The Crafty Corner of Connecticut

Drawing Basics: Seeing in Shapes

2014-04-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I have taken up drawing in pen and ink as an inexpensive, relaxing, creative activity. I have never been much of a “classic” artist, but I figured that there are a lot of styles and techniques out there, and with some practice I could be good one.

No matter what technique of drawing you use, one of the most important basic concepts to employ is what I call “seeing in shapes.” This is when you can look at a model of what you are drawing, or lay out your drawing in the shapes it is broken down in first.

It can be overwhelming to dive right into a massive landscape, for example, with intricate details and colors. However, when you see in shapes it becomes much more manageable. Even drawing something simple, breaking it down into shapes can be very helpful.

Let’s take this flower:

Now break it down. It should look something like this:

It’s not the most beautiful or accurate flower in the world, but it has good shape to be the building blocks of whatever your personal style is. From here, this flower can become a realistic study, a cartooned delight, a modern reinterpretation, etc. With good bones, this flower can become good art.

Cats and Crafts

2014-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cats are the most dangerous natural predator to the unsuspecting craft. Many an innocent crochet project has been turned to nothing better than a tangled mess of string and broken dreams in the vicious paws of these ferocious beasts. However, every once in a great while, the crafts manage to outsmart their nemesis, besting it while it lays bloated on expected victory.

Observe the cat and its prey in their natural habitat: my kitchen table.

The cat lays atop its latest conquest: fabric laid out to be cut.

Sated and filled with the glorious fruits of victory, the cat dozes...

This was a mistake! The crafts choose this time to strike, when the cat is vulnerable and unsuspecting.

Pinned down by pattern pieces and his own treacherous pride, the cat cannot put up a defense. Soon, he is rendered blind.

Helpless and trapped, the crafts proceed to consume the cat, turning nature on its head in an epic and mysterious circle of life.

***No animals or crafts were hurt in the making of this documentary.***

Balance

2014-04-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

A short note about the artistic concept of Balance. Balance is defined as the way in which the elements of a piece are arranged. Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and is used in absolutely all craft designs, whether you realize it or not.

Symmetrical balance is usually considered more formal, classic, and stately. This is when all elements are laid out with equal weight such as in this picture:

Asymmetrical balance is less formal, and, depending on the extent of the asymmetry, can be whimsical, or downright absurdest. Asymmetry also tends to make a piece feel more dynamic. This is when elements of the design are laid out with varying weights and proportions such as in these pictures, arranged from least to most asymmetrical:

There are, of course, more design elements involved in balance than just symmetry or lack thereof, but it is a good place to start. Once you decide the overall balance of a piece, you can worry about radial or lineal symmetry, space and color. Planning out the balance of a piece can help to find your artistic voice, and convey it more clearly.

Luggage Helper

2013-04-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Saw this idea on Pinterest, to make a travel kit from a washcloth, and thought I could add my own little flare to it.

The idea is to make a toothbrush and odds and ends holder that will absorb the water and keep your travel accessories nice and neat.

They are super simple to make, and are great gifts!

You will need:
A washcloth (I got a set of four from the dollar store)
Matching Thread
A needle
A few pins
An 18" length of ribbon
Some scrap fabric

Step 1: Fold the washcloth, leaving about 2 inches at the top. Pin in place. Fold the ribbon in half and pin about half-way up one side. Sew up both side edges.

Step 2: Sew 3-4 lines into the folded part of the washcloth, forming the pockets.

(You can be done now if you do not want to personalize your kit)

Optional Step 3: Cut an initial or simple design from your scrap fabric. Pin to the backside, above the pockets. Applique in place.

Optional Step 4: Tuck a small toothbrush, a comb, toothpaste, a handful of band-aids, a travel pack of Advil, etc. Keep it for yourself, or give as a great gift! I made one of these up for my mom, husband, brother, etc, in lieu of Easter baskets this year, and tucked candy bars in with the other goodies! They were a huge hit.

Knit "Potter" Scarves

2013-04-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I learned how to knit. I did this with the sole intention of making myself, and maybe some friends, Harry Potter house scarves.

I have never really stopped making them, and have gotten far more intricate in my designs. The first ones were very simple block stripes, straight boring knit the whole way, with relatively large needles. Now, they look more like this:

You will need:

2 balls primary color yarn
1 ball secondary color yarn
(I prefer Vanna's Choice or Carron Simply Soft)
Size 8 needles (this is not super important - you can size up or down to your taste)
Scissors

Cast on 28 with Primary color
Row 1: K2, P2 until end
Row 2: P2 K2 until end
Repeat, row 3-34
Change to Secondary color
Row 34-37: Repeat K/P pattern with secondary color
Change to Primary color
Row 38-43: Continue with Primary
Change to Secondary
Row 44-53: Continue with Secondary
Change to Primary
Row 54-59: Continue with Primary
Change to Secondary
Row 60-63: Continue with Secondary
Change to Primary, repeat Rows 1-63 until desired length

OR (in simple terms)

Cast on 28 with Primary color
Odd rows, K2, P2
Even Rows P2, K2
The pattern:
34 rows Primary
4 rows Secondary
6 Rows Primary
10 Rows Secondary
6 Rows Primary
4 Rows Secondary
Repeat until desired length

.

Jar crafts

2013-04-11T18:22:00.001-07:00

Around the holidays, everyone likes to put up all those recipe-in-a-jar things, but honestly, they are getting old. There are so many other cute and creative things you can do with jars that will last longer than those cookies! Here are just a few ideas.

A. Make a terrarium in a jar. I found some instructions, and this picture at the HGTV site. However, their instructions seem overly complicated to me. (Be warned, I am terrible with plants and growing things, but I do love them.)

So I did this my own way.

You will need:

A jar
pebbles or gravel
potting soil
a plant (I suggest a small succulent or cactus, or if you are as bad as I am, a nice fake silk plant.)
decorations (twigs, moss, colored glass gems or marbles...whatever tickles your fancy!)

1. Wash your jar and dry it. Add a thin layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom.

2. Add some potting soil.

3. Use chopsticks or a spoon to make an indent for your plant.

4. Put plant in the indent and scootch dirt around so roots are covered. Add more dirt with spoon if needed.

5. Decorate. Put in some pretty glass gems, some twigs, even a layer of moss or small glass animals and fake flowers. Anything you want to make it pretty and fun.

6. Water. When you water, use a very small amount, as there is little drainage.

7. Put someplace partly sunny and enjoy.

B. Make a keepsake jar.

Instead of buying dull picture frames, make a keepsake or memory jar of a special event or outing.

I first saw the idea here, at Women's World

You don't need much - just a jar and your bits and pieces! You may want a magic marker or paper label to write down the date and place the items are from.

1. Gather your treasures
2. Label your jar
3. Fill your jar with your treasures.

A few helpful tips:

If you want to put small pictures in, use sand or small stones to hold your photo upright.
Using long tweezers or chopsticks to get things right where you want helps immensly!
If you are concerned about your treasures getting knocked out of place, dab a bit of quick-drying glue on the bottom as you place them, or even a small piece of double-sided tape.

You can make these as great wedding or shower mementos, use them for baby keepsakes, give them as gifts handcrafted about a special memory or place that you and a loved one share, etc, etc. The possibilities are endless, and they make great conversation pieces! Great projects for a scout troop or club! Fantastic for book reports - use items that are important for the plot or characters in the book and impress your teachers! Overall, have fun with them :)

C. Savings Jar

I just love putting change into a jar until it is finally full and I can find out all the money I didn't know I had.

Cute savings jars are simple to make.

You will need:

A jar
glue or tape
decorations (I like to print out pictures and clip art)

1. Decorate your jar. Going on a trip? Put a picture of the place. Saving for a fun new toy? Tape an ad for it on there. Want party fun money? Decorate with glitter and streamers. Have fun!
2. If you are feeling mean, or need the extra motivation, glue a lid with a slit cut in it onto your jar. Metal canning jar lids make this tough, but coffee cans with plastic tops work great!

A few silly ideas to give these as gifts (with a small starter fund if you're feeling generous):
-boob-job jar for a close gal pal (with a sense of humor)
-retirement fund jar for parents/older friends and loved ones
-pirate booty jar for a younger child
-babysitter money for new parents
-iCoin for the tech and gadget guy in your life
-car money for a sweet sixteen
-beer money for the recent grad
-honeymoon fund for a bridal or jack and jill party

So save your jars and up-cycle them into something way more fun!

Intro to Bum Rolls

2013-04-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

I know it sounds totally silly, but bum rolls are the best. I do not profess to know the whole history and such of them, but they are basically used to give your skirt some oomph.

For example, here is my behind without a bum roll.

And here it is with a bum roll.

It's like an old-school booty-pop.

For any sort of costume or skirt that requires a bit of scaffolding around the mid-section, they are the way to go. No need to make a complicated bustle skirt when you can tuck a bum roll under a pleated or gathered skirt for much the same effect, and much less hassle.

Even if you have the skill, time, and energy to make a full bustle skirt, a bum roll will still give it that extra pop that the style demands.

Best part is, they are crazy easy to make.

You will need:

a few yards or scrap fabric (or 2-3 old t-shirts)
scissors
a needle and thread
ribbon or string

You can make these a few different sizes and such, but the method remains the same. The one I am wearing wraps from the front of my hips around, with only a small section missing in the front, across my stomach. I wear it under Renaissance-style costumes. You can also make these so they just sit directly above your bottom, to go for a more Victorian look. They can be as large or small as you want.

Step one: Measure how long you want your bum roll to be.

Step two: Fold 2/3 (or 2 of your t-shirts) to this length.

Step three: Fold the remaining 1/3 so it is about 4 inches shorter. Place it on top of the longer fabric, in the center.

Step four: Roll all of your fabric together, as tight as you can, and pin in place.

Step five: Hand sew along this line, with doubled thread for strength. **It does not matter if your stitches are pretty, no one will see them.**

Step six: Sew a length of ribbon onto each end, long enough that you can tie the roll just below your waist.

Step seven: Wear and enjoy!

Hex Nut Jewellery

2013-04-09T18:13:00.002-07:00

A dear friend taught me how to do these bracelets when I was looking for more crafty things I could do for guys, and I just adore them! They are super quick, inexpensive, and customizable.

You need:

About 4.5 ft of cord. (I used ribbon in this example, but it doesn't hold the neat angle look as well as something like parachute cord or leather)
Scissors
20 hex nuts (I used 1/4" size, from the Home Depot. Bag of 25 for like $1.50)
Tape or a clip to hold the string in place as you braid

Step 1: Cut one 18" piece of cord and one 36" piece. (If this is for someone with an especially large wrist, go bigger. Too much is always better than too little). Fold the 36" piece in half, add the 18" piece, and tie a knot in the end. Tape to your work surface.

Step 2: Braid cord for about an inch.

Step 3: Start adding hex nuts. Add one to the side you are about to brain into the middle, keeping the nut to the outside of the bracelet. I promise it's harder for me to explain than for you to actually do! Keep adding nuts this way until you are out.

Step 4: Braid the last inch or so and tie off, making sure to leave 2-3 inches in loose cord.

Step 5: Tie tiny knots in the ends of each remaining loose cord.

Step 6: Use these loose cords and the loop at the top to tie your bracelet onto your wrist.

Once you try it a time or two, these take all of five minutes to make, but add a nifty posh-grunge look to an outfit. I like to use them for steampunk outfits, as they are an easy way to get the industrial feel. I think this look would be great as the chain for a pocket watch or something along those lines. Next time, I might experiment with painting the nuts different colors.

As always, thanks for reading, and happy crafting! If there is a certain project or genre of craft you would like to see, please comment and let me know!

Gift ideas - Simple and Fun DIY gifts

2013-04-08T12:33:00.003-07:00

I always like to add personal, handmade touches to gifts for all occasions, so here are a few of my very favorites. They're inexpensive and fun, and are great to do with kids too!

1. Foot/Bath soak

You will need:

6-inch square fabric scraps or coffee filters
mint or lavender tea bags
epsom salt
powdered milk
ribbon
scissors

Put a small spoon of epsom salt and powdered milk in the middle of your fabric (or coffee filter). Cut open a tea bag and add half the contents to your fabric. Pull up the edges and wrap the ribbon tightly to seal the pouch. Tie off.

To use, just toss one little pouch into a hot bath and relax!

2. Decorative (and nice smelling) candles

You will need:

Plain pillar candles
coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, seashells, or whatever non-flammable decorations you want to use
A blow-dryer

Pour the decorations you're going to use into a bowl or onto a plate. With the blow-dryer as war as it goes, carefully heat the bottom end of your candle until it is just a little soft. Roll in the decorations you chose. For extra pizzazz, tie a pretty ribbon or bit of lace around your candles.

3. Seed Tape (Great for the gardener in your life!)

You will need:

seeds of your favorite garden plants or flowers
1" wide strips of black and white newspaper
flour
water
paintbrush

Mix a few tablespoons of flour with a tablespoon of water, until it makes a thick paste. With the paintbrush, put a generous dollop of the paste every few inches along the newsprint strips (however far apart the seed directions say). Drop a few seeds onto each dollop. Allow to dry. To plant, simply lay the strip down and cover with a layer of soil.

Fascinators!

2013-04-06T13:43:00.002-07:00

Everyone loves a posh little fascinator. Since the WillKate wedding, they have been a huge fashion trend. And they are super easy, fun, and versatile! So here's a quick how-to, to get you started.

You will need:

Felt or fabric (a small scrap will do)
A stiffening agent (I've used spray starch, iron-on interfacing, etc)
A Needle and Thread (or glue)
A barrette or hair comb
Decorations (check out my instructions on how to make fancy feather decorations and some options if you want a veil.)

1. Cut your fabric into a small oval. If using interfacing, cut that to match, a half inch smaller than your fabric, and iron in the center.

2. Cut a slit to the center point of the fabric, where you want the back to be.

3. Overlap the edges of the slit about an inch (more for a stronger curve, less for a more subtle one). Sew the overlap in place.

4. If using spray starch, spray your hat now and let it dry. If using interfacing, wrap the edges of your fabric around the interfacing and sew or glue in place.

5. Attach your decorations over the sewn seam, covering it from view if possible. I sewed mine on, but hot glue or even superglue is also an option if you are not handy with a needle. (I went crazy and put on a veil and a bow and some sparkly bits and feathers)

6. Sew your barrette or comb onto the bottom of the hat.

7. Wear at a jaunty angle and bask in the glow of all the compliments you get!

Enchanting Floral Centerpieces

2013-04-05T17:26:00.003-07:00

Wedding flowers are expensive, no matter how simple you want to do them. For my own wedding last summer, I wanted to really go all out and be a fairy princess. Fairy princess flowers were waaaaay out of my price range. However, with a bit of time and about $70.00 at the local Dollar Tree, I made 15 of these beautiful, everlasting centerpieces.

For each one, you will need:

1 glass taper candle holder
1 glass bowl vase
hot glue gun
wire cutters
floral tape
various silk/fake flowers (I went with a central rose, some colorful filler flowers, and some decorative grass, but you can get this same look with whatever flowers you like best)
2 bags glass gems
1-2 flameless led tea lights

Step 1: Glue the bowl vase on top of the candle holder. (The one in the picture is not on a candle holder stem, but for an idea of how it looks, check here.

Step 2: Pour glass gems into bowl.

Step 3: Use wire cutters to clip fake flowers to single stems.

Step 4: Arrange your flowers in a pyramid or cone shape, starting with the central flower.

Step 5: Wrap the stems of the flowers together, covering the bottom 3 inches or so. Use the wire cutters to trim any excess and adjust length

Step 6: Turn on tea lights and place in the bowl. Place flower arrangement into bowl. Enjoy your beautiful new centerpiece!

Feel free to add decorations, play with colors, etc! Make a big, lovely bow to add!

Disney Vacation Countdown Calendar

2013-04-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

My husband and I are going on a second honeymoon/pre-kids Disneyworld trip in the near future. With him just finishing grad school, it helps to have something to look forward to through the long New England winter. With that in mind, I made this Disney vacation countdown plaque that is decorative and fun!

I should warn, it turned out to be a longer process than anticipated.

You will need:
A castle printout, scaled to the size you want - I googled Disney castle silhouette and found a perfect one
A wooden plaque
1 sheet Black scrapbook paper (I used the glitter kind because SPARKLES!)
1 sheet Fireworks-y scrapbook paper
Scissors
Modgepodge
1/8 inch ribbon
Tape
A sample countertop card from the hardware store (with a shiny finish)
Superglue
Paintbrush
Hammer
Picture Hanger

1. Trace your printout onto the back of the black scrapbook paper. Cut out your castle.

2. Trace the shape of your wooden plaque onto the fireworks paper, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 margin for safety.

3. Mod-podge your fireworks background onto the face of the wooden plaque. Position and mod-podge your castle in the center of that. Allow to dry.

4. Layer a few coats of mod-podge over your whole plaque, allowing to dry in between. Be liberal. (I literally poured it on.)

5. Wrap the edge with your ribbon to finish the edges nicely. Dot with superglue every few inches to hold the ribbon in place.

6. Tie a ribbon on the countertop sample card. Glue the end to the back of the plaque.

7. Hammer the picture hanger to the back of the plaque.

8. Hang on the wall.

9. Use a dry or wet erase marker to write on the sample card.

10. Enjoy your vacation!

Cage Veil, two simple ways

2013-04-03T18:40:00.001-07:00

I love vintage styles, especially hats! I think there is just nothing classier than a lady in a flirty veil, so I recently learned how to make an old-fashioned birdcage veil.

There are two different methods: the band and the gathered puff. Those are not the "official" millinery terms, but it is what I call them in my head. Both ways can be as simple or detailed as you want to make them!

For either method, you need the same basic tools:

Scissors
1/2-1 yard Millinery or Russian netting (I found it in a half dozen colors at JoAnn's, or you can use any large-weave netting from the bridal and special occasion fabric section. I use both and either look just fine, depending on your own personal tastes)
Thread
Needle
Decorations (like a nice flower or bow)
Bobby pins or a hair comb
Ruler

Band method (done in black 9" millinery)

This method comes out MUCH less puffy, and gives you plenty of options how to wear it.

1. Measure about 18 inches of netting, give or take depending on how far back you want to pin the veil. Try it out in the mirror before cutting.

2. Sew a line straight up each short side, a half an inch from the edge, cinching the netting up as puffy as you want it, and tie off.

3. Sew a bobby pin onto each side and add decorations if you wish. It is that easy!

The Gathered Puff method (done in green large-space netting)

1. Cut a rectangle about 18x24 if using mesh netting. Otherwise, cut 24 inches of millinery.

2. Fold in half.

3. Cut the top corner at an angle, away from the fold. Unfold.

4. Starting in the bottom left corner, sew around, about a half an inch from the edge, until you reach the bottom right corner. Gather the netting as tight as you desire. The tighter the gather, the more poof. Tie off.

5. Sew a hair comb or some bobby pins where the veil is gathered. Add flowers, feathers, or a bow if you wish! See my directions for making fun feather decorations to add here!

These can also be added to hats and hair bands and such for a unique flair - I suggest trying them on mini top hats!

Bows! And how to make them

2013-04-02T17:59:00.001-07:00

Bows are some of the most versatile decorating staples. I like to use them in flower arranging and holiday décor, but they can also be added to hats, clothing, accessories, stuffed animals, anything you want to fancy up a bit. Once you know the technique, you can make them as big or tiny as your project calls for. And those expensive pre-made bows are simple and quick to make at home for much less money! Here's how.

Materials:

Ribbon (preferably wired)

Scissors

Floral wire or thin string (even heavy thread will work)

Directions:

Cut your wire or string to about one foot. Set aside.
Leave a tail of ribbon a bit longer than you want it to be in the end.
Make a loop and hold the ends firmly in one hand.
Twist the ribbon where the center of the bow will be.
Make a loop on the other side. Twist. Hold firm in the middle.
Repeat until you have as many loops as you desire. (Don't worry about squishing the loops, you can fluff them when you're done!)
Cut the other ribbon tail, again, an inch or two longer than you want it to be.
Take your wire and lay it across the middle of the bow.
Fold it in half and twist the two ends behind the bow. It helps to fold the loops over the wire.
The most important part of this is making sure to twist the wire good and tight.
Fluff your bow.
Trim the ends to the desired length, giving them fancy cut ends if you so desire.
Ta da! Done! Use the wire ends to attach to projects or trim short if you want to glue or sew the bow onto something.

It seems like a bunch of steps, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make these in a matter of minutes!

A to Z Challenge

2013-04-01T17:18:00.003-07:00

To try to get back into blogging after a bit of a hiatus, I am attempting the Blogging A to Z Challenge. I will post 26 times this month, corresponding with the letters of the alphabet. I do have to admit, I am going easy on myself, and have simply assigned myself the topic of "craft stuff" but being that most are projects that I have to make as well as write up, I think it should be more than enough of a challenge!

I hope you all enjoy!

To those of you who are also engaging in the challenge, I look forward to checking our all of your hard work! Good luck all and thanks for reading!

Antique Leather Pirate Mask or Eyepatch

2013-04-01T16:54:00.002-07:00

Leather masks can cost big bucks at renaissance fairs and online retailers, but you can make your own in a matter of minutes that looks just as great, and is formed for your own face.

You need just a few craft store items:

Leather scraps (I bought a bag of scrap suede for about $5)
Scissors
Glue
Ribbon or cord
Blow dryer
Craft sealer paint or spray (optional)

And you can make this project in about a half an hour or less. (Plus drying time)

Step 1: Cut a piece of leather a bit bigger than you want the finished product to be.

I made mine an eyepatch sort of style, so I cut a triangle, about 2x3 inches.

Step 2: Cut any embellishments you want.

For instance, I curved the sides in and cut some spikey sorts of designs on one side. For extra guidance, draw cut lines on the back if needed.

Step 3: Wet the leather, just a little. Pat off any excess water, and lay the leather across your face where you will want it to sit. Gently press it to form to the curves of your features.

I also chose to curve some of the edges up for style.

Step 4: **VERY CAREFULLY** blow dry the leather, while it is still on your face. Use the lowest heat you can, and take your time, making absolutely sure not to leave too much heat pointed at your eye for a long time. I cannot stress this enough! Do not burn yourself!

Step 5: Cut the eye hole. Again, if you need to, draw a cutting line on first, or have a friend help you gently outline your eye for the correct placement.

Step 6: **If you want a mask you can see through, skip this step** Cut a second, smaller piece of leather, of a different color, and form just to your eye with the water and heat method above. Glue it in place on the back of the eye hole of your main mask.

It is difficult to see in this picture, but the eye hole has a light tan piece behind it. This mask is for a villainous sort of character, and supposed to be a bit on the creepy side. I thought the light eye socket would do it.

Step 7: Wait for the leather to dry completely. String an elastic or cord onto it, and you are done!

Optional: You can also choose to paint the front of the mask with a craft sealer for better hold and molding. You can paint or decorate the leather however you desire. For comfort, you can also glue felt to the back of the mask. Go to town! Have fun! And if you really don't want to make one yourself, check some out in my Etsy shop - coming soon!

In the meantime, craft on, internet friends!

How to Make Fancy Feather Decorations

2012-11-03T10:23:00.002-07:00

I love using feathers to decorate different craft projects. There are a ton of different fancy feathers you can buy at the craft stores, but they can get quite expensive. Instead of buying one or two of these, you can buy a bag of loose, colored feathers and make a bunch of your own, however you need them. It is very, very simple.

You will need:

Feathers
Glue
a Pin
Wax or Parchment paper
Scraps of Fabric or Felt

Step 1: Prep your materials. Lay down a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on your work surface. (This will prevent the project from sticking, and will peel off without leaving schmutz behind). Lay out your feathers, pour a small amount of glue into the corner of the paper.

Step 2: Form the base. Pick a long, strong feather to be the backbone of your project. Use your pin to apply a line of glue to the stem of it. (The pin will help you be very precise and not use gobs of glue).

Step 3: Lay your feathers on. Layer feathers in a zigzag, one pointing one way, the next pointing the other, applying glue to the stems as you go until the decoration is the size and shape you desire.

Step 4: Build a stem. Use a few small feathers, doused with a bit of extra glue, and lay them at the base, building a stem for your decoration.

Step 5: Let the feathers dry completely.

Step 6: Peel the decoration from the paper. It should come off easily.

Step 7: Wrap the stem. Apply glue to the back side of of the fabric or felt, and wrap around the stem of the decoration. Allow to dry. Trim off the very bottom, so it is nice and clean. This wrapping will allow you to sew or pin your feathers to whatever project you want with ease.

Here is a finished one I used to fancy up a fascinator hat.

Here is another that is a bit more streamlined and sleek, that I used to decorate for a black and blues party.

Happy Crafting!!

Chainmaille Dice Pouch

2011-06-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

This was another odds and ends project. A few years back, I bought some chainmaille links on eBay to play around with and make some jewellery and such. Well, I did make some lovely pieces, and found, once those were done, that I had some links left over. But there weren't enough to make a necklace or bracelet or anything.

But there were enough to make a tiny bag. And so I did. I do not recall the guage or size of the rings, though 5/8 inch sounds right. They are lightweight aluminum, and not my finest work, but not bad for something made at 2 am in a UConn dorm room with a couple of pairs of dollar store pliers. I got some real pretty blisters with those babies.

General note of crafting advise - unless working with very delicate materials, for most projects that need pliers (ie jewelery), it is cheaper to get them from the hardware store or even a place like Target. They are the same as the ones in the craft store, just not in frilly pink packaging. If you need silicone tip pliers or something, you might have to suck it up and shop at the craft store, though.

Anyway, the weave I used is a European 6-1, with 9 rows, and then some connecting pieces at the bottom. It was not a true circular bottom, by any means, but is tight and fairly neat. If anyone is interested in learning chainmaille, it is really easier then it looks. There are many excellent tutorials out there. Perhaps when I get a bit of motivation I will post some directions and patterns for items myself.

This pouch is only about 1.5 by 2 inches, and strung at the top with a scrap of fuzzy fabric that has held up surprisingly well. I am (again) a huge dork, and use mine to carry dice for gaming. Confession time: I had to go out and buy special tiny dice so the whole set would fit in the bag...and it was absolutely worth it.

For the less D&D minded, it could potentially be strung on a necklace, or used to carry any small items - change, marbles, a spare key, I don't know, I'm just throwing things out there!

If you don't mind some hand cramps, this is a great little project. The supplies may be a bit tough to get ahold of, though eBay and many websites have a wide selection of all shapes, sizes, colors, etc of maille rings. Some craft store chains such as AC Moore are now carrying craft-weight rings as well, in many fun colors. I do not personally find them a great deal, or a fantastic product. They bend and scratch the color off VERY easily, as well as dent. I am afraid they would not hold up well over time. They do make great color accents for pieces, though! For my money, I would say go with a reputable online retailer.

How to Crochet a Circular Expansion (Crochet in the Round)

2011-06-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

As promised, today I will have a quick interlude and do a simple rundown of the directions for a crochet circular expansion. This is literally just crocheting in a circle. It has a thousand uses, from hats to amigurumi animals and such, to catnip toys and purses. And, best of all, it is an incredibly easy skill to master. It does involve some basic math skills, but can be done with multiples of any number. I like to use 6 because it is a nice, even number, but you can switch it around once you've mastered it!

So, to begin, pick any sort of yarn and any crochet hook. This is just practice, so it doesn't really matter. Honestly, I would use a heavier yarn at first, so that you can easily see and count your stitches. You can also use a stitch marker if that is easier for you!

Round 1: Chain one and single crochet (sc) into it. (6 stitches)
R2: SC twice in each stitch. (12 stitches)
R3: SC twice, SC in next stitch, repeat 6 times (18 stitches)
R4: SC twice, SC in next two stitches, repeat 6 times (24 stitches)
R5: SC twice, SC in next three stitches, repeat 6 times (30 stitches)

Etc, etc, etc, until the circle is desired size. A word of caution: as the circle gets bigger, the spots where you SC twice, causing corners to be established. This can be lessened by changing up where in the order of stitches you place the doubled stitch. It takes a bit of extra counting and practice, but if you are doing a large circle, it is worth it.

This same pattern can also be applied to any other stitch. It can be done in double crochet, half double crochet, whatever. It will work just as well for all of them. You can also experiment and change up the number of starting stitches. You can do multiples of fives, tens, fourteens, etc. Play around with it and have fun! I'll post some projects using this expansion over the next few weeks, so stop back and try them out! I would love to see some of your designs!

Renaissance Snood...forty-seventh attempt...

2011-06-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe not forty-seventh, but it sure feels like it sometimes. I have scoured the web for directions on making my own fancy snood, and have never turned up anything with merit. For those who are not as big a geek as I am, a snood is a sort of medieval or renaissance hair net thingy, but without the negative lunch lady qualities.

The first time I tried, I didn't know how to crochet in the round, so I made a great big triangle, and sewed it up the side. It came out as a far-too0tight cone. Hideous.

The next few tries ended up in the trash as I used either difficult yarn or a bad technique and got them hopelessly tangled.

Finally, I gave up on the full-head look, and just made a fancy bun cover. It came out nice and all, but wasn't really what I wanted.

So, after seeing the size of the gaps and such when I crocheted the Yarn Bag of Yarn (found here) I thought I might be on to something, and decided to give it ONE more try.

And it came out decent. Still not amazing, but better then I thought.

I don't actually know what kind of yarn I used for this, as it was just plucked from the scrap bin. I believe it was some form of Holiday sparkle something or other. It has a thick strand of white, and a thin strand of a silver metallic thread. The bulk of the snood was done on a US size Q hook. It ended up being a fairly simple pattern.

I started with a chain of three, single crocheted two in each of those, so I had six, then started the double crochets that made up the body. I did a simple circular expansion (I know, I keep using this and never explaining it! I will do a simple tutorial for it tomorrow!) The expansion went on for 7 rounds, adding 6 onto each round, so at the end, there were 42 double crochets. I did a round of single crochet, then switched to a US size K hook and single crocheted two more rounds.

Confession time: I have been crocheting for about ten years now, and it has only just occurred to me to try switching between hook sizes in a single project.

The finished project is a bit flimsy, but I think that is more from my rushing through it and not bothering to tighten everything up then anything. Now, to make it really fancy, I want to try to make one following the same idea, but with only single crochet, and add beads onto it.

I'll post it when I actually get around to that one!!

EASY Renaissance Overskirt

2011-06-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

This lovely skirt is actually far more odd then it may look. For one, it's one of the few sewing projects I have done entirely by hand. Conveniently, it was so very easy that none was needed. It also is made out of some unconventional materials.

The skirt fabric itself is actually a pair of cheap round tablecloths that I bought a few years ago on clearance after Christmas. I think they cost me all of fifty cents a piece. They are also a good part of why this project was so quick and simple. Most of the work was already done. I folded each of the tablecloths into quarters, and cut the pointed end. I didn't have to worry to much about the waistband circumference, as the skirt isn't meant to come all the way together in front. Instead, I cut the tablecloths so that they were the length I wanted, with one a few inches shorter than the other. Once the waist was cut, I also cut a slit from the edge to the enter, to create the center front of the skirt where it opens.

The next step is the part that took the longest. I sewed a quick basting stitch to the bottom layer and gathered the fabric to give the skirt some body. The top layer was trickier, as I wanted it to be neat and pleated. The pleats took a bit of time and a lot of pinning, but once they were set, the rest was a breeze. For the less experienced or less patient seamstress, both layers could be basted together and gathered for a similar but slightly less polished look.

Confession time: I have a very bad habit of cutting corners when sewing is involved. Sometimes it is okay, but other times it is very, very not.

Luckily for me, this was one of the good times. I laid the top layer over the bottom layer, and pinned the waistband over them both. To save time from cutting and ironing, I used blanket edging as the waistband. It worked fantastically, and I highly recommend it. A bit of careful sewing through the many layers of bunched fabric, and the waist was done.

For a finishing touch, I turned the front edges of the bottom layer and stitched them, then did the same with the top. On the top layer I also pinned and stitched the lace trim on at the same time, again, to cut some corners and just do the one line of stitches.

I didn't have to hem anything, because the tablecloths were already finished around the bottom edges.

Start to finish, this skirt took about five hours, or one long afternoon. Not bad, really. Plus, with the cost of the trim and all, it was under fifteen dollars to make. Given the extreme cost of some Renaissance garb, I got off really cheap on that account. It pays to be able to whip up a few stitches!

Yarn bag of Yarn

2011-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ever have a ball or two of scrap yarn or practice yarn hanging about taking up space? How about those weird colors that you just can't figure out what to do with? My solution: the yarn bag of yarn. It actually serves multiple purposes.

1. It uses up all those random bits and balls of scrap yarn you have hanging about in a productive way.
2. It lets you practice a skill that you want to perfect for a more meaningful project without worrying over screwing it up too badly.
3. It helps you organize all of those other random balls of yarn you have hanging out under the bed, or in that purse by the stairs, or stuffed in the desk drawer.

Confession time: I compulsively buy yarn. If I am at the craft store and see some on clearance, I cannot help but buy it, especially if it is some funky specialty kind. I figure I will find a project to do with it.

However, this habit has led to a craft cabinet full to bursting with mismatched, half-wrapped balls of yarn. Recently, though, I was completing a project that required seven different colors of yarn (See The Doctor's Scarf). Since I do most of my knitting at work, it was a pain to shove that much yarn in my purse, or to try to remember which colors I would need for the day. In order to rectify that problem, I decided to take some yarn left from a few abandoned projects, and make a great big bag to carry my many colors of yarn in.

The bag itself was made using a size N crochet hook, and a strand each of black and green Red Heart Super Saver yarn. It's a sturdy, if not super soft yarn, which is fine for a bag to lug other stuff around in. The main issue that I have with it is that it is coarse and dry, and as such, sucks the oils from my hands while I work. I have to apply lotion fairly often, though that can make my hook slip!

In any case, I made the center section first, using a basic circular expansion, with the bottom done in single crochet and the sides done in double. It's about ten inches in diameter and a foot and a half long.

Done with that section, I still had yarn left over, so I switched to a smaller hook, size H, I believe, and made the side pockets the same way, just smaller in proportion. The pockets were done with a single strand of color. They are about 5 inches in diameter and maybe 8 long. I sewed them to the sides of the center section, a few inches from the bottom, using a simple yarn needle. I did not sew the pockets all the way to their tops. I left about an inch detached from the body of the bag, to give it a little more style, and so I could add a drawstring more easily.

The hardest part of this was the strap. I made a basic shoulder strap, about two feet long and two inches wide, with the N Hook, in double crochet. However, the bag being as long as it is, and the strap stretching easily with the large weave it was done in presented some problems when actually using the bag. I am not a tall person, and it dragged almost to the floor. I have had to tuck and tie the strap in creative ways in order to make it work.

The nice part about this project is that it can easily be altered to fit one's needs, tastes, and amount of yarn. Pockets can be added or removed. The length or width of the center section can be adjusted with ease. It can also be done in different stitches. Try all single crochet to make it hold shape better, or switch between double and half double to give it some texture and pattern.

One finishing detail that I slipped in was a simple drawstring about an inch from the top of the center section as well as the side pockets. Now I can shove all of my spare balls of yarn and crochet string in the bag, slip it closed, and toss it on a shelf without having to worry about the balls going bouncing all over and being set upon by the cats! Not bad for a project that took a single evening from conception to completion!

Cuddly Couture

2011-06-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

I like to call this one the "Going to Grandma's" skirt. I do not have any kids, so instead, I have a rather silly dachshund. She's about two years old now, and is smaller than our cats. Since she only weighs about 10 pounds, she shivers and shakes if the temperature falls below sixty. It's really quite pathetic.

And as it turns out, doggie clothes are somewhat pricey. Twenty bucks for a sweater that's the size of a glorified sock? I think not. So shortly after I became a doggie mommy, I also became a doggie fashion designer. I've knitted a few sweaters and such, that came out okay, but not great. However, in the summer even my little weinie dog doesn't need to stay that warm.

Confession time: I dress up my dog because it's just frickin cute, and if that makes me a ridiculous Paris Hilton-esque dog fancier, so be it.

A few weeks ago, we were going to my fiancee's mother's house for Mom's Day, and being that she adores her 'grand-doggy,' I decided last minute to dress her up.

Usually, making very small clothes is actually fairly difficult. This skirt, however, was a snap. I took a foot-wide strip of lace fabric from the scrap box, and just folded it over, leaving the bottom layer a bit longer than the top. This provided the tiered tutu look I was going for. One seam up the fold, and the machine sewing was done.

The toughest part was threading the elastic through the waistband. Since the fabric was lace, the elastic kept getting stuck on the holes, or pushed right through. I ended up up digging out a crochet hook and pulling the elastic through with it. It still wasn't the easiest, but it did the job. A quick few stitches joining the elastic, and it was done.

I think getting it on my poor lil pooch took longer than making it in the first place!

Tiaras!!!

2011-06-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

So a few months back I got this fantastic, amazing, wonderful idea to make and sell some jewellery. I figured some gals (or guys) at cons or ren faires might enjoy some sparkly things that were not crazy expensive. So I went out to my local craft megastore and hit up the clearance racks, and found some neat trinkets and such, and decided instead of turning them into the earrings they were meant to be, that they should be tiaras instead.

Well, I made the actual beaded parts and all using some wire cutters and basic findings along with some Crystazzi beads and round-nosed pliers.

And then put them in a box and forgot about them for a while because I didn't have any ribbon hanging around that they could be strung on.

I finally, FINALLY went out and got a few colors of ribbon, and strung them up yesterday, and I am really rather pleased with how they came out. The pictures don't really do the sparkle justice.

Anyway, I figure they can be worn as necklaces or as circlets and are really just simple, fun little bits of jewellery. They were a blast to make, and provided some instant gratification. They took maybe ten minutes a pop!

Confession time: I had a really hard time parting with some of these! I am totally keeping like 4 of them for myself because I just couldn't decide which one I loved the most!

Also, if anyone is interested in owning one, I have these and many, many more in other colors and a few other designs. Let me know!

Edit: Check the link if you want to check them out! Sparkly TIARAS!!!

The Doctor's Scarf

2011-06-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

My first project on the block to be finished also happened to be one of the most infamous accessories in the sci-fi world. Of course, I started this project in the dead of a bitter Connecticut winter, and finished just about when the weather is turning 90. Figures.

Confession time: I am a huge, gigantic, ridiculous geek. In that vein, I decided to try my hand at knitting the lovely, longer-than-necessary Doctor Who scarf. When I first started this project, I was somewhat embarrassed about the incredible dorkiness of it. I dreaded people who didn't know me well asking what I was making, and usually just replied with a simple, 'Oh, a really long scarf.' Later, I admitted and usually explained what it was, and insisted it was "for a friend" who asked for it. Lies, damn lies, all of it. To the ladies at work, and the fellows on the bus, my apologies. It's a Doctor Who scarf, all for me, which I shall gleefully wear next winter in full geek pride.

Tom Baker sported this look for a number of years on the show, in some incarnation or another. Much like The Doctor himself, this poor old scarf has been re-done a few times over. The version I chose was the original, which looked something like this...

Being a hip chick, though, and being frugal at that, I chose not to match the colors exactly. I am sure that some purists of the show would hang me with my freshly finished scarf for such a heinous crime, but I'm choosing not to concern myself with that for now. Instead of the rather masculine colors the real scarf is, I matched as best I could with some brighter, perkier shades, from the Carron Simply Soft line.

I am a big fan of this yarn, and not just because it is kind to my budget. It's sturdy, silky, and has a pleasing sheen to it. It also does not knot badly, likely due to the silkiness of it, and doesn't get stringy or fuzzy when being knitted. Plus, as it's name suggests, it is lovely and soft to the touch.

To anger the purists further, or in truth, for the sake of time, I did not use as tight a weave as the real scarf. I used some excellent US 10 needles, and it came out fine, in my opinion. It breathes a bit, but holds shape quite well. It ended up being around 15 feet long, which means it has to be wrapped quite a few times about the neck so it doesn't drag on the ground. It was worked in a simple garter stitch the whole way.

Honestly, the hardest part was remmbering which colors came next so I brough the right balls of yarn to work with me for the day. I am lucky enough to have a job that affords me some time now and again to get some crafting done, and I have accrued a few lovely knitting lady companions there, to my joy. It was somewhat frustrating to think I had grabbed the brown yarn from my knitting box only to find it was the green I took. At six in the morning, when the dog is running in circles to go out, it's easy to get them mixed up!

In all, I am quite happy with how my Doctor Who scarf came out.

While this was a large and time-consuming project, it was not actually difficult. The stitch was simple and was something I had already mastered. Now I just have to figure out what to do with the yarn left over from the project! If anyone out there is interested in one of these beauties for themself, I would be happy to help a fellow crafter and fan! There are some great resources out there for patterns and specific details!