FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

36 Crafts for Geeks and Nerds

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free-geek-craft-tutorialsWhen it comes to sci-fi TV, films, and books, there is a definite and loyal fan base. Movies like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have attracted such passionate fans that there are entire conventions devoted to reenacting, reliving, and reimagining favorite scenes and characters. For those super fans who affectionately label themselves as a Trekkies, Jedi’s, dragon slayers, wizards, or vampires, we bring you this epic collection of 36 geek-tastic crafts that are sure to satisfy your inner nerd!

From old favorites, like Star Wars and old school computer gadgets, to new obsessions, like Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, this collection of 36 Geeky Crafts for Nerds is all you need to take a well-deserved trip back to your childhood (or to satisfy your need to have Harry Potter marathons every October).  And, as an extra bonus, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a collection of even MORE awesome nerdy crafts!  Scroll on down for all the info!

36 Geeky Crafts for Nerds


Doctor Who


Harry Potter


Star Wars


Techie Nerds


Downton Abbey

 

Looking for more geek crafts? Check out our Pinterest Board full of nerdy craft projects!

Follow FaveCrafts’s board Geek Crafts on Pinterest.

Your Top 10 Favorite Crochet Patterns of All Time

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Do you want the best of the best crochet patterns?  We thought so!  We looked back at ALL our crochet patterns from the beginning of FaveCrafts and assembled our list of The Top 10 Crochet Patterns of All Time!  With a little something for everyone, this collection gives you the most well-loved patterns all in one convenient place.

We don’t want to give away any secrets before you have time to review the list yourself, but let’s just say there are some fantastic projects in this list.  From wearables to home decor, this list contains shawls, afghans, baby patterns, and so much more.

As an added bonus, we’re giving you the chance to win a subscription to I Like Crochet, our brand new online digital magazine.  Filled with brand-new, never-before-featured patterns, this magazine is a must-have for those who are crazy about crochet!  Scroll on down to see how you can win!

Now, without further adieu…

The Top Ten Crochet Patterns of All Time!

top10crochetpatterns

10Adorable Crocheted Baby Dress:  Great for little girls of all ages, this crocheted baby dress is easy to make and makes a wonderful gift idea for a new baby! 

Simple One Skein Wrap9:  This wrap only takes one skein of yarn to make, and you can make one in all your favorite colors so you always have something fun and stylish to wear as you head out the door!

Coldwater Creek Style Cardigan8:  The store may have gone out of business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create clothes inspired by Coldwater Creek!  This lacy cardigan is great for seasonal transitions and can be worn by women of all ages.

7Infinity Rug:  One of my personal favorites, this rug is perfect for adding color to your bathroom or kitchen.  Worked up in a continuous round, this rug is a great project for beginners.

6Baby Blue Hat:  Simple and adorable, this crocheted hat is great for babies of all ages.  You can even make one for a little girl by using pink yarn.  Also good for charity donations, this crocheted hat pattern has been a well-loved staple for years!

5Seashells Scarf:  This stunning crocheted scarf can be worn day or night, and is the perfect accessory for a summer evening out on the town.  The lovely summer colors make this scarf a must-have for summer lovers.

Easy One Ball Baby Blanket and Hat Set4:  One one skein of yarn, you can crochet this baby hat AND a baby afghan!  Perfect for moms with a little one on the way, this pattern is great because it’s like 2 projects in 1!  Best of all, there’s no yarn scraps left over! 

3Arrow Stitch Crocheted Afghan:  Coming in at number three, this afghan would make a lovely addition to any home.  Perfect for the beginning crocheter, this afghan works up using a simple stitch, and it’s great practice for changing colors.

2Under 6 Hours Throw:  We’re all always on the run, so it’s no surprise that this Under 6 Hours Throw claimed the number two spot.  Great for crocheters who are looking for a quick weekend project, this afghan is the perfect solution.

Foolproof Afghan1:  There’s no screwing up this pattern!  Easy, quick, and fun, the Foolproof Afghan is your favorite crochet pattern on FaveCrafts! 

 

Did your favorite make the cut?  Leave a comment and let us know!

11 DIY Gifts to Make for Christmas

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Are you struggling to complete your holiday gift list?  If you’re like me, you’re also probably dreading standing in long lines and dealing with mass crowds of people.  If holiday shopping just isn’t your thing, we’ve got the perfect solution for you!

Filled with projects from American Quilter’s Society, Elmers, Red Heart Yarns, Sizzix, Spellbinders, M-D Products, Polyform, QuiltWoman.com Sullivans USA, Testors, and Xyron, 11 DIY Christmas Decorations and Gift Ideas is all you need to tackle your gift list this year.  Featuring projects you can knit, crochet, glue, paint, quilt, sew, and tape, this free eBook keeps every crafter in mind…and gives you the tools you need to make fantastic gifts and decorations this holiday season.

 

DIY Christmas Decorations

Deck the halls and trim up the tree with these fantastic holiday decorations for your home.  The Ruffled Christmas Wreath would make a lovely addition to your winter decor all season long, and the colorful and festive Hawaiian Christmas Table Runner is a welcomed change from the traditional red and green decorations. 

If you’re looking for something the kids can help with, the cute Winter Fun Directional Sign is a great project to work on during a cold snow day or a lazy weekend.  Help Santa Claus find his way to your home by adding your house to the list of directions, and don’t forget to tell Santa how to get back to the North Pole!

Even though these DIY Christmas decorations are great for adding a festive touch to your own home, there’s nothing saying you can’t give them as gifts as well!  Who wouldn’t love a beautifully hand-made table runner?  And the Ruffled Christmas Wreath would make a lovely gift if you’re going to a winter housewarming party. 

 

Handmade Gifts for Christmas

If you’re looking for something to make as a gift for grandma, mom, or a favorite sister or friend, you have to check out the Rose E’er Blooming Necklace.  Made with beautiful clay flowers, this lovely necklace makes the perfect addition to any holiday outfit, and it’s a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer if you’re running short on time. 

If you’re a lucky one who has the time to handcraft their own Christmas cards, we’ve also got some amazing projects for you in 11 DIY Christmas Decorations and Gift Ideas.  How cool is this O Tannenbaum Die-Cut Christmas Card?  With a tree that literally pops off the paper, this is one card that anyone is sure to appreciate!

 

You can find all these projects and many more in our new free eBook, 11 DIY Christmas Decorations and Gift Ideas.  Download your own copy for free today!

 

BONUS!

As if that wasn’t enough, we’re also celebrating the release of our our new eBook with an amazing Spectacular Christmas Grand Prize Giveaway!  With more than $1,100 in prizes, Christmas is going to come early to one lucky winner!  Enter today!

We’re also giving away daily prizes, as well!  Check the giveaway page on FaveCrafts.com for all the information on how you can win big this holiday season!

 

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday!

 

We want to know!  What’s your favorite holiday family tradition?  Tell us in the comments below!

100 Days Until Christmas! + A MUST SEE Giveaway!

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The countdown has begun…only 100 more days until Christmas!  Time to start prepping your gift list and checking it twice.  It’s also the perfect time to get started crafting up some holiday cards so you’re not rushed to make them as the holidays quickly creep closer and closer.

Since we’re all in a rush with our holiday crafting, it helps so much when all the materials we need are gathered up for us in one convenient kit…which is why I LOVE this 12 Days of Christmas paper pack from Docrafts.  With everything you need to make beautiful cards, gift wrap, scrapbook layouts and more, this collection has already made my Christmas crafting that much easier.

Containing die cuts, stamps, craft tape, 12×12 papers, and a collection of stunning 3D pop-up Christmas cards, the 12 Days of Christmas collection is inspired by the popular holiday tune of the same name, with the motif running through all products in this collection.  We had so much fun playing with this assortment and couldn’t wait to share some of our ideas with you!  We’re also giving YOU the chance to win this entire collection so you can craft up some of your own Christmas goodies!  Scroll on down for more information on how to enter to win!

We also wanted to challenge some of the bloggers on our Design Team to create some original projects with this paper pack.  The wonderful Michele Kovack of Thoughts of a Cardmaking Scrapbooker took us up on our challenge and here’s what she created.  Aren’t these just beautiful?!

christmas boxes

Here’s a closer look at two of these stunning gift bags…

christmas box blue  christmas box gold

In addition to the 12 Days of Christmas paper pack, Michele also used her Silhouette, some colorful ribbon, mini jingle bells, string, and ink to create these cute gift bags.  These would make adorable stocking stuffers or could even be used to create your very own 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar.  

All the pieces in this kit coordinate so nicely together and can help even the busiest of crafters create amazing cards and decorations in no time flat.  Want to learn more about how you can win this awesome paper pack?

GIVEAWAY!

All you need to do is head on over to the giveaway page and register to win!  You have until September 30th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome paper pack!  Good luck!

 

We want to know!  What would you make with this awesome paper pack collection? 

Leave a comment and tell us all about it!

 

Your Top 10 Favorite Crochet Patterns of All Time

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Do you want the best of the best crochet patterns? We thought so! We looked back at ALL our crochet patterns from the beginning of FaveCrafts and assembled our list of The Top 10 Crochet Patterns of All Time! With a little something for everyone, this collection gives you the most well-loved patterns all in one convenient place.

We don’t want to give away any secrets before you have time to review the list yourself, but let’s just say there are some fantastic projects in this list. From wearables to home decor, this list contains shawls, afghans, baby patterns, and so much more.

As an added bonus, we’re giving you the chance to win a subscription to I Like Crochet, our brand new online digital magazine. Filled with brand-new, never-before-featured patterns, this magazine is a must-have for those who are crazy about crochet! Scroll on down to see how you can win!

Now, without further adieu…

The Top Ten Crochet Patterns of All Time!

top10crochetpatterns

10Adorable Crocheted Baby Dress: Great for little girls of all ages, this crocheted baby dress is easy to make and makes a wonderful gift idea for a new baby!

Simple One Skein Wrap9: This wrap only takes one skein of yarn to make, and you can make one in all your favorite colors so you always have something fun and stylish to wear as you head out the door!

Coldwater Creek Style Cardigan8: The store may have gone out of business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create clothes inspired by Coldwater Creek! This lacy cardigan is great for seasonal transitions and can be worn by women of all ages.

7Infinity Rug: One of my personal favorites, this rug is perfect for adding color to your bathroom or kitchen. Worked up in a continuous round, this rug is a great project for beginners.

6Baby Blue Hat: Simple and adorable, this crocheted hat is great for babies of all ages. You can even make one for a little girl by using pink yarn. Also good for charity donations, this crocheted hat pattern has been a well-loved staple for years!

5Seashells Scarf: This stunning crocheted scarf can be worn day or night, and is the perfect accessory for a summer evening out on the town. The lovely summer colors make this scarf a must-have for summer lovers.

Easy One Ball Baby Blanket and Hat Set4: One one skein of yarn, you can crochet this baby hat AND a baby afghan! Perfect for moms with a little one on the way, this pattern is great because it’s like 2 projects in 1! Best of all, there’s no yarn scraps left over!

3Arrow Stitch Crocheted Afghan: Coming in at number three, this afghan would make a lovely addition to any home. Perfect for the beginning crocheter, this afghan works up using a simple stitch, and it’s great practice for changing colors.

2Under 6 Hours Throw: We’re all always on the run, so it’s no surprise that this Under 6 Hours Throw claimed the number two spot. Great for crocheters who are looking for a quick weekend project, this afghan is the perfect solution.

Foolproof Afghan1: There’s no screwing up this pattern! Easy, quick, and fun, the Foolproof Afghan is your favorite crochet pattern on FaveCrafts!

 

Did your favorite make the cut? Leave a comment and let us know!

BONUS! We’re giving away a one-year subscription to our new online digital magazine, I Like Crochet. This subscription includes 6 issues of never-before-seen content from designers who are the best in the business. From shawls to afghans, hats to sweaters, I Like Crochet has patterns, videos, and tutorials to suit your every need! You have until September 5th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveaway! Head on over to the giveaway page now and register to win! Good luck!

You can also read more about I Like Crochet on FaveCrafts.com!

An Interview with Wise Craft Author, Blair Stocker

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meinstudiolowresTeam FaveCrafts was SO excited to read and review Wise Craft by Blair Stocker.  Filled with amazing ideas for turning thrift store finds into home decor gold, Wise Craft is a must-have book for making your own home decor and accessories.

We were just so inspired by Wise Craft and all the amazing projects inside that we couldn’t wait to find out what the motivation was behind all these awesome tutorials.  Blair was sweet enough to answer all our questions, and even gave us some crafty tips on what to look for in thrift store finds and what three things she always has in her craft stash.

As a little added bonus, we’re giving away one copy of Wise Craft to one lucky winner!  Scroll on down to find out more about how you can win this awesome book!

 

What inspired you to create Wise Craft?
There are so many books already on the market that go deep in one craft or medium (like crochet, knitting, quilting, etc). I like to do all of these things, and rarely meet a DIY project or method I won’t try at least once. I felt like there must be others out there also want to dapple in all types of crafts to make their home a lovely place, without learning deeply about one particular one (at least not at first). There seems to be lots of us, thankfully my hunch was right!

What are some tips you have for crafters who are looking to embrace the DIY lifestyle?
Get inspiration from your favorite catalogs and stores. Often my favorite color combinations for a household related DIY project come from my favorite apparel catalog or store. And my favorite motto when it comes to household color changes? “It’s just paint!”

What is your favorite project in Wise Craft?
That’s hard to say, every one of the projects have so much meaning around them to me. I really do love the Avalon Quilt project in the Winter section of the book. It was made from my kids outgrown corduroy clothing. I collected it over a few seasons until I had what I thought was enough to cut into, then supplemented with some clothing from the thrift store.

You seem to be inspired by everything around you…but when the ideas just don’t seem to come, how to you overcome “craft-block”?
I work at home in a basement studio. If I find myself stuck and I just can’t seem to get the cogs churning, then I know its time to get out and do anything but make something! I love to window shop high end stores to look at the colors and displays. Sometimes I take myself out to lunch and people watch. I try to get together with my creative friends on a regular basis just to talk about all the things we want to do. And I never stop learning. Whether its going to weekend quilting retreats, taking online or in person classes, I am ALWAYS inspired when I learn something new.

What do you look for in a good thrift store find?
I keep a running list in my bag of what it is I’m wanting to find, because my eyes can glaze over when I walk into a big thrift store. I think it’s more of a gut feeling to find something- like fabric, clothing to cut up, or something furniture related- and just know it’s THE perfect thing. I’ve been collecting things from thrift stores for years, and I still come home with things that leave me wondering what I was thinking. I’ve gotten better. Practice makes perfect!
I usually don’t bring anything home that has something missing or needs too much repair, because I never get around to it.

Tell us three must-have craft supplies you have in your stash all the time.

  • Hot glue gun
  • Good scissors
  • A sewing machine

With these three things, almost every next step is possible 😀

 

BONUS!  We’re giving away one copy of Wise Craft to one lucky winner!  You have until August 29th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveaway!  Head on over to the giveaway page now and register to win today!

 

Want a little sneak peek?  Check out the Woven Chair Back project!

19 Ways to Give New Life to Old Furniture

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deco-art-coverIs your garage filled with your beloved thrift store finds?  If you’re like me, you may have an old cabinet in the corner just waiting to be used…or maybe some old chairs that you picked up at a garage sale or an old dresser in your bedroom that was passed on to you that is just begging for a makeover.  Well, it’s time to start giving that furniture the love it deserves!

Filled with 19 amazing suggestions for transforming old furniture into new pieces that will help beautify your home, How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects, is a must-have free eBook for DIY’ers of all kinds.  Brought to you by FaveCrafts and DecoArt, this eBook teaches readers how to use Chalky Paint to completely transform your furniture.  Add character to an old dresser or paint a cabinet to give it that well-worn look.  Complete with instructions, tutorials, how-to’s, and even an interactive shopping list, this eBook is all you need to help you start looking at your furniture in a whole new way.

How-to-Upcycle-Furniture-mini_leftDownload your own copy of How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects for free today!

 

Tables and Chairs

An old end table can be transformed into a nursery room staple with the help of this Gorgeous Starry Side Table tutorial.  Great for holding all of baby’s essentials, this cute table is easy to make and would look great in any baby’s room.  Sometimes it’s hard to find a table that’s unique to your nursery theme or that really stands out, but with the helpful tutorials and lessons you’ll find in How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects, you’ll be able to make a table that best suits your needs!

 

How-to-Upcycle-Furniture-mini_leftDownload your own copy of How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects for free today!

 

Bookcases and Dressers

Give your old bookshelf an instant makeover with the tutorials and projects you’ll find in this section of How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects.  By simply adding color to the backing of your bookshelf, you can create an awesome design element that would look striking in any room.  Take this Thrifty Chevron Bookcase, for example.  The simple chevron pattern on the back of the bookshelf really makes this furniture piece pop with color and style…and you can create this look with any color combination you’d like!  Storage doesn’t have to be boring.  Store books, pictures, and other nick knacks in plain sight by decorating the furniture piece that holds them.

 

How-to-Upcycle-Furniture-mini_left

 

Download your own copy of How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects for free today!

 

You can find these projects and so many more in our new free eBook, How to Paint Furniture: 19 Upcycled Furniture Projects.  Download your own free copy today, and start looking at your furniture in a whole new way!

 

BONUS!  As an added bonus, we’re giving away $280 worth of DecoArt supplies, including 29 jars of Crafty Finish paint!  You have until August 24th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveaway!  Head on over to the giveaway page and register to win today!

FavCrafts-giveawy-chalky

 

What DIY tips do you have to share when it comes to working with thrift store finds?  What do you look for?  What is your favorite product to buy?   Share your crafty wisdom with us!

 

 

18 Ways to Use Embroidery Hoops

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One of my earliest crafting memories is learning how to use the embroidery hoop.  My great-grandmother, who was a master sewist and knitter, had a large assortment of embroidery hoops that she gave to my mom after she moved to Florida.  My mom spent several days teaching me how to use the embroidery hoop and how to sew and embroider patterns onto fabric.  I had remembered watching my great-grandmother embroider and I loved the poetry of her movement…how she effortlessly created all kinds of embroidered napkins, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs by simply pulling a needle and thread through the fabric.

When I got old enough, I created my very first embroidered pattern, which was a haphazard dedication to Harry Potter.  When I stumbled upon this project a few years ago, it brought me to tears and I instantly hung it above my bookshelf, where it sits today.

As I sat looking at one of the first things I ever remember making, I wondered what else I could do with my great-grandma’s embroidery hoops.  I have a variety of hoops in different sizes…so I did some exploring and gathered up a few of my favorite embroidery hoop projects for you to enjoy!  Whether you use them to embroider or decorate your home, these plastic and wooden hoops can do wonders for your home decor.  Projects like the Jolly JOY Ornaments make for a quick and easy Christmas decoration…and the Embroidery Hoop Bulletin Board is a great way to keep your life organized.

No matter how you use them, these fun embroidery hoop ideas are sure to give you a reason to dig those old hoops out of your craft stash!  Enjoy!

embroidery-hoops

18 Ways to Use Embroidery Hoops

 

How do you use embroidery hoops in your crafting life?

11 Ways to Use Mod Podge

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Mod Podge is a must-have craft supply for all types of DIY crafters.  Available in a wide range of styles and finishes, Mod Podge can do everything from gluing down paper to adding a lovely finish to beads and jewelry.

If you love Mod Podge as much as I do, then you’re going to love this amazing collection of 11 Ways to Use Mod Podge.  With great suggestions on how to decoupage stools, tables, boxes, and jars, these projects will help teach you how to look at everything in your home in a new light.

Are you new to the art of Mod Podging?  Never fear!  We have a wonderful Mod Podge Basic Tutorial for you that wil give you the basics for working with Mod Podge.  This craft glue can help you do things you never thought were possible, and with a wide range of finishes to choose from, you’re bound to find a Mod Podge to suit your needs.

Once you’ve mastered our Mod Podge Basics Tutorial, check out the projects below for some great ideas on how you can use this glue.  The Upcycled End Table, for example, is a great project for beginners.  You can create a colorful table to match any decor scheme in your home and use up materials in your craft stash while you’re at it!

As an added bonus, we’re also giving you the opportunity to win a collection of Mod Podge supplies!  Scroll on down to the bottom of the post for more information on how you can win some Mod Podge of your own!

 

11 Ways to Use Mod Podge

ways-to-use-mod-podge

 

 

BONUS!  We’re giving away a little collection of Mod Podge supplies!  This Mod Podge Podgeable Collection has everything you need to help you create wonderful decoupaged jewelry, artwork, and much more.  You have until July 22nd to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveaway!  Good luck!

 

Like free stuff?  Be sure to enter to win our other weekly giveaways, going on now!

 

Christmas in July!: 13 Patterns to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

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The countdown has begun…only 6 more months until Christmas…that’s 173 days, people!  Are you significantly worried now?  Well, not to fear!  We’ve gathered up 13 of our favorite DIY Christmas crafts and are giving them to you as an early holiday gift.  From mini trees to striped stockings, this list is all you need to get your holiday DIY crafting on track for Christmas 2014.

Whether you’re crafting your own decorations or are looking for some unique handmade gift ideas, this collection of Christmas projects is perfect for everyone.  The beautiful All is Calm Winter Wreath is a fabulous winter wreath that you can actually have out on display all season long.  These Snowball Wine Bottle Vases would also be great for winter decorating throughout the season.

If you’re looking for even more adorable decorating ideas, check out our collection of How to Make a Mini Christmas Tree: 15 Tabletop Trees.  This is an amazing collection of popular mini trees that every crafter is sure to love.

As an added stocking stuffer, we’re also giving away a couple of Christmas books that cross stitch fans are sure to love.  Scroll on down for more information on how you can enter to win this fabulous book collection!

christmas-in-july

  1. How to Make a Mini Christmas Tree: 15 Tabletop Trees
  2. Dollar Store Snowman
  3. All is Calm Winter Wreath
  4. Crocheted Nativity
  5. Classic Etched Hurricanes
  6. Crafty Coca Cola Advent Calendar
  7. Brand New Holiday Coasters
  8. Simple Brown Bag Ornament
  9. Snowball Wine Bottle Vases
  10. Sparkling Christmas Joy
  11. Crocheted Christmas Tree Skirt
  12. Jingle Bell Tile Coasters
  13. Simple Striped Stockings

 

BONUS!  We’re giving away a copy of Christmas Stocking Cross Stitch and Candy Cane Climbers…great books that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit in no time.  Filled with several Christmas-themed cross stitch patterns, these books are perfect for the DIY holiday crafter.  You have until July 18th to enter, and you can enter to win once a day…so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning this awesome giveway!  Head on over to the giveaway page and register to win today!

Love free stuff?  Be sure to check out our other weekly giveaways…going on now!

 

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