#Giveaway! The Big-Ass Book of #Crafts 2 by Mark Montano!

I have exciting news to share today! Tuesday, Oct. 11 marks the launch of the next AMAZING craft book by Mark Montano.  Check out this video to find out all about it!

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 (sample project link) is the sequel to the wildly successful Big-Ass Book of Crafts, which is now available digitally! 

You can be sure that I was incredibly excited when Mark's publisher contacted me to review the book.  Just a few days later, I had it in my hot little hands, before the release date!  Gallery Books was even kind enough to set up an interview with Mark Montano for the Art, Like Bread Podcast, which is still in its infancy, but how lucky am I to have such an opportunity.  Stay tuned to the blog for more on that.

Seriously, I LOVE Mark Montano.  I have always admired his aesthetic sense and I truly believe that he has an open, creative, interesting, and accessible approach to craft and design.  I have been passing his book around to my students and crafty friends and EVERYONE wants a copy.

Look how many bookmarks I added.  This book will get a LOT of use!

 Well, anyone can buy a copy at their local book shop or online retailer, but TWO, yes TWO lucky Art, Like Bread readers will win a copy of this amazing book for their very own!

Mark Montano's blog is one of my absolute favorites, and he updates it regularly with inspirational pictures and great projects to try.  Most recently, I was amazed by this beautiful flower, made from a recycled water bottle. 

In order to enter to win a copy of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano, simply leave a comment on this blog post. :)  I will use a random number generator to choose the two lucky winners on November 11, 2011, and your book will be shipped to you directly from the publisher.

Trust me, you'll find something you absolutely have to make in this book.  You'll find great techniques you've never tried.  You'll find interesting ways to use normal, household items.  You'll be inspired. I am!

ETA:  The giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered. The winners are posted here.

Project Link: Scrap Hearts by Elizabeth Cat

I spend so much time in the crafty crochet blogosphere, I don't usually remember how I found this idea or that.  However, I did make note of the source of this incredible find.  Sarah's Sweethearts is a fun fiber blog with a classic, vintage sensibility. 

It was through her sidebar that I found the incredible blog entitled By Elizabeth Cat.  Full of colorful, inspirational photo collages and tasteful crafts, the blog quickly became a favorite!  When I saw this project, I knew I wanted to blog it!

Photo used with permission of Elizabeth Cat | All Rights Reserved

Yarn crafters spend hours selecting yarn and working on projects.  Over that time the yarn becomes a part of your memory.  You may keep the project or you may give it away, but once the yarn is gone, it's gone.  Artisan yarns are dyed in lots, and you may never get that exact color and fiber combination ever again.  In addition, we don't like wasting things, and I think almost every yarn crafter has a "scrap jar" or some other such receptacle in which to store the little ends snipped after they are lovingly woven into the finished object.

Of course that begs the question, "What can one do with these pretty scraps?"  That all depends upon their length, but Elizabeth has come up with a completely original way to display these ends and decorate simultaneously.

What a beautiful way to ornament your home while remembering your previous projects!  There are more shapes, directions, and display ideas on Elizabeth's blog.  I could even see these used as gift toppers, or made in color families for a different effect.

Definitely check Elizabeth Cat out for some amazing crochet eye-candy as well. I always do!

• Other ideas on how to use scrap yarn include making a crazy yarn ball and crocheting a granny square blanket (Crochetbug), and felting the natural fibers into beads (Bleu Arts).

In My Google Reader: Agence Eureka

Like clip art? Vintage images? Free downloads?

image from Agence Eureka (http://bibigreycat.blogspot.com/2010_12_08_archive.html)

Check out Agence Eureka!  Agence Eureka is a often-updated blog featuring intriguing vintage images.  Here you'll find alphabets, school books, craft books, games, magazines, posters...  All kinds of cool images to collage, alter, and inspire!

image from Agence Eureka (http://bibigreycat.blogspot.com/2010_12_05_archive.html)

 If you like the French language, it's a plus.  Lots of stuff is in French.  Je l'adore!

Indian Block Printing

I came across this video on Cut+Paste, which is a new blog for me, but I'm so glad I found it.  Lots of beauty there. 

In My Google Reader: Made By Girl

Need a little eye candy?

image source - http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-inspirationvia-made-by-girl.html

Want some original wall art for your home?

buy at http://www.madebygirl.com/product.php?sku=MM-11

Care to dream about living in a big, beautiful home? (Or find ideas for your current one?)

Images from http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/graham-mossvia-made-by-girl.html

Then check out Made By Girl.  I've been following her blog for more than a year, and she's mad cool.  

image from - http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html

Enjoy!

Last-Minute Valentines from Vol. 25!

Was CVS out of Ricky Martin valentines this year?  Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  What will you bring to work for all of your co-workers?  Stop biting your nails.  It's okay!

Vol. 25 to the rescue!

In all seriousness, I have been following Vol. 25's fabulous blog for quite some time and I am happy to let you know that you (or your child) can have adorable, affordable, fabulous valentines tomorrow, and every year thereafter.  You can purchase the pdf download the giraffe, owl, birdies, pandas, deer, and unicorn pdfs on Vol. 25.

In My Google Reader: Kootoyoo

  ne of the most amazing things for those of us who remember what life was like before the internet is peeking into the craft rooms of people all the way on the other side of the earth.  Today we can instantly connect to the wonderful creativity all over the world, and I've noticed that there's some amazing work coming out of Australia.  This knowledge has make Australia a top craft destination for me.  Not that I might be able to get there any time soon.  I just know now that I want to go!

image source: kootoyoo.com

 Kootoyoo is a beautiful blog based in Victoria, Australia.  Kirsty is the blogger who makes it all happen.  I just love looking at her superb photography of interesting yarn and fiber craft.  I often find inspiration on Kootoyoo and I hope that you will, too. Check out her post on this cuute pin topper!

image source: kootoyoo.com

This cuff helped to put broomstick lace on my list of crafty ambitions.  There's so much to learn!  This looks great, doesn't it?  Kirsty sometimes makes stuff for sale, so check out her page to see what might be available.

image source: kootoyoo.com

Squeee!  Why pin with normal straight pins when you can have these flossy ones?  Kirsty's creativity, her quality of craft, and her photography are the reasons I keep going back to Kootoyoo.com. 

 *By the way, that snazzy "O" 

you see at the beginning of 

my post is courtesy of  

Daily Drop Cap, 

a must-visit for bloggers

or anyone who is a 

typeset enthusiast like me.

Font nerds are also welcome, 

I'm sure.  And, yeah, 

it's also in my Google Reader. 

Win a Big Ass Box from Mark Montano!

I just wanted to let you know about a cool blog that is new to me, and instantly made it to my google reader.  I also want to encourage you to enter this latest giveaway! 

Mark Montano of HGTV fame has been working the craft scene for a while now and has written not only one but two BIG ASS BOOKS!  I don't currently own copies, but I have seen them when I was in the United States, and I can say that the projects in them are creative, unique, and cool. 

His blog is full of these good ideas and he's also currently giving away a box of goodies which includes copies of his two books.  That's a Big Ass Box of Goodies!  

image via markmontano.typepad.com

So if you have a minute, pop on over to Mark Montano's blog for a chance at a big box o' fun & certain inspiration.

It's Holiday Crafting Time! Penny Pendants

Hey everyone! You might think it's early, but I'm here to tell you that it's holiday crafting time! Those of us who celebrate gift-giving holidays in December better get our butts in gear and plan our craftiness now! I'm not exactly sure how much crafting I'll be doing this fall. I'm hoping to do cards again this year, but who knows... Maybe I should follow my own advice and get planning!

I want to start a "Gift Crafting" feature on my blog, which will feature fairly quick, affordable crafts that would make wonderful gifts.

Photo property of Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made

Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made posted this excellent pendant tutorial. You could make a bunch of these using any motif or picture. I'm sure your friends would feel treasured after receiving this pendant. Oh, and Cathe's awesome blog is also in my Google Reader.

In My Google Reader: Creative Thursday

Do you ever just want to look at something cute?  

the king of everything | image property of creative thursday

Awwww!  I have been enjoying pretty little paintings like this on a regular basis for almost as long as I've had this blog.  I figured it was about time to blog about them.

Marisa of Creative Thursday is the artist behind the kawaii.  I am enamored with her tiny creations and if you are, too, you will be happy to know that prints of original paintings can be purchased at her Etsy Store.  And they're affordable!

Marisa has a lot going on in her artistic life, so you should really go and check out her website for more information.  If you want a lot of cute delivered to your inbox for free, sign up for her mailing list.  It always makes my day to get those emails!

In My Google Reader: Sarah London [+ free pattern download]

I don't remember how I became aware of Sarah London and her fabulous blog, but I am glad that I am!  Sarah's photos of perfect granny squares in fresh color combinations make me happy every time!  

image property of Sarah London

She seems to have a robust business going over on her blog.  She offers yarn kits, patterns, and even Nutrimetrics cosmetics on her site.  Sarah's based out of Australia, so to get some of the goodness from down under, check out sarahlondon.wordpress.com . 

I just about flipped last night when I noticed that Sarah is offering a great giveaway on her blog.  She's asking people to list their favorite American yarns on her blog and in exchange, she'll send out a free pdf pattern!  Her patterns usually cost $5.00 AUD, so that's a very generous offer.  I have purchased patterns from Sarah before and I can attest to their quality.  

Crocheters, be sure to add your link to i-Crochet, yet another of Sarah's wonderful projects.  I've added mine and have enjoyed learning about new bloggers and crafters.

You can still sign up for my Waking Up in the Land of Glitter giveaway until Aug. 11!

In My Google Reader: Sew Ritsy~Titsy

I love the crisp, fresh look of this blog and the photography is great.
I am always inspired with Dawn's posts, whether they be original designs or her interpretations of others' patterns. I think she improvised this little cutie, called the Petunia Purse.

Photo property of Sew Ritzy Titzy.

For more inspiration, visit Sew Ritzy Titzy.

In My Google Reader: Hip to Piece Squares

Sometimes she's quiet, and sometimes she talks, but whatever is found on Sarah's blog, Hip to Piece Squares, is sure to be fabulous. I was psyched and inspired by this selvages coin purse. Link over to a fab sewing blog... NOW!

In My Google Reader: M&J Trimming

The creative team at this trim company are on the ball when it comes to finding attractive, easy ideas to trick out their product. Imagine all the ways you can use ribbon, ball fringe, lace, and rick rack. Then stretch that to the limit. That's M&J Trimming's Blog. Here's the post that I needed to feature:

I know, right?

And yes, they do give instructions, so link over and make that necklace!

In My Google Reader: A New Design

I am new to A New Design by Ashley Cannon Newell, but I really like what I see.

I was moved by the card you see below.

Image property of http://ashleynewell.blogspot.com/

I love the tone on tone palette and the unexpected use of Tiffany blue for the card base.
But my favorite design element is the soft ribbon.
I love how Ashley riffs on the popular ribbon pleating and creates a fresher, softer look.
This card is not "jazzy", it is jazz.

Thanks, Ashley. :)

Glitter Storage Solution

I don't know about you guys, but this gorgeous display of glitter in vintage salt & pepper shakers looks a lot better to me than my little glitter drawer.

Click image to read original post

image from http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com,
but I am not sure who it belongs to!

Good idea, Bethany Crowell.

Both blogs are in my Google reader!

In My Google Reader: Elizabeth Kartchner

Do you ever just take a look at something beautiful, like a piece of art, a design, a color combination, or a perfectly-crafted item, and feel something? I get a feeling (it's hard to describe) when I see something good, I connect with it. That's what just happened when I looked at that pretty doily detail up there. That plus the surrounding colors spoke to my heart. Photos like this are why "Dear Lizzy" is in my Google reader.

Ms. Kartchner is a true artist, with a keen eye for color, and a talent for photography. A Making Memories "Scrapbooker of the Year", she has recently launched her own product line, which, according to the rave reviews and fantastic projects seen floating around the internets, is pretty amazing.

Photos property of Elizabeth Kartchner,
published on elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com

In My Google Reader: Pink Paislee

Do you want to make this?

Click photo to link to tutorial. Image belongs to http://pinkpaislee.com/

I'm sure you do- I mean, who wouldn't? Well, you can learn how to make this beautiful gift box and also learn about some of the hottest new products in scrapbooking and papercraft over at the Pink Paislee blog.

It's always exciting to see what new products are out there, and it's equally inspiring to see what the design team is doing with them.

We create! We inspire! We are artists!
Now go make something!

What's In My Google Reader?

I want to start a new feature on my blog called "What's In My Google Reader?". If you're not already a user, Google Reader is a free service that allows you to browse all of your favorite blogs in an easy and user-friendly way. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Blogs here: Lindamade, Lotus Knits, Chronicles of Yarnia, and Crochetbug.

As you can see, you can subscribe to your feeds, and then categorize them into different folders. It's a great way to keep up with your favorite blogs.

The image below shows what the inside of a blog looks like. As you can see, your unread posts show up in bold, and if you click on the blog title, you can see the titles of the unread and read posts in an organized manner, just like email. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Blog here: Stamp With Heather

Depending upon the settings the author of the blog has chosen for his or her feed, you'll see the entire post, including pictures, or just a few lines in your Google Reader. And if you click on the post title, you will go directly to the blog itself. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Blog here: vol. 25

There is even a bookmark you can add to your toolbar or links section, depending on your web browser, and with basically one click, you can add a new blog to your Google Reader. To sign up, you can go here. You'll need to sign up for a free Google account. Have fun!

Images are screengrabs of Google Reader. Blog images belong to their respective owners.