How-To: Collect and Display Insects

By , 2013/05/23 @ 10:00 am

insect-display-1

In the midst of the current 17-year cicada emergence here on the East Coast, the good folks over at Radiolab have posted an interview with entomologist Dr. Louis Sorkin, in which he describes how to collect and display insect specimens in shadowboxes (or cigar boxes if you want that DIY aesthetic).

More:

Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Muffin Bread

By , 2013/05/23 @ 9:00 am

pbs_lemon_blueberry_muffin_bread_02

When my pal—and former CRAFT writer—Rachel shared this lemon blueberry muffin bread recipe that Jenna Weber posted on the PBS website, it took every ounce of strength I had not to abandon my work and immediately run out to buy blueberries.

pbs_lemon_blueberry_muffin_bread_01

Hello, springtime breakfast!

Ready to whip up a batch of your own? Head over to PBS to see the full how-to.

How-To: Light-Up Chameleon Scarf That Matches Any Outfit

By , 2013/05/23 @ 7:00 am

adafruit_flora_color_sensor_scarf

Wouldn’t it be cool if your accessories could automatically change color to match your outfit? Turns out, they can! Check out this awesome new light-up chameleon scarf tutorial and video from Becky at Adafruit!

Head over to Adafruit to see how it’s done!

My Favorite Crafts at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013

By , 2013/05/22 @ 7:58 pm

craft

My name is Agnes Niewiadomski, and I’m a Maker-Faire-oholic. I was introduced to the world of Maker Faire three years ago, and have since attended nine Faires in North America (Bay Area, New York, Detroit, and Toronto’s Mini Faire). I have exhibited twice in Detroit as a maker, featuring my mascot heads, and my laser cut textile plants. I am also a member of a makerspace in Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario called kwartzlab where I run the art programs. We are actually hosting our own Mini Maker Faire next month for the first time, Maker Faire Waterloo.

DSC_0821

Here I am at Maker Faire Detroit 2011. (Photo by James Bastow)

I’m a huge Craft follower, I love getting a daily dose of inspiration to my inbox with Craft Daily, and really wanted to contribute to the blog this year by capturing the Faire in photos. My favourite part about going to the Faire is not just the visual spectacles, but also talking to the makers about their work, their process, and giving them encouragement to keep doing what they do, because they are so awesome. Travelling to different cities to attend Maker Faire also gives me the opportunity to go site-seeing, and there is something about San Fransisco in particular that keeps calling me back. I cherish all the friendships I have made with the folks here, and look forward to visiting again next year!

Below are some of my favourite crafts from this year’s Maker Faire Bay Area. Note that there are multiple pages!

craft-1
DODOcase are handmade and customizable cases for all types of portable electronics. From phones to tablets, you can carry your technology around safely and in style.

craft-2
Zazzle.com had a large booth showcasing a few of their partnered artists. Included were illustrators Josh Ellingson, Ben Walker, and Nidhi Chanani who had their artwork printed on big poster paper for attendees to colour in. Also Rickshaw Bagworks were featured using Ellingson’s designs printed on their bags, one of the services that zazzle.com provides.

craft-3
Art at the Zazzle booth.

Zazzle art on Rickshaw bags.

Zazzle art on Rickshaw bags.

craft-6
Ply90 has created an aluminum bracket that is used to quickly and easily create your own furniture. Perfect for those who move around often, it will flat pack when you’re ready to move again.

craft-7

Ply90

(more…)

Triple X Beer Cozy Pattern

By , 2013/05/22 @ 12:00 pm

triple-X-beer-cozy

Now that it’s getting to be porch and rooftop drinking weather here on the East coast, one of these triple X beer cozies, by Ravelry user Spork, might come in handy for insulating your suds from the warming rays of the sun.

More:

Guide to Sewing Machine Feet for Quilting

By , 2013/05/21 @ 3:00 pm

craftsy_quilting_sewing_machine_feet_guide

If you’re new to quilting—or new to sewing machines in general—sewing machine feet can be one big, frustrating mystery. Luckily, Sherri on Craftsy created this handy intro guide for quilting-related sewing machine feet so you can start stitching with confidence!

More:

How-To: Knitter’s Necklace

By , 2013/05/21 @ 7:00 am

thinkcrafts_knitters_necklace_01

Need a gift idea for that yarn-loving knitter in your life? This teeny tiny knitting charm that Stephanie from A Geek In Glasses shared on Think Crafts should do the trick!

thinkcrafts_knitters_necklace_02

In love? Head over to Think Crafts to see the full tutorial.

[Via Dollar Store Crafts]

%d bloggers like this: