Talk Crafty To Me » Inspiration

DIY Summer Lanterns

kelly — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:02:18 +0000

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.

1. Photo Lanterns
2. Woven Veneer Lamp
3. Mason Jar Lanterns
4. Paper Mache Party Lights
5. ‘Stained Glass’ Jars
6. Wire Basket Chandelier

7. Tin Can Lanterns
8. Hemp Pendant Lamps
9. Frosted Glass Jars
10. Paper Bag Lanterns
11. Hanging Tea Light Lanterns

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.

Read the original post here: DIY Summer Lanterns

Christmas dinner place card holders

kelly — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:54:29 +0000

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.

Read the original post here: Christmas dinner place card holders

Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

kelly — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:03:33 +0000

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)

Read the original post here: Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

Happy Thanksgiving America

kelly — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:01:40 +0000

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

Read the original post here: Happy Thanksgiving America

Handmade Nation on DVD

kelly — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:02 +0000

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

Read the original post here: Handmade Nation on DVD

Pumpkin Week – Day 4: Handmade Pumpkins

kelly — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:05 +0000

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.

Read the original post here: Pumpkin Week – Day 4: Handmade Pumpkins

Pumpkin Week – Day 3: Carve-less Pumpkins

kelly — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:00:47 +0000

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.

Read the original post here: Pumpkin Week – Day 3: Carve-less Pumpkins

Pumpkin Week – Day 2: Pretty Pumpkins

kelly — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:25 +0000

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.

Read the original post here: Pumpkin Week – Day 2: Pretty Pumpkins

Kid Costumes

kelly — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:51 +0000

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

Read the original post here: Kid Costumes

Halloween Table

kelly — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:18 +0000

Hosting a Halloween party this year? In need of some inspiration? Check out this amazing dessert table by Amy Atlas.

I just love how everything co-ordinates and is so pulled together. It’s almost too pretty to eat!

Check out Amy’s site for even more candy buffet inspiration as well as a recipe and step-by-step instructions on creating witch’s hats you can use for your Halloween buffet, or just as a fun treat.

Read the original post here: Halloween Table