Jackalope Pillow-Upcycled, Recycled wool felted sweater surgery style

To end the year I have probably one of my favorite Sweater Surgery projects yet to share with you!
It uses the combination of two of my favorite images into another of my favorite images.
The Jackalope!
I love it so much I used it twice!

Here is the template I used.
I cut a jackalope out of each color of the wool felted sweater taking care to flip the template over for the opposite pointing jackalope. Also paying attention to which color the background was the each was going to be needle felted on.
This is what it looked like on the back after I needle felted the 2 pieces together. I sewed up the sides and I have a cute new slip cover for my old little pillow.

Happy New Year Ya'll!

Crafty Blogger links-the last of '08

Here they are, that last links of '08!

About Family Crafts
Here are 50, simple winter related activities for you to try - everything from simple arts and crafts projects to tasty snacks.

Aileen's Musings
Aileens shares her tasty pretzel perfect recipe and offers you a treat for New Years-free shipping!

Crafty Princess Diaries
The Crafty Princess is excited about the fact that crochet is becoming more and more popular these days, catching up to knitting finally!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch Connie's Cross Stitch Tile Patterns individually, repeat motifs to create a border or bookmark, or collect several charts and create your own sampler.

Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi shares the steps to creating a simple quilt using a vacation photo!

The Impatient Crafter
Join Madge for her final free holiday craft project, an idea you can store away for next year!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a fun list about Quilt Enthusiasts, a sneak peek into the soon to be released Altered Art Circus by Lisa Kettell and multiple tutorials on how to attach lace.

Giant Christmas Tree With an Airstream

OK peeps-did you catch my post over at Craftside of the giant spider web I did for Halloween?
Well I just couldn't take it down, I love it so much! But, well, it's Christmas so what's a girl to do?
Why turn it into a giant Christmas tree!

These are more shots of it at night-which is just spectacular! We have been bundling up and sipping hot chocolate and hangin' out under it a lot!
It was so easy! I simply put a pole in the middle to hoist it up into a point in the center. Then all that was left ot do was decorate with lights, sparkly garland and ornaments.
That bright light is the full moon!

Shopping Cart Christmas Tree and Crafty Blogger Links

A while back I posted a photo of a Christmas tree made from shopping carts that I photographed during the day. Well I had an opportunity to photograph it at night and I thought it was even more spectacular!

But it gets even better:
This is a full tree in their court yard!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares another simply stunning ornament idea you can whip up in a flash!

The Crochet Dude
Drew continues his tradition of themed gift wrapping by having a Blue Christmas this year.

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The 15 days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways continues at Craftside. Just answer questions and you are entered to win free books! And while you're there check out a tiny embroidered necklace, a decoupage reindeer necklace, a fun centerpiece, a floral barrette tutorial, a winter memory photo ornament project and a couple of invitation ideas!

Layers Upon Layers
There are lots of projects that can be done in time for the holidays, even at this late date!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Use the free back stitch motifs for quick ornaments or stitch several together for a larger project.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Holiday Guerrilla Marketing Tip for Crafty Princesses - Don't forget that so important and handy business card this holiday season.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shows you a few more quicky Christmas cards she made from old cards and things. Stop by and get some ideas for yourself!

About Family Crafts
Using these free printables, you can make your own cards, party invitations, favors bags, place cards, napkin rings, gift tags, and much more to help celebrate Christmas!

Interview with Rosemary Hill author of Elements of Style

I am thrilled to participate in the Blog tour of Rosemary Hill and her new book:

Elements of Style: Knit + Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt + Beads

With a mix of convenient materials and an imaginative approach, this creative compendium will appeal to jewelry makers of all levels. Highlighting 25 modern wire, bead, and fiber jewelry designs, the projects include numerous knitting, crocheting, and felting techniques. Materials and tools are also outlined, encouraging the use of basic methods. From knitting copper wire and mixing it with contrasting beads to crocheting linen into fiber hoop earrings or an elegant scarf necklace, this collection will never fail to inspire. Felting techniques are also explored in detail for creating wire-caged beads, wide-cuff bracelets, and rope necklaces. Special sidebars and tip boxes throughout ensure success with every project.

We were invited to interview Rosemary and being me, most of my questions related to more of a "behind the scenes" nature. Such as my first question(which is always top on my list to know about other designers):

1. What does your workspace/design space look like?

Cluttered! But I love my work space. It has great light and comfy
chairs so people can hang out with me.





2. Do you save your mistakes/or designs you don't love right away-
or rip them out?

I think I am genetically unable to throw anything away! (see clutter
above). So yes, I try to recycle everything I can. I keep all of my
ideas and notes and drawings to look at later in case it jogs
something in my brain! I hate wasting things. In fact, I have a
project in my book: the "Mess-Up Necklace" that is made of recycled
wire swatches. Since I couldn't rip them out and re-knit or re-
crochet the wire, I balled them up and made a necklace out of them!
(Interviewer's note: I am so going to make this!!!!)


3. Do you design for only women or do you make decorations, or for
men?

So far I've really only designed for women; it's what I feel most
comfortable with. According to my husband, I don't get the male
aesthetic! I like muted colors and a small clean scale, and it just
doesn't quite seem to translate. I am working on some decoration
patterns, though.

4. What's on your "next to try" list?

Weaving! I really really want to weave. A friend of mine wants to
loan me a loom, but I have no room for it!

5. Do you ever work with recycled materials?

Yes! I particularly love sea glass. I also often buy beaded jewelry
at sales and at thrift stores and take it apart to use the
components. I'm always on the look-out for good materials.

6. What music do you listen to when designing?

It really depends on my mood. I like almost everything except rap,
and I am hopelessly stuck in the 80s. I also love classical guitar. I
am always listening to something; music makes me happy!

7. How long does a design take you to create?

It's really hard to say. When I set out to design something, it's
always sort of there in the back of my mind while I'm doing other
things. So it might take weeks or hours, depending on how fast it
percolates through! If I am on deadline, I can whip out designs super
fast by going on a long bike ride (I know, weird, eh?). The knitting/
crocheting and writing them up is that part that takes all the time!

8. How do you organize your supplies?

Organize? I'm one of those people who keeps track of the stratum in
which each piece is buried, and who, upon cleaning and filing, can
never find a thing again!

9. What books/magazines do you read, specifically about style?

I read a huge variety of books, magazines and online sources dealing
with all sorts of design. My favorites are Wallpaper, The NY Times
Style Guide, Go Fug Yourself and Communication Arts. I like looking
at everything from the banal to the inspired!

10. How would you describe your personal style?

I love clean and classic and flowing lines. I'm not at all a frilly
person. I also tend not to follow fashion trends, although I am
influenced by them. I favor rich and muted colors like plum, greens
(particularly acid green), blacks and greys. My dream outfit is one
that is comfortable (I hate tight clothes!), is classic with a twist,
and could be worn in a casual or more dressy environment. And, I
admit, I love my Doc Martens!

11. How do you determine whether you are going to knit or crochet a
design?

I go by how I think the material will behave and by the component
shapes.

12. and the all important question (from Ravelry) what is your
favorite swear word?

I've given up swearing in the interest of my children's social
acceptability. :g:

13. Do you have a collection of anything? Different from knitting,
jewelry stuff.

Yes! I have a collection of vintage rhinestone jewelry. I love love
love the stuff! I actually used to wear it quite a bit in college,
and now I mostly take it out and gaze fondly upon it. ;) I went to
school in Rochester, NY and picked up some really great pieces there.

To read what other bloggers asked Rosemary about herself and her fabulous new book,

Elements of Style: Knit + Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt + Beads

check out these other blogs:

Dec. 15: Scout J, http://www.scoutj.com
Dec. 16: Heather Powers, Art Bead Scene, http://www.artbeadscene.blogspot.com
Dec. 17: Stephannie Roy, And She Knits Too!, http://acunningplan.typepad.com/andsheknitstoo
Dec. 19: Cristi Brockway, Turtlegirl’s Bloggy Thing, http://turtlegirl76.com

And on a final note, I am actually the proud owner of one of Rosemary's pieces! This was an exclusive design she did for Scout J (Dec 15th's Interviewer) I love my Martini sweater pin!
So if you are looking for a fun pin for your sweater or want to read and see more of Rosemary's talents be sure to pop on over to her neck of the cyber world here.

Reindeer Epoxy Sticker Necklace

Isn't this a cute and simple necklace?
This would be a great party craft, no mess and able to be instantly worn!

Want an easy project to whip up in a flash? I got one for ya! All you need is 2 sheets of epoxy stickers, a jump ring and a ball chain (or any other chain).All you need to so is stick 2 of the same size sticker together(making sure they are in the same vertical orientation if the image has a direction like the reindeer)

Poke a hole in the top edge of the sticker and link a jump ring through the hole.

Then simply link your chain through the jump ring and there you have it!
I did say easy and fast right?
And since reindeer come in herds, Pop on over to Craftside for another reindeer necklace, this time decoupaged!

And the winner of "The best use of shopping carts to make a Christmas Tree goes to..."

This store! I am sorry I didn't get a photo of it at night but let me just say it was very cool! The giant silver ball ornaments hanging in each cart looked even better than they do here in this daylight shot! I am so amazed at this little bit of DIY-ness. This is a shining example of using what you have to make what you need!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Alexa shares how to create a custom mat frame from journal pages...a perfectly sentimental gift everyone will love!

Cathie Filian
Got wine lovers on your holiday gift list? Cathie Filian has some easy DIY ideas for quick gifts worthy of Napa Valley.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Read the Fine Print When Crafting for Charity - Make what they want and give what they need.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Try your hand at a traditional embroidery style with this free Candlewicking ornament.

Layers Upon Layers
It's not too late to make pretty fabric hearts for your tree...or for everyone on your gift list!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The 15 days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways continues at Craftside. Just answer questions and you are entered to win free books! And while you're there check out a lace trim Christmas tree and New Year's Eve party hat, 4 of the cards from the new book-1000 Handmade Greetings, a holiday memory photo ring tutorial and a free crochet Santa pencil topper pattern.

The Impatient Crafter™
Commemorate this historical election year with an easy to make festive Obamornament!

About Family Crafts
With just a little bit of time and a few simple supplies, you can give everyone on your shopping list a home-made, personalized calendar.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen goes green for Christmas, and shows you what you can do with all those extra Christmas cards and gift tags we all have hanging around!

Altered game pieces from the book Mixed Mania

Those of you that know me, know about my love of using food adjectives in relation to crafts, so when I saw the tag line, "Recipes for Delicious Mixed-Media Creations" I knew I was going to love:

Mixed Mania: Recipes for Delicious Mixed Media Creations

Mixed-media artists Debbi Crane and Cheryl Prater share their enthusiasm, humor, materials, techniques, and projects to make mixed-media art accessible and appealing to the masses.

Featuring a wide range of mixed media projects, this outrageously fun craft primer takes a decidedly unstuffy approach to an immense range of art methods. Projects—including art quilts, painting, collage, bookbinding, assemblage, doll making, decoupage, and image transfers—are divided into three main sections: Artistic Appetizers, Creative Main Courses, and Sweet Treats and Special Occasions, with each addressing a different level of time invested and difficulty. Whimsically laid out like recipes, each project includes detailed ingredients (materials), instructions (what to mix and add), and tasting tips (how it should look).

I really like my "art" to have a function and this idea in the bottom left corner of this page is just great! It is customizing checkers with photos.

Well I don't play checkers but I do play poker and poker uses little round chips! Perfect.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Circle punches and old magazines made quick and fun work of customizing and altering these plain poker chips. It was fun to do both sides with images that either went together or were in contrast.
The side benefit to playing with these chips is that my guests started to want to keep them! Made betting even more of a challenge.
And if you thought I was kidding, this is what the table looked like while the decorating of the poker chips was underway.

Santa, well no, actually crafty bloggers got the goodies for ya!

The Impatient Crafter™
Madge shows you how to turn a tiny tin into a clever little diorama ornament! Another The Impatient Crafter™ Free Holiday Craft Project that's Kid Friendly and Mom Approved.

Swell Designer a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield
Alexa helps you get inspired this season with a compilation of crafty Christmas Ornament designs

Layers Upon Layers
Profiled artist David Smith shows off his amazing mixed media creations.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Hot off the virtual presses - Get your copy of Connie's free 2009 Cross Stitch Calendar.

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The 15 days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways has just begun at Craftside. Just answer questions and you are entered to win free books. We also have a great turkey leftover recipe from Cooking with Beer, some great reviews in Altered Couture Magazine, a quick and easy Christmas Tree shaped ornament gift box pattern, a beaded star tutorial from Patti Medaris Culia soon to be released book and a machine gun needle felted scarf from a wool felted sweater.

Crafty Princess Diaries
A typical country mouse, aka the Crafty Princess, is in love as she views some of the pictures from the grand opening of a yarn studio in New York.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shows you how to create an adorable wee cupcake fairy. It's another Christmas gift idea that's EZ and fun to create!

About Family Crafts
Sherri helps you find a reason to celebrate every day during the month of December!

Sweater Surgery Christmas Tree Skirt-Cut that Sweater up Baby!

Yes, you too can make this cute tree skirt from:

All you need to do is grab yourself a sweater with a pattern that goes all the way around the front and back. In this case this sweater isn't felted. Either way you are OK!

Cut out the top circle decorative element. Now, when I made this one I serged the edge and then folded it under and blanket stitched around with some red reclaimed yarn from the remaining sweater but you could either zig zag stitch and then blanket stitch or just fold under and stitch.
If you are using a felted sweater you could just leave it plane or embellish any way you want!

A fast and festive handmade holiday decoration!

Sweater Surgery at Felt Club on Threadbanger!

This was a video shot at Felt Club I am on just a little way into the video!
Click on Sweater Surgery in the topics on the right to get a whole bunch of recycled/upcycled sweater projects and over to Craftside for tons more Sweater Surgery projects and patterns!
Or grab yourself a copy of the book if you need even more!

Crafty Blog Links whoo hooo

Layers Upon Layers
Carol Wiebe is a mixed media artist who will inspire you to let go of the inner judge!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
The week at Craftside you can learn a bit of Photoshop work with a cool Technique from Essential Fashion Illustration, three ways to hem from Singer New Sewing Essentials and a floating ATC frame in an altered book with a free tattoo graphic download.

The Impatient Crafter™
Don't toss those tags on your next fashion purchase, turn them into "ornapendants!"

About Family Crafts
If you do any traveling with kids during this holiday season, you will definately want to check out all of these creative travel activities.

Aileen's Musings
As promised Aileen's posted another EZ Christmas project #2. Come find out why dominos aren't just for playing anymore!

Cathie Filian
Check out this video on how to infuse vodka with berries for holiday martinis. Bottled and bowed, the infusions also make great gifts!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Every thought of starting your own craft blogging group? Here are some questions and answers about the process.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's been counting patterns instead of stitches this week and realized that there are over 500 free patterns posted at About.com Cross Stitch now. Check them out today!

Flashback Thanksgiving decoration-Paper Plate Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

My mom put together a tote of our childhood memorabilia and gave it to us. I was going through it to find something else that I knew was in there and I ran across this little gem of craft-goodness. I kind of want to make some more today! Thanks Mom! and Dad too!

Crafty Blogger Links Monday-gobble up some good crafts

Swelldesigner a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield
Alexa shows you how to make a blingtastic earring and ring set on the cheap!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
So much to be thankful for over at Craftside like a "cutting edge" die cut design, a One-Piece Wearable done recycle style, fun Felt Club 2008 photos, and a "Blue Christmas" decoration project.

The Impatient Crafter™
Join Margot for the first in her new series of Crafty Quickies how to video shorts. One simple technique demonstrated in under 2 minutes and geared to the time and technically challenged.

About Family Crafts
Does your family have any unique and creative Thanksgiving traditions? Please share your stories with us and read others'...

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shares an EZ Christmas Ornament idea. If your looking for a quick gift for a teacher, secret santa or an ornament exchange this is a perfect idea. Aileen has even put together a kit if you don't have the supplies you need.

Cathie Filian
Get ready and get inspired for Thanksgiving, by checking out a recap of Cathie Filian's Thanksgiving blogs.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shares her thoughts on the Sundance jewelry catalog, and oh, how cool it would be to sell to them.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch some Thanksgiving characters with these free patterns. No, Connie's not talking about your weird Uncle Ed. We're talking First Thanksgiving here.

Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi has a whole new set of mixed media artists for you to have lunch with this week!

One week till Turkey Day and I have a Sweater Surgery Turkey for you!

Well I'm not much of a cook, baker, yes, cooker, no. But I do like to keep in a festive mood.
So this is the "Sweater Surgery" answer to Turkey Day.

It was pretty easy to make.
All you need is a tan wool felted sweater, some batting, and some embroidery floss.
I sketched out the shape of the legs and the body on paper. Then cut out four shapes for the two legs and two pieces for the body.

I blanket stitched each part together and when there was just an inch or two left open I stuffed it with fiber fill and continued to blanket stitch the piece closed.

I used pieces of Velcro to attached the legs to the body so they could be removed. This allows for fun "eating" shots with the turkey legs.

I am thankful for all of you readers! It has been just about a year since I've started this blog and I have received a whole bunch of nice comments from people I didn't know before I started this (and people I did know) and that has been just wonderful!

I hope you all continue to enjoy it!

Crafty Blogger Links Monday, uh Tuesday!! Ya that's it

Plaid photo of the day brought to you by Rockin' Felt Club 2008! You can see more photos over at Craftside.Isn't this guy great or what?
In his top pocket he has the cutest little plushie from absolutelysmall.com by Clair Chambers.
You have to check it out!

About Family Crafts
It is easy to plan ahead and get a jump on making that perfect holiday gift for everyone you know! This collection of books contains something for everyone.

The Impatient Crafter™
There's a free holiday themed project every week until Christmas at The Impatient Crafter™! This week it's a jaunty snowman ornapendant that both you and your tree can wear.

The Crochet Dude
See how Drew spends his day in the studio with this short video!

Layers Upon Layers
Come meet Ellwood T Risk, contemporary collage artist with a political slant.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Use a child's drawing for a pattern or give them some graph paper and have them design their own!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Pull yourself off the PC once in a while (after you read this post), and grab some craft time for yourself.

Cathie Filian
Thanksgiving is just around the corner…swing by Cathie’s blog for recipes, crafts and entertaining tips – plus, a recipe for a pumpkin pietini.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Easily create elegant pumpkin jewel décor projects using leftovers from your bead stash!

Aileen's Musings
Let the voting begin! Aileen invites you to come vote for your favorite Art Muse doll and help choose the winning dolls!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside brings you a beaded and sequined Christmas tree ornament, a rockin' sweepstakes where you can enter to win a signed Fender Squire Stratocaster, a book mark gift card and a peek into a Creative Entrepreneur workshop and a way-cool design that was contributed by Carol Parks.

Creature Comforts charity sewing event at The Santa Monica Museum of Art

So I went to this event and it was amazing! Jenny Ryan of Felt Club and Lori of Swap-o-rama-rama (this Sunday by the way) helped put together this charity sewing extravaganza! These are the blankets that we were making. One is 15x 15 and the larger one is 25x 25 inches.

Look at all those sewers in this great space at the Santa Monica Museum of Art
I know this picture is blurry but I have to say I have never sewed with a cool live DJ!(top center)

Here is my finished blanket. I strip pieced it with a bunch of different fabrics I randomly chose.
Here is a whole bunch of blankets and cat toys. I think they are so cheerful!
I loved this little girl. She really got into it. I also love that she took a small faux fur remnant and made a head band!
And last but not least, props must be paid to another dutiful dude for going along with the wife to a craft event and getting into the action!

Be sure to check out www.snugglesproject.org if you want to get in on the action!

Crafty Blogger Link Monday and a view from the top of Griffith Park

I hike in Griffith park and this is the view from the top looking out over the Los Angeles side.

"Industry is the enemy of melancholy"-William Buckley

So I interpret this saying two ways, the first is that looking out over all this "industry" makes me feel good and the other is making something makes me feel good.

Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi has declared that November is "Take a (New) Artist to Lunch Month"! Come and meet extraordinary artists that you probably haven't run into before throughout this whole month!

The Crochet Dude
Drew's new book of crochet patterns called "Designs for Guys" launched on Sunday! Click the link to see photos of the fun in Houston!

The Impatient Crafter™
Madge visits Terri O Radio for a wickedly fun two part interview on inspiration and carving out time for creativity!

About Family Crafts
Take a few minutes to browse through some photos of home-made Thanksgiving cards. You can also submit your own home-made card designs.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's been busy finishing up some incomplete art pieces using her new favorite art supply, Shiva Oil Paintstiks. Come take a peek and see why Aileen loves them so much!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
What are you thankful for this season? Express and share those blessings in this simple pumpkin painting project!

Cathie Filian
Making your own Thanksgiving centerpiece is not as hard as one might think. Cathie Filian has a few simple ideas that can be made with everything from dried beans to texture paint.

Crafty Princess Diaries
What does The Matrix have to do with crafting? Listen to Morpheus and he will tell you.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Add some flair to your Thanksgiving decor with these free Cross Stitch Patterns.

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside brings you a cornucopia of craftiness this week with free patterns for Sweater Surgery Ornaments, the author schedule for Felt Club, a bunch of pretty designs from 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, a tutorial on how to unspin and incorporate scrap yarn to knit up a wild scarf, a call to share your opinions for a new book and a pumpkin cheesecake recipe.

Recycled Upcycled Sweater Napkin rings

First I want to share with you this cool video that goes with my latest favorite song. Music to upcycle by:



So here is the sweater "before" it went under the knife, well in this case under the rotary cutter.
I cut strips about 1 3/4 inches wide by about 6 inches long more or less centering the embroidery. You can really make them any size around that. Then with matching thread I sewed up the ends. This is so easy even kids could do it. If you didn't find a sweater with a motif already embroidered on it you could embroider or needle or wet felt your own design. I do recommend embellishing before stitching it into a tube though. I have stitched on a wrist sweat band once and it was a little fussy.
Happy eating!

The Two Plaids and Crafty Blogger Links

In my continuing photo series of plaid shorts, I scored a double with this guy wearing a plaid shirt with his plaid shorts. In a side note that I must share, my grandfather used to wear multiple plaids and it used to drive me crazy when I was a fashion conscious teen. It just wasn't supposed to be done then. This was of course before Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, designers who rock the multiple plaids with such reckless abandon it makes me so happy!

About Family Crafts
Sherri offers several ideas for creatively displaying your child's artwork.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has an autumn themed digital piece she's created along with a link to freebie images for you to create your own work of art. Enjoy!

Cathie Filian
Win a copy of Bow WOW WOW! and a $100 worth of craft supplies from Plaid - 1 grand prize and 24 other prizes!

Crafty Princess Diaries
You can make any of these super quick jewelry projects just in time for Halloween, seriously, this Halloween! Otherwise, hit the bargain bins at your craft store for the after Halloween sales so you are prepared for next year!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Check out the latest additions to the Stitcher's Photo Album - We've reached a milestone. The first page is now devoted to submitted photos of the free patterns from About.com Cross Stitch.

Layers Upon Layers
Artist Kerry Wilkinson plays with resin in a big way!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has ghoulish wet felted eyeballs, a crocheted spider web sweater project, crafting with the Chrome Cowgirl, and announcing Quarry Publishing is sponsoring this year's Holiday Felt Club in Los Angeles with special appearances, signings and make & takes with authors, Angela Cartwright, The Crafty Chica, Lisa Sonora Beam and Stefanie Girard.

The Impatient Crafter™
Join Madge for part two of her gothically delicious free Halloween project. The Invitation.

The Crochet Dude's New Book Rocks!!

The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys: 30 Projects Men Will Love

By Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude)

Is fabulous!

OK full disclosure, I know Drew, I love Drew. He was one of my guests when I produced Knitty Gritty. He appeared with Annie Modesitt when they came on the show doing a project from another of their great books, Men Who Knit & The Dogs Who Love Them.

He is a wonderful designer and the projects in this book are really nice looking (and it's not just the cute guys who are photographed wearing them, I swear!)
I decided to start with the cover project. But I wanted to test drive it for me first and then the second one I made would be for a guy. And I don't where hats (I have way too much hair to fit under one but I do wear headbands to keep my ears warm. The band on this hat looked perfect for that so I skipped over the first part of the hat pattern to the band part and picked right up with the cool alternating front post double crochet and back post double crochet pattern that was illustrated and explained beautifully in the back of the book.

In addition to the super patterns, the back of the book has great charts of symbols and explanations that made this project go so smoothly it only took me a few hours to whip this headband up!

Crafty Blogger Links Booooo

Life imitating art imitating life, or something like that. I have been crafting for Halloween like a fiend, so when I saw an actual spider in my house I kind of cracked up with irony.

We all can be so lucky to have mother nature providing us with decorations. So here are a bunch of links to Halloween fun you can make!

Swelldesigner
Alexa crafts up some swell cupcake pics/picks to remember Halloweens of yesteryear

The Crochet Dude
Drew has the perfect recipes for a Halloween party: Bloody Eyeballs and Maggots!

The Impatient Crafter™
Madge shares part one of her two part final project for Terrorific Tuesdays. It's a Gothically delicious tale of friendship.

About Family Crafts
If you are in search of creative costume ideas for 2, 3, 4, or more, you have come to the right place.

Aileen's Musings
Looking for a new paper technique, Aileen has a colorful one using glossy photo paper and Color Mists. This technique works great as backgrounds for cards, collages and even scrapbook pages.

Cathie Filian
Check out the Halloween Videos from the Emmy Nominated television show, Witch Crafts, where Cathie and Steve, make some awesome Halloween Projects & party ideas.

Crafty Princess Diaries
No more babies in your life to crochet or knit snuggly blankets for? No worries, the Crafty Princess has the low-down on a baby blanket contest as well as a non-profit group that makes blankets for babies in need.

Cross Stitch at About.com
This week, Connie has been spending a lot of time in the kitchen - no, not cooking. Dyeing fabric instead. Find out more about all the ways you can change the color of your fabrics.

Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi has gathered together her most popular tutorials on creating great background papers for your artwork.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week Craftside brings you a modern denim and plaid upcycled quilt block, 2 yummy recipes using sherry, Art Nouveau jewelry, off register screen printing designs and a call for entries for a new book- 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse.

Sweater Surgery Ring Inspired by Sherri Haab

When I love something I really love it:

This is one of my favorite new books. I posted a project here that was my spin on the cover design. And I have another one that I did inspired by Sharri's pretty embroidered rings in the book to share with you today.
I start with a sweater of course. This one has some really neat crocheted and embroidered details.
Since this wasn't a wool sweater it couldn't be felted so I ironed a stabilizer on the back so the knitting wouldn't come unraveled.
I then rough cut out the area I wanted to use and pulled it over a button and adjusted it until I liked where the beads and embellishments filled the button surface. I then followed the great directions in :Felt, Fabric, and Fiber Jewelry: 20 Beautiful Projects to Bead, Stitch, Knot, and Braid
And here you have my Sweater Surgery embroidered ring. You will not run out of ideas and inspiration with this book I swear!