Crafters UNITE!

[Medusa]

Hey Crafty McCraftersons!

I want to know what projects you are working on! Your best sources for craft material! Your favorite time of day to craft! Whether you reach for glue or paper first! Your biggest craft wins! Your biggest craft fails!

I am pretty new to crafting anything. I have crocheted and painted in the past but making anything intricate with my hands has eluded me...until now...MWWAHHHAAAHHAAA!

Let's talk!

[Medusa]

So, Jack cleaned out her "Butch Drawer" in the kitchen and brought me a bazillion Snus tins:

http://snusauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Camel-snus-lineup-2010-448x336.jpg

I was thinking about painting them and putting little scenes or funny vignettes inside of them. What would YOU do with those?

[clay]

Hey Medusa....I love doing all sorts of crafts! Being in the lowcountry of SC, and having palm trees all over..there is a neat craft I have done in past. The trees limbs are trimmed down real close to the trunk each year. When those "limb bases "fall off" after a while..they split on the end attached to the tree..and what I do is....glue movable eyes, a red pom pom nose, and make a red velvet ribbon...I spray the whole thing with clear polyurethane before I embellish it... a gold, or silver, or even green ribbon is also cool...it looks just like a reindeer...smiles....
Having an abundance of oysters' shells here (we have a "return your empty shells" after an oyster roast) to a state run DNR bed..where they are "replaced" back in these oyster beds....and are the only beds where oysters can be gotten for local consumption...anyway I use the spanish moss, abundant here also..and I make Lowcountry angels...pm me for more info...
I craft late evening for most part. I am tired, have a doc appt in am, and will respond more tomorrow evening...grin EXCELLENT post AND thread idea, Medusa..hugs..Clay

[Medusa]

Hey Clay! Sounds like you make some unique and awesome stuff! I never thought about empty oyster shells being reused for beds but that is a bad ass idea!

Love the reindeer idea too!

[chai~]

see what you've done now!! You've got my brain thinking up something awesome!!!

What are the dimensions of these?

[Medusa]

see what you've done now!! You've got my brain thinking up something awesome!!!

What are the dimensions of these?

They are about 2 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and maybe .33 inches deep. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes but larger than a box of matches.

They are great for organizing the craft room. I have some saved for needles and small jewelry fixings but I'd love to be able to gift some of them!

[chai~]

ok! They are smaller than I thought but first thing that comes to mind is to take apart the top and bottom, and use each piece as a pendent or earring base.

You could fill each piece with semi precious stones, small decoupage, etc.

Drill a hole in the top to put a head pin thru and attach an ear wire.

Let me see if I can find some pics of what I mean.

I would even fill them and make funky rings with them. Oh see, now I want some to play with!!!

[chai~]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/Maytinytreasurestin.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/oooo.jpg

I would wear the first one as a ring!

The second one would be an adorable keepsake!

And the 3rd, nice and handy if I need one in a pinch!!!

Have fun with your fun hobby!

[amiyesiam]

OHhhhhhhh Hi:|

Cool tins I would use them for spices. Find some cool way to decorate the outsides and then put up a magnetic strip and stick them on so they would be on display in the kitchen. Useable art.

As for me, I do needle work all kinds of paper crafts, some crochet, knitting, some jewelry making, weaving, sewing and so on.

Currently I am learning to spin on a top whorl drop spindle. I won a batt of fiber a few months ago, so I got a spindle and spun it. It is a decent first attempt considering that I don't have someone to actually teach me and must use online sources. So I spun it and then I plyed it and now I am knitting a bandana cowl out of it. I got 155 yards out of 60 grams of fiber. I will be done tomorrow and pictures will be posted on facebook!

I have won more fiber ( I enter A LOT of podcast contests) and ordered a custom batt. So I will be busy for awhile LOL

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Hi Medusa, I’m just finishing off hand embroidering Christmas cards – I’ve finished hand embroidering a Clock for my close friend’s Christmas present. I’ve got 2 Sweaters to hand Embroider, 2 to sew together and some baby blankets to hand embroider for Neo-natal.

I can sew, stitch, draw, and sculpt anytime of the day or night – it depends on when the mood takes me…….once I get engrossed in a project, I find it difficult to walk away and leave it if it’s going well. I hate the feeling of emptiness when a project is finished, so I like to have two or three ready to start or that have been started. I love to hand embroider on a warm Summer’s night – just me, the Moon, the Stars, the scent of Summer in the gentle breeze.

I’ve had some spectacular crafting fails over the years! LOL! Years ago, I bought a new pattern for a blouse and forgot that there was no seam allowance – when I finished the blouse it was a little on the snug fitting side, lol! I looked like a badly stuffed sausage, lol!

I still haven’t master the art of knitting! I’m not sure I ever will – my many attempts always seem to look like a plate of tangled spaghetti that a child has been playing with….lol!

As I student, I made Paua shell Jewellery to help support my studies – nothing fancy, more costume Jewellery.

The tins could be used as Trinket boxes…… lipstick holders…..for homemade lip balm or solid perfumes….?


Great thread! :)

[1QuirkyKiwi]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/Maytinytreasurestin.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/oooo.jpg

I would wear the first one as a ring!

The second one would be an adorable keepsake!

And the 3rd, nice and handy if I need one in a pinch!!!

Have fun with your fun hobby!


These are FANTASTIC!!! I love the keyring! :)

[Diva]

I MAY have groaned out loud when I saw this thread because I KNOW Y'all are going to give me new ideas and I'm not done with the OTHER ideas yet!

Medusa, I use Altoid tins a lot....even the teeny~weeny ones. I give them a light sanding/wipe down first, so glue and paint stick better. Then I decorate them to suit an individual. Let's say I have a friend in Colorado who is a photographer and loves baseball......I might paint a mountain scene on the lid, wrap the sides in a neat paper and on the inside, put a cut-to-fit piece of paper in the bottom with a 3-d baseball glued in the corner....maybe some old film rolled up tightly on one end and allowed to scroll cross~wise across the bottom. In the top of the box, another piece of paper with a Babe Ruth quote, an old vintage photo of The Babe (that you can just print out on reg paper and cut to fit. Something like that.

Of course, NOW I'm gonna have to MAKE one and take pictures, as I cannot find ANY pictures of the ones I made when I was in my TDP (Tin Decorating Phase).....

NEAT thread!

When the tins weren't large enough, I moved on to cigar boxes. One might purchase said cigar boxes at Spec's Liquor Stores (the ones with humidors) for a buck fifty! There are the tradional cardboard boxes, of course, but I have found some VERY neat wooden boxes!

My latest craft is a paper garland which has driven me to drink.........wait. :|
8 circles of paper, each circle folded in half, one half glued to the next until you get a 'pom-pom', close the pom-pom around eith thin ribbon or even embroidery thread (I used very narrow ribbon). I'm on pom-pom #30.....I don't know if I'll get it done for THIS tree or not. The circles I'm using are about 1", but I've made some ornaments using the same idea, but much bigger circles of paper. I'll try to remember how to post a picture here of these.

(I may have remembered!)
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp310/DivaTX54/DivaLicious%20Art/PaperGarland.jpg
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp310/DivaTX54/DivaLicious%20Art/PaperGarlanddetail.jpg

(I especially love the one cat hair. :| OH! That table consists of repurposed closet doors that kept falling off their track. Blu built a frame and slammed those puppies on top, screwed 'em in and VOILA! New farmhouse~esque dining room table that seats 10 comfortably! Great for my parties! It's 45" wide ~3 door panels ~ by however tall the damn doors are....6 1/2 feet maybe? Next trip, he's gonna build a bench for one side! Weeeeeeee!!!!)

And speaking of repurposing....I use the oddest things in my art. I just punched out some tiny stars from the nubby foil seal on a coffee can....they are SO neat!

[clay]

GREAT ideas...and Medusa...now ya have ME thinking on "what to" with the snus tins..smiles...Chai and Diva had awesome ideas, too on their use...
I have used quart mason jars with lids n rings..and filled with potpourri, lacing a strand of those 35 mini light strings inside and layering with the potpourri...and when I top it off, I place a colorful piece of cloth OR a crocheted lace doilie inside the ring and cap off jar...leave plug end of lights long enough to plug it in..I use drops oif scented oils to "replenish" these over time..and it is a nice gift...lights are so low heat they won;t catch fire....of course I never leave one on 24/7..just plug in to refresh area and unplug few hrs. later.
The white "dryer vent hose" (which is almost impossible to find now) I use..I cut about 12 inches off the roll...and I briong one end onto the other one, and hot glue them together onto themselves...then spray with a burnt orange spray paint, then "anitque with a brown spray paint..I cut a 'stem" from either a green or brown raffia twist....and insert in center with hot glue. I next take one of the stick scarecrows found in most crafts stores..and cut stick down to about 3 inches and insert inside where stem is, and hot glue in place...these make excellent Halloween decorations..and you can get a roll of about 25 ft. of the white vent hose in hardware stores...
I take a really full, pretty long strand of magnolia blooms (artificial) either in burgundy or white..and cut each flower off...I get the little angel pin kits that are birthstone specific..and make them up..usually 6 of each month) once made, I open the bloom, hot glue the sngel in place..and fold the leaves over...and I have special boxes with tissue wrap inside...where the angel lives when not on the tree...I call them Lowcountry Magnolia angels..and sell quite a few of them. I get 15 bucks for each one!!!
Those oyster shell angels are really quite awesome. Unfortunately I don't have pics...I use the moss to make her hair with...glue a "party favor" gold ring on for halo..and use a round wooden ball to paint a face on..I attach hair and halo to that then attach that to the upright oyster shell and glue a ribbon hanger on back of shell..
One can also paint scenes on these shells as well...glue them together to make a family..and use one shell as a base to make a beach scene and attach the angels as well..living in a beachy town, we tend to make things specific to the area...smiles...

[Gemme]

So, Jack cleaned out her "Butch Drawer" in the kitchen and brought me a bazillion Snus tins:

http://snusauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Camel-snus-lineup-2010-448x336.jpg

I was thinking about painting them and putting little scenes or funny vignettes inside of them. What would YOU do with those?

I actually have one sitting next to the computer and I've been contemplating what I'm going to do with it. Everything from decorating it and using it as storage for buttons or small beads to doing as chai mentioned and decorating a scene on it, like I used to do in grade school.

Personally, I haven't done much in the way of crafty goodness lately but I do enjoy scrapbooking, penpalling, and making small things that could be framed and hung or placed in a memory album. I did a 3D postcard once that I really enjoyed.

Journaling too. I tend to turn my journal into more of a junque journal than your average, ordinary write about what happened today journal.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I MAY have groaned out loud when I saw this thread because I KNOW Y'all are going to give me new ideas and I'm not done with the OTHER ideas yet!

Medusa, I use Altoid tins a lot....even the teeny~weeny ones. I give them a light sanding/wipe down first, so glue and paint stick better. Then I decorate them to suit an individual. Let's say I have a friend in Colorado who is a photographer and loves baseball......I might paint a mountain scene on the lid, wrap the sides in a neat paper and on the inside, put a cut-to-fit piece of paper in the bottom with a 3-d baseball glued in the corner....maybe some old film rolled up tightly on one end and allowed to scroll cross~wise across the bottom. In the top of the box, another piece of paper with a Babe Ruth quote, an old vintage photo of The Babe (that you can just print out on reg paper and cut to fit. Something like that.

Of course, NOW I'm gonna have to MAKE one and take pictures, as I cannot find ANY pictures of the ones I made when I was in my TDP (Tin Decorating Phase).....

NEAT thread!

When the tins weren't large enough, I moved on to cigar boxes. One might purchase said cigar boxes at Spec's Liquor Stores (the ones with humidors) for a buck fifty! There are the tradional cardboard boxes, of course, but I have found some VERY neat wooden boxes!

My latest craft is a paper garland which has driven me to drink.........wait. :|
8 circles of paper, each circle folded in half, one half glued to the next until you get a 'pom-pom', close the pom-pom around eith thin ribbon or even embroidery thread (I used very narrow ribbon). I'm on pom-pom #30.....I don't know if I'll get it done for THIS tree or not. The circles I'm using are about 1", but I've made some ornaments using the same idea, but much bigger circles of paper. I'll try to remember how to post a picture here of these.

(I may have remembered!)
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp310/DivaTX54/DivaLicious%20Art/PaperGarland.jpg
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp310/DivaTX54/DivaLicious%20Art/PaperGarlanddetail.jpg

(I especially love the one cat hair. :| OH! That table consists of repurposed closet doors that kept falling off their track. Blu built a frame and slammed those puppies on top, screwed 'em in and VOILA! New farmhouse~esque dining room table that seats 10 comfortably! Great for my parties! It's 45" wide ~3 door panels ~ by however tall the damn doors are....6 1/2 feet maybe? Next trip, he's gonna build a bench for one side! Weeeeeeee!!!!)

And speaking of repurposing....I use the oddest things in my art. I just punched out some tiny stars from the nubby foil seal on a coffee can....they are SO neat!




I love these! If I had the wall space left, I'd if you do commisions...:)

[girl_dee]

There is a place in heaven for each and every one of you.

Being crafty is a gift! (I do not possess this gift)

[PinkieLee]

There is a place in heaven for each and every one of you.

Being crafty is a gift! (I do not possess this gift)

WORD... this is me, too :)

[girl_dee]

WORD... this is me, too :)


I love and am fascinated with crafters, I love watching them go!

That may or may not be very weird.

[PinkieLee]

I love and am fascinated with crafters, I love watching them go!

That may or may not be very weird.


It is fun to watch an idea come to life. I wish I was that creative.

[Words]

I have recently become a quilting widow:(

(Truth is, I find watching Blue hand stitch all those squares quite arousing - must be the 'in and out' action *cough* - but hey, that's for us to know and Hym to wonder about.)

Words

[LaneyDoll]

There is a place in heaven for each and every one of you.

Being crafty is a gift! (I do not possess this gift)

Me either!!! Although I do make lifestyle toys and will create accessories that I need to complete an outfit/costume.

:sparklyheart:

[girl_dee]

June that is great!

Where do you all get your ideas???? I am so not creative.

[Diva]

Dee....

I get a lot a really wonderful ideas from art blogs and also YouTube tutorials! Try it out!

[DamonK]

MBE scrapbooks.

I'm a bit more simple...

Crochet
Knit
Cross-stitch


I like to make my own designs.

[LaneyDoll]

Pinterest is a great place too.

But, be warned, it is addicting!

:sparklyheart:

[Medusa]

I have seen a lot of folks talking about Pintrest and am going to have to finally check it out!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Yesterday, I made a very expensive mistake with some fabric – I miscalculated the measurements when cutting….I was prepared to use the fabric for something else at a later time; like luxury cushion covers….but, I couldn’t think about that, I’d just stuffed up some costly fabric…

Travelling to a meeting earlier today, I needed to steady my nerves and focused on hand embroidery designs for cushion covers – I gave up….my mind was on the meeting and my nerves were rattling and jangled – no way was I focusing on anything creative. So, with my Muses taking a wee break my thoughts stayed with the meeting – travelling home, I came up with an idea to incorporate my mistake into the Sweater and embroidery design – I hoping it works….

[OS Butch]

Pinterest is a great place too.

But, be warned, it is addicting!

:sparklyheart:
Yep, although I am not a crafty type, Pinterest has intriged me. The DIY crafts especially. A beer bottle chandelier has caught my eye!

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/)

[chai~]

pinterest is REALLY lovely, and full of ideas!

[WingsOnFire]

My passion is scrapbooking. But not in the normal sense of scrapbooking. I love to make mini albums, cards, 3-d projects such as cute little boxes, purses, bags, etc.

Having an unexpected 2-4 weeks off work I hope to make some really cool fuckery..Will have to post some of my projects when I get them done.

I am working on a paper satchel that will hold 4 cards and envelopes. Pretty cute gift idea. Damon bought me a cricut for my birthday. It is awesome!! It is a die cut machine. Cuts paper in all sorts of shapes. I cant wait to try my hand at things like Tinkerbell images.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

So far, I’ve resisted the temptation to look at Pinterest – I know when I do I’ll be under its spell….and I’m weeeaaakkk! I’m another one who gets inspiration from Etsy and stitching/crafty blogs, lol!

Last night I went over to one of my friends from the stitching group – she lent me the use of her sewing machine as we chatted and laughed. After doing household chores this morning I made a start on the Sweater that I stuffed up when cutting out….over the seam (that wasn’t meant to be), I’m hand embroidering a ‘lacing-up’ effect to “mask” it. I’m not wanting to hide the seam completely, as I can’t….what I’m wanting to do is give the effect that the ‘lacing-up’ is meant to be a part of the Sweater design naturally….of course, it could end up looking like a Picasso that’s been painted whilst drunk and then I have to unpick it all and start again! LOL! ….Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen, lol!

Lacing-up effect...


http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0895.jpg

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0894.jpg

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0892.jpg

[girl_dee]

June, I think they make a patch for that.

[cara]

I get inspired by Etsy a lot. You could make cards out of your photos. Something I have seen alot is putting photos on a wire with round paper clips or clothespins.

http://visitshoremagazine.com/2/wp-content/themes/mimbo2.2/images/diyweddings.jpg

I have a lot of vintage family photos of people I don't know that I might do this with as kind of a banner

I used to do this in my dorm rooms! :)

Every year I save all of my holiday cards in an attempt to recycle them and make "new" cards the next year. Every year it also never happens. :|

:hk1:

[cara]

So, Jack cleaned out her "Butch Drawer" in the kitchen and brought me a bazillion Snus tins:

http://snusauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Camel-snus-lineup-2010-448x336.jpg

I was thinking about painting them and putting little scenes or funny vignettes inside of them. What would YOU do with those?

My mom used to modge podge them or stamp scenes onto them. There is so much you can do! Personally, I like your idea of teeny-tiny little scenes in them.

:hk1:

[cara]

My current craft obsessions are subversive cross-stitch and decorating small, glass vials with beads. I'm crafty when I'm inspired. Recycling inspires me. I like being to do a project without having to buy anything. I also like creating something spectacular out of found objects.

Crafty :stillheart:

[nycfem]

Please consider joining the pen pal project that I am wrangling!!! Go read about it on the pen pal thread :)

We love reliable, new peeps!

"Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types" - in the HOBBIES, CRAFTS, INTERESTS forum of Butch Femme Planet

[1QuirkyKiwi]

....Bump!....:D

Yesterday I finished the Sweater….every time I started stitching the ‘Lacing-up’ effect it didn’t feel right, so I left it and concentrated on main design. Stitching it was a breeze and then I unpicked the ‘Lacing-up’ effect and have decided to leave the seam as is....

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/2011-12-18145131.jpg

The heart on the right looks wonky because the fabric isn't laying flat, as it's hanging up drying....

[Medusa]

Would anyone care to add to this list of the best or favorite crafting-related websites?

Here are a few of mine:

http://www.craftster.org - Probably the best online community strictly devoted to crafts :)

http://www.pinterest.com - It's kinda like window shopping and highly addictive!

http://www.etsy.com - Homemade and artisan crafts. It's like eBay but without huge retailers (so far)

http://www.dickblick.com - My very favorite in the whole wide world craft store. CHEAP and great variety!

http://www.craftzine.com - Your basic awesomeness devoted to crafting

http://www.yessy.com - A place to buy and sell paintings direct from the artist.

http://www.joann.com - For fabrics and such

http://www.alphastamps.com - My favorite resource for rubber stamps. Average prices over all but GREAT clearance deals on rubber stamps, stickers, glitter, etc.

[Truly Scrumptious]

My first love is mosaics, but I also do a little furniture repurposing.

For mosaics, the site I use most is http://www.mosaicbeach.com (in Toronto). I mostly buy vitreous glass there. But by far my best shopping is done during the summer at yard sales. I am always looking for dishes to break (way therapeutic) and cut into tiles, and also furniture, mirrors, shelves, picture frames . . . anything that I can mosaic.

I've also gotten tons of great stuff for free by running ads on craigslist asking for broken dishes, ceramics, porcelain . . . and have snagged mosaic supplies this way too, from people giving stuff away.

Dollar stores are great for glass gems, small paint brushes (for applying glue, not so much for painting) and all kinds of other treasures.

Probably the greatest resource for things like (Oops) paint, drawer pulls, tiles, grout . . . is the Habitat for Humanity Restore. If you have one in your area or anywhere in driving distance, it's well worth the trip. Everything sells for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere, and (at least in Montreal) there is no tax. It would be the first place I'd go if I was doing any kind of home reno project because they have everything from sinks to doors to tools . . . anything that goes into the building of a house is likely to be found there for peanuts.

Home Depot is a fabulous resource for Oops paint (paint that doesn't turn out to be the colour the customer wanted and is put up for sale) especially if you like bright colours. I can get a gallon can here for $9, compared to the $40 something it goes for usually . . . you just have to check it regularly because it's hit or miss. (Actually most paint stores sell some Oops paint as well, just not in the same quantity as Home Depot.)

[amiyesiam]

adding to medusa's list

artfire.com (like etsy)

ravelry.com (huge knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving site)

interweave.com (knitting,crocheting, spinning, weaving again)

[clay]

www.nationalartcraft.com
You can ask for, and get, their catalog....all sorts of artsy craftsy supplies...in bulk....for really neat prices...

[ironygrl]

I am currently crocheting my first afghan. Two months into it and its coming along nicely, even if the edges aren't exactly even in some spots. I'm having fun though!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I am currently crocheting my first afghan. Two months into it and its coming along nicely, even if the edges aren't exactly even in some spots. I'm having fun though!

I would love to see it when you've finished it! :)

The uneven edges will add character to the blanket and that is always a good thing! :) I had a machine made Afghan that, although was nice....it was just that, NICE! It had no character, so I gave it to a charity shop.

Over time with use and washing the yarn (if wool) will stretch a little and the edges may look more even.

For Christmas, my close friend hand knitted me 2 hat and scarf sets....her husband said they looked silly, yet, I love them because she took the time to knit them for me AND they have character. My friend also made the hats big enough for me to wear my hair up under them....shop bought hats aren't big enough.

[amiyesiam]

Like animals?

check out

http://www.snugglesproject.org/

this is a world wide program for making (sewing, knitting, crocheting) small, medium, and large blankets for animals in shelters.

There is a listing of places (maybe right near you!) that will accept blankets.

The blanket becomes the animals and goes home with them when they are adopted

[girl_dee]

for 2012 making kids blankets for the Women's Shelter in town!

[Logicaly]

I like crafts and generally I do not have the time, however now it seems I have an overabundance of it available to me. I like doing various things, and while I am probably not as crafty as some and it may not always look good, I enjoy it.

Some of the stuff I am in to is...

Bead Sprites, taking the meltable beads such as perler, or hama beads and creating designs with them then melting them together. Generally I do video game characters, for example I have sonic sitting on my desk, and I made an awesome looking Eeyore for my girl.

Crocheting, I tried doing this, and I have some stuff started, basic scarves really, but this one is hard for me to do it seems like and requires more patience then other things.

I have a lot of random craft supplies, TONS of paper that I had purchased with the intent to scrapbook that I really should do something with. I am always wanting to try new stuff or learn something new. I just love creating stuff with my hands really.

[OS Butch]

I am currently crocheting my first afghan. Two months into it and its coming along nicely, even if the edges aren't exactly even in some spots. I'm having fun though!

I love to crochet....I am just not very good at it and my edges aren't even either. I too am working on my first... well, it started out as an afghan, umm... it has morphed into a bedspread... that is thought would be full size... but not....by the time I get done, it probably would fit a king size bed! It is a really funny thing!

[Truly Scrumptious]

I just saw a video on YouTube (a quick search will turn up several different ones) the other day about making beads from paper. It looks pretty simple and the possibilities are endless, you can use any kind of paper, even newspaper, magazines, just about anything other than really thin stuff like tissue paper.

And on another note, I saw an article on Yahoo today called "The craziest thing I did to save money". One of the suggestions is called "Dumpster diving in cemeteries", and says:

"A few years ago, I was into crafting artificial flowers. A neat way to save money on my hobby materials was to go Dumpster-diving at cemeteries to pick up artificial flowers and miscellaneous decorations left behind. I would go into the cemeteries, take what was thrown out in the Dumpster and use the items instead for my crafting!"

I don't even know what I think about that. I'll admit to a little curbside scavenging for furniture to repurpose, but cemetery dumpster-diving might be where I draw the line.



I like crafts and generally I do not have the time, however now it seems I have an overabundance of it available to me. I like doing various things, and while I am probably not as crafty as some and it may not always look good, I enjoy it.

Some of the stuff I am in to is...

Bead Sprites, taking the meltable beads such as perler, or hama beads and creating designs with them then melting them together. Generally I do video game characters, for example I have sonic sitting on my desk, and I made an awesome looking Eeyore for my girl.

Crocheting, I tried doing this, and I have some stuff started, basic scarves really, but this one is hard for me to do it seems like and requires more patience then other things.

I have a lot of random craft supplies, TONS of paper that I had purchased with the intent to scrapbook that I really should do something with. I am always wanting to try new stuff or learn something new. I just love creating stuff with my hands really.

[girl_dee]

I love to crochet....I am just not very good at it and my edges aren't even either. I too am working on my first... well, it started out as an afghan, umm... it has morphed into a bedspread... that is thought would be full size... but not....by the time I get done, it probably would fit a king size bed! It is a really funny thing!


If you can make a granny square, you can make ANYthing! My last blanket was a BIG granny square!

[OS Butch]

If you can make a granny square, you can make ANYthing! My last blanket was a BIG granny square!


LOL! Yes, it is the only knot I know..I made a LOOOONNNGGGG chain and used that one knot, which I don't even know what it is called and go back and forth... It takes me about 45 minutes to finish 1 row! I will have to send you a picture!

[girl_dee]

LOL! Yes, it is the only knot I know..I made a LOOOONNNGGGG chain and used that one knot, which I don't even know what it is called and go back and forth... It takes me about 45 minutes to finish 1 row! I will have to send you a picture!

yes do that! I can't get my edges straight on the kind you are doing. Granny square is the same all around, you go around and around adding rows and colors however you please, Edges are always exactly even.

There is a lady on FB who does wonderful Tutorials for making anything, do you want the page? I can send it on FB if you do.

[Logicaly]

I am all down for some dumpster diving, I once met a couple diving in dumpsters at an apartment I was living in, and they told me they managed to make enough money off the stuff they collected, to pay for a new car in cash!

I just can never get anyone to go dumpster diving with me, its very disappointing and not as fun alone!

I just saw a video on YouTube (a quick search will turn up several different ones) the other day about making beads from paper. It looks pretty simple and the possibilities are endless, you can use any kind of paper, even newspaper, magazines, just about anything other than really thin stuff like tissue paper.

And on another note, I saw an article on Yahoo today called "The craziest thing I did to save money". One of the suggestions is called "Dumpster diving in cemeteries", and says:

"A few years ago, I was into crafting artificial flowers. A neat way to save money on my hobby materials was to go Dumpster-diving at cemeteries to pick up artificial flowers and miscellaneous decorations left behind. I would go into the cemeteries, take what was thrown out in the Dumpster and use the items instead for my crafting!"

I don't even know what I think about that. I'll admit to a little curbside scavenging for furniture to repurpose, but cemetery dumpster-diving might be where I draw the line.

[OS Butch]

yes do that! I can't get my edges straight on the kind you are doing. Granny square is the same all around, you go around and around adding rows and colors however you please, Edges are always exactly even.

There is a lady on FB who does wonderful Tutorials for making anything, do you want the page? I can send it on FB if you do.

Sure, send it to me. I will post a picture on FB, you will get a great laugh. I have been working on this one thing for years. Too hot in the summer, so I only work on it in the winter, Keeps me warm while I am working on it!

[girl_dee]

Sure, send it to me. I will post a picture on FB, you will get a great laugh. I have been working on this one thing for years. Too hot in the summer, so I only work on it in the winter, Keeps me warm while I am working on it!


Me too, crochet in winter, paint stuff in summer!

[Logicaly]

Just went through my bookmarks and there is another two sites where you can find some fun stuff too...

http://www.instructables.com/
http://www.deviantart.com

The DeviantArt one has a tutorial section for crafts that if you browse through you can find some interesting stuff.

[Admin]

LOVE deviantart.com!


I love to dumpster dive. Shamelessly. I used to dig around in the bins behind Bed,Bath, and Beyond because they threw away sheets and curtains like crazy. They eventually started slashing and destroying everything but I bet there are still plenty of places that dont.

[chai~]

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/12/sequin-wrapped_rings.html

a sequin wrapped ball ring!!!
I just might whip up one or two for New Years Eve!!!!!

[Cin]

I am all down for some dumpster diving, I once met a couple diving in dumpsters at an apartment I was living in, and they told me they managed to make enough money off the stuff they collected, to pay for a new car in cash!

I just can never get anyone to go dumpster diving with me, its very disappointing and not as fun alone!

No kidding enough money to pay for a new car in cash. What were they picking out of the dumpsters, credit card information and personal information for identity theft? :| Just kidding.

Seriously though I'm all for dumpster diving. But to me CEMETERY dumpster diving is just a different animal altogether. Creeps me out.

[Gemme]

To me, cemeteries are peaceful. It's the morons that frequent them and try to stir something up that irritate me.

Dumpster diving can be very profitable in many areas....groceries, furniture, boxes, crafty and/or "found" stuff, and so much more. Most of the time, people just throw stuff away instead of trying to fix it or trying to separate the true trash parts from the useable parts. It's the result of an immediate gratification society.

[Cin]

To me, cemeteries are peaceful. It's the morons that frequent them and try to stir something up that irritate me.

Dumpster diving can be very profitable in many areas....groceries, furniture, boxes, crafty and/or "found" stuff, and so much more. Most of the time, people just throw stuff away instead of trying to fix it or trying to separate the true trash parts from the useable parts. It's the result of an immediate gratification society.

Yes, cemeteries are quite peaceful. I like them just fine. And dumpster diving is great, profitable and lots of fun. I just don't like the idea of rummaging around in dumpsters at cemeteries or even funeral homes for that matter.

But I find cemeteries peaceful and dumpster diving fun and profitable. I just don't want to put them together. It's probably a personal preference.

Let me reiterate because perhaps I'm not being clear. Cemeteries peaceful, dumpster diving fun and profitable. Dumpster diving in cemeteries not for me.
:deadhorse:

Yes, I've been known to assault deceased equines in my quest for clarity.

I am a clarity freak.

[Gemme]

Yes, cemeteries are quite peaceful. I like them just fine. And dumpster diving is great, profitable and lots of fun. I just don't like the idea of rummaging around in dumpsters at cemeteries or even funeral homes for that matter.

But I find cemeteries peaceful and dumpster diving fun and profitable. I just don't want to put them together. It's probably a personal preference.

Let me reiterate because perhaps I'm not being clear. Cemeteries peaceful, dumpster diving fun and profitable. Dumpster diving in cemeteries not for me.
:deadhorse:

Yes, I've been known to assault deceased equines in my quest for clarity.

I am a clarity freak.

So, let me make sure I understand you.....you like to dumpster dive in cemeteries?

:jester:

[Cin]

So, let me make sure I understand you.....you like to dumpster dive in cemeteries?

:jester:

:shocking: :bigcry: :explode:

[Logicaly]

So I have this wine cork sitting here in front of me on my desk. I picked it up at the beach the other day. While sitting here staring at it, I was trying to think of what to do with it. Then of course I decided I need more. So I asked my girlfriend to go to Whole Foods and take home as many wine corks as she can for me. Then I will see what comes of them!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

So I have this wine cork sitting here in front of me on my desk. I picked it up at the beach the other day. While sitting here staring at it, I was trying to think of what to do with it. Then of course I decided I need more. So I asked my girlfriend to go to Whole Foods and take home as many wine corks as she can for me. Then I will see what comes of them!

These are fantastic AND made with Wine Corks! :)

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/sam_1227.jpg

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSCF0821.jpg

[Medusa]

This is probably a strange request but doesn anyone here have a good resource for cheap religious figurines? Plastic Jesus, plastic Buddha, etc.?

I've checked Oriental Trading and a few other spots and am coming up short

[Logicaly]

Oddly enough have you tried local Dollar Stores and 99 Cent Stores? I have found those to usually have some.

This is probably a strange request but doesn anyone here have a good resource for cheap religious figurines? Plastic Jesus, plastic Buddha, etc.?

I've checked Oriental Trading and a few other spots and am coming up short

[WolfyOne]

This is probably a strange request but doesn anyone here have a good resource for cheap religious figurines? Plastic Jesus, plastic Buddha, etc.?

I've checked Oriental Trading and a few other spots and am coming up short


What size figurines are you looking for and how many of them?

[Novelafemme]

This is probably a strange request but doesn anyone here have a good resource for cheap religious figurines? Plastic Jesus, plastic Buddha, etc.?

I've checked Oriental Trading and a few other spots and am coming up short

we have a funky little toy store here in tucson called YIKES and they have both of those things. let me see if i can dig up a link...or if they even have a website, ;)

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I made these burlap pillows for my son. I found the coffee bags next to Stumptown Coffee roasters here in Portland, for FREE! They are so interesting. I gave a bunch of the bags to my co-workers as well.

Pillows like this sell on Etsy for $35-$65. I doubt I have the fortitude to start an Etsy shop, but I will definitely be making more.

>Gallery Link to Pic< (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7931&cat=500)

I love them, they are brilliant! :)

[clay]

Check Accoutements (http://www.accoutrements.com/shop/) the wholesale division of Archie McFee's in Seattle for Jesus stuff. They will sell to the public, you just have to buy a case. I have gotten things for clients here before.



WOW! I love those "burpils", June...clever idea.....thanks for sharing the pics...BTW...Clay

[girl_dee]

I made these burlap pillows for my son. I found the coffee bags next to Stumptown Coffee roasters here in Portland, for FREE! They are so interesting. I gave a bunch of the bags to my co-workers as well.

Pillows like this sell on Etsy for $35-$65. I doubt I have the fortitude to start an Etsy shop, but I will definitely be making more.

>Gallery Link to Pic< (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7931&cat=500)


Doing Etsy is easy! DO IT!!!!

[SugarFemme]

Try your local Dollar or 99 cents store. Ours has all kinds of gaudy religious icons :) Oh chit!! I hadn't read all the postings before I put this and I went on to read and Logicaly had the same idea LOL. My bad.



This is probably a strange request but doesn anyone here have a good resource for cheap religious figurines? Plastic Jesus, plastic Buddha, etc.?

I've checked Oriental Trading and a few other spots and am coming up short

[SugarFemme]

Hey June, put a strap on one of those bad boys and make a tote bag out of it, and I would buy one in a minute :)





I made these burlap pillows for my son. I found the coffee bags next to Stumptown Coffee roasters here in Portland, for FREE! They are so interesting. I gave a bunch of the bags to my co-workers as well.

Pillows like this sell on Etsy for $35-$65. I doubt I have the fortitude to start an Etsy shop, but I will definitely be making more.

>Gallery Link to Pic< (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7931&cat=500)

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I was asked to make this Lavender Sachet for a colleague’s daughter who has just come out.



http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/2012-01-06175907.jpg

[1QuirkyKiwi]

That is really lovely. Did you free-hand the shape?

Yes, taking inspiration from other womanly designs and a Maori fertility symbol. :)

[Princess]

Tomorrow my besties and I are having a craft party :) We will be making kind of a collage of things to inspire us to stick to our new years resolutions! Ill post pics :)

[justkim]

I recently purchased some knitting looms. Both styles round and rectangle ones. Not sure how to use them yet but I found a great web site called http://www.loomroom.com/ they have some really cool patterns. I am looking forward to using them and making hats for the homeless and NICU/newborns...

[genghisfawn]

I absolutely LOVE some of the ideas here! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

I got together with a friend yesterday evening and decided to use up some scraps. My vanity corner (consisting of a large mirror, makeup stand and chair by my closet) was missing a bit of razzle dazzle, so I used some leftover upholstery canvas, some strong cotton (quadrupled) thread, a curved needle (inherited among multiple notions from my grandma) and some big red buttons (they're a little crooked... I'm not used to curved needles!) to make this cushion for my chair:

http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/5ae60d0e3fef11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg

Oh, the stuffing? Plastic grocery bags. :) I had so many that I just wondered... and it worked! They compacted beautifully and there's just a hint of rustle when I sit down. :)

There. Completely recycled and jazzing up my bedroom!

[chai~]

http://craftgawker.com/

such an awesome place for inspiration!!!

[Logicaly]

Great, another site for me to be addicted to.

I am leaning more and more towards trying out quilling, some of the things I see people make is beautiful.

[DamonK]

I'm currently working on two blankets. One is driving me batty, but I know once I get this row done, it will become easier.

The other... well it's easy as hell.

That is all.

Oh... and Juney? If'n you figure out dryer sheets, lemme know.

[Truly Scrumptious]

A few weeks ago, I made soap for the first time. I started saving the little end pieces of soap about a year ago, and when I had what I thought was enough, I grated them, added a little water, and packed them in muffin tins. They didn’t hold, so I took them apart, dried them again, and started over. This time I melted them in the microwave. Now, the instructions said to make sure to use a large bowl because the soap would rise, but I really wasn’t prepared for the soap soufflé that rose (and rapidly fell) and made a huge but beautifully scented mess in the oven. I salvaged as much as I could, and ended up being able to make exactly 2 muffin sized bars of soap (kind of anticlimactic after a year of scrap saving, but it’s a learning process, I suppose). They held together perfectly and popped out of the muffin tray a week later, and while they were the strangest looking bars of soap I’d ever seen, I adored them. They were rich, creamy, and smelled heavenly. Not my finest crafting effort, but I’m already back to saving scraps so that I can try it again. I have this vision of making white soap with chunks of coloured soap throughout, sort of a mosaic effect. (It always comes back to mosaics with me.)

[chai~]

too cute, had to share!

http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2012/01/weekend-diy-valentine-crafts.html

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I guess this is kinda crafty.

Yesterday, I made laundry detergent with one of my friends. The recipe can be found >Here< (http://thecraftmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/10/gettin-sudsie.html).

We grated the Fels-Naptha in my food processor using the cheese thingy, then put it in a bowl and redid it with the blade so it got powdery, then mixed it with the Laundry Soda and Borax. It smells delightful and I am on my third load with it. It does not suds up at all, and the Fels-Naptha dissolves in cold water, which is what I generally wash in.

For about $8, you can make a ton of laundry soap, and you only use about a tablespoon each time. Because I wasn't sure about using so little for a large load, I used about 1/4 cup.

Next, finding an alternative to dryer sheets, because I am addicted to them, and they have really horrible stuff in them. :(

We also made deoderant using coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch and some escentual oil. I am wearing it now to test. We put it in existing Secret containers that we had cleaned out. It rolls up, but is a little bit soft. I will update this later after I have tested it during exercise.

You could try a damp cloth with a few drops of essential oils on it in the dryer. I do this to freshen up a blouse or a pair of slacks....a little like home dry cleaning, lol!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I’ve just made this Lingerie bag set….this is one of two sets made with the last pieces of the Broderie Anglais fabric. I’ve made another two sets with vintage polka dot fabric….I’ve still to sew the lace on.

These sets are going to a charity Valentine’s Raffle as prizes….

The set consists of:
Bustier style Lingerie bag

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0965.jpg

Moontime Pad bag

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0967.jpg

And a Laundry bag

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0966.jpg

Next up to make is some more body butter and facial moisturiser.

[Medusa]

This is where I confess that last night Jack and I stopped at the Dollar General to get her favorite gum (since she quit dipping and chewing nicotine gum, she now chews a case a week of Mentos spearamint) and discovered that ALL of the Christmas decorations left in the store were on clearance for 10 cents each.

There were ornaments and beaded garlands and boxes and bags and and and.

I spent $7 and got enough crap to dismantle and make my next art project (a giant ode to the blessed virgin Mary) realllly fabulous. :)

[1QuirkyKiwi]

This is where I confess that last night Jack and I stopped at the Dollar General to get her favorite gum (since she quit dipping and chewing nicotine gum, she now chews a case a week of Mentos spearamint) and discovered that ALL of the Christmas decorations left in the store were on clearance for 10 cents each.

There were ornaments and beaded garlands and boxes and bags and and and.

I spent $7 and got enough crap to dismantle and make my next art project (a giant ode to the blessed virgin Mary) realllly fabulous. :)

Photos when your project is done; please and thank you! :)

[Medusa]

Photos when your project is done; please and thank you! :)


YES! I think I might also make a new gallery for art projects and crafts in case people want to share there too!

[Medusa]

I was asked to make this Lavender Sachet for a colleague’s daughter who has just come out.



http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/2012-01-06175907.jpg


I meant to tell you earlier that I LOVE this! The little gay ribbon is fabulous and I'd LOVE to see those in drawers and hanging in closets!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

YES! I think I might also make a new gallery for art projects and crafts in case people want to share there too!

That would be great! :) Would it have separate categories for each of the Art and Crafts projects?

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I meant to tell you earlier that I LOVE this! The little gay ribbon is fabulous and I'd LOVE to see those in drawers and hanging in closets!

Thank you! (f) I've sold some recently (with pastel lila, pink and green ribbons instead of the rainbow one), after showing photos of this one. I've been asked to make a few more which I'll start once I've got the Lingerie bag sets out of the way, lol!

[Hollylane]

I have been looking through the thread, enjoying a lot of the artwork, ideas and great links...

Here are a few things I came up with that I have done besides my jewelry (http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=634) (a fairly new road I am traveling).

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/431673_2276482250848_1812482381_1466570_1431216158 _n.jpg

The one on top, was a box that an award pin came in from an employer. I used clear craft glue to paste torn up paper bag, twine, clay and beads on it. The little clay starfish and lobster were things I picked up at Michael's many years ago, and the seashell was from La Jolla. I sealed this to prevent moisture damage.

The second one is colored paper and clear glue on a vase I picked up at a thrift store. I hand painted the flowers and sealed it to prevent moisture damage.

My favorite places to pick up items for crafts, and jewelry when I can, are local thrift stores. People seem to think of starting crafts, purchase all the materials, and then leave them in their garage for 5 years, before donating them to thrift stores. I get a steal of a deal on brand new craft materials, my money goes somewhere that counts, and I am recycling something that could end up in a landfill.

I can stand around in the some of the junk isles of thrift stores for hours, mulling over new ideas.

Thank you all for sharing your talent and ideas...

[dixie]

I've started back on sewing. These are the two newest.

fleece blanket (completely finished)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/402393_10150505478102144_679802143_9180532_1109372 807_n.jpg

patchwork quilt top (still needs to be backed and quilted)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394218_10150506865872144_679802143_9185411_3351193 33_n.jpg


I have another quilt top I've started, but I haven't uploaded pics of that one yet.

[Hollylane]

I have another quilt top I've started, but I haven't uploaded pics of that one yet.



I have a brand new sewing machine for quilting, never used, I had big plans to learn to use it, but never have found the time to go to a class, and no relatives that are crafty. Can you come over and show me? ;)

[dixie]

I have a brand new sewing machine for quilting, never used, I had big plans to learn to use it, but never have found the time to go to a class, and no relatives that are crafty. Can you come over and show me? ;)

Of course! lol Sewing and quilting has been a big thing in my family for generations. My grandmother had a sewing needle in my hand at a very early age. We all learned to sew by darning socks that my grandmother kept in a basket...lol

[dixie]

Ok, I went ahead and uploaded a few pics. These are some of the squares for the new quilt. I think the color scheme is going to be really pretty on this one. :)


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_18-23-55_874.jpg?t=1328130423
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-12-16_219.jpg?t=1328130396
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-41-29_519.jpg?t=1328130367
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_20-49-03_204.jpg?t=1328130338

[Stitch]

Holy quilts!!!

I think they are fascinating! no two are ever the same really.

[OS Butch]

I love quilts, even better the patterns make great stained glass panels. I have done several stained glass commissions for quilters of their favorite pattern. Picking out glass is just as cool as picking out fabric, who knew?!

Ok, I went ahead and uploaded a few pics. These are some of the squares for the new quilt. I think the color scheme is going to be really pretty on this one. :)


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_18-23-55_874.jpg?t=1328130423
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-12-16_219.jpg?t=1328130396
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-41-29_519.jpg?t=1328130367
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_20-49-03_204.jpg?t=1328130338

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Ok, I went ahead and uploaded a few pics. These are some of the squares for the new quilt. I think the color scheme is going to be really pretty on this one. :)


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_18-23-55_874.jpg?t=1328130423
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-12-16_219.jpg?t=1328130396
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_19-41-29_519.jpg?t=1328130367
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/cdsilv1/2012-01-22_20-49-03_204.jpg?t=1328130338



These are fantastic! :) Do you use a machine or do them by hand?

I don't have the patience to sit doing patchwork quilting, yet, I love sitting doing hand quilting.

[dixie]

These are fantastic! :) Do you use a machine or do them by hand?

I don't have the patience to sit doing patchwork quilting, yet, I love sitting doing hand quilting.

I did these by machine. I normally do the quilt tops by machine then finish/back them by hand quilting.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

These paper Roses were specially made for me. :)

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0977.jpg

[Medusa]

Ahhhh! A huge crafters sigh can be inserted >here<!

Jack put up a bunch of shelves in my office/craft room today and now I can dig out a bunch of stuff and organize it properly. Most of my craft stuff has been shoved in a huge closet in the office on floor to ceiling shelves that are very deep which means I have two layers of baskets and boxes full of craft supplies.

Projects that are either in progress or that I'm about to start on:

1. a huge canvas cover up self portrait
2. an elongated canvas with a mixed media ode to Mother Mary
3. a custom Tarot card painting for a friend
4. a custom sugar skull for a friend
5. a custom secret for Julie (that is like, a month overdue!)
6. an illustrated children's book that I wrote and intend to publish
7. a trashcan made of rolled paper strips
8. a custom triptych that was commisioned by my Brother (due in June!)
9. another custom piece that was commissioned by my girlfriend, JENNIFUUURRRRRR!
10. a giant paper mache medusa head


In other words, I am covered up with projects in various stages of completion but I like it because I can work on different things if I get bored.

What are you all working on?!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Ahhhh! A huge crafters sigh can be inserted >here<!

Jack put up a bunch of shelves in my office/craft room today and now I can dig out a bunch of stuff and organize it properly. Most of my craft stuff has been shoved in a huge closet in the office on floor to ceiling shelves that are very deep which means I have two layers of baskets and boxes full of craft supplies.

Projects that are either in progress or that I'm about to start on:

1. a huge canvas cover up self portrait
2. an elongated canvas with a mixed media ode to Mother Mary
3. a custom Tarot card painting for a friend
4. a custom sugar skull for a friend
5. a custom secret for Julie (that is like, a month overdue!)
6. an illustrated children's book that I wrote and intend to publish
7. a trashcan made of rolled paper strips
8. a custom triptych that was commisioned by my Brother (due in June!)
9. another custom piece that was commissioned by my girlfriend, JENNIFUUURRRRRR!
10. a giant paper mache medusa head


In other words, I am covered up with projects in various stages of completion but I like it because I can work on different things if I get bored.

What are you all working on?!

Do you need more hours in the day?

Currently working on:-

Baby blankets for the Special Care Baby Unit (this is an ongoing project). The recent batch of blankets are hemmed and ready for hand Embroidering.

Three Sweaters to hand embroider; they have been sitting in my 'to do' pile since last Summer!

Four wall hangings each with different themes; Ummm....I started these sometie in 2009. They were 'put away' until I had time to do them. I got them out at the weekend in the hopes of doing them as 'inbetween' projects....not sure if that will ever happen, lol!

I have two bed blankets that I started to hand embroider around 2008....I need to focus on doing them at some point....

Two clocks to have the hands and mchanisms fitted.

I have a Blouse cut out ready for sewing (has been for....errr....ummm....).

I've got various clays sitting waiting to be used....

....HELP! LOL!

[The Oopster]

back when I was a kid eons ago I was in Brazil. I had some money to spend and I bought this collection of cut and uncut rocks. Always planned to do something with them and never did. Don't know how good they are and I can guarantee that they are probably no longer matched up with their correct names. (I have spilt the container several times.) However if someone would like them/use them I am willing to part with them. I rather give them to someone here rather then thrift shop them.

My camera battery is dead or I'd try posting a picture!

[Gemme]

back when I was a kid eons ago I was in Brazil. I had some money to spend and I bought this collection of cut and uncut rocks. Always planned to do something with them and never did. Don't know how good they are and I can guarantee that they are probably no longer matched up with their correct names. (I have spilt the container several times.) However if someone would like them/use them I am willing to part with them. I rather give them to someone here rather then thrift shop them.

My camera battery is dead or I'd try posting a picture!

Hollylane makes beautiful jewelry.

[Novelafemme]

Quilting is something I've never quite mastered but would love to learn one day! I am constantly on the search for the perfect quilt...someday I'll make one. :)

[Medusa]

I am also really interested in quilting. All that cutting looks very cathartic but I am not allowing myself to get started on any more projects until I clear at least half of what is on my list :)

[Leigh]

I was looking and going through boxes of old things from my past, finding stuff from when I was a child and even from 6-7 years ago and then I came across a whole bunch of cross stitch books that I've been look for for ages now ~ two of them even have projects that I haven't finished yet! So I can now finish some projects that I never got to before :D

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I am also really interested in quilting. All that cutting looks very cathartic but I am not allowing myself to get started on any more projects until I clear at least half of what is on my list :)

What about trying hand quilting when your other projects are finished?

I enjoy hand Quilting a lot; also doing Sashiko (Japanese hand Quilting). I can sit for hours stitching by hand, yet, I've never been mad keen on sitting for hours using my sewing machines....for me they're a means to an end.

I greatly admire people who can do Patchwork Quilting....my mant attempts have failed miserably! *Sighs*

Hand Quilting....

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/l-quilting.jpg

[1QuirkyKiwi]

A couple of years ago, a friend gave me 6 canvas Teddy bears and asked if there was anything I could do with them; if not she was going to throw them out. After some thought, I hand embroidered all 6 with different flowers and stuffed them with herbs. There was a Red Rose bear; a Pink Rose bear, A Lavender bear, a Lily bear, an Iris bear and a Garden flower bear. All got raffled off to charity, lol!

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/120720092888.jpg

I hand made these kittens and hand embroider them with various flowers and colours; the most popular is the ‘Heirloom’ kitten with the pastel colours.

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/01122010029.jpg

When I lived in Japan I was given some fabrics that sat for years and then I decided to make Lampshade covers out of them. My Lampshades needed replacing and I couldn’t find anything I liked, lol!

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/260220103731.jpg

This is soon to be another clock; it was commissioned by someone who had the design as a Tattoo (I traced it off their back), but, then decided they no longer wanted it. If it doesn’t find a home, I’m giving it to a charity raffle, lol!

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0944.jpg

I’ve been asked by the SCBU Manager if I can do more of these blankets for the Summer and Christmas fetes (as many as I can she said, lol!). I love thread painting and will do another Bunny, a Kitten, a Puppy and….not sure what else yet, lol!

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_0318-1.jpg

If anyone has some hours in the day to spare, can they please offer them up here in this thread; please and thank you!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I made these tea-light holders today from glass jars I keep for storage, copper wire and trimmings from my stash….I....err....got a little carried away….I made 21 in total! :| Some with tribal trimmings, others with dangly beads.

http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/earthmonkey1968/DSC_1008.jpg

[genghisfawn]

So... I'm talking to a friend, deciding what to knit, and I suddenly thought of knitting undahpants. You know. Not sexy ones, but lingerie style.

I don't have anyone to show right now, but hey. One never knows.

So she double-dared me, and I'll have to free-hand it. I'm excited about my knitted gotch, so I'll post back when I have something.

Yes, there will be pics, but not of me modelling.

[girl_dee]

So... I'm talking to a friend, deciding what to knit, and I suddenly thought of knitting undahpants. You know. Not sexy ones, but lingerie style.

I don't have anyone to show right now, but hey. One never knows.

So she double-dared me, and I'll have to free-hand it. I'm excited about my knitted gotch, so I'll post back when I have something.

Yes, there will be pics, but not of me modelling.

There is a *Kinky Yarn * thread on Fetlife that would LOVE to see this!

[girl_dee]

on my second granny square blanket made from scraps for the Women's shelter.

Using black border this time with colors that POP. :)

[Medusa]

I crocheted a "wiener blanket" for a bachelorette party one time.

It consisted of a long tube crocheted into a cylinder with two hanging "ball scarfs" in circular form.

Funny enough, 2 other women at the party commissioned 2 more for gag gifts for their husbands for Christmas!!

[girl_dee]

I crocheted a "wiener blanket" for a bachelorette party one time.

It consisted of a long tube crocheted into a cylinder with two hanging "ball scarfs" in circular form.

Funny enough, 2 other women at the party commissioned 2 more for gag gifts for their husbands for Christmas!!

LOL that would make the Fetlife Kinky Yarn thread for sure.

[midwest chick]

the panties would work out well with 'soft' doily thread....

might have to trial that!

[nycfem]

My maternal grandma was the same way. She really made crafting magical for me even making special appearances at my nursery school to teach the class crafts. One particularly magical memory was how she'd pick Queen Anne's lace from her garden and put bunches of it in vases with water and a food coloring. I loved how the color would go up the stems and completely dye the flower.

My Grandma I., used to make all kinds of things. Hats from beer cans, trashcans from egg cartons, purses from scraps of linoleum. She also sewed my cousins and me a lot of clothes and pajamas. Oh, and crocheted ponchos!

But anyway, one year when we girls were 5, 6, 7 & 8 (I was 7) she crocheted us all bikinis. Our mothers were horrified, but they were super cute (as I recall with my 7 year old sensibilities). I think we only wore them once.

So yes, you can knit or crochet the equivalent of undergarments.

[MsDemeanor]

I guess this is kinda crafty.

Yesterday, I made laundry detergent with one of my friends. The recipe can be found >Here< (http://thecraftmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/10/gettin-sudsie.html).

We grated the Fels-Naptha in my food processor using the cheese thingy, then put it in a bowl and redid it with the blade so it got powdery, then mixed it with the Laundry Soda and Borax. It smells delightful and I am on my third load with it. It does not suds up at all, and the Fels-Naptha dissolves in cold water, which is what I generally wash in.

For about $8, you can make a ton of laundry soap, and you only use about a tablespoon each time. Because I wasn't sure about using so little for a large load, I used about 1/4 cup.

Next, finding an alternative to dryer sheets, because I am addicted to them, and they have really horrible stuff in them. :(

We also made deoderant using coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch and some escentual oil. I am wearing it now to test. We put it in existing Secret containers that we had cleaned out. It rolls up, but is a little bit soft. I will update this later after I have tested it during exercise.

I follow a fun blog full of recipes for cleaning supplies, food, and general all around how to make your home better on the cheap. Check the archives for recipes to make laundry soap, dryer sheets, household cleaners, carpet stain remover, etc.

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/

[deedarino]

Hi everyone...I love this thread. Your craftiness is awesome!

I have always been crafty, I love working with glass or mosaics. For the last several years, I have been addicted to soapmaking (which I am hoping to make into a business!) I also make sugar scrubs, candles, masks, lip balm...etc.

Pinterest is my newest favorite thing to waste time to...I am thinking of making pinterest collage pictures.

On another note: The best fabric softener is about a cup of vinegar with a little essential oil added to the rinse cycle.

I haven't tried this one yet but lots of my friends swear by "milk of magnesia" as a great healthy deodorant.

[Stitch]

So I am working on this rather complicated scarf right now, well the boring part of it and I feel like my brain will die if I just keep knitting round and round for what feels like forever.

Anyway.

Everyone is really impressed by what I have knitted.
But I'm not.

Sure I made the pattern, (took a photo from photoshop, took the colour away, threw it on an already made grid and figured it out - not that hard)
And once I figured out how to do intarsia, which is easier than I thought... it felt like knit by numbers. Very slow, very frustrating, but not that hard.

So I feel like I haven't impressed myself with this project, but I enjoy everyone's reactions.

I feel like I figured out how to do that, that I can out do myself.

What does it take for you to impress yourself?

[girl_dee]

So I am working on this rather complicated scarf right now, well the boring part of it and I feel like my brain will die if I just keep knitting round and round for what feels like forever.

Anyway.

Everyone is really impressed by what I have knitted.
But I'm not.

Sure I made the pattern, (took a photo from photoshop, took the colour away, threw it on an already made grid and figured it out - not that hard)
And once I figured out how to do intarsia, which is easier than I thought... it felt like knit by numbers. Very slow, very frustrating, but not that hard.

So I feel like I haven't impressed myself with this project, but I enjoy everyone's reactions.

I feel like I figured out how to do that, that I can out do myself.

What does it take for you to impress yourself?

That sounds amazing!

What impresses me on anything that i've done are the pieces i made from what would have been thrown away. i just look back at the finished product and think WOW, all from scraps.

i just think it's pretty cool

[girl_dee]

June, sandalwood is one of my favorite essential oils. i am not into flowery scents like lavender so i do enjoy it.

i dab some of whatever essential oil i feel like using on a tissue then suck the tissue up in the vacuum cleaner, works great to combat that icky smell coming from vacuum cleaners.

Maybe we should start a Handy Household Hints thread!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

June, sandalwood is one of my favorite essential oils. i am not into flowery scents like lavender so i do enjoy it.

i dab some of whatever essential oil i feel like using on a tissue then suck the tissue up in the vacuum cleaner, works great to combat that icky smell coming from vacuum cleaners.

Maybe we should start a Handy Household Hints thread!

I do that with Lemon Grass essential oil. The lady who helps me out around the house always uses a Cotton Wool ball that's slightly damp with E.O added.

Great idea to have Handy Household Hints thread!

[Melissa]

I am currently crocheting my first afghan. Two months into it and its coming along nicely, even if the edges aren't exactly even in some spots. I'm having fun though!

I love to knit and just finished a patchwork knitted lapghan. Then I decided to teach myself crocheting. Wow this is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I am working on an afghan too using double crochet stitch. For the uneven edges, which I have too, I thought about adding a crocheted border when I am done. Unless the pattern is really basic I am having a hard time following patterns. I end up with a bunched up mess.

There are a ton of great youtube videos also on crocheting and some go nice and slow and even go slowmotion so that you can follow along. But right now I am sticking to super basic stuff.

melissa

[Melissa]

What do you do with your leftover yarn from knitting or crochet projects? Are there any sites for yarn swapping. I have tons of left over yarn and not sure what to do with it. I've thought about doing a knitted patchwork quilt with all my leftovers. Any other ideas?

Melissa

[StrongButch]

I do origami

[girl_dee]

What do you do with your leftover yarn from knitting or crochet projects? Are there any sites for yarn swapping. I have tons of left over yarn and not sure what to do with it. I've thought about doing a knitted patchwork quilt with all my leftovers. Any other ideas?

Melissa

i make a ton of granny squares and put it all together.

Makes great use of scrap yarn.

[Soft*Silver]

I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?

[Leigh]

I love doing arts and crafts, gotta get into more of it. My favorites are cross stitch and knitting plus I wanna one day get into making jewelry and learning to crochet .......... hopefully this year is a good time to start new hobbies :)

[Stitch]

I love to knit and just finished a patchwork knitted lapghan. Then I decided to teach myself crocheting. Wow this is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I am working on an afghan too using double crochet stitch. For the uneven edges, which I have too, I thought about adding a crocheted border when I am done. Unless the pattern is really basic I am having a hard time following patterns. I end up with a bunched up mess.

There are a ton of great youtube videos also on crocheting and some go nice and slow and even go slowmotion so that you can follow along. But right now I am sticking to super basic stuff.

melissa

Everyone says Crochet is easy... LIARS!!!!

[girl_dee]

Everyone says Crochet is easy... LIARS!!!!

LOL no it's KNITTING that is HARD...

after trying to make one baby bootie i wanted to stab myself in the eye with the knitting needle!

[girl_dee]

I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?

I saw some really nice sea shell wine bottle stoppers that would make some great favors...

also sea shell photo frames would be nice maybe?

PS congrats to your daughter!

[amiyesiam]

So I am working on this rather complicated scarf right now, well the boring part of it and I feel like my brain will die if I just keep knitting round and round for what feels like forever.


Anyway.

Everyone is really impressed by what I have knitted.
But I'm not.

Sure I made the pattern, (took a photo from photoshop, took the colour away, threw it on an already made grid and figured it out - not that hard)
And once I figured out how to do intarsia, which is easier than I thought... it felt like knit by numbers. Very slow, very frustrating, but not that hard.

So I feel like I haven't impressed myself with this project, but I enjoy everyone's reactions.

I feel like I figured out how to do that, that I can out do myself.

What does it take for you to impress yourself?

I impressed myself when I figured out how to drop stitches off the needles and reknit and put back on the needles lace knitting and have it be right. (rather than unknitting entire rows to fix something)

Have fun with the scarf!

[amiyesiam]

I find that you tube is a life saver for learning new knitting and crocheting stitches.

[Hollylane]

Everything I've learned lately for jewelry making, I have found on YouTube, it is awesome, because I don't often have the time to take a class.

[chai~]

This is just a few things on my to make list:

I love headbands, they can make the messiest pony tail look so chic!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/to%20make/200058408416707147_rWliFzSg_c.jpg

To organize my stash of accessories, silverware holders, painted, hooks installed!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/to%20make/79250980_i6kMW4MC_c.jpg

This ring is on a wish list to have made!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/to%20make/tumblr_lntuhqbeQW1qc7o76o1_500.jpg

[amiyesiam]

What do you do with your leftover yarn from knitting or crochet projects? Are there any sites for yarn swapping. I have tons of left over yarn and not sure what to do with it. I've thought about doing a knitted patchwork quilt with all my leftovers. Any other ideas?

Melissa

I weigh the left overs
take the grams and yardage and divide for yards per gram
and times the #of grams left by the yards per gram to find out how much yarn I have left. Sometimes there is enough left for a hat or a baby item or a small toy.
If there isn't a lot left then I throw it out

there is a pattern that is called the bee keepers quilt (http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/the-beekeepers-quilt/) that uses scrap yarn and there are a lot of indie dyers that now specifically dye mini skeins of yarn for this pattern.

[Medusa]

Whew! I spent some time yesterday in the office/craft room and was able to cut loose of 2 full garbage bags of random fuckery. (nothing good, don't worry!)

I bought some of these a while ago:
http://filtscan.info/img.php?fl=94x5r4k43314p2n416o4246434x5l4s2o5h4h4j 5p294t5e414i4j414d4e4p4n2o5a4v254v274u233t22403t2w 2h5o2a4u584

This weekend I organized and labeled them and now have drawers for photo paper, scrapbook paper, stickers, note cards, etc.

I'm so excited about having my craft space organized!!

[amiyesiam]

Whew! I spent some time yesterday in the office/craft room and was able to cut loose of 2 full garbage bags of random fuckery. (nothing good, don't worry!)

I bought some of these a while ago:
http://filtscan.info/img.php?fl=94x5r4k43314p2n416o4246434x5l4s2o5h4h4j 5p294t5e414i4j414d4e4p4n2o5a4v254v274u233t22403t2w 2h5o2a4u584

This weekend I organized and labeled them and now have drawers for photo paper, scrapbook paper, stickers, note cards, etc.

I'm so excited about having my craft space organized!!


congratulations!

I haz no random fuckery:|

[Leigh]

I think next time I have a few dollars extra I'll pick up some crochet needles and yarn and spend a day watching youtube videos :)

[Soft*Silver]

seriously? No one but Dee has any ideas for me about this?

thanks Dee! But with all the talent here I thought I would get some more ideas!

I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?

[DamonK]

Sleep eluded me last night.

Therefore, MBE got her new lap blanket this morning.

Needless to say, she was happy.

Now, I'm contemplating next project.

Youtube videos do not work for me. *I* just HAVE to go make things as difficult as I can. I'm a lefty. Yes, there are instructions for left handed people. And sometimes they help, and sometimes they don't.

I'm also contemplating working on packing.

But, I think a project might help to keep me calm.

Perhaps I will get out knitting needles and do a multiple square/double sided blanket. Perhaps an afghan stitch. Perhaps a circular.

I know I don't have enough time before moving to even consider a cross-stitch. But I can have a blanket going.

[amiyesiam]

seriously? No one but Dee has any ideas for me about this?

thanks Dee! But with all the talent here I thought I would get some more ideas!

Seriously!!!!!! I just read your post tonight:) and am thinking about it, but I haven't done a lot beach/seashore type things, so gonna need some time!
I think just googling "beach themed weddings" or beach themed (insert anything~ like table settings, center pieces, favors) and adding wedding will help you bring up some really good ideas!

[amiyesiam]

Sleep eluded me last night.

Therefore, MBE got her new lap blanket this morning.

Needless to say, she was happy.

Now, I'm contemplating next project.

Youtube videos do not work for me. *I* just HAVE to go make things as difficult as I can. I'm a lefty. Yes, there are instructions for left handed people. And sometimes they help, and sometimes they don't.

I'm also contemplating working on packing.

But, I think a project might help to keep me calm.

Perhaps I will get out knitting needles and do a multiple square/double sided blanket. Perhaps an afghan stitch. Perhaps a circular.

I know I don't have enough time before moving to even consider a cross-stitch. But I can have a blanket going.



as a knitter who is left handed I can say there are still only 2 ways to knit
english and continental
the two differ mostly in which hand you hold the yarn
as a lefty I find knitting continental is better because with this method you hold the yarn in your left hand instead of in the right hand in the english method. You might want to youtube "continental knitting" and see if that is easier for you!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?

This is all I could come up with having had a Hand-fasting ceremony with a previous partner.

Seashells as Tea light holders….

A Wedding Ring Pillow with a Seashell or Starfish embroidery or ornament….

Seashell programme Fans….

Seashell Wind chimes….

Seashell chocolate favours....

Seashell place cards....

Seashell and floral centre pieces....

Seashell soap favours....

[Stitch]

I am working on making these as random Spring gifts for ladies I know.

http://www.oddknit.com/patterns/flowers/tulips.html

problem is, most of the patterns make no sense.
Oy

(w)

[girl_dee]

Crocheters!


this woman is amazing and has a wide audience full of ideas and help

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bobwilson123-Youtube-Crochet-Channel/

Not sure if the links worked but her FB page and youtube name is Bobwilson123

She is VERY amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/user/bobwilson123?ob=0&feature=results_main

[Truly Scrumptious]

I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?


One of my favourite things to work with is sea glass . . . it's so pretty, and so versatile. What about adding a few cups of sea glass to some wide (shallow) bowls, adding water, and floating flowers? Or you could add it to vases, and do the same thing but with stemmed flowers. You could tint the water a little too, if you wanted.

Depending on where you live and how much time you have, real sea glass can be tricky to come by, but you can buy tumbled (or faux) sea glass pretty cheaply. If you live anywhere near a Christmas Tree Shop, they usually have bags of it for a few bucks. Or if you're in New England, Ocean State Job Lot often has it also. Michael's usually carries it too, but it's much more expensive. Or . . . if you have the time and feel like breaking glass, you can actually tumble glass yourself. It won't look like sea glass, but can be really pretty if you use green and amber wine bottles, and Skyy vodka bottles. You don't need a tumbler, and it's a pretty simple process . . I will explain more if you are interested.

And how about sea glass jewelry for bridesmaids gifts? You can find beautiful original pieces at etsy.

[midwest chick]

seriously? No one but Dee has any ideas for me about this?

thanks Dee! But with all the talent here I thought I would get some more ideas!

Decorating ideas:

bouys, ropes in different knots, flags, for wall decor, using sailcloth for table linens, shell wind chimes, or just strung together on the tables, sand on the floor...

a stack of crab/lobster traps in a corner...

center pieces made with shells/drift wood (bleach these if you are hunting them yourself to kill bacteria) in baskets, or glass fishbowls with sand and candles...

[DamonK]

I taught myself a new stitch last night.

Instead of packing.

I hate packing.

I think it's called sarnac stitch.

Errr....

Crocheters may understand this...ch stitches for width, sl st in ch to end, hdc in 2nd stitch from previous row, sl st in back loop of hdc for 3rd row. 1 stitch turning chain.

[Melissa]

I taught myself a new stitch last night.

Instead of packing.

I hate packing.

I think it's called sarnac stitch.

Errr....

Crocheters may understand this...ch stitches for width, sl st in ch to end, hdc in 2nd stitch from previous row, sl st in back loop of hdc for 3rd row. 1 stitch turning chain.


I understand it. But if I were to actually try this stich I would end up with a knotted mess. :0

[justkim]

How about different sized mason jars or canning jars that you should be able to find at thrift store, maybe you could even hit up your friends to see what they have laying around. Add some sand maybe some small shells and a tea light candle and group them together and they would make great center pieces. Minimal work for all involved. Good luck!




I thought I could ask for help in here. My daughter is doing a nautical theme wedding...seashells, seaweed, etc. Her bridal bouquet is a striking orange coral with seaweed and trinkets placed in it. The groomsmen are wearing sand dollars and starfishes. Her colors are beige and light blue and white. We are doing a blue fondant three layer cake with seashells all over it.

In saying all this...any craft ideas we can throw in there? She is not wearing a wedding dress....she is wearing a sun dress and flip flops.We are having it at a local park, outdoors and its going to be a BBQ reception right after.

Favors, decor, bridesmaid gifts, etc?

[justkim]

Today I finally made time to play with my knitting looms. I am in LOVE! Dee, this is so something you can do... Martha Stewart has a loom set that also doubles as a weaving loom... I saw it at Michael's and I will wait until the new coupons come out to get it... I am over the moon with all of the cool stuff I am finding that you can do with these looms...

Happy Crafting!

[amiyesiam]

There is an indie yarn dyer (desert vista dyeworks)
who runs a design a color way contest each month (on a knitting site)

so in Feb she announces the winners for march etc

well I have won several times but my march idea just came out today as a winner (6 days after the winners where anounced) cause she had to make it look nice!
My idea The Ides of March (Brutus stabbed Ceasar on this day)
sooo... white (for togas) grays/steel/silver colors (for the blade) and red blood splatters on the white for the blood :| in a self striping yarn.
As a winner I get a free skein!

linky loo (http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/desertvistadyeworks/4400229/Ides_of_March_3_Stripe_Self_Striping_Sock_yarn/Knitting/Knitting_Supplies/Other)


This is another yarn I love

atomic zombie (http://www.etsy.com/listing/93149524/hand-painted-mcn-sock-yarn-atomic-zombie)

[Soft*Silver]

she has done that...we looked thru alot of it. She likes the softer nautical look, rather than the luau look.

Tia! PM me your email address and I will send you an invite to Pinterest.com, unless you're already on it. It's an amazing way to find and organize ideas. You can even search "Beach Wedding" and see what others have done.

Oh, I do love pinterest...

[Soft*Silver]

thank you everyone for your tips! I will bring them forth to my daughter and she can chose which ones she wants to use!

I personally love the idea of sea glass gifts for her bridesmaids! So very cool! I dabble in making jewelry so Imma gonna look for sea glass and try to do some for her and let her pick.

I already asked Scrumptious to teach me how to make the glass!

One of my favourite things to work with is sea glass . . . it's so pretty, and so versatile. What about adding a few cups of sea glass to some wide (shallow) bowls, adding water, and floating flowers? Or you could add it to vases, and do the same thing but with stemmed flowers. You could tint the water a little too, if you wanted.

Depending on where you live and how much time you have, real sea glass can be tricky to come by, but you can buy tumbled (or faux) sea glass pretty cheaply. If you live anywhere near a Christmas Tree Shop, they usually have bags of it for a few bucks. Or if you're in New England, Ocean State Job Lot often has it also. Michael's usually carries it too, but it's much more expensive. Or . . . if you have the time and feel like breaking glass, you can actually tumble glass yourself. It won't look like sea glass, but can be really pretty if you use green and amber wine bottles, and Skyy vodka bottles. You don't need a tumbler, and it's a pretty simple process . . I will explain more if you are interested.

And how about sea glass jewelry for bridesmaids gifts? You can find beautiful original pieces at etsy.

[justkim]

There is an indie yarn dyer (desert vista dyeworks)
who runs a design a color way contest each month (on a knitting site)

so in Feb she announces the winners for march etc

well I have won several times but my march idea just came out today as a winner (6 days after the winners where anounced) cause she had to make it look nice!
My idea The Ides of March (Brutus stabbed Ceasar on this day)
sooo... white (for togas) grays/steel/silver colors (for the blade) and red blood splatters on the white for the blood :| in a self striping yarn.
As a winner I get a free skein!

linky loo (http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/desertvistadbyeworks/4400229/Ides_of_March_3_Stripe_Self_Striping_Sock_yarn/Knitting/Knitting_Supplies/Other)


This is another yarn I love

atomic zombie (http://www.etsy.com/listing/93149524/hand-painted-mcn-sock-yarn-atomic-zombie)



I LOVE both of these yarn colors... i just can't justiify spending thatt kind of money on yarn... I did save the website so i can go back andd look around some more.:pirate-steer:t

[amiyesiam]

I LOVE both of these yarn colors... i just can't justiify spending thatt kind of money on yarn... I did save the website so i can go back andd look around some more.:pirate-steer:t

desert vista dye works has 20% off till feb 27th
the code is: stitches

When you win her monthly contest you get a free skein of that yarn!

[Truly Scrumptious]

I already asked Scrumptious to teach me how to make the glass!


I had a couple of messages about the glass, so will explain here:

It's a simple process, but has the potential to be dangerous so the two most important things are safety glasses and gloves . . I usually use gardening gloves.

Collect some glass . . . green or amber wine bottles are great as are Skyy vodka bottles, because they are a beautiful cobalt blue. There are other kinds of glass you can use, but you have to look out for tempered glass because it doesn't break well, it just splinters. Most glass dishes turn out to be tempered glass, so I usually stick to wine bottles.

If you drink a lot of wine or vodka, you're all set. If not, you can ask your friends to save their empty bottles, I've run ads on craigslist asking for empty wine bottles and have done well that way. And I'm not above a little trash picking . . . there's a restaurant near me that puts all their empty wine bottles out for the trash twice a week, you might be able to find some that way too.

Soak the labels off, wash and dry the bottles, and you're ready to begin. You need some plastic bags, like grocery bags (or a pillow case, but keep in mind that you will destroy whatever you use, so don't use a pillow case that you intend to keep). This step is best done outside, or in a garage: put one bottle in a bag, and double the bag if it's thin. Put on your glasses and gloves, and smash the bottle with a hammer. This might take a few tries, it's amazing how things refuse to break when you want them to. Once you've broken the bottle into a few big pieces, break those pieces into smaller pieces with the hammer, this time it won't take much force.

When you've got all the pieces in the sizes you want, you're ready to tumble.
You need an empty glass jar with a tight fitting lid, and a few rocks. The jar doesn't have to be big, you want to make sure you can lift it comfortably.

Put a few rocks in the jar (any kind of rocks will do) and add the glass until the jar is about 3/4 full. Add a drop of dish soap, and enough water to cover the glass, but not enough to fill the jar. It should look like this:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2dc03b3127cceff399da0ebdf00000030O00QasWbVq0ZMg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Then you shake the jar. Shake it up and down, side to side, whatever works for you . . just shake it for awhile. Shake it as often as you remember to, for about a week. I usually leave the jar in the kitchen by the sink, and shake it whenever I'm in there. In about a week, open the jar, take out a piece of glass, and see if it's ready. The edges should be dull enough that you couldn't possibly cut yourself with it. If it's not ready, just shake it for a few more days and it will be. When it's ready, drain it, (be careful because there will always be some little slivers just waiting to cut you), lay it out on a soft cloth until it's dry, and then it's ready to be used however you like.

[Medusa]

seriously? No one but Dee has any ideas for me about this?

thanks Dee! But with all the talent here I thought I would get some more ideas!

Hey Tia!

I cant remember if I already responded but if its an outdoor wedding (or heck, even an indoor if you dont mind the mess), I think laying down a white runner and dusting it with irridescent glitter for a "sand" look might be nice. Also, reception tables covered with white fishnets might be cool!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Also, reception tables covered with white fishnets might be cool!

That brought back memories of watching a child pull a table cloth that had Seashells and Starfish on it.....lunch was on the floor that day, lol!

[midwest chick]

Any ideas on safely drying/preserving a sea sponge? This one's rather delicate, so not sure if I should do a bleach soak, or 'quick' dry it in the oven, any suggestions are appreciated!

[girl_dee]

Today I finally made time to play with my knitting looms. I am in LOVE! Dee, this is so something you can do... Martha Stewart has a loom set that also doubles as a weaving loom... I saw it at Michael's and I will wait until the new coupons come out to get it... I am over the moon with all of the cool stuff I am finding that you can do with these looms...

Happy Crafting!

Syr got me a lap loom, my friend here is an amazing weaver and she showed me how to use it...

it seems intricate and i am afraid of it. :|

[justkim]

Feel the fear and do it anyway...Now that I have access to the internet thanks to my new neighbors(they gave me permission to use their wireless connection) I can start watching videos about how to use my different looms...





Syr got me a lap loom, my friend here is an amazing weaver and she showed me how to use it...

it seems intricate and i am afraid of it. :|

[Soft*Silver]

I love the tumbled glass instructions! thank you so much for them!

And I like the idea of the white runner with the sand but she wont. She doesnt want white "fluff" as she puts it. No white wedding dress, no formal bridesmaid dresses, no unity candle..so I have a feeling a runner will be out...but as I said, I Like the the idea! As well as the net!

sea sponges! Hmmm....

[girl_dee]

I love the tumbled glass instructions! thank you so much for them!

And I like the idea of the white runner with the sand but she wont. She doesnt want white "fluff" as she puts it. No white wedding dress, no formal bridesmaid dresses, no unity candle..so I have a feeling a runner will be out...but as I said, I Like the the idea! As well as the net!

sea sponges! Hmmm....

what about a coral colored runner?

[Logicaly]

I am going with a friend tomorrow to pick up a leather working kit. I have never done any leather working but shes done a ton, so it should be fun!

[LaDivina]

thank you everyone for your tips! I will bring them forth to my daughter and she can chose which ones she wants to use!

Scorp & I got married in P-town last spring, and this is the tray her cousin made up for our rings. It also doubled as a tray for our champagne glasses afterward!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nwjZcOhPoEw/TdFQZLpJ4xI/AAAAAAAABjQ/ueunsds-bOs/s640/DSC_0943.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AWqJpnxmMXs/TdFQaNepTYI/AAAAAAAABjc/K6EW7bvqqw0/s640/DSC_0960.JPG

[chai~]

on the "to do" list

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/1-16-12washi-tape-keyboard.jpg

[justkim]

Love it! Is it like decoupage? (sp)



on the "to do" list

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/1-16-12washi-tape-keyboard.jpg

[chai~]

Love it! Is it like decoupage? (sp)

simpler than decoupage!
Wasi tape!
It is pretty Japanese tape, about as sticky as masking tape!
Easy to see through too!
So lovely isn't it!?

[girl_dee]

on the "to do" list

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/1-16-12washi-tape-keyboard.jpg

wow, does it leave a residue?

[chai~]

wow, does it leave a residue?

Very little, it can be easily removed with a finger tip!
As much residue as masking tape.
Are you going to try it?
Share a pic if you do please!

[girl_dee]

Very little, it can be easily removed with a finger tip!
As much residue as masking tape.
Are you going to try it?
Share a pic if you do please!

looks like fun! maybe someone can cut them out and sell them!

[chai~]

I want to make these because they are SO cute!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/ashera1/radical-rings-pilo-pilo.jpg

[amiyesiam]

I knitted myself a teddy bear!
Picture is in my gallery

[Truly Scrumptious]

I knitted myself a teddy bear!
Picture is in my gallery


That is not just a teddy bear, it is a work of art!

[amiyesiam]

That is not just a teddy bear, it is a work of art!

Thank you!

[Gemme]

I knitted myself a teddy bear!
Picture is in my gallery

Ooooh, how cute!!!

You should do a femme bear and a butch bear for the Reunion!

I'd absolutely drop tix on them.

[amiyesiam]

Ooooh, how cute!!!

You should do a femme bear and a butch bear for the Reunion!

I'd absolutely drop tix on them.

cute idea!
I wish I had the mad skills to rewrite the pattern so you knit it in the round.
There was a hell of a lot of unnecessary seaming that just added bulk and work.

I have been thinking about knitting something for the raffle. I don't know what yet.
There is a new zombie pattern out that is adorable.
Aprils project is a round afghan requiring over 2,000 yards of yarn.

linky
it is the afghan on the cover of the book
mine will have a cream center and midnight blue on the outside
http://earthfaire.com/west-knits-book-designs-stephen-west-p-5501.html

I have considered that if it is an easy knit then I might make one for the raffle. maybe:|
odd to consider but the afghan though big would be easier than the bear.

[cara]

Don't know how crafty this is, but I save all the ends and melt-off from candles I burn. Once the mason jar I keep it all in is full, I will melt the wax together (melt it in a tin can on the stove), and make fire starters. To do that, you need some old, cardboard egg cartons. Fill the carton with wood chips (like the kind you use in hamster cages. but not used. that's just gross.) and whatever spices or nice smelling things you can find (I like dried western cedar, bits of cloves, and/or bits of cinnamon). Carefully pour wax over each space in the carton and let cool. It doesn't have to be a lot of wax, either...Just enough to hold it together. You can use the entire carton all at once for a BIG fire or cut the carton into smaller squares and use them one at a time.

Okay. That was painful to write and probably more painful to read. Here are some BETTER instructions:

clicky! (http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/2010/01/homemade-firestarters.html)

Happy crafting!

cara

[amiyesiam]

I had a couple of messages about the glass, so will explain here:

It's a simple process, but has the potential to be dangerous so the two most important things are safety glasses and gloves . . I usually use gardening gloves.

Collect some glass . . . green or amber wine bottles are great as are Skyy vodka bottles, because they are a beautiful cobalt blue. There are other kinds of glass you can use, but you have to look out for tempered glass because it doesn't break well, it just splinters. Most glass dishes turn out to be tempered glass, so I usually stick to wine bottles.

If you drink a lot of wine or vodka, you're all set. If not, you can ask your friends to save their empty bottles, I've run ads on craigslist asking for empty wine bottles and have done well that way. And I'm not above a little trash picking . . . there's a restaurant near me that puts all their empty wine bottles out for the trash twice a week, you might be able to find some that way too.

Soak the labels off, wash and dry the bottles, and you're ready to begin. You need some plastic bags, like grocery bags (or a pillow case, but keep in mind that you will destroy whatever you use, so don't use a pillow case that you intend to keep). This step is best done outside, or in a garage: put one bottle in a bag, and double the bag if it's thin. Put on your glasses and gloves, and smash the bottle with a hammer. This might take a few tries, it's amazing how things refuse to break when you want them to. Once you've broken the bottle into a few big pieces, break those pieces into smaller pieces with the hammer, this time it won't take much force.

When you've got all the pieces in the sizes you want, you're ready to tumble.
You need an empty glass jar with a tight fitting lid, and a few rocks. The jar doesn't have to be big, you want to make sure you can lift it comfortably.

Put a few rocks in the jar (any kind of rocks will do) and add the glass until the jar is about 3/4 full. Add a drop of dish soap, and enough water to cover the glass, but not enough to fill the jar. It should look like this:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2dc03b3127cceff399da0ebdf00000030O00QasWbVq0ZMg e3nw4/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Then you shake the jar. Shake it up and down, side to side, whatever works for you . . just shake it for awhile. Shake it as often as you remember to, for about a week. I usually leave the jar in the kitchen by the sink, and shake it whenever I'm in there. In about a week, open the jar, take out a piece of glass, and see if it's ready. The edges should be dull enough that you couldn't possibly cut yourself with it. If it's not ready, just shake it for a few more days and it will be. When it's ready, drain it, (be careful because there will always be some little slivers just waiting to cut you), lay it out on a soft cloth until it's dry, and then it's ready to be used however you like.


We had a dark red wine bottle, it has officially been smashed and the process has begun. I am so excited about this!!!!!

[Truly Scrumptious]

We had a dark red wine bottle, it has officially been smashed and the process has begun. I am so excited about this!!!!!


Excellent! Let us know how it goes!

[cara]

Here's a really cool article on dying easter eggs naturally! :)

Eggyeggyeggs. (http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/04/how-to-dye-easter-eggs-naturally-without-a-box-onion-skins-beets-cabbage.html#.T3uy8ftblZw.facebook)

:stillheart:

cara

[Gemme]

We had a dark red wine bottle, it has officially been smashed and the process has begun. I am so excited about this!!!!!


Well, how is it turning out?

[girl_dee]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/537049_394916673865574_100000417343412_1409453_166 0232654_n.jpg


Whipped this up over the weekend, another one for the Women's shelter here, i hope some baby likes it!

[amiyesiam]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/537049_394916673865574_100000417343412_1409453_166 0232654_n.jpg


Whipped this up over the weekend, another one for the Women's shelter here, i hope some baby likes it!

Awesome!!!!!!

[amiyesiam]

Well, how is it turning out?

I keep shaking it up, there are tons of bits of broken tiny pieces of glass in there now with the big pieces. So it seems to be working.

[Truly Scrumptious]

I keep shaking it up, there are tons of bits of broken tiny pieces of glass in there now with the big pieces. So it seems to be working.




Open the jar and take out a couple of pieces . . see how they feel. If they are dull around the edges (so that you couldn't cut yourself) they are ready. Just be careful!

[Medusa]

I just did a Mona Lisa paint by numbers with weird neon colors.

Oh, the irony. :)

[justkim]

I found a really cool craft sight, can't remember if I have shared it yet... They have all kinds of free patterns and recipes. Have fun and explore this place it haves some really cool stuff.

favecrafts.com

[nycfem]

Anyone love to make jewelry or want to try their hand at it?

Here's a link to a project I'm wrangling on the PenPal thread:

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?p=625715#post625715

If interested, please sign up on the Penpal thread.

[bkisbutchenuff]

I do wood carving...objects called 'whimsies'. I have a pict ot 2 in my gallery...nice to meet and see other crafters!

[bkisbutchenuff]

One pict...but VERY early on...sorry for the size.

http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r555/bkisbutchenuff/Picture042.jpg



Comes from a solid piece/block of wood. No electronic tools...just knives

[Logicaly]

Been awhile since I checked in here, anyone putting together anything interesting right now?

I recently went on a road trip and picked up some small pieces of driftwood along the Oregon/California coast that I want to try and turn into desk planters for succulents. Still thinking over how I want to do it, perhaps sand down a bit, I dont want to take away too much from the natural look of the wood.

[bkisbutchenuff]

One pict...but VERY early on...sorry for the size.

http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r555/bkisbutchenuff/Picture042.jpg



Comes from a solid piece/block of wood. No electronic tools...just knives

Tomorrow....carving....I have missed it recently!

[cinnamongrrl]

Been awhile since I checked in here, anyone putting together anything interesting right now?

I recently went on a road trip and picked up some small pieces of driftwood along the Oregon/California coast that I want to try and turn into desk planters for succulents. Still thinking over how I want to do it, perhaps sand down a bit, I dont want to take away too much from the natural look of the wood.

Ive seen driftwood made into beautiful tealight holders. I imagine its just a matter of having the right drill attachment :)

[cinnamongrrl]

I'm going to be taking a knitting class starting Wednesday. I already crochet. These are great hobbies to have in the long dark nights of winter!

[Tattoogurl]

Good morning fellow crafters... my bff Bianca and I have an etsy account and would love to share w you all.. ideas are totally welcomed..

I do have a question to the yarn folks, does anyone have a simple pattern for dog sweaters to knit or chrochet?

Also I have a ton of scrubs and any ideas what to make with them? I was thinking aprons but Oh lord that was way technical..

Ty in advance!

[Tattoogurl]

I totally agree w u knitting has saved me from the death of boredom at times Lol.. just a hint of advise (Pay super close to the teach When they go over patterns) Those ate where j find Alot of troubles... but good luck!
I'm going to be taking a knitting class starting Wednesday. I already crochet. These are great hobbies to have in the long dark nights of winter!

[Tattoogurl]

Hi I wasn't sure How to reply on your photo So I hope this works.. but I just wanted to say wow you have great skills... do u ever sell ur carvings?

Tomorrow....carving....I have missed it recently!

[cinnamongrrl]

I found a really cool craft sight, can't remember if I have shared it yet... They have all kinds of free patterns and recipes. Have fun and explore this place it haves some really cool stuff.

favecrafts.com

Kim, I have to thank you for this website! I have perused it a bit and there's just SO much to see and do...I have sooo many ideas for upcoming season. Thanks again :)
Ang

[bkisbutchenuff]

Hi I wasn't sure How to reply on your photo So I hope this works.. but I just wanted to say wow you have great skills... do u ever sell ur carvings?

Thank you so much! I have never sold any...given several away...even had some trashed by an ex...how do you put a price on somethig like this...I have made them for people...part of me feels like if I sell them, then its kind of like a job, not a hobby. Who knows, when I retire, you may very well see me at the crafts fair sitting at a little table....

[ScandalAndy]

Hi all!!! I'm looking for a thread to talk about knitting and trade patterns/ideas/yarn recommendations/vendors/etc. I hope this is the place!! Anybody else on ravelry?

[amiyesiam]

Me~ I am on Ravelry. Same user name. Video knitting podcast junkie. KAL (knit a long) junkie. Contest entering (and winning) knitter. This month I plan to knit 2 small shawls, several stuffies, and at least 1 pair of socks!

What do you like to knit? Do you like podcasts? What is your favorite yarn?

[ScandalAndy]

Oh wow! You're super advanced! I'm still starting out, just tried my first lace hat pattern last week. I'm in the middle of knitting hat/scarf sets for holiday gifts this year.

I just read about a KAL pattern but had no idea what it was! Thanks for the info! What are contests like? I'm not good enough for that yet, but I"d like to be. Hopefully soon. :)

As for favorite yarn, I have some leftover baby alpaca that I got a loooooong time ago that I keep around just to pet. I've got my eye on some knit picks Galileo merino/bamboo that looks neat, and I"m having a friend hand spin some yarn for me from a batt I got on Etsy. I'm looking for something that will show off a cable and lace pattern well. What do you like to use?

What's a stuffie?



Me~ I am on Ravelry. Same user name. Video knitting podcast junkie. KAL (knit a long) junkie. Contest entering (and winning) knitter. This month I plan to knit 2 small shawls, several stuffies, and at least 1 pair of socks!

What do you like to knit? Do you like podcasts? What is your favorite yarn?

[Novelafemme]

I just joined! What a great site. Even though I am supposed to be spending less time away from my school books, handwork is so easy to do while I am reading. :)

I am softlanding on ravelry.

[amiyesiam]

My favorite yarn shop on line is Desert Vista Dyeworks (http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/desertvistadyeworks?&_suid=1346466312685010078457649797201)

A lot of the knit a longs (KAL) have prizes. You post a picture of your final project to enter.
You can look at my list of groups on my about me page. They are listed down the left side. Many of them are podcast groups.

I have only been knitting for 2 years. I use you tube videos to see how to do things. You can also ask questions on Ravelry. People usually answer pretty quick.

[ScandalAndy]

sweeeeeeet! I'm currently in the middle of a conundrum with my knitting. There's a pattern I want to start that uses both yo and yf. From what I can tell, they're both a yarnover!


My favorite yarn shop on line is Desert Vista Dyeworks (http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/desertvistadyeworks?&_suid=1346466312685010078457649797201)

A lot of the knit a longs (KAL) have prizes. You post a picture of your final project to enter.
You can look at my list of groups on my about me page. They are listed down the left side. Many of them are podcast groups.

I have only been knitting for 2 years. I use you tube videos to see how to do things. You can also ask questions on Ravelry. People usually answer pretty quick.

[amiyesiam]

sweeeeeeet! I'm currently in the middle of a conundrum with my knitting. There's a pattern I want to start that uses both yo and yf. From what I can tell, they're both a yarnover!

Nope!
yfwd aka yf
yarn forward between the needles

yo yarn over: wrap the yarn around right needle

knitting help (http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-glossary)

[ScandalAndy]

Nope!
yfwd aka yf
yarn forward between the needles

yo yarn over: wrap the yarn around right needle

knitting help (http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-glossary)

see, that's super awkward because the only time you need the yarn forward between the needles is for a purl, yes?

Take a look:

Begin Cable-and-Lace Pattern:

Rnd 1: *p1, k2tog, yf, k2tog, yo, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2 (and all even rnds): *p1, k4, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: *p1, (yf, k2tog) 2x, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: Rnd 1.
Rnd 7: Rnd 3.
Rnd 9: *p1, k2tog, yf, k2tog, yo, p1, C6L; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11: Rnd 3.
Rnd 12: Rnd 2.
Work these 12 rnds 4x total, ending with a Rnd 12.

I am positively BOGGLED as to why I would need to bring the yarn forward to knit 2 together!

[amiyesiam]

see, that's super awkward because the only time you need the yarn forward between the needles is for a purl, yes?

Take a look:

Begin Cable-and-Lace Pattern:

Rnd 1: *p1, k2tog, yf, k2tog, yo, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2 (and all even rnds): *p1, k4, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: *p1, (yf, k2tog) 2x, p1, k6; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: Rnd 1.
Rnd 7: Rnd 3.
Rnd 9: *p1, k2tog, yf, k2tog, yo, p1, C6L; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11: Rnd 3.
Rnd 12: Rnd 2.
Work these 12 rnds 4x total, ending with a Rnd 12.

I am positively BOGGLED as to why I would need to bring the yarn forward to knit 2 together!

the only thing i can think of is if the yarn was surposed to actually wrap around the front of the stitch, but then you would slip one and yb. Maybe an error in the pattern?
I am off to work, but if you go to ravelry and patterns and put the pattern name in it may find it and then you can see if anyone else has done the pattern. I have pm'ed people to ask them questions. Also if you post the pattern name and the above highlighted on rav in the Patterns Group people will help you. You can not post to much of a paid for pattern. Free patterns are fine to post.

[jac]

My biggest crafting fun is making Halloween costumes. I use to do them all the time for my kids. Anything from a Juicy Juice box w/ a straw headpiece, to Raggedy Ann, A computer monitor and keyboard, One of my kids was once a Hershey Kiss w/ the paper coming out of the top, another was a Jack n' The Box. It started the first Halloween my son was born. I made him an Alien Baby. The Helmet was from a milk jug and the antennas were pencils covered in foil, etc. He was only 6months old. That kid got so much candy. It just snowballed from there. Nothing is every premade store-bought. The best one I ever made was a Valentine Box of Chocolates for my youngest. The front was an open box and the candies had all been individually wrapped in reds, gold, and silver foil. Her headpiece was the top of a Valentine box of chocolate made from cardboard and covered with red wrapping paper, and decorated with fake roses and paper doillies for the lace fringes. A flourist shop asked for it when we finished with it. They wanted to pay for it, I just gave it to them. I was planning to trash it anyway.

This year I will be a scarecrow and I need to get busy with the "stuffing" part of it. The hay that will be coming out of the shirt, pants and around the neckline.

I don't sew... but I am a wiz with a hot glue gun and I use most scrap materials and items from around the house. Some things I will buy but I usually won't spend over 20.00. Except for the scarecrow hat I just bought but I am debating on returning it and making my own for a lot cheaper.

We'll see... :eyebrow:

[laruss]

My biggest crafting fun is making Halloween costumes. I use to do them all the time for my kids. Anything from a Juicy Juice box w/ a straw headpiece, to Raggedy Ann, A computer monitor and keyboard, One of my kids was once a Hershey Kiss w/ the paper coming out of the top, another was a Jack n' The Box. It started the first Halloween my son was born. I made him an Alien Baby. The Helmet was from a milk jug and the antennas were pencils covered in foil, etc. He was only 6months old. That kid got so much candy. It just snowballed from there. Nothing is every premade store-bought. The best one I ever made was a Valentine Box of Chocolates for my youngest. The front was an open box and the candies had all been individually wrapped in reds, gold, and silver foil. Her headpiece was the top of a Valentine box of chocolate made from cardboard and covered with red wrapping paper, and decorated with fake roses and paper doillies for the lace fringes. A flourist shop asked for it when we finished with it. They wanted to pay for it, I just gave it to them. I was planning to trash it anyway.

This year I will be a scarecrow and I need to get busy with the "stuffing" part of it. The hay that will be coming out of the shirt, pants and around the neckline.

I don't sew... but I am a wiz with a hot glue gun and I use most scrap materials and items from around the house. Some things I will buy but I usually won't spend over 20.00. Except for the scarecrow hat I just bought but I am debating on returning it and making my own for a lot cheaper.

We'll see... :eyebrow:

I used to make costumes for my kids too. Sweat suits from Goodwill were a good base. and here in Canada they have to fit over a snow suit.

I've made puppies, skeletons (painted white bones on a black sweat suit), mummies (that was a lot of wrapping gauze and pinning with a glue gun) scarecrows, kittens, zombies, bubble gum machine and so much more.

I wouldn't let me kids trick or treat after 12, so we had parties and they started making their own costumes. Now they are both much more into Halloween then I am.

[jac]

I used to make costumes for my kids too. Sweat suits from Goodwill were a good base. and here in Canada they have to fit over a snow suit.

I've made puppies, skeletons (painted white bones on a black sweat suit), mummies (that was a lot of wrapping gauze and pinning with a glue gun) scarecrows, kittens, zombies, bubble gum machine and so much more.

I wouldn't let me kids trick or treat after 12, so we had parties and they started making their own costumes. Now they are both much more into Halloween then I am.

My girls have carried on the tradition and yes the sweat suits do make make a great base. My son was once a Ninja Turtle with a cardboard shell that he leped craft with me. The girls did the hippie tye dye thing and yes we had ghosts and a hobo.... it really is a load of fun and I am loving that the girls are doing things for their babies now. My mom did it for us... it stays in the family for sure! :)

[Leigh]

I cross stich mostly, wanna learn how to crochet & get back into knitting :)

[Medusa]

I have a long weekend coming up and am really looking forward to a little crafting time. Plus with Christmas coming up, I need to make some hideous handi-crafted gifts for people I love!

Which brings me to this:

What is the most hideous hand-crafted gift you have ever gotten?

Mine was a sweatshirt that I received from an ex-Mother in law. It was a 5xl when I was a 1xl and was red with a GIANT teddy bear on the front. She had glued googly eyes on the teddy bear and had sewn lace around the cuffs and neckline!!

[clay]

I have a long weekend coming up and am really looking forward to a little crafting time. Plus with Christmas coming up, I need to make some hideous handi-crafted gifts for people I love!

Which brings me to this:

What is the most hideous hand-crafted gift you have ever gotten?

Mine was a sweatshirt that I received from an ex-Mother in law. It was a 5xl when I was a 1xl and was red with a GIANT teddy bear on the front. She had glued googly eyes on the teddy bear and had sewn lace around the cuffs and neckline!!

a partner's elderly mother...bought a package of those flat silver hair clips...took one out...glued a ribbon and a seashell to it, wrapped it for ME...a butch with short, spiky hair..for a gift...lmao...I accepted and thanked her...lol..then 86'ed it later on...

[ScandalAndy]

PICS!!!! I don't think I can believe in the existence of this magnificent creation without photographic evidence.


I have a long weekend coming up and am really looking forward to a little crafting time. Plus with Christmas coming up, I need to make some hideous handi-crafted gifts for people I love!

Which brings me to this:

What is the most hideous hand-crafted gift you have ever gotten?

Mine was a sweatshirt that I received from an ex-Mother in law. It was a 5xl when I was a 1xl and was red with a GIANT teddy bear on the front. She had glued googly eyes on the teddy bear and had sewn lace around the cuffs and neckline!!

[Medusa]

PICS!!!! I don't think I can believe in the existence of this magnificent creation without photographic evidence.


GIRRRRLLLL, that thing went to the Goodwill like 16 years ago. I think it was the single thing that set off my Christmas-sweater aversion. To this day, I get hives and anxiety when exposed to Christmas sweaters.

THIS IS THE EXACT TEDDY BEAR APPLIQUE THAT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE SWEATSHIRT!!!!!!!! NOT KIDDING!!!

http://zibbet-production.s3.amazonaws.com/images/626/3132806-original.jpg

[ScandalAndy]

My stepsister only gets me gifts because my stepmother guilts her into it. Two years ago she found a wine glass at the dollar store that was painted to look like a round santa claus. I don't mind gifts from the dollar store, i'm just saying that so there is a frame of reference as to the quality of painting skills. She put a piece of tissue paper in it, strung some pony beads on a piece of waxed cord, called it a bracelet and put that in there, then put the whole shebang in a box she took from work.


I re-gifted it at a white elephant at work last year. (SO NAUGHTY)

[Miss Scarlett]

GIRRRRLLLL, that thing went to the Goodwill like 16 years ago. I think it was the single thing that set off my Christmas-sweater aversion. To this day, I get hives and anxiety when exposed to Christmas sweaters.

THIS IS THE EXACT TEDDY BEAR APPLIQUE THAT WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE SWEATSHIRT!!!!!!!! NOT KIDDING!!!

http://zibbet-production.s3.amazonaws.com/images/626/3132806-original.jpg

OMG! I fell victim to the exact same bear appliquéd to a sweatshirt and embellished with glitter fabric paint! And also from an ex mother-in-law. Seeing that bear again after 20+ years made me shudder! LOL

[ScandalAndy]

OMG! I fell victim to the exact same bear appliquéd to a sweatshirt and embellished with glitter fabric paint! And also from an ex mother-in-law. Seeing that bear again after 20+ years made me shudder! LOL



Well, i brought this on myself. Imagining that bear with glued on googly eyes and glitter paint, surrounded by lace...

I'm going to have nightmares...

"Come give me a hug! I want to hug you. GIVE GLITTER BEAR A SPARKLY HUG NOWWWWWWW"

[Medusa]

My stepsister only gets me gifts because my stepmother guilts her into it. Two years ago she found a wine glass at the dollar store that was painted to look like a round santa claus. I don't mind gifts from the dollar store, i'm just saying that so there is a frame of reference as to the quality of painting skills. She put a piece of tissue paper in it, strung some pony beads on a piece of waxed cord, called it a bracelet and put that in there, then put the whole shebang in a box she took from work.


I re-gifted it at a white elephant at work last year. (SO NAUGHTY)


OMG!

One year an ex-friend went on and on about how she got me something for my birthday. Our birthdays were only like a week apart and I felt like she was doing it so that I would feel obligated to get her something even though I was broke as shit at the time. I ended up getting her a set of hand-made bath bombs and lotions. When I opened the gift she had been yammering on about, it was a wok.
When I took the wok out of the box, out flew a little slip of paper that said "Thank you for ordering from xyz company, here is the free wok we promised you".

Don't get me wrong, LOVED the wok but I was definitely :|

[Medusa]

OMG! I fell victim to the exact same bear appliquéd to a sweatshirt and embellished with glitter fabric paint! And also from an ex mother-in-law. Seeing that bear again after 20+ years made me shudder! LOL


That seems to be the common gift for hated DILs! LOLOLOL

[Miss Scarlett]

That seems to be the common gift for hated DILs! LOLOLOL

LOL...I was thinking the same thing!

[Miss Scarlett]

OMG!

One year an ex-friend went on and on about how she got me something for my birthday. Our birthdays were only like a week apart and I felt like she was doing it so that I would feel obligated to get her something even though I was broke as shit at the time. I ended up getting her a set of hand-made bath bombs and lotions. When I opened the gift she had been yammering on about, it was a wok.
When I took the wok out of the box, out flew a little slip of paper that said "Thank you for ordering from xyz company, here is the free wok we promised you".

Don't get me wrong, LOVED the wok but I was definitely :|

That reminds me of something that happened to me a few years ago. I never regift but I do reuse wrapping paper if it's really pretty. I used some to wrap a Christmas gift for my stepmother. However, I neglected to take a closer look at the paper before using it. On the paper was written "To: R, From: S, A & J" Of course my stepmother noticed and read it aloud...I nearly died!

[Medusa]

I posted a pic of what I have been working on today. It was mind-numbing but pretty addictive and I have plans to do many more.

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11589&nocache=1

[cinnamongrrl]

I hope this video posts correctly cuz this is pretty cool! Courtesy of my cousin Jenny :)

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=61&sid=14428842

Click on the picture of the scarves for the video! :)

[nycfem]

Is the base styrofoam?

I love thumbtacks and actually collect interesting ones. Thanks for showing the possibilities of what can be done with them! That is jaw dropping craft magic!

I posted a pic of what I have been working on today. It was mind-numbing but pretty addictive and I have plans to do many more.

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11589&nocache=1

[tonaderspeisung]

greetings crafters

i need some advice

i am trying to make my niece a chapbook for xmas
i've mocked up a cover in photoshop but i am unsure of the best way to actually make it a cover

my first thought is 4x6 photo prints spray adhesive-d to card stock and then all stitched up with a waxed floss

chapbook makers
will this work? is there a better solution?

i'm open to any and all suggestions

thank you

[tonaderspeisung]

update for the crafting record

photo prints adhered to card stock seems to work - time will tell the durability but all signs are good

5x7 prints are better because there is less scrap when cutting down 8x11 sheets of paper to fit

[cinnamongrrl]

I'm making this! I found the window frame in a wood pile and thought it was the PERFECT width for a queen sized bed...and it IS :)

http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/headboard/cheap-chic-headboard-projects/#page=20

[cinnamongrrl]

AND....

I found an old window that I can do this with also...but I wouldn't use it as a headboard


http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/headboard/cheap-chic-headboard-projects/#page=22

[Medusa]

Does anyone here embroider? I used to about 20 years ago and have forgotten some of the fancier stitches. I found some gorgeous patterns on UrbanThreads and am dying to try them out!!

[amiyesiam]

Does anyone here embroider? I used to about 20 years ago and have forgotten some of the fancier stitches. I found some gorgeous patterns on UrbanThreads and am dying to try them out!!

I can, but it has been years. These days you can simply google a stitch and there are you tube videos that show you how. It is a wonderful thing!

Now off to look up Urban Threads!

[cara]

Does anyone here embroider? I used to about 20 years ago and have forgotten some of the fancier stitches. I found some gorgeous patterns on UrbanThreads and am dying to try them out!!

Me! It's not something I do on a regular basis, but I do embroider. I will have to check out Urban Threads, too! :)

[Medusa]

Going to work on some crafty projects later tonight while I'm on an overseas conference call for work. :)

I found a great little scan that shows a bunch of easy embroidery stitches:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82XL6vE3CSg/T4BZKlPm-SI/AAAAAAAAJz0/cU1xgQdytkA/s1600/Embroidery+Stitches.jpg

[cricket26]

this yarn makes beautiful scarves http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay

[Mopsie]

this yarn makes beautiful scarves http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay

Or you can knit the scarves - it's super quick! :)

[Medusa]

AACK! I need like 6 more hours in each day to get everything done that I want to get done!

Working on some sewing projects and a little painting project lately. I have made some major headway in my office as far as cutting loose a bunch of crap that was just taking up space. I've decided that for most of my craft supplies, I either need to DO the projects this year or it's getting rehomed.

Talk about motivation! LOL!:rainbowAfro:

[Medusa]

Annnnnd here I am a couple of months later having made good on my promise on some level!

I have "rehomed" several items from the craft room/office and have some actual projects in the works. Joining the Penpal thread was an awesome motivation to actually DO projects and has helped me with ideas on how to use some of the treasures I had crammed in various boxes.

Somewhere along the way I managed to sell a couple hundred bucks worth of stuff on eBay and get the closet cleared down to useable items :)

[Medusa]

Sewing passion has been reignited!

Collaging passion has been reignited!!

I feel like I might be dragging my taboret around the office to do a little painting in the next week or two.

What's everyone working on?

[clay]

I am currently making watercolor paper and leather & wire bracelets. I make bottle lights...and I am getting back into sandblasting on glass objects (wine stems, champagne flutes, mirrors, shot glasses, etc!!!

[chai~]

sewing like a mad woman!
decoupaging like a crazy woman!
and mad mad mad for sari art!

[aishah]

i'm working in a call center again and we're not back to back calls so i've taken up knitting once more! i'm doing a "stash-ghan" to knit up all my old yarn that's lying around :) it's sort of started a chain reaction...now there are a bunch of people in the cubes around me crocheting, LOL. i'm waiting on management to crack down and outlaw yarn or something. which reminds me, i recently read an article about some people who did a "knit-in" as a protest :)

[Charmingbutch21]

A crafty butch....ya don't say :)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c44/Charmingbutch/1fc07257b3b3e0316018a19343d2acc0_zpsd740095a.jpg

[Charmingbutch21]

Btw, do any of you have advice on where to find objects such as the ones used in the above wind chime? Antique stores are pretty expensive. I haven't found any online portals for supplies yet, except for etsy.

Any suggestions??

[amiyesiam]

Btw, do any of you have advice on where to find objects such as the ones used in the above wind chime? Antique stores are pretty expensive. I haven't found any online portals for supplies yet, except for etsy.

Any suggestions??

If you don't mind new, Some craft people (Tim Holtz comes to mind) have craft, scrap booking supplies that fit what you posted. Have you tried asking people? Lots of people save all kinds of things.