Need your input, por favor!

CraftyChicaAZ · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 686 Location: phx, az

I'm in the middle of my fourth year doing my craft column. I've done all kinds of projects but know I'm missing a lot of cool and worthy applications. would you mind going thru my site and looking at the projects and suggesting "topics/techniques" that I haven't hit on?

For example - I do know I should have scrapbooking ideas. It's the No.1 trend in crafts, but I'm more of an altered books kind of girl!! But I do have it on my list. I also need more needle arts.

Today I wanted to make a Button Birdhouse (mosaic) but my husband said "You always do stuff with glue! try something without glue!". He's right!

Oh well, if you have a sec please click away, if not - no worries!

http://www.craftychica.com

you click on "more crafts" to see the categories...BTW, do you think they are easy to find on the site?

And thank you!!!
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bookish · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 108 Location: denton, texas

Hi-

I'm new here so take any suggestions with a grain of salt. First of all, I really like your site. It was easy to navigate and full of inspiration.

I would like to see some craft ideas for bigger projects- what I mean is something I can remodel my home on a budget with. Coordinating placemats and tablecloth, rug hooking, throw pillows... maybe a cute way to organize all my crafting supplies! Also, I have a zillion patches that I picked up when traveling and draw a complete blank on what to do with them.

Just some friendly brainstorming!
Keri
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lizzymahoney · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 804

I don't see you as stuck in a glue rut. Glue is very important in DIY stuff.

How about shrinky dink charms, applique with stitch witchery or heat 'n' bond or fabric glue, peat moss and concrete stepping stones or planters, sand candles, recovering an old wire lampshade, christmas crackers of some sort, a neck cooler filled with those little gritty things that turn into gelatin like crystals when water is added, luminaria made from old coffee cans, turning old workboots or coffeepots or what ever into flower pots? I saw a girl make those incense burners from wine bottles. I made one from a Corona bottle, but it was a little short and cracked after a couple of months.

What do your readers mostly like? Half hour crafts, or weekend projects? Stuff on the cheap or cute stuff that could cost a lot? Wild Gen Y or stay at home hippie? Do they prefer southwest oriented stuff or more cosmopolitan?

CraftyChicaAZ · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 686 Location: phx, az

deborahthecraft · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 364 Location: California

Tin punching-for framing,replacing cabinent doors,window hangers,laternsmcovering cigar boxes

Embroidery the 'new way'; one stitch for an entire project(my favorit easy one is back stitch or chain...also show how to make a 'pattern' out of any line drawing/clipart)

Faux painting techinique that gives latin flavor!(patterns or color combos as well)

Food craft?Like the grilling in a banana leaf,29 ingredient Mole...

Scrapbooking is my passion.I can't afford to get all expensive with it so paper folding or paper layering would be good instruction.

PamTheQueen · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:01 pm Post subject:

Four times a year (each season!), you could feature wedding-inspired projects. For example: ideas for unique fall wedding favors or centerpieces. Or gifts to give your attendants. Or gifts to give a bride and groom. ETC. If you look at all the wedding idea books, all the schtuff looks like same. *YOU* could certainly whip up some niftier projects that are unique and cool!

I can only imagine what a wedding you could put on would look like!!!
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lizzymahoney · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 804

Women all the time bitch to fabric store cutters that their home scissors are not sacred. I've suggested to many that they dress them up in too cute fashion to keep the husband's hands off of them. You know, feathers and ribbons and paint?

Actually, I think customizing tools that way is fun. It doesn't have to be girly tacky, but scissor handles could be painted lots of ways. Beads optional.

I also have my own electronics screwdriver set that i protect with a secret hiding space so they don't get f*d up. I could see decorating the case and enamelling the handles as a vivid reminder that they are for my use only.

Whole lot of other stuff here, too. My x-acto set, stapler, flashlight, calculator, etc.

My dog wears utilitarian nylon dog collars. But hers have ribbon stitched down the middle. Yeah, I bought them from some crafty person, but anyone could do it with a machine and the right needle.

You've done the glass etching bit before, too, haven't you?

How about some kind of palm weaving? There are nuns somewhere on the net that have tutorials on making stuff from palm. You probably have palm growing in your area, I know I have plenty in my backyard. Aside from the folksy crucifix, there are shapes and wreaths and probably other good luck type things.

Oh yeah, with the shrine experience, did you delve into Chinese good luck charms and such? There are loads of things to do with that. A Taiwanese friend gave my long ago ex a shoebox sized charm with tassels and gilt and red laquered paper that was either supposed to bring him luck or get rid of me. Kind of an oxymoron, but maybe it brought me luck and got rid of him? She also was big into hanging mirrors outside the house for warding off evil spirits. I'd think that could be crafty and fun with a southwest flair.

CraftyChicaAZ · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 686 Location: phx, az

thank you, i'm so inspired!!!
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<a>CraftyChica.com</a>
See my new product line in Michaels stores this August!