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April 27, 2012

Paper Mario Brothers Automaton

An automaton is a self-moving machine made out of wood, metal, or paper. It is the perfect invitation to a crafter or maker to get down and dirty and create one of their very own! While on a paper art kick, I thought I'd try my hand at the art of automata, and in today's video break it down and show you how to make an old school Nintendo Mario Brothers paper automaton. Click here to download the template and instructions.

Old Man and the Sea by Peter Lennertz

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

This was my very first automaton and the process is a totally new concept for me. I needed a little guidance and found some in Dug North, an expert on all things Automata. He sent me this incredibly helpful diagram of all of the names of the parts involved. He also broke down the slightly confusing tenses of the actual word below.

Plural: automata or (increasingly acceptable) automatons
Singular: automaton

I loved learning about this fascinating art form and look forward to hopefully even designing my own one day.

Elmer's started a new community Facebook page, Craft it!, for crafters like us. Check it out to keep the ideas, inspiration, and helpful info flowing! Enjoy the video!

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April 6, 2012

DIY Papercut Lamp Video

Inspired by Dutch artist Tord Boontje and your many questions on how to make a papercut lamp like mine, in this video I show you how to create one by hand.

Papercut Lamp-neon.jpg

Tord Boontje is known for his ethereal, whimsical style, so I am going in a different direction and created a modern geometric lamp to stay in the same style genre as my 3D wall sculpture. You can use any design you want and make your lamp with a single layer or several.

papercut lamp-blue-1.jpg

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

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March 12, 2012

Behind the Scenes at Martha Stewart

Here I bring you along with me on my journey to tape my segment for The Martha Stewart Show with a special glimpse of the process and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and photos!

Oh my goodness, look at us sharing a laugh! See guys, sometimes dreams really do come true.

Meg and Martha share a laugh.jpg

Below is the step-by-step of my project that Martha has on her site. But of course, you CRAFTers saw it first in my Colorblock Mountain Painting video.

Martha how-to.jpg

For those of you who don't have a tv or cable, we will post the link from the Martha website on Wednesday when they publish it. Did you get a chance to see it? let me know what you thought of the episode in a comment below!

March 9, 2012

DIY 3D Geometric Sculpture

In this video I use my love of modern a design to show you how to take card stock paper, Elmer's glue products, and the templates I created to make a modern three-dimensional geometric wall sculpture.

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

The coolest thing about this project is that every single sculpture will be unique. You can customize your design to be the shape and color you want. You can find other shaped templates on-line, and alter the color by printing them out on colored card stock, leaving your shapes white, or using my method to make every side of every triangle different.

You can download the templates at their original sizes in the following links, and print them out on card stock paper. You will need 4 in total, including your color piece templates, the large triangle, medium triangle, and small triangles. Be sure to print out the links on each name, as opposed to the image below, as that image will be way too small.

Triangle-CRAFT blog sizejpg

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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. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

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.

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.

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Part I of my Bedroom Series
Cup of Jo's Bedroom Make-Over
How-to: Make a Dream Catcher

December 2, 2011

DIY Bedroom Make-Over

My husband and I took our bedroom in our Brooklyn apartment and transformed it from an unfinished room into an urban oasis. In this first of three DIY Bedroom videos, we show you how to paint a room, lay down Ikea click-together floor, and add trim to a baseboard. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

Orb 5 and Orb 3 are the perfect art for the room. Stay tuned for our next installation where I make an upholstered headboard!

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.

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October 21, 2011

Eggs and Bacon Halloween Costume

Breakfast of Champions Halloween costume.jpg

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.

Meg's and mini bacon costume for Craft blog.jpg

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.

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September 9, 2011

Atomic Age Clock

Mid-century modern is such a gorgeous era and I love that it has been permeating the design scene recently. A couple years ago I made a starburst mirror episode of Decor It Yourself, and since then have seen countless takes on the trend. In this CRAFT video I follow up with another version of the piece, and make my own atomic age clock to add to the retro feel of my kitchen.

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

The shade of blue was a vital part of the design, as I wanted to capture the aqua hue in my vintage cake box that so aptly represents a mid-century kitchen. The shade I used is Veranda by California Paints. I also wanted the dowels to really look like chrome, and the metallic spray paint worked wonders!

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For the alternate version of a starburst wall hanging, I used the gold spray paint, and it added a lush sheen that really elevates the look of the piece. These pieces look next-level-amazing in a collection like this. A bold statement wall with graphic pieces like these create a strong focal point and anchor to a large space. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects

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About the Author:
Meg Allan Cole blog picture.jpg

Meg Allan Cole is an actress, design lover, and video producer who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her musician husband Will, rescue mutts Gracie & Milo, and bunny Linus Clyde. Meg blogs, has hosted home decor videos on Curbly, Etsy and created the show Decor It Yourself for Threadbanger. Check out the Meg Allan Cole Crafts YouTube page for all of her videos.

August 12, 2011

Make a Typecase into a Coffee Table

It's metal month on MAKE, which doesn't mean a Slayer-overload, it means it's time to put on your Flashdance leotard and start welding. I've had this vintage typecase for months and I've been wanting to make it into a sweet new coffee table. Metalworking month is the perfect time to learn how to weld to create an industrial base for the table.

I went to the Madagascar Institute in Brooklyn, NY and learned the basics from Hackett who is a skilled expert. I am light years away from his skill level, and if you are too you can check out Make: Live Episode 14 to get a really helpful welding lesson. 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.

Welded Typecase table-2.jpg

Another easy addition to this table that really brought it up a few notches was getting a custom piece of glass cut for the top. I anticipated this being difficult and expensive, but it took less than 10 minutes and was $35.

Cost break-down:

Scrap metal - free
Typecase - (free for me because I live next to a letterpress, but for you...) $10-20
Glass (custom cut) - $35
Rubber stoppers - $3
Liquid Nails - $3

Total: $51-61

black_hairpin2 legs.jpg

If you can't find a welding class, or prefer a more mid-century look, I am loving these hairpin legs that you can scoop up at a thrift store or on Ebay for under $20. They make any piece into an instant retro table!

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About the Author:
Meg Allan Cole blog picture.jpg

Meg Allan Cole is an actress, activist, DIYer, and founder of Enderby Designs. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her musician husband Will, rescue mutts Gracie & Milo, and bunny Linus Clyde. Meg blogs, has hosted home decor videos on Curbly, Etsy and created the show Decor It Yourself for Threadbanger. Check out the Meg Allan Cole Crafts YouTube page for all of her videos.

July 15, 2011

Silhouette Dog Portrait Using Illustrator

My adoration for my canine companions rivals the deepest love affairs in history, and I am always looking for new ways to celebrate how amazing they are.

In keeping with this month's Design & Photography theme, in today's video I show you how to create your own custom silhouette piece using Adobe Illustrator and a robot cutter (the aptly-named Silhouette machine). I describe a low-tech option as well, so never fear, non-tech friends. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.

Do not fear Illustrator or the robot, this was my first time using both and my silhouettes turned out great! This is encouraging me to try new tools and programs I have yet to master.

Who do you adore so much you just have to have their silhouette hanging in your home? Let me know in a comment below. Enjoy the video!

Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.

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