Lace used to bring to mind pictures of curtains, tablecloths, and wedding dresses. Victorian gloves and doll’s clothing, but never necklaces. I mean, I’ve heard of delicate lace collars, but necklaces were new to me. Which is tragic, because I am in love with them. They can add a bit of elegance to any outfit. […]
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Journals are supposedly meant for writing projects, but honestly, I think half of the worth of having a journal is being able to stare at its beautiful cover. For years, I’d heard people mention Moleskine notebooks as kinda the best of the best as far as notebooks go. They’re a preferred notebook for many. However, […]
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In 2010, a number of anonymous book sculptures began to appear around Edinburgh. They were left as gifts in libraries, museums and cultural institutions, attached to brief notes that said some variety of “thank you.” The artist is still anonymous, but the artwork continues to amaze and inspire. Book sculpting isn’t just a Scottish phenomenon. Check out some […]
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Paper grocery bags are often reused as lunch, trash, and recycling sacks, but there are many more creative, longer-lasting options. If you have a pile of paper bags to whittle through, here are some awesome upcycling ideas. The Best Ideas for Upcycling Brown Paper Bags 1. Hair Bow via Neat Bows For Cool Kids 2. Origami […]
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If you travel frequently, you eventually find a pile of maps sitting in a drawer or box somewhere. They can be hard to throw away, even if they’re way outdated and worn out. Instead of getting rid of them completely, you can save their beauty and nostalgic value by upcycling the map pages into something […]
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The phrase “I miss you” seems too weak for some situations. It doesn’t capture that feeling of chaos and minor catastrophe caused by the absence of a true love or however you call them. To give the phrase more depth, sometimes you need to add props or a few extra words. For example: 12 Funny […]
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Acorns are a wonderful source of beauty, and they’re plentiful enough for you to try anything with them. Of course, you might use them as food–e.g., by making acorn flour or coffee–but even then, you’d have the acorn caps to create things with. Here are sixteen great ideas to start with: The Best Crafts Made Out of Acorns […]
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Birch bark is often used as tinder for camp fires, but if you’re stuck in the city or have too much bark on hand, there are dozens of other ways you can use it. The bark’s flexibility and beautiful pattern make it perfect for decorating objects, especially for weddings or parties with a rustic theme. […]
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Needlework calendars have a beauty and permanence that paper calendars rarely achieve. Whether it’s cross-stitch, quilting, or embroidery, it’s difficult to throw away needlework, especially if the pattern is complex and painstakingly crafted. Hence, if you expect a year to be wonderful, or if the past year was already wonderful, stitching together a calendar can […]
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Like Christmas wreaths and light decorations, gingerbread houses are a holiday art that can be either really simple and pretty or extravagant, time-consuming and spectacular. Either way, making & decorating a gingerbread house takes patience and ingenuity, especially if you want to enter into a gingerbread competition. For inspiration, here are nineteen creative ideas to help you begin […]
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Embroidery is an old hobby that has changed considerably in the past 200 years. Modern embroidered art and needlework is full of variation—different materials, techniques, and styles. You might be surprised by its versatility and uniqueness, and decide to create your own hoop! Wonderful Embroidered Hoop Art Designs 1. Reindeer via Three Red Apples 2. “Let’s Go” […]
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Plastic milk jugs are so common in the U.S. that anything you make with them is basically free. They’re especially handy to use for homemade crafts and projects for kids, since they can be easily replaced if damaged. Some people even use them for their pets to make plastic hides for reptiles or disposable little […]
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At first, it might be difficult to think of using test tubes for anything but chemistry experiments. Their size and shape are perfect, though, for holding spices, party favors, or even tiny plants. They have a ‘mad scientist’ vibe, too, which can make you feel intelligent regardless of what you’re actually doing with them. The […]
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In most thrift stores, there’s a section for old-fashioned metal tins designed to hold cookies or tea. They’re often unique, cheap and tempting to buy, but what can you do with them afterwards? Besides storing cookies, etc., the best way to reuse an old tin is to create something entirely new with it, like one […]
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Like needlework graffiti, the vandal art of ‘yarn bombing’ has altruistic origins. Knitting or crocheting artwork onto public property is a non-aggressive way to send a message, beautify a city, or simply create a bit of urban entertainment. For examples, check out these five excellent yarn bombing targets: Popular Yarn Bombing Targets 1. Statues 2. Street […]
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