Mug cozies

My cute little mug cozies.

I like to crochet and I love to show my appreciation to my niece's child care providers. What better way to combine these two hobbies than to crochet a little gift for them! I bought the black mugs from the Dollar Tree and then crocheted the mug holders using this pattern.
I altered the pattern slightly because the mugs I'm using are a little taller than the one she used. I started off chaining 11 (instead of 8) and then finished the pattern as it was written. That just made the width of the mug holder a little bit wider. I used I Love this Yarn from Hobby Lobby. It is soft and there are lots of color choices. I happen to have a TON of buttons on hand so I found a couple I liked and sewed them on. Then, I filled them with chocolates and a gift card to a local coffee shop. Aren't they adorable?!

A bright idea

My little light bulb treat containers ready to be delivered.

 A couple of child care providers in my area went through a program called Bright and Early. To achieve Step 2 required lots of work as well as passing an observation. When the programs I were working with achieved Step 2, I wanted to reward each of them with a little something. I found these adorable glass light bulb containers at Hobby Lobby. They have screw-on lids and just enough space to fit in some Reese's Pieces. After filling each one, I tied a little note on with curling ribbon. The note read, "You are an important 'piece' of our children's BRIGHT futures. Thank you for all you do." I made one for EACH person in the child care center. They all deserve praise because they are great at what they do and their job is so important!