Congratulations Linda B.! You won last week’s Sweet Giveaway. Enjoy using it with your banner die.
Please e-mail your address to thecraftsdept@marthastewart.com so we can send them on their way.
February 8th, 2010
Tools & Materials : I learned 3 new craft techniques in 2 days!
Posted by Kristin St. Clair
I am back from my excursion to Tucson and have had a moment to step back and examine everything I have learned. Although I work as a professional “crafter”, there are many crafts I know little about and am certainly not an expert in. It was extremely nice to attended the Crystallized Elements workshops and learn from other crafty working professionals. It was also really sweet to meet “the audience”—many of the women in the classes are the people that watch Martha’s show and seeing how passionate they are about making was very special for me.
While I was there, for only 2 days, I learned 3 completely new techniques. It felt good to be a student again, to play with new materials, and go home with a final product, whether I did a good job or not!
Here is what I learned and you don’t need to travel anywhere to see!
1. A lesson in Ferido. This material is pretty amazing! It is a 2 part epoxy clay that can hold crystal fancy stones without any glue and it air dries!
2. A lesson is wire crocheting. I actually found that doing a chain stitch in wire is easier then in yarn!
3. A lesson in Nuno felting. A felting technique that blends silk and fine wool fibers together, creating a whole new fabric.
Click the pictures for more information and the how-tos.
How great is the first picture? The mountain view, from my hotel—rolling hills of cactus! It looks so different from the landscape I am used to here in the North East. The cactus look so funny!
February 5th, 2010
Make It : Easy Valentines
Posted by Blake RamseyI was thrilled to try one of Marvy’s new craft products- Bistro Chalk Markers! They offer two brilliant pinks in their collection, so I had to try them out on some Valentine cards. This type of marker is typically used for dry erase boards, chalkboards, and window advertisements, but worked very well on paper too. I used a bright pink marker on black card-stock to make some Valentine postcards.
They come in 15 colors, including white.
They can also be used to write a love note on your sweetheart’s coffee cup, as the ink wipes off so easily.
Or write a sweet poem on a mirror or window? What other uses can you think of?
