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How to make a beer can pin cushion from the book Beer Crafts

I purchased this energy drink just because I loved the art on the can. I can't tell you how long it's been sitting in my fridge as I don't drink energy drinks. But when I saw the tutorial on how to make a pin cushion from a beer can featured in the new book Beer Crafts: Making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels.

 I had a few other cans that I have been saving to craft with but the pin up girl was the clear choice for this project.

The project in Beer Crafts used a ribbon around the top but I used half of a zipper that I thought tied in nicely with the aluminum can.

I also switched it up and gathered my fabric around the batting with an elastic band and poked it in the top opening of the can before hot gluing it in place.

More about the Andrews McMeel Publishing book:

Beer Crafts: Making the Most of Your Cans, Bottle Caps, and Labels
by
 Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman

"A synthesis of two outstanding hobbies — making things and drinking — Beer Crafts is the answer to the age-old question of what to do with those 99 bottles of beer on the wall.
While author and crafter extraordinaire Shawn Bowman would like to think she came up with the idea on her own, inspiration really came from her eight-year-old daughter, who spent a summer obsessed with making jewelry out of her parents' discarded bottle caps. Finding the note on her desk, “My crafting involves you to open a beer,” the author had what can only be called an epiphany: “ALL crafting should involve me opening a beer.” She raised her daughter’s allowance, and set down to writing this book. But first, she opened a beer.
Beer Crafts shows you how to repurpose not just the caps but also labels, bottles, and even cans into useful, hip, and quirky items — from attention-getting (if not downright sexy) garter belts to the classic crochet beer can hat, to beer bottle tags, to refrigerator magnets, and more. The projects are super fun, easy to make (even for a first-time crafter), and most of the supplies are things you probably already have on hand or chilling in the fridge.
Beer Crafts has jewelry and accessories for guys and gals. From cowboy hats made from beer case boxes and masculine bottle label belt buckles and wallets to flowery bottle top flip-flops and cute-as-a-button beer cap headbands, there’s a little something for everyone — even beer can jackets for the family dog! Beer bottles themselves get dressed up with insulating crochet cozies and fancy charm necklaces, ending all arguments over whose drink is whose, when they’re all clearly marked “mine”! There are even funky home decor projects, including candle holders, patio lanterns, bird feeders, and a memo board. And with plenty of beer quotes and trivia, Beer Crafts is recommended bar reading for those who don't craft.
Tie one on — then braid it, glue it, and embellish it — with Beer Crafts."

Recycled magazine page font Father's Day card

Have you missed me? I know it's been a while. I've been blogging every day at Craftside and Craft Gossip Recycling. But today I'm back to give you a fun Father's Day Card tutorial on how to make recycled magazine (or book catalog) letters used to make a Father's Day card using an idea featured in the book Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists.

I had an old catalog that I thought would work great for cutting up these little block letters.

What made it so easy was that the books were all about the same size rectangle and this font is very boxy. I cut out each book cover first. I chose book covers for each letter that the title would still be exposed even when I snipped out parts to form the letters. It took a few different tries as I ended up using all white background covers so they would coordinate and stand out against the black background paper

I glued the letters down to the card and added two strips of scrapbook paper to make a "shelf". I also kind of had to giggle in that one of the books is Water Paper Paint and another is 1000 Creative Re-use. Nothing like re-using paper images of the words to make another word!

If you are like me and love type and lettering you will love Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists.

More about the Lark Crafts book

Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists
by
Jenny Doh
 
" Hand-lettering techniques are a popular and visually dynamic way to add textual elements to crafts, from journals to mixed-media art. Sixteen accomplished contributors—including calligraphers, painters, collagists, card makers, fiber artists, and graphic designers—give their personal perspectives on lettering. They all offer their favorite tools, how they use them, their signature technique with step-by-step instructions and photos, and an alphabet sampler of their own font. Gorgeous gallery images of each contributor's work are also included.

 

Contributors include:
Andy Ainger   •   Francois Begnez   •   Flora Chang   •   Barbara Close   •   Philippe Debongnie   •  Karyn Denten   •   Aimee Dolich   •   Lisa Engelbrecht   •   Pam Garrison  •   Stine Kaasa   •   Rhianna Lederman   •   Martha Lever   •   Linda Schneider   •   Jessica Swift   •   Madeline Tomkins   •   Lori Vilegen   •  

 

Jenny Doh is the former Editor-in-Chief of Somerset Studio magazine and the President and Founder of crescendoh.com. Jenny serves regularly as keynote speaker across the nation to deliver messages related to creative passion, authentic leadership, effective communication, and focused compassion. For her leadership in publishing and the art and crafting community, Jenny was recognized by Folio magazine as one of the top 40 leaders within the publishing industry. Jenny is the author of several books, including Hand in Hand and We Make Dolls (both Lark). She lives in Santa Ana, CA."

How to make a pom pom Easter Bunny holding a carrot

Did you know you can sculpt pom poms? Well you can. I think pom poms have to be in my top 10 craft materials to cut up! Today, just in time for Easter, I have a cute pom pom bunny inspired by the ultra adorable book Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms.

 Here is how I made my pom pom bunny:

I gathered up a bunch of pre-made pom poms as I have a huge stash. I know the handmade one's are great but I was in the mood to make a bunny quick!

Also needed was a tiny bit of white felt, a pink marker, scissors and hot glue gun.

You can see the sizes I started with in the photo.
I hot glued the large and medium together then trimmed them to be more of an "egg shape".

I trimmed the other large pom pom down to an egg shape (or bunny head shape) as well then glued it onto the body.

Next the hands, feet and tail were attached.

I cut out the ear shapes, colored them with a bit of pink marker and then glued them into the head pom pom.

To make the pom pom carrot I  trimmed the orange pom pom down...a lot! and then glued a tiny green pom pom on top.

The eyes and nose were glued on and the carrot between the paws.

And if you are like me and like to make things out of pom poms you will love this cute book!

More about the book from Lark Crafts:

  Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms
by
 Myko Diann Bocek

"Enter the wonderful land of pompoms, where cute critters and creative adventures await you. All the projects in this unique collection begin with handmade, not pre-purchased, pompoms, and every step is beautifully laid out with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of images. Crafters can then create 25 charming creatures—from a sweet little bluebird to a lop-eared bunny—out of wool yarn, roving, and felt. It's fun to do and every project is off-the-charts adorable!"

3 Necklaces made with a combo of new and vintage findings

Making jewelry with old parts and new parts is pretty much my favorite thing to do. Which is why I savored every page of Vintage Revised Jewelry: 35 step-by-step Projects Inspired by Lost, Found, and Recycled Treasures.

Here are 3 of my latest necklaces.

The one on the left is an old rhinestone necklace that was missing its focal center piece. I scored one of those new "vintage looking" skull cameos that happened to fit in perfectly. I love the combo!

The center is a vintage knot pin that I put the new letter beads on that spell out "nice" get it KNOT NICE ?

And the one on the right is one of those repro Tim Holtz game spinners just on a ball chain.

If you want to get yourself in the running for a copy of Vintage Revised Jewelry pop on over to Craft Gossip Recycling.

More about the Cico book:

Vintage Revised Jewelry:
35 step-by-step Projects Inspired by Lost, Found, and Recycled Treasures
by
Co-Co Nichole Bush

"Transform vintage finds and broken objects into jewellery to treasure with Vintage Revised Jewelry. Nichole Bush has a passion for creating one-of-a-kind jewellery by combining antique and vintage treasures to make distinctive and unique statements, and in these 35 projects, she shares that passion with you. Old keys become quirky earrings or hang on chains as a pretty necklace. Pieces of watches capture a moment in time - combined with other trinkets, they're turned into a lapel pin or wrist cuff. Anything can be a charm for a necklace or bracelet - from beads to brooches and earrings, even door knobs. Metal locker number tags act as intriguing focal points and tintypes (photographs on metal rather than paper, made in the late 19th century) provide an instant echo of the past. Some designs are deeply personal, incorporating things that remind Nichole of family and friends, and she suggests what you might include for your own individual pieces. With clear, step-by-step artworks and instructions, a helpful techniques section, and lots of inspiration throughout, you will soon become skilled in making your own pieces of nostalgic, stunning jewellery."

How to make a St. Patrick's Day custom label and card

As an Industrial Design major in college I think package design was one of my favorite classes. Now as a craft designer I don't design much packaging but making a custom label to celebrate a holiday is doable these days. I found these free downloads for St. Patrick's day graphics and labels and all that was left to do was a little punching with some Marvy Uchida Big punches and some cutting.

I glued the graphics on two more layers of scrapbook paper and then onto the bottle of real maple syrup. The card was made the same way simply layered up the graphic with two more pieces of scrapbook paper.

Tiny crochet carrot Easter decorations

I love to crochet tiny little dimensional projects and that is what Teeny, Tiny Crochet: 35 Adorably Small Projects is all about. So suffice to say I am in heaven!
The first project I had to try was the crochet carrots, after all Rorschach Amineko already has his bunny ears and eggs.

 If you too love making tiny cute crochet things I bet you will love:

Teeny, Tiny Crochet: 35 Adorably Small Projects
by
 Catherine Hirst

More about the Cico book:

 "All good things come in small packages" is the thinking behind this new crochet book from expert crafts teacher, Catherine Hirst.

 Meet Ekaterina, Elena, and Eva three sisters who live in the highest onion dome of a very old building in St Petersburg, Russia although they are only two inches tall. They are best friends with the three bears Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear who love to snuggle up at night under their beautifully crocheted blankets. And although they don t know it, they share their house with the Catnip Mouse, who measures a teeny, tiny one inch from the tips of his whiskers to the end of his tail. Working with fine yarn and using the smallest of crochet hooks, here is an adorable collection of 35 projects, from miniature amigurumi-style animals to tiny accessories. Crafts teacher Catherine Hirst has created a menagerie of small-scale pets, a whole host of families, and beautiful accessories. There are crocheted cakes which really do look good enough to eat, plus pretty flowers which can be worn as brooches or hair decorations and cute decorations for the Christmas tree. You ll also learn how to crochet miniature beads so you can make your own jewelry. As well as 35 easy-to-follow patterns, there is a comprehensive basic techniques section which will help beginners to master the art of crochet. This book really does prove that all good things come in small packages!"

Ribbon and yarn make great curtain embellishments

This has got to be about the easiest decoration/embellishment ever! We can thank the super pretty book Tinkered Treasures: More than 35 easy-to-make projects to bring charm to the everyday for this inspiration.

 This ribbon embroidery hoop mobile was my inspiration to simply go off to the yarn stash and grab up a whole bunch of spring/Easter colored yarn in a variety of textures and simply cut lengths and wrap them around my curtain rod hooks. Then cut. Did I say easy?

Now I know my St. Patrick's Day towel is in the shot but there are only 2 weeks between St. Pattie's Day and Easter and that is just too little of time to have my house in bunny heaven. So we have the combo decorating going on. If you want to get yourself in the running for a copy of Tinkered Treasures pop on over to Craft Gossip Recycling.

More About the Cico book
Tinkered Treasures: More than 35 easy-to-make projects to bring charm to the everyday
 by
Elyse Major

"Tinkered Treasures is a how-to craft book that demonstrates how everyday mundane items can be transformed into charming and unique items. Elyse Major has created over 35 projects, using objects that can easily be found or that you might already have. She refers to these transformations as 'tinkering' as it perfectly describes her style of embellishing, repurposing and altering things without the need for any specialist tools and equipment or techniques. Tinkering is not about constructing - it's about appreciating the flaws but seeing the potential in little details. Each craft project in this book is designed for complete beginners - there are no particular skills involved. Measuring often gives way to estimating and many of the simple techniques are repeated from project to project. The book shows how to tinker all sorts of household and craft items to create a range of gorgeous gifts, treasures and trinkets, from clothespin dolls and tiny picture frames to favour baskets, bunting, fabric garlands, bookmarks and more. If you are new to crafting, have no fear because simple instructions along with a tools and techniques section are provided. All the projects in this book can be adapted to your own tastes - with a simple colour or pattern change you can create items to suit any style or home."

How to give Aminekos recycled glove punk rock mohawks

OK sometimes, well a lot of the time, I get silly with my Aminekos. That is just the way they are, they bring out my silliness.
Today the aminekos got recycled glove punk rock mohawks inspired by the super silly book Return of the Stupid Sock Creature.

 They couldn't be easier to make.

 Simply stuff the fingers of a glove with a bit of batting. Then fold up the cuff to the inside. I just pinned the mohawk onto each of their heads but you could stitch them. I think the aminekos like their new spring "do". I know I do!

More about the Lark Crafts book:

Return of the Stupid Sock Creature
by 
John Murphy 

"They're back! John Murphy is famous for his weird and wacky sock creatures. In this follow-up to Stupid Sock Creatures, John shares the spotlight with guest designers in 20 projects that push the boundaries of stupid with crazy-cute quadrupeds, two-headed beasts, pop-eyed monsters, and more. The wide range of difficulty--from a simple one-sock monster to a four-sock extravaganza--means this book will attract all levels and types of crafter. And thanks to John's clear and humorous instructions, absolutely nothing is intimidating. Well, except for Piethagorus. But don't worry, he only eats pie (we think)! 

John Murphy created the Stupid Creatures on a whim in 2003. Since then, he has enjoyed nearly a decade making plush monsters. He's been featured in ReadyMade magazine and the Washington Post and has taught workshops nationwide. John is the author of Stupid Sock Creatures and Closet Monsters. He currently works as a counselor for at-risk kids and their families, and he hopes to do it forever. Visit stupidcreatures.com to see more of John's plush work. He lives in Bessemer City, NC."

How to make a mini wreath from a purse handle

Now that 99.9% of the Christmas decorations are packed up and tucked away my thoughts turn to the next holiday to craft for.....that would be Valentine's Day!

 The Crochet Dude has a whole bunch of new tools and supplies out. One of which is a col set of clear plastic purse handles.

I was flipping through the new book Indigo Junction's Fabric Flowers and I spotted this recycled sweater wreath.

So I thought I'd get out my stash of recycled wool felted sweater scraps and see what I could whip up for Valentine's Day using the purse handle as my wreath base.

I simply free form cut out a bunch of randomly sized hearts out of a variety of colors and hot glued them, again randomly, onto the purse handle. I used a strip of sweater that I cut out of a collar section to hang the mini Valentine wreath from my cafe curtain rod. I'm feelin' the love!

If you are like me and like making all sorts of pretty things out of fabric (and recycled wool sweaters) I bet you will love:

Indigo Junction's Fabric Flowers
by
Amy Barickman

More about the book from the publisher Indygo Junction:

"Express your individual style by adding a wink to your wardrobe or room with these beautiful blooms from Indygo Junction s Fabric Flowers. You ll find 25 quick and easy flower projects for wearing, decorating and sharing, with inspiring techniques for the novice to the more advanced creative enthusiast. Recycle your jeans, ties, sweaters and t-shirts, combine cotton prints into one-of-a-kind fashion statements, create painterly effects of needle felting, and play with felt, wools, and silks. 50 fabric variations to spark your creativity are included! From a simple rose created from re-purposed denim jeans to a full wedding bouquet of felted roses, the projects in this book teach traditional techniques and introduce you to flower making short-cut methods, featuring Clover Needlecrafts tools: needle felting tools, Kanzashi Flower Makers, Quick Yo-Yo Makers, Flower Frill Templates and more."