LADYBUG ON A LEAF BOOKMARK

I'm just getting started on a project to make dozens of bookmarks to give to the local school's reading specialist.  

This is the first of what I hope will be several posts of bookmark ideas that I've had in my head for some time.

MATERIALS:

Worsted Weight yarn, small amount approximately 1/8 ounce

Ladybug button

I (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook

Crochet hook small enough to fit through shank of button (I used a 1.5 mm)

Tapestry needle

NOTES:

1. Read instructions through before beginning.
2. If you don’t have a crochet hook small enough to pull the yarn through the button you can sew it on with the beginning tail and a tapestry needle.
3. It’s a little tricky working around the button, if you need to make an extra stitch that’s okay.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.
4. Yarn in the photo is Red Heart Super Saver in Tea Leaf.
5. I bought the ladybugs buttons at JoAnn and Michaels.

ABBREVIATIONS:

Ch = chain

Sc = single crochet

Hdc = half double crochet

Dc = double crochet

INSTRUCTIONS:

LEAF:

Ch 4, remove hook from loop just pulled up.  Using the small hook pull loop of yarn through shank of button.  Replace I hook in loop and snug up against the button.  Ch 4.

Round 1:  Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch, 2 hdc in last ch, ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook (forms a small picot), 2 hdc in same st as last 2 hdc. Now working over beginning tail and in free loops of foundation chain, hdc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in last st. Join with slip stitch in the first sc of rnd. 

STEM:

Ch 30.  Fasten off leaving about a 4 inch tail.  

TASSEL:
Using yarn from the outside of the skein cut 3 strands of yarn about 6 inches long.  Fold in half and draw loop through the last chain of stem with a crochet hook. Draw the loose ends of the strands through the loop and pull them down tightly to form a knot. Trim ends of tassel evenly.