The Crafts Dept. » On The Web

Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts

Blake Ramsey — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:46 +0000

It's still technically January, but trust me, Valentine's day is just around the corner! This weekend is the perfect opportunity to get started on those handmade gifts-

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get the kids involved too-

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While we always like to promote making your own crafts, there are too many cards and gifts out there that are just too cute to resist! Take a look at some of our favorites, and please let us know of any that you think we've forgotten.

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1 Cards by Yellow Owl Workshop http://www.yellowowlworkshop.com/love.html (coming soon: a special Yellow Owl printable valentine on our blog!)

2 http://www.yellowowlworkshop.com/love.html

3 http://www.yellowowlworkshop.com/love.html

4 Yellow Owl "Love You Stamp Set" http://www.yellowowlworkshop.com/stamps.html

5 Find these sweeties in the Upon a Fold shop- and they're on sale now! http://uponafold.com.au/shop/product/eri_eri_pun/

6 Another "gem" from Upon a Fold- http://uponafold.com.au/shop/product/ddc_dbr_jew/

7 A print from Erin Jang of The Indigo Bunting. Coming soon to our blog: a special printable clipart valentine from Erin! http://Theindigobunting.bigcartel.com/product/love-you-like-a-fat-kid-loves-cake

8 Love this one from Bird and Banner- it's so quintessentially crafty with the heart doily and faux stitching. http://www.etsy.com/listing/66356683/pack-of-5-you-have-my-heart-cards

9 This letterpress beauty is from Moontree Press. http://www.etsy.com/listing/65264177/love-letterpress-card

10 Rifle Paper Co. sells these funny postcards in sets of 10, so there are plenty to go around. http://riflepaperco.com/item/Valentine_s_Day_Postcards/259/c34

11 This one's a bit more romantic- http://riflepaperco.com/item/Valentine_s_Balloon_Card/145

12 Banquet's "Swans in Love" http://shop.banquetworkshop.com/product/swans-in-love-hot-pink-valentines-card-doily

13 http://shop.banquetworkshop.com/product/neon-pink-heart-card

14 Banquet's vine gift wrap is almost to pretty to open. http://shop.banquetworkshop.com/product/pink-on-pink-gift-wrap-vines

15 Anglea Liguori sells this pretty XOXO ribbon- I think it'd be sweet to sew a bit of it into a loved one's mitten. http://shop.angelaliguori.com/product/new-xoxoxox-brocaded-ribbon

16 More adorable ribbon from Somerset Market on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/listing/89409991/valentine-ribbon-red-love-hearts-printed

17 Choose your own colors to embroider these gift tags. http://amhdesignonline.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ADL&Product_Code=Heart-tag-white&Category_Code=GIFT_subcategory

18 Some irresistible treat boxes from our very own Martha Stewart Crafts team! http://msc.eksuccessbrands.com/Product/Valentines+Day+Heart+3x3+Treat+Box.aspx

19 Wrap up some homemade treats with these bags. http://msc.eksuccessbrands.com/Product/Valentines+Day++Heart+Shape+Treat+Bag.aspx

20 Mini Treat Boxes- so tiny, so cute! http://msc.eksuccessbrands.com/Product/Valentines+Day+Mini+Treat+Boxes.aspx#

21 Classic heart stickers from Knot & Bow- share them with a classroom, use them to embellish cards or seal envelopes, or even wear one on a lapel. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67183414/144-red-heart-stickers-free-shipping

22 So cute! http://www.etsy.com/listing/62722740/me-you-pencils-gold-engraved-natural

23 This beautiful recycled letterpress banner is from Something's Hiding in Here. http://www.etsy.com/shop/somethingshidinghere?ref=si_shop

24 These yo-yos too! http://www.etsy.com/shop/somethingshidinghere?ref=si_shop

25 Chez Sucre Chez sells these as kits or already completed- you choose! http://www.etsy.com/listing/76109394/squirrelly-love-cross-stitch-kit

26 http://www.etsy.com/listing/90470149/diy-kit-lovebirds-new-colorway

27 http://www.etsy.com/listing/35187442/diy-x-stitch-kit-and-pattern-some-bunny

28 Harriet Damave makes the most beautiful hand-painted pieces. Choose one of these hearts, or one of her sweet animals. http://www.etsy.com/listing/78779450/heart-delft-handpainted-porcelain-wall

Tuesday Inspiration!

Jim Noonan — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:28 +0000

About a year ago I tried out The Artist's Way, a great tool used by professionals and amateurs alike to explore and release their creative potential. Now, while I didn't quite make it through the entire 12-week "course," I took away a number of tools and techniques that I continue to use every day. One of those is the idea of "filling the well" every week by taking yourself on an "artist date." More specifically, this means setting aside time to consciously do something (anything) that could lead to inspiration. Sometimes that means going to a museum, seeing a movie, or even cooking a delicious meal. Today, it meant taking a bit of my morning to myself and finally going through my Google Reader (which has been sadly neglected since before the holidays). This was a simple task, to say the least, but it really breathed some life into my creative sails. I hope these ideas do the same for you! Enjoy!!

I learned about these Bird Boxes from Colossal Art & Design. They are made by John Dilnot and are just so delicate and beautiful!

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1 Somewhere and Nowhere

2 Into the Wood, 2010

3 Pigeons Over London, 2010

4 Moth Collection, 2010

All Things Paper turned me on to the paper fashion of the talented Julie VonDer Vellen. Such impeccable tailoring and a fabulous use of materials.

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1 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Christine)

2 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Christine)

3 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Andrea)

4 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Andrea)

5 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Kate)

6 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Kate)

7 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)

8 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)

9 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)

10 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mary)

11 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mary)

12 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mom)

13 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mom)

I discovered these oil paintings on the blog, ManMadeDIY. They are by German artist Matthew Davis who appears to use layers of little pools of oil-based gloss paint to fashion his images. Amazing!

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1 Expanding Ground, 2011

2 Expanding Ground, 2011 (Detail)

3 Roller Coaster, 2009

4 Roller Coaster, 2009 (Detail)

5 Wading Boy 1 (The Loss of Remoteness), 2008

6 Wading Boy 1 (The Loss of Remoteness), 2008 (Detail)

7 Bathing Woman, 2004

8 Bathing Woman, 2004 (Detail)

Lastly, Paris fashion week is in full force and I just can't get over this collection from Walter Van Beirendonck on Style.com. The mixture of vivid colors, textures and patterns is quite striking!

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1 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

2 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

3 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

4 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

5 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

6 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

7 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

8 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

9 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

10 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

11 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

12 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

13 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

14 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

15 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

16 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

17 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

18 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)

19 Walter Van Bierendonck

Valentine Candy Boxes

Blake Ramsey — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:59:28 +0000

I had so much fun making the heart-shaped boxes in February's issue of Living- and even more fun creating this iPad animation with the shoot team-

You can find the templates and how-to for these boxes online, the candy came from Candy Warehouse, the ribbon is from Mokuba, and the charms are made by Helen Ficalora. It will make a very sweet surprise for your loved one!

Making Dolls

Blake Ramsey — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:23 +0000

Did you see the story in February's Living on Jess Brown and her amazing handmade dolls?

You'll find a little sneak peak into her studio, as well as learn a bit about the story behind these beautiful dolls, and her crafting techniques.

And if you feel inspired to make your own dolls, follow our link found in the story to find these little cuties, and their how-tos-

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1 Get creative with the basic template for these cuddly dolls and personalize one for your child.

2 You'll find templates online to make a whole family of these gingham dolls.

3 This braided octopus is simple enough that kids can help.

4 These gals were made by Emily Martin, of the popular blog and Etsy site, The Black Apple. http://theblackapple.typepad.com

5 These little guys will guard your teeth until the tooth fairy comes to pick them up.

6 These cornhusk dolls were made using similar techniques to those used by Native Americans and early colonists.

Organizing for the New Year

Blake Ramsey — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:08:43 +0000

One of my resolutions for 2012 is the same as years past- get organized! If you're looking for the same result, we've got plenty of helpful hints for you in our organizing galleries.

Here are two ideas from the galleries that I plan to start with today-

The binder sewing kit,

and the post-it calendar.

A Glittery New Year

Laura Kaesshaefer — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:00:46 +0000

I just love the way bloggers Oh Happy Day and Cupcakes & Cashmere used our glitter to achieve a level of glitz and glam in the below projects currently on the web:

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Wouldn't this way of painting your nails (using Martha Stewart Crafts sterling glitter, of course!) be perfect for a New Years Eve party? I cant' wait to try it.

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...And I think this set of glittered flatware using our antique silver glitter paint via Jenny Batt for Oh Happy Day is the perfect gift for the host of your New Years Eve Party!

Cookie Week Round-up!

Jim Noonan — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:00:32 +0000

Last week was "Cookie Week" on The Martha Stewart Show and even though Martha and her guests were busy making and eating scores of delicious cookies, there was still plenty of crafting going on around the set. If you missed any of last week's episodes, be sure to click on the pictures below to get all the how-to information you need to make these great last-minute holiday crafts!

All you need to make these fabulous snowflake wrap treat bags is wax paper, a few snowflake punches, an iron and the bag template download. They are a perfectly personal way to package your most special cookie gifts!

Once you make the snowflake wrap and the treat bags, use any leftover scraps to add a beautiful, wintery look to a hurricane, as a delicate liner for a serving tray, or even as inexpensive, one-of-a-kind gift wrap.

Guest crafter, Connie Meisinger, showed Martha how to use a traditional cookie mold to make vintage-looking ornaments with paper clay and a few simple painting techniques - a creative repurposing of an old-world tool!

Cookie decorator extraordinaire, Dani Fiori, shared her ideas for crafting with cookies with this gorgeous nativity. Who knew the Christmas story could look so good AND be so delicious?!

A great last minute decor idea, these glitter monograms add that extra-special detail to any pre-made stocking. All you need is some felt and a bit of shimmery glitter paint from the Martha Stewart Crafts paint line.

Impress your guests with these handmade favors complete with a tasty treat inside. Whether you fill them with candy or homemade cookies, they are sure to brighten up any holiday table.

Still looking for a great gift for your daughter, granddaughter, or niece? Why not try Brett Bara's one-hour skirt? It uses less than a yard of fabric and a few simple sewing techniques.

Once you've made the one-hour skirt, why not throw in a card decked out with cute litte rhinestone earrings for any occasion - a perfect accessory for a fashionable little (or grown) lady in your life.

Last, but not least, for beautiful packaging in a pinch, head over to your local Michaels and grab a package of Martha Stewart Crafts Snow Lace cookie packaging. These beautiful designs are inexpensive and sure to impress.

Happy Holidays!!

Pinhole Press

Laura Kaesshaefer — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:04:28 +0000

Have you seen the beautiful piece on making your own storybooks in the December issue of Living? To create the storybooks, Martha used Pinhole Press, an online boutique that allows you to use your own photos to create beautiful, simple products. By plugging your pictures into their straightforward templates, you can make an array of keepsakes and gifts in the form of cards, photo books (my favorite!), notepads, calendars and so much more. Martha used the storybook templates found here.

...and just in time for holiday shopping, Pinhole Press is offering readers of The Crafts Dept. Blog 10% off your total purchase when you enter the code "MarthaStewart" at checkout. Happy shopping!

MSC Paint

Laura Kaesshaefer — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:00:43 +0000

We love stumbling upon projects online that incorporate our products! Check out these wonderful uses for our new line of craft paints from the talented bloggers at Honestly...WTF and Something Turquoise.

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2 The girls at Honestly...WTF use the Satin paint in blue to embellish a pair of pants.

6 Such a fashion statement using an easy technique.

7 We LOVE these!

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4 Jen adds our gold glitter paint to the side of a champagne glass.

7 The result looks amazing! How perfect for a New Years party?

8 I also love the monogrammed glasses.

9 ...and a similar technique in pink!

Do you use our craft paint? What amazing creations have you come up with? We'd love to see them, so send us an email at thecraftsdept@marthastewart.com.

Images courtesy of Honestly...WTF and Something Turquoise.

The Crafts Dept. » On The Web

Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts

Tuesday Inspiration!

Valentine Candy Boxes

Making Dolls

Organizing for the New Year

A Glittery New Year

Cookie Week Round-up!

Pinhole Press

MSC Paint

More Martha Stewart Crafts Instructional Videos!