Heat Guns

[hinderxlove.livejournal.com]

I'm using Versatex ScreenPrinting Ink now and it doesnt seem to be heatsetting well with my iron (on cotton setting). I was wondering if anyone has had good luck using a heatgun to heatset/dry the paint onto the fabric. If so, any suggestions as to which to buy?

Machine Quilting... Oi with the Poodles Already!

[iheartiheart.livejournal.com]

I thought you all might be able to commiserate. I'm doing my first quilting project and in the interest of time I've been doing the quilting part on my machine. Well, just for the record, I'm a human pin cushion now. Because I didn't think ahead to put all of the pins in one direction in order to pin the the front to the batting to the backing... so every time I'd run a stitch through I would reach down to push more fabric through I'd drag my hand along the tops of the pins. OUCH! Quilting isn't for wimps.

For those who quilt, I salute you.

first post

[dirtysweeteacup.livejournal.com]

Hello, talented craftsters...

I need to do some fundraising for a program that will take me to India to do some global sustainability work (www.sgla.org).  I've already raised about $200 in one sitting just by speaking in front of a group of my mom's physical therapy students, but I really need a few thousand dollars to make it.  As a group, everyone involved in the program is getting together to do some major fundraisers, but I definitely need to make some money by my own means.

Does anyone have any craft-related ideas for me to raise money for this trip?  My sewing is kind of a joke, so that's sort of out of the question, but I'm damn good at painting and drawing if I do say so myself. However, I'm also trying to build up a portfolio for art school, so I really shouldn't commission too many original pieces.

I'm thinking about putting together some amazing valentines within the next two weeks. I want to do a few basic designs that I'll replicate numerous times on cardstock. Does anyone know how I should go about doing this? I don't want a bunch of cheap-looking cards that look like they were just thrown together by a kid with a copy machine.  I also want to put together several unique collage cards to sell for a higher price. What collage glues would work best for this? I want to use papers of varying thickness and texture.

Advice?

(no subject)

[neko-loliighoul.livejournal.com]

does anyone have any links for free patterns for hats that are made of fabric?? ( like train driver caps, those furry ones with ear flaps etc etc) all i am getting when i google is knitted and crocheted hats, and thats not what i want at all. maybe i am just using the wrong search terms argh.

i am pretty good with drafting patterns, i just need more of a guideline to help me out...
TIA guys :D

x-posted

FREE sub to ReadyMade mag

[ukbabe.livejournal.com]

ETA: Looks like the offer has been exhausted! The check off box is disabled now, so all the free subs have been filled!

I haven't posted in 2 yrs, but just wanted to let you craftgrrls know that you can get a FREE one year sub to ReadyMade mag via this link.
I've used this site before to sign up for other free mag subs that most people pay for and they always come. Enjoy!

Wal-Mart craft/fabric news

[girlsinger.livejournal.com]

I've seen some mention of this in this community so i thought i'd update you all since i work for a fashion design school and we have access to industry news. i hope this news isn't a repeat! i apologize if it is.

From the National Retail Federation update:

Wal-Mart to replace fabric with tailored merchandise
New and remodeled Wal-Mart Stores will soon feature craft-and-celebration centers instead of cut fabric, as the retailer works to further appeal to locales. Wal-Mart is in the process of cutting slow-selling departments and replacing them with merchandise to lure local or affluent shoppers to its stores. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (1/23)

personally, i loathe Wal-Mart and don't shop there, but i know this will make some folks happy and some irate! discuss.

costume ideas?

[bearscanfly.livejournal.com]

Hey everyone...I haven't posted in here in a gazillion years, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten my craftgrrls! So tomorrow night, one of the frats on campus is having a Moonwalk Party, meaning the floors will all be covered in mattresses and everything will have a space theme. Theme parties are about the only thing keeping this campus going, so of course I've got to dress up! I don't want to go too over the top, but I want to have something moonwalk-y. I was thinking maybe an aluminum foil top (well, a covered tank top or something...no wardrobe malfunctions for me), jeans, and some silver heels. Duct tape and foil are good. I know exactly how I'm going to do my makeup too!

( example pictures )

Any ideas? I'm sure y'all can help me think of SOMETHING!

fuzzy dice/psp tins

[reapergirl.livejournal.com]

The SO finally got around to putting the pics on his camera on the internet. Thus, I can finally show off my pressie to him! I made these out of some altoid tins I had, lining the inside with felt and the outside as you see here:
( Pic )

Pots :-)

[alwdis.livejournal.com]

by Allor

Painting on Formica?

[meankitten.livejournal.com]

I have a newly converted mobile grooming van and while I love it, the interior is a bit boring. I really want to stencil stuff on the walls but I don't know what kind of paint would be best. The walls are white formica.. any suggestions? Also, are there any suggested websites to get some pet related stencils?

Need candle help

[gypsylou.livejournal.com]

I looked through the FAQ's and could not find an answer so I am hoping everyone here can help. What I want to do is make some candles with pictures and the bumpy glass...

( Like this )

coke bottle cap necklace

[silverkeys7.livejournal.com]

because i haven't posted in forever; this is something i made over christmas break...



enjoy :)

A request for help WAY in advance

[andromedagrlie.livejournal.com]

My prom is in May and I will be going to a prom warehouse store in February for the dress. My idea for jewelry is a sort of "Gypsy Queen;" not Bohemian, more Mongolian influenced. I know I want a tiara, earrings and maybe a necklace. The tiara is my biggest idea. I know I want a simple base with maybe two combs holding it into my hair. What I really needs is some simple technique for wiring the beads interestingly onto the frame I'm imagining. For the main part picture a band shape but on its side, probably made of 2 wires with other wires wrapped to include the beads in it. I've been looking at things on Fire Mountain Gems for ideas. Here are some things I like:
Centerpiece:( Read )

VERY Simplistic sketch:

Any help is appreciated!

(no subject)

[li-lian820.livejournal.com]

Remember me?

( fishy )