reader question – Shelly asks: “any tips on how to make felt bowls… i’ve got scraps of wool, and bits of left over wool material from recovering my dining chairs… i’d love some advice!”
use what I have month – I love this idea – I first saw this over at simple sparrow – and then sooz has taken up the challenge – anybody else out there willing to not buy any new crafting materials for a whole month and just use what you already have – go on over to simple sparrow to join the gang.
Julie a dedicated whipup reader sent in this link to artists helping children. She also writes “We all know how much art/crafts heal us, it only makes sense that Children would benefit as well. Lots of ways to contribute too!”
Artists Helping Children is a non-profit NHF.org charity dedicated to bringing comfort to children in hospitals, clinics, and shelters by brightening their environment with murals and other art. Ways to help include donating art supplies and toys, join the directory – if you are in need a mural for your organisation or are an artist who can volenteer your time – you can find each other here, you can also knit, sew or crochet items or send in supplies – read this for more info, get your children involved – read here for ideas and info
another reader (wonder thrush) sent in this link to ‘historically inaccurate decorative arts‘ – really cool and interesting embroidered cushions.
another reader sent a link to Carol Shinn, visual artist who does photo realistic embroidery – just amazing
Jill at fiftyrx3 sent me a link to a great project she is doing: here is a post with a really inventive outfit that is part of the project and here is the blurb from her site:
“the blog revolves around my attempt to combine style with sustainablility by wearing clothing based on the reduce-reuse-recycle mantra of the green movement. The goal is to have an average of 50% of my clothing for the year 2006 be:
reused – (not bought new)
recycled – (made from something else)
reduced – (environmentally friendly or long lasting items) “
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
And now there’s a Flickr group to join – usewhatyouhave. Make your commitment to the month you want to take up the challenge and post photos of the things you make. Come on over! http://www.flickr.com/groups/usewhatyouhave/
Wow! I’m so excited this is taking off! Obviously, this is not an original idea. So many of us think about this very thing and of course there are those who have been putting it into practice long before now. I will say I am extra motivated seeing all the enthusiasm, and especially that great “use what you have month” button!! I had no idea my post would spark such involvement, thank you everyone for joining me :)
I’m having trouble accessing the link to fiftyrx3 and the post you’ve pointed out – is anyone else?
How fun is this!? What a coincidence! I just posted yesterday about some “old” fabrics i´ve been reusing to make cushions (some i forgot that i had). I confess that i also used some new stuff to make the cushions! eheheh!
Just found you and LOVE your blog. Thank you for all the hard work and information….I know it’s not easy. Gonna take my time to dig in, but wanted to say WELL DONE. I’m the worst on using what I have because there’s always something new and intriguing….but need to do better and certainly have stuff in abundance. Happy weekend to you!
seems the problem with the link was a blogger issue – check back later