Crafts Unleashed

Recycle Crafting: Use Blue Jeans to Make Stretched Canvas!

If you have one or several old worn pairs of jeans, I have a wonderful suggestion for you before throwing or giving them away. Jean material makes an excellent canvas material to stretch and use the same way you would use and treat traditional canvas when making your own canvas frames.
Materials needed:

Old jeans.
Spray White Gesso
Canvas [...]

Mini Bowdabra Review and How to Make a Loopy Bow

The Mini Bowdabra is one of my favorite bow-making tools.  I have been using both the  Mini Bowdabra and the original Bowdabra for several years to create bows for seasonal themed crafts, wedding bows, hair bows, and kid crafts.  Â
When purchasing the Mini Bowdabra I would recommend purchasing the Bowdabra Bow Wire.  The Bowdabra Bow [...]

Technique: Tips for Working with the Darice Rhinestone Setter

Editor’s Note: We are having so much fun with Wedding Week that we decided to to another! This week, though, we are featuring all things BLING! We’re starting off with this great article on how to get the best results from your Darice Hot-Fix Crystal Setter. Enjoy!
I am working on a few craft projects [...]

Technique: How To Use An Eyelet Kit

The basics of using an eyelet kit.

Jewelry Technique: Simple Wire Wrapped Loop

Making a wrapped loop is a technique that every crafter and jewelry-maker should master! Whether you are making fine jewelry earrings or making dangles for a candle bobeche, this technique comes in handy.
Today I’m going to get you started by making a beaded “dangle” or drop, using a headpin. Let’s get going!
Materials:

Bead w/ center drilled [...]

Watercolor Painting – Getting Started!

Watercolor paints are one of the easiest mediums to use, really. Non-toxic materials, and travel-friendly. There is almost no preparation needed, but I have listed a few basic ideas to get you started.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAPER:
The standard weight of watercolor paper is 140 lb. Choose a lighter weight (90 lb) or heavier weight (300 lb [...]

Jewelry Technique: Crimping

Finishing off a bracelet or necklace using crimping pliers may look intimidating – but if you follow 3 simple steps, you’ll be crimping like a pro before you know it!
Before we start, let’s take a closer look at our crimping pliers (read a post about crimping pliers here.) You will notice that there are two [...]