Saturday, 30 April 2011

links: the home

Craftzine [1].A Whole Mess of Staples � Manhattan Nest. He upholsters an Ikea bedframe using an army blanket and it come in under $100. My hero.Design*Sponge � DIY 101: building your toolbox ? saws part I.A Curtain at the Front Door | Apartment Therapy. When we lived in houses where the front door opened directly into the living room I always wanted to hang a heavy curtain over the door, at least to make the room seem cozier and less sidewalk adjacent.Wall-Mounted Nightstands Round Up | Apartment Therapy.Is It Still Called An End Table If It's Made From Lamps? | Apartment Therapy San Francisco.

[1] http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/how-to_bedside_table.html

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/LK0E-ieCorw/

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Crafty Events

crafty_events_629x100.gif

Click to add an event to the online calendar
Email me if you know of a call for vendors that you'd like me to list.
Click on the jump to see the calls for vendors.

springimage.jpgComing Up This Weekend:
Vagabond Indie Craft Fair
San Francisco, CA
Apr. 30

Indie Reno May Day
Reno, NV
May 1

Battlecreek Boutique
Pleasant Grove, UT
Apr. 28 - Apr. 30

Third Annual Spring Bash
Dallas, TX
Apr. 30

Craft Saturday
Des Moines, IA
Apr. 30

Mayday Underground
Rochester, NY
Apr. 30

First Sunday Arts Festival
Annapolis, MD
May 1

Weekend in the Park Arts & Crafts
Winchester, VA
Apr. 30 - May 1

Designers Downtown Market
Raleigh, NC
Apr. 30

Indie Twilight Market
Brisbane, Australia
Apr. 29

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Events | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/crafty_events_28.html

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How-To: Sunny Resort Blouse

sunny_resort_blouse_pattern.jpg

The retro flair in this breezy blouse from Adey of The Sew Convert is fabulous. Get the pattern and how-to over on Grosgrain.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Fashion | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/how-to_sunny_resort_blouse.html

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?Fit for a Princess!? Picnic Quilt ~ Fat Quarterly Tutorial

Katy Jones from the Fat Quarterly team and i'm a ginger monkey has a new Picnic Quilt tutorial for you today to add to our Digital Delivery Sewing fun!...

Source: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/04/%e2%80%98fit-for-a-princess%e2%80%99-picnic-quilt-fat-quarterly-tutorial/

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Needle Felted Dalek

Needle_Felted_Dalek_by_GlassCamel.jpg

Beefranck over on Mr. X Stitch points us to the fantastic needle felted work of Glass Camel, including Transformers and a dragon. This dalek was my favorite by far, though. See our Dr. Who round up for more awesome Dr. Who projects.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Geek Crafts | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/needle_felted_dalek.html

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Three-Person Sweater

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And you thought knitting a sweater for one was tough! I love this three-person sweater knit for the band Pearl and the Beard. Check out the video on the Lion Brand blog that explains how it was made.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Knitting | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/three-person_sweater.html

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Crafty Events

crafty_events_629x100.gif

Click to add an event to the online calendar
Email me if you know of a call for vendors that you'd like me to list.
Click on the jump to see the calls for vendors.

springimage.jpgComing Up This Weekend:
Vagabond Indie Craft Fair
San Francisco, CA
Apr. 30

Indie Reno May Day
Reno, NV
May 1

Battlecreek Boutique
Pleasant Grove, UT
Apr. 28 - Apr. 30

Third Annual Spring Bash
Dallas, TX
Apr. 30

Craft Saturday
Des Moines, IA
Apr. 30

Mayday Underground
Rochester, NY
Apr. 30

First Sunday Arts Festival
Annapolis, MD
May 1

Weekend in the Park Arts & Crafts
Winchester, VA
Apr. 30 - May 1

Designers Downtown Market
Raleigh, NC
Apr. 30

Indie Twilight Market
Brisbane, Australia
Apr. 29

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Events | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/crafty_events_28.html

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Book Club Stitchettes quilt plan

Source: http://www.weewonderfuls.com/2011/04/book-club-stitchettes-quilt-plan.html

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Friday, 29 April 2011

How-To: Helmet Mohawks

Sean @ MAKE posted up these festive bike helmet mowhawks:

A commenter on yesterday's CRAFT-y Bike Projects round-up alerted me to the DIY bike helmet mohawk phemonenon. Those pictured at left are from 2009 by Instructables user dan. The bright orange model is made from cable ties. To lower right is a helmet mohawk made with scrub-brush bristles by Instructables user jujitsu-mam. Upper right is a photograph sumbitted by the commenter, himself.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Fashion | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/how-to_helmet_mohawks.html

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Crafting the Royal Wedding

royal_ribbon_pin.jpg

Yep, I was one of the sleepy folks up early this morning to watch the royal festivities. As I watched I made this ribbon pin to wear that will also come in handy this Fourth of July. If you were interested in the wedding, what kind of celebrations or projects did you make?

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Parties | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/crafting_the_royal_wedding.html

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experiments in Rainbow Cakes

This past St. Patrick's Day I made a Leprechaun Trap Cake [1], shown above, which revealed a nice rainbow shape inside each slice. I created the rainbow by pouring colored cake batter into an angel food cake pan one color on top of the other and it came out surprisingly well. (More details on the amounts of colored batter I used are in the original post [2].) At the time I wondered if doubling the recipe or using different cake pans would result in the same effect and I've made a half dozen cakes over the past month to find out. The results are below and it turns out the answer is "nope".

For each of the following cakes I used the same boxed white cake mix, the same gel food colorings and the same technique to layer the batter.



Two boxes of cake mix in an angel food cake pan. For my original cake I used one box of cake mix in this same angel food cake pan. Doubling the amount makes a big difference and the cake almost spilled over the top of the pan while baking. If I'd leveled this one I would have had a swoopy and uneven rainbow, but it would have been there.



Half a box of cake mix in a 6 inch round cake pan. This was my most successful test variation. The cake shown has been leveled and turned out onto a plate, each slice had half a rainbow.



One box of cake mix in a 6 inch round cake pan. I was hoping that the flat bottom of the cake pan with lots of batter would result in a tall rainbow, but instead I got something that looks more like a volcano. I didn't level this cake.



Half a box of cake mix in a 4.5 x 8.5 inch loaf pan. I hoped the flat bottom of a loaf pan would give me similar results to the bundt pan but the batter didn't quite behave the same way. I leveled this cake before cutting into it and didn't realize that the leveled top held all the blue and purple colors, so I put it back on for the sake of the picture.



One box of cake mix in a 4.5 x 8.5 inch loaf pan. Another loaf pan experiment this time with twice the batter, and another volcano like result.



Two boxes of cake mix in a round mixing bowl. Here again I was hoping a tall cake would result in a nice tall rainbow. I didn't get that but I did get some very impressive swirling down the center of the cake and back up around the sides of the bowl. The center of this cake never quite baked. A failure all around but it's pretty cool to see how the batter moves while it's baking.

My conclusion is that using less batter in a flat bottomed pan will more likely result in the rainbow arch I was hoping for. And that I got very, very lucky for the first version of this cake [3] that I made to come out so nicely. Call it the luck of the Irish?

[1] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/03/16/leprechaun-trap-cake/
[2] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/03/16/leprechaun-trap-cake/
[3] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/03/16/leprechaun-trap-cake/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/beb5sGfXQRs/

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Bakesale for Japan

[1]

A nationwide Bakesale for Japan [2] is being held and here in Seattle it will be at the Cakespy Shop [3]. They are currently looking for "bakers, artists, volunteers, and lots and lots of customers", if you think you can help see more details and get in touch here [4]. See you there!

[1] http://www.cakespy.com/blog/2011/3/23/cake-byte-bakesale-for-japan-at-cakespy-shop-on-april-2nd.html
[2] http://bakesaleforjapan.com/
[3] http://www.cakespy.bigcartel.com/
[4] http://www.cakespy.com/blog/2011/3/23/cake-byte-bakesale-for-japan-at-cakespy-shop-on-april-2nd.html

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/rvEcXwlOWOk/

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Amazing Tree from Chocolate Poured into Ice

The Chocolate Tree at Del Posto restaurant in NYC is created by pouring loads of tempered chocolate into a vat of ice cubes. It's then adorned with even more chocolate to fill in the unique nooks and crannies. Check out this neat process video, which almost makes it seem doable at home.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Food | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/amazing_tree_from_chocolate_po.html

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Win a Fluffy Sockmonkey

Thanks to CraftGossip.com you have the chance to win this adorable fluffy sockmonkey.

For your...

Source: http://www.craftbits.com/competition/win-a-fluffy-sockmonkey

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How-To: Drawstring Backpack From Placemat

drawstring_backpack_from_placemat.jpg

Jacinda of Prudent Baby shares how to whip up this simple drawstring backpack using a placemat and some finds from the hardware store.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Sewing | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/how-to_drawstring_backpack_fro.html

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Thursday, 28 April 2011

Metro Detroit Readies for Rust Belt Market

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Just as we saw with the debut of Maker Faire Detroit last year, Detroit's creative and maker minds are continuing to make DIY news in 2011. Pulling inspiration from the Brooklyn Flea, Chris and Tiffani Best are putting the final touches on metro Detroit's soon-to-be opened Rust Belt Market, located in Ferndale. Promising a mix of indie crafters, makers, and even food creators, I had the chance to get a sneak preview of the space as it readies for its May 7 debut with some of my Handmade Detroit pals. Take a look at this post from Carey Gustafson summarizing her thoughts on the tour as well as this Ferndale Patch photo gallery.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in General | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/metro_detroit_readies_for_rust.html

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Rain Cloud Mobile

rain drop mobile.jpg

Kate from Mini Eco created this colorful raincloud craft for Okido magazine. The aesthetic bar has been raised in kid's crafts that I covet so many for myself these days!


Related:

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Paper Crafts | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/rain_cloud_mobile.html

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Create a Beautiful Graduation Scrapbook Gift

Capture important events like graduations and weddings in a custom-made scrapbook gift that will become a treasured memory.

Source: http://www.suite101.com/content/create-a-beautiful-graduation-scrapbook-gift-a367780

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The Downstairs Bathroom

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/02/the-downstairs-bathroom.html

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family crest

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/blairpeter/weblog/~3/OFbgoF5bhIM/family-crest.html

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Mina Crocheted Dress Pattern Now Available

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/04/mina-crocheted-dress-pattern-now-available.html

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almost daily photo: April 14th

Today was way better than yesterday, or so I thought. At lunch I dropped off the last document needed for our tax people to do our taxes, I got all the stuff needed to make dinner, I gathered and bagged the recycling for collection tomorrow, I got everything ready to take photographs of the Easter project I have in mind for this year, I did dishes, I washed and chopped kale, I cleaned out the fridge, I cleared the dining room table of miscellaneous mail and I was feeling triumphant and smart (I was listening to The Tobolowsky Files [1], it makes me feel smart) and nearly I felt like I actually had my stuff together until Scott [2] got home and discovered that all of my keys were still in the lock of the door. Just hanging there, forgotten. In my rush to turn off the alarm when I came home I failed to actually remove my keys from the lock. Way to go, me.

Anyhow, the photograph above is a sneak peek at what I'm doing for Easter. Sort of.

[1] http://www.slashfilm.com/category/features/slashfilmcast/the-tobolowsky-files/
[2] http://www.scottandrew.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/Hq1wIUGX7EY/

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New Comment on Newspaper Letter Rack

684_main_newspaperletterrack awesome

Source: http://www.craftbits.com/project/newspaper-letter-rack#comment_39492

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Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Botanica Autonoma

Jayne Vidheecharoen made this "human-spirit interface," Botanica Autonoma, which consists of grain stalks controlled by motion of more grain-themed controllers.

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Arts & Design | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/botanica_autonoma.html

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the hunt

Source: http://www.weewonderfuls.com/2011/04/the-hunt.html

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DIY Vertical Terrariums

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These mini DIY Wall Terrariums from Ruffle are just about the cutest little things I have ever seen! I am hosting a bachelorette cocktail party in June, and these just might have to be the favors that I hand out to the ladies. They look so easy to make, but create quite the aesthetic.

diy-vertical-terrarium-wedding-favors-06.jpg


Related:

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Home Decor | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/diy_vertical_terrariums.html

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daily photo: Mar. 23rd

Today I learned that my little-er camera needs to manually be set to macro (I knew this but was in denial) and that even when in macro it still won't focus on the point you'd like if that point is very bright. Good to know.

These are some Christmas lights that currently sit where a low cocktail table will live, just as soon as I find the absolute perfect one.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/svPwq5Ytt-U/

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Knitting Guy

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/02/knitting-guy.html

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Re: M&M Minis Tube Swap (Send-Outs May 2nd)

finally 99% finished!  now just to stuff, one last little embellishment,  and it'll be packed up and ready to go!

Source: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=376183.msg4482992#msg4482992

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Plush Portal Turret Speaks, Lights Up

Jonathan Guberman writes:

We've named her Trudi. Judging by her head-to-body ratio, Trudi's a baby turret.

Features:

  • Authentic game dialogue
  • Motion detector, so it knows when you're there and when you've left
  • Pressure sensor, so it knows when you've picked it up
  • Tilt sensor, so it knows when you've knocked it over
  • LED light-up eye
  • Exaggerated features for extra adorableness

I can barely hem a pair of pants, so I'm certainly not skilled enough to design and make a plush toy. Fortunately, I was introduced to Leigh Nunan; amongst other things, Leigh has created an incredible giant squid plushie that's about twice as large as I am. Leigh both designed the turret pattern and sewed it together (which, to me, is essentially magic).

[via Adafruit]

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Geek Crafts | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/plush_portal_turret_speaks_lig.html

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Tunisian Crochet Purse Wrap Up, Part 2

Source: http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2011/3/tunisian-purse-part2.aspx

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011

almost daily photo: April 12th

Lunch today was a mushroom and spinach crepe from Tokyo Sweets [1]. I learned that it's really difficult to unzip your bag and pull out a camera when you cannot put your food down. Also that shortly after taking this photo I was wishing I had a spork.

[1] http://www.yelp.com/biz/tokyo-sweets-seattle

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/k_FqKFdq-0U/

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Inside the Threadless Photo Department

Inside the Threadless Photo Department from PhotoShelter.com on Vimeo.

MAKE's fabulous ex-photo intern, Ed, turned me on to this video. Get ready for an awesome peek behind the scenes of the photo department at Threadless, the popular community-based, e-commerce t-shirt company based out of Chi-town. I love how opportunist they are, working quickly and often with whatever's on-hand to create original product shots in locations such as junkyards, motorcycle repair shops, the alleyway behind the studio, and a graffitied truck inside the warehouse. Plus, I think it's just rad that they use their friends and employees as models. Be sure to look for staff photographer Sean Dorgan's homemade beauty dish, constructed from a planter and CD case -- super crafty!

Threadless_Photo_Department.jpg

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Photography | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/inside_the_threadless_photo_de.html

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Whipup flickr group: easter projects

All these projects and tutorials for easter were found through the whipup.net flickr group – come join the fun. Links to tutorials Crochet bunnies Candy carrot bag Chick embroidery pattern Tie dyed eggs Birdie decoration Bunny softie Quick bunny Crochet egg pattern Refashioned bunny tote Felt egg book Catnip bunny Golden dyed eggs bunny finger [...]

Source: http://whipup.net/2011/04/20/whipup-flickr-group-easter-projects/

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daily photo: Mar. 18th

I've been baking more sizes and shapes of rainbow cakes [1] to see if I can recreate the nice rainbow arch in different pans. So far the answer is a very big no. Perhaps picking the right shape of cake pan on my first try was the luck of the Irish? I'll update the original how-to with my findings.

Above is my attempt at Tiffany blue frosting which turned out far too pastel.

[1] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/03/16/leprechaun-trap-cake/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/kJW23FPA-8A/

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giveaway: Modern Log Cabin Quilting

I'm so pleased to be showing you Susan Beal's latest book, Modern Log Cabin Quilting [1], and offering a sweet giveaway today. You can read why Susan loves log cabin quilting [2] and view projects from the book made by others at the Flickr group [3].



This book introduces you to log cabin quilts, gives you all the information you need to sew your own, including tools and techniques, and offers a range of projects.



This is the Bright Furrows quilt, I like the cheerful colors. There are a whole range of quilts using both huge blocks and lots of small ones. There are a number of special quilt projects including a t-shirt quilt to save those worn out shirts that hold memories, an Anniversary quilt and the cozy Winter Woolens quilt.



Above is the Northwest Modern quilt, I like how it's random. There is also a whole section on household items like tea towls, aprons, pillow cases and a pincushion.



I like the Red Cross bag which uses both corduroy and cotton fabrics. There are a nuber of bags, including a super simple drawstring bag, a zipper pouch, and a market tote. (A way to use up your fabric stash and make gifts at the same time!)



This Charming Camera Case is easy (and uses some stealth velcro).

I'm thoroughly charmed by the quilts and projects in this book, they are fresh and inspiring. So I'm very happy to have both a copy of the book and a fabric kit to give away. If you'd like to enter please leave a comment with this post, and if you'd like please do take the time to share any quilting projects (or disasters) you've undertaken. I'll go first: I've never quilted anything! Clearly I will have to change that very soon. You have until noon Pacific time on Thursday, April 7th to enter. The usual fine print [4] applies. Good luck! The winner as chosen by the Random Number Generator is #45, Emily. Congrats! And thanks to everybody for entering!

[1] http://modernlogcabinquilting.wordpress.com/
[2] http://crafternews.crownpublishing.com/2011/03/07/guest-post-why-i-love-log-cabin-quilting-by-susan-beal-author-of-modern-log-cabin-quilting/
[3] http://www.flickr.com/groups/modernlogcabinquilting/
[4] http://www.notmartha.org/the-fine-print/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/LaMPkxPHelY/

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Portraits of the Queen Made From Buttons

queen_portrait_in_buttons.jpg

Bonkers About Buttons posted these amazing portraits of the Queen of England that are made entirely out of buttons.

British artist, Ann Carrington has an impressive body of work spanning the last 20 years and in celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday, she was commissioned to produce some amazing pieces using pearl, troca and agoya shell buttons for the Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor.

Stunning! [via @SisterDiane]

More:

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Arts & Design | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/portraits_of_the_queen_made_fr.html

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New Project - Fleece Flower Petal Pillow

Fleeceslowerpillowsewingpattern

 

So, to celebrate the start of Spring,  I ...

Source: http://www.craftbits.com/project/fleece-flower-petal-pillow

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Folk Coat Show

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/02/folk-coat-show.html

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Monday, 25 April 2011

links: misc

Nine Eyes [1], which collects interesting Google Street View images.Milky Glass and Tortoiseshell [2].

[1] http://9-eyes.com/
[2] http://thehairpin.com/2011/03/the-week-in-estate-jewelry-diamonds-milky-glass-and-tortoiseshell/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/la2c6lH-zqQ/

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links: food

Edible Crafts [1].Edible Crafts [2].Nutter Butter stuffed chocolate cookies [3]. Yum.Busywork [4].

[1] http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/how-to-frost-a-cake/2011/02/15/
[2] http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/chocolate-butterflies/2011/02/17/
[3] http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/02/oreo-nutter-butter-chocolate-chip-stuffed-cookies-recipes.html?source=thekitchn
[4] http://busywork.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/northern-lights-photography-and-rice/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/fkHy4HFJvKk/

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daily photo: Mar. 20th

Malt balls, an impulse purchase because they were so pretty. They taste horrible.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/A3DyhpIroR8/

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UpCraft Roundup for Earth Day

Cz Upcraft

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Happy Earth Day everyone! To celebrate, I've rounded up here our favorite UpCraft projects. I love these Hand-Sewn Free-Range Monsters by Moxie that make great gifts and are great projects for kids to learn how to sew.

Here are more UpCraft Projects:

Pillowcase Sundress by Nikol Lohr

Plastic Bag Crochet Video with Cristen Andrews

Recycled Gardening Tricks by Susan Beal

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Recycle | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/upcraft_roundup_for_earth_day.html

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Recipe: Seared Ahi with Tamari Almonds and Spring Mix

In the Kitchen

seared_ahi_salad.jpg

I LOVE ahi tuna. I love it seared, I love it in tartar, I love it in sushi. But I don't love paying the big bucks for it, so I (and therefore my family) don''t eat it very often.

But I watch the local high-end grocery stores for sales. Recently I hit the jackpot -- fresh wild ahi tuna from the Philippines for $8.99 a pound (about half of the regular $16.99-$21.99 / lb price tag). I grabbed us a couple of steaks and a few marinade and salad fixins, and less than 2 hours later we were eating like Polynesian royalty! Here's our favorite recipe...


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Seared Ahi over Spring Mix & Tamari Almonds
Inspired by Elise's recipe on Simply Recipes

Prep time: 1 hour and change * Cook time: 5-6 minutes

Ingredients

  • (6-8 ounce) ahi tuna steaks (3/4 of an inch thick)

  • 2 Tbsp dark sesame oil

  • 2 T soy sauce (or 2 tsp of Tamari for a gluten-free option)

  • 1 T fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced (a few slices reserved for garnish)

  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Spring salad mix, enough for 2 large plates of salad

  • 1/4 cup Tamari almonds, chopped

  • Salad dressing, light and oil-based. I like to use a Shiitake Mushroom Sesame Dressing (also here) to extend the Asian flavor of this meal.

ahi_in_skillet.jpgsalad_on_plate.jpg

Directions

  1. Mix the marinade ingredients together and coat the tuna steaks with the marinade, cover tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. I often put the tuna steaks and the marinade in a large ziplock bag, and then lay it on a shelf in the fridge for at least an hour, turning it over when/if I happen to go into the fridge.

  2. About 20 minutes before you plan on sitting down to eat, prepare the salad plates. Arrange the spring mix on 2 plates and sprinkle with most of the almonds (save a few for garnish at the end).

  3. About 8 minutes before you're serving the meal, heat a nonstick skillet over medium high to high heat. When the pan is hot, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and sear them for 2 minutes on each side (even a little longer if you want the tuna less rare than shown.)

  4. Remove from pan and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.

  5. Dress the spring mix salad on the plates (not too much dressing!), and then lie the ahi steak slices on top of the salad. Sprinkle with a few green onion slices and some Tamari almonds.

  6. Eat and enjoy!!!

seared_ahi_final_shot.jpg

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Recipes | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/recipe_seared_ahi_with_tamari.html

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Knitted Easter Eggs

Everyone is so busy nowadays so a quick knitting project like these�Knitted Easter Egg Decorations always catches my eye. At least I’ll have time to finish this one — I think! �They’ll look great nestled in a bowl or hung from a branch in a vase. Added to Easter Crafts and Knitting Patterns Please vote [...]

Source: http://allcrafts.allcraftsblogs.com/2011/03/30/knitted-easter-eggs/

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Olive, Cream Cheese, and Carrot Penguins

olive_cream_cheese_penguins.jpg

I just came across this adorable hors d'œuvre on The Hairpin: little penguins, made from black olives, cream cheese, and carrot! I love the Devo hat on the leader of the waddle. Did you know that a group of penguins on land is called a waddle?

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Food | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/olive_cream_cheese_and_carrot.html

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Air -- It's Not Just for Breathing

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HELLOmynameisHeather/~3/IucVZKdY5qA/air-its-not-just-for-breathing.html

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Sunday, 24 April 2011

Chilly Colors

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/04/chilly-colors.html

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Exploded Tattoo

exploded-tatt_pink.gif

Exploded Tattoo is a collaboration between painter Anna Stump, photographer Ted Meyer, and various models with single-image tattoos. For each model, a 9'x8' painting was made to correspond to their body art, then the model and painting were staged for the photos. The end result is an original and stunning interpretation.

exploded-tatt_blue.gif

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Arts & Design | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/exploded_tattoo.html

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How-To: Rewire a Lamp

Bob Tedeschi wrote about rewiring a lamp in the NY Times!

SOMEHOW, everything I fix ends up far uglier than it was when I started. It's my zero-sum approach to handyman projects: what you gain in functionality, you lose in beauty.

But recently I thought, what if I start with ugly? There would be nothing but upside, right?

I tested this theory last week with my first task in the realm of electrical repair, the rewiring of an old lamp. My local secondhand store had some beautiful old lamps that, with some new wiring, might not burn down my house. But I spared them, and chose something that, no matter what damage I inflicted, couldn't possibly be uglier.

[via Adafruit]

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Home Decor | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/how-to_rewire_a_lamp.html

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Exploded Tattoo

exploded-tatt_pink.gif

Exploded Tattoo is a collaboration between painter Anna Stump, photographer Ted Meyer, and various models with single-image tattoos. For each model, a 9'x8' painting was made to correspond to their body art, then the model and painting were staged for the photos. The end result is an original and stunning interpretation.

exploded-tatt_blue.gif

Read the Full Story » | More on CRAFT » | Comments » | Read more articles in Arts & Design | Digg this!

Source: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/04/exploded_tattoo.html

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New Project - Index Card Note Deck

Deckcard

These small note decks can be used for many different purposes. Students can use them for clas...

Source: http://www.craftbits.com/project/index-card-note-deck

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Leprechaun Trap Cake

This may look like a perfectly innocent cake meant to lure a leprechaun to the top but it has a few secrets.



Secret #1: Beneath the pile of gold coins are fragile bars, when the leprechaun approaches to grab the coins he'll fall into the pit and be trapped.



Secret #2: There is a rainbow hiding inside the cake. The leprechaun will discover this as he eats his way to freedom.



Have you heard of Leprechaun traps? I hadn't encountered these until this year, and I am completely charmed by them. Leprechaun traps are created by kids in order to lure and trap a leprechaun. They are often a craft or sort of science experiment, there are some amazing ones collected here at Geek Dad [1]. You can see plans for some at Family Fun [2] (including the one that inspired my cake), and a round up at How Does She [3].

I decided that my angel food cake pan, with the hole in the middles, would make an excellent shape for a leprechaun trap. As bored kids growing up in suburbs we used to make traps similar to this for each other by digging a hole in the ground then covering it with a few fragile branches, a layer of leaves and finally topped with some loose grass to hide it. I'm shocked nobody ever broke an ankle.

To read the complete how-to for this cake please click on MORE.





To form the rainbow in this cake I used the method shown here at Omnomicon [4] which is very simple -- separate your cake batter, color each section, then pour it into your cake pan one color on top of the next. The first time I saw this method was when my friend Maggi (hi Maggi!) made one a few years back. (update: Maggi's cake is over here [5]. Pretty.)

The trouble: Usually when one makes a cake like this you divide the batter into equal parts but that results in the color that went in first spreading out more as it cups around the colors that come on top. The result is that when you cut a slice of the final cake you get less of some colors and more of others.



You can see this effect in the image above from Omnomicon, the color poured in last is much more prominent than the color that went first, which is squeezed and spread around the bottom.

I really hoped to create a more traditional rainbow arch and distribute the colors so they would result in more even appearance so I decided to change the ratio of the colors of batter. The color poured first (in this case red) was given more batter than the color poured second (orange) and so on, the last color (purple) got the least amount of batter. I think it turned out fairly well. (But I see some room for improvement in the future.)



So this is what I did. I used one box of white cake mix and separated the batter into eight bowls:

6 ounces - red
5 ounces - orange
4 ounces - yellow
3 ounces - green
2 ounces - blue
1 ounce - purple
1 ounce - to be kept white
the rest of the batter, also kept white


I used an angel food cake pan, but if you have a more rounded bundt pan I think it would work out even better as it would look more like a hill. update: I'm doing some tests in different pan shapes and finding that rounded pans and taller pans (or more cake batter put in an angle food cake pan) doesn't create the same arch shape. I'm doing all sorts of test (yay for reasons to buy more cake pans) and I'll report back when I find out more.



To make pouring the batter easier I filled plastic bags with each color then snipped the corner just before I needed it. I think this gave me a bit more control than scraping it from a bowl, but be aware that it's difficult to stop the batter once it's started so get a good hold on the bag before you start -- one hand should be on top to squeeze the batter.



This makes for pretty dishes.



First pour the larger amount of white batter into the pan. Then pour the red batter in, making it a wide ring of batter. Then pour the orange over that, keeping it inside the red. I found it was easier to control the ribbon of batter holding the bag a bit higher over the pan and trying to be zen about it.



Pour in each color, creating narrower and narrower rings. As you go along snip smaller corners off the bags, it will help you control the narrower shape you are trying to make.



Last pour the remaining ounce of white batter on top. I had hoped this would make the rainbow dome have a more hollow center but mine didn't quite turn out, so you might not even bother with this last one unless you're feeling ambitious.

Put the cake in the oven, you might consider baking it at 325 instead of the usual 350 as it will dome a bit less when baked at a lower temperature. I forgot to do this.



While the cake is baking you can create your pretzel ladder. I used milk chocolate candy melts as glue, dabbing it in place using a toothpick then setting the smaller pretzels on top. I held the pretzel rods in place by supporting them with quarters. You might want to remember to wash your quarters first if you anticipate anybody eating the ladder. Ooops.



Here is the ladder in better light. (I bake at night, it doesn't make for great photos. My deep apologizes for the assault on your eyeballs.)



Level off what will be the bottom of your cake, this will also help shape the base of the rainbow arch as the batter will curve under itself creating more of a rainbow horseshoe.



Flip it right side up onto your cake plate, then slide a few rectangles of parchment paper under the edges so you can be messy while frosting the cake. When you are ready to present it you simply pull the parchment paper away and, ta da, an effortlessly clean cake plate. I learned this on the old Martha Stewart show. I miss that show.

To frost the cake I made a half batch of the Magnolia Bakery buttercream [6] frosting recipe found at MarthaStewart.com. First I did a crumb layer, followed by a few minutes in the freezer. (It's amazing I can make room in my freezer for something like this.)



I used at Ateco 234 tip, it's one of the larger ones. Probably not the best for creating something like grass but I already owned it so I went with it.



I sunk some pretzel sticks over the middle hole in the cake to create a sneaky platform for our gold.



Then I simply piled foil wrapped gold coins over the pretzel bars.



I created a sign using the international image for "Hey, the end of the rainbow and the pot of gold are over here!".



And stuck the sign into the cake using a popsicle stick.





Discoveries made:

You will stain your lips green while eating this.
My cake plate tilts to one side.
And I completely forgot to add the vanilla to the frosting.

Notes:

Bake at a slightly lower temperature, say 325, to avoid doming.
If you use cake batter from scratch here is how I decided how much batter to separate out for colors -- I took 2/3rds of the batter for color and divided that in amounts of 6/5/4/3/2/1 parts. In my cake the total batter was 34 ounces. Two-thirds of that is 22 ounces. Happily 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 21 ounces, which was close enough. YMMV (your math may vary).

Notes on different cake pan shapes:

I baked rainbow cakes in a bunch of different shapes of cake pans [7] and took photos of the results. Turns out? The rainbow arch effect works best in the angel food cake pan. Otherwise the colors swirl a bit more, still very pretty but more tie dye than rainbow.

[1] http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/03/leprechaun-trap/
[2] http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/to-catch-a-leprechaun-710897/
[3] http://www.howdoesshe.com/leprechaun-traps
[4] http://www.omnomicon.com/rainbowcake
[5] http://www.flickr.com/photos/lolagetz/3495490469/
[6] http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/magnolia-bakery-vanilla-buttercream
[7] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/04/11/experiments-in-rainbow-cakes/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/xeN6vMCuj9k/

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links: food

Meaghan [1] who pointed me towards it in my post about chipping my ceramic pour over cone [2] after only owning it for four days.Craftzine [3].NY Times [4] story on how the new McDonald's oatmeal is full of sugar and relatively expensive, via The Morning News [5].

[1] http://www.ohmeaghan.com/
[2] http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2011/02/21/daily-photo-project-feb-21st/
[3] http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/recipe_the_salted_tarragon_gre.html
[4] http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/how-to-make-oatmeal-wrong/
[5] http://www.themorningnews.org/

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/jyiebTu8JaM/

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Emerald City

Source: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2011/03/emerald-city.html

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Saturday, 23 April 2011

links: the home

Craftzine [1].A Whole Mess of Staples � Manhattan Nest. He upholsters an Ikea bedframe using an army blanket and it come in under $100. My hero.Design*Sponge � DIY 101: building your toolbox ? saws part I.A Curtain at the Front Door | Apartment Therapy. When we lived in houses where the front door opened directly into the living room I always wanted to hang a heavy curtain over the door, at least to make the room seem cozier and less sidewalk adjacent.Wall-Mounted Nightstands Round Up | Apartment Therapy.Is It Still Called An End Table If It's Made From Lamps? | Apartment Therapy San Francisco.

[1] http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/how-to_bedside_table.html

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/notmartha/~3/LK0E-ieCorw/

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