Crafts
-
In the Spotlight with Rae Dunn
Years ago I purchased an adorable little 3×3 inch plate at a fun shop in Laguna Beach, California. It is just a simple porcelain plate with a picture of a spoon on it but I just love it for it’s simple – yet functional design. It reminds me a bit of the design concept that stems from Japan where less is more and to choose only those items to place in your house that you find beautiful. So I am very excited that I had a chance to speak to the person behind the amazing company, Rae Dunn of Rae Dunn Clay. I think you will fall in love with her…
-
Creative Budget-Friendly Party Planning Tips
Huge extravaganzas, blockbuster affaires, five-star entertaining…who has the energy or disposable income these days to plan over-the-top parties anymore? And, really, it’s just not necessary if what you care about is bringing friends and family together to celebrate or mark a special occasion. As someone who has done her fair share of events for work and pleasure, my most successful endeavors come from summoning up a little creative MOJO, some DIY spirit, and keeping it simple. Pick an Un-Themed Theme Rather than pick something standard or choose the latest, popular character theme, try to brainstorm a bit about the guests of honor and the people who will be attending. Think…
-
Fun Craft: Christmas Family Trees
Christmas trees – they serve as both the main Christmas season decoration & a great bonding tool for family during the holiday season. Decorating them with your family enjoying carols & laughs along the way is one of the things I look forward to all year round. But why not take a twist to the traditional tree with your little ones? Nothing is cuter than a set of tootsie trees hanging on the wall. Materials: Non-toxic paint – green & yellow Black or brown marker pen Canvases – one for each family member Small items to decorate your tootsie trees – we used stick on jewels How To: First of…
-
Mommy & Me Owl Handprint Art
Owls can be wise, all-knowing, and even whimsical. This autumn, owls seem to be all the rage in fashion, art and décor. Here is a delightful Mommy & Me craft to create with your young children this season. Materials: Non-toxic acrylic paint of your choice. (Owls typically are brown, white and grey; however, pink owls are cute too.) Craft paper of your choice. (I used a manila paper, but any craft paper will do.) Various styles and sizes of paintbrushes. A nearby sink to rinse small painted hands. Let’s begin: After selecting your color choice for the owl body, gently paint your child’s palm. Once the palm is painted,…
-
Wool Felting: The 6,000 Year Old Fiber Art
What is felting? Felting with wool fleece is the oldest form of fiber art, older than knitting or even sewing. As soon as people began domesticating livestock, they harvested wool to make sturdy and warm blankets, hats and boots. A simple form of felting is to boil fleece (or a knitted garment) until it shrinks and hardens into felt. Needle felting is the art of sculpting wool with a special needle. Wool roving (unspun wool) is poked repeatedly, until it compacts into a solid shape. At that point, the wool can be sculpted with the needle. Generally, no gluing or stitching is needed. What is so special about a felting…