Craft Gossip

Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sandwiches

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:32:37 +0000

What a great use for that box of Lucky Charms that has been sitting in your cupboard, especially as Summer is upon us: Make Lucky Charms ice cream sandwiches HERE at the kitchn.…

Hot Dogs A’ Canoeing

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:29:35 +0000

Just hangin’ in a canoe, like hot dogs do. Make hot dogs gone canoeing HERE at Recipe.com, courtesy of Kellie Strickland.…

Fruit Snack Flower Bouquet

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:57:55 +0000

Healthy, clever and any kid would love this glamorous bouquet, I think. Make a pretty dang impressive fruit snack “flower” bouquet HERE at The Brass Paperclip Project.…

Red, White and Blue Stars and Berries Cakes

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:53:36 +0000

These mini star cakes layered with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries look so good, I wonder if you could get away with them for not just Memorial Day and the 4th of July, but Bastille Day? Veteran’s Day? National strawberry shortcake day? Make them HERE at Bird on a Cake.…

Tutorial: Vintage-inspired suspender skirt for little girls

anneweaver — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:47:33 +0000

Cherie from You & Mie guest blogs in the Vintage May series at Skirt As Top with a tutorial showing how to make this vintage-inspired suspender skirt for little girls. This project makes me so happy. It was inspired by the jumpers her mother wore as a child in Japan. She includes these precious photos in her post, as well …

Tutorial: Drawstring bag with a ruffled top

anneweaver — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:38:38 +0000

Rebekah from Twinkle and Twine shows how to make a two-tone drawstring bag. The placement of the casing creates a ruffle around the top when the bag is cinched up. You can use the bag for any number of purposes. She suggests them as project bags, washing bags for crocheted blankets, and gift presentation. Get the tutorial.

[photo from Twinkle and Twine]…

Tutorial: Ruched and color blocked knit skirt

anneweaver — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:13:13 +0000

Rach H from Family Ever After guest blogs in the Just Sew Week series at Mama Says Sew with a tutorial showing how to make a color blocked and ruched knit skirt. Get the tutorial.

[photo from Family Ever After on Mama Says Sew]…

Project: Tea and Cookie Gift Set

Heather — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:02:24 +0000

Kimberly Morris aka Lucky Lady has a video on her blog showing how to make this fun little tea and cookie gift set. What a nice teacher or co-worker treat this would make!

-Heather…

Tutorial: Simple vinyl wallets, so mod!

anneweaver — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:02:01 +0000

These modern vinyl wallets by How About Orange are so awesome! They’re easy to make, too. The vinyl doesn’t fray, so there’s no need to worry about raw edges. A bit of contrast stitching creates a mod design on the front. On the inside, a couple of pockets hold credit cards or folded money. Go to the tutorial.

[photo …

Building a Crochet Club

jd wolfe — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:54:00 +0000

When I first learned to crochet (after several fruitless attempts from a variety of teachers), I knew no one in my personal life who crocheted. The woman who had finally been successful in teaching me this fine art had disappeared. The craft store where I took her two classes could never find her again. Sad news for me …

Bead Style is digital!

Stacie Hooder — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:20:30 +0000

Now you can get the latest Bead Style magazine on your favorite digital device! All the fabulous projects with detailed instructions in the print version are now available on your PC, Mac, laptop, iPad, and Android tablets. The new, exclusive digital features include live links so additional information and supplies are only a click away, searchable content, zoom to magnify …

Tutorial | Blurring a Background in Photshop Elements

Francine Clouden — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:41 +0000

Kelly from Simply Kelly Designs explains how you can blur a busy background in a photo to make the subjects stand out more. Click here to go to the video tutorial.…

Beauty School Graduation Cookies

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:59:48 +0000

I’m proud to say, even before clicking on this post and reading further, my thoughts first went to the pink-haired Frenchie in Grease. Find Beauty School graduation cookies HERE at Lizy B.…

Tips & Tricks | Cropping Photos To Tell A Story

Francine Clouden — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:02 +0000

Linda from PartyCraft Secrets explains a few different ways that she crops photos to help tell a story. Click here to see more.…

Inspiration du Jour | Chris

Francine Clouden — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:31 +0000

Chris by mnscrapdiva

{GALLERY} {BLOG}…

Techniques for Making Charms

Elaine — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:31:01 +0000

A fun part of having been watching polymer clay on the internet for around ten years now has been finding the little pockets of awesome resources here and there. PolymerClayWeb has been around for a while but it seems there are new goodies every time I look.

The tutorial for the chatty charms is good for a few different reasons: …

Ta Dah!: Happier with a Hoover quilt block

Scarlett — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:30:58 +0000

Amy Friend of During Quiet Time created this fun quilt block for her bee partner, Leila. She shows the advertisement that inspired the block and shares her experience drafting the pattern. Go HERE to read more.

Image credit: During Quiet Time…

Golden Candy Nuggets for a Gold Rush BBQ

meaghan mountford — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:26:46 +0000

This panning-for-gold candy looks straight from 1849, doesn’t it? And am I the only one who immediately thought of the Little House on the Prairie episode where Laura and her friend think they found gold in the stream and start panning for it and dream about their impending wealthy lives? Yes? No? Probably the only one. Anyway, learn to make …

Patriotic image at The Graphics Fairy

Scarlett — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:05:57 +0000

From The Graphics Fairy, here’s an interesting patriotic image suitable for Memorial Day or 4th of July crafting. Go HERE to download.…

Free Project – Diamond Chain Bracelet

Stacie Hooder — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:49:28 +0000

Take a look at this beauty from Diane Fitzgerald. Want this project for free? Get it and two others from Diane Fitzgerald’s Favorite Beading Projects at Lark Jewelry & Beading!…

{DIY} Fancy Bridal Shoe Clips

Kimberly Jones — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:47:18 +0000

Jazz up your wedding shoes with fancy feather and ribbon clips via a fun and easy tutorial from One Lovely Day!…

Generation Q magazine, front cover

Scarlett — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:34:23 +0000

Yay! The debut issue of Generation Q magazine is in print. Check out the creative power couple on the cover. That’s Amy and David Butler all wrapped up in a pretty quilt! This issue will be available in stores mid June, so you don’t have long to wait.

Image credit: Jake Finch FB…

Tutorial: Hip To Be Square upcycled top for little girls

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Heather from Sew Easy Being Green shows how to make her Hip To Be Square upcycled top for little girls. It’s made from two large squares of knit fabric that have been repurposed from old t-shirts. The square shape is an easy sew, and you can give it a variety of looks depending on how you cut the neck (boatneck …

Making Wire & Bead Jewelry giveaway

Stacie Hooder — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:42:25 +0000

Lark Jewelry & Beading is offering you the chance to win a copy of Making Wire & Bead Jewelry! If you aren’t familiar with this great book, check out my review of Making Wire & Bead Jewelry and then hurry over to Lark for your chance to win a copy signed by Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley. The giveaway ends …

Tutorial: Penny pincher coin purse

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:20:15 +0000

The Free Spirit Fabrics blog shares a PDF tutorial by Melissa Peda from 100 Billion Stars showing how to make her Penny Pincher coin purse. It’s made with a flex frame, so opening it is just a matter of pinching the ends together. Get a link to the PDF tutorial at the Free Spirt Fabrics blog.

[photo retrieved from Melissa Peda …

Tutorial: Add leather trim to a plain tee

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:04:58 +0000

Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking shows how to add some zing to a plain tee with leather (or faux leather) accents. She added a contrast pocket and bands across the shoulders. It’s quick to do, since the edges of the leather (or faux leather) won’t fray. Get the tute.

[photo from Adventures in Dressmaking]…

Felt Lavender Sachet tutorial

Linda Lanese — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:55:00 +0000

What a perfect tutorial now that summer if here in the USA the Lavender will be blooming and ready to harvest and dry. Laura Lupin Handmade of “Bugs and Fishes” is sharing this sweet project with us. She offers plenty of ideas for the colors and ways to decorate your sachet with a pattern and pictorial tutorial. Laura has …

DIY Photo Letters + Free Printables

Kimberly Jones — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:26:48 +0000

I’m a big fan of wedding decor that can be reused after the big day! That’s why I love this photo letter project created by Shanty 2 Chic and featured at Emmaline Bride! Get all the details and links to free printable letters here.…

Project: Vintage Butterfly Card

Heather — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:56:39 +0000

This lovely card reminds me of a vintage natural history diorama. Find directions for making this pretty card over on the Inkadinkado website.

-Heather…

Fresh Classes over at Wired Designs

cathimilligan — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:34:24 +0000

If you’re in the San Antonio area of Texas this summer check out Wired Designs. You can find a ton of cool classes in glass and metals. Gail has posted new classes and discounts in her newsletter. Then wander over to her web site to learn even more. And check out Kiln Frog for equipment and other goodies for …

Mauro Bonaventura’s Glass Cages

cathimilligan — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:44:16 +0000

I love showing you all a glass artist that has some video to watch. It’s wonderful to get a chance to watch them work. And Mauro is a torch worker, so for all of you that are too torch workers you may be able to pick up a few ideas, inspirations and/or techniques. Daily Art Muse has come through again …

Porcelain Sculpts – Kate MacDowell

rosiebromberg — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:13:10 +0000

Art and craft today folks! Head on over to Black, White & Lace to read this excellent feature on Kate MacDowell. I could paraphrase some of what’s said about this amazing artist who blends nature and anatomy into haunting porcelain sculpts, but that would be a waste of your time. Head over to read about her, and then check …

Find: Faux Bois Tapered Candles

heidigustad — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:20:30 +0000

Etsy seller StorytimeCandles has these cute faux bois (fake wood) tapered candles for sale in their shop. These rustic-inspired cuties are made with beeswax and would add texture to any cabin, home, or outdoorsy affair. Get a pair for yourself.…

Wedding Cake Card Box Tutorial

Kimberly Jones — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:46:07 +0000

Learn how to make your own wedding cake card box with a colorful tutorial from Smashed Peas & Carrots! Very cute!…

Sandwich “Cupcakes”

meaghan mountford — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:55:56 +0000

Because I expect just shaping something like a cupcake makes it infinitely more appealing to a kid… make sandwich “cupcakes” HERE at Cute Food for Kids.…

How to make a whole bunch of 18 inch doll accessories

stefaniegirard — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:55:41 +0000

Over at Donna’s blog a Doll for all Seasons there are awesome tutorials for making all sorts of accessories for an 18 inch doll! Making mini versions of all sorts of goodies looks like a total hoot!…

A Bird on a Spool of Thread

conniebarwick — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:40:08 +0000

This little birdie in blue is visiting the spool of thread looking for nesting material. What a great little project to stitch up, free from Balades et Broderies. Get the free chart.…

Embroidery Angel

conniebarwick — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:31:24 +0000

When I get to heaven I want to sit around and stitch and that’s exactly what this little cherub is doing. It’s a great free chart from Croix de Christine. Check it out.…

Tutorial: Little girl’s summer maxi dress

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:10:01 +0000

Simple Simon & Co. shows how a little girl’s t-shirt plus some yardage in a bright summery print becomes a cute maxi dress. You’ll use just the top of the shirt, so this would be a great use for a t-shirt that has staining on the lower portion. Go to her tutorial to see how to do it.

[photo from …

Personalized Father’s Day Gift Ideas

meaghan mountford — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:59:44 +0000

Aw, all of Dad’s favorite things are covered with these ideas from My Own Ideas. I love this one, not only can you make your own beer labels for Dad, but you can personalize the bottle carrier AND make a cozy HERE. Turn Dad’s loved ones into a handy place to rest his beer (ie. cute coasters) HERE…

Tutorial: DIY vinyl belt

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:58:06 +0000

Jessica from Running With Scissors can be found blogging in the Just Sew Week series at Mama Says Sew today, where she shares a tutorial showing how she made this awesome orange belt for her young son. She used orange vinyl for the belt, and got her hardware from a thrifted belt. Brilliant! A thrifted belt will often be much cheaper than buying …

Margarita Fixings Host Gift

meaghan mountford — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:51:09 +0000

Methinks you will be a most popular Memorial Day BBQ guest if you arrive with tequila and all the fixings for margaritas. Like citron salt, chipotle salt and crushed candy. Find them HERE at Love U Madly.…

Tutorial: Reshape a straight skirt hem into a “high-low” hem

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:44:46 +0000

Stacie from Stars for Streetlights shares a tutorial at The Fashion Spot showing how to reshape a straight skirt hem into one with this season’s very popular “high low” style – higher in the front, longer in the back. Get the how-to.

[photo from Stacie Grissom on The Fashion Spot]…

Graduation Cap S’mores Pops

meaghan mountford — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:41:53 +0000

Grad cap pops made easy with marshmallows. Sigh, marshmallows make everything easier, I think. Find the how-tos HERE at Sweet Simple Stuff.…

Tutorial: Color blocked leggings for little girl

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:26:15 +0000

Jessica from Me Sew Crazy guest blogs in the Vintage May series at Craftiness Is Not Optional with a tutorial showing how to make colorblocked leggings. These are SO cool, especially in the black and white that she used in the example! Get the tute.

[photo from Mew Sew Crazy on Craftiness Is Not Optional]…

Tutorial: Add hidden side pockets when making a skirt

anneweaver — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:21:21 +0000

Amber from Very Homemade shows how easy it is to add hidden side pockets to the next gathered skirt you make. Get the tute.

[photo from Very Homemade]…

Project: Stamped Baby Plaque

Heather — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:06:19 +0000

Turn a plain ol’ boring white photo mat into an adorable name plaque for a baby’s room. Gel-a’-Tins stamps has complete directions on their blog.

-Heather…

Tutorial | Flower Favor Bags & Envelopes

Francine Clouden — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:12 +0000

Over at StudioDIY you can find a tutorial for making favor bags more summery, as well as being able to use them as envelopes. Click here to go to the tutorial.…

Tutorial | Make Your Own Alpha Stickers

Francine Clouden — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:10 +0000

Agustina from Made With Love shows you how she made her own tiny letter stickers using PowerPoint and sticker paper. You can also use Word to create these. Such an innovative idea! Click here to go to the tutorial.…

Tutorial | Pyramid Gift Boxes

Francine Clouden — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:18 +0000

Rachel from Lines Across shows you how to make these pyramid shaped gift boxes using a template that she found on Sassafras Lass. Click here to go to the tutorial.…