As you all know, and I’m sure many of you are dealing with the same issues as me, I’m working hard to use up all my leftovers and stash and in general not going willy-nilly in the craft store impulse buying up things I don’t really need for current projects. […]
We’re Married! Hyho! I’m a wife.
{amazing photography by our friend David Gardner – who is also a web developer of great talent} After months of planning and many an all nighter, we finally had our big day and it was truly amazing. We had the most un-seasonally perfect weather right after a cold snap – […]
October CL Swap!
It’s been awhile since the last swap and I know I’m ready to change up some of my stash! And here’s where I go into info-mercial mode: Are you tired of working with the same fabrics, papers, and yarn? Is your stash a little “blah?” Could your fabric use a […]
ArtVend: The newest, smallest shop in town!
Today I wanted to share with you something a little different. It’s a project that has literally been keeping me up at night and last Friday I finally sent it off into the world. Our main contact at the location asked, “Does it feel like you are leaving your kid […]
Late Summer Issue: Craft Leftovers Monthly Zine + 4 years of zine making!
The newest issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is in the shop today and it happily marks 4 years of making this fun zine! Can you believe that? Four years of zine making and I’m still loving it as much as that first issue. To mark this great event, get 40% […]
DIY Wedding: How I made my own invitations
There’s a common misconception that you have to have good drawing skills to make your own amazing invitations, but that’s not necessarily true. I *sheepishly* did absolutely no drawing for these invites. First I’ll take you on a little tour around my invites, then I’ll tell you how I got […]
New Look, new Series, and new shop items!
Hi all! Thanks so much for bearing with me while I updated the look and feel of the website. I had a couple of css explosions and some fun php screw ups. If you notice anything funky going on, please shoot me an email at kristin [at] craftleftovers [dot] com. […]
Crafting for those in Need: Pencil Clutches
I’m part of a really great local arts group called Ames Collaborative Art, we like to call ourselves Ames C.art. Each month we get together for what we call Creative Collision. Basically, we flood a local coffee shop, bring some kind of portable project, and hang out for a few […]
How to: Paper Cranes!
For my wedding, we are making a back drop of paper cranes to take pictures with. I was really inspired by this photo, which I now have no idea where I collected it: and this: (A Walk in the Closet posted this wonderful photo) So I have about 200 of […]
Cycling Crafts: Summer crafting to fancy up your two wheel buddy
I’ve been doing a lot of bike riding lately. Not only has it become my primary transportation for around town, I’ve been training for a triathlon and some long distance rides called brevets. Each week I ride my bike to get from here to there, and then once a week […]
Craft Leftovers Zine: Volume 3: Issue 3!
It’s finally here! The third issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is in the shop along with the third edition of Leftover Christmas!
Get this month’s issue in the shop
This month’s issue is all about spring turning to summer–gardening, cleaning up, and allergies! I don’t know about you, but my nose is going nuts with all the pollen around here.
Public Service Announcement: Vending Art and Craft Side by Side!
Last year I was the chief instigator in coordinating, designing, and funding an 80 foot mural project. With the help of many amazing local friends, family, and businesses, I actually pulled it off. (I had lot of help).We won a grant and we got local donations of supplies. We had […]
Destash Check in!
(this is now) (this is before) I’m happy to report that much progress has been made. First, I took the suggestion of many commenters and brought some organization to the pile. Whew, that’s better. Now I can actually get to the things I need to get to. I did toss […]
WIP’s of a different nature: Art Making!
It’s my newest leftovers project: the crochet thread was my grandma’s, the mat board is from the art shop I used to work at, the paper was from my stash, and they are all wips that have been languishing too long in a box. My art making really follows the same place as my crafting does. And it’s crushing my stash just a little bit more with each stitch (thanks everyone who’s helped to relocate my stash!).
Book Review: 101 One Yard Wonders
Perfectly suited for using up your stash,One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins is packed with fun, creative projects for my office, home, and even my wardrobe! There’s a super cute summer dress made from just one yard of fabric! I’m so happy I finally got my hands on […]
Leftover Christmas Zine: Issue 2!
The newest issue of the Leftover Christmas MiniZine is in the shop! In this month’s issue we make ornaments together. I talk a bit about silhouettes, felt, and cut paper. The zine contains instructions for making your own ornaments in bulk from silhouettes and includes an my own original design […]
Craft Leftovers Monthly Zine: Volume 3, Issue 02!
Ah such sweet musings of late winter, crafting, and *haaaa-chooooooo*. Umm, excuse me…where was I…ah, yes . . .and being sick. Seriously, I’ve been fighting some kind of cold/sinus/ear/throat/infection since Christmas. It never fails that I get sick while I’m at my parents’. And, funny enough, my mom gets sick when she comes to visit us.
Zine Library Part 3: How to: Modular Hanging Boxes for Unique Publications
When I first thought of making my own zine library I was at a loss as to what would fit them all. How could it look good and be functional? I thought it would be kind of neat to make a series of small boxes that would hang on the […]
Craft Leftovers Monthly Volume 3: Issue 1!
I’m so happy to get this issue out! E-to-P and print versions are now available! January is always a blah month in the north–snow snow snow. Loads of gray. Dry skin. Blah. Well, thankfully I’ve whipped up a load of self pampering DIY for you and me! In fact I […]
Zine Library Part 1: Getting Organized & Getting Inspired
The very nature of being a zine maker leads me to own a crap ton of zines. I’ve participated in swaps, I’ve purchased them from around the world. I’ve been given them by friends. And I have multiple copies of my own zines of course. Now, all these zines…I love […]