Dia de los Muertos Toys and Decorations

When I think about Dia de los Muertos, I ALWAYS think of my Goddaughter. She LOVES this holiday! The kiddo, is just 11 years old. And has gotten all of us, to fall in love...with this amazing day. And celebration! 

And when I think of celebrating, I think of good memories. I was a professional Mariachi for over 10 years. And this was one of my favorite celebrations to work! I learned so much about my culture, and this holiday, from all those years!

So when I think about Dia de los Muertos, I think about fun. About celebrating, our loved ones. About making new memories. And passing on tradition. I think about all those things...that make this day so special. The people, religion, traditions, food, music, art, stories, etc. 

A few years ago, I found this pattern. And thought my Goddaughter could use one. For her birthday. I modified it a bunch. And made 3. Sent them in the mail. And I thought she was just going to kill over. When she got them, she was so excited!

This is another idea, that literally fell into my lap. And has been such a success. A friend, asked if I could make one. Before I knew it, I was making 10! She is such a fun doll. And I've attempted a few other similar dolls.

Whenever I think of Dia de los Muertos...I think of Papel Picado. And I was so excited, when I found these last year. I'm not a thread crocheter. But this could be a game changer!

I bought the thread months ago...I just need to sit down. And put my mind to it! I want to at least make 3. For my Dad's alter. But how fun, would these be, as place mats?

And because all kids need to carry something. I usually make wands. But these would be fun too!

This pillow, I may have gotten a few requests for them too. I think they are so fun! And would be fun, on the couch. All season long!

These buckets, were a regular for me as well. They're not tough. Just a fun addition to the season!

I saw similar pieces to these recently. And I fell in love! The possibilities are endless. I can already see myself, making a ton of them!

Skulls, buttons, and amigurumi! Need I saw more? I want to make dozens and dozens. They are so fun! And for my Goddaughter, they would be a fun birthday favor.

Kids enjoy the holiday as much as us adults. And I think we should encourage it. More than just the outward "skulls." But the true reason, behind Dia de los Muertos. Let the littles help with the alters, prep, and of course...the celebrations!

Hat Season Is Here!!!

Hat Season is here! In full swing. At the Growers' Markets we've definitely seen the shift. The last month, sales have been all about babies! We completely sold out of baby boy items in July. And last week, we sold all of our baby girl blankets. I'm kind tired of all things blue and  pink. So I decided to try something else, that we're in need of. HATS!

There have also been tons of sales...surrounding hats and booties. It doesn't matter what they look like. People are just in the market. I have sold about 20 sets, of hats and booties. All colors and sizes. 

So I've been making tons of these sets! TONS! I used to like the I Love This Yarn, Fan Pride. By Hobby Lobby. It was a nice way to make "Sports Themed" sets. Without having to use a bunch of colors.

I didn't know that it had been discontinued. I went to Hobby Lobby recently, and couldn't find it. When I searched the website, and eventually did a Google search, I realized it was discontinued. I'm so sad about this. Already JoAnns doesn't sell Red Heart's Team Spirit. And it NEVER goes on sale, on their website.

So I found this yarn. I can't remember what it was called. But it's by I Love This Yarn. They have 2 or 3 colors, that can sorta pass for sports team colors. I had an order for a Denver Broncos set. And this is the final product. I also bought a couple of skeins to make for the Saints. We'll see how this goes...

I've also decided to crack down on my animal hats. We've sold quite a few. And I've not really restocked. All season long! I think I've made about 3, since April. I couldn't find any of the patterns that I had previously used. So I winged it. I found some pictures, of hats I'd made in the past. And went to work.

I really like this bird pattern. To me, it looks a lot more, like a bird. For now, I'm trying to concentrate on beanies. In a bunch of different sizes. But hopefully soon, will add a few hats with earflaps.

These really are a favorite of mine. I like how every single hat, has it's own personality. Even if I make 5 of the same type of hat...they each look slightly different.

This is the only hat I made with earflaps. I sorta went off of an old pattern. But I'm not crazy about this hat. I think I would like it more, if it were a beanie. I just can't get enough of monkeys though! So I'm sure, this week, I'll be making more. 

I also hear all the time, that we don't have enough "Boy Stuff." So I decided to make all the Ninja Turtles. I don't know their names. I just know what color they are. 

I made them all different sizes. Sat down, and crochet the first green section, and the color. Then when I came back, to finish them...I ran out of green yarn! Ugh! So I just finished one. 

I still need to go get some more green yarn. But this honestly, is one of my favorites. The kids get so excited. I'm also considering a few baby items. Maybe a cocoon. Or a diaper cover set. :)

Then I decided to try a few "Seasonal Hats." The first being this Candy Corn. I thought it was so cute! I want to make a ghost, witch, Jack-O-Lantern, Frankenstein, and maybe something with a spider. I already make a black cat. And I'm considering some sort of skull.

I also made a pumpkin. It is super tiny and cute! Think newborn. Oh. My. Goodness! It is so cute. And I'm considering making one, for me. We've been helping a Farmer Friend of ours. Selling at a few Growers' Markets. How fun would this be...when the pumpkins start coming in!

Lastly, we have this 'lil apple. I think this could be my favorite. Again, it's super tiny. I was experimenting with a new pattern. But I want to make this in a bigger size. You know, Apple Season is here!

These are not the only hats, that I'm working on. I currently have, 12 hats...waiting on parts. I make a ton of beanies. Then all the parts. Then one day, I sit down and put them together. So if you follow us on Instagram, then you'll be seeing a ton of hats. Probably by the weekend. 

Dia de los Muertos Crochet

It's that time of year! You know, the temps are changing. Fall begins this month! And although I wear and think about skulls all year long...this is when I start pulling everything out!

So I started going through our stash. I tend to take all of our Seasonal stuff, out of our regular containers. You know, I don't want to be hauling Santa to the Grower's Market in June. And then, when we get closer to that season, I add them to our stash.

I didn't find anything! Not a thing! Not a scarf, a skull, or a marigold. What?!?!?! Then I remembered. I took them with us, to one of our Holiday Craft Shows last year. And sold them! Every single one!

I can't even find the pictures from last year. So what am I to do? You know, I don't go off of patterns either. So I started a Google search. And came up, with so many fun projects. So many...that there will be a few posts...

I'm still on the fence, about being in the parade this year. My family gets all into it. And if it was something I knew right this second, I'd make this for me. I still might make this headpiece. I like the look. And no matter what, I'll at least paint my face. Dressing up, is 95% of the fun!

And isn't this the cutest little thing? I would LOVE to make a bunch, for the Muertos y Marigolds event. In lots of bright colors of course!

This sombrero, immediately made me think of my Compadre! He would have me make him this. And we'd sport our looks, to our Goddaughter's birthday party. Because that's how we roll!

I had just been talking to my Mom about this idea. I make a ton of animal hats. And thought something like this, would be a fun addition. Honestly, I'm going to get started on these bad boys, right away!

Last year, I made a bunch of similar scarves. All colors! They were such a good seller. And this hat, I've honestly wanted to make something similar for years. I need to get started!

This hat is another fun and simple twist...on skulls. Something fun for the kiddos. I really enjoy this look. And can manage to make a bunch...in just a short amount of time. 

Then I started thinking about marigolds. And did a quick search. Because you can't have Dia de los Muertos...without marigolds!

These baby sandals are so cute! I want to make them all year! Not just for Dia de los Muertos. 

Twinkie Chan ALWAYS has fun ideas. And this shawl, is a play on marigolds. I think this would be a fun item. You know, it's usually cool...if not cold...during the festivities. 

And where there are celebrations...I have to have buntings of some sort! I came across this marigold bunting. And just fell in love!

How about a more open marigold? This is so pretty! And I think it would make a GREAT addition to any alter or area setup, for Dia de los Muertos.

And when we talk about Dia de los Muertos...we must include Santos! I've saved quite a few pictures over the years. And I'm still on the fence. I think I never want to make something look odd. I want it to represent the Santo well. But I'm feeling like I must dive in, head first!

Here are just a few ideas, I have floating around. I've been wanting to make a bunch of more "culture rich" items for a while. To have on a regular basis. Not just trendy stuff. So I think this is a good start. Dia de los Muertos is just 2 months away!!!