The Crafts Dept. Blog Click here for more dye projects

Utilitarian and universal, organic and sustainable, locally-produced (NYC) and handmade, vintage-inspired and designed by best friends—you can’t go wrong with Fleabag. The genius creators, Shira Entis and Alexandra Bell, blended their talents, loves, and interests in 2009, launching the perfect canvas tote brand. As an artisan and fan of pristine craftsmanship, I was intrigued by …

We love felt. I think I speak for all of us here  in the TV craft department when I make that statement. We use it so often—on all different kinds of craft projects—that we have amassed quite the collection of wool felts. All our felt is stored in plastic bins by color and take up …

Last time I posted, I received the comment:
“How can I reach the Crafts Dept. I have a terrific idea for Easter eggs.”
The comment came from Anita Eydt of Montreal, Canada, who is a retired Art Specialist from St. George’s School of Montreal. When I read “terrific idea for Easter eggs” I was immediately curious—we are …

What do you do with all the things you collect on the beach?
I had a pile of sea shore scores that were sitting in a bin, for over 2 years, that I finally sat down to organize.  All the odds and ends, my boyfriend Ashley and I collected from the beaches of Elbow Cay in …

I am back from my excursion to Tucson and have had a moment to step back and examine everything I have learned. Although I work as a professional “crafter”, there are many crafts I know little about and am certainly not an expert in. It was extremely nice to attended the Crystallized Elements workshops and …

It is bling month in Tucson right now and the area is sparkling with jewelry, gem, mineral and bead shows!  Crystallized Swarovski Elements is out here for the occasion and I am participating in a few of their workshops.
Yesterday, in just 3 hours, I learned a couple new beading techniques and finished the class with …

2009 was lush with crafting and homemade holidays. I gifted, and was given, more handmade treasures than ever before and for me it makes the year more memorable. I spent many nights making jewelry, crafting and sewing, leading up to Christmas and it was totally worth it! But the early bird catches the worm and …

When Tomas Maier, the creative director of Bottega Veneta, was scheduled to appear on the show in early October, I was quite thrilled to say the least. When it came to my attention that he would not only be showcasing a selection of Bottega handbags, but would also be accompanied by the actual Italian craftsmen …