Blogger Babble: Craft Projects Part I

By Marni Elyse Katz
May 11, 2010

Forget heroin chic of the ‘90s; it’s granny chic that rules right now. The craze for crafting may have roots in Brooklyn (it's home to Etsy, after all), but the trend has made its way across the country, even around the world. Crafty hipsters sidle up to aging hippies and earthy mamas to crochet, cut, glue, scavenge, sew, embellish, etc., exchanging ideas and showcasing creations on blogs and at fairs. It’s a virtual DIY love fest out there! In this two part series, The Inside Source contacted bloggers dedicated to various arts in the crafting world for tips and top project picks, and then asked them to source supplies on eBay.

Craft Blogger: Jessica Jones, How About Orange

Loving: Buntings and flag garlands—they’re not just for used car lots anymore. Festive pennants are appearing everywhere from wedding receptions, to dinner parties, to children's bedrooms.

Inspiration: Home décor, event decorating, stationary, housewares. Design is Mine did a great post on buntings hanging in the home.

Project: Bunting-themed birthday card.

Supplies: Paper, baker’s twine and colored envelopes.

Top: Jessica Jones and her bunting birthday card. Bottom, from left to right, Jones's eBay supplies: NEW Set of 10 Colored Envelopes (buy it now price, $5.99); Bakers Twine-Bakers Dozen Sampler Pack (buy it now price, $4.49); Creative Memories Contemporary Colored Paper (winning bid, $3.99)

Craft Blogger: Eva Monleón Cifo, Misako Mimoko

Loving: Pottery and decals.

Inspiration: Artists and crafters Lili Scratchy, Mogu Takahashi, Ninainvorm, Studio Violet .

Project: I’ve transformed old dishware by painting it in bright colors. It’s a fun way to introduce art and playtime into daily life. And, I’ve fallen for decals recently, and just created these cute necklaces.

Supplies: Mugs, ceramic decals and ceramic paint.

Top: Eva Monleon Cifo and her decal necklaces. Bottom, left to right, Cifo's eBay supplies: Set of 4 Vintage 1970s Coffee Mugs (buy it now price, $44.95); Set of 8 Bunny Rabbit Ceramic Decals (buy it now price, $1.60); Set of 18 Rare Antique Worcester Ceramic Paint Colors (sold for $112.41)

Crafter Blogger: Kari Ramstrom, Artsy Mama

Loving: As an avid estate sale scrounger, I am fully embracing the granny chic trend. I love the blend of re-styled and handmade goods with a vintage twist.

Inspiration: I first spotted this look about a year ago on the All The Luck in the World, but when I ran across the Dottie Angel blog it really hit home. I was totally inspired. Other favorite blogs are Smile and Wave and A Beautiful Mess.

Project: I created the piece in the photo using vintage wallpaper that I found on eBay, plus buttons and doilies that I received as a gift.

Supplies: Vintage handmade doilies are some of the easiest-to-find supplies for granny chic projects. I find them at estate sales, but there are literally hundreds of listings on eBay using the search term “vintage lace doilies.” Many crafty folks are also making their own doilies following patterns in vintage pattern books.