Contest from Instructables

The nice folks over at Instructables have joined forces with Lion Brand Yarns, Singer, and Stitch Lounge to offer a craft skills contest. Just post an instructable with your favorite craft tips. Examples include how to cast-on in knitting, how to thread a serger, or how to sew with fake fur. Prizes include a Singer sewing machine, sewing books, and yarn. Entries are due Sept. 27. So what are you waiting for? Oh, right. The URL. Here it is: http://www.instructables.com/contest/craftskills/. May the sassiest crafter win!

New layout in progress

Sorry about the half-assed layout change. I was trying to update my template and got as far as uploading the background image, but I got bogged down in the code and couldn't figure out how to execute the other changes I wanted. Stay tuned. I'll work on this another evening when it isn't so late and I'm not so cross-eyed. Why, oh why, do I always attempt technical things like this when I should already be in bed for the night?

Death of the Octopus

Death of the Octopus
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

We're in the middle of Tropical Storm Fay. Aside from the limbs and trees that have been falling, my beloved octopus chandelier also took a dive.

For those of you who aren't familar with this chandelier, I made it by repurposing a tacky 1980s brass-look chandelier. I spray painted it matte silver and then wrapped the arms with pearl Mardi Gras Beads. I gutted the electrical parts and added tea lights.

At any rate, I guess the wind must have rocked it enough to loosen the eye-hook it was hanging from. Sadly, two of the arms snapped when it fell, so unless I can come up with a creative solution, this may be the end of the octopus chandelier.

R.I.P.

Sewing 101: ReadyMade video tutorial

I think a lot of people have an interest in sewing but are easily overwhelmed by the technology or the cost of buying a machine. ReadyMade Magazine has created a video sewing tutorial that helps people get over that first hump.



I was planning to offer a Sewing 101 class this fall in Gainesville, but wasn't organized in time to offer it through the UF Leisure Courses program. Anyone out there interested in learning how to sew on a sewing machine? I might be able to find another spot to host a class. If so, drop a comment here or email me at sassycrafter (at) gmail (dot) com.

Doghouse nightlight

Doghouse nightlight -- finished product
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

It's the dog days of summer. It's hot as blazes outside and the kids are still at home complaining that they're bored. Why not get them involved in turning a half-and-half carton and some plastic trinkets into a neat-o doghouse nightlight? (Be safe and let an adult do the cutting.)

What you need:
Pint-sized carton
Permanent marker
Craft knife
Glue
Collage papers
Figurines
Foam brush
Tissue paper
Scrap wood
Lamp kit

What to do:

1) Open the top of a pint-sized carton, use a craft knife to cut between the upper flaps, and wash the inside of the carton. Use a permanent marker to draw the doghouse door and then cut it out with a craft knife. Also cut a small triangular opening above the door.




2) Cut a piece of paper to serve as the floor of the doghouse and glue in place. Cut a piece of heavyweight paper to be the backdrop, making sure it will slip comfortably inside the carton in a vertical U-shape. Use paper, old photographs, stickers, crayons or colored pencils to decorate the backdrop. Slide this inside the carton and glue in place. Also glue the dog and yellow girl figurines in place.




3) Glue the roof together. With the door of the doghouse facing you, push the left and right flaps together and glue in place. Then fold the free edges of the front and back flaps over the other flaps and secure with glue. (Note: A strong contact adhesive like Welder works well here.)




4) Use the foam brush to put a fine coat of glue on the sides and roof of the doghouse. Add small squares of tissue paper, coat with another layer of glue, and repeat. Be sure to add several layers of tissue over the triangular window for strength. You will probably need to add the tissue in stages, allowing dry time between layers. When you've added enough layers, glue the doghouse to a piece of scrap wood collaged with matching tissue paper, which will help keep the lamp from tipping over.



5) Take the craft knife and cut a hole in the rear of the doghouse and insert the candelabra-sized lamp kit. Now your lamp is ready for action!



This column originally appeared in the August 2008 issue of The Satellite, North Central Florida's finest arts and entertainment magazine. Thanks to John D. Richards, formerly of The Temple of Great Art No Spitting in St. Augustine for the inspiration.