Charming Chompers: 19 DIY Crafts for Shark Week

June 27, 2016 by FaveCrafts

The first Shark Week aired on the Discovery Channel in July of 1988, making shark week nearly 30 years old to this date. This fact alone is a testament to our obsession as a culture with sharks. Sharks are the dinosaurs of the deep, inspiring fear and fascination in our hearts. I’ve always been a little in love with sharks and, because of this, am a huge fan of Shark Week. A whole week dedicated to those chomping, swimming fishes? Yes, please!

In order to celebrate Shark Week, we have collected a wide range of shark craft ideas. From shark crafts for kids to more adult ideas like shark tooth necklaces and crochet patterns, the Shark Week crafts below are sure to be adored by any friend of these fierce fishes. Just keep scrolling (or swimming) to see all the jaws-dropping Shark Week crafts we have to offer. They won’t bite. We promise!

19 DIY Crafts for Shark Week

Find even more sharky ideas over at our sister blog, SeamsandScissors.com! Jaws-Dropping Ideas: How to Make a Shark for Shark Week features 11 free sewing patterns and sewing project ideas you will definitely want to sink your teeth into.

What’s your favorite shark movie? I love Jaws.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

July 11, 2015 by FaveCrafts

My companions, in all of time and space you will never find such a stockpile of incredible DIY crafts and free crochet patterns.

For those of you who don’t know the TV show Doctor Who, you’re probably going to be slightly lost. I’m sorry, just run with it. This is my second favorite pop culture trend (next to Harry Potter) and it has been getting a lot of attention. Whovians everywhere are making their own DIY costumes for Halloween and Comic-Con, not to mention their everyday representation of the incredible fandom. With the 50th Anniversary being just last year, and our introduction of the War Doctor and 12, fans are going crazy trying to get their hands on easy crafts and free crochet patterns. Let’s be honest, why would we spend our hard-earned money on something we can just make ourselves? Why would we especially spend a ton of money on handmade geeky crafts when you will save when you make it yourself and have the satisfaction of a job well done. You can make your very own Doctor like no one has ever seen with free amigurumi patterns, homemade t-shirts, and DIY crafts.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

If you thought I just talked a lot of gibberish, I thought the same thing before I became a Whovian. I highly encourage you to take the time and watch the show (please don’t be that person who skips 9). Even if you don’t watch the show yourself, there is somebody you know who does. Daughter, son, grandchildren, husband…one person does. I can guarantee it. Maybe they aren’t the incredible crocheter that you are, so a cuddly dalek pattern will be a great homemade gift. Amigurumi figures are small, doll-like figures that are normally crocheted and they are becoming a new trend with the younger population. There are amigurumi patterns that are really easy to follow and they’re so cute!

Now, my crafters, don’t panic. I haven’t forgotten you. I will admit that it was a little more difficult to find full craft tutorials. You can admit that Doctor Who is very much defined by the wardrobe and the faces of the characters. That said, you can easily make their accessories. Whoever (pun intended) is your favorite Doctor, they are each defined by a specific accessory. Think inside the TARDIS box. Your ideas are all there! But if you’re having a little trouble, you’re going to love these easy crafts that you can use over and over again.

Free Crochet Patterns

Tardis Amigurumi from Army of Owls on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi from Lucy Ravenscar on ravelry.com

Amigurumi Adipose from Jennifer Christensen on ravelry.com

Fez Toilet Paper Roll Cover from Irish Lace

10’s Sonic Screw Driver from The Bean Patch

Time Traveling Police Call Box Scarf from Happy Hooker

Doctor Who Set of Doctors (1-11) + Tardis from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Doctor Who War Doctor from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi Pattern from Craftster

Rose’s Scarf from Boomtown Pattern from The Worst Crochet Blog

4’s Scarf Pattern from Sandra Petit on ravelry.com

Baby Dalek Dress from Random Ramblings

Free Knitting Patterns

Insulate! Hat from Amy van de Laar on ravelry.com

Free Craft Projects

Homemade Fezzes from Tally’s Treasury

Tardis Needle Case from Craftster

Adipose Plush Toy from Tuts+

Doctor Who Painted Tardis Heels from Doodle Craft Blog

Bow Tie Necklace from 3 Chic Geeks

Tardis Closet from Madin Crafts

Interested in more geeky stuff? Check out this collection of easy superhero crafts!

The Ultimate Superhero Crafts Roundup

Who is your favorite Doctor, and how do you show your Who-love?

Jurassic Park Dinosaur Crafts and DIY Costumes for Kids

July 2, 2015 by FaveCrafts

In lieu of the newest installment of the Jurassic Park series, your kids (and most likely you) are jumping up and down in excitement for the improved CGI graphics. As you should be! It’s been a long haul since the first movie came out. Universal Studios still has a portion of their theme-park dedicated to the incredible water ride where a T-Rex ends up eating you; when in reality you feel like you fall to your death, finally being soaking wet. I wonder what they will do to the park with the “Raptor Squad” being a thing with Christ Pratt on his motorcycle. Anyway, I’m sure your child is wanting to go see the movie. At your own discretion, parents, by all means go see the movie. But you don’t want your kid to just go in a t-shirt. No, they need an awesome, easy kid’s costume or dino craft to prepare themselves for an incredible movie.

Honestly, I haven’t even seen the movie yet. Though from the record-breaking box office money made the first weekend alone, I feel like my chances of it being really good are, well, really good. I will also admit that it is not until very recently that I saw the first movie in its entirety. Oh, I know. It’s been on TV for forever and a day, but I never had any interest in seeing it. No, I haven’t seen the other two movies in the series, but I have been advised not to do so. I was told by a little pterodactyl that they were the equivalent to how good Jaws 2 and Jaws 3-D are. To each their own.

You’re going to have a roaring-great time making these dinosaur crafts for kids to do. I love the homemade dinosaur hoodie which would be paired great with the homemade tail that wraps around your child’s waist. You don’t have to make these just for the movie! Dinosaur crafts and dinosaur sewing are super awesome ways to get your child into play time and create their own Jurassic world. (See what I did there?)

Jurassic Park Dinosaur Crafts and DIY Costumes for Kids

Dotty Dinosaur Tail

This dino tail is a cute way to get creative with different patterns for “scales.” If you’re looking for an educational standpoint, teach them about reptiles, amphibians, and fish that have scales.

Dinosaur Tail for Dress Up

This homemade dinosaur craft is the same as above, only it doesn’t have spots. So if your child wants just a plain tail, here is a tutorial that will go straight to those steps.

Dinosaur Plaster Casts

You can make these easy plaster crafts of dinosaur toys and have them be “fossils.” Hide them in a sand box, sensory table, or a box of dirt so your child can “dig up” their own fossils.

Free Printable Dinosaur Masks

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, then you’ll love these free printable dinosaur masks. Your child still gets some fun play time out of them and you don’t have a mess to clean up!

DIY Dragon Dress Up Costume

I know it says “dragon,” but this easy kid’s costume looks just like a dinosaur’s spiky spine.

DIY Dinosaur Hoodie

My movie theater is always cold—I believe that all movie theaters are programed that way because it somehow makes you buy more warm popcorn. Anyways, this modified hoodie will be your lifesaver for when your child gets cold.

We want to know: are you for the original Jurassic Park or do you like the new Jurassic World better?

FaveQuilts’ Top Five Quilt Films and Documentaries

June 6, 2014 by FaveQuilts

We’ve talked before about our favorite novels about quilting, and all the ways that quilting affects our lives, from charity quilting to quilt guilds. The best part of quilting is the community built into it; people who understand that “fat quarter” isn’t an insult and exactly how much work the gift of a quilt requires, especially if they’re hand-stitched! Quilting requires a lot of really difficult quilt math, creative energy, and boundless patience. These films and documentaries run the gamut from heartwarming movies to informative history lessons—just like the hobby of quilting itself. So settle in and enjoy! All of these films are available on Amazon.

1. Stitched, the Film From Amazon: “Stitched” is a fun-filled documentary following three quilters racing to complete their entries for the International Quilt Festival, the largest and most competitive quilt show in the nation. The compelling doc uncovers an overlooked medium that has progressed from traditional folk to modern art.

2.How to Make an American Quilt From Amazon: Berkeley graduate student Finn (Winona Ryder) is spending the summer at the home of her sparring grandmother and great aunt (Oscar winners Ellen Burstyn and Anne Bancroft), where she intends to finish her latest thesis and think over a marriage proposal. As she wrestles with her decision, the women in her grandmother’s quilting bee confide to her the stories of the loves that shaped their own lives. Also starring Maya Angelou, Kate Nelligan, Jean Simmons, Lois Smith and Alfre Woodard, How to Make an American Quilt is a deeply moving and funny film that celebrates following your heart.

3. Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics From Amazon: The nine-part documentary series will change the way you think about quilts. It’s an exploration of quilts with capital Q that takes you on an amazing journey. Episode by episode, this series introduces new ideas and uncovers the unsuspected size and depth of quilt culture. Delve into the inner workings of the art world, explore behind the scenes in the marketplace, and journey into the complicated, kaleidoscopic world of quilts: explore two centuries of history; watch as women gain power from their handiwork; consider the nature of art itself; and more.

4. Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt From Amazon: Stories From The QuiltAs of 2004, a variety of drugs have been developed to resist, if not cure, AIDS–yet Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt remains as emotionally powerful as it was during the height of the crisis, when people were dying by the thousands every year. With a combination of photo-montages, interviews with friends and family members, home movies, and news footage, this 1989 documentary captures the grief of those who have survived victims of AIDS. A moving combination of art and politics.

5. Quilts of Gee’s Bend

From Vimeo: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend documentary accompanies the major exhibitions of Gee’s Bend quilts. Set in the quiltmaker’s homes and yard, and told through the women’s voices, this music-filled, 28-minute documentary takes viewers inside the art and fascinating living history of a uniquely American community and art form. Available to watch free online here.

Don’t miss out! We’re giving away a Sizzix Fabi Starter Kit, absolutely free.

Cut modern and traditional shapes in a hurry with the new Sizzix Fabi Starter Kit. If you’ve never used a die cutter before, then this is the machine for you! Simply attach the handle and you are ready to cut. The cutting machine is very intuitive to use, and can easily cut through multiple layers of fabric.

Enter to win today!

Do you have a favorite film about quilts?

Be a Hero! Superhero Crafts for Free Comic Book Day

May 2, 2014 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

This Saturday, May 3rd, is Free Comic Book Day. On this day, generous comic book shops throughout the country give away comics, completely for free! Since we love superheroes and all things free at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com, we’re celebrating this super-holiday with superhero crafts inspired by everyone’s favorite comics.

Just because Comic Book Day is once a year doesn’t mean that these DIY projects have a deadline. Celebrate your inner-hero on the daily with decorating ideas, creative recipes, and amazing costumes, masks, and capes! Don’t forget to head out to your local comic book store this Saturday to grab your free comic, perhaps dressed in one of the handmade costumes below.

Costumes and Capes

Be the hero on Free Comic Book Day with our favorite superhero costumes and capes. No matter what your favorite comic book is, there’s a simple superhero craft you’ll enjoy below. Put your sewing skills to the test and create a cool cape or mask.

Comic Book Decorations

Get your home ready for Free Comic Book Day with a few handmade decorations that you’re sure to love. Invite all of your comic-obsessed friends over so you can read your free comics together! A party isn’t a party without decorations, and the ones below are super, man!

Super-Food

After your decorations are in place, you’ll need some super-snacks to replenish yourself. From Spider-man to The Avengers, the cute treats below perfectly demonstrate your comic book craze.

What is your favorite comic book?

Game of Thrones Crafts Are Coming…

April 7, 2014 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Since the first episode of Game of Thrones aired, I quickly became obsessed with the show. As many of my fellow GOT-enthusiasts can understand, I have suffered through massive losses at the hands of the (genius) writers, yet still keep coming back for more. Like every other Game of Thrones fan, I have a hard time choosing a favorite character, for fear of losing them. That’s why I have decided that commemorating each House is the only way to deal with the inevitable loss we will see this season. Over at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com we’ve rustled up some pretty amazing ideas.

Take your time, choose your house, and get started on a few of these handmade ideas that will have you either screaming, “Dracarys!”, warning that winter is coming, or lying through your teeth (Cough, cough, Lannisters, ahem).

House Targaryen
“Dracarys!”

Dragons are perhaps the most exciting part of Game of Thrones, making Daenerys Targaryen a popular favorite. The crafts below are inspired by House Targaryen, in many different ways. Embrace Khaleesi’s fashion sense, and make your very own set of Dragon Eggs – what could be cooler than that?

House Stark
“Winter is Coming.”

The Stark family is known for their unyielding honor, which some would say has cost them over the past 3 seasons. Celebrate the most honorable House from Westeros with the tutorials below. Inspired by Winterfell fashion and the Stark dire wolves, these crafts are for winter warriors only.

House Lannister
“A Lannister always pays his debts.”

A Lannister may always pay his debts, but we wouldn’t mind saving ourselves from any interaction with them at all. This deceitful House of Westeros may be on top for now, but hopeful fans like myself are ready for revenge. (The North Remembers!) We do have to hand it to the capitol dwellers when it comes to fashion; Cersei’s attire is always enviable.

Which House would you align yourself with?

15 Oscar-Inspired Free Craft Ideas

February 25, 2014 by AllFreeJewelryMaking

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (and no, I don’t mean Christmas)! It is award show season, and it all culminates with the Oscars. I know I cannot be the only one anticipating this Sunday’s airing of the 86th Academy Awards. The star-studded red-carpets, the glamorous presenters, the fabulous dresses, the exquisite jewelry pieces, what is there not to love about this magical, sparkly award show?

Have you kept up with this year’s list of nominees? I still have a few of the Best Picture nominees to see before the big show. Need a reminder of what films are on that list of nominees? Don’t fret, we have rounded-up a list of award-worthy craft ideas to go along with each Best Picture nominee. These crafts are worthy of critical acclaim on their own, but they are also a fabulous way to commemorate the best films of last year. We have several jewelry projects for you, alongside some other outstanding crafts to help you prepare for the big day. The show is soon, so get started today crafting these lovely movie-inspired projects.

Winning Crafts Ideas for the Oscars

First, we have American Hustle, a film with an all-star cast set in the 1970s. The flashy wardrobe is a big part of the ambiance of this film. Get the 1970s look with this Circle and Square Jewelry Set. If fashion isn’t your thing, you can still pay homage to this contender by crafting Mod Circles Wall Art.

Next on the list is Captain Phillips, a film that follows the true story of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking and rescue mission. Feel that patriotic pride from this rescue mission and craft these Salute Earrings. However, you may also just be intrigued by the in-depth look into life on a merchant mariner. In that case, this Nautical Braided Bracelet is right up your alley.

Dallas Buyers Club and Matthew McConaughey fans, you can show your support for the Lone Star state with this Manly Man Throw from our friends at Fave Crafts.

Gravity is the next film on the list. Do you enjoy the thrill and excitement of space exploration? You are sure to love these Extraterrestrial Hoop Earrings!

Next up is Her, an unconventional love story between a man and his artificial intelligence computer operating system known as Samantha. Fans of Her are going to want to protect their technology, so they will enjoy these fabulous cell phone holders from our friends at AllFreeSewing.

Nebraska is a black and white film featuring a father-son road trip. For old school cinephiles who love black and white films, you will like these recycled retro film strip earrings. If you are simply a fan of the color combination, don’t fret; we still have a project for you, a stunning Black and White Beaded Bangle.

Philomena is the touching story of a woman trying to find her son who was taken away from her fifty years before. Her one memento of her son is a photograph. Keep your loved ones close to you, with this commemorative Glass Photo Pendant.

Next on the list is 12 Years a Slave, the dark and powerful true story of Solomon Northrup, a free black man conned, captured, and enslaved for twelve years. Solomon’s story is known today because he wrote it down. Make your own story known with this Coptic Stitch Bookbinding Tutorial or this tutorial for how to make your own hardcover journal from AllFreePaperCrafts.

Last, but not least, we have Wolf on Wall Street. Fans of the 80s will love these stylish Triple Triangle Leather Earrings. You don’t need a lot of money, these budget-friendly earrings will still inspire envy.

Plus, we have a special bonus project for Frozen and animated film fans:

There are plenty more winning craft ideas where those came from. Check out AllFreeJewelryMaking, FaveCrafts, AllFreeSewing, AllFreePaperCrafts, and all of our sister sites for more buzz-worthy jewelry projects, sewing patterns, holiday crafts, and more!

Which film do you think should win Best Picture this year?

How to Celebrate the “Catching Fire” Release

November 18, 2013 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

It’s been over a year since Katniss Everdeen has graced the big screen, and we’ve been counting down the days until the “Catching Fire” premiere ever since. Finally the wait is almost over, but we need all the help we can get to carry us through the final countdown. Over at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com, we’ve found a few ways to make the final stretch less painful. Keep yourself busy during these next 4 days with our favorite “Hunger Games” crafts and prep for the premiere!

“Hunger Games” Book Charms

While you wait for “Catching Fire” why not brush up on your Panem history? With your own “Hunger Games” Book Charms you can power through your favorite chapters and familiarize yourself with your favorite scenes and characters before you witness them on the big screen. These adorable book marks make great gifts for your fellow-readers, and they’re simple enough for kids to join in on the fun.

“Hunger Games” Love Sign

If you’re still aching for the premiere, try hosting a “Hunger Games” viewing-party, we’ve got the perfect piece of party decor for you. “Hunger Games” Love Sign will have your guests falling in love with the story all over again. What better way to decorate your front door than with a sign commemorating everyone’s favorite character as the countdown to the “Catching Fire” release comes to a close? Decorating your door may not seem like enough for the loyalist of fans, so pop a few Glistening Mockingjay Emblems on your windows for an added splash of support.

“Hunger Games” Cookies

These cookies are the perfect activity to work on the day before “Catching Fire” premieres. Finish a few batches and bag these cookies up, because you’re bringing a snack along! With wax paper as your aid, these piped mocking jays are a cinch! Your guests and friends will love these trendy mockingjay treats.

Good luck creating these “The Hunger Games” crafts, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Who’s your favorite character from “Catching Fire?”

Crazy-Cute Celebrity Pumpkin Patterns

October 15, 2013 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Unique pumpkin patterns can be hard to come by, but we’ve done our research over at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com. These celebrity pumpkin patterns are as unique as the stars they’re modeled after. Whether you’re looking for your favorite reality star, internet sensation, or heartthrob, we’ve found fun and creative ways to create the perfect pumpkin. Trust us, you’ll be famous with your neighbors when you pull off one of these crazy-cute celebrity pumpkins!

Grumpy Cat Pumpkin

It’s hard to resist the adorable charm of Grumpy Cat. That precious frown quickly quickly became an overnight internet sensation. Whether you have a Grumpy Cat shirt or you just love to share his many memes on the web, you can’t deny his appeal. Now you can bring Grumpy Cat home with the Grumpy Cat Painted Pumpkin. It’s one of the best painted pumpkin ideas we’ve seen this season. With some paint and felt ears, you can bring that famous face to life. This frowning pumpkin will give everyone a smile.

Honey Boo Boo Pumpkin

Whether your a fan of the show or not, everyone knows who Honey Boo Boo is. This cute little kiddo seemingly became famous overnight! If you can’t get enough of the reality show this simple pumpkin tutorial will have your front porch glittering like Honey Boo Boo herself in no time! Let your fan flag fly with the adorable Honey Boo Boo Pumpkin pattern, it’s sure to catch the attention of your guests this season.

Justin Bieber Pumpkin

Be honest, no one is a stranger to Bieber Fever! Show off your love for The Biebs and his awesome tunes with this hilarious pumpkin parody. The Justin Bieber Pumpkin uses a voluptuous wig to bring that infamous hair swoosh to life right in front of your eyes. It’s sure to be a memorable pumpkin! If you’re looking to do something different with your Halloween pumpkins this year, this is the pattern for you. Plus, what better surprise can you present your favorite Bieber fan with this fall?

Snooki Pumpkin

Dedicate your autumn decor to everyone’s favorite new mama, Snooki of the popular MTV show Jersey Shore. When it comes to celebrity pumpkins, this pattern is the queen of them all. Add a fun poof to the top of your Snooki Pumpkin and add a pair of dangles to show off the diva in her. It will have all your friends and family laughing, and quickly become one of more memorable painted pumpkins you’ve ever created.

Which celebrity pumpkin will you make first?

Geek Crafts: Swingin’ Mad Men Roundup

May 23, 2012 by FaveCrafts

I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness!

Love it or hate it, you have to admit that the polished, modern—and sometimes completely over the top—style of AMC’s Mad Men is completely irresistible. Whether you’re a Don, Joan, Betty, or Peggy, there’s something in this roundup that’s sure to catch your eye!

Maybe you’re more of a book nerd than a TV geek? Swing on over to my Geek Crafts: Recycled Book Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

1. Mad Men Cookies from Not Your Momma’s Cookie

2. Joan Holloway Brooch from Mad in Crafts

3. CRAFT Pattern: Sally Cardigan from Nikol Lohr on CRAFT

4. Mad Men Headbands from BurdaStyle

5. How To: Make Your Own Mod Eames-Inspired Drinking Glasses! from Curbly

6. Mad Men Mittens from Staci Perry on Ravelry

What about you? Are mad for Mad Men?

19 DIY Crafts for Shark Week

What’s your favorite shark movie? I love Jaws.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

Free Crochet Patterns

Free Knitting Patterns

Free Craft Projects

Who is your favorite Doctor, and how do you show your Who-love?

Jurassic Park Dinosaur Crafts and DIY Costumes for Kids

We want to know: are you for the original Jurassic Park or do you like the new Jurassic World better?

Don’t miss out! We’re giving away a Sizzix Fabi Starter Kit, absolutely free.

Do you have a favorite film about quilts?

Winning Crafts Ideas for the Oscars

Which film do you think should win Best Picture this year?

Good luck creating these “The Hunger Games” crafts, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Who’s your favorite character from “Catching Fire?”

Grumpy Cat Pumpkin

Honey Boo Boo Pumpkin

Justin Bieber Pumpkin

Snooki Pumpkin

Which celebrity pumpkin will you make first?

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