Inspiration comes from many quarters.  Professional designs are of course one of the best ways to become inspired.  You can also do “knock-offs” of a professional design for yourself.  But where do you find some unique ideas, particularly with the industrial, layered-up, stripped down, boho fashions of today?  Easy!  You look at a New York All-Nighter Hangout that makes them already!

Studio 1am

Summer has just begun and it is time, actually past time, to turn toward the garden and find the expression of color and joy that flowers and plants bring.  Most of the crafting work here is already done for you because, as they say, “Only God can make a tree.”  But while He made the tree, He wouldn’t mind at all if you did some decorative things around it!  Get your family together and turn a Saturday into a garden crafting day.

There are two crafts that I especially like at the link below.  They are all cute, but two really caught my eye.  One is the Dove Windchimes (that was predictible since I collect windchimes) and the other is the Keepsake Stepping Stone.  I love that all of the instructions are provided and the crafts are inexpensive. And if your children are young, you will be so glad you did these stepping stones.  I wish I had some of my kids from years ago.

Take a look.  There are some cute things that will add some personality to your yard and garden and it will be a wonderful way for your family to spend some great time together. 

Garden Crafts

Free Nature and Gardening Crafts - Those painted pots would be great on a deck!

I love the idea of recycling items that would normally go into the trash, or on a good day into a recycler, into crafts.  It is fun, the crafts are funky, and the expense is virtually nil.  This must be the perfect non-fiber craft for me because I drink a lot of diet pop and I have pop cans all over the place!  Yes I do recycle, but I think I could keep a few to make this wonderful dragonfly since I collect dragonflies.  This one would definitely be different than any other I have!

This site is all about recycling pop cans into different works of sculpture.  They even have a Starship Enterprise!  They also have various vehicles (including a green tractor which you know I had to love), trains, aircraft, and a variety of insects.  The patterns are only $14.00 ($8.00 if you download them on the computer) and they include full size templates, step-by-step instructions in a clear plastic cover.  The Web site has a list of the materials you will need; most you will have around the house and the others are inexpensive.  All of the patterns I looked at required eight 12 ounce pop cans - I could have quite a collection of vehicles and insects of Diet Pepsi Vanilla!

Two warnings:

1. Be cautious - when you cut into aluminum you can get a nasty cut.  Wear very heavy gloves and watch the edges of the metal you have cut into. 
2. This may be an addictive craft, so be sure you bookmark them for future visits and more patterns.

Other than that, have fun!  And use your own imagination as you go.  If there is an Enterprise, shouldn’t there be a Klingon ship?

Tesscar Aluminum Crafts - The Dragonfly

Tesscar Aluminum Crafts Web Site - see the Enterprise here!

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.  At least, that is what the old saying is.  Considering the success of garage sales, I would have to agree.  What I really like though is when discarded items from one person become crafts and works of arts of another.  I particularly liked, being on the computer as much as I am, the idea of jewelry being made out of computer parts.  We all end up with bits and pieces of hardware that we can’t use; something fails and is replaced, so do you just throw that piece of “useless” equipment away?  Maybe you should reconsider what you could do with it.

Bonnie Meltzer is an artist that has taken discarded computer hardware and turned it into some of the most intriguing jewelry you will find.  She creates pins by using the bits and pieces of computers and then embellishes them.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind.  The faces are incredible.  I would not have thought such expression could be achieved using this technique but she has done it and she has done it well.  I debated for awhile before I decided on which photo to post because I like them all, but this particular one had a look of surprise (dare I say “shock” when it has to do with computer parts?) on its face, and that appealed to me.  I see these pieces as a great way to show your emotions of the day to the outside world.  I can guarantee you that while you are wearing one, you are going to have people asking about it - these are completely unique and just a lot of fun.

Meltzer also makes necklaces and wall art.  The photo at the top is one of her pieces of art.  It measures 24″ X 64″ X 7″.  Wouldn’t that just be perfect in a contemporary office setting?  I believe her style adapts well to a contemporary, yet softened feminine look, for the office and career woman.  I know I would love to have that piece hanging near my desk.  I decorate in contemporary lines and styles and I am totally smitten with Meltzer’s style.

Take a look at her Web site.  I know you will enjoy the photographs.  Exhibition information is also available.  And whatever you do, don’t miss her Portrait Series.  I have the link provided below.  It is very unique - I couldn’t leave you without being sure you took at look at it.  I know that once you spend a few minutes at this site, Bonnie Meltzer will have a new fan; it is impossible to see her work and not become an admirer.

Bonnie Meltzer- Very Mixed Media Constructions

Bonnie Meltzer - Pins

Bonnie Meltzer’s Portrait Series