The Best Crafters

Pussy Hat Power: Simple How-To Make Your Own

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 21:55:00 +0000

The Woman's March may be over, but people are still interested in having their own "Pussy" hat.

Here are three videos we found on YouTube that can guide you in making your own.

Knit one
Recycle a t-shirt
Sew one from a recycled sweater

How to Knit a Pussy Hat from the #PussyHat Project

Make a Pussy Hat from a Recycled t-shirt or sweater

Recycle a Sweater and create your Pussy Hat

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer: Mixed media artists, blogger, TV host and author

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 01:30:00 +0000

Paint, brushes, stencils, stamps, and creativity can come together into one amazing project. I recently became interested in mixed media projects and started doing research on different methods to use.

As I looked all over the internet, one mixed media artist would lead me to the next one. I hope in the following weeks to continue highlighting some of the best mixed media artists and their blogs and videos.

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer of New York City

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a mixed-media artist in New York City. She's also a TV host, blogger, author and teacher. Balzer has videos on YouTube and a blog where she shares everything from her favorite products to tutorials on how to do art work like hers.

I love her blog, Balzer Designs because she has daily tips on tools and products she uses on her projects. She has her favorite tutorials that feature everything from painting techniques to doodling ideas.

If that isn't enough, Balzer also hosts Scrapbook Soup on PBS which also has a number of videos.

Balzer has fun doing her art and it shows in her videos. Her blog tutorials are also simple to follow. Bookmark her website, blog and YouTube channel. Balzer is an inspiration.

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

Do-It-Yourself Infinity Scarf, Easy tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 06:55:00 +0000

Photo courtesy: H is for Handmade

I sew a lot and I always have fabric left over. Don't toss out those scraps, because you may have enough to make an infinity scarf. What's great about these scarves is that you can wear them different ways and out of different types of fabrics.

H is for Handmade has these easy instructions. The blog has all the steps to make one in one afternoon. Click here for the tutorial.

I also found a video on YouTube that has the simple instructions you can follow along. Both have the information you need to make one now.

HOW TO SEW AN INFINITY SCARF-VIDEO

Go find that fabric and make a few of them, for friends, family or a bunch just for you.

If you make one let me know in comments below. I would love to post a photo of your project on my Best Crafters Facebook page.

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Basic Sewing: Selecting a sewing machine, pattern and fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:09:00 +0000

It feels great when I'm wearing an outfit and someone tells me they like it, and I get to say "I made it!" Most people are shocked because they can't believe it, and often women say "I wish I knew how to sew."

Today with YouTube there is no reason you can't learn how to sew. You don't even have to leave your home. Here are some sewing videos for starters.

BEST SEWING MACHINE FOR BEGINNERS
by the Crafty Gemini

SELECTING THE RIGHT PATTERN
by Mad Queen

FINDING THE RIGHT FABRIC
by Jo-Ann Fabrics

Happy Sewing!

Rebecca

Valentine's Day Decorations: Wreaths that set the theme

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:13:00 +0000

My living room always looks so lonely without the Christmas lights and decorations. When it was time to take them down, I decided to replace them with red lights on my fireplace mantle. I also made a Valentine's Day wreath. I plan to shoot a video on this one for those who want to make it.

The idea just came to me. I made this wreath from pages from a kid's book and an old dictionary. The pages had already yellowed. That added a rustic look to the wreath. I used lots of glue with my handy glue gun. Basically I made little fans out of the page and glued them to a wreath. I added heart ornaments I found at a local craft store.

More info to come.

Here are other wreaths I found on YouTube that I think are cute. Sometimes it's about finding a few things that you were about to toss out and up cycle and recycle.

HEART SHAPED WREATH

ORNAMENT HEART WREATH

Happy Crafting!

10 Knitting projects you can make today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:55:00 +0000

I love to knit. I can't make sweaters, but I can make your basic scarf or big blanket. It's easy and it's fun to sit, watch TV and make something at the same time.

Here are 10 of the best video tutorials that I found on YouTube. From the basic stitch to something a little more advance. Check them out and see what you want to make.

It's a great way to make gifts for friends and family, and you can say "it's and original" or "one of a kind."

Shop for deals on yarn. If you're just practicing or in the learning stages, buy inexpensive yarn. You can also get knitting needles on sale. I have even bought them for one dollar at thrift stores.

Happy Crafting!
Rebecca

Do-It-Yourself Fabric Cork Board, Easy Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy: I Heart Naptime

I love garage sales. That's a great place to find inexpensive frames. You don't have to love the painting, but if the frame is something you can recycle or up cycle then you might as well buy it.

JamieLyn at I Heart Naptime created an awesome looking fabric cork board. If you read over her tutorial its very simple to make. Click here to get to those instructions.

Here is a SUPER simple video tutorial. All you need is one of those cork boards you can buy at the local discount store, some fabric, tacks, glue and stapler.

If you make one let me know in comments below. I would love to post a photo on my Best Crafters Facebook page.

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

Do-It-Yourself Cellphone Cover, Easy tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy: A Pretty Cool Life

When I find cheap deals on fabric, I make sure I buy a few years. I often go through the remnant bin to find cool pieces of fabric that are less than a yard.

Now I'm glad that I have kept some quilting fabric. Do you need a nice cover for your cellphone? Check out this easy tutorials. Click here for a tutorial by A Pretty Cool Life.

I know a lot of my female friends who would love one for these for their phones. They would make great birthday gifts. I figure if you're going to sit down and sew one, you might as well make a dozen as gifts for next year for Christmas.

Just thinking ahead.

If you make one let me know in comments below. I would love to post a photo of your project on my Best Crafters Facebook page.

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Do-It-Yourself magnets galore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:00:00 +0000

I've said it before. I don't toss anything away, especially when I'm making greeting cards. Ingenious Inkling has found a way to use those scraps and make these very cool magnets.

I can see them on a craft board, and I'm sure any kids would love them on their walls. Check out the instructions on the Ingenious Inklings blog: Magnet Mania tutorial.

If you make one let me know in comments below. I would love to post a photo of your project on my Best Crafters Facebook page.

Happy Crafting!
Rebecca

Happy 2015: Create, Craft and Share

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:00:00 +0000

I don't have a long list of resolutions for 2015. What I do have planned for this year is to create and craft more and share my knowledge along the way. I'm sure some of you know that occasionally I post videos on YouTube on how to make different projects. I hope to put more on YouTube and short videos on Instagram.

I'm about sharing and paying it forward. A woman wrote me and told me she was a single mom. She sold a bunch of wreaths that she learned two make from my sandwich bag wreath video on YouTube. That gave me a great feeling, because I was able to empower, inspire and help a mother put food on the table.

So here's my idea for all of you out there who know how to craft. If you sew, decoupage, scrapbook, crochet, upcycle, recycle, make jewelry or anything else you can think of, share it! Even some of you who sell on Etsy or other websites. I know you sell to make money and to pay the bills; but why not think outside the box? Why not pay it forward and share your talent. Just think maybe you'll be helping someone on the other side of the world, a total stranger. Maybe you'll be helping that one person put food on the table.

When you think about it, doesn't crafting make you feel good, take the stress away or make you feel like you have accomplished something in life. It does for me. Remember if you pay it forward it comes back tenfold. It has for me.

SHARE IT

Write a blog. I post my stuff and that of other crafters on this blog. Create your own blog.
Share blogs of different crafters. I do this on this blog and on the Best Crafters Facebook.
Share someone else's idea. I post things I like on the Best Crafters Facebook page too.
Shoot a 20 second Instagram video with a quick tip.
Shoot a YouTube video. You can use a camera even your smartphone and post straight to Youtube. Here's a short one I shot on my phone and posted right on YouTube.

I figure God gave me my talents. I might as well share them and keep the crafting world alive!

Happy 2015 and happy crafting!

Rebecca

Recycle those Christmas Cards, and make them your own!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:20:00 +0000

I don't throw anything away. I know there is always something to be made from the smallest item, even a greeting card.

I kept my Christmas cards from last year. Recently, I took out my rubber stamps, inks, glitter glues, scrapbook paper, and took a few pages from an old music book. I also grabbed a few stickers and gift tags. I got some blank cards and started creating new Christmas cards from the store bought ones.

I made a few tags earlier. These cards are also one-of-a-kind.

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

3 DIY Videos: Make your own mesh Christmas tree with lights

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 16:00:00 +0000

Photo Courtes:
MakesMyHeartSmile.org

I put up a Christmas tree every year. But I have a lot of friends who don't put up a tree, because they live alone or say they don't have time.

I thought wouldn't it be a nice surprise if I made one and left it on their front door step with a note that reads "Just plug it in."

I did some research and found these three videos on how to make a Christmas tree out of a tomato cage. It looks easy.

All you need: 1 tomato cage, 3 to 4 rolls of mesh, a string of lights, pipe cleaners and your creativity.

MAKE A DECO POLY MESH CHRISTMAS TREE

HOW TO: MAKE A MESH CHRISTMAS TREE

ANOTHER DECO MESH TREE--BEAUTIFUL GREEN

Who doesn't love a Christmas tree and bright lights? Even if its a tomato cage.

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

3 DIY Tutorials: Christmas Ball Wreaths and Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 04:08:00 +0000

It's not too late to make a wreath for you front door, your wall or even for the window.

Here are some simple DIY tutorials that I found on YouTube. Easy instructions and easy to make.

These would make great gifts for friends and family.

Christmas Ball Wreath

Christmas Ball Tree

Another Christmas Ball Wreath

Happy Holidays

Rebecca

DIY Christmas Tag #2: It's only a Pine Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 06:04:00 +0000

What's Christmas without some pine trees? Here's a tag I whipped up in a few minutes.

Materials in order used:

-Blank tag
-Square puncher to punch out squares from Christmas card I got last year.
-Green ink should be smudged on edges of squares.
-Glue on squares
-Green ink and small pine tree stamp, stamp them the best you can in a row like above.
-Gold dimensional glitter paint, add dots between trees. Let paint dry.
-Gold, green and red raffia ribbon for loop hole top of tag.

Hope this inspires you to make your own.

Christmas Tag #2: blank tag, Christmas tree stamp, glitter paint, square puncher & old Christmas card

A photo posted by Rebecca Aguilar (@msrebeccaaguilar) on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:57pm PST

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

DIY Christmas Tag #1: Snowflake Snowman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 02:04:00 +0000

This year I'm making one-of-a-kind Christmas tags and using them as Christmas cards for friends. I hope to have one posted everyday.

Look them over and get some ideas. This was was simple, and I recycled old Christmas cards too. Never throw them away. I hope they inspire you to make your own.

Materials: In order used

-Blank tag
-Brown Ink & Snowflake stamp
-Square puncher, punch 3 squares out of Christmas cards you got last year
-Red ink, smudge on sides of tag
-Green & gold raffia ribbon to tie around tag loop.

#1 Christmas Tag: blank tag, snowflake stamp, red glitter paint, square puncher, recycle Christmas card, "Merry Christmas" stamp #crafts

A photo posted by Rebecca Aguilar (@msrebeccaaguilar) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:45pm PST

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Make a Fall wreath for under $10 - DIY Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 20:03:00 +0000

Hi Crafters!

I love to have a wreath above my fireplace during the year. Here is the Fall wreath I made for this year.

It cost me less than 10 dollars to make this wreath, because I bought most of the stuff at a thrift store or on sale at a craft store. Some of the decorations on the wreath are left over items from other craft projects. Never throw anything away.

Now watch my wreath tutorial and let me know what you think in comments.

You can use this wreath during the Fall and after Halloween up to the Christmas holidays. Make some for your friends. They will love them!

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Create your own designer sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 04:56:00 +0000

There is one reason I like walking around the mall, because it's an easy place to get inspiration for many projects. I was walking around Macy's department store recently when I noticed these Steve Madden sandals.

Beautiful chains around the ankle straps got my attention. I didn't even look at the price tag, because you know if they are Madden's they are pricey.

As I looked over the sandals, I thought how easy would it be to buy some nice inexpensive tan/beige sandals and add the chains. Either they can be sewn on or why not use crazy glue. You have to experiment.

I hope the photo gives you inspiration.

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Make a Carrot Wreath for Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 06:16:00 +0000

Richard Patino works on wreath

I was at my favorite Michael's store in Dallas when I noticed Richard Patino busy working on a wreath. He was making a carrot wreath for Easter.

Patino told me it took him only 30 minutes to make one. I have no idea how it is done. Michael's sells Patino's wreaths for $59.99.

It's cheaper to make your own.

I thought wouldn't it be great to add some orange lights and put it on a big wall in your home. Wow!

Here's a video I found on YouTube that shows you how to make a carrot wreath. I hope it helps.

Thanks for the inspiration Richard Patino!

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

Free Knitting Projects: 2 Easy Capes to Knit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:28:00 +0000

A knit cape is a great piece of clothing to throw over your shoulders when the temperatures start getting cool outside or when the Spring weather is not quite warm yet.

Here are instructions for two capes that are rather easy to knit.

Swirly Striped Cape by allfreeknitting.com

Knit a Coat Cape of the 1950 from freevintageknitting.com

Happy knitting!

Rebecca

Other Knit projects:

Knit 3 Easy Neck Warmers

Knitting isn't only for grandma

Valentine's Decoration: Make a Valentine's tree

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:08:00 +0000

I love my Christmas tree, so I thought why not put together a Valentine's tree. Actually I needed a gift for my mother.

I headed to Michael's store and bought my supplies. Everything was on sale. Here's what I put together in less than 30 minutes.

Supplies:

Small artificial tree or cover green styrofoam cone with fake ivy
Valentines gift tinsel or wrap around tinsel
One "heart" on a stick for the top or anything that can be the main attraction
Christmas white lights

I already had the small Christmas tree and white lights. The new supplies cost me a total of 3 dollars. Please, use my Valentine's tree to give you inspiration.

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Other Valentine's Crafts: Valentine's Wreath

3 Beautiful Fleece Scarves, Easy to make

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:18:00 +0000

In most places around the country, it's cold outside. Why not get some fleece and make a scarf. Here are some beautiful scarves I found on the web. They are very easy to make. You can probably make one in a less than two hours.

Thanks to Whimsy Couture Boutique, Bromeliad Living, and Craft Stylish for the FREE instructions. I have hot linked their blogs and a direct link to instructions to make the scarves.

Infinity Fleece Scarf

Courtesy: Whimsy Couture Boutique

Pleated Fleece Scarf

Courtesy: Bromeliad Living

Fleece Ripple Scarf

Courtesy: Craft Stylish

For more great ideas check out the blogs that I have listed above, and let's continue the sewing.

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

Other sewing projects:

Greeting Card Design #3: A Simple Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 06:54:00 +0000

You can never have enough thank you cards. Like I said in previous blogs, I like to keep things simple.

I made several of these "thank you" cards in 30 minutes.

Here's what you need for this card:

Blank card
Foam flower stickers
"Thank you" rubber stamp
Black ink (for stamp)
Black sharpie marker to draw flower stem.

Just looking at the card you can figure out how easy it is to design and put together. Have fun being creative.

Other Card Ideas

Greeting Card #1: Just Dots!

Greeting Card #2: Scraps please

Rebecca

Quick Craft: Recycle your Christmas Cards into gift tags

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:47:00 +0000

Everyone knows I don't throw anything away. And if I can recycle something and give it a second life, that's even better. I got a new "tag" puncher for Christmas. Then I noticed my pile of Christmas cards from my friends and family. That's when I came up with the following video.

It's also the first time I have produced a video with my smart phone. I figured it's a quick video and I needed to get the idea out to you guys right away, before your toss the cards. Enjoy!

If you have other ideas for your Christmas cards, please leave a link or idea in comments.

Happy Crafting!

Rebecca

Greeting Card Design #2: Scraps Please

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:07:00 +0000

I don't throw anything away, especially pieces of scrapbook paper. If I can cut a sliver of paper from scraps or punch out a circle, I'm keeping any left over scrapbook paper.

It's amazing how you can create a beautiful background for a nice card by putting together a bunch of pieces of scrap paper. Here's a background I made for a Halloween card. All I did was glue together pieces that went together by color, pattern, and theme.

I'll post the finished product later. Get creative with your scraps!

Join us on our Facebook page: The Best Crafters

Rebecca

Greeting Card Design #1: Just Dots

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 22:41:00 +0000

I love making greeting cards and giving them away as gifts in packs of 5 to my friends and family. In 2014, I will share many of my ideas so you can get started.

I keep my ideas simple. I like to make about 10 cards at the same time. I actually set up like an assembly line on my kitchen table.

I came up with "Just Dots" when I had some left over scrapbook paper (bottom). The top was rubber stamped on the blue card with brown ink. I added the dots in the center of the circles.

I also added:

Brown ribbon

Tag was created with puncher

Flower is sticky foam one from package of several.

Rhinestone in center, I put it there.

Rub on words--Laugh Often

Have fun creating your own version! And don't forget, join us on our Facebook page: The Best Crafters

Rebecca

Other Card Projects

Greeting Card Design #2: Scraps please