Posted by champion on 2005-01-23 23:11:20
Post Subject: NZ-based crafters - where are you!?
hey everyone,
i'm looking to locate some craft-minded people in my country. it'd be great if we could chat & share tips, tricks & stockists, not to mention the fact that my online craft store wants to stock more nz stuff.
Posted by researchasaurus on 2007-05-10 12:19:33
Post Subject: Visiting Seattle in June w/family
Hi there,
My husband and one-year-old are going to Seattle the first week of June. It's our first trip to the Pacific NW (we're in Michigan). We have a friend to stay with who lives in the suburb of Kirkland, and for the first few days we're going to go hiking etc.
But then we have a few days in the city without our friend (he's working) so we need some fun things to do! My husband is not a museum or coffee shop guy so places we can walk around, with the occasional cafe/craft store to take a break in, are ideal.
What neighborhoods are good? Any tips on getting around etc.? We'll have our stroller and aren't afraid of the bus.
Posted by HandMaidenNY on 2007-02-14 17:01:46
Post Subject: Another Introduction
Hey y''all! Hmmmm....about me...I live in Brooklyn (from NC, hence the y''all), currently work at a boutique where I can not afford anything (despite it actually being moderately priced, so sad), and I love Saturday nights because that is when my boyfriend works, and I get the place to myself to craft and watch bad tv!
I am feverishly working on big plans however! I am super excited to be planning the opening of a new craft store in Brooklyn, because honestly, everytime I dream up a great project, it involves running around to all different places and trudging into the city for various materials. So anywho, we''ll see what magic I can dream up on a shoe-string budget and creative uses of space - this is NY afterall, home to shoebox apartments and postage stamp boutiques.
I welcome any and all suggestions from fellow Brooklynites - you are who I will be humbly serving once up and running!
Posted by redefinethis on 2006-08-18 00:11:58
Post Subject: looking for craftsters to consign sushi-related work :0
i have started a new sushi directory/review/tutorial site and we are looking to start a craft store. we're based in seattle and have spread to northern california (and portland is next). these areas have a lot of diy personality and crafts communities, and we think that it'd be a good place to get the work out for people with sushi-related crafts. anything is cool.
we're also looking to work with someone to create a plush/stuffed/felt/whatever sushi monster, similar to the one in our logo, so if that's your forte, let us know please.
we are looking for 50/50 consignment rates, and the possibility of 60/40 if you are willing to link our website anywhere you can. you can see the website at http://www.sushimonsters.com
Posted by nbrito on 2008-04-28 19:29:25
Post Subject: Call for vendors @ the Handmade Brigade Craft Fair- Cali
Hi all, I''m calling all craft minded people to apply at a wonderful craft fair that I am putting on called the Handmade Brigade! It is an Indie Craft Fair inside a craft store called the Tall Mouse! How great is that? Visit the website if you are interested in applying! http://www.tallmouse.com/handmadebrigade Show is July 12th! Deadline for apps is May 31st. Hope to hear from you all soon!
*Nina*
Posted by Miss M on 2004-10-21 09:06:17
Post Subject:
do you mean how to make the pages so you can slide in the photos? What about that foam stuff? I think you can buy it by the sheet at any craft store(Michaels, Hobby Lobby). Cut to size(like a frame), adhere to page leaving one side open to slide photo in, bind like a book. Actually, binding at the top so it flips open might work better. Or maybe you can just use precut mats from the framing dept, but those might be a bit costly. Maybe make your own out of heavy cardstock?
Either way, you could then write something meaningful or decorate however you wish. I'm not sure about that foam stuff - I've never used it.
Good luck!
Posted by quornflour on 2006-12-11 00:36:15
Post Subject:
if you wanted to you could get metal rings from the craft store for form at the top and bottom...
You could also get a shiney plastic trashcan and paper mache it with news paper for a non woven but a cool look, it is shiney you can use it multiple times as a form...
while looking for directions I found a pretty cool site that shows you how to do crafts with trash...
I also found this blog, I think this is what you are talking about? It mentions a book called crafting with newspapers... it looks pretty simple in the event you have woven a basket before?
Posted by abigailamy on 2007-06-12 13:16:36
Post Subject: looking for charity craft store that helps animals
Hello!
I remember running across the cutest charity craft store that helped animals, but now I can't remember the name of it. Does anyone happen to know the name of this store, or perhaps a store that does this? The store was run by several people or maybe a mother and daughter. I remember several people in a photo on the About Us page. Oh I know just how much that helps. I wish I'd put it as one of my favorites.....sigh...... any ideas? :)
Posted by brdgt on 2005-03-08 21:35:06
Post Subject:
I really enjoy those needlepoint and cross stitch patterns that you can get at craft stores. Time flies when you are concentrating on them, but they don't take too long and all the supplies are right in the kit.
Take a trip to your local craft store and wander the aisles, I bet you'll come up with all kinds of neat things :)
If you knit or crochet, try a new yarn, maybe something for yourself - or get a super head start on holiday presents and do some small projects like hats, scarves or dishcloths.
Posted by Bettyjoy on 2006-12-12 10:51:40
Post Subject: AD: Bettyjoy - New Craft Store
Hi,
I have recently opened a new online craft store called Bettyjoy based in the UK selling quirky and cute handmade jewellery, bags, accessories, homewares and plush toys.
Posted by kitchensqueen on 2007-12-12 19:44:30
Post Subject:
I recently purchased some at my local all-purpose craft store. Have you checked places in your area? Also, you'll want to make sure you get the proper grade- there is wax suitable for container or pillar candles; make sure you get the correct wax for the type of candle you want to make.
Posted by tastetherainbow on 2006-08-05 23:23:02
Post Subject: 2 Questions...
I know I just posted below..sorry..
Q1: What is the difference between fimo and polymer clay?
Q2: I was looking for tigertail in the craft store the other day but I only saw memory wire. Is this the same thing? If not what can I use memory wire for?
Posted by rratstarr on 2005-08-03 11:55:35
Post Subject:
The brand my local craft store carries is Tandy Leather. They seem to have some tips on their site, and I think you could absorb a lot just by looking at what kinds of products they offer. Also, try googling "leathercraft" "leatherworking" and "leather tooling" for more ideas.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-05-09 14:25:23
Post Subject:
A bit of advice, first. Don't expect the person who answers the phone at a craft store to be the last word on whether or not they have such a thing. Stock changes, and there are so many thousands of things in any one store that not one person could know it all for certain.
But second piece of advice? Look for this type of item in specialty tool places first online, like Lee Valley Tools maybe. I'd bet you are seeking a lettering die for metal. I've stamped into stainless steel before with a set of those puppies. Probably made of tempered carbon steel. The word 'die' is what you need to search on.
If you are planning on shaping your own letters and stuff, then you need metal chisels, also not a craft store item. If you want the dies that have reversed letters and numbers on one end and you place that against the metal to make K R A Z Y K A T or something, that's a lettering die set.
Posted by stella on 2007-01-18 20:34:52
Post Subject:
i think it's great that you are working with immigrant farmworkers. my goal is to work with farmworkers also, but in the public health field.
i just wanted to commend you, sorry i don't have any tips. maybe you could take the women to a craft store to look at the supplies, since they might be using a regional term for a common type of needle?
Posted by craftfetish on 2006-08-01 08:39:46
Post Subject:
I have just jumped on the freezer paper stencil bandwagon, since you can just iron the paper down and you don't get any little bubbles of paint in the wrong place. (I made the greatest dinosaur shirt this weekend)
But if you wanted to use a reusable stencil, I see your dilema. What about spray adhesive? I would ask the staff at your local craft store about which kind would be best for your particular application, but that should allow you to get the stencil good an stuck down and peeled back up later.
And then, I would certainly road test it once or twice on your fabric of choice before you make a big investment in this stuff only to discover it leaves goo on your pretty painted things.
Posted by Julia on 2007-01-19 11:52:16
Post Subject:
Very cool. I used to work in the Public Health field with farmworkers as well, but realized that the problems that they face (and that impact their health) are so systemic that I wanted to do more active organizing. Around that time I met the Coalition of Immokalee Workers who were the workers themselves doing just that, so I moved to Immokalee and started to help out here.
I wish there were a craft store nearby, but Immokalee is sort of at the end of a long road to nowhere.
Thanks for the suggestion, please keep 'em coming.
Posted by craftfetish on 2007-11-01 19:11:49
Post Subject:
What about tone on tone embossing? You could use a traditional embossing powder and heat gun or however they do it. Or I think they make a sort of embossing pen now where you just trace over the design. It's possible that I hallucinated that, but ask in the scrapbooking dept of your local craft store.
Posted by stella on 2004-10-21 11:17:33
Post Subject:
try a craft store like Michaels or Jo-Ann. they have lots of bulky yarns. there's a bulky version of Wool-Ease, and Lion also makes a bulky polar-fleecy yarn.
Posted by tinkiT on 2006-11-29 01:17:46
Post Subject:
Does it HAVE to be done with your group in 2 hours??? or can you complete most of the work and have 'drying' time??
Something that is fun to do is making clear glass ornaments. Buy some of the clear bulbs from the craft store along with acrylic paints, glitter, and glue. You will also need disposable cups.
Directions.....squeeze paint(s) of choice into bulb, swirl around, and place bulb upside down on cups.
i made these one year, it was a great hit.
have fun!!
Posted by Gluey on 2007-03-26 00:47:03
Post Subject:
I'm sorry, craftmania, but I have no idea what you're talking about when you say "plain glass magnet." The closest thing that comes to mind are marble magnets, which are a simple and fun little projects that look good on your 'fridge. For those you use clear glass marbles with the flattened bottoms that you can usually find in floral section of the craft store and heavy-duty round magnets from the office supply store (They usually come in packs of six. Office Max has particularly good ones.) Anyway, glue a funky little picture onto your magnet, trim the edge with an x-acto, and glue the marble on top with a craft glue like Amazing Goop, which covers pretty evenly without making bubbles and won't yellow over time. If you want to get fancy, you can package a set of six into a decorated Altoid tin to give as a gift. I hope that helps.
Posted by leihudson on 2004-12-09 21:50:18
Post Subject: soy wax candles
soy wax candles...
i made a crap load of these for christmas this year, it was fairly inexpensive, and you can get all of the supplies at joanne etc or michaels or probably any other craft store in your area. i also accumulated a bunch of mason jars, tin cans, plant pots and tea cups. you can collect them or search garage sales, thrift stores or dollar stores. once you've decided what to put the wax in, you just follow the instructions depending on which wax you use. i decided to use the soy wax because it's microwaveable and you don't have to purchase a boiler, thermometer, etc. there are all sorts of scents and dyes to choose from, too. well, good luck to anyone who tries this. i had fun with it! and hopefully all of my candle recipients will, too!
Posted by craftfetish on 2006-09-29 14:23:52
Post Subject:
For holiday favors, you could make decorative candle wraps. Buy cheapo votive cups and tea lights at the craft store. You can decorate them however you want.
I have used a decorative holiday hole punch through some vellum secured with wire before.
You could also decoupage. Or I've seen some cool things with beads and wire knitting.
Posted by sarabell on 2007-07-12 12:23:30
Post Subject:
i'd really have to say depends on what you're looking to make and what other materials are involved in your project. i think it's really irrelevant as to where the material is made, but the quality you're looking for. best bet is to purchase a small amount of different kinds from your local bead or craft store and try them out.
Posted by champion on 2005-02-01 03:33:47
Post Subject: champion is now open
champion, nz's first online craft store is now live & open!
valentine's day special - all items marked with "VDAY Special" have no shipping cost. you'll have to get in fast before they all disappear though & if you want them for yourself, your friends or your sweetie in time!
i am very very excited about this as a huge amount of work has gone into it and will continue to go in. the shopping cart has been temporarily disabled due to some issues with it - purchases can be made by emailing championcrafts @ gmail.com with the details of what you wish to order. we will mark these out of the store & process your order manually through paypal. this will only be temporary, and we have so much great stuff here already that i didn't want to stay closed any longer than we had to.
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2005-01-06 16:35:25
Post Subject: needle tatting/cro tatting?
So, after seeing A Very Long Engagement, I got the urge to learn how to make lace. I know it can be machine made and bought for pennies, but... i just saw a book on "learning needle tatting" at the craft store, and something called a "cro-tatt" hook, and wondered if anyone had experience with either of these things? They seem to have tatting shuttles, and tatting cotton, but no tatting needles at my craft store. And they have the cro-tatt hook, but no books on how to use it. Grrr...
Posted by canary on 2005-09-16 10:10:03
Post Subject: hobbit house
I recently found a craftster online that was using birdhouses to make elfin houses! The roof was moss covered and little bits of driftwood were glued onto the siding. They intended for the item to be used for birds, or placed on the ground outside for toads, etc. However I wanted a hobbit house to resemble the ones on LOTR....
I found a small wooden jewlery box in my local craft store and removed the hinges and top. I replaced the lid with a flat rock to make the roof, becuase I didn't like the slant of the birdhouse roofs. Some wood filler and wood glue works great. Then I attached a wood disk (craft store) to make it look like a round door. I hot glued tiny rocks and gravel to the sides of the box and even created little windows with ledges and overhangs and arched tops. No drilling or cutting because I don't really want a house for critters, just a decoration for my garden... For the finishing touches I added bark to the door and windows (like shutters) and a tiny door knob. Using a wooden napkin ring, I smeared glue and rolled it in dirt to create a chimney. Some moss on the roof and some wildflowers on the window ledges, and a few stepping stones brings it all together.
Now I'm looking to create a little hobbit shire and try some other materials!
I hope to post a picture of the finished craft, alas my camera is not working right now.
Posted by sarabell on 2008-04-10 14:04:22
Post Subject:
i'm a fan of spray acrylic lacquer.
however, mod podge makes an outdoor variety - just check at a craft store where they have a good assortment of mod podge. haven't tried it but i've never gone wrong with mod podge myself!
Posted by alteredtome on 2005-09-01 09:38:02
Post Subject: For Colorado Springs, CO
There have been some of us over on craftster.org, trying to get some kind of craft night together, but alas, there's only 2 women interested here in the Springs (me and someone else). Anyone else here?
I also wanted to let the Colorado community know about a new craft store I just stumbled upon on in the east end of the Springs. I'm not associated with them in anyway, but I was very impressed and I wanted to let Coloradans know about it, so I hope it's ok to post here. It's called Quilts and Crafts, run by a mom and daughter team, Omega and Trina. It's a quilting and scrapbooking supply store on the NW corner of N. Carefree and Powers, next to Diamond Shamrock. They are having a grand opening on Sept. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with discounts, and they are also giving away prizes, including a crazy expensive quilting sewing machine (Trina said it's worth over $1000). You can enter anytime between Sept 1st and 3rd and you don't have to be there to win, they'll call you. Omega will be teaching quilting classes and Trina will be teaching scrapbooking/altered books/stamping/etc classes. The store is very well organized, with some scrapbooking and quilting supplies that you apparently can't get anywhere else (like this very pretty stained glass paper that Trina was showing me). Very cool, so check these ladies out before you head to the big stores, especially for all you east-enders, since it's in the same vicinity as Joann's and Micheal's. Support your local craft store! :)
Posted by seamripper on 2004-07-06 21:23:27
Post Subject:
i found a spool of special 'jean thead' at a craft store...it's orange and thicker than regular thread...it looks pretty professional when i've used it to hem jeans
Posted by NekoNoir on 2005-11-29 18:01:55
Post Subject: Paint for paper mache and wood
What would be the best paint to use fo painting little wooden boxes and paper mache boxes? I'm planning on painting little boxes for X-mas gifts. I experimented on one little wooden box using acrylic but it came out too shiny. Of course, I used the high quality, thick acrylic. Should I use the more watery acrylic? I don't want all the extra shine because its hard to see what I painted. Also, does modge podge always make stuff shiny? Is ther a matte podge podge? I'm going to the craft store in a day or so, so I was wondering if any of you crafters had any suggestions for me.
Thank ya in advance!
Posted by blue_concubine on 2006-02-19 05:15:51
Post Subject: gift for male boss
This may not be crafty enough...but how about a homemade Zen Garden?
I did this for my male co-workers and boss one X-mas.
Find or make a container...I found a small bed tray and painted it according to favorite colors and such...stencils, embellishments. I filled it with colored sand and used purchased polished rocks (all from the dollar store) and I made small sized rakes by carefully gluing and drilling (be careful here) dowel rods. The dowels were the small size...I just eyeballed the size of dowel to size of tray. I also stained the rake and then I used a laquer to give shine on it and the tray.
You could find wooden boxes from the craft store to the same effect.
The beauty of it is how you can personalize this for each person.
My co-workers keep them on thier desks and they say it is really a big de-stresser to play in the sand.
Maybe this will work for you!
Good luck!
Posted by blue_concubine on 2006-02-19 05:15:09
Post Subject: gift for male boss
This may not be crafty enough...but how about a homemade Zen Garden?
I did this for my male co-workers and boss one X-mas.
Find or make a container...I found a small bed tray and painted it according to favorite colors and such...stencils, embellishments. I filled it with colored sand and used purchased polished rocks (all from the dollar store) and I made small sized rakes by carefully gluing and drilling (be careful here) dowel rods. The dowels were the small size...I just eyeballed the size of dowel to size of tray. I also stained the rake and then I used a laquer to give shine on it and the tray.
You could find wooden boxes from the craft store to the same effect.
The beauty of it is how you can personalize this for each person.
My co-workers keep them on thier desks and they say it is really a big de-stresser to play in the sand.
Maybe this will work for you!
Good luck!
Posted by princesshammerhead on 2006-12-13 20:16:42
Post Subject:
Well,we have 6 kids and were living in the city. With crime, litter, high taxes etc. We moved to a small (around 80 people) town that is an easy commute (40mins) when needed. For us the bonuses were:
-very cheap housing
-very low property taxes
-nearly three times the size of lot we had in the city
-crime does not exist!
-no litter
-cheap utilities
-amazing community support for a happy occasion or a tragety
-small classroom size in the school
-no noise by-laws (we can do our own fireworks on Canada Day!)
-We are far enough away from the city, that our true friends will make the trip out to visit us. (Rather than having people pop in all the time)
-we don't have to lock our doors at night
-we have essential sevices such as snow removal, post office, bank, grocery store, gas station etc.
- It SMELLS so good! Clean air sure makes the kids sleep good!
The down sides:
-no craft store or mall unless you make a day of it.
-no Mickey D's or fast food (but that's not so bad)
-sometimes we get snowed in and the highway can be closed for 2 or 3 days.
For us it has been great. I would never move back to a large city. -PHH
Posted by Thrift Shop Romantic on 2007-10-22 10:46:38
Post Subject:
That really gave me a chuckle. I would have thought they were some of those Goth dolls from the Entertainment Earth catalog/Hot Topic if you hadn't said they were just plain craft store dollies before you got a hold of them!
There were some serious transformations going on! :-)
Posted by yardenxanthe on 2007-11-24 00:08:42
Post Subject:
I've done it with liquid starch (here's a recipe I just googled: http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1044.html
Also, I've done other kinds of decorative paper using acrylic paints - here's the info on my blog. If you get those cheap bottles of acrylic paint (they're like 50 cents at the craft store), make sure to pick up some metallic paint, as it makes super-cool decorative paper.
Posted by stella on 2007-03-13 14:07:12
Post Subject:
stuffing pellets can be hard to find. they don't carry them at Jo-Ann any more, and they didn't have them at any of the other big craft stores i found. i needed weighted stuffing for a project a while ago, and i ended up using cheap plastic pony beads from the craft store. they didn't work very well, so i don't recommend them! it seems like there must be a place to get plastic pellets.
for a baby, it seems like something washable would be best since babies get drool, dirt, and food all over toys. buckwheat hulls are definitely not washable.
Posted by sarabell on 2006-04-26 14:25:06
Post Subject:
What about a picture/painting/embellished recipe box/embroidered towel featuring a cool foodie image?
/quote]
CRAPPO!!!! i totally thought of the recipe box yesterday and was just at the craft store this morning. i could SO be working on that right now. poop! thanks for reminding me! now i've gotta go back there tomorrow.....
Posted by stella on 2006-04-11 01:35:16
Post Subject:
you need heavy nylon bead thread from a bead shop. they won't have it at a craft store. nylon bead thread comes in many weights and colors; if you don't have a local shop, check out online retailers like Fire Mountain. usually it comes on cards, but you can also buy it by the cone.
Posted by craftfetish on 2007-03-13 14:51:14
Post Subject:
stuffing pellets can be hard to find. they don't carry them at Jo-Ann any more, and they didn't have them at any of the other big craft stores i found. i needed weighted stuffing for a project a while ago, and i ended up using cheap plastic pony beads from the craft store. they didn't work very well, so i don't recommend them! it seems like there must be a place to get plastic pellets.
for a baby, it seems like something washable would be best since babies get drool, dirt, and food all over toys. buckwheat hulls are definitely not washable.
The pony beads sounded like a genius solution - I'm sorry they didn't work out.
Froogle didn't come up with any bricks and mortar pellet-carrying stores for me, but they are all over the internet. Having to pay shipping on sn item designed to be heavy isn't the greatest deal, but at least you can get 'em.
Create for Less carries them or I found a bunch of ebay auctions.
Posted by stella on 2004-09-20 13:49:04
Post Subject:
it kind of depends on what kind of metal or alloy they are, and if they have an anti-tarnish coating. you could try the acrylic paint section at a craft store; sometimes they have metal treatments that cause tarnishing.
Posted by Antje Spethmann on 2004-11-30 17:46:38
Post Subject: I'm looking for a source for those Starbucks Memory Tumblers
A source other than Starbucks, of course... They want $10 a piece. The best I have found is 50 quantity at $5.73 a piece. I need about 15 units. Hobby Lobby and the other chain craft store we have in Dallas do not carry the ones I am looking for....
Can anyone help?
Thanks.
Antje
Posted by sarabell on 2005-05-25 11:33:46
Post Subject:
mod podge is a lot like white glue but not at the same time. almost like a mix of white glue and acrylic matte medium. i have used both white glue and mod podge on tissue paper and prefer the result of mod podge - less bunching and ripping, and a nicer finish. it's the bomb. you can find it at any craft store (and even the dreaded walmart craft section.)
Posted by keiko on 2005-02-12 00:36:21
Post Subject:
I use these blank index cards that are 4.25x5.5 in. I got them at my local craft store and they're pretty cheap. I usually use magazine cutouts that I just glue on and you can leave it like that but I usually get them copied onto glossy cardstock and cut them out with my trusty xacto. It's pretty cheap. :) --If you want them to be two sided cards instead of postcards, I saw some people use colored electric tape to tape two cards together.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-11-01 19:36:28
Post Subject:
Well today I went to the craft store in the mall that I work in to look for any postings. They have classes for painting and stuff again but no knitters! I did however approach a woman confused about knitting needles to buy for her daughter to make a scarf. I ended up finding out that her sister works in the resturant in the store I work for (Boscov's, ever hear of it? Pennsylvania thing.) and is also looking to join a knitter's group. What a quwinky-dink! I can't wait to rush down to the resturant tommorow morning to see her! We have talked before about knitting, but not so much that I know a lot about her. I remember she showed me a cool poncho she was making....maybe she could show me too! yeah!
In the meantime, I think I am going to make flyers with my infor on it asking if anyone is interested. I'll hit up craft stores, maybe some churches (even though I currently don't belong to one), and some artsy areas. Hopen' that I find some craftisas!!!
Posted by aythecupisempty on 2005-04-11 11:32:02
Post Subject:
i bought a kids crocheting book at the local craft store,and to get me started w/ hemp bracelets my mom taught me over the summer when i was little but there are a few helpful websites... sorry to say i don't have the links :(
Posted by buttonarcade on 2005-02-02 01:23:42
Post Subject: Gggrrr...We'll eat you up, we love you so! Pricing? Felt?
For those of you who didn't see my blog:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/buttonarcade/first-3-monsters.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/buttonarcade/second-3-monsters.gif
I would like to sell these on my site, but I have a
few questions for ya smart ladies! =) These are
the first ones I made, so I am still perfecting them.
1. Price?....Will people even want these. Lol. It's
my first day making them, so I'm in the "This is the
best idea EVER!", mode.
2. Do you know of any felters? I would rather buy
the felt from a human than from a large craft store
who has felting robots in cages in the back.
It would need to be craft felt (thin), and reasonably
priced.
3. If the monster is one-of-a-kind, is there a way a
"sold" button can automatically added when a customer
buys the pin? Am I totally making that up? I'm just
going to have to do it manually, huh?
Posted by revafisheye on 2004-09-16 00:50:53
Post Subject:
Daytona Trim, on the north side of 39th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, is a feast of, well, trim. There are also scads of fabric stores on that same block.
My favorite bead shop may or may not still be called Big Stone, but it's on the south east corner of either 26th, 27th or 28th Street and B'way.
Pearl Paint is on Canal Street near B'way and they now have a craft store (at least they did a year ago) one block south, I believe on Lispenard.
I just realized that when you know a place by sight it's difficult to give exact directions.
Posted by oliviaN on 2005-09-28 19:24:20
Post Subject: nifty knitter
i was wondering if anyone has a nifty knitter. i saw it at the craft store today, it is used to make hats i guess. it was only 10 dollars and i was thinking of getting one. any good or bad reviews would help thank you]]
Posted by RobertaN on 2006-10-26 18:50:04
Post Subject:
They had Halloween party at my son's school couple of days ago and they did two crafts. My son will be 4 in a month.
1. They made a spider from pipe cleaners, black yarn, and eyes that you buy from the craft store. The pipe cleaners were purple and orange, cut about 6"-7" long. You cut 10-12 pieces of black yarn little bit shorter than the pipe cleaners, for hair. Then you put the four pipe cleaners together, you line up the yarn next to them and tie them in the middle with a longer piece of yarn, long enough so you can make a loop and hang it from somewhere. Make sure that the legs (pipe cleaners) are on bottom, and the hair (yarn) is on the top. Then you fold the legs, 8 of them. They were using heat gun for gluing the eyes, because they stay put immediatelly. If you put regular glue you will have to wait some time for the glue to dry, otherwise the eyes will come off. The little ones can pick up their own color for the spider, help hold the pipe cleaners and the yarn together while you tie them together, and fold the legs. Then you can send them to scare someone.
2. Then they made wreath out of paper plates and fall leaves made of construction paper. They had the paper plates ready, with the circle removed from the middle, so it looks like an O. They had the fall leaves ready too, made of black and orange construction paper (different shapes of leaves). The little ones have to glue the leaves on the wreath. My son enjoyed doing this.
When we went home, I punched a hole on one side of the wreath and put the yarn from the spider through the hole, made a loop, and now the spider is in the middle of the wreath. Looks pretty cool.
Another idea. Two of the moms were getting ready today to make another Halloween party at the same school for whoever wasn't able to attend the first one, and they had pumpkins made of orange construction paper and eyes, noses (triangles), and mouths (crescents) made of black constraction paper. So the little ones will have to glue and decorate their "pumpkins".
Posted by the_raging_quiet on 2005-08-06 20:41:58
Post Subject: making moulds for beads
Hello all you craftsters!!!
I adore resin jewellery but they are so expensive!!!
The Dinosaur Design range
( http://www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au/html/jewellery/jewellery.htm ) is fantastic but i dont think i can afford $300 for a necklace anymore.
Anyway, a friend gave me the idea of making resin jewellery in the style of DDesigns myself. Apparently all i need to do is to get resin from craft store, melt it? and put into moulds.
The bit i'm having trouble with the most is the moulds-how onearth do i make bead moulds?!!!
I'm new to jewellery making and so am VERY inexperienced. Any help is greatly apprieciated.
Posted by canary on 2005-11-27 23:24:37
Post Subject:
Have you ever tried DOVER publications for clipart?
http://store.doverpublications.com/index.html
I like to paint, too. I bought a publishing program that has clip art, borders, etc. It has limitations, so I use Dover when I want something specific.
Or you can look for stamps in a craft store.
Let us know how your painted paisley tray comes out...post a picture!
Posted by ellwhy on 2005-12-05 12:28:53
Post Subject: Re: sorry so late
I believe I read only natural fibers can be dyed with Kool Aid.. .
Just as an FYI, it's protein fibers, not natural fibers. Cotton will not hold Kool-Aid dye through more than a few washes (nor, incidentally, will linen). Any animal hair will dye with the kool-aid method, as will silk.
For cotton, your best bet is a fiber reactive dye, and you should be able to find a kit as well as seperate colors at any craft store for a reasonable price. RIT dye is actually not a great choice for any dyeing except that of mixed protein/cellulose fiber garments, IMO, as it is formulated to be a general purpose dye. This means that while it will dye most fibers, it will not dye them as well as a formula created specifically for the material you are attempting to color. Your colors will not be as vibrant, nor will they last as long. HTH.
Posted by craftfetish on 2006-05-09 09:08:34
Post Subject:
In the book Pad, they have instructions for making resin coasters.
Basically, you need to follow the instructions on the resin. They used old jars as molds for the coasters - you basically pour a little in, add your army guy, pour in enough resin to cover and let it harden. Then you smash the jar to get it out. (they probably sell re-usable molds somewhere, but I think smashing things makes any craft more fun)
I had a massive collection of old jars at my old apt. waiting for this craft, but I could never find resin at my local craft store. They finally went to the recycle bin.
I'd love to see what you come up with - maybe I need to start saving jars again.
Posted by E. Bess on 2005-12-27 21:31:08
Post Subject: Royalty free knitting instruction illos?
Okay, here be quite possibly the most random question ever. This is one for those ladies in the house who know something about how craft books are written.
I'm putting together a proposal for a craft book, and I'd like to include some basic instructions on how to knit. We're talkin' basic -- like, long-tail cast on, knit, purl, k2tog, maybe a make-1 or a yarn over, and that'd be pushing it. Is there a source for those illustrations used in "how to knit" books, that one could use legally without paying someone? Or heck, even if such a thing existed for use that one WOULD have to pay for... I wouldn't even know where to look.
I guess I'm saying that I need to find some illustrations for a learn-to-knit section. Where do they come from? :)
I've got my partner, who is a comic book artist, lined up to make some illustrations, but I'd rather not ask him to reinvent the wheel. Seems like such a thing should be out there, it's in every knitting pamphlet at the craft store...
Posted by davyse on 2007-05-15 02:49:06
Post Subject:
thank you teagrrl :)
but i've allready combed through most thrift/2nd hand stores in town, they never have any hooks here, after 1 year I haven't seen 1 crochet hook..o0'
(and then there are the "thrift" stores that have a limited supply on crafting stuff that cost more than it does in a regular craft store ..same brands same sizes but more expensieve ^^''..)
Posted by canary on 2006-01-21 12:25:49
Post Subject:
the applicator bottles might just be the trick---I'll experiment and see what I can do.
Also, visiting the local craft store today to look for specialized tools.
Thanks!
Posted by jera on 2007-02-11 16:57:58
Post Subject:
If there is a yarn store near you stop in and see if they offer classes.
Michael's craft store hasstarted offering classes too. Here is a like to my local yarnstore they have an award winning beginner DVD.
www.swakknit.com
Posted by merrydeath on 2006-12-08 19:27:35
Post Subject:
staples? or an office supply store? sometimes they have random stuff. or maby michaels or a craft store...? if i was your brother, i'd ask the teacher where to find it. surely, they'd know, since they know about it in the first place. lol...
Posted by it_grrl on 2005-06-15 23:00:09
Post Subject:
thanks you guys, i gave the serrated knife a try on some spare foam and it worked perfectly. i think i'm gonna stick with the knife and save myself a trip to the craft store. and seven bucks. cos that's like, a week's worth of coffee.
(incidentally, which works better; sawing back and forth or dragging the knife in the same direction each time?)
Posted by artlady75 on 2006-01-23 00:41:49
Post Subject:
A good place that is fun and has good prices and lots of other fun stuff is..
www.factorydirectcraft.com
I have orderd from them before and had very good stuff.
You can all so try
www.hobbylobby.com a big craft store here in the states the online catalog is not as good as the store.
www.oriental-trading.com is a party and crafting place they have bags the only thing is you have to buy them 12 at a time and they are kinda odd colores. but go look because they have alot of neat stuff.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-05-12 12:04:52
Post Subject:
yeah. it doesn't matter where the feathers came from if they're restricted, they're restricted. funny thing is, you see a dead bird on the highway, you can't take any of the feathers or parts, but surely it'll just get scooped up and incinerated. but i do feel that they deserve great respect and should not be used for mere decoration. that's why items using feathers for decoration such as mandelas or dreamcatchers that are sold at pow wows are just garden-variety craft store feathers. i think that people who don't respect or understand feathers should not have them in their posession. they're not just pretty things..... i won't even touch feathers if i'm not in the right state of mind.
i don't think they went overboard by confiscating her work. charges, yeah, that's overboard. it would be one thing if she was out poaching the birds or something like that. but it's not a loophole for natives to posess feathers - it's a religious and cultural right, that unfortunately is subject to stringent restrictions.
Posted by angry tooth on 2004-11-06 21:36:04
Post Subject:
I make plush toys by drawing out any rounded shape and adding a few features (ie: nubs for legs or ears, etc.) and use that as a pattern- just remember to go bigger than you think you should and leave room for selvage. Terry cloth makes a nice plush toy, and you can find the stuffing at any fabric or craft store. Good luck! At 14 mos. I wouldn't suggest any button eyes or anything, but you could applique a mouth on or something.
Posted by smachel on 2005-06-15 21:16:07
Post Subject:
if you go to the craft store and look in the floral section i believe, you will find foam cutters. my bf has one, and it is awesome! it was quite cheap and runs on 2 D batteries. what happens is a wire is attached to a metal contraption and when you flip the switch it heats up the wire to make a nice cut through the foam.
this is the exact product my bf bought at hobby lobby:
Posted by stella on 2006-03-06 23:41:09
Post Subject:
you can still get "tulip" paint (there are different brands) and puffy paint at the craft store. JoAnn has a clothing decorating section with lots of types of fabric paint, including the kind that looks like a bead of flexible glue when it's dry.
Posted by xuli on 2006-06-01 00:18:36
Post Subject: what's "good" thread?
Warning: Sewing newbie question ahead!
I got my sewing machine back from the sewing shop today, where I took her in for a general tune-up and some tension issues. The guy at the shop suggested I use "higher-quality" thread, but when I asked him what he meant, he gave me a specific brand name (Mettler) and then gave me this long speech about the length of cotton fibers.
I listened politely, but I'm inclined to distrust anyone who defines "quality" by brand name. This Mettler stuff is like $5/spool, and if it's worth it I'm willing to pay it -- but I want to know what makes it good, other than it being a company that is probably giving kickbacks to my sewing shop. Are there other "good" brands? And what makes them "good"?
Don't get me wrong, I can fiber-snob with the best of them (and when it comes to knitting yarns, I do!) but I just want to know, objectively, what I should look for. What makes a "high-quality" thread? I know what makes a "high-quality" yarn, but I know nothing about thread!
Sorry to be so long-winded ... I guess I wanted to vent a little too! I mean, I may know nothing about thread, but I've been knitting long enough to know quite a lot about craft-store snobbery and to recognize that special kind of craft-store condescension!
Posted by mindshare on 2004-09-03 11:34:36
Post Subject:
Mod Podge is just the brand name of this glue:
http://www.plaidonline.com/apMP.asp
It's really good for a lot of things, including topcoats/varnish. You should be able to find it at your local craft store. They even have sparkly Mod Podge now!
Posted by Pickle on 2006-11-13 02:20:22
Post Subject: Painting on Rubber Boots - HELP!
Hi everyone
I have decided that I am hand-painting rubber boots for Christmas Presents this year. A new craft - Im so excited however it seems to be the most difficult craft in the world to get information on !!
Its My first time painting on rubber - Has anyone done this before or have any suggestions? I dont expect the boots to last a lifetime but Id like to ensure they are durable and can be worn and rinsed off.
I spent 2 hrs tonight at the Craft store - I asked 4 sales agents to help and everyone looked at me like I was crazy! :)
what type of paint should I use ~ or definatly NOT use
should I pre-spray with some type of bonding agent
what would I seal it with after its painted
Any suggestions would be most helpful - I cant seem to find anything on the internet about what type of paint to use. I have TONS of acrylic paint and am hoping I can use that but Im not too sure that will work (b/c its water based BUT if used a sealent on top...)
...HELP!!!!
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-11-01 19:41:40
Post Subject:
I keep a craft journal for when my mind is busting with ideas so when I do get into a rut I have something to refer to that I wanted to do but might of forgoten about.
Another thing is to go to the coolest craft store you know but leave your purse at home! This always helps me because I not only get to see all the new pretty craft supplies, but I get to see the little demo examples that I stare at to see if I can do it with stuff I already have at home. Only probelm is that you end up seeing stuff you really do want to buy....but at least you'll think hard about it before impulse buy!
Posted by edenza on 2006-03-07 10:19:07
Post Subject:
First off, I would collect 21 of them ;)
Magnets are a good idea. That was my first thought. Guys can't get enough t-shirts either.
I've seen mugs at the craft store that you can write on w/ a special pen (they have all colors of ink). You do something to them afterward which sets the ink. You could handwrite a bunch of them all over the mug in different sizes & styles. He could use it as a mug or a change cup or a pen holder or anything. My husband has three mugs for "stuff" on his dresser.
Posted by abigailamy on 2004-06-10 19:53:08
Post Subject: has anyone ever made a cigar box purse? :)
Hello!
I was at the craft store and I got inspired and decided to make a cigar box purse. They had great handles and I have a large cigar box at home.
Has anyone else made these? Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I've never done this before and I'd actually like to use it as a purse if I could. :)
Posted by girlsavage on 2006-08-04 09:42:19
Post Subject:
What about using the small jump rings that are for jewelry... They would be small enough to go through your negative holes, you could even connect a few together if you wanted more spacing between strips. You can usually find them in the jewelry/craft section at Walmart or any craft store. You will probably have to use small needle nose pliers w/ them, but they seem like they would be a better size than the big jump rings.
Oh yeah, and post pics when you complete it!! Sounds like a very cool idea!
Posted by DJules on 2005-09-23 12:14:47
Post Subject:
Hee-Hee - We dressed my daughter up as a Trick-or-Treat Bag for her first Halloween!
We got an orange canvas bag from the craft store, I turned it so that the straps would go over her arms, cut holes for her legs, and then painted it with various Halloween-y things. It was such a fun costume.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-10-27 20:53:21
Post Subject:
I can't stand people who know what they want to do and just go do it. I defend my right to be overwhelmed, like arabella. My solution, if you can call it a solution, is to start a whole bunch of projects and flit from one to the other til everything's finally finished. I guess that makes me a crafty butterfly.
I'm a craft junkie. I have about 5 things going at the moment and to top it off I have an artsy job with an artsy boss who gives me new ideas everyday. It's very enriching, but also very exshausting. Also, I work very near to an awesome craft store, I get stucked in and buy things I'm not even sure I know what to do with. I'm the kind of person that will go a year wearing holey socks but will buy a new craft project in a heartbeat.
I'm right there with you guys, I'm nucking futs.
Posted by mle on 2005-11-13 09:52:53
Post Subject:
I don't know how much you enjoy sewing, but if you're looking for plain placemats and napkins, I would think that your best bet would be to head off to a fabric store and get some nice fabric and build them yourself. If you're set on buying them ready made, department stores would likely have the best quality, whereas a dollar store or craft store would likely have the best price.
Reading over this, I don't think I've been very helpful at all. I'm sorry. Good luck!
Posted by keiko on 2004-07-26 02:31:50
Post Subject:
I've been looking for cool readymade totes too. I actually stenciled a print on one I had bought a while ago from a craft store but I'm disappointed in the length of the straps. I wish I could find totes with straps that are wide/long enough so that I can use it as a shoulder bag. Then again...I guess I could just sew on some new ones. :)
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-10-27 20:29:40
Post Subject:
I'll tell you what I'm going to do....
I like stamps but I find them expensive and I'd rather draw or paint on my cards. However I know I'll be here 'till next christmas handpainting all of my cards so with that in mind...
Every year I get sentamental and keep every christmas card I gotten the year before. Then I stare at them with a question mark over my head wondering what the hell I'm doing with all of these. So this year I decided to cut the pictures out of the old cards and glue them onto blank cards you can get at the craft store. Then I will accent them with glitter, sequins, ribbons, ect. I got a nice book of inspirational saying from around the world so I will hand write something nice in all of them.
Hope I helped! Anne
Posted by rratstarr on 2005-01-17 11:11:01
Post Subject:
Well, my hat collection eventually led to a collection of hat boxes... but I shouldn't encourage you to do that if you don't have the room.
Before I moved, I had a large candlestick on my dresser, which I used to hang a hat. One day a vinyl wig box that I was using to store hats in broke, and I found that hole in the bottom of the styrofoam half-circle from the bottom of the wig box fit onto the drip-catcher of the candlestick (this is getting rather complicated, isn't it?).
So, my idea is, rather than building hat stands from scratch (which I was considering for a time), to thrift for large candlesticks and turn them into hat stands by getting styrofoam spheres from the craft store, cutting them in half, and fitting them over the top of the candlestick, and maybe covering the styrofoam with a stretchy fabric or something.
I hope that makes sense. Another option that just occurred to me is that you could keep an eye out for store closings where they're selling the fixtures, and try to buy one of the store hat stands.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2004-12-29 21:19:55
Post Subject: Rag rugs
I'd like to make a rag rug but have no idea how to do it. There was a very thin book at the craft store with them in but it didn't even give good instructions or explained what kind of materials you use-not to mention it was $15. Can someone either explain it to me or tell me of a website that gives good instuctions? I was assuming it is a lot like latchhook, and I used to do that a lot. Am I correct? Tanks a bunch!
Posted by jewelie on 2005-09-02 02:28:06
Post Subject:
lilly sugar'n'cream cotton yarns are perfect for washcloths. sugar'n'cream yarns can be found in any chain craft store, are about $1 a skein, and it comes in a variety of colors! it washes up well, and is easy to work with. great for baby items too....
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-10-02 00:21:04
Post Subject:
Where we draw the line is going to be different for each of us.
I could definitely see painting or printing a picture and having someone else professionally mat and mount it. Actually, I do it myself, but my shortcut is that I don't use a router to make my frames usually. I'd rather buy preshaped pieces and miter them myself. Cut my own glass and mats, though.
I've done an awful lot of furniture refinishing over the years. If I needed someone else to hand tie the springs in a chair, but I did all the rest, I'd have no problem saying I did it. If anyone wanted to know how, I'd be open about the minimal assistance, but it's still my piece and my selection of fabrics. But then, would I have to weave the fabric myself, spin the wool, raise the sheep?
I'm a good writer. Better than you see here, anyway. I've been published, I've edited published manuscripts, etc. But just because someone else edits the work and others typeset it and print it and bind and distribute it, that doesn't make it any less my work.
Working PT in a craft store, I get customers all the time who are clueless about the craft they are attempting, and they are grateful for the finishers, like the quilters and seamstresses and reupholsterers and printmakers.
I love fine needlework. I dislike quilt patterns and embroidery transfers. If I am going to put all that work into it, I want it to be my concept, my colors, my design with all the inherent flaws I make. I dislike the use of machines. Quilters who talk to me about their precut pieces in a proscribed pattern with boring material sewn on a machine may think we are in the same league, but I'd be insulted if anyone of them still thought that after seeing what I can do. It's not that my stuff is better. It's a different animal entirely.
One thing that kills me is the modern approach to decoupage. Now people are talking about packing tape transfers and I'm thinking, Dang, if you learned the traditional decoupage this would be old hat. Is it wrong of people to take shortcuts and use full thickness prints for decoupage?
Too tired to write more, and I have to quit my craft store job tomorrow... Ha, maybe I'll tell some HGTV pretender to shove it before I go.
Posted by kitchensqueen on 2006-12-09 17:51:19
Post Subject:
Decorating your Christmas tree doesn't have to break the bank. And your ornament collection will have much better memories for you if you spend some time with family and friends hand-crafting them, instead of buying a boring ornament set. Here are a few easy ideas:
Tinsel photo ornaments-- print photos from your computer in wallet-sized prints. Use a 3-inch circle hole punch (or a good old fashioned compass and scissors) to punch out the photos. Punch out an equal number of pretty pictures from old Christmas cards. Glue the photo rounds to the card rounds. Finish the edge by gluing a tinsel pipecleaner around it. Punch a hole in the top with a small paper punch and thread a ribbon through.
Pinecone ornaments-- cut a length of fabric ribbon six inches long. Hot glue a small pinecone to each end of the ribbon. Use extra ribbon to tie two small bows, and hot glue the bows over the edge of the ribbon where it's glued to the pinecone, to give it a finished look.
String garlands out of bright beads, yarn pompoms, gum wrappers, colored paperclips or paper mached balls-- or good old-fashioned day-old popcorn or fresh cranberries.
Origami stars, flowers or baskets (filled with Christmas candy).
Glittered (Anything)-- pick up some cheap plastic forest or barnyard animals at the toy store, or some plastic fruit at the craft store, or some pinecones from outside, spread white glue all over it and sprinkle with glitter.
Sequined ornaments-- get some styrofoam balls (or squares, whatever shape you want), some dress pins (little push pins without the plastic heads on them) and a bag of sequins. Use the pushpin to secure the sequins onto the ball, making designs and color combinations that look nice to you.
Cookies-- gingerbread cookies with white icing look great and will hold up for a couple of weeks.
Pomander tangerines-- push whole cloves into a tangerine (lighter weight than an orange so you can hang it on a branch). Push a pushpin into the top and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Posted by xuli on 2005-05-17 09:23:05
Post Subject:
52 yards may not be enough for mittens -- and, while mittens are not incredibly complicated, I wouldn't recommend them as your first project from a pattern. Why not check out the Stitch N Bitch book at the library? There are some cute hats in there that would be suitable for a beginner.
Alternately, you can get fat needles at any craft store -- Michael's regularly carries up to size 19, and I've even seen size 50 there. Or your small, locally-owned yarn store will definitely have a range of needle sizes.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-03-03 12:18:56
Post Subject: fabric painting tips?
so i had the itch to act on the idea i had yesterday to paint on my endless supply of scrap demin to make patches that will be further-embellished and then made into a bag.
i'm painting with acrylic on some relatively light denim.
(i know, i know, i should be using fabric paint. unfortunately, my craft supply hoarde does not have a good supply of fabric paint and i really didn't want to drag the 2-year old and the baby to the craft store. that is pure hell....)
so does anyone have any ideas to make the painted areas more supple? the fabric can remain relatively stiff since the panels will be made into a bag, but the unpainted areas are way too flimsy in comparison. i also don't want to make the fabric too stiff as i will be doing some embroidery, couching, and/or beading on it.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-02-05 20:05:59
Post Subject:
Cool! I'll have to see if my local craft store carries it, or I'll get it over the net.
I'm not to keen on the whole "extreme toxic fumes" issue with the resin anyway. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by purple_glitter on 2006-04-11 13:16:04
Post Subject:
There is really cool handmade paper that you could write letters on. A good local craft store might carry it, or you could try a scrapbooking store. A good place to start looking online is Handmade Paper, but I'm sure other crafters around here have other suggestions.
As far as interesting crafts...well, my ideas might be borderline cheesy, but...you could make a small book (there are bookbinding tutorials all over the internet) and write a story in it that has significance for the two of you. Or you could collect pictures and letters from his friends and bind it all into a bigger book.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-11-29 23:11:01
Post Subject:
Lots of things you can buy at a dollar or craft store can be embellished.
Crafty Chica has just posted some matchbox shrines she did. You could do really simple ones by covering purchased match boxes with felt and rick-rack or something. Not a shrine but decorative and useful. Same thing with decks of cards
Someone else here has been asking about bookmarks. Lots of ideas. Maybe that was on glitter, though.
If you sew, there are plenty of fleece things to make like mittens and neck cuffs.
Decorate pens or pencils or toothbrushes.
Decoupage little craft boxes with magazine photos or letters.
Posted by deborahthecraft on 2004-10-22 11:41:03
Post Subject: Re: thank you
dear stella,
thank you so much for your advice. i will look for packets of grommets with smashing tools. i was under the impression that i could only get those with small grommets -- glad to know that the larger kits exist, too.
my best,
shannon
If they don't have them at your craft store check a marine shop or hardware store!
Posted by BettyThreat on 2005-07-08 23:40:55
Post Subject:
The pins I mean are sold in the jewelry section of a craft store. THey look like flat head pins but do not have a needle point. Stick them through the candy, then use wire cutters (needle nose pliers have wire cutters on thm) to cut the pin so there is about a half an inch at the top. bend that half inch into a circle which you then loop through the circle at the base of the earring hook. Do you understand what I mean? If you need a visual, any basic jewelry making book should explain this technique.
