Crafted by Us

My garden is starting to sprout, but for the life of me I can't remember what I planted. That is why I have decided I need to label the plants to avoid confusion next year. Join me in this windy episode as I make terracotta garden markers to label all the beautiful plants. To do this project you will need: terracotta pot scraps Sharpie markers 12 gauge wire 22 gauge wire wire cutters newspaper safety goggles hammer The music for this episode was provided by Miles Cochran. For more information about this and other songs, please visit www.magnatune.com

After a recent visit to Batdorf and Bronson's coffee shop in dowtown Olympia I was inspired to try my hand at painting with espresso. In this show, I explore painting with espresso, tea, and coffee grounds. Join me and see what you can make. To follow along, gather these materials: espresso shots brewed tea ground coffee beans paper paint brushes heat gun (optional) low-stick masking tape (optional) metallic rubons (optional)   After the show, I experimented a bit more, creating a background with espresso for a collage. I then added images and text. Here is what I came up with...   If you like the eggs, hop on over to ArtChix. They have a ton of collage sheets that are great for creating art as well as other supplies that are hard to pass up! Also, don't forget to check out the book Kaleidoscope: Ideas And Projects to Spark Your Creativity by Suzanne Simanaitis.  

This is an easy way to make a block for making prints. This project is easy enough even for children. For this episode, you will need: Cardstock Scissors Glue Sticks Elmer's Glue Brayer Water Soluble Ink Glass plate I will be using the Speedball brand of ink for this project. You may be able to find these items at your local art supply store. But, as always, Daniels Smith is a great source too! Todays book is Plush-O-Rama by Linda Kopp. For other great plush animals and inspiration, hop on over to Melly & me. Music for this episode provided by the band Budz. For more information about their music please visit PodSafe Audio.   **Congratulations to Stephanie C. for winning this episodes drawing. Please go to the prize gallery and pick out the prize you would like. If you would like to be entered in the next drawing, just leave a comment!**

This is the podcast I get asked to make more than any other. I hear, "when are you going to show us how to make those glass charms and pendants that you make?" I think I have been holding out because I sell these quite a bit at local shows and maybe in a subconscious way I didn't want to "share." Well, no more. I am sticking to my motto that everyone benefits when they share information and ideas. So, here it is. Gather these supplies and follow along: sheet of glass to cover workspace fan safety glass lead-free solder liquid flux copper foil tape mini clamps solder iron, stand, and cleaning sponge paper and photos to creat mini collage adhesive x-acto knife scissors pliers sanding block glass microscope slides bone folder cleaning wipes or wash cloth jump ring glass cutter So, for those of you who have bought the books on how to make soldered charms but are still to unsure about how to get started, now is the time. Before you know it you will have a completed project that you will be proud of! It may be difficult to find all of these items in one location, but a good place to start is at Simply Swank(formerly known as Scrapalatte.) I have also found supplies at Home Depot and others online. Initially, you may be able to get away without using a rheostat, but if you want to make more than a few items, then I highly suggest you buy one. Again, look online or you may be able to purchase one from a stained glass supply store. I have heard that Volcano Arts is a good place to order these types of things from, although I haven't ordered from them. Finally, a good glass cutter is a must if you intend on making several of these charms. The cheap one from the hardware store will work for a bit, but I highly recommend visiting a stained glass supply store or shop online for a nice cutter and then you will also need cutting oil. I know it seems like a lot of stuff but if you think you may enjoy making these types of things, then I don't think you will regret your investment in tools and supplies. However, if you love the project samples and want one, but don't think you will ever make one, please check out my Etsy shop or visit my custom order page . **Congratulations to Elsie McElroy for being the winner for the prize from the prize gallery. Please send me an email with the prize you would like and I will send it off. If you would like to be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment for today's show.** Interested in the book? Please check out my earlier post about Bernie Berlin (it's not too late to enter the drawing for that post) as well as the other post about the challenge some of us are working on (you are welcome to play too!)

Collages are fun to make, and at 3"x3" mini collages are a great way to flex your artistic muscle without overwhelming yourself. Follow along as I show you how I created two fun mini collages as part of a swap I participated in with other members of the ArtChix group. To do this project you will need: scissors gesso PVA paper, ephemera ArtChix faux postage or collage images various stamps embossing powder ultra thick embossing enamel eyelets eyelet setter watercolors (I used LuminArte) paint brush paper towels parchment papers fusible webbing iron, ironing board sewing machine and thread heat gun for embossing   **Congratulations to ChelleBB for winning the prize drawing. Want to enter in the next drawing? Simply leave a comment, it's that easy. To see what you can win, visit the prize gallery.**     Interested in the wire jewelry book? Check out Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones.

Ok, so you have tried the duct tape purse but now you want a wallet. In this episode I will show you how to make your very own duct tape wallet. You will see that it is so easy you will want to make one for every person that you know. And, I didn't make the wallet outside in the wind so the video will be much more to the point and less of a comedy. So, gather up these supplies: duct tape rotary cutter cutting mat scissors acrylic ruler I have found colored duct tape at the local crafts stores. You can also find regular duct tape at your local hardware store. The other supplies can also be found at your local craft or quilting shop. **Looking for the e-book for this episode? Well, look no further! There isn't one. That's the great thing about being your own boss and doing things "your way" you can change your mind when it pleases you. Well, after spending hours on the e-book (when I really wanted to do other things) I decided I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT ANYMORE! Done. No book. Hurray, more time for crafting!**

Needle felting done by the experts. This bonus episode is about 10 minutes of great needle felting demonstration done by St. Mary while she was at this year's Fiber Festival hosted by the Schafer Meadows Fiber Guild. She first shows how to felt using wool yarn and felt pieces, then she goes on to show how to shape a face in the Santa Claus she is working on. I know that the video could be better, but I still think it is worth your time to watch. I hope you enjoy. Also, please join me for my next "real" podcast where I will be announcing some exciting news. ***Are you interested in needle felting, but you don't have any fibers? I have enough to get you started if you would like. Email me if you want to buy some and I can post something for sale on Etsy at a reasonable price.***

Follow along with footage recorded from the Fiber Festival that I recently attended, hosted by the Schafer Meadows Fiber Guild. This clip will show Betty, from the guild, demonstrating on the loom. The looms can be made from scratch with the right supplies and a little patience. I know several people who have made them. Also, they are made commercially as well, so if you wanted to buy one you could. These looms can be made to weave a fabric that comes out in a triangle shape. By itself, it is great for a shawl. Sew two (or more) together to make a blanket. I apologize in advance for the grainy and sometimes choppy footage, but I still think it is worth watching if you are interested in this topic.

Together we will go through the not so difficult steps of knitting a scarf on a knitting loom. In other words, "Let's make a scarf using the Knifty Knitter." To follow along with this project you will need: Knitting loom (Knifty Knitter will work)Hook for loom1-2 skeins of yarnScissorsCrochet hook If you don't have a Knifty Knitter you can find them at Michaels or Joann's , or try your local craft supply store.

In this show we will delve into the exciting realm of duct tape art. Is there such a thing? Ah well, we will start our journey with a simple purse. Who knows, maybe from there you will be inspired to create more. To follow along (and I think you can...) gather these supplies:Two different colors of duct tapeScissorsRulerRotary cutter (useful but not necessary) Hey, it's the shortest supply list ever! Please note, I will be using colored duct tape which doesn't seem as sticky as regular duct tape. If you are using regular duct tape I am guessing it may be a little more difficult but certainly doable.**Congratulations to Bianca for winning the prize drawing! Check out the prize gallery and email me which item you would like to have sent to you. To be entered in the next drawing simply leave a comment for this episode. Easy as pie.** Music for this episode provided by Kingdom Hearts. For more information about their music, please visit PodsafeAudio.

Just in time for the 4th, this yummy fruit salad is so easy to make and even easier to eat. Join me as I make this salad that everyone will enjoy. To follow along gather these items: Cool WhipStrawbery Jello mixStrawberriesBananasPineappleCottage cheese Walnuts Large mixing bowlsMixing spoonsKnifeCutting boardsCan opener Congratulations to Syndee for winning this episode's prize drawing. She can choose a prize to be sent to her from the prize gallery. Want to enter for the drawing? It's easy. Just enter a comment below the show notes (be sure to leave your name.) Interested in what others have won? Check out the previous prizes . Also, new prizes will be added by Friday, so check back then if you would like. **All music for the episode of Crafted by Us was provided by the band Everyday Jones. For more information about their music, please visit PodsafeAudio.** Join me next time as we work together to create a cool duct tape purse ! Go buy two rolls of your favorite color, grab your scissors and get ready.

If you have always wanted to learn how to make your own block print, then this episode is for you. We will learn the basics so that you will be able to create your own prints. You may not have some of these supplies, so if you would like to follow along go shopping now! For this episode, you will need:Linoleum BlockLinoleum CutterBrayerWater Soluble InkPaperWood SpoonGlass plate I will be using the Speedball brand for most of my supplies. You may be able to find these items at your local art supply store. But, as always, Daniels Smith is a great source too! The image I used for this show can be found in my flickr photos. Music for this episode provided by the band Budz from their album "elbaste motel" and Bob Maus from his album "Borders." For more information about their music please visit PodSafe Audio. **Congratulations to Audrey G. for winning this episodes drawing. Please go to the prize gallery and pick out the prize you would like. If you would like to be entered in the next drawing, just leave a comment! Also, check back because I will be adding new prizes in the next week or so.**

In this episode we are going to focus on the act of being creative without worrying about the outcome. This is a fun experiment. So, gather up your art supplies. Look around for: paintcrayonsmarkerspaper scrapshousehold items to use for texturingglueembellishmentsimages from magazines or collage sheetsfiber pieces whatever else you can findart journal, or sturdy piece of paper Here are the "words" for this project: scratch, pastels, stamp, text, pencil, paint, photograph, surprise, sand, draw, magazine, chalk, wipe, 3-D, ink, write, charcoal, patter, and smudge. **Congratulations to Senora Feinstein for winning the drawing. Please visit the prize gallery and select a prize. To see what others have won, go take a look at previous prizes . If you would like to be entered for the next drawing, please watch the show and then enter a comment. Pretty easy huh?** Music for this episode of Crafted by Us was provided by the band Budz from their album "Should I Go or Should I Stay." For more information, please visit PodSafeAudio. **Remember, it is not too late to join in our ATC swap !**  

Together, we will create an interesting and unique wind chime using found objects. I will somehow use a round metal thing and silverware from a garage sale to create a one of a kind item. If you would like to follow along, gather these types of items:Round metal object like a small pot lid or old tub drain cover Old silverwareFishing lineScissorsBeads, glass objects, rocks, etc. PliersWire cuttersHeavy gauge wire - I used 14 gauge galvanized wire For those of you who don't know, I live in the country. So, in this episode you may hear a lot of birds chirping in the background as well as a few chickens crowing. But, it was such a lovely day I hated to close the windows!**Congratulation to Karen K. You are the winner of this episode's prize drawing. Please go to the prize gallery and select a prize. Once you have decided, just email me with your choice and mailing address and I will get it out to you. It's that simple! If you would like to be entered in the next drawing, simply enter a comment below the show notes! So easy.

In this show I will demonstrate how simple it is to create a charm using just a few supplies. To follow along you will need:Shrink plasticStazOn inkpadStamp pad cleanerParchment paperQ-tips Paper towels StampsOvenScissorsHole punch or drill pressJump ringPliersWax paper Below are links to sites that should inspire you to create a shrink plastic work of art:Sharilyn MillerLucky Squirrel AMRSC, a rubber stamp club **Congratulations to Smullis for winning this week's prize drawing. She can pick a prize from the prize gallery . If you are interested in being entered in the next drawing all you have to do is leave a comment below the show notes after you view the most recent episode of Crafted By Us. Pretty easy..**