Craft Craze of 2011

Last year I wondered what the craft craze of 2010 would be, so I thought it would be fun to look back and then make my predictions for 2011.

I received a few theories such as “patterns”, “repurposing”, and “monograms”.  Some of those were right on, as we saw the reuse, recycle and repurpose trend continue in the craft and decorating world.  I featured my friend’s shutter turned wall art as a prime example:

and also salvaged auto glass used as a unique vase filler:

Monograms were also indeed popular in 2010, seen in projects such as pillows, furniture, wreaths, and wall art.

Image credit

Image credit

Image credit

Image credit

So what do you think the craft craze of 2011 will be?  I definitely think that personalized crafts will continue to be popular, as will the repurpose and reuse trend.  I’m also seeing lots of people going crazy for their Silhouettes and Cricuts, so I’m sure we’ll continue to see plenty of creative projects using those.  I can’t wait to hear your ideas in the comments!

More Friendly Ghosts

I got a great response from my Ghost Candle Shades post, so I thought I would share some more similar ideas I found out there.  Click on the photos and links below for more information.

Lowe’s featured this version in the most recent issue of their Creative Ideas Magazine:

Here’s another cute idea from the Darice website using wine glasses:

Check out Janet’s version using tissue paper:

Get the tutorial for these lighted Halloween jars HERE from Not So Idle Hands.

Shannon at Quarry Orchard skipped the middle man and just turned her white candles straight into ghosts:

You’ll never guess what these Halloween buddies from Increasingly Domestic are made from: 

Now you’ve got the inspiration, so get to crafting!

 

Fresh Home Magazine

I just got a flyer in the mail about a new magazine from the publishers of Reader’s Digest and The Family Handyman.  It’s called “Fresh Home”.  Well, I say new, but apparently it’s been around for a while and I’ve just been living under a rock!  Anyway, it’s being billed as “easy ideas for hands-on people”. 

In every issue you'll find easy and practical ideas for home design that reflects your personal style.  And, they feature tips, photos, ideas, and projects submitted by ordinary people like you and me!

Here’s an informative interview with the magazine’s editor from last year. 

And here’s another link to the press release of the magazine launch in 2009.

 

After the end of Domino, Budget Living, and Blueprint, I can’t help but wonder how long this magazine will last.  I have really dropped most of my magazine subscriptions, relying mainly on the internet for most of my design/organizing/decorating inspiration.  

Even though an annual subscription is just $10 right now, if you read the fine print you find out that the magazine is only published 4 times a year! I was ready to send in my $10 until I saw that.  I think I’ll just stick to my free Lowe’s Creative Ideas magazine for now!  Perhaps if they get enough interest and subscribers they will increase publication to monthly issues. 

So what do you think, are you interested in this magazine or will you stick to the internet for inspiration and how-tos?

Quick and Easy Paint Can

I learned this little trick from my mom several years ago during one of our many painting adventures.  Some of you may already do this, but I thought I would share anyway.  Instead of spending money on paint cups and containers from the hardware store, re-use and recycle a container you already have!

Any kind of jug will do….milk, juice, detergent…just cut it down and around the spout leaving an opening large enough to pour paint into.

Leaving the handle attached makes it comfortable to use while painting a room or furniture.

Just a quick tip that I thought I would share!  Linking up with Works for Me Wednesday and the Power of Paint. 

Crafty To-Do List Check-Up

Last fall, I posted a little long “Crafty To-Do List” on my blog in hopes that it would keep me held accountable for trying out some new crafts.  I bet you’ve been wondering how I’ve been keeping up, right?!

Well……….I’ve been a little lax, to say the least.  The first item on the list was this Flower Pin from My Mama Made It":

While I haven’t made that exact version, I have tried my hand at a couple other styles to coordinate with some of the embroidered tees I made:

Another item on the list was to learn how to make a Pillowcase Dress like this one from Nap Time Crafts.

Luckily, my mother-in-law was in town over Thanksgiving and helped me out with this one.

And finally, the only other item I got close to completing from my list was a version of this Fabric Key Chain from U Create/The Idea Room:

I don’t have any photos because I gave it to my mother-in-law, but I used the cotton webbing topped with an embroidered ribbon, so it turned out something like this:

I really need to make some more of those for gifts and my Etsy shop since I have all the supplies.

So that’s about as far as I’ve gotten! I do have a good excuse, though, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing around with my embroidery machine and making new things that weren’t on my list to begin with.  But it’s good to remind myself of all the fun ideas that I still need to try!

Linking up today’s post to the following parties:

Thursday

 

Friday

 

 

More Great Ideas From Lowe’s

I got my latest issue of Lowe’s Creative Ideas the other day, and as always, I loved looking through all the great projects and ideas.  I blogged about the 2009 fall issue last year (see that post HERE), where you can get more details on this helpful publication.

Love the colorful summer cover:

Of course that purple flower holder caught my eye right away! “What a Great Idea!”

I was also excited to see this page on decorating with vinyl decals.

I love how they incorporated the decal on the wall and down onto the dresser below. It reminded me of the decal I recently applied to a wall in our master bedroom.

 

Here’s a couple more great projects.  Add inexpensive decorative wood appliqués to furniture to dress them up a bit.

I’ve done this on picture frames, too:

And who knew you could make a pillow out of bubble wrap?!

Finally, several great ideas for storage and organization headed into back to school season:

Click on any of the photos above to make them larger.  And head on over to the Lowe’s website to subscribe to this FREE magazine if you haven’t already!