Argelia won the Glitter 24-piece set! Enjoy glitterng those seating cards!
November 19th, 2009
Tools & Materials : Fabric Storage
Posted by Blake RamseyWith holiday crafting in full effect, my room had become a fabric explosion. The mess was really starting to get to me (and it’s so much easier to work in an organized space!) so I decided to employ one of Corinne’s fabric storage techniques. Muji’s simple and functional Makeup Box provides an easy and affordable solution to my organization dilemma.
Five of the largest size holds all my fabric in a compact and portable setup.
I find this method much better than the boxes I used previously- you can easily see your fabrics, instead of digging around and unfolding them all.
The boxes have these handles, so they’re really easy to grab.
What are some of your favorite craft organization/storage techniques?
November 18th, 2009
Tools & Materials : Knitwit Availability
Posted by Morgan LevineIf you’re having trouble tracking down a KnitWit after reading our story in December’s issue, don’t you worry. It’s available in a few places. We’ve spoken with the folks at KnitWit.com and their online store should be working later today. If you can’t wait that long, try Ebay.com, ioffer.com, or pronto.com.
Haven’t seen the story yet?
Here are a couple of my favorite projects from our December issue.
November 18th, 2009
Ask the Crafts Dept. : Marbleizing Supplies
Posted by Morgan LevineAngie asks:
I want to make the marbleized paper, but I can’t find alum or methyl cellulose-any suggestions? Will liquid starch work as well? We are working our way through the Craft Encyclopedia!
Wow, Angie, and you’re already at M for marbleizing!? Marbleizing is fun and easy, but it really does require the right materials. There is a technique involving starch, but it also requires oil paint and turpentine. The marbleizing method we recommend is non toxic and consistently produces stunning results.
If you can’t find alum or methyl cellulose in your neighborhood, order it online at Talasonline.com.
November 17th, 2009
TV Crafts : Luxury Crafting. Bottega Veneta.
Posted by Kristin St. ClairWhen Tomas Maier, the creative director of Bottega Veneta, was scheduled to appear on the show in early October, I was quite thrilled to say the least. When it came to my attention that he would not only be showcasing a selection of Bottega handbags, but would also be accompanied by the actual Italian craftsmen who make the bags, I was overzealous. The brand secrets exposed?! I was extremely intrigued and made it my goal to learn a new technique from these fine artisans.
I went to the rehearsal of the segments in the morning before the show. I was “purse paparazzi” that A.M.—focusing in on the minute details of the handbags on our set. Tomas talked about the intrecciato style of weaving, a technique the Bottega artisans study for three years before they become official Bottega craftsmen. Two intrecciato weaving techniques were shown. Tomas showed how two full pieces of leather, in the shape of the final bag, are machine cut with a pattern of tiny slits. Through the slits, thin strips of leather are hand woven. The technique is used to make the Veneta style handbag.
1 the Lilac Veneta. 2 the Lilac Veneta on the set 3 process pieces of the Veneta 4 close up of the weave for the Veneta style bag 5 a selection of clutches. all woven in different materials.
Check out the tray's edge– it's woven too!
The artisans demonstrated the double sided leather weaving technique on bag forms in 3 stages. It was apparent that these women were experts . This technique truly needs training! The unreal Ebano Cabat bag is made with this technique. A wearable piece of art…
1 the Ebano Cabat. 2 the Ebano Cabat bag form. 3 Step one in weaving the Ebano Cabat. 4 Step two in weaving the Ebano Cabat. 5 Step three in weaving the Ebano Cabat. 6 Hand stitched bottom leather piece of the Ebano Cabat. 7 Close up of the hand stitched leather bottom piece of the Ebano Cabat. 8 the artisans tools 9 a close up of the finished weave
I learned that trying to recreate one of these bags would be an almost impossible endeavor, but having always been enthralled with this brand, my fingers were itching to attempt intrecciato. My results weren’t perfect and on top of weaving leather for the first time, I had to also teach myself how to install my first zipper. I am very excited though, to now have my very own handmade Bottega Veneta (pronounced BO-teg-a VEN-eta) inspired coin purse!
handmade luxury now homemade!
