Snoopy

I have been doing some crochet projects that are more involved than the crochet necklace. I've tried my hands on some amigurumi, most of which are donated for charity. My latest project has been Snoopy who will go to Crafts for a Cause at my local church. The proceeds are used to help women globally, especially women in Cambodia. Maybe I'll find the pictures of previous projects such as the jellyfish I crocheted and post them here later.

The pattern for Snoopy is at bethsco.com. She also has a pattern for the scarf, but it's knit and I don't knit (yet). I did a row of foundation single crochet instead and then a row of single crochet in the back loop only.

Crochet necklace

This is the first crochet necklace I've made. I used cotton yarn and irridescent plastic beads. It's long enough to go three or four times around the neck, depending on how long you want it. The recipient is very happy about it. She motivated me to try this out by wishing for a crochet necklace.

Moomin in the scorching summer sun

I really like the Moomins. There's a series of books being published with the Moomin comic strips, three so far, two more to follow. Since I have been doing Postcrossing, I have received several Moomin postcards. The simple old style are my favorite. So for this Swap-bot swap, I created a Moomin ATC with Moomin himself just sitting in the scorching summer sun. It's summer and hot here as well, so I find that a very fitting situation to be in these days...

Potholder

I hadn't crocheted for a long time. But a week ago I just started a project to see what I could remember. I don't remember the names of the stitches (I learned the German names back then anyway), but I managed to finish a potholder within a week. I used two different kinds of stitches. In the end I went twice around the perimeter. The yarn I used had different colors in different sections, so I didn't have to do anything to get the stripes.

Handstitched Bookmarks

Handstitched Bookmarks
Originally uploaded by swan4

I made these fabric bookmarks for a "hand stitched bookmarks" swap on swapbot. I attached sticky felt to the back to make them more sturdy. One funny thing is that I wasn't even sure about the theme or layout when I started. I sewed on the flower first. Then I had the idea for the stitches for the stem. While stitching the piece of fabric below the stem to the fabric of the first bookmark, I realized that it looked like a flower pot. For the second bookmark, I just varied the color scheme a bit according to the preferences of my second swap partner.

Crochet bag

One of my online friends crocheted this bag for herself. I love it. I haven't crocheted since grade school, I think. It's been a long time, anyway. So I don't really remember how to do it. I think it would be fun to try again and make something like this.
But who knows when I'll get around to it. Maybe someone who knows how to do it, will make one for me.

St. Patrick's Day Countdown

Lisa Vollrath posted a countdown to St. Patrick's Day that reveals a new paper crafting surprise each day.

100 Faces Project

The 100 Faces Project originated as an exercise in stamina. Leah intended to draw 100 faces onto 4" x 6" index cards, just to see if she had the patience and perseverance for it. Then she realized that she could get others involved. In order to get one of her face postcards, you send your own hand-made postcard with a face to her. The picture on the right shows the face I sent. I received her "Old Grumpster" card.

Sprout

Sprout
Originally uploaded by swan4.

For Illustration Friday

Ich sehe rot

Ich sehe rot
Originally uploaded by swan4.

"I see red" means "I'm angry".

The topic for Illustration Friday this week is "Red".

Ink markers in watercolor Moleskine

"Superhero"

"Superhero"
Originally uploaded by swan4.

The topic this week for Illustration Friday is "Superhero".

I don't really care that much about those fantasy superheroes. But since I've come to Australia, I've heard a lot about surf lifesaving - There is an exhibit here at the National Museum of Australia and they show some stuff on TV. I think people like this and also firefighters etc. and those who don't have a description like that are the real superheroes. They just go out and save people's lives.

Buzzzzz

The topic for Illustration Friday this week is "buzz". This was my first idea. Buzzing bees. Marker and gelpens on watercolor moleskine. I'll cut these apart to make two ATCs.

I also had another idea for the topic, but I'm not finished with the sketch yet.

Phoenix

This week's topic of Illustration Friday is "phoenix".

In ancient Egyptian mythology and in myths derived from it, the phoenix or phœnix is a mythical sacred firebird. The phoenix also became popular in early Christian art, literature and Christian symbolism, as a symbol of Christ, and further, represented the resurrection, immortality, and the life-after-death of Jesus Christ.

This image also captures the surreal feeling of New Year's Eve. This day of the year always feels different. You stay up until after midnight on purpose. This time, we had a thunderstorm as well as sunshine. They showed stuff like "Groundhog Day" and "Dinner for One" on TV. It's my first time in Australia or in the Southern Hemisphere for that matter. It was so quiet in Canberra, no crowds near City Hill where the fireworks were, unlike in Sydney. It's just this weird, dream-like atmosphere.

For this image, I sketched a few lines in pencil, then I just used my watercolor pencils and later brushed with some water. In my watercolor Moleskine.

I don't have a scanner here, so I have to take pictures with my digital camera. So that's why sometimes things aren't quite square even if the paper is.

Forgiveness is the foundation of Peace

Forgiveness is the foundation of Peace
Originally uploaded by swan4.

Sent to "Postcards for Peace". It also fits this week's topic of Illustration Friday: "Peace".

Permanent markers on white cardboard.

I also made a card with the title "Peace on Earth".

I Lift My Eyes To The Hills

I Lift My Eyes To The Hills
Originally uploaded by swan4.

The topic for Illustration Friday was Thanksgiving. Instead of the US holiday, I thought of the more general concept of giving thanks.
My grandmother and my mom both had/have low pressure glaucoma. It's hereditery, so I might get it, too. Every year I have my eyes tested, and each time I'm especially thankful when they are still ok.
I'm grateful that I can see the beauty of nature, art, etc.

Watercolor pencils in my sketchbook Moleskine. The scan came out more yellowish than the picture really is.