Let's Get Crafty: DIY Crochet Hearts

Tomorrow is the most loved and loathed holiday of the year: Valentine's Day.

Whether you're a lover or a hater...it's coming.
So, why not have a little fun?
Even if you're single...impress your crush with the latest in my adventures in craftdom: Crochet hearts!
And, if you're not single, annoy your loved ones by having tiny crochet hearts ALL OVER your apartment.

While searching zee internets for random Valentine's Day crafts I came across this video:


And, not a second later, I was off to B.E. Yarn (784 Manhattan Ave near Calyer St.) in Greenpoint.

I got me some purdy new yarn, and hunkered down on the couch.
It was actually pretty easy. So, now, I'm all about the crochet tutorials. And, I have a shitload of pink, crocheted hearts laying all over my living room.


Seriously though, how precious are these?!

Even though they serve no purpose whatsoever, save for putting me in the Valentine's spirit, they're mad cute.

I'm think I'm going to use them as little doilies for chocolate.
Is that weird?

So, go forth, crochet hearts.
They're festive in that lovey-dovey way and oh-so-granny-ish.

And if you're going to be all:
"I hate Valentine's day. Psshah."

Then, get black yarn...and shut up.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

I may have started the season off with a Bah-humbug, but, I've been bitten by the Elf of Christmas Cheer.

Last night, addROC and I headed down to the corner of Nassau Ave. and Diamond St. in Greenpoint to pay a visit to the Christmas tree man. We walked away, happily, with our lovely tree and a new stand.

I put on 106.7 Lite FM, to listen to some x-mas tunes (which, for some reason, are on this station 24/7) and got to work.

First, the lights must be strung (see above).
I can't help but smile like a 4 year old.
There's something about the smell of pine that acts like a hallucinogenic drug, catapulting me into the throes of Christmas glee!

Next, garlands must be made.
What would a tree be without a little cranberry and popcorn on a string!



Then, I got down to business cutting out some snowflakes.
I'm pretty sure that cutting these out increased my chances of getting arthritis 10-fold, but, it's worth it! Look how cute!



And finally, sitting back with a glass of Chianti, and looking at that bad boy.


A little scrappy? Sure.

A Work in progress? Sure.

But, last night, I was reminded of what Nesting is all about, in Brooklyn, Bavaria, Belgium, and beyond. It's about spirit people.

It's hard to hold back screams during the holidays. Everyone is so busy, tired, and spending money they don't have. But, in the end, all that stuff is beside the point. When all's said an done, it's about joy, giving, and sincere thanks for all the good in our lives...

1 Christmas Tree: $25
1 Medium Tree Stand: $10
1 Bag Fresh Cranberries: $2.99
8 Sheets of Uncut Snowflakes: $.08
1 Bowl Freshly Popped Corn: $.15

Finding Myself in the Holiday Spirit: Priceless, bitches!

Go get a tree, or, whatever makes your season bright.

It's all in the small stuff Nesters, it's all in the small stuff.

Let's Get Crafty: DIY Sno-Globes

December 1st has come and gone, and, while I may not have pulled out my reindeer costume just yet, I'm at least trying to be festive.

So, in preparation for The Diamond's tree trimming party, addROC and I nestled down to get to work on ornaments.

I decided to make a sno-globe.

This is VERY easy, and while they do look a teensy-weensy bit more ghetto than, say, a store bought globe, they're still fun and seasonal!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:


1-10 Small Double Sided Pictures or Drawings
Light Corn Syrup
Scotch Tape or Clear Packing Tape
A Globe Shape Jar (Goya Honey Jars, in your ethnic food section, work great)
Sparkles or Glitter
Water

1. Make your pictures waterproof by taping them back to back. Make sure that you get a good seal, and push out any air bubbles that may form. Do this at least twice to ensure that no water gets in and water logs your shit.
2. Place your waterproofed images into your jar.
3. Add an 1/8-1/4 of a TSP of glitter or sparkles. You can always add more if you're one of those crazy glitter people.
4. Fill your jar to the 1/2 way point with corn syrup.
5. Fill remainder of jar with water.
6. Cover tightly, and shake.

Voila.
Your very own ghetto sno-globe.
It costs virtually nothing and they're great for any occasion.

So, go make one. And, if you do...send us your photo!

Email photos to: thebrooklynnester (at) gmail (dot) com.

And I'll post any globe that's sent!

And, join addROC and I tonight for some beer and fun at:

The Tree Lighting @ The Diamond
8PM Tonight!
43 Franklin St., Brooklyn, NY 11222
nr. Calyer St.
718-383-5030

Remember to bring a weather proof ornament and get a free beer! Woo-hoo!

Who Needs Technology?

(Comic By: ToothpasteForDinner.com)

Dearest Nesters,
My most sincere apologies for my sporadic posting of late.
It seems that the innards of my MacBook are not, at all, like pie filling.
And so, I had to take him to someone with knowledge of a technical nature.
Anyway...as always, my Mac Genius told me that my hard drive or battery or both are toast, so, he's being "fixed up".
Yada yada yada.
If he weren't my computer, I wouldn't give two shits either.

But here's an event you should definitely check out, sent to me care of a lovely reader, and fellow Nester, Dana:



Yes Nesters, I do knit AND crochet.
Actually, all you knit-freaks out there will be sad to learn that I find crochet to be far more dignified, yet, far less difficult than knitting.
But, I've been crocheting the same blanket for the past 2 years.
So, I'm a little slow on the uptake.

But, if I do motivate any time soon, I will totally head over to the Slope side! Thanks Dana!

In the meantime, when my compy is feeling better, I'll post some pictures of my mammoth blanket!!!

Have a Happy, Happy Hump Day!