I make a lot of swatches when I’m working on patterns. You know, working out patterns, figuring out the count. The color combo. When I was making the library tote for this month’s Craft Leftovers Monthly, it was same as usual. This time, instead of shooting for “coaster” sized swatches,
Read MoreThis month Craft Leftovers Monthly is taking a nice long look into the world of plush! Recycled stuffing, knitting, crochet, stitching, and a little corned beef and cabbage for good measure! Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my! +Knit a panda bear +Crochet a Tiger Cat +Stitch a Lion from the
Read MoreThis past year Diane of the CraftyPod and I decided to collaborate on a short and sweet little ebook on what to do with those leftovers related to giving gifts. Five months later, this amazing ebook has turned in to a 63 page resource on paper making, collaging with fabric,
Read MoreOne of the main projects in Diane’s and my new ebook Card.Paper.Ribbon. is taking wadded-up wrapping paper and fusing it to cloth, and then sewing into wallets and bags.
Read MoreThough I’ve always thought pomanders were a great idea, it wasn’t until yesterday that I actually made my own! It was one of the activities at the Winter Art Camp at the Octagon Center for the Arts. I was invited to stay after my activitiy was over and join in
Read MoreI love making handmade ornaments and this week, the internet craftdom has been ripe with great ornament patterns! Aren’t these just beautiful? The way the fabric is cut up and pinned makes them wonderful for using up scraps. You can get the tutorial on Knitty Gritty Thoughts. This one is
Read MoreHooray it’s here! It’s today! The Winter issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is on sale. Subscriptions are on sale! Box sets of Volume 1 are available! And everything in the new shop is 15% off today and tomorrow (calculated at checkout automatically, no code required). And when you place your
Read MoreMaking bundles of herbs to dry is a great way to both use up leftover herbs and use up little scraps of wire and ribbon. Not to mention they are really pretty around the house, smell wonderful, and nicely dried can be wonderfully delicious in any meal. We had quite
Read MoreHi there everyone! I just wanted to put up a quick post about the February issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly. I’m going to go ahead and extend the deadline by 1 week to Sunday, November 8th midnight for submission ideas for the Feb issue of CLM. So not finished projects,
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I recently made a book from my favorite papers and envelopes using the codex binding method, but the only thing I had for the cover was some thicker paper. So, the first step in fixing up my book, is giving it a bit more stability.
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Open up your linen cupboard and find your loveliest vintage pillowcase. It is the perfect size to refashion into a dress for that special little girl in your life.
The pillowcase dress has become an essential piece of girly goodness in my daughter’s wardrobe. It is so versatile: for cooler weather, simply layer the dress with a long-sleeve t-shirt and tights underneath.
Read MorePolymer clay pendants are really simple to make, look wonderful, can take on a million “styles” through simple surface treatments and can be used in a variety of ways. I have a pendant necklace that was given to me for my birthday and hands down it is the most complimented
Read MoreI have been teaching more kiddo workshops lately so when I saw this project posted on Craft I just had to link up. I’m always on the lookout for new interesting way to talk to kids about fibers. I can tell you that the kids who had used the “stitch”
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In tribute to my grandma and my great grandma, I made a mini sew box with a mini pin cushion. I wanted something to put in my mending basket – Friday is now my mending day officially – and this is just the thing. You can make the mini sew box and pin cushion in just a few evenings of crafting.
Read MoreI just finished adding all the info on the sub-pages and I have two great additions to the site! I split the old “support cl” page which was long and burdensome. It is now divided into two: Support You can contribute in two easy ways. If you have a website/shop/blog
Read MoreThis month’s issue of Craft Leftovers Monthly is all about drawing, so when I saw this flashback to issue 6 of Craftzine I just had to link up. In fact, using this method is how I made the coloring pages in the zine! I used watercolor pencils for the first
Read MoreDrawing is my primary language. I have been drawing since before I can remember and before I could read or right most definitely. I am so happy to present this issue to you because it’s all about drawing. Yes of course there will be some instruction on drawing, but there
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If there ever was a classic instant-gratification craft, it’s the venerable felt flower. I was playing around one day, and stumbled upon this method for making an interesting zinnia-style design. Hope you like!
While walking around San Francisco it struck me how much my camera looked like everyone else’s on the street. Lame. My nikon was no different from every other camera toting tourist. I think my camera deserves better than that. I mean, after all, it’s through its lens that all my
Read MoreI’m not sure if you remember, but awhile ago I posted a quick tutorial on how to make your own polymer clay croissants. Since then I have had many other little fun pastries floating around my studio. It’s so fun and easy to play around with clay when I’m feeling
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