Making Programs Talk: from Processing to Arduino
March 6, 2012 in Tech Crafts
Processing and Arduino are two of the most versatile and lowest entry points into programming. If you are unfamiliar with either, let me introduce you.
Old Frame + Scarf = A Masterpiece
March 1, 2012 in Tutorials
Crossposted from Crafting a Green World
A long time ago, I found this ugly picture frame at a garage sale for $3.00.
I used it for another project and spray painted it silver. Since then, though, I’ve changed things around and have had the frame in the back of my closet. Then, my amazing friend Erin went to Amsterdam and brought back a beautiful scarf for me. I can’t make myself wear it — not because I don’t love it, but I’m so afraid of ruining it. After seeing this project from House and Home that upcycles old handkerchiefs into wall art, I thought, “Hey… I could do that with my scarf and old frame!”
How To: Cardboard and Toilet Paper Roll Tree
February 14, 2012 in Tutorials
Cross-posted from Crafting a Green World.
This week I wanted to create a project that brought the outside, in (because it’s too cold to go outside right now!). I looked around my house for inspiration and I found a cardboard box and toilet paper rolls. I’ve done projects with toilet paper rolls before, like the Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Lights and the Christmas “Candle” Cover, but I wanted to make something more natural-looking. Drawing inspiration from a fall project I did on my personal blog, I created a Cardboard and Toilet Paper Roll Tree!
How To: Pop Top Peace Sign
January 21, 2012 in Tutorials
Crossposted from Crafting a Green World
My mom is an elementary school teacher and has developed an obsession with cool peace signs for her classroom. When discussing a how to project this week, she asked me to make her a peace sign out of recycled materials. You guys know I’m all about fun wall art like the Laundry Cup Wall Art, Newspaper Art, and Burlap Chevron Paintings– so I was totally pumped to take on this challenge! After searching around the house, I grabbed a cardboard box they had left over from moving and a bag of pop-tops that my grandma had collected. Here’s how to make your very own pop top peace sign!
The Dremel
January 16, 2012 in Tech Tips, Tutorials
Whether for pet projects around the house or artistic endeavors, the Dremel multi-tool is an awesome object to have around. In a nutshell, the Dremel is a hand-held drill/grinder/sander/rotary saw. As I found out recently, however, its simplicity (I mean, all it does is spin right?) needs a little explaining. Here are two nice videos on how it works and what it is good for.
My one tip: When using the Dremel as a rotary saw, move against the spinning blade; it stops the tool from skittering.
How To: Inspiration Board for the New Year!
January 6, 2012 in Tutorials
Cross-posted from Crafting a Green World and Revolutionaries
I found an amazing ceiling medallion for 50 cents at the thrift store at the beginning of the week and I knew I could turn it into something cool. Then, my uncle gave me some extra cork board he had from a project of his own and my grandma gave me tons of beads. I wanted to make an inspiration board of some sort for this week’s project, so I put all of the items together!
Good Ol’ Fashioned Arts & Crafts
January 5, 2012 in Events, Inspiration
Join the creative folks at WonderRoot Creative Reuse on January 14th for a two hour workshop on general creativity — they’re up for making just about anything! Ring in the new year with a promise to make more.
Everyday Inspiration: Rope
October 24, 2011 in Fiber Crafts, Inspiration
I love it when people find creative ways to use seemingly ordinary items. Rope comes in so many textures and colors; you would be surprised at how many times I have come across beautifully aged rope at garage sales.
Take a look at these amazing ideas!