A Wild Right Hook

I was struck by the incredible beauty of the crocheted mandalas found in CAROcreated on etsy. I had never seen such extensive use of overlay stitches before and the result is amazing. This shop is filed with hooked wonders, and I really like the crocodile stitch used in one of the owl patterns. Having written crochet patterns myself, I know the immeasurable time through trial-and-error that goes into this creative process. This is the first crocheted sea urchin and sand dollar I have ever seen, and they are perfect!

There is so much in this innovative shop to discover. This artist also has a line of handcrafted waldorf inspired Kawaii dolls perfect for any collector. Patterns are also available for a beary cute line of bears.

This beautiful artwork comes from Germany and is sent internationally. Should you have a custom doll request or any questions, please contact the shop. If you are ready to hook a unique gift for someone special, be sure to check in with this artist from time to time for wondrous new crochet patterns. Keep in mind that there are differences in crochet nomenclature, so you may have to translate the pattern before you get started.

How Time Flies

Hard to believe, I've been hunting Discovered Treasures for 2 years now. Each week I present an array of amazing artists, unexpected creations, and intriguing art forms. I believe these talented artists deserve a wider audience, and I'm happy to report page views now average 80 a day from a wonderful international audience. Feel free to post my beautiful Discovered Treasures blog badge, designed by Mary from WingsDove, wherever you'd like to share these truly unique finds.

Without further ado, I would like to introduce a unique, self taught treasure, Natasja, from CrocheTime on etsy. I haven't picked up my lonely hook in quite a few months, but never would have thought of a clock face. I envision Natasja's charming wall clocks perfectly placed in a nursery, crafting room, or any creative space. A true lover of color, she says you won't find black in her yarn stash.

Natasja starts the clock in England, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. Drop by her blog for more insight into her creative process, and follow this gifted lady's crocheting journey down the twisted path of discovery. If you would like to hook one yourself, she has a pattern in American English available with four different edgings. Remember, there is a difference between British and American crochet terms, and you may need to translate the instructions using the key she provides before getting started.

Are you ready for another year of treasures?

Star Wars Amigurumi Crochet

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small-scale cuteness by knit or crochet. Fantasy crochet patterns abound at LucyRavenscar on Etsy. Whether you are looking for your favorite Star Wars character, rabbits, wizards, or other fantasy folk, Lucy has the roadmap to creating your own amigurumi. The little gnomes, or any of these wee wonders, would make such a fun hide and seek game. The seeker leaves the room while the gnome is hidden, but part of it must be visible from the center of the room. I played this fun I Spy game as a child with little pocket rabbits my mother knit.

Her patterns range from beginner to intermediate crochet level, and I can only imagine the hours of trial and error that have gone into creating them. I was once asked how I create crochet patterns: simply write each row down as you work, and when you make a change, tear it out, cross it out, and continue on. Did you know that crochet nomenclature differs between the US and UK? Lucy provides both terms in her directions.

Lucy has painstakingly crafted her patterns in the United Kingdom, can be found on Facebook, and by e-mail her patterns are available via PDF worldwide. Visit her blog where you will find darling little eggs to delight any egg hunt, as well as free patterns and links to free patterns that you can try your hand at. Keep in mind that her pattern designs are available for personal use only. She has spent great time and care in preparing them. I wonder what she will come up with next!

Creative Crochet

The colorful basket weave crocheted afghan at LovingHandsCrochet, an Etsy shop, caught my eye. I have seen this interesting design done before in fabrics, but never knit or crocheted. What a warm blanket this must be, and her stained glass blanket reminds me of one I made many years ago to put away loose ends. Her shop has a wonderful selection of machine washable afghans ready to adorn your rocking chair and wrap you in handmade elegance.

A strong passion for crochet is this lady’s driving force, but I don't know where this homeschooling mother of five finds time to make all her delightful creations. She has the cutest little outfit and animal hat patterns available in her shop, and a very nice shamrock afghan pattern. If you love her designs, but don’t have the time or inclination to make it yourself, she will crochet one of her patterns for you. The elephant hat would be so special for your little one to wear as they tour the zoo!

She magically twists her yarn in Colorado and ships internationally. I first ran across her treasures on zibbet, and she can also be found on Facebook. I can truly appreciate the time she invests in each of her crocheted masterpieces. If you don't see your favorite color, just ask and she will be happy to work with you.