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I wish they had something like this closer to Flagstaff — or even Phoenix.
The Upcycle Exchange is a pilot program that realizes some of the concepts I wrote about in Craft: Vol. 9’s “Crafting a Green World” article. I compile a wish-list of specific items local indie crafters are looking for on our website, and when people donate items to us, we offer them a discount on our handmade goods. We have been running the program successfully for over a year now, collecting and distributing at many local indie craft shows. Recently, we’ve moved into a small distribution center and have started enlisting local businesses as drop-off locations. Later this year, I will be publishing detailed “schematics” for running the program, essentially open-sourcing it. This Sunday, we happen to be hosting a open house at our distribution location!
For those of you that live closer:
The Upcycle Exchange Green CrafTea Open House
Sunday, March 28th 12-4pm
Finder’s Hive
3022A Cherokee St., St Louis MO
(via Craftzine)
Fri, March 26th 2010
MAKE THIS —> Things you need:
- a big, button-down shirt
- 4 or 5 buttons
- needle and thread
- straight pins
- scissors
- someone to help you, or a dress form
(via Instructables)
Wed, March 10th 2010
Tue, February 9th 2010
DIY Headboard - Using Old Door as Headboard - Country Living
“A queen-size bed frame can easily set you back $2,000. A salvaged door? This one cost about $25. Of course, turning it into a headboard did require some work: sawing the door down to size, adding chair-rail molding to the top, brushing on a few coats of paint. But you could pay a pro to do the heavy lifting and still come out ahead — at which point, you get to lie back and count up your good deeds: You’ve recycled an architectural castoff that didn’t deserve to be trashed, saved loads of cash, and created one truly unique piece of furniture. All facts that should help you sleep easier.”
Mon, February 8th 2010
Upcycled Boots!
You can use a sweater to make these comfy boots.
(Get the tutorial here: via crafster)
Sun, January 10th 2010
Check out this indie twist on a classic fridge decor!
Thanks to the Indie House Blog, you can get crafty DIY ideas for INDIE House accessories - like these.
You will need:
-> Photo Cred: Indie House Blog
Thu, January 7th 2010
Reusable, awesome, colorful, vibrant Party Streamers by Heidi Kenney.
They are simple and much faster to make then they appear.
#1 Cut strips of streamers. I didn’t measure mine at all, I just cut about 12-15 inch lengths and set aside in large pile.
#2 Sit at your sewing machine with the pile nearby so you can easily grab as you sew. Take the first two strips of varying colored streamers and lay them on top of each other. Don’t worry if one is longer then another. Begin to sew them down the middle slightly pushing the streamers as they are sewn. This will create the ruffle look and takes very little effort to do. You just lightly push along. As you come to the end of the streams grab two more and overlap them with the previous streamers.
#3 Keep sewing until you have a n ice long chain. Snip all threads and wind up until your ready to hang.
Another reason I like these is streamers in general are thought of as disposable. They are thin, cheap, and rip easily. But when sewn like this the streamers become something you can use over and over again. The sewing/stacking/ruffling makes them feel real sturdy and thick. This would go even fast if you want to make a chain of two colors. Then you wont need to cut strips, just lay the streamers on on top of the other and sew, letting the ends unroll as your sewing.
(via My Paper Crane)
Thu, October 8th 2009
DIY Necktie Daisies!
Photo Tutorial:
The center is a 1&1/8-inch covered button.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Voila:
Obviously you can use various colors & funky designs within the necktie variety (Goodwill ties are cheap!) but this just opens many doors for uses & fabrics.
This was suggested for sewing onto purses or vests but can be used for SO many other things. Think holiday decorations too?
For full tutorial click HERE
(via Crafster)
Tue, August 4th 2009
This video tutorial on making cute underwear with ruffles from vintage tableclothes, flannel t-shirts, etc. by Clare Bare looks tempting. Doing this ASAP!
Check out her Etsy Shop to buy some already made!
Tue, August 4th 2009
While looking for some new DIY purse ideas I stumbled upon what are now some of my new favorite DIY blogs & websites. Mostly for sewing but definitely fun for all crafters. Which brings me to my next search - continuing to try to find some neat, unique and/or funky but also durable & realistic purse designs. However, I did find a neat DIY underwear tutorial that I intend fully on doing.
DIY Undies:
Craft Stylish DIY Underwear Tutorial
Other New Favs:
Mon, August 3rd 2009
