Forget bundling up and trekking out in the cold this winter. Instead, give in to your instincts to hibernate and take the opportunity to try out a few new crafts. And the most efficient way to learn a new craft is to start with craft kits. No trip to the craft store required. Everything you need to learn a new crafty technique can be delivered right to your door!

9 Crafts Kits for Getting Your Craft On!

1. Crochet

If you don’t yet know how to crochet, this Granny Square Blanket craft kit is a great place to start. Each kit includes absolutely everything you’ll need to make a 25 x 31-inch classic granny square blanket, including a full-color instructional booklet that explains it all.

2. Felt Craft

What better way to deal with the winter cold than to make your own felt garden with this pretty Felt Succulents kit. The kit includes enough materials to make 18 beautiful succulent plants for a faux garden.

3. Macrame

We are on a theme here with another plant-themed craft. Learn to macrame with this Macrame Plant Hanger Kit that comes complete with everything you will need to discover the lovely craft of macrame.

4. Crewel Embroidery

Crewel is a type of embroidery that traditionally features wool thread and freestyle stitching. It’s a very pretty form of needlework and lends itself nicely to being learned via a craft kit like this Paisley Blue Whale kit.

5. Polymer Clay

Learn the craft of polymer clay sculpting with this Polymer Clay Pocket Kitchen kit that includes everything you could possibly need for sculpting tiny, adorable, and fake food items.

6. Paint By Number

Do you desire to paint pop culture icons, but don’t really have any painting skills? Never fear. All you need is a kit like this Prince Paint by Number kit.

7. Resist Indigo Dye

This Easy Indigo kit is just what you need to discover the art of tie-dye, shibori dye, vat dye, and resist dye techniques.

8. Rug Hooking

You might have done hook rug crafts as a kid and want to pick it back up. Get reacquainted with this small Rug Hooking kit that comes with all the supplies you could need, including hand-dyed wool pre-cut strips.

9. Loom Weaving

Weaving was another perennial childhood craft, particularly for those who went to summer camp or after-school programs. Whether new to you or not, weave your own tapestry with this Weaving kit that even includes a small loom.

Related on EcoSalon

10 Super Crafty Decor Projects You Can Do for Under $10 in 60 Minutes or Less
15 Ideas for Spiritual Kindling and Other Nature Crafts
7 Super Easy Craft Kits to Get Your Craft On

The post 9 Craft Kits You’ll Want for Hibernating Like a Super (S)Hero appeared first on EcoSalon.

For those experiencing winter right now, the key to survival is hibernating like a boss.

Whether it’s Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse, Bombogenesis, or some other really craptastic winter weather event, for those in the Midwest and the East Coast wintertime can be rough. While the latest named winter storm has just made its exit (don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Winter Storm Grayson), there is sure to be another one soon.  Now is the time to make your plans for hibernating through the next deep freeze–or until spring.

Need some inspiration for hibernating like a pro, read on.

Hibernating Inspiration

1. Binge-Watching

Wintertime is not the time to worry about how much screen time you are putting in. Consider that when spring returns! January and February are the months to do some good binge-watching. On Netflix, “The Crown” is trending right now (as if you didn’t know), or go for an oldy like “Weeds,” which has many seasons for your hibernating pleasure.

2. Warm Beverages

Do not underestimate the power of a nice cup of tea to make everything all better. Right now in our home, we are making regular pots of Golden Chrysanthemum tisane from Harney & Sons. Serve it with a little bit of honey or raw sugar for a delightful, and caffeine-free, warm beverage. Looking for something with a little more kick, try making some glogg.

3. Crafting

If cabin fever begins to set in, start crafting. Craft kits make the perfect hibernating activity. Buy one or two to keep on hand for the next winter storm and learn a new craft. I just bought a punch needle kit from Myra & Jean for myself!

4. Cool Tunes

While working on your craft, and drinking your tea, turn on some tunes. I have been listening to a surf rock station on Spotify. There is just something about single digit temperatures that makes me think fondly of surf music.

5. Hot Water Bottle

It might be super cold outside, but try to keep from clicking the thermostat upwards. Instead, turn to the trusty hot water bottle to help keep you warm. Tuck a filled hot water bottle underneath a cozy throw for added warmth.

6. Potluck

Hibernating doesn’t mean you can’t invite family and friends over for a tasty meal. Bribe friends and family with talk of a delicious homemade dessert and get them to bring comfort food dishes perfect for winter. It’s a win-win situation.

7. Treat Yourself Spa Day

Our skin and hair can really take a beating during the winter. Treat yourself to a self-care day at home and revive your winter-beleaguered skin and hair.

Related on EcoSalon

10 Winter Nest Decor Ideas: Hibernate in Style
The 7 Step No-Fail Formula for a Creating a Welcoming Home
11 Cabin Decor Ideas Perfect Enough to Recreate At Home

The post 7 Perfect Ways to Hibernate… Forever (or At Least Until Winter’s Over) appeared first on EcoSalon.

When the days turn shorter, and the temperatures get nippy, that means it is time to get to work on knitting and crochet projects.

Some folks do like to knit and crochet year round, but most of us only thing about stitching when the weather turns colder and the early nights mean more nighttime TV watching. If the idea of knitting and crocheting appeals to you, but you haven’t yet finished projects from last year, then you may want to consider smaller projects. Don’t bite off more than you chew, but instead choose quick knit and crochet projects that you can finish in a weekend (or even during your week time nightly stitching sessions).

But how to choose quick projects? Whether choosing a free project from the Internet or purchasing a pattern from Etsy, Craft site here, or craft store, there are a few ways to identify a quick stitching product.

4 Tips for Choosing Quick Knitting and Crochet Projects

• Look at the number called for in the project. If it calls for more than 1-2 skeins of yarn, it’s probably going to take more than a couple of days to complete. Of course, it does depend on how quickly you stitch, but for us occasional stitchers more than 1-2 skeins may mean a little more dedication is needed to finish the project.
• Chunky knit and crochet projects are usually quicker to complete. The chunky yarns mean fewer stitches, which means a quicker finish. Chunky knits and crochet are also super cute and on trend.
• Size matters. Keep your goals realistic when choosing a quick stitching project. It’s really a no-brainer–a scarf is a realistic goal to complete in a weekend, while a queen-sized afghan is not. Choose carefully and realistically–otherwise, you might just end up with yet another unfinished project this time next year.
• Choose patterns you understand. If there’s a new technique or stitch in the pattern, maybe save it for another time. If you want a guaranteed quick project, use skills you already have. While learning new skills is usually a good thing, it’s not ideal when you are looking for quick knit and crochet projects.

Quick Knit and Crochet Projects

1. Crochet Market Tote – We’d crochet up a few of these to keep on hand for the farmers market.
2. Crochet Coaster – Crochet up a dozen of these beginner crochet coasters in different colors to use up leftover yarn.
3. Knitted Fingerless Mittens – Knit up these babies to wear while you kit other projects.
4. Chunky Knit Earwarmers – This beginner pattern is just what you need to keep your ears warm.
5. Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy – Knit this water bottle cozy up for extra warmth this winter.
6. Super Chunky Knitted Hat – If ear warmers aren’t enough for you, knit up a textured chunky knit hat.
7. Coffee/Tea Cup Cozy – Keep your warm drink warm with this tutorial for a knit or crochet cup cozy.
8. One Skein Knit Cowl – This easy projects boosts that it should only take one night to complete!
9. Knitted Basket – Knit up a handy yarn basket  in which to store your latest stitch project.

Related on EcoSalon

Gorgeous No-Knit One-Hour DIY Scarf Anyone Can Make

8 Chunky Knit Accessories: You’ll Make Any Excuse to Bundle Up Now

Brr! DIY Throw Blankets You Can Make to Stay Warm

Image: Knitting With Bright Manicure via Shutterstock

The post 9 Sensationally Quick Weekend Knit and Crochet Projects appeared first on EcoSalon.

Here’s a DIY scarf anyone can make. Seriously, anyone.

Whether an avid knitter or not, many crafters are stuck with stashes of beautiful yarn and too many knitting projects from which to choose. No-knit yarn projects are the ideal solution for knitters and non-knitters alike. No-knit yarn projects are the perfect way to use up your yarn stashes without ever picking up a needle. They are also often not too complicated and an awesome way to keep your hands busy while catching up with your favorite shows!

What if you need inspiration though? Enter “KNITLESS: 50 No-Knit, Stash-Busting Yarn Projects,” a new book by Laura McFadden that features great projects for any crafter, beginner or advanced. From rehabbing old chairs to adding a DIY touch to a plain lamp shade, it’s a book for people who love yarn, but who don’t always have the time (or the advanced skills) to knit!

Among the super easy yarn projects is for a no-knit DIY scarf. There are two variations: one that involves sewing, and a no-knit AND no-sew version that is a super quick project. Both would be perfect ways to use up some yarn and add some wonderful texture and color to your fall wardrobe. Or if you are feeling generous, make up a bunch to gift this holiday season!

No-Knit One-Hour DIY Scarf

Materials

• Scissors
• 123 yards super bulky weight yarn (teal)
• Sewing machine
• Sewing thread (gray

Directions

1. Cut the bulky weight yarn into 63-inch pieces. Use up all of the yarn.

2. Align the pieces side by side on your work surface. Feed the whole bundle underneath the presser foot of your sewing machine, placing the needle about 7 inches in from the cut ends on one side.

3. Sew perpendicularly across the yarn, holding on to the yarn bundle tightly as you run it through the sewing machine.

4. Sew back and forth from edge to edge about six times, not worrying about the stitches being even. The uneven nature of the sewing will make it feel even more handmade.

5. Repeat Step 4 every 6 inches, sewing across the yarn bundle to secure the strands of yarn. Do this nine times total.

6. Trim the edges of the yarn evenly.

VARIATION: An even simpler “no-sew” version can be made by using 3 different colors of yarn. Measure and cut out six 100-foot strands of each color. Take the three different colors of yarn and twist them into a spiral. Gather the ends with a piece of yarn, leaving an excess tail of 14 inches. Tie the pieces together tightly. Trim the tail ends at various lengths to get a cascading effect.

Other cool yarn projects from “KNITLESS” range from home décor and accessories to gift ideas and yarn art. Projects include the Braided Yarn Rug, Yarn-Wrapped Air Plant Displays, and Ombre Tassel Necklace. We love them all!

Tutorial is reprinted with permission from “KNITLESS” © 2015 by Laura McFadden, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.

Related on EcoSalon

8 Chunky Knit Accessories: You’ll Make Any Excuse to Bundle Up Now

5 DIY Craft Skills to Learn This Summer

DIY: 10 Things To Do With an Old T-shirt

All Images: KNITLESS © 2015 by Laura McFadden, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group

The post Gorgeous No-Knit One-Hour DIY Scarf Anyone Can Make appeared first on EcoSalon.

Kollabora is a learning and sharing platform that unites crafters worldwide. 

Looking for a place to learn new crafting skills, share your latest sewing, knitting or jewelry creations, or simply to find fashion-forward ideas for new projects? Look no further than Kollabora, the most comprehensive and open-sourced online crafting platform to date. Launched in September 2012, this social platform for makers hosts an impressive database of craft projects and corresponding supplies that are readily available through the site, basically making it a one-stop shop for any new project you want to start. Members can connect with each other to share their passion for making, rather than always buying, the beautiful things we all like to wear, share and give as gifts.

Kollabora’s “we are what we make” slogan rings loud and clear on every part of the platform, which is buzzing with amazing inspiration from DIYers, eminent craft bloggers and brands that support the maker movement. We caught up with a keen crafter and founding member of Kollabora, Carol Cho, to hear more about the quest to gather crafters and let the creativity blossom.

Leena Oijala: How was Kollabora born? What was the inspiration?

Carol Cho: Kollabora was born because of a desire to inspire, teach and provide resources to a community that appreciates DIY. A lot of people who are interested in DIY don’t know how to crossover unless they’ve had parents or grandparents teach them, and that’s why Kollabora is here. There are great blogs out there that offer amazing inspiration, but sometimes the time taken to search out products makes it hard for people to start a project.

LO: How did it develop?

CC: Part of the team that started Kollabora had worked on Burdastyle.com, which is the largest online sewing community. But we realized that people don’t just sew – they do a lot of other DIY, so we launched Kollabora, which is all about collaborative making. Right now we’re focusing on sewing, jewelry and knitting, and soon we’ll be going into home dec and other crafts. We have a great blog with fashion editorial and DIY news and we’ll be featuring a lot of the brands and supplies that are leading the movement.

LO: Who is Kollabora meant for?

CC: It’s meant for someone who is a beginner/intermediate DIYer and is looking to learn more about crafting. We are also launching our ‘Brand Pages’ where companies, bloggers or independent designers are able to share their knowledge, get feedback and engage directly with members.

LO: Does it cost anything?

CC: It’s all free and it’s as easy as taking a photo of something that you’ve made, uploading and titling it and writing a short description.

LO: Would you say Kollabora is comparable to Etsy?

CC: It’s very different. Etsy sells finished goods, whereas Kollabora is about collaborative making. Kollabora is less about selling goods, although the site does offer the capability to link to a shop or personal site, and really about inspirational projects, instructions and techniques and the supplies needed to make featured projects. It’s really more of a learning platform.

LO: How would you say that an online craft tutorial compares to a real-life crafting class?

CC: The major difference is accessibility and the instantaneous factor; you can start a project at 2am and have an entire community that can help you through your process. We have a technique and glossary section under each project where you can comment or ask a question.

We do organize live events where we engage with our members in person. We have to be where our community is and where the creatives are. In the summer we’ll have DIY lounges at all the renegade craft fairs nationwide!

LO: Would you say that Kollabora is sustainable?

CC: The platform itself can definitely sustain itself because a lot of it is user generated. We’re always getting fresh, new content and inspiration and the community is very powerfully connected. People support each other through comments and even in cases of a bad comment, other members have made a point of responding by saying that the platform is a positive environment so we don’t talk to each other that way.

LO: Why do you think there has been a revival in crafting?

CC: I think a lot of platforms out there have been disrupting the way that people consume and create and the maker movement has been a popular reaction to that. There’s a stronger connection to how things are made.

LO: Do you think the revived interest in crafting can change the fashion and textile industries?

CC: Absolutely! The way that our demographic has been consuming goods has always been very much packaged and there hasn’t been a story connected to it. There’s always a need of a story and that’s a very powerful thing. That story usually includes how its been made, the person behind it, the inspiration and the emotion, and that’s really what the Kollabora community is. 

LO: How do you hope to see Kollabora develop and evolve?

CC: I’d love to see us go beyond the categories that we currently have. Much of our time is put into listening to feedback and so it’s really the community that will direct where we will go. It’ll be very interesting to see where they take us.

Images: Kollabora

The post Kollabora: The Coolest New Crafting Community appeared first on EcoSalon.

Annie Millican invites you to join a DIY craft tour that will take you to the heart of the vibrant crafting culture in the Sacred Valley of Peru. 

Be one of 10 participants to travel across the Peruvian Andes this May on a collaborative crafting expedition that will introduce you to the amazing indigenous craft culture of the area. The tour, organized by online DIY platform Kollabora, will be a total cultural immersion that will expand your horizons and tap deep into your inner adventurer. Living with a Peruvian host family, visiting an alpaca farm, dyeing yarns with local natural dyes, learning how to use a back strap loom and visiting the sacred site of Machu Picchu are all part of this unique and enriching experience.

Tour organizer Annie Millican first immersed herself in the rich crafting heritage of Ollantaytambo, Peru in 2009, leading her to establish a product development initiative called Awamaki Lab. The four-year project brought (and still brings) designers to Peru to work alongside local artisans to create beautiful products for international sale, creating a sustainable and accessible way to share the gorgeous craft heritage of the region. She’s now teamed up with Kollabora for this tour in order to provide more designers and crafters with the experience of working alongside local artisans and establishing meaningful relationships through the art of making. We caught up with Annie to hear more about what this exciting adventure has in store for its crafty participants.

Leena Oijala: How did you decide that a tour would be the next step after Awamaki for sharing the Peruvian craft heritage?

Annie Millican: I wanted to figure out how to concentrate the benefits of the Awamaki Lab experience and open up the opportunity to other designers/makers/knitters.  The greatest benefit of Awamaki Lab was fostering meaningful connections between skilled designers and artisans and so I was interested in creating a similar model that speaks to the Kollabora crafter.  The tour is really a cultural immersion program and pairs designers with local artisans in mini, non-competitive teams.

The idea is that these teams will come up with their own unique solution to a pattern challenge, making it a very hands-on experience. The tour will be a journey into discovering every step along the way of how the product is made; we’ll visit an alpaca farm, we’ll study hand spinning on a local drop spindle, and we’ll learn about design and the back strap loom under local weavers.

LO: Who would you say this tour is meant for?

AM: Anyone who has an adventurous spirit, who wants to disconnect from the daily grind in a beautiful, idyllic Andean town and collaborate with crafting counterparts across the globe. It’s for someone who is excited about a rustic, cultural immersion that involves living with a host family, eating traditional Peruvian cuisine and experiencing how traditional crafts have been maintained in more rural areas.

LO: How strong do participants’ craft skills need to be?

AM: Having basic knitting skills will help a lot. We’ll be working with a chunky, handspun alpaca yarn, which will be easier for beginners, as the yarn knits up quickly and is easier to handle.

LO: How did you come to work with Kollabora for the tour?

AM: I’ve known the Kollabora folks since they started burdastyle and have maintained a friendship with them ever since. They reached out to me last year inquiring about tour opportunities and I responded with an idea for a concentrated design experience.

It’s great to work with an online community that connects DIY makers across the world to a skill sharing board. The platform allows individual crafters to go online the post their own DIY projects, network with like-minded crafters and find inspiration, materials and tutorials for new projects. The tour personifies this, as its really about relationship building and capturing the Kollabora essence by taking the online community offline and into a hands-on experience.

LO: What are your goals for this tour?

AM: The goal is to introduce crafters from around the world to crafters in Ollantaytambo and foster relationships that tour participants and local crafters can maintain by their own volition.

We’re  working with the Asociacion Virgen de Carmento, a self-organized artisan association from an outlying community called Rumira. So the tour will support their organization tremendously and will be feeding back into the community by supporting the women we’ll be visiting and working with.

LO: How do you hope to see the project evolve?

AM: If the tour is successful there will be another tour in November, which we have scheduled around the local ramie harvest season.

LO: Collaboration is a key concept in a lot of the work you’ve done. How important do you think collaboration is in creating a sustainable textile and fashion industry?

AM: I think collaboration nurtures relationships and those relationships support increased transparency.  All links across the value chain in the production of retail goods ultimately rely on the relationships that people build with one another. This process is underscored by clear and open communication between different members of a process. In terms of design, cross-cultural collaboration is an area that should be explored more because it really fosters mutually beneficial skill-sharing.  There are such incredible high art traditions in some of the most remote corners of the world that can both inform and benefit designer interfacing.

LO: Will we see more artisan work in the mainstream during the next 10-20 years?

AM: I hope so! I think there are a lot of logistical constraints to insuring that artisan groups can fulfill deadline situations that brands have. So there is still a lot of infrastructural support that needs to be established to make that working relationship more realistic.

However, there is a renewed interest in seeing a greater story embedded in the clothing and other items that people buy and own. Seeing the meticulous handiwork in an item that you own creates a very meaningful connection.

The tour dates are May 25th to June 2nd, 2013 at a total cost of $1,799 excluding flights. Check out Kollabora’s website for a full itinerary  and fill out a brief questionnaire for registration. This is an amazing opportunity for a completely unique and engaging experience, so get on board quick to secure one of the last 5 spots!

Images: Kate Reeder

The post DIY Peruvian Craft Tour with Annie Millican appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten great DIY bracelets that will keep you busy crafting all weekend.

Wearing an item that you’ve made yourself feels really good, and getting compliments on something you’ve actually made is totally satisfying. Why not take some time this weekend and make a few summer bracelets for yourself? We’ve dug around to find you ten of the best DIY bracelet tutorials out there. It’s time to get crafty.

Big Beaded Cuff Bracelet
Sometimes you just want to wear a piece of jewelry that demands attention. But why spend the money on shiny baubles when you can just bling them out yourself? This DIY beaded bracelet from Style Me Pretty is totally easy to make with nothing but an old cuff, shiny stones of some kind, and a glue gun.
Difficulty level: 1 of 5

Safety Pin Bracelet
I may be partial since I used to make these a lot back when I was in college, but safety pin necklaces are very simple to create. It does take some time to get all the small beads onto the pins, but you should be able to make one of these in about a half hour. This DIY safety pin bracelet by Instructables uses the larger pins, which I think is a nice touch that also keeps it from looking too home-made.
Difficulty level: 1 of 5

Sailor’s Knot Bracelet
If you’re planning on rocking that nautical look this summer, you’ll need the right kind of arm candy to match. A basic sailor’s knot bracelet like this is easy to make – all you need is twine and a can (or other round object) that matches the width your bracelet needs to be. Check out the tutorial from More Design Please and give it a shot. You can make anything from belts to headbands with this technique too.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

DIY Leather Bow Bracelet
A sweet alternative to a plain leather cuff, this DIY bow bracelet by Oh the lovely things is very simple to make if you are a bit handy with the glue. All you need is a piece of leather, scissors, leather glue or super glue, thread and a snap button.  You can also make these from any kind of sturdier fabric, it doesn’t have to be leather. Either way, it’s totally adorable.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

Recycled T-shirt Knotted Bracelet
We all have old tees lying around – why not put them to use by making bracelets out of them. It’s also a great way to use of fabric scraps that you have lying around (and it doesn’t have to be a T-shirt, it could be any kind of soft fabric). So pretty and simple to make. Learn how to get knotty in this video tutorial by this old dress. You could mix colors to make a fun summer version too.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

Friendship Bracelet
Most of us have made these at some point in our lives. Well, it’s time to dig up those old friendship bracelet making skills again, because these childhood staples are quite fashionable nowadays. Once you master the technique, here demonstrated by Honestly WTF, you can start playing around with different color variations and thicknesses. The possibilities are endless. Just don’t forget to actually make some for your friends, because they’ll want some.
Difficult level: 3 of 5

Floral Bangle
Big bangle bracelets and floral prints are all the rage this summer. This clever DIY bangle by P.S. I Made This combines the two in a simple and clever way, paying homage to the art of decoupage. The project is an interesting mix of technology, craft and nature and involves snapping pictures of pretty flowers with your phone. Intrigued? You should be. This can, of course, be done with any other kind of print as well.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Mystery Braid Leather Cuff
Ever wonder how some of those leather cuff bracelets you see are braided, yet seem to be made from one unbroken piece of leather? That’s called mystery, magic, or trick braiding, and it involves manipulating a single piece of leather with two slits into a braided strip by twisting and turning it in the right ways. In this DIY tutorial, Martha Stewart herself demonstrates how to make a simple leather cuff using this technique. Mystery no more.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Braided Hex Nut Bracelet
Hardware stores are great sources for jewelry making. Hex nuts are great for DIYing, and are super affordable too. Braided into a bracelet they look surprisingly elegant. Who knew? This DIY bracelet by Honestly WTF is fairly easy to make, if you can master some basic braiding skills.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Crocheted Utility Cord Bangle
This bangle is an interesting mix of sporty utility cord material and crafty crochet technique, and the result is incredibly sophisticated. It does require a certain amount of skills with the crochet hook, but that, and cord, is all you need to make this utility cord bangle. This tutorial from Blog a La Cart makes the process easy to follow. Keep it simple or use a thin metal chain to add some bling.
Difficulty level: 4 of 5

See Also:

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

Top photo: Honestly WTF

The post 10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Last month’s sold-out Craftcation event, a three day indie business and DIY workshop conference, mobilized crafters across the country and highlighted the value of buying handmade.

Can crafting save the world? In our post-industrial culture, the rising appreciation for handmade, original, one-of-a-kind goods – in direct correlation with a growing sense of dissatisfaction with our consumerist lifestyles – is a sign that hope is on the horizon.

“Craft can make the world a better place,” says Nicole Stevenson, co-founder of last month’s sold-out Craftcation event, a three day indie business and DIY workshop conference held in Ventura, California. “I’ve been teaching for years and the feeling one gets from making something with their own hands is irreplaceably empowering.”

Bringing together emerging artists, crafters and designers to retreat and join forces, Craftcation is the brainchild of Stevenson and her aunt and business partner Delilah Snell, co-producers of the Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival, a biannual Southern California event now in its sixth year.

Featuring panel discussions and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft and food-centered small business, the first Craftcation was a decisive victory for a generation looking for greater personal fufillment and a craft-based balance of economy.

Craftcation’s Nicole Stevenson and her Aunt and business partner Delilah Snell

We caught up with Stevenson recently, here’s what she had to say:

Why is craft so important, and why especially now?

I think people are moving towards a more conscious way of living. We’re more aware of the impact our individual choices make on the world around us. We’re asking questions previous generations didn’t ask, like how does buying a product made overseas affect our local economy? What materials are used to make the things we purchase and are those materials harmful for us or to our environment?

Everything we spend our dollars on reflects our personal philosophies. Although we are in a recession many people don’t mind paying a little more for something if it’s organic or local. Value is returning to handmade goods as well as to our time.

The accessibility of information means that knowing what happens in other parts of the world is at our fingertips. We see how fragile human existence is with the environmental crisis, political turmoil and natural disasters. We no longer want to waste our time doing things that don’t matter. Technology has not only made the world ‘smaller’ but also made business more accessible. Anyone can go online and order business cards, open up a shop on Etsy, create a website or blog or learn how to sew. The internet has made it easy for anyone to gain skills and put themselves out there. The return of handmade things stems from this new way of living consciously coupled with convenient access to tools people need to make, buy and sell things.

 Why did you personally decide to start Craftication?

When I started my own handmade business Random Nicole, eleven years ago in Los Angeles, the Handmade Movement didn’t exist the way it does now. There were lots of people creating things in makeshift kitchens or dining room home ‘studios.’ Indie craft shows hadn’t surfaced yet. When I would meet a fellow maker at a farmer’s market, flea market or church craft show, we would frantically exchange information on suppliers, places to sell and the business side of crafting.

I started Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival in 2007  to provide a venue for emerging makers to showcase their goods. At our Patchwork shows Delilah and I noticed that same frenetic information sharing between crafters that I’d engaged in when I began Random Nicole. We saw a need for an event bringing makers together to connect and share information.

Tell us about the event?

It’s hard to describe the awesomeness that Craftcation was! Attendees were so hungry to learn how to start and grow their businesses, gain new skills as well as connect with their fellow crafters. Since everyone there had similar goals, there was this overwhelming sense of community and togetherness. The days were chock full of workshops in business and hands-on making. We had meals catered by local chefs who prepared local food in the gorgeous atrium at Ventura’s City Hall. At night, attendees joined us for after-hours networking and events like the 80s dance party, happy hour meet and greet and our opening BBQ celebration held at a working artist loft space.

What were some of the most popular activities at Craftcation?

The financial workshops on bookkeeping and accounting were hugely popular. Sometimes it’s hard for creative minds to get a handle on the numbers stuff. The food and sewing workshops also were well attended. Attendees that filled their schedule with lots of business classes had a chance to unwind for an hour or two while making pie, cheese, a skirt, jam or learning how to sew a zipper. Marketing and PR courses also drew in the crowds. It can be daunting to try to ‘sell yourself.’ It’s hard to know where to start, but our workshops tried to demystify marketing and let people know that if you don’t think your stuff is amazing, why should anyone else?

For the stressed out, overwhelmed modern woman who would like to start crafting, what activity would you recommend?

Crafts that require a small amount of supplies, little initial investment and that have quick project completion time are best for those of us that feel like we need to make something but don’t know where to start or don’t have the time. Knitting is always a good place to start because it’s pretty simple and you can do it anywhere. Paper arts and collage require very little investment-a little glue, a bit of paper and you’re good to go. there is a great website called craftsy.com that offers affordable online classes and workshops that you take at your own pace to get you started, teach you basic skills or expand what you already know.

All photographs by the Coco Gallery.  www.thecocogallery.com

The post The Craftcation Army: Vive la Revolution! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Something has always kept me from going to Maker Faire. Partially due to the fact that it’s in San Mateo and I’m in Oakland. And the fact that I just don’t feel cool enough. What can I say? I’m a blocked crafter and I feel woefully inadequate in the face of all these clever people who can create sculptures of felt, make things run with steam, and invent solar powered robots – all while dressed in Renaissance Faire meets Burning Man costumes.

But as the author of an upcoming cookbook called DIY Delicious, I figured I had to go this year. I resolved to make the trip, provided I could avoid driving a car to get there.

The website helpfully provided directions for biking from BART. All I had to do was get on the train in Oakland with my bike, stay there for 50 minutes until the final Millbrae stop and then bike five suburban miles to The San Mateo County Fairgrounds, where The Silicone Valley Bicycle Coalition would be offering free valet bicycle parking. The Faire also offered a $5 discount in admission for individuals biking to the event. Bonus points!

The Faire was different than I imagined. A little more Burning Man and a little less Mother Earth News than I expected. The home-oriented DIY activities – things like gardening, raising chickens, making food products, canning, herbal home remedies, etc. kind of got lost among the blingy fire and steam arts, art cars, and sculptures, but there were definitely some fun things to do for those with an interest in the arts of the home.

Here are a few of the highlights of the day:

The Homegrown Village was where those interested in living more sustainably and self-reliantly could go to learn skills. Over the two days, there were demos on yogurt, fermentation, beekeeping, sprouting, installing greywater systems and more.

On Sunday, I attended a bacon demo by Karen Solomon, author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It. She did a great job of demystifying the process, all while keeping the audience laughing. I especially love that she teaches how to do it without a fancy smoker. All you need is a small grill. The bacon was delicious, by the way. And she shares the recipe on her website.

Mini Mushroom Farms from Far West Fungi. These not only look incredibly cool, but also are especially wonderful for people with shady yards or no space at all.

Plants on Walls lets you grow food in tiny spaces, or create a living wall of greenery. They are economical and easy to install. The panels are made from recycled/recyclable materials, are non-toxic and water efficient.

Got a tool that hurts your hand, or simply doesn’t quite work right? Sugru is an insanely simple material for helping you hack things better. It’s brilliantly green because it extends the life and usefulness of things you already own. And it’s empowering to be able to take charge of making things in your home work for you. Check out the website. There are tons of great ideas for hacking things better.

Rock the Bike, a group of inventors and bike advocates in Berkeley, California, whose dream is to help spread the spirit of the bike into the broader culture, was powering a band called the Fossil Fool.

Harnessing the power of technology to help facilitate local economies and bring people together to share skills can absolutely lead to more sustainable lifestyles. I discovered two new technological tools at Maker Faire.

Local Dirt, founded in Madison but with a national reach, is a brilliantly designed online database to help farmers sell their products to local buyers and help buyers find local products they wouldn’t otherwise know about or have access to.

Consumers can search by location, venue, or product. Farmers can use a simple blog interface to add products easily. The key thing here that makes this tool different from other online ethical sourcing tools is that it scales up to large institutional buyers including schools, grocery stores, and hospitals. This is where its huge potential lies in rebuilding a more localized and regionalized food system on a larger scale.

It’s also a great business model that looks like it could be financially sustainable. Use of the site is free for individuals, buying clubs, farmers’ market managers, and small farmers, while yearly membership costs are scaled for businesses, larger farms, and distributors. It also makes small farmers lives more sustainable by freeing them up to farm instead of driving to numerous small farmers markets that take up their precious time and are often not cost-effective.

Unclasses is a site that connects people who want to learn something with those who can teach it. Anyone at all can add a class and teach it themselves. Users can also browse the site and join any of the numerous classes on everything from handyman skills to making a Persian stew. It’s a young site that is mostly San Francisco Bay Area focused because that’s where the founders are, but I can see it growing. Classes are free with some donations for materials.

When you sign up for a class or to teach a class you can share it on your Facebook or Twitter page so your friends can join too. The idea behind the site is casual learning. According to the website, “Casual learning is for people like us, who have hectic lives and struggle to find fun and interesting ways to satisfy their intellectual curiosity in the limited free time they have. Think of it as educational snacking, a low-touch way to explore topics that interest you.”

All ages, learning to knit.

All in all, I’m happy I went to Maker Faire. One of the coolest things about it from an eco-perspective, is seeing so many people with children at the site. Children were building things out of recycled materials, tinkering, sewing, knitting, and exploring a whole world of things that you can’t buy at a suburban shopping mall. And that’s the real beauty of Maker Faire – showcasing the ingenuity of us humans, while teaching our children and reminding ourselves that we can use what we already own to make something new and that great things don’t always come from stores.

This is the latest installment in Vanessa Barrington’s weekly column, The Green Plate, on the environmental, social, and political issues related to what and how we eat.

Images: Vanessa Barrington

The post Maker Faire 2010: Mashup of Crafters, DIYers, Geeks, and Costumers appeared first on EcoSalon.

Stuck inside on a rainy, dreary day? Have a hankering to start a new, crafty project? Using random objects and materials from around your home, these fun and eco-friendly DIY projects will cost you little to nothing.

Scrap Paper Notebook

You have a scrap paper galore in the drawer next to your desk, but this clutter is starting to get out of control. No problem! Stack your scrap paper to make all of the edges line up neatly. Punch three holes along the length of the paper an inch from the left margin. (You may want to divide the stack to make this step a little easier.) Cut the front and back sides from a cereal box and punch three holes in each side to align with your stack of scrap paper. You can cover the box panels in anything you like – get creative. Use decorative ribbon to tie together the individual sheet and the cardboard cover.

Portable Scrap Paper Pad

Need something more portable for taking notes on the go? Remove the staple from an empty matchbook and slip out the piece of cardboard that mounted the matches. Measure the matchbook and cut pieces of scrap paper to fit neatly inside. Tuck them underneath the bottom lip and staple them down.

Magazine Envelopes

After flipping through your magazines dozens of times, what else can you do with them? Take apart an envelope to use as a template and trace this outline onto a cover or page of an outdated issue. (If you plan on sending this envelope in the mail, use pages with images instead of copy. This way, the address will stand out more clearly.) Cut along the lines and fold it along the creases that match that of the original envelope. Use non-toxic flue to seal down the flaps.

CD/DVD Coasters

When your favorite tunes or films start skipping too much to enjoy, just turn them into coasters. This one is a cinch. To cover up the images and text with something a little more decorative, trace the outline of the CD/DVD onto contact paper leftover from lining drawers and cut along the lines. Seal it to the surface with non-toxic glue.

Scented Drawer Satchels

Who wears nylons anymore? I know I don’t, but they’re still lurking in the lingerie drawer. But, just because they are no longer wearable doesn’t mean you have to toss them. Cut them up into sections and seal one end with a decorative ribbon. Fill each makeshift pouch with dried herbs, tie the other end shut and put them in your drawers for a fresh fragrance.

Magnetic Dry Erase Board

Measure the outline of a broken CD case and cut a piece of blank white paper down to the same dimensions. Slip it inside and use non-toxic glue to secure the front and back of the CD case together. Secure a magnet to the back and hang it on your refrigerator for quick notes.

Homemade Drip System

Interested in conserving water in your garden? Use a pin to punch tiny holes into a plastic bottle. Shred pieces of scrap fabric and stuff them in through the neck of the bottle. (This absorbent material will cause the water to drain gradually.) Bury the bottle in the soil up to the neck next to plants in your garden, so that it releases water almost directly to the roots. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with water.

Reusable Shopping Tote

Dig through your pajama drawer to find an old, baggy t-shirt. Flip it inside out and remove the sleeves. Cut around the neck hole, making it several inches wider. Stitch the bottom hems of the shirt together. (You may want to sew a reinforcement seam for extra strength.) Flip your new reusable shopping tote right side out and use the sleeve holes as handles.

Tea Tin Candle

Following these steps, turn empty tea tins into decorative soy candles.

Bird Feeder

Rinse out an empty milk carton. Cut out two ample-sized openings on parallel sides and, about an inch below each, poke a hole using the tip of a pencil. Insert a rod through both holes to act as a perch for your feathered friends. Run a wire or string through the top of the carton to hang from a tree branch. To make it a bit more ornamental, embellish the carton with milk paint and secure popsicle sticks on the top slopes with non-toxic glue to look like shingles.

Upcycled Picture Frames

Rinse out some glass jars and completely remove any labels. With the images on the outside, roll up pictures of your friends and family, and insert them upside-down into the openings of the jars. Flip the jars over and display them on tabletops and shelves around your home.

Drawer Dividers

Do you cringe at the thought of organizing your infamous junk drawer? With some homemade cardboard dividers, it’s easy to keep it orderly. Just measure the length, width and height of your drawers. Break down a cardboard box and, based on your measurements, cut enough strips to create as many compartments as you want. Slice a slit halfway through the width of each strip to easily interconnect these pieces.

Bonus idea: taking inspiration from the image at the top of the post, why not spend an hour at the park or in the garden collecting seeds, nuts, flower bulbs, twigs, leaves or other pretty organic items to make a seasonal still life? All you need is a favorite dish or bowl and a spot to place it.

For more projects, check out Mike’s ideas.

Images: Er.We, adiything, ♥ellie♥, thebittenword.com, ***FanchTheSystem!***, How can I recycle this, Mulad, Niffty.., Indie Bands With A Mission, Edgar Zuniga Jnr., sfllaw, Idle Type, Vali….

The post Entertaining and Environmental: 12 Free Green DIY Projects appeared first on EcoSalon.