Cool Craft Site!

I just love this site! Lots of Creative Inspiration and fun!

Info added by Margaret Ostigny: Originally Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 1:01 AM

About Cool2Craft: Launched in October 2009 by craft industry expert and tv host Tiffany Windsor, the Cool2Craft Network features live, interactive web-TV channel, website and newsletter offering craft and lifestyle programming to the creative consumer. Since October 2009, thousands of fans from all over the world have been tuning in each week for creative inspiration, interactive chat and crafty fun! The Cool2Craft TV channel currently broadcasts 5 streaming web TV shows featuring industry recognized hosts, reporters, designers, authors and manufacturers. Cool2Craft LIVE and on-demand episodes can be easily viewed on-line. For live viewing, viewers log-in at http://linqto.com/rooms/cool2craft 15-minutes before showtime for pre-show chat and then sit back, relax and enjoy the show right on their computer. Upcoming shows, archived show links, featured projects, featured guests, featured videos, projects, classes and much more is featured on www.cool2craft.com. Born into an artistic, entrepreneurial family, it is no surprise that Tiffany Windsor has found success expressing her talents in many different arenas. As the daughter of Aleene Jackson, America’s beloved “Mother of Crafting” and inventor of Aleene’s Tacky Glue, Tiffany’s first love is expressing herself creatively. As a child, Tiffany expressed her crafty talents utilizing all of the supplies available at her mother’s store. Whether it was simply gluing popsicle sticks together, bejeweling cigar boxes or designing elaborate chenille stem treasures, crafting has been an everyday part of her life. As producer and host of the hugely popular Aleene’s Creative Living daily television show from 1992 – 1999, Tiffany recognized the unique opportunity to launch an on-line channel in today’s social media networking world. On the Cool2Craft Channel, while watching exciting product demonstrations and experiencing live chat led by their favorite hosts and designers, viewers can also participate and ask questions in an interactive live format and update their status through social networking. They learn about new craft products and develop new skills all from the comfort of their own home and are invited to shop for supplies at The Marketplace at Cool2Craft. Even if they can’t join in live, viewers can still watch recorded webisodes and video clips any time, day or night. Archived video clips can be viewed on YouTube, Vimeo, Blip.tv, iTunes, VodPod and more! Visit www.cool2craft.com for current programming schedule or to contact Tiffany Windsor. M. Ostigny: Check it out and let me know what you think about the site and what is your favorite webisode or video clip!

Craft Foam Bats and Spiders

Halloween Craft Idea - Bats and Spiders

Edited By Margaret C. Ostigny: Originally Posted on Friday, October 22, 2010 12:23 PM

Family Fun Craft Idea for Halloween Craft Foam Bats and Spiders Conjure up miniature bats and spiders to live in the mansion and hang life-size versions in your doorway to greet visitors face-to-face.  Materials ·        Scissors ·        Black foam sheets ·        Glue ·        Googly eyes ·        Fishing line ·        Masking and Scotch tape ·        Thumb Tack (optional) Instructions: 1.     Cut bat and spider shapes from the black foam sheets (design your own or to print out our pattern shown below-resize with a copier). Foam Sheets available on the Yarn Cat Crafts Page for Kids Crafts – Foam. 2.     Glue on googly eyes (also available in Yarn Cat Crafts page for Kid’s Crafts ) and suspend the creatures with fishing line or monofilament thread and tape. We suggest Scotch tape on the bodies and masking tape on the hanging surface. Another option is to poke 2 holes in the body with a thumb tack, thread the line through, knot it in back, and use masking tape on the hanging surface only.    For more Halloween Family Fun Ideas please visit:  http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-crafts/halloween-decorations/

Knitting Techniques: Binding Off

Edited By Margaret C. Ostigny: Originally Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2010 8:17 PM

Binding Off: Intermediate and Advanced Techniques ____________________________________________________________________________ Binding Off: A Fitting End by Ann Budd At some point, all knitting must come to an end and the stitches must be removed from the needles. This can occur at the end of a project when all of the stitches are bound off, or along shaped edges, such as armholes and necklines. Over the centuries, knitters have devised a number of ways to secure the final row of knitting, while producing an edge that is elastic and flexible. Following are several ways to bind off stitches, each with advantages. For best results, all bind-offs should be worked with even tension to produce an elastic edge that will stretch with the knitted fabric below it. If worked too loosely, the edge will flair and look sloppy. Worked too tightly, the edge will fray and eventually break, especially along edges that are subject to stretching such as necklines. To prevent an overly tight bind-off, use a needle one (or more) sizes larger than the one used for the body of the project. End each of these bind-off techniques by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the last stitch. Standard Bind-Off This is the most common, and for many knitters, the only method for binding off. Use this method for edges that will be sewn into seams or finished in some way (such as stitches being picked up and knitted). Slip 1 stitch, *knit 1 stitch, insert left needle tip into first stitch on right needle (Step 1), pass this stitch over the second stitch (Step 2), and off the needle—1 stitch remains on right needle and 1 stitch has been bound off (Step 3). Repeat from *. Suspended Bind-Off This method is similar to the standard bind-off but produces a more elastic edge. Use this method when you want to ensure against a tight bind-off edge. Slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, *insert left needle tip into first stitch on right needle and lift the first st over the second (Step 1), leaving the first stitch on the left needle, knit the next stitch (Step 2), then slip both stitches off the left needle—2 stitches remain on right needle and 1 stitch has been bound off (Step 3). Repeat from * until no stitches remain on left needle, then pass first st on right needle over the second.  Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off This method produces a rounded edge that is extremely elastic. It follows the k1, p1 rib and is ideal for neckbands. Work this bind-off with a tapestry needle. Cut the yarn three times the width of the knitting to be bound off, and thread onto a tapestry needle. Working from right to left, insert tapestry needle purl wise (from right to left) through the first (knit) stitch (Step 1) and pull the yarn through, bring the tapestry needle behind the knit stitch, insert it knit wise (from left to right) into the second (purl) stitch (Step 2) and pull the yarn through, *use the tapestry needle to slip the first knit stitch knit wise off the knitting needle, insert tapestry needle purl wise into the next knit stitch (Step 3) and pull the yarn through, slip the first stitch purl wise off the knitting needle, then bring the tapestry needle behind the knit stitch, insert it knit wise into the next purl stitch (Step 4), and pull the yarn through. Repeat from *. Sewn Bind-Off This method, popularized by Elizabeth Zimmermann, forms an exceedingly elastic edge (so it's great for toe-up socks!) that has a ropy appearance, much like a purl row. Work this bind-off with a tapestry needle. Cut the yarn three times the width of the knitting to be bound off, and thread onto a tapestry needle. Working from right to left, *insert tapestry needle purl wise (from right to left) through the first two stitches (Step 1) and pull the yarn through, bring the needle knit wise (from left to right) through first stitch (Step 2), pull the yarn through, and slip this stitch off the knitting needle. Repeat from *.    From: Knitting Daily (www.knittingdaily@interweave.com)       Mon, November 23, 2009 12:28:27 PM

Make Your Own Candles

Edited By Margaret C Ostigny: Originally Posted on Wednesday, October 06, 2010 1:13 PM

Make Your Own Candles Information Source URL: http://www.beemaid.com/make-your-own-candles Pure beeswax candles, with their delightful sweet fragrance, burn longer, more clearly, and give off more light than any other candles. One full sheet of honey comb when rolled into a candle burns approximately eight hours. Half a sheet, when rolled into a candle will burn approximately 4 hours. Materials Required: Colored Beeswax Sheets Candle wicking - 1/0 square braid wicking Scissors Ruler (metal edge), preferably 20" (50 cm.) Exacto/Utility knife or sharp paring knife Cutting surface, 20" x 10" (can be cardboard) Hairdryer  Directions: Follow these basic directions on any style of candle you make. Choose the style of candle you are making. Using your sharp knife and ruler edge, cut the wax on your cutting surface as indicated by the style pattern of your choice. Avoid short, jerky motions. Occasionally, a dusty film or "bloom" can form on sheets of pure beeswax. This bloom is a natural occurrence and illustrates the 100% purity of your honey comb sheets. To remove this bloom, lay the sheet of wax on your cutting surface, take your hairdryer a minimum of 3" from the wax and move it from end to end across the wax. Ensure the warm air is at the angle to flow into the honeycomb pattern. Apply heat to the reverse side if needed. Caution: DO NOT apply too much heat as this makes the honeycomb sheets too soft and very difficult to handle. Place the wick along the edge of the sheet as indicated in the pattern. The wick should extend beyond the top 1/2 inch and stop 1/2 inch before reaching the bottom end of the wax sheet (safety measure). Fold over enough wax to cover the wick. Gently press down the wax, covering and thus securing the wick. This step is important, so if the wax seems hard to roll, simply take the hairdryer and warm the wax (this will make it more pliable). If you have not wrapped the wax securely around the wick, oxygen draws down the candle, causing it to burn too quickly. Using your fingertips, begin rolling the wax sheet around the wick. Take care to ensure the wax sheet is being rolled firmly and evenly. The completed candle will burn without smoking or dripping, unlike paraffin wax candles. If smoking or dripping does occur, the candle has not been rolled firmly enough, is being burnt in a draft or the wrong size of wick has been used. The seam of the candle is secured by warming the edge with a hairdryer and by pressing down gently along the seam. Using the right candle wick is at the heart of every good burning candle. Square braid as opposed to flat braid is generally recommended for beeswax candles. Square braid wick supplied is recommended for 1" to 2 1/2" diameter candles, the most widely used size. Creative Tip: When beeswax sheets are warmed, they become a natural adhesive allowing glitter, sequins and other appliquéd material to be applied to your rolled candle. Add your own personal touch to rolled candles for home decor or seasonal themes. Caution: Always make sure your materials are fire retardant. For example, use polyester glitter only. Basic Standard Candle  1 - 8 1/2" Candle No cutting required. Make sure the top and bottom edges of wax are kept even when rolling.  2 - 4 1/2" Candle Pairs Cut honeycomb sheets in half, roll 2 candles. Before rolling make sure the direction of the comb on each cut sheet is the same.  Variations of a Basic Standard Candle 1 - 16.75" Candle  No cutting required. Again, make sure the top and bottom edges of wax are kept even when rolling. Just place wick on long side of wax sheet and roll. 1 - 8.5" Pencil Top Candle Measure 1" from top of flat sheet as shown. Take ruler from top corner of sheet and line up with 1" mark and cut. One inch cut part becomes scrap wax. Place wick as shown and roll. Gives top of candle a slight taper finish or pencil top.  Jumbo Pillar Candle Similar to the Basic Standard Candle, the Pillar Candle can be made to any height or thickness you choose. After rolling the wick tightly at the beginning, start forming the wax from round in shape to either square or triangular. Continue rolling tightly and pinching the corners to keep your shape of the square or triangle until the candle is complete. Example: for a triangle, every 1/3 turn, pinch wax to form a corner creating a three sided candle. For a square, every 1/4 turn, pinch wax to form a corner creating a four sided candle. If candles are to be less than 8 1/2", cut the wax lengthwise. Butt new sheet to the edge of the last. Seams are less evident when both edges of the wax are slightly heated with a hair dryer. Press lightly to join, DO NOT overlap seams. Basic 1/2" Taper Candle Measure 10" on top of sheet and mark. Measure 10" on bottom of sheet and mark. Note: See from opposite ends as shown. Line up marks with ruler and cut. Separate sheets. Lay wick as shown and roll. If you wish your tapers joined by a continuous wick, flip "A" sheet over and place wick as shown to the right.    Flipped "A" sheet. Separate sheets and place 1.5" to 2" apart. Extend one continuous wick as shown. Roll one 10" side at a time.

1 Comment to Make Your Own Candles:

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Candle chandelier on Sunday, September 25, 2011 8:56 AM

Candle chandeliers and candle sconces are a fantastic way to add interest and beauty to your home. Light fixtures like these create conversation and provide the perfect lighting at the same time.

Crafting Ideas/Tips

Crafting Ideas/Tips

Tip#1 Make a Journal to Document Your Handmade Items

Margaret C. Ostigny: Originally Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 9:26 PM

Each time you create a handmade item, take a photo of it. Then, put the photo in a journal along with the date it was created, to whom it was given to (if the item was made as a gift), and what was used to make it. Future generations will appreciate the record of your handmade treasures! 

Tip From the Archives of Herrschners
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Tip#2 Plan a Crafting Night!

Margaret Ostigny: Originally Posted on Friday, September 17, 2010 4:06 PM

Show-and-tell is the perfect time for children to share their hand-crafted items with their schoolmates. Plan a family crafting night so they'll have something to show off that they have made themselves. We have plenty of adult/teen Craft Kits and easy-to-do kits in Kid's Crafts  or Artterro Art Kits (one of my favorites-- because each kit comes with a variety of materials and ideas while still allowing/encouraging your child to use their own imagination) and plan your family crafting night soon! Need some more crafting ideas?  Check out all of the Craft Books we have on www.yarncatcrafts.com

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Tip #3 Create a Craft List for Your Supplies

Margaret C Ostigny: Originally Posted on Monday, September 20, 2010 11:17 AM

"Just like a grocery list, start a craft list for your supplies. Whenever you are crafting, just jot down any supplies you're running low on, or tools that you realize would be handy to have. Next time you log on to www.yarncatcrafts.com, you'll have a list of everything you need in one place!"

More Crafting and Gift Giving Ideas

When family and friends gather together for Thanksgiving or a special dinner, send them home with a small gift to remember the day. Plan ahead and make up personalized place cards, handmade treat boxes, napkin rings, beaded jewelry, or small ornaments for your guests.

Crafting and Gift Ideas

When making quick-to-finish craft projects as gifts for birthdays or other special occasions, why not make two at the same time? That way you'll always have a handmade gift on hand when you need one.