Gift basket ideas?

[velveteyes.livejournal.com]

Hi ladies!


I'm planning to make my close friends nice gift baskets for Christmas...but i'm kind of stuck on crafty ideas. So far, it's including some homemade candies & miniature cakes, & a few store bought items such as DVDs & whatnot. I have a passion for photography, so one of my ideas was including some photos done up in a crafty manner. What manner? I have no idea right now. LOL! That's just one idea, i'm jonesing for lots more!


Any suggestions? These are all for my girl friends, if that helps. I'd appreciate any feedback you all have! Thanks in advance! :)

procrastinating with too-small sweaters

[atpointzero.livejournal.com]

( Carving up an old sweater... )

(no subject)

[ripgurllulu.livejournal.com]

I have so many jeans and pants which i don't use..
some can't fit.. others i just don't like
what can i do with them??
how can i make things out of them?

Attention Homespun users

[laurenybeth.livejournal.com]

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( Error: Irreparable invalid markup in entry. Raw contents behind the cut. )

The LJ Community that saved Christmas!

[phoenixcrunch.livejournal.com]

Hi folks!

I just finished making some marble magnets-- and WOW! How cool, how cheap, and how easy!!! I had some old National Geographic magazines from the 1960s and 1970s-- sometimes the advertisements had better possibilities than the feature photos... My favorite has to be one of a smiling Jackie O. My friends will LOVE these!

Even though it took me rummaging through 3 craft stores to find the flat backed clear glass pieces, it was worth it! (I think some of you might have bought out JoAnne's and Pat Catan's!)

Can't wait to do this to some family photos-- sure to be interesting...

For those who have given these as gifts-- how many did you package together? 4? 6? 8?

Thanks for the great inspiration and tips! You are the best!

pc

socks...not just for tootsies anymore.

[pinska.livejournal.com]

Hi. I'm Erin. This is my first post and I didn't see any other posts about this while digging through the memories section, so...

I love sock monkeys. And I was interested in making a few over the holiday season, for gifts (and just because I want to have one around). Does anyone know where I could find a pattern to make a sock monkey?

xx

(no subject)

[fianna.livejournal.com]

So, for those of you crafting soap, making bath salts/fizzies etc for people as holidy gifts what is your favorite recipe? One that you tried and love so much that you are absolutely excited about preparing it as gifts for people?

I always love hearing about fun new recipes and I am still a little stuck on what to make for friends for the holidays.

I'd love to hear about some of your favorites!

DIY Craft Fair, Sunday Dec 14, Hollywood

[doublescorpio.livejournal.com]

(X-posted EVERYWHERE...so sorry!)



Hey! Just wanted to let you all know about Bazaar Bizarre West, an upcoming DIY craft fair featuring tons of handmade gifts, food & drink, live entertainment, a raffle, and a cakewalk. It's being held at Q-topia in Hollywood on Sunday, Dec 14, from 3-9pm. This ain't gonna be your typical country duck craft fair-- we'll have everything from x-rated cross stitch pillows to vintage-inspired handbags to Dia de los Muertos art to reconstructed clothing...plus more! Check out the site for a vendor gallery and directions/info.

(no subject)

[vicious-kittie.livejournal.com]

I'm making my boyfriend and his parents a decoupaged box for Christmas [a heart for the boy, an oval for his parents]. This is not my first time decoupaging, but I've only ever done it once or twice before. Therefore, I have a question :)
I know you can use hairspray to prevent smearing of printed pictures when decoupaging, but does anyone know of another way? Suggestions are most welcome [and I'll make sure to show pictures when I'm done!]

hah!

[rainbowdirt.livejournal.com]

do you think you could print on felt...?
like with a normal printer?

(no subject)

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

1. What would be the best way to cover the inside of a metal lunch box with fabric?
2. Does modpodge work on on metal?

( this lunch box: )

thanks!

(no subject)

[calliek.livejournal.com]

Can you *cut* yarn sweaters and sew them up with yarn? Or will they just unravel all to hell?

Just a tip

[coflower.livejournal.com]

Some may think it silly that I watch Martha Stewart but I do enjoy her show.

Anyhow, she had a tip I thought I would post here that might help people that enjoy paper crafts.

If your hole punches become dull (like the punches that have different shapes and the like) layer four pieces of aluminum foil and punch through several times to sharpen them up.

I gather this wont extend the life of them for your entire life but it seemed like a good tip to pass along. I have seen some people here post their beautiful cards and such where they use these punches, hope it helps.

Simple Blanket Question

[kazoogrrl.livejournal.com]

I checked the memories for quilting posts, and decided to check for some clarification.

I am making a simple blanket for my boy for Christmas. Here is my plan: I have a length of robot printed cotton fabric and a length of red flannel (I prewashed already!). I was going to sew them together with a layer of batting in the middle, then put some thread ties so the batting does not shift. But I have some questions:

1. Which do you prefer poly or cotton batting? Any brand? Is it better to buy it in a package, or to buy off the big bulk rolls at Joanns?
2. How do you figure out how much batting to use? (I was thinking of getting it all cut out and pinned, then measuring the fabric to find an amount)
3. Is it best to sew the batting to the back before putting the front and back together?
4. From the memories, it seems that cotton batting should be prewashed. Does this mean I can just toss it in my washer, then dryer? Or should it be tied in a pillowcase? Or handwashed?
5. Quilt binding - yes or no? For this is seems more decorative than useful. All I saw at Joanns was the silky blanket binding, so I'd want to find the cotton kind instead.

Thanks so much! This is my big project this year, and I need to get cracking!

(no subject)

[sweatoutheart.livejournal.com]

A girl who's in some of my classes has had a rough time this semester - her daughter had some sort of tumor, now a few people in her family are really sick. We decided to make her a card, but I'm kind of stuck as far as ideas. I don't want it to be a straight-up sympathy card, because (thank goodness) no one has died. I guess it should be somewhat cheerful, you know, "you'll get through it" kind of thing. Any suggestions about a message/materials to use/anything at all? I didn't really see anything appropriate in the FAQ/Memories section. I think the problem is just that I have too many ideas and don't really know how to narrow it down, so any help would be appreciated. I checked in the paper_crafts community but didn't find much (that would be appropriate for this, anyway).

Thanks. :)

hand muff?

[momolo.livejournal.com]

i've been wanting to make a hand muff - you know, it's a tube of fur you use instead of mitten - out of monster fur(!) for a while. does anyone have any patterns or ideas on how to make one? i'm not a big sewing-person but i'd be willing to spend some quality time laboring. :)

(no subject)

[--heavythoughts.livejournal.com]

i started making the marble magnets last night. and might i add, they are so fun!! and addictive. lol.

i have two questions.

1--there are some i dont wnat to turn into magnets. just have them as a marble. what's something i can put on the back of the marble that covers the picture?? and is also nice looking??

2--i want to make a bracelet out of these. do you have any ideas how i can do that??

<333

knitting question: stitch markers

[mockingbirdgirl.livejournal.com]

I'm making the women's size knitted mittens shown here. It's been going great, but I've encountered something I'm not familiar with. What are "ring-type stitch markers," how do I use them, and what do I have to do when the pattern says "slip marker"??

I believe I am able to handle the rest of the pattern... this is my first time using a pattern. But could someone please help?

I appreciate your help. =)

(no subject)

[insidethebullet.livejournal.com]

does anybody know of any good craft stores in london? prefably kinda central (im meeting my dad and going to the turner prize exhibition but will have some time to kill before)
thanks :D

(no subject)

[idripmelting.livejournal.com]

so i decided i would make some ticket bowls, most of you fellow crafters know what these are, so i was hoping some of you have made them before and if you have, what did you use (if anything) to cover the hole/fill it with? i thought maybe using a scrap piece of paper, the color of the tickets and mod podging that to the bottom on the inside and then filling it up with news paper etc and doing the same to the bottom of the outside. but do any of you have any other suggestions?
thanks in advance :)

(no subject)

[hipswiveler.livejournal.com]

there needs to be a bazaar bizaare midwest, don't you think?

two things

[calienteyfria.livejournal.com]

1) Does anyone have the pattern for the bed octopus doll by Red Heart? It does not use any crocheting and uses Light and Lofty yarn.

2) Any suggestions for used, frayed ended bath towels?

so.

[faithonfire.livejournal.com]

who here has their own online store/is consigning somewhere. links? advice?


<333

DIY Network

[trishylicious.livejournal.com]

Hey, I don't remember a discussion about this channel on this group, but maybe I missed it. If so, kindly point me to the post and I'll just look through what people had to say there.

I don't have cable tv for various reasons (cost, politics, too busy to watch, etc.) but I was wondering if any of you get (and watch) the DIY Network, and if so, is it any good? I think my mom gets it at her house and we could go sneak a peek there but I was just curious, someone I know was thinking about working with them on something but didn't know what they were like, or much about them at all. Do they really show you how to make things, and do you like it? etc. Thanks!

Plastic Car

[rawrkittie.livejournal.com]

I went to Target today and bought a little $1.99 plastic car full of candy as part of a Christmas present for a friend.

I was wondering if any sort of paint or modge podge would stick on smooth plastic? I am going to try and sand it down a bit, but I was hoping to wait so it wouldn't look dumb if I couldn't modge podge or paint over it lol.

Also, does anyone else any other ideas on how to spice up the car? It's a retro looking one with flame stickers. I was thinking of painting designs or decoupaging surfing type stuff on it since he's a surfer.

Any ideas or tips would rock, thanks :)

purse handles

[loudxmouse.livejournal.com]

i'm making a record purse with the TLC record "what about friends"
what do you make the handles from? i don't know how to attach it either. any hints?

Collage

[twotrees.livejournal.com]

So there is this Somerset Studio magazine with loads of collage art in it's latest issue at my local bookstore, but it is 7 bucks. Does anyone know of any other good sources or would this be the cheapest thing going?

I used to know some websites devoted to collage but I can't find them anymore. Any suggestions? I am trying to make something to frame for my boyfriend, for a Chrissie pressie.

reusing hunney bears

[cydniey.livejournal.com]

i found a use for my empty hunney bears and i had to share it. i have several gallons and half gallons of paint (i buy the off priced extras at home depot) and i don't like to keep the paint in my workroom, but i would like to have some of each color in the workroom so i can use it without a big production. then i found a box of empty hunney bears, all different sizes and i realized that i could put a bit of the paint from the cans into the bears and with a small square of saran wrap before i put the lid on, the paint stays fresh and spilling hasn't been a problem. plus the different colored bears look so cute.

Gift for my dad (sorry so long)

[twotrees.livejournal.com]

So, should I buy the Christmas Story desk leg lamp for 40 some dollars that is available at the link someone posted a few days ago or should I get the 24 dollar string of Christmas Story Leg Lamps at the Urban Outfitters site or should I make the ornament that someone mentioned a few days ago?

I am so stressing. See I want to buy one present for my parents and then make one or I want to make them a communal present, but my Dad is the tricky one. He only likes Sports(and I have bought him baseball stuff to death), does wordwork(but I have no money for tools of that type), gardens and has only watched a few movies in his life(which includes the above-mentioned A Christmas Story which makes him laugh every year). I thought about buying him the film but it is on every year and he doesn't operate his vcr so well.

Any other ideas for my Daddy-o?

repost: leg/arm warmers

[atpointzero.livejournal.com]

I posted this last night, but (tragically) used villiage photos to host the pics, so they didn't show. Hopefully this time it's working! Sorry for the repost...

( Carving up an old sweater... )

Laugh at another's misfortune

[icyblue.livejournal.com]

Take heed.

I thought this only happened in cartoons, but apparently it happens in real life too.

I sat on a knitting needle today. It punctured my favourite jeans and stuck into the back of my thigh. I had to pull it out to remove it. The puncture wound started to bleed. I've got a bandaid over it now, but it still hurts.

Watch out for your knitting needles, crafters!

(no subject)

[wannaseestars.livejournal.com]

Would anyone be willing to crochet/knit me a red & off white/cream striped scarf? I have lots of stuff to trade, and if you're not interested in that, I may be able to buy one. Let me know pleeease, Its getting a bit nippy out :)

(no subject)

[justamy.livejournal.com]

i did the dumbest thing today at work. i teach art and i spend a good bit of time during the day at the paper cutter. today i was chopping up some white paper into squares and felt something cath so i just pushed the handle down harder, only to find out later i had gotten my very favorite (and anyone who knows me well knows i can't live without this garment) black cardigan caught in the blade. i cut a nice 2 inch diagonal cut in it.

its 100% cotton rather fine gauge knit. can i sew it up or is it done for? and if i can sew it up, what should i sew it with? embroidery floss? thread seems too thin...

crossposted several places.

Help!

[gypsylou.livejournal.com]

Ok, I need some ideas. I have a end table between our couch and chair. It is black wrought iron with a glass top. The problem I have is that I have a 2 year old and I am sick of her slamming things down on the glass. She gives me a heart attack everytime she does that. She thinks this table is her own little personl play table. So what can I do to cover the glass or what can I do to put on there instead. Let the ideas roll. Thank you!

(no subject)

[deprravedwhorre.livejournal.com]

well I need some advice//

I am making a tray. It started as a plain wood tray from Michael's. I've painted it and I am in the process of gluing decorated marbles onto the flat surface of the tray. [the marbles you make for marble magnets with pictures only minus the magnets]. Now once that is finished I want to cover it with glass or some kind of plastic// so the surface isn't bumpy and can acutely be used.

Any ideas of what to use and where to get it?

I'm very very open to ideas.

Thanks so much in advance// O and thank you all for the great Xmas present ideas for my boy. Ill post pictures as soon as I am finished with the tray & all other xmas presents.

x//<3 Liz

(no subject)

[roseable.livejournal.com]

Hi guys.. I am in need of some major help.
I've checked the memories and gotten a bunch of great ideas but maybe someone could give me some other, more specific things to make. I am the secret santa for someone who like the following things: AFI, books, coheed and cambria, music, piercings, canada, stars, pink and black, hair accessories, anti-racism, patches, stickers, thrifting, and journaling.
Thank you sooooo much, you guys are amazing.

(no subject)

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

Uh hey. I made a sweatshirt a month ago, and I wanted to share it. I bought the sweatshirt previously, and i sewn on all the letters by hand. I also had to get the FELT to cut into the letters, and man was it HARD!

well here's the back of the sweatshirt:

( you're still all that matters to me )

I hope you guys like it! The front reads: "no need for reminding" across in a straight line.

I'm scared to wash it in case the letters come off (you know felt...)

Crafty with Porn (softcore)

[murdercitygrrrl.livejournal.com]

So, my friend gave me a huge stack of mid 80's to early 90's Playboys. I didn't really expect to find many porn posts in the FAQ, so, um? I'm not really sure what to do with these other than make some (snicker) marble and button magnets with random nipples on them and give them out as gag gifts. The pics are totally mid-80's crap. Seriously, not good porn.
So--suggestions?

(no subject)

[pink-pixiestix.livejournal.com]

Hi, Im new to this community. I actually got a journal here so I could join here. Anyways you are all probably sick of readin Christmas posts, but I have gone through the memories or the ones I thought would have the stuff I was looking for.

Ok on to my question..I ordered chinese takeout boxes and Im going to paint designs on them for different people. Since I dont really have money to spend I would like to bake things to put into the boxes..What could I make to put in there that is easy to make. I was thinking like chocolate covered pretzels or fortune cookies/cookie pieces and candy canes. Any other ideas would be really great.

(no subject)

[swandieve.livejournal.com]

Hello all,
I'm here to tell you about my newest pride and joy: Saggin' Wagon.

It is a continuous webzine, which means that whenever someone send me something I'll put it up. It's not like, monthly or anything. Actually, it's not really even qualified to be called a "zine." But anyways. . .

Please bookmark it and tell me what you think!

http://www.dionnedesign.com/deanna/LW/SG/sww.html (It's piggybacked onto my dad's site. You need to type the whole thing to get there. [copy and paste, deary])

Is it really bad? I need comments/praise, please.

(no subject)

[yaymyson.livejournal.com]

at walgreens i saw for sale a smaller sign like this, only it was in the shape of a martini glass. i don't know what they are called. but have any of you any idea how to make something like this? i wanted to make one for a friend for giftmas. thanks♥

Pick a size, any size.

[bilblio.livejournal.com]

Right girls I need some help.
How do you subtly find out what size someone is so you can make surprise presents?

I want to make some fingerless mittens for a mate. He's got tendenitus, so he's got to rest his hands and keep them warm. This is a huge hardship for him because he's a computer techy, and he plays piano.

So how can I find out what size he needs without him twigging what I'm doing?

What creative ways have you lot come up with to find out peoples sizes?

silkscreening with embroidery hoops and tulle:

[tummymunkey.livejournal.com]

i've looked through the faq, but have one question:

is the image/tulle reusable only to the extent that you would keep it IN the hoop and not remove it? or can you remove it and put it back okay?

i was thinkin the modgepodge or whatver you use to block out areas would crack, or the tape wouldn't like being re-stretched into the hoop.....

hey kiddies

[sykoreact.livejournal.com]

i am in need of your help... every year we have a xmas party for the ladies of the family. and every year we have to bring a grab bag gift of approximately 10 dollars... most spend a bit more so i will say the limit is 15 or 20... now i have no clue what to make or get orwhatever and i need your guys help... i was thinking of making bath salts but what else do you think i should include... i am really at a creative loss.. thanx in advance..

hmmmm i hope this works

[izzabetta.livejournal.com]

heres some stuff im making....

( cigar box purses )

Candy Cane Soap

[ex-kissmequ.livejournal.com]

I'm crafting candy cane shaped and scented soap for Christmas and I was originally just going to dye the glycerine red but then I thought that it would be cool to leave it clear and suspend candy cane pieces it in. Has anyone tried this (suspending candy) before? Would it not work? Forgive me if this is a really stupid question but I thought it would be a good idea to ask before I ruined a bunch of or gave people malformed soap.

Community?

[prophetspyder.livejournal.com]

I have a spare Livejournal code, and was wondering if I should bother making a craft-trade community (I have noticed people commissioning various items in exchange for other crafted items). If so, I need someone to be co-moderator/teacher (I haven't moderated any significant communities).

So this isn't a text-only post, here's a pic of my very first crocheted scarf. ( Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year! )

finally!

[momolo.livejournal.com]

a safer sex shirt, complete with emergency condom!! just kidding, it's only for decoration.
yeah for mylar film!

( when you think you don't have time, make it )

hoohoo, first time on the shirt! i feel speshul.