Crochet Chap Stick Holder

It's been so hot during the afternoon that we have been holed up in the house within the coolness of the air conditioning. I have been doing a lot of crocheting these days and about a year ago, found a pattern for a Lip Balm Holder on Etsy from Colorful Creations by Nell.

This is just a portion of all that I have made up to this point. They are super easy and take about 20 minutes to make, once you get the hang of it. I use Lily Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn (http://www.sugarncream.com) and try to get it on sale at Michael's Craft Store or Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart also sells the larger cone size but you really have to like that color because it would probably make about 50 of these! A small ball makes 9 lip balm holders.

These are cute gifts to give to friends "just because" or a nice addition to a Christmas stocking. My daughter gave them to her friends last Christmas and it was pretty cool seeing them hanging off their backpacks when I was in subbing at the high school. She also gave them to her Cheerleading teammates and Coaches and other club members. My son gave them to his teachers. They are different and can be modified to use for lip stick and the longer lip glosses.

This is Minnie, one our three cats - she's always interested in what is going on around here!

If you decide to purchase the pattern, I have a few tips that I have found make the process easier and the holder look better. I'm not going to give you any abbreviations since they are all outlined in the pattern, http//www.nell22.etsy.com, but here are a few tips:

• Use an "f" hook instead of a "g", the weave is a lot tighter because the holder stretches out after awhile.
• When you are sewing up the bottom, place a chap stick (or whatever balm/gloss you are using as a pattern) in the holder and then close the bottom. This gives the bottom a nice, flat shape.
• Use left-over buttons: we had buttons galore from clothing items and I used those first (all gone now!) to give the holders a unique flair.

My daughter has asked for one using her college colors and the one's you see in the basket are being donated to our local Senior Center for their annual bizarre.

Happy Crocheting!