Friday Flower Pick: Sunflower Sighting

June gloomy mornings may be the norm around here this month, 
but come afternoon, the sun shines gloriously, and there's no doubt that Summer is on the way!!

...And nothing says it quite as emphatically as a gorgeous sunflower soaking up the sun does!!
 Saturated hues of gold and green, against a back drop of bright blue, make this delightful flower impossible to miss...
...and just perfect for a Friday Flower Pick!!

Happy♥Friday!!

Love,
Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Crochet Scarf with Fringe

In an attempt to finish up my sewing and yarn craft UFO's (unfinished objects) before the summer's end, 

I'm devoting a little time each week to completing something on my hooks!!

A big and beautiful fringe scarf in a juicy watermelon hue

...is what's on tap today=)...

... See all of my project notes, links to the free pattern (from Bernat Studio Designs), and more on my Ravelry page!! I've already stitched this piece up in ivory, black, teal, turquoise, rose...and now watermelon!!

Can you tell I like this pattern?! If you think you might too, check out the free download here.

Love,
Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Friday Flower Pick: Hello, Hydrangeas!

 

Looking gorgeous on a sunny, Santa Monica sidewalk this afternoon, 

these sweet hydrangeas beckoned me to come closer and admire their fascinating blooms!!

Nothing says "almost summer" quite like blooming hydrangeas, with their tufts of flowers colored in those glorious purple, pink, and blue ombré hues!!

...That's why the hydrangea is today's Friday Flower Pick!!

...And this beautiful white flowering tree gets a very honorable mention=)...

Happy♥Friday!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Things I Love: Crocheted Collars and Ravelry

I need another crochet capelet like I need yet another pair of silver sparkly shoes!!...

(...which is to say, not very badly=)

...but I just can't resist a sweet and simple, just-for-fun capelet pattern when I see it!!

This dainty beauty is crocheted from another of Red Heart's fabulous 'n free patterns available on their website. To download the mini capelet, click here.

I stitched it up in a sugar 'n cream cotton yarn color called potpourri...a delightful, natural shade, accented with specks of pink, purple, and blue!! I reminds me of sprinkles on a cupcake!! I finished it off with a really lovely fleur de lavende color for the ties.

I discovered Ravelry years ago, signed up, and then promptly forgot about it. 

...But lately it's been coming up more and more, especially in the arts and crafts podcasts I listen to.

...So I gave it another (closer) look, and I L♥VE it!!

It's a brilliantly fun way to share and blog about yarn craft projects, store the often forgotten details of a project (e.i. hook size, yarn color names, number of skeins)...and gather inspiration of course!!

I'm MlleMermaid, and here's a look at my profile thus far: 

...and because nothing goes better with yarn crafting than podcast listening, here are a few arts and crafts themed podcast that I'm just lovin'!!:

♥Creative Mojo

♥Fluffy Fibers

♥Thread Cult

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Oh, the Joys of Walking!

"The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. 

The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose." 

~Charles Dickens

My latest read, The Joys of Walking (a collection of public domain works published by Dover),

is the inspiration behind the Wednesday Words of Wisdom selection for today!!

I L♥VE walking.

Not only do I love and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, rain, and exercise, but
walking makes me feel inspired.
The minute my feet hit the ground, the ideas start flowing;
solutions and possibilities come faster than I could ask for them!!
...Apparently, many of my favorite walkers- like Thoreau, Emerson, and Dickens, have reported the same phenomenon!!

Wondering what else is on my bookshelf right now?

...Well, it's a fanciful concoction!!
...made of bits of fascinating pirate lore, circus train history, and 17th and 18th fashion design.

...And a little Fairies and Enchantment too!!

Inspiration abounds=)...

...Heading out for a walk now!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

The Magic of Marigolds

Nothing says early summer quite a like a flower box full of gorgeous orange and yellow marigolds!!

Like a radiant burst of sunshine...they enliven my spirit and lift my mood!!

...and ooh what a dazzling, earthy fragrance too!! 

But if sunny-shiny good looks aren't enough...

Here are 3 more reasons to l♥ve marigolds:

♥They have magic properties: Some believe that marigold-infused water rubbed on the eyelids encourages visions of fairies!!

♥They are edible: Use organically grown flowers, and give this pickled cucumber and marigolds recipe a try!!

♥They promote clear thinking and organization: Add a marigold bouquet to your office or plant a border that you can see from somewhere you need focus!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Mermaid Monday: A New Turban Style

This Mermaid Monday, Mademoiselle Mermaid presents a lovely, new turban design!!

Featuring my best selling rayon jersey knit fabric (it's oh-so soft!!) and an extra-full style, this is a fabulous look for ladies with long or thick hair, who want a full hair covering!!

To wear it best:

•Bobby pin all of your hair up in a very high, flat bun near the crown of your head.

•Wrap a silk scarf around your head for extra staying power if you like.

•Top it all of with this new turban style!!

A cute bow detail in front creates a voluminous and very avant garde all-around look.

Available now on Etsy...in a rainbow of colors of course=)!! 

We're right on the cusp of summer...

a time of year that is especially conducive to sitting under purple jacaranda trees 'n dreaming up new whimsical fashion accessories;)...

 ....More to come soon from a Mademoiselle Mermaid's fashion wonderland!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid