Urban Debris Artlog

Sustainable Crafts sites

Branch
http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=index
Branch exists to advance the sustainability movement, and to encourage sustainable thinking by everyday people in everyday ways.
We believe that products should be made in the most environmentally-responsible way possible, and that the best way to promote this practice is to do it in the marketplace.

Coe&waito
http://coeandwaito.com/mainpage.html

Crafting a green world
http://craftingagreenworld.com/
Empowering Sustainable Choices
Green Options Media’s rapidly growing network of environmentally-focused blogs provides users with a broad spectrum of information for making sustainable choices.

Care2 Green Lifestyle crafts
http://www.care2.com/news/category/green/crafts
Socially conscious news and video shared and rated by the community.

Miss Malaprop
http://www.missmalaprop.com/
MissMalaprop.com is where modern handmade meets sustainable design. Spotlights the best in independent designers & artists, eco-friendly and sustainable products, New Orleans & Gulf Coast based businesses and issues, and people & organizations who are working to make the world a better place.

Living Crafts
http://www.livingcrafts.com/
Living Crafts is a community of readers who value the work of their hands, use natural and organic materials, and live an authentically holistic lifestyle. Living Crafts provides craft enthusiasts with the information, ideas, and inspiration they need to support their desire for self-sufficiency, sustainability and a natural lifestyle.

Bird Pattern on Felt - Second in a series.

Materials

felt in 3 contrasting colors
2 copies of pattern
embroidery needles
embroidery floss in various colors
scissors for both paper and fabric
permanent marker fine tip or pencil
paper
safety pin

Trace bird and wing pattern on paper to make template
Cut out bird shape from one color and and the wing from another
Pin bird shape and wing to third fabric color
Using the pattern as a guide, draw the branch and bird legs
Embroider the wing and body to the base fabric - choose your stitch such as a back stitch
Use two or three strands of embroidery floss.
Use a buttonhole stitch to stitch edges of base fabric

Pattern - click here

The Complete Idealist’s Guide to Growing a Creative Business - Free Workshop

Free live workshop on this Thursday, February 26, called The Complete Idealist's Guide to Growing a Creative Business: 37 Ways to Really Make an Artsy Living.  Click here to register: http://www.artellaland.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1251_1_tlid_18

The Joy of Hippos!

Hippos are one of the most dangerous animals. But so very adorable. Click on some of the images for sources.

 

  

 

 

 

What to do with old sweaters

Have some well loved but no longer wearable sweaters? Or, how bout a stack of holiday sweaters that you have not worn? Here are some ideas.

sweater blanket
http://en.espritcabane.com/sewing/sweater-blanket.php

shrug and skirt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yD_nS2RxcQ

legwarmers
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Make-Leg-Warmers-from-Old-Sweaters-19141181

hats
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28927/how-to-make-hats-from-recycled-sweaters

candle cozy
http://www.countryhome.com/projects/freshthinking/cozycandles_1.html

DIY: old sweaters + scissors = new outfit 
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/diy_old_sweater.php

10 Ways to give your old sweaters a new life
http://www.diylife.com/2007/12/10/10-ways-to-give-your-old-sweaters-a-new-life/

Sweater apron
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenkitchen/sets/72157603826273802/

Make a felt bird - the first in a series

 

Ma a birdy. I will also be posting instructions for cagelets. Click here for a pdf of instructions:

Download Basicbird

You can and pretty pictures

 

Check out 50 Wonderful, Inspiring Photoblogs from Smashing Magazine:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/02/14/50-wonderful-inspiring-photoblogs/

Unusual Valentine's Day Gifts

 

Heart Card

 

Ephemera Packs

 

Fun Ties

Street Art - Subway Air Sculptures

Anti-Valentine Fun, Dabbler and Black Heart

Dot over at the dabbler is hosting the 2nd Black Heart "Be-My Anti-Valentine" contest. Check out links to entries in the comments section of this post. Check out last year's entries here, and winners, here.

Here are a few fun things you can give to show your true anti-valentine sentiment.

 

Mouthy Anti-Valentine