Recently in Craft School Category

Kaboose has some great back-to-school craft ideas. Make cool book covers, desktop supply boxes and lunch bags.

Source: Kaboose.com

Michaels, North America's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, announces it will host a week of free Mother's Day events beginning Saturday, May 2, through Sunday, May 10, so that families and kids of all ages can make personalized gifts from the heart to give Mom on her special day.

The events, in all 1000+ U.S. and Canada stores, will feature Michaels' Top 5 Mother's Day personalized projects: picture frames, decorated T-shirts, jewelry, cards and paper flower bouquets. Other workshops include keepsake corsages, keepsake plates and coupon books moms can redeem with her kids for chores and favors.

Handmade gifts are proving to be popular this year as people strive to save money and focus on their families. In a recent Michaels consumer survey, 83 percent said they see homemade gifts and family time as two of the 'bright spots' during our rough economy.

"We know families are very busy and these free workshops will give them an easy, convenient and inexpensive way to make Mother's Day special on any budget," said Michaels' Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken. "Our customer survey showed that more than 90 percent of people said a thoughtful, handmade gift would be valued, and moms especially treasure gifts made for them by their children."

The events will be held on weekends beginning May 2nd and May 9th, and in the evenings Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8 to give people plenty of opportunities to bring in the kids to make gifts. The events culminate on May 10, Mother's Day, with an in-store cookie-decorating event where the whole family can decorate cookies to eat or take with them.

The events are free to attend and a complete schedule can be found at www.michaels.com/mothersday. The site also has dozens more Mother's Day project ideas with complete instructions and materials lists, plus Michaels gift cards available for purchase.

Source: Michaels

 Here's a neat idea from Casasugar: Cork Place Card Holders

Fun, fast and easy; and useful!  How clever for a wine tasting dinner party for example!

 

 

All you need to do is slice off one side of the cork so it won't roll over... make sure the pretty side is facing where you want it to.  Use a very sharp knife like an X-acto. Then slice about 1/3 down into the cork from the top for where you will put the name card.  Then the easy part is making the little cards.  Use cardstock or parchment paper. Kate's Paperie is a wonderful place to get papers what would be great for this.  Then write out your names in nice writing, perhaps with a calligraphy style marker or metallic pen.

I always hate throwing away the really pretty corks, so now I can start saving them for this!

Cheers!

Although today's children have grown widely accustomed to movies and video games as forms of entertainment, crafts are a great way kids can have fun without high-tech electronics. Here are some simple suggestions that will lure kids away from the television and help them get in touch with their creative side.

1. Make It Relevant-Ask your children about their favorite characters from books, television shows and movies, and have them design crafts around their answers. They'll be excited to take part in the fun when they are familiar with their subject matter.

2. Don't Forget The Older Kids-Arts and crafts can appeal to kids of every age. While the toddlers are finger-painting, break out the paper mache or beading kits for the preteens and teens in your home. Older children might also enjoy helping their little brothers and sisters with their crafting projects.

3. Be Resourceful-Encourage children to create their own masterpieces out of cardboard boxes, plastic soda bottles, and other items found around the home. Plus, now that the weather is getting warmer, you can head outside to find some great crafting materials, like pinecones, flowers and leaves.

4. Create A Family Bond-Tackle a large crafting project, like a t-shirt quilt or a scrapbook, as a family. This is a great way to reminisce on past experiences while creating new memories together. The finished product will be a unique work of art that the whole family can appreciate.

5. Set Up Shop-A good workspace is essential for crafting. Have a big clear area available and be sure to cover it to protect it from stains, glue, etc.

SOURCE Lifetime Products, Inc.

Bold and bright fabrics are used make a classically shaped headboard into a contemporary work of art.

The headboard's frame is constructed with 2x4s and MDF then is covered with batting and vibrant fabric. When completed, a canopy in complementary colors is draped around the headboard.

Tools and Materials:
two 1/2" sheet of medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
batting, fabric and decorative trim
tempered hardboard (bendable board)
2x4s
staple gun
drill and wood screws
table saw or circular saw
measuring tape
miter saw
jig saw

Steps:
1. Make the frame of the headboard in two pieces, the top and the bottom.

2. To make the top frame, cut 2x4s to the following lengths:
two at 13-1/2" long
two at 10" long
two at 5" long
one at 30" long
one a 60" long

3. Stand the two 5" pieces up vertically at each end of the 60" piece and attach with screws. Measure and mark 15 inches in from each side of the 60" piece then attach the two 10" pieces vertically at this mark -- make sure you have 30 inches in between each piece. Screw the 30" piece horizontally on the top of the two 10" pieces creating a rectangle. Use the two 13-1/2" pieces to connect the 5" pieces on either end to the rectangle (see the second image below).

4. Cut two strips of the hardboard 1-1/2" wide by 16" long. Attach one strip to the top side of the middle rectangle. Bend the hardboard to curve down to the top of the 5" piece, if necessary, trim off excess hardboard. Repeat with the second strip on the other side of the top frame.

5. Construct the bottom frame by cutting six pieces of 2x4s 60" long.

6. Attach four 2x4s into a box shape then add the two remaining 2x4s in the middle for support.

7. Screw the top frame and bottom frame together.

8. For the side panels, cut two pieces of MDF 10-1/2" x 66-1/2". Cut a curve on one end of the panel to mimic the curve of the top piece.

9. To cover the top frame, cut a piece of MDF 11-1/2" x 60". Lay the top frame on the piece of MDF and with a pencil, trace the curves of the frame onto the MDF. Use a jig saw to cut out the pattern.

10. Cut MDF to exact size of bottom frame and screw it onto the front of the frame. Screw the curved piece of MDF to the front side of the top piece.

11. Using a staple gun, add batting to cover the entire frame. We rolled our batting the top of the frame to add dimension to the headboard. Cover the batting in fabric.

12. Wrap the side pieces in batting and fabric.

13. Screw sides pieces onto the frame.

14. Add decorative trim to cover seams and staples.

Source: HGTV

Here's a book of simply inspired, simply beautiful, simply handmade crafts. This book was a Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection and is the second book in the successful Simply Handmade series.

Includes 365 projects and ideas to celebrate every major holiday and special occasion throughout the year with fun crafts. The projects ranked by level of difficulty, including: Good Ideas, Make in Minutes, and Step-by-Step.

Simply Handmade: 365 Easy Projects for Every Occasion by Carol Dahlstrom.

Subtler than graphics, textural accents give pillow covers a decorative extra without being distracting.

 

And, it only takes 3 steps.

Tool and Materials:

Pillowcases (we used 20-by-20-inch Napoli vintage linen in Flax and Petwer, $57.50 each, and 15-by-15-inch in Plum Frost, $46.70 each, from libecohomestores.com, but you can substitute with any fabric of your choice)
Disappearing-ink pen
Needle
Heavy-duty thread
Pillow inserts, one or two sizes smaller than original case

Step 1

Start with pillowcase turned inside out. Using a disappearing-ink pen, create a grid of dots on case (each dot will be the tip of a fold).

Step 2

Double-thread a needle with heavy-duty thread, and knot. Pinch the fabric as shown. Pass needle through fold (the farther from the tip you stitch, the more puckered the fold will be); then pull it all the way around fold.

Step 3

Pass needle between doubled threads, below knot. Loop around twice; pass needle under loops, as shown. Pull tight; tie off. Repeat with each dot. Turn case right side out. Use a pillow insert that's one or two sizes smaller than the original case.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Use this Cornstarch Dough recipe to create fun accent pieces for your craft projects.

 

Cornstarch Dough: Mix 1 cup of cornstarch and ½ cup glue, like Original Tacky Glue, in a plastic bag.

Kneed dough into a ball. If dough is too dry, slowly add more glue. Tape wax paper to work surface. Dust wax paper and rolling pin with cornstarch. Place dough on wax paper and roll out to about 3/16" thick.

Place your pattern on dough. Using a craft knife cut dough around image and remove. Smooth edges with fingers.

You can use a palette knife to create indentions and designs in the dough. Let all dough dry.

Glue dough to your project. Clothespins are useful to hold in place until dry.

Courtesy of Duncan

Here are 20 Valentine's cards ideas from CraftBits. They are the top 20 ideas from CraftBits members.

Have fun and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

1. Start with a card with a heart cut-out on the front, use a bought card or make one yourself. Use scraps of material and lace to make a small piece of crazy patchwork. Embellish and then mount on the card. By Sue Bone

2. Make a card with different colored squares torn from mulberry paper, cut rose petals into heart shapes and stick on the squares. By Keri Perwick

3. Get a large piece of white card fold in half. Take a piece of red card and cut out a heart and make sure there are small tabs on the sides. Glue the tabs to the card and it will pop open when the person opens it. By Ruth Miller

4. Show your loved one you care by making them a special card out of any scrap papers that you have at home. Decoupage the papers and use lots of colors to create picture effects. By Mandi

5. Add details to a cheap card by using puffy paint to add interest then just hold the hairdryer over the card to have something special. By Margaret Rowe

6. Do some simple bright red embroidered cross stitch on a white or cream background. Add Romeo's name (lettering charts can be found in any cross stitch magazine or free from the library). It will certainly be remembered by the recipient - and you could end up darning his socks!
By Frances Heaton

7. A large heart-shaped button sewn on to a piece of red card makes a great Valentines card. Alternatively a row of three smaller heart-shaped buttons looks equally good.
By Elizabeth Yule

8. A simple card to make is fold a rectangle of white card in half, kiss the front of the card with your best cherry red lipstick. Spray with a sealer and then write a message to your sweetie on the inside. By Beth

9. Cut full heart shape out of red card and then the same out of pink insert paper. Trim slightly smaller than the red card, stick inside on fold, Cut 2 smaller hearts, one red, one gold and glue to front of red card, gold one first and red overlapping on top. By Di Brown

10. I used a bright pink card stock and a velum that was a very pale pink with dark pink hearts (kind of faded). Tied with 1/8 inch white ribbon. By Deanna Anderson

11. Cut card stock paper in half and then fold the two halves (make 2 cards). Use a one inch heart punch for the front (center)and then use a piece of vellum behind the heart punch (inside - left hand side)for a frontal peek-a-boo effect. Use various heart stickers, metal embellishments, or heart punch sizes (use vellum and card stock scraps) to create a border around the inside/right hand side of the page. By Kirsten

12. I like to make paper hearts with a twist. I use decorative paper to cut out two hearts of exactly the same size. Then "sew" the two hearts together with a thin layer of batting in between. The hearts can then be decorated and used as a gift card or included in a larger gift .By connie

13. Make hand made valentine cards. Get the kids involved! Use scrapbooking supplies to make the cards then to embellish them with punch art or glitter and scissors to cut frilly edges. By using gel pens or your computer then you can personalize the text. By Karen Price

14. Trace child's hand on pink or red card stock or construction paper. Cut out and adhere to paper doily. Adhere doily to large red or pink heart cut out of card stock or construction paper. By Gina Musser

15. Trace a hand design into your card stock. Next cut a heart to fit into that hand. Write a "love note" unto the heart. Finally, bend over the heart the ring and middle finger. This should sign, "I Love" you in sign language :). By Tami

16. Definitely would have to be handmade Valentines cards. You can make them with anything, crayons, markers, stamps, cut paper, just let your imagination run wild. Don't forget to add an original poem made by you to your sweetie. It doesn't even have to rhyme, they'll love it anyway. By Shannon Arnold

17. For fancy valentines fast. Do a serendipity style heart. Take a sheet of card stock and randomly cover it with strips and scraps of red and white paper. Use some patterned paper as well. Randomly stamp some hearts on top. Don't worry about how if it all looks "messy". When you've covered the whole page, cut out hearts from it. The result will be intricate collage hearts that you can use "as is" for valentines or mount on a red card. By Julie K

18. Make heart out of card stock, and write a love note on it. Then, cut it like a puzzle, and give to your valentine to put it together and get the message.
.By Trina

19. A few years ago, I made Valentines cards by taking a picture of my son holding a big heart I made
that said "Happy Valentines Day". I made copies of the picture and glued it to a big red construction paper heart. It was so cute! By Holly Cotton

20. I use a valentines heart rubber stamp to stamp an image on a piece of cardstock. I then color it in and then I cut a heart shaped piece of see through vellum and place it over top of the stamped image. I keep the two images together with mini brads and use the finished product for a journaling shape for my scrapbook page. By Deb

Courtesy of CraftBits

You can fill these cute sachets with potpourri or just stuff them with polyfiber fill. They make a fun little project and are good for gifts.

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn: Cherry Red, Light Raspberry, Pink Camo

• Crochet hook, US G-6 (4mm)

• Yarn needle

• Potpourri, scented beads or fiberfill.

GAUGE: 15 sts = 4"; 10 rows = 4" in Hdc (half double crochet).

CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. Sachet measures 5".

DIRECTIONS: (MAKE 2)

Using color of your choice, ch 3.

Row 1 (Right Side): Work 2 hdc in 3rd ch from hook; turn - 2 sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st; turn - 4 sts.

Row 3: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc in each st across to last st, 2 hdc in last st; turn - 6 sts.

Rows 4-8: Repeat last row - 16 sts.

First Side

Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in next 6 sts, [yo and draw up a loop in the next st] 2 times, yo and draw through all 5 loops

on the hook = hdc2tog made; turn - 7 sts, leave remaining sts unworked.

Rows 10-12: Ch 2, hdc in each st across to last 2, hdc2tog; turn - 4 sts. Fasten off.

Second Side

Row 9: With right side facing, join yarn in next st on last long row, ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in each st across;

turn - 7 sts.

Row 10-12: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in each st across; turn - 4 sts. Fasten off.

FINISHING:

With right side facing, join yarn in top center "V" of heart, ch 1, sc in same st, sc evenly around.

Join Hearts: With wrong sides together and matching stitches, hold both hearts together, and sc through both

layers to join pieces. Leave an opening for stuffing. Stuff with potpourri, fiberfill or scented beads.

Continue to sc pieces closed, slip st to first sc to join; turn.

Picot Round: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in next 2 sts, *ch 4, slip st in 3rd ch from hook - picot made, sc in

next 2 sts; repeat from * around; slip st to first st to join; turn. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Courtesy of Coats & Clark

A well-finished seam is the mark of an expert - learn some techniques here.

You'll look forward to going to the gym when you're carrying your yoga mat in one of these lovely bags.

I love carrying my digital camera around to record all the inspirational moments that come my way each day. So I think I'm going to make one of these cozy cases to make sure my camera stays safe when its out with me.

Add the seam allowance and cut your pattern out in one easy shot with this technique.

As I've said before, a good dressform is a must for well fitting custom-made clothes. However, they can be quite expensive. Here's how you can make one for yourself with some duct-tape, plywood, and polyfil.

A lovely cover-up perfect for lounging around in. Follow the instructions and learn how to draft, cut and finish the neck and make up this caftan.

... Can be a real pleasure if the belt is one you've made with all your favorite scraps.

Repurpose an old t-shirt into a cute ruffly lounging jacket. Up the fun quotient with glittery trims or ribbons.

Next on the beat the pret series - here's a nice pair of  pants you can sew for a little kid You don't have to buy a pattern, just use an older pair of pants to make one yourself..

How many times have you had to give up a favorite handbag because the lining gave up on you? Never more - this tutorial shows you how to replace linings in bags to make them more fun. 

Aah - the bane of many a young dressmaker's existence. This tutorial shows you how to master them with a zigzag machine - clear pictures guide you all the way.

Use your favorite fabrics to make these boxy bags that are perfect for carrying around toiletries or accessories. The lining and  zipper are so easy to do and give a pro touch.

Here's a nice idea for a practical baby gift.

I love using long rows of little buttons fastened with loops - but they ARE a tad fussy to stitch.
This tutorial has a simple way to do it.

I'm definitely in love with these fantastic viking shoes. And this tutorial tells how to make them.

I seem to be obsessed by oven mitts and potholders. Perhaps because I don't really have any nice ones around. Well, even if you do, these dollhouse potholders are so darling, you'll have to make them too! Here's a great tutorial with plenty of pictures.

Frosty winter afternoons are the perfect time to bring out those challenging jigsaw puzzles. Make this lovely mat for puzzles in progress.

Magnetic snaps can add a professional touch to bags, folders, and purses. This tutorial shows you how easy it is to install one.

Watch out - don't use a magnetic snap for any purse or wallet you may use to carry your cards - the magnetic strip on them may be affected.

Wrap Skirts are always fun - for one thing, they would fit you every day. And so comfortable, whether you are running around at work, or catching up on your chores. This Iki wrap skirt is super elegant - teamed with a raw silk or jute tunic, it could take you to a party as well!

Read the instructions carefully before starting - once you understand how the wrapping and securing works, it's a breeze to sew. And no zippers to fuss with.

For all of us pear shaped people out here - finally, an easy way to  perfect fitting jeans. This great tutorial shows you how you can take in the waistband and re-finish it to have a pair of jeans that fit and are finished to perfection.

In these times of plastic, mass-produced toys, one can't but think fondly of the raggedy cloth dolls of long ago. Not just charming, you can also ensure that they are totally child-safe by making your own with the appropriate materials.

Get this free tutorial to start off. A simple pattern and clear instruction's make this child's play.

You can start making your little girl's clothes right away - this cute skirt is a snap using a ready-made bandana.

On cold winter evenings, there's nothing as nice as snuggling under a blanket surrounded by the warm glow of candles. This tutorial tells you how to make some of your own pillar candles - the molds and waxes you can use, how to prepare a wick, and how to pour the wax.

Once you have the technique, experiment with colors and fragrances to make up your own special collection.

Brrrr! It's cold out, and most of us would like to carry along a hot drink to help us along as we step outdoors. This cute little cozy is just perfect for that.

When you are expecting a baby, one of the first things you will have to give up may be your favorite pair of jeans - oh wait, now you don't!  Check out this tutorial on transforming regular jeans to maternity.

Okay. Much as I wanted the next post to be on brush and paints, this one is too good not to share.
Potholders and dishcloths are handy to carry around hot dishes, but there's nothing like a good pair of oven gloves in the kitchen. This great tutorial has inspired me to make myself a pair or two.

Next on the "sew your own clothes" odyssey - an easy to make toddler smock. You will learn how to finish edges, and add a necktie and a pocket!

With the proper tools and the right techniques, plain or corded piping is a breeze. This tutorial helps with both to help you create fantastic finishing touches. Sew right side out and insert the cord without turning the piping for using it between the seams, or skip the cord altogether for a softer piping you can use on clothes.

If you've tried your hand at the 5-minute skirt and are feeling a little more ambitious, Craftstylish have a great tutorial up for a one-seam skirt. You will learn how to draft and sew darts and add shape to the waist, using cozy stretchy fabrics like velvet or fleece to make up a lovely winter skirt.

A few weeks earlier, we looked at refashioning a pair of jeans into a skirt.

If you know how to sew a flat-felled seam, you can get more adventurous with this project.

Yesterday, I found this delightfully flirty girly bag on e-patternscentral, and marked it as a summer "must-have".




Today, I found this easy version for those who want the look without the fuss.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - while you don't HAVE to do it, roller-cutting gives you the best edges for quilting (and a bunch of other stuff, but let's not get into that today).

Most of us, however, would find using a roller cutter on curves daunting. This podcast makes it look very easy - try it and find out.

Who says roses don't bloom in winter? This lovely felted flower will make a great accent for your woollies.

Winter's upon us, and even in the tropics, one feels the need to keep those toes warm. With this great tutorial, wee ones can have cute shoes for every day of the week. 

Christmas is upon us, and some of us may be lucky enough to get a fresh load of yummies for our stash.

Make more space for the new goodies by using up all your leftover bits of yarn to make these wonderful felted balls.

Need to make an eleventh hour card? This one's perfect!

This is one more of those "oh my god I didn't think that THAT could look so good!" posts.

Take a look at this absolutely marvelous tutorial to make these little lovelies from tin cans.

Use paper or felt to make this superbly elegant zen setting.

Make a felt pail using this pattern, decorate as you please, and fill with loads of love and kisses for a very special gift.

Lovely flower pinwheels that spin away too.