Upcycled Crafts | Craft Test Dummies

Recycled Bicycle Art by Joseph Dull

Saturday, August 22, 2009

When your creative juices dry up a bit, one of the best things to do is to visit an arts and crafts venue. I had my lovely friend Nicole as a houseguest last week, and we did just that at the Open Air in Market Square in Ohio City. While I took in some fabulous [...]

Soldered Memory Glass Pendants

Sunday, March 29, 2009

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Jenny is teaching soldered glass memory charms at Grand River Beads in Rocky River, OH.

Button Crafts

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

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I love buttons- both the functional, keep-your-sweater-closed variety, as well as purely decorative/design elements. Yup. Love buttons! So, since it’s National Craft Month in March I thought I’d share a few resources with you! Make a cute button-covered tote…I reposted it from Martha Stewart a while back. Great way to use up those funky buttons [...]

Craft Ideas Using Recycled Cards

Sunday, December 7, 2008

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So I wasn’t sure if I should share this now, or wait until after the holidays. I figured that if you’re like me, you still have last year’s holiday cards, or if not, make sure you don’t toss them on December 31st! Here’s the deal: Aileen from Aileen’s Musings came up with the idea of [...]

Recycled Necktie Scarf from CraftStylish

Friday, September 12, 2008

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Ok, I love me some recycled neckties! So I’ve taken a moment from sewing up little necktie purses to share this nifty scarf from CraftStylish. I won’t give it all away here, but the gist is that you’ll need 8 gutted neckties. (Gutting them is when you slice open the back seam with a seam [...]

Recycling Sweaters into Cardigans

Thursday, April 17, 2008

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Ahh, spring is here and it’s time to put those sweaters away. Or is it? Maybe it’s seen it’s better days. Or your weight has changed, and it doesn’t fit like it used to. Or you’re just itching to go thrifting and engage in some Earth Day craftiness. Well, I’ve found an idea for you! [...]

Gorgeous Paper Bead Necklace

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

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I was doing my regular surfing, and ran across this GORGEOUS paper bead necklace from Mazel Tov Jewelry. Really transcends paper beads into high art. Tell me it’s not fabulous and I’ll call you a liar!

Polymer Clay Covered Tins

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

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Well, I’ve been working on a new set of classes, this time covering old Altoid-style tins with polymer clay. I also was playing with a new cane, and came up with these. I think they look like orange poppies!

Tie Bag Swaps Received

Friday, March 14, 2008

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Oh, my mailman has been busy! Among the many goodies that came yesterday was a package from CPS swap hostess Rachel, containing tie bag purses from Diane and Cindy. Whoo-hoo! I really love how everyone put their own spin on them. Diane constructed hers using the long skinny end on the back as a pen [...]

More Recycled Necktie Crafts – Necktie Daisies!

Monday, February 25, 2008

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Well, I sent off my Necktie Bags today to my CPS Group swap hostess today, and wouldn’t cha know, I ran across another necktie craft!! These are super cute, and kind of fall in with my yo-yo obsession, too. The tutorial was found on Craftster, and the idea is simple: take the small points from [...]

Button Tote From Martha Stewart

Monday, February 25, 2008

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Not that I’m on a kick or anything, but I ran across this cute button tote today at Martha Stewart Crafts. She give the directions for making the tote and then covering it with buttons, either by gluing or stitching. I had another idea. (Don’t I always?) Why not cover up a give-away tote – [...]

Recycled Shirt Backpacks

Sunday, February 17, 2008

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So I’ve been visiting Martha Stewart’s Craft of the Day site, and today’s “Shirt Sack” I thought was worth sharing! Basically you take a man’s shirt and stitch in into a little backpack. True, it’s not a heavy-duty rucksack, but it would be a cute little tote. Here are my ideas for them: Add an [...]

Recycled Tie Bags- Purses for Swap!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

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A while ago I posted about the Tie Bag purse that uses recycled ties. Well, I got a-stitchin’ (and a-gluin’, and a-beadin’) and I’ve got 2 worked up for the swap. I’ve got another in progress, too…. so here’s what I’ve got so far:

Sewing- Recycled Tie Bag/ Purses

Friday, January 25, 2008

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Got some old neckties that are hideous? One or two with sentimental value? How about whipping up a quick little purse-lette with it? This idea came from the Sulky Company (makes thread and machine embroidery accessories) but I’m doing mine by hand. And with a little help from my hot glue gun. The link came [...]