon. Hobby Lobby and Michaels have some great selections as well as Walmart. Recently I scouted out Dollar Tree and found a small selection. So, no matter where you shop for yarn, you will find all different kinds. I personally love redheart. I have used many brands, and many textures, but that one is a dependable brand. Not many skeins have cuts within and many many knots, (once you shop around and use many, you will know what I mean!) Bernat is a great brand also but all I’ve used there is the blanket and the baby blanket.

    Other than that, get adventurous! find one you love. I do not love working with chenille. It is soft and beautiful, but hard to work with in my opinion.

    Please check out my YouTube channel for more tutorials!

    Other tools you need, I will list here, with Amazon Affiliate Links. Once you click on those, and make a purchase, I will get a portion from Amazon for sending you to them to shop. This does not cost you anything more. and I thank you for clicking on my links!

    Crochet Hooks This is a set of basic hooks alone. 14 sizes. from 2mm to 10mm These are standard aluminum hooks. https://amzn.to/3Iex1r6

    Yarn needles https://amzn.to/3ToZBZh

    Bag for yarn Just a simple bag to keep your things in. https://amzn.to/44gGd6S

    Scissors any scissors will do!

    Bowl Any bowl will do but if you want something pretty! Here is a beautiful yarn bowl. https://amzn.to/4ksvZoW

    Stitch markers These normally come in any kit, you can use a small piece of yarn, or a safety pin as well. https://amzn.to/4nsdseW Plus there are many styles to choose from

    Kit for beginners. There are many of these to choose from on Amazon. You can look around and choose the one that suits you best. here are a couple options.

    Simple and concise- https://amzn.to/45RDlP4 This comes in many colors and options! Check these, before you purchase! Comes with 5 small skeins of yarn.

    Full kit with yarn and all to get started- https://amzn.to/46woARY 40 colors of yarn, 1 bag,  9 Ergonomic crochet hook , 1 scissors, 1 measure tape, 3 knitting needles, 10 stitch markers and More. This kit makes a great gift for beginners along with a book for the sweet plushies.

    My favorite Amigurumi crochet pattern book. Simple patterns, easier to follow than many other books I have used. and every project turns out cute even if you just use buttons for eyes. or sew on eyes with yarn.
    https://amzn.to/4ksafcy

    Version 1.0.0

    Well, there is SO much more! But this is a great start! I hope this has been helpful! And I will be posting the beginner series videos very soon! Will edit here and start the links as soon as they are uploaded.

    Happy Crocheting! All you need is a hook, yarn, scissors, yarn needle, and some excitement! The possibilities are endless! I have been the improvisation queen for many years! Don’t let not being able to afford the best things stop you! Let’s Crochet Together! www.youtube.com/@wildlyartisticliving515

    Check out my Link Tree!

  • Ruffle Hat

    This charming ruffle hat is the perfect blend of playful and stylish, with layers of delicate, frilled edges that add a touch of whimsy to any outfit. Crocheted with soft, lightweight yarn, it features a loose, comfortable fit that gently hugs the head while allowing room for movement. The ruffled edges create a soft, feminine silhouette, giving the hat a unique, voluminous look that’s both eye-catching and cozy. This hat is ideal for adding a pop of fun to your winter wardrobe or as a stylish accessory in any variety of colors! Whether you’re looking to brighten up a chilly day or add a sweet, textured element to your attire, this ruffle hat is sure to be your go-to piece for both comfort and flair.

    Check out a Video Tutorial HERE

    How to Crochet a Beautiful Ruffle Hat: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Crocheting a ruffle hat is an enjoyable and rewarding project that adds a whimsical touch to any outfit. With its fun layers of soft ruffles, this hat is perfect for both adults and children and can be made in various colors to match different seasons and occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting, this project is simple to follow, and you’ll love the final result!

    Materials Needed:

    • Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200 yards for an adult size)
    • Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0mm)
    • Scissors
    • Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
    • Stitch marker (optional)

    Stitches Used:

    • Chain (ch)
    • Slip stitch (sl st)
    • Single crochet (sc)
    • Half double crochet (hdc)
    • Double crochet (dc)

    Basic Crochet Ruffle Hat Pattern:

    1. Start with the Foundation Chain:
      • Begin by making a foundation chain of 72 chains (this will vary depending on your head size). This chain should be a bit loose to allow for stretch and comfort.
    2. Forming the Hat’s Base:
      • Join the last chain to the first chain with a slip stitch, making a loop (be careful not to twist the chain).
      • In round 1, work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch at the end of the round.
      • For round 2, work 1 half double crochet (hdc) in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to close.
    3. Building the Hat’s Height:
      • For rounds 3-6, alternate between single crochet and half double crochet in each stitch. This will form the solid, sturdy part of the hat.
      • Continue in rounds, increasing the height until you reach a comfortable length for the base of the hat.
    4. Creating the Ruffles:
      • Now it’s time to start adding the fun part: the ruffles!
      • On round 7, create a ruffle by working 3 double crochet stitches (dc) into each stitch from the previous round. The ruffles will begin to take shape as you work along the row.
      • For more dramatic ruffles, you can add more than 3 dc per stitch.
    5. Finishing Touches:
      • Once you’ve completed your ruffles, join the last stitch with a slip stitch, leaving a long tail of yarn.
      • Cut the yarn and use your yarn needle to weave in any loose ends.
    6. Optional Additions:
      • To give your ruffle hat an extra flair, consider adding a pom-pom or a decorative crochet flower to the top. You can also experiment with different yarn colors to create a striped or gradient effect.

    Tips for Success:

    • Gauge: Make sure to check your gauge before starting to ensure that the hat will fit properly. You can adjust the foundation chain to make it larger or smaller as needed.
    • Ruffle Placement: If you prefer a more subtle ruffle, reduce the number of dc stitches per stitch.
    • Yarn Choices: Soft, fluffy yarns such as alpaca, merino, or even cotton can add extra charm to your hat.

    Final Thoughts:

    Crocheting a ruffle hat is a fun way to get creative with your crochet skills. The combination of texture, color, and ruffle detail makes for a standout accessory that’s perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize this hat by changing up the yarn colors or adding embellishments. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift for someone special, this crochet ruffle hat will surely be a favorite!

  • The Purpose of Your Writing

    Writing. The act of writing. Is it a passion? Is it your calling?  Where does it come in for your priorities?  Do you write in a journal or a blog? “Just” a Facebook post?   A letter?

    There are so many areas of the world to write in or about.  You can be a writer for  yourself, or for a small group of people, or for the largest audience of millions when it comes to media.  You never know how many will read your work if you have it online somewhere. But do you want to write for thousands? or millions?  If you have a small blog just for a small group, you never know when it will be read by many outside of your intended group.  I always say if you put something online, expect anyone to see it. It is NOT private.

    But do you write because you have to? Or Because it is your passion? If you don’t write will you implode? or do you write just because you have words to get out to a small audience?  Even when you write stories, if you write for monetary reasons, it won’t last.  It has to be something inside of you that needs to escape or it just won’t last. It has to be your passion and your calling!

    Knowing this. If you feel the need to write; it IS your calling. You have a responsibility to your creator to fulfill your purpose. And your purpose is to glorify  God in everything you do, especially those things you are called to do. If you feel the need to write, it is your calling and you had make sure the things you write fall into that absolute of fulfilling your purpose.

    This also gives you no excuse for not fulfilling your purpose. This gives me no excuse for not finding time to write. Not getting the message I have inside of me out on the type or paper so others can get a blessing from it. 

    You never know who will benefit or get a blessing from your words. You never know who will learn from your words. You never know who will be affected by what you have to say.  Nomatter a story or an essay or a blog. Even a letter can have lasting impact on your reader or even an unintended reader in the far future.

    So if you have a yearning to write, make time for it. It is your caling, it is connected to your purpose. It is important and it needs to be priority. It needs you to be intentional and on purpose with it. Don’t waste your life. Don’t let your calling be an afterthought. Make use of your time, and make an impact while you have years to do it. You will balance your soul if you follow your calling. So find the time or make the time.  It is worth it.!

  • Big God

    I was taking a walk the other day, listening to some worship music and praying. I noticed the aromas around me and then I had this thought.

    There are billions of different kinds of plants. Actually, billions of different grasses, billions of different bushes, trees, flowers, herbs. It’s quite amazing. God made all of these plants. Every single one of these with different leaf shapes, bark differences, root systems, height and growth differences and each one with different aromas.

    We enjoy these smells. Aromatherapy, candles, oils, lotions. All of these things are so popular, and all came from nature. Our desire to enjoy the smells any time we want. God created these plants for our pleasure, for our enjoyment.

    Some have pungent strong odors that few people enjoy, and others have light beautiful aromas that most enjoy. Just thinking about the kazillions of these variations that our Big God created for our enjoyment and use is absolutely mind blowing.

    God didn’t just create all the billions of different people and animals with differences and variations, but every single plant. Every single everything! Because he loves us.

    Just think about that today as you go about your day. Take a walk in nature, and see how many different plants or trees you can see and take notice of some of the smells. Life is such a beautiful thing, we just have to pause and take notice of everything around us.

  • Do We Teach People How to Treat Us?

    Do we really have that much effect on changing others actions? I think we learn to avoid people who treat us ill. We may have a tolerance level to a point, but then we have the choice to walk away and not to be treated poorly.

    I do not think we teach people how to treat us. Not completely. Some people treat people kindly. They treat everyone kind because that is who they are and what they believe. They have Gods heart and the fruit of the Spirit. Some people treat everyone badly. Because their heart is dark and they have no light or kindness. They are living in darkness and they know no light. They are incapable of treating anyone with kindness.

    Then there are those who will treat you kindly if it benefits them. Once it no longer benefits them they are back to treating others with the meanness that is inside of them.

    Most people learn what is acceptable behaviour and want to be accepted, therefore they behave accordingly. They are kind when it helps them and sometimes just to be kind because it is how they have learned to behave. It has nothing to do with what is inside or what they will get out of it, it is just they comply to acceptable behaviour.

    We can think we teach people how to treat us, but I think that is only if we are in the teaching “position”. If we are in an admired or respected position in their life. This can be a child or an adult who wants to emulate you.

    My Conclusion is in general we do not teach others how to treat us. If they treat us how we want to be treated OR if they treat us how we are or have been conditioned to be treated, then we will tend to keep them in our lives. If they treat us how we do not want to be treated we just don’t keep them in our immediate life. or at least we just aren’t friends. It also determines how they treat you if they respect how you feel about how you are being treated. If they take your feelings into consideration. If they care about you and are understanding it changes only some people.

    Some are insensitve and think everyone should be treated the same. They are indifferent to feelings of others. But then again this is a learned behaviour.

    This statement that we treat others how to treat us removes the responsibility from the person who is treating others badly and that is not a wise decision in any situation. Let the people in your life be responsible for their own actions and how they treat you and others.

  • What’s Your Job?

    The question I sometimes dread. What’s your job? I don’t have a “job job”, a “real” job is usually my answer, but actually that isn’t the best response!

    I do have a job! I have about 50! lol. I know, I know, so do “working” moms. I’m sure they have it tougher than I do, but sometimes I long for the interaction they get on a daily basis. You know the adult conversation? Well, I do have that, just sometimes I think being a working mom would be more fulfilling. When in all actuality I have it made. (in a way)

    Not all moms get to stay at home, teach their children about life and have time to relax and see friends. I homeschool as well, but I only have one teenager, and a few grown and moved out adult kiddos. I know I have it easy sometimes, but I still wonder what it would be like to be out in the career world.

    I love homemaking, I love homeschooling, and I love being able to spoil my family in the old-fashioned sense. It is fulfilling. I think we all sometimes wish for how it’s not. If we have curly hair, we want it straight, and vice versa. I think it’s more of a matter of being content with what you have and your position in life. Plus, if I worked a “real” job, I wouldn’t have time for all the crafting I do.

    My husband is happy with me being at home and that is a choice we have made together. He is thankful I’m willing to stay at home and make his home his castle. No, it’s not always worthy! But I do aim to please! We are both old fashioned and don’t mind the challenges of being a one income family. I think either way you choose, there are different challenges. It is very hard sometimes to be happy with that decision, but for now it is working.

    My job today? Laundry, dishes, cooking, sweeping, babying a sick teen, writing, making a website for the church, calling a friend to update her on a meeting she missed, washing sheets and remaking the bed, quilting and a slew of other things that add up if you don’t do them daily or at least weekly!

    Do I have it easy? Maybe. I don’t HAVE to do anything specific if I feel bad. I’m not demoted if I don’t wash the dishes on time. I study when I feel like and don’t answer to a boss. The downside is I have to hold myself accountable to do chores, making responsible choices with time management and I have no real excuse if my house is a mess!

    In this chapter of my life, I am a homemaker and that is all. Or so it feels sometimes. But that is one of the most important jobs. Raising responsible children. Do they always learn the lessons? Not always in the right time! Will they instantly be responsible adults when they turn 18? No! Would it work if I worked? Probably. Millions of moms around the world have to. But I don’t and the sooner I embrace that, the sooner I will be more content.

  • Satisfied by God.

    Matthew 5:6 says Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. And then in 5:7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. These 2 verses have become very important to me in the last few months.

    First of all, nomatter where you are in life, if you are Gods child, these verses are for you. God will satisfy you with His righteousness, when you hunger and thirst for Him. When you draw near to God, He draws near to you.

    First Corinthians has so many verses that speak of the unbelieving spouse. If you have entered into a marriage, and you did this unequally yoked, you are in a world of heartache you don’t even realize. Your first love has been left by the wayside. When you come back to your first love, will your husband still love you? Will it change things? Will you be brave enough to live for God and pray for your husband?

    You have entered into a covenant promise, and you, being Gods child have a responsibility to pray for your husband and stay in that covenant marriage. For how do you know if by your witness, your husband may be saved. By God’s grace he can be.

    Look at Matthew 15: 21-28 The faith of a Canaanite Woman. She didn’t argue with Jesus. Or complain about her situation. She accepted his words and even agreed with him of her lowly status. She recognizes his Lordship and has faith beyond belief. She humbles herself before Jesus and accepts his answer. She asked, then she knelt. Then she placed herself as low as a dog, to accept whatever is given her.

    I turn you to this to see her faith in a hopeless situation. I love these verses. She is in a place where there is no hope, she seeks a Saviour, and He meets her with healing for her daughter, an answer to her prayer.

    If you find yourself in a difficult situation, even seemingly hopeless, Remember God is powerful. All powerful!! He had mercy on you and has mercy for all who will turn to Him.

    You put yourself in the lowly womans shoes, and pray to God with a humble heart. Romans 9:2 says I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Read the rest of that verse and really think about it. “For I could wish that I was cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my loved ones.” Read that again.

    Do you have anguish in your heart? Love your spouse enough to stay and pray. Unceasingly. And trust God to fill up. Chase after God. Allow the Spirit to work in you and let your faith grow. Let it grow so much your husband sees your change and pray that the Spirit will work in him.

    And be merciful. Matthew 5:7. For you will receive mercy. Remember your unbelieving husband doesn’t have the relationship with Christ and therefore is incapable of certain things. Have mercy on him and continue in fervent prayers.

    Blessed are you who hunger and thirsts for righteousness for God will satisfy you with His righteousness.

  • Growing or Dying

    October 2019

    You are either growing or you are dying. Growth has pain, and beauty. Death, you just sit back and watch the world go by. Growth takes sun and water and nutrition, communion and fellowship with others.

    Solitary life is a slow and meaningless passing. Even if you are with others if you have your head in your own world and your little devices, it is a lonely existence.

    Wake up! Pay attention! Have some conversation with others who are alive and growing! Those who grow produce fruit! Make sure you are producing the healthy fruits! and be with others who produce healthy fruits for you and with you!

    When you grow together it is a wonderful experience. It can be life giving and beautiful. Life can take on a whole new meaning.!

    This being said… Embrace the moments with your loved ones. With your children! Don’t have you head in a hole that keeps your attention taken away from the beautiful life that is surrounding you!! Take some of the fruit and start to grow and give off fruit of your own~!

    Wake up! This technology generation is a scary thing. When people have their head stuck in their phone! Their focus is on nothing. and their life and family is passing right by without their noticing! Wake up!! Take notice! BE with those you love. Don’t just be a worm stuck in your hole in the ground.

    Cause I guarantee you are tilling the ground for growth for those around you and they are outgrowing your world. And day, you will pull your head out and everything will be gone.

    Chances, opportunities, time. Gone. Don’t miss out on the beautiful life that you have in your grasp right now!

    Wake up! Before it is too late!

  • He’s in the Details

    Acute sense of the presence of God.

    I just started another R.C. Sproul book on Amazon Kindle. He starts off by talking about how he reads authors from earlier centuries and how in their lives there was an acute sense of the presence of God.

    That really caught my attention. Yes, the previous centuries had struggles, but our generation is as struggling as any. How can we not, now, in this day and age, have an acute sense of the presence of God? how is that even possible?!! God is everything, in everything, all around us, all the time. He comforts us, guides us, rebukes us, gives us peace and joy and every blessing we have in this world! Not to mention nature and the continuous changing nature! The beauty that surrounds our lives, whether close or a little farther away!

    Look at the streets in a city, the sidewalks, weeds coming up, growing.. Trees growing through cement! Because of God! It cannot be helped, it cannot be stopped! It is Gods world!

    Look at the millions of babies born every year! Perfect little creations, functioning and breathing and smiling. A few months down the road add the millions of things each one of them can do with or without disabilities. They are perfect creations in Gods eyes.

    Everywhere you turn there are miracles every minute of every day! all you have to do is open your eyes! Your eyes are a miracle, if you are reading this, the technology that was invented to make that device came from the skills that God gave to a person!

    No matter where you look, God is there in the details. Every leaf, every breath, every everything!

    Think about it! If we take notice of just one minute of our life, we should have an acute sense of the presence of God! It’s almost unimaginable to me that some deny Him. What in the world?

    God is everywhere. He made us for himself. He wants us to love him. He wants us to know him. He cares for us. He longs for us. He fills us and he is life.

  • Psalm 37

    Cultivate Faithfulness.

    This is actually Psalm 37:4-7 I’ve been going over and over for the past few weeks. It was a time of prayer in church and I felt the need to read a Psalm and this is the portion I came to. “Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness”. (ESV) Those words have stuck with me. Looking at different versions I find beauty in this verse.

    One version says “dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness”. Another says “cultivate faithfulness”. King James says “verily thou shalt be fed”. This verse gives us so much comfort.

    The first thing I see is Trust. this is not a silly, blind trust. It is a “I know WHO God is, and that He cares for me deeply” trust. It is a sincere, abiding reliance on God who holds His children in His hands. It isn’t a maybe God will protect and comfort me. It is I know who God is and I have a relationship with my Lord and He is mine, and I am His and I trust THAT. I trust HIM fully.

    Secondly, in that trust is our action to DO. Do good. Continue in our ministry. Wherever God has seen fit to place us. Do good. Continue in that hard place in life where you are and where you may or may not want to stay right now, because you can trust God and continue to do good.

    The next portion of the verse is dwell in the land and embrace faithfulness. Cultivate faithfulness. Live in HIS faithfulness. If you study all the different versions and look at the heart behind them collectively you see His faithfulness can be our fruit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is faithfulness. Our faithfulness in all that we do comes from God. It isn’t our own doing. It is from Gods righteousness. We have to cultivate, feed, water, weed and tend to our fruits, or we will end up with fruitless vines and plants.

    Think of a situation in your life, where you need to cultivate this faithfulness. That is something God can help you with. I read this verse in prayer each day now since I’ve been led to it in prayer, asking God to cultivate that faithfulness in my life. You can do the same and when you pray scriptures with truth and spirit, God in turn will act. There is much more to this section. Delight yourself in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord. Take Joy in Him. Be still before Him and wait patiently before Him.

    Read these words each day and contemplate what you can do in your life to cultivate faithfulness in this way. To listen to the Spirit and delight yourself in the Lord. Take Joy today in that you can truly trust God and delight in Him.

    God Bless you, stay in scriptures and encourage a friend to do the same. ❤

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