Written by Lucille Chi
Published on March 16th, 2010
Crafts for a Cause started as an effort to raise money for the relief efforts in earthquake-devastated Haiti. The genius behind Craftsforacause.tumblr.com asked “a bunch of artists to contribute custom-made artwork — t-shirts, tote bags and other personalized items — for the Crafts For A Cause auction.” Now they are raising funds like crazy! Click here to view the auction website. Amazing!
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Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on December 30th, 2009
I didn’t get to make as many handmade gifts as I had planned but I still made a few. Here’s a bit of my handmade holiday show offs.
I made my mother another memory shadow box out of items I found in my grandparents old stuff. This one matches the one I made for her last year. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on October 30th, 2009
Now here’s what a little creativity can come up with; Motherboard Gifts is a company that utilizes old motherboards and computer parts to make reclaimed gifts like money clips, picture frames, clocks, coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, binders, business card cases and even Christmas ornaments.
These are eco-friendly gifts even the most tech savvy, computer geek may love. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on October 24th, 2009
Kimi Chronis is the owner and designer of Fish Lips Paper Designs, a classy and eco-friendly wrapping paper company based in Florida.
Fish Lips is a one woman show that is a great example of what someone can do with a little creativity and the desire to offer earth friendly products.
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Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on October 16th, 2009
Green Guide for Artists: Nontoxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, & Resources for the Eco-Conscious Artist
is the one book all green crafters and artists should have. It lists craft and art supplies that are green (and at a minimum less toxic) as well as gives recipes to make your own green supplies like natural paints and glues.
I had no idea that Gorilla Glue is “green”. My husband uses it all the time and I figured it was just another glue from the hardware store but it is actually non-toxic and VOC free. Though when I have performed searches for green supplies it never comes up.
That’s just one reason why this book is so great. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on September 29th, 2009
“Artists and crafters have always been recyclers, but for many, it has not only become a thrifty choice, it has become a moral imperative. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse contains a cutting edge collection of the most inventive work being made with re-used, upcycled, and already existing materials. The work in this book ranges from clever and humble personal accessories to unique and important large-scale works of art, including paper art, fashion, jewelry, housewares, interiors, and installations.”
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Written by Lucille Chi
Published on September 20th, 2009
Upon window gazing in San Francisco, this immense coral yarn sculpture reminded me of one of the most unique, and unusual TED Talks I’ve ever seen and it’s about coral yarn crochet. In this TED (Technology and Entertainment Design) talk, Margaret Wertheim shares the coral project she started with her twin sister that is all about crocheting the coral reef.
The idea of this yarn filled coral sculpture garden is inspired by endangered sea coral, the ancient art of domestic handicrafts, and the new discoveries in mathematics by Dr. Daina Taimina on the beautiful math of coral. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags:
Coral,
Coral Crafts,
Coral Crochet,
Coral Yarn Sculpture,
Craft Movements,
Crafting for the Environment,
crochet,
knitting ideas,
Ocean,
Ocean awareness,
wearable art,
Yarn,
yarn crafts
Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on September 11th, 2009
Empty cardboard toilet paper rolls are one thing that everyone seems to have.
My kids love to play with them to make binoculars and all sorts of fun playthings.
I have found several creative ways to transform toilet paper rolls. Favor boxes for special occasions and parties are one way to put them to good use.
Anyone can easily take empty rolls and turn them into fun party favors, especially for Halloween. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by Kelly Rand
Published on August 18th, 2009
Via the UK Telegraph, I recently learned about Alex Queral, an artist currently living in Philadelphia, PA who creates portraits of celebrities and politicians, but what is interesting about him is that he carves these portraits out of discarded phone books.
Queral started using phonebooks when off looking for some wood and happened upon some abandoned phone books. They can be advantageous to use as they are often a free material that can be found in recycle bins and trash piles. Queral carves the famous faces into the phone books and slowly peels away the layers to create a low relief sculptural portrait.
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Written by Wenona Napolitano
Published on August 7th, 2009
The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts ( Leisure Arts #4802)
is a collection of fun and fabulous crafts made from all kinds of trashy, upcycled products.
I see quite a few old favorites in this Leisure Arts publication from other Leisure Arts books including the Trash to Treasure books.
I also see a few new crafts and one that I am thrilled to have found the instructions for. Read the rest of this entry »
