Monday, May 31, 2010

Movie Monday: White Oleander


I just re-watched 2002's White Oleander. Although they had to cut a large portion of the story out Janet Finch's novel (one of my favorites) to be able to tell it within the constraints of a 2-hour film, it's still a great film adaptation.

Notice the role that yarn wear played in setting the scene of a teenager living (and escaping from) a foster facility and clinging to whatever comfort she can find in otherwise cold, harsh life.

Alison Lohman as "Astrid" & Patrick Fugit as "Paul", sitting on an
Oversized Granny Square Blanket

Another Variation of the Granny Square Blanket

"Astrid" wearing a Calf-length Knit Jacket

Recommended Stitching:
Caron's Lacy Square Throw, by Kimberly McAlindin
Caron's Chunky Jacket, by Kelly Klem
Eryka Coat, from Pop Goes Crochet

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I Love to Create: No-Sew Birthday Crown-Bands!

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My daughter Clover's 1st birthday is on friday which in our house means, time for a celebratory accessory! I thought about sewing her a Fabric Birthday Crown like the ones I made earlier this year for Craft Apparent but decided it might be fun to work up a sassier, no-sew version that would work well on her smaller head. Since Miss Clo is a little light in the hair department, she (read, I) loves headbands. Enter, the Birthday Crown-Band!

To commemorate her big 0-1, I used some hot pink vinyl along with fabric I had left over from her birth announcement collage. Whatever you have laying around your craft stash will do, though! Whip one up in no time flat and let the headgear hilarity begin!

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Materials
1/8 yd Vinyl
1/8 yd Contrasting Fabric
1/8 yd Iron-On Adhesive
Small piece of Tulle
Hot Glue & Gun OR Needle & Thread
Scissors
Pen
Iron
Ruler or Straight Edge
Glitter Paper
Alphabet Scrapbooking Letter
Headband

How-To
  • Cut out 5"x 10" strips of vinyl, fabric and iron-on adhesive.
  • Following the iron-on adhesive manufacturer's instructions on the package, adhere the wrong sides of fabric and vinyl together.
  • Use a ruler and pen to draw the the points (see below) of the crown on the fabric side of the piece. Cut out.
  • Draw and cut out the number on glitter paper that corresponds with the year your child is celebrating. Glue on to center of vinyl side of piece, Fabric Fusion. If desired, glue a scrapbooking letter of your child's initial on top of the number. Let dry.
mosaic9844994058b57a849e8c012188b9d9c363e4d746
  • Roll piece into cylinder shape; use Fabric Fusion to glue in place. Let dry.
  • Glue Glam-it-Up Crystals to each crown point.
  • Using hot glue or needle & thread, attach a tulle bunch to headband. Repeat for crown to tulle. Let dry, then let your little royal bask in their birthday glory!
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Crafat.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Monday, May 24, 2010

Correction: CAT Susch in Craft Corps

Even with a writer and 2 editors working on a project the unfortunate reality in the publishing world is that when you have 90+ people included in a book, mistakes may still happen. Such was the case with Craft Corps and knitting web show host, CAT Susch's profile in it.
The mistake will of course be corrected in the next printing but in the meantime, I wanted to feature CAT via this blog. So, without further ado, here's CAT Susch!


Digs: New York, NY

Daily Grind: Technology Executuve

Fave Crafts: Knitting, Spinning, and Crocheting

In 2006, husband and wife team Eric and CAT set out to create a show that would marry CAT’s talents in needle arts and technology with Eric’s expertise in broadcast video production. The result was Let’s Knit2gether, a show about knitting and related fiber arts.

The how-to demonstrations hosted by CAT cover intermediate to advanced techniques including socks, blocking, felting, knitting with ribbon, lace knitting, knitting with wire, etc. Special “field trip” episodes take the viewer to knitting and fiber related events to experience the passion and excitement of fiber arts culture. Shot entirely in High Definition, Let’s Knit2gether rivals PBS and the Discovery Channel for superior production values and enjoyable content.

Watch An Episode Now



Wednesday, May 19, 2010

I Love to Create: 2nd Annual List of 25 Signs You Love to Create

2nd Annual List of 25 Signs that You Love to Create

1. Instead of taking clippings of plants for your garden, you take swatches of lace and fabric for future applique opportunities.

2. You've started referring to craft bloggers in conversation by their first names, even though you've never met them.

3. Your most cherished childhood memory is of raiding grandma's button tins.

4. You buy a pair of shoes solely based on the fact that they'll look amazing displayed against your newly painted walls.

5. You're thrilled by the fact that you can pull up a 40% off coupon on your iPhone, when you're at the local Hobby Lobby.


6. You hoard fabric, glitter, paint, yarn and paper...you know, just in case any of those things should suddenly become unavailable to the masses.

7. Some people see plain fabric, you see a challenge.

8. You organize movie nights based on the craft-based content of the films. Character's knitting? Check. Fantastic quilt a part of the set? Excellent. Oh wait, they're garrish, feathery head dresses in a scene? Even better!

9. You convince your family that a road trip to see Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite would PALE in comparison to a vacation encompassing the Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival, Maker Faire, the Houston Quilt Festival and the Craft SuperShow!

Spotted: Crochet Tagging on S. Lamar in Austin!

10. Dinner conversation at your house consists of debates about the relevance of traditional graffiti vs. yarn bombing.

11. You purposely choose a dress in a pale color that will look terrible on you, because you like the challenge of dyeing it the perfect shade to contrast with your hair.

12. You consider the day of the Project Runway's "Fashion Week" episode, a holiday.

13. If something can be ripped into strips, it's not safe around you because you immediately want to knit, crochet or weave with it.

Setting up for newspaper yarn demo

14. You're a "fan" of at least 10 craft related pages on FaceBook (including of course, I Love to Create's.)

15. You signed up for a Twitter account specifically because you can't bear to miss out on up-to-the-minute crafty gossip.

16. When a friend tells you a piece of good news, your mind wanders mid-story as you begin mentally planning the the design of the "Congratulations" card you'll make for him.

17. You plan the color scheme of an entire room in your house, based on a stack of your favorite Amy Butler and Alexander Henry fabrics that you'd like to have displayed on a shelf.


18. Collage Pauge is right up there with toothpaste and hand soap, as a must-have staple in your home.

19. You've not only read the interviews in Craft Corps, you've taken notes in the margins and highlighted your favorite, inspirational quotes. Ok, this may be more my personal wish than an actual sign. Humor me, though.

Craft Corps book Proof of Life!

20. You feel that one person's buttons & zippers are another person's necklace and headbands.

21. You may not know that Malawi is in Africa, but you sure as heck know that MJ Trim is in New York! I probably wouldn't admit to that one though, if I were you.

22. There's nothing like the smell of Tacky Glue and Fabric Paint in the morning!

23. Who needs ocean sounds and bird chirping? You feel that the hum of your sewing machine is a perfect form of audio relaxation.

24. You have bumper stickers on your car that say things like, "Heavens to Etsy!" and "All Hail Handmade!"

25. You're constantly in need of a manicure because of a perpetual case of "crafter's hands".

Got more signs? Post 'em here!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Monday, May 17, 2010

PBS Parents' Craft Apparent Project: Duct Tape Gifts for Dad!

Duck Tape Gifts for Dad

Check out the latest Craft Apparent project: no-sew, duct tape gifts for dad! Learn how to make 'em all at PBSParents.com!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I Love to Create: Craft Corps Virtual Exhibit Submissions Wanted!

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Over the past few days I worked on making a fabric collage in honor of Craft Corps and all of the amazing people I've gotten to chat with (for the book) or read about (on the website). I knew the focal point would be the call-to-action, stenciled logo to represent the project itself but I wanted to overall piece to reflect at least a little of my story in creating Craft Corps. Included in my collage are sewn, stenciled, embroidered, painted, printed, crocheted and pieced bits--all little nods to those who've shared a glimpse of themselves within the book's pages.

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As I finished, I got to thinking. How would any of the 2200+ Facebook Fans, the 300 crafters on the website or the more than 90 creative beings featured in the book tell their own "Craft Corps Story" via the one thing that all bonds us together: craft. I decided that I'd really like to find out!

Make Your Own Art Piece!
So, my crafty compadres, I implore you to join me in participating in the Craft Corps Virtual Exhibit! Following the guidelines below and using I Love to Create's Craft Corps Stencil Kit and ANY other materials you choose to work with--wood, paper, fabric, yarn, beads, clay, whatever--make an art piece that reflects your creative passion. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to be you.

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Details
  • Pieces can be made out of any medium that suits you as long as they fit within the guidlines outlined below.
  • E-mail a photo of your finished Craft Corps piece to contests@vickiehowell.com by August 1, 2010.
  • I'll create a Virtual Exhibit via photo gallery of everyone's submissions to share with the public, debuting later in August!
  • The public will be invited to vote on the pieces, via web poll.
  • The winners will recieve one of the prizes below.

Craft Corps Stencil Kits--Available for $5 in 6, color combinations!
  • Piece must not be larger than 24" high or wide.
  • Piece must be able to be hung on a wall.
Grand Prize:
$200 worth of craft supplies (courtesy of I Love to Create), craft books (courtesy of Lark Books) and yarn (courtesy of NaturallyCaron.com).

Runners Up Prize:
Two more people will win a signed copy of Craft Corps: Celebrating the Craft Community One Story at a Time along with their choice of one of the following:
OR
All entries will recieve a "Proud Craft Corps Member" button, be featured over the coming months on the Craft Corps website AND be elligiable to have their piece shown at a live exhibit at the Creative Connection Conference!

Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, I hope you'll consider creating something for the exhibit. All you need is a little craftiness and the Craft Corps spirit, to be a part of a collective statement on creativity, community and general kick-arsness (the latter because I was getting too sentimental for my own comfort level ;-)).

So go on now; grab yourself a stencil and get to it! I look forward to seeing (and sharing) your submissions.

Good luck and have fun, you talented people, you!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

P.S. Looking for inspiration? Read the stories influential designers & everyday crafters in Craft Corps, the book!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Craft Corps at Renegade Craft Fair!

This just in! I'm going to be doing the very 1st Craft Corps book signing this weekend at the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin. Come on down and see me on Sunday at 1:00p at the Stitch Lab booth--don't be late, because I'll only have 25 copies to sell!

Oh but wait, there's more! Everyone who buys Craft Corps there or brings me one to sign they've purchased elsewhere, will get a free ball of NaturallyCaron.com's Country or Spa yarn and the scarf pattern seen below (while supplies last). I'll also have "Proud Craft Corps Member" buttons to give out! Can't beat that, eh?

There were several Austinites either featured or profiled in Craft Corps and I know that at least a few of them will be at the fair, too. Look for Naughty Secretary Club's Jennifer Perkins, Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching and Average Jane Crafter, Rachel Hobson!

Don't forget to swing by the Austin Craft Mafia booth, too! Hope to see you there!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

P.S. Please bring cash or check if you're planning on buying a book from me as I won't be able to run credit cards. Thanks!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Movie Monday: Zombieland

If you dig zombies and are looking for a good time in the movie department, check out 2009's Zombieland. It's got blood; it's got laughs; it's got knitwear!

Abigail Breslin as "Little Rock", wearing a super slouchy, Ribbed Beanie

Woody Harrelson as "Tallahassee", wearing and earth-toned striped, Knit Beanie

Recommended Knitting:
Shady Beanie (by me for Caron). Hey, ladies--Knit the men's size for a slouchy look!
Simple Souchy Beanie by Coco Knits
Oliver Beanie, by Amy Anderson
Caron's Cabled Beret, by Marilyn Losee

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Craft Corps Book Winners!

Here are the winners of the signed copies of Craft Corps!

1. Hanna (iHanna)

2. Lycinda Richardson

3. Catherine Hodge

4. Susan Nerio

5. Michelle Timms

PLEASE E-MAIL your mailing address to: contests@vickiehowell.com BY 5/18/10
to get your signed copy of the book!

Congrats!

xx,
Vickie


Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Ok, I lied--How about one more giveaway?

Even though I'm still working on picking winners from my Craft Corps Giveaway-A-Day, I've already got yet another way for you to win some free stuff! As you may know, I'm Caron International's spokesperson. Because they're really supportive of all that I do, they've generously offered to team up with Lark Books to offer FOUR winners each a signed copy of Craft Corps and $25 worth of yarn!


All you have to do is click here and enter to win. Good luck!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie


I Love to Create: Hands Made Modern

Hands Made Modern

With Mother's Day just a few days away I made myself a present--one that reflects both my personal style and the extreme pride I feel for the 3 amazing, little beings who inducted me into Club Mom. These painted & embroidered hand prints are made modern with the use of graphic print backings and transitional colors. It's a simple, clean project made (in part) with messy hands. Mama's, honor yourself with a little craft time this year by making your own kids' hands modern!

Materials
8"x10" Piece of of Graphic, Home Decor Fabric
Sponge Brushes
Embroidery Hoop & Needle
Embroidery Floss in colors: Black, Light Grey & Orange
Frame

How-To
  • Lay fabric on a flat surface. Use sponge brush to spread a layer of paint on the oldest child's hand; firmly press hand against fabric; lift hand straight off.
  • For subsequent kids' handprints, repeat the last step only layering print off-center from the previous one and using lighter shades of paint for each one. Let dry.
Note: If you're working with babies the print will likely be a blobby mess. Embrace it and let it go. As long as you get the general size of the hand, then the memory's captured and can be cleaned up with the next step.

My Children's Handprints: Ages 10, 8 and (almost) 1
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  • Place fabric in embroidery hoop; stitch around the general outline of each hand in a coordinating or contrasting color.
  • Iron fabric if necessary; place in frame. Hang with pride.
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Tip: Take a photo or scan finished piece into your computer. Make prints of your hand-y work for family members, or shrink it down to use as card fronts!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

PBS Parents' Craft Apparent Project: Teacher Appreciation Treat Jars!

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Check out the latest Craft Apparent project: spice jars fill with treats! Make a few for teacher appreciation week--learn how by going to PBSParents.com!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Monday, May 03, 2010

Craft Corps Giveaway Final Day: 5 Signed Copies of the book!

Craft Corps is officially out on shelves tomorrow--I can hardly believe it! Thanks to everyone who has come here every day, over the past 25, to participate in the celebratory giveaways. I thought I'd end the contest one, ok five, last giveaways--signed copies of the book!

Today's Giveaway: FIVE Signed Copies of Craft Corps!



How to Win:
POST A COMMENT HERE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS (BY 8AM CT ON TOMORROW) for your chance to win ONE of FIVE books. Poster's will be chosen via drawing at random.

Rules:
Please be sure to include your real, FULL name (not just your screen name) on your post. Winners will be posted on this blog every few days with instructions on getting me your mailing address. Prizes unclaimed will be put up for grabs at the end of the Craft Corps Give-Away-A-Day in May.

Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time hits shelves TOMORROW, May 4th. Be one of the 1st to get a copy by ordering today from BN.com!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Craft Corps Giveaway Day 25: Card Box Set from Sandi Genovese!


Name: Sandi Genovese

Gig(s):
Host of The Scrapbook Showgram

Excerpt from Craft Corps (Chapter 23):

"VH: Is there a moment from your childhood connected to craft that really stands out for you?

SG: Growing up, we didn't have a junior high school in our district. We went to elementary school through eighth grade and then straight to high school. In seventh grade, in effort to bring art to us (because the teachers were only teaching main subjects), my teacher Mr. Sweeney gave us charcoal to sketch with outside. I had these shoes that were wicker with a flower embellishment. I guess I loved the texture, so I took them off and drew my shoes. I loved how the drawing turned out. When Mr. Sweeney was going through everyone's art later, without filtering his reaction, he said, 'I let you guys out to draw nature! You're the best artist in the class and you do this?!' He meant to be angry with me, but when he said that, it was the first time I ever thought of myself as an artist."

Today's Giveaway: Box of Sandi's Signature Cards!



How to Win:
POST A COMMENT HERE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS (BY 8AM CT ON TOMORROW). Poster's will be chosen via drawing at random.

Rules:
Please be sure to include your real, FULL name (not just your screen name) on your post. Winners will be posted on this blog every few days with instructions on getting me your mailing address. Prizes unclaimed will be put up for grabs at the end of the Craft Corps Give-Away-A-Day in May.


Watch the Book Trailer!


Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time hits shelves May 4th. Be one of the 1st to get a copy by ordering today from BN.com!

Don't forget to share your story on the Craft Corps website and become a Craft Corps fan on Facebook--fans will be eligible for additional prizes!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Psst! Come back tomorrow for the final giveaway: 5 copies of Craft Corps!!

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Craft Corps Giveaway Day 24: Craftster Ceramic Skull & Scissor Necklace!

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER IS:

Sondra Casario!

Please e-mail your snail mail address to: contests@vickiehowell.com within the next week to receive your prize. Congratulations!

Name: Leah Kramer

Gig(s):
Founder of Craftster.org

Excerpt from Craft Corps (Chapter 8):

"VH: Do you think that people's conception when you say, 'I'm making a living as an artist' versus, 'I'm making my living as a crafter'? I've been talking a lot with the people I'm interviewing about the difference between the words art and craft. I wonder if the stigma of one word over the other affects how people respond to what you're doing [running a craft-based website].

LK: Good question. I know there are probably a lot of people who think of crafts as a superfluous, useless part of life. People are used to going to craft fairs and seeing little dishtowels with crocheted tops, and the little scrubbies that the older ladies make. They're cute, and they're good little gifty items, but they're not important to society; whereas, people perceive art as something that is more important.

The fact of the matter is: people love to incorporate fun, unique, one-of-a-kind things into their lives, and crafting is a way you can affordably buy something really unique that makes you happy. Hopefully people's perceptions have changed, but I do see what you're saying--people who aren't fully entrenched in it don't understand that it's like tiny little wearable pieces of art. Hopefully that's changing more and more, especially as sites like Etsy are on the tips of everyone's tongues these days."

How to Win:
POST A COMMENT HERE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS (BY 8AM CT ON TOMORROW). Poster's will be chosen via drawing at random.

Rules:
Please be sure to include your real, FULL name (not just your screen name) on your post. Winners will be posted on this blog every few days with instructions on getting me your mailing address. Prizes unclaimed will be put up for grabs at the end of the Craft Corps Give-Away-A-Day in May.


Watch the Book Trailer!


Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story at a Time hits shelves May 4th. Be one of the 1st to get a copy by ordering today from BN.com!

Don't forget to share your story on the Craft Corps website and become a Craft Corps fan on Facebook--fans will be eligible for additional prizes!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Psst! Come back tomorrow for a giveaway from paper craft guru, Sandi Genovese!