Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
"If You Leave Toys on the Floor the Puppy will get them"
"If You Leave Toys on the Floor the Puppy will get them"
I don't know how many times a day I have to remind the kids of this. Our 6 month old Doxie, Ruby, thinks everything is hers if it's on the floor. The kids just don't get it, she doesn't know the difference between her toys and their toys.
Today she found a self inking stamp from a art kit and this is what was the end result....
We now have a Teal Nosed Doxie ! Her tongue matches... lol
I don't know how many times a day I have to remind the kids of this. Our 6 month old Doxie, Ruby, thinks everything is hers if it's on the floor. The kids just don't get it, she doesn't know the difference between her toys and their toys.
Today she found a self inking stamp from a art kit and this is what was the end result....
We now have a Teal Nosed Doxie ! Her tongue matches... lol
Monday, December 20, 2010
Taking a Sick Day
I am sooooooooo sick today. It's really hard to get into a Merry spirit when your body is fighting with you!
I will get some new giveaways up in a few days.
I will get some new giveaways up in a few days.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
How To Make Cord on a Lucet Instructional Video
Many people have contacted me about our Lucets available at Yooper Up Studio
Most people have never heard of a Lucet and question the simplicity of the design and what you can do with them.
I found this great video on YouTube.com and thought I would share.
We do have several styles of Lucets available, ready to ship. They make great stocking stuffers.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Crochet Puppy Dogs
These two little ones are the result of some minor changes I made to my Crochet Dachshund Pattern. All my PDF patterns are available for sale at Ravelry
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Hammered Metal Ornaments - Searching for some feedback
Do you have another idea for a Hammered Metal Ornament? I'm searching for more ideas to add to this ornament collection. Please leave a comment with your ideas. THANKS !On Sale Now at
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Carpal Tunnel and Knitting
Carpal Tunnel and Knitting, will they ever get along?
I have suffered from severe carpal tunnel and nerve damage for many years and my love of knitting, weaving and crocheting can cause me a lot of pain. I am consistently on a search for anything that will bring some relief. I will never stop knitting ! I have discovered some of my own little tricks in reducing the pain, but I'm not a doctor or expert in the field. After surgery on my elbow for nerve and tendon damage my doctor fitted me with some HUGE wrist supports that I must wear each night to get any relief from the pain.
When I knit, it is not always comfortable to wear such HUGE braces, I use compression wrist supports and less bulky braces. Sometimes I feel like the braces cause more pain than help. When using smaller needles, the braces get in the way and I have a awful time with the thinner yarns getting tangled into them. I am more comfortable using bulkier yarns and larger needles, but I love doing lace. I have to limit my use of small delicate yarns and stitches to once or twice a year. It takes me that long to complete the project!
Anyway, I thought I'd share some information I found doing my latest search on carpal tunnel.
Disclaimer: I am only sharing this information and not making any kind of recommendation or diagnosis.
Below is some information I found on Our Health Network, I have tried the suggestions and they do seem to help relieve some of the pain.
I have suffered from severe carpal tunnel and nerve damage for many years and my love of knitting, weaving and crocheting can cause me a lot of pain. I am consistently on a search for anything that will bring some relief. I will never stop knitting ! I have discovered some of my own little tricks in reducing the pain, but I'm not a doctor or expert in the field. After surgery on my elbow for nerve and tendon damage my doctor fitted me with some HUGE wrist supports that I must wear each night to get any relief from the pain.
When I knit, it is not always comfortable to wear such HUGE braces, I use compression wrist supports and less bulky braces. Sometimes I feel like the braces cause more pain than help. When using smaller needles, the braces get in the way and I have a awful time with the thinner yarns getting tangled into them. I am more comfortable using bulkier yarns and larger needles, but I love doing lace. I have to limit my use of small delicate yarns and stitches to once or twice a year. It takes me that long to complete the project!
Anyway, I thought I'd share some information I found doing my latest search on carpal tunnel.
Disclaimer: I am only sharing this information and not making any kind of recommendation or diagnosis.
Below is some information I found on Our Health Network, I have tried the suggestions and they do seem to help relieve some of the pain.
- Try to prevent your wrist from flexing and extending when doing chores. The Carpal Lock will do this for you.
- When using tools, make sure the handle fits your hand, and you can grasp the tool with your whole hand, rather than grasping with the tips of your fingers or thumbs.
- Reduce the speed your wrist and hands work at.
- Exercise your wrists and hands regularly at work. Take a one minute break every 30 minutes to perform some of the exercises shown below.
- Range-of-motion exercises: Clench fist tightly for 5 seconds, then release, straightening your fingers all the way and keep them straight for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times for each hand.
- Stretching exercises: Using one hand, bend the fingers of the other hand gently as far as you can, stretching the fingers and wrist. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times for each hand.
- Isometric exercises: Clench fist with palm facing up. Use other hand to push down on fist, while providing resistance with the fist. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with palm of clenched fist facing down. Repeat 5 times for each hand.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Epsom Salt and Home Remedies
I love using Home Made Old Fashioned Recipes,
Whether it be for baking or general health.
I am not a doctor, nor an expert in the field of anything, so I share this information without any knowledge of how well it works or claimed "Health Benefits".
For over 30 years I have used home remedies for all sorts of simple aliments, like small cuts, bruises and every other little mishap that comes with raising 4 kids. Some work really well, others are more of a mess than any good. I love using natural ingredients, I love knowing what I'm using. Over half of the ingredients listed on the labels of most store bought health and processed food products available are a mystery to me, Even after I do a google search on them!
I would love it if you would share your favorite "Home Remedy"
The following was emailed to me, I just wanted to share:
For Pampering:
~Glowing skin exfoliating treatment: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.
~Glowing skin exfoliating treatment: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.
~Microdermabrasion Facial: Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.~Bathtime Bliss:
Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.
~Pedicure Perfection:
~Pedicure Perfection:
Dissolve a half cup of Epsom Salt into two quarts of warm water. Pour the water into a container and soak your bare feet for fifteen to twenty minutes. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Massage the entire foot with Epsom Salt concentrating on the heels and ankles to remove any dry, rough spots. Then, rinse your feet off with clean tap water and dry them thoroughly.~Homemade bath crystals:
Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.
For the Gardner in your life:
Houseplants:
2 tablespoons per gallon of water; feed plants monthly.
Tomatoes:
1 tablespoon per foot of plant height per plant; apply every two weeks.
Roses:
1 tablespoon per foot of plant height per plant; apply every two weeks. Also scratch 1/2 cup into soil at base to encourage flowering canes and healthy new basal cane growth. Soak unplanted bushes in 1 cup of Epsom Salt per gallon of water to help roots recover. Add a tablespoon of Epsom Salt to each hole at planting time. Spray with Epsom Salt solution weekly to discourage pests.
Shrubs (evergreens, azaleas, rhododendron):
1 tablespoon per 9 square feet. Apply over root zone every 2-4 weeks.
Lawns:
Apply 3 pounds for every 1,250 square feet with a spreader, or dilute in water and apply with a sprayer.
Trees:
Apply 2 tablespoons per 9 square feet. Apply over the root zone 3 times annually.
Garden Startup:
Sprinkle 1 cup per 100 square feet. Mix into soil before planting.
For the Athlete :
· To ease muscle pain and fading bruises.
Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub (double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub) and bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes. Also can be used to make compresses.· To soothe feet aching from a tough workout or a long day,add a cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water and soak them.
To learn more about Epsom Salt, please follow them on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Spending Time with the Family this Weekend
Spending some time with the family this weekend. I have alot of great things coming up next week.
I'm so excited !
I'm so excited !
Friday, November 12, 2010
Spinning
The SpinnerWilliam-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905)
My mind wanders into day dream land while spinning. The motion, feel of the fiber, rhythm of the wheel and even the small sounds the wheel makes quickly drifts me into day dreaming. I have found that Spinning has become one of the best ways for me to relax and unwind. Stress just seems to melt away as the bobbin fills up with the fiber I'm spinning. I think about what I will make with this new yarn, will it be for me or one of the kids? a hat? scarf? I start planning the pattern and thinking out the design. I think about goals I want to accomplish and ones I want to start.
Somedays are just full of stress from everyday life and I really have to force myself to let it go. Spinning has been a blessing for over 15 years now. I'm sitting here now with such a huge headache wondering why I let it all get to me. I'm heading towards my wheel now and I'm going to spin up some beautiful Alpaca.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Small Dogs Need A Little Warmth
I am the owner of 4 small breed dogs, Mini Dachshunds and a Mini Chihuahua.
Or should I say, They own me.
Most cat owners say their cats own them, well this house is definitely owned by the dogs !
Sometimes I think they have more space than I do. I know they have more space on the bed than I do, I fight for covers all night long!
My little dogs love to cuddle up under blankets and that is what gave me the idea to make these warm comfy blanket bags for them.
They are great around the house and car. We take a 1500 mile trip every year to visit family and my dogs were much calmer this last trip all curled up in their own little bags.
I made a few up for others
You can purchase them at Copper Llama Studio at Etsy
I have them in extra small and small.
Each is Hand Knit
Extra small is perfect for young small breeds and mini's
Small is great for dogs under 19 inches long
Or should I say, They own me.
Most cat owners say their cats own them, well this house is definitely owned by the dogs !
Sometimes I think they have more space than I do. I know they have more space on the bed than I do, I fight for covers all night long!
My little dogs love to cuddle up under blankets and that is what gave me the idea to make these warm comfy blanket bags for them.
They are great around the house and car. We take a 1500 mile trip every year to visit family and my dogs were much calmer this last trip all curled up in their own little bags.
I made a few up for others
You can purchase them at Copper Llama Studio at Etsy
I have them in extra small and small.
Each is Hand Knit
Extra small is perfect for young small breeds and mini's
Small is great for dogs under 19 inches long
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Christmas Ornaments
Need a special ornament for a fiber loving friend?
Hand Hammered Metal Folk Art Sheep
Tissue covered sheep with Boa collar
Hand Hammered Folk Art Metal Llama
Here are just a few available at Lil Acres Farm at Artfire
Tissue Covered Llama with Beaded CollarHand Hammered Metal Folk Art Sheep
Tissue covered sheep with Boa collar
Hand Hammered Folk Art Metal Llama
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stocking Stuffers
Hand Painted Lucets from Yooper Up Studio at Etsy Or some cute Sheep Magnets
You can find these cute Moose Earrings at Lil Acres Farm at Etsy
http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/
You can find these cute Moose Earrings at Lil Acres Farm at Etsy
http://copperllamastudio.blogspot.com/
5 Year Olds
So, Grand daughter tells her father tonight:
Mommy is letting me sleep in her bed so I don't get the creeps. You
know, those things that I get when my sister watches a movie that is
too scary. I am the only one in the world that gets those you know, I
am serious, the only one in the world.
Mommy is letting me sleep in her bed so I don't get the creeps. You
know, those things that I get when my sister watches a movie that is
too scary. I am the only one in the world that gets those you know, I
am serious, the only one in the world.
Some Benefits of Aging
I don't know who the author of the following is, It was sent in an email with instructions to forward it to 7 more friends. I receive a few of these everyday and never forward them, fear of some kind of virus or other "unfriendly" attachments I may pass on to my friends.
But I really love what this one has to say and wanted to share:
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time,wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive.You care less about what other people think.. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
But I really love what this one has to say and wanted to share:
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time,wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive.You care less about what other people think.. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Pannukakku Recipe
Pannukakku, is the premier pancake of Finland, a wonderful dish to prepare when you're craving pancakes but don't want to spend a lot of time bent over a griddle.
Pannukakku is a proper traditional supper for the eve of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, June 24 in Finland.
My daughter is married to a true Yooper and his family dates back numerious generations to Finland and the Copper Mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Through his strong Finnish heritage, many wonderful dishes have been saved by his family and passed down.
Pannukakku is one of them.
I love the stuff, to me it taste a little like quiche, but so much easier to make.
Preheat oven to 375
Ingredients:
1 stick butter
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Melt 1/2 of the butter and coat a 9 x 13 baking pan
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl, pour into baking pan.
Bake for 30 - 40 minutes
Do a toothpick test in center to see if it is done.
Toothpick should come out clean and top of Pannukakku will be light brown.
Top off with some Powdered Sugar sprinkled on top and serve with syrup or any other favorite toppings you enjoy on pancakes.
Pannukakku is a proper traditional supper for the eve of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, June 24 in Finland.
My daughter is married to a true Yooper and his family dates back numerious generations to Finland and the Copper Mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Through his strong Finnish heritage, many wonderful dishes have been saved by his family and passed down.
Pannukakku is one of them.
I love the stuff, to me it taste a little like quiche, but so much easier to make.
Preheat oven to 375
Ingredients:
1 stick butter
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Melt 1/2 of the butter and coat a 9 x 13 baking pan
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl, pour into baking pan.
Bake for 30 - 40 minutes
Do a toothpick test in center to see if it is done.
Toothpick should come out clean and top of Pannukakku will be light brown.
Top off with some Powdered Sugar sprinkled on top and serve with syrup or any other favorite toppings you enjoy on pancakes.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Folk Art Painted Sheep on Cherry Wood Magnet
Folk Art Painted Sheep on Cherry Wood Magnet
So cute !!
What a great gift for all your friends in your knitting or crochet group.
Available at
Yooper Up Studio
Yopper Up Studio is committed to finding unique ways to recycle, reuse and re purpose material others would throw away
The area is full of orchards doing their fall cuttings
Normally this beautiful cherry wood would just end up being burnt in the field in the burn pile. Very common practice out here in the country.
Instead we came up with a cute little use for some of the branches.
If you need several of these little magnets for gifts, just let us know. Custom orders are always welcome.
yooperupstudio@yahoo.com
Marks Faro Yarn
Here's some yarn I've been working on
I took some Marks Faro single ply Ready to Dye wool that I have in my stash and had some fun playing with colors.
After dying the single ply's, I re spun it on my Ashford spinning wheel and turned it into some wonderful 4ply yarn full of color.
Marks Faro Garn
100% Pure New Wool
Made in Sweden
Single Ply lace weight
cream/ivory
yardage apx 632 yards
I took some Marks Faro single ply Ready to Dye wool that I have in my stash and had some fun playing with colors.
After dying the single ply's, I re spun it on my Ashford spinning wheel and turned it into some wonderful 4ply yarn full of color.
Marks Faro Garn
100% Pure New Wool
Made in Sweden
Single Ply lace weight
cream/ivory
yardage apx 632 yards
Monday, October 18, 2010
Love the New Dog Bed
This morning we received our order from PURELYDOGBEDS.COM
Everyone Love's IT
As soon as I tossed it on the floor they started playing on it.
Information from their site:
PURELYDOGBEDS.COM
I was not compensated in any way by PurelyDogBeds.com
This review is my own opinion
Everyone Love's IT
As soon as I tossed it on the floor they started playing on it.
Information from their site:
Majestic Pet Super Value Dog Bed
SKU #: MJT0007 Easy to clean removable poly-cotton cover
Cushion is made of high-loft poly fill that will keep its shape after many uses
Comes in an assortment of colors and sizes
Bed Sizes:
Medium: 7" H x 35" W x 28" D
Large: 7" H x 46" W x 35" D
Weight Limits:
Medium Bed: 5 to 45 pounds
Large Bed: 45 to 70 pounds
Cushion is made of high-loft poly fill that will keep its shape after many uses
Comes in an assortment of colors and sizes
Bed Sizes:
Medium: 7" H x 35" W x 28" D
Large: 7" H x 46" W x 35" D
Weight Limits:
Medium Bed: 5 to 45 pounds
Large Bed: 45 to 70 pounds
Original Price:$27.95YOU SAVE
Our Price: $27.95 – $32.95
Didn't take long for 2 of them to find their spots and take a nap.
I think I will have a problem with the color, black. After a little more thought about my choice, I should have order a bed in a brown or tan. With so many pets, 6 dogs and 3 cats, pet hair is a real problem and I can foresee it showing up very quickly. Oh well, They love it and that's whats the most important, right?
I was not compensated in any way by PurelyDogBeds.com
This review is my own opinion
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Fringe Ribbon Scarf
I have added my latest creation Fringe Ribbon Scarf to my Etsy Studio
Copper Llama Studio
This was done with a soft feathery yarn in beautiful shades of brown
Lots of Fringe included with this 65 inch long scarf
Crochet with Bernet Boa Furs which is a Polyester yarn
So Soft and a beautiful Sable Color
Head on over to Copper Llama Studio to place your order
Copper Llama Studio
This was done with a soft feathery yarn in beautiful shades of brown
Lots of Fringe included with this 65 inch long scarf
Crochet with Bernet Boa Furs which is a Polyester yarn
So Soft and a beautiful Sable Color
Head on over to Copper Llama Studio to place your order
New Lucet Available
Lucet , Weaving Loom Braiding Fork with Instructions , Make your own scarf, belt, headbands, shoelaces and much more, Makes a great Gift
Yooper Up Studio at Etsy has just listed a new Lucet
Make friendship bracelets, skinny scarves, shoe strings and necklaces, just to list a few.You can braid very loose with several strands of bulky yarns and create skinny scarves, belts and purse straps along with so many other things.
Lucet cord can be used for decorative edging, draw-strings, lacing, and any other use where a strong cord is needed.
Lucet is a method of cordmaking or braiding which is believed to date back to the Viking and Medieval periods, when it was used to hang useful items from the belt. [1] Lucet cord is square, strong, and slightly springy. It closely resembles knitted I-cord or the cord produced on a knitting spool. Lucet cord is formed by a series of loops, and will therefore unravel if cut. A lucet fork is normally made of wood, with two prongs at one end and a handle on the other. It may also have a hole through which the cord can be pulled.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Stitch I'm Working on
My latest knitting project is a Head / Earwarmer using a pattern of Multiple cables.I love cables and this one caught my eye a long time ago and I am now just playing with it
Here's the Stitch Pattern
Multiple of 6 stitches
Row 1 Purl
Row 2 Knit
Row 3 Purl
Row 4 K3 *sl 3 sts to dpn, hold in back of work, k 3, k3 from dpn, Repeat from * across row, end with k3
Row 5 Purl
Row 6 Knit
Row 7 Purl
Row 8 *Sl 3 to dpn, hold in front of work, k3, k3 from dpn. Repeat from * across row.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for Pattern
patterns, knit, knitting, free, clothing, accessories, yarn, wool, headband, gift
Here's the Stitch Pattern
Multiple of 6 stitches
Row 1 Purl
Row 2 Knit
Row 3 Purl
Row 4 K3 *sl 3 sts to dpn, hold in back of work, k 3, k3 from dpn, Repeat from * across row, end with k3
Row 5 Purl
Row 6 Knit
Row 7 Purl
Row 8 *Sl 3 to dpn, hold in front of work, k3, k3 from dpn. Repeat from * across row.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for Pattern
patterns, knit, knitting, free, clothing, accessories, yarn, wool, headband, gift
Friday, October 8, 2010
Lots of Pink
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
Have you had your Mammogram ?
Here's a few items in Pink
All these items are available at
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