Scrappy Seed Stitch Scarf

While it may not be as cold as just about anywhere else in the country, I’m freezing here in Florida. So when I knew I’d be sitting at Tampa General Hospital most of the day last week, I needed a scarf-and quick. I went searching on YouTube and found THIS PERFECT PATTERN. 

The video actually has three different scarves. I think this one was the easiest. It’s called the Seed Stitch Scarf and the bonus is that it’s made with leftover yarns. I happened to have #6 Chunky yarns leftover that I bought at the thrift store, so this one cost very little to make. The instructor used leftover regular weight #4 yarns and doubled up, even though the colors didn’t 100% match. This pattern is perfect for using up those leftover yarns no matter what sizes you have. I love that!

One last thing, my crocheting isn’t perfect. I’m not sure I did a really good job on the ends, which I tucked in instead of leaving them fringed. (Se. the pic below.) But that’s the beauty of handmade items. They don’t have to be perfect. I’ve found the only way I can get better is to keep trying. So if you’re new to crochet or feel you’re not that good, join the club and keep stitching!

Retro Rubber Challenge 246

Wow, another year is upon us! This is my first post, and my first card, for 2025. What a perfect way to start it off with Retro Rubber's Challenge 246 (#rrcb246). The theme is Winter Fun!

I found the most wintry fun stamp set and made a slimline card.  Here's my complete supply list:

• CTMH's Snow Body Like You Stamp Set and Dies (from 2023)
• Copic Markers
• White Card Stock
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• Stampin' Up! Balmy Bllue Card Stock
• SU! So Saffron Card Stock
• SU! Pacific Point Card Stock
• SU! Marina Mist Ink
• SU! Seaside Spray Ink
• Newton's Nook Sky Builder Dies
• Yellow Stickles
• White Glitter Paper (Joann's)
• 
  Silver Paper (Michael's)

The card measures 4 1/8 x 9 3/4, pretty big even for a slimline. But I had a clear envelope that was perfect
for sending it in and it gives lots of space for the fun little snowmen.

This one's leaving for Kansas tomorrow. I think these cuties will fit right in!

Be sure to check out all the cute cards over at Retro Rubber and play along!

Visit Me on Pinterest!

As much as I love blogging, I’m realizing with my limited time schedule that I don’t make as many cards as I would like. And mailing out cards has been way at the end of my to-do list. But with Christmas just a few weeks away, I’m aware of just how important it is to actually send some “folded hugs.” Many people are lonely and just knowing that someone is thinking about them needs to be a bigger goal for me as a card maker. Because of this, I feel it’s time to slow down on my blogging and focus on making more cards and sending them out more often.

Snail Mail Studio will still be a place where I have occasional posts, especially for card-making challenges, cross stitching and crochet, but until I have more time, I plan on posting all of my work on Pinterest just because it’s faster and easier. I’d love to have you follow me over there if you'd like. Simply click the banner to the right (for just my cards) or click HERE for all my projects and pins.

I personally want to thank each of you who frequently visit my blog and make such kind comments. May we all keep crafting and be a blessing to others. 

Hugs, Barbara

Cute Snowman "Ornament"

Finding the perfect gift for a neighbor who just had a baby can be challenging. In my past, I've always felt like I overdo things. This time, I wanted just a simple gift that would be easy to make, super cute and commemorate the birth of a first child.

I started by buying a pattern that was just too big for an ornament. Then I stumbled upon THIS SNOWMAN over at Etsy and found him to be perfect. His price can't be beat either. He was on sale for just $1.39 when I purchased him, but even at $1.99 regular price it can't be beat.

I also love buying PDF cross stitch patterns because it's easy to screen shot them and mark the rows off. It's also nice to be able to zoom in on both my iPad and my phone.

The only thing lacking in this pattern was the wording. For that I went over to STITCHPOINT and wrote out Asher's name and date of birth. I sketched that in to the left of the snowman pattern and it worked great. The only problem was that it made the design a bit larger than I wanted, but still within the acceptable size for an ornament. It ended up fitting in a 5" circle hoop. I finished it off with a bow, a bit of stuffing in the back and felt behind that.

His mom really liked it, and that's what it's all about!

Santa & Fido

Here's a fun freebie that's perfect for any dog-lover on your Christmas Card list. It shows a dog, which I believe to be a greyhound variety, looking up the chimney as Santa is falling down it. I know my dog Bella would be going crazy!

Here's the free digi. As always:

1. Snag it to your desktop or photos.
2. Put it in a Word or Page Document.
3. Resize it to the size card you want to make.
4. Print it out, either at home or at a copy center. 

I hope you enjoy the freebie! Thanks for stopping by my blog today and have a wonderful day!

In The Meadow...

Here we are in December already! Time goes way too quickly these days. I had hoped to make more Christmas cards by now, but I still have a few weeks so that's good.

The first card of this month is called "In The Meadow...." with thoughts of the timeless song that continues "we can build a snowman..."

I really do love snow even though I'm here in Florida. I have many fond memories of playing as a child, then playing with my own children, in the snow. There's really nothing that says "Christmas" quite like snow, although my mom reminds me that Jesus was born in Jerusalem and that it doesn't really snow there are that it really has nothing to do with Christmas.

Bah humbug!

This card will be entered into two challenges: 1) NBUS Challenge #69 because I bought this set last year from Mark of the Angel Card Project and haven't used it until this card and 2) WORD ART WEDNESDAY"S Challenge 675 & 676 because they have great challenges that are always "anything goes."

Here's my complete supply list:

• Lawn Fawn's Making Frosty Friends
• Lawn Fawn's Merry Messages
• Patterned Paper (gifted from a friend)
• Stampin' Up! Mossy Meadow Card Stock
• SU! Pear Pizzazz Card Stock
• Memento Black Ink
• Stickles Star Dust Glitter
• Copic Markers

Thanks so much to everyone who makes these challenges

possible time after time. I really appreciate the inspiration and the ability to share!

This card is a little bigger than even a regular slimline so I think it's going to take a bit more postage to send it to someone. Hopefully they will like and appreciate snow!

Blueberry Sweetie Pie

Well it's Thanksgiving Day here in the United States and of course there's so much to cook, but while it's still early (and not wanting to make a lot of noise in the kitchen and wake everyone up) I snuck in one last Thanksgiving card. 

This one was made because my last card turned out to be much bigger than anticipated, and I had already made the envelope for this. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good envelope, I made a card to go with it.

Here's my complete supply list:

• Pink & Main's Sweetie Pie Stamp Set
• True White Card Stock
• Copics E34, E35, B24
• Core-dinations Patterned Paper
• Stampin' Up! Cinnamon Cide Card Stock
• SU! Self Adhesive Small Brads

Since this is a blueberry pie, I guess it's a good one to send all year long, but there's just something about pie that screams Thanksgiving.

If you're reading this in the U.S. on November 28, a very Happy Thanksgiving to you. And as always, thanks so everyone who stops by my little blog. Now it's time for me to do some real baking!