Just wanted to mention that my first two technique videos from Bead Simple are up on my book website if you’d like to check them out! I filmed one for making Solo Earrings (or any other simple bead embellishment like a pendant or bracelet dangle) and one for wire looping the Vintagesque Necklace (on the book cover). Thanks for posting about them, Diane and Jenny!

solo earrings:

vintagesque necklace:

They’re both posted on the on the Bead Simple technique videos + patterns page, and I’ll have another bunch of videos joining them there in the next little while after a short personal break — kind of a mini-maternity leave! See you in a few days… hope to have some exciting news to post about soon!

I just got the heads up that Lee is teaching an excellent knitting class at Twisted — her short-rows wavy hat project! It’s so cute (I have seen it in person and can attest to this wholeheartedly) and perfect for Northwest spring — she says that it knits up really nicely in cotton as well as wool, depending on your preference. So if you’re looking for the perfect intermediate knitting project, jump on into her class — it’s May 4th and 11th.

Natalie also passed on that CRAFT: is co-hosting a pretty amazing contest: just stitch up some original baby booties using Michael Miller fabrics, add a photo to the contest flickr pool, and you’re entered to win the grand prize: a new Singer Curvy sewing machine, a $100 gift certificate to ReproDepot Fabrics, and a feature on Craftzine.com.

Three runners-up will also receive a Michael Miller Fabrics Fat Quarter Bundle (retail value $80.00) and a $20 gift certificate to ReproDepot. All the details are over at the CRAFT: blog and the winners will be chosen June 30.

I thought that these these darling little booties Diane made for our baby might be nice inspiration for sewing up your own design if you’re contest-bound. Good luck if you enter!

I am slammed this week with some quick-turnaround work stuff and need to take a couple of days off from writing for fun, but wanted to quickly pass on this cool thing I saw at not martha: Interweave has put together a free pattern book of the top five knitting patterns that Knitting Daily readers voted for — pretty cool! It’s available to download until May 14 and then it’s gone, so go snap it up while you can.

I have no recent knitting of any type to show off, but I do love this MTA ad I saw on the LA subway last year so I will include that instead… sorry about the horrible picture quality, it is surprisingly hard to take a photo while the train is moving!

Today I thought I’d post a round-up of six cool things that caught my eye this week: two to make, two to win, and two to check out in person — and all of them are free!

to make

First, the crafty projects to do are both up for grabs online. Rachel of Average Jane Crafter has been posting a series of lovely vintage embroidery transfers on her blog as part of a weeklong celebration hosted by Floresita. The designs are so charming and it’s such a cool idea to share them all!

And Lee Meredith has posted a free bucket hat pattern on her blog and on Ravelry, and shows off her version that she knitted up in her own brightly colored homespun. Gorgeous!

to win

I’m so pleased to announce that there are two Bead Simple giveaways going on right now: Jessica of Jekbot and Scrumdillydilly, who designed the Bits and Baubles Keychain, is offering up a copy of the book for her readers to win. Just comment on this post and she’ll pick a winner from the first 25 entries!

And Natalie of Coquette and CRAFT:, who designed the Vintage-Style iPod Cozy, is also offering a copy for readers to win over on the CRAFT: blog. Just comment on this post by 11 am on Thursday, and mention why you would like to have the book, and you’re entered to win there too. Thank you, Nat and Jess!!

and to do

Tomorrow night is First Thursday here in Portland and there are two openings I’m especially excited about. First, at PNCA (1241 NW Johnson St., in Portland), my husband Andrew is part of a group show called The Searchers. The exhibition originally premiered in New York at the EFA Gallery in December 2006. We performed AC Dickson: eBay PowerSeller as part of the opening week, and for this encore exhibit, Andrew has put together a visual show and essay about the culture of eBay — this is the sequel to the performance, answering the age-old dilemma: what should you sell?

Just a few blocks away, Cathy Pitters of Bossa Nova Baby is showing the beautiful chair that she created for the Chair Affair. The opening is from 6 - 8pm at The Art Institute, 1122 NW Davis St. in Portland, and her piece will be on display until it is part of the charity auction for Community Warehouse later this month.

On a related note, I would like to spotlight a fantastic site and blog, Around the Sun, which features an impressive selection of free or affordable things to check out here in Portland and beyond — definitely bookmark it or subscribe if you haven’t already. Amy is a fellow crafter and designer, and she does a beautiful job highlighting all kinds of money-saving ideas, free events, and all kinds of other interesting resources. She was kind enough to post about my Powell’s event this week, too — thank you so much, Amy!

Desperation crafting struck this morning: at eight months along, it’s finally time to admit that my wedding ring has gotten too tight to wear comfortably. But I just couldn’t stand the thought of not wearing it, since I love it so much — it was my grandmother’s from her wedding in 1943, and it’s very precious to me. So I made it into this little temporary pendant with a single pearl dangling in the center. I can’t wait to slip it right back onto my ring finger, but until then I’ll be wearing it around my neck!

If you have a similar band ring or open circle that you want to remake into a simple pendant, here’s how I made this one:

You’ll need:

Pliers (flat-nose, round-nose and wire clippers)

Ring
One center bead (I used a 6mm pearl)
4 inches of 24 gauge gold-filled wire
1 gold headpin
Chain

1. Slip the bead onto the headpin and form a wrapped loop above it to create a simple dangle. Clip the end of the wire neatly.

2. Form a medium-sized loop that will be the first (lower) half of a double-wrapped loop using the piece of wire (ie: one lower loop catching the ring/pendant, one upper loop catching the chain, as in the photo), but do not start wrapping the coil yet. Slip first the ring and then the bead dangle onto the open loop so that the bead hangs neatly inside the ring or circle. Once those are in place, complete the wrap, winding the wire into a neat coil above the loop.

3. Now form a second wrapped loop above the first one, slipping your chain into the open loop before completing the wrap. Finish your pendant by coiling the wire around two or three times, until it meets the first wrap in the middle of the coil, and clip both ends at the back. Use your flat-nose pliers to flatten any edges that poke out.

Note: you can use wirework instructions and illustrations from any beading book to learn how to make the pearl dangle and double-wrapped loop. They’re on page 21 and 23 of Bead Simple, and I’ll be posting short technique videos for both (plus a dozen others) later this week, too — I’ll come back and post links then! Until then, I hope the text instructions make sense… looking at the photo can help you see the process, too.

I recently got a note from Ellen, who is working on a very cool project:

I’m a high school student in San Francisco organizing a scarf drive in the city. You know, folks knit scarves, donate them, we get them to folks in need. (In this case, they’re being donated to the Bay Area Rescue Mission.) It’s my first try doing it — all the info is at myspace.com/warmandfuzzySF.

I have to admit that knitting is about my sixth craft and though I love it, I’m not especially good at it — but I will be starting my (garter stitch!) scarf for the drive during the Blazers game tonight. Here’s the first scarf I ever made, seven years ago, which was a Christmas present for my brother David:

If you’d like to make and donate a scarf to Warm and Fuzzy SF too, the drive is going on through Valentine’s Day — just drop your scarf off at — or mail it to — one of these lovely establishments:

Imagiknit
3897 18th St (at Sanchez)

Greenwich Yarn
2073 Greenwich St (at Webster)

Atelier Yarns
1945 Divisadero St (between Pine and California)

Mendels/Far-Out Fabrics
1556 Haight St (between Clayton and Ashbury)

The Gables
5636 Geary Blvd (at 21st Ave)
(415) 751-8152

Wishbone
601 Irving St (at 7th Ave)

Thanks, Ellen!

I’m so busy this week that I thought I’d do a re-post from last year’s (Dec 06) getcrafty column with the list of fun handmade holiday projects I put together then. Disclaimer: I haven’t had time to check to see if every single link is still active, so forgive me if you hit a dead end somewhere! I’ll keep adding fresh ideas to the top, starting with a few I really loved this week:

Craftapalooza compiled this fantastic tutorial list for whip-up today — dozens of ideas for festive holiday crafts!

And I just adore these deer ornaments Linda designed for the big swap. Her how-to is here on the ReproDepot blog.

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I keep seeing all these great handmade tutorials all over the place for making everything from cards and holiday decorations to presents for everyone on your list… so I’ve put together links to a bunch of free online how-to projects for you to check out, if you haven’t already spotted them. Happy DIYing!

*now updated with new projects at the top of the sections, with more to come!

Decorations and Embellishments

elf stitchette by Hillary Lang, mirror garland by Kathy Cano Murillo, dreidel by Star Wars Kids Crafts, and soft tree by Stephanie Barnes

The CRAFT blog has cool new tutorials for making paper stars, a video for stylishly wrapping presents with fabric, DIY gift tags, and fun-fur mini tabletop trees. And One Hour Craft is offering a gold star for the top of your Christmas tree how-to.

Crafty Chica created a new collage wrapping paper project that’s super-customizable! Kiddley has a ton of cool kid-friendly decorations to make: a gumdrop wreath, paper garlands, Christmas pinatas, a pom-pom garland, and a paper doll/ornament.

Natalie has posted some amazing new projects over at the CRAFT blog — a Santa peanut ornament, stenciled holiday cards, crocheted snowflakes, photo ornaments, Star Wars holiday collage cards, and a MAKE magazine podcast on making woodcut cards… wow!

Alicia of Posie Gets Cozy wrote up a beautifully photographed tutorial on making your own Santa Lucia dolls this week. And Cake + Pie has a very cute stockings how-to, including the finishing touches.

Here’s a big list of all the CRAFT magazine how-to project podcasts to date, including a pom-pom tree and garland, and a MAKE podcast on making woodcut cards.

I also added a how-to for a quick and easy flower ornament this week. And One Hour Craft has a new yo-yo ornament project up as well!

Sarah sent in a great tutorial on making a button tree by embellishing a styrofoam cone with pearls, beads, buttons, and broken jewelry from your stash. Cute photos are here.

Hillary Lang has posted a Wee Wonderfuls Stitchette elf pattern on her site… so adorable. She’s also shown how to make adorable ornaments and decorations using cotton balls, of all things!

Kathy Cano Murillo, AKA Crafty Chica, has a gorgeous round-up of past holiday projects on her blog — everything from mini mirror garlands to glittered cards, ornaments, and boxes to make your holidays sparkle!

Anh-Minh posted an amazing Plexiglass photo display that could look incredible with your favorite photos or vintage holiday cards.

CRAFT magazine’s site has a projects page with free downloadable how-tos and patterns — the bird stencils would look great on cards or windows! You can even get their new patterns automatically delivered podcast-style via iTunes. Plus, the holiday projects section of their amazing blog has all kinds of ornament how-tos — I love the Star Wars dreidel and ornament especially!

Stephanie Barnes of Little Birds Handmade has published her pattern for making simple, beautiful soft trees — download it and make a forest in all different sizes and fabrics.

And Sunset magazine has put together a lovely mix of articles on making wreaths and garlands, easy ornaments (I love the photo ones in particular), mod paper ornaments, centerpieces and table toppers, creating your own gift wrap, and making a modern menorah and advent calendar. Sunset is one of my favorite magazines — it’s very crafty!

Gifts

boyfriend hat by Bleu Arts, bath salts by Susan Beal, kanzashi by Maria Binns, and silhouette necklace by Abigail Percy

A new round of amazing projects are up on the CRAFT blog: tutorials for making stuffed animals, solid perfume, v-stitch scarves, and coin cufflinks.

One Hour Craft has a tutorial for making a quick, adjustable bracelet, and Vickie Howell added a new holiday-themed knitting needles roll to her site this week. And Christina Loff wrote up a great snow globes how-to using miniature figurines and baby-food jars.

The CRAFT blog recently posted a tutorial for twisted-wire tree branch earrings.

Cutting Edge is offering a pattern for a fleece pocket scarf, appliqued with snowflakes. And Laural of thimble.ca has an inspiring project index, offering tutorials on some of her cutest projects, from a zippered pouch to a super-simple belt. Check out her recipes, too!

Sunset also has recipes up for cocoa in a jar — classic, Mexican, peppermint and mocha. Don’t miss their Gifts from the Kitchen section — spices, liqueurs, and delicious things to bake. And then there’s a fun soaps projects to make, too.

Leah Kramer of craftster posted a round-up of fabulous gift ideas from the site, all using basic techniques — decoupage, soaps, marble magnets, and etched glass.

Check out the Craftster winter holidays forum for lots of ideas, too. And of course there are inspiring how-tos all over the boards — check out this row-counter bracelet tutorial by skutterat — the perfect gift for all the hard-core knitters in your life!

Speaking of knitting, why not try making Aunt Purl’s Easy Knitted Felted Bracelet Bag? It takes less than two hours, start to finish! Ansley of Bleu Arts has posted a Rolled Brim Boyfriend Hat pattern too, as well as a great lip balm tutorial. If you want to whip up some bath salts or salt scrub to go with it for a whole bath and beauty package, I just posted an easy tutorial for making two kinds — coffee-cinnamon and green tea-ginger.

One of my favorite sites for inspiration, CraftyPod, has amazing podcasts and projects, including plenty sorted by type: check out all the Holiday Crafts, Bead Crafts, and Paper Crafts Sister Diane has put together.

The wonderfully redesigned not martha site has a great things to make section, including projects like wineglass charms and party crackers. And for the sewers on your list, how about a darling little wrist pincushion from My Little Mochi?

Whip-up has a fabulous collection of tutorials up, including a customizable silhouette necklace by Abigail Percy and beaded bracelet by Linques Design.

Maria Binns’s One Hour Craft has an incredible array of quick projects to make — look through the categories (like the All Time Favourites and Great as Presents sections) for projects like Kanzashi cloth flowers and customized stamps.

One Hour Craft has a great list of kids’ craft projects too, and don’t miss the fun Arts and Crafts projects over at Kiddley, collected by Claire of Loobylu.

Finishing Touches

I just added a few gift wrapping 101 ideas for recycled present packaging.

Adorn has some pretty handmade projects up from their print issues, too — crochet some little flowers or make some paper-covered boxes… perfect to add to your handmade gifts. Also, be sure to take a spin around Nice Package on flickr for tons of inventive ideas on wrapping and packaging all your presents this year.

I would love to update with more ideas so please e-mail me (susanstars at yahoo dot com) or comment and I’ll add your suggestions… happy handmade holidays!

Kathreen of whip-up has put together a very nice two-part series of favorite handmade holiday crafts, compiled by the site’s contributors — one set to buy and one set to make. I sent in four of my all-time favorites and here they are!

I love everything at Star Wars Kids Crafts but the Droidel and TIE fighter ornament are especially cool…

and Alicia Paulson’s Santa Lucia dolls are absolutely gorgeous.

Diane’s gingerbread houses podcast, co-starring her mom, is fantastic!

And I love Sarah of Mama and Jack Jack’s button tree.

Check out the entire list of faves here at whip-up, and on the subject, I’m planning to repost an updated/expanded version of my December 2006 holiday crafts mega-post, which was a lot of fun to do last year!

I’m off to a holiday cookie exchange party and then to catch the tail end of the Debbie Stoller Son of a Stitch ‘n Bitch book signing at Powell’s… hope you have a lovely night too.

I wish I could teleport to Texas this weekend! I’ve always wanted to make it to Stitch and so far it’s never worked out… hopefully next year, though. If you are in town, it should be a super crafty weekend of fashion, drinks and fun!

First, of course, there’s Stitch itself: close to 20 runway designers, make-and-take booths galore, super amazing goodie bags to the first 500 attendees, DJs, and ice-cold beer!

And then there’s the guerrilla craft bazaar, featuring over 100 crafty vendors — here’s a tiny sampling of all the indie goods you’ll find there:

One of my favorite designers, Queen Puff Puff, will be selling her beautiful handbags, totes, and accessories. Love her stuff…

And then after the show winds down, stop by the afterparty!

If you’re not within shouting distance of Austin (sob!) here’s a crafty assignment for the weekend: whip up a Prairie Girl-inspired apron for CRAFT’s contest! Just send in photos of your handmade apron for a chance to win.

Taunton has generously offered a copy of Jennifer Worick’s new book, the Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life, to each of the five winners, and their aprons will be featured in the Curio section of the next issue of CRAFT. Send photographs of the aprons you’ve been working on to curio@craftzine.com by November 12th. (Be sure to include your website or Etsy shop!)

I just got a copy of the book and it’s lovely. There’s such a nice mix of 19th-century-meets-21st craft projects to try (think mixing up lavender linen water, making a nine-patch quilt, canning cherries, designing calling cards on a home printer, making candles… even predicting the weather!) and it’s charmingly illustrated and full of sweet little extras. There’s a great CRAFT interview with Jennifer Worick to check out too. I grew up reading all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and this is the perfect complement to them — don’t miss it.

I’m so pleased that the new issue of CRAFT is out! I really love this one, there are tons of inspiring projects to try (33 total!), super interesting crafters featured, and some truly great holiday handmade picks too…

here are a few of my favorite things in no particular order: Diane Gilleland’s profile of Teresa Sullivan (a fellow Portland beader!), Natalie Zee Drieu’s crafty guide to San Francisco, Christine Haynes and Kent Bell’s fabulous party dress project (pictured above), the whole Papercraft section (too many things to list one by one…), Christy Petterson’s personalized notebook project, Susan Brackney’s paper mosiac-ed floor (must be seen to be believed), Mister Jalopy’s tin can tiles project, and Cathy of California’s folded magazine cat and mushroom pincushion.

And I have three pieces in this issue, too — a modern heirloom quilt, a jewelry box, and a recycled sheet project! I really loved making the quilt and it was such a treat to create it for the magazine — I’ve wanted to make something like this for years, and this assignment was the perfect excuse to visit Purl Soho and buy the Denyse Schmidt Katie Jump Rope collection, get out my Gocco printer, and choose some favorite pictures for photo transfer on fabric. It was finished just in time for our second wedding anniversary, so that was cool too.

I wrote up instructions on how to create the squares, embellish them, join the strips together, baste the front and back, and bind it, along with tips on how to build the log cabin squares and make your own bias tape. The whole thing took me about a month and now it makes me happy every day when I see it on the bed.

I also made an Enid-Collins-inspired jewelry box embellished with rhinestones, ribbon, and sparkly trim, which was a lot of fun.

And I turned a vintage sheet into a trio of little things: a craft apron, belt, and sunglasses case.

Thanks so much to Carla and Natalie for the great assignments! You can pick up the latest issue of CRAFT at bookstores, subscribe online, or get the issue at the upcoming Felt Club and Crafty Wonderland events. Viva CRAFT!