Mrs. Jack Horners Plum Pudding Shoe Brooches

Little Jack Horner's wife will be thrilled when she realizes that she can crochet these plum pudding shoe clips, using the fleur galore crochet pattern.

Yes, I'm still at it, pinning flowers to just about everything!

www.francinetoukou.com

YUMMING IT UP!!!

My husband, Moussa, is from The Ivory Coast. Over 20 years ago, when we were newlyweds, He could not wrap his mind around the thought of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I, on the other hand, could not come to terms with the idea of chicken, onions, and savories in peanut butter? Well, it only took one bite to change my mind. The other night he made some for dinner, and today I get to yum up the left overs for lunch!!!!

I'm sure that it wont taste as good as his (sorry guys) but I found a recipe here, that looks pretty good if you'd like to give it a try!

winter-flower-mania

I guess I must be missing the outdoor blooms that go hand-in-hand with the warmer weather. I've been adding crochet flowers to just about everything I can get my hands on. I added a bunch of flowers that I made using the fleur galore crochet pattern, from here. I even decorated a wreath with them. I'll try to post the pictures from that tomorrow.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

This Christmas, everyone seems to be short on time to craft. I've been getting e-mails from folks asking about more ready to wear items, so I posted these new goodies, on my site today. It's a little collection of pieces made in shades of alabaster. Looks like I've been quite the busy little elf myself! I'm also going to be re-stocking the store on Friday night. I just love the holidays at the store. Its so nice to see folks picking up and trying on, and asking questions. I so love wrapping up pretty packages for people, and walking them walk out the door aglow in holiday smiles!!! If you're in NYC over the holidays, please pop in and say "Howdy". If you don't get to the city, you can visit my site at www.francinetoukou.com. Hope to see you!!

Some like it H-O-T!!!!

Here's a bit of an unusual recipe. I must admit that it is an acquired taste, but be daring! try it - you might like it. I've got some more free holiday gift ideas in the holiday gift guide @ www.francinetoukou.com. Let me know if you like!!! If you have any holiday ideas that you're willing to share, please post them on my wall here I'm always looking for budget friendly ideas!!!

HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

I'm so excited!!! Our handmade holiday gift guide will be out on Friday. It features how-to's, a free holiday gift pattern, and loads of gift ideas. We even have a selection of handmade finished pieces to gift, for folks who are short on time, but still want to give thoughtful, handmade gifts. To get your complimentary copy, e-mail me at francine@francinetoukou.com.

www.francinetoukou.com

HOLIDAY GIFT PATTERN GIVE-AWAY!!!

I'm making a slew of these to use over the holidays, and to give away as gifts. They're quick, easy, and inexpensive to make.
If you'd like a copy of the pattern,
e-mail me at francine@Francinetoukou.Com, and i'll send you one!!!

Www.Francinetoukou.Com

HOW WE SAY "WELCOME" IN TOUKOU-LAND

I'M TRYING TO GET A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR. THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO SNEAK UP AND SUPRISE ME. I MADE A BASKET OF SLIPPERS TO PLACE BY THE FRONT DOOR, A BIT BACK, BUT THEY WERE DECIDEDLY GIRLY (FULL OF FLOWERS AND SUCH). I MADE THIS UNISEX BATCH TO PUT THERE INSTEAD. ITS JUST MORE MAN-FRIENDLY (I'M SURE THE LADY-FOLK WILL LIKE THEM TOO!!)

"HANDMADE" ITS THE NEW BLACK!!!!

We had a great weekend stocking our shop with new fall pieces, and meeting new faces that popped in. It's priceless in a big and sprawling place like nyc, to be able to meet my customers face to face, and hear how my crafts fit into and warm up their lives. It makes me feel so loved!!!! If you're ever in manhattan, i hope you'll swing by!
We're at 212 west 79th street in flat 1d. Hope to see you there!!!

GOODNIGHT GREEN

GOODNIGHT GREEN
YOU'RE FALLING AWAY
I HOPE THAT YOU'LL COME BACK NEXT MAY
AS THE FALL WINDS BLOW
KERMIT'S RIGHT IT SEEMS
"IT'S NOT EASY
BEING GREEN"

(NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!!!)

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANES?

I'm so excited about the launch of my new site! Here are some goodies for the wee ones, that will be available.

SOMETHING PINK FOR MY MAIN MAN

My husband doesn't own anything pink, so i think that it's hight time for him to add a bold pop to his repertoire!

I whipped this up for him, using the chillmark scarf pattern. I think it will look amazing with his complexion! Heres to hoping he thinks so too!

AND THIS ONE'S FOR ME! "SELFISHNESS" IN PINK AND BLACK

I sold out of these, so sorry for now, but this one's for me. I'm working on some more, and i am also writing the pattern. Both will be available in the web store, and in my store in manhattan.

SWITCHUPABLES

I LOVE MAKING AND USING PATTERNS THAT CAN BE SWITCHED UP. I USED THE OVERSIZED TOTE PATTERN TO MAKE THIS BAG, AND I USED THE POPPIES GALORE AND FLEUR GALORE PATTERNS TO MAKE SWITCHABLE EMBELLISHMENTS. A LITTLE TRICK THAT I USE, IS TO SEW BUTTONS ON THE BACK OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS THAT I'M GOING TO USE ON CROCHET ITEMS. THEN, THE EMBELLISHMENT JUST BUTTONS ON AND OFF. SWEET!!!

IN THE PINK

I made this clutch a while back, using the summer blush clutch pattern that I have up on my website. I'd forgotten all about it until a lovely crafter in Italy, named Aparecida, made an adorable clutch in the most loveley shades of blue and green. She inspired me to get out my pink clutch, dust it off, find something to pair it with, and put it to use.

Thanks Aparecida!!!

Www.Francinetoukou.Com