Craftside

Cool apron tie detail from the book Sewing Vintage Aprons by Denise Clason

I love simple sewing details that can also be used when altering ready made clothing (pretty much what I do all the time as am always remaking clothes). This tie incorporated into a dart featured in the book Sewing Vintage Aprons: Classic Aprons for Today's Lifestyle is an awesome idea for when you have to take in a garment or give it some shape.

Click on this page from Sewing Vintage Aprons: Classic Aprons for Today's Lifestyle to enlarge and read how to sew a tie into a dart seam on a garment.

If you like great sewing details and vintage style aprons, check out:

Sewing Vintage Aprons: Classic Aprons for Today's Lifestyle

by

Denise Clason

For decades, smart and stylish women have worn different aprons to suit their various needs. They are a must-have in the kitchen and elsewhere. This book brings new life to vintage styled aprons that are loved by the women of today!

Denise Clason has been an artist/designer for more than 35 years. Her designs have been published and licensed in the craft, decorative painting, sewing, and quilting industries, and she is the author of several books.

 

How to paint dahlias from the book Painting Vintage Style by Debbie Cotton

I hope wherever you are the flowers are blooming! They are here in SoCal and it has me in a mood to paint some. I love dahlias so I thought I'd share the tutorial on how to paint vintage style ones featured in the book Painting Vintage Style: Inspired by Classic Sign Art for Today's Painter.

Click on these pages from Painting Vintage Style: Inspired by Classic Sign Art for Today's Painter to enlarge and read the full tutorial on how to paint vintage style dahlias.

More about the pretty book:

Painting Vintage Style:
Inspired by Classic Sign Art for Today's Painter

by

Debbie Cotton

Yesterday's classic signs are the inspiration for the vintage-looking paintings by author and decorative painter Debbie Cotton.  Through 10 projects, she provides tips and techniques for painting vintage style.

Debbie opened her business, Simply Cotton, 10 years ago and has been teaching acrylic painting for more than 16 years. She paints and teaches from her home studio in Nestleton, Ontario, and also teaches throughout shows in Canada and the U.S.

 

How to make a key and knife frame holder inspired by the book Steampunk Chic

It's Wednesday and that means Craftside Giveaway Day! Whoo hoo! Today's book is Steampunk Chic: Vintage Flair from Recycled Finds and the project I have to share with you is my spin on the book's plant stake tutorial.

But first the question that gets you in the running for a copy of the book:

What is the last thing you recycled into a project?

Leave your answer in today's comments section by Midnight ET on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

OK now onto my spin on this cool way to hang or display something using a skeleton key and a dinner knife.

In Steampunk Chic there is a great tutorial on how to make a plant stake but at the moment I don't have any plants I need to label but I am always looking for fun ways to display photos.

I used the basic elements, a flatware knife and skeleton key, and wired them together. Then I filled an old jar with old chandelier crystals. Then I wired an old photo of my grandparents to the key.

For a last little detail I wired a JHB Steampunk clock face button to the jar as a kind of time in a bottle reference. :)

If you like using vintage parts in making all sorts of things, I bet you will love:

 

Steampunk Chic Vintage Flair from Recycled Finds

by

Jennifer O'Neil

and

Kitty O'Neil

Catch the wave of the popular Steampunk Style in crafting as well-known authors and designers Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil present their own version of this fun and funky look in crafts and home decor with 15 new fanciful projects. They'll show how to create delightful vintage flare from recycled finds of all kinds.

Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil are sisters and authors who love creating artsy crafts and decorating projects. Their craft and decorating articles appear in national magazines and websites worldwide.

 

How to face paint a dragon and hydrangea mask from the new book Donna Dewberry's Big Book of Decorative Painting

I bet everyone has heard of Donna Dewberry, and I'm here to tell you that her latest book Donna Dewberry's Big Book of Decorative Painting: A Complete Guide to One-Stroke Tips & Techniques is fabulous! Of all the books I've read by her I don't think I've seen face painting in them. Well Donna Dewberry's Big Book of Decorative Painting does include a whole bunch of face painting designs and tutorials like these dragon and hydrangea how-tos.

Click on this page from Donna Dewberry's Big Book of Decorative Painting to enlarge and read how to face paint a dragon and hydrangea mask.

More about the All American Crafts book:

Donna Dewberry's Big Book of Decorative Painting A Complete Guide to One-Stroke Tips & Techniques

by

Donna Dewberry

Here is the ultimate Donna Dewberry guide to her popular one-stroke painting technique. This well known author and decorative painter also shares tips and ideas for creating beautifully painted items for the home A must-have guide for decorative painters.

Internationally known decorative painter Donna Dewberry has been painting and creating since she was a child. Her career as an artist has spanned decades and today she has been published in over 100 books and teaching guides.

 

How to paint a winter scene with cardinals from the book Ornament Extravaganza

Ornament Extravaganza Holiday Goodness Giveaway! Today's book giveaway is a wonderful book about decorative painting for all seasons. To get yourself in the running for this fun book, simply answer the question:

What is your favorite holiday or season to craft and decorate for?

Leave your answer in today's comments by Midnight ET on December 29, 2011 to enter!

Since today is the first official day of winter, I thought I'd share this tutorial on how to paint a winter scene that includes cardinals, a barn and house covered in snow from the book Ornament Extravaganza.

Click on these pages from the All American Crafts book Ornament Extravaganza to enlarge and read the full tutorial on how to paint a winter wonderland featuring cardinals.

Like to paint things for all the holidays? Then you will love this great resource book for just that!

Ornament Extravaganza

by

The Decorative Arts Collection

Grab your brushes and get ready to paint a year's worth of decorations. Twenty-eight beautiful ornaments are featured with complete instructions, step-by-step worksheets and patterns. Ornaments are painted by 26 of today's finest decorative painters who have combined their skills and talents to present an assortment of their unique styles.