Craft Gossip

Sew Along at Sew Delicious

Scarlett Burroughs — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:14 +0000

This sounds like fun. Roslyn of Sew Delicious is hosting a sew along starting today, May 20th and ending May 24th. She explains,

The project is a quilted mat – perfect for anyone wanting to try quilting but are intimidated by the size of a traditional quilt. This project is also a great scrap buster and fun for quilters of
…

Freebie | Printable Movie Night Tickets

Francine Clouden — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:35 +0000

Here’s a great free printable that you can use for family movie night, party invitations or even page embellishments: movie tickets from Dabbles & Babbles. Click here to go to the download.…

Spring Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders

Kristen Stephens — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:24:29 +0000

A few years back I bought a huge box of random cookie cutters. This is the perfect project to pull them all out and see what patterns would make great bird feeders! You can find the tutorial over at We Made That! …

DIY Pattern Game for Toddlers

Kristen Stephens — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:16:43 +0000

This is an inexpensive and fun way to make a matching and pattern game for your little ones! I love the fact that you can choose from so many different stickers to accommodate the interests of your child. Head over to Thrive 360 Living for the tutorial.…

Cake Plate Clings

Shellie Wilson — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:16:24 +0000

Cake Plate Clings are a great way to “Theme” a party using supplies you already have.

Cake Plate Clings, a new patent-pending product from WH Hostess, are a novel series of decorative linings designed for cake stands, pedestals and serving dishes. A fresh update to the traditional disposable paper doilies and liners, Cake Plate Clings are used for decoration, …

Patchwork Union Jack blanket

Scarlett Burroughs — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:09:01 +0000

Rachael Rabbit shows on her blog this Union Jack blanket she’s making from recycled sweaters cut into 2.5 inch squares. To keep the squares from becoming wonky she said she backed them in cotton fabric scraps. Brilliant! Go HERE to see more photos of her WIP plus download her Union Jack pattern.

Image credit: Rachael Rabbit…

Tutorial: Replace a doll stroller seat

Anne Weaver — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:57:58 +0000

When a doll stroller is looking past its prime, it’s usually due to the fabric seat fading or ripping. (At my house, it was the result of my daughter trying to sit in her doll’s stroller…) Living Well Spending Less shows how you can replace the seat and make the stroller look brand new again. Go to her tutorial.…

DIY Felt Elephants

Linda Lanese — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:29:48 +0000

This is such a darling gift for a baby shower or a new baby (my daughter is due May 29th a new granddaughter) Laurel of “Laurel Lane” has a complete tutorial for us. Laurel is a wife, a sister and mother of two beautiful children. She loves working in the fast-paced digital marketing world during the day. Thanks Laurel …

Tutorial: Fringed tote bag

Anne Weaver — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:05:18 +0000

Anna from Plan B shows how to make a fringed tote bag. The outside is covered in fringed trim. It’s fully lined, with a small patch pocket on the inside to hold a phone or keys. Go to her blog for the DIY.

[photo from Plan B]…

Tutorial: Make a pillowcase purse

Anne Weaver — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:22:13 +0000

Debbie from Got It At Goodwill shows how to make a purse out of a pair of thrifted pillowcases and a set of purse handles. She says it’s the “easiest purse ever.” You can make it with just a few straight seams, plus tying some knots. Go to her tute to see how to put it together.

[photo from …

Tutorial: Dining room chair cushions

Anne Weaver — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:30:18 +0000

Ohhh, how I am wanting these chair cushions for my dining room!! Larissa from mmmcrafts made them and so they’re sitting in her dining room right now instead of mine. BUT, she shares a tutorial on her blog so I can make some of my own. She makes them bright and happy by giving each one a different fabric print on the …

Tutorial: Knit Loops Dress for little girls

Anne Weaver — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:14:08 +0000

Anshu from Blooms and Bugs calls this dress her Knit Loops Dress. It’s an A-line play dress for her little girl, and she shares a tutorial showing how to make it. It gets its name from the loops of knit fabric at the back waist. She used them instead of ties to snug it at the waist. On the front, the neckband …

Call for Papers: Textile Society of America

Denise Felton — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:47:05 +0000

The Call for Papers is now open for the 2014 symposium of the Textile Society of America. The society’s site says,

The theme of the symposium: New Directions: examining the past, creating the future will take a special focus on change and innovation in textiles in the past, and will look at the state of the field of textiles, textile
…

Utah hosts international lace convention

Denise Felton — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:38:47 +0000

Whether you’re a lacemaker, or you’d like to learn, or you’re just a fan: heads up! LaceNews announces a world-class event to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in August. The 60th International Organization of Lace, Inc. (IOLI) Convention, Lace in Translation, promises classes from 3 to 30 hours led by experts from around the world. Registration is …

Free pattern and tutorial: Love without Reason

Denise Felton — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:21:09 +0000

Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane created this design for Mother’s Day, but I think it works (with perhaps some changes to the colors) for every occasion from birthday, to wedding, to anniversary, to Valentine’s Day, to Christmas. If you’re new to embroidery, don’t be intimidated by the stitches — they’re all newbie-friendly. Go to Sedef’s post for the free pattern …

New designs from Orna Willis

Denise Felton — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:02:43 +0000

Orna Willis has updated her Adorn Etsy shop with kits for several new needlepoint cuffs and lockets. The richness of the colors, threads, and stitches make Orna’s designs irresistible to make and to wear. Go to her online shop.…

How to turn funky jeans into pretty shorts

Denise Felton — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:51:50 +0000

Turn a worn-out pair of jeans into stylish shorts with a bit of lace on the pockets and a delicate machine-embroidery design at the hems. Get all the details from the free tutorial at Urban Threads.…

Freebie: Fireman’s Hat Die Cut

Heather Holbrook — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:01:26 +0000

My dad was a firefighter for over 20 years so this fireman’s hat die cut shape makes me smile. I’m very proud of my dad for all those years he served as a firefighter (he’s happily retired playing lots of golf and boating now). If you have a fireman in your life or a little guy who wants to be …

Color Mixing in Design Dye – Design Dye Blog

Rosie Bromberg — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:19:17 +0000

The giveaway is almost over! You’ve got only 24 hours left to enter the Design Dye Giveaway! (Click here to read and enter!) If you’ve already entered, then check out some of the new tutorials over on the blog. There’s one all about color mixing in complex designs–the way they created this adorable balloon loving robot. And there’s …

Ideas: Wedding Cake Toppers

Elaine Robitaille — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:56:57 +0000

The most common wedding craft made from polymer clay seems to be the wedding cake toppers. While I’m not talented enough to do realistic sculptures of people… I’m not the only one who thinks a more stylized shape would work nicely. In this post here’s no specific instructions on how to make the bird but some good advice on adding …

Designer smoke alarm arrives in Australia – $10 Off

Shellie Wilson — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:55:30 +0000

Receive $10 off (exclusive to Craft Gossip readers)

Smoke alarms may be an essential home safety device but they are certainly not known for their visual design. Here at last is a smoke alarm that breaks with convention. Now available in Australia for the first time, the Chick-a-Dee smoke alarm is an innovative, bird-shaped smoke detector that combines form and …

My Owl Barn – 2013 Free Printable Calendar

Shellie Wilson — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:13:03 +0000

My Owl Barn has created a free printable calendar for 2013 that allows you to hand select a beautiful owl image for each month.…

Tutorial: Gingham bow sunglass case

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:52:20 +0000

Kate from See Kate Sew shows how to make this gingham sunglass case with a big bow at the opening. It’s part of her Gingham Style series. The case is padded with two layers of interfacing to help protect the lenses from scratches. Go to her tute.

[photo from See Kate Sew]…

DIY Brooch Bangles

Mardi Robyn — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:09:58 +0000

On their blog Eat. Sleep. Make. Jen and Shannon host a series called “Made It For Me” where they encourage people to make something for themselves. In one of their posts they feature a tutorial by Stephanie from Henry Happened. In this tutorial Stephanie shows how to turn antique brooches into wearable bangles. Check it out and …

Vintage Style Hot Air Balloon Candle Wraps

Heidi Gustad — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:07:10 +0000

Leave it to Martha Stewart’s weddings team to come up with a set of simple candle wraps so gorgeous. Head over to MS Weddings for the tutorial.…

Tutorial: Berry basket pincushion

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:19:46 +0000

A Pumpkin and a Princess shows how to make this adorable pincushion, using a berry basket, a bit of pleated trim, and a square of fabric in a cheery summer print. Go to her blog for the tutorial.

[via Craftgawker]

[photo from A Pumpkin and a Princess]…

Tip: How to Align Co-Ordinating Stamps and Dies

Heather Holbrook — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:53:10 +0000

The Verve Stamps blog has a great video showing how to align matching dies and stamps. Lots of companies are adding dies to go with their stamp images so you don’t need to cut them out, simply die cut them.

-Heather…

Faux Stamped Metal Necklace Tutorial

Mardi Robyn — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:35:27 +0000

Would you believe that these Faux Stamped Necklaces are made using vinyl? They look like metal! Jennifer from Eat. Sleep. Make. created these beautiful faux stamped necklaces and shared her tutorial with us. Check it out and be inspired to make your own Faux Stamped Necklace for less than what the real stamped metal necklaces cost.…

Make Beeswax Candles

Heidi Gustad — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:59:08 +0000

Beeswax candles make an excellent gift and their subtle yellow color can’t be beat. Grab the DIY at The Sweetest Occasion.…

DIY Glitter Mason Jars

Kimberly Jones — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:03:47 +0000

Mason jars go from rustic to glam with a quick and easy coating of glitter! Get the tutorial at The Knotty Bride.…

Tutorial: Zippered flip flops

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:03:19 +0000

How cool are these zippered flip flops?! Laura from The Experimental Home shows how to make them. All you need is a pair of inexpensive flip flops, a couple of matching zippers, and a needle and thread. Go to her tute.

[via Dollar Store Crafts]…

Tutorial: Pillowcase top with mod circle applique

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:56:36 +0000

Cherie from You and Mie guest blogs in the Knock It Off series at Elegance & Elephants with a tutorial showing how she made this pillowcase top with mod circle appliques. The design is inspired by the Colour Pop Top by Mini Boden. The pillowcase top is super easy to sew (great for beginners!). The circle appliques are also easy …

Tutorial: Sew a zipper fly

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:44:03 +0000

Making a pair of pants? Melissa from Blank Slate Patterns and Melly Sews shows how to sew a zipper fly. Go to her tutorial to see how it’s done.

[photo from Melly Sews]…

Tutorial: Scrappy gathered skirt for little girls

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:32:08 +0000

Suz from SewPony shows how you can stitch your larger fabric scraps together to make a little girl’s gathered skirt. Go to her blog for the how-to.

[photo from SewPony]…

Technique: Ink Embossing

Heather Holbrook — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:08:16 +0000

The background on this lovely card is dry embossed with an embossing folder but Vicki at Wizards Hangout took it one step further and added ink to the folder for a colored background “behind” the embossing. Visit her website for details on this technique.

-Heather…

A Wise Enough Owl

jd wolfe — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:18:23 +0000

This stunning pattern appears on a Spanish language blog, but you can make it for yourself because it contains a very clear diagram to accompany the pattern. So, head over there and print off the pattern so you can make one of these very popular owls for yourself. It’ll look really pretty hanging in your front window!

Then, go …

Top 9 “Different” Dinner Dishes

Shellie Wilson — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:25:18 +0000

1 :Harold Sushi Tray $13.99

2: Fromage Wooden Cheese Tray $19.99

3: Umbrella Bon Bon Dish

4 :Octopus Serving Platter $89.00

5 :Las Ramblas $13.20

6 :2 qrt Serving bowl Rachel Ray $50.40

7 :Vintage Bessemer Serving platter $25.00

8 :Handmade Fruit Tier $160.00

9: Threshold Platter Target $9.99

…

Rejuvenation – Jonty Hurwitz

Rosie Bromberg — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:28:06 +0000

Jonty Hurwitz sculpts like you’ve never seen before. Each of his pieces is mathematically calculated to produce an image only when viewed in a specific reflection. He uses computers to scan an item, then distorts it using special algorithms. The final pieces are then created and placed next to special view cylinders that allow the original image to be seen. …

Wedding Minis in Clay

Elaine Robitaille — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:35:21 +0000

Because everything is cuter in miniature (and in polymer clay):

1. Black and white butterflies dollhouse wedding cake, 2. Rainbow Croquembouche – Miniature Food, 3. Wedding cake, 4. Ladurée Wedding Cake – Ivory…

Tutorial: Star Trek laptop sleeve

Anne Weaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:02:07 +0000

Katie from Punk Projects makes no secret of her love of Star Trek. So when she made a laptop sleeve, it was fitting that she made it look like it was made from a Star Trek officer’s uniform. LOVE!!! Go to her blog for the tute.

[photo from Punk Projects]…

Tutorial: Faux tie and pocket details for a dress

Anne Weaver — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:31:57 +0000

An from StraightGrain shows how she made the faux tie and pockets on this vintage-inspired dress she made for her young daughter. Her tutorial is part of the Vintage May series co-hosted by via Skirt As Top and Craftiness Is Not Optional. The inspiration for the design of her dress came from a 1950s Belgian kids book. Go to …

Tutorial: Ombre tulle dress bodice

Anne Weaver — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:02:33 +0000

Jen from iCandy Handmade shows how to make the ombre bodice on the Shoreline Dress she made for Project Run & Play challenge a while back. Layers of tulle stitched to a white bodice create a gradient. The effect is etheral and dreamy! Go to her blog for the how-to.

[photo from iCandy Handmade]…

How to Make Wool Felted Balls – Pincushions

Linda Lanese — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:16:16 +0000

Since school will be out in a couple of weeks, we want to have projects on hand for our children. Most of us do not want them sitting in front of a computer or iPod. Enter Stephanie of “the tip toe fairy” who has this complete fun for us to follow “pictorial tutorial to make wool felted balls” which can …

Paper Cup Candle Lamp

Heidi Gustad — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:30:28 +0000

A recycled coffee up and washi tape come together to shade a tea light lamp made with a wine glass. Check out Maru Store’s blog for the tutorial.…

Project: Doggie Circle Card

Heather Holbrook — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:22:23 +0000

Lawn Fawn stamps just released a bunch of new clear stamp sets. Since I have to dogs I’ve already ordered my favorite new set, Critters in the Dog Park Visit their blog for an intro to this adorable new set along with directions for making this fun circle shaped card.

-Heather…

How to make a life size magnetic robot

stefaniegirard — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:51 +0000

Even though this is meant to be for a cute little kid I could see making one for myself! Pop on over to the blog Fun at Home With The Kids for the tutorial on how to make a recycled life size magnetic robot and see lots of cute picts at play!…

Sugar Crystal Candle Holders

Heidi Gustad — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:30:48 +0000

Anything reflective makes an excellent candle holder, even down to sugar and salt. Grab this sugar-rolled DIY over at Dixie Crystals.…

DIY Papel Picado Candles

Heidi Gustad — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:51:34 +0000

Head on over to Whimseybox to learn how to make these adorable little papel picado votives.…

Sad news in our blogging community

Anne Weaver — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33:13 +0000

The news from Whip Up this morning is heartbreaking. Founder Kathreen Ricketson died unexpectedly in tragic accident while on a year-long adventure with her family. Her partner Rob Shugg is still missing. For more specifics on what happened, I’ll point you over to Whip Up. A fund has been set up to benefit her children. Info about that fund can be found here…

Star Trek Wedding Inspiration

Kimberly Jones — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:59:29 +0000

Rock N Roll Bride {Christine + Charles}

Offbeat Bride {Brooke + Will}

POPSUGAR {7 Cute Cake Toppers for Trekkie Couples}…