Hello Kitty Claw game-My favorite Toy Story movie line

I simply love the line in Toy Story, "The claw, the claw, the claw is my master!" S when I saw this entire claw game filled with my beloved Hello Kitty I just about fell off my cute high healed boots.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is working away at finding more uses for expanded squares.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to paint a bee and dragonfly, draw a pilgrim, Native American and English Guard, videos on how to sew a yo-yo and a preview of the new show Brew Masters and how to paint on a vintage postcard.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge's lovely and talented daughter Avalon whips up a super cute embellished hat and scarf this week for ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Who couldn't use another tote bag? Here's a Koi Beach-Themed Tote from Eileen for your beach holidays or just to use when you miss the beach and warm weather.

Crafty Princess Diaries
After much feeling around, Tammy has definitely determined which baby yarn she thinks is the softest.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a two part name tag making project highlighted this week.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen offers you Starbucks upcycled bird ornaments to create. Gather the kids and have fun making these ornaments to hang on your tree, give as a gift or use as a tag!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Book Review: Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes

Book Review-Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes

Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes
By
Jenny Dean and Karen Diadick Casselman

Have a hank-erin' to learn to dye yarn or want to try all and I mean ALL sorts of things, then you will love this book. It breaks the process down step-by-step with wonderful pictures and directions. It also covers lots of color theory so the process becomes something you really can design cool (or warm..hehe color wheel joke) shade and tint variations.

With the trend toward doing things naturally, why not dye that way? You can with the help of this comprehensive how-to source book on natural dyeing.

More about the book from Watson Guptill:

"The best resource on natural dyeing is back, updated to make your colorful hobby even more beautiful and rewarding.
A practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants,
Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, offers the latest information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs. This comprehensive book outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibers and plant parts, choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing, test color modifiers and the fastness of dyed colors, and obtain a range of gorgeous colors from every plant, from alter to woad, shown in more than 250 swatches.
Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, is the all-in-one resource for fiber enthusiasts, including knitters, sewers, and weavers; gardeners who are interested in new uses for traditional dye plants; and eco-conscious DIYers who want authoritative information about the natural dyeing process and the plants that are essential to it.

JENNY DEAN has worked with natural dyes for more than 30 years. She is the author of several books and numerous articles on natural dyeing, and also conducts lectures, workshops, and courses on the subject. A collection of her dyed samples is included in the collection of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage in Brussels, Belgium.

KAREN DIADICK CASSELMAN has taught dyeing techniques throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her dyed pieces are included in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution and other museums. "

My unintentional horizontal Chriastmas tree

Has anyone ever intentionally decorated with a horizontal Christmas tree?

We've had quite a bit of very strong winds here and my outdoor tree apparently was not strong enough to endure. I did seriously consider working with it in this position but alas succumbed and put it back upright. I am sooooo conventional!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of The Complete Photo Guide to Paper Crafts, ideas for dressing up twinkle lights with die cuts, a tutorial on how to watercolor and transfer images on old postcards, info on different types of compositions, and 3 blue-ribbon recipes.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi is inspired by a magazine cover to make a cute pine cone tree.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy has great news! Her new book is one step closer to being out on bookstore shelves.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Have you heard about Crafters Anonymous? We're tackling our stash, one step at a time!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge Crafts from the Couch and Shares a Retrofabulous Christmas Stocking!

Mixed Media Artist
Expanded squares are a fun way to create a repeating fabric pattern!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make an illuminated broken windshield glass filled vase inspired by the book Eco Craft.

The Crochet Dude
Drew unveils the November purse as part of his Purse Pattern of the Month Club! It's a sexy little number with a metallic copper finish.

About Family Crafts
Are you wondering what kind of crafts to make for local craft fairs and church bazaars? Check out these ideas and share your own.

Aileen's Musings
Get ready for Thanksgiving morning by making Pumpkin Biscottis ahead of time. Aileen has a pumpkin biscotti printable recipe card ready for you!

Illuminated broken windshield glass vase inspired by the book-Eco Craft: Recycle Recraft Restyle

Today's post is so special! It is the first one that includes a home movie or as they call it now- a video. I'm not really thaaaat old but, this is one I shot myself and it makes me smile. It was inspired by a project from the book Eco Craft: Recycle Recraft Restyle.
Watch the colors change!



Here is a shot of my broken windshield glass filled shot glass on a changing light base with the lights on.
I had so much playing around with different vases, amounts of glass combos. I tried some marbles in the mix too.
In case you were wondering, because I know you were, "where does one get broken windshield glass?" Well, I am probably one step away from being a hoarder. I saved it from my very first car! I filled a bottle with it even back then (I was 16) because I thought it was pretty and I have had it ever since. The fabulous part of this story, for me anyway, was that I could FIND it! I think that's what keeps me from the official "hoarder" status, that I know what I have and can find it. Because, let's face it, I don't think everyone has a broken windshield glass from the car they drove when they were 16 department in their house.

But as the wonderful idea from Eco Craft: Recycle Recraft Restyle shows, you can use much more readily available bits of glass to make a bottom lit bowl of glass. There are such wonderful and inspiring modern recycled craft projects in this book. If you want to win a copy pop on over to Recycled Crafts at Craft Gossip.com and leave a comment.

More about the book from Lark:

Eco Craft: Recycle Recraft Restyle

by

Susan Wasinger

"Who knew taking care of the planet could look so good? Eco Craft shows how, with 30 truly beautiful home décor projects that elevate environmental consciousness to stylish new heights. Every idea is amazingly clever: who would ever have imagined that plastic six-pack can holders could become a chic Moorish-inspired filigree tri-fold screen? Or that glass baby food jars would make a charming candle chandelier? Every project features at least one beauty shot in a modern home setting, easy-to-follow instructions, and step-by-step color photos, while handy icons spotlight the key techniques, materials, and the estimated time to complete each project."

Oh and if you want to WIN a copy pop on over to Recycled Craft Gossip.com to leave a comment to enter!

All my ducks in a row, if it were only that easy!

I got all my ducks in row.
Quack....or is it squeek when they are rubber?

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a set of meaningful Remembrance Day cards with a free digital download.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of 1,000 Type Treatments and my Sizzix twist cube project it inspired, a tutorial on how to make serged thread chain and braid, a dining room mixed media assemblage and one of the quilts from the book-Journey of Hope.

Aileen's Musings
It's that time of year again to be thinking about cards and gifts. Aileen offers you a unique coffee sleeve card project to inspire you!

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for an almost instant Thanksgiving activity, check out these free, printable Thanksgiving projects.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Square time! Tammy is working on creating a simple (and hopefully fast) baby blanket pattern.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Here's a cute tote idea incorporating a sticker embellishment made of cardboard and coated with epoxy. Yes, just plain cardboard!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Heidi Goes Glam Necklace and Madge's Pre-Debut Debut on JTV!

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is giving away a copy of her new e-book on using found objects and unusual materials in your bead embroidery!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a recycled bottle lid broken heart charm inspired by the book Fantastic Recycled Plastic.

Recycled bottle lid into a broken heart charm inspired by the book Fantastic Recycled Plastic

We're trippin' the plastic fantastic today in the Plaidbunny test kitchen with some inspiration from the (as the title states) fantastic Fantastic Recycled Plastic:30Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination.

That's right the little blue broken heart charm is made from the plastic bottle lid you see below:
All I did was warm up the plastic lid with a heat tool and start cuttin'! Then to make the "broken" zig zag line I put a grinding tip on ye old Dremel and etched the line on the back side of the heart. I switched out the grinding tip to a drill bit and made a hole. Oh and I did run the heart back under the heat tool to soften the cut lines smooth.
Off to the stash of recycled bits and some new findings from Blue Moon Beads and I give you my Blue, Blue Broken Heart Necklace.

If you are like me and love making things out of all the pretty colored plastic containers ( I had specifically saved that lid for the great clear blue-ness of it) you will be way-inspired (I sure was) by all the great projects and techniques in:

Fantastic Recycled Plastic:30Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination
by
David Edgar and Robin A. Edgar

More about the book from Lark Books:

"Plastic is fantastic to craft with—and these imaginative, whimsical creations are out of the ordinary! From colorful canine silhouette pins and magnets and a holiday snowflake decoration to marvelous masks, they turn recycling into art.

Organized by level of difficulty, the items range from simple creations even a schoolchild can do to a fanciful, rolling biplane and a slithering, jointed serpent stuffed with lids and caps. All the necessary techniques—cutting, shaping, fastening, heat-forming, making tabs—unfold in step-by-step photos, along with clear, comprehensive instructions. Sidebars provide extra information on plastics, recycling, and more. Plus there’s a gallery of innovative international work by professional artists to inspire you.

What a great way to get creative…while saving the earth, too!

A former arts administrator and associate professor of art, DAVID EDGAR worked as a production artist on the EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland projects for the Walt Disney World Company. David’s artwork is represented internationally in corporate, institutional, and private collections. Find out more about David at www.plastiquarium.com.

ROBIN A. EDGAR writes profiles, art reviews, and features for national, regional, and local publications. She travels throughout the United States as a keynote speaker and workshops facilitator, teaching reminiscence writing techniques based on her two books, In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence and Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression. Find out more about Robin at www.robinedgar.com."

Southern California Sunset or Why I live here

Yup ain't that purdy?!?

Now onto some ideas for more pretty things to make!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of Collage Lab with a tutorial on how to make a light up mixed-media mini house, a yarn necklace from the book Intertwined and step-by-step instructions for painting an olive.

Mixed Media Artist
It turns out that rust and paint can be a great combination!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a mini die cut leaf bracelet notebook inspired by Eco Books.

About Family Crafts
Read through these creative Thanksgiving tradition ideas and then share your own.

Aileen's Musings
Check out Aileen's scrumptious fall cookie recipe with a cool printable recipe card you can print out and include with a plate of cookies to give to your friends and family!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses paper scraps to quilt some paper!

Crafty Princess Diaries
If you have moved over to using e-readers, such as a Kindle, then you need something pretty and hand-crafted (of course) to protect it.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Have you thought of making a bit of extra money by crafting in your spare time? Read Eileen's advice to "worried mom" Gina.

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares an update from 'the busy zone.'

Book Review-French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs

French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs
by
Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

My favorite thing about French Girl Knits is the positively amazing styling and details. Whether you like big swoopy sweaters or little sassy numbers there are patterns filled with lovely stitch patterns and design elements in French Girl Knits. There are sweaters using big chunky yarns to wafty diaphanous fine yarns, all simply scrumptious and wearable. I would say these projects are not for the beginner but with just a bit of practice you could be knitting sweaters all would envy! Want to see a bit inside? Pop on over here.

From the Publisher Interweave Press-

"Superbly fitted and fashioned in luxurious yarns, these imaginative patterns follow four thematic vignettes inspired by French daily life, film, and history. Each section features dramatically different types of yarns, colors, and stitch patterns combined with timeless, figure flattering silhouettes that are suitable for knitters of all skill levels. Using innovative seamless construction methods, the need for sewing seams has been nearly eliminated by fashioning patterns in one piece from start to finish, easily allowing for adjustments for a custom fit. A handy design workshop features in-depth tutorials that teach seamless construction methods and provide valuable technical information for both beginning and seasoned knitters. Perfect for all body types, the designs are figure flattering with curve friendly waist shaping, empire waist detailing, and stitch details such as lacing, openwork, lace edgings, and bell sleeves that highlight the silhouette."

How to make a mini die cut leaf bracelet notebook inspired by Eco Books

I posted a review of the book Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin over at CraftGossip.com and the wonderful publisher Lark is graciously offering up a copy to one lucky commenter. So pop on over to this post at Recycled Crafts at CraftGossip.com and get yourself in the running. But while you are here check out these fun tiny little notebook bracelets I made with the petal remnants leftover after I made another project.
I am always writing ideas and quotes down and finding a bit of paper sometimes, try as I might to always have a notebook with me, can be a challenge. So here is a solution, make it jewelry.
When you die cut something often times there are other shapes you get in one pass on the die. Such is the case here.
When I ran the flower die through to get a three petaled shape I also got all these singles.

I just punched tiny holes and ran a hair elastic through then and then looped one end of the elastic back through the other to bind my mini petal journal. I liked it all closed and fanned out.

If you like making books and journals out of all sorts of things than I bet you will like


Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin

by

Terry Taylor

"Here are projects for the “pages”: 40 innovative book-making ideas using recycled and green materials! More than just earth-friendly, they’re also beautiful, clever, and witty, stitched with traditional binding techniques. Egg cartons, wood, beer cans, and cassette tapes morph into covers, while brown bags, coffee filters, and discarded newspapers are transformed into pages. Create a boxed set of cereal box books, an exposed stitch sketchbook out of cardboard and remnants, and even a faux leather journal made from teabags.

In addition to how-to drawings, close-up detail photographs, and simple stitch diagrams, a gallery of eco-books from an international roster of artists provides inspiration."

Surreal Halloween-Cow Contemplating eating a Hamburger Photo

Here is my surreal Halloween. My fellow cowgirl feeding her cow a hamburger.
Now while you are contemplating this conundrum (let's not even go to the whole boy/cow thing) graze on these links to what my crafty chicks are up to:

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of Illustration School: Let's Draw Plants and Small Creatures with an inside peek that contains info on how to add illustrations to photos, there is 4 of the 1,000 greeting cards from the book 1,000 More Greetings, a bunch of beading tutorials and some organizing tips.

Aileen's Musings
There's no place like Aileen's Musings to get your very own freebie ruby slipper postcards to email to friends or family!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi samples some new "print your own" decoupage sheets featuring Peter Rabbit.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shares a link to a survey conducted by the National Needlearts Association and wonders about how balanced the results are.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Have you considered designing and selling your own paper goods like cards, cupcakes toppers or party favors? Then you need to know a few things about incorporating the work of other graphic designers.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi never knew you could have so much fun with some rusty nails...

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
As promised, see how to crochet a spider web skirt.

About Family Crafts
For some reason, kids and kitchens go together, so why not invite your kids into the kitchen with you to craft? Sherri shares creative recipes to help you make your own homemade clay, colorful paint, bath and beauty products, and even creative snacks.