Pink Scarf

[murthandjoy.livejournal.com]

 I finished my first knitting project of the year!

Its a simple project but I really feel accomplished.

Bookbinding Adhesive Question

[silverkeys7.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking about trying to make some perfect-bound journals, but it's currently too cold in my area to mail-order PVA bookbinding glue (according to the California Paper Goods web site, if it freezes while being delivered, the glue will be ruined). However, I have an unopened jar of Mod Podge Matte sitting on my shelf (bought for a project that was later abandoned), and I'm wondering if it would hold up to the task? (It would be nice to use it up, for sure). However, I've never used Mod Podge before, and I'm worried that it might be too brittle when dry. I know that bookbinding glues have to have the ability to remain flexible when dry, so that the pages of the book can bend freely. I also know that you can use Elmer's all-purpose glue in a pinch, but I've heard that it's better for the longevity of the book spine if you use PVA meant for bookbinding (Elmer's is a kind of PVA glue, too, is this right?). Any thoughts or advice out there? (Maybe I'll just experiment with Mod Podge first and if it doesn't work I'll buy some Elmer's or wait for spring to order my PVA).

And so that this isn't text only, the little package I sent to my SO for valentine's day (Closeups below the cut). I hand drew the gift tags based on the design of the Oxfam card you see at the bottom left of the image above the cut. I've written a little bit more about the gift and the places whose maps appear on each tag on my wordpress blog, if you're interested.



( a couple of closeups )

Crafts for 12 - 17yr olds - "Express Yourself!"

[seestephgo.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine is a librarian and has asked me to come to her library a few times during the summer to do some craft programs with the kids. The theme of the programs is "Express Yourself!". I need to come up with about 5-10 low-cost crafts that can be done with a small group (10-15) of kids between the ages of 12 and 17. I've come up with a few ideas and they don't have to connect back to books or anything. They just have to fit with the theme and be fun for the 12 - 17 crowd.

So far, I'm thinking of:
-Decorating drawstring backpacks or ID pouches from oriental trading
-Carving a "personal stamp"/lino-cut type stamp out of styrofoam packaging and printing a set of note cards with the stamp

I'm just kind of drawing a blank for other stuff. The "classes" will be about 2 hours in length, so I could do either one or two crafts depending on the time they take. Also, they need to be "one size fits all" kinds of crafts, since I'm supplying all the materials and have no way of knowing what size the kids are. So... help! :)

Embellishing Your Clothes

[corvustristis.livejournal.com]

Recently, I've been trying to write a series of posts in ye olde blog that give quick reference overviews, with lots of links to resources and tutorials, of various methods of embellishing your creations (thusfar, your wearable creations). It's been a lot of fun and has driven me to photograph a bunch of projects I thought you all might apperciate.

( Onward! )

Now I'm trying to come up with more things to try and post about along the embellishment lines. Suggestions?

(no subject)

[gonebycontact.livejournal.com]

( 2 crosstitch, 1 embroidery )

Survey for lampwork bead buyers - win free beads!

[lampworkbyamy.livejournal.com]

Link to Lampwork Purchasers Survey

This is a survey for people who have bought lampwork beads online before, or who have considered doing so. I would really like your input! The bonus for contributing to my little market research project here is, if you do, you will be entered in a draw for a free set of beads! Please only fill out the survey once, then send me a PM here, or an email (my address is at the end of the survey) to let me know you want to be entered in the draw.

52 things

[silivrenglaur.livejournal.com]

Now that vday is over i can post my 52 reasons i love you craft that i gave my hubby. Like others here i found it on craftster ^^

( 52 reasons )

Hemming a Sweater?

[nikkif.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone,

I have a sweater that I like, except it has a ribbed bottom, and I don't like ribbed bottoms. I experimented today by folding it up to the beginning of the ribbing, and I like it a lot better. So my question is, is it possible to shorten/hem a sweater? If so, how would I keep it from unraveling? The knit is really fine, and not felted at all. I'm not even sure whether it could felt.

Thanks!