Your Story book binder?

[grygon.livejournal.com]

Does anyone here own one of these machines? Oh My Crafts has a pretty good deal on them and accessories but I had a few questions and wanted "real people" answers instead of reviews written by anonymous people on google's search.

* how long does that machine last? Meaning- how many books and how many laminations can I do before it dies?

* how many pages of regular paper (NOT laminated) can each regular-sized book hold (portrait, 8"by11")?

Anything you would like to add? Rants or raves?

The reason I am asking is I write fanfic... so OFCOURSE no publisher is going to touch my stories with a ten foot pole, nevermind that I don't want to sell them. I just want my fanfics in book form for me to keep forever. AND a second copy to give as a present to my co-writer. But we'd like a nice looking book instead of something that Kinkos had their way with... not to mention the fic is rated NC17 so I'd really prefer to handle the "publishing" myself anyway.

* if you wouldn't recommend the You Story for my needs... what WOULD you recommend?

edit- yes, i have considered handbinding. I joined the handbinding LJ comm a few weeks ago, too. But right now i simply have too much going on to really dedicate to learning how to bind myself. Thus, when I saw that machine on tv I was very interested!

Dragon pup!

[stolenmilkcrate.livejournal.com]

( A few more pics of him here )

new to beading

[f1ymetothemoon.livejournal.com]

I hope we’re allowed to ask questions here. I looked at the userinfo and didn’t see anything against it, so here goes: I’m new to jewelry making, specifically beading. I’ve figured out on my own the best wires/strings/cords to use for most things, but I feel dumb about fasteners. Crimp tubes work for most of what I’m making, or am interested in making, when I’m using nylon coated wire, but what do I use to securely hold the ends of other types of string/cord? What’s the best way to secure fishing line, for instance? Or dental floss type string? Are there any guidelines or tutorials online?

Working with metal/wire

[anniejackson.livejournal.com]

I want to incorporate some metal into some clothes I'm making and I have a couple of questions. Or, a website which would answer these questions is just as good! :)

1) Can you sauter (I don't know how to spell that) all metal wires? Or only some types?
2) If you have wire that you can bend into shapes, are there any treatments you can do to strengthen the wire once it is in the shape you want so that it does not bend out of shape?
3) Any pointers on how to bend wire precisely (ie not just randomly holding two ends and bending but actually being specific) without toolmarks showing up in the wire? Is it possible or do you just have to live with the marks and do your best to be gentle so they are less noticeable?
4) Any tips for flattening metal wires? I am guessing I just hammer it on a hard surface but is there a way to soften it a bit first or other methods to make it easier? And are there some wires I shouldn't bother doing this with?

And finally, I'd love links to good suppliers, locally all I can find is wire at a craft store which comes in 3m rolls and is 5euros. I'm not feeling like this is a great deal...

Thank you!

felt flowers

[txicntimeless.livejournal.com]

My boyfriends grandma just had surgery a couple days ago and i wanted to make her some felt flowers. I was wondering if anyone had any tutorials or ideas about making them stand with a stem and everything. I get how to make the flowers and the standing stem its just connecting them in a manner that makes them look nice that gets me. (also posted in cuteplush)

thanks in advance.

(no subject)

[amburr.livejournal.com]

Here are some more recent jewlery pieces i've made! they are very nature-esque inspired. I've also been experimenting a bit with embossing powder...

( Read more... )

Put down those knitting needles...

[sogwife.livejournal.com]

...and pick up a drink!

The AntiCraft is throwing three sheets to the wind this autumn and looking for submissions on a mixological theme. Original cocktails, recipes, bar accoutrements, and all other "spirit"ual projects will be considered. Deadline for submissions is 11:59pm Sunday, September 6, 2009. Please check the Submission Guidelines for details (http://theanticraft.com/submit.htm). Drunken crafting is a dangerous and time honored AntiCraft tradition, so join in*!

*Provided, of course, that you are old enough to drink. If not, your consolation prize is feeling left out. Congrats!

Craftbooks for kids?

[misszombie24.livejournal.com]

Hey all! Sorry for the text only, but I have a quick question:
does anyone have any recommendations for craft books that are especially geared towards kids? My 8-year-old nephew loves to do different kinds of crafty projects; whenever I visit him he always wants me to help him with some kind of project! So I wanted to get him a book that has various types of crafts/craft type projects in it that we can choose from. Any books in particular that I should take a look at? Or, maybe you can share some of your favorite crafty projects you like to do with the kiddos in your life. Thanks as always for any ideas/suggestions! =)