Snowflake Monday

Today's pattern is the final snowflake I'm reinterpreting from my Christmas pillow. I wanted it to be one of the patterns in my next pdf booklet to raise money for Parkinson's, but we will not be able to participate in any of the fund-raising organized rides this year. I don't know if we will be able to ride together again at all, but I will never give up hoping.

I had begun working on a new snowflake pdf pattern booklet one year ago this month. I can't remember what day it was announced the 35th anniversary Ride the Rockies had been postponed to 2021, but I remember at the time being very thankful I'd still be able to do the phenomenal route this year. Lizard had received a brand new knee for Christmas in 2019, and by the time the 2020 route was announced, I knew there was no way he'd be ready. Both of us were so excited we wouldn't miss out!

What we didn't know at the time was Lizard would be getting a brand new back in August. We were forewarned prior to both surgeries that the trauma from each might make the Parkinson's worse. We had to take a chance because staying active is a key to fighting Parkinson's.

By August, Lizard could barely walk at all. He'd lost all hand/eye coordination, he'd graduated from speech therapy and actually made progress in communication, but his personality and ability to think were slipping away so fast, he was a shadow of the man he once was. We didn't know then that part of what he was going through was his spinal cord being nearly severed by arthritic constriction and a slipped disc. We did know it took more than seven years for the nerve damage in my back to heal following my own emergency back surgery.

Both surgeries were worth the risk. Lizard can walk again, and he's got the cutest sense of humor! The Parkinson's is worse, but we're learning to live with it. We're doing everything we can to slow the accelerated progress. And we're trying not to take a single day for granted.

I guess it's kind of a good thing we were able to live the lives we did prior to the two surgeries. We got to see so many things! We did more in the short 14 years we were married and active than some people do in their entire lives. Although it sometimes feels now as if I'm being cheated out of our weekend warrior adventures, I'm very grateful Lizard is able to walk again, even if slow, and even if his balance is off.

The final two years of his job, prior to retiring due to the progression of Parkinson's, I walked on the greenway almost every morning before beginning my own work commute, wishing he could be with me to enjoy the great blue herons, the mergansers, the kingfishers, the deer, the beavers, the muskrats, the snow, the blossoms, the fall colors and the ice formations. I spent about eight months of 2020 wondering if he would ever get to walk on the greenway with me again.

We tried walking every day we could after his back surgery and acute rehab in August. The wildfire smoke and heat, combined with his pain and faltering balance, made it difficult, but we kept trying. The time change put an end to weekday walking through the end of the year. I didn't want him to walk alone, I couldn't break free from working at home for even a lunch hour most days, and the ice around the neighborhood make walking extremely risky for him anyway.

We walked on weekends and holidays. And I could see him losing the progress he made each weekend because we were walking only two days a week. From Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning, he would lose all the walking progress he'd made, and we'd have to start all over again every single weekend.

I made a New Year's resolution to walk with Lizard every day, even if only for a few minutes, and even if only in our kitchen and living room. I've been blessed to be able to start working a bit earlier each morning this year and to clock out a few minutes early so we could walk safely in the increasing daylight. We're currently up to 38 days straight!

I remember when I was walking, trying to build streaks via a charity app on my phone. I'd get frustrated when the app would start me all over again if I didn't walk twice within the same 24-hour period. If I couldn't walk one morning due to storms or work deadlines, the app would start me over, even though I'd walk at lunch or in the afternoon or evening. I got fed up, deleted the app, made my own charitable contributions and vowed to keep track of my own streaks.

Then Lizard's knee surgery forced me to change my habits. I was never able to restart my streak until New Year's Eve 2020.

People make fun of resolutions and how quick we break them. I'm not always very good at meeting every goal I set, but I'm going to try to keep this year's resolution to walk every single day going for the rest of my life, if I can. It's good for me. It's good for Lizard. And it's fun. Even if we have to do it in the house!

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!

Finished Size: 6.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Let It Snowflake Frame Instructions

Ch 41. Taking care not to twist work, sl st in starting ch.

Round 1: Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), 1 sc in each of next 6 ch, [ch 2, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch] 5 times; 1 dc in starting ch to form 6th ch 2 sp of Round.

Round 2: Ch 6 (counts as 1 sc and [ch 5), sk next 3 sc, 1 tr in next sc, ch 5, sk next 3 sc, 1 sc in next ch 2 sp] 6 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 6..

Round 3: Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), [1 sc in each of next 5 ch, 3 sc in next dc, 1 sc in each of next 5 ch, 1 sc in next sc] 6 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc.
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 4: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 5), sk next 6 sc, 1 dc in next sc, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (branch made), ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (branch made), ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, sk next ch, sl st in next ch (point made, working back down spoke, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, sl st in 3 ch between branches, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, sl st in ch below 1st branch, sl st in dc, ch 5, sk next 6 sc, in next dc work (1 dc, ch 7, 1 dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 7; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Snowflake Monday

I had a heartflake pattern I had planned to publish today, but on Good Friday, my brother's best friend of probably 45 years and brother-in-law passed away.

My heart goes out to my brother. My brother already lost his mother-in-law in January. My brother and his best friend married sisters, daughters of Amanda, for whom I designed a starflake in honor of earlier this year. In southern New Mexico, when you marry, the two families become lovingly entwined. My siblings and I love and treasure each of Amanda's five daughters as members of our family.

John's wife Nellie is as much a sister to me as my brother's wife. I wanted to do something today to show my brother and Nellie how much I care.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes and snowframes you make from these patterns, but you may not sell or republish the patterns. Thanks, and enjoy!


Finished Size: 4 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

A Snowflake for John Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc in ring, [ch 3, 5 dc in ring] 2 times; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 3rd ch 3 sp of Round. Don't pull magic circle too tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 3, in next ch 3 sp work 3 dc, ch 5, 3 dc] 2 times; ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 3rd ch 5 tip of Round.

Round 3: Ch 4 (counts as 1 sc and ch 3), 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, [1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 6, 1 dc in same sp (V-st made), [[ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook]] 2 times, 1 sc in next ch 5 tip*, ch 6, 1 sc in same sp, [[ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook]] 2 times,] 3 times, ending * on final repeat.
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 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), over post of tr directly below work (1 dc, 2 tr, 2 dtr), [sk next 2 dc picots, ch 3, in next ch 6 tip work (2 dtr, 2 tr, 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc, 2 tr, 2 dtr)] 5 times; in next ch 6 tip work (2 dtr, 2 tr, 2 dc, ch 3); sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.


A Snowframe for Nellie Instructions

Round 1: Ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 8, 1 sc in 8th ch from hook, [[ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook] 2 times, ch 8, 1 sc in 8th ch from hook] 5 times, omitting last ch 8 and last sc of final repeat; 1 sc in 1st ch of starting ch 4, ch 4, 1 dtr in sc to form 6th ch 6 loop of Round.
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 2 (counts as 1 dc), over post of dtr directly below work (1 dc, 2 tr, 2 dtr), [ch 3, in next ch 8 tip work (2 dtr, 2 tr, 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc, 2 tr, 2 dtr)] 5 times; in next ch 8 tip work (2 dtr, 2 tr, 2 dc, ch 3); sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Heartflake Monday

If you ever in your crocheting thought your craft doesn't bring love and sunshine wherever you send it, particularly when you send it anonymously, please listen to this podcast at about 49 minutes. You don't even have to listen to the whole thing. Just listen from 49 minutes to 50:05 minutes.

No, I didn't send those snowflakes, but I know who did. I made the snowflakes, and I sold them. I didn't know until later what they were being used for, or I never would have accepted a penny for them.

Comedian Heather Snow was approved for bone marrow transplant and was scheduled to leave for that procedure on January 2. But she died on New Year's Eve.

A celebration of her life will take place this weekend, and more snowflakes were purchased to be auctioned off in benefit of Dear Jack, an organization that helps young adults with cancer. When I learned what the snowflakes were going to be used for, I tried to return the money. The buyer said simply I wasn't charging enough in the first place. So I'll be making a donation in Heather's name.

This is what the buyer did with the snowflakes to be auctioned.

Heather wanted to do a comedy show to raise money for Dear Jack, but her illness prevented her from completing this item on her bucket list. At the fundraiser this weekend, Love, Hope, Strength will be swabbing cheeks for guests interested in donating bone marrow. How's that for making a difference from beyond the grave?

There is some language in the link I'm about to share, but if you'd like to learn more about Heather, Westword wrote about her last weekend.

I didn't know Heather, and my husband and I have never been to a comedy club. But both of us love to do what we can to help others. It's the best kind of love there is.

I had been trying to figure out what to write today, with Valentine's Day being tomorrow, when I learned where my snowflakes were going.

This story might encompass more love than anything else I could have composed for today.

Oh, and this is my 500th written pattern.

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!

Finished Size: 7.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Amore Snowframe Instructions

Ch 34, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook to form top heart point (picot made); ch 30. Taking care not to twist ch, sl st in starting ch.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 12 sc, [2 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch] 4 times, [yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 5 times (3rd repeat will be through sc of picot to form top point of heart), yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook, [1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 2 dc in each of next 2 ch] 4 times, 1 dc in each of next 13 ch; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form heart bottom point.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below,[ ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 11 times, [ch 1, 1 dc in next dc] 11 times, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, [sk 1 dc, yo, draw up loop through next dc, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook (dc dec made), ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc, [ch 1, 1 dc in next dc] 11 times, [ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 10 times, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form bottom heart point.

Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, ch 5, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, [ch 5, sk next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 11 times, ch 5, sk next 2 ch 1 sp (and dc dec), 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, [ch 5, sk next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 11 times, ch 5, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form bottom heart point.
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 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over dc post directly below, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, ch 5, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 2 times, ch 5, in next ch 5 sp work [1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc] (shell made), [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 3 times, ch 5, shell in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 4 times, shell in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 4 times, shell in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 4 times, shell in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 3 times, ch 5, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch as sl st, [ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 1 dc in next sc, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 3 dc in middle dc of next shell, ch 3, 3 dc in same dc] 2 times, [ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 1 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 3 dc in middle dc of next shell, ch 3, 3 dc in same dc] 2 times, [ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 1 dc in next sc, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, sk next 2 ch 5 sp, 3 dc in middle dc of next shell, ch 3, 3 dc in same dc] 2 times, omitting last ch 3 and last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 3rd ch of starting ch 3 to form bottom heart point.

Round 6: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * [ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 4, 1 sc in next dc picot] 2 times, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in n3xt ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 7, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook (sc picot made), ch 4, 1 dc in same ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc and last ch 3 of final repeat; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 5; bind off. Weave in ends.

I typically like to add my blog Easter eggs a few weeks or months after a snowflake pattern is released. But this one is applicable to tomorrow, so now you know, there are Easter eggs buried throughout my website! Here's a new favorite!

Amore Heart Frame Instructions

Ch 33, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook to form top heart point (picot made); ch 30. Taking care not to twist ch, sl st in starting ch.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 11 ch, [2 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch] 4 times, [yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 5 times (3rd repeat will be through sc of picot, holding picot pointing toward center of heart as you stitch through sc, to form top point of heart), yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook, [1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 2 dc in each of next 2 ch] 4 times, 1 dc in each of next 11 ch, 2 dc in next ch, 1 dc in same ch as sl st at start of Round, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form heart bottom point.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 9 times, [ch 1, 1 dc in next dc] 7 times, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc] 2 times, [ch 1, 1 dc in next dc] 3 times, ch 1, [sk next dc, yo and draw up loop through next dc, yo and draw through 2 loop on hook] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook (dc dec made), ch 1, sk next dc, [1 dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, sk next dc, [1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next dc] 2 times, [1 dc in next dc, ch 1] 8 times, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1] 10 times, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form bottom point of heart.
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 3: 1 sc over post of tr directly below, ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, [ch 5, sk next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp] 12 times, ch 5, sk next 2 ch 1 sp (top point of heart), [1 sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 5, sk next ch 1 sp] 10 times, ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in bottom of heart tip, ch 5, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Snowflake Monday

NOTE: Formal fundraising on Snowcatcher has been paused. I haven't had time to create a new snowflake pattern booklet, and we don't know if or when we will be able to participate in organized charity rides again. If things favorably change, I will announce such in a new Snowflake Monday blog post. In the meantime, the previous eight booklets are still available, and I will do my best to respond to requests for them in a timely manner.

Welcome to the third annual Snowflake Day!

There is indeed another special snowflake project. I was hoping to enter it into the tenant art exhibit at the building where I work in downtown Denver, but a head cold kicked me to the curb most of the month of January. I missed the deadline. I attended the open house and reception kicking off the month-long exhibit last week, and I decided I should go ahead and try to enter the piece in another show.

As a result, I'm keeping this new project under wraps until it gets accepted into an exhibit, at which time you'll probably feel the earth move, because I'll be pretty darned excited!!!

Meanwhile, use your imagination; the snowflakes in this year's fundraising pattern booklet are featured in my latest work of art. And even though I didn't finish the work of art in time for one specific show, I do still have a reason to celebrate snowflakes today.

My new PDF pattern booklet to benefit the fight against Parkinson's Disease is here!

This new PDF booklet includes 20 of my past snowflake patterns modified to serve as photo frames. Because nothing's cuter than putting a grandchild in a snowflake, right? And you remember I have tons of grandchildren now, right?


Today's snowframe pattern is modified from a button snowflake I introduced a few weeks ago. Back then, Pop Goes the Button was a catchy name, but today's pattern has no button. How about Pop Goes the Booklet?

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflake frames you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!


Finished Size: 5.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Pop Goes the Booklet Snowframe Instructions

Foundation Round: [Ch 10, sl st in 5th ch from hook] 5 times; ch 5; taking care not to twist work, sl st in starting ch; ch 2, 1 dtr in same ch to form 6th ch 5 loop of Round.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc over post of dtr directly below, pull hook out of loop (dropped loop) and insert in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, insert in dropped loop, pull dropped loop through 2nd ch of starting ch 2 (starting popcorn stitch made), * ch 3, sk next 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 3, sk next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch 5 loop, pull hook out of loop (dropped loop) and insert in top loop of 1st dc of this 5/dc group, insert in dropped loop, pull dropped loop through top loop of 1st dc (popcorn stitch made), ch 3, popcorn st in same ch 5 loop; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last popcorn st and last ch 3 of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in top of starting popcorn to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * ch 5, in next ch 3 tip (between popcorns) work [ 1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 5, 1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc]; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 5, in next ch 3 tip work [1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc], ch 2, 1 tr in 3rd ch of starting ch 5 to form 6th ch 5 tip of Round.
NOTE: Binding off here makes a cute little 3-inch snowflake.
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 3: 1 sc around post of tr directly below, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 7, sk next ch 5 sp, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc and last ch 5 of final repeat; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form 6th ch 5 tip of Round.

Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of tr directly below, * ch 4, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, 5 dc over Round 2 and Round 3 chains, ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 4, 3 dc in next ch 5 tip, ch 10, 3 dc in same ch 5 tip; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Snowflake Monday

What a drag to be sick on a three-day weekend!

Typically we'd be cross country skiing on the Grand Mesa or at Crested Butte, which received a total of 90 inches of snow during winter storms Helena, Iras and Jupiter!!! Unfortunately, The Lizard had to work, and we generously shared the timely cold to boot.


Winter Storm Iris Snowflake in real winter storm Jupiter snowflakes!
The office where I work also asked employees to focus on service on our Martin Luther King holiday instead of skiing. I had been trying to come up with a way to serve and yet still be able to go cross-country skiing until I found out my husband would working the entire weekend, all three days.

Now I'm planning a service project today, provided my head cold has abandoned ship, and I hope to report on that in the next week or so.

I guess I come up with some of my best ideas when I'm cranking out the midnight oil. The building where I work is having a tenant art show, and submissions are due tomorrow. I came up with the coolest idea last Thursday, but being under the weather prevented me from moving into deadline mode. I do have a couple of other things I was hoping to submit, and I'll report on those (and share photos!) if they are accepted.

As for the special project, perhaps I'll finish it in time for Snowflake Day on February 6. Hey, that's a Monday! Wouldn't it be a perfect Snowflake Monday blog post?

If I can get it done on time...

And last but not least, I also planned to finish up Remington's baby quilt before my newest nephew arrived. Totally missed the deadline. I thought I had until the 15th, which wouldn't have been doable with the head cold and sinus issues, however, I also had to teach (last time, unless they invite me back again) on Tuesday night last week, and I had to get ready for class on Monday night, so I didn't get any quilting done those two nights. (And it was head cold city after that.)


Remington Jasper LeBeaux was born Friday the 13th, same as me too many years ago! His mom, my niece, Lindsay, sent us the most incredible painting for Christmas. We had it professionally framed and matted, and we picked it up on Friday the 13th! It proudly hangs in our living room. Isn't it awesome?!?


Lindsay's pseudonym or art name is Iris Ink. The name Iras used in the 2017 winter storm list comes from Shakespeare's tragedy, "Antony and Cleopatra." I changed up the spelling for this week's flake because I like the name and the symbolism better.

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!


Finished Size: 6-6.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, 1.25-inch button (yes, it should work with other sizes with minimal adjustments, but do make sure the buttonholes are big enough for the crochet hook to fit through multiple times), empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Winter Storm Iris Snowflake Instructions

Round 1: 1 dc in button hole, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook,[1 dc in same buttonhole, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook] 2 times, 1 dc in next buttonhole, [ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in same buttonhole] 2 times; ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in starting dc.

Round 2: Ch 8 (counts as 1 tr and ch 5), * sk next dc picot, 1 dtr in next ch, ch 5, 1 dtr in same ch, ch 5, sk next dc picot, 1 tr in next dc, ch 3, 1 tr in same dc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last tr and last ch 3 of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 3rd ch of starting ch 8 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
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 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 6 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5, 6 dc in same sp, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 3 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ch 6, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, working back down branch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, sl st in ch between 3 sl st spike and 4 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, sl st in ch between 4 sl st spike and 5 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, sl st in next ch after 5 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, 3 dc in same ch 3 tip; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

Of course, this snowflake may be made without a button. You may use your favorite snowflake center, or work up this adaption to make a gorgeous picture frame, so suitable for brand new nephews!


Winter Storm Iris Snowflake Frame Instructions

Foundation Round: [Ch 4, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made)] 12 times. Taking care not to twist work, sl st in starting ch to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 8 (counts as 1 tr and ch 5), * sk next dc picot, 1 dtr in next ch, ch 5, 1 dtr in same ch, ch 5, sk next dc picot, 1 tr in next ch, ch 3, 1 tr in same sc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last tr and last ch 3 of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in sl st to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
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 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 6 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5, 6 dc in same sp, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 3 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ch 6, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, working back down branch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, sl st in ch between 3 sl st spike and 4 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, sl st in ch between 4 sl st spike and 5 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, sl st in next ch after 5 sl st spike on opposite side of branch, 3 dc in same ch 3 tip; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

I reversed the snowflake tips on this frame, just for the fun of it.

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Heartflake Monday

I enjoy making snowflakes that may be used as mini photo frames, but for years I've wanted to try crocheting right along the edge of a photo to make a snowflake frame.

I'd need a photo I don't mind cutting up, as well as a stencil to assist with shaping. I had Walgreen's print wallet-size sets of photos, with the faces measuring about an inch across in the final prints. Initially I thought I might be able to use my large heart punch to cut the faces, but it is only an inch across at the widest point and wasn't big enough.

Walgreen's prints wallet photos in sets of four, which was pretty handy because I made a mistake on the second photo I cut. I had three back-ups ready and waiting in the wings.


One of the things I learned during this process is the faces need to be fairly centered in the photo. If they are too close to the edge, you might not be able to get a true heart shape. This project would work with round, oval, square or hexagon-shaped photos, too. I focused on hearts for my heartflake set. My heart-shaped photos measure 2 inches and 1.75 inches across. You probably could go a tiny bit bigger or a tiny bit smaller with this pattern and not have to make any adjustments.

I made templates the old-school way, folding a piece of typing paper in half and cutting several hearts in different sizes until I finished two with just the right size and shape.

Before actually cutting the photos, I used the folded typing paper heart opening to fussy cut by positioning it where I wanted to cut, then using a non-smearing pen to gently mark the two points of the heart with tiny, almost invisible marks. I then placed the solid heart shape over the face, lining up the marks, then traced the heart onto the photo. Then I cut the photo along the lines.




I punched 12 evenly spaced holes along the edges of the 2-inch photo hearts with the smallest hole-size punch I own. The punch doesn't have a size designation, but my guess would be approximately 3 mm. I found it easier to mark the holes on the back of the photo with a non-smearing pen or a pencil before actually punching rather than just eyeballing it. (Yes, I found that out the hard way the first time.)


CAUTION! Don't punch the holes too close to the edge, or you may accidentally tear right through the edge while crocheting, and the stitches won't stay in place. Yes, I learned that the hard way, too, but I also came up with an emergency fix so I didn't have to start all over again. I'll describe that process later in this post.

The smaller hearts seemed too small to use the hole punch, so I used a thumbtack to start the holes after marking the position on the back of the photos, then I gently punched the holes to the proper size by pushing the crochet hook through from the front of the photos. I could have used an awl for this step, but it was at home, and I was in the lunchroom at work. I had to temporarily take a poster off the bulletin board to make use of the thumbtack. And yes, I put the poster back in place when I was done.

My first real hurdle would be waterproofing the shaped photos so they could survive the heartflake stiffening process.

I've had a bottle of Mod Podge in my craft supplies ever since I made my first 3D snowflake project. I decided this project might be suitable to pull out that white gloppy stuff again. I'd brought the Mod Podge and a paint brush to work with me.

After punching all the holes, I put the photos on pages from a mail order catalogue so I wouldn't mess up the lunch room while using the Mod Podge. I painted each photo with three layers of Mod Podge, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next layer. I also propped up the hearts after the first layer to keep them from sticking to the magazine pages. I'd brought along several cotton swabs for just in case, and they were perfect for keeping the hearts from adhering to the paper. (As well as mopping up messes...)

That evening, I began crocheting flakes around the heart-shaped photos while aboard the commuter train, and the process was pretty easy, except for the two holes that were too close to the edge.


Still aboard the train and not wanting to stop crocheting, I cut a one-inch piece from another ball of thread and used the crochet hook to pull it through the escaped stitch. I then pulled the thread through a neighboring stitch on each side and tied a square knot to hold the runaway stitch until I could get home. I hoped I could push the stitch back in place and add a dab of Elmer's Glue All (because it's permanent) so I wouldn't lose all the progress I'd made.

I finished up the heartflake, then used the Glue All at home to secure the stitch. After the glue dried (the next day), I cut away the thread I'd used to hold the stitch. I'll bet you can't even tell which of the two heartflakes have a dropped stitch! The booboo shows on the back, but no one is going to look at the back of these babies when the front is so stinking cute!

You may do whatever you'd like with heartflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!


Finished Size: 5 to 5.5 inches inches from point to point, depending upon photo size
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, wallet-size photo, paper to cut heart stencil, tiny hole punch or thumbtack or awl, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, Mod Podge or other decoupage-type protection for photo, old magazines or plastic wrap to protect your work surface while using the Mod Podge or decoupage, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, rust-proof stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Frame Full of Love Heartflake Instructions

Round 1: 1 dc in any hole, * ch 7, 1 dc in next hole; repeat from * around 10 times; ch 2, 1 tr in starting dc to form 12th ch 7 space of Round.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of tr directly below, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 7 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 7 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last ch 3 and last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1,1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
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 3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * 1 dtr in next sc, ch 9, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 6, 1 dtr in same sc (open heart shape made), 1 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 9, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (right half of heart picot made), ch 5, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in next ch, 1 hdc in top of next dc (third dc of right half of heart picot), 1 sc in bottom of same dc (heart picot made), sl st around top of ch 3 (at bottom of heart picot), ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc and ch 3 of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5; bind off. Weave in ends.

NOTE: If you're having trouble with the heart picot, see the photo tutorial here, although the left half stitches are just a bit different here than in the tutorial. The technique is the same, however.

TIP: After making the first two flakes for today's pattern, I tried using linked dc and linked hdc for the heart picots on the next three flakes, and I think that dramatically improves the heart picots. Moogly has a great linked dc tutorial here.

NOTE: I worked 3/dc shells into the final round of the boy heartflake instead of the V-stitch on either side of the heart picots, just to see how it would look. So feel free to change it up if you like. These heart picots also are worked with the linked dc and linked hdc, and I think they look much better that way.


NOTE: I also made one of the frames completely different to see how it would look with a round of single crochet all the way around the photo. To do this, you need to user a smaller photo (mine was 1.75 inches across at widest point) and make smaller holes than the hole punch makes. You'll need to punch holes in a multiple of 6. In my test flake, I had to put a chain between each single crochet because just single crochet was not enough to get around the heart. I made 19 holes (because I miscounted), then worked three single crochet into the bottom point, and on the next round, skipped every other single crochet except on the bottom point and on the beginning of the curve on each side (which equates back into a multiple of 6), which seemed to work out okay. I didn't write the pattern for this because I'd probably change it up quite a bit the next time I make one like this.


In case you want to make a heartflake frame you can glue a photo to later, here is the pattern:


Finished Size: 4.5 inches from point to point

Chain 48. Taking care not to twist chain, sl st in starting ch to form circle.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch as sl st, * ch 1, sk next 3 ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 1, sk next 3 ch, 3 dc in next ch, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last ch 3 and last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1,1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
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 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * 1 dtr in next sc, ch 9, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 6, 1 dtr in same sc (open heart shape made), 1 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 9, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (right half of heart picot made), ch 5, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in next ch, 1 hdc in top of next dc (third dc of right half of heart picot), 1 sc in bottom of same dc (heart picot made), sl st around top of ch 3 (at bottom of heart picot), ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc and ch 3 of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: I had forgotten how much I hate using Mod Podge to stiffen snowflakes until after using it on the first three heartflakes for today's pattern. Mod Podge is GREAT for protecting the photo prior to stiffening with liquid starch or water-soluble glue, but it isn't suitable, in my opinion, for stiffening snowflakes at all. It leaves too much residue, and it took me an hour to clip it all off with scissors because it was too strong to tear off with my fingers without destroying the shape of my flakes.


I recommend putting the Mod Podge away after you've protected the photos and using your regular snowflake stiffening method.

Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin heartflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint heartflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter if desired. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow heartflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel heartflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch heartflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Heartflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Snowflake Monday

Most of the patterns I post are prepared three to four weeks in advance. Today's pattern was written yesterday afternoon while a certain football team made orange the new black. Thanks for the inspiration, Denver Broncos!

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes and snowflake frames you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Feel free to make them in your own favorite team color(s)!


Finished Size: 5.5 inches from point to point, 2.5-inch opening
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Vitamin C Snowflake Frame Instructions

Ch 54. Taking care not to twist ch, sl st in starting ch.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 8 ch, * ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 9 dc; repeat from * around 5 times; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, sk next 2 dc, 7 dc in next dc, sk next 2 dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp (V-stitch made), ch 5, 1 dc in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp (V-stitch made); repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last V-st and ch 5 of final repeat; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form 6th ch 5 tip of Round.
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 3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of tr directly below, * 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3 1 dc in same sp (V-stitch made), V-st in gap between next 2/dc and 7/dc groups, sk next 3 dc of 7/dc shell, 1 dc in middle (4th) dc of 7/dc shell, ch 5, 1 dc in same dc, sk next 3 dc of 7/dc shell, V-stitch in gap between 7/dc shell and next 2/dc group, V-st stitch in next ch 3 sp, V-stitch in next ch 5 tip, ch 9, V-stitch in same tip, V-stitch in next ch 3 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with ch 9 tip on final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.




To frame photo, ALWAYS use a copy. Never use a sole original or valuable photo in a snowflake ornament.

Place stiffened snowflake over desired photo COPY and adjust position to center subject. Make small mark around edges of photo between dc gaps of 2nd Round. Remove snowflake and cut photo COPY in a circular or hexagonal shape along marks. Run a small bead of glue along outer edge of top of photo COPY, and carefully replace snowflake, taking care not to smear glue on photo. Glue smears will show, even after they dry. Allow to dry thoroughly. Hang or gift as desired.

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Snowflake Monday

Pattern updated as of 9 December 2010, thanks to Sarisue.

This snowflake was inspired in part by last week's Snowflake Inside a Snowflake. The big opening in the middle of the first flake made me want to design a snowflake I could mount a photo inside. I also wanted to do a new pink ribbon snowflake because it's October. This was a great way to combine both projects.

Although the pink ribbon in this flake is in honor of Breast Cancer Month, my completed flake has found a home with a friend who just had a baby girl. I had given her a gift of portraits at her baby shower a couple of months ago, and this flake will be an adorable way of displaying one of the portraits.

Which meant I also had to make one with a blue ribbon because a neighbor is having her first child, a little boy, in two weeks.

And then I made one for me, using a white ribbon. I'm going to dig through this year's photos and put one of the Lizard and me inside! It will hang on our Christmas tree next month.

I didn't have time to make a purple one with an orange ribbon for Halloween, but there's another idea. This flake also could be made in school colors.

If you look closely, you'll also see subtle differences in how I pinned each flake.

Don't forget there are still four more days for my snowflake challenge! Entries close at midnight October 15, 2010.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!



Finished Size: 9 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, pink ribbon (or desired color), optional 4x6 photo, 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

Instructions

*Ch 3, yo and bring up loop through 3rd ch from hook, yo and bring through 2 loops, yo and bring up loop through same ch, yo and bring through 2 loops, yo and bring through remaining 3 loops on hook; repeat from * 23 times for a total of 24 clusters. Taking care not to twist clusters, sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 3, which is the same ch 1st cluster is worked into. Turn and work along flatter side of scalloped circle to make scallops face inside of circle.

Round 1: Ch 5 (counts as dc and ch 3), *1 dc in base of next cluster, ch 3; repeat from * around 22 mores times for a total of 24 ch 3 arches; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.

Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), *into next ch 3 arch work 4 sc; into next ch 3 arch work 1 hdc, 2 dc and 1 tr, ch 3, into next ch 3 arch work 1 tr, 2 dc and 1 hdc, into next ch 3 arch work 4 sc; repeat from * around 5 times for a total of 6 points; sl st into starting sc.
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 3: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), 1 sc in same sc and in each of next 2 sc, *[sk next sc and 1 hdc into next hdc, 1 dc into each of next 3 st, into next ch 3 sp work 3 dc, 2 tr, 3 dc, into each of next 3 st work 1 dc, 1 hdc in next hdc, sk 1 sc], 1 sc in each of next 6 sc; repeat from * around 4 times; repeat [ ] one time for a total of six points; 1sc in each of next 3 sc; sl st in starting sc.

Round 4: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), 1 sc in same sc and in next sc, *[sk next sc and hdc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, 1 dc in next dc, in next dc work 1 dc, 1 tr and 1dtr, in next dc work 1dtr, 1 tr and 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, sk next 2 dc, ch 2, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 hdc in next dc, sk next hdc and sc], 1 sc in each of next 4 sc; repeat from * around 4 times; repeat [ ] one time; 1 sc in each of next 2 sc; sl st in starting sc.

Round 5: Ch 1 (does not count as sc), 1 sc in same sc, *ch 3, sk sc, hdc and dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 4 st, ch 5, 1 dtr in same st as last dc, ch 6, 1 dc in 6th ch from hook, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch, ch 5, sl st in same ch, sl st in top of dtr, 1dtr in next dtr, ch 5, 1 dc in same dtr, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 hdc in next dc, ch 3, sk dc, hdc and sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around 5 times times ending with 1 sc in next sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

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. Weave pink ribbon through inside holes and tie bow. (I dabbed center of bow with a tiny bit of glue to keep it secure.) If desired, trace opening on plain paper and cut pattern .25 inch larger than center opening. Center pattern on photo as desired (hold photo under snowflake to get an idea of where you want the main subject to be), and cut photo to fit opening. Glue photo to back of snowflake. Attach 10-inch clear thread to top spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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