Fine Craft Guild .com » Craft Techniques

How to Make Pompoms

Fine Craft Guild — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:58:00 +0000

How to make glorious pompoms like this is easy like 1, 2, 3.

1. Cut 2 circles from some recycled cardboard. Use a bottle cap or small round object so your circle is perfect. Then, use a whole punch to open up the center and then cut an inner circle of about 1/4th of the total diameter. Now you’ll have 2 cardboard rings.

2. If you are a decoration-nut like me, than decorate your rings as you’ll be looking at them for a while…. However, step 2 is simply taking some yard and putting it through and around your two rings together like so.

3. When the rings are full of yarn, like in the picture, cut in between them all the way around. Now, with double yarn, tie a secure knot in the center of the two. Remove the cardboard rings and fluff your pompom. Trim if/as needed.

First pompom:

Tip 1: Use several shorter threads rather than one super-duper long thread, as it’s faster and less physical exercise.

Tip 2: If you have an exact size of pompom in mind, realize that your final pompom will be 2x the width of the cardboard ring, not counting the inner center cut-out.

Applications & Uses of Pompoms

They are ENDLESS. Decorate cards, crochet, knitting or sewing projects. Use them as ties when hung on a string. String them into handmade jewelry. Hang a few from a boring skirt to jazz things up. Ditto for your kitchen cabinets… Hang a few in the baby nursery room or girl bedroom. A bunch of them will be great for parties, and equally good after the party to be washed, trimmed and sewn on a quilt.

What’s your favorite use for pompoms?

How are planning to use this tutorial?

Create Cool Child Bedroom Furniture w Stencils (DIY Tutorial)

Fine Craft Guild — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:52:00 +0000

** How to Stencil Furniture. ** Lovely. Fun. Doable. Those are the three worlds … I mean words… that come to mind when I saw this dresser make-over. You love it also?

Image source: Lena Corwin, via Etsy.

Free Tutorial On Hand-Printing Your Cabinet

This design & tutorial for this contemporary, whimsical dresser is by talented artist Lena Corwin.

Materials Needed to Do this Dresser Stenciling Project

   * A piece of furniture to stencil, (old pieces should be sanded or stripped)
    * white latex primer paint
    * white semi-gloss paint
    * contact paper
    * a contrasting color of latex paint
    * roller paintbrush, pencil, craft, knife, scissors, painters tape
    * to download those lovely chubby moose and their animal chums

This free DIY tutorial comes with free downloadable flower designs and animal stencils. Easy to use: print, cut and apply.

Printing by Hand

Lena is also author of Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens. This furniture stenciling project is one of the projects featured in this already very popular book. This book would make a great gift, and I already ordered it for XMAS, yes, for myself.

Also see our prior article on KIDS FURNITURE with beautiful ideas!

Art in Paris

Fine Craft Guild — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

It’s not what you think. No art deco here, ma’am. Manhole mandalas, that’s art, instead.

Yesterday, I spotted this post by Laurie of Scene of the Grime (fun name) popping a manhole cover (roadside find) into her car. It was going to survive the junkyard and live as decoration in her backyard. A cool decorative vignette indeed.

It reminded me of ….

Last year, we rented an apartment in Paris, France, (oh la la) from a cash strapped musician. His artistic endeavors were everywhere in that funky apartment.

And at some point in his life he must have been manhole-obsessed, as several of his walls were covered with large manhole artworks. I dubbed the term ‘manhole mono-prints’. He must have taken huge sheets of art paper, (water-based?) paint or ink, and a big bush along and went to town. Covering manholes with ink and pressing his big sheets of aquarelle paper over them. You could tell he’d experimented with different papers and inks.

Here’s one of my photos. In my mind’s eye could see mono-prints in a range of bright colors, and of a range of designs. Like huge mandalas.

Just to entertain you, I’ve just hand tinted (thank you, Photoshop) one version, so you get a feel for what I’m on about..

(click image for larger version to print)

Like ‘m?

Wanna have a go at making these? ???!!

Something else to do in town,

besides summer sale shopping.

Free Butterfly Craft Ideas & Tutorials

Rose — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:13:25 +0000

Spring, that annual period of transformation…

So, I thought it’s time to work with a symbol that marks ‘transformation’ like no other symbol does: the butterfly.

We ALL need butterflies. To create ‘how to’s for my craft readers, I’ve collected and developed ideas and free craft tutorials, stencils, templates, plus other design tools~ of use for a range of crafts from embroideries to art journals.

This jam-packed article is definitely one to BOOKMARK. It is to inspire and help you create a magnificent transformation in your art / life. Please show me your projects!! I would love to feature these.

BTW. This article will get a twin-sister: an article with solutions and ideas for creating contemporary art (such as drawing, painting, photography). You might like to have a look at this article as well for complementary ideas and a whole different style of working with the butterfly and the concept of transformation. This article will be published tomorrow.

DRAWING A BUTTERFLY

PAINTING A BUTTERFLY

Andy Warhol’s 3 painting styles of butterflies – for inspiration/purchase

BUTTERFLY PAPER ART, PAPER CRAFT, STAMPING, SCRAPBOOKING. TEXTILE APPLIQUE

Mixed media painting/collage – for inspiration
Unique butterfly stamp – tool for purchase
Contemporary Butterfly tree – for inspiration
100 butterflies paper punch outs – tool for purchase
Photo frame elegantly decorated with butterflies – for inspiration
Butterfly Wish Card – also for inspiration

ART JOURNAL WITH BUTTERFLIES

Inspiring art journal cover – for inspiration

BUTTERFLY KID CRAFT / CRAFT FOR KIDS

Caterpillar design project that trains the fine motoric skills of 5 year old. Helps with coordination, and useful as a pre-butterfly making exercise to learn the process of transformation. Can be embellished or simplified to adjust to time availability and age group. (see image below)
Butterfly wing – face painting – free video tutorial (beautiful)
Free illustrated butterfly lesson plan for children comes with our also free newsletter subscription — see details

EMBROIDERY, KNITTING & CROCHETING WITH BUTTERFLIES

Embroidered butterfly in cognac – for inspiration
Butterfly Square – free knitting pattern
Embroidered butterfly in pink – for inspiration
Set of crocheted butterflies for inspiration
Fun butterfly purse

THE CRAFTY HOME

Set of mini chalkboards – for inspiration
Butterfly lamp in felt (can see variations on this in pink, red, violet… rather than white) – for inspiration
Butterflies on the wall/ wallpaper art -for inspiration/for purchase

GENERAL RESOURCES

photos of a variety of butterfly species – free library
clip-art of all kinds or butterflies – free library

© Copyright 2011 FineCraftGuild.com – all rights reserved.
please do not distribute/re-post this library of ideas in part or in its entirety, but rather link to this blog. Thank you.

Tote Bag Monday: Inspired by Anthropologie New Arrivals

Fine Craft Guild — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:50:00 +0000

I’m in love with Anthropologie’s current New Arrivals. Check out Anthropologie’s Javanica Tote Bag for Spring…!

It is another clear example, that a tote bag does not have to be boring and boxy.

Check out these pictures of it.

1. Swinging	2. Embroidered
3. Faux leather trim	4. Detailed Straps
5. Flower Ties	6. Rounded corners

Anthropologie Javanica Tote Bag – Details

Pay attention to these details:

1. I love the rounded corners of this square shape bag. As well, it’s a really good size that will hold lots of stuff: Its dimensions are 37 cm high, 52 cm wide, and 6 cm deep. Apparently it has 3 inner pockets and a snap closure, to keep things in order on the inside.

2. It’s a thick cotton on the outside, and has a cotton lining as well. This makes the bag casual and washable. The happy large print on the cotton lends itself very well to hand embroidery. This makes the bag unique!

3. The side panels have been corded and tied, to help the rounding of the bag. Note how the top of the bag has been trimmed with zigzagged faux leather trim.

4. Lovely handles, with a ribbon detailing the faux leather straps. The handle drop is just over 21 cm, which gives the bag a swinging nature.

5./6. You can see clearly here how the ties are finished with red threaded fabric surrounding the golden end bead. As well, you can see how the corners of the tote have been rounded and how the sides are made from a separate stretch of fabric.

This bag has been featured in a number of great craft parties. Check them out!

How to Draw a Simple Rose ~ Flowers for Mothers Day

Rose — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:24:00 +0000

If there is one day of the year, that moms like to get flowers, it’s on Mothers Day.

It’s easy & fun to be creative with this general notion of flowers though. ….
You could make a her a pillow with flower embroidery/embellishments, start some daffodils into a handmade basket for her ahead of time, create a handmade mothers day greeting card with flowers, and of course, there is the classic bouquet of real flowers that will always delight.

To help you on your creative way, I thought to show you today, how to draw a rose. (And, you’ll never need a rose template ever again.)

Use your flower drawing to embellish some tea towels, decorate a basket, or hand-paint a vase with roses, just for her. It’s very simple to treat your mom this way.

How to Draw a Rose

Step by step diagram

Step 1:

Draw a little circle anywhere on your paper.

Step 2:

Draw a coil around the circle, going a few times around and then close the coil.

Step 3:

Draw smaller, overlapping, loosely drawn semi-circles that go just 1/3 around your coil. Do 5 of these, and vary them a bit. And there you have your rose.

Done.

How to Draw Many Roses

To get different looking roses, make the coil tighter for the first two circles and then make it big just before you close it. This will give the effect of looking more at the side of the rose.

You can also vary the shapes of the outer leaves. Ensure that the ones on the front are a bit bigger shapes than those at the back, and it will look right. Vary things. Make more leaves, make fewer leaves.

You can also fill your entire sketch with roses. Draw 5 roses in a good composition on your page. Then draw roses in between those 5 till your whole page is full. Make it look like those in-between roses are behind the first 5 roses. So when their outer leaves are larger than your available drawing space, let those leaves disappear behind your first 5 roses.

Anyhow, simply experiment. Sketch away. Have fun.

Even just this simple white line drawing on a bright piece of paper is enough to say to mom ‘I love you’.

Want to give mom a present instead of a pencil drawing? OK. If you glue your rose drawing onto a piece of cardboard, you have an instant coffee cup coaster. Or stencil your design onto a pillow case, or draw it on a little gift box, on a Mothers Day Greeting card ~ it’s up to you.

Using the Rose as a Stencil

How to Make your Own Stencil
How to Make a Sophisticated Stencil

Other Mother’s Day Ideas

Spring Bloom Shawl ~ Free Crochet Pattern

Upcycled Ruffle Necklace with Peace Symbol Centerpiece

Free Printable Mothers Day Card

Alternatives to long-stemmed Roses

Free Scrapbooking Templates for Love Book

Handmade Gifts for Her

Zipper Jewelry Tutorial & Ideas

Talking about Jewelry, also consider…

Free Contemporary Jewelry Tutorials

	Fabric Necklace by NY Designer (detailed video tutorial)
	Retro paper necklace
	How to Make Jewelry: Dream catcher Bracelet with Gemstones
	Contemporary Crochet Necklace

This article has been featured in a couple of link parties. Do check them out for other great craft & home decorating ideas.

Recycled Wine Bottle becomes a Peony Perfect, Milky-White Vase

Fine Craft Guild — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:57:00 +0000

Recycling is easy. Once you’ve switched your mindset, everything becomes recyclable.

I noted the lovely shape of this empty glass juice/wine bottle and with some simple, water-based gouache white paint (IKEA kid paint) I created this milky look within 5 minutes. The result was a real vase, rather than an empty glass bottle used as a vase.

Other, more durable paint will work also, but you’ll have to dilute it to create this semi-transparent milky effect.

Love it?

Yes, sure, you could stick a candle in it and your vase is instantly transformed in a cheery candle holder.

Because this is water-based paint and not glass paint, it will eventually come off from handling. Use this to your advantage, as this adds to the aged and unique patina of the vase.

(Tip: not dishwasher safe. Dust it with a dry cloth and rinse only the inside).

OTHER RECYCLING, UPCYCLING & REFASHIONING ECO CRAFT IDEAS

ECO HOME DECOR

http://www.finecraftguild.com/eco-friendly-bath-mat-fun-diy-project-to-do-in-the-easter-break/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/fancifully-cascading-flower-lamps-screens-from-recycled-plastic-water-bottles/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/design-trend-recycled-wool-sweater-lamp/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/how-to-paint-child-furniture/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/heart-shaped-wreaths/

ECO FASHION

http://www.finecraftguild.com/design-your-own-t-shirt-a-la-anthropologie/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/spring-fashion-upcycle-make-your-own-ruffle-sandal/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/book-of-the-month/ Refashioned Bags

http://www.finecraftguild.com/green-design-fashion-trends/

KIDS / TEENS / JEWELRY

http://www.finecraftguild.com/how-to-make-a-girly-necklace-from-magazine-paper-beads/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/peace-necklace-upcycled-tween-craft-jewelry/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/valentine-friendship-bracelet-cuff-kids-upcycling/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/back-to-school-craft-tips-teens/

ECO LIFESTYLE

http://www.finecraftguild.com/wrapping-up-valentines-gifts/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/craft-a-simple-marvellous-desk-calendar/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/how-to-make-paper/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/free-handmade-christmas-presents-from-recycled-materials/

http://www.finecraftguild.com/handmade-soap/

MORE ECO FREE CRAFT TUTORIALS

http://www.finecraftguild.com/2010-free-craft-tutorials-best-of-2009-upcycling/

Featured in this range of lovely Craft & Home Decorating Link Parties. Check them out!

How to Make a Lovely Garden Bench this Spring

Rose — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Spring is here and it’s time to sit outside again. One of the things on our agenda this year was to create some more magical secret spaces in the garden. So, I shopped around for a somewhat regal design garden bench, that we could paint.

How to Make a Wooden Garden Bench

This is the bench I choose. What do you think? Like it?

To help make our own garden bench, I have a very detailed video ‘how-to’ tutorial here. Apparently, it can be done in a weekend, so we’ll see.

While this video shows you how to make the garden bench, it also features lots of neat tips on how to perform all sorts of woodworking tricks, e.g. how to cut dovetails.

The video also explains which tools you’ll need. If you are a beginning woodworker, perhaps it pays to befriend some neighbors with a full garage so you can borrow what you’ll need for this project.

Upcycle Recycled Wood

While this video uses all new pine, I prefer to use recycled materials. Besides ‘doing the right thing, upcycled wood with the patina of time will give this bench a more personal and comfortable feel.

Michael’s Craft for Guys
Garden crafts

Advanced techniques

Plan by Southern Living magazine

Craft Parties
Linked up to a few of the following craft parties. Check them out!

How-to Knit in the Round (video)

Fine Craft Guild — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:19:00 +0000

We need to learn how to knit in the round. So here are three knitting videos which clearly demonstrate how this is done. Something to try out tomorrow. You’ll see that you’ll need four or five double-pointed needles to work with for the first method, and a long round needle for the second method.

Knitting in the Round Using Double Pointed Needles – Setup

The first knitting video explains how to set up such a round knitting project.

Knitting in the Round Using Double Pointed Needles – Tips and Hints

This second knitting video gives tips and hints for knitting in the round and encourages you to make a test piece to measure your gauge.

Knitting in the Round Using a Long Round Needle – Setup

Knitting Needles

You’ll see that you’ll need four or five double-pointed needles to work with for the first project.

These knitting needles are usually made of bamboo, such as these: 7" Double Point Bamboo Knitting Needles 14 Sets of 5 Pieces per set (70 pieces in total)

When you click on this link you’ll find a set here for a low price with a 100% money back guaranty.

The other needle mentioned here is a round needle such as the round needles shown here. You usually buy a set of different sizes so you get to use them for a variety of knitting projects:

This is a good set of round needles, in case you wish for a recommendation:
40" Inch Circular Premium Bamboo Knitting Needles by StitchBerry – 15 Set Collection

OK. That’s enough knitting info now. Get some yarn, get some needles and start knitting away. Experimentation is the grandmother of invention (quote by Rose).

In the Round Knitting Projects

Free Knitting patterns: Easter Eggs fun and easy project, made with 4 small double-pointed needles.

How to Make An Art Journal

Fine Craft Guild — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Today I want to feature a lovely series of videos on how to make an art journal.

Millande from Millande.com creates page after page layout in her journal,, using all kinds of art making techniques that range from painting to collage. But best of all, she shows us how to just do it, hum-ti-dum, on a daily basis, just create a page of art, on its own.

This video shows the development of a collage to create a background for a future portrait.

Art Journal Technique: How to make a collage art journal background

Art Journal Technique: How to Draw a Portrait, Soulfully

This video shows you how to create a self-portrait. Her techniques are fresh and non-traditional.

Art Journal Technique: Layered Painting

This painting video shows layering and spirals and the process of developing a painting with adding and subtracting. She teaches you how to do build-ups, composition, use up excess paint, use recyclables such as an old credit card to do a good background paint cover, and more such interesting tips.

Art Journaling, Materials Lists

Watermedia Set by Golden
Golden Heavy Body Artist Acrylics 4 oz
Golden Matte Medium
Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid
Fabriano Artistico Traditional White Watercolor Paper
India Ink

Prismacolor – Tin Box Set of 12, Premier Colors

These are just few samples of a whole slew of art journal videos. They show delightful art creation. Something to watch on a rainy (or snowy?) day.