(no subject)

[loreeley.livejournal.com]

Hi,

I looked at the memories section in various communities and couldn’t really find an answer to my question, although I got lots of ideas so here goes...

I want to make a decorated box for a friend’s birthday, to put letters and such in as we live far (he’s in the US and I’m in the UK) and write each other a lot. So it has to be fairly big, I’m thinking A4 size or so. but not too heavy to send. I want it to be a sort of on-box scrapbook type thing about our friendship. So far I though of making a big collage picture on the lid, putting some funny passport size pictures of me on the side (holding up signs saying strange things or maybe making faces – alternatively I’m thinking of buying a single use camera and taking random pictures, then send it to him in the box to take the other half on his birthday), gluing on bits of conversations, song lyrics, sayings, inside jokes, etc.
( questions...pretty please )

A huge THANK YOU!

(posted to craftgrrl and craftgrrl_uk)

I need help

[zelda-eckleberg.livejournal.com]

Here is my christmas issue for the week. We did a name draw among the immediate family and I got my Stepdad. This is a very good thing, since I adore him and was hoping ot get his name. Sad thing is, he is always so creative with his lists and this year all he listed was CDs. I already ordered those, but we are allowed to do "secret Santa" stuff until christmas. I already made up a bag of his favorite treats and plan on droppimg that in his mail box tommorrow - he lives up the road. Anyway, I have no idea what things I could make him for the other days until Christmas. I don't need something for everday. but a few gifts would be nice. I already made him a rice-buddy for his birthday - which he loved. He is very into theater and the arts. He pretty much has everthing imaginable, so I am looking for some gifts that seem personal. He is not into guy things like hunting or sports, more the artsy computer type. Any suggestions would be helpful. Also the gifts need to be small enough to fit in a full size mail box (the kind by the street, not the kind that hang on the house).

decoupaging an art bin? :1

[prettymachine.livejournal.com]

hello again. :) see, i've got this art bin i take to work (i draw caricatures and i have to bring my airbrush and markers and stuff to work in it) and i was wondering if it'd be possible to decoupage it? it's this really blah green color, but it has sort of a rough texture so i'm not sure if that'd be okay to work with? i was thinking a simple black and white color scheme, like newsprint and stuff, with pink and black accents like hearts and stuff. but i'd want to make the inside all black.. and i don't know what i could paint it with? i'd rather not use acrylic paint as it gets kinda chalky after a while and it's not waterproof.. then again, i know mod podge isn't waterproof either, and that's what i was planning to decoupage it in. but i guess i could use a spray-on fixative of some sort? and the art bin isn't exactly a neat little rectangular prism shape, would the newsprint + mod podge curve around all the edges alright?

( here are some pictures of the art bin to help you guys out some.. )

sorry, i guess i'm kind of rambling here, but i just wanted to know if anyone has any tips to offer or anything. i'd like to know what i'm getting into before i start though, since i'm pretty busy with school and work and it'd take me a while to complete something like this. plus, i haven't really ever done anything like this--the closest i've done is mod podge stuff to canvases to give them texture.

thanks in advance!! :)

wallet 'n' suspenders

[pinkninky.livejournal.com]

allright, i am going to make a wallet for my manager at work, because she bought me a cup of my favorite coffee, and refused to let me pay her back. SO i am paying her back in an obnoxious handmade wallet.

i want to make a bi-fold for her, the outer will be fuzzy blue [from a joanne's halloween sale], and it'll be lined with purple on pink polkadot cotton [from a thrift store, something Disney made].

i'm wondering can i put something like cardboard or layers of thick paper between the inner and outer to reinforce the shape? i need an alternative for interfacing because 1. i don't have any, 2. the nearest craft store is about 10 miles away, 3. no cash, 4. no gas...that, and its after 1am. help!

-on a non-wallet note- i have a pair of rainbow suspenders that are dying to be crafted into something. any ideas other than wristbands? they are three fingers wide.

(no subject)

[smittnkittnsmoo.livejournal.com]

finally! i have a camera...so...
( my first shoe project )

x-posted in converse_freaks

boot camp

[arandomparadox.livejournal.com]

alrighty, girls. i'm FINALLY posting, after looking on for quite a while. unfortunately i keep forgetting to take pictures of the things i've made so i can post them here, but you guys have given me some AWESOME christmas gift ideas, so thanks!



i need help with something else. i have a friend who, feeling his life lacked direction or something, joined the marines. i believe that at the moment he is in boot camp in south carolina, and a mutual friend gave me his address and asked me to write him since said friend is the only one at the moment showing him any support.

so i want to send him little things to entertain him, if only for a short time. i'm thinking i could put in comic strips, etc., but i KNOW you all will have fabulous ideas. also, i'm not sure about the "rules" of what they can and can't have, etc.

he has an absolutely AMAZING sense of humour, we both worked in the theatre dept. all through high school, he loves japanese animation (and just japanese things in general), kind of a nerd. d&d, etc.

thanks so much for all your fabulous inspiration!


-jenna

(no subject)

[goddess-keeks.livejournal.com]

Well, I finally know what I'm doing for everyones holiday gifts :)

Mum-A handmade teddy bear. (I was thinking maybe I could stuff it with rice instead of stuffing so it could double as one of those rice pillows?)

My sister-A journal. I'm going to decopage "growing up" themed pictures and words on the cover and then on the inside stamp an inspiring quote. (I also wanted to make her a little something else. Any ideas? She's 9)

Husband-A plaque with some dragons on it saying "KNOCK FIRST" and a scrapbook of memories and pictures. (I am completely stumped for him this year! Any ideas would be great.)

Mother In Law-A round box decopaged with religious figures. The inside painted light blue.

Best Friend(female)-A black chest with rhinestones, stars, possibly chains, fishnet and whatnot decorated all over the top. The inside will be lined with felt.

Best Friend(male)-A coat rack with "funky" material glued on. (I need something else small. He's really into computers, anime, and video games.)

That's all for now. I'll post pictures when I am done. Any ideas would be great!

♥ Jessica

(no subject)

[reebert.livejournal.com]

And now there are socks for the whole family:


I used shiny embroidery floss to write the names on Robert's and my stocking and it didn't photograph very well, but the names do show up well in person. hehe

newest hats

[crafting-change.livejournal.com]

I finally realized that my love of big hats comes from bathing caps I see in movies.

Anyway, me and my alf doll have matching hats!!

(no subject)

[loudxmouse.livejournal.com]

my friend got into the naval accademy and i would like to make her some navy themed gifts. any ideas?

also... regarding applique. if i'm appliqueing a cotton weave fabric (whcih freys) how should i applique the shapes (they are curious george by the way, so they are curved)without them freying?

sunbonnet sue?

[vintage-piranha.livejournal.com]

has anyone ever ordered from www.sunbonnetsue.com for embroidery patterns? and if so, what was your experience with her? i ordered two weeks ago today and i still haven't heard back from her. she hasn't taken it out of my account, etc. i emailed her and recieved no response... bleh!

You Craftgrrls are brilliant!!

[thymeformom.livejournal.com]

Every year my sister has a tree decorating party in which we all have to bring a handmade ornament. Let me say that it's starting to be a challenge trying to think up something new and unique after all these years. So here I am looking for ideas. I'm sitting here reading the posts on the Worry dolls and a light bulb goes off. I have a whole bunch of these dolls that I made for my hat! I can give up one or two for her tree. Perfect!

*smacks herself with a wet noodle for not thinking of this earlier*

gag gifts...

[wishfulstar.livejournal.com]

dear craft grrls.
this is my first post. im in a bit of a jam.. my family does gag gifts for our afterchristmas party.. i've checked everywhere online and i can't find anything worth making.. any ideas and help would be greatly appreciated! thanks in advance.

robyn.

off-subject, but still

[leapinllama.livejournal.com]

hey gals,
i'm redecorating my bedroom with either a retro or a far eastern exotic look, and i'm having trouble finding sheets and duvets etc. Anyone know of any good sites with retro or far eastern patterns? I know of urban outfitters, and i like theirs also, but i'd like more of an option. Please help if you can.

-alex-

any good links for how to do a photo transfer onto glass or ceramic?

[surelle.livejournal.com]

I want to transfer a photo of my friend's dog onto a pint glass or a coffee mug. I've never done this before. Does anyone have any good sites that I could look at and/or suggestions for particular (i.e. brand-specific) materials? Thanks!

Thanks

[twotrees.livejournal.com]

I just want to say thanks to everyone who posted information for me on the marble magnets. I have used those glass pieces before in my collage shrine box I just made (waiting on pics to come back) and in a picture frame I am papier maching. I put the marbles on there with words decoupaged underneath. Now I have to finish the papier mache part and paint it with a pattern. I am working on a butterfly theme because it is meant for my niece. It was meant to be a wedding present three years ago and I know that sounds terrible but keep in mind a bit of information you do not have. I have a chronic disease and sometimes it is hard to work on my beloved crafts as much as I would like. But I am going to work like mad this month because I have a lot of things sitting around that need to be finished and a lot more new ideas that I need to get around to making.

I will post the shrine box photos as soon as I get them back from Costco. I wish I had a digital camera, damn.

I should've asked for one for Christmas. Too late. Mom says she and Dad have already bought it all.

Essential oils in bath salts question

[nezchan.livejournal.com]

I'm assembling the ingredients to make this recipe, but I have a question. The recipe requires 12-15 drops of peppermint essential oil. However, I'm using therapeutic-grade essential oil, which is quite strong. So should I reduce the amount added? If so, by how much?

(no subject)

[mariapapita.livejournal.com]

Awesome kid craft!!

Or for the kid in all of us:

Supplies:
envelopes or stationary
shaving cream (mens preferably)
food coloring (droplets)
Straw or toothpick

Take the shaving cream and spread evenly onto a plate creating a layer about 1/4 in thick. You can use a paper plate or glass (cleanup is easy).
Using the straw or toothpick (you will get different results with both) swirl the mixture around a bit, creating a marbled effect. (A little swirling goes a long way). Next, take the envelope or paper and gently place on top of your design, being sure to press lightly to cover all surfaces.

Take the paper off and using a paper towel quickly (and with moderate pressure) wipe off the shaving cream!

*The best part is that you cant tell what you have until the cream is wiped off. This project is FUN AND EASY!
When you are ready to do a second envelope simply rinse and dry the plate and start over. Experiment!!!

Adults and kids will LOVE this. Send the letters off to people you love!

(no subject)

[lower-class.livejournal.com]

This year for christmas, I don't have alot of money, so I decided to make scarfs for my 3 brothers and their wives. All together it amounts to 5 scarfs. My 2 older brothers are married, my younger one is not.
Anyways, I love the Lion Brand Homespun yarn and was wondering where the cheapest place to get it was.
I have a Wal-Mart, A Micheals, An A.C. Moore nearby. I'm going to need 5 skeins of it because I believe each skein will make one scarf.
Also, does anyone know any yarn that is close to this in feel? I know it is about $5.00 a skein where I live.
I'm jst wondering it all...Maybe I will make my mom one too....
herm.

So in making a scarf with this yarn, is my best bet doing a doouble stitch or a single stitch?

Christmas ornament

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

A post from earlier today reminded me of an ornament I made one year. If you've seen A Christmas Story you'll know what I'm talking about.

The Leg Lamp

Buy an off brand barbie from the dollar store. It needs to be one that has a hollow leg.
Pop the leg off the doll.
Cut off the hip joint. The top of the leg should be squared off.
Paint a grid pattern on the leg up to mid-thigh. These are your thigh high fishnets.
Paint the shoe black (if it's not already)
Glue shoe on so it won't get lost.
Cut a 1 1/2 inch strip of card stock.
Fold card stock like an accordian.
Shape card stock into a lamp shade and glue it together.
Paint the card stock (if it isn't the color you want).
Cover card stock with modge podge or glue to make it sturdy.
Glue a loop of ribbon to the inside top of the lampshade for hanging.
Glue the lampshade to the leg.

You're done! If you have the patience and time you could add fringe to the bottom of the lampshade like it had in the movie.

shirt pants

[asinfulstrange.livejournal.com]

I resized this shirt from a large tshirt and added sleeves to it. I also hand painted the horse on it. (You are looking at the back of the shirt. The front is nothing special).


( sequin pants )

x posted to clothes_surgery (all altered/made/refashioned clothes community) & sew_hip & craftgrrl

Soap Curing?

[muimi07.livejournal.com]

Hi ... I've been lurking around here for a week or two now and all I've got to say is wow..! You grrls are all very creative! I'm getting a lot of great ideas from you all!

Now onto my question; I checked the memories section but I couldn't find a specific answer to this. I wanted to possibly make homemade bath/relaxation sets for holiday presents for the women in my family. Now I've seen some sites that say with MP (Melt & Pour) soap you need to wait for the bars to cure for 3 - 4 weeks before you can safely wrap them. But I've seen some others that say that the bars are useable as soon as they harden. So... what's the verdict? Can I make soap bars and safely package/ship them a week or two after they are made? This would be my first time making soap. Any help would be appreciated. :)

(no subject)

[rawrkittie.livejournal.com]

Hey all!

Does E600 glue dry clear? I looked in the memories, but I didin't see anything about it drying clear. I was going to try and use it to make marble magnets.

Also, could someone point out a link to a Tinkerbell stencil? I've been looking for one, but I'm having some trouble finding it.

Thanks :)

marble magnets

[sporkburrito.livejournal.com]

So some girl was asking for a marble magnets tutorial 'cos she couldn't find one. Well, I was bored so I made one, 'cos I'm a nerd.

( marble magnets tutorial )

(no subject)

[super-queen.livejournal.com]

made from blue's clues flannel, baby pink corduroy for the lining and baby pink ribbon for the bows. (i messed up the straps a bit so i wanted to cover the bottom.)
it's the first thing i've really sewn, all by myself, no help. i think it turned out okay. it looks a bit like a baby bag, but other than that, i like it.
( blue's clues purse. )

(no subject)

[laila-sama.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know where I could get super duper cheap plain black vinyl belts in Ontario. Yes this may not have anything to do with crafting right now..but it will :: grin :: Also, I looked in the FAQs for this but didn't really find any satisfactory answers...how would I make strong, water-proof decoupage on an article such as...oh I don't know...a belt xD

(no subject)

[adonialetha.livejournal.com]

hi. i've been watching the community for a while and i didn't see anything about rock tumbling/polishing in the faq. i was wondering if anyone knows anything about it. i have a few lovely stones i'd like to do stuff with but they just need to be squeaky :D

any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
<3 Cassie

first stencil ever

[sairyuu.livejournal.com]

http://sairyuu.8k.com/boo.html

its a little smeared. but it's my first t-shirt ever

How to make a Guitar Strap

[laurenliberty.livejournal.com]

I made a guitar strap for my friend's birthday this week. I had an old cheap one that I didn't want anymore so I cut the fake leather parts that attach to the guitar and the adjustable plastic piece off. Using the old strap as a guide for the width and length I cut out a piece of marine vinyl and another fabric to line the back of the vinyl with. I used stitch witchery (because my sewing machine didn't want to go through it) to adhere the red and white fabric on the back of the vinyl. I hand sewed the black fake leather pieces back on. When you take apart an old strap to do this pay a lot of attention to the way it was constructed and you wont have a problem putting it back together. You might even want to take photos with your digital camera so you can remember how to put it back together again.

The person I made it for wanted it to say 'cunt' so I just used regular glittery iron letters from the fabric store. Follow the directions on the back of the package.

(no subject)

[fyreangel.livejournal.com]

Just a quick rant..

Why is it, whenever you need something you can never find it?
I want a few pictures of Tigers.. I have a MILLION magazines.. You think I could find one now that I want one? Bah!

Anyhow.. I don't normally post my crafts here because they suck compaired to everyone else's.. but I made this for my friend Michelle for Christmas.. I'm going to have it laminated so she can write on it..


If that doesn't work.. the link is
http://www.tinys.cx/~fyreangel/michelles.JPG

Back to searching for stupid tiger pictures (BTW Printing one is a no go as my printer is about as useful as a bag of hammers)

christmas

[whostosay.livejournal.com]

Though all of you are probably sick of christmas posts, i have to ask:
What are you girls getting your boys for Christmas?
I've been dating my boyfriend for almost two years, and I just can't think of anything. I've looked through the memories, but nothing seems to pop out at me, so I'm hoping that what ya'll are doing will inspire a chain reaction that will result in a present!
Thanks a bunch!

(no subject)

[reebert.livejournal.com]

Here is the angel tree topper I made up today:


( And in her place of glory atop the tree )

Making chistmas presents:

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

Vinegar with pepper and herbs.

(no subject)

[sourpuss.livejournal.com]

my first post here. and its shameful.

i bought a daisy loom. one of those lil round things with the spindles that you can make woolly flowers with? anyway

a. i lost the instructions
b. i could never figure out how to work it even when i had the instructions

does anyone know of a link to instructions that work, or knows the secret themselves? thankeeeeeeeee :)

(no subject)

[jesamine.livejournal.com]

Christmas presents for a 18 month old girl??
i was gonna do these felt alphabet cubes, but i won't be able to finish them in time, so i'm saving those for her birthday instead!
so, any ideas?? :D

(no subject)

[--heavythoughts.livejournal.com]

i want to do a mosaic on a terra cotta pot. what kind of glue should i use to glue down the tiles? and what kind of grout would i use? [it doesnt have to be weather proof]

adhesive question!

[spin-sugar.livejournal.com]

I made these melted-toothbrush toothbrush holders (from Readymade a few months back) but I don't know how to affix them to the wall!

In the magazine they epoxied suction cups to the back, but I don't have tile walls in my bathroom. Any ideas on what I can use to stick these to the wall, that won't destroy the wall when these (eventually) come down? I think a small amount of something used on the bristle part of the spiralled toothbrush would do the trick... it just needs to be strong and able to stand up to steam.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

(no subject)

[eponine84.livejournal.com]

I finished my most recent scarf. Here I am, wearing it, and looking much more burned out than I normally would, due to exams.

( one picture, pretty small, but cut just in case )

Crossposted to craftgrrl and knittingpretty.

(no subject)

[soknivesout.livejournal.com]

i bought candle making supplies.

i have:
wax. (it's clear looking, in blocks."
color tab things.
fragrance.
votive jars
wicks, with silver metal thing holders.


what do i do now?

can anyone give me step by step directions.. on what to do?

i'd really appreciate it, because i'm having a hard time finding a good website.

thanks.

Gift for 16th b-day...

[exploding-dog.livejournal.com]

All right now. I looked in the FAQ/Memories, and couldnt really find something for my question.

My friend wants to give our other friend a gift for her 16th birthday this month. Now, he really likes her and cares about her a lot, and wants to make her something to show her how he feels. He is not a very crafty boy, but I am super crafty, so I can help him with whatever anyone thinks of.

In case it helps, she's korean, really into anime, exploding dog, sanrio, etc. and she is super into asian snacks and desserts/just desserts in general. So, maybe something crafty using snack labels or parts of little boxes would be good?

Aaaanything you guys could think of that would be cool would be great. So far we're both drawing a blank...thanks in advance!

Ideas for old favorite jeans...?

[sway42.livejournal.com]

Ive had this pair of jeans forever, and since ive gotten them theyve gotten some pretty good wear. anyone have a good suggestion of what i can do with them other than throw them out? Any and all ideas are appreciated :D

edit I did check the memories, but none of the ideas sparked anything with me...

Loop knit kit

[missmuffcake.livejournal.com]

I want to learn to knit basic things. The Loop kit looks like the answers to my dreams of snuggley fun...However from those that knit is it pssible to learn from a kit?

(no subject)

[rar-trisaratops.livejournal.com]

For my sister for Christmas, I'm covering a bulletin board with a quilt-like design sewn out of black and pink fabric.

I wanted to add a tiny bit of fusible batting to make it a little puffy, but I'm not sure how I'd attach the batting to the cork.

I was thinking spray adhesive might work, but then I realized that the batting is very sponge-like and not solid at all, so I dunno how well that would hold up over time.

Any suggestions? Experience with fabric covered bulletin boards?

I absolutely promise to post pictures when I'm finished with all my holiday projects. :)

not the most interesting or craft related question, but...

[emodork.livejournal.com]

i am curious



how many people on here are male?

(no subject)

[eponine84.livejournal.com]

It's a Crafty Poll! Because I'm feeling silly/curious.

[Poll #213395]

mosaictable

[annelito.livejournal.com]

well, i have this table on wheels in my kitchen and the wood is not treated with anything so the surface of the table got a bit messy and didn't look nice at all. so i decided to get creative with mosaics.

it was difficult to choose what pattern to make but i finally decided on a "wave"-thing and the colors i used were white, turqois, blue, green. it was quite a job cracking those mosaictiles into more irregular shapes. and if you're gonna do it too, make sure you do it under water ( i used a bowl and filled it with water, then you won't have lots of glasspieces flying around everywhere ).

anyway, i'm not 100% satisfied with the results, should have put the colors a bit differently, but oh well, it's better than an ugly wooden surface!

any suggestions how to get off the dried material (can't find the right word for it, the thing you use inbetween the tiles, the white sort of cement) from the mosaictiles?

I am confused!

[disclaimher.livejournal.com]

Is it possible to sew a zipper on the wrong side of a purse (the part that is supposed to be on the outside) and then turn the purse right side out through the open zipper?