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Weekly DIY Roundup: Shoes for Guys!

Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Ok so I felt bad after I finished that crafty shoes roundup when I realized they were all girl's shoes, and I made a plan to do this part 2 for guy's shoes. But, DIY boy shoes are much more limited - most of what I could find were just painted or drawn-on Converse or Vans, which are cool, but I wanted more different styles. So I'm including some in the roundup that not all guys will want to wear, but I hope some guys will be into them, or at least inspired by them. Enjoy!

I have to begin with my friend Paul's squid shoes - I've seen these in person and they are awesome! All you need to make shoes like these are some solid colored slip-ons, a fabric pen, and some serious artistic talent!

Paul pointed me towards one of the best shoe-painters he knows: I love Bobsmade's camera shoes!! And there are many more where those came from...

Of course the possibilities are endless with painted shoes - from permanent marker drawings to full on paint covering the surface completely, go wild! And then there are these superhero shoes by Magzilla on craftster, which are not only painted, but then decoupaged over the canvas, wow!

Now onto some other styles... I could totally see cool guys wearing non-heeled versions of these zipper shoes! They were made by Anitra Cameron when she couldn't bring herself to toss out a cheap pair that were starting to tear apart, and now they look great!

And I know some guys who could definitely pull off saddle shoes with a rad fabric accent like these, by acidalbatross on craftster. Of course, imagine them with your favorite color/pattern/design fabric:

Ok these are a little bit on the crazy side for most guys, but maybe it'll give creative inspiration to some wild boys. Created by GBkittyKat on craftster, with just white and black acrylic paint and a sealer clear coat...

These are totally silly, in the best way! lexi_icedrink on craftster made them for her DJ boyfriend to wear while spinning.

And lastly, no more DIY shoes, but just an idea I had. I heard Vans made a style of their shoes with a graph paper pattern, and the first thing that came to my head was cross stitch! I remembered seeing this nintendo princess stitched shirt, and thought it would be so cool to cross stitch nintendo characters onto shoes!!

If anyone tries the cross stitch idea or any other shoes inspired by this roundup, please shared, I'd love to see them!!

Sale Away

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:27:00 EDT

One of the very best things about warm weather is that it brings the thrifting possibilities OUTDOORS - yard sales and flea markets all across the country are typically in full swing by the beginning of May, and THIS year I'm strategizing. While a large part of my summer will certainly be spent circling newspaper listings and checking out my local CraigsList ads for yard sales in the area, I'm also seriously considering a few trips to some of the monster-mega-insanely-awesome flea markets across the nation.

Behold:

I'm way jealous of the West Coast and their proximity to Pasadena's Rose Bowl Flea Market; held the second Saturday of every month, lore of its vintage-goodness has reached even DC natives like myself. With 2,500 vendors and 20,000 visitors monthly, it's quite possibly the biggest and the best flea in the US. Los Angeles has their by-all-accounts-amazing Fairfax High School Flea, and also worthy of a trip to the left coast is Seattle's Fremont Market (open Sundays year-round). I've heard varying opinions on its wares (while some are die-hard devotees, others have attested that the vendors tend to skew a little more "artisan" than "thrift"), it's certainly one of the more renowned fairs. Heading eastward, Mary's Swap Meet (open Saturday and Sundays year round) in Oklahoma City is one of the largest flea markets in Middle America, and when in Texas be sure to hit up Alamo's All-Valley Flea Market - they average 600-800 vendors and admission is just a quarter. East coast kids like myself can attend the one-weekend-a-year DC Big Flea (actually in Chantilly, VA); heading North or South will get you to Monstweag Flea Market ("considered by many flea market-goers as the number 1 flea market in Maine") and to Florida's absurdly large International Market World in Auburndale - over 800 vendors and "mountains" of used stuff to sort through.

Hundreds (literally, hundreds!) of other flea markets across the country can be researched using the Flea Market Directory, but I want to hear from YOU! Does your state have any enviable flea markets or fair ground sales?? Chime in, as always, in the comments section!

Toolkit Contest Details

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:02:53 EDT

On this week's episode of Decor It Yourself, Meg announced that she will be giving away a pink tool kit from BUST magazine!

All you have to do is send in a video of a crafty home decor project you have done and you will be in the running to win!

Deadline: May 31st 2008, 12pm EST

Where: upload your videos to threadbanger.com's "upload" section

All entries must be received by 12:30PM ET, Friday May 31st, 2008.
Drawing to be conducted by Next New Networks on or about the Monday following the deadline set forth above.
No purchase is necessary to participate.
Void where prohibited by law.
We are not responsible for lost or misdirected entries.
You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
The winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility.
Odds of winning vary based on the number of correct entries.
The estimated value of the prize is less than $23.95.
The winner consents to the use of his or her name and likeness for promotion.
Entries must be a video of a contestants original DIY home decor project.

Only one entry per household.
Decisions of the judges are final.
No substitution of prizes is permitted.
Employees and the families of Next New Networks, ThreadBanger and any of their related or associated companies are not eligible to participate.

Upholstery Fabric

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:34:18 EDT

A few solid sources for organic upholstery fabric are Rubie Green, where I picked up the Lakeview print to re-vamp my ottoman.

I also adore the fabric at Twenty2. Both shops have easy-to-order websites and are earth-friendly companies that use natural fibers and chemical-free dyes.

Etsy and thrift stores are great resources for vintage fabric. This way you can give an old piece a new look using an earth-friendly method.

DIY Mother's Day Gifts

Sat, 03 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT

Mother's Day is right around the corner (Sunday, May 11) and we all know that sometimes a mom is the hardest person to shop for. I know that every time I ask my mom what she wants, she says, "nothing." Ok, so that doesn't really help me at all. So for all of you out there who still don't have a clue on what to get for the woman who has everything, here are a few ideas that you can make. (And we'll be she doesn't already have these!)

1. Homemade cosmetics: If you didn't already check out the episode on Eco-Friendly cosmetics, then watch it now. What better gift to give your mom than some beauty cosmetics that are eco-friendly that you made yourself? You can modify most of these essential oils so you can pick fragrances that she'll love the most. And if there is something that we didn't mention on the show, then pick up the Natural Beauty Recipe Book for some more great tips and ideas.

2. Personalized Photo Album or Journal: Moms love memories. It's a well known fact. And what better way to keep a track of those memories than with a journal or photo album. Martha Stewart has a great guide to a DIY journal and the DIY network has a pretty cool tutorial for using sticks and stones to outifit your journal for a outdoorsy look. But what about a different take on a photo album - accordian style? This kit will help you make a rad accordian photo album so you'll look like a DIY pro in no time! By using fabric, pictures, buttons, ribbons, paint, stencils, etc, it's easy to outfit a journal or photo album and outfit it to your mom's style.

3. Sew Her an Apron!: Now I know what you're thinking - and yes, not all moms like to cook, but aprons are so versatile that they can be used for pretty much anything from cooking, cleaning, holding arts and craft supplies, holding gardening supplies, etc. Get creative and make your mom and apron that she can use for her favorite hobby! This crafty apron (shown below) is made by Creative Little Daisy, but for some free apron patters, head over to TipNut.com for their blog post on 56 free apron patterns you can make.

4. DIY Calendars: With such a busy job keeping the kids on schedule, working, etc, a mom needs a calendar. And what better way to keep track than a personalized calendar. It's really easy. All you have to do is upload pictures to KodakGallery.com and select the pictures you want for each month. And on this site, you can also make personalized mugs, cards, shirts, etc.

5. DIY Potpourri and Candles: Sometimes nothing can be more soothing that a sweet relaxing aroma. And by that, I mean potpourri and candles. Potpourri is a little easier to make - you basically just mix together some dried flowers with essential oils and place in a decorative ceramic container. Since Mother's day is only a couple weeks away, it may be too late to dry your own flowers, but keep that in mind for the next batch you make. Here are some detailed directions from eHow. And for a book to go along with this that includes tons more recipes, check out Scented Potpourri and Floral Gifts: Gifts from Nature Series.

Candlemaking may be a little bit more difficult and because you're dealing with hot substances, so be sure to check with an adult if you're under 18. Instructables has a great tutorial on candle making. And remember you can add whatever fragrance you'd like!

6. Personalized DIY Pots: I know that my mom loves to garden, but then again she lives in San Diego. If you live in New York or somewhere else and you don't have a garden, there are other ways to decorate your pad with plants and garden life. The only thing is that those clay pots you get at the store are so boring! So here's an idea, make your own!! Here's a great write up from The New Homemaker on ideas on how to do just that. Also they offer other ideas that you can use instead of the clay pots.

Last but certainly not least, last year Craftzine.com post about Mother's Day gift ideas that you can knit and sew for your mom. These projects are easy enough that you can still get them done in time. So if you still haven't made her a present yet, now is the time!

Second Runway Fashion Show

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:19:25 EDT

Second Runway is a green fashion show presented by Goodwill/Easter Seals to highlight great fashion, great programs and a new way to go green! This premiere event is being co-hosted by Project Runway contestent Katherine Gerdes and Alexis Walsko of Lola Red Public Relations.

Local designers purchased items from Goodwill to create original, one-of-a-kind fashions in one of five categories: business, business casual, formal, casual formal and ‘night-on-the-town.' Their task is to create completely new garments or put together a stylish ensemble from items off the rack. The audience will have the option of purchasing some of the designs featured.

Saturday, May 3, 8pm (doors open at 7:30pm)

Grandstand, Minnesota State Fairgrounds Tickets: $10 online now

Discover a new and trendy way to go green! All revenue from the show will go directly back into Goodwill/Easter Seals' programs to assist people in the community.

DIY Headboards for Your Bed

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:18:51 EDT

Here are some other options for headboards for your bed that you can make yourself. The DIY Network offers this tutorial of a padded do-it-yourself headboard. Go on over to their site to see all kinds of home projects with detailed lessons.

As always, I turn to Apartment Therapy for ideas and inspiration. They provided the curtain idea in this week's episode and give this lesson on how to make your own.

I then turned to my nesting queen, Martha, who suggests using a door as a headboard and offers a quick padded headboard" lesson.

Compact and Eco Friendly Reusable Tote Bags!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:44 EDT

The other day, Corinne brought a really cool tote bag into the office. At first, it looked just like any normal bag, but when she showed me how it worked, I was amazed. It folded up into this tiny ball so you could pretty much stuff it in your purse and carry it shopping everywhere with you. It's great because you can now cut down on using plastic bags that you get from the supermarket or other stores. And cutting down on shopping and plastic bags help to save the earth!

Today I was on the Ecochick blog and I saw similar bags from Flip and Tumble. I'm really glad that people are making a conscious effort to cut down on plastic bags. These bags are not only really cute and super useful, but they are very durable and afforadable ($12!) Purchase them from Flip & Tumble.

Natural Bohemian

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:48:38 EDT

I blame the warm weather for my current state - I've been completely entranced by all things reminiscent of a 70's California summer. Don't think "boho" - think bohemian. From this amazing sheer caftan featured at The Sartorialist to the absolutely gorgeous peacock-feathered, color-saturated, fringed-and-crocheted inspiration that is artist Kime Buzzelli's blog, The Moldy Doily, I couldn't dream of covering myself in anything but flowiness, beading, and intense patterns until September.

The look is certainly vintage, but also incredibly relevant for this season - runways from Stella McCartney to Sue Stemp featured looks inspired by both Haight Street hippies and easy, breezy 60's SoCal style, and be sure to check out Style.com's Coachella 2008 Street Style slideshow for real-life inspiration. Lucky for us, the high street is flooded with bohemian-inspired jewelry at the moment, and the original apparel can be scored right around the corner at local vintage shops and thrift stores. As always, eBay is a dream come true when it comes to hunting down this (or any!) look.

What informs YOUR warm weather aesthetic, and what are you most looking forward to wearing this summer?

Clean, Clutter - Free, Allergen - Free Bedroom Tips

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:28:56 EDT

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, as we end up spending a tremendous amount of time in there. How our bedroom makes us feel dramatically effect how well we sleep, ultimately effecting our overall health and well-being.

Our bedrooms should be our safe havens and our relaxing oasis. As someone who has ALWAYS struggled with insomnia and marrying a man with intense allergies, this week's episode shows you how to create aclean, clutter and allergen-free bedroom!

Here are some additional tips and ideas to help with your allergies
while you slumber.

• Declutter the bedroom, clean all the surfaces, wash your sheets, and if you have any extra money spend it on upgrades like an air purifier or organic bedding.
• Use only washable materials on the bed and wash all bedclothes frequently at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep clothing off the floor and shoes out of the room.
• Air out the room regularly.
• Use a dust-proof or allergen-proof cover on your mattress and box springs.
• Keep furniture and surfaces to a minimum.
• If you can, avoid upholstered furniture in the bedroom.
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) air filter.
• A dehumidifier can help some people. Make sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.
• Dust mites thrive in warm, humid spaces.

Send us footage and pics of your brand-new bedroom. Sweet dreams!

Maker Faire this weekend in the Bay Area!!!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:19:54 EDT

Hey Thread Heads!

If you live in San Mateo, or are going to be around the area this weekend, then be sure to stop by the Maker Faire going on from Saturday May 3 to Sunday, May 4. The Maker Faire is a great event where crafters from all over come together and showcase their work. Not only will there be demos and craft events going on, but also workshops, how-to classes and seminars. This is a great event to learn all about the art of craft as well as some quick tips and advice!

Be sure to check out the full schedule on Craftzine.com.

...Not Your Granny's Craft Fair

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:48:17 EDT

Saturday May 3 - Sunday May 4, 2008

We are always looking for volunteers! Please contact us
at sf_info@bazaarbizarre.org for more information.

Special Thanks To Our Guest Judges:
Daniel Carter - Creative Director of Make: Magazine, Craft: Magazine & Make: Books
Nancy Flynn - co-editor of Get Crafty.com, and author of a craft book for teens that's coming out soon.
Leah Kramer - Founder of Craftster.org; owner of the "coolest store ever," Magpie, and organizer of the not-your-grandma's craft fair Bazaar Bizarre
Dayna Mankowski - Owner of The Crafty Scientist
Natalie Zee-Drieu - Senior Editor of Craft Zine Blog and Coquette

www.flickr

San Mateo Event Center & Expo Address
2495 South Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403

Shoes Shoes and More Shoes!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:23:21 EDT

I was so excited to get the new issue of Craft and see that the theme is shoes, so I decided to do a shoe roundup! I've always been intrigued by handmade shoes, whether they be knit, sewn, crocheted, or repurposed, and I've found quite a few great tutorials/patterns around the web for you to check out if you're into the idea. And if you're not, hopefully these shoes will get you excited about the thought of shoe-making!

I'll start with some crochet versions, because I'm way into these ultra-recycle-tastic plastic bag sandals! They are by mleak on craftster, and there's a tutorial, yay! I'd love to know how long these guys last and if they start to hurt after awhile... hmmm...

Also crocheted are these super cute mary janes by April Magnuson, which are slippers, but you could put some kind of durable bottoms on to wear them outside. That goes for a lot of these shoes coming up, you could either wear them around the house, or attach them to flip flop bottoms, or recycled tire rubber...? Just throwing out ideas here.

More warm-weather shoes, here are some ballet flats sewn by iheartohmy on craftster. Super cute and basic - you could make them totally personalized depending on what fabric you use, or you could use fabric paint or pens and go crazy! And, tons of room for creativity with the embellishments also - instead of (or in addition to) a bow, think buttons, broaches, beads, embroidery.....

Craft has always done rad things for feet - back in issue 02 Janaina Vaughn designed these sewn mary jane slippers. And they're made from recycled jeans, yeah!! The Craft blog was so cool to put the pattern up as a free pdf podcast download!

And speaking of mary jane style slippers, I happened to post a free pattern for this knit version a few months ago. It's a quick and easy project for you knitters out there!

Also for the knitters, floofle put out a free pattern for these so-cute espadrilles that use recycled flip flop bottoms! They look like the perfect spring footwear! And if you like to improvise with your knitting, you could totally use the basic idea of this pattern to try out different styles of shoes - I made a couple different styles awhile back that were improvised, never figured out a pattern, but hopefully they'll give you some inspiration.

If you're in a part of the world where Spring is not yet showing its face, you could whip up a pair of wool boots and wear them while you still can - I made those long ago using a felted sweater and posted a tutorial here on craftster. Pretty darn easy and super cool looking! You can check out more recycled-sweater boots around craftster, like these by melodicdreams and jpilgrimd.

Lastly, a collection of knit shoes/boots with no free tutorials - interweave knits has a gallery of super unique knit shoes, from sandals to high heels to boots. And, those knit boots by cocoknits, love them!! Think I'm gonna have to buy the pattern when I finish up at least a few of my current knitting projects...

One more thing, if anyone who has read this far has no interest in making shoes and/or wants to buy a pair of super good-for-the-earth ones, take a look at the Blackspot Unswoosher and Sneaker sold by Adbusters. Totally organic, recycled, fair labor, vegetarian, awesome.

Ok I hope you've been inspired to make yourself some superduper custom creations for your feet! Have fun and show us what you come up with!!

No Enemy's ORGANIC Tee

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:11 EDT

My favorite eco friendly tee shirt company in the whole wide world is No Enemy. I bought my first "ORGANIC" No Enemy tee almost 5 years ago when i got a youth scholarship to attend the BIONEERS conference in Northern California. Paul, the founder of the company, is so nice and really thrives to get the message out about sustainablity. Go check his website or look for the Organic Tee or Tank Top in your local Whole Foods.

xoxo c

Tracing A Pattern

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Last week I blogged a bit about tracking down international pattern magazines. So my question today is, "have you been bitten by the pattern magazine bug yet?" If so, you probably have your first issue in your hands, are looking at the pattern inserts (which looks roughly like a roadmap), and are now wondering "what do I do now?" Here's some tips to get you started sewing up your first pattern:

Like any pattern, you first need to determine what size you'll need. Carefully measure yourself and compare this to the size chart included in the pattern instructions section of the magazine. Like patterns that come in envelopes, magazine companies use differnt measurements for their sizes, so it's important to check each time you try out a new magazine brand. For example, I'll trace off a 36 in Burda and Ottobre Woman while I'll need a 40 in Patrones.

Once you determine your size, you'll want to check your instructions to find where your pattern pieces are located. All magazines come with multiple sheets of multi-sized patterns. After you find the page your pattern is on, you'll notice that each piece will be color coded to your specific garment, labeled according to pattern number, and the sizes indicated so you'll be able to identify which lines to trace.

Now you're ready to copy your pattern! The first thing you'll want to decide on is what sort of 'paper' you'll want to use when tracing your pattern pieces. There are a number of commercial products available such as Swedish Tracing Paper (available for purchase online) and Pattern Ease (which can be found in most brick and mortar stores as well as online). However, other transparent paper products such as rolls of paper from a medical supply store (used on exam tables) work just as well.

Next you'll want pick your prefered tracing tool. Pens, pencils, markers, or a tracing wheel and carbon paper will all work well. Keep in mind all pattern magazines (unless otherwise specified) do not have seam or hem allowances - so after tracing your initial size, you'll need to add these measurements. One way to eliminate this extra step is to purchase a tool such as Clotilde's Seam Tracer or make your own version (mine is two pens separated by popsicle sticks). Additionally, I find that using a clear quilting ruler and pen helps add hems to key pattern pieces.

Lastly, carefully trace off all your pieces. Be sure to secure your pattern and tracing material to a table to keep everything from shifting while you're copying each piece. And don't forget to mark important details such as darts, notches, zipper placement, pleats, dots, grainline, pattern number, etc. this will keep you from having to refer back to the pattern roadmap!

Composting in your home...

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:32:46 EDT

Learn how to compost in and outside your home at the Queens, NY "Garden & Grub Potluck Picnic"

Bring your favorite vegetarian dish and help beautify the largest community gardens in Astoria.
Saturday, May 24th, 11 – 2 pm
Goodwill Triangle/Two Coves Garden
Triangle at 30th Ave., 8th St., & Astoria Blvd
Learn about indoor and outdoor composting. Plots still available.

Sponsored by: Triple R Events & Friends of Two Coves Garden.

Cassette Tape Wallet

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:37:04 EDT

Remember these things? If you were born in the late 80's, you may not have really ever used cassettes. Anyway, they were a staple when I was growing up. Fellow blogger, Chezlin made a really cool wallet out of one of her old cassettes. She even created a tutorial so all of you can make one! Head over to her blog for the complete tutorial.

Save The Planet With Style

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:54:28 EDT

Green fashion lets you look good and do good for the planet.

Queens is Greens Fashion Show will have an amazing array of designers and local stores who will be showing their green fashion on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Green Space Studio (37-24 24th Street #301) in Long Island City, NY.

Space is limited. Free with RSVP to "queensisgreen@gmail.com" or $5 at the door.

Nearest subway stop: the N/W train to 36th Avenue

Tulle-Puff Headband Tutorial

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Inspired by the amazing tulle-halos at the Spring 08 Marc-by-Marc Jacobs show, here's a quick and easy (and mega-cheap) tulle-puff headband DIY!

All you'll need is a yard of tulle in any color, some matching thread or string, and an inexpensive plastic headband in a matching or complimentary color. I chose black so my finished product would resemble Minnie Mouse-ears (so cute!), but a Spring-y pink or green would be oh-so-pretty too...

Let's get started!

1. Cut about 2 feet of tulle from your yard, and set the rest aside.

2. Using the string, attach the tulle to the top of the headband. I chose a point about 6 inches from one end of the tulle to attach, but feel free to customize your design. Also, I found that the most secure way to tie the tulle to the headband was to take a long piece of string (about a foot), wrap it around the two tightly, then tie it off.

3. Take the long, floaty end of the tulle and make a loop as if you were going to tie a bow, then, as in step 2, attach, wrap, and tie the tulle to the headband.

Voila!

The best part about this project is how EASY it is - meaning that you can easily go back and make your tulle puffs more or less crazy depending on the occassion. Have fun with it!

Top 10 Most Wacky Dresses

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:04:42 EDT

Prom season is.... HERE! I remember those days when I'd be SO excited to go to Prom. Though, I'd have to find a date first and a kick-ass dress to impress everyone at Prom. Magazine upon magazine, I'd scour the pages to find something unique - something that no one else had and that would just blow them away. Well, folks, these people went way beyond the magazines and stores and they made something wacky, crazy, unique. Call it what you will, but these dresses KICK ASS!

Top 10 Wacky Dresses

10. The Balloon Dress: Does this dress come with some kind of static guard? Well, more importantly, please remind your date, NOT to wear anything sharp.

9. The Duct Tapt Dress: Just don't get stuck at prom. This is actually a contest that you can enter and win $$$ for your college fund! Impressive!

8. The Candy Dress: This one is made of Malaysian Candy. 250 hours and over 200,000 candies created this piece of art.

7. The Money Dress: Just don't dance too close to me. I'm afraid you just want me for my money... literally.

6. The Recycled Paper Dress: This takes recycling paper to a whole new level.

5. The Mother Nature Dress: Made of authentic pinecones!!!! Let's just make sure the squirrels stay away.

4. The Bubble Wrap Dress: I just love bubble wrap, but if I was wearing this dress, all the bubbles would be popped by the end of the night!

3. The Vegetable Dress: WOW! I could have had a V8!

2. The Meat Dress: Can I get some BBQ sauce with this?

1. And finally, The Condom Dress. All I have to say is let's hope you're not allergic to latex or else you're in big trouble. But somehow, I feel that this is the least of your problems.

Got any wacky dresses of your own? Or is there anything I missed? Post them in the comments!!!