Introduction: EXTREME CROCHET (Frog Earrings)

About: I try to push myself each day to be more resourceful, innovative, & creative. I am constantly inspired by some of the brilliant minds here on Instructables, & I hope that I can inspire others as well. I think …

These cute little critters are hand crocheted and are unbelievably small (dime sized). Micro crocheting is an EXTREME application of crochet. A few weeks ago a friend introduced me to this world of micro crochet when she stumbled upon a few images online. I was completely baffled by these tiny creations. I said, "NO WAY! How is that possible?" Although I've been crocheting for about 25 years now I still find it difficult to do smaller pieces because my "man hands" seem to trip me up. I decided to really challenge myself to see just how tiny I could go. These lovable earrings are my first attempt at micro crochetting. I was pleased with the results & I'm excited to do more in this direction.

Step 1: Matterials

For this project you will need:

Green Thread (If you want it to be softer perhaps embroidery floss instead)
size 12 crochet hook
Green yarn (Just a tiny snip for stuffing)
Needle 
scissors
Tiny glass beads (black, white, pink)
modge podge (to stiffen the legs)
fish hook earrings


Step 2: Crochet Frog

I am a "freestyle" crocheter. I very rarely follow a pattern or write them down for that matter. I littlerally just make my pattern as I go so I apologize if this isn't written as a "typical" pattern. 

Pull out a long length of thread and double it onto itself. (You can just use 2 spools if you don't like doubling it over)

*You will work in rounds & Join each round with a Sl stitch.

BODY:
Work 8 dc in a magic ring. (8)
Ch 2 & 2 dc in each dc around.(16)
Ch 1 & sc in each dc around. (16)
Dec around.(8)
Stuff the body (I used a small clipping of green yarn)
Dec around. (4)
Finish off. Leave about a 4" tail
Sew body closed with tail & hide your end. 

HEAD:
Work 8 dc in a magic ring. (8)
Work a hdc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, then hdc in next dc (5 worked stitchs, 3 left unworked)
Finish off & use your tail to sew it onto the body.

LEGS:
ch 6 then join at your first ch. (creating a loop)
{ch 5 then sc in second ch from hook & back down to your loop.( 1 leg is made) sc in next 2 ch on the loop} Repeat around the loop
4 legs are made
Finish off & use your tail to sew the loop of legs onto the belly side of the frog.

FEET:
Work 5 dc in the end of each leg to create a webbed foot.
Finish off after each one & hide your ends.

*Add a dab of modge podge to each leg to stiffen it and prevent any curling.

Now your froggy is complete and ready for detailing!



Step 3: Detailing

Now it's time to really bring it to life by adding some details.

First sew on a pair of the tiny black beads to represent his eyes.
Next secure a thread inside the frogs mouth & string some of your pink beads for a tongue (make it whatever length you prefer)
Add  black, white, black beads on the end to represent the fly.
Run the thread back down the pink beads. (creating a loop at the fly) 
Finish off & hide your end.

OPTIONAL: If you would like to turn them into earrings as I did add your fish hook through the "fly" loop.

Step 4: Encouragement!

I know that many of you will see this and say , wow I can NOT crochet that small. I'm not even going to try. I say, take a walk on the EXTREME side. You might be pleasantly surprised like I was. I hope this project encourages others to challenge themselves, and not to sell themselves short. This project may be micro in size but it packs a powerful punch of self esteem!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

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