The Volkswagen is bringing you the crafty blogger links today

The "interviewing" Volkswagen was at a local car show (or at least its twin) with the appropriate prop microphone. Car crafty humor! Gotta love it.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a free knit leaf coaster pattern, a bunch of decorating with artwork suggestions from the book 500 Ideas for Small Spaces, iron safety and cleaning tips from the book 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips and an environmental labeling concept from Design School Confidential.

The Crochet Dude
Drew tries out his new video equipment!!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I melted sequins inspired by the sequin singeing technique in the book Dusty Diablos.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is giving away a copy of "Dimensional Beading", so hurry over and leave your comment!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Here are directions for creating a hat-shaped card. Eileen made a Red Hat card but the directions can easily be adapted to make a cowboy hat, a Mexican sombrero or a frilly lady's hat for an afternoon tea or luncheon.

Crafty Princess Diaries
It definitely required a learning curve before Tammy was about to reach 50 sales in her Etsy shop.

Cathie Filian
Check out how Cathie turns an outdated holiday themed cookie stand and a cotton print thrift store skirt into a cupcake stand.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi creates a faux metallic bead with quilted fabric she sews together herself.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen teaches you how to make spectacular backgrounds using Krylon's spray webbing and also shares with you what NOT to do.

About Family Crafts
Grandparent's Day is September 12th... Now is the perfect time to start making gifts to give to your grandparents.

Sequin Singeing technique from the cool book Dusty Diablos: Folklore, Iconography, Assemblage, Ole!

You know when the caption says "Don't try this at home." I of course have to and since it involves FIRE it is ironic that I am choosing to test drive this technique on a day that is going to be 104 degrees with heat warnings all over the news! I am going to try a singeing of sequins technique from the book Dusty Diablos: Folklore, Iconography, Assemblage, Ole! .

I didn't have the suggested creme brulee torch so a lighter will have to do. This also meant that I would have to pick up my swatch of sequins that I planned to singe so I grabbed a pair of pliers and a wet rag and a bucket of water since I had no idea the flammability of the fabric, beads, thread and sequins.

If you try this be SUPER careful!!!
Here it is. The right side is what I singed. Well to me looks more melted really. Very cool effect. I am not quite sure how I will use this but I am betting with Halloween coming up there might just be something that could use a bit of aging/deforming. I don't tend to think of the flame as a tool but clearly it is! If you like altering and aging your art you will really enjoy Dusty Diablos.

More about the book from the publisher North Light Books:

Dusty Diablos: Folklore, Iconography, Assemblage, Ole!
By
Michael deMeng

"Assemblage ole!

Bring your artistic yearnings and sense of adventure along on a journey to the land of Dusty Diablos. Inspiration seeps from every page, and inside here you’ll find: a tasty mix of ancient folklore (from the ancient metropolis of Teotihuacán to the miracle witnessed by Juan Diego); colorful pop culture (who knew that Western-Horror was its own film genre or that there’s an entire island overrun with misfit dolls?) and informative art-making how-tos (like the Tricky Burnt Paper Routine and crafting your own Nicho). Join author Michael deMeng on an artist’s pilgrimage south of the border and experience a culture as rich as it is beautiful and as genuine and down-to-earth as it is humorous and fascinating. While being mesmerized by all the amazing assemblage pieces, you also learn such nifty things as:

• Mixing up Michael’s favorite paint washes to achieve “rusty” results in your own work

• Crafting your own slithering serpent

• Creating miniature story boxes

• Aging bottle caps with beer and so much more!

Indulge your senses and come along for a trip through crowded marketplaces, a thrilling taxicab ride and the intoxicating festivities of Dia de los Muertos and discover the allure of Dusty Diablos. You might not want to leave.

About the Author

Michael deMeng is the author of Secrets of Rusty Things and an accomplished assemblage artist in the mixed-media world. His commissioned works span the globe and Michael teaches sold-out workshops across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy and Australia. "

Girl with two pink and black plaids and craft-e-links for ya!

In my continued photo documentary of all things plaid and even duel plaids, I bring you today this little girl sporting not one killer pink and black plaid, but TWO!!! The question is can I pull off that look? Literally and style-wise?? Well, while pondering this check out what my fellow craftastic crafters have for you:

About Family Crafts
Discover creative ways to personalize your notebooks and text books!
Aileen's Musings
Join Aileen's creative torso challenge--you can download and embellish your torso tag and enter to win a free collage sheet.
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi test a new scoring tool to make a star book in one hour.
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to paint faces on natural elements, two chances to win a copy of 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse in a "recycle your Swag contest", the first sneak peek into the new book 1000 Artisan Textiles and an interview with the author of Sew Retro, Judi Ketteler.
Crafty Princess Diaries
Do you bead? Are you chic? Then you will want a chance to win Margot Potter's latest book!
Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Do you know how to avoid clay shrinkage and distortion with clays baked in the home oven? Let Eileen tell you.
Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the third free project from her new book Bead Chic with a giveaway!
Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has one more metalcraft book to give away this summer. Come sign up for your last chance to win!
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make an apron for an Amineko or an 18 inch doll from the book All Dolled Up

How to sew an apron for an Amineko or 18-Inch Doll from the book All Dolled Up

What a cute cut-up!
This is Jane Doe. She is an Amineko (crocheted cat) I made her using the pattern from the book Hello My Name Is Amineko. One of the fun things about plushies is dressing them up. Well as it turns out Jane is 16 inches tall and I thought I'd try making her the apron from the fun book All Dolled Up.
She of course had to supervise. I first traced the apron pattern and then cut it out.

I followed the directions in All Dolled Up and cut a lining fabric and then I chose to use some ribbons for the ties.
I have a little tip here. I didn't want to accidentally sew over the tie part of the ties sew I pinned them into the center of the apron fabric as you can see here.
Jane decided she was going to help top stitch the mini pom pom trim onto the bottom edge of her apron.

Here my little Jane Amineko is posing all dramatic-like. She's such a poser!

Like to sew stuff for little girls and dolls too? Grab a copy of:
All Dolled Up: Sewing Clothes and Accessories for Girls and Their 18-Inch Dolls
by
Joan Hinds
and
Nancy Zieman

From the Publisher, Krause Publications:

"Stylish Outfits for Girls and Their Dolls!

A girl and her doll are fast friends indeed. Add in coordinating outfits, and nothing could be cuter! You can make adorable coordinating outfits for the girl in your life and the doll in hers with the help of All Dolled Up! From flowered party dresses, summer tops and Capri pants to fleece vests and messenger bags, the projects inside All Dolled Up provide easy, fun and fashionable outfits for every season and time of day.

• Make 20 different outfits including dress-up clothes, casual wear, pajamas and accessories.
• Create the clothing using full-size patterns for all of the doll projects and many of the girl projects.
• Learn time-saving techniques for creating clothing for 18-inch dolls, making any outfit in 30 minutes or less.
• Watch the techniques in action with author Joan Hinds and Nancy Zieman on the bonus DVD.
• Learn even more tips and techniques from Nancy Zieman in her Notes from Nancy throughout the book.

Making matching outfits for your girl and her doll is easy and fun with All Dolled Up!

Video DVD player or software required to view enclosed DVD.

Joan Hinds, owner of Fancywork and Fashion, has authored thirteen doll costume pattern books. She publishes a quarterly newsletter for those who love to sew dolls, and she has appeared on the PBS series "America Sews with Sue Hausmann." Nancy Zieman is an author, pattern designer, business woman, home economist, and national sewing authority and is the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. "

American Sewing Guild Los Angeles Chapter Meeting at Urban Craft Center Done Sweater Surgery Style

I had the pleasure of being asked to speak at the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Sewing Guild's last meeting held at the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica. I thouroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, chatting about the peculiarities of sewing with sweaters and sharing a fun project of making Sizzix die cut recycle wool felted flowers with them. They all were so creative!

Here is a fun shot "bouquet" shot of their bloomin' creativity! Thank you so much for having me!
Now on to some cool crafty links for your Monday Enjoyment!

Cathie Filian
Whip up tattered rose with scrap fabrics, gems and hot glue. They are simple to make and perfect for embellishing!
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a polka dot wreath quilt block pattern, and a wild spin on the American Flag Quilt, a how-to on making a gelatin stamp print, a free bird card template download and more!
Crafty Princess Diaries
Tag, you are it! Or, at least if you use your tags well on Etsy, it will go a long way in making your shop successful.
Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Have you papier-mached yet? Let Eileen tell you how.
Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares a second free project from her new book Bead Chic with another signed book giveaway!
Mixed Media Artist
Is it a whirli-gig or part of the solar system? Cyndi has been experimenting with needle felting.
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
At Sweater Surgery there is a review of the new book: Jil Eaton's Knitting School.
About Family Crafts
It is time to get serious about Halloween costumes. These resources will help you decide what to be for Halloween.
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses another fab Plaid stencil for this newly embellished t-shirt!

Book Review: Jil Eaton's Knitting School: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Confident Knitter

I have taught a lot of people how to knit. But what I would say my specialty was fixing mistakes. I can't tell you how many people will drive to my house or bring their knitting or crochet to an event I will be at and hand it to me with a look on their face that screams "help!"

I think that's what Jil Eaton's Knitting School: The Complete guide to becoming a confident Knitter is in writing. It is set up "lesson style" and simply packed full of "tips".

I love tips.

There is a saying that lists are the highest form of literature, I think tips are the best way to learn.

As the title states "confidence " is key in knitting and it comes from knowledge and really looking at your knitting.
The clear pictures and description in Jil Eaton's Knitting School will instill this confidence in you.
With each project you accomplish your confidence will grow!

More about from the publisher, Potter Craft:

"When we’re knitting all is right with the world!

If you’re a novice knitter or returning after a knitting sabbatical, Jil Eaton's Knitting Schoolwill have you knitting like a pro in just 19 lessons. Jil Eaton is a knitting dynamo and she puts her 18 years of teaching and design experience, plus the know-how her popular Knit Simple “Ask Jil” column is known for, into this fully illustrated knitting primer that covers it all—from buttonholes to socks, cables to Fair Isle.

Each of the lessons features one of Jil's signature QuickKnits projects for men, women, and children. Projects include sweaters, shawls, mittens, hats, and kid knits selected especially to highlight Jil’s favorite tips and tricks for flawless knitting. These QuickKnits are designed for instant gratification, chic but simply made, with charming details providing that je ne sais quoi factor. Knitting every project will make even a true beginner feel like an expert.

Chock-full of photographs and step-by-step illustrations, along with advice on color, decorative trims, finishing, and knitting fixes, Jil Eaton's Knitting School will encourage readers to build their skills and master the craft with aplomb. "

Mini Me Doll and Links to creative crafts

Look it's mini me! The Plaidbunny action figure!

Mixed Media Artist
More metalcraft! Cyndi has a third book to giveaway this week. Hurry over and leave your comment!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there are tutorials for hiding your wrap stitches when knitting, how to a make calligraphy magnet alphabet set, an inside peek into the book Information Design Workbook and a recipe for bruschetta.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a recycled deer pin necklace inspired by Margot Potter's new book Bead Chic.

About Family Crafts
Many kids are probably not ready for summer to end, but these back to school activities and crafts might help make them a little more excited for school to start.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shares the cumulative of the Erosion Bundle Project she partcipated in way back in the fall. Peruse the art piece she created from her bundles along with the collabrative piece she participated in.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi finds a stack of British "Men Only" magazines and makes "great for women" magnets!

Cathie Filian
Cool down this summer with a batch of Cathie's homemade peach ice cream. Peaches are in season, so they are cheap and a tasty treat!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Social networks are everywhere, but is that a good thing for professional crafters?

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Just look at all the darling altered tin boxes created by reader Shaaron. She was kind enough to share some photos to inspire us all.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Check out this FREE project from Madge's new book Bead Chic and leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy!

Recycled Necklace design inspired by Margot Potter's latest Fabulous book-Bead Chic

Deer, dear bling! Yup that's what I have for you today. The Impatient Crafter's latest book Bead Chic arrived and it rocks! It is organized by design features like scale, color, texture, etc. and I love that! I am partial to off center projects that include lots of different elements and this book is packed full of fun inspiration that features designs using all sorts of textures and proportions.

This is my first necklace I made using some of the inspiration from Bead Chic.
Margot was inspired by Coco Chanel to make the piece on this page and I like how bold and graphic it is. I scored this vintage rhinestone deer recently and I've been wanting to use it in a necklace for a while.
I linked a big metal circle to the pin with some jump rings and linked two different scraps of chain into the pin back (I later took the big one off after it was assembled) Hey I changed my mind, we designers get to do that, ya know!

I linked the side focal deer/ring element to one side of the chain necklace and lengthened the back chain part so the side focal element would hang properly.

So if you like working with all sorts of different jewelry making techniques and styles I bet you too will love:

More about Bead Chic:36 Stylish Jewelry Projects & Inspired Variations

by

Margot Potter

from the publisher North Light Books:

Bead Chic will show you how to take inspiration that you love and forge your own creative path. After learning basic jewelry techniques, you’ll be launched into 36 gorgeous projects. Each project comes with a variation, so you’ll learn how easy it is to adapt virtually any project to suit your individual style, making you your own designer.

• Each of 36 stepped-out projects features an inspiring variation, including some from today’s hottest jewelry makers.

• Clear step-by-step photography and instructions allow beaders of all skill levels create projects exactly “as-is” in the book, while variations show how swapping out just one or two elements can make an entirely different look.

• You’ll get to play with beads, a variety of stringing materials—from coated wire, to shapeable wire to commercial chain—and findings, all easily found at local and online craft retailers.

Let Bead Chic bring out the designer in you!

About the Author

Margot Potter is a designer, author, freelance writer, consultant, public speaker, actor, vocalist and TV host. She creates innovative designs for major manufacturers and magazines, and teaches popular seminars and classes at stores and major craft and jewelry industry events. Margot is the author of five how-to jewelry books, including Beyond the Bead (North Light Books, 2009) and co-author of Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed (North Light Books, 2008).