Talk Crafty To Me Just another WordPress weblog

Now that your sewing machine is in tip-top form, thanks to the spring cleaning tutorial, why not make yourself a super cute spring handbag. Head on over to the Etsy Bag Maker’s Pool on Flickr for some inspiration, or if you prefer to use a pattern, here are some links to some of my favs:

1. The Ruthie Clutch – By Anna Maria Horner
2. Marlo Bloom Handbag – By Heather Bailey
3. Buttercup Bag *free pattern* – By Rae

Posted by: kelly

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’tis the season when everyone has spring cleaning on their minds… ok so not everyone, but I’m sure a few of you do. And so because of that, I wanted to let you all know about this great how-to on cleaning your sewing machine.

It’s not as scary as it sounds… and I’m sure most of you are probably over-due… so head on over to Craft Nectar, to get a jump start on your spring cleaning!

>> How to clean your sewing machine

Posted by: kelly

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Ok so I’m not in Vancouver anymore, but I still like to keep up with what’s going on. For those of you who are in Van, be sure to check out the Spring Fling Craft Show this weekend, where you can check out some of your favorite Vancouver etsy sellers in person. Everything from paper goods to vintage clothing, jewelry to soft plushies, illustrations, handbags, and tons of other great finds. Plus I’m told there will also be baked goods…. mmm, cupcakes!

A Spring Fling with Etsy
Saturday March 21st
Cambrian Welsh Hall
215 East 17th Ave (at Main)
11am – 5pm
$2 at the door

Posted by: kelly

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In honor of my second favorite non-holiday holiday, here are some lovely green finds from etsy.

1. Beach Balls – Genuine Sea Glass Cage Earrings
2. Lucky Charm – Green Opal, Sterling Silver Necklace
3. Olive green cable beret
4. Irish Beer Soap
5. Dark moss green leather shoulder bag
6. Hand-knit Cowl
7. Limey – Thin Enameled Bracelets
8. Wool Felt Flower Necklace/Pendant
9. Cotton Cluch

Posted by: kelly

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Ever wondered where all the great ideas and crafts on Martha Stewart come from? Well you’re in luck, the folks from the Crafts Department of Martha Stewart Living, have started up a brand new blog. The crafts dept is a behind the scenes look at the crafts they create for the show as well as the things they craft on their own.

www.thecraftsdept.com

Posted by: kelly

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Bee Squared Fabrics is having a sale on all Jay McCarroll (Project Runway) fabrics. Garden Friends & Woodland Wonderland are Jay’s first collection and you can get 20% off by entering “20offJay” during checkout.

Offer good until March 31st.

Visit Bee Squared to check out the fun fabrics.

Posted by: kelly

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There’s a fantastic tutorial over at sew mama sew for a handbag made from a fat quarter. So simple and easy you can make one to match every outfit.

For those of you who aren’t quilters or don’t know what a ‘Fat Quarter’ is here’s the basics.

Most quilt-weight cotton is 44″ doubled over on a bolt. A yard is 36″, which means that a regular quarter-yard ends up being one long skinny piece measuring 9″x44″.

For a fat quarter, you typically cut half a yard from the bolt and then cut along the fold leaving you with two pieces measuring 18″x22″. Or one full yard cut into quarters.

Basically a fat quarter offers you more flexibility, especially when dealing with large prints. Many shops sell pre-cut fat quarters with coordinating solids making them super easy to work with. If you haven’t previously worked with fat quarters, once you do you’ll start seeing the endless possibilities for them.

Posted by: kelly

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Spring is just around the corner and I’m trying to get you inspired. If you thought yesterday’s paper flowers were easy, why not step it up a notch and try some fabric ones. Pick your favorite fabrics in coordinating colors and make yourself a bouquet.

Check out this easy tutorial courtesy of Laurie Cinotto.

Posted by: kelly

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Why not brighten up your gloomy winter day, by making your own paper flowers. This super simple project takes only about 5 mins and is sure to brighten any room. Add them to twigs or branches for an instant bouquet or simply throw them in a bowl.

Originally created by Martha Stewart, Wendy from DoziDesign has whipped up a quick tutorial. Head on over there and start making flowers to your heart’s content.

^{Pictures from Dozi & Jen Elisebeth.}

Posted by: kelly

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I love headbands, and though recently I haven’t had much need for anything more than just a simple band, I have fallen in love with a few beautiful pieces from some very talented young women.

First up is Naomi Reid Davis. Living in a tiny studio in NYC, Naomi recently opened her etsy store ‘taza & the prince‘ where she sells individually crafted headbands. She sold out the very first day she opened but has been working hard to restock, so if you’re interested in a specific design be sure to let her know.

http://taza.etsy.com/

Next is the dynamic duo from ban.do. Jen and Jamie, two L.A. stylists who launched their collection of ultra-glam headpieces last summer. All pieces are handmade, and many of them are one-of-a-kind. They’re big, bold, sweet and romantic all at the same time. Spotted on Zooey Deschanel at the Grammys and also the winner of Daily Candy’s Sweetest Thing of 2008 these pieces are sure to add a little bit of flare to your life.

https://www.shopbando.com/

Last on the list is Hollywood A-list fav, Jennifer Behr. Her collection is handmade in her Brooklyn studio and has appeared multiple times on Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester, a.k.a. Blair. Unfortunately not all of us can be An Upper East Side Princess… These headbands are a little on the expensive site, but the fabulously crafted pieces are definitely turning heads.

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

Posted by: kelly

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