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.