Thursday, February 24, 2011

Mustache crafts for the hipsters at heart


What is the fascination with hipsters and mustaches? I’m not sure. But what I do know is that mustaches are a craft heavy search.

It may be the weather, or it may be the coffee shop I am in right, now but here we go.

The best mustache crafts for the hipsters at heart.

Let’s get this started; we have some yarn bombing. Why yes, this taking two of my favorite things, rouge knitting and guerilla art. I found that while I was looking at Craftzine.com, and who doesn’t love “yarn bombing” and lets be honest, this looks a lot better with a 'stach'. http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/08/yarn_bombing_mustache.htm

What is better then incorporating mustaches and cupcakes? (I guess this mustache theme is turning into mustache collaboration) From Sprinkles Bakes, my baking guilty pleasure on the web, I found these adorable guys. It says this cupcake is perfect for father’s day, but I think it is perfect for any hip occasion that warrants beautiful and delicious cupcakes. 


These mustache etched glasses are another quirky and practical find. From the "Bread and Badger", they offer a fun “Mustache Lowball Glass.” From its bio it the duo hand sandblasts the designs onto the glassware.  These would make perfect gifts, or something hip to keep around a house.


From Jane of All Crafts, is an easy how-to for crafting a perfect “mustache-tic mug.”
A coffee mug with your favorite kind of mustache drawn on it These mugs are not only “ironic” but adorable, with a few simple supplies and a desire to have facial hair on your mug this would be perfect for anyone to make.


Give me anything with knitting. Here is a knitted mustache. And a website that tells you how to make it.  http://www.instructables.com/id/Knitted-Moustache/


Friday, February 18, 2011

Paper flowers in hopes of spring


We hit a heat wave in Des Moines, Iowa this last week. It was a whopping 63 degrees; needless to say, it was officially spring for a week.  While unpacking my swimsuit and sundresses seemed a little over the top, it did get me thinking about flower paper crafts. Because if the flower are not blooming, why not make a few buds bloom.

Here is a run-down of a few fun and creative paper flower crafting sites.

MarthaStewart.com has a wonderful slide show highlighting multiple paper flower craft ideas, from paper dogwood flowers, a Giant Paper Poppies and quilled flowers. What I loved about this slideshow was the wide array of ideas and different materials that were used, including quilting, cupcake holders and coffee filters to make beautiful bouquets and decorations. If Martha Does it, it has to be good.


Craftbits.com has an adorable photo flower bouquet "how-to". This would be a great crafting activity for children and adults alike. The project uses foam sheets and allows to personalization with colors and flowers, and putting pictures in the middle to create a unique floral arrangement. Nothing says "I love you" like your face on a flower.


Craftstylish.com and the DIY wedding section has a DIY on “How to Make Simple White Paper Flowers”. From Jeffery Rudell. It gives step-by-step instructions for how to create the airy and simplistic white flower arrangement. It is not only beautiful it is intricate and provides for a unique take on paper flowers and what and how they can be incorporated.


Also from Craftstylish.com is the “How to Make Perfect Paper Daisies” another step-by-step instruction on crafting this elegant and interesting flower. It is beautiful, inexpensive and it really makes an impressive centerpiece. Great for those who are allergic to flowers or those with a crafting ability.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Knitting and 5 favorite knitting-things online.


This is not a knitting blog.
Knitting, one of my favorite hobbies is something I am still trying to perfect. I can cast-on and cast-off. I have the basic knit and pearl down. Cable knit is something I am still working on. And also trying to make anything other than scarves.

Needless to say, knitting is awesome. And for this highly stressed individual, necessary. 

While roaming the web for inspiration I have stumbled across-the top 5 coolest knitting things.
 (In no specific order)

1.     Knockdown Knits: Roller Derby Knits. By Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr)
A book about the relationship between roller derby and knitting, with knitting ideas for knitting patterns for iPod armbands, fishnet stockings and an icepack covers and mouth guard covers. The Blending of these two cultures may be my favorite thing ever. This is taking Knitting to a new level of hardcore.
2.     Beard Heads. Why only cover your head in the cold weather when you can protect your mustache and beard? That is what the people behind Beardhead.com must have thought. It is a website that specializes in these full-coverage beauties.
3.     Being eco-friendly is easy when taking little steps, like replacing the cardboard coffee sleeve with a reusable knit sleeve. JasminsTreasures on Etsy.com has a great alternative for the cardboard with this beautiful knitted to-go cup cozy. Being eco-friendly was never this comfortable.  
4.     OK. Something else from Etsy.com (Although, I could not resist after seeing this little guy) it is a “Tiny hand knitted pink elephant brooch” by iroirorcrafts. This should be said- give me anything with cute tiny animals and I will swoon.
5.     For all of you hip-knitters. Or anyone who is anyone. Wool and the Gang ™ is a website that is from a gang of knitters ranging in ages and tied together through their yarn that sells kits of yarn, needles, pattern and accessories, or ready-made knitwear “for those of you too impatient to knit your own.” This website is not only witty but it is making knitting hip.