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Archive: Books and Magazines

May 9, 2012

How-To: Pom-Pomless Earrings, a Project Excerpt From Chic on a Shoestring by Mary Jane Baxter

Crafters know, almost better than anyone, how one of the best ways to go green with projects is repurposing an existing object, garment or accessory. It's not just economical, it's environmentally friendly, and it's no surprise that crafters excel at upcrafting. This week's book excerpt is a great example of repurposing and refashioning to maximize your budget and minimize your environmental impact.

Mary Jane Baxter is a former BBC foreign reporter whose new ventures bring her to the world of crafting and fashion. In her new book, Chic on a Shoestring, she shares more than 40 fashion and accessory projects to help you customize your look.

Chic on a Shoestring teaches readers how to recycle almost anything in the closet-- old clothes, shoes, scraps of fabric, broken necklaces, buttons--and convert them into stylish, vintage accessories. Readers will learn how to transform a colorful ribbon into a trendy belt, shoelaces into a stunning choker, a silk scarf into a seductive summer top, and much more.

Mary Jane is sharing her Pom-Pomless Earrings project from Chic on a Shoestring with CRAFT readers. Download the PDF below to see how to make these quick and cute accessories.

Download the Instructions and Template for making Pom-Pomless Earrings, by Mary Jane Baxter (excerpted from Chic on a Shoestring)
Right click to save the PDF to your desktop. Directions on downloading PDFs.

May 2, 2012

How-To: Portfolio, a Project Excerpt From Reinvention by Maya Donenfeld, Plus a Book Giveaway

Maya Donenfeld of Maya*Made is well know in the craft community for her simple and beautiful projects celebrate sustainable resources. Her new book, Reinvention from Wiley, is not just about making cute and useful projects, but also about creating with purpose and attention to meaningful materials.

Advancements in technology have increased the pace of our lives. As a response, a vibrant Do It Yourself movement has risen to reclaim age old traditions that reconnect us to slower and simpler times. A sewing renaissance has been set in motion at a time in history when economic instability and an awareness of the importance of using sustainable resources is peaking.
With this in mind, I created a guide to working with my favorite recycled materials. You'll find linen, burlap, wool and more with details on their history, deconstruction techniques, sewing tips, and information about their environmental impact.

Reinventing everyday materials into items of beauty and utility for the modern home and family will excite new and experienced sewers alike. To add an element of personalization, I drew upon my experience leading print workshops to share easy methods for transforming gently-used fabric with paint and ink. Stenciling templates and thorough instructions are provided, as well as encouragement to invent your own designs. Stories, a favorite recipe, and nature activity are tucked between and around the projects to offer you, the reader and maker, an invitation to slow down, and create with intention.

We're thrilled to be part of Maya's Reinvention book blog tour, and are excited to share a great project from the book. To make your own awesome envelope portfolio, just download the project PDF below.

Download the Instructions for making a portfolio, by Maya Donenfeld (excerpted from Reinvention)
Right click to save the PDF to your desktop. Directions on downloading PDFs.

Giveaway time! One lucky Craft reader will win a copy of Reinvention. Just leave a comment below, telling us what your favorite kinds of materials to reuse are. Please be sure to leave your email address so we can get in touch. US Residents only. Comments will close at 4PM PST on Sunday, May 6th. Good luck!

Follow along with the rest of the Reinvention tour below!
Week One
5/1- sew liberated
5/2- Craft
5/3- Resurrection Fern
5/4- Apartment Therapy

Week Two
5/7 Whip Up
5/8 elsie marley
5/9 Poppytalk
5/10 Annekata
5/11 Pink Coyote

Week Three
5/14 Betz White
5/15 Etsy
5/16 Sew, Mama, Sew!
5/17 Made
5/18 Wiley Craft

April 18, 2012

Criminal Crafts Project Excerpt: How to Make a Glue Gun Bandolier

I love crafts with a bit of an edge to them, and the projects in the new book, Criminal Crafts, from Shawn Bowman (a.k.a Miss Demeanor,) deliver edge in a big way.

Criminal Crafts: Outlaw Projects for Scoundrels, Cheats, and Armchair Detectives is a sassy manifesto of 30 projects steeped in noir and espionage culture. From making John Dillinger's notorious soap gun, to crime scene tape messenger bags and flaming drinks- there is something fun and practical for every devious crafter.

But just because a project has a nefarious bent to it doesn't mean it can't be hugely practical as well. Case in point: the glue gun bandolier. Sure, it looks totally rad and intimidating, but Shawn points out it's also really handy when you're powering through a project and need to keep reloading your glue gun. Get all the steps for making your own after the jump or download the full PDF from the book, and be sure to check out all the other fun stuff in Criminal Crafts.

How to Make a Glue Gun Bandolier
by Shawn Bowman a.k.a. Miss Demeanor
Excerpted from Criminal Crafts © by Shawn Bowman, photos by Laura and Rob Sams, used with permission by Andrews McMeel Publishing

The Glue Gun Bandolier looks fierce and is ridiculously easy to put together. A fashionable and handy statement in organized crime it can also hold pens and paintbrushes too!

Read full story »

April 3, 2012

CraftSanity Issue 6 Now Available

I grew up in Michigan, so I feel a little Mitten State pride whenever Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood announces a new issue of CraftSanity Magazine. So, I wanted to send out a little Midwest love, and let you know that the latest issue of CraftSanity Magazine is now available for purchase! The print issue is available for $12, or you can download the $6 PDF by clicking on the link in the sidebar at CraftSanity.com.

This issue is packed with people and projects that I hope will inspire hours of creative time this spring. We're covering everything from knitting, crocheting and sewing to weaving, yarn dyeing, felting, embroidery, herbal medicine, gardening, baking and more. I think you're going to like it, folks.

Looking at the contributor list, I see quite a few names that are friends of CRAFT, and a ton of wonderful projects that I can't wait to try out!

Issue 6 contains more than 20 patterns, projects and recipes to keep those creative juices flowing.

Check out the preview post on CraftSanity for additional photos and more information about the contributors.

March 21, 2012

How-To: Make a Tailor's Ham, a Project Excerpt From Mend it Better by Kristin Roach

Kristin Roach, founder and author of Craft Leftovers, has been a long-time contributor to CRAFT (both in print and online) so we are incredibly excited to be able to share a cool project from her new book, Mend It Better. As the title implies, Mend it Better is a book full of tips, history and projects related to repairing textiles. Kristin does a fantastic job of sharing her own personal stories of mending and crafting, alongside practical skills for extending the life of clothing, accessories and home goods. Chapters include background and basic information on things like patching, hemming, closures and then finish up with several creative projects using those techniques. Mend it Better is a great go-to resource that you'll want to have within hand's reach at all times, as well as a fun place to find easy project inspiration.

One of the things I really loved about this book was that Kristin provides instructions for making some actual tools that are instrumental in mending and sewing. I like the idea of not just making some kind of finished project, but actually constructing tools you can use for all your future projects. One of these tools is the highly useful tailor's ham, an essential tool for handy and crisp pressing. We're excited to be able to share Kristin's project for sewing your own tailor's ham that will make your pressing easier and more professional looking. Read ahead for the whole project, download the PDF of instructions and pattern and read on to see how you could win your own copy of Mend it Better by Kristin Roach.

Make Your Own Tailor's Ham
by Kristin Roach
Excerpted from Mend It Better © by Kristin Roach, Photo by Greg Nesbit Photography, Illustration by © Kristin Nicholas, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

This great pressing tool is so easy to make and it's so helpful. It will take a few tries to get the hang of how to use it, but over time it will really improve your pressing results.

What You'll Need

Template for ham (download instructions & pattern PDF)

Muslin, velvet, and upholstery fabric scraps slightly larger than the template

Batting, enough for 2 pieces the size of the template

Shredded paper to use as filling

Mending supply kit (see page 24 of Mend it Better)

Sewing machine (optional)

Read full story »

February 21, 2012

How-To: Book Page Pockets

I'm always drawn to the colorful and decorative covers of old Readers Digest Condensed Books at thrift stores and garage sales. Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made shares my affinity for them, and is sharing projects she's made with her impressive collection of them. These book page pockets are fun for altered books, scrapbooking or other paper craft projects.

December 23, 2011

Book Review: Hot Toddies: Warming Winter Drinks for Chilly Days

A delightful book by Ryland Peters & Small, Hot Toddies: Warming Winter Drinks for Chilly Days, has something toasty for everyone; there are even kid friendly beverages. I really enjoy this book because anyone can find a drink they love. Below is a recipe for a yummy Pumpkin Latte.

Pumpkin Latte, serves 3

1 2/3 cups milk
½ cup mashed cooked sweet pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree
3 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
whipped cream and cinnamon sugar, to serve

This thick, richly spiced latte is enriched with sweetened pumpkin. If you can find canned sweetened pumpkin puree, then use this and omit the sugar in the recipe.

Put the milk, pumpkin, sugar (if using) and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat gently, whisking constantly until the mixture just reaches boiling point.

Transfer to 3 cups or heatproof glasses and stir in the coffee. Serve immediately topped with lightly whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

December 12, 2011

Project Excerpt: Stitch London by Lauren O'Farrell

Knits That Make You Go Squee
Stitch London Review by Lauren O'Farrell

To me the world is divided into two kinds of knittingness. There's the practical, fancy schmancy, yarn-over-riddled, cabled and complicated knitting that many people swoon over, all made in yarn so fancy you're slightly afraid to wear it should it get besmirched. And then there's my kind of knitting, knitting that makes you go squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Us squee knitters are the ambassadors of amigurumi and the needle-flicking ninjas of the kooky little knit. Not for us the jumpers, shawls and endless socks of normal knitting. We're the stitchers of the silly but sweet, the purlers of the impractical, the adorers of wildly coloured acrylic and the proud crafters who grin wildly at the words, "I'm sorry, but you knit what?!?!".

Read full story »

December 7, 2011

Book Review Plus Giveaway: Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids

Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids
By Jessica Strand

From paper snowflakes and beeswax menorah candles to a hanging felt tree advent calendar, New Years paper poppers, popcorn garland, and even a paper Kwanza goodie basket, the 25 projects in Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids cover the full spectrum of winter holidays. There's a sweetness and simplicity about these projects that hark back to an earlier time. Jessica Strand had her 10-year-old son, Lucian, help pick out the projects, his favorites being those that include candy. With easy step-by-step instructions and lots of included templates, this book is perfect for families with children who want to spend a festive afternoon at the craft table.

Now for the Giveaway:
We want to hear from you! Let us know your favorite childhood holiday memory in our comments section below. Make sure you do this from the CRAFT site and not from Facebook. We will randomly select 5 winners.

Prizes:
4 Runner-Up winners will receive a copy of Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids.
1 Grand Prize winner will receive a copy of Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids AND a holiday gift basket from Chronicle Books.

Deadline: Next Wednesday, December 14th, at 2:00 PM (PST) / 5:00 PM (EST). We will then announce the winners the following week.

December 5, 2011

Gift Guide: Bookworm

Give a book, and give your friends and family the gift of hours of creative fun!

Made by Hand: My Adventures in the World of Do-It-Yourself, by Mark Frauenfelder

Perfect for both the seasoned maker and the person who's just starting to get tempted to tinker, the story of Mark's travels through a year of living the DIY life is sure to inspire, amuse, and make you think twice about moving to an isolated island!

You can also get the hardcover over at the Maker Shed.

Sewing in a Straight Line: Quick and Crafty Projects You Can Make by Simply Sewing Straight, by Brett Bara

Simple, beautiful, and easy to follow, Brett Bara's book is a gentle yet stylish introduction to everything you need to know to start sewing your own modern wearables and home decor.

You can also check out the book review and project excerpt on CRAFT.

The Bust DIY Guide to Life: Making Your Way Through Every Day, by Laurie Henzel and Debbie Stoller

From DIY finger waves to building a terrarium, this book contains a wealth of ideas and instructions for just about any occasion that you can imagine. It's perfect for your mom, your teen sister, your BFF, and any other gal who always has a new project going!

Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share, by Ken Denmead

Have a great dad (or uncle, or big brother) on your list? This book is full of ideas for fun, nerdy projects that will let them completely geek out with the kids!

Read full story »

November 26, 2011

Book Review Plus Project Excerpt: Sew Kawaii

Sew Kawaii: 22 Simple Sewing Projects for Cool Kids of All Ages
By Choly Knight
Fox Chapel Publishing

I'm so excited about this book! As soon as I received it in the mail my 8-year-old was on the floor flipping through the pages, and decided she was going to make the smiley-face strawberry keychain - a "very easy" project that can be hand-stitched. My 14-year-old, on the other hand, who is about to start sewing lessons, wants to make the plush bunny for "experienced beginners," giving her all the more motivation to master our sewing machine.

Read full story »

November 16, 2011

Book Review: The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

Last Thursday, I attended the launch party for The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook at the beautiful event space at Housing Works Bookstore in NYC. I was so excited to be invited, and I really enjoyed checking out the book, talking to some of the project designers, and hanging out in a room filled with other people who were passionate about sewing!

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook was written by Nora Abousteit with Alison Kelly, and was published by Potter Craft. It includes 15 projects, and comes with 5 complete printed patterns that cover nearly every aspect of a fashionable gal's wardrobe: the skirt, the blouse, the dress, the coat, and the bag. Read full story »

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