craftgrrl | Amigurumi Christmas Gifts

I craft a lot and read a lot, but I believe this is only my second post. So hi! I'm Elizabeth, I crochet, knit, scrapbook, make cards, and sew. (I think I got them all, I dabble in things a lot.) I also work with kids (children's librarian, former camp counselor, Sunday School teacher, etc) so I've done just about every children's craft out there.

Recently I've been having fun experimenting with amigurumi, that is the Japanese art of crocheting cute creatures. (You probably already knew that.) Well you can crochet or knit, but I'm a much better crocheter than knitter so that is what I do. All of these little guys stand between 7 and 10 inches tall. They were all (or will be) Christmas gifts, I'm just behind on posting.

I've been working off some free patterns I found online for these guys. I just requested some books through interlibrary loan on amigurumi creatures, and I think I'll make a few more to practice and I'll be able to free form and create my own patterns. I love making them and they go over really well as gifts.

This is a snowman for a friend whose been traveling through the holidays and returns this week. You can't tell from this photo, but his nose is a little carrot, all pointy and everything. Very cute.

Here's jolly St. Nick. This santa is my least favorite. I see the most problems with it, but the woman I gave it too (my hostess on Christmas day) loved it so I am happy. The photo is blurry. Sorry.

This penguin guy is my favorite. I want to make him again with different colors in the scarf and hat.

Because I love him so much, you get a bonus picture of him. See how well he matches the wrapping paper of the gift he accompanied?

I am thinking of a monkey for my next little guy. Any thoughts?