Go Ahead... MAKE ME!!

Crochet Kill Proof Cacti

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I decided I wanted some cacti that would be totally resistant to my murderous cacti ways. After much trial and error I've made these little beauties:

Like'em? I adore them! I put some up for sale on Etsy.. so this isn't really a DIY type of thing, but I'm hoping people will like them enough to either buy one from me, or ask me for a pattern :) Check out my Etsy store, Nefarious Cupcake.

Heartfelt Felt Heart Garland

2012-01-24T03:39:00.000-08:00

Well you may not be able to read the blog that shows how to do this, but they made a fab photo to really give you instructions. I thought it was super cute and figured I should hop back into actually posting!

Driftwood Lamp Tutorial

2011-02-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

I've seen these lamps on Etsy for about $100. But Semi Jewels has created a really lovely tutorial so that you can make one of your very own. The lamp probably isn't for the beginner, but it's also not horribly difficult to recreate.

How pretty would this be on one of those awesome stump tables?

Stumped? You gotta make one of these.

2011-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Art of Doing Stuff has created a beautiful tutorial on how to make one of those ultra cool "stump tables". Looks like a bit of work, but not seriously intensive, just time consuming.

I'm gonna try this.. and I'll be singing the Log song from Ren and Stimpy the entire time!

The Sketchbook Project 2011

2010-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is just so cool... The Sketchbook Project 2011.

Long story short, you choose a category, they send you a sketchbook, you fill it up and send it back. Then it goes on tour all over the country and ends up in the Brooklyn Art Library.

I was sort of worried that I'd work my butt off then send all my artwork far away. I was also worried that I'd start this, get bored, and just half-ass it to get it done. But in the end when I learned that each book has a bar code on it and every time someone looks at your book you get a notice that it has been viewed, I decided to dedicate myself and not worry about sending it off all alone. The nice thing is that I've been telling myself to do an "art a day" project to keep the creative stuff flowing. Here's a project to force me to sketch daily! If you don't want to spend the money and you would like to play along I'd love to see your creations! I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

The project sets up categories. Here's what I had to choose from:

Jackets, blankets, and sheets
Things found on restaurant napkins
It's raining dogs and cats
Revenge
Trading forever
Dirigibles and submersibles
Capture the flag
... you'd be home by now
Make mine a double
In 5 minutes...
Adhere to me
Coffee and cigarettes
Boys and girls
The greatest story ever told
Science project gone wrong
Down your street
Secret codes

I chose "In 5 minutes...". I figure that will leave me open for all sorts of ideas.

Amazing Animal Coat Rack from ohdeedoh!

2010-08-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is the most amazing coat rack! Ohdeedoh has a brief tutorial about how to create this, and I'm definitely going to try it out. I'm thinking that this could be done with so many things, too! How about some Barbie arm hooks? Ken doll heads? There are a lot of odd things you could make hooks out of, I just hadn't thought of it before! Odeedoh obviously has more than her fair share of creativity. Make sure to check out the links she's added to an artisan that creates these, as well.. just in case you're not feeling up to being crafty today.

Ruffle Top Tutorial from Made By Rae.

2010-08-13T12:57:00.001-07:00

Since I'm built oddly, I much prefer to sew some of my own things. Fact is, I'm way bigger up top than on bottom, which although in certain circles would make me popular, when it comes to buying clothing it's pretty irritating. Since I buy big on top... and when you buy big on top, they assume you're about 7 feet tall and have arms that are about 83 inches in diameter. This means that I constantly look like I'm wearing a tent.

SO... I found this great tutorial by Made by Rae for a simple pretty top. I'm figuring this could be classed up depending on the fabric, but either way.. probably super comfy to go to the beach in, garden, picnic, whathaveyou.

Sooo... this is what I'm going with. I'm going to learn how to sew this shirt, make 10 of them in various colors, and be all sorts of comfy and "breezy" looking. (I have no clue what Breezy looking is, but I'm going to attempt it)

DIY Portable Sun Shade!

2010-07-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

Could be one of the most incredible ideas ever. Simple, easy to make, and super cool.

A lot of urban dwellers have no backyard or outdoor space to turn into their own little paradise, but this project will allow them to carve out tiny nook anywhere they can find a wee bit of space. (Even in you paid parking spot out in the lot)

I found this at Design*Sponge, and am DYING to make one. I think I may make two, actually. One to attach to the side of my house by my gardening supplies (toss a little table under it for instant garden bench area) and one with four poles to put out in the back yard. Why spend a gazillion dollars on a screen house when I could make one?

Check out the entire EASY PEASY tutorial here: "Design*Sponge - Easy Sun Shade"

Starburst mirror

2009-07-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

What a great tutorial from Crafty Nest on a super cool mirror. Of course, I wouldn't have gone with a gray color, but that's just me.

NOT a $128.00 Lampshade!

2009-07-23T15:20:00.001-07:00

Awhile back I was doing some online shopping (aka. drooling over things I can't currently afford) and found this fab lampshade from Anthropologie:

"Appliqued organza flowers of pink and citrine ricochet across hardbacked cotton. * Hardbacked * Cotton, styrene, metal * 10"H, 16" diameter * Imported style #960002 $128.00"

$128.00 for a lampshade?? Umm.. nope. Can't quite swing that.

Instead I went to a thrift store, bought a decent enough looking lampshade for $3.00, some fabric paint at the craft store, and a nice bunch of Sharpie pens. This is my take on the Anthropologie.com lampshade:

NH Indie Craft Social Event?

2009-07-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be fun to meet other creative types, enjoy some dessert, and spend an evening whipping up a nifty project to take home? I think so, too.

I'm thinking that if I could find a place to donate some space where dozens of tables could be set up, we could have something kinda cool going on. Each table would feature a different project theme, ranging from decoupage, to knitting, to jewelry making, you name it. You can bring your own project* to work on and sit with other people doing their own thing. Or pick a table and join a project leader who will show you how to make something cool.

*If you bring your own project, we would ask that it wouldn't involve fire, electricity, or messy stuff like aerosol sprays. Your neighbor might not appreciate being spray painted. (Or maybe they would, but that would be a totally different type of social event.)

Ideas:
• Guys are invited! It's not an event for children, but nursing/sleeping babies are welcome.

• An art/craft business promotion table. If you have an Etsy shop, run a fabric store, or have a creative business you'd like to promote, bring a flyer or some business cards. We'll have a designated place for you to put them. (No selling or pestering the guests, though.)

• Maybe get people who already have an Etsy shop to discuss tips/tricks for selling?

• $5 to help cover costs as a fee?

• Snacks and beverages would be provided?

• Bring your own supplies, if you like? Maybe we could set it up so people could check back here when the event gets closer, and we'll post the list of project choices and stuff you might bring?

.... Submit some ideas, please!

On May 22nd there was the Chicago Craft Social! Approximately 100 people showed up. Why can't NH have something similar? To see photos of the Chicago event visit the Chicago Craft Social Flickr pool.

Whirl-it lampshade - free DIY tutorial - Pickles

2009-07-20T03:37:00.001-07:00

At Pickles I've found this FABULOUS lampshade tutorial. It's easy as can be, and you may have even done something like this when you were in kindergarten... but they've made it look mod and interesting!

I'm definitely making a few of these!

Make your own Ceiling Cat!

2009-06-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

This is just too cute! Thanks to Yawoot for this great printable download :)

10 minute pillowcase apron

2009-05-20T08:36:00.001-07:00

Ok. this is adorable! Betz White adds this to her supercool blog.

How To Make a Hanging Divider

2009-05-19T15:37:00.001-07:00

I found this on "Making it Lovely", which transforms the SOSO into WOWs.

I figure you can follow these directions, or try and figure out a way to make this without a saw.. which is loud and messy.

Happy Birthday garland tutorial

2009-05-17T05:30:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a fabulous idea from Kristen's Creations! Why go buy cardboard banners when you can have this unique and much more festive decoration? Plus... once you make one, you can make all sorts of them.. congratulations, welcome home, etc! Great idea!

DIY cabana - from Sunset.com

2009-05-08T07:45:00.001-07:00

Now I'm sure there are ways to knock some of the pricing down, here. The wide outdoor fabric? Ouch... pricey.. How about king sized sheets w/some sort of protectant spray? Gotta be cheaper. Anyway... Coolest thing ever and I want to make one today!

From the peeps at Sunset.com

Kitchen Utensil Key Rack

2009-05-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

Something great from Design*Sponge! How adorable would these be in your kitchen?

Very cool/Cheap bird bath idea!!

2009-05-06T05:13:00.001-07:00

Found at ::CraftyChica::, this bird bath consists of flower pots and a tray. I'm running to Home Depot today to get the stuff for this! Too neat!

No-Sew Duct Tape Zipper Pouch

2009-05-06T05:06:00.001-07:00

One of the best sites ever? Instructables. Oooh yes.

This is super cool.. no sewing involved, just some stapling. Very cool little make up case (or what-have-you).

Car Trash Bag

2009-05-01T03:37:00.001-07:00

Make it and Love it shows us a really easy pattern to make a great little car trash bag. Considering that finding trash in my car drives me BATTY, I may just work this one up today!

INSPIRATION! - Froggies from Craftster Forum

2009-04-30T12:29:00.001-07:00

Check out Craftster for amazing ideas. Here's a Froggie dresser!

Homemade Chai!

2009-04-23T03:57:00.001-07:00

The peeps over at Craft G33k give us step by step directions on how to make a good cup o' chai.

I'm definitely going to try this out. I LOVE iced chai in the summer!

(By the way, when you write to your friends to tell them that you've become great at making chai... don't misspell and say "I love making a cup of chia tea!" Its' an easy misspell and it sounds gross.)

Wallpapered cart - Craftynest

2009-04-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous Craigslist cart makeover by Craftynest! I adore this project and plan on hunting a cart like this down.

DIY Shelf from Design Sponge!

2009-04-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Great idea from Design Sponge! (and Tutorial!) I'll tell you, I had a tough time finding a very plain magazine holder to do this with, but in the end I found Ikea sells the plain pine wooden magazine holders that work perfectly for this! I ended up painting mine, adding some holds (using my trusty Dremel tool!) and using it in my laundry area. Now I can hang some shirts/whathaveyou while doing laundry.

Neat Jewelry Organizer Idea!

2009-04-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

I will say that this came from a blog named "Laughing Daisies", which has now changed hands and I cannot seem to track back to the original post. BUT... it's still such a great idea that I share it.

The box itself is a simple wooden silverware holder. I've seen these all over.

The used beautiful scrap book paper to line the back of each of the compartments, then bought neat drawer pulls to hang the necklaces/bracelets off of.

I plan on writing to the original owner and asking for her instructions, but if you're at all crafty (And I'm sure you are!) you can re-create this easily!

Felt Brown Bag Lunch Tutorial from Skip To My Lou

2009-04-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

How much fun is this?? I'm definitely making this for my friends little girl. There are directions here supplied by Skip to My Lou, but I would think that most of it is easy to make without the directions! So cute!

Make Your Own Buttons from Polymer Clay - CraftStylish

2009-03-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

"When the perfect finishing touch for a project is nowhere to be found in stores or your stash, it's time to do it yourself."

With the high cost of unique buttons, here's a great way to create and save some cash! I think having the kids help with this would be a great family project. Not to mention, if you feel like selling some of these you'd probably be able to stimulate your own economy!

Fun Calendar from JUNKMARKET Style

2009-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

So much better than simply buying a hostess gift. The maker of this little creation used various found objects, a cookie sheet, some inginuity and creativity. Check out JunkMarket Style if you're one of those people who simply cannot throw anything away... ever!

Adorable fabric fortune cookies

2009-02-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

How sweet would it be to put a little Valentine note in these and give them to friends? They'd also look really cute sitting in a little bowl. Super easy... fun to make with the kiddletts too!

Great Tutorial on Brassy Apple!

Hindu Art dresser

2008-06-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

Hindu Art dresser, originally uploaded by Nefarious Cupcake.

One night feeling rather board and glum, I decided to whip something up for fun :)

Japanese Coin Purse Tutorial

2008-04-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

So cute Japanese Coin Purse Tutorial by Purlbee :)

Yip Yip Martian!

2008-02-09T14:58:00.001-08:00

Cut out and Keep features this Totally super awesome cool Yip Yip Martian! Am I gonna make one? Yip yip yip yip - uh huh uh huh!

Check out how to make him here: Cut out and Keep

Pointy Kitty!

2008-02-06T04:51:00.001-08:00

Seriously? Cutest darn stuffed kitty ever!!! I'm going to go make at least 12 of these!

Instructions Here: WeeWonderfuls Pointy Kitty Pattern.

Want something warm and adventurous?

2008-01-20T11:57:00.001-08:00

CosmicPluto Knits has offered up a gorgeous Cardigan pattern for free. Longer cardigans are definitely in style now, so why not spend some knitting time with this one? Don't have the need for a longer cardigan? Take a look at some of their other patterns... they have some really cute sweaters!

How to make a Tutu

2008-01-19T05:44:00.001-08:00

Made by Tess recently posted some quickie instructions on how to make a fun and fluffy tulle tutu like the one she's wearing in this cute self-portrait. Link.

Great Free Downloads!

2008-01-18T04:12:00.001-08:00

Feed Your Soul - This is great. Here’s some stationery downloads. Super pretty! Indie Fixx Downloads!

Millennium Falcon Cat Bed

2008-01-17T19:19:00.001-08:00

Coolest, Geekiest cat bed ever! This kitty named Chewbacca looks cozy as ever on his Millennium Falcon cat bed by urka on Craftster.

Cutest mini-Flower Box EVER!

2008-01-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Cutest damn thing ever. This is a little flower box that sticks to your fridge. How cute? Bring the Green movement to your fridggy! How to here: Instructables.

Monitor your Pets

2007-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Oskay2 turned an old monitor into a cat bed, seems like the cat likes it, or it's just a clever background image. See this at Make.

Soft Zombies!! (grr.... arg...)

2007-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Great Zombie Plushies!!! I found this on Flickr's CRAFT pool, no "how to", but seriously... it's felt. Have at it!

Olive You!

2007-10-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

My sweetheart isn’t the cupid and roses type. This wee olive-of-love suits him fine. Maybe an olive will charm your beloved too!

Recycled Plastic Bags

2007-10-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Do you have one zillion plastic drugstore and grocery bags under your sink, or perhaps smushed into a drawer? Ever wanted a cheap and easy use for them? Check this recycled plastic bag tutorial out.