Favorites Friday Archives

Winter Crafts Round-Up

February 13, 2009 by FaveCrafts

Even though we’ve seen gorgeous weather this week in Chicago (sunny and 60 on Tuesday!), the groundhog recently predicted six more weeks of winter, and we’ve been in the Midwest long enough to know spring never comes early. So while we’re gearing up for the five inches of snow predicted for Valentine’s weekend, cozy up and check out the round-up of our favorite winter crafts.

Caley’s Picks

If we have to endure the cold weather, we might as well enjoy the sight of snow. While we don’t get much snow in Ireland, I’d love to have this snowstorm mobile created by the ever-brilliant Jeffrey Rudell hanging above a bed. I love that dental floss is used to hang.

This pick definitely stretches the Wintery topic of this round-up, but this technique for embroidering around small circular objects definitely reminds me of snowflakes. Annie’s example is called a ShiSha Mirror. How pretty!

For something to keep you warm, I have to mention the New York Noro Plaid Scarf from Crafty Pants. She uses a very clever technique of weaving the yarn through the double crochet to show off the colors of the yarn.

Mindy’s Picks

Infant mittens inspired by the sphere-handed avatars of Wii bowling. Whatever. They are just so cute on the baby!

In the same technology-inspired vein, these gloves are made with conductive thread so you can control your ipod without having to take off your gloves and risk frostbite. Now that is a cool idea.

Kelly’s Picks

Not only do these slippers look incredibly comfy but they’re made from recycled materials as well – go green and stay warm!

This is a really great gift to give in the winter – a homemade hot cocoa mix in a cute decorative jar – or just make it for yourself to enjoy.

I love the idea to make a circle scarf out of an extra large t-shirt. Sure beats paying $28 at American Apparel for one!

Favorites Friday: New Year’s Resolution Edition

January 2, 2009 by FaveCrafts

It’s my favorite part of the ending holiday season — New Years! Time to reflect on the past year and apply that insight to the year to come. Although most of my resolutions never make it past the first couple months, this year, I’m determined to make them last.

So what are your New Years Resolutions? To inspire you, here are some links of our favorite craft-related resolution ideas!

Here you can find some great ways to incorporate crafting into those tried and true resolutions

Or, make something crafty to remind you of your intended resolutions like MilkMade.

And lastly, if you haven’t had time to come up with a resolution for yourself, check out this article on the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Crafters and Artists for some ideas!

You can do it! We believe in you!

Favorites Friday, Or is it?

December 26, 2008 by FaveCrafts

Favorites Friday was intended to be a round-up of all the editors favorite craft ideas or projects within a weekly category, but somehow we are getting further and further away from that idea. Last week we featured the anti-gift guide, with our least favorite holiday gift ideas. This week, Kelly and I take a look at the eerily popular trend of anthropomorphic animals (human characteristics given to animals) within arts and crafting projects. We were both pretty shocked at how prevalent this theme has become on Etsy, and in the online art world in general. The images range from the adorable to the incomprehensible. Here are some of our favorites. Let us know what you think all the hype is about!

This Cheetah is one of many anthropomorphic prints by berkleyillustration.

A more realistic photograph from linohype.

Paolo the Clownchilla. I’m not even going to pretend I get it. From yayforfidgetart.

Favorites Friday: The Anti-Gift Guide

December 19, 2008 by FaveCrafts

With only a few days left until Christmas, I think we’re all getting a bit over-saturated with crafty gift guides. Sure, you might have a few gifts still to make this weekend (I know I do, one more hat!!), but is another gift guide really going to help you out? Instead, we FaveCrafts editors thought we’d put together the anti-gift guide, full of crafts we would NOT actually recommend you make for your loved ones. As a disclaimer, we’d like to say we think all of these crafts are completely awesome in their own way and if you have a recipient with a sense of humor, have at it! Otherwise, we hope you enjoy a good laugh.

1. Your soap dispenser looks so sad and cold doesn’t it? Well, whip up a crochet “Soft Soap Dress” to keep it warm. The crochet is quite cute, but I’d feel somewhat odd harassing the head of an anthropomorphic soap pump to wash my hands. Still, if you are little less startled by doll-like figures in the dark, why not hide the ugly product label?
Soft Soap Crochet Dress
This felted baby Yoda hat is the perfect gift for parents who happen to be major Star Wars fans. Others might want to restrict this kind of gift to Halloween. Personally, I want to see my nephew in this. I don’t think he’s take it off.
Adapted Felted Baby Yoda Hat from iamsalad
If you missed the controversial 9/11 Softies, they deserve a look. While some might say these cute towers will ALWAYS be too soon, others have found something touching in them. Perhaps humor is part of the grieving process.
Submitted by Mindy and found over at Life Art Yarn & Baby Poop, Jews can get into the spirit of overly-festive holiday sweaters with this knitted creation from HSN. Mindy says, “As a Jew, I always felt left out of tacky holiday sweater wearing, until now!”
Festive Knitted Hanukkah Sweater
Even without knitting skills, you can get into the spirit of holiday sweaters by “knitting” one online and emailing to a friend compliment of Sullivan, Higdon & Sink. Do some “window shopping” while you are there of past creations. Priceless!
Be festive in every room of your house with this slightly disturbing Santa Commode Set. Yep, that’s right, you can dress your toilet up just like Father Christmas himself!
Santa Commode Set
Last, but not least, you can go green and tacky with this hilarious plastic Christmas wreath. Just follow the step by step directions here. But like the directions say, you might want to hang it on the back door when you’re ready to display it.
Tacky Christmas Wreath