Craft Techniques
How to Do Crafts
A little know-how goes a long way in crafting. The craft techniques I'm including in this article include a range from knitting and crocheting to distressing paper to painting to using wax for different effects.
The marbled look on these found objects is an example of a painting craft technique. I explain the steps to get this marbled effect later in this article.
Photo Credit: Peggy Hazelwood
Sharpen and Lube Your Hole Punch
Keep your hole punch in good working order.
Lubricate the "blades" by punching wax paper.
Sharpen the "blades" by punching aluminum foil.
Working with Paper -- Craft Techniques
- Go Make Something -- Sanding Paper
Aging & Distressing Sanding Paper 17 August 2008 This week's lesson is short and sweet. The photo above shows the inside of two book covers, both of which have been re-lined in printed paper. - Go Make Something -- Coffee Stained Paper
Aging & Distressing Coffee Stained Paper 26 July 2008 I've written previously about using coffee to stain coffee filters, but this week, I really needed to deeply tone a variety of different papers.
Work with Yarn -- Craft Techniques - Crocheting, Knitting
- Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Have you ever wanted to learn crochet? Beginners can find instructions for making crochet stitches and free crochet patterns here. All the patterns and instructions are in simple English without abbreviations. It's hard enough to learn how to crochet - How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch
We have a step-by-step tutorial of the single crochet stitch, perfect for the beginner. The single crochet stitch is one of the most basic stitches and should be learned before the double, or treble crochet. - How to Learn Crochet for Beginners
This lens features information for those new to the world of crochet. Explanations of crochet abbreviations, hook size, gauge and yarn are featured here. It is important for anyone new to crochet to understand that hook size, tension and yarn weight
Yarn Crafts - Knitting, Crocheting
Decoupage Techniques - Crafting with Mod Podge
- Mod Podge Rocks!: This is a Great Place to Start.
Here are my Mod Podge videos, and below that, a complete FAQ. I suggest printing this post and settling into a bubble bath - it's lovely reading! Notes on the videos: If you are a beginning Mod Podger, watch all three videos. If you are having issue - Essential Mod Podge Techniques
Prepare your surface. Almost any surface can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, paper mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard, glass and craft foam. Only SOME plastics are suitable for decoupage – we recommend testing a
Decoupage Made Easy - Add clip art and scrapbook paper to objects
Make Stretchy Bracelets
When making bracelets with elastic, use a
bead with a larger hole next to the knot.
You can hide the knot inside the hole
for a more finished look.
Learn to make simple bracelets.
Working with Polymer Clay - Craft Techniques
- The Polymer Clayspot | Ways With Clay
Some interesting and/or useful techniques for working with polymer clay: make carved, polished, and roughly-textured stone; create large and small roses for earrings, pendants, and decorative additions to objects like boxes; and make natural-looking - Faux Ceramic Pendant -- Use Polymer Clay to Look Like Ceramic
Ceramic jewelry has an earthy appeal, but because ceramics require a kiln, many of us find it an impractical pursuit. Using the technique detailed below, however, you can transform ordinary polymer clay into attractive faux ceramics. This tutorial il - vio's secret - translation - Parole de pâte -- Adding texture with buttons
This project is presented with enough details to enable beginners to try it. I will take you by the hand and guide you along with...
Transfer Images
The Graphics Fairy has compiled lots of ways
to transfer images to all sorts of items:
~ glass ~ candles ~ paper ~ fabric ~ wood ~ metal ~
canvas ~ terra cotta and more!
Craft Techniques - How to Make Crackle CDs
- Go Make Something -- Quick Fired Crackle CDs
Recycled Art Quick Fired Crackle CDs 22 November 2008 OK, let me say right up front that this is NOT my idea. I did an altered CD swap at ATCsForAll.com recently, and it went so well, we're doing another round.
Marbled Painting
Craft Technique
This marble paint finish is easy. Here's how I did it.
For the marbled look I achieved with these found objects, I started with four colors of craft paint: tangerine, light yellow, brown, and tan. I first painted one side of each item one color (a light color like tan) as a base coat.
Next, I dipped my paint brush into another color and swiped on some random stripes or swipes is more like it. Next, I added another color, overlapping the wet paint. Finally I added the last color. For some of the pieces, I mixed two colors of paint to get a blended effect.
There is no right or wrong way to paint like this. The method is random. If you don't like how it looks, paint over the piece after it dries and try again!
Photo Credit: Peggy Hazelwood
Write with Paint
Use an old glue cap (like an orange one
from Elmer's glue) and put it on an acrylic
paint bottle to be able to write in color!
Make Chalkboard Paint
Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint
Visit The Idea Room for easy instructions.
Finishes -- Craft Techniques - Surface Finishing, Painting, Distressing
- Make The Best of Things: Crackle finish with Elmer's Glue
For years whenever I wanted a cool crackled effect on my painted projects I used the very expensive (to me) crackle medium and even bought some paints that were supposed to crack on their own. Because of the cost I did not do anything large and I was - 8 tips for how to use acrylic craft paint. - Mod Podge Rocks!
I am a long time user of craft paint. I pretty much paint every Mod Podge project before the Podge goes on, and I use it on projects that I don't Mod Podge as well. If I can get away with using acrylic, even on a furniture re-do, I will. Why? Because - Linen Walls: Get the Look with Paint
Since first posting the above image of a painted wall treatment meant to resemble linen (or a tweed) fabric in the master bedroom, I've gotten several requests asking for instructions on how to recreate this look. - Go Make Something -- The Rust Guide
Aging & Distressing, Background Techniques The Rust Guide 16 September 2006 I love finding old, decaying items to use in my artwork, and have a particular fascination with rust; in fact, a lot of the text and and photos for this article date all - 8 tips for how to use acrylic craft paint. ~ Mod Podge Rocks!
I am a long time user of craft paint. I pretty much paint every Mod Podge project before the Podge goes on, and I use it on projects that I don't Mod Podge as well. If I can get away with using acrylic, even on a furniture re-do, I will. - Patina fun................ - Good Grief Girdie's blog
I have been experimenting the last couple days. The gold heart was shiny gold yesterday, and today it looks like this. Now here is what you need to have and the directions:
What Kind of Glue to Use?
Check out This to That
to find out what glue to use to stick things together like:
glass to glass or metal to wood
or fabric to plastic and more!
Make Spray Paint
Make Your Own Spray Paint?
Add 2 parts acrylic paint with 1 part water
in a spray bottle. Shake and spray!
Use Wax for a Rustic Look
Before painting, gently rub the edges and random spots on your wood or metal with soap or wax.
This will prevent paint from sticking in those spots, giving the piece a rustic look.
Wax -- Craft Techniques
- Go Make Something -- Wax Techniques
Wax Techniques Wax Techniques Learn the basics of working with wax with these simple lessons. Wax Dipped ATCs 13 Apr 2005 Here's a really simple way of working with wax on small pieces like ATCs.
Get Crafting! More Craft Ideas to Explore
Charity Programs -- Craft and Give
Crafting is so much fun but sometimes we don't need all of the items we make. If you can whip out a hat or scarf in record time or are as slow as molasses but love making crafts, that's okay. There are charity programs that need handmade crafted goods.
Anatomy Clip Art
The human body has all sorts of parts that lend themselves to crafts. For instance, who among us hasn't traced their hand to make a Thanksgiving turkey?
Drawing Instruction -- How to Draw Step by Step
Using simple drawing instructions, nearly everyone can learn to draw. From simple figures to more complex images, drawing is a great way to express yourself.
Music Clip Art
Music clip art is as varied as the types of music. There is sheet music clip art, the ever-lovable animals making music, musical notes, and images with people playing instruments like this great silhouette of two musicians playing bag pipes and a horn.
Circus Clip Art
As a child, I have to admit, I thought about joining the circus. I mean, I would get to hang around clowns and animals all day. Slip under the big top when it rained. Eat lunch with the Fat Lady and maybe a two-headed cow. Watch amazing feats like tight walking and juggling. It was very intriguing to me.
Free Silhouette Clip Art
Silhouettes are images outlined and filled in with dark material, usually black, that are presented against a white or light background.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
Peggy Hazelwood is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
