Drink Mermaid Jewelry inspired by the wonderfully innovative book- A Charming Exchange

I have a theory that there is simply nothing that can't be re-purposed and this wonderful book is lending credence to my theory!
A Charming Exchange: 25 Jewelry Projects To Create & Share
by Kelly Snelling and Ruth Rae

"Readers will be introduced to techniques and inspiration for creating mixed-media charms and other jewelry items from a selection of twenty-five talented contributing artists. Together, these artists have collaborated to create a stunning charm bracelet that demonstrates techniques such as working with wire, beads, solder, fabric, found objects and more which can be applied to other crafts. In addition to reading about each individual artist's inspiration and creative thought process, readers will learn how to organize art swaps or collaborations of their own."

Kelly Snelling is a self-taught mixed-media artist whose work has been published in Artist Trading Cards Workshop, Somerset Memories (Formerly Legacy), Somerset Studio, Somerset Gallery and the 2007 Top Hat Calendar. Kelly holds a master’s degree from Ohio State University in journalism and telecommunications, and spent several years in the Creative Services office of NFL Properties.

Ruth Rae received her artistic training in metalsmithing and lapidary arts, but has also worked in fiber arts, polymer clay and precious metal clay. Her work can be found in retail shops within California and online at www.Belecia.com."

A Charming Exchange is packed with some of the wildest and innovative jewelry made from very unusual things. It also contains excellent how-to photographs and directions for lots of jewelry making techniques. I loved every page for it's complete unexpectedness. It also has a cool concept of making jewelry as a group, something I never thought of and is now on my "to-do" list. But for now I am taking my inspiration for today's jewelry from this page:
It contains a project titled "Tire-swing Babies" it is a very cool necklace made out of tiny plastic babies, the kind you use for decorations at a baby shower. Well, I didn't have those but what I did have that I thought would make some fun jewelry were some drink mermaids. I spray painted them silver and tried two ways of linking them to a necklace.

This first one I linked a jump ring around the waist and then a smaller jump ring to link it to the ball chain. This one is more floaty and the position of the mermaid can move around. More "swimmy"

This one I linked a small jump ring on each arm and then connected the two with a large jump ring. Then I linked the two ends of chain to the large jump ring independently. This pretty much keeps her floating in one spot.

So if you like making jewelry out of unusual things I bet you will really like this book too.

The Card Album in The Judikins Booth at The Carson Rubber Stamp Show and Crafty Blogger Links

This is the Judikins booth at this past weekend's Carson Rubber Stamp Show. As you can see I couldn't get very close because of the crowd watching all the cool techniques that Cherryl Greene was demonstrating!Not only was Cherryl teaching cool techniques, Judi, yes one in the same of Judikins was also sharing cool stuff you can do with all their great new products. One of which is the Card Album, as seen below. Not the best picture but hey it is such an exciting event, picture taking was a little crazed!
OK, that's the stamping and shopping news of the weekend here is the crafting news from my fellow Crafty Bloggers:

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Vickie's 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry.

The Crochet Dude
See a sneak peek video of Drew's new pattern line that launches August 1st!

The Artful Crafter
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book!

Mixed Media Artist
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you!

Cross Stitch at About.com
What do you do with odds and ends of embroidery floss? Read these ideas and share your own.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging.

Cathie Filian
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments.

About Family Crafts
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves?

Dada Mosaic, or is it surreal?

Yes, that is clear broken glass on another piece of clear broken glass. I really like Surrealism, Dadaism, Pop Art, and in general anytime things are just different than the norm.

I was savoring my copy of:
Tiles Gone Wild: New Directions In Mixed Media Mosaics
By
Chrissie Grace

North Light is known for beautiful, colorful, nicely written arts and craft books, and this book, a lovely roundup of mosaics how-to’s, snugly fits the mold. In addition, it’s a fine companion to Grace’s previous Wild Tiles (2006). A chatty, personalized introduction heads each of the 20 mixed-media projects, which range from abstract- and folk-art inspired to just plain fun. Buttons, glass, bottle caps, and images pruned from magazines are but a few of the odds and ends Grace uses to add color and dimension to everything from a wall hanging to a tabletop to a doormat. A few of the projects are quite simple, but even with Grace’s introductory section on tools and materials and her clear instructions, most are probably for those with some prior acquaintance with ceramics or glass (a few also require a kiln) or with the patience to go slowly as they learn something new. It’s hard to resist the color photo illustrations, though, and the enticing projects will call out to crafters. --Stephanie Zvirin


Chrissie Grace, successful author of Wild Tiles, returns to push mosaics to a new creative level in twenty projects using a number of various unexpected materials. Tiles Gone Wild illustrates, with easy-to-follow instructions and photographs, how to expand on basic techniques and push creative boundaries to combine traditional, commercial tile with handmade clay tiles, crushed glass, stained glass and mixed-media elements. Readers will learn to work on a variety of unusual surfaces and use Photoshop to aid in the creation of a tiles portrait. Projects range from traditional mosaic wall hangings to the unexpected, such as a mandala.

Tiles Gone Wild features unique projects and materials, such as handmade clay tiles and stained glass, that are often not found in other mosaic tile books.

and there are just tons of great ideas and designs in this book including working with clear glass. Although Chrissie does something very different with it.

Recently a picture frame fell and the glass broke in it. I went to throw it out and then it hit me that there would probably be a craft project I could use the pieces in. So I saved it. Like you haven't done that too.

Then it hit me, the glass mosaic project I had scene in Tiles Gone Wild I gathered the pieces up and started to lay them out and thought that they looked really pretty on their own.

It sort of looks like stained glass but is it stained glass when there is no color? Is it mosaic with no grout?

I am not going to get hung up on the rules, I just kinda liked what I made.

That's it.

Oh, well, if you want the definitions of the Art types listed above pop on over to this post where I made a Pop Art Toilet Paper Cozy.

Win a Card Album at Scrapbooking.com and Crafty Blogger Links

Click here to take the Scrapbooking.com survey and you are entered to win a Free Card Album! The only album specifically designed to bind and store your cherished greeting cards. Or you can buy them over here if you need one right now!
And of course it's Monday so I have Crafty Blogger links for ya!

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate every day during the month of July, check out this special events calendar!

Aileen's Musings
Ever wonder how to get that cute copyright symbol or better yet, how to put one on your artwork or photographs? Aileen offers a easy tutorial using PSP.

Cathie Filian
It is summer and that means beach & pool time! Visit Cathie Filian's blog to learn how to stitch up a terry beach throw.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off her cool new sewing cabinet that was surprisingly inexpensive.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Why no knots in Counted Cross Stitch? Find out why and how to secure your floss in alternate ways.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi reports on her experiences with using the new CopprClay. This stuff rocks!

Naughty Secretary Club
Thinking about starting up your own craft business? Jen has a few suggestions of things you might consider first. Plus learn how you can take a Crafty Business Seminar with Jen from anywhere in the world!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is a bling-tastic video on hand lettering with Lisa Engelbrecht, from the new book The Crafter's Devotional a how to make a leather book cover and flag cuffs made from a book cover, an "actual size" silver heart using PMC, and a fun snack recipe.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen suggests you go shopping for craft supplies in your jewelry box and closet. Make an old accessory into something new and fresh.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the clip from her recent appearance on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act for Beadalon.

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Learn how to finger knit with Vickie's step-by-step how-to, featured on the CRAFT website!

Melted Plastic bead Star Earrings

Celebrating the 4th with some big plastic star earrings!
Have you tried this? It is so easy and fun. Can be a bit smelly but recycling is recycling.
How to make recycled melted plastic bead earrings:

Place a cookie cutter on a piece of foil on your toaster tray.
Fill with plastic beads.
Bake until melted. The time will depend on how many beads and the size of the shape.
When cool pop from cookie cutter.
Drill holes in the plastic.
Link a earring wire to the star with a jump ring.

All American Crafty Blogger Links

This is the Ferris wheel down at the beach, the moon and the American flag whippin' around in the breeze. Do you know how hard it was to get a shot with the flag somewhat showing and the lights on the Ferris wheel on in a circle?

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy uses her jewelry making skills to create some beautiful and functional stitch markers.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane reviews an intriguing new book: Micro Macrame, by Annika DeGroot

Cross Stitch at About.com
Work at Your Own Pace - An encounter with a critter in the yard has Connie thinking about Cross Stitch (imagine that!) and speed.

Mixed Media Artist
Have you been wondering what happened to "Layers Upon Layers"? Cyndi's still hard at work, but has moved to "Mixed Media Artist". This week she's got a a round-up of fabric painting ideas for you!

Naughty Secretary Club
Arty Masterpieces are overrated, it's all about the Glittery Crafterpieces! Take a peek at the handmade art around my house and try your hand at making a fun glittery deer picture!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside you can watch the latest Look, Learn & Create video that includes tips on drawing, two techniques and projects for cutting photos up, a bit of fabric eye candy, and a free paper stencil and project from the new book The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils 2 and if you leave answers to the day's questions you are entered to win free books!

The Artful Crafter
“Panadieres for Zambia” is a neat story and one small example of crafters helping crafters – all around the world. As Eileen likes to say, “Crafters are just the nicest people.”

The Crochet Dude
Read Drew's first installment supporting the 3/50 grassroots project!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares a technique in this post about embossing on slick surfaces!

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Keep your kids busy this summer by setting up a Crafty Challenge for them!

About Family Crafts
What are your cleaning tips for crafting with kids? Please take a moment to share your tips and then browse through tips shared by others.

Aileen's Musings
Hard as it was, Aileen has narrowed down the playing field and needs your help again to choose from her favorite sayings that have been posted for her blog giveway! Stop by and pick your favorite.

Cathie Filian
If you are wondering what to eat, craft and play on the 4th of July then head over to Cathie's blog for ideas.

The Card Album decorated for a baby shower gift for Rock and Roll Mom to be

I have a baby shower coming up for a first time mom to be that's a bit on the rock and roll side and so I wanted to decorate The Card Album I was giving her to put all her baby shower cards in not too cute but still "baby boy" like. I went through the paper stash and found this cool black paper that was printed with the definition of baby all over it-perfect! Then onto the die cut stash and I thought the Hello Kitty tiny bunnies and the winged heart was a great combo of cute and tough.
So I simply went to town die cutting up a bunch of the cool papers. Then I just started to play around with all the shapes. Oh I should mention I inked the edges of my die cuts with silver, black and blue inks to outline them and make them pop a bit.

Here is my final The Card Album with a matching gift card that I used the same baby printed paper and die cut bunny.

I am really looking forward to this shower. I was put in charge of the memory game (30 or so items on a tray that everyone gets 2 minutes to look at, then it's taken away and then they have to write down everything that was on the tray), it was requested that it be all baby themed items so I am on a mission to gather up only baby items, not too easy of a task in a house that has never had a baby inside of it!

Upcycling election signs for a senior prank and crafty blogger links

This is so cool! My cousin's high school senior prank was to gather up all the election signs and put them on the high school lawn! I don't remember my high school having a senior prank. But I kinda wish it did. Click on the link to see a bit of video on it.

The Artful Crafter
What new mom would not be delighted with this precious keepsake pendant? Eileen gives you step-by-step instructions for making it using polymer clay and decal paper.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge went on a bead buying trip to NYC! Get the scoop!

Vickie Howell
Craft Corps Stencil Kits are in! Check out Vickie's How-To on making your own, stenciled gear. Stand up, shout loud, you've joined The Corps and you're proud!

About Family Crafts
What is in your craft cupboard? What craft supplies can you not live without? Has there been a craft item that your purchased thinking it was the greatest invention of all time and then never used?

Aileen's Musings
Aileen needs your help! She's created another whimsical character in her curalicious series and needs a saying or quote to go with her! Post your quote or saying and enter to win a curvalicious coffee cup!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Create fun and graphic letter & number decopauge jars in a flash!

Cathie Filian
Recycle old jeans and fabric scraps into a quilted 4th of July Table Runner in under 2 hours!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Cat Domination at Jewelry Bench! Where or where can I work on jewelry, Tammy asks?

CraftyPod
Take a handful of buttons and some craft wire, and make charming button monograms to wear as jewelry.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Dinosaurs rule in the Land of the Lost and they also rule at About.com Cross Stitch. There are three of them stalking through Connie's latest free pattern collection.

Mixed Media Artist
Here's a way to combine planning with serendipity when you paint fabrics!

Naughty Secretary Club
Think all the marketing at a craft show is already taken care of for the vendors? Think again. Jen shares some marketing tips.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world

This week at Craftside there is Jenn Mason's episode of Look, Learn & Create where she shows us how to make a fun matchbook card and dyed plastic tube necklace, a window-screen art journal tutorial from the new book Re-bound and a mini journal with a recycled scrapbook paper catalog, a discussion of rule breaking in logo design and a recipe for roasted chickpeas.

Another of Stefanie's Happy Bunnies-This one created using the help of the cool book: Stray Sock Sewing

Happy Sock Bunny on my cairn basking in the southern California sun. (Finally)
I am starting to wonder if there is anything I haven't cut up yet?
The photography in this book is so cute, I loved it as much as I loved the sock animals!Stray Sock Sewing: Making One of a Kind Creatures from Socks

Great for beginning sewers - includes basic techniques and simple projects that are fun, fast and unique.

Stray Sock Sewing is a lovable Asian-flavored craft book that blends how-to projects with a whimsical narrative. Readers will learn how to make odd and endearing one-of-a-kind creatures from a variety of sock styles. Eight step-by-step projects are easy enough for beginners, yet so adorable advanced crafters will be eager to make their own cuddly toys.

After spending 20 years in professional advertising, Dan Ta left the industry to become a full time artist. He is currently collaborating with a creative group based in Los Angeles to import and market his handmade sock dolls. He is also working on a sock doll character that will appear in an upcoming animated film.

I have already shown you my little Happy Sock Bunny, here is how I made her.

First I found a stray sock.

Then following the great directions in Stray Sock Sewing; a little from each of the designs in the back, because with most recycling projects you rarely have exactly what is being used in the book, I made long ears.

I then stuffed and sewed a cute face on. Again I took features from several of the different creatures to make my own face.

I really want to go out and find some really crazy socks to see what other wild and cute bunnies I can sew.

Stefanie's version of Happy Bunny

Mixed Media Artist
Let's do the twist! Cyndi demonstrates a fun way to paint fabrics with a surprise ending.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen gets crafty with wallpaper! A review, how-to project and contest to win a copy of Wallpaper Projects.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring William F. Powell showing us some great methods of mixing paint colors, and there is an explanation of the different types of clay, how to plan a business, draw an outline for an illuminated letter, and finally how-to's for beading and embellishing filigree jewelry from Karen and Ann Mitchell.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen helps a reader who needs to start her Christmas crafting early with instructions for a beaded glow-in-the-dark star ornament.

The Impatient Crafter
Ranger has a three day intensive university and Madge has the 411 after spending a weekend getting fully certified! Inky and crafty goodness was enjoyed by all!

About Family Crafts
Check out photos of home-made Father's Day cards and submit your own photos to this gallery.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen offers you another printable freebie...a word sheet for you to download and use in your art . . .

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Alexa shares several craft projects that she has every intention of eventually making.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you heard of the book Weekend Sewing? Tammy offers some tips for making copies of the patterns in this new book by Heather Ross.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane's latest podcast is all about how to write a great craft blog.

Cross Stitch at About.com
An unsettling project has Connie in a contemplative mood. What do you think of this project?

Sweater Surgery Toilet Paper Cozy Inspired by the new book- Felt Furnishings by Anne Kyyro Quinn

Felt never looked so modern and stylish!
Felt Furnishings: 25 Accessories for Contemporary Homes

By
Anne Kyyrö Quinn

High style with an irresistible texture–in a fabric you love!

The contemporary creations of Anne Kyyrö Quinn are not your traditional pillows and throws. Following her sculptural approach to home décor, each piece has an appealing tactile quality that makes it truly stand out. Quinn’s fabric of choice, felt, is soft, durable, and easy-to-find, making it perfect for home sewing. Best of all, felt holds its shape, making it possible to turn any home accent into a striking multidimensional accessory. Whether folded, sliced, ruched, or gathered, these bold pieces are sure to add designer style–and cozy comfort–to any living space.

Felt Furnishings brings Quinn’s designs to the home crafter with 25 beautiful, easy-to-sew projects that will update the look of any room. From one-of-a-kind cushions and pillows to blinds, lampshades, wall panels, curtains, bedspreads, and more, there is something here for every home. And with 200 full-color photographs and comprehensive step-by-step directions, these designs are as easy to create as they are gorgeous to look at.

ANNE KYYRÖ QUINN established her studio in 1999 with a portfolio of six core designs. Her collection has expanded to include blinds and window screens, wall panels, table accessories, and upholstery fabrics. She is one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of handcrafted interior textiles, and her products and custom textile services have been distributed to design showrooms and retail outlets around the world. Anne lives in London.

As I stated in my opening line, making felt look contemporary can be quite the challenge. I found this out working on a design that is possibly the kitchiest item imaginable-the toilet paper cozy. But I think I did a pretty good job of un-kitching and making it modern with the help of Felt Furnishings.

Let me know what you think!

Here is how to sew a toilet paper cozy using a adaptation of one of the techniques from
Felt Furnishings.

This being sweater surgery, off to the stash for a recycled wool sweater that has been felted.

I think the bold stripes here are a good start.I cut a piece off the bottom edge of the sweater so I would have the finish edge of the sweater be the bottom of the toilet paper cozy.
Then I cut out little ovals with half being each color of the stripe. I then pinned them on spiraling up the cozy. This is the part where I must have tried a million locations to sew the ovals down and most options looked "cutsie" and not modern.
In the book she sews the ovals down along the center line and then attaches them closed but I only needed to sew them onto my base fabric since mine stayed closed because they were next to each other.Well here you have it one mod toilet paper cozy.

Crafty Blogger Links and a great Maker Faire Maker with what he made

As I was walking (make that running) around Maker Faire to try to see all I could, I saw this kid caring his masterpiece. I asked Dad if I could photograph them and he said yes. You may be wondering why I was particularly captivated by this particular piece, well I'll tell you. Right in the center is an orange pom pom stuck on a popsicle stick. I just loved the juxtaposition of all that electronic stuff and one of my favorite crafty elements! I really love this photo for 2 other reasons, the look on the kid's face and how he is still with all the motion behind him. It really sums up the day and event.

The Artful Crafter
How to make a wall hanger for a heavy plate or tile.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside wins Editor's Choice at Maker Faire-see lots of pictures from the fabulous event, the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create has a tutorial on how to make needle felted flowers from recycled wool sweaters, some excellent exercises to relieve back stress (what crafter couldn't use those), a free knitted leaf pattern and some cool quilt dish!

The Crochet Dude
Drew reviews Vickie Howell's new book "Pop Goes Crochet" and shows off his design for a driver's cap from page 18.

Vickie Howell
Hey, stitch fanatics! Dig movies? Love knit & crochet wear? Check in with Vickie's blog every week for Movie Mondays; posts with pictures from your favorite flicks and pattern suggestions for making similar, show stopping pieces. This week's feature: The Shining!

About Family Crafts
Have you played along with my Make-It-Over Craft Challenge yet? What would you make out of this ordinary object?

Aileen's Musings
Aileen is very excited to announce that the Ties That Bind Art Doll Raffle has begun! Its an amazing project, with contributions by over 100 artists. Stop by to find out how you can purchase raffle tickets to win this amazing art doll, and help us reach our goal!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner shares all week on her blog tales from SF Bay Maker Faire 2009 starting off with her Bizarre Bazaar experience!

Blisstree Arts
You can never know too many tricks for painting background fabrics!

Cathie Filian
You still have time to whip up a handmade gift for your Pop, Grandpa or Hubby and Cathie Filian has over 12 ideas!

Crafty Princess Diaries
What are your thoughts on retail and the off-line world today when it comes to craft stores and just in general?

CraftyPod
Sister Diane muses on how we crafters can help keep our favorite websites, magazines, and TV shows alive in a tough economy.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Check out Connie's Photo of the Week - it's one of her recent finishes and in her favorite medium - variegated floss.

Naughty Secretary Club
It's terrarium week over at Naughty Secretary Club and Jen is celebrating with a kitschy terrarium style picture frame tutorial! Grab your mini garden gnomes and glitter and stop on by!

Recycled Sweater Necklace brought to you by the new book-Feltique and the letter "O"

You know how sometimes a book just jumps out at you and you fall in love with the project on the cover and you don't even need to see anymore? (But there is sooooo much more!) That is the case with this book:
Feltique: Techniques and Projects for Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Fulling, and Working with Commercial Felt
by Nikola Davidson
and
Brookelynn Morris

What can you make from felt? What can’t you make from felt! Feltique shows you step by step how to master this versatile material. In one simple guide, you’ll have everything at your fingertips to create charming projects using a variety of felting techniques: wet felting, needle felting, fulling, and sewing commercial felt.

You’ll learn:
•Wet felting, a process involving heat, moisture, and agitation, require only a little soap, hot water, and elbow grease.
•Needle felting, in which you turn wool fiber into needle felt by merely pricking it with a felting needle, is like sculpting with wool.
•Fulling—the process of knitting or crocheting a garment and then agitating it in hot water and soap—creates a strong, durable wool fabric.

More than 45 unique projects offer quick and simple designs for beginners as well as fun and challenging endeavors for experts, and the techniques are perfect for creating everything from warm and fuzzy clothing to useful household items. For limitless inspiration in making all things felt and beautiful—from bauble earring to baby rattles, hats to handbags—you need this definitive guide.

NIKOLA DAVIDSON is the founder of Sticky Wicket Crafts as well as the cofounder and first president of Urban Craft Uprising.

BROOKELYNN MORRIS’s work has been featured on the cover of Craft magazine, where she is also a contributing writer.
OK-so the cover necklace was made with just a bunch of pretty circles of felt. I went to my die cut stash and poked though to see what I had that would work. I found a letter "O" and cut out a whole bunch out of lavender and army green recycled felted wool sweaters.

Here is what I made. I linked the "O"s to a chunky ball chain and the inside of the "O"s I stitched together with a silver bead on the center and then glued to a blank ring.

Whether they are the center of donuts or "O"s, nothing goes to waste!

In a blissful state post-Maker Faire I bring you Crafty Blogger links

CraftyPod
Sister Diane's been making some interesting stuff with her Cricut and Cuttlebug...

Cross Stitch at About.com
Meet Mr. X Stitch - Learn more about the man who helps put the X in x-stitch. Mr. Cross Stitch aka Jamie Chalmers designs and supports modern Cross Stitch and embroidery.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got the latest episode of the video series Look, Learn & Create with Amy Hanna author of Rejuvenated Jewels, 1 of the tips from the book: 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers, a sneak peek in Book-Art with more info about Swap-o-rama-rama at Maker Faire this weekend and how to make a stencil portrait from L. K. Ludwig's book: True Vision.

The Artful Crafter
Eileen shows you how to make beautiful roses from paper clay. Paper clay is fun to work with and very easy on the hands. For this project the only molded shapes you need to make are balls and cones. Then you flatten them to make either rose petals or leaves.

The Crochet Dude
Kick off summer with Drew's latest free pattern, "Brain Freeze"!

The Impatient Crafter
It's Flip Out Flip Flop Summer madness at The Impatient Crafter. DIY a pair of lace up Goddess sandals with Madge!

Vickie Howell
Download a free Pop Goes Crochet pattern for the "Doris" summer scarf!

About Family Crafts
Find out how easy it is to create your own tie-dyed masterpieces!

Aileen's Musings
Are you looking for a new party invitation idea? Aileen has a mini tutorial for a banner invitation in a tin! Stop by and download your own freebie banner!

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi has been featuring some awesome polymer clay artists recently. Check out Dayle Doroshow's work!

Cathie Filian
Whip up some flirty summer fashions with Cathie as she dyes slips.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy reviews a book that may have answers for your crochet questions.

Old metal makeover with the help of the new book- Chic Metal by Victoria Tillotson

This book has page after page of the coolest designs!Chic Metal: Modern Metal Jewelry to Make at Home
By
Victoria Tillotson

All that glitters is not gold–sometimes it’s copper, silver, or brass. With Chic Metal, you can design and create necklaces, earrings, and even cocktail rings out of metals that sparkle and shine. Crafting with metal is easier than you might think. You can make many of these 30 inspiring projects with simple tools you already own, such as wire cutters, pliers, a hammer, and a file. If you love jewelry making and are seeking a new challenge, look no further–you’re ready for some heavy metals.


VICTORIA TILLOTSON teaches jewelry making at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her collection and work can be seen at victoriatillotson.com and on the pages of fashion magazines like Lucky.

This is the first design I had to try this disk of holes:

So off to the old jewelry stash to see what I could find. After just a bit of searching I found these disk earrings that I thought would work great.

I simply put different size drill bits in the drill press and just drilled away-no planning!

I then as you can see I polished up the metal to a sparkly finish. I put my new drilled hole disk earring on a chain to convert it into a pendant.

So if you're like me and getting adventurous with your Dremel and drill press, you will love this book!

Craft Safely!

Memorial Day Crafty Blogger Links-Never Forget

This is a beer sweater made from an old my-size sweater. I like this photo because it also includes the shadow of my hand and the beer in the sweater cozy.

Always remember.

Vickie Howell
Create earth-friendly vases out of re-used mason jars & twine. This one's for both knitters and crafters alike!

Aileen's Musings
Get your groove on with Aileen's tie-dyed deli paper background technique. While your at it download her freebie fractal backgrounds!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
How do you brand yourself and your business? Alexa shares how she brands herself and offers some helpful marketing and graphic design ideas to help you build yours!

Blisstree Arts
Many of Cyndi's favorite Photoshop tricks!

Cathie Filian
Forget about "gone fishing" signs and "golf anyone" trinket boxes. Grab some fabric paints, freezer paper, iron-ons and get creative making one-of-a-kind fashions for your pop, pal or hubby.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off an oldie but goodie, her old Kenmore sewing machine.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shares some tips for using Twitter and Facebook to market a creative business.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's Grandmother was a quilter and she's created a special chart to memorialize her. Stitch it up for the quilter in your life.

Naughty Secretary Club
Inspired by Marty Stevens-Heebner’s new book Altered Shoes, Jen gives a pair of white cotton Mary Janes a full makeover.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has the first in their how to video series, Look, Learn & Create with this week's guest Christi Friesen author of Polymer Clay and Mixed-Media Together at Last, as well as some inspiration and tips for working in series, wordless journaling and a free deer stencil from the new book The Art of Paper Cutting with a how-to for a pattern slider card.

The Crochet Dude
Drew talks about what could be better than a crochet cruise to the Caribbean!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is giving away a melange of beads from her Bead Board of Wonders and shares a fun mixed media project!

The 7 deadly sins cross stitched in latin with scissor accents

OK my cross stitch peeps, here is my latest finished cross stitch, I love Latin and I am on a mission to bring it back!

This is the seven deadly sins with little scissors on each side with a row of stitching. My letters are just a bit different than the printout (I filled in the serifs) I thought that looked a bit less country.

The translation is to the right and the DMC floss color number out to the side. Feel free to download and use if you like!

Crafty Blogger Links to warm your creativity

About Family Crafts
Discover how you can create your own fancy, garden stepping stones.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner shares with you why you need a mini idea book !

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has a new tutorial perfect for teen birthday parties!

Blisstree Arts
Digital art calls for a creative framing method!

Cathie Filian
Cathie whips up a "no calorie cake" with a few items from the dollar store!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Are you cutting coupons these days? Then make this simple little crochet coupon holder to keep them organzied.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shows you how to make a quilted fabric pendant.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's been in a Sci-Fi mood lately - check out her Out of This World Patterns.

Naughty Secretary Club
Love the look of the groovy spaghetti string lamps from the 60’s? Make your own with Jen, some yarn, a balloon and a little fabric stiffener.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Inside peeks into the new books: Mosaics: The Art of Reuse and my shotgun and sea shell stepping stones, SKETCHBOOK and a few of my sketchbook sketches and their end result, Re-Bound and the story behind this month's San Metao Maker Faire (30th and 31st) "Makeready" journal we will be giving away in our booth, and a Sweater Surgery Hello Kitty Sunglass case how-to.

The Impatient Crafter
Style Guru Brini Maxwell and The Impatient Crafter Margot Potter want you to join them on their Crafty Cabaret Carribean Cruise in Fall of 2010! Here's the 411!

Vickie Howell
Need a home decor, quick-fix? Vickie shows you how to use fabric scraps to over those otherwise drab, light switch plates!

Sweater Surgery in the Pratt Institute Magazine and Bookmarks You can make at Maker Faire with me!

Yey! Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters is in my alumni magazine The Prattfolio!

Wooo Hooo! How cool is that!

And to celebrate that and my appearance at Maker Faire on May 30th and 31st at the San Mateo County Expo Center. I have a tutorial on how to make a bookmark out of recycled felted wool sweaters that are a perfect accessory to the cool journals that will be given away in our Craftside booth!
Grab yourself a bunch of old wool sweaters and wash them in hot and cold water, then throw them in the dryer to felt 'em up good!
Then I did a combo of free form and die cutting using my fabulous Hello Kitty Die Cutting machine and a variety of dies (that I will have with me at Make Faire so you can play too) to cut out shapes from the felted wool sweaters.

I then needle felted the elements together and added a scrap of yarn to make the bookmark/ place holder in my journal.

To read all about this cool journal that's made from recycled book paper, pop on over to this post at Craftside.

Oh and in addition to making cool bookmarks out of recycled felted wool sweaters I will be signing and giving away free copies of
Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters

and there will be more make and takes with some of the other uber-cool Quayside Publishing Group Authors so don't forget to come by and MAKE stuff with us!

Magnificent May Monday Crafty Blogger Links

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen shows how she whipped up a coordinating fabric covered photo album to match the curtains and the cushions in her daughter’s nursery.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a cool scratching photo technique, 2 ways to weave an eyeglass case, an interview with the author of Art Doll Adventures: Lisa Li Hertzi, a tutorial on how to needle felt a bird and as always questions of the day that if you answer you're entered to win a free book!

The Crochet Dude
Drew finally announces his latest news; plus video!

The Impatient Crafter
Caution: Madge's new book may cause you to dive into a craft binge. She's created a form excuse letter so you can skip work and craft to your heart's content!

Vickie Howell
In preparation for Summer break, Vickie shows a simple craft for bringing a little magic into your kids' vacation!

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for an almost instant Mother's Day gift or activity, check out these free, printable Mother's Day projects.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has another blog giveaway! Stop by and enter to win 1 of 3 original hand-drawn ATCs she's giving away.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Make your own mini Moo-like business cards from junk mail postcards!

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi has compiled her favorite posts on creating collages and art quilts

Cathie Filian
Cathie is Mod Podging thrift shop plates to make unique collages and mini works of art.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Even if you missed making this for mom this Mother's Day, the Crafty Princess has a great combo gift idea for your next gift-giving need. Part of it you can make and part you can purchase, but both are inexpensive and perfect for lots of folks on your list.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitching on dark Cross Stitch fabrics is challenging for most of us. Do you stitch on dark fabrics? Vote in the poll, read Connie's tips, and share your own tips and tricks.

Plaid Jackalope Engraved Glass Bottle using the great How-to from the beautiful book-Glass Engraving by Sonia Lucano

The designs in this book are just so captivating and inspiring:

Glass Engraving: 25 Projects for the Home
by
Sonia Lucano

Turn everyday glassware into modern, custom pieces perfect for your home. With Sonia Lucano’s Glass Engraving, you can turn any bowl into a conversation piece, design wine glasses to toast a special occasion, or create a personalized vase to use as a centerpiece. All the projects require only an inexpensive engraving tool available at craft stores, and the simple skill of tracing.

The dozens of templates provided will enable you to add florals, modern geometrics, or text and monograms to any glass surface, including mirrors. The personalized pieces you create will also make a perfect gift–one that can last a lifetime! With Lucano’s guidance and advice, you can master this simple craft quickly and transform your home with one-of-a-kind designs.

SONIA LUCANO is a designer, crafter, and author. She has worked in both fashion and design since studying at France’s National School of Decorative Arts. She lives in Paris.

I've done the glass etching with the chemical stuff but I had never broken out the engraving bit for my Dremel and tried it. Well, the beautiful designs in Glass Engraving: 25 Projects for the Home got my creative juices flowing and was just the boot in the but I needed to give it a try!
I am on a mission to make everything I can in plaid and I love the jackalope so I went to my jackalope template and reduced it down 50%. I then followed the directions in Glass Engraving: 25 Projects for the Home for transfering the image.
So here is the outline of the jackalope. It was really easy, although I hve to say the Dremel got a bit heavy so I think I need to go hunting in the garage for the flex-shaft attachement.
Here it is all done with the plaid pattern filled in. I bet that there isn't another plaid jackalope engraved bottle out there.

I can tell no glass surface is going to stay plain long.

Marvelous May Crafty Blogger Links

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi has rounded up all of her favorite posts on making background papers and fabrics for your projects.

Cathie Filian
Cathie volunteered to make 40 centerpieces for an Awards Gala - Check out her trip to the flower district and step-by-step instructions on how to make the arrangements.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Go shopping in style with your own crocheted tote bag. The Crafty Princess shows off her latest finished fiber project.

CraftyPod
In her latest podcast, Sister Diane interviews Sarah Hodsdon about the future of the design profession in a global, digital economy.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Connie's latest fun, fabulous, and did we mention FREE Cross Stitch pattern.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen does a little painting, searches for vintages images and boils a pair of eyeglasses all in the name of creating a necklace with a little specs appeal.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a crochet pattern for a pop art roll of toilet paper cozy, a detailed tutorial on how to make a photo based painting, a free dress silhouette template from the new book: Cloth Doll Artistry, and a couple of necklaces made from some very unusual recycled elements.

The Crochet Dude
Drew talks about his latest hook/needle find in an All Boye Review!

The Impatient Crafter
Learn how to make beaded wire circles with Madge!

Vickie Howell
Create customized cards out recycled fabric and keepsake images!

About Family Crafts
Help needed: Looking for creative graduation decorations... Ideas anyone?

Aileen's Musings
Aileen offer's another great Mothers or Father's day gift idea using more bottle caps!

Cool technique-Stitchless Embroidery -from the New Book: Fabricate by Susan Wasinger

First let me say I love the play on words of the title of this yummy book:
Fabricate: 17 Innovative Sewing Projects that Make Fabric the Star
by
Susan Wasinger

Create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade fabrics and transform them into fun and useful projects with this guide to distinctive cloth-making techniques. This innovative how-to resource uses classic and modern techniques to create interesting custom fabrics that are used in a dazzling array of fresh, stylish yet practical must-have items for one’s wardrobe or home. From laptop cases to evening bags, elegant wraps to flirty skirts, floor pillows to whimsical curtains, this tutorial uses a variety of easy fiber-art and fabric-manipulation techniques to create original fabric projects from wearable designs and touching gifts to home décor. In addition to the cloth-making techniques, there are 17 projects that show what can be made with each unique fabric.

Additional instruction is included to create unique effects with pleats and crinkles; puckers and tufts; cut-and-fray fabric techniques; laminates that add colorful, versatile, and playful layers; surface embellishment techniques like cording, appliqué, and crazy stitch; heat-treated techniques like burn-out, burn-away, and fabric etching; fabrics designed with solvy and repeating notions like rickrack, hooks and eyes, and zippers—leading to many endless possibilities.

Truer words have never been blogged!

I love all things fiber and this book is just packed with techniques and beautiful designs that utilize them. It was so hard for me to pick which one to make first.

I decided to go with one I had never tried:

Susan calls it "Stitchless Embroidery"

And I LOVE it!

So first I gathered up a bunch of elements that the directions called for, scraps of fabric and fiber, a shear overlay fabric and an under layer, in my case it was a recycled felted wool sweater, go figure.
I then fused the lightweight iron-on adhesive to the shear fabric and then to the element covered sweater scrap.
Here it is all trimmed up:I don't know yet what I'm going to do with this, maybe a page in an altered book? Got any ideas out there?
I think I might try this with paper next or a combo of both, hmmmmm?

So if you are looking for new ways to use fabric and fiber you will love this book too!

The last week of April Crafty Blogger Links

The Crochet Dude
Drew met the King of San Antonio!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares some thoughts about copyrights, artist's rights and intellectual property theft in this thought provoking post.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has a call for entries: 1000 Artisan Textiles, a tutorial on how to upcycle an old promo charm with stamped polymer clay, fusing plastic bags from the soon to be released book: Green Guide for Artists, and two asymmetrical jewelry designs made from recycled elements.

About Family Crafts
Why not make a special May Day treat for your neighbors!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has a Bottle Cap project just in time for Mother's Day or for that end of the year teacher gift!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner finds some colorful inspiration by Wrecking her Journal!

Blisstree Arts
Cyndi's done a round-up of all her image transfer tutorials.

Cathie Filian
Cathie Filian has lots of spring garden projects! Pop by her blog to learn how to recycle paint stir sticks into a garden planter, blend up fresh fruit smoothies, easily create wood burn garden markers and ideas for painting a garden set that is perfect for mom.

Crafty Princess Diaries
More about YuDu - If you still aren't convinced after seeing Margot Potter's video on how to use this interesting contraption, then here is some more information for you to consider.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane is super-excited to launch her new ebook, Making a Great Blog: a Guide for Creative People. It's all about how to write and photograph compelling blog posts, and how to keep the inspiration flowing.

Cross Stitch at About.com
How do you organize your flosses and fibers? See what other stitchers do, then share your own methods.

Earth day Jewelry Making Inspired by Heidi Boyd's Simply Beaded Bliss- making charms from button covers and advertising buttons

Bliss is soooo true!

Simply Beaded Bliss: Adding Unique Elements to Classic Beaded Jewelry, Gifts and Cards
by
Heidi Boyd

Every project in Simply Beaded Bliss features classic beading that will appeal to readers of all skill levels and inclinations.

Step-by-step jewelry projects show the reader how to combine a wide variety of interesting elements, including sequins, buttons, phone wire, snaps, washers and tin with traditional beads, all created in Heidi's uniquely pretty style. The innovative selection of gifts and cards shows readers how to use those same elements in multiple crafts, therefore expanding the practical application of the techniques presented.

Jam-packed with over 40 projects and 15+ project variations, Simply Beaded Bliss offers a great value to mixed-media and jewelry-making enthusiasts alike. I am both so I am so good to go!

This is the way cool piece that I took my inspiration from. Heidi made her charm from a button cover-brilliant! Well, I happen to have a million promotional buttons from all sorts of events I go to and I flipped one over and it looked perfect for this technique of placing an image in and then filling with a protective coating!

So here is what I did:
I pulled the wire pin part out of the promo buttons, this was very easy, they are simply in with a bit of tension.
Then I used a round paper punch the same size as the interior of the button and punched a bunch of images from magazines and catalogs.
Then I simply popped the images into the backside of the buttons and filled them with Judikins DG3 Art Gel and let dry.
Then after they dried over night I drilled a tiny hole just big enough for a jump ring and linked them up on a chain.

I can tell this is going to be addictive! Have a "green crafting day"!