Posted by LJ on 2007-01-20 08:34:28
Post Subject: Atelier Lady Julia, a new blog sharing many craft tutorials
Hi everyone!
We would like to invite the \"Getcrafty\" community to visit our new blog, Atelier Lady Julia. We have just started (me and my hubby) a new blog to share my craft projects online. Regularly, we''ll post craft instructions, informations, ideas and tutorials on many different craft projects and topics. I love sewing, jewellery making, glass decoration, making toys, dolls and puppets, home decoration, creatively recycling materials, etc. We hope you''ll enjoy our Atelier and join us many, many times.
http://www.ladyjulia.com/UserFiles/Image/0003_detail.jpg
Posted by craftsonvideo on 2007-02-13 15:35:12
Post Subject: What would be a good craft project to put on video
Hi, we are starting a new site dedicated to making "how to" videos of craft projects and was wondering if anyone can suggest any projects that are not very time consuming. the site is supposed to focus on projects that can be done in 1 or 2 hours and possibly done with other family members. please let us know if you can suggest any quick and fun projects we can shoot for.
Posted by hcdc070165 on 2007-12-20 16:16:07
Post Subject: Hi everyone!
Hi!
My name is Eri. I just learned about this site in an article I read about etsy. I came over to take a look and wow! So much stuff to look at! I can''t wait to learn more about all the interesting craft projects posted here.
I also have a couple of craft websites about jewelry making. I am from Japan and learned about beading many years ago from some Japanese friends and have been at it ever since. I spend most of my time now teaching how to make jewelry.
Here are my sites. Please check them out if you are interested in jewelry making.
Posted by ilovediy on 2004-10-26 22:45:06
Post Subject: looking for a crafty assistant for a new DIY tv show
i am looking for a crafty assistant for a new DIY tv show. the show films in los angeles so the person must live in la. the show is a funky / hip craft show. i am the producer and host - so i am looking for someone who can work with me and help me build the craft projects. i am not worried if someone doesn't have film experience (we have a set prop person that can help with that). i am more looking for someone who likes to make things and is not afraid to try new projects. if you are interested or have a friend who would be interested then email me at cathiebush@earthlink.net - just make sure you write assembly required in the subject box - so i don't delete. thanks, cathie bush
Posted by craftcaver on 2006-02-05 15:00:33
Post Subject: spins & needles craft + DJ night anniversary party
spins & needles craft + DJ night in Ottawa, Canada celebrates its one year anniversary with an event that will bring together local DJs, hip craft projects, video art, and creative types.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
8:00 p.m.
Montgomery Legion Hall
330 Kent St. (at Somerset St., 1 block west of Bank St.)
Cover: $6
19+
The exciting happenings at this event include:
**A raffle featuring items from famous craft gurus Debbie Stoller (Stitch ‘n Bitch, BUST editor), Jean Railla (www.getcrafty.com), Kingi Carpenter (Peach Berserk, Toronto), PDX SuperCrafty (www.pdxsupercrafty.com) and Jeffrey Yamaguchi (www.52projects.com). Also up for grabs are items generously donated by local businesses: Attic, Knit Knackers, Soho Betty, Vertigo and Workshop. Plus other cool prizes!
**Five workstations, each featuring a hip project to work on, or BYOP (Bring Your Own Project)
**Funky beats spun by spins & needles resident DJs Jason Pelletier and Zattar, joined by Andrew O. and Daisy
**Live video art provided by Ryan Stec and Kerry Campbell
**An invitation to be a part of one of the first ever Munny parties in Canada! A limited number of Munnys, a recently released DIY toy by premier creator and retailer of art toys KidRobot (www.kidrobot.com), will be sold at a very low price.
spins & needles will donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to the Ottawa School of Art’s’ Youth Arts Outreach Program.
For more information check out www.spinsandneedles.com or contact us at spinsandneedles@gmail.com
Posted by ori0nn on 2004-10-27 14:34:11
Post Subject: Looking for Ideas on Outdoor Hanging Lights
Hi All,
I came across this neat site while I was looking for ideas on outdoor lighting that I can hang on my patio. This is my first post so please bear with me here hehe. I absolutely love to make things then I came upon this site and saw how many great ideas you all have on various craft projects and would love any input anyone may be able to give me =). Just so you know what I am looking for I want more of a softer kind of lighting to give it a bit of character. I just can't stand to look at that plain ol' fixture with the bug light anymore. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or point in the right direction!
Posted by kindarana on 2007-09-15 00:22:19
Post Subject:
How about having the kids come up with the ideas - you'll get more buy in if it's something they want to do. Let them make post-its with ideas, cluster them into 5-10 ideas (which could include yours, of course) and have the kids vote on what they want. If you can get in a computer lab, they could webquest craft projects.
Whenever I'm not sure what the kids should do, I try to let them decide :)
Posted by lexbean on 2005-08-14 19:44:22
Post Subject: new forum idea, or...?
I think it would be nice to have a forum or something, (if there isn't one here or elsewhere), dedicated only to individual craft projects. Craftistas could post a photo of the finished product, maybe some of the steps, and explain how to make it, step by step. Does this already exist?
Posted by shelby oli on 2007-03-05 21:15:32
Post Subject: crafty ideas for art fundraiser
Hi crafty folks-
I am helping a friend of mine that works with adults with developmental disabilities come up with craft projects that her clients can sell to raise funds for their art program. So far, I have thought of bird baths created from terra cotta pots that the clients can paint and decorate, bottle cap magnets, and toad abodes (essentially a clay pot turned upside down and decorated). We are trying to do Spring like things because that is when they will be selling them. Perhaps we could also help them decorate some greeting cards to sell.
Do any of you have any great ideas? I need to keep it relatively simple as I don't know the abilities of the individuals and I believe we only have 2 hours to complete the projects. Maybe more, but I am not certain.
Posted by predicate nominative on 2004-05-19 17:50:30
Post Subject: i haven't been craft-upping, but i've been crafting
i'm psyched about the new/redone site and decided to register. my current craft projects have been little pockets/purses based on the zipper pillow at craftster (stripey looking featured project).
Posted by lalamark on 2005-05-24 01:30:03
Post Subject:
I feel your pain! I've made several moves over the years to places where I didn't know a soul and it can be really hard.
One thing that helped me was, if the move was temporary, to resolve to get as much out of my location as possible while I was there. I remember thinking, "So this is what autumn is like in Oregon/Kansas/London," and enjoying how different it was from where I grew up. I was also ridiculously pleased with myself over the simplest things, like renting a movie at an independent video store, getting takeout at a cool place I'd "discovered," and having a night in.
I found my "defamiliarization" with things I normally take for granted made me really conscious of what I was doing. At home, I do so much without thinking. In other places, I have to think, "How do I safely cross the street?" or "Where can I buy a screwdriver? Is it even called a screwdriver here?" or "How do I flush this freaking toilet?"
I know this all sounds very trite and "hang in there, kitty!" and it didn't always work. I also found a cheap calling plan and talked on the phone to friends and family frequently, e-mailed like a demon, and moped a lot.
And, honestly, keeping busy with craft projects kept me sane. So good luck and, erm, hang in there, kitty!
Posted by CraftinFool on 2004-07-06 09:05:24
Post Subject:
Hi Christine! Thanks for introcuding yourself. I have a feeling you will read about a lot of our craft projects-gone-wrong and feel a lot better about your bag.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-03-13 20:06:45
Post Subject: Lacquer, stain, varnish, paint....???
I know my paints types pretty well, but I have to admit I'm totally lost when it comes to stain vs. varnish, and the difference in Lacquer.
I have a 1974 craft book that has really cool craft projects in it and the one calls for translucent colored lacquers. In the back of the book it explains that most craft and hobby stores should carry it, but I'm getting really confused here!
What is the difference in stain vs. lacquer? I did a search on lacquer and just got a bunch of crap about stains...is stain lacquer? What the hell is varnish for? Is it for color or shine? I thought lacquer was shiny, ahhhhhh!
My project is actually nothing to do with woodworking, in case your all wondering. It's this butterfly mobile that they made by making butterflies out of twisted jewelery type wire and then dipping them into "colored lacquers", sometimes more than one color, creating this really colorful translucent affect. You just let them dry by sticking the loose ends of the wire butterfly into styrofoam. It looks so nifty, I want one but can't find this lacquer. Help me!!!!!
Posted by Liberty Gooler on 2005-01-10 14:27:17
Post Subject: Web page design help
I'd like to create a web page to post my craft projects and writing but I don't know where to start or what I need to learn. I can use a computer but I'm not as tech savvy as I'd like to be. Does anyone have suggestions for books or classes or other websites that would help me learn? I'm also looking for recommendations for web host providers.
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-01-22 12:27:31
Post Subject: Victorian Crafts
At the New York Publc Library, I just found a now out of print book called "Whatnot: A Compendium of Victoriian Crafts and Other Matters" by Henderson and Wilkinson. There were patterns for wide variety of useful, semi-useful, and downright ridiculous items that were made mostly by niddle-class women. I loved the book on several different levels. The highest one is that it made me feel grateful that I'm a relatively poor working teacher instead of an undereducated and sheltered Victorian lady. If I had nothing to do but make some of these crafts and read Bulwer-Lytton, I'd go straight out of my mind. No wonder feminism, temperance and other causes became important forces in women's lives- they got them out of those suffocating houses filled with beadwork and faux coral made from wax.
The crafts themselves are taken from a four-volume set of books written by a Mr. Cassel for the edification of Victorian families. The set was a kind of proto-Martha Stewart, right down to the overly complicated meals and dubious craft projects. The best/worst one was the fake Oriental decoupage jar, made by sticking pictures inside of a glass jarr and then painting the inside to make it simulate porcelain. Now, inthe right hands this could be a lot of fun- but I keep imagining ladies of various ages and skills attempting this. Some of those jars must have been the equivalent of those hideous acrylic afghans and toilet-paper covers one finds at rural jumble sales. Since it was considered very bad form for decent young ladies to discuss politics, religion, or art in any detail that would show a deep knowledge of such subjects in mixed company, or to offer any advances towards the men they fancied, women often gave the crafts and whatnots they made as presents- bad luck to the man whose belle had no artistic talent. Nowadays people who do crafts usually have some small aptitude; in the Victorian era, the polite fiction was that all women had natural skills in crafting, singing, and cooking.
Would I try any of these crafts? Yes. I'm probably going to attempt the faux lace projects and the buttonwork teacozy/egg basket combo. I wish there had been more information on cooking, crochet and knotwork, but one can't have everything. The book, which was published in 1977, can be found used on Amazon.com.
Posted by breewell on 2004-10-26 03:51:36
Post Subject:
Thanks,
I just got back from a convention in vegas so I am in a business mindset, hence the businessy post.
More improtantly I jus read an article in the latest Wired magazine about Creative Commons, a nonprofit (founded by Lawrence Lessig) that created two new licences that music artists can use to license their work. One license says an artist's music cannot be copied or sampled for anything commercial (but feel free to share it all you want) and the other says you can sample the music, and use it in something you want to sell as long as the new version is "highly transformative" ie so different you can hardly tell it is sampled (and you don't use it for advertising).
I think that the whole intellectual property (which I think craft projects do fit into) thing is very interesting and hard to pick sides on. (it's also timely since Get Crafty folks are about to embark on a CD mix exchange which according to the RIAA breaks copyright law, even if no money is involved)
Thanks for your input,
: )
Posted by sublimestitcher on 2005-03-23 12:27:16
Post Subject:
Hey Dawn,
I just want to second what others here have said. I'm going to offer less-than-encouraging news because I want to dispel some notions about getting a book deal. Believe me, I say GO FOR IT. Just don't necessarily set your heart on Chronicle Books. There are many, many publishers out there and you want to find the most appropriate one for you and your project.
I will share a tidbit from my agent: it seems that publishers are not as open to projects from writers who are unknown right now. They want someone who's already some sort of personality...yes, this is very frustrating, and she was really down about it. She basically said: If my client isn't already somewhat famous, forget it. And she shops around a lot of craft projects books and kits. She said she sees tons of great ideas getting passed up because the person submitting is an unknown. Sucks, huh?
But, if you're like me you say BFD, I'm gonna go for it. Right on. You should.
Here are the basic steps:
Proposal (get How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen)
Find agent (expect many rejections - my agent rejected me first time around!)
Agent finds publisher (expect many more rejections)
Work out contract (get a lawyer)
Begin working with your editor on your project. (hope you see eye-to-eye)
Amen on the '"it's not like winning the lottery". There are not big bucks to be made unless you're Michael Criton (not that it's your reason, but I worry that folks think I'm rich off my Stitch-It Kit. I'm not- rich in publicity so I ain't complaining). You are paid a modest advance up front, and then your book may not be completed and on shelves for another year or two. Getting Stitch-It Kit published was nearly a three-year long process.
Then, let's say you've arrived at the point where you have a book on the shelves. You must earn royalties / have sales beyond the advance you were paid (and have likely already spent) over a year ago, and you won't start seeing royalties until the first quarter of sales ends following the release of the book. They have to tally all the sales, less returns, discounts, damaged goods...etc. Oh, and it will be less the advance already paid so the first royalty check, assuming you had stellar sales, will be small.
I know this paints a bleak picture - it is a ton of work, and you have to be willing to not expect to make much, if anything on your first project. But keep working on it, asking for help and advice and GOOD LUCK!
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-13 14:44:49
Post Subject:
The Silpat is not only great for cooking. You can actually use it for messy craft projects. It's a sheet of silicon with wire in it, and you can use it to protect your surfaces. Most importantly, it's almost impossible to permanently stick anything to it. Everything either flakes or washes right off.
Posted by brdgt on 2006-11-16 08:19:53
Post Subject:
I got one for my husband for his birthday and he hasn't used it too much yet, but he loves it. The first thing he used it for was actually to cut a boot mat in half so we could fit it in an odd spot, but he wants to use it for his art/craft projects as well.
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2005-04-02 17:32:55
Post Subject:
thank you!! i'm a new person today! all fresh and springy. today and the rest of the weekend i'm going to PLAY and enjoy this feeling. and then monday i'll get back in the regular swing of things, repsonsiiblity wise!
the book is called "crafty chica's art de la soul" it is craft projects/ideas on how to using art to pep up your life/"chicken soup" type memoirs of mine that tie into my ups and down of living an artful life.
it comes out in january! believe me, i'll keep you posted! this is theonly place where i really felt like anyone could understand that feeling i had!!!
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2004-06-22 09:23:06
Post Subject:
I just took my dog to the vet to get snip-snipped (neutured) and I reflected on this situation some more....
The difference between me and this other person who took this idea and went with it is that I fortunately (or unfortunately?) do not *need* the money from it, while I know she does:
My husband has a great job that takes care of all of our financial needs and then some and my DJ business provides us with spending income beyond that. The money from any art/craft projects I sell just goes back into supplies. It is not necessary that I make money.
This woman, on the otherhand, really needs any money she can make to support herself and her husband, who also works in the arts (read: low paying job).
As swell and nice as it is for me to have "an easy life", I think this fact hinders me. It results in me being lazy because "I don't have to". I don't have to pay the mortgage with the next idea or project and so I tend to wait for everything to "be perfect" before starting something. If something isn't going well, I give up on it too easily.
The truth is that I end up much poorer because I am not happy with myself for not following through with something I wanted to do. It's not really about the money (or it shouldn't be). It's about being happy and creating. Being fulfilled. But I do think that the "money factor" does provide for a bit more "get up and go" -- especially when you are lacking money and need to pay bills! .
note: I am happy for her and I would rather have her do it than someone else who didn't need the money.
Okay, done yapping. I need to get on with my day (see, i'm avoiding today by sitting here typing...)
Posted by FunkyUtopia on 2006-07-28 14:32:28
Post Subject:
I used to work in a custom photo lab years ago (when such a thing was still common :( ) and we saved the film canisters for local schools. Teachers would come in twice or three times a year to collect boxes of them to use in school project. Apparently, they are excellent for painting and clay dough. They used them for all sorts of art and craft projects. Maybe if you didn't want to use them, you could find a local teacher who could put them to good use?
Posted by micrafty on 2006-12-22 12:07:08
Post Subject:
Don't know how many of them would work for 30 mins, but I've got a handful of lesser-known, but high quality sites for children's projects here: Craft Projects for Children
Posted by TeriH on 2006-09-28 12:24:53
Post Subject:
I've done lots of craft projects with my nieces. One is now at college but regularly raids my stash of crafty bits when she comes to visit. She is especially into recycling and revamping clothes and furniture.
My youngest niece who is 7 loves to 'help' me when I am crafting. She now has her own collection of bits and pieces at my house that she can use to make cards, collages etc. She's recently got into knitting too.
I remember doing lots of paper maché stuff with my Mom, she likes messy crafts, plus we spent a lot of time in the yard painting and decorating plant pots!
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-09 15:56:47
Post Subject: WOO!
Hey everybody! Welcome to the GetCrafty Community Book! I seem to be one of the coordinators along with Artgeek, so I'll tell you what it's about and let her weigh in later.
Several of us have been talking about doing a large-scale charitable project, perhaps to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. We want to create an old-school community recipe and crafts book, with helpful hints for first-time homeowners and apartment dwellers. What we want to do is perhaps publish this book through an online site like lulu.com and have the money donated to Habitat (and maybe a few others).
We will need recipes, hints, and inexpensive craft projects from all of you. We hope to have this book together in time for holiday season 2007, which means it needs to be edited and ready to roll by next October.
We will need section editors, illustrators, spell checkers and so on. We will also need you to tell us about your favorite crafts, craft stores, and hometowns. You do not need to be a US resident to participate. In fact we would love to hear from people all over the world! Eventually we would like photos of you crafting, of your finished pieces, and of the items you make. If you have an online store you'll be able to mention that too. All crafts and recipes should be original, or they should be credited to the author and come with permission to use. And if any of you live in the same area, you might want to get together and brainstorm on how best to highlight your home town, state, region, or country!
Remember- this is a community book by a virtual community. If you write a recipe, please try to use ingredients that are easy to obtain or that can be sustituted. If you use a specific yarn or crochet hook/knitting needle, please say what it is. If the craft level is intermediate or difficult, please say that too- we do want people to have some challenges.
Posted by chpico on 2007-03-17 14:27:50
Post Subject:
Hi, My name is Christine & I''m a new member. I introduced myself by creating a new thread, but it''s waiting for authorization from the group moderator. Anyway, this looked like a good place to jump in.
I started reading 2 books last month. (1) Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern; and (2) Why Zebras Don''t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky. Unfortunatly, my book reading is a lot like my craft projects, started but waiting to be finished! :-)
Posted by twilight on 2004-05-30 18:10:35
Post Subject:
I've gotten rid of five trash bags full of fabric, clothes and various junk. (We have a shed at the recycle center called the free pile where you can get rid of stuff.)
I just put a new batch of various stuff on ebay. I'm also trying to finish up craft projects before buying supplies for new ones.
Posted by naomi on 2005-03-08 13:02:24
Post Subject:
I am not ashamed to say I was really happy that she is out of jail, and that I like Martha and her empire. I wait for a month to get Living Magazine shipped over to me from the states, and I love her craft projects and so on. I know she seems a little too perfect for some people, but I guess each to her own. I don't think that she should have been jailed, but I do think she has handled it with dignity.
Posted by rratstarr on 2004-10-17 13:24:13
Post Subject:
I know a lot of people who post on here probably visit http://www.craftster.org , but they just put up a "classified" section where you can swap finished craft projects. You can also swap craft supplies if your crafty finds ever become more than you can handle.
Posted by Chelsea on 2006-01-08 12:40:32
Post Subject:
I did when I graduated college a couple years ago. I wanted to read as many books as I could (since I had to put so many on hold for a really hard semester-long class project). I started writing them down, but (like everything else I try to do) the motivation to do that faded away. I still read like crazy, I just didn't keep track like I wanted to.
I've been reading less and less lately though because I have so many craft projects going. I used to read for an hour or two before bed, but now I sit in the living room and finish a scarf, or an embroidery project, etc, instead. I try to take books to work, but it never fails that when I'm reading someone in the break room will talk to me. Or they'll talk to each other - I can't have any distractions when I'm reading.
I think this might be a good thing to start again this year though. I want to keep track of what I read, I forget about so many books.
Posted by breewell on 2004-10-13 22:09:08
Post Subject: anybody have any "Yay!" moments lately?
I know it's alot more fun to bitch and moan ; ) but anybody have anything that made them happy lately?
I'll go first. So I've been unemployed for 2 months -no working papers :( , and I am also a huge procrastinator, and love to sleep (but I think lazy is such a dirty word). I've been beating myself up lately because it's all I can do to keep house, cook, and make minimal advances on my craft projects (how do moms do it!?!? my cats keep me busy enough!). So finally my papers come through yesterday (yay!), and I know I only have 1 week left of freedom and somehow I manage to get motivated. I went and donated platelets (they have personal TV's now and there was a show about procrastination on! a sign?), I used the 9 lbs of apples and 12lbs of pears that have been sitting in my fridge from the farm coop and made apple butter and pear mince-meat to give family and friends (I actually canned! wait till I tell my mother-in-law!) and then I went to a meeting about reading to school kids at lunch time.
whew, this is not the me I'm used to (I hope I can keep it up!)
ooh also, for anyone in NYC, I just found out that LadyFest still needs volunteers at their music shows at night (if you were going to go anyway, this way you could get in for free, and help out!)
Posted by stellagal78 on 2004-10-08 16:47:39
Post Subject: craft donations that dont involve knitting?
Hi,
Does anyone know of any craft projects for charity that don't involve knitting? I am not a great knitter but would love to do another project for charity!!
Posted by bessiemae on 2007-01-02 08:36:40
Post Subject:
Sadly, almost all of my resolutions amount to "stop having ADD," which isn't going to happen. But here they are.
1. Finish things. No new craft projects until the old ones are done. And since I'm not going to make my attention span longer, this means I am going to stop taking on huge projects. Hats are good. Sweaters are bad.
Posted by KittenHasAWhip on 2007-01-07 19:15:24
Post Subject:
1) Dance twice a month.
2) Go to yoga twice a month.
3) No new craft purchases (I have enough cross-stitching alone to occupy me for at least two years!)
4) Swear off Starbucks.
5) Pack my lunch four days a week.
Small things for the most part, but all acheivable. I just have to stop looking at all the craft store websites. I'm also hoping that by not purchasing new craft projects it will force me to use the supplies I actually have :) Swearing off Starbucks shouldn't be terribly difficult as there's cheaper coffee elsewhere and by packing my lunch I won't drive by Starbucks in the middle of the day. The savings from no new craft purchases and no Starbucks can fund the dances and yoga classes :)
Posted by sallysunshine on 2007-01-01 14:05:55
Post Subject:
Sadly, almost all of my resolutions amount to "stop having ADD," which isn't going to happen. But here they are.
1. Finish things. No new craft projects until the old ones are done. And since I'm not going to make my attention span longer, this means I am going to stop taking on huge projects. Hats are good. Sweaters are bad.
2. Pay my bills on time.
3. Get to work on time, so I can get to the library on time, so I can accomplish actual work on my dissertation.
4. Stop neglecting my health when I'm feeling ok. I'm supposed to go to the doctor every three months, even when I'm between flares. I don't know why I find it so hard actually to do this. Actually I do: being sick sucks, and I hate acting like a sick person when I'm feeling well. But I need to suck it up and do it like the responsible grown-up that I'm supposed to be.
5. If I'm worried enough about something I need to do that it's keeping me up nights, write it down and then deal with it the next morning. This should be a twofer: it'll address my insomnia and ensure that I deal with shit that needs to get done.
Posted by Astrid on 2008-05-17 05:27:17
Post Subject:
Hey Lizzy,
Good to hear from you. By now I washed the whole lot, some sweaters will come with me as brooch displays (but I'll sell them if I can) to my next craft fair and I'll have to start ironing the blouses for Etsy. I had to empty almost a complete shelf of my wardrobe for the stuff I want to keep and filled two smaller bags that went to goodwill and one trashbag that is now waiting in my bathroom (no other place to put it...) for craft projects. Hope to find time soon to make some T-shirt bags ans skirts and cut yarn from old T-shirts as well.
Posted by abigailamy on 2004-09-29 17:29:52
Post Subject: Looking for christmas ornament craft ideas :)
Hello!
With October 1st only two days away its hard to think about Christmas...but I'd really like to make christmas ornaments to give to people. Does anyone have any favorite ornament craft projects to suggest? I love to decoupage and I like paper crafts, but I also want to make an ornament that will be around for next year, something that has some permanence to it. Any ideas? :)
Posted by Katrin on 2005-02-17 01:23:23
Post Subject: Re: Let's talk about us!
Name: Katrin
Location: Colorado
Age: 39½
Married, no kids
Pets: 3 cats
- Fizzgig, 11, skinny orange & white tabby, love of my life
- Blanche (Bianca), 6, big fat brown/black stripey, purriest cat ever
- Lenore (Lenny), ~1, stripey calico who just keeps growing & growing
I collect:
Stuff that would otherwise get thrown away, most notably work-related packaging materials, which I always intend to use as craft supplies but often just ends up sitting around.
Knitting is currently my favorite craft, but next week I might be back to designing purses. Whatever I'm doing, it's likely to involve recycled or salvaged materials.
I'd like to learn to get my workspace (and the rest of my home) neat and organized.
I love to stretch my imagination by thinking up new variations on craft projects.
I sometimes make comics. I used to draw a web comic strip (written by a friend). I'm currently making slow progress on an autobiographical short story, and have just started writing a fictional story that may be a graphic novel someday.
Lately, I enjoy watching TV shows that feature a lot of interpersonal conflict, because they give me perspective on my own life (knowing it happens everywhere, not just to me).
I still love to do "kids'" crafts like Shrinky Dinks. I recently used Mod Podge for the first time in forever, and the smell took me right back to 1973. I feel sorry for people who never got to do crafts as kids, but sorrier for those who think they had to stop because they grew up.
I always carry a blank book that serves as scrapbook, sketchbook and journal. I keep a glue stick handy to stick things in it. My current one was a gift from my sister, and I'm using it as an ongoing "letter" (with daily observations, craft ideas & instructions) that I'll give back to her when it's full.
I like old houses, used clothing and anything that's vintage or secondhand. I think it comes from being the oldest - I never got hand-me-downs, but instead had to give up my treasured possessions to others. I'm not interested in antique "value" so much as an item's history, respecting our belongings and creations, because they'll outlast us.
I'm just starting to get comfortable with admitting that my favorite kind of music is alt-country.
I'm a Leo, August 15th.
I was born in Illinois, raised in North Dakota, and have lived in Colorado since 1990.
I stay up way too late when I have to work early in the morning. When I get home, I sleep the afternoon away.
I appreciate that this survey asks nothing about our job titles or what we do for money, but rather what inspires us and who we are. I lose track of the distinction too often, and it's good to be reminded.
Posted by gadgetgirl on 2004-12-20 15:52:08
Post Subject:
I feel more like a kid whose parents have split up and have joint custody...and now my mother is ill so I have to stay with the other parent (who obviously is also a mother). While I do love being here, it kind of sucks because all the craft projects I'm working on and the books I'm currently reading are at the other house and I can't get them from here.
Posted by teagrrl on 2004-12-20 14:27:38
Post Subject:
Not to sound like a whiner, but I'm not sure I like the idea of "Let's hang out at GetCrafty until Glitter is fixed." It makes it sound like GetCrafty isn't its own entity of crafters. It's not like the backup Glitter board.
I feel more like a kid whose parents have split up and have joint custody...and now my mother is ill so I have to stay with the other parent (who obviously is also a mother). While I do love being here, it kind of sucks because all the craft projects I'm working on and the books I'm currently reading are at the other house and I can't get them from here.
Posted by floridagirl on 2005-04-18 14:23:56
Post Subject:
I wash and reuse ziploc bags. A box will last us for months.
I also use old t's, etc. as rags.
I use spent dryer sheets to line the bottom of my poted plant pots to keep the soil from draining out to holes in the bottom.
We recycle plastic grocery bags either for lunch bags, or I take them to the local co-op to be used there.
I also try to reuse clothes that might have a stain or a hole, and use the good part of the fabric for craft projects (esp. linen, etc.).
Toothpast that falls off of the brush b4 I can get it in my mouth (happens less often as a grown up), I used to clean the bathroom faucet (trick my mom taught me).
I use the baking soda from the fridge (when it is time to change it) to scrub the kitchen sink.
We compost all of our fruits, veggies, etc.
I like the idea of using a laundry det. bottle as a watering can. When mine empties this time, I am going to do that.
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-07 15:04:43
Post Subject:
Well, I wrote the mods list and I'm going to find out how we can put this thing together. People who are interested might want to start thinking about recipes and crafts projects that best represent their region. I would suggest that not all the craft projects be for novices- we do want to have some challenges. We also want to keep in mind that not everyone who gets this book will be 20 years old, or will have children, or even be heterosexual. In other words, mix up the ideas a bit. And if this goes well and we get too much material, we might just have to put out a companion book or calendar.
Please try to take a picture of any craft or dish you might suggest, so people will know what it's supposed to look like. also, think of any advice you might have on new home ownership, setting up an apartment, getting out grass stains, preparing a holiday feast, and so on.. And feel free to ask your friends, neighbors and families for info, experiences, and recipes. It would be nice to have as wide a range as possible, and from as many parts of the Get Crafty world as possible.
Posted by art_skoolgirl on 2007-05-19 18:39:39
Post Subject: Thrifty Secrets and passed on traits from thirfity moms
I was always taught to be thrifty especially growing up in a middle,middle class large family. It is something that has been ingrained in me since the begining. My mom had to work wonders to make sure we all were treated fairly and she always tried her best and with success to make sure we had a happy healthy home life. She was artsy and craftsy, a great cook, intelligent and secretive at times. She had thrift of health secrets she kept. like making tacos and sausage out of ground turkey ( my dad still doesn't know she uses ground turkey, but she wouldn't dare tell him), or the ways she made my brothers eat veggies by pureeing them into dishes. She could stretch the budget it and make sure everything got taken care of, and I never once as a child felt like we went without.
I'm still thrift to this day. I learned a lot from her and have made up my own list of ways to be thrifty, consume less, or have a duel purpose for things. My list may include things that might be common but I thought this could be a good thread to get people to write about how they are thrifty, or recycle, and consume less.
Home
1. Make holiday decorations out of natural seasonal objects. ( pine cones, leaves, seasonal fruit, gourds, shells, etc)
2. Reuse cool glass bottles to create someone thing new. I use those rose liquer mix wavy bottles plus some gravel and put my bamboo plants in it. put in about an inch and a half of water.
Food
1. I love expensive pickles so I buy a jar of the expensive ones and save the jar and juice. (It's the secret brine that makes them taste the way they do) and buy a cucumber or two, slice them up as desired and in a month yummy pickles. You can also make your own brine but having some on hand is a time saver as well
2. Trash Omlette - Use the left overs out of your fridge to create a yummy omelete. Anything from cut up grilled chicken, ham, steak, green peppers, onions, cheese of any kind, tomatoes. go with a mexican flair and use a little cilatro and put last nights ingredients and a little salsa on top.
3. Trash Pizza - same idea as trash omlette but with a pizza theme. Make sure you have pizza sauce and cheese on hand and then add left over ingredience. I had one left over meatball once and cut it up into pieces plus a few strips of bacon, and left over items from making salads such as olive, green pepper onion, tomato, mushrooms
4. Buy squeeze bottles from your local bulk discount store to store homemade dressings, oil, vinigar, lime juice, lemon juice, tabasco or buffalo sauce, home made bbq sauce or for you home bar like simple sugar.
5. Make a spice rub or spice combo out of spices you are almost out of. Experiment be imaginative.
Home Gardening
1. Have an Aloe Plant. Clip off pieces for use as lotion, sunburn soothe, put it in your bath, or use it in your aquarium to keep fish stress free.
2. Share the wealth - When you clip plants that grow from clippings use those to make new plants and give them to friends or put them in another part of your home.
3. Herbs - even if you don't have a green thumb you should invest in basil, or chive that even if you forget about it seems to do ok.
Health and Beauty
1. you can also use baking soda for your hair if you need to restore it from a lot of styling and hairspray
2. Vasoline - all in one beauty product. quick fix vasoline and eyeshadow make a "for now" lip gloss, also makes eye shadow a little shimmery, and if your feet are rough soak then apply vasoline and slip on socks before bed, In the morning your feet will feel a lot smoother.
3. take magazine perfume inserts and stick them in drawers, purse, gym bags, etc for a nice smell.
Misc
1. reuse dry ziplocks. dry bread and baked goods, or for crafts. I stick to non messy ones.
2. News paper - paper mache or to clean windows.
3. If you are going to throw out a piece of clothing take the buttons off and add them to a button collection. good for craft projects or if you lose a button. The more you have the more chances you have for a best fit.
4 Old Clothes - make cute dog clothes out of sweater sleevers, or clip a bandana out of a favorite print if there is a piece of clothing you love but know you will no longer ever wear it give it to a friend who will, same goes for purses, and shoes which can have a long life.
5. Make your own birthday/mother's day/ celibration/my sympathy cards. You can make a few or a dozen and have them on hand when best suited,
Organization
1. get a binder file and fill it with magazine cut outs, images, articles that inspire you, make it your art file. something you can look though when you need ideas
2. Make a card file binder and stick cards in that you have made. use the file to indentify what cards are what, birthday, wedding, etc.
what are your thrifty secrets? what are things your mom taught you?
Posted by rodeo618 on 2005-04-30 23:03:26
Post Subject:
subscribe:
MS Everyday Food
Real Simple
Cottage Living
Fire Engineering (Free)
MS new body and health magazine...waiting for my 1st issue.
Women's Health
She Runs
gift:
Martha Stewart
Savour
Horse Illustrated
Newstand:
Martha Stewart Wedding (i'm a bride to be)
MS Kids, occasionally- someday I'll have kids!
Self- occasional
Runner's World-occasional
Oprah
Him:
Woodworkers Journal
Wood
Time
Wow! Thats a lot of magazines. But with my work, every 3rd week I'm on midnight shifts and get to catch up in order to stay awake. Plus I save and rip articles for friends and craft projects.
Posted by rabbitLovesBear on 2005-07-18 09:50:56
Post Subject: small apartment + crafting for a wedding = chaos?
Hey everyone! I just got married last month and did a million craft projects for the wedding and reception (invites, name cards, table decor, hand painted asile runner, etc). The one thing that kept my house in any order was purchasing three drawer plastic containers with rollers on them. After each night of crafting, I put everything back into the tub and rolled it into the closet. Yep, it took a few extra moments to put it back and take it out each day, but I maintained my sanity by not having crud all over my house (I can't stand clutter -- it actually effects my mood).
I do the same with my knitting. I have several projects going on at one time so I have four small baskets where I keep each project in (with pattern and needles). When I'm done, I put it back in the basket and on the shelf.
I dunno if any of this is helpful, but its kept me from freaking out about clutter.
Posted by Katrin on 2004-12-14 13:53:32
Post Subject:
how do we get the Better Message across?
This should be a topic header by itself.
The first thing that comes to my mind is that "women's work" must be de-marginalized - and that will be very, very difficult to do. Hard labor like cleaning and cooking, art forms like needlework and clothing production, and where do we begin to describe raising young human beings - these are still seen as "little housewife" (oh, that makes me seethe) activities because they're still portrayed as unimportant tasks done by inferior people.
The focus for so long has been on women's being able to do "anything they want". It's inherent in the term feminism - not that I dislike the word, but it certainly does leave out half of the world. A woman can be an CEO and do "important" high-paying corporate work, leaving her free to pay someone else (an inferior person, obviously) to keep her house and take care of her kids. Or she can choose to be "just a homemaker" (voluntarily being inferior, 'cause it's all about women's choices, right?).
The only way I can see this vicious cycle being stopped is to start including men. To expect of them the same responsibilities and the same opportunities as women, just as we expect for ourselves. To stop thinking and talking about homemaking and crafts as being solely the domain of women. To require both boys and girls to take both home ec and shop. To give sons and daughters the same household chores. To point out (every time it's suggested) that a man taking care of his own children is not "babysitting", and that there's no such thing as "Mr. Mom", because the correct term is "Dad" - even when he's baking a cake and vacuuming the carpet.
When a man comments on our craft projects, our response every time should be, "Would you like me to teach you?" - and mean it sincerely. Let them know we're not joking. Make them (and us) consciously aware that these are skills that require training and practice and that serve a useful purpose - though they're often enjoyable work, they're not frivolous little pastimes.
And if a man comments on our changing a tire, we should offer to teach him how to do that too.
Posted by Miss M on 2004-05-24 09:53:54
Post Subject:
howdy, I'm Miss M (formally MojoMama on those other boards). Recently moved from Austin, TX to Dallas area(Plano, if you must know). Still finding my sea legs here after 3 months. I miss Austin a lot.
Live with my husband, our son(who is a cutiesweetiepie & almost 3) and our 4-footed foofer(that's doggie to you) RubyJune.
I like to pretend I can sew and then spend obscene amounts of time bonding with my seamripper. I also like to make cards and things for friends and I'm also working on a few scrapbooks. I have fun "cooking" with my kiddo and basically trying out all sorts new craft projects(as inspired by these boards!). I feel like you aren't a true crafter if you don't have at least 5 or 6 projects going at one time. Incomplete projects that have been shoved under you bed for about 3 years count too. I am obsessed with buying budget decorating magazines and then never actually redecorating our house. Don't worry, I'm saving them just in case I win a million bucks or get a sudden burst of energy and get the urge to use those ideas!
Oh, I'm almost 30.
I think that about covers it. I really like these boards. A lot more relaxed and cozy than the other board. Feels more friendly for some reason, which is odd, since so many people are the same.
Anyway, that's me!
:miss m
