Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookies for Sweethearts

Crispy on the edges, chewy and soft in the center. These deep dish chocolate chip cookies are perfect to give as gifts or share with a sweetheart for Valentine’s day. Minimal effort and baking skillers required making this the … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/deep-dish-chocolate-chip-cookies-for-sweethearts/2020/02/01/

Stitch a Fun Mesh Cowl

The Geo Mesh Cowl by Xandy Peters looks like a triangular scarf but is actually an easy-to-wear cowl. The tip is worked flat and then stitches are added and joined in the round to make it into a cowl.

The … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://knitting.craftgossip.com/stitch-a-fun-mesh-cowl/2020/01/31/

Valentine’s Day Word Search Printable Worksheet

Parents and teachers can get the kids excited for the upcoming holiday with this free printable word search! Head over to Crayonsandcravings  to print off your free worksheet.  These are great for keeping in your handbag for February as little … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://kidscrafts.craftgossip.com/valentines-day-word-search-printable-worksheet/

Book Review – Better Home And Gardens Embroidery

Embroidery features 35 embroidery and needlecraft projects covering basic embroidery, crewel, cross-stitch, ribbon embroidery, sashiko, and redwork. Full-size patterns are offered for all projects, complete with full-color photography, diagrams, concise instructions, and schematic illustrations to ease completion. A back to … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://needlework.craftgossip.com/book-review-better-home-and-gardens-embroidery/2020/01/31/

Cute and easy ways to wrap gifts

I’m always on the lookout for gift wrapping ideas that would be able to go through the mail easily. Pop on over to the blog Burkatron for a whole bunch of super cute and easy ways to wrap gifts with … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/cute-and-easy-ways-to-wrap-gifts/2020/01/31/

Etsy Stores : Call Out

We are seeking Etsy stores to feature here on this blog Indiecrafts.CraftGossip.com.  This blog is all about independent (indie)  crafters.  You can search our blog to see some of our previous features.

We are looking for Independent Etsy store holders … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://indiecrafts.craftgossip.com/2020/01/31/etsy-stores-call-out/

Learn to Make Mile-a-Minute Baby Afghans

When you need a quick crochet blanket gift for a shower, choose a crocheted mile-a-minute baby afghan! Mile-a-minute designs all have an easy, repetitive pattern that you can finish fast. The tutorial and sample project in this book explains how … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://crochet.craftgossip.com/learn-to-make-mile-a-minute-baby-afghans/

Learn About Patterns with Pitter Pattern

We are so excited to be sharing a sneak peek into the beautiful new book from illustrator and author Joyce Hesselberth! Pitter Pattern is all about introducing kids to simple patterns that can be found everywhere around us: in nature, sports, math, language, art, and music! Lu and her friends love looking for patterns – what patterns will you spot with them?

We love that Pitter Pattern not only has amazing illustrations but is a great educating tool as well! Kids follow along on Lu’s adventures as she learns about patterns and then can take these lessons out into their daily lives too. You can even download a free printable activity sheet, access a teaching guide, and of course craft along with the video below to learn about patterns in quilting!

Pitter Pattern is available everywhere books are sold on February 11th – preorder your copy today! Keep reading to see more illustrations from Pitter Pattern and learn about Joyce’s inspiration!

What inspired you to write and illustrate Pitter Pattern?

First, an absolute love of pattern! It’s both beautiful and functional.

Function first. With my own kids, I noticed how important pattern recognition was. It helped them predict what would come next; it gave them a feeling of control. If they recognize that every day we get dressed, have breakfast, and brush our teeth, then that’s a pattern! They can see that it repeats every morning and know what to expect.

The second reason is pure beauty. Patterns are everywhere and they are gorgeous! I never pass up a chance to create a pattern for the endpapers of my books. When I started working on the artwork for this book, one of the first things I did was to create a little library of patterns by hand. It was a guilty pleasure for me, but I always try and bring my hand back into the art.

When writing and illustrating a book, do the words or the pictures come to you first?

I start with a little bit of both. I keep a sketchbook and I start with little thumbnail sketches and scribbled words. It’s a messy process. When I think I have something that I like, I separate the words from the images, and type the manuscript. Then I start scaling up my sketches and refining them. One of the joys of being both the author and the illustrator is that I can feel free to move both parts of the story around so it’s a very organic process.

Did you have a favorite picture book growing up? If so, do you remember why you loved it so much?

Miss Suzy, by Miriam Young. It was illustrated by Arnold Lobel. I’m happy that it’s back in print now. Miss Suzy was a squirrel and she lived “in the tip, tip, top of a tall oak tree.” There’s nothing that I don’t love about this book, but as a kid, I especially loved all the details of the house she lived in. In fact, when I got the chance to decorate my room, I insisted on a moss green carpet, just like Miss Suzy’s. Hers was made from real moss, and mine wasn’t (it was a long shag, very 70’s), but I still remember picking it out and trying to get the color as close as I could. The world that Young and Lobel created was magical, and I wanted a part of it.

How did you first get into writing and illustrating children’s books?

I’ve wanted to write and illustrate books since I was in college, but I didn’t really commit to it until I was in my thirties. I was illustrating for magazines and newspapers at that time, and it was hard to make room for a side project that might not go anywhere. At some point though, I realized that I would regret it forever if I didn’t try. I decided to spend an hour or so every day until I came up with my first book idea to send to publishers. It was a slow start, but I learned a lot. My first few ideas were rejected (probably for good reasons) but with each pitch I think I improved. When I finally sold my first book, it was a dream come true.

What’s been inspiring you lately and what do you do when you’re feeling blocked creatively?

I’m surrounded by creative people, both in my studio and at the college where I teach illustration, so inspiration is everywhere. But sometimes I feel like I need to step away from all that to refresh, especially if I’m feeling blocked. My favorite place to go is a trail not too far from our house. It used to be a railroad track so it’s super long and flat, but also shady and green. It runs along the edge of a river and there are lots of beautiful views. I go for long(ish) runs and it keeps me focused.

A big thank you to Joyce Hesselberth for sharing this sneak peek with us! Follow Joyce on Instagram to keep up with all her latest creative adventures!

from Handmade Charlotte https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/learn-patterns-pitter-pattern/

Tropical Valentine’s Day Card

Send someone warm tropical vibes this Valentine’s Day. Christiana used stamps, dies and pattern papers from Lawn Fawn to create this pretty in pink card, I love the flamingos and the punny saying!

Visit her blog, Christy Gets Crafty, to … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://stamping.craftgossip.com/tropical-valentines-day-card/2020/01/31/

Scrapbook Dies to Help Australia

Here’s a wonderful way to help out those effected by the terrible wild fires in Australia. Scrapbook.com has partnered with the Australian Red Cross to sell a digital die cut bundle for only $5, all proceeds go directly to the … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://scrapbooking.craftgossip.com/scrapbook-dies-to-help-australia/2020/01/31/

Valentine’s Day Pop Culture Superhero Lollipop Holders

These free superhero printables are the perfect place to put your lollipops or suckers this Valentine’s Day! They include designs from Pokémon, The Incredibles, Harry Potter, Spider-Man, and more. See the free printables here. … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://kidscrafts.craftgossip.com/valentines-day-pop-culture-superhero-lollipop-holders/

A Simple Cardigan to Get You Through the Year

Because I’m pretty much always cold, I often end up wearing multiple layers, including a couple of sweaters at a time (usually a handknit and a storebought sweater, with a long-sleeved shirt for good measure).

The Spring Birch cardigan from … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://knitting.craftgossip.com/a-simple-cardigan-to-get-you-through-the-year/2020/01/30/

Free pattern: Felt Valentine’s bear

This cute little bear is the perfect Valentine’s gift!  Alicia at Felt With Love Designs has a free pattern you can use to stitch one up!  He comes with a felt heart and has a little pocket in front to … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-felt-valentines-bear/2020/01/30/

Distress Crayon Techniques

Distress Crayons are a versatile coloring medium that you can use to add a colorful artistic flair to your cards. Simon Hurley has a terrific tutorial showing how to use them for several different techniques. He’ll teach you how to … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://stamping.craftgossip.com/distress-crayon-techniques/2020/01/30/

Die Cut Gift Packaging

Bibi created 5 stunning paper craft projects using the new 3D Vignette Mini Album Collection. Instead of using these beautiful dies to create an album she used them for gift card holders, gift boxes and cards. You create an entire … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://scrapbooking.craftgossip.com/die-cut-gift-packaging/2020/01/30/

Stitch a Spring Wreath

The sweet little flowers on this spring wreath are a great reminder that spring is coming soon.

The pastel colors are super cute but you can stitch them in any colors you like to suit your decor or mood.

This … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://cross-stitch.craftgossip.com/stitch-a-spring-wreath/2020/01/30/

How to make a recycled tape measure slap bracelet

I’ve always kind of wondered about the metal that is used in slap bracelets. Now I know maybe a bit more. Broken tape measures can be frustrating but now they can be upcycled into a fun craft with endless possibilities. … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/how-to-make-a-recycled-tape-measure-slap-bracelet/2020/01/30/

Valentines gnome – Cross stitch pattern

Instant Download:
Pdf pattern with black and white symbols
Pdf pattern with color symbols
Information about strands and symbols.

Pattern info:

Fabric: Aida 14, Ice Blue
Stitches: 35w X 60h
Size of ready work:
2.50 x 4.29 inches or 6.35 … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://needlework.craftgossip.com/valentines-gnome-cross-stitch-pattern/2020/01/30/

Pipe Cleaner Alphabet

Pipe cleaners have become a real staple in our craft stash lately! We love how they’re a fun and simple sculpting medium for little kids without any mess, but we love them just as much for kids of all ages. This 3D alphabet was so fun to craft and the finished collection of letters has such a playful look to them. They’re definitely not a perfectly even typeface, but that’s why we love them! The three-dimensional nature of this project may make it a little tricky for younger kids, but you could easily just make flat, 2D letters for a similar look.

Creating these alphabet sculptures is a great activity for kids to practice their sculpting skills and learn a little about geometry too! The finished letters would be so fun hung on a wall with small nails, don’t you think? Or just made enough letters to spell out a favorite word or your child’s name instead and arrange it on a shelf as colorful room decor. What will you spell? Keep reading for all our tips and tricks below.

what you need:

• Pipe cleaners (various colors)
• Scissors

how-to:

Step 1
Begin by shaping your first outline of the letter in two dimensions. Depending on the size of your letters, you’ll likely have to twist another matching pipe cleaner to the first so that you have enough length to close the letter. Make sure to twist and secure them well and trim any excess so that no sharp bits remain.

Step 2
Using the first letter as a guide, create a matching letter from the same color of pipe cleaner.

Step 3
Time to connect the two letters to form one 3D letter! Cut a matching pipe cleaner into short segments about 2″ long. Twist and secure one end of the short pipe cleaner to the corner of one letter, and twist the other end to the corresponding corner of the other letter, as shown above. Repeat this on all corners.

Some letters (like O, Q, S, etc) don’t have many corners and you might find that the pipe cleaner sort of collapses on itself a little bit. If needed, add extra supports along the curves so that the 3D letter is nice and stable.

Step 4
Repeat for as many letters as you like! You can choose to leave out the interior holes that would appear on the block letters, or add them in if you like. We decided to leave them out for the smaller ones but did make the for the larger ones (O and Q) so that the letters were more recognizable. It’s up to you!

Looking for more pipe cleaner crafts? Check out these pipe cleaner cacti and these summery cake toppers!

Happy crafting!

from Handmade Charlotte https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/pipe-cleaner-alphabet/

Book Review – Make Your First Knit Baby Afghans – 10 Afghan Projects for True Beginners

Make Your First Knit Baby Afghans – 10 Afghan Projects for True Beginners Price From: $9.99

SKU# 7354C

DOWNLOADABLE PRODUCT

If you’re into both babies and learning to knit, then why not combine your interests with this Make Your 1st… Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://knitting.craftgossip.com/book-review-make-your-first-knit-baby-afghans-10-afghan-projects-for-true-beginners/2020/01/30/

20+ Bob Ross Fandom Gift Items

I am of the age when I remember Bob Ross being on T.V so I find it quite amusing that now he is so popular. I just had to goggle if he was still alive? Poor Bob has gone to … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://indiecrafts.craftgossip.com/2020/01/30/20-bob-ross-fandom-gift-items/

Unicorn Utopia – crochet pattern

This magical blanket is baby size but I am tempted to make 4 of these and join them together to make a super-duper magical crochet unicorn floor rug for my daughter’s room. She isn’t into Unicorns anymore but I won’t … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://crochet.craftgossip.com/unicorn-utopia-crochet-pattern/

Top Excuses For Not Being Organized, Are You Guilty?

We all know becoming better organised remains a key to victory in terms of organising our personal life combined with our possessions. However common excuses offer a simple way of negating the effort required to create a sense of effective … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/top-excuses-for-not-being-organized-are-you-guilty/

Large Floral Die Cut Card

Wow, take a look at this stunning card from Tania. She used layering dies from Altenew to create this large 6″ x 6″ design, adding a trendy gold sentiment over the florals. These layering dies are great way to use … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://stamping.craftgossip.com/large-floral-die-cut-card/2020/01/30/

Mandala Layout

Monique created this Mandala layout with a trendy Boho vibe using a cut file from Just Nick. I love how she used different colors of pattern paper inside each section of the Mandala and clustered funky embellishments and phrases around … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://scrapbooking.craftgossip.com/mandala-layout/2020/01/30/

Sewing tutorial: How to sew a sleeve placket

If you’ve ever wondered how to sew a placket like the ones you see on tailored shirt sleeves, wonder no more.  Mayra at So Sew Easy has a tutorial showing how to make this shirt feature, and she’s also got … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://sewing.craftgossip.com/sewing-tutorial-how-to-sew-a-sleeve-placket/2020/01/30/

Slow Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles are fun any time of year, and ones with a holiday theme add an extra special touch.

This slow falling hearts sensory bottle from Rhythms of Play is really cute and easy to make for one or many.… Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://lessonplans.craftgossip.com/slow-falling-hearts-sensory-bottle/

Kids Craft – Tissue Paper Heart Bags

With Valentine’s Day coming, kids have to make a container to hold all of the goodies they will receive at their class Valentine’s Day party. Our Tissue Paper Heart Bags as fun and easy, making them the perfect craft for … Read More...

from Craft Gossip https://kidscrafts.craftgossip.com/kids-craft-tissue-paper-heart-bags/

Bean Mosaic Valentines

This post is sponsored by Plaid Enterprises.

Lately, we’ve been having SO much fun dreaming up fun and new ways to craft bean mosaics. In case you’ve missed them, we made this cute miniature village and these animal portraits! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we were so excited that the punny phrase “you’ve BEAN on my mind” was the perfect fit for these painted bean mosaics!

You’ve probably made or seen bean art before but what we love about these is using a quick coat of Folk Art Multisurface Acrylic Paint to give them a super playful and modern feel. Just adding this quick pop of color gives these bean art hearts a whole new look that’s completely different from traditional bean mosaics! And you don’t have to limit yourself to one type of bean per heart like we did – give your kids free range to a whole bunch of different shapes and sizes of beans and mix and match them all over the cardboard hearts. Once they dry, just give them a coat of pink paint, write out the bean pun on the back and you’re ready to spread some love this Valentine’s Day!

what you need:

• FolkArt Multisurface Acrylic Craft Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Mod Podge Gloss
• Mod Podge Brush Applicator
• Dried beans (different varieties)
• Cardboard scraps
• Pencil
• Scissors and/or craft knife

how-to:

Step 1
Use a pencil to draw hearts onto your scrap cardboard. We made a quick template from paper first and traced that onto the cardboard so that the hearts would all have the same shape. Cut out using scissors or a craft knife with a cutting mat.

Step 2
Apply a coat of Mod Podge onto part of the heart, but not the whole thing. Select the type of bean you’d like to use and place them in rows on the Mod Podged area. We liked to start from the outside edge and work inwards, applying more Mod Podge as you cover more and more of the heart.

Step 3
Repeat this process for as many hearts as you’d like, using different beans or even mixing and matching them! Let the Mod Podge dry completely so that the beans feel securely attached.

Step 4
Apply a coat of paint onto each heart. We used a few shades of pink, red, and purple for a colorful mix!

Step 5

Once the side covered in beans has dried, flip the hearts over and paint the backs too. On the back, use a marker to write “You’ve BEAN on my mind!”, with a custom “to” and “from” if you’d like.

Happy crafting!

from Handmade Charlotte https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/bean-mosaic-valentines/