Cardboard trees.

[naturedichotomy.livejournal.com]

I have (maybe not-so-wisely) taken on the role of VBS (Vacation Bible School) director at my church this year. Having had tons of inspiration, it's been an exciting process so far, however I've run into a bit of a crafty roadblock.

I want to make trees. Big, 6-7-8 foot trees, preferably out of cheap materials, since we don't have much of a budget... but I don't want them to look like they were thrown together with no thought. I have tons of boxes from a recent move, and my original plan was to use those, but that isn't working out especially well. Short of making patchwork trees with bits and pieces of the not-very-big boxes, I'm stumped. Anyone have experience making trees for props? I'll take any advice I can get.

Shoe-related crafting help

[tawg.livejournal.com]

I'm looking to customise a pair of flats to create something similar to this design:



I'm thinking getting a nice, sturdy pair of flats and then making the wings as separate pieces and attaching them to the sides of the shoes. I would very much like suggestions for materials for the wings: what would would well, what should I avoid at all costs, and how to keep the wings from bending or sagging. I can picture how to construct the wings, but I would certainly appreciate any tips that you might be able to give me, and I would really like advice on how to attach them to the shoes in a nice, stable way (I don't want them wobbling and flopping around when I walk, or falling off and getting lost).

( More detailed pic of the wings under the cut )

Sewing machine? (x-posted)

[hipcage.livejournal.com]

Hi there,

I am very interested in starting/taking up sewing and am currently in the process of choosing a sewing machine to purchase. My mom was a seamstress (as her first career), and I'm particular to the Singer brand because of her. I just need some advice on which models I could invest my money in. (Right now, I'm kind of stuck on 301 or 401... but I'm open minded. I think I'd like to stick with the all-metal/pre-1965-ish models, though.) I'm not interested in anything electronic or made with a lot of plastic.

Do you have a particular Singer brand that you swear by?
And, What are some red flags to look for which purchasing a used sewing machine?

:) I would really appreciate your input! Thank you, all.