I want to make lots of neat little gifts to give friends for Christmas. I'd like these gifts to be useable, elegant, consumable, and grown-up (not decorative, artsy-fartsy crafty crap). My recipients are Pragmatic New Englanders, and would be irked receiving potpourri, eye pillows, embroidered towels, door-hangings, pine-cone-bird feeders, or anything of that ilk. Hence: consumables. In the past I've had past successes making figgy pudding with brandy butter and a collection of homemade ketchups, relishes, mustards, and chutneys, but this year I want to move out of the kitchen. Blow me away with millions of amazing little home-made gift suggestions. [more inside]
posted by mr. remy on Nov 6, 2009 - 29 answers

How to obtain gutta percha? Once used to fashion tintype cases and to insulate the first trans-atlantic cable, it's since fallen out of fashion. Now, it's primary application is for the filling of root canals. Where can I find some in sufficient quantity for a craft project?
posted by aladfar on Oct 14, 2009 - 8 answers

I have the crystal pieces from an old, broken chandelier. What can I make from them? [more inside]
posted by jeather on Sep 14, 2009 - 9 answers

Where can I find woodworking plans or guides for creating outdoor furniture with a minimum of fasteners? [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Sep 8, 2009 - 13 answers

What should I do with this awesome vintage cat carrier? [more inside]
posted by kathrineg on Sep 7, 2009 - 10 answers

Knitting, crochet, beading, sewing.. what am I missing? Looking for some unusual craft techniques and projects. [more inside]
posted by psychostorm on Aug 18, 2009 - 36 answers

What are some good resources for learning to work with old tyres - crafting them into products and designs? +or could you explain the basic processes? [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied on Jul 31, 2009 - 7 answers

What kinds of advertising options should a new internet startup offer its customers and how should they be priced? [more inside]
posted by tnoetz01 on Jul 29, 2009 - 2 answers

I have a dress that I love. I want more dresses just like the dress that I love. Help me find someone in London who will make me cute dresses! [more inside]
posted by shewhoeats on Jul 14, 2009 - 6 answers

Which crunchy/crafty/eclectic/kid-centered type stores should I visit when I'm in NYC? I'll be there for a seminar but will have some free time afterwards. [more inside]
posted by printchick on Jun 8, 2009 - 8 answers

Items weighing less than 1lb that make you think "WOW that's cool!" or "GOT to buy that!" on first glance? Catch: items already in your home or could do a bang-up job of creating in two weeks. [more inside]
posted by variella on May 27, 2009 - 16 answers

Where can I find colorful velcro larger than 3" in diameter? [more inside]
posted by arnicae on May 26, 2009 - 2 answers

My girlfriend really likes bracelets made from ordinary objects. She has a fork bracelet and a bike chain bracelet already. What are other objects that I could turn into bracelets for her? Or, alternatively, what are some cool Etsy shops that make cool bracelets out of everyday stuff? [more inside]
posted by NoraReed on May 19, 2009 - 29 answers

LA Gourmet Cocktails? What are the finest, most crafted cocktails you've had in LA? High-end genius drinkology? Even just the best-balanced martini? Is there a molecular gastronomy equivalent here? [more inside]
posted by klangklangston on May 1, 2009 - 15 answers

what is the coolest thing I can make using 1000 redundant business cards? [more inside]
posted by girlgenius on Apr 24, 2009 - 19 answers

Hi all, I have recently become obsessed with origami, and I love the funkier side of the craft. Bright colors, geometric patterns, modular pieces. I have the basic folds down, but now I want to make and learn about really cool stuff. Do any of you have suggestions about the most interesting origami papers, websites, discussion groups, patterns, etc.? Or any other origami advice?
posted by tnygard on Feb 21, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm trying to figure out how to colour some clear glass tea light holders to maximize sexiness and avoid flames. [more inside]
posted by cranberrymonger on Jan 23, 2009 - 12 answers

Can you recommend some alternatives to Make magazine/blog without the social baggage and less emphasis on blinktrons and noisetrons? [more inside]
posted by Ookseer on Dec 22, 2008 - 21 answers

Where can I find light weight potatoes made of foam/plastic/etc? [more inside]
posted by Seeba on Nov 20, 2008 - 10 answers

DIY art/craft help with the gingko tree/leaf as inspiration. [more inside]
posted by Amizu on Nov 13, 2008 - 7 answers

What is the adhesive that backs water slide decals made of? [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur on Nov 9, 2008 - 3 answers

What kind of filler should I use in the home-made microwaveable heat packs I'm making for holiday presents this year? [more inside]
posted by np312 on Oct 20, 2008 - 17 answers

How do I go about making my own lavender bags? I'm planning on making some softies for Christmas presents and am unsure on whether they need to be fully filled with herb (dude) or whether a mixture of polyfilling is needed (less expensive). I'm also wondering what kind of lavender to use, and where the best (UK) place to obtain it may be. [more inside]
posted by mippy on Oct 5, 2008 - 9 answers

Please give me recommendations for craft stores in London, UK! Specifically: card making, optional: knitting and soap making/rebatching. Bonus points for locations around Oxford Street and/or easy access by tube! [more inside]
posted by gakiko on Oct 2, 2008 - 5 answers

Help me decide how to attach state quarters to my quilt project! [more inside]
posted by media_itoku on Sep 20, 2008 - 16 answers

I am looking for a place in NYC that is like the RFD in Washington DC. Any beer aficionados know? [more inside]
posted by Black_Umbrella on Sep 14, 2008 - 12 answers

Help me remember a random arts-and-crafts kit from my childhood... with a German twist? [more inside]
posted by veryhappyheidi on Sep 13, 2008 - 6 answers

Metal art/craft question - I need to scratch a design into a lot of cold rolled 22 gauge steel. [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 on Aug 27, 2008 - 8 answers

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Halloween is fast approaching and I need help creating some apothecary style props from the Bard's well known witches chant based on the introduction to That Scottish Play. Most of my audience isn't going to remember much past "eye of newt and toe of frog" but being a geek about details I'd like to try to create a tableaux of the entire contents of that cauldron. [more inside]
posted by rosebengal on Aug 20, 2008 - 11 answers

What is this children's papercraft book? Simple cut-out paper people (like gingerbread men) go on adventures (at sea, in the forest?) [more inside]
posted by slightlybewildered on Aug 19, 2008 - 0 answers

I need a crystal-clear transparent liquid that is as heavy (dense) or heavier than water, not dangerous, and not difficult to obtain. The heavier the better. The catch - it can't be water-based. [more inside]
posted by -harlequin- on Jul 18, 2008 - 23 answers

Can someone help me remember this book? It was a book about making all sorts of things from paper, mainly models, and I remember the start of the book talking about how to make forest fairies and flora (actually fungi). [more inside]
posted by razdrez on Jul 17, 2008 - 6 answers

What's in a (handmade crafts shop) name? ...Connotations of Boutique, Creations, Studio, etc. [more inside]
posted by alpha_betty on Jul 17, 2008 - 16 answers

I need a craft that has tangible results! [more inside]
posted by emptyinside on Jun 30, 2008 - 44 answers

CraftFilter: I want to make a bracelet designed around a ring, but I need instructions. [more inside]
posted by niles on Jun 17, 2008 - 7 answers

How can I "uncurl" photos that are no longer flat, but have somehow become warped? [more inside]
posted by beammeup4 on Jun 11, 2008 - 5 answers

Colorado Craft Filter: I am looking to find how to procure another mounted monster head. [more inside]
posted by silkygreenbelly on Jun 3, 2008 - 4 answers

I’m looking for an eco-friendly, or at least less damaging, alternative to these Styrofoam craft cones. [more inside]
posted by shesbookish on May 6, 2008 - 6 answers

What's the best way to make sharp, detailed, flexible custom stencils? [more inside]
posted by hydrophonic on Apr 19, 2008 - 8 answers

Where can I find needlepoint supplies in DC? [more inside]
posted by troika on Apr 11, 2008 - 7 answers

I just bought some interesting fabric from an enormous textile discount place. See link for crappy cellphone picture. Obviously, the pattern incorporates a logo (there is a teeny registered trademark sign inside each square), but I cannot place it. Any ideas? Someday, it will be a bag or maybe a skirt and I'd like to know who or what I'm wearing. Thanks!
posted by thewrongparty on Mar 30, 2008 - 7 answers

I want to learn metal crafts using a scribe/jeweler or marquetry saw and soldering. I live in Los Angeles (specifically Burbank) and I've tried vocational schools but can't find any specific courses, just entire certification programs in welding & such. I'm better learning when someone experienced is teaching and not from a book. I'm willing to pay for courses...just can't find any.
posted by Sophie1 on Mar 25, 2008 - 5 answers

Setting up shop filter. [more inside]
posted by stormygrey on Mar 10, 2008 - 10 answers

Help me name my new business venture. I'm looking for a creative/non-cliche name for a bed & breakfast that will cater to crafters, with an emphasis on scrapbookers. Basically it will be a three day/two night girls weekend. The B&B has a large craft area. We'll also offer massage, manicure and pedicure. Any ideas?
posted by ReneeOg on Mar 5, 2008 - 24 answers

I am trying to prototype my own board/card game. I need a way to design a card format onto 4" x 6" and 3" x 3" spaces. Something like the software CCG maker but different sizes and not Magic specific. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac on Feb 17, 2008 - 9 answers

What are the preeminent online resources for quilters? [more inside]
posted by Naberius on Jan 12, 2008 - 9 answers

Alternatives to staples, paper, glue etc for paper fastening in crafts and papercraft? [more inside]
posted by Iteki on Dec 20, 2007 - 11 answers

I want to make a promotional mug that has a picture of a brain on it, where some 'brain activations' appear when the mug is heated. I've seen color-changing mugs like this around, but I can't seem to find out where to get them made. [more inside]
posted by dmd on Dec 5, 2007 - 8 answers

I've decided to make my own Christmas cards this year. But I'm having trouble deciding what to say inside them. [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy on Nov 27, 2007 - 12 answers

With the joyous event of the election of a Rudd Labor Government here in Australia, I'm thinking of commemorating the win by taking the front page of a few newspapers and turning them into one of those hard wood posters you can buy from some music stores and poster shops. I am reliably informed that this process is called 'poster boarding' and from the few places I've looked at who do it professionally, this is going to set me back anywhere between $100 to $300 per poster. So I'm wondering if this is something I could do myself. If so, what do I need to buy, what do I need to do (a step by step process would be nice) and, importantly, how easy/hard will this be for a first-timer to do?
posted by Effigy2000 on Nov 25, 2007 - 7 answers