Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 01:08 PM EST [free project]
Who can resist a plushie that is cute enough to eat? And with candy corn, it's hard to stop at just one!
Just in time for Halloween, this cute little guy can be stitched up in no time! But keep him close and don't let him mingle with the other candy—you don't want to hand this one out to the trick-or-treaters!
This cuddly piece of corn comes from the book Plush You! by Kristen Rask. In addition to cute candy, inside this book you'll also find:
• inspiring works from 100 plushie artists
• complete patterns and instruction for making 25 toys
• tips and tricks for setting up your plush studio, and much more!
Monday, September 29, 2008, 02:23 PM EST [free project]
Got wood? If you're short on lumber, but craving the rich look of wood, give shrink plastic a try and trade in your jigsaw for a heat gun.
It's true. No trees were harmed in the making of this fabulous bracelet. But of course, shrink plastic isn't the only plastic used; there's also sanded pieces of acrylic sheet, also known as Plexiglas.
This project is from the innovative book, Plexi Class by Tonia Davenport. In addition to clever projects that incorporate shrink plastic, there's also:
• Tips and tricks for cutting Plexiglas yourself—no previous experience necessary!
• A variety of projects from earrings and pendants to personal and home accessories.
• Easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction that beginners and experienced crafters alike can follow.
To purchase your own copy of Plexi Class, click here.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 07:52 AM EST [free project]
Even if you're never worked with polymer clay before, give this project a try and you'll be sporting this beautiful pin in no time.
This week's free project comes from Laurie Mika's book, Mixed-Media Mosaics. This
book shows you how to make your own beautiful mosaic tiles from polymer
clay! Laurie combines jewelry findings, beads and other sparkly
elements to her mosaic projects with a
regal aesthetic that I find romantically beautiful. Some of the techniques covered in the book include:
• Using mica powders with polymer clay to create the look of metal
• Quick and easy ways to add a hand-painted touch to tiles
• Creating your own molds to cast tiles
• Embellishing mosaic work with beads, jewelry parts and more!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 08:58 AM EST [free project]
Sometimes less is more, but other times, like with this cool project, more is definitely more!
This highly interactive book is actually a composite of four mini books that overlap. This project comes from Books Unbound by Michael Jacobs, who is a bookmaking master. Even if you've never tried making books before, this book is great
for beginners and seasoned bookmakers alike and it's a great way to use
some of that pretty decorative paper you've been saving but haven't
known what to do with. In addition to creating unusual book "sculptures," you will:
• find project templates that make construction super easy
• receive expert tips on bookmaking materials, tools and techniques
• be inspired beyond the included projects with many imaginative variations
To see more creative bookmaking ideas, you can purchase the book here.
Friday, September 5, 2008, 08:27 AM EST [free project]
Do you ever get the feeling someone is watchin you? If you're wearing this necklace, you just be right about that!
After seeing this project in action, you'll never through away your used-up mint tins again, and you'll look at those dusty toy farm animals in the drawer with a whole new set of eyes.
This project comes from the book Altered Curiosities by Jane Ann Wynn. Jane has a wonderful way of telling stories through her oddly-curious artistic style, and her techniques are just as intriguing. Inside this book you'll discover:
• Unique ways of adding texture, such as the use of egg shells
• How easy it is to add electric lighting to your shrines
• Clever ways with surface alteration and patinas and much more
