Crafter's Secret - Supplies on Etsy

So by now you've probably heard of Etsy... you have heard of Etsy, right???? Okay, whew, I was worried there for a minute...

Well, have you tried searching the "Supplies" category on Etsy? It's filled with hand-made supplies perfect for making unique, adorable craft projects, such as these

Chrysanthemum Cabochons

Supplies listed currently include beads, rubber stamps, yarn, roving, glass buttons, rubber stamps and clay molds, to tiny little men, women, children, and babies to sit and watch you work!

It's both awe-inspiring, and shocking to see how much the Internet has given individuals greater control over their crafts by placing them in direct communication with suppliers, rather than requiring them to depend on middlemen to supply them with ideas and materials. I can only imagine what the next decade will bring... will crafters be disregarded as an anachronism, or will DIY and crafting become something more, something ingrained in our ideas and expectations? I, for one, certainly hope so, since a healthy demand for craft supplies and handmade objects ensures their continued presence in our global marketplace.

Pieced Throw Pillows

I am a pillow fanatic. Some might even call me an addict. My den sports no less than 15 pillows in 5 designs and my living room has 17 pillows in 4 designs. I made all of the living room pillows for less than $20 in supplies – the cost of one store-bought throw pillow.

Square throw pillows are really easy to make – simply decide how big you want your pillow to be, add 1 inch to the total height and width, and cut fabric into twice as many squares as you want pillows (e.g., for 4 pillows, you will need 8 squares). Pin fabric with right sides together and sew all sides, leaving a 2 inch gap to allow for turning the pillow right side out. If you want to add tassels to the corners, pin the holding loops of the tassels at the corner (so the actual tassel is inside the pillow while you stitch the fabric together) and stay-stitch the corners very well as you sew the edges of the fabric together. Turn the pillow right side out and stuff with polyester filling. Once you've reached the desired thickness, hand-stitch the opening closed (I use a whip stitch for this).

For something more challenging, try the pieced pillow pictured above. Directions and supply list are available here. I really love the combination of the bright red and pink accents with the dark print. It really gives this traditional technique a very modern feel, so these pillows could be at home in any contemporary space.

Home Decor Fabrics

Super Cute Summer Purse

This purse has been on my to-do list for months, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It is really cute and perfect for summer. I plan on using some of my older, brightly-patterned fabric instead of ultrasuede to make this.

Get the directions and supplies list here (note: the video instructions aren't working, but the written instructions are complete). If you make it, I'd love to see pictures or hear your comments on how this project turned out, the instructions, etc. Have fun!

Jo-Ann Scrapbooking Contest and Promo Codes

Jo-Ann is running a scrapbooking sweepstakes. Here are the potential prizes:

Prizes

Grand Prize – Xyron® Design Runner™, Generations Design Disc, Engraved Font Design Disc, Xyron® Design Disc™ Maker, Xyron® Design Runner™ Accessory Kit, Xyron® 150 1 1/2" create-a-sticker™. Total prize value, $337.94

Second Place Prize – $100 Jo-Ann Gift Card

Third Place Prize – $50 Jo-Ann Gift Card

Enter here by March 31, 2008.

Handmade Purse Contest at Scribblescratch!

Teresa is holding a new contest over at her personal blog. Those entering have a chance at winning a lovely and uniquely designed half moon handbag by Patti. Teresa is also willing to ship the prize anywhere, so no matter where you live you can participate.

Quick and Easy Baby Booties

Gee, I hope you didn't throw out the top of the shirt from yesterday's maternity belly band... these baby booties should fit those scraps perfectly.

Get the full pattern and instructions here.

DIY Maternity Belly Band

Seen those maternity belly bands lately, the ones made out of stretchy materials that help you stay in your pre-pregnancy clothes longer and get by without buying a lot of casual maternity clothes? You know, the ones that cost $25 apiece? Ever thought you could make that yourself? YOU CAN! And you don't even have to buy anything special to do it if you already have an old stretchy t-shirt in white or black that you don't mind sacrificing for the cause.

Here's how:



1) Start with an old, stretchy t-shirt. I used a GAP stretch, fitted/baby t-shirt, size small. Lay shirt flat on a good cutting surface.

2) Cut the top of the shirt off just under the sleeves.

3) Try the remaining piece on, placing the top about 2 inches under the bust. Measure the extra fabric on each side (probably 2 to 3 inches on each side), and pin.

4) With a sewing machine, sew a line diagonally from the top where you'd like to take in the extra fabric to the side, about 2" down. Stitch a straight line first, then reinforce with a zig-zag stitch.

5) Zig-zag top of cut fabric, keeping fabric taught as you do it.

6) Fold top of fabric over about 1/4" and straight stitch to keep in place.

Done!

Handmade Treasures Are the Best!

Back in the day, when you wanted something you got out your fabric, pompom balls, and rickrack and you made it yourself! We didn't have flower baskets handmade in China, hand embroidered fabric-covered journals from India, or pre-cut foamies with adhesive backing for our arts and crafts projects. Somewhere along the way, we've begun to think of handmade things as commodities to be bought and sold, rather than expressions of love and caring for the people we hope will enjoy them.

With the introduction of this blog, I will provide ideas for knitting, sewing, painting, and adding your personal touch to items for you, your home, and your family and friends. Hopefully, you'll have as much fun making them as I did creating them!

Along the way, you may discover better ways of doing a step, other materials that can be used, or simply have comments to share about a project. Please share your feedback so we can continue learning and improving.

Happy hand-making!

Fab Sewing Pattern Find: Burdastyle.com

I just learned about burdastyle.com, a great website for modern sewing patterns. The patterns are super cute and you can search by category (blouses, skirts, baby, etc.). I really love the layout and design of the wbsite. Great work guys!

They even have a pattern for slippers that you can make that will enable you to draw images on your computer using your feet (pictured at left)!