Easy Halloween decoration- Candy Corn Stack of books

If you have a stash of books why not make an easy Halloween decoration with them by stacking them by color to form a candy corn.

Cost: Zip!

And best yet when the holiday is over no need to worry about where you are going to store your out of season decorations simply pop them back on the shelf where they belong.

How to make a washi tape heart on book spines for a Valentine's Day decoration

It seems like altering books and arranging them in fun ways is really popular right now. I have always arranged and enjoyed my shelves of books. As a hug fan of washi tape my growing collection inspires me to make more crafts with it. So combine those 2 elements and this is what I came up with: a heart created with washi tape on the spines of books. These happen to be little blank sketchbooks with not very exciting covers-perfect for embellishing with washi tape.

I also used my Valentine washi tape to decorate a box patchwork style.

Materials
Red, white, pink washi tape
a collection of books sketchbooks are great but since washi tape comes off easy you could use virtually any book
scrap paper
pencil
scissors





Step 1: Place books with the spines up between 2 heavy elements to secure them in place
Step 2: Make a heart template out of scrap paper to fit within your book spine area.
Step: 3: Trace lightly the heat shape on the spines
Step 4: Place strips of washi tape on the spines using the pencil lines as your guide.
               In my case I used washi tape with a white background and pink/red designs for the heart      and more solid background red/pinks for the outside area around the heart.


Love Washi tape and looking for a great book filled with tons of pretty washi tape projects check out:








 Washi Tape: 101+ Ideas for Paper Crafts, Book Arts, Fashion, Decorating, Entertaining, and Party Fun!
by
Courtney Cerruti

If you have never heard of washi tape, get ready to enter a bright new world of paper crafts! Originating in Japan, washi paper is stronger than wood-pulp paper making it perfect for use in projects like origami and scrapbooking. The tape is low tack and slightly transparent, in a mix of adorable colors and patterns, and a brilliant way to make all of your crafts even better. Perfect to use for parties. See how to create invitations, gift wrap, and goodie bags. Holidays have never been more colorful with ideas for ornaments, window adornments, and even garland.

Decorations for your home and office are easy and inexpensive when you use washi tape. Wall décor, borders and lampshades can become unique works of art and give your home a personal touch. You can even use washi tape in fashion. Dress up your glasses, shoes and jewelry using these simple ideas and designs. And because it's safe to use on delicate items, washi tape is great for personalized gifts like vases and photo albums. Washi Tape by Courtney Cerruti offers 101 amazing ideas that will make this new craft tape your new favorite thing. It's safe to use almost anywhere and great fun for children!

How to make a recycled book page coffin Halloween garland

I find reading about other crafters so inspiring and that is just what the pages of are filled with Craft Activism: People , Ideas, and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join In. The photos and stories drove me to....cut....and this being Halloween season.....I thought my plain white string of lights needed something from under my knife.

 That something turned out to be little paper coffins cut from the pages of an old book and stamped with all sorts of Halloween themed images.

 I simply attached them to the string of lights with tiny clothes pins. I plan on leaving these lights up and will most assuredly be adding something Christmasy to them! I scanned in one of the coffins and if you want to make some too feel free to download to use as a template.

More about the super inspiring and packed full of great ideas and patterns book from Potter Craft:

 Craft Activism: People , Ideas, and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join In

by
Joan Tapper, Gale Zucker and Faythe Levine

"Join the Handmade Movement!

We make to give. We make to share. We make to connect with others. Crafters all over the world are using their hands and hearts to make a statement, change the world, and build community.

Craft Activism is an inspiring celebration of this growing movement. Inside, dozens of superstars of this grassroots phenomenon share their experiences, tips, and advice on living, teaching, and promoting a more meaningful DIY lifestyle. Learn to craft for your cause, connect with other crafters, think green, organize a fair, host an online exchange, create yarn graffiti, and more. The book also includes 17 creative projects from designers who challenge you to reimagine how your craft skills can be used to make a difference. Whether you knit, sew, crochet, or collage—and even if you’re not sure where to begin—this book is your guide to the incredible power of handmade."

Review: Knits That Fit from Potter Craft

Let me start by giving you a bit of back story. It was about the time that ponchos were all the rage that I was a producer on Knitty Gritty and I was living the knitting every minute of the day. I loved ponchos but alas I felt like I was wearing a sandwich board when I tried them on and I was not really interested in feeling like a walking billboard. Everyone else seemed to look great in them. Bummer for me. The second part of this back story was I also wanted instant knitwear. While I love knitting and do it more as a form of relaxation when I wanted a knit item I went to the land of cast off sweaters and sewed one into my new design, hence my book Sweater Surgery. And that's how it came to be.

Now to today's wonderful book I have to tell you about-Knits That Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit. As stated in my back story big and floppy does not work on me, I like my sweater action snug and shapely. That is what Knits That Fit is all about. The whole first section is jam packed with great fitting info that is sure to make your sweater be just the way you want it. Then you get a whole bunch of the most lovely sweater patterns that you will love knitting and wearing. I haven't decided what I am going to make because so many of the sweaters have great details and shapes there is everything from hoodies to tanks to choose from! Hmmmm, off to the yarn stash to see what combo I come up with!

More about Knits That Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit from the publisher Potter Craft:

"Stop following, start knitting! When you lovingly make something stitch-by-stitch, it shouldn’t fit like it came from a department store. However, that’s exactly what happens when you knit to fit a general size instead of your actual measurements. In Knits that Fit, you will learn how to break free from following a pattern word-for-word and start making small changes to tailor your knitwear. It’s not hard, either! You’ll be walked through all the essential ins-and-outs of taking measurements and basic pattern alteration. Before you know it you will be able to tweak nearly any pattern to better fit your unique shape. The accompanying TK patterns in Knits that Fit include short-sleeved tops, pullovers, and cardigans from top knitwear designers like Lily Chin, Annie Modesitt, Berta Karapetyan, Sally Melville, and others. Of course, each of the patterns is ready to be customized by you for the perfect fit—information on shortening or lengthening has been built right in! Whether you’ve knit one sweater or ten, this is a book that will change the way you see patterns and the way you knit sweaters. "

Giveaway, Interview and Review of Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing

Let me say that I love reading books by crafty peeps about creative people that I wish I could hang out with in real life. That's what Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing is all about.

Don't believe me?

Well leave a comment in today's post and you are entered to win a copy of Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing or Kathy's first book Waking Up in the Land of Glitter: A Crafty Chica Novel. I will randomly select two winners who will receive one of her books. Enter by midnight Pacific time March 15th, 2011 and you are in the running for some good reading!
Two of my favorite quotes from Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing:

"....she was, being made to feel like a misfit minx by the one person who should have been holding her pincushion."

and
"I think it is doggone silly that people wait until January 1st to adjust the volume on their optimism."

Kathy was gracious to take the time to answer a few questions I posed to her on her busy blog tour. (This photo is from her product launch at the Michaels awhile back but I just had to share it.)
Here are her fun answers:

When do you make time to write in your crazy (in a good way life) full of family and crafting?

"I LOVE to write, it is my escape and it calms me. It is a sacred thing, it sounds goofy, but I swear it is the truth. I always write late at night after the family has gone to bed. Even with my very first book, Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines - that was in 2002, I had already settled into my habit of night owl typing! It works well with my novels because my mind is free and clear of "kathy" or "crafty chica" and my world transforms into that of the characters."

Do you scribble ideas on napkins and bits of paper when they come to you? Or do you remember them by emailing them to yourself from your phone? Or.....

"Just like with ideas for projects to make, I do anything and everything. I take a lot of pictures, I carry a mini journal in my purse, sometimes in my bra! I email and do voice memos. They all come in handy because I'll forget. I hate it when I finally go to bed and I get all snuggled in and close my eyes - and then a scene pops in my head. I absolutely have to get up and write it down so I don't forget! Just like with any creative project!"

Do you indulge in retail therapy? If so what are your favorite stores?

"You know, I'm not a big power shopper. I'd rather make my own designer purses than buy them. I'm not a big fashionista. I do love big rings and chunky bracelets. Someday when I die and they read my will, someone will ask "Who did she leave her costume jewelry collection to?"


Are the musical tastes of your characters your own? If not what's hot on your current ipod playlist?

"For the first book, Star's music was the music I listen to. But with Miss Scarlet, I forced myself out of my comfort zone. The music ranges from Glenn Miller to John Coltrane to Perez Prado! As far as what I listen to, right now on my play list I have Bomba Estereo, Michelle Blades, Marina and the Diamonds, Pato Banton and Florence + The Machine"

Have you ever made a "Ten things no on else has probably done list"?

"Here's a few!
1. Thought I had a ghost bugging me only to find out it was a baby lizard stuck in my hair. It fell on me while we were cleaning the backyard shed!
2. Woken in my car up by Ziggy Marley.
3. Fell asleep in the wrong tour van and woke up to find a band of Caribbean musicians all around me! (long time ago!)
4. Honked at a happy couple walking down the sidewalk to startle them out of their bliss because I was mad because I was single. (long time ago)
5. Put glitter on my husband's painting when he wasn't looking.
6. Drinking wine to calm my nerves at my mother-in-law's birthday party, only to get "too calm" and jump in the pool with all my clothes on in front of everyone (it wasn't a swim party). My husband told me that he said "Was that my wife who just did that?"
7. Wrote a love note to my dad's leg with a Sharpie on his leg, right before they took him into surgery to have it amputated due to cancer.
8. Got kicked out of the office chocolate club for accidentally eating all the chocolate. (I didn't know it was the group's coveted stash!)
9. Interviewed Matthew McConaughey right after he got out of the hotel shower, he wore nothing but his fluffy white bathrobe and still had water droplets on his chest!"

More about the amazing book that makes me torn between reading it and sparking my creativity so that I want to go make something!

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing
By
Kathy Cano-Murillo

The founder of popular www.craftychica.com pens her second Crafty Chica novel, following Waking Up in the Land of Glitter (2010). Scarlet Santana has abandoned a promising engineering career to follow her passion for sewing. To raise money to attend a prestigious design academy in New York, she works for a local designer, teaches a sewing class, and sells clothes on her web site devoted to Daisy de la Flora, the flamboyant designer who inspired Scarlet's retro look and bubbly approach to life. As Scarlet works herself to exhaustion, the women in her sewing class become their own an unofficial support group. When her big break turns out to be a big bust, Scarlet must consider whether following her dream is worth losing herself. Cano-Murillo lays the quirkiness on thick, but the story amidst the gimmicks has a lot of heart. --Aleksandra Walker

Book Review-The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn: Techniques and Projects for Handpainted and Multicolored Yarn

I don't know about you but I love variegated yarns.
I tend to buy multicolored yarn over solid colors. This then poses a challenge because often times the stitches I want to use won't show up with the mixed colored yarns. Well, The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn to the rescue! The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn if filled with stitches and patterns that include a single yarn and multiple yarns that really feature and accentuate all the great colors. There is even a Checkered Fair Isle pattern that comes out looking like a fabulous plaid!!! And even better it is a simple stockinette stitch! So if you are ready to kick off 2011 with some knitting projects that feature hand-dyed and variegated yarns I'll bet you will find just what you are looking for in:

The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn: Techniques and Projects for Handpainted and Multicolored Yarn
By
Lorna Miser

More about the book from Watson-Guptill:

"Cast on for your next variegated yarn project with new skills and renewed confidence

Do you covet the gorgeous colors of multicolored yarn but have been disappointed by patching, pooling, and other unintended “designs” that develop as they’re knitted?

In The Knitter’s Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn, hand-dyed yarn guru Lorna Miser transforms the experience of working with these beautiful yarns, whether they’ve been dyed by hand or commercially produced.

This informative stitch dictionary includes 10 simple, accessible techniques, 65 stitch patterns, and 20 projects that make the most of the dazzling color combinations and creative possibilities that variegated yarns have to offer.

LORNA MISER is the founder and original owner of Lorna's Laces, a well-known brand of hand-dyed yarns. She teaches classes and workshops on knitting technique and knitwear design at yarn stores, knitting guilds, consumer knitting shows, and yarn industry trade shows around the country. She is also the author of Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting. "

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. "

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."

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. "

Tons of inspirational stories (and me!) in Vickie Howell's new book Craft Corps

So I just got my copy of

Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time

and I quickly flipped through it to find....me! I had submitted my story what seems like forever ago. In publishing it does take quite a bit of time unlike this magic blogging world where you can practically be living it and telling the world about it simultaneously. My little story follows one of my all time fave designers, Jay McCarroll. His fabrics are positively wonderful.

So after I found myself, I started back at the beginning and read all the "Actor's Studio" Q & A's aptly called "The Crafter's Studio" sections. Total hoot!

I know it's just a tad past graduation season but I think this would make a spectacular gift for a recent grad. All the stories of how we all got where we are and what inspires us is truly a fascinating read. I think young people looking for a direction would see that there are lots of paths to a creative future.

I am looking forward to reading all the in depth stories.

Thanks Vickie for including me, it is truly an honor to be included with so many really talented people!

More about Craft Crops: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time
By Vickie Howell
from Lark Books:

"A celebration of the great—and growing—crafting community by everyone’s favorite crafty grrrl: the fabulous VICKIE HOWELL

Bestselling author and stitchery dynamo Vickie Howell puts down her needles to pay tribute to her fellow crafters! Her extraordinary new collection features interviews with 30 successful professional craftspeople as well as profiles of a diverse group of approximately 60 amateurs. And every interview includes a photo of the subject, plus a peek at their work or their studio.

This project—a true labor of love—also documents how social networking sites, groups like Stitch ’n’ Bitch, and alternative sales outlets such as Etsy have helped create a close community of crafters passionate about their work and each other.

Includes interviews with such influential crafters, designers, and business people as:

Renowned quilter Denyse Schmidt

The Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo

Artist and designer Mary Engelbreit

Emmy-nominated host of Creative Juice, Cathie Filian

Indie craft documentarian Faythe Levine

Scrapbooking legend Sandi Genovese

Project Runway winner and fabric designer Jay McCarroll

TV Host and author Mark Montano

Craft pioneer Carol Duvall

Famed fabric designer Amy Butler

Vickie Howell is a designer, writer and a voice for this generation's craft movement. She founded successful chapters of the irreverent but socially conscious knitting group Stitch 'n' Bitch. Vickie was the host of DIY's Knitty Gritty and has written three books: New Knits on the Block; Not Another Teen Knitting Book; Knit Aid and Pop Goes Crochet!"

Zyzygy in my life-Words, Love and Razor Blades

Flashback: In high school I made an alphabet book with pictures cut and glued from magazines, I still do this, it's now my profession-who new?

So the word I chose for "Z" was zyzygy-when 3 or more heavenly bodies align.

I love this word and I love when things coincide especially in irony.

So what has aligned you ask? Words, love and razor blades.

Click on image to read about it and where you can get it!

I got this fabulous silver razor blade with a heart cut out in the center necklace (which I LOVE for Christmas. Incidentally designed by a fellow Pratt grad!

Simultaneously I was reading "Sharp Objects" (with a razor blade on the cover) by Gillian Flynn. Stephanie Klose wrote about how she couldn't put it down on her blog- so when someone says that I generally take that as a good book, and I LOVED it!


So my love of the words of the book and (the words she cuts into her body) combined with razor blades and my new jewelry all just aligned!

There you have it.