Craft Gossip

DIY Animal Corn on the Cob Holders

Meaghan Mountford — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:23:24 +0000

I think Mikeasaurus may be my new hero. Find the awesomest tutorial ever for making your own corn cob holders (and animal ones, no less) HERE at Instructables.…

Tutorial: Pillowcase doll dress

Anne Weaver — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:13:50 +0000

Pillowcase dresses are some of the easiest dresses to make for little girls. It stands to reason that they’re also easy to make for dolls. Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts guest blogs at U Create with a tutorial showing how to do just that. How cute would it be to make a matching set of pillowcase dresses for a little …

20 DIY Coastal Decor Projects

Amanda Formaro — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:52:15 +0000

Hi! I’m Colleen with Just Paint It. After all the coastal décor inspiration of last week, I thought it’d be fun to share some projects that we can make ourselves and bring that coastal influence into our own homes.

Let’s start with the front door, although these wreaths are cute enough to hang anywhere in your home.

Source: Crafts …

Tutorial: Child’s art smock

Anne Weaver — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:45:56 +0000

Art projects with little ones tend to be messy. Esther from Wholly Kao and Estie Made shares a free pattern for making a child’s art smock to protect their clothes during an artsy craftsy session. From her photos, it looks like she used quilting cottons for the outer and the lining. To make it a wipe-clean smock, you could use a laminated cotton or …

Idea file: Tiered tray organizer from hardware store items

Anne Weaver — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:24:07 +0000

In her Tool Time Tuesday posts, Karen over at Sew Many Ways shows how you can put common hardware or household items to crafty use. I’m always amazed at the way she re-sees these items. Today she shows how you can make your own tiered tray organizers like they sell in the craft stores, except she gets everything from the hardware …

Tutorial: Racerback tunic with a high-low hem

Anne Weaver — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:07:32 +0000

Jen from Eat. Sleep. Make. shares a tutorial at The Sewing Rabbit showing how to make a loose fitting racerback tunic. It cinches in under the bust and she gives it a high-low hem. Go to The Sewing Rabbit for her how-to.

[photo from Eat. Sleep. Make.]…

6 Treats for the 4th of July Made from Store-Bought Candy

Meaghan Mountford — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:01:52 +0000

I don’t know about you, but my summer is anything but lazy. In fact, it means having kids around ALL the time while trying to work, keep house, and sleep. There is little leisure time for me until Fall. So I appreciate, as always, shortcuts. Here are 6 ideas for making cute treats for the 4th of July using store-bought …

Project: Swing Card

Heather Holbrook — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:54:34 +0000

This swing card is simply adorable and very clever! Die cut an opening in the front of the card and add the stamp of the little girl on a swing so she moves in the opening. Hop on over to the All That Scraps blog and for all the details and make one for yourself.

-Heather…

Red, White and Blue Polka Dot Milkshakes

Meaghan Mountford — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:33:09 +0000

Seriously, a cold milkshake, red n’ blue and marshmallow polka dots? Is there anything more perfect for the 4th of July? You’re welcome. (I made these.) Actually, the marshmallow polka dots were a bit of a hassle, as a couple popped off the side of the glass. So I’ll scratch the word “perfect.” But I love these. Find them HERE…

Freebie | Envelope Templates from MiniEco

Francine Clouden — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:26 +0000

Make a beautiful set of envelopes like those above, by using the free envelope templates from MiniEco. Three styles are available: C6, C7 and C8, as well as String tie envelopes in the latter two sizes. Click here for more details and to get the templates. Then use your new envelopes to make this Envelope Mini Album or this …

Freebie | Color Variation Sheet from Creating Keepsakes

Francine Clouden — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:51 +0000

This color variation sheet from Creating Keepsakes, can help you to select colours to use on monochromatic pages. I think it would also come in very useful for ombre type projects! Click here to go to the free download.…

Fourth Of July Roundup

Shellie Wilson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:56:30 +0000

I have gathered some of the best CraftGossip.com posts featuring Fourth of July crafts, foods,ideas or products. What do you have planned for this Independence day? Do you theme your activities for the day or week? Share your unique lesson ideas below in the comments. Feel free to share links too.

1:20 Sweet Treats perfect for Fourth Of July…

Bead Bugs: Book Review and Giveaway

Mardi Robyn — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:53:19 +0000

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book “Bead Bugs: Cute, Creepy, and Quirky Projects to Make with Beads, Wire, and Fun Found Objects,” by Amy Kooperude.

This book includes twenty-three fun tutorials for making bugs out of beads. Each tutorial gives step-by-step instructions and includes vivid photographs of the finished bug creation. Making these cute bead …

Bronwen’s Teaching Again

Cathi Milligan — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:52:51 +0000

For those of you in the Seattle area in July you can take an enamel and lampworking class and make insanely cool beads with Bronwen Heilman. She’s teaching over at Pratt Fine Art Center. It’s a three day class, July 19-21. Check out her web site for more information. Painting with enamels, fusing and then rolling up the image …

Tutorial: Making Bracelet Beads

Elaine Robitaille — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:06:43 +0000

The bracelet in the tutorial uses a smart little bead that’s totally popular right now. Adrianne goes on to demonstrate two different methods of making custom beads for your bracelet projects.

One thing I would change is that you should be able to curve the clay before it’s baked and have it hold its shape fine or bake it on …

Runway Crochet Giveaway- Here’s Your Chance To Own It!

jd wolfe — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:35:17 +0000

Wanna win a copy of this brand new crochet book? If you like to crochet garments, you’ll love having this volume on hand. You can read my review of the book here. While this book might not be the perfect choice for a beginning crocheter or those over size 14, it is certainly full of stunning designs that will …

Hearts A Plenty Winner Is…….

jd wolfe — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:28:07 +0000

The winner of this Giveaway is Christina with this entry:

Thanks for the giveaway! I love this one as a little coin purse or small gift/treat holder. http://www.sugarncream.com/pattern.php?PID=6171&cps=21191

My zipcode is 41041

This contest gave me fits! You crocheters really found some stunning examples of crochet artistry out there to post. I hope everyone will click on every entry …

Pink Stone DIY Necklace

Mardi Robyn — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:58:04 +0000

Stephanie from Henry Happened has some great jewelry making tutorials posted on her blog. I have featured several throughout the past few months. She is so creative, it is inspiring. While browsing her blog over the weekend, I came across her tutorial for a Pink Stone DIY Necklace. She was inspired by one she saw in a jewelry store …

Tutorial: Vintage Strawberry Shortcake dress-up hat

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:50:04 +0000

Do you remember way back when, when Strawberry Shortcake wore that big puffy pink hat? She wears a large straw hat now. But Cheryl from Sew Can Do shows how you can make a child’s dress-up version of Strawberry’s big fabric hat. I feel a bout of childhood nostalgia coming on! It’s made of pink fleece with embroidered pink strawberries …

Tutorial: Summer Bias Dress with adjustable straps

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:27:11 +0000

Melissa from Melly Sews and Blank Slate Patterns shows how to make her Summer Bias Dress. And if you wear a women’s size small (32-34″ bust), she’s got a free pattern for you. I think I could wear this dress all summer long! It’s a knee-length cotton dress with a drawstring under the bust for shaping. Contrast bias tape trims the edges and is …

Tutorial: Color blocked little boy shorts

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:03:33 +0000

Caila from Caila Made shows how to use color blocking to create stylish shorts for little boys. Her tutorial includes the how-to for adding the color blocked elements to a favorite shorts pattern, as well as suggestions for the types of fabrics to use. Her how-to is part of the Shorts on the Line series hosted by Imagine Gnats and …

Cement Star Votives

Heidi Gustad — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:00:54 +0000

I adore these cement star votive holders, and they’d make a perfect Fourth of July yard accent. Henry Happened shares how she made these with simple cement mix and dollar store, star-shaped bowls.…

Project: Fourth of July Table Decor

Heather Holbrook — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:38:22 +0000

Decorate your Fourth of July table with some fun and festive folded paper decorations. These remind me of exploding fireworks and I love the stamped saying in the center! Nichol Magourik has a how to video on her blog (scroll all the way to the bottom).

-Heather…

A Sweet Cowl for Summer

Sarah White — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:35:37 +0000

Somehow I’ve gotten way behind on sharing patterns that have caught my eye lately, so I’ll try to share more here for a while. The Lightweight Cowl from Classic Elite Yarns (that’s a link to the PDF) is a great choice for easy summer knitting and for wearing on cool nights or when your day takes you into buildings with …

Pin of the Week: An Awesome Reference for Circular Knitting

Sarah White — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:37:03 +0000

I don’t have the original source for this one, I’m sorry to say, but I first saw it on Cascade Yarns’ Facebook page a couple of days ago and someone who commented on the post had a link to a pin for it.

So I pinned it, and I think it’s awesome.

This little chart gives you an idea …

Summer Fruit Wands

Meaghan Mountford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:33:42 +0000

Summer and fruit, a magical combination. And sticks make eating the drippy, messy stuff so much better. Make summer fruit wands HERE at Say Yes to Hoboken.…

Patriotic Luminaries

Heidi Gustad — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:19:48 +0000

The Fourth of July gets me all excited as Craft Gossip’s candle lady. There are so many great projects to chose from. The patriotic luminaries above are no exception. Head over to For the Love of… for the tutorial.

via Mod Podge Rocks!

PS: If you’ve got any posts or hot tips for candle-related projects, drop me (Heidi) a line …

Candy Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers

Meaghan Mountford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:17:29 +0000

Heck, I’d even say the cupcakes are optional (though always welcome). I love these Airheads-turned-pinwheels for a bit o’ cupcake decor or 4th of July party treat. Find the step-by-step how-tos to make them HERE at Studio DIY.…

USA Pallet Flag

Amanda Formaro — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:56:43 +0000

Today, like yesterday, I’m feeling a bit patriotic. I stumbled across this flag over at PB&J Stories where Pamela made a fun and rustic American flag to decorate for the 4th of July. She mentions that she doesn’t really decorate for that holiday, and neither do I. However, an American flag never needs to be put away, it can decorate …

Tutorial: How to replace the fabric body of a child’s favorite doll

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:12:50 +0000

Lidija from BluDor Magazine shows how she repaired her child’s favorite doll. The doll’s soft body was beginning to show wear (okay, a lot of wear) so she constructed a new fabric body for him. The new body is made of sturdier – and much cuter – fabric, but the head and limbs are unchanged. Go to BluDor Magazine for a …

Free pattern: Mod toddler color blocked shift dress

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:31:00 +0000

Farrah from Mingo and Grace shares a free pattern at The Sewing Rabbit for making this mod color block shift dress for a toddler. A Mod Tod! (I’m witty in the morning, aren’t I?) The sleeveless dress is cute summertime wear, but layer it over a long sleeved tee and leggings and your child can wear it in cooler weather, too. …

Giveaway: One Painting a Day by Timothy Callaghan

Stefanie Girard — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:16:50 +0000

Today I have the pleasure of offering you Craft Gossip readers a chance to win a copy of the new book:

One Painting A Day:

A 6-Week Course in Observational Painting–Creating Extraordinary Paintings from Everyday Experiences

Timothy Callaghan

Simply leave a comment in today’s post by June 26th, 2013 (U.S. residents only) and you could be the proud new …

Bluth Fans Unite

Connie Barwick — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:08:09 +0000

Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook will know that I spent a recent week glued to the television watching the new episodes of Arrested Development on Netflix. Now some of you may not be fans, but if you are, or if you know someone who is, then this little chart that is available for purchase from …

Tutorial: Oz-inspired lace covered t-shirt

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:04:57 +0000

Melissa Mortenson from Polka Dot chair shows how to make this lace covered tee. The look is inspired by the character China Doll in the movie Oz The Great and Powerful. She starts with a store bought t-shirt, so you won’t need advanced sewing skills to make this. Go to her tutorial to see how.

[photo from Polka Dot Chair]…

Tutorial: Pencil pouch shaped like a pencil

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:52:13 +0000

What is it about purses made in the shape of other objects? I can’t get enough of them! Like this pencil case that Jill from Creating My Way To Success made. It’s a pencil pouch shaped like a giant pencil. She shares a tutorial so you can make one of your own. I bet the tweeny set would love this! Go to …

Tutorial: Fabric fish toss game

Anne Weaver — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:43:31 +0000

Becky from Patchwork Posse shares a tutorial over at Moda Bake Shop showing how to make a soft fabric fish tossing game. The goal of the game is to toss the fish softies into the fabric bucket. Go to Moda Bake Shop for the how-to.

And if you’re loving the batik fabrics she used to make the fishing game, go …

8 Easy DIY Lollipops (No Thermometer Required)

Meaghan Mountford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:36:33 +0000

Candy-making is a tricky thing. It involves a thermometer, which suggests precision is necessary. Not “suggests,” precision IS necessary. I’m not precise. So I very much appreciate shortcut candymaking. All of these lollipops need no thermometer to make, leave no impossible-to-clean-sticky mess on pans, and they are easy even to do with the kids.

I made these striped lollies from …

20 Top Wedding Trends

Kimberly Jones — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:31:38 +0000

If you’re wondering what’s trending for weddings lately be sure to pop over to Bridal Guide for 20 exciting trends compiled by Mindy Weiss. Lighting is one big element receiving more attention at wedding celebrations, and I love the pretty hanging lanterns in the photo by Elizabeth Messina shown above. Find out what the other 19 trends are by …

Drinks for the 4th of July

Meaghan Mountford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:16:25 +0000

I’m not a master mixologist. I can mix two things, like a gin and tonic. Or a mimosa. And I may or may not have made some cosmopolitans in the past, so that added an ingredient or two. But I leave the drink crafting to the experts. Usually. I tried my hand at a couple for the 4th of July, …

Nutella Pretzel “Strawberries”

Meaghan Mountford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:04:01 +0000

Words can’t express how much I adore these. You have the cute strawberry thing, the Nutella thing, the chocolate thing and the pretzel thing. Genius in a basket, in my view. Find the recipe for Nutella Prezel “Strawberries” HERE at Wine and Glue. And if you need more pretzel and chocolate inspiration, be sure to check out my roundup …

Project: Rolling Pin Stamps

Heather Holbrook — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:02:58 +0000

Here’s a fun DIY project, turn your rolling pin in a stamp! By covering your rolling pin in paper you can still use it in the kitchen, then add some cool foam shapes and you can roll out some fun. The Thrive 360 Living blog has all the details.…

Ragged But Rugged

jd wolfe — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:28:21 +0000

Well, this rug isn’t actually ragged. It’s just made in the style of a Rag Rug which makes it rugged, for sure. What I like about this project is that it not only uses recycled thrift store sheets but also emphasizes the make-do attitude of the crocheter who, having discovered that she doesn’t have enough material in the sheets …

Exciting quilt in Modern Neutrals

Scarlett Burroughs — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:05:06 +0000

This quilt, In Motion, shows a clever use of half-square triangles. It’s from the book Modern Neutrals by Amy Ellis, who admits on her blog this is a personal favorite.

I cannot wait to see other quilts in this book, just out this spring, where she explores neutrals. Go HERE to learn more about the quilt.…

DIY Tutorial | Make Your Own Craft Sheet

Francine Clouden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:57 +0000

Tiare Smith from iClassyGirl shows you in this short video tutorial, how you can make your own non-stick craft sheet using three household items. If you like to try artsy techniques like painting, inking and misting, you need one of these sheets to protect your work space! Click here to go to the tutorial on YouTube.…

Tutorial | Easy Fourth of July Starburst Craft

Francine Clouden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:19 +0000

Make this quick and simple starburst for your July 4th decor using straws, cardboard, and other crafting supplies like paint and stencils. Get the complete supply list, and the directions over at Christina’s Adventures. …

DIY Paper Fan Garland

Shellie Wilson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:58:33 +0000

(image source Rugdots.com)

Love the idea of this garland made from paper fans. It’s so simple that you could have the kids mass produce these fans for you.

They would make a great backdrop for an Asian themed dinner party. You could use Printed newspapers for a more subtle effect.…

Etsy Shop of the Week – Shovava

Rosie Bromberg — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:47:32 +0000

This week’s featured Etsy shop is Shovava. Shovava is the design vision of Roza, a designer who’s background includes eight years in the New York fashion industry. Deciding to leave all that behind, she set out to design one of a kind wearable art pieces. Each accessory or clothing item features her artwork, gorgeous designs that are printed or …

Free eBook: How to Make Recycled Jewelry

Mardi Robyn — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:55:17 +0000

I am happy to share this eBook with you “How to Make Recycled Jewelry” by Jewelry Making Daily. The eBook features three jewelry making projects you can make that features objects you can find around your house.

Included in the eBook is helpful tips and tricks you can use in your jewelry making projects. These tutorials inspire you …

Summer of Clay

Elaine Robitaille — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:54:12 +0000

Where I am, the last few days of the school year are happening. Summer break is so close you can just about taste it. There will be claying in my summer and it looks like I’m not the only one!

1. Polymer clay polka dot tree, 2. Miniature Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Fries – 1/12 scale, …

Tutorial: Draft and sew a bow collar

Anne Weaver — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:24:30 +0000

Naomi from One Avian Daemon shows how she created the bow collar on a coat she made. LOVE!! It’s a variation on a shawl collar, with one end extended and cinched into a pretty bow. She tells how to draft the pattern and how to sew it up. It’ll work best with an asymmetrical opening on your garment, but she says …