Things I learned today...

[tcarole.livejournal.com]

When you start making a handmade gift at 9:15pm for a birthday party the following day (unless you do this for a living so it's not unusual or anything), it's a good idea to keep in mind some guidelines.

1. Keep it simple. I started thinking, "wouldn't a bunch of pockets in the lining be awesome?" Answer: Yes, but then I wouldn't finish putting the whiskers and feet on the Totoro and that is sort of key to its recognizability.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. So the eyes are too close together, so what? This is for a 5-year-old. If she notices, I'll be surprised. In fact, I'll be impressed.

3. As much as it would seem like a good idea to have a glass of wine after a long week, this being Friday and you have nothing to do tomorrow but go to a kid's party, don't do it. I have a policy, don't drink and sew.

4. Useful trumps perfection. I made a backpack/bag thingie. Its imperfections will surely get overlooked in daily use. Create something that's meant to sit on a shelf and get looked at, and it will surely get scrutinized heavily.

What the hell am I talking about? Behold, the Totoro bag/backpack/thingie.

Painting/Dying Leather?

[itone.livejournal.com]

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about dying/painting leather? I have a new leather Perry Ellis wallet and i want to paint it SILVER. Any help would be amazing. Thanks.

a mildly crafty update (picture heavy)

[shewhosews.livejournal.com]

heres whats gone on since the last time i posted:
laptop bag + envelope.
minnie mouse dress
pirate skirt
bleach asl shirt.
( right here! )

Polymer Clay question

[highclasshooker.livejournal.com]

I wanted to put some little tiny beads around the edge of one of my polymer clay pendents, and I was wondering, if I were to bake it with them on it, would it burn them?? They are tiny little plastic ones.

jewelry and metalsmithing

[occhiali.livejournal.com]

I do have previous experience with the craft of metalsmithing and jewelry-making. I have a question for fellow metal buffs. Unfortunately, I have never experienced working with iron and have been challenged in creating some jewelry from said medium. If you know anything about working with iron, then please give me advice (for example, what is it like to work with, what are things to consider, what other metals is it most like working with, et cetera). Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

Beadlings

[witchikins.livejournal.com]

I love making these li'l critters they're loads of fun. Although sone of them can be INCREDIBLY frustrating especially when the wire won't bend just right!!!!

Anyway onwards to my little darlings :)

( hello pretty pretty )

Hope you guys liked them!

completely forgot about this one!

[iguanasdefuego.livejournal.com]

I crocheted this little FSM up last Holiday Season to go on my mom's tree.
( Touched by His noodley appendage! )

He took all of 15 minutes and if you wanna know how to make him, let me know in comments and I'll edit with instructions.

( how to bring the FSM into your own home... )

Note: when preaching the word of the FSM, one much be dressed in full pirate regalia. :)

Tarot Guide, Glittered, Stenciled Goodness

[gardenpicnic.livejournal.com]

I made this to put as a cover on my notebook. 
I stenciled the flower, but with glitter! :)

( Detail of stencil design )

 

Book cover, kitty ears, invitations, envelopes, and baking

[heatherlayne-n.livejournal.com]

Picture dump time! It seems like I always save up my craftiness for one big post.

( This way! )

Anyway, thanks for looking! :)

Crafty Goodness

[danelover18.livejournal.com]

I have spent the last 5 months in the middle of the woods, so to keep me from going insane any faster than necessary, I had wifi and crocheting to keep me happy and occupied.  However, if I have one more person ask me "What are you knitting?"  I'm gonna gouge someone's eye out, seriously.  Do I look like I'm sitting here knitting and purling?  HELL NO, I'm using a hook dammit, so pay attention!

ANYWAY. . .  its been a warm summer in the Adirondacks, but I've steadily crocheted and I'm glad I did, cause it got f-ing cold the last couple of days.  DAMN YOU JACK FROST!



WARNING!  IMAGE HEAVY UNDER THE CUT!

( A Little Cabin Fever. . . Get it? Little Cabin? BWAHAHAHAHA! )

Enjoy!