Pinspiration for African American History Month ~ 4 Weeks of #Crafts

Today's post is kind of exciting because it's about a topic that is dear to my heart, but I haven't seen a lot of this out in the crafting world.  In preparation for African American History Month, I am sharing a Pinterest board and crafting ideas for each week of the month!

Click on the widget to follow my board!  I'll be growing it over time with great art inspirations, craft ideas, and substantive lesson plans/information.

Follow Art, Like Bread's board Arts, Crafts & Lessons of the African Diaspora on Pinterest.

For each week of the month, I'll be taking a pin and crafting a project inspired by it.  I'll share my process & project with you each week. 

During the first week, we'll take inspiration from El Anatsui, who joins bottle caps with wire to create massive metal textiles.  We'll do a very scaled-down version! 

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I love these elephants and there is also an elephant wall etching on my Pinterest board.  During week two we'll draw elephants.

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These Ugandan women are making baskets from brightly-colored fiber.  I'll crochet a basket inspired by their beautiful work.

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This is the necklace that inspired it all!  I adore this chunky necklace which was part of an exhibit on North African jewelry.  We'll make our own version using chunky beads and charms.

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If you would be interested in step by step tutorials on any of these topics, please let me know by leaving a comment or contacting me at artlikebread (at) gmail (dot) com.  As always, thanks for reading the blog!  Please leave your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comment section below.  If you liked this post, please share this post with a friend through social media and go out of your way to learn something new about the African diaspora! Like my Facebook page for updates and more crafty sharing!

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How I Made a #DIY #Feather out of #Tape and a #Straw

I was inspired by Marisa Pawelko's DIY Duct Tape Feather YouTube video but I didn't have the materials on hand to do exactly what she did.  I thought about it for a bit and I realized that I could do the same thing with packing tape, washi tape, and a coffee stir!

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So I went for it!

Materials: Packing tape, washi tape, coffee stir, wooden stick, scissors

1. Cut a length of packing tape that is about the same length as the straw.  Place it sticky side up and use the wooden stick (instead of your finger) to help remove it from the scissors.

The green line shows how the feather will be shaped.

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1.  Tear off pieces of washi tape and layer them sticky side up to cover the entire piece of tape.  It is okay if pieces hang over the edges of the packing tape.

2.  Place the straw on top of the washi tape and arrange it so that it some washi tape extends beyond the top of the straw.  There should be a part of the straw hanging down below the tape.  That will become the quill.

3.  Layer more washi tape sticky side down to cover the entire project.  Then layer one or two pieces of packing tape over that.

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The black line below shows where the clear tape ends, and the green lines are like cutting guides.

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Using scissors and "eyeballing it," trim off the excess tape while shaping your work into a feather.  The black line below shows a little clear tape at the top (which I went back in later to reshape and trim).

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Using the black lines below as a guideline, trim the feather sides diagonally to form the barbs.  Do this organically.  When you're done, "ruffle" the feather by running it through your hand to give it some texture.

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If you would be interested in learning how to make a feather like this or for a list of thing to do with such a feather, please let me know by leaving a comment or contacting me at artlikebread (at) gmail (dot) com.  As always, thanks for reading the blog!  Please leave your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comment section below.  If you liked this post, please share this post with a friend through social media & agree to craft yo' tail feathers! Like my Facebook page for updates and more crafty sharing!

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A Crafty Girls' Getaway

Over the holiday weekend I made a trek up to Winter Haven to visit my friend Sherri for a girls' crafting getaway.  I drove up on Sunday and stayed until Monday.  Even though the trip was just 24 hours long, we got lots done!

A crafty girls' getaway doesn't have to be a big commotion.  All you need is a friend, somewhere to go, and transportation.  I'm going to share my entire process with you so you can plan to make the most of your fun getaway!

Meet Me in Fort Lauderdale!

Since last week was so much fun, I can't wait to dive in again for another wonderful class!

Crochet Two Fabulous Flowers (and Start a Bonus Scarf) with Caissa!

With crochet, the possibilities are endless!

We will learn to crochet a basic flower in one color,

and then in two colors!

Book Review: Big Ass Book of Bling by @MarkMontano

Woohoo, people, the wait is OVER and we can all get our bling on with fabulous DIY guru Mark Montano! Whut whut!

It's a project from the Big Ass Book of Bling!

Yes, I'm excited, but can you blame me? I mean, it's Mark Montano.  No, I'm not celebrity-obsessed (well, not really…) I'm really all about QUALITY, INNOVATION, LEARNING, and EMPOWERMENT through CRAFTS! Mark Montano teaches us to DIY in many different ways and his projects always come out rocking!

So when I learned about his newest Big Ass book, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, I didn't wait for a publisher to email. I didn't contact anyone for a free book, I pre-ordered that bad boy from BN.com, and it was perfectly delivered on time to my iPad. How's that for a space-saver? And since it's on my device, I can take it with me wherever I go. So, if I'm at the craft store, for instance, I can shop for all of my materials for a specific project using the list of materials in the book without carrying around a Big Ass book! However, I have a hard copy of the The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2, and it's awesome to have that as well. The format is up to you!

I love learning about the inspiration behind each project. In this book, Montano has arranged his projects by theme, often riffing on a similar focal point or theme. For example, he has multiple fantastic projects using vinyl and E-6000. You know those suckers are going to last forever! The work is so stylish and the techniques are tried and true. It's a privilege to peek into the mind of a true artist!

As an avid crafter, I am ready to dive right into the projects and techniques that Montano outlines in his book. However, I encourage even the more timid crafter to open his/her mind and give some of these techniques a try. With the right tools and instructions, they're not that hard.

Did you know you can make a crown inspired by Glenda the Good Witch for a costume party, child's tea party, or just to wear while doing errands (wink)? All you need is a headband, some wire, paper, spray paint, and a few other things. That's pretty cool if you ask me!

And lest you be worried about buying supplies and not using them, put your mind at rest. There are at least 6 other crowns using similar materials in the book. And once you make yours, I am sure everyone's going to want one! :)

In short, if you're thinking about buying this book, but aren't sure if it's any good, or if it's worth it, put your mind at rest. It's worth it just to read and learn, but the DIY possibilities are endless! You will grow as an artist if you use this book.  This is a book you'll want around for years to come.

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links.

Saturday Beret #Crochet Along with Ellen Gormley!

Hey, everyone, and Happy 2013!  Looks like we made it into this new era of kindness and creativity, so let's celebrate by crocheting a beautiful beret in Bruges lace!

The pattern was fun and easier than it looks!

Ellen Gormley is an accomplished crochet designer who has authored many pattern books.  She's also a television personality and a member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA).  She has sold over 200 patterns.  That's impressive!

But guess what?  She's also really nice.  I have been fortunate enough to get to know Ellen through her group on Ravelry, but she's also crafting all over the web.  Check out GoCrochet.com to see what she's been doing.

I don't remember where I first heard about Clever Crocheted Accessories, but I do remember thinking that the cover hat was beautiful and wondering how it was done.  Then I learned that Ellen had designed the hat using a beautiful technique she has been exploring called Bruges lace.  All signs pointed to one thing:  Crochet Along!   So we got one going!  Here's Ellen's post about it on Go Crochet. 

And, the hat made the cover of a completely awesome book!

You know you want a hat like that, so join us on the Saturday Beret CAL Ravelry thread!

Disclosure: There is one Amazon Affiliate link up there. 

It looks like this: Clever Crocheted Accessories

Reblog: Diary of a Crafty Chica™: Last Minute Holiday Craft Ideas: Round Up!

This post was reblogged from Diary of a Crafty Chica™ with permission.  Everything you see after this intro was written by her!  I'm honored to have been included with such a prestigious group of crafters!  Thank you, Kathy!  Enjoy these great last-minute crafts, everyone!

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There is ONE weekend left before Christmas, that's PLENTY of time to make something fabulous! Whether you need ideas for presents, home decor, hostess gifts, whatever it may be, I gathered up some fun crafty ideas from my crafty amigas, sure to spark some inspiration! Check out these fabulous sites and see all the ideas they have to share!

DIY Frida Ornaments by Pear Mama

Paint-dipped Pinecones by Design It Girl

Big ol Gift Bag by Art, Like Bread

Christmas Domes by Pandora's Craft Box

Assorted Christmas Inspiration Tutorials by Sabor a Cajeta

Loteria Sparkly Banner by Sacred Yoli

Holiday Craft Ideas by Crafty Chica

Christmas Coloring Sheet by Studio Longoria
Recycled Christmas Ornaments by Mark Montano
Three Kings Day Tablescape by Martin Amado 
Chocolate Ganache Truffles by Liz Hicks 
Hot Chocolate Palitos de Bombon by Growing Up Blackxican
Christmas Wrapping Ideas by Juan of Words 

5th Blogoversary Reflections (with good things to come)

Pájaro Mexicano, MusiBatty, 2012
You could win this. Exciting? I know!

I have had the time recently to reflect upon my creative life.  I am incredibly happy to say that this blog, which started from a place of creativity and needing to connect has definitely been that space for me.

It's kind of hard to write this post because I have so much to say.  I feel immensely privileged to have become a part of such a strong crafting community that spans the globe.

I am very grateful to the people who have read the blog over the years.   In fact, I am surprised that anyone read it at all!  I started the blog just to document my crafts and to express myself.  It's grown into a lot for me, and I'm overjoyed that people really seem to like it.

I don't always update the blog, but I will be making a concerted effort to update on a regular basis this year.  I am hoping to have a giveaway every month in order to celebrate my 5th year.  (I have 3 scheduled so far... stay tuned!)  I do blog from the heart, and I always will.  

I am opening my mind to new possibilities this year.  I'm going to stretch and see where this blog can take me.  I am listening to my creative heart.  I am attracting all of the abundance this world has to offer.

I guess what I want to say is thank you.  Thanks so much for reading the blog.  It means the world to me, and I hope that you get something out of it.

Oh yeah! I have to tell you how to win the bird you see above.

Curvy Girl #Crochet Book Review

This is a book review for Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple.  A review copy was given to me at no cost by Taunton Press.  

photo from amazon.com

I love Mary Beth Temple.  I love her because she's funny and nice and full of personality.  Never mind that she's a great designer.  I just like the woman, period.  Now let's talk about her impressive resume- numerous designs in major crochet magazines, her own pattern line, Hooked for Life, and authoring several books.  I know her best from her award-winning podcast, “Getting Loopy,” and from chats around the internet.

Needless to say, I was honored to be asked by Taunton to receive an advance copy of her latest book and review it here on Art, Like Bread.

Sweetheart Tank Top (photo via Ravelry)

Journal Making at GapKids! #CleverGap #ShineOn

 

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn. 

It was great making my way down to the Coco Walk last Saturday for journal writing at GapKids.  I hopped a bus (and another bus and a train and a bus), y'all! I told myself I would make it down to Miami proper, and boy, did I!

I have happy memories of the Coco Walk from when I visited Miami during my birthday weekend about ten years or so ago.  (Could it possibly have been that long ago?)  Time flies.  My friend Mike and I had so much fun! We were buddies from the Tanglewood Music Center.  Good times.  Mike Kearns, where are you?

So, shining on, I made my way upstairs to the GapKids and found some perfectly sized kids' activity tables and several little ones working steadily on their journals.  :)  I explained to the very kind crew that I was a blogger from the Clever Girls Collective and not some weirdo randomly taking pictures of children crafting, haha.  But, as a teacher and discerning crafter, I had to analyze the instructions, usefulness, cuteness, and overall quality of the projects.

#ShineOn at the #CleverGap

 

 

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

Thank you, universe.

It's all so exciting, isn't it? Those of you who follow me on facebook may be aware that I was recently accepted into the Clever Girls Collective, which is a network of powerful women bloggers who are selected to connect with brands and enjoy benefits from just doing what we love- blogging, tweeting, and connecting with our friends and readers!

This is a big step for the blog and for me, because even though I started Art, Like Bread simply to document my crafty endeavors, it has grown into so much more.  I'm glad to be a part of this, and I hope you'll join me for the ride.

Why didn't we have digital cameras in 1996? That was the year you would have seen me bopping around my residence hall at Mount Holyoke in my turquoise, long-sleeved Gap t-shirt bearing the simple word, "shine."  Is it a verb?  a noun? a command? a wish? an intention?  I don't exactly know what the designers intended to impart with those five letters, but it always put me in a good mood.  Fashion is a form of self expression, and craft is fashion is craft, so let's get to crafting, people, and let's get to the Gap.

358 Days to #Crochet a Granny Square Blanket

Ask the Ganchitos.  They'll tell you that I started this vintage 12-Square Blanket because it was only twelve squares.  In my group I'm notorious for quick projects and big hooks.  I'm always impatient to finish! Maybe one day I'll make a sweater that is really beautiful like Jimena's projects, but in the meantime, I've only made one full sweater, and that was a disaster!

But anyway, I started this project and I just kept working on it. It was a stash buster but then I ended up buying some yarn just for the blanket, which ended up being too big, so... Well, you get the idea.  Before I recount the entire 358 days, let me just show you the beautiful blanket!

The first squares!

Ganchitos Mexico City #Crochet and Knit Yarnboming Photos!

Happily, the first yarnbombing project by Ganchitos Mexico City was a huge success!

For the Love of #Crochet

So you get to tweeting, pinning, tumbling, facebooking, and raveling, and all of the sudden it's almost like you don't have a blog anymore!  This is not good, folks.  It should not be so.

Life is great in Mexico City. There's much going on - far too much to enumerate here.  What has inspired me to write today is a pretty cool magazine I picked up on a recent trip to Florida.  The name of the magazine is Love of Crochet, Spring 2012 (Ravelry Link) and it is published by Creative Crafts Group, LLC.  I bought it at a local chain bookstore for $6.99.

Ganchitos #Yarn Bombing Mexico City

We were inspired and ready to celebrate.

It was World Wide Knit in Public Day,

but we decided to crochet, too.

It was a beautiful day.

Please enjoy this video of urban knitting crocheting!
I loved spending this day with my friends. :)
Photos to come. 

12 #Free Warm Weather #Crochet Patterns

April's here and it's time to say hello to warmer weather!  Some crafters put their crochet and knitting down for the summer, but that is not necessary!  I think it's time to do some spring cleaning, so I'm taking stock of my stash, and revisiting my queue.  Spring is great for working on smaller projects in thinner and cooler yarns.

I have a lot of ideas for springtime blog posts, but we'll see what I have time for!  Life has gotten super busy all of the sudden.  Today I'm just going to look at my Ravelry queue and show you my top twelve freebies to stitch this summer.

Owls Two Ways (crochet) by Ana Clerc

Super Simple Bows on Things to Make and Do

Ten more...

#Crochet My #Heart Pattern Round Up

It's been a while. Still love you.

 Sorry I've been so quiet on the blog writing front, but I've been plenty active on Pinterest, Twitter, and Ravelry. Pinterest is just the bomb, y'all.  If you need an invite, just send me your email address.  I'll try to send you one.  If you're wondering what Pinterest is, you should check out this great post at Lion Brand about it. :)

To give you an update on where I've been, well, I've been

Slinky Sleeves #Knit Arm Warmers from Vogue Knitting

One of the members of my knitting group found an amazing store called Fil, which is in Colonia Roma, Mexico City, D.F.  I was glad to have found a Mexican yarn store dedicated to mostly natural fibers from Mexico and Latin America.  I may dedicate an entire post to the store later, but right now I wanted to share a finished object made from beautiful yarn I found there. 

The Yarn: Lanai by TM Imports.  It's 100% wool and to my eye it looks like an aran to bulky weight yarn.  It's a beautiful, variegated, single ply yarn with long color repeats between raspberry, wine, light denim, and olive.  I found the yarn to be beautiful to work with and it produced a very pleasing product.

What My (Famous) Stitching Group Made

I love sharing photos of the work of my wonderful stitching group! I adore all of them. Each one of us has a different forte when it comes to yarn crafting, so we love getting together and sharing what we do.

By the way, we are famous, as we were recently mentioned in the Holiday Collector's Issue of Vogue Knitting.  :)  (Yes, still excited!) 

Dvora is teaching her friend to knit. 
Hooray for new crafters!

I cast on some broomstick lace.

You can check on my progress on the "Il Pleut" Ravelry Project Page.

Are you impressed yet? Yes, that is about 8 active needles you see there.

David makes the most complex projects on the tiniest needles.  He makes the most beautiful knit amigurumi and is fascinated by crafts of all kinds.  

And he taught himself tatting.  I know. Totally cool.  (These are tatting shuttles, by the way.)

Jimena's fine handiwork has resulted in a beautiful sweater. 

Angeles is a whiz at free-form crochet.

 

I love my crafting friends!!