Archive: Video
February 3, 2012
DIY No-Sew Caftan Video
For all of our non-sewers and sewers alike, here is a DIY caftan you can make without sewing skills. Caftans are free-flowing long tunics that originated in the middle east centuries ago. They have re-emerged throughout fashion history many times, most notably in the late 60's-early 70's (think Mrs. Roper and Maude). I, myself, LOVE a modern day caftan for lounging, relaxing, or accessorizing and wearing out.
Sewers can sew instead of use the tape I show, and feel free to play with different fabrics and the depth of your slits and arm holes. I got this beautiful fabric at Britex. Really light, airy fabrics or silk give a really sexy look.
CARE: Most caftans (due to the fabric) are hand wash or spot clean. The trade off with the no-sew caftan is that the tape means a bit more time is necessary for care. I recommend spot cleaning with the no-sew option. Replace the tape with a straight stitch if you want to throw your caftan in the washing machine.
Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.
January 19, 2012
VIDEO: How To Make a Geometric Necklace
You might have noticed in our own Meg Allan Cole's "How to Make an Upholstered Headboard" video a very funky geometric necklace she was wearing. WELL, in her latest video Meg shows you how to make this simple accessory. Take a look.
January 13, 2012
Make an Upholstered Headboard
In part II of my bedroom series I show you how to make an upholstered illuminated headboard that has a floating effect by adding a second board to the back.
Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.
I also added some pillows from a mix of new Britex fabric, vintage ethnic fabric, and a vintage Batik print that was my Nana's. This mix of patterns and textures gives a rich, layered look to the otherwise mellow color palette of the room.
I found the foam and batting at Mod Restoration and the plywood boards at my local hardware store. The second board also serves as the best place to attach your brackets or mending plates to hang your headboard. You can omit the second board if you don't want it to be illuminated, and you can then hang the headboard with flush mounts. I, myself, love the illuminated effect and the romantic vibe it creates. It is also quite functional as a low-light when getting ready for a cozy slumber.
More:
- Part I of my Bedroom Series
- Cup of Jo's Bedroom Make-Over
- How-to: Make a Dream Catcher
- Meet the Makers: Meredith Scheff
- Maker Faire, Craft Show, Threadbanger
- Mapbag by Josh Billions
- MakerFaire 2009, Threadbanger
- Bethany Shorb of Cyberoptix TieLab
- Free Motion Embroidery
- Polymath Design Lab: Shannon Henry
- Geek Fashion with Diana Eng
- Fairytale Fashion Show by Diana Eng
- Andrew Salomone's Cosby Sweater
December 30, 2011
Best of CRAFT 2011: Videos
Here are my very favorite videos we have posted and featured on CRAFT in 2011. In keeping with the holiday cheer, I absolutely LOVED Chronicle Books Holiday Card.
I couldn't help sharing this haunting and amazing Spike Jonze short film a couple of months ago.
Thank you, Andrew, for bring this amazing Pen Nibb dress video to our attention. This video is mesmerizing.
Andrew is also responsible for the viral sensation that is the Machine Knit Cosby Sweater that he made with Becky.
Becky illuminates her shoes in her LED Shoe Clip video. Super cute!
Make:Live Halloween Party episode made it to the top 10 for the X Files opening alone. The truth is out there, and so is this awesome addition of Make:Live with Becky and Matt.
Corinne's Day of the Dead Costume is another amazing Halloween addition. Love that make-up job.
I also dig Corinne's shoe bling video. Who doesn't love a little sparkle toe action?
Out of the 12 videos I have made for CRAFT this year, I would have to say my top two are the Color Block Mountain Mural on pure aesthetics.
Making my favorite video that I made my Flashdance Welding video. With the help of Becky and Hackett we welded, we cut glass, we wore a bathing suit on the internet. It happened and it was awesome.
What were YOUR favorite CRAFT videos? Let me know in a comment below!
December 15, 2011
Best of DIY Holiday Gifts and Decor Video
Need some last-minute DIY inspiration? Our own Meg Allan Cole packs 33 holiday-related DIY projects into two short minutes in her Best of DIY Holiday Gifts & Decor video over at ThreadBanger!
November 11, 2011
DIY Faux Fur Wrap
It makes me so angry when I see dead animals draped on models in magazines and they call it fashion. Real fur is unacceptable and has always made my blood boil. For years I have lamented about this barbaric trend but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I am not making a change by staying inactive so decided to offer an alternative. I went to Mood fabric store and picked out the most luxurious faux fur I could find to show that it is possible to have the same aesthetic without hurting any animals. Faux fur is a great way to stay stylish, warm, and animal-friendly. You only have to spend around $20-25 for this, AND you won't have to hurt any animals to create this cozy, pretty piece that can wear all fall and winter long.
Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.
This is my first time using this material, so I started with a basic pattern inspired by the 1960's-Grace-Kelly-style-wraps. This one makes me feel like Holly Golightly or Joan from Mad Men.
You can make whatever you want with this faux fur using the same needles you would for other sewing projects. If you opt for a wrap, you can print out this image of my pattern piece. Note that the pattern measures 25" across at the middle and widest point (* to *), and 23 1/2 " high at the middle and tallest point (** to **), as indicated on the image below. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.
More:
November 8, 2011
How To: Change a Saw Blade
Jimmy DiResta posted this great video showing how to quickly and safely change a saw blade. I'm overly cautious when I work with power tools, but I think I'd be confident trying this technique.
November 7, 2011
Killer Spike Jonze Short Film
While catching up on a favorite D.C. blog, Pandahead, I saw this incredible short film that made my heart aflutter. The film is by Spike Jonze and Olympia Le-Tan and the animation is done by Leonard Cohen, so you know this baby is solid.
This short is so good and eerily romantic, but also a bit risque` so not for the under-age crowd. Click to watch it: http://www.nowness.com/day/2011/10/17/1640/spike-jonze-mourir-aupres-de-toi
October 22, 2011
Special Maker Faire Playlist on Threadbanger
I'm happy to present a special playlist of fashion tech Maker Faire videos over on Threadbanger. I've picked some of my favorite crafters using technology, and the playlist lets you lean back and watch them almost like a TV show. Check it out!
Videos featured:
October 21, 2011
Eggs and Bacon Halloween Costume
With Halloween fast-approaching, here are two adorable and funny costumes you can easily spin out of one project, Eggs and Bacon and Breakfast of Champions. Want to include your small-fry? I show you how to scale down the measurements for your dog or kiddo. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.
Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.
I wish I could enter the Make: Projects Halloween contest! If you do, all of the info is here.
Inspired to craft something for Halloween? Be sure to enter it in our CRAFT Halloween contest to win cool prizes. Costumes, decor, food - whatever you create for Halloween is welcome in the contest. Read our full contest page for all the details.
More:
October 18, 2011
DIY 80's Halloween Costumes
Halloween is getting closer and we all want to look totally tubular on the big day. I am posting a great CRAFT video for you on Friday, but until then, here is my DIY 80's Halloween Costumes for those of you who want to go back in time. Teen Wolf, The Goonies, Lloyd Dobbler, Marty McFly and Maverick are all yours for the taking!
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October 14, 2011
Tinplate Girl Videos
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I'll admit I watched every one of these nine videos, and the one above more than once: Tinplate Girl shows you how to process cans into raw material for tinplate projects. In other videos she covers tools, soldering, bending, and many other techniques for making things out of this fun and easily-accessible material. Food and solvent cans are made from tin-plated steel and often feature silkscreened artwork for adding color to your projects. I have to say: Tinplate Girl reminds me a little of Tina Fey.
This father-daughter tutorial-making team also releases detailed patterns (many for sale, but the videos are free!) for their tinplate projects.

