So, you thought that ribbons were only to decorate the Christmas tree or making simple ribbons bows. Well, in contrast, ribbons have to be one of the more versatile craft materials around that can be used in scrapbooking, fashion sewing, or any other craft, DIY or home decorating project ranging from fun embellishments for handmade kitchen curtains to sophisticated edging of a crochet bathroom mat.

A few years ago we published a list of 50 ways to use ribbons in craft.  I’ve just updated this list and thought to share it with you again today. Here’s the link:

50 Uses for Ribbons in Craft, Fashion & DIY projects

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No kidding. Recycle a bed sheet, a few t-shirts, a sweater or 4, buy durable nylon rope,… or simply crochet with some wool yarn…. and make a modern area rug in a dash.

I am sure you’ve all seen the grass crochet rug that we’ve featured a while ago?!!  Today, I am going to feast your yes on some other great ideas. For most, you really don’t need a pattern, but a load of creative inspiration instead, and patience.

However, some… yes, … some rugs …. are really fast to make. You don’t even patience. See the lovely heart rag rug below? It was made in a day!

While ‘fast and easy’ is important, it’s fun to make a whole bunch of crochet ‘bits’ over time, such as the rough rectangles or the crochet flowers. Then, one day, sew them all together. That’s how granny used to made her famous blankets…

Some interesting crochet rug designs for you (and me):

The Rug The Details Great Crochet rug, heh?!   Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Eliana Gerotto, Milan, Italy (patriciaurquiola.com) Rope yarn for outdoor use and in wool for indoor use (i.e. 100% polyolefins or 80% new wool, 20% polyamide).  The flowers and leaves that form the rug are hand crocheted and then sewn by hand to a synthetic net backing.

The Rug The Details Made by Aze Design in Poland £450

The Rug The Details by Jean of ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ Made from rope, by hand

The Rug The Details by HandmadePretties

The Rug The Details By Amy Lane

The Rug The Details pebbles rug by rock pool candy

The Rug The Details Image left: Sarah London   Once you know how to crochet spirals, which is not hard at all.

The Details By ’Good Times I think so’ Cochet rag rug made in a day: wow!

The Rug The Details Not sure if it is crochet on top, but I love the look and thought it would make a great crochet rug…. what do you think?

The Rug The Details If you love to crochet animals, here is something for the floor: crochet owl or classic sock monkey area rugs. By Peanut butter Dynamite, on Etsy. These have been sold, however, the crochet patterns of both the owl and the sock monkey rug are obvious, or you could ask the shop owner to make just one more…

My Next Step

OK. As you can tell, my basic area rug research is now done.
Mmmm… Let me ask you: Which ones do you fancy?  

I like the idea of starting with just a basic shape, like a circle, and then let the project evolve into something. I think that’s what I’ll do.

And looking at all these amazing contemporary designer rugs, I also know that I’m going to have the project take some time.

As well, I like to bring more meaningful symbols in my life, so I think that I’m going to crochet a giant OM symbol, with other swirls or mini-symbols around.

I have been needing an area rug for some time now. We have a mix-matching Mexican rug, which I had covered with calico fabric last year, for some comfort to the eyes and warm feet. However, it looked like a dust cover over an expensive rug, rather than a ‘rug’ all by itself. So, now that I have a base, and a color that I love, I have to come up with my rug design for this winter, or actually, sooner. 

I love to use my growing stash of recycled socks for this purpose, but, I’m afraid that there won’t be enough of them as they are used up in so many (ongoing) craft / DIY projects now, some of which I never told you about, such as my peace symbol handbag…. Next Spring I’ll feature it.

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

Good morning everyone. I just want to show you this butterfly soap that I spotted. I came across it when I made my butterfly craft templates, downloads, tutorials and other ideas-article a while ago, and felt, this gentle, pretty butterfly deserved a little posting all on its own…

A treat for your eyes, nose and.. the skin.
This type of handmade soap bar is called a cameo bar, and is of the “looks good + smells great”-variety. The soap maker called its colors ‘Raspberry Lemonade’.

This inspirational handmade soap is by Daisy Cakes Soap’s Shop. To make your own, here’s a range of lovely butterfly soap molds.

The Art of Soap Making

Each of these butterfly soaps is made by hand, one-by-one in their own unique mold.

They used a mild vegetable glycerin base (cleanses skin but didn’t dry it out). It has ‘a gentle pH neutral glycerin base that cleans, leaves no soapy film behind, contains no alcohol, and has a terrific lather!’ they say.

Soap

DIY TUTORIALS & CRAFT PARTIES

If you have a fun DIY or craft tutorial, be sure to enter it in our weekly DIY/Craft TUTORIAL linky party, so our readers can find you and your great projects also.

Here is the current party, but if you happen to come across our site after its closure, you can just visit homepage of Fine Craft Guild and find the latest linky party there.

Meanwhile, this craft article here is featured in a number of wonderful craft parties. Click the link to learn more about them.

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

It’s that time of the year… Time to get our minds around ‘Back-to-School’.

I came across two really nice Bulletin Board Ideas.

The first one, a crossword puzzle board, is for a classroom, where new kids will meet each other and meet with a new teacher.Isn’t this a fun, fun, fun way to learn each other’s names and get acquainted.

Teacher Tips:

• Have a clue for each name.
• Use a crossword puzzle maker to make a small puzzle first with your student’s names (when you follow this link, choose ‘criss-cross puzzle’
• Print this free printable template on cardstock:  Twenty 2” squares

Also, I thought it would also be fun to do for play dates with new kids in the house. Although you might be able to use Alphabet fridge magnets for this activity.

Lay out large squares in the shape of your puzzle. Tape them together and attach to the board. Have a clue sheet with across clues and down clues. Tell something about each person in the clues.

Back-to-School Bulletin Board idea: suitable for grades 4 – 8.

The second back-to-school bulletin board that caught my eye was this really elegant one. Yes, you’ll need one to stay on top of things at home. Remember, there is that ‘Back-to-School’ paperwork that will soon come in that must be dealt with, in the following few days and weeks?!  Things need to be organized and you need to be reminded of when and what. 

There are many bulletin boards to be found online, however, I like this simple classy version of Country Living, don’t you?

Howto Instructions

And it’s as easy to make as 1,2,3 :

1. Cover old corkboard with pretty fabric 

2. Add white painted frame.

3. Hang it up and Pin on your papers.

Optional: If you want a magnetic version, put metal sheet over cork before applying the fabric.  Use magnets instead of pins.

So, there you go. Two Back to School Bulletin Board Ideas for you.

Other Back to School Crafts

If you are interested in other ‘Back to School’ craft ideas, click the ‘Back to School’ category link in the navigation bar on the right. One craft in particular that comes to mind is this one:

A School Projects Organizer

Remember this ‘Organize School Projects’ Scrapbooking Box that I featured last year?  It was one of 12 Back-to-School crafts we featured in one article.

Well, now is the time …. 

Image credits

Scrabble Bulletin Board Idea from Alachua County Public Schools,  via TeacherHelp.org

Classy Framed Fabric Bulleting Board Idea from CountryLiving.com  (Click this link for step-by-step how-to instructions)

Over to You

So go play and experiment and ‘report’ back to me what you came up with. We’d love to feature works by readers.

Or if you have a complete flower making tutorial to share, be sure to link it up in our weekly linky party. The current craft linky party one is here, but if you read this article in the months to come, you can find the latest DIY Craft tutorial linky party on the Fine Craft Guild home page.

This paper flower making step-by-step instructional post will be featured in a number of craft parties. Visit them here.

© FineCraftGuild.com 2010

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

Over the weekend, I actually set some time aside to zone out, play, learn and make something new. I have made wired beads before for various jewelry pieces, but I never made a largish wire-wrapped center bead.

So, I played with some of my beading, wiring jewelry & other craft resources and when I got inspired, I designed a jewel of a bead!

It was fun and easy, and the pebble that we found at the beach found a new home.

I learned a few lessons along the way, and I thought to share these with you here.

Tips to create good Wire Jewelry

Couple of tricks to make good wired center-beads:

1. Loop It Twice. loop it horizontally twice so you won’t lose your stones. Just look at the large coral bead in this necklace by Nichole W. Kennedy, or even these wired sea glass earrings which I spotted at Linda Schneider’s OdysseySeaglass.com.

Tip: the criteria for necklace centerpieces are really different than for earrings. For example, you want something large for your necklace, but for earrings, it’s best to use really light beads as weight matters a lot.

2. Use Useless Curls. Unless you use strong & firm wire, curls should probably be ornamental rather than structural.

3. Hide & Seek. Secure your wrap around at the back (i.e. like you would when putting a ribbon around a package)

4. Double It Up. if you have thin wire, go with double or triple layers at a time. Pick the right wire width for your stone to get it to look right.

5. Finishing Matters. Make a secure hanging loop at the top or back. This is how you finish the top to use your bead as a necklace center bead. 

6. Wire Wrap Tools.. Use good Jewelry Making Tools, e.g. to flatten the metals against the shape.

7. Be Relaxed. Don’t be in a hurry making jewelry. Take your time.

8. Whimsy Works. I find that just free-form, no pressure doodling brings best results.   See this pendant here by Silvia Peluso. Her centerpiece feels so right: whimsical and secure.

9. Themed Approach. Repeat Repeat. Build a theme with your features, and build. E.g. All sides of this ‘cage’ around the rose quartz center bead are swirly. Individually they are just swirls. 5 together make an adorable cage. 

Or, if you wrap with curls, consider making some curls of different sizes and repeat these curls also elsewhere in your necklace or at different parts around the stone.

10. Have Fun. Life is short.

This means that when you get all giddy, because you don’t get ‘this thing’ right, it’s probably time to go to the beach and have a refreshing dip in the lake.

3 Highly Recommended Wire Jewelry Resources

Other Jewelry Articles at FineCraftGuild.com

How to Sell Your Jewelry in Art Galleries
the-fine-art-of-making-jewelry-for-fun-money/
how-to-make-jewelry-dreamcatcher-bracelet-with-gemstones/
art-instruction/
hwhich-glue-to-use-for-the-job/
Tutorial for Creating a Polymer Clay Necklace
photographing-jewelry-creating-the-best/

Best External Links to Learn How to Wire Jewelry

One of the best resources have found and worked with is this: Wigjig.com, e.g. gorgeous hook & catch

.

Image Credit:
Red Coral Necklace & wire-wrap white pendant (top left): Nichole White Kennedy
Whimsical Wire pendant: Silvia Peluso
Photo Pliers: Cristina Romano

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

Coach, Prada or Michael Kors or all other designer tote or handbags: the whole fashion world produces ruffles. Like it or not. Ruffles are HERE!

Time for a change?? Yes it is. Personally, I’ve seen enough ruffles for a week or two, and I want to show you today on our Tote Bag Monday are bags that do not follow a trend.

Timmy Woods Designer Handbags

Introducing Bag Designer Timmy Woods’s Beverly Hills series are real works of art: innovative designs that appeal to women with a broad range of interests and lifestyles.

Inspired by handmade wooden boxes, Timmy seems to make these handcrafted wooden handbags as a rather fresh statement in fashion and as sculpted pieces of art. Each bag is handmade from fallen Acacia trees. Forms of nature, pop trends, sports, hobbies, holidays and special events inspire the designs.

Each bag comes complete with a certificate of authenticity and originality.

Very arts-like, and verrrryy Hollywood.
Timmy Woods Tour D’Eiffel Cross-Body

The Tour d’Eiffel bag is one bag that started Timmy’s fame, it having made an appearance in the SATC movie.

Having a Timmy Woods’ Eiffel cross-body bag will add lots of French ‘ooh-la-la’  or American Pop style to your playfully chic outfits. This version featuring lots of gilt and Swarovski crystals has an extra-special dazzling aura.

Hungry for More Style? Well how about …

Timmy Woods Banana Split II Cross-Body

Need more Kisses? Have a solution here for you:

Timmy Woods Luscious Cross-Body

For Hawaiian vacation, for fishy affairs or a fun nautical look, consider his fish bag …

Timmy Woods Hana II Cross-Body

For who like me love people with golden hearts, this is the bag for you:

Timmy Woods Candy Heart Multi II Cross-Body

Fortune Bags

These bags are artistic and like jewelry studded as they are with crystals. However, that fact and their movie appearance make these bags also pricey. Simply put, some of them cost a fortune. 

Fortunately, there are also some by this designer that are actually ‘affordable’.  As these are versions without crystals,they are also lighter to carry. For example, the Timmy Woods Eiffel Cross-Body Bag without all those crystals is only 10% of the cost, and probably also only 10% of the weight.

Anyhow, no ruffles here. Hopefully these bags inspire you to either design something fresh and new today, or to order yourself a cool glamorous handbag for your own birthday. I might just do the latter….

DIY TUTORIALS & CRAFT PARTIES

If you have a fun DIY or craft tutorial, be sure to enter it in our weekly DIY/Craft TUTORIAL linky party, so our readers can find you and your great projects also.

Here is the current party, but if you happen to come across our site beyond July 21, you can just visit homepage of Fine Craft Guild and find the latest linky party there.

Meanwhile, this DIY tutorial here is featured in a number of wonderful craft parties. Click the link to learn more about them.

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

Pin It

Houzz Idea Book Sections

• Girl room
• Baby room
• Bunk beds, lots and kids sharing bedrooms
• Play room
• Boy room

Now, you have to actually go there to see the image collection and THEN come back here to see the pictures below, okay?!

Featured Craft & DIY Tutorials

• ‘I have a Dream’ garland
• ‘Knotted’ floor mat
• ‘Crochet flower bed pillow’
• ‘Bean Bag’

‘Where To Find’ the Houzz book ideas

Bunk Beds & Loft Beds

Opposite of rocket science, taxes and teenagers: It’s simple, not boring. Crisp, clean lines ensure the collection won’t become outdated. Twin bunk can be converted into two twin beds for when kids get older.

Safety: Bunk includes two guardrails and a ladder ladder can be placed on either side.  For children 6 years and up.

Clean lines suitable for both traditional and contemporary decor

Available Storage Trundle doubles as an extra bed for sleepovers or under-bed storage when space is limited. 

Color options: Painted White, Stained Natural, or Stained Espresso Alder.

Click image for more info.

Click image for more info.

Etnic Chic Teenage Girl Rooms

Great Bedding!

Click image for more info.

Fresh Flowers Girls Room

This Kids Pink Daisy & Stripes Cotton Bedding makes girls wake up happy.

Click image for more info.

Matching Bedroom Rug:

Kids Rugs: Girls Floral Garden Rugs – 4 x 6′ Cream Garden Floral Rug – $229.00
from: The Land of Nod

Reading under a Bubbly Quilt  – Twin Bed

This colorful Circles Quilt Bedding has a 200-thread count and is machine washable.

Click the image for more info.

Whatever neck of the woods you hail from, this timeless design and modest, understated look will fit right in.

• Solidly built
• Beautifully finished
• All-time classic.

Storage Bed’s functional headboard includes three cubbies and a sliding door for storing books, magazines, toys, remote controls or, sigh, the alarm clock.

Thick, durable wood construction.  Storage Towers sold separately feature two adjustable shelves, a door with an additional shelf and wire management openings.

Available Storage Trundle doubles as an extra bed for sleepovers or under-bed storage when space is limited.

Color options: Painted White or Stained Chocolate.

Click image for more info.

Stackable Floor Pillows / aka Bean Bag in Layers

Our comfy, durable floor cushions are wonderful for lounging around. Fabric handles make them easy to transport, too.

Available in three sizes. 100% cotton covers remove for washing; Polyfill inserts. Color options: Pink – Blue – Green – Lavender.

Click image for more info.

Patchwork Bedding Set for a Growing Girl

American artist Maria Carluccio designed this wonderfully fresh lavender quilt bedding set featuring embroidered and appliqued numbers, flowers and bugs. It’s an eclectic mix of fabrics, colors, and textures.

A Maria Carluccio design of 200-thread count sheets. 100% cotton, machine washable. 

Quilt and Comforter Cover available in Twin or Full-Queen; Sheet Set available in Twin, Full or Queen; Fitted sheet has 12 pocket depth.

Click image for more info.

Braided Floor Mats

Braid your own using recycled materials, or purchase one in pink, pale blue or purple instead. These Kids Oval Pastel Cotton Braided area rugs are a classic. They feature twists of colorful cotton fibers, are tightly braided & reversible. 100% cotton. Can be spot cleaned & vacuumed. Sizes – 4 x 6′ – 5 x 8′ – 8 x 10′.

Kids’ Rugs: Kids Pastel Oval Braided Area Rug – 4 x 6′ Pastel Multi Rug – $189.00
Retail Price: $199.00
You Save: $10.00

Baby Nursery Rooms

The Gorgeous Baby White Sleigh Crib featured in the idea book is here:

This Classic Sleigh Crib features a beautiful, understated silhouette.  Solid maple framing. Three adjustable mattress heights.  Converts to a toddler bed with an optional conversion kit. Features fixed side rails for easy assembly.

Made in USA. Meets or exceeds all U.S. government safety standards & ASTM standards; Non-toxic, lead-free finish. Color options: White or Espresso.

Click Here for More Info.

Amazing Changing Station

When you have a kid, you have to make some changes. Literally. Luckily, our Simple Changer System is here to help. Safety first – Includes Tip Restraint Kit for securing changer system to your wall to prevent tipping

System includes our 2-Over-2 Simple Dresser, removable changer top and pad, two side cabinets, two side hutches and an overhead bridge – Works in traditional or contemporary settings.  Sturdy Alder construction. Color options – Painted White – Stained Espresso

Click image for more info.

Baby Crib or Girl Bedroom – Knitted Birdy Mobile

 

However, if you want it now, simply order it by clicking on the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Kids Lighting: Kids Floral Vintage Beaded Chandelier

Take a funky old flea market chandelier and make it fun for a little girl’s room.

 

This one is painted pink, green and antique white. Then, string it with clear glass beads.

 

Hardwire; professional installation recommended.

Not for use over a crib or bed.

 

For more info, click the image.

 

 

 

 

Paint the Walls!

 

 

Beautiful Pink & Mint Kids’ Wall Paint shades…. Click either color swatch to find a huge range of coordinating paint colors to choose from!

Tip: really consider buying these kinds of paints as they are really a few steps above the average you’ll find at your local paint shop or Home Depot. The paints featured here are not just beautiful…. They are also non-toxic and free of VOCs the stuff that makes new paint smell like new paint ~ stuff you and your kids really shouldn’t be breathing in. Zero toxins and zero carcinogens; and  no solvents. Good for you!

 

 

Wall Decals 

I’ve written before about Wall Decals, wall Stencils & mural making. Click links to find out how to make your own stencil and detail for purchasing stencils and decals that offer you an easy alternative to DIY:

• How to  Make A Sophisticated Stencil
• Inspiring Stencil Projects
• How to Silkscreen
• Passionate-for-stencils :: Stencil tips
• Kid Painting Wall Designs

   

 

I’ve saved the best for last….

FUN NAUTICAL BED THROW PILLOWS  !!!  

Great finishing touch for a nautical-themed boy or girl bedroom, or any nautical themed room for that matter. I like them actually for our family room.

 

 

 

 

 

Kids’ Throw Pillows: Kids Red & White Cotton Nautical Throw Pillow – Telegraph Throw Pillow (Down Filled) 
The Life Preserver and Telegraph throw pillows should really float your boat. Imported. 100% cotton & machine washable covers. Coordinate with Nautical Bedding.

 

Click image for purchasing info.

 

 

 

 

 

Note: These links let you go shop at The Land of Nod! for excellent kids bedroom furniture (sale on now).

Land of Nod is a subsidiary of Crate & Barrel, a store akin to Kids Pottery Barn.

 

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