the ReFab Diaries

Since Feb 1st, I've been actively avoiding posts, sites, blogs etc featuring valentine "crafts" ... let's just say that I can't see the talent for the pink haze ... aaaahhhh!  So it takes a lot to make me look twice right now.  And this made me look.  Because it's a re-purposed book.  Because it's a really nicely done tutorial that will get you a decent result (cutting out a book with a craft knife is hard work - pay attention to the "short cut"!) ... and because I wish I'd thought of it!  Check out "Life is a Book of Chocolates"

I saw these "candy" lights and thought Quality Street!!  Not that I've seen/tasted one of these "choc-ies" in many years.  They used to come out especially for the holidays ... the way I see Fannie Mae bought around here ... or See's Candies in CA.  So I think it's entirely appropriate to create party decor with this kind of "candy".

Get the how-to at OhHappyDay.  If you planned it, you could start saving plastic clamshell berry containers now, rather than buying corsage boxes.  

I think the pictures say it all really.  I am in awe.  Get the instructions at Paint on the Ceiling.

Christmas 2005 was the holiday of the "book stuff".  I churned out book clocks (something I'll post about one day) and what I called "book-Its" by the dozen, both as gifts and to make a little extra cash.  Turns out those book-Its started to show a little wear towards the end of 2011 and a few friends have asked for another one... because it's their "go to" bookmark.  Since I'm making them anyway, here's a little how to.  They could not be simpler to make!  So here goes ... (Hit "Read More" for the full tutorial)

I've decided that Elsie Larson is the inspiration behind "The New Girl" ... every time I visit her lovely blog (A Beautiful Mess) I think of Jess.  Go take a look .... tell me I'm wrong.  And while you're there, learn how to put a spring in your step!

When last did you whittle a whistle by the light of a gas lamp?  Or carve a carrot by the wood stove? Duo Fiberworks is literally rekindling (!) these lost arts ... with some serious updating!  Pretend "cut-able wood veggies" are trendy toddler toys right now.  So, grab the nearest twig, your carving knife and some velcro and get crafty.

Take an old (beat up? ugly? unloved?) puzzle ....add paint (and the talents of Alisa Burke) ....


And voila ... a work of art!  I love this idea - the old puzzle is upcycled into both a new puzzle challenge and a work of art. Alisa provides a step-by-step tutorial for this little repurpose.  Now, if only I had her talent!


Interested in doing this for a child?  Perhaps simplify a very complex puzzle so it's a little easier to put together.  Get inspiration from Made By Joel.



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