TOOLBOX: Laser Foiling Paper

Just saw this neato tutorial featuring a product I didn't know existed- laser foiling paper.

Check it out!

How To: Mary Go Round Crocheted Flowers

I just wrote a post on crocheted wedding inspiration on my blog, and thought it might be fun to share part of it with Adventures in Making! It's a tutorial for Mary Go Round crocheted flowers by Lola Nova.

I really love making these. The pattern is simple if you know how to crochet, and it's a great way to use up any of those ugly old bangles you may have lying around the house.

HOW TO : Make a Pom-pom for your Cat

Kat came over last weekend and we had a spontaneous craft evening, making pom-pom toys for Cooper. They're super easy to make, and a great silly adventure.

Question: Bottle Cap Crafts

I've been collecting bottle caps for a few years now, but I have yet to determine what I want to do with them. Has anyone done/seen any cool crafts with bottle caps?

CRITIQUE: Scrap Feather Headbands

Hi! I am in need of some feedback on a new product I am in the midst of developing for Camp Smartypants. First I'll give some explanation as this particular item has some restrictions/different goals than my other Camp Smartypants product:

- This is a fall/winter product. I've wanted to create some new products that didn't scream tie-dye. Most of my current product is very loud (color). I'm worried that I am narrowing my market. The base of the feather is still created using leftover scraps from my tie-dye shoulder bags, but I wanted to incorporate other elements into the design to make it different enough to appeal to people who aren't necessarily attracted to tie-dye.

- It has to be made from at least 50% recycled materials. I recently became a member of Trillium Artisans, a local nonprofit that supports people with small crafty businesses. So far, the only product they are currently helping me sell are my God's Eye Pins (because they are over 50% recycled). I submitted these headbands to their product review board last week and they did not pass. Below is the feedback they gave me (click on image to enlarge).

The fabric and thread used are all scrap/thrifted. But the suede lace and elastic is new (which they say makes it only 30% recycled). They also didn't like how I finished the leather braid with fabric and glue.

They also didn't like that the edges of the feather are raw, and will eventually fray. I actually like this about the design. I think that some fraying fits with the idea of an actual feather and would still look nice.



So... what do you think? Here are some possible solutions I've been thinking over:
- Change the leather braid to a scrap fabric braid. (I don't have a clue as to how I'd find a source for enough scrap/thrifted suede lace).
- Change the fabric/glue on the ends to string wrapped around tight?
- Use better elastic (also try to find as much thrifted elastic as possible)

Any other suggestions? What do you think of the design as a whole? Would you wear one? Do you think that the fraying of the feather over time would be bad? Any help/feedback would be great! Thanks

♥ Rachel