88 posts tagged with crafting.
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Crocheting (or knitting?) baby things

I'd like to crochet a baby blanket and possibly other baby items. A stuffed animal would be great. But is it actually possible to crochet something durable enough that it will survive baby excretions and multiple washings? What kind of crochet stiches should I be looking for? What weights and types of yarn? Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Dec 15, 2020 - 10 answers

Equipment recommendation for a new quilter

My wife has recently taken up a hobby of quilting, and has told me she needs some high quality scissors, rotary cutter and a (self-healing???) cutting mat. A few more details inside, but I'm generally just looking for recommendations of some high quality equipment to buy for her. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean on Nov 29, 2020 - 32 answers

What baby hat should I make, and with what materials?

I would like to handmake a cute winter hat for an infant, out of maximally soft, stretchy, warm materials. Sewing, knitting, crochet, or [other?] are all options. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Nov 29, 2020 - 11 answers

Down the resin-topcoat rabbit hole I go!

What’s the best (non-yellowing) resin to apply over a decoupage piece that already has Mod Podge Hard Coat as a first top layer? [more inside]
posted by shelle on Oct 2, 2020 - 0 answers

Using essential oils in home crafts — what's your favorite info source?

Where should I go for practical, reliable, low-woo information about how to use essential oils for scenting homemade hair products? I have specific scents in mind and want to create my own recipe using them. Google is turning up mostly SEO-bait-looking sites with wildly contradictory information on basic questions like "How much EO do I use?" I know I should plan on doing some trial and error. But I'd like a starting point, maybe some 101-level instructions and principles. Is there a book or site aimed at practical crafters that I can read?
posted by nebulawindphone on Sep 21, 2020 - 3 answers

How do I cut photos into squares

I need to cut about 50 rectangular photographs into 3.25" squares. Is there some kind of scrapbook/crafting gadget that would do that cleanly and quickly -- something better than just using a ruler and scissors and trying to go in a straight line?
posted by mccxxiii on Mar 19, 2020 - 12 answers

Where are all the cool stamps?

I have a couple of stamp kits from Yellow Owl Workshop, and love them for card making and crafts. I would love to get more stamps like them (aesthetically) but it's been hard to find rubber stamps that fit the bill. Help me, MeFi! [more inside]
posted by kendrak on Dec 10, 2019 - 9 answers

Best printer for crafters at the dawn of a new decade

I have a proper fancy colour laser printer in the office but I would like something right there in the craft room for when I need to just print a sheet of buttons or a card or something to continue my project. Twist: strange materials? [more inside]
posted by J.R. Hartley on Dec 5, 2019 - 4 answers

"Anyone want to buy my crafts? Anyone...?"

Let us suppose that I want to make some crafts to sell, and that I don't want to be bothered with shipping them. How could I sell them locally in the Toronto area?
posted by orange swan on Sep 23, 2019 - 11 answers

Help me brainstorm an amazing costume idea.

I have a very decadent Halloween party to attend this year and I want to totally slay the costume. I am a fairly experienced costumer, as I live in New Orleans (we dress up for literally any reason at all). Normally I LOVE coming up with a costume concept, figuring out how to execute it, doing all the crafting, and applying elaborate makeup. This year, I'm drawing a complete blank, and I've got less than a month to pull this together. Help! [more inside]
posted by tryniti on Sep 8, 2019 - 39 answers

Teenage vegan baking/crafting blogger from 10-15 years ago?

10 or 15 years ago, I recall reading the blog of a younger woman who baked vegan desserts and sewed/crocheted/knitted cute little anthropomorphic critters, whom she'd photograph in sociable little groupings. I recall her having a somewhat gothy personal aesthetic, and I think she had published a book or two. Who am I thinking of?
posted by fussbudget on Aug 30, 2019 - 3 answers

I See a White Scarf and I Want to Paint It All Colours

Given that I've been unable to find a scarf that I like in a very specific colourway to go with one particular outfit, and I always have trouble in general finding scarves that I like, I've concluded that I ought to experiment with hand painting my own scarves. Fabric hand painters of MeFi, what are your favourite hand painting resources? I'm looking for recommendations for the best online and print tutorials, project ideas, and inspiration, online and Toronto-area supply stores, and any personal advice and tips you care to share.
posted by orange swan on May 1, 2019 - 5 answers

Scratch that DIY for apartment-dwellers itch

I absolutely adored ReadyMade Magazine back in the day. I anticipate having a little more time than usual this spring to invest in some (small-scale not a ton of power tools or space and as a renter nothing permanent to my dwelling) DIY projects. What should I read for ideas? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter on Mar 27, 2019 - 6 answers

What do I need to do to legally sell soap on Etsy?

I'm based in Washington DC, and I'm trying to figure out if I need a general business license. [more inside]
posted by moxie_milquetoast on Dec 3, 2018 - 4 answers

Crafters of Metafilter, help me save this toy deer?

I know it's ridiculous but there must be some way to revitalise it. Maybe I bedazzle it? Please help me with some ideas I just don't want to throw it out. [more inside]
posted by ibakecake on Jan 3, 2018 - 7 answers

Batting/stuffing/wadding for tufted floor cushions

I'm going to make some floor cushions like this out of heavy cotton drill fabric. Help me stuff 'em . [more inside]
posted by cilantro on Dec 26, 2017 - 13 answers

Have Desk, Need Hobby

In an effort to peel myself away from the computer more often, I am moving a desk into my walk-in closet to set up a "crafting space" of sorts -- however, I don't yet have a crafting hobby to use this space for! [more inside]
posted by space snail on Dec 9, 2017 - 23 answers

Who made the decorations in the movie Elf?

I watched Elf the other day, and I have a question about how people are credited. [more inside]
posted by msali on Nov 28, 2017 - 8 answers

Creative sources for pencil-width, clear, rigid plastic tubes?

For a craft project, I need to source some straight, stiff, clear plastic tubes, ~18" long and about 3/8" in diameter. This feels to me like the sort of thing that would usually turn up as packaging for something else (candy? hardware?) Mefites, have you encountered any materials fitting this description recently? Where might I look?
posted by Bardolph on Oct 17, 2017 - 8 answers

Put these hands to work

I'm looking for a simple, practical hobby or activity that involves making something with your hands and is compatible with my disabilities. [more inside]
posted by bizarrenacle on Aug 29, 2017 - 26 answers

Creating something new with silk flowers

Looking to cheer up a friend who is going through a rough patch. Can I do something with cheerful and fun with these silk flowers? [more inside]
posted by bbq_ribs on Aug 28, 2017 - 6 answers

Looking for an online store to buy bag notions

I'd like to make the Genoa Tote and I am looking for recommendations on where to buy the notions, including leather handles, a zipper, a key clip, and rivets. [more inside]
posted by john_snow on Jun 16, 2017 - 6 answers

What's a good craft I could spend a weekend doing?

I'm going on a crafting retreat with friends, and am looking for suggestions for what to bring along. I like the thought of learning something new before I go. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library on Feb 26, 2017 - 30 answers

Emergency gifting help!

I need to send a gift to a friend who's experiencing a hard time with a flare-up of chronic illness and anxiety about health coverage. They love cats, crafts, and caramel. What can I order on Amazon (for example) that they dwould love? My price range is around $15-40. [more inside]
posted by magdalemon on Jan 25, 2017 - 13 answers

Stamping on smooth wood

I have about 250 of these discs. I need to put colored numbers on them. I'm thinking of using an ink stamp set. Will the kind of ink that comes with this set stay on those discs, and hold up to wear? If not, then what kind of ink will?
posted by codacorolla on Jan 1, 2017 - 13 answers

To the Cross Stitch-ery!

I would like to learn how to cross stitch; I have never had any hobbies that involved cross stitch type skills (never tried knitting, sewing, crocheting, et cet.) but it looks awesome! How do I get started? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter on Dec 10, 2016 - 14 answers

Help me identify this velcro-friendly fabric!

I'm helping a friend design a hand puppet out of a material that can be used with hook-and-loop fasteners (also known as Velcro). I remember helping my 3rd grade teacher cover a bulletin board with a smooth, low-pile, loopy fabric that velcro hooks would stick to; that fabric would be perfect. I remember it being pretty common in other classrooms in the 90's. What is this fabric called? [more inside]
posted by lemonadeheretic on Nov 25, 2016 - 3 answers

Plan a Booth for a Craft/Art Marketplace

As seen previously, I've been working on expanding my artistic endeavors to actually selling stuff. My application to a local outdoor craft/art/vintage marketplace has been accepted so I now have under a month to get a booth together. I am at a loss. Help! [more inside]
posted by robocop is bleeding on Apr 27, 2016 - 8 answers

Boutique crafting duct tape

I've got a nephew who enjoys building duct tape wallets and the like. Generally we just buy him tape off the rack down at the hardware store (they have a surprisingly large selection of color and patterns) but I'm curious if there is .... I don't know, artisanal tape out there somewhere. Something to get as a special treat.
posted by Tell Me No Lies on Mar 22, 2016 - 13 answers

Oh Stewardess, I speak Crochet.

Craftfilter: Help me parse & translate this pattern instruction? [more inside]
posted by ApathyGirl on Feb 26, 2016 - 5 answers

So I have this crafting dilemma

I like crafting, but I don't really have the ambition to sell stuff, I have no one to give it to, and I don't know what to do with the finished products. [more inside]
posted by patheral on Jan 11, 2016 - 45 answers

Can any crafters help me with my felt beasties?

I was wondering if any Metafilter crafters could help my wife out with a sewing problem she's having? Here's her question: "I make felt animals, usually of the jointed variety. I draw my own patterns and sew by hand, and it's been going fine up till now, but the last two creatures I made have both had a weird bunching at the neck. I've tried altering the width of the necks, the gussets, basting in advance, what-all, but I can't figure out what the problem is... [more inside]
posted by lucien_reeve on Nov 14, 2015 - 20 answers

A hot date with a ball of wool?

I enjoy knitting while watching TV. I sometimes enjoy watching TV or a movie with an SO. Sometimes I like doing those things together. Is this going to be a problem in most relationships? How do I find someone who wouldn't be weirded out by that? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot on Sep 20, 2015 - 51 answers

Blogs featuring elegant + utilitarian crafts?

I'm very new to crafting and DIY, and am getting overwhelmed by the amount of material online about such things. I could really use some help identifying blogs or other resources/keywords to help refine my searching; so far I'm finding lots of stuff but not much that fits my criteria. [more inside]
posted by stellaluna on Nov 17, 2014 - 15 answers

Foraging free/cheap scrap hardwood, leather, & bones: where to look?

I have some craft and design projects I'd like to create with *quality* scrap hardwood, *quality* scrap leather, and game animal skulls/teeth/other bones. The bigger the wood/leather scraps the better. Other than Etsy suppliers, where are the best places in my community to try to look for these things and get them for little to no cost? [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings on Nov 9, 2014 - 13 answers

Please suggest some tools that I can get for making my own jewellery.

So I've made bits and pieces of jewellery like necklaces with clasps and such, but that's as far as I've gone. I'd like to take it a step further by making more complex bits of jewellery like bracelets and (in particular) earrings out of recycled metals; but I'm not sure what tools I would need or how to go about making the actual earrings and the metal that loops through the ear etc. Can anyone give me some advice on this or recommend me any books or the like that will help set me off to a good start with this?
posted by sockpim on Nov 5, 2014 - 12 answers

When it's time to style this party, I will always style it hard!

An acquaintance has asked me to serve as the (paid) stylist for her child's birthday party. I'm not a professional party stylist, just a maniac with a glue gun and far too many ideas. What's a fair price for my labor? Party location: NYC. [more inside]
posted by 2or3things on Jul 18, 2014 - 5 answers

Paint my decorative garden fish!

I am usually pretty crafty but for the life of me can't figure out what kind of paint will suit my needs - semi-to completely permanent, will stand up outdoors year round, semi see-through, pretty colors, for glass. [more inside]
posted by librarianamy on Jun 16, 2014 - 4 answers

De-stuffing for the stuff-intensive lifestyle?

I have a lot of stuff and desperately need to declutter. But I'm also a crafter, a DIY-type and a mom to small kids, which means I have lots of quasi-legitimate reasons to hold onto Stuff. Given that all these objects are potentially useful, what algorithms can I use to distinguish between "useful, but toss" and "useful, so keep"? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Feb 19, 2014 - 27 answers

Tips for a new teen crafter?

What should me 14-y.o. daughter know about starting a small hobby/business of making and selling crafts? Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt on Dec 9, 2013 - 20 answers

what do to with fancy beer bottles

I've got some heavy, fancy beer bottles, like this, at home. Throwing them out is a waste, and there is no deposit. What can I do with them?
posted by the man of twists and turns on Dec 4, 2013 - 11 answers

Help me name the things I have made

MeFites, you did such a good job of coming up with a name for the last blog I launched that I'm back again asking you to help me name the next blog I want to kickstart soonish. [more inside]
posted by orange swan on Dec 2, 2013 - 11 answers

Making camp awesome, one craft at a time

I've been offered the chance to run a week-long day camp this coming summer at a local art space. I have an idea for a theme, but I want to run it by the hive mind and make sure it's as awesome as it can possibly be. Who want to help me plan Costume Camp? [more inside]
posted by nonasuch on Nov 26, 2013 - 7 answers

Making something pretty from old slides

I need ideas for an art project using old 35mm slides. I have looked at the lampshades and curtains. The problem is most of my slides are a black background with very fine colored lines forming the image (they're protein structures, this picture here is a good example of what's on my slides). I worry any lampshade I formed with these wouldn't highlight the images on the slides the way I see in photos because so much of the slide itself is opaque. [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Nov 13, 2013 - 4 answers

Leather soles

What specific type of leather is used for dress shoe soles? [more inside]
posted by pengale on Oct 22, 2013 - 1 answer

Need recommendations to make/buy custom military-style campaign ribbons

I help run an annual game convention in DC and I am looking for advice on acquiring some awards for people who participate in one of our tournaments. The event has a wargamming theme and I would like to give people a custom, military-style campaign ribbon for participating. I see lots of websites for ordering actual U.S. service ribbons, but does anyone know of a place that might make custom ribbons? Or suggestions for making about 30-60 of them by hand? [more inside]
posted by Kolath on Oct 22, 2013 - 3 answers

Help me with a fun craft project!

Hi all, I've been tasked with creating a funky mailbox for our office mailroom. It's for employees to submit anonymous feedback for our director. She wants something irreverent and cheeky, so I am hoping to make something medieval-inspired, like this misericord carving. [more inside]
posted by duvatney on Oct 10, 2013 - 5 answers

Help Make this Space happen: Suggest your favorite tools and resources

I am tasked with stocking up a Maker Space gallery that will be part of a museum. I'm very much a crafter and maker myself, but am looking for the Makers of MetaFilter to tell me your favorite tools, especially ones for small hands (we will be catering to kids and families, as young as 3 years old). We will be doing simple woodworking projects (already looking at Japanese Pull Saws), sewing, circuitry, paper art, lots of tinkering (including activities with recycled materials and new materials). We are focusing on "real" tools (no plastic Fisher Price kids stuff, please), and I expect to buy a couple different versions of some items (hammers for smaller people, hammers for bigger jobs). The tools will get lots of use, so I'm happy to spend a bit more if it means I don't have to constantly replace broken items. I am especially looking for specific recommendations for specific tools, reviews, or resources ("these sewing scissors are amazing for the price" or "don't buy this brand of clamp" or "this site sells very good quality paper punches"). Thanks in advance!
posted by leastlikelycowgirl on Sep 19, 2013 - 12 answers

What craft supplies do you keep on hand regularly?

Looking for a list of any and all "standard" craft supplies that you keep around. What are some great things to have on hand in case you want to make someone a gift? [more inside]
posted by royalsong on Aug 30, 2013 - 29 answers

What small, cool things can I put in the secret compartment of a box?

So, I finally finished my dad's (now extremely late) Father's Day gift: a handmade wooden box with dovetail joinery and a "secret" pull-out compartment. Now I'm wondering what cool thing I can put in the secret compartment before I send it. Any ideas? Further details and dimensions, etc., within. [more inside]
posted by aecorwin on Aug 14, 2013 - 13 answers

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