(no subject)

[snowkissed.livejournal.com]

I don't know if posting this here is considered inappropriate but I though there might be some in this group who are interested. I just received an e-mail about a sale at this site There might be some good stuff for Christmas gifts or to buy for yourself! Enjoy!

(no subject)

[fyreangel.livejournal.com]

Hey.
Last year, I tried to make ornaments out of clay stuff.. I had a recipe for it.
So.. I mixed it all together, rolled it out, cut it out .. Once I removed the cutter, the shape shrunk and looked like a blob.. nothing more.
Having perfectionistic tendancies.. I gave up.
Now I wanna try again.. :) Help???
Has anyone made some that DIDN'T shrink?

Also.. I found some sewing patterns for barbie clothes.. but barbies just aren't cool anymore.. *eye roll* Now the girls want clothes for their Bratz.. which are bigger.. has anyone seen any free patterns for them?

masonite?

[luckyturtle.livejournal.com]

Hello. I'm new to lj, but I've been reading craftgrrl for a month or so now. you are all so awesome, I'm feeling totally creative again! Thank you.

I also have a question I was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction...

My boyfriend just got a laptop, and needs a slightly harder surface than his lap to put it on. I was thinking about getting a thin peice of masonite or something, like clipboards without the clips, about 12"x15", to paint/decorate and give to him as a gift. Problem is, I don't know where to get a piece that thin in those dimensions. I've only ever bought masonite in 8'x4' peices, which might be overkill, a bit. any thoughts?

(no subject)

[slowjazzmusic.livejournal.com]

I thought you guys might like to see this..
These guys design headbands made from underwear bands. It's supposed to be the new Long Island teeny bopper trend but I like them anyway. I just saw this article in my newspaper a few days ago and I thought it was quite a coincidence since I just saw a post about the same thing..

( Enjoy.. )

Go here to read the article.

Conditioning?

[fruitydelicious.livejournal.com]

I have a happy little Singer Diana "Electronic 560" sitting here in my room. My mum let me have it since she hasn't used it in years. She says it needs to conditioned before I can try to use it, though. Well, it's been months and no sewing machine conditioning. I am sad. I am also curious about how much it normally costs to get your machine conditioned?

(x-posted to sew_hip)

Starburst Wallet?

[geeky-linz.livejournal.com]

A couple weeks ago, someone posted pictures of a wallet they made from Starburst wrappers and clear packing tape. I thought it was totally neat, so I decided to make one for a friend from Skittles wrappers. I remember the wallet having velcro on it, but I can't get the freaking velcro to stick on mine! I was using "WeldBond" glue, which sticks everything to everything else... except to this wallet, apparently! >:O I don't think sewing the velcro on would work, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get the velcro to stay? I was thinking of Crazy Glue, but if this WeldBond stuff won't stay (just peels right off), I assume any other glue would do the same thing. Or would it?

Thanks:)

(no subject)

[annamull.livejournal.com]

finished new scarves

Bath Bombs, etc...

[thymeformom.livejournal.com]

Someone had posted asking about making your own bath salts, bath bombs, etc. I can't find that post right now (lack of sleep + lack of coffee=fuzzy brain) so I'll post this here...
Cranberry Lane's holiday recipes

These are so quick & easy for last minute gifts.

christmas is coming...help!

[fashi0nablylate.livejournal.com]

I'll try and make this quick. I have NO CLUE what to get for the adults in my family! I want something I can make myself or make cheap and mod myself, since I have no money. For my mum, I was thinking of something useful since she's always busy studying to get her PhD in history and she's stressed out about that. She has back and arm problems so something to make that feel better? Also she's a vegetarian and loves animals, and something non-cluttery would be nice since we already have enough junk. My dad is a neat-freak laser physicist who enjoys hiking and likes stuff that has a modern look. My stepmum is a graphic designer, so she's really into art. Also she likes to exercise a lot. Both her and my dad have to deal with a toddler so something to make their lives easier would be great. Any help at all would be mucho appreciated!

Porno Rubix Cube

[bandvamp01.livejournal.com]

Hey everybody!! I was mega-INSPIRED by the post on "what to do with old porno mags"- the "Porno Rubix Cube" was THE PERFECT present idea for my boyfriend's brother (I LOVE lissamc for suggesting the idea- *bows to her*)

Anyway, here's my question- what sort of glue should I use that would withstand the abuse I KNOW that thing will go through?? I've checked out "This to That" and for "paper to plastic" it recommended the spray adhesive of 3M 80 or 3M 77, however, I don't want spray-adhesive to get in the rubix cracks and glue all the cubes together so they can't move!

Do any of you all think Goop would be suitable for this project? Can anyone recommend a good glue? Also, would I need to mod-podge over it (like murdercitygrrl suggested), or should I use another type of sealer? Because it WILL be molested, so I really want this to be functional and not crack, fade, or fall apart for a very very long time.

I'm heading out TONIGHT for some glue and a rubix cube, so I'll work on it all weekend, and I'll post pictures to let everyone know how it went!!

Gift idea for guys

[sarahdotcom.livejournal.com]

I just thought I'd share an idea that might make a cool Christmas gift. Once I bought a friend a really plain, straight-looking tie, only when you lifted up the tie it had a pin-up girl on the inside of the bottom flap. Hopefully you get what I mean... Anyway, I think something like that should be really easy to make, whether you buy the tie or make your own!

As for me, I'm still struggling with ideas for my family... Also, I've got my boyfriend's main present sorted, but has anyone got any good ideas for cheap stocking stuffers?

Edit: I also meant to ask - I want to make necklaces out of resin, but I can't find a mould the size I want. It needs to be small and rectangular. I thought an ice cube tray would do but they are all too tapered at the bottom. Any better ideas?

Stuff I've been making

[polkadottedcows.livejournal.com]

I've made a bunch of stuff out of sculpey recently..as well as some christmas curtains

( Lots of pictures  )

(no subject)

[elusivelust.livejournal.com]

i have this small picnic basket - it's cheap wooden, with a handle, and it's a hindge top, is there any really nifty ideas you guys have? i have some ideas, but i'm sure you guys have better ideas.

oh, and..

this was sort of in the memories, but i found nothing i specifically on this.

is there any specific trading diy communities?

Cardboard Protection?

[spykitten.livejournal.com]

I'm making boxes out of old record covers (the most basic box - just cut, fold, glue). But I'd like to cover them with a protective layer. I was thinking of painting the cardboard Elmer's Glue, because it dries clear, especially if watered down. Or how about Mod-Podge? It doesn't need to be really heavy-duty, just something that will be a little glossy and keep them from getting too banged up. Thanks for your ideas!!

(no subject)

[skittlepower.livejournal.com]

helllpp! i've looked on the learntoknit.com website, but i cant find out how to increase while knitting. with the penguins i got my mum to do it, but she's not in, and i wanted to make her something. but i cant work out how to increase without getting 3 stitches instead of 2. eeek. help? websites? thank youuu

oooo updateness. I've worked out how to get 2 stitches. but now, if i try to knit the next row its too tight to get the needle through. maybe i should get my aunt to do it..

(no subject)

[k-bo.livejournal.com]

does anyone have any ideas for packaging/gift wrapping concert tickets as a christmas gift? i was thinking of putting them into a container of some kind so that it wouldn't be obvious that they're tickets...

(no subject)

[blood-girl.livejournal.com]

I checked the FAQ for this, but it wasn't there. Probably because you guys aren't as messy as me. Heres the thing. I made my boyfriend a collage of pictures of me and him and our daughter for his birthday. I used spray photo adhesive to connect the pictures to the board. When I first started I had latex gloves on, and was changing those when they got too sticky. But eventually I got to some detail work that I had to take the gloves on, and I got the adhesive all over my hands.(not to mention the floor, and that the pictures I didn't use and the scraps from when I cut them are everywhere and sticking together).
So my question for you all is, how do I get this stuff on my hands? The label says to wash my hands with dishsoap, and that didn't do anything. I have to take care of my baby, and its really hard when everything gets stuck to my fingers. I did this thing at 2 am last night, and my hands are still awful. They are actually sticking to the keyboard, hehe.
Any suggestions? Or has this never happened to you because you are smarter when using adhesive?

all hail cat, mistress of the zipper

[the-love-cat.livejournal.com]

(xposted to sew_hip)

a few things i made recently, a reconstruction and a shirt from a pattern.

(sorry to the people who are seeing this immediately as i'm Trying to post it. i'm still new with this livejournal stuff. multiple edits have followed.)

( see here now. )

fabric question

[trainspotgirl.livejournal.com]

I have a question...

a friend of mine was asking me what the nude fabric they use for ice skating costumes is called. my mind went blank the moment I read the question, so I'm looking for help.

so does anyone know the answer?? lol

(no subject)

[iworshipsatin.livejournal.com]

I just made the BEST smelling soap.
I used melt and pour base because well, I am too lazy to make cold process and these soaps are for Christmas gifts.
I used a suspension base and to it I added:
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Finely crushed oats
Sugar
Honey
I don't have a recipe because I did it by smell.
MMM it smells like the holidays!!
:-D

types of glue

[mschaos.livejournal.com]

ok, I want to get in on the band wagon of the marble magnets but I am still clueless on what types of glue/sealer you use

I have heard silicone sealer, but is that a type? or a brand name

and i hear about modge podge, but I have not seen it...can you get in at Michaels?

can you list your favorite BRAND names? I think i would not be so confused.

Thanks!

FAQ updating in progress

[ethicalcannibal.livejournal.com]

I have started going through the faq section by section, entry by entry. It will be an extended process, that will go faster after finals next week. (This is how I avoid studying!)

What I am doing is rearranging things into consistent categories, and removing posts that only point to a website that is 404'd out, and not found.

So if things are looking a bit different that is why. I didn't want to startle anyone. I will try to get this in order as fast as I am able.

(no subject)

[ajslildevil69.livejournal.com]

to anyone interested.....(sorry that the flyers are so huge!)


theres also a ceramics sale that i have nothing invested in hehe. there are TONS of amazing photos up, both color and black and white. im not sure of everything...i know andrea is making boxes with small photos on them, she used my wedding cae one which would make a great box to surprise your loved one with an engagement or promise ring...hehe i dunno...im so sick so im not sure if ill be there the whole 2 days but ill try and show up sometime. :)




( this is the stuff im oging to be selling at the photography show...theyre so great i hope no one buys them so that i can keep them and hang them up in my office ha! )

Tea Cups

[frankenboob.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know of a good place to purchase tea cups/saucers? I looked on eBay... but when I start factoring in all of the postage & time spent dickering about the prices, it hardly seems worth it. Thank you.

Question

[heavynleigh.livejournal.com]

Is it possible to do marble magnets using photographs? I didn't see anything about it in the FAQ, most articles recommend magazine pictures, which are considerably thinner. Is it okay to use larger marbles as well or are magnets not strong enough for that? I want to make marble magnets using photos of my son to give as Christmas gifts. If it works, I'll post pics when I'm done.

Thanks

Christmas Presents

[lower-class.livejournal.com]

I am so poor this month, it is not even funny.
My mom is going away for a week and leaving my brother and I either $20 or $40 to eat out. I am taking my half and buying yarn with it. I will eat peanut butter and jelly or macaroni every night.
That's how bad it is.
Why must yarn cost more than I have?

Most everybody is getting a homemade present of some sort from me for christmas this year.

I got 10 pounds of soap from a Michaels store that was closing, I paid $10 for it at the time. God Bless that tub of soap.
Last night I made "ice cube" soap. I am going to put them in mason jars and hand them out. I made them red, blue, green, and yellow in 2 different smells. They turned out pretty awesome.
Also, everyone is getting a scarf from me. I believe there are 6 I need to make. So I have to get the yarn soon. It will only take me a dayto make each one and I want to use the Lion Brand Homespun yarn. Unfortunately I have to wait until it comes on sale again or go to 3 different stores and use my discount coupons.
I'm making my nephew a curios george book out of fabric.
I will be posting pictures as I go.

Anyways, the "ice cube" soaps are so freaking cute. I am not sure if I am suppose to do anything to the trays before I poured the soap in them, so I just greased them up with oil...and I find the soap slides out real easy. I don't use alot of oil, I just swipe my finger through....see?

I believe that is all. I just wanted to share where I stood with making stuff.
Also, I am making my own christmas cards this year and I realized ZI have an unhealthy addiction to glitter. I must control the urge to glitter the entire card.

Yellowing Marble Magnets

[alceria.livejournal.com]

I know a lot of redundant questions about marble magnets have been posted here, but this is something I don't remember seeing, and I just checked the FAQ.

A couple months ago I made my first batch of marble magnets. I'm noticing now that the paper on them is yellowing quite noticeably. The glue I used was simply called "Silicone Sealer" and it says's it's made by the Super Glue Corporation. Is there such a thing as an acid free silicone glue that will prevent yellowing? Or is this just pretty much what happens to all marble magnets? For those of you that have some older marble magnets, are yours yellowing too?

Sachets

[frankenboob.livejournal.com]

Looking for items to put in sachets. Any suggestions of things that have worked for you in the past? Mixtures of items are fine.

I have a huge bag of rosemary already. Also thinking of pine, bay, mint, lavender, and mugwort.

I am using cotton & cotton flannel for the pouches. Is it enough simply to fill the little pillows with, say, rosemary leaves? Or do I need to add oil, or supplement with another filler? There's probably not a wrong way to do this... except for maybe using poison oak as a filler.

Decoupage question

[starweaver.livejournal.com]

Can you decoupage printouts from an inkjet printer without them running and smearing or should I think of another way to decoupage the box for my beloved for christmas? If so, got any ideas?

Any ideas?

[ex-silent-re315.livejournal.com]

I want to make gift baskets for my friends for Christmas. I have all of the goodies but I don't know what to put it in. I don't want to do just plain baskets so is there anything else I can put the stuff in or a way to spice up baskets? Can anyone help me? I would prefer to be emailed at Kekepenia@Hotmail.com or you can reply! Thanks in advance.

x-posted in the journallyyyy

[pink-peas.livejournal.com]

look what my adorable little sister (lauren_bug) is modeling for you guys!..... My scarves I made :)

( lets get all warm now :) )

first time poster/long time lurker..you know the drill.. :)

[milly-bogtrot.livejournal.com]

hi all

Hoping someone can help me here...

I have loads of knitted squares of varying colours/stripes/etc that I was going to sew into an afghan. However, I have a window that desperately needs a draught-excluder and was thinking about sewing them together to make a roll or fold-down blind with a segment of blanket as backing to insulate...would anyone know of a pattern or design for some such thing that could give me some idea of how to construct it?

Thanks muchly.

(no subject)

[fivestar.livejournal.com]

Handmade Hello Kitty Hat and Scarf Combo!
Click for Auction!

Scarf Blocking

[everybabyweeps.livejournal.com]

Hi! Im a newish knitter, and have a big question
I am knitting this scarf knit one row, purl one row..and the edges are REALLY curling in..
will i be able to block it? does everything block flat? its basically acrylic yarn, so im not afraid to wet it or anything.. but i just want to make ssure it will block before i finish it!
help!

(no subject)

[prozackat.livejournal.com]

costers?
im looking at making some coasters for my inlaws..
they just got a new couch and real hardwood end tables and coffee tables (thank god they finaly got rid of there junk!)
and well they need costers becouse we (the family) usualy eats in the living room and stuff, and my BIL is only 12 and acts more like a 9 year old...
(already spilled soup all over the new rug, and himeself last night)
so.... i have a bunch of art suplies, and blank CD's and im wondering what can i do to make costers? anyone have any good ideas???
kutrina

(no subject)

[neonsparkles.livejournal.com]

Hello crafties!For christmas i have made some marbel tacks (like magnets but i glued tacks on the back) and i bought these DARLING litte jars (glass) that im going to put in there but im worried to just put them in (scratches, breaking) whatever so what should i do? Also I am making little boxes and then buying somethng to put inside for my close friends but for my other friends i wanted to also make something but cheaper and easier u know> i was thinking about those spoons dipped in chocolate? Are those easy and can u just lick them like a lollypop because Im 14 and we dont do coffe . Thanks in advance and im sure ill come up w/ more ideas. I have 3 altiod tins... help.

Greetings from a lurker...

[silverwing21.livejournal.com]

Greetings all. I've been lurking for a few weeks, now, and I must say, you all are amazing! I've gotten so many ideas and so much inspiration for projects. I'm having a blast with these marble magnets. I have a question, though. Why does nobody use super glue? I have been, and it's worked beautifully so far, but I haven't seen any other posts in which people are using super glue. Is there something I don't know about it? Just curious. I was also wondering if anyone knew of any other ideas for felt? I love the stuff and I have a ton of it since it's so cheap. I've looked through the FAQs/Memories, but I was wondering if there were any other ideas you all had come up with? I made these doll last year for some friends of mine and their characters from the anime Inu Yasha.

( Click for the pick! )

Very basic instructions are from here through the "anime dolls" link at the bottom. The Inu Yasha doll on the site has been added since I made mine. I wish it had been up then! lol. Still, I was pleased with the way mine came out. I have a few other things I hope to post soon when I get pics uploaded.

[edit] Miroku's staff was made with plain white sculpy (wrapped the stick part around part of a coat hanger to make it stronger) and I'm working on Inu Yasha's sword as I type! I'll post pics of it when it's done.

Benefit suggestions

[murdercitygrrrl.livejournal.com]

I have a good friend who has recently had a new pacemaker put it. You can read the full story here.
I've made buttons with hearts and pacemakers to sell at the show, and I'll be giving her the proceeds.
Any other cheap/quick ideas of things we can put together to sell?
The show is tomorrow night.

cross-posted to my personal journal

And yet another *help!* post for christmas presents.

[nimis.livejournal.com]

I really want to engrave a piece of sterling silver jewelry. With a short quote or poesy perhaps. But I'd much rather do it by hand, as the engraving fonts that the stores offer are rather impersonal. Has anyone attempted to do this (sucessfully)?

thanks for any help, tips and pointers!
xoxo nimis

ps as a thank you token, here as some ideas for small gifts or stocking stuffers:
- a holder for a pack of cards (good for guys)
- a cover for a small notebook (everyone's got to jot down notes)
- decorating contact lense cases (everyone seems to have really boring white ones)
- decorating other little things that people always have but never really think about...nail clippers, lighters, etc...even if you just hit 'em up with a sharpie, it's a cool little thing to throw in..

(no subject)

[wishfulstar.livejournal.com]

dear grrls...
i read a post earlier this week while browsing for gag gift ideas.. and i saw something about nudie coasters.. made from tiles and cork.. for any of you that have made these.. or made coasters.. can you give me some sort of instruction.. i looked in faq.. but ;/ no such luck. thanks in advance grrls!
<3 robyn.

Beanies without knitting...

[riseliketides.livejournal.com]

Could anyone explain to me how to make beanies from fleece or other fabrics? Or know of a pattern for them? I see tons of posts on here using knitting, but I haven't learned yet and was hoping I'd still be able to make some kind of hat with my sewing machine.

Thanks :).

(no subject)

[fadedjade.livejournal.com]

okay i need a diy gift for an uncle-in-law (read: abstract relative)involving spices, like hot spicy fir breathing stuff. any ideas?
x-posted

(no subject)

[justamy.livejournal.com]

can anyone direct me to that awesome post made by some crafty lady a few weeks ago that was a magnet/cork board made with aol tins?

Knitting Woes

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

edit: oh poo, geocities ALREADY says I've gone over my "allotted data transfer" - grr. I'll set up on yahoo when i get home.

Hiya - I've just made my first hat - kitty ears and a skull and crossbones. I just winged it when it came to intarsia, and it isn't looking right.

(Geocities won't let me remotely post pictures, so i've made a little page comparing my results to situla's (which looks awesome)

Can anyone figure out what i'm doing wrong

http://www.geocities.com/defenestr8or/knittingwoes.html

(xposted to punk rock knitters and craftgrrl)

Chrissie Decos

[twotrees.livejournal.com]

I have decorated my Christmas tree and I am really happy with it. I will try to get some pictures of it. I have made and/or my relatives have made half of the ornaments on the tree.

I also covered a pastic, gold star from the Dollar Tree with papier mache, stuck in three decorative silvery buttons and covered it in silver paint and silver micro-glitter. I accidentally got too much glitter on the star despite having made tons of papier mache stars in the past and used micro glitter(gold) before, and now the buttons don't show up so much. Still I like it better than before.

I also hung up a garland that I made from old plastic bead necklaces I purchased at thrift stores and yard sales. That doesn't make it sound good but it is really colorful and pretty.

I will try to get photos up.

(no subject)

[starsandspikesx.livejournal.com]

here's my first post to the community.
i've made many things before, but i thought i'd post this one because i just finished it not too long ago.

( enough lag )

Sealing

[prophetspyder.livejournal.com]

I bought some unfinished incense burners today (this style), and am painting them with just cheap Crafter's Acrylic (from the dollar store).

I want to seal these cheaply - will Modpodge be ok? It won't melt funny or anything if embers fall on it, will it?

( Basket that the burner is going in (text only) )

(no subject)

[angelswouldfall.livejournal.com]

Can anyone recommend some good beginners crochet books? They're for my mother. Preferably a book I can get at a bookstore.

TIA!

sock monkeys!

[trinity-22.livejournal.com]

ok, i apologize if this is in the FAQ section. I very lazily searched for it to no avail so figured i would just be bold and ask my question anyway. my sister has wanted a sock monkey forever. Me being the goofy older sister, i decided to make her one (or maybe two) for christmas. Now i have the pattern to make it and all that goodness...

but where can i find the socks? i'd rather not go searching around aimlessly so if anyone knows a store that has them for certain that would save me lots of time! thanks so much :)

p.s. It's snowing! <3

(no subject)

[justamy.livejournal.com]

where do you buy borax?

an odd question for craftgrrls, but i know you all make a lot of homemade cds

[justamy.livejournal.com]

does anyone know how to burn real player files onto a cd so that they will play on an audio cd player?
basically, the way you burn mp3s to cd.

i just got a cd burner and i want to make some cds of the best of 'this american life', the npr show, for my boyfriend.

cross posted to hip_domestics, bath and body, and craftgrrl

[justamy.livejournal.com]

i go through tons of bath salts and i know that my sister in laws use bath salts, too, so i have decided to make some. first try!

two questions, though, about the scents...

a) this is the first time i have made these so i so not have a stash of essential oils. i don't have the money to buy more than a few. what essential oils would you suggest as a good base start to have on hand?

b) what are some of YOUR favorite scent combinations? (i.e. begamot and orange....jasmine and grapefruit....etc.)

record journal question

[xjanexdoex.livejournal.com]

so i started making the journals. everything is cut ready to go.. i then realized i neglected a very important part.. the rings. to hold it together so i jump in the car head to jo anns. .... can't find anything to work.. so what are all you crafty girls using for these things..

(no subject)

[fyreangel.livejournal.com]

Would someone be gracious enough to briefly tell me wtf this means?

"Use a scant 1/2" SA"

kosher salt

[destroyreality.livejournal.com]

i was browsing the FAQ... and came across a comment about using kosher salt in a salt-scrub recipe... but how to do it wasnt really described. Help?

and if anyone has any other uses for kosher salt... hook me up :)

(no subject)

[asinfulstrange.livejournal.com]

A newborn hat that I made today using the following pattern with some left over yarn.

( Newborn Baby Hat Pattern (pom pom instructions included) )

( another photo & some info )

X POSTED TO : craftgrrl & crochet

forgot this in last post!

[asinfulstrange.livejournal.com]

I made these out of cut up coke cans... just sliced and rolled around pencils and what not... it's a chair, a stool and a rocking chair.

( coke chairs )

Sorry for the crappy cam quality.