Talk Crafty To Me Just another WordPress weblog

With the end of summer quickly approaching, and the start of a new school year almost almost upon us, thoughts turn to new pencils, recess bells, and empty chalkboards just begging to be written on. But chalkboards aren’t just for classrooms anymore. Blame it on the inner 8 year old in me but I love anything you can doodle on….

1. Wall Calendar by Martha Stewart
2. Dinning Room from House & Home
3. Chalkboard Fridge by Danny Seo
4. Animal Wall Stickers from Cocobohème
5. Children’s Room on OhDeeOh
6. Beach Side Retreat from Coastal Living
7. Chalkals by Modern Dose

With summer now in full swing, thoughts of backyard barbecues and outdoor parties spring to mind. There’s no better way to enjoy those warm summer days, than lounging in the backyard with good friends and good food, making the most of those long days. But just because the sun eventually has to set, doesn’t mean the party has to end. Check out some of these great ideas for lamps and lanterns… a perfect way to help make those long summer nights, even longer.

Remember Safety First
If you’re using any flammable materials like paper bags, or are hanging lanterns in trees, be sure to stay away from real flames. You can purchase inexpensive battery operated tea lights, and candles online or at many craft stores and hardware stores.
 
 
 
 

Place card holders are a fun and festive way to glam up the table and add that personal touch. Here are a few DIY options for your holiday dinner.

Twig and Branches | Christmas Ornaments | Rustic Napkin Holders | Branch Place Card Holder | Eucalyptus Chair Tags | Pine Cone Place Card Holders | Gingerbread Cottages | Paper Tree Place Card

Now that you’ve made gift tags and learned how to make your own bows, it’s time to talk gift wrap!

• Kraft paper is always a favorite of mine. Keep it simple with a beautiful ribbon , dress it up with some sequins and string, or add a few stamps for that personal touch. Kraft paper is very flexible and always adds a little handmade feel. (1, 2, 3)
• If brown isn’t your thing, you can use any colored paper you prefer. You can buy Christmas themed stamps at your local craft store, or make your own. Just be sure to pick ink that will show up on your paper. (4, 5).
• Try adding some elements from your own backyard. Pine cones, berry, branches and holly make great decorations and wont cost you a thing. Or fake a little nature with wood grain paper and cut out leafs.(6, 9)
• For an alternative to stamps, try cutting out holiday shapes like this winter scene by Martha Stewart. (7)
• Your sewing machine can also be used to help with your wrapping this holiday season. Sew cute little paper envelopes or re-usable fabric gift bags. (8, 10)

Posted by: kelly

These cute acorn cookies are from Amy Atlas’s Thanksgiving Dessert Buffet.

For those of you who haven’t been able to catch one of the screenings of Handmade Nation, Faythe Levine’s indie documentary about the rise of DIY craft, art and design. It’s now available on DVD. This would make a great stocking stuffer for the crafty person in your life!

- Buy Handmade Nation on DVD here

It’s always a little sad when that Jack-O-lantern you put so much work into starts to shrivel up on you. Here are some great ideas for handmade pumpkins you can keep forever.

1. Decadent Fibers’ needle felting kit, includes two needles, illustrated instructions, and custom-dyed wool.

2. Martha shows you how to make these decorative pumpkins from rope, and foam balls.

3. Etsy is a great place to shop for handmade holiday decorations, like this cute little pumpkin.

4. David Frykman has several Halloween inspired woodcarvings including this set of three pumpkins.

5. More pumpkins made with hand dyed wool over at Turkey Feathers.

6. Show off your basic wood working skills with these easy wooden pumpkins.

Not a fan of the messy pumpkin innards? Don’t have time to get your hands dirty? Or just plain don’t like to carve? Why not try one of these easy ‘carve-less’ pumpkin ideas.

1. Try painting your pumpkin white then use a stencil and some black acrylic paint. More examples.

2. Lace inspired. With spray adhesive, place a doily on your pumpkin and use a small stencil brush to fill in the pattern.

3. For a cheap but expensive look, use gold and silver leaf.

4. How about glitter pumpkins to bring a little sparkle to your party.

5. Use ordinary black upholstery tacks to create a pattern on your pumpkin.

6. Ok, so this one does involve a little bit of carving…. Drill holes or use a nail to punch holes in your pumpkin, then place flowers through the holes.

Not all pumpkins have to be spooky, or even orange for that matter. Check out some of these gorgeous pumpkins for a less traditional look. These would also be great for Thanksgiving decorations as well.

1. Use an electric drill in varying sizes to get a quick and sophisticated look. You can also use a hammer and small cookie cutters to create a similar look.

2. Get inspired by patterns around you. Use lino cutters to carve out an intricate pattern.

3. This autumn centerpiece uses a flea market chandelier turned upside-down. (You could also spray the chandelier black for a spookier display at your Halloween party)

4. Use woodcarving tools or small pieces of pipe to create a lace-like pattern.

5. This thorny pattern is inspired by antique chinaware.

6. Light your front steps or your living room, with a lantern inspired pumpkin.

There’s definitely no shortage of inspiration out there when it comes to costume ideas for kids!

From left to right: Spring Chicken; Col. Sanders; Kermit the Frog; Snappy Lobster; Giggly Goldfish; Max from Where The Wild Things Are