I really love my newest book . It is  British textile designer Karen Nicol’s  very unique collection of objects, swatches, trimmings that – directly or indirectly – inspire her beautiful textile designs. They are personal, and unusual and show various techniques such as ‘tufts’ ‘fagotting’ ‘pleats’ and more. And though this book isn’t a ‘how to’ book, it …

We’ve long coveted the unique and somewhat hidden shop Metalliferous – located on 46th street between fifth and sixth avenues in Manhattan. I love that you have to walk into a bit of a dingy looking building, climb a few flights of stairs (all the while convinced you’re lost) before you finally arrive at the …

Years ago, on a trip to San Francisco, I stumbled upon General Bead, a treasure trove of beads, bits, and baubles.  I recently went back- it was just as great as I remembered. In addition to a very thorough assortment of new beads, General Bead has a great vintage selection, including these sample cards that …

This past weekend was the spring Antique Show at the Piers here in New York City.  I try to go every year to get inspired by what’s been made in the past (and to shop a little bit). Before I started clicking my camera, I made sure to ask permission from each vendor to shoot their …

Last Thursday, both the TV Crafts Department and the creative team for the upcoming holiday special took a trip down to the John Derian Company store on East 2nd Street in Manhattan. After a glowing review from Martha and Kevin Sharkey, we knew we had to check out the newest Christmas wares on display and …

I recently received a crafters dream gift—a bag full of ribbons of all kinds from a dear family friend. She had collected these ribbons all her life, they even include her mothers collection. Apparently neither of her daughters, nor her granddaughter, have any interest, and since I’ve spent many hours as a teenager sewing and …

  DIY bracelets of all sorts have been popping up everywhere. When grouped together they make a great fashion statement as well as fun eye candy. A quick search of bracelets over on Pinterest generates a seemingly unending supply of inspiration, with plenty of links to tutorials. Excited to use some of my saved up …

My best friend, Nicki, is in the final steps of earning her MFA in film from San Francisco State. The preparation for her thesis film, Woo Woo, has consumed her the past few months, and up until this point Nicki has done all the work herself. She has really impressed me—I know the amount of work that …