Do it yourself

Yarnbombs

Two new yarn art installations

By 4 Comments

This past weekend, Jill of The Dapper Toad and I each installed a playful yarn installation at Downtown San Mateo’s annual Wine Walk. The energetic, inventive Downtown San Mateo Association colluded with the property owner of an empty storefront to convert it into a pop-up art gallery for the afternoon.

I tried an Aimee Diamond yarn installations I’ve admired for a while.  I designed a reusable installation so it can pop-up again. But even better, I designed it to twist and move so I can discover what fascinating abstract geometric shapes emerge from string art. (more…)

Tutorials

IKEA hack: Hand stamped brown paper packages

By 4 Comments

Last year I gave you DIY Christmas gift wrap ideas using a little botanical cheer. Those plain, brown paper packages are my favorite backdrop for dressing up prezzies any time of year. It’s crazy-versatile!

So what more can you do with that bargain kraft paper from IKEA? Indulge your trendy collection of hand carved stamps! If you don’t have any stamps, even better. Now you have a great occasion to try out a new craft. It’s a little tricky, but with the right tools from any good art store, you can have tons of fun. I made this little ball of yarn stamp on my second try!

hand stamped wrapping paper idea
diy hand stamped wrapping paper My sister’s birthday called for some crafty, hand stamped wrapping with a knitting theme.

My sister’s birthday presents certainly called for this yarn theme. Check out her new knitting swag: a handy, retro wool winder and an electronic stitch counter. She loved them, of course!

Cute retro yarn winder
Give your yarn stash a makeover with a wool winder.
Digital stitch counter ring
A digital stitch counter ring is my new must-have for knitting and crochet!