crocheted sproutling bookmark

this weekend i finally started the pompom garland that i'd intended to start last november.  originally it was going to be red and green for christmas, which morphed into red and pink for valentine's day, then green for st. patrick's day, then black for never (kidding).  finally it is yellow and blue for sunshine and happiness.  i'm going gangbusters and have already made two pompoms.  i'm fast, right?  ha!  g wanted me to add green to it, but i patiently yet firmly explained to him that i was going for a sky motif and green was more an earthy thing.  he still wanted a green pompom, so i ended up crocheting him this little sproutling bookmark.  i had seen one made from silk leaves a while back and cataloged it in my mind for a cute crochet project.  who knew i would actually do it?!  it was quick and easy and i whipped it out before church this morning.

here are the directions.  please bear in mind that i am not a professional crocheter, having only had rudimentary instructions from my mother at the tender age of eight.

supplies:
sugar'n cream 100% cotton yarn, medium weight (4)
26 gauge gold wire
jewel tag
size E crochet hook
plastic darning needle
sewing needle

directions:
chain 60, turn, *slip stitch in second chain from hook, single stitch in next, half stitch in next, double stitch in next three, half stitch in next, single stitch in next, slip stitch in next, on opposite side (of the part you already crocheted), slip stitch (across from last slip stitch), single stitch in next, half stitch in next, double stitch in next three, half stitch in next, single stitch in next, slip stitch in next, chain 1, cut and tie off.*

slip stitch onto original project at base of first leaf, chain 10, turn, repeat from * to * above.

unweave thread  at base of chain to create the sproutling's roots.  use darning needle to weave all other dangling threads into project.

fold wire end over sewing needle then use the sewing needle to weave the wire up through the chain stem and in one leaf.  cut wire, fold ends over, and weave into project.  weave a second small piece of wire on the under sides of both leaves.  cut wire, fold ends over and weave into project.

add jewel tag.  i have written "read" on one side and "grow" on the other.

26 gauge wire is thin and weak, but it was what i happened to have on hand.  if i were to purchase wire exclusively for this project i would most likely choose a slightly heavier gauge and in green if it was available.

g declared his new bookmark "awesome!" and wants another for his librarian.  library day is thursday; i think i can do that!

and lookie at our cucumber sproutlings!  they're about to unfurl their first sets of big plant leaves!  so cute!