Feeling crafty? Got an old chair you want to refurbish or a tired pillow that is in desperate need of new cover? Look no further than the San Francisco based interior designer/textile designer Nina Jizhar to kick start your project. Her Etsy shop Swanky Swell features her hand screenprinted fabrics in very modern, organic shapes and patterns. Let her creativity set you off on a course of upholstery inspiration!
TEN is a collection of ten designers that have spent the last few years focused on sustainable projects. In their fifth year, this group of designers is presenting Ten Plan, a collection of ten projects that you can make on your own. You can download the plans for free, but they do suggest a donation. So if you are feeling crafty this weekend, download a plan and make anything from a bike rack to balloon bowls to a coat rack picture rail.
This brings back fond memories of childhood. I adored Sunprint Kits when I was a kid and I am so happy that they are still around (it's been since 1975!). You remember how they work? You lay objects onto of the blue sheets and place them in direct sunlight. The areas of the paper exposed to light turn white while the blue molecules in the paper remain under the object, creating a perfect silhouette. Rinse them in water and watch the white turn to blue and the blue to white. Basically.... it's science.
If you have a seamstress in your life, you must get her an Ellie Evans pin cushion. Each one is made by hand and features custom embroidery, vintage fabrics and remnants of fabrics that were printed digitally from Ellie's old family documents and photos. I have a sewing machine.... took a class, made one very poorly constructed quilt and have not touched it since. But my pin cushion sucks... that must be the problem. Yes, that is the problem...
For some reason, I am feeling so crafty lately. Perhaps its the change of weather or the holidays looming but I've got a hankering to work with my hands. I found the blog of Jessica Jones, called How About Orange, and she has a boatload of DIY tutorials. How to etch glass, make cork coasters, pillow covers, decorative packaging, recycled flowers, transferring images to fabric.... the list is endless. Check out her blog for some wonderful step by step instructions.
I can't believe I am going to give up my secret but tis the season for sharing! I have found the ultimate source for baker's twine. This is the best stuff for wrapping up packages and using for gift tags or bags... the uses are endless. If you go to craft stores, it usually costs about $5 for only 30 or so yards. At WeSellCoffee.com, you can get 3,400 yards for $8.95. It will last a lifetime! Colors available are brown, green, red, baby blue, white etc.... There, the secret is out!
RIBBON!!!! I have a fascination with ribbon and the Brooklyn General Store has loads of good stuff! If you are into making belts or adorning pillows or tablecloths.... hop to it! Another idea, stolen from a very cool house of an old friend, is to wind up balls of colorful ribbon and place them in apothecary jars as an accent piece. Oh, by the way, the CRAFT category is new!
