Friday, December 31, 2010

Christmas photo that I think just sums it all up

I really think this photo of the tread mill covered in the totes that held the holiday decorations really just sums it all up! It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

And here are some crafty links to make you smile and be inspired. Happy New Year!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at a Happy New Year Craftside there are tutorials on how to paint dots with watercolors, redo a scarf with nuno felting, a video tutorial from Traci Bunkers, a fun poster idea that combines two iconic bands and using your stuff to decorate in a fun way.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Eileen made some lovely earrings from a kit by Tammy Powley and dubbed it "A Kit that Delivers".

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge revisits a favorite New Year's Eve mixed media jewelry project.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has finished a fun little quilt made from her hand-painted fabrics!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi downloads a gorgeous set of graphics to make a 2011 calendar.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Crafting while listening to a crafty podcast is fun, but some podcasts are better than others.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Find out the most popular free patterns from 2010. Add them to your stash and stitch one or two up to ring in the New Year!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Happy Holidays from me and Stan, George, Jane Doe and Rorschach Amineko

Monday, December 6, 2010

Jane Doe and Rorschach Amineko Ready to go to The Craftside Free Make and Take zone at Unique LA

Jane Doe and Rorschach Amineko all set to go to The Craftside Free Make and Take zone at Unique LA this weekend December 11th and 12th, 2010. To see the full schedule of all the things you can make with a whole bunch of talented designers pop on over to this post at Craftside.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Calling clay and gourd crafters: do you have any suggestions to help Kathy with a cracking problem on her wonderful clay Santas?

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares a Pink Ribbon Necklace project she created live on Jewel School at Jewelry Television!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there are tutorials on how to make a pop up gift card holding greeting card, a Steampunk style mixed media bracelet, tips on creating art everyday, and a bunch of cute pastry decorating ideas.

Mixed Media Artist
The Bead Journal Project is starting up again for its fourth year! Registration ends soon!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make recycled sweater and zipper Christmas trees (or hats).

About Family Crafts
If you are in search of a special gift for a crafter or a wannabe crafter, check this collection of ideas and resources.

Aileen's Musings
Check out part 2 of Aileen's Pomegranate Liquor and download a freebie background while you're at it.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi downloads a cute Christmas graphic to make this fabric ornament.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Ta da! The 10-inch-squares crocheted baby afghan is done!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Recycled Sweater Christmas trees...or hats? Inspired by Nicky Epstein's Knitting Block by Block

I make a bunch of Christmas trees every year and this year's group is inspired by one of my all time favorite knitting designers-Nicky Epstein and her latest book of absolutely amazing eye candy bits in the form of knit goodness-Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More! How you say that a book on knitted blocks do I come away with inspiration to make Christmas trees? I will tell you. The spectacular details and dimensional textures in the book make me think of all sorts of objects and with my stash of sweaters I can grab the scissors and I am off and crafting. That's not to say the knitting needles aren't going to see some action soon too.
Today I have my Recycled Sweater Christmas tree tutorial for you.
First I made some cardboard cones with some recycled shipping envelopes and cereal boxes and Duct tape.
From the sweater stash I found a sweater that had a similar rolled edge as my inspiration swirl block from Knitting Block by Block. This is where the idea came from. The circling around ruffle made me think of a Christmas tree.
All that was left to do was hot glue the sweater edge strips to the cardboard cone starting at the bottom and working up. I liked the first one so much I went back to the stash and made 2 more with more green striped sweaters. The little top curved over part just happened and I decided to leave it.

The other unintended tree came from all the cool zipper crafts that are around now, one of my sweaters had a green zipper so I seam ripped it out and popped it on a cardboard cone too.

If you like lots (150) of knitting patterns and textures along with the great concept of working modularly in blocks you will LOVE this book! I will be savoring mine!
Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More

by

Nicky Epstein

More about the book from the publisher- Potter Craft:

"Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!

No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.

Inside you will find:
  • 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
  • More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
  • Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
  • Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.

Beloved knitwear designer NICKY EPSTEIN is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Knitting on Top of the World, Knitting on the Edge, and Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. Her designs have also been featured in Vogue Knitting magazine and many other knitting publications, on television, and at art exhibitions. She currently resides in New York City and travels extensively, teaching and lecturing. "
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