bath_and_body

[frootijen.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to invite any and everyone who makes homemade bath products..ie soaps, bath salts, salt scrubs, and homemade skin remedies etc, to check out our new bath_and_body community. Please join even if you are just obsessed with Bath Products and Skin Care. So many great DIY ideas here. Also, if anyone has a Candle Making Business, Make-Up, Bath and Body, or even homemade gift items that could go with Bath Stuff, please feel free to Promote your Business there. Looking for new recipes related to skin care, soaps, scrubs etc.

So, come join the fun in bath_and_body. With the holidays fast approaching, this is a great place to sell your handmade stuff!

(no subject)

[therachel.livejournal.com]

if that doesn't show up, check out

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p15c0266070e0593bb8e3bac060f6c241/fa8776c3.jpg

It's a great gift idea, a friend of mine bought a bunch of plain bikini underwear, and used iron-on letters to write our names on them.

For kicks she also made black ones for me that say "POOP"

Christmas is coming...argh

(no subject)

[evildeadkat20.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, I want to make a blanket or something. I make great pillows, and they're pretty cheap and easy to make, so I thought I'd make my mom or somebody a pillow and blanket set for christmas. I just don't know how to go about making a blanket! I've searched the net, but I can't find good directions, I just keep getting this no sew fleece blanket crap. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks you guys!

(no subject)

[sunshineeternal.livejournal.com]

hi! i'm new. here's a simple quilt i made for my dad: quilt. i realize its just squares and not very difficult. The part in the middle is cross-stiched and took me about a month to complete. The actual quilting took a few hours. I made a similar one for a friend but with prettier "girl" colors. i forgot to take a pic of it and she refuses to let anyone touch it, even me! i love giving these as gifts. if i had the time, i'd make one that's more complex.

(no subject)

[sunshineeternal.livejournal.com]

oh and i forgot... here's my Audrey pillow: pillow. I like leopard print fabric, but i know a lot of people who absolutely hate it. The pic of Audrey is printed on fabric paper and then i used plastic over the pic (that's why there is an orangy glare on the left). the plastic works great with the sewing machine. it's purely decoration, but i splurged and bought a good pillow. i'm horrible at stuffing my own (things get too lumpy).

sari fabric

[subgirl.livejournal.com]

anyone know a cheap place i can get some? I love the feel of it and I want to make throws or something else luxurious out of it. I have a friend in Indonesia that can get it pretty cheaply, but with shipping and all that, it kind of adds up to the same, no matter what.

Any ideas?

Also, if anyone is familiar with the muslim faith, is there any type of gift-giving for their holidays? and if so, anything special? I'm sending her a package of US goods that she misses, and would like to send her something special too...

Thanks!

CRAFTY THRIFTING!

[sporkburrito.livejournal.com]

Haha check out what I scored!



The book was $0.25. It doesn't say anywhere on the book when it was published but it looks late 70's/early 80's. I LOVE the book 'cos it has reeeeeally basic instructions for slow people like me! The embroidery kit was $0.90, and it includes everything to make that pillow minus the pillow stuffing. Although, the instructions for it assume that you already know some things about embroidery, and I'm a first-timer so I don't... but I just kinda make it up and it works! The thrift store had another embroidery kit just like it only with a different design on the pillow. I didn't buy it but I think I might go back and get it if this pillow turns out ok.

Shirt

[jenlove.livejournal.com]

I got this shirt today and I was wondering what I could do with it if I decide to not wear it. The Shirt Can you help? :)

Me again...

[jenlove.livejournal.com]

I also got two small tins that I would like to use for Christmas presents. How could I decorate them? And, should I put anything inside? Only small things like coins would fit?

X-posted ?'s about Crochet

[tairae.livejournal.com]

I was wondering if any of you have ever tried crocheting with hemp thread. I know it is possible, but I was just curious how well it works and what kind of things you made (maybe what sized hooks you have used as well) because I am very interested in making a few things outta hemp.

Also, I am thinking of making my boyfriend a guitar strap for christmas, but not sure if I could easily crochet one of not. Would it work? Any patterns or ideas? Let me know.

Yesterday I bought the book Simple Crochet and I must say that it is fabulous! Very easy to read instructions, great ideas, nice pictures, and a lot of info. I really like it, so you should look it up when you get a chance.

Thanks again for any help...Tai

Another newbie!

[readingmezzo.livejournal.com]

Hey y'all! I am brand new to lj and to the crafty world, although I've been lurking around this community for awhile now. It has inspired me to release my creative side! The things I see on here are fantabulous. Just amazing.

I have a few questions I was hoping to get some help with (yes, I searched the faq/memories section!):

1) I am looking into buying a sewing machine. Many of the memories/faqs say to go to a thrift store or such. Yay! Though as a first time sewing machine buyer and a craft newbie, what should I be looking for? How do I know it's still a quality machine? Any tips?

2) I'm going to make tshirt pillows for some friends. I've read that you should back the shirt with something to make it not stretchy. What exactly am I looking for (that way I can go to Michaels and not look completely stupid). In addition, is it better to buy a premade pillow or to stuff my own?

I'm starting on my christmas gifts (rice bags, record bowls, pillows, some decoupaged stuff). This community rocks! Thanks in advance.

Steph

Attention San Francisco Bay Area Crafters!

[pipu.livejournal.com]

(I know it's about selling, but I already got permission to post from kimmercake.)

Mama Buzz Holiday Craft Sale!
Saturday/Sunday December 20/21, 10am to 4pm
Mama Buzz Cafe & Gallery, 2318 Telegraph Ave. (near corner of 23rd), Oakland.

Mama Buzz will stoke your holiday spirit and fill the café and gallery space with kooky, crafty and affordable wares made right here in Oakland. Come on by to support local artists and craftsfolk. Do your last minute holiday shopping. Treat yourself to an eggnog latte, a homemade cup of chai and buy yourself something sweet. Featuring crafts by Goblinko, Mama Buzz's Nicole Neditch, Kitchen Sink artists and don't miss the edible nipples and metal art.

Tables are still available, contact jen@mamabuzzcafe.com for more information or sign up to sell here.

AOL Tins?

[obsessive-katy.livejournal.com]

Okay...this maybe a strange request to all you people out there who get inundated with them, but being in the UK, they put the CDs in cardboard wallets. So, has anyone got any AOL tins out there that are not being used?

I need at least one really desperately...and would do a swap of something nice. :)

Thanks,

Katy xx

(no subject)

[redmoocow.livejournal.com]

hey, i promise promise promise i'll post pictures when i'm done if someone can help me figure out how to do it!

i want to make my boyfriend a hat stand for all of his hats (right now they are all over the floor). i want to make it sit on his desk and then go up with spokes to hang hats on. now, i'm limited in the workshop, so how do you think i could go about doing it?

i was thinking a tall rectangle with them dowls just glued on - but would that be strong enough? any other ideas?

thanks!!

shadow boxes

[xkissandyellx.livejournal.com]

i was wanting to decorate a shadow box for my boyfriend for our anniversary. i bought one yesterday (40% off) at michaels as well as some paint. i want to put a picture of the two of us as the back ground and just add things to it. i want to go with a rockabilly/punk/traditional tatto art type theme since we're both into that stuff. does anybody have any ideas as to what i could put in it. im sorta stuck for inspiration and the only good looking shadow box ive seen was in a tattoo shop. please help

(no subject)

[laurenybeth.livejournal.com]

Okay, i just had a wonderful idea for a gift for my mom and wanted to not only share it (because it's really cool) but also ask for help.
i have 8 of my grandfather's neckties (he passed away about this time of year in 98), and have been saving them. i want to make a necktie pillow for my mom and have a link for instructions, but i'm a bit of a menace when it comes to sewing. i was wondering if anyone else had ever made one and if so how easy/difficult it was.

Necktie pillow link (opens in new winder)

Any help/advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated

bear-type hat

[angryvegetation.livejournal.com]

The other day I found some yarn in the basement and I started knitting a scarf, but then I realized it was too wide to be a scarf, so I turned it into yet another hat with ears

Its exactly the same as the other one i made, only its knitted instead of crotcheted, and it has earflaps!
Its alot softer and alot bigger and alot fuzzier than my other one, but i dont exactly like how it looks. I think it makes my head look like a giant egg...oh well!
I like how its twice as big as it should be because i knitted it wrong..hehe


ps im sorry this is alot of pictures :-/
( hat )

(no subject)

[readyfortofade.livejournal.com]

I need some ideas with coming up with ways to decorate a small cavas hand bag I was thinking about ironing a picture of the steve miller band on the front of it..

mosaic

[xthisisnotatest.livejournal.com]

so i just thought id post some pictures of a couple of mosaic pieces ive done.
the first picture is of a plain timber framed kitchen blackboard. i used pieces of tile that i smashed myself, they cost about 70 cents for each tile, it ended up costing me about 20 dollars to do the whole project, the price of the blackboard included in that. i used terracotta coloured grout. i tried to do somewhat of a pattern with this one.

the second pic is a star shaped mirror for my little sisters room. it was just a timber frame with the mirror inside, i painted it yellow and used bright smashed tiles and baby blue grout.

( and now the pictures... )

(no subject)

[nuclearshimmer.livejournal.com]

I finally got the time to make my best friend's scarf that was promised way over a month ago. Oops!
Anyways, at least it is complete finally...here are the pics!

*EDIT* Because of bandwidth usage problems, Im having to take the pics down. Wow! Who knew that many craftgrrl users would be interested in my work!


Scarf was made with caron Simply soft in...black, with a strand of Trendsetter Black Antico with a black core run with it. The whole scarf is done in HDC, which crocheted up nice and pretty tight.
It is 8 feet long and 2 inches wide...one of those long, skinny scarves that are so in style right now.

Felt Photo Albums

[konakona.livejournal.com]

I want to make these felt photo albums, and have an idea, but maybe some of you have made them. They are for 4 x 6 photos. Where can I get the actually album from? And, what is the bes method to apply the felt to the album. Any ideas. thank you!!

( Read more... )

images???

[azaspeaks.livejournal.com]

can anyone give me some help? I'm looking forward to doing some stencils- since I just learned how (thank you FAQ's)- and i can't find any cool images! At all! Can anyone give me some links? i would greatly appreciate any help at all, thanks!

(no subject)

[insidethebullet.livejournal.com]

does anyone know where i can get the glycerin for soap making in uk shops? or even a site based in the uk? i tried searching and i found books and trainers :-/ heh
thanks :)

Inspiration

[vivaboheme.livejournal.com]

Inspiration:Zebra Mittens

These are store bought, but I thought the idea was adorable. Check them out.

mr. slimy the blob!

[sharmelon.livejournal.com]

Inspired by pipu and her grunions, I finally attempted to make little felt buddies. Actually, I only made two. I tried to make Mr. Fuji the Apple into a felt buddy (I crocheted one of him a while back, if anyone remembers). That was an unsuccessful attempt, so we won't go there. Ha ha. But I did make Mr. Blobbie.. blobby.. blob-ee.. Ha ha.. I haven't figured out how to spell his name yet, but I made him, and he's just this funky curvy shaped teal buddy with eyes that I gave to my boyfriend for his birthday. I'll take pictures when I'm at his house if I remember.

Today I made Mr. Slimy out of some neon green, white, and black felt. This one's for my nephew, becaue he's into scary monsters, and creepy icky weird stuff. Ha ha. I was attempting to make a monster, but I ended up making him too cute.

Anyway, here's Mr. Slimy!

(no subject)

[xstar-girlx.livejournal.com]

hi. i realise this is probably a daft question, but hey most of mine are so why break habit?
how exactly does one make leg warmers? it's just a tube right, nowt more complicated? just wanted to be a clear before i cock it up.
also, has anyone used a badge it? is it any good? and how hard is it to get refills?
thanks a lot for any help :)

(no subject)

[--heavythoughts.livejournal.com]

i have the butt part of a pair of pants that i cut up awhile ago, that are just scraps and i was wondering, does anyone have any ideas what to do with it?

ps.
the pants are faded on the butt&it has no pockets

Sculpey ?

[gypsylou.livejournal.com]

Ok I have a question regarding sculpey. Let's say I was to make a snowman and put a base behind it to place a candle on to burn. Would this be safe. Would the flame scourch the Sculpey, or what would happen if anything?

(no subject)

[sylvercatt.livejournal.com]

Hoping we've got some fashion design students here.
I'm looking to apply to various colleges in hopes of getting a degree in Fashion Design. Thing is, I have no portfolio and don't know what I need for one. Someone, HELP!
P.S. Is it bad that I can't draw very well?

Marble question

[nymphval.livejournal.com]

I have been having problems with the marbles I have been buying. The ones that are actually the right size tend to be funky ovaly shaped and have warps or whatever that mess up the picture.

Where do you guys buy "good" marbles at?

(no subject)

[sairyuu.livejournal.com]

is sewing xmas napkins/placemats and a table runner a lame gift for the inlaws? i found a neat pattern from AVON circa 1965 for 15 cents at the thrift store, along with a 1970's mcalls teddy bear pattern.

(no subject)

[lysariala.livejournal.com]

hey, just a heads up for ya'll
ive found that you can use those pretty beaded champagne bottle covers over plain pillar candles and it looks really cool, quick and easy decorating idea. god bless the dollar store.

also, ive been using my very pale blue flat marbles on laser printed out snowflakes and they look really neat for winter/christmas. the magnets look good in colors too, as long as the glass is clear enough ^_^

thank you ladies for being so creative, youve really helped my christmas stress a TON ^_^

candle wick

[jesamine.livejournal.com]

has anyone here ever made their own candle wick? i know i did a few years ago, but can't remember how well it burnt, heh.
anyone?...

(no subject)

[crafty-dame.livejournal.com]

Has anyone ever used resin with wood?

someone (i think tummymonkey) posted a link to a cool scrabble coaster that one of my friends would love, but i hate how wood discolours when it get's wet. i suppose i could just varnish them a whole bunch, but i've been dying to try resin and i keep imagining how cool resin coasters would look with scrabble pieces and glitter in them!

beating a dead horse (re: marble magnets)

[aintlifegrand.livejournal.com]

does anyone else end up w/ a bag of "bunk" marbles after making marble magnets (ie, wrong shape, too bubbly, cracked, warped, etc)??

someone suggested making "crackle" marbles by boiling the marbles in water and then plunging them into ice water.. i tried this but not many of my marbles "crackled" very well.. ( i guess my water wasn't cold enough/marbles weren't hot enough).. the ones that did crackle look really cool though..

anyways, i used them to mosaic a flower pot tonight (grout = fun)..

x-posted

[http://users.livejournal.com/_holly/]

2 new hats

( pics )

rice/corn pillows?

[pixelicious.livejournal.com]

i work at jo-ann fabrics (in the education department, i love my job) and i was working at the register the other day. we're supposed to ask each guest what we're making (it usually comes up anyway) and a guest was telling me about doing corn pillows. i had heard about rice pillows, of course, but she was saying that she uses some kind of corn and that it works really well. she also said that she got a fifty pound bag for like $3.50 at a hardware store or something.

i was wondering, does anyone know specifically what kind of corn is used for this?

also, i was going to make some of these last year, but i bought some flannel and then noticed that it said "flamable! not suitable for children's sleep wear!" i since have realized that almost all fabrics say that, but i'm still curious what sort of fabrics work best for these, and are completely safe in the microwave? i've read that cottons work well because it can breathe, and won't rot. but yeah, are flannels ok? what about joann's "sew comfy" which is like a satiny flannelly fabric?

whee!

[listenesmerelda.livejournal.com]

( detail! )

(xposted to crochet and craftgrrl)