The Crafts Dept. » Photo Galleries

Love Struck Pencils

Blake Ramsey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:47 +0000

Today's guest post comes from Claire Roudabush and Kristin Eddington, of BLOW UP! blog. We are so inspired by their posts everyday, and are thrilled that they've taken the time to share this super cool Valentine DIY.

"Go ahead, get love struck. We made these colored pencil arrows to share with any target your heart desires. Follow our steps and practice your aim, these guys are sure to be a hit

You will need:

1. (x3) black and white turkey quills

2. Wooden pencils

3. Colored acrylic paint

4. Xacto blade

5. Super or hot glue

6. Paint brush"

Back Next

1 of 6

2 Step 1: Paint a pattern of stripes on your colored pencil and let them dry.

3 Step 2: Cut the feather down the spine, splitting in two.

4 Step 3: Snip off the rounded top of one half of the feather. Measuring from the new top, cut off two-inch segments of the feather to attach to the end of your pencil

5 Step 4: Glue (x3) pieces of the cut feather to the top of the colored pencil.

Giant Dwarf Forever Fleurs

Laura Kaesshaefer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:33 +0000

Today's guest post is brought to you by Sue Eggen of Giant Dwarf:

Hello there! My name is Sue Eggen & I'm the heart & hands of Giant Dwarf, a handmade company located in Philadelphia. I draw inspiration for new designs in nature, so I spend a lot of time at my local park, just steps from my studio. Since it's wintertime here, there's not much in bloom, but there is an abundance of branches. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I thought it would be lovely to create flowers with those forgotten twigs. I designed Forever Fleurs from hearts & leaves cut out of Fancy Felt, one of my favorite things to work with. The combined textures of wool & wood are so life-like, they are the perfect alternative to freshly cut flowers. This simple no-sew project is an elegant design that's easy on your budget & a joy to create. Enjoy!

xo,
Sue

SUPPLY LIST:

Fancy Felt (10, 9 x 12 inch pieces available here).

*note: I recommend 3-4 hearts & 1-2 leaves to make each flower, but don't be shy to use more to create fuller stems. (I used Rhubarb for the hearts & Moss for the leaves in the tutorial.)

Scissors

Found twigs & branches

Tracing pen

Hot glue gun & glue sticks

Templates - they're free! Print the hearts and leaves here.

Floral tape (optional)

Back Next

1 of 9

1 Gather supplies & plug in your glue gun.

2 Print the templates and cut out the shapes. Trace hearts & leaves onto different colors of Fancy Felt, then cut out the fabric pieces.

3 To make the flowers, place a small dot of hot glue at the bottom of a heart, then pinch it to the top of the twig. Be careful not to get any hot glue on your fingers!

4 Repeat Step 3, turning the twig slightly when gluing each petal until the flower has been formed.

5 Fold the petals back to make your blossom bloom.

6 Using the same process as in Step 3, add leaves to create greenery. If you'd like a few pieces of filler, use leaves instead of hearts.

7 For a clean finish, on your freshly picked posy, secure the base of the flower with floral tape.

8 Now that you've planted your first seed, continue to grow your garden until your heart's content.

9 Give a single stem to your sweetheart or an entire bouquet to someone you admire this Valentine's Day.

More Valentine's Day Cards!

Hosanna Houser — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:09 +0000

WARNING! If you are my sweetheart, please stop reading now.

A couple of years ago I started a tradition of mailing a Valentine to my honey starting February 1st, till the actual day of Valentine. Yup, 14...sent by real mail. In the past it's been a collection of great cards I have found by talented folks, and some made by me. But this year I gave myself the challenge to make all 14.

I'm only sharing half of the collection since I've already started the mailing process, and haven't actually completed all 14 yet.

Back Next

1 of 9

1 Grouping of some. I used blues, pinks and reds as my color palette.

2 Clearly influenced by the magazine

3 "You are one in a million"

4 Kristin's Birthday Banner Card was the inspiration for this one

5 "Owl be yours"

6 Maybe a little too much glitter?

8 A pretty rub on.

9 Printed text and punches get this sentiment out.

I only have few more to make, but I did score a beautiful card by Rosa Clifford, who is going to be on the show February 6th demoing this sweet love bird card. I know it's cheating on my challenge a little, but 13 out of 14 cards made by me is still pretty good.

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-

Back Next

1 of 11

get the kids involved too-

Back Next

1 of 8

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.

Back Next

1 of 28

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

3D Valentines

Blake Ramsey — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:18:40 +0000

Already making valentine cards? I know I am! Well, if you're tired of doilies and construction paper, then try a few of our 3D cards from the February issue of Living. Inspired by classic pop-up books, these cards include garlands, bold accordion folded graphics, clip art pop-outs, and clever hiding spots for an extra special note, gift card, or invitation to date night.

Back Next

1 of 7

1 Our garland cards- aside from basic tools, all you need is a bit of ribbon or cord, our templates, and your favorite scrapbooking papers.

2 See how easy??

4 These templates can be printed straight onto your colored card stock for an easy, but very special, surprise.

5 Print this classic pop-up clip art onto card stock, and follow our guidelines for cutting and folding.

6 Tuck whatever you'd like into these tiny envelopes- a love note, gift card, movie tickets, sweet photo, business card from your favorite restaurant and an invite to date night, or even cash.

7 You'll also find our basic card making tips in the story including some of our favorite tools and materials.

We hope you enjoy making these cards- please tell us how yours turn out! They could look very different depending on which papers you choose. We'd love to see yours. You may have noticed that our new blog header was also inspired by this story!

Party in (make believe) Paris

Silke Stoddard — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:31 +0000

At this point you've seen several of our office parties on this blog, but the birthday party my friends put together for me last week, topped it all: I was lucky enough to go to Paris last Fall ... the first trip I took just with my best friend, without family, since my kids were born. My oldest is 13, so it was a big event for me and everyone around me was very aware of that. I guess they've also been aware how much I enjoyed it (and would love to go back), so they used it as the theme for my party.

Blake printed out the Eiffel Towel (and other iconic landmarks) in black and white onto regular office paper and wrapped it around plain glass vases. Laura enlarged Paris maps she found on google, and covered the table. Everyone brought French treats - madeleines, baguette, french cheese and fruit. Marcie created a French radio station on Pandora ... and since it was already dark outside, the lit landmark votives with the New York skyline sparkling from the office windows behind, really transformed it into the City of Lights ... Paris that is. Needless to say, I was very moved ! Merci, mes amis !!!!

I took home the left over madeleines and maps, and made myself a French breakfast the next morning. I think I will laminate those maps ... they are such great placemats !

While in Paris, I used the ShakeItPhoto app that I took the photos above with ... and, since I still like to pretend I'm in Paris, take a look at some others I took while there. Make yourself a Cafe au Lait, and enjoy a Paris moment with me:

Back Next

1 of 7

1 perfect tourist moment

2 gorgeous, even in the rain

3 perfect view out the window of Les Arts Decoratifs

4 in one of my favorite stores 'Bonpoint'

5 Atelier Brancusi at the Centre Pompidou

6 delicious diner at Le Relais de Venise

7 the other favorite store 'Merci'

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-

Back Next

1 of 6

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.

More Stuffed Bunnies

Blake Ramsey — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:06 +0000

A few months ago I posted about a stuffed bunny I made based on Silke's pattern. After making the bunny, I decided she needed a little dress. It was easy to make the pattern- I just traced about 3/8" around the arms, then coming out in an A-line at the bottom. Hem the neck, cuffs, and bottom of the dress, then stitch the rest with a 1/4" seam allowance. You barely need any fabric to make the dress, so this is a good chance to use that scrap of special stuff you've been hanging on to.

You can see in the photo that the bunny on the right is smaller. I reduced the pattern to about 85% to make her. Those two on the right were given to my cousin and her little sister- sister bunnies! The one on the left was given to my boyfriend's niece for her 1st birthday. We'd given Zoe a stuffed animal before and she wasn't particularly impressed, so I wasn't sure how she'd like this one. As it turned out, her reaction was priceless!

Back Next

1 of 10

1 Surprise!

8 Giving her a big kiss.

10 The next day- still enamored.

Office Birthday Cards

Jodi Levine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:28:50 +0000

We are big fans of the office birthday party (did you see Blake's post showing a few of our celebrations?). No party is complete without a handmade card signed by coworkers. We're lucky in that we have "a little" glitter and few craft tools around. However, if your office is not similarly stocked, a lot can be done with sticky notes, paper clips, staples, and the like. (Homemade hole-punched confetti? Love those office supplies!) Please send us pictures of your creative coworker cards!!

Back Next

1 of 23

1 A glittered under-the-sea card for Hannah

2 I used these punches and some clear glitter over blue paper.

3 The "man crafter" card I made for Megen Lee--glittered tools!

4 Cute dino holding a balloon!

5 Another balloon card....

6 ...and another. I guess we like this ballon punch!

7 One more. Lauren Murphy made this by punching wood grain contact paper.

8 Heidi made this cookie card!

9 A backpack card for our beloved coworker who was leaving to become a teacher.

10 A teeny tiny card and teeny tiny garland (for a coworker who did not want a party)!

11 Tracy Chou made this card for Shae, who loves to bake!

12 A detail of Shae's card.

13 Another detail. How cute are these mini paper desserts?

14 Tracy also made this get well card for Alex, inspired by the game Operation!

15 She made tiny stickers of some of his favorite things.

16 Tracy made an interactive card for Hannah, with little stickers to decorate...

17 ...these little scenes!

18 Closeup of the stickers. Tracy is amazing!

19 A dog bone garland for a designer of our pets products.

20 Shae made this cute ice cream card for Steffi.

21 And Tracy made these stickers for Steffi.

22 A card Tracy made for our coworker who had a jungle-themed shower and nursery.

23 A golden glittered card for Shae's "golden" birthday, when she turned 29 on the 29th!

Dip Dye & Make Art!

Kristin St. Clair — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:25 +0000

Before our Holiday break, you might have seen me on the show with Martha demoing a fairly simple project— felt animal art. Materials needed are minimal—RIT dye, white wool felt, an embroidery hoop and imagination. For this winter series I chose Evening Blue so it would resemble the the deep blue ocean or a cold night sky against the frozen earth. The project was inspired by Jude's Arctic tapestry from last winter season. I took that project down a notch to make it more approachable and affordable. A yard of 100% wool felt is available online at Aetna Felt for half the price it sells for locally here in NYC. With just a yard of felt and a single dye bath, you can create multiple pieces to display on a wall. Embroidery hoops are sold in most craft stores, but sometimes you can find a good lot of them on Ebay for even less!

Back Next

1 of 9

1 Wall with collage of embroidery hoop felt winter animals.

2 Sitting polar bear.

3 The polar bear that Martha demoed.

4 One of many little penguins.

5 Did you know that you will never find a polar bear living with a penguin because they are from opposite sides of the earth!

6 Seals and sea lions live in both Antarctica and the Arctic.

7 hi seal.

8 After watching "A LIfe Among Whales" (http://www.alifeamongwhales.com/index.php) the gigantic creatures were on my mind daily—I demoed the Sperm Whale.

9 Displayed on the yellow wall in the Martha's set craft room.

This project doesn't stop here— dip dye white felt in an orange ombre for African Sahara animals or a green ombre for jungle animals.

Stay tuned for photos of the big book I made for baby Jude!!