Laura's Left Hook

I Love Fiber!

2012-01-16T09:34:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much for making this awesome collection of fiber arts creations! I love looking at them all for inspiration and to make a list of items to purchase for special friends and relatives.

Checked In Today - Fiber, Wool and Yarn

Curated By: dogwoodrose

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

The Gang's All Here Collection of Blues, Greens, and a Splash of Purple

2012-01-09T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Gangs All Here

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

I just joined a new guild on ArtFire and found a bunch of new shops that have some lovely items that I wanted to share. (A few I did not want to share because I wanted to keep them all to myself until I could buy them, but I gave in and shared them with you.)

I love to wander around ArtFire when I have the time because there are all kinds of crafts and arts that I don't know how to do that I can gaze upon and wish I had all the money in the world to spend. I do have at least one item in this collection in mind as a gift for a special family member; I did check to see that there was more than one available in case you liked it as well.

Getting Organized In The New Year

2012-01-03T09:39:00.002-05:00

Source: happymoneysaver.com via Laura on Pinterest

I am trying to keep track of my savings this year. I just cleared out my receipts from last year as that method just was not working to do anything other than make a mess on my desk. Really grateful that the happy money saver made a spreadsheet for me. I will be checking it out and seeing how I like it.

I have my own spreadsheet for tracking prices of grocery items since the one I found online just was not working the way I wanted it to work. I need to make myself keep that organized this year as well.

Numbers Collection

2011-05-05T22:22:00.003-04:00

Numbers

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

I have been a little obsessed with numbers lately, between working on some new number themed crochet patterns and a zoo counting book for my preschool class. If you like numbers, please check out some of these incredible items on ArtFire.

Special Alphabet Letters Crochet Pattern Sale

2011-03-09T15:01:00.005-05:00

For a limited time you can purchase my All the ABCs complete letter pattern set in my ArtFire studio for $15. This is reduced from the regular price of $20. You will receive the patterns for the entire alphabet, both capital letters and lowercase letters.

Getting Cozy

2011-02-24T14:25:00.001-05:00

Special Crochet Pattern Offer

2010-11-23T15:44:00.004-05:00

Christmas Is Coming Crochet Pattern Sale

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Craft Supplies

All patterns in my ArtFire studio are on sale for 20 percent off with the coupon code: ChristmasIsComing

Coupon code is good through the end of November 2010.

Fire Truck, Fire Truck...I Want To Ride In A Fire Truck

2010-10-27T15:50:00.003-04:00

To go along with the upcoming community helpers theme and visit from our local fire fighters, I put together a collection of fire fighter themed items. These are perfect for gift giving, with a great variety of prices.

Fire Truck, Fire Truck...I Want To Ride ...

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

A Day in Preschool

2010-10-09T22:02:00.003-04:00

On my wish list if I had the space and unlimited funds, these would all be in my preschool classroom.

A Day in Preschool

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

A Simple Leaf

2010-10-04T15:52:00.003-04:00

Since this week is a Fall theme in preschool, I have leaves on the brain.

A Simple Leaf

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

It is Sunday, so that must mean Church and Football

2010-10-03T08:14:00.003-04:00

Getting ready for teaching preschool Sunday School and planning for football later.

R U READY???

Curated By: galleryhill

ArtFire.com

Indie Design

A New Collection on ArtFire

2010-10-02T21:12:00.003-04:00

I have been playing with the Collections feature on ArtFire and just created this Squirrel themed one.

Gray Squirrel, Gray Squirrel....

Curated By: LaurasLeftHook

ArtFire.com

Jewelry Supplies

You Can Now Purchase Straight From My Blog

2010-07-20T09:41:00.002-04:00

LaurasLeftHook

Unique Gifts

Be sure to check out my main blog: Laura's Left Hook

Check Out My Artfire Shop for Crochet Patterns

2010-04-24T18:28:00.002-04:00

Visit LaurasLeftHook's ArtFire Shop

What's a Tawashi?

2009-05-08T12:41:00.004-04:00

I had never heard of a tawashi until someone mentioned one of my coaster patterns would make a good tawashi. I did some research and discovered that a tawashi is a cute little scrubber, generally made of acrylic yarn. They often have a face as well.

For my tawashi I generally use cotton yarn and nylon tulle so that you can decide whether you want to use the scrubber to wash your dishes, your bathroom, or yourself. Acrylic and nylon works great for dishes and cleaning sinks, but I would not recommend acrylic for washing your skin.

If you think you may be interested in some tawashi of your very own, please check out my Etsy shop, Laura's Left Hook. I also have patterns for several tawashi available in my Etsy shop as well as on Artfire at Laura's Left Hook.

Over the Edge of the World

2009-02-07T22:23:00.004-05:00

My latest grown up book that is not craft related is Over the Edge of the World, which is about Magellan's trip around the world.

I think back to learning about Magellan in elementary school and I do not think I really learned much about him other than that he was Portuguese and sailed for Spain, which did not make much sense at the time.

Now, as I read this book, I keep thinking it would make a really good movie or mini-series. It is hard to believe that Magellan is the name remembered so well when he managed to get himself killed in the Phillipines, had a ship mutiny and head back to Spain, and did various things that were rather questionable, even for the day.

I always like to read more about the people whose names are well known for famous events. I usually discover that they are rather flawed individuals. This can make one disappointed, or make one realize that even the flawed can do great things.

Everyday survival : why smart people do stupid things / Laurence Gonzales.

2008-11-13T13:55:00.005-05:00

I have actually made some time to do a little reading for myself in the evenings before bed and am reading Everyday Survival: Why Smart People Do Stupid Things.

So far, it is very interesting and helps me understand why I end up doing some of the things I do when I go into what I call "auto-pilot."

This book has a healthy dose of examples from current events, mixed in with speculation about ancient creatures. I like the examples, but have yet to decide how much I like that every chapter ends with a pronouncement about the destruction of the earth. Once I see how it evolves and wraps up I can make a decision. Right now, it feels almost like I want to skip the last page of each chapter because I know what it will say.

MyLittle --- TeamCBDC

2008-07-16T17:14:00.003-04:00

We just got a new bird feeder recently due to our old one being invaded by wasps and then broken by a squirrel while we were trying to rid it of wasps. We have been enjoying watching the birds discover the new bird feeder. I am hoping to soon see our Indigo Bunting visit the new feeder.

Since my family has been watching the birds on our new birdfeeder, I think these cute little bird plushies caught my eye when I was looking through Etsy shops that belong to the TeamCBDC. I also love blues, so this set appeals to me; she also has some in reds in her shop. You can choose which bird you would like to buy for a really low price. They would make adorable decorations as well as being fun for little kids.

My Little Etsy Shop is home to nature themed dolls and gifts. Have fun checking it out.

Georgia Aquarium --- A Must See

2008-07-15T20:16:00.007-04:00

If you ever have a reason to go to Atlanta, or anywhere near Atlanta, you really need to visit the Georgia Aquarium. The massive window of the main tank is completely overwhelming.

We were able to layover in Atlanta on the way to the Bahamas in 2006. My brother took us to the Georgia Aquarium during our visit. We happened to be there the day after the Crocodile Hunter died, so there were film crews from CNN there, but that really did not take anything away from it for the kids. (We chose not to mention it to them at the time.)

I could have spent at least another full day there. They did have plenty of things for kids to enjoy there. Kids were definitely thought about as the aquarium was designed.

For a bunch more information and photos, please check out the wiki.

TeamCBDC-"Just Felt Hungry" - Gourmet Felt Foods

2008-07-09T13:19:00.003-04:00

I really wish I had known about felt and crocheted food before my kids already had a ton of plastic play food for their play kitchen. These look like much more fun and much better made.

tworighthands's shop is full of great felt foods that will help you play with your favorite little girl or boy.

Does It Taste Like Chicken?

2008-06-28T20:38:00.002-04:00

My three year old daughter posed this question to her six year old sister tonight. Just the fact that she asked this question is funny enough. Add to it, however, that the food in question was blueberries and you have side splitting laughter all around. (At least for the adults at the table, who understand all the reasons it is funny.)

TeamCBDC-Button Boutique

2008-06-26T19:53:00.003-04:00

I have been noticing all the lovely button hair accessories around and discovered that Button Boutique has a Do It Yourself Kit that would be perfect for trying out this craft, or for making with some girls as part of a party. She also has kits for hair clips, bookmarks, and bobby pins. I am definitely going to consider purchasing a set of these to try out.

Go check out Button Boutique for yourself. She has several nifty items for girls of all ages.

Traveling Virginia --- Natural Bridge

2008-06-21T19:37:00.004-04:00

Natural Bridge is the next trip I would like to make with my kids. It is just a bit off the path of traveling to visit Grandpa, but somehow our family has not managed to fit it in as part of the trip there or back yet.

I read a news article that the families who own Natural Bridge were trying to sell it. Wouldn't that be an interesting life, to run a natural attraction like that? In researching to see if it was actually sold I found this nifty article from 1882 about it being sold again.

Natural Bridge, Virginia is located on Route 11 between exits 175 and 180 from Interstate 81, which puts it a bit south of where Interstate 64 travels west, away from Interstate 81. This would make it an approximately three hour trip from the DC area. When I say that the bridge is located on Route 11, perhaps the better word would be "under" since Route 11 travels over Natural Bridge.

Nearby is the Natural Bridge Zoo. Since our family loves zoos, even before we had kids, this is a must see on our list. I am a little more intrigued by the Virginia Safari Park since it reminds me of stories my parents told me about Lion Country Safari. At the Virginia Safari Park you can drive your car through the park to see the animals (or take a wagon ride, which apparently fills up quickly); you are in the zoo, not behind bars watching the animals. Melissa's Idea Garden has some photos that give you an idea of how close the animals get.

Part of the Natural Bridge extravaganza includes a hotel, restaurant, cottages, and other sites to visit, including Natural Bridge Caverns, a wax museum, toy museum, and a Haunted Monster House and Dino Kingdom. Personally, I would rather spend time visiting the bridge and the natural wonders of the area than the add on attractions. The wax museum may give a little historical flavor to your trip, however.

Atlantis --- an extravagant vacation destination

2008-06-20T10:03:00.007-04:00

No gas costs once you are there, though. I just read that vacations that are all inclusive or where you do not travel once you get there are the way to go with the price of gas. Of course, if you are able to spend money on traveling to Atlantis, you probably are not in the position to need to worry about gas costs.

We were fortunate enough to take a couple trips to Atlantis, once with one child, and then again with both kids due to sitting in on a time share meeting during the first trip.

If I were going to try to visit again, I think I would look into renting someone's timeshare instead of doing the package deal through Atlantis or through Costco, which is what we did the first time. There are several ways to check out timeshares online, including people selling theirs on ebay and specialized timeshare sites.

Here are a few places to look at renting or buying someone's timeshare for Atlantis:

SellMyTimeshareNOW

Vacation Timeshare and Rentals

ebay listings

The first time we visited we stayed at Coral Towers, which worked out very well for having a two and a half year old. In the evening we would sit on the little balcony and enjoy the view while she fell asleep. It had an awesome view of Royal Towers and much of the area.

The next time we stayed at Harborside, which is the timeshare part of the resort. This worked well for having two kids because of the kitchen area with refrigerator to have breakfast and snacks in the room. However, our view was of the area where the boats stop to pick up to cross over to the main island; not exactly romantic, although the kids enjoyed seeing the boats.

We did not purchase any meal plan while we were there either time, mostly because we had small children that we knew would not eat enough to make it worth it. I did notice they have some meal plans that have kids 6 and under eating for free; if that had been available when we were there, we would have definitely considered it. If you travel just with adults or adults and teens, then I think it would be a possibility of being an okay deal. I would not think of Atlantis as the place for interesting food, although the addition of the row of shops and restaurants at Harborside did add some more flavor to the food choices.

Unless atmosphere and decor are important to you for the midday meal, I would suggest the fast food type areas near a few of the main pool areas for quick lunches.

I doubt we will get the opportunity to visit again, although I am intrigued by what has opened since we last visited in the fall of 2006.

TeamCBDC-Custom Boutique Designs and Creations

2008-06-19T22:30:00.002-04:00

Since I have recently joined a new team, I thought I would feature a member each week on my blog. This week something really cute caught my eye as I browsed the team tag --- some adorable duck soaps. Dreamer's Web's shop is filled with lovely items, especially for baby and bridal showers.

Do your girls wear headbands?

2008-06-19T22:13:00.007-04:00

Both of my daughters like them, although the youngest does not really have enough hair to need one yet. I have been making a bunch of headbands, so the first two had to be for them. The one above is actually one of the last ones I made; I started out following a pattern and then branched out on my own.

This one is based upon a free pattern I got from You Can Make This, which is a website with lots of patterns you can purchase.

Do you remember ZORK?

2008-06-16T20:52:00.003-04:00

I just discovered that you can play ZORK online.

I remember playing ZORK and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in high school, or maybe ZORK was only in college. I loved those text based games that involved thinking instead of eye-hand coordination. Also, no hints and no clue what you were actually supposed to do to win.

Did you ever play these games? What were your favorite, long gone games?

Want something pretty to clean with?

2008-06-14T21:51:00.002-04:00

These lovely tawashi scrubbies are made with cotton yarn on one side with a center of nylon tulle on the other. The nylon is good for scrubbing those rough spots on your skin, your pots and pans, or your glass top stove. (I would not recommend using the same scrubbie for all three, however.)

Check out my main blog for the pattern if you are handy with a hook.

Puppets, anyone?

2008-03-13T22:40:00.004-04:00

I am in a puppet making frenzy. I am having lots of fun with them. I have Red Riding Hood, Big Bad Wolf, Rapunzel, and a ballerina so far. Check my main blog for more information about them:

Laura's Left Hook

Come check out some cacti!

2008-01-07T20:27:00.000-05:00

I just posted about the Etsyhooker of the Week on my main blog:

Etsyhooker of the Week --- Care free plants

Come see my latest creation....

2007-12-17T20:02:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this one for a while. If you check out my main blog (http://lauraslefthook.wordpress.com) or my shop (http://lauraslefthook.etsy.com) you can find out more about this.

My main site....

2007-12-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

For my main website, I am currently using the following:

Laura's Left Hook

My store is:

http://www.lauraslefthook.etsy.com

Laura's Left Hook Starts Up

2007-11-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

I started a web site on multiply, but did not feel it had enough traffic there, so figured I would try something new....