Crafty Fun Friday

This is going to be my last Crafty Fun Friday. I'll still keep an eye out for cool projects to share, but I need to pare down my bloglines drastically so I can actually read some of the blogs. This will mean fewer finds, but since I haven't had a CFF entry for weeks, pretending to do it regularly is not getting it done anyway. I'll keep using the tag "crafty fun friday" so people can find related posts, but they won't necessarily be posted on Fridays, and very likely not weekly.

(cooking)Chuck's Apple & Gruyere Pie

(sewing) Bean Bag Chair

(furnishing) Re-purposing an old dresser. What a clever idea!

(cooking) How to make bread. According to this entry, it's "cheap, delicious, healthy, and easier than you think," and definitely has fewer ingredients and preservatives. Via Dainty Kitty.

(embroidering) How to use an iron-on transfer pencil. If you're into embroidery, this could be a lot of fun -- you could make a pattern out of just about anything flat.

(organizing) Scroll down to the bottom for this cute idea for shoes-in-the-entry (Yes, I hear Martha suggested something similar, but Saucy was first.)

(interesting) How to get rid of a wart. No crafty result at the end, but it's quite interesting.

(fascinating) Ha! Different tag. Okay, it's crafting, but seriously. Bunny Slippers. There really isn't anything else to say, except of course, I have to. Bunny Slippers! I'm not even a "bunny person" but I love bunny slippers. I have one single slipper left from a pair I kept at my parents' house when my mom was sick (she had a pair, too). I wore my previous pair OUT. I can't wait to try these!

(cooking) 5-minute Chocolate Mug Cake (Gadgetgirlnz on Ravelry - I've been meaning to post this for ages)

4 tablespoons cake flour(that’s plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil (probably too much. 3 teaspoons seems to work better!)
3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)
a small splash of vanilla essence
1 coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

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Crafty Fun Friday, 12 September 2008

Knitterpalooza 2008 is tomorrow. Since all the house stuff fell through, I'm planning on going for at least part of the time. I'll be at the park around 2 PM, wearing my Ravelry name-tag pin. First, though, I'm meeting up with a sweet young woman I met at a party a couple of months ago for a knitting lesson. I love helping people learn my favorite craft! I almost wish it was crochet, so I could use the phrase "Hooked another one!"

(knitting) Knit an acorn cap, then sew it to a felt ball.

(cooking) Chocolate-covered Oreos

(sewing) Baby Gifts: lots of tutorials at Little Birdie Secrets, including decoupaged wooden hangers (would make pretty adult gifts too)
& Binky Clips. Via greetingarts.

(crafting for pets) Nice, long collection of tutes for pets & the people they own.

(giving) Actually, Skip to My Lou has several collections of links to all kinds of gift-giving ideas. Some of them have been on CFF in the past, many are new to me. One I liked was an updated how-to for the sleeping mask pattern I've shared in the past.

(cooking) Edible Googly Eyes

(crafting) Cute, Ribbon-covered Hair Clips

(crafting) DIY Cake Stand, via whip up. I am no longer pining for the acorn cake stand I didn't get at Joann Fabrics a few weeks ago.

(knitting) Sort of knitting. Twine stitch markers. I've been making mine out of simple jump rings and tiny buttons, and I still love them, but the way I lose them, maybe twine is an even more economically-sound solution for me. From the same source as above, I think. (Sometimes I get a whole bunch of tabs open and don't remember where I found the links.)

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Crafty Fun Friday, 5 September 20

I was hoping this would be longer, but my bloglines (where I find many treasures to share) is on strike. More next week!

(geeky) Tenuous craft connection. I finally caved and joined yet another media-related group on Ravelry, Supernatural Fans*, and found a couple of interesting links right off the bat that I thought I'd share: Index of every song played in every episode so far (3 seasons); Sam & Dean's Supernatural Tea (an Adagio signature blend created by a couple members of the group.) In case you missed it, season 3 was released on DVD on Tuesday, 2 September, and some packages (available at Best Buy only) come with a miniature replica of the Impala (pictured here).

(sewing) Produce Bags from Doilies

(embellishing) Turn a lamp shade frame into a work of art

(crafting) Paper Fortune Cookies, via How About Orange. I have made the real thing (and will again, once we move and I have a kitchen I can move around in) and the process is similar, except that you don't have to wear cotton gloves or reach into a hot stove. You also don't get anything to eat.

Giveaway: I'll pick 2 names from comments for this post to send a package of Cupcake flags to. Anywhere in the world, y'all. Time's up. No takers = more for me.

(scrapping (digitally))Every month, the Shabby Princess posts a free scrapbook-y computer wallpaper, with calendar, just waiting for your pictures.

(lighting) Too nifty temporary LED lights for the garden (or elsewhere), via NotMartha

*Because I already belong to a lot of groups** (for me -- some people belong to over 100), I usually make myself quit one group when I join another. On the chopping block this time: the Miss Marple group. Nothing wrong with the group itself, but the main focus is the current BBC series, which I despise.

**37, but there are several inactive ones that I'm hesitant about quitting, one of which is just a group for trash threads from another inactive group. So, about 32 active groups, three of which I actually own, another five that I co-moderate.

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Crafty Fun Friday: Delayed a Bit

I fully intend to have a CFF post later today. I will make every attempt to have it still fall on a Friday (in my time zone).

Did you see the new banner? It's interim -- I have something else planned, but need to a) make it, and b) photograph it. This is a combo of a scan of some fabric (a thrifted shirt that I'm hoarding) and a button I made from it.

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Crafty Fun Friday, 22 August 08

Short list this week, but they need to be shared before summer is over!

(printing & cutting) Summer Camp Paper Dolls (free PDF download)

(DIYing) How to make a PVC Sprinkler Toy, via mmmm, brains

(knitting) Knitted Cotton Bath Mat

(crafty) Felted Wooly Balls. The blog says they're for kids, but of course I thought, "cat toys!" Via mmmm, brains.

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Crafty Fun Friday, 8 August 2008

Happy Birthday to me!

This picture is from my 8th birthday (1973), and I was thrilled with a Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine (I cannot believe they are still available! (I want one!)). I don't think it lasted long, as I don't remember using it much, but I was pretty happy with it. I'm amazed by how much my niece resembles me.

Because it's my birthday, this means that I'll be doing the drawings for the Interim House contest winners around noon. Thanks to everyone who participated!

I recently started updating the Gift Ideas Journal. It's where I share cool finds and work out the occasional themed gift. I put gifts for the grown-ups on my list behind a cut so they can't accidentally see them.

Crafts
(cooking) Fun Goldfish Lollies

(knitting) Free download for some cute mittens. They ask that if you use the pattern, you also knit a pair for your favorite charity.

(crafting) A couple of fun Photo projects from a Kodak employee (ljc): Photo Drink Umbrellas and Photo Bookmark.

(giving) How to make a Diaper Cake.

(crafting) Doll Suitcase, out of 2 jewelry box lids.

(crafting) Another crayon roll. This one is made of felt, and requires less sewing and turning than the last one I linked to.

(knitting) Sunflower Dishcloth

(knitting/kid-crafting) Great beginning knitting, excellent for car rides: Finger Knitting, via Crafty Crow

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Crafty Fun Friday, 1 August 2008

In addition to this book, I spotted another one on the subject at the bookstore recently. There are probably free tutorials for this kind of thing online, too. Wouldn't it be a fun surprise for a house guest?

(sewing)Wild Flower Pincushion (pop-up alert)

(sewing) For Heather: iPod Nano Pouch (new style)

(cooking) Only kind of cooking. Mini caramel apples, via mmmm, brains.

(sewing) Scrappy Bookmarks

(crafting) Not Martha has updated her Surprise Ball tute. I've made these in the past, and they are a lot of fun -- to make and to receive (or so it appears)! I had a rough time finding flat fold crepe paper, but finally located some at a teacher supply store.

(crafting) Am I the only one that didn't know Etsy had a How-to feature? I found a tute for an Urban Hammock and LED Firefly Baby Booties in no time at all. (I would probably make the LED Firefly project into something for an older kid who wouldn't eat the electronics.) There is much more; I need to investigate.

(cooking) Just blending of ingredients and shaking/rolling: Ice Cream in a Bag/ or Coffee Can

One more week for the IH Contest! (See Sidebar)

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Crafty Fun Friday, 25 July 2008

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while! See the first link for source. (Edited late on Friday to add two mushroom/toadstool projects (end).)

Crafts
(crafting) Check out this list of Things to Make, including a watermelon keg!

(sewing) Baby Bandana Pants

(shopping) Mama Merit Badges. Just what it sounds like.

(sewing) 5-minute skirt

(reading) Book plates to print out (link to PDF is in story).

(crafting) My Little Mushroom (little felt mushroom, the only kind I don't hate)

(cooking) Hide & Seek Muffins (children's book-related activity)

(sewing) Fairy Dress up - adorable little dress

(cooking) EZ Pinwheel Sandwiches (not cooking, really)

(sewing) Thread Catcher, via Whip-up. I should make one of these!

(cleaning) How to get kids to clean their rooms (one blogger's diabolical plan)

(stenciling) Chocolate Bunny Ts (also, check out her Apron Dress pattern/tute)

(sewing) Lounge Pants from a Tshirt, via Everyday Chaos

(sewing) Fun tutorials from Stardust Shoes for baby toys (plus party ideas).

(crocheting) Simple Crocheted Flower

(crafting) Button-covered Brads (see the comments for some clever uses)

(knitting) Mr. Pointy (Buffy's favorite stake)

(knitting) Toadstool Baby Rattle

(knitting) Felted Mushrooms

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Crafty Fun Friday, 4 July 2008

Happy Independence Day to those in the US! I'm actually off to go to a BBQ in a little bit, the first time we've had plans on this day for a few years.

As messed up as our government is (don't get me started), this country is fairly spiffy (not perfect - still growing up). Celebrate this day by doing something that isn't allowed in some other countries, like praying - to any deity you like - on a park bench or criticizing a politician.

I really wanted to embed the video for the Preamble, but the timing isn't right. I was ready to recite it for you -- I've had it memorized forever! It was actually on a freshman Government class in college, and you could hear most of the class humming the tune under their breath. The clips may not be exactly historically accurate, but an entire generation of kids can recite the preamble to the Constitution, and identify a conjunction, thanks to Schoolhouse Rock, and that doesn't suck.

Oh yeah, the crafts! Here you go:
(photographing) Taking Pictures of Fire Works

(sewing) Beach Towel Tote

(Crafting) Dead easy Ribbon Water Carrier

(crafting) Polymer clay cupcakes (video), via The Polka Dot Pixie. After the video was over, I watched a couple more: Polymer clay donuts and lollipops. Just for looking (no directions), there 1:12 scale miniature foods are works of doll house art!

(crocheting) Crocheted Apple Cozy, via Whipup

(pampering) Homemade Deodorant Cream

(shopping) Oh, how I want this: The Birds Barbie

(stitching) Two free embroidery patterns at turkey feathers.

(sewing) Cafe Towel Aprons

(playing) This play mat idea is super! If you're not a sewer, you could use an old tablecloth and hand-stitch the little tabs.

(sewing) Girls' Pillowcase Dress (PDF)

(sewing) For baby: fabric blocks & bib (two tutes)

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Crafty Fun Friday, 27 June 08

Look! It's a sock!! Here's another view! Another hurdle mastered. Well, not mastered, but I'm not afraid of them anymore. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever be able to tackle these things that have intimidated me for so long. I've already cast on for #2. Specifics here.

I could go on and on about how much I love the colors, and how they come together without pooling.

Crafts
(giving) Wrapping gifts with fabric (diagram), from angry chicken. (It's Furoshiki, which is more than just wrapping gifts, but this would be my application.)

(sewing) Cozy, Quick Blanket - I love the ric-rac edging!

(playing) Icy Treasures, via greetingarts

(playing) Sponge Balls, via Crafty Crow

(lunching) Also via Crafty Crow, I'm loving this Muffin Tin Monday idea. The "Monday" part is a meme, if you wanted to join, but otherwise, I think most kids would get a kick out of this. Clicking around on some of the participants' blogs, it looks like it's getting picky eaters to eat more/try new things. Sweet!

(crafting) Recycled Cake Plates. What a cute idea! Via sycamore stirrings.

(stitching) Cross-stitch & Embroidery alphabets - type in your text and get the chart or back-stitch pattern. Nifty! via Whip-up.

(cooking) Will someone make this for me? Fudge w/ a layer of bacon.

(sewing) Pencil case.

(crafting) Getting married? Check out this list of how-tos for flowers, beaded combs, etc.

(baking) Glazed Orange Scones. Yummy.

(crocheting) I'm serious this time. Will someone make me a couple of these acorn necklaces? I'll trade for something good.

(reading) I discovered a couple of new blogs this week, and wanted to share them: Derfwad Manor & 3rd Eye Muse. You should definitely check them out!

(celebrating) Cake decorating with Starbursts.

(lunching) Summer Lunch, including a tomato pie recipe and mini cheesecakes. I want that pan!

(cutting) This is the first tutorial for cutting fabric into one long strip w/o sewing that made sense to me. Via Whip-up.

(everything) Monster list of shoes & slippers tutorials. Also via Whip-up.

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Crafty Fun Friday

It's a short Crafty Fun Friday this week. I did something to my back and have been a little distracted. I have, however, finally cast on for my first sock (again). This time it's actually a sock-in-progress, as I've passed the leg part and have started the heel flap. I always scrunch my socks down around my ankles, so I figured a shorter leg was a practical solution for me.

Pattern: Ann Budd's Knitting Socks, in the Getting Started series from Interweave Press. I'm really a fan so far. Since I've bought it twice now, that should be some indication. (The first one should show up anytime now.) Basically, you knit a swatch and get your gauge, then there is a basic pattern for that gauge. I got 6 stitches per inch with this yarn and size US3 needles. Cheryl, from NBY (below), got me started with the cast-on, then I bought the book (again) and kept going.

Yarn: Nestucca Bay Yarns: Handpainted; weight: Foamy (sport); colorway: crazycatladymel

Cool crafts I found this week:
(pampering) Cupcake Bath Fizzies, via The Felt Mouse

(embroidery) Meet the eenies (free design), via Meet me at Mikes

(crafting) Post-it Notebooks

(playing) Vintage Paper Dolls (free download), via Whip-up

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Crafty Fun Friday

Welcome to my first Crafty Fun Friday in my new home! Feel free to check out the past entries at the old place.

This picture goes with the first project in the list: a knitted strawberry. I made this for a swap I did some time back.

(knitting) Knitted strawberry

(sewing) Simple Monster Softy

(sewing) Reversible Headbands, via Whip-up

(crafting with kids) Balloon Balls (for fun or squeezing)

(knitting) Easy Vertical scarf (striped, with the right kind of yarn)

(printing) Print Levenger's Quote of the Day on a bookmark. via fullfaun.

(crafting) Fabric Scrap Pom-pom

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