The Freedom to Create

While making this Mickey Mouse for my grandson I also wrote out the pattern for crochet. The pattern is available through my etsy shop at LollyLins The finished size of this doll is 12 inches which is the perfect size as a child's best pal.

Paper Clay can be made using any kind of paper. For this project I chose newspaper, toilet roll cardboard, paper towel, napkin, and dryer lint. First soak paper with water. Each paper has a different absorption rate, soak the paper and let it stand for a few minutes to see how much is absorbed. Do this in a large bowl or right in the food processor. Next add a paper mache paste. I used the cook method. Combining 1 c water, 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 tsp of salt (to aid in the prevention of mold). Sprinkle the flour over the water and use a whisk to remove lumps while it is heating up. As it heats up it will begin to thicken. Just before boil remove from heat and allow to cool a bit before add to the paper mix. When it has cooled add it to the paper mix, lock the lid to the processor and pulsate. In a few short moments you will see how the paper has blended and you now have clay. If you have added a bit more water than the paper absorbed just squeeze out the excess wate...

It's time to go green and recycle plastic bags. Let's make Plarn. Plarn can be used to incorporate into crochet and knitting projects. Make handbags, totes, and baskets using plarn.

Even if you've never made a fabric doll before, but have always wanted to try it, here's a video tutorial to get you jump-started on your way. It doesn't require fancy machinery. I have a simple light-weight Brother jx2517 along with a Brother Serger (not required). All you need is a large selection of fabrics to choose from. I used some new (fat quarters from Walmart for $.97) and recycled some clothing into scrap (clean). Sewing needle for hand sewing, thread, the pattern pieces which I have available as a digital download ($7.99) at LollyLins  on Etsy. Stuffing material and notions (ie: buttons, ribbon, etc) and last but not least an unbridled IMAGINATION. I hope you enjoy this video and you'll give this a try. Happy Creating, Linda, LollyLins

The pattern for these cute little hens is available for free on another site, however I wasn't able to translate the page to English. So I did my best to interpret the pattern in English using the photograph provided. This pattern is worked in the round. What you will need : 4 colors of acrylic yarn- 2 contrasting colors and 1 complimentary color, and white     The head, collar, and wings are 1 color     The body and beak are both 1 color     The comb and wattles are both 1 color     6 dots are white Hook size 3.25 mm for an overall dimension of 6" tall and 4"wide. Yarn needle for sewing pieces together straight pins for holding pieces in place black safety eyes 8mm fiberfill for stuffing stitch markers Terms used: sc  single crochet                                DC  decrease              ...

How do you know if a snail is a boy or a girl? I'm not sure but when you meet this little snail with a flower on her head I immediately thought-she's too cute to be a boy. I love creating Amigurumi. These little characters are so much fun. You can place them in different settings in your home and each time a new story emerges. The crochet pattern can be found here .

These little dolls are so much fun to create. Little Irish Las has long flowing red braids and a little frilly skirt. Laced with ribbon tied in bows. She measures 4 inches high by 4 inches wide. The crochet pattern is available for instant download in my Etsy shop at Lolly Lins .