This past week, a new publication came across my desk with one of the best titles I’ve ever seen. You Are Awesome is a collection of 21 fun, simple, colorful craft projects by Abbey Hendrickson, crafter extraordinaire and the woman behind the popular blog Aesthetic Outburst. The projects range in size and scope — from a…
There are so many great things happening in the embroidery world these days. Gone are the old-fashioned needlepoint projects of yesteryear, replaced with a new crop of fantastic modern stitchery that ranges from quick, trendy patterns available for purchase on sites like Etsy to some amazing fine art pieces by a new generation of textile…
It’s a challenge for me to send out timely thank-you notes, or any kind of note for that matter — birthday cards, holiday greetings, you name it. I think if I had the notes all ready to go, pre-stamped and piled in the top drawer of my desk, then I might be able to master…
When I came across these old stove-burner tops at the salvage yard, I was immediately struck by their variations in pattern and how interesting they looked out of context. I never knew burner tops came in so many different shapes! After some heavy scrubbing, I found I liked them even more. They are nice, mid-sized…
I’ve been browsing for great gift ideas for many weeks now, and I find myself constantly drawn back to the Australian based site Elk Accessories. Created by partners Adam and Marnie, Elk pieces are made from simple materials like resin, wood, and ceramic. The designs are organic and cute, and the entire collection is very…
i’ve had the book scandinavian needlecraft (cico books, 2010 $19.95) sitting on my couch for a few weeks now, just drooling over all the projects i’d like to attempt (and will probably never fully finish). author clare youngs has gathered together some of the most delightful home craft projects ranging from firewood holders + christmas…
these embroidered logs are inspired by the charming lino prints of hugo guinness. i wanted my father’s christmas gift a “portrait-through-objects” (he loves gardening and he always loses his glasses). do not be dissuaded by the power drill; these are super easy to make. they are fast and enjoyable, a good movie time or rainy…
today’s second diy project comes from crafter and author kata golda. kata’s newest book, kata golda’s hand-stitched felt: 25 whimsical sewing projects (stc craft/a melanie falick book, 2009) is bursting with great ideas that are perfect for the cooler weather. when temperatures drop i feel myself drawn towards projects that involve knitting, wool or felt….
this sweet diy project comes from d*s reader amanda gibson. amanda was feeling very crafty and wanted to make her husband a personal gift for his birthday. amanda explained, “he is a graphic designer and last summer started his own firm. he’s handkerchief kind of guy, so i hand embroidered a set of handkerchiefs with…
i’ve always had a thing about iron beds, but have never wanted to actually get one because i love the feel of a soft upholstered headboard. but this diy idea from design writer lydia lee is a great way to have the best of both worlds. lydia sent over her project explaining that she too…
it’s the dead of winter, which means on chilly nights we rely on our collection of vintage pendleton blankets to keep us warm and cozy. with valentine’s day right around the corner, we thought we’d personalize one of our throws with a heart-warming message. we did a sort of “textile tattoo” using needle felting, which…
we’ve always loved customizing our clothing with tiny embroidered accents. a discreet script monogram on a collar, or just a simple running stitch along the edge of a shirt or dress can turn even the most ordinary garment into something truly unique. the same applies to your home. adding a touch of personality with a…
every once in awhile, we take a field trip to the hardware store and roam the aisles looking for inspiration. last weekend, we spotted these pre-cut wood rounds in various sizes, and thought it would be fun to create a lazy susan for our dining room table. an inexpensive spinning mechanism and some yarn embroidery…
