Crafty Bloggers Updates
Saturday July 11, 2009
Here's what some of my favorite crafty bloggers are up to this week -
Mixed Media Artist
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you! Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging. Craftside
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book! Cathie Filian
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips. Aileen's Musings
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments. About.com Family Crafts
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves? Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Vickie shares her 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents! The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry. The Crochet Dude
See a sneak peek video of Drew's new pattern line that launches August 1st. The Artful Crafter
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds. Stephanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Dada Mosaic, or is it surreal? You be the judge. Share your favorite crafty blog with up using the comments section below.
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you!
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging.
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book!
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips.
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments.
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves?
Vickie shares her 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents!
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry.
See a sneak peek video of Drew's new pattern line that launches August 1st.
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds.
Dada Mosaic, or is it surreal? You be the judge. Share your favorite crafty blog with up using the comments section below.
What Do You Do With Extra Floss?
Friday July 10, 2009
I have some odds and ends skeins of floss with no label, left-over floss from kits, and other projects collected in a craft box. I sorted them by color - good old MR. Roy G. Biv. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet for those of you who don't know. Neutrals are in their own little section.
I use these odds and ends of floss for various things. I stitched one of my favorite projects with them, in fact. I wondered - what do you do with your extra floss, if you don't plan to stitch with it? I collected a few ideas from various sources for Alternate Uses for Embroidery Floss, Thread, and Other Fibers, but I want to know what you do too.
Read the ideas and then share your own.
I use these odds and ends of floss for various things. I stitched one of my favorite projects with them, in fact. I wondered - what do you do with your extra floss, if you don't plan to stitch with it? I collected a few ideas from various sources for Alternate Uses for Embroidery Floss, Thread, and Other Fibers, but I want to know what you do too.
Read the ideas and then share your own.
Twitter Question - What is a SAL?
Thursday July 9, 2009
Recently I received a question on Twitter from @crossedcat. She asked, "What is a SAL?"
A SAL is a term used by stitchers to mean "stitch-a-long." There are several types, the main one being when a group of stitchers work on the same pattern at the same time and share their progress with each other in person or online.
I have never participated in a SAL, have you? Tell us about it using the comments below. Let us know what type of SAL is was and how it worked out.
Got Cross Stitch questions? Get answers in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Membership is free and easy, so why not sign up today? Become a member.
Follow me, @crossstitcher on Twitter.
A SAL is a term used by stitchers to mean "stitch-a-long." There are several types, the main one being when a group of stitchers work on the same pattern at the same time and share their progress with each other in person or online.
I have never participated in a SAL, have you? Tell us about it using the comments below. Let us know what type of SAL is was and how it worked out.
Got Cross Stitch questions? Get answers in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Membership is free and easy, so why not sign up today? Become a member.
Follow me, @crossstitcher on Twitter.
My Book Bookmark Pattern
Wednesday July 8, 2009
This is my book. MY BOOK!
Stake your claim to your current read with this free My Book Bookmark Pattern. If you live in a house of readers like I do, this bookmark might be a necessity.
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
This bookmark will also make a great gift for a reader. It is a quick to stitch pattern and you may use any color you want. Use a scrap of fabric and make a great gift for a friend or family member. Add it to a book or give it with a gift card to his or her favorite bookstore. I know I'd love to get a gift like that!
More on Bookmarks: Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.
Stake your claim to your current read with this free My Book Bookmark Pattern. If you live in a house of readers like I do, this bookmark might be a necessity.
Photo © Connie G. BarwickMore on Bookmarks: Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.
Pincushions - 60 Cross Stitch Designs
Tuesday July 7, 2009
If there's one thing most stitchers can't have too many of it is pincushions. Quilters need them to capture their pins and embroiderers need them to nab needles. Pincushions - 60 Cross Stitch Designs by Linda Gillum not only has patterns for pincushion motifs, it also has instructions for making up a variety of types.
Photo courtesy Kooler Design Studio
Many patterns in the book will be suitable for other projects including gift tags, bookmarks, or towel borders making this book a good resource. Beginning stitchers will enjoy the easy-to-read charts and will find many whole cross stitch charts. Learn more...
If you like this you might also like:
Photo courtesy Kooler Design StudioIf you like this you might also like:
Do You Have Stitching Slumps?
Monday July 6, 2009
Do you ever have "stitching slumps"? Sometimes I do. Life gets hectic, I feel guilty if I stitch while the house is a wreck, and so on. Recently my father-in-law, Mr. Pat, was in the hospital and I didn't take more than 20 stitches the entire week.
Since then, I haven't gotten back into the habit of stitching every day. I need to clean up and straighten up and get back into my routine.
Do you have stitching slumps? Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section to tell us how you got out of your slump.
Since then, I haven't gotten back into the habit of stitching every day. I need to clean up and straighten up and get back into my routine.
Do you have stitching slumps? Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section to tell us how you got out of your slump.
New Threads
Sunday July 5, 2009
Recently, I read on the DMC website that they have more new threads coming soon. I am more excited about these than the scented floss. This time, the floss is called Color Infusions. Within the line there are four types of floss: Memory Thread, Sparklers, Silky, and Cotton Cord. According to DMC these flosses will be great for needlework projects and paper crafts. I look forward to trying them out.
Another floss brand I tried out recently is Chameleon thread "individually hand-dyed in South Africa using cotton, rayon and pure silk." These flosses are luscious. I have been stitching with them, but haven't finished anything to show yet. I couldn't wait to tell you about them though. Check out their website at Chameleon Threads to see all the lovely variety of colors they offer.
Another floss brand I tried out recently is Chameleon thread "individually hand-dyed in South Africa using cotton, rayon and pure silk." These flosses are luscious. I have been stitching with them, but haven't finished anything to show yet. I couldn't wait to tell you about them though. Check out their website at Chameleon Threads to see all the lovely variety of colors they offer.
Crafty Bloggers Update
Saturday July 4, 2009
One of the many blogs I read this week was Reflections in the Pond. Silverlotus wrote a post entitled, "Cross Stitcher's Public Awareness League". Her post is well worth a read. In it she points out that we need a Cross Stitch Celebrity. I think so too - who would you nominate?
Here's what's going on with some of my favorite Crafters - they are rock stars in my book!
The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the clip from her recent appearance on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act for Beadalon. The Artful Crafter
Eileen suggests you go shopping for craft supplies in your jewelry box and closet. Make an old accessory into something new and fresh. Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Old plastic bead necklaces go under the knife (and in the toaster oven) to make Melted Plastic bead Star Earrings perfect for the patriotic holidays Naughty Secretary Club
Thinking about starting up your own craft business? Jen has a few suggestions of things you might consider first. Plus learn how you can take a Crafty Business Seminar with Jen from anywhere in the world! Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi reports on her experiences with using the new CopprClay. This stuff rocks! Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off her cool new sewing cabinet that was surprisingly inexpensive. Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
At Craftside there is a bling-tastic video on hand lettering with Lisa Engelbrecht, from the new book The Crafter's Devotional a how to make a leather book cover and flag cuffs made from a book cover, an "actual size" silver heart using PMC, and a fun snack recipe. Cathie Filian
It is summer and that means beach & pool time! Visit Cathie Filian's blog to learn how to stitch up a terry beach throw. Aileen's Musings
Ever wonder how to get that cute copyright symbol or better yet, how to put one on your artwork or photographs? Aileen offers a easy tutorial using PSP. About Family Crafts
If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate every day during the month of July, check out this special events calendar! As always, you can stay up to date with what's going on here at About.com Cross Stitch (and more of the gory details of my life) by following me @crossstitcher on twitter.
Here's what's going on with some of my favorite Crafters - they are rock stars in my book!
Madge shares the clip from her recent appearance on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act for Beadalon.
Eileen suggests you go shopping for craft supplies in your jewelry box and closet. Make an old accessory into something new and fresh.
Old plastic bead necklaces go under the knife (and in the toaster oven) to make Melted Plastic bead Star Earrings perfect for the patriotic holidays
Thinking about starting up your own craft business? Jen has a few suggestions of things you might consider first. Plus learn how you can take a Crafty Business Seminar with Jen from anywhere in the world!
Cyndi reports on her experiences with using the new CopprClay. This stuff rocks!
Tammy shows off her cool new sewing cabinet that was surprisingly inexpensive.
At Craftside there is a bling-tastic video on hand lettering with Lisa Engelbrecht, from the new book The Crafter's Devotional a how to make a leather book cover and flag cuffs made from a book cover, an "actual size" silver heart using PMC, and a fun snack recipe.
It is summer and that means beach & pool time! Visit Cathie Filian's blog to learn how to stitch up a terry beach throw.
Ever wonder how to get that cute copyright symbol or better yet, how to put one on your artwork or photographs? Aileen offers a easy tutorial using PSP.
If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate every day during the month of July, check out this special events calendar! As always, you can stay up to date with what's going on here at About.com Cross Stitch (and more of the gory details of my life) by following me @crossstitcher on twitter.
Free Sailboat Cross Stitch Motif
Friday July 3, 2009
The heat is really getting to me at my house - it's dry and no rain in sight. If it is going to be this hot, I wish I were at the beach! At least there, I could jump in the waves for awhile to cool off. (It's more likely I would stay in the A/C until sunset and then go to the beach.)
Graphic © Connie G. Barwick
Maybe if I stitch some ocean-themed patterns like this free Sailboat Cross Stitch Motif I will feel better. This simple pattern would make a great addition to a beach towel or swimsuit cover up. Stitch the design on Aida and applique it or use waste canvas to stitch directly on the material.
If you like this free Cross Stitch chart, you may also like: Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.
Graphic © Connie G. Barwick
If you like this free Cross Stitch chart, you may also like: Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.
Free Bodice Ripper Bookmark Pattern
Thursday July 2, 2009
I don't remember when I started reading romance novels. I do know that I hid what I was reading from my dad. He didn't approve of such stuff. I could read all the fiction I wanted, but it should be good fiction, not just reading for pleasure. I was a voracious reader though and my neighbor had a large collection of "bodice rippers" that I would dip into from time-to-time.
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
You may wonder - Do I still read romance novels? Well, yes (but that's not all I read). The books I read now avoid the drawings of pirates and women in frilly dresses, but they are still romance novels. My sister and I joke about it, so I designed this bookmark for her.
Sis, we don't have to hide our love for "bodice rippers" anymore - proclaim it to the world!
More Free Bookmark Patterns and Info:Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.
Photo © Connie G. BarwickSis, we don't have to hide our love for "bodice rippers" anymore - proclaim it to the world!
More Free Bookmark Patterns and Info:Stay up-to-date with when new free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.