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Meet the Authors: “The Crafter’s Book of Clever Ideas”

May 17, 2014 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

One of the perks that comes with being the editor of a crafting website is that designers will send their latest projects and publications right to you. When a new book from F+W Media arrived in the mail, I couldn’t wait to take a peek. The Crafter’s Book of Clever Ideas: Awesome Craft Techniques for Handmade Craft Projects is a quirky collection of family-friendly projects that were created by co-authors Andrea and Cliff Currie.

You might recognize Andrea as a “Craft Wars” champion (and you can read her reflections on the experience here). Her husband, Cliff, is a designer in his own right, and while the main goal of these tutorials is to have fun, you’ll pick up techniques from the pros along the way. I feel extra fortunate that I also got the chance to interview Andrea and Cliff about their crafting styles, sources of inspiration, and more.

What 3 words sum up your crafting style?

Andrea: Fun, Colorful, and Surprising

Cliff: Different, Multi-functional, and Fun

What is your go-to crafting tool?

Andrea: Hot glue gun because it’s equal parts useful and dangerous. Just how I like my men. 😉

Cliff: If I had to craft my way out of a precarious situation using just one tool, I’d pick a good pair of scissors. I can’t think of one project I’ve done that doesn’t involve using scissors. I like having heavy-duty, precision, and fabric scissors nearby me at all times. In fact, I’m pretty sure every drawer in our house has at least one pair of scissors in it!

Andrea, you’re a Craft Wars champion. How has that experience influenced you?

It’s not often you get to test your skills in front of an international audience and a panel of very discerning judges. What I learned is to embrace my kitschy style and to not worry what others might say, even if they are industry leaders! If you can’t sell your vision/style then you won’t ever be able to sell your products. Craft Wars was a crash course in selling my creations and I’m very grateful for the experience.

Cliff, some of your projects in The Crafter’s Book of Clever Ideas call for unusual supplies like Legos and dinosaur figurines. Would you say that the materials inspire your crafts? Or is it the other way around?

I have a little obsession with the 80’s. OK, it’s a big obsession, which I’m sure you’ll pick up on in the book. I enjoy working my childhood toys into fun projects and I’m lucky that the CEO (Andrea) has the same affinity for all things 80’s as I do. So, I suppose you could say the supplies inspire the crafts but it’s mostly a decade that inspires my crafts!

You’re called “America’s Handmade Sweethearts.” What is the best part about working with your spouse? Are there any unique challenges that come with it?

Andrea: Working with Cliff has been a wild ride and I love every thrilling moment of it. I suppose the audience that deemed us “America’s Handmade Sweethearts” never really saw those not so “sweetheart” moments. You know, like when we have creative “differences” and “accidentally” ruin a project by spilling alcohol ink on it. Yeah, those are the moments you realize that working with your spouse was the best decision you ever made.

Cliff: I couldn’t imagine not working with my glittery gal. She is so incredibly talented and driven which really pushes me to the edge of my creativity. We really have a symbiotic relationship. Her weaknesses (engineering and methodically measuring) are my strengths, and my weaknesses (design, color theory, and imagination) are her strengths. So the creations we collaborate on always turn out really amazing because it’s equal parts of both of us.

The Crafter’s Book has a unique his/her format. How did you develop this idea?

Andrea: We had never seen a “he said/she said” style book before and it was something we felt we’d buy if we saw it, so we pitched it and we were lucky enough to have F+W Media pick it up! Plus, let’s be honest: we wanted to battle out our creative differences in a book where the readers get choose who is the supreme crafter in the family, all while enjoying a plethora of fun projects. So far, we don’t have a clear winner but it seems like people lean towards Cliff’s projects slightly more. It pains me to say that, by the way.

Did you collaborate on the projects even if they were distinctly “hers” or “his”?

Cliff: Yes, we collaborated a lot. Well, actually it was more me relying on Andrea to steer me towards projects that were cohesive with hers.

Andrea: Yeah, we really didn’t foresee how hard it was going to be to create complementary yet very different projects but once we got about halfway through the book we found a fun groove, which made the projects flow much easier.

This book has a lighthearted, “just for fun” vibe, but many of the crafts combine fun and functionality–the Miniature Taxidermy Bulletin Boards come to mind. Would you say that making crafts practical is one of your goals?

Andrea: I suppose Cliff’s functional style has really rubbed off on me. When we were first married (9 years ago) I was happy just glittering something and calling it a day but he really pushed me to think out of the box and to find more uses for each project. Nowadays I’m always looking to craft up something fun and functional.

Cliff: I used to always work with wood and metal (very manly materials) and then Andrea sprinkled her sparkle all over the house and eventually our styles collided into a mishmash of practical and whimsical. Oh, and I’m not afraid to say that I LOVE glitter!

Do you ever feel uninspired? How do you break out of “crafter’s block?”

We always get crafter’s block at just the wrong moments, but when that happens we know to step away. Usually we go for a hike or a bike ride. Living in sunny San Diego makes it easy to refresh our brains and bodies at any given moment.

What can we expect from America’s Handmade Sweethearts in the near future?

It’s probably no surprise that we have a billion ideas for future books but we’ve learned to let things come naturally rather than tediously pushing one idea forward. While we let our thoughts simmer we are remodeling our home, which is a large undertaking even though it’s only 1,400 square feet! You should expect to see some pretty amazing transformations on our blog handmakemyday.com and fun craft projects ta boot!

 

What’s your favorite craft to make with your friends and family?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, craft professionals, DIY gift ideas, family crafts, interview, Molly Fletcher

Burlap Family Album: National Craft Month Project & Giveaway

March 18, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts

Happy day 18 of National Craft Month! Come visit our blog every day to enter to win a different prize of the day. Find the contest rules and enter below.

National Craft Month Giveaways 2013

Crafting is a fun activity for all ages, so we wanted to focus today on a project from Michaels that the whole family could do together. Encourage your little ones to join you today for National Craft Month project from and together, you can make a touching Burlap Family Album that you’ll cherish for years to come.

 

Burlap Family Album

Once you access the full tutorial, you and your family can design your own personalized album that you can hand down to future generations. The designers at Michaels know how to make easy projects look their best, so don’t miss out on a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones and make a craft you’ll always remember.

The Ultimate Craft Guide: 25 Free Craft Projects for Every Crafter Free eBook

 

This pattern is included in our free eBook, The Ultimate Craft Guide: 25 Free Craft Projects for Every Crafter. Celebrate National Craft Month with us by crafting the great projects in this free downloadable eBook written just for you!



ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S PRIZE

Michaels Gift Card

Today’s prize is a $100 gift card to Michaels. In order to win today’s prize, all you need to do is:

* Like the AllFreeKidsCrafts Facebook page here, AND

* Like the Michaels Faceboook page here, AND

*Leave a comment on this blog post below telling us:

What kind of crafts do you make with your kids?

 


OFFICIAL RULES FOR DAILY CONTEST
  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • You must “like” both the AllFreeKidsCrafts and the Michaels Facebook pages to be eligible.
  • Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
  • Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until tonight, March 18th, 2013 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

SUPER BONUS – WIN $1000 Gift Card!

Win Michaels $1000 Gift Card

Don’t miss your chance to stock up your craft stash and win a $1000 Michael’s gift card. You can enter each day to win this amazing $1000 Shopping Spree at Michaels. Stop in for the last 14 days of National Craft Month here at the FaveCrafts blog each day to hear about the latest prize.

 

Good Luck!

Filed Under: National Craft Month Tagged With: crafting with kids, family crafts, homemade gift ideas, National Craft Month 2013, photo album craft

In Case You Missed It: “A Very Homemade Christmas: 13 Craft Ideas and Breakfast Casserole Recipes for the Family” eBook

December 16, 2012 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

The holidays are meant to be spent with the ones you love the most, not dashing from store to store trying to beat the Christmas rush. All of us at AllFreeChristmasCrafts.com want to help you make your holidays as relaxing and fun as possible, so we’ve found a few ideas that we believe will help you bring your family together without stressing. All you need to do is download our latest free eBook, A Very Homemade Christmas: 13 Craft Ideas and Breakfast Casserole Recipes for the Family, which has full tutorials, patterns, and recipes that everyone in your home can help with.


Our latest eBook has Christmas craft projects that transform your craft fabrics and household materials into brand new handmade Christmas decorations. Not only is there the benefit of spending less on Christmas decorations, but there’s also the benefit of getting to spend quality time with your family and show them how fun and creative crafting can be. A Very Homemade Christmas isn’t just made up of crafts for adults, but also projects that your kids will have no trouble with. There are also 5 mouthwatering recipes for breakfast casseroles courtesy of AllFreeCasseroleRecipes that are just perfect for a cold winter’s morning. No matter what room you’re decorating for or what kind of activity you’re looking for to entertain you’re family, this eBook will provide something unique and easy.

Here’s what you’ll find in this eBook:

Life Saver Candy Cane Christmas Ornament – This is one of the most creative crafts within the eBook, and kids will absolutely love trying it. Learn a totally safe way to make homemade Christmas ornaments using only candy pieces. Once you learn how to get the shape just right, you and the family can try to make your own designs. They may not always come out right, but you’re guaranteed to have fun either way. This is an inexpensive option that’s also going to last for several years (and it’ll smell so good!). If your kids are just starting out with crafts, this project is a great way to show them how fun, fast, and easy it can be.

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal – Take a break from crafting and indulge in one of 5 totally tasty breakfast casserole recipes. Start the day with a healthy, but flavorful meal like this homemade oatmeal. Follow the full recipe provided in the eBook, and in no time, you’ll have a nutritious, aromatic way to wake up the family. You don’t have to be a cook to make quick and easy meals that taste great. You may even find yourself wanting to try and make more once you’ve given it a go with one of the casserole recipes in the eBook!

Download a copy of A Very Homemade Christmas: 13 Craft Ideas and Breakfast Casseroles for the Family – it’s free!

For similar projects and tutorials, try these:

  • 30 Holiday Party Crafts to Celebrate the Season
  • 15 Homemade Christmas Decorations for Around the House

Filed Under: Home Decor and Design Tagged With: Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, DIY Christmas, family crafts, free sewing patterns, Kathryn Wright, recipes, sewing patterns

Have Family Fun Crafts Night with New eBook from FaveCrafts

February 27, 2012 by FaveCrafts

One of my favorite childhood memories was making crafts with my mom and dad.  We’d glue glitter to pine cones, make colorful beaded necklaces, and would even draw and paint on our basement floor.  My parents have always encouraged creativity and art and I love them for allowing us to paint our bedroom walls and play with glitter in the living room.

In an age where kids are spending more and more time on computers and techie gadgets, I think it’s so important to instill a passion for creativity early on in their lives, which is why I was so excited for FaveCraft’s new eBook, Family Fun Crafts:  16 Craft Ideas for Kids.  This collection of family fun crafts has great craft ideas for kids that can be done with the whole family!  From fun nature crafts to projects that are more educational, this free eBook is filled with great ideas for kids of all ages!

 

 

Download your copy of Family Fun Crafts: 16 Craft Ideas for Kids today.

 

 

 

Nature crafts are a great way to introduce kids into crafting, and our Family Fun Crafts eBook has some great ideas to spark creativity.  Using materials they know and see every day, they can create awesome projects that they’re sure to enjoy.  This Clay Rock Box, for example, is a fun way to teach kids how to stamp, paint, and mold with clay…three things any kid would love!  Kids can easily create their own creations and display them in a unique rock box for all to see.  In terms of kids projects, this one literally rocks!

 

Download your copy of Family Fun Crafts: 16 Craft Ideas for Kids today.

 

 

 

 

If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy or snowy afternoon, 16 Family Fun Crafts:  Craft Ideas for Kids has you covered!  With tons of rainy day craft ideas for kids, this free eBook will put even the wildest kids to work!  Easy kids crafts, like this Homemade I Spy Tube, are great for kids of all ages…and parents, too!  Go through that junk drawer and create your own family game to help keep everyone’s mind off the rain and snow.  This and many more ideas are waiting for you and your family in our new Family Fun Crafts FREE eBook!

The best thing about this Family Fun Crafts eBook is that it’s fun for the whole family.  Parents, teens, kids, and even toddlers can get in on the fun.  With 16 fun-filled projects, Family Fun Crafts:  Craft Ideas for Kids is sure to be a hit in your household…and I can vouch for the fact that your kids will cherish the memories you all make together having fun creating, laughing, and inspiring!

 

Do you craft with your kids?  What’s your favorite thing to make together?

 

Filed Under: Kids Crafts Projects Tagged With: crafting with kids, eBook, family crafts

More Great Crafts for Kids

July 20, 2009 by FaveCrafts

As it always does, summer is flying by. Before we know it, the leaves will be turning and the kids will be back in school. But while we still have another month, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy some crafts with your kids. Check out some of our newest ideas below.

Cindy Shepard (aka Rowdy Grandma) submitted a project that is great for grandma to do with the kids. Grandma can donate some of her old costume jewelry to this fun and funky bling bouquet project.

All you need for this project is a keytag and a few decorative items. Let the kids personalize their IDs and then help them attach to their backpacks or jackets and help them keep track of their things.

Kids can help create and decorate accessories for themselves or the gardener in their lives. This will get the kids excited about getting down and dirty in the garden. Some other really great kids’ crafts are the walnut animals.

Filed Under: DIY, Kids Crafts Projects Tagged With: beads, family crafts, garden crafts

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Full Project Tutorials

How to Make A Giant Pom Pom In 60 Seconds Flat

This Christmas craft tutorial is brought to you by craft designer Rachel Faucett aka Handmade Charlotte.   The pom pom is definitely the mascot for knitting and we invented a way to make a giant pom in one minute. I’m so thrilled about this easy technique that I  had to share. Follow the step by […]

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Free eBooks

19 Halloween Crafts for Kids: Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas and Spooky Decor

"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble."  Welcome the spookiest (and most fun) night of the year with witches' chants, scary … [Read More...]

Seasonal Crafts

Kids Saturday: Mother’s Day Crafts

Kids are adorable especially when they're trying to make cute crafts for fun holidays. Mother's day is on it's way which means all the kids are … [Read More...]

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