04 October 2010

Snowflake Monday

Ane Scherrer's Beaded Snowflake OrnamentsLast week, Ane Scherrer challenged me to make my own string of snowflakes and beads. I was so inspired by the beauty of her work and the idea of combining shiny things with snowflakes, I decided to pass the challenge on to you and let you share in the fun and creativity, too!

I wanted my snowflake string to be different than what Ane has done, so I designed this Snowflake Inside a Snowflake on Friday night, began the stiffening process, then left town for the weekend to ride aspen-dotted mountain passes and shoot autumn color. The plan was to finish up my string of beads and snowflakes at a decent hour Sunday night then shoot photos and get this blog post published before bedtime. Unfortunately, our four-hour drive home nearly doubled when we had to take an alternate highway after something ahead closed our intended route and forced a mandatory detour.

So this project was not done at a decent hour, and I forgot to photograph the individual snowflakes until after I strung them together. (I also poked myself four times, wrapped my bleeding fingers in bandages so as not to transform my creation into something Halloween-inspired and uttered lots of grrrrrrs when six beads didn't have holes in the center! Grrrr!) I had to use things around the house because I wasn't about to go bead shopping in the middle of the night when I have to be at work and attentive bright and early Monday morning. I did not have any small suction cups at home, so for now, my beaded snowflake hangs by a thread. Literally.

Challenge PrizeTo participate in this challenge, please use any snowflake pattern(s) (patterns not have to be your own) and beads, buttons, earrings and/or other embellishments you preferably already have to create a beaded snowflake ornament by midnight Mountain Time (US) Friday, October 15, 2010, and post a link to a photo of your design here as a comment on this post. (Please make sure I have a way to contact you so I can get your snail mail address if you design the winning challenge entry.) The winner will be selected by a panel of non-crocheting judges I have yet to assemble and will be announced the week of October 18. The winner will receive a handy dandy mile and a half of white size 10 crochet thread, which should last at least through this winter!

Good luck, have fun, and I can't wait to see your beaded snowflake ornaments!

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
My Beaded Snowflake OrnamentFinished Crocheted Snowflake Size: 10 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, optional beads or other embellishments, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, glue, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Snowflake Inside a Snowflake Instructions

Outer Snowflake

Ch 71; sl st in starting chain to form a ring, taking care not to twist chain when joining.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), sc in same ch as sl st and in each of next 2 ch; *hdc in next ch, ch 1, dc in next ch, ch 1, tr in next ch, ch 3, tr in next ch, ch 1, dc in next ch, ch 1, hdc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 6 sc; repeat from * around 4 times; hdc in next ch, ch 1, dc in next ch, ch 1, tr in next ch, ch 3, tr in next ch, ch 1, dc in next ch, ch 1, hdc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc; sl st in starting sc. You should have a total of 6 points, and the ring should have a natural circular/hexagon shape.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), *hdc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next tr, ch 3, tr in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, tr in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, dc in next tr, ch 2, hdc in next dc, ch 3, sk hdc and 2 sc, 1 dc in each of next 2 sc, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times, hdc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next tr, ch 3, tr in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, tr in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, dc in next tr, ch 2, hdc in next dc, ch 3, sk hdc and 2 sc, 1 dc in next sc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.

Round 3: Ch 6, *hdc in next dc, ch 5, dc in next tr, ch 5, tr in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, dtr in same ch 3 sp, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, ch 4, sl sl in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, sl st in ch below 2nd "branch", ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, sl st in 2 ch below 1st "branch", sl st in top of dtr, ch 3, tr in same ch 3 sp, ch 5, dc in next tr, ch 5, hdc in next dc, ch 5, sc between next 2 dc, ch 5; repeat from * around 4 more times; hdc in next dc, ch 5, dc in next tr, ch 5, tr in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, dtr in same ch 3 sp, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, ch 4, sl sl in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next ch, sl st in ch below 2nd "branch", ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, sl st in 2 ch below 1st "branch", sl st in top of dtr, ch 3, tr in same ch 3 sp, ch 5, dc in next tr, ch 5, hdc in next dc, ch 5, sc between next 2 dc; sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 6; bind off. Weave in ends.

outer snowflake
Center Snowflake
Note: I added two new steps in the third row and how-to photos on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

Finished Size: 3 inches from point to point

Ch 4, sl st into 1st ch OR make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring; sl st in 1st sc. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same sc, 2 dc in next sc, *ch 3, 2 dc in next sc, 2 dc in next sc; repeat from * around 4 times; dc in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc around post of dc just made (counts as ch 3), *ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dtr in next ch (see Photo 1 below), yo 3 times, bring up loop through sc at point (see Photo 2 below), yo and bring through 2 loops, yo 3 times, bring up loop through next ch, yo and pull through 2 loops 3 times, yo and bring up loop between 4 dc in ring directly below (see Photo 3 below), yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through 3 loops, yo and pull through 2 loops 3 times; ch 3, sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, sc in next ch 3 loop; repeat from * around 5 times for a total of 6 petals ending with sl st in starting sc instead of sc on final repeat; bind off. Weave in ends
.

Photo 1
Photo 2
through this chain

Photo 3
Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or foil.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap.

For this Snowflake Inside a Snowflake, I used a beading needle, three sizes of white and clear beads and two mini Christmas ornaments. I strung beads and the mini snowflakes first, then threaded through the larger snowflake from the bottom working my way up toward the center, filling gaps with beads, then stringing the center flake in the middle of the larger flake, then threading up through the top of the larger flake, ending with a few more beads. My original plan was to attach a suction cup to the top after I purchase one, but I've decided I like the way the inside flake twirls freely inside the larger flake, often in the opposite direction, and it won't be able to do that against glass if I hang it on a window. Right now, I have the snowflake hanging from the ceiling, and if I still like it there next month when I put up the rest of our Christmas decorations, it may have earned a permanent home!center snowflake

42 comments :

  1. just gorgeous! How talented you are!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just when I think I've seen the best you can do you come out with another stunner! This is magnficent. I think I have to work on this one! Thank you so much for sharing such beauty each day. Makes one smile for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, it's beautiful! I love the two snowflakes, but I think I'll pass on the giveaway. I have wayyyy too much yarn as it is!

    ReplyDelete
  4. so lovely... I feel inspired to try this myself.

    ReplyDelete
  5. O.M.G those are just gorgeous!! Beautiful snowflakes!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AAAAAHHHHHH!!!! :) You are a master!! BEAUTIFUL!!! Well done, and the challenge is a great idea! Brazilian kisses.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So wonderful! I think they would be perfect in a child's window. :) I have bought my supplies but still haven't attempted to crochet -I'm scared, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your snowflake inside a snowflake is really gorgeous. And it is SO frustrating when the beads don't have holes in them!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love your snowflakes. And I love these strings you got. LOVELY!!!

    Do you know here I can get those suction cups the strings hangs in? A nice way to hang things up without nails :)

    Kindly,
    Bodil

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, everyone, especially Ane, for inspiring me!

    Hi, Bodil. I have been assuming I'd easily be able to pick up suction cups at any hobby/craft store, but I haven't had a chance to go looking yet. I did find these and these online. Hopefully that will help if you don't have a craft shop near you. I have never used either of these businesses, so I can't vouch for them, but this is the kind of product I'll be looking for next time I go shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Here is my creation for your bead and snowflake challege.
    http://craftknowitall.blogspot.com/2010/10/snowflakes-and-beads.html

    ReplyDelete
  12. That is absolutely beautiful, you must be so proud of it. I think i'll be making some of your snowflakes for christmas this year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a fun challenge. I love making snowflakes and have had fun making the icicles too. Here is a link to my picassa album to see what I have made: http://picasaweb.google.com/princessquiltsalot/SnowflakeIcicles?authkey=Gv1sRgCIe-28PL44TTYg&feat=directlink

    Thanks for all the fun snowflake patterns each week!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The challenge is now closed. Thank you, Susan and Shantelle for entering! Results will be announced next week (probably 10.18.10).

    Even though the challenge is closed, please feel free to continue to post links to your creations so we may all enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am so glad to have stumbled across your blog. =) I was searching for some snowflake patterns and I found oh so much more here. Thanks!!

    Your creativity is amazing.

    Chickee.

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are so wonderful to have published these patterns. I am very picky about what I crochet. I love patterns with lots of details. Your patterns are just what I was looking for. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. HI I must say I love your site. I started Creative Corner as a friendly group of crafters. I started a Xmas Swap game and I found this and thought what a great gift idea...

    This is perfect for my home and to give to those fellow crafting friends
    thanks

    I found these pictures on flickr and I was wonder what you could do lol...

    Bet you could do something amazing
    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3886887732_d3bf0e0545.jpg


    http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Tw1LoWyoCnRjcM:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a400/racerose/WW587944z.jpg&t=1

    thanks again :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for those inspirational links, Novy!

    I actually have a tree very much like that, but I did it with evergreen-colored thread. I think white would be awesome with tiny peacock blue ornaments!

    I'll have to do one of my upcoming patterns as a 3D snowflake, because people have been asking how that's done. You make three of the same flake, and then you stiffen two of them over a box corner, then after everything dries, glue the two angled flakes to the center of the flat flake, on opposite sides. But that crocheted candleholder-like stand your linked flake is on is creative! I may have to come up with a stand of my own now! Thanks for sharing those!

    ReplyDelete
  19. The strings look amazing! One comentator said they would be perfect for a child's window. I say they'd be perfect for mine - I'm 30. :))
    I will try to use one of your patterns but I must admit I'm only used to technical drawings and wonder if I'll manage following these descriptive patterns. Maybe you have some technical drawings of snowflakes? I'd be very grateful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Spoxy, diagraming my snowflakes is something I have always hoped I'd be able to do one day. Sadly, I can't even begin to learn right now, but I recently found out about software that might allow the user to diagram via the keyboard. I may check that out after the holidays, and if it works, then I expect all my patterns would be charted at some point!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi! I have been visiting your site now for a couple of months and have probably made about a third of your snowflake patterns and counting - they are simply beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing your designs!

    I have a question about this particular snowflake within a snowflake in relation to the beading. I can't quite understand the process of how you prestring the beads and then moving from bottom to top, insert them into the completed snowflake(s) as you move up. I know how to do beaded crochet, but this is a little different as far as inserting them up through the finished flake. Is there any way you could either post very specific instructions with pics or post a tutorial?

    Thank you so much!
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  22. adding this one too. Your snowflakes are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love your snowflakes. I would love to have a book of ALL your snowflakes:)

    ReplyDelete
  24. For the life of me, I just can't seem to work out Round 3 for the inside snow flake. Where you start the yo 3 times then pull loop through sc, then yo 3 times and pull a loop through ch? Can I ask which chain as there is no photo of this particular step. I seem to get all twisted up somehow.
    Thanks in advance
    Frustrated Lyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Lyn

      I will have to try to make this at home and do more photos; I am looking at the photos am am not quite sure where any of the stitches go without a crochet hook in my hand. I'll try to get the new photos posted tonight.

      Delete
    2. Snowcatcher,
      I too am having problems at this step. I've tried it different ways but ended up ripping it out numerous times. I can't figure it out. Do you ever do videos of the steps?
      Thanks
      Sherry

      Delete
    3. Hi again Lyn, and hi Sherry

      Please forgive me for being so tardy. I actually shot the new photo included above now on December 16... I'm so sorry for taking so long. Life's been a blur. I hope this helps. I have not done videos of crochet steps; it's difficult enough just trying to get pictures of my own hands! I think I need two more hands... :)

      Again, sorry for taking so long. Let me know if it still doesn't help.

      Delete
  25. Hello again Snowcatcher. I have made several of your snowflakes from your pages. I have to tell you that I love them all, each and every one. But of all of them I think this is my favorite. I made one last Christmas for my best friend and strung it together with bright red, large beads. I wish I had thought to get a picture of it. But, as with everything I make, it is gone now and I have nothing kept that I have made. Maybe this time I will remember to take a picture. Or even keep some for my own tree. LOL You are a fabulous talent and an inspiration to all of us who strive to create. God Bless You.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi, I've made quite a few of your gorgeous snow flakes so far and am determined to do as many as I can before Christmas, just one question, do you stiffen then thread them together or the latter first? thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi, Tracey. I absolutely stiffen them first before I do anything else with them. Much easier to work with stiffened flakes when doing a combined project that will be stiffened.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your snowflakes are beautiful. You are so very talented and it is just wonderful that you share with all of us. I do hate to bother you with this but, I was printing out some of you flakes to make and give as Christmas gifts: example my son and his family live in Savannah, Ga. so I was going to send them your Savanna snowflake. I wanted your sister snowflake so my daughter-in-law could send it to her sister. I don't have one(a sister). The problem is that when I try to print it out I am sent to the sister of the snowflake website. Is it an exclusive snowflake just for their group, or do I just need to wait. I apologize for the length of this comment, and I do really appreciate all the time you put into sharing your talent with all of us and your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Dragontamer, and I apologize for taking so long to respond. I don't always have internet access, but I do try to respond as soon as I am able.

      The Sister Snowflake is indeed an exclusive snowflake for the Sisters of the Snowflake group, which is free to join. It's just a bunch of snowflakers like me who share ideas and links to patterns. They celebrate Snowflake Day each February with sort of an online check-in, sharing what they are doing, all snowflake related, and even though I have not been able to participate, it looks like they've had a ton of fun making Elsa wands, snowflake pizzas, you name it!

      If you are unable to join or do not want to join, email me at the email address above, and I will try to find my copy of the pattern to send to you. I've had a computer meltdown since I wrote that pattern, and I'm not entirely sure where it is on the external hard drive, but I will try to find it.

      Delete
  29. You only took a day to answer which is nothing and I completely understand about not always having the internet and computer meltdowns. Experience both. Thank you however for responding. I will not put you through the trouble of trying to find the snowflake for me I also know about not being able to find things on my hard drive. Thanks for letting me know about the sister snowflake group. I will either join them or will find a different snowflake to use. It is not like you haven't given us more than enough flakes to make as if their isn't enough flakes hanging around or is there. I will be giving lots of flakes away this Christmas thanks to you and your exceptional ability and my handwork. I wish I had a small amount of your talent. Your flakes are beautiful. Good luck with your biking this year. And by the way your photographs are great as well. I am in awe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you again, Dragontamer, for your kind words! I just finished volunteering for Day 1 of the MS-150 for the first time, and I'm so glad I got to see the event from the volunteer's perspective! No internet or computer access again this weekend, just my phone, which I'm phenomenally bad at typing on, so I apologize in advance for any typos or weird auto corrects. :)

      I didn't mean to make it sound like torturte to look up the pattern; I just can't do it on my phone, unfortunately. I will try to find it when I get home if you want.

      Snowflakes do make the most wonderful gifts!!!

      Delete
  30. My name is Anja Van der Spiegel and I am the owner of the group "haak-, brei- en naai-creativelingen" en url
    which is dedicated to people who enjoy to create crochet, knitting, sewing, ...

    A lot of the members are Dutch speaking elderly people and therefore not understanding English very well.

    To help them to realise the pattern of their dreams, I would like to offer them some Dutch translations. Hereby
    I am requesting your permission to translate your pattern. Of course, I'll mention the name of the author and the original URL were I have found the pattern.

    Thanks in advance for your kind reply.

    Yours sincerely, Anja Van der Spiegel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Anja, and thank you so much for offering to do that! If you will let me know when you finish, I will try to crosslink it to the appropriate pattern so people will be able to find your translation.

      Delete
    2. Hello, i've finished the translation. Can I send it to you via e-mail?

      Delete
    3. Hi, Anja! I apologize for the delay in responding; I don't have much time on the internet this time of year because work is so busy. Yes, you may email it to me, and I will include it here and link it back to you.

      Delete
  31. while looking through all the lovelies, umpteen times, never tire and always see something I hadn't seen before...I found this little gem. I may give this a whirl. so pretty. thank you.

    ReplyDelete


Dusty words lying under carpets,
seldom heard, well must you keep your secrets
locked inside, hidden deep from view?
You can talk to me... (Stevie Nicks)

All spam is promptly and cheerfully deleted without ever appearing in print.

If you are unable to leave a comment and need to contact me, please use the email address in the sidebar. Thank you!

Related Posts with Thumbnails