crafts
Crafts Hacks for makers; a digital vision board with clever tips, ideas, techniques and materials for DIY creations.
Finding Happiness in Chainmail
Over the years I have had a lot of heartache come into my life. From getting cancer to becoming disabled, a lot has gone on that would weigh anyone down. Most of it has happened in the last six years in fact, and let me tell you, when you get told that you may not see your son’s second birthday you have to find happiness wherever you can. For me the answers to this difficult time were not so much found but created as I turned to crafting and married it with my other joy that I’ve had through life, a passion for all things geeky! It started out simple with an idea for sewing our own geek themed rice filled hot packs. From there, the creative juices started to flow and transform into thumbtack dragon eggs, jewelry, books, cross stitch, and finally leading up to what I have been working on most today: Chainmail!
By Kathryn Dragoste5 years ago in Lifehack
My Creative Journey Combining Multiple Hobbies. Top Story - June 2021.
Growing up I was never interested in being a creator. I preferred dealing with facts and majored in finance where my day job involves numbers with no need for a creative side. Since I'm a data-driven person, what was the catalyst that sparked my interest in creative endeavors?
By Mad For Fabric5 years ago in Lifehack
My Fiskars Scissor Craft
The craft I am passionate about is plastic canvas, I can make anything from 3D figures, landscapes, picture scenes and even toys! I can literally make anything I want with it; all I need to do is know the dimensions for what size I want it and then I make it. I made a whole log cabin for my sister and it took time and skill but the outcome was incredible. The plastic canvas is flexible and easy to work with and the yarn gives it color and foundation. There were a few picture scenes I made that have so much color and life that even I was surprised at how well they came out. The yarn really helps hold it together and give the canvas form and a realistic look. I recently made a bird cage and I tried to make it with just the canvas and no yarn and it literally kind of fell over, so if that isn't proof enough that the yarn gives the canvas support, I don’t know what is.
By Tayler Teza5 years ago in Lifehack
Creating a Zine
One of my favorite classes that I have ever taken in college was Contemporary Literature. I was lucky enough to take this class through Zoom in the worst part of the pandemic. The class was so fun and refreshing! We read and studied everything from Ghost World by Daniel Clowes to All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. For our final project, we did a "Zine," or magazine. The Zine was to contain each of the authors that we had covered in class and have at least 10 pages – but these were the only rules! The rest was left up to our creativity. I went to the craft store, grabbed my Fiskars, and began creating!
By Kathryn Willis5 years ago in Lifehack
Reusing The Kraft Paper & Plastic Bags
According to the recent stats, the customer base has become incredibly conscious about sustainability and eco-friendliness whenever they buy a new product. Truth be told, there was a time when customers would only talk about the eco-friendliness of the product jars and containers, but now, they have become mindful of the packaging as well.
By Nicky Mose5 years ago in Lifehack
Quilting
In 2001 I found myself single with a huge raise in income from a job change. I decided that this would be a good time to start a hobby just for myself and one from what I thought was part of the “dying arts.” You know, those handcrafts that only the older generation did and once they died, then so would it.
By Janet Kubelka5 years ago in Lifehack
8 Ways to Craft Your Own Happiness
“You will find something more in woods than in books.” — Saint Berna I spent the afternoon with Jude. He’s got a carpentry shop in my neighbourhood. Jude’s a cool guy. We play a lot of board games together. Chess. Ludo. His place is a great spot for a couple of guys to hang out.
By George Blue Kelly5 years ago in Lifehack
Floral Skins
I am a bit obsessed with tattoos, but I have a difficult time deciding what I want on my skin for the rest of my life. This led me to pursue a different type of needlework. I like to think of clothing as a chosen skin that we put on daily and embroidery as the tattoos of cloth. We choose our clothes according to our lifestyles, our personalities, our heritage, our generation, or our professions. We also change styles during different seasons of our lives. Sometimes, I feel like a different person depending on what I am wearing. It is our protection. Whether that is because it is snowing outside, or because tough clients are easier to face in a power suit. Embroidery is an embellishment to this layer of protection. It can be a monogram or a patch of where we have visited. It can be delicate lace or chunky crewelwork using wool. Embroidered clothing can be changed to fit our moods and activities.
By Julia Windom5 years ago in Lifehack
