Etextiles are pretty cool, but somehow actually attempting an electronics project didn’t happen until this week. I’m so glad I finally took a workshop because they’re SO COOL. And not nearly as scary as I thought. Not by a long shot. Today’s tutorial covers the very basics of working with LED bulbs and creating a simple circuit with conductive thread to make a bracelet that lights up when you wear it.
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Weekly Reader
With Valentine’s Day behind us and the Olympics nearly over, creative bloggers took the opportunity to share some new ideas not bound by seasonal hallmarks. Many beautiful ideas fell under the DIY style category of projects, which makes me oh so happy! Some of my favorites are funky fresh ideas, some a little crazy, and some are simply gorgeous.
Cricut Explore Brings New Meaning to Cutting Edge
Today I want to talk with you about my experience using one of the newest and most-talked-about DIY tools out there, the Cricut Explore cutting machine. I’ll be covering the costs involved, machine features, lots about its design and how it compares to other machines, as well as details about when the Cricut Explore will be available to the public. I’ll also touch on what the heck a cutting machine is! :)
All Cables Cowl Pattern
It thundersnowed in Chicago yesterday, which means winter knitting season isn’t quite over yet. Unlike my faux woven cowl from last month, today’s cowl features a series of small cabled stripes all the way around and is made with less bulky yarn. Also unlike that cowl, it breathes a little more, so it’s great for transitional weather.
Olympic Rings Sunglasses
There are SO not enough Olympic themed crafts for adults floating around the DIY blogosphere. Today, I continue my crusade to change that with some medal-worthy sunglasses for cheering on your favorite team. Made with oven bake clay and some strong glue, these sunglasses are totally going to be something I whip out for every Olympic opening ceremony party, viewing party, closing ceremony party, watch party and Olympic bar crawl for the rest of my life. I’m so pumped about them!
Weekly Reader
It’s Valentine’s Day, you guys! I totally have work today, but I wish I were at home getting my heart-shaped crafting on! Since I can’t, I’ll just share some lovely projects & recipes I’d be making if I could right now. Happy Valentine’s Day :).
Stacked Ombre Heart Candles
Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate by making a set of romantic and unique candles like these. I learned how to make candles with cookie cutters for Halloween last year, but these layered ombre candles take cookie cutter candle making to another level!
50 Handmade Valentine Ideas
Every Friday, I gush over favorite DIYs in my Weekly Reader roundups. Many of those favorite crafts, decor & recipes have been Valentine’s Day projects, but there have been even more great V-Day projects banked in my Be Mine Pinterest board all season. Heck, I’ve even been gathering up ideas all year! What better way to celebrate my favorite DIY inspiration than to bundle up my top 50 ideas, plus a few of my own projects from weeks and years past, to share with you.
Giant Valentine’s Day God’s Eye
Isn’t this such a surprisingly chic project? I got my hands on a couple of vintage arrows and have been dying to DIY with them for months! Of course these arrows came to mind when I was brainstorming Valentine’s project this year. What started as a simple vintage find became this ginormous God’s eye. The finished DIY really reminds me of some of the Native American-influenced crazy tapestries of the 1970s. I imagine this on the wall of Cupid’s swinging pad back in the day.
