Pattern updated as of 23 January 2011
If there's anything in Colorado we have more of than mountains, it may well be mines! Colorado has a rich history of mining.
Mount Antero, standing at 14, 269 feet, is the 10th tallest peak in Colorado. Because of the high concentration of state gem aquamarine, a dirt four-wheel-drive road climbs nearly to the summit of this steep monster. Antero is famous for the vast collection of gemstones within its soil, and it is blanketed nearly head to toe with assorted mining claims.
This peak was named for Ute Indian Chief Antero. South of Mount Princeton and Buena Vista, it is one of 14 14ers in the Sawatch Range. No, that's not a misprint! An annual footrace traverses this chain of mountains, aptly named Nolan's 14. The 88- to 106-mile race sees more than 44,000 feet of elevation gain in 60 hours or less. Fewer than 10 athletes have completed Nolan’s 14. Nolan's 14 is the only place in the world where runners can ascend 14 peaks reaching more than 14,000 feet in so few (few?!?!?) miles.
I have not yet climbed Mount Antero, but it's on my list. Because that rough dirt road scales this peak, I have wanted to climb it on my mountain bike for more than a decade. I've given it one try, and I didn't even reach treeline. Now, married to a powerful mountain biker who demonstrates tons of patience with my slow pace and lack of climbing stamina, perhaps 2011 will be my year.
One of Antero's most popular trailheads is near a ghost town named St. Elmo. St. Elmo also is an electro-luminescent corona discharge in the air during thunderstorms. This week's patterns include a treasure box in honor of the gems still hidden atop this mountain and a bonus pattern named after the ghost town that sits in the shadow of Mount Antero and which burned in 2002.
You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes and jewel boxes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
Finished Size: 6 inches from point to point, 4 inches tall
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, large bead, size 7 crochet hook, empty crochet thread cardboard spool (3.75 inches tall, 3.5 inches across), six pens or pencils the same size you don't mind covering with glue, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, empty plastic white grocery bag, cellophane tape, duct tape, Mod Podge if desired, glue, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing
Mount Antero Snowflake Instructions
Bottom Snowflake
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 12 dc in ring; sl st in starting dc. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, *2 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times (18 dc), sl st in starting dc.
Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in same dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in same dc, ch 1, *1 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, 1 dc in same dc; repeat from * around 4 times (24 dc); sl st in starting dc.
Round 4: Ch 2 (does not count as dc) 1 dc in same dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same ch 1 sp, *1 dc in each of next 7 st, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 dc in each of next 6 st (54 dc and 6 ch 1 sp), sl st in starting dc.
Round 5: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 1 sp, *1 dc in each of next 2 dc, [ch 1, skip one dc, 1 dc in next dc] 3 times, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, repeat [ ] 2 times, ch 1; sl st in starting dc.
Round 6: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, *1 dc in same ch 2 sp, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 4.
Round 7: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in same ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, *1 dc in each of next 13 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 dc in each of next 9 st (90 dc), sl st in starting dc.
Round 8: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in each of next 5 st, *1 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, 3 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in ch 2 sp of snowflake (foot/snowflake point made), 1 dc in each of next 6 st, ch 1, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in next st, ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, ch 1, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in each of next 6 st; repeat from * around 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 6 st, ch 1, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in next st, ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, ch 1, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in next st, sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Top SnowflakeMake magic ring.
Round 1: Ch2 (does not count as dc), 12 dc in ring; sl st in starting dc. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same dc, *ch 3, sk 1 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc between ch 3 and 1 dc of row below, 1 dc in next dc, *ch 2, 1 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc between 2 dc of row below, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 2; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 4: SSl st into 1st dc of row below, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same dc, *sk next ch 2 sp ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2, 2 dc in middle dc of next 3 dc group, ch 2, 2 dc in same dc; repeat from * 4 times; sk next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 5: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, *ch 1, sk next 2 dc and next 2 ch, 5 dc next dc (shell made), ch 1, sk next 2 ch and 2 dc, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, sk next 2 dc and next 2 ch, 5 dc in next dc, ch 1; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 6: St st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, *ch 4, 1 sc in middle dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 4, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * 4 times; ch 4, 1 sc in middle dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 4; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 7: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp, *ch 2, 7 dc into next sc, ch 2, 3 dc into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 7 dc into next sc, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into each of next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc, *ch 3, sc in center dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc of next 3 dc group (NOT in shell), 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 more times; ch 3, sc in center dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 3; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 9: 1 sc in same ch and in next st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dtr in same sp, ch 2, sl st in top of dtr just made, 1 dtr in same ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, *ch 1, 2 dc in next sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 4, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in same sc, ch 1, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dtr in same sp, ch 2, sl st in top of dtr just made, 1 dtr in same ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 2 dc in next sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 4, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in same sc, ch 1, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Box Bottom
Ch 82. Measure to make sure this chain will fit around empty crochet thread cardboard spool. If your tension is different than mine, you may adjust by making less or more chains, keeping a multiple of 2. Being careful not to twist, sl st in starting ch.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in next ch and in each ch around. Once again making sure not to twist work, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), sk 1 dc, *1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc; repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 4.
Round 3: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch 1 sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around. Sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 4: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), *1 dc between next 2 2dc groups, ch 1; repeat from * around; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 4.
Rounds 5-10: Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 3 times or to desired box height.
Round 11: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each st around; bind off. Weave in ends.
Box TopCh 96. Measure to make sure chain fits around duct-taped end of empty crochet thread cardboard spool. If your tension is different than mine, you may adjust by making fewer or more chains, keeping a multiple of 6. (If 6 chains are too much of an increase or decrease, just even out the stitches in Round 2 by skipping 1 double crochet instead of 2, evenly spaced, such as one on each side if you need to adjust by 2 stitches or a third of the way around if you need to adjust by 3 stitches, etc., to make up for the shortage or overage. These tiny adjustments will not show in final project.) Being careful not to twist, sl st in starting ch.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in next ch and in each ch around. Once again making sure not to twist work, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in same ch, sk 1 dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same dc (picot shell made), sk 2 dc, *1 sc in next dc, sk 1 dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same dc, sk 2 dc; repeat from * around (total of 16 picot shells if you ch 96 at beginning); sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Cut 12-inch piece of duct tape in half, and place atop one another on thread spool as shown. Repeat 5 times until duct tape edge is a little wider than box bottom. Cover thread spool with plastic wrap.
Pin bottom snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap. Place pens or pencils beneath points as shown to form feet on box. Fold plastic grocery bag in half several times, squeezing out air, until it measures about two inches diagonal. Shape into slight dome and pin to box where top snowflake will be pinned. Gently place top snowflake over dome, allowing pins to come up through holes in snowflake. Pin snowflake as desired, shaping plastic bag and snowflake.
See that hideous red spot on the bag? Don't let any colors on the grocery bag show. I should have chopped the color off. During the stiffening process, the color transfered to the snowflake. Aaargh!
Slide box top onto thread spool over duct tape and straighten. Slide box bottom over untapped thread spool and straighten.
Note: I used Mod Podge for this project to give it extra strength, and I stiffened the feet twice. If you use glue, you may not want to water the glue down for this project. I also did not use glitter on this project.
Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflakes and box top and bottom with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow pieces to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel pieces from wax paper or plastic wrap and cardboard tube. Position and glue box bottom onto bottom snowflake. Position top snowflake onto box top as shown and glue. Glue large bead to center of top snowflake. Adorn with bling if desired. Allow to dry at least 24 hours. Box is now ready to use and may be filled with trinkets, jewelry, candy, potpourri or even wax fragrance bricks.
Bonus Project
St. Elmo Snowflake PomanderThis pattern is similar to the Snowflake Top pattern above. The patterns are interchangeable. For pomander, make 2 of the snowflakes below.
Finished Size: 6 inches from point to point
St. Elmo Snowflake Pomander Instructions (Make 2 snowflakes.)
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch2 (does not count as dc), 12 dc in ring; sl st in starting dc. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same dc, *ch 3, sk 1 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc between ch 3 and 1 dc of row below, 1 dc in next dc, *ch 2, 1 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 2, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc between 2 dc of row below, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 2; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 4: Sl st into 1st dc of row below, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same dc, *sk next ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1, 2 dc in middle dc of next 3 dc group, ch 2, 2 dc in same dc; repeat from * 4 times; sk next ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next dc, ch 1, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 5: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, *ch 1, sk next 2 dc and next 2 ch, 5 dc in middle dc of next 3 dc group (shell made), ch 1, sk next 2 ch and 2 dc, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, sk next 2 dc and next 2 ch, 5 dc in middle dc of next 3 dc group, ch 1; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 6: St st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, *ch 4, 1 sc in middle dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 4, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * 4 times; ch 4, 1 sc in middle dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 4; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 7: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp, *ch 2, 7 dc into next sc, ch 2, 3 dc into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 7 dc into next sc, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into each of next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch 2 sp, 1 dc into each of next 3 dc, *ch 3, sc in center dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc of next 3 dc group (NOT in shell), 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 more times; ch 3, sc in center dc of next shell and pull tight, ch 3; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 9: 1 sc in same ch and in next st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dtr in same sp, ch 2, sl st in top of dtr just made, 1 dtr in same ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, *ch 1, 2 dc in next sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 4, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in same sc, ch 1, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 dc in next ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dtr in same sp, ch 2, sl st in top of dtr just made, 1 dtr in same ch 2 sp, 1 tr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 1 dc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 2 dc in next sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 4, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same sc, ch 2, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc in same sc, ch 1, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
Pin and shape as directed for Snowflake Top above. Stiffen and allow to dry. Gently peel from plastic wrap. Fill half of pomander with dried rose petals or dried orange peels and cinnamon sticks or desired potpourri. Glue other half over fill as shown. Allow to dry. Embellish with dried flowers and ribbons if desired. Hang with ribbon tied in bow.
Excellent pictures and work!! Salut!!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMXI!!!
Frank, Barcelona
http://balapertotarreu.blogspot.com
So cool! I love your crazy ideas for snowflakes and other uses!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I found this one a little inundating! But I've determined to accomplish every snowflake this year!! So, wish me luck... here goes!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is STUNNING! All of your snowflakes are beautiful, thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI've gazed at Antero from afar many many times. One of our most secret camping hideaways has a view of it, and we set up our La Fuma campchairs, put up our feet, and watch its light change over the day. I'm already looking forward to visiting that spot next summer!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
Your treasure box with the architectural snowflake base and lid is just plain magnificent and your mountain pictures are so crazy beautiful. Great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteOk now you're way out of my ability! lol I love these though! Esp the pompadory thingie!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a home of it's own; so impressive, Deborah! You're terrific!
ReplyDeleteOh My Gosh! These two projects look so sooooo super cool! I can't wait to attempt the box for my MIL. I love it! Thanks for the photo by photo tutorial!
ReplyDeleteHettie
CelticMommy on Ravelry
I love your Elmo Snowflake Pomander, and can hardly wait to make it. I have made some of your snowflakes so far, and currently making the Rose snowflake.
ReplyDeleteI just finished making the treasure box from acrylic yarn and a size I hook, since that's what I had available. It turned out looking amazing and I love it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
Anonymous, I'd love to see what you've made! I'll bet the treasure box in yarn is wonderful!
ReplyDelete