A Collective Journal: arts and crafts

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Recycle those toothbrushes!

Make these:

Into These!

Bracelets! So easy and fun to make.

Here is how you do it:

Remove all the bristles from the toothbrush with tweezers or pliers.
Boil water.
Keep water boiling, put toothbrush in water for five minutes.
Remove toothbrush with tongs, bend to desired shape.
If toothbrush doesn't bend enough, submerge again in water.
Remove toothbrush and bend as much as possible.

Make sure you use potholders or oven mitts to bend the plastic! Let cool. If bracelet is too small, it will break, so make sure it's not to hard to put on wrist. Not all toothbrushes will work, so you might have to try a few. I found the cheap ones at the dollar stores do NOT work! The ones used here are Reach and Gum toothbrushes.

Have fun!

RWS

Monday, November 15, 2010

IN THE STYLE OF....ARTS AND CRAFTS

cubiclegirl

The Arts & Crafts Movement (1890 - 1929) started in Britain and within a few years found its way to the United States.

While the American Arts and Crafts Movement did share the philosophy of the reform movement and encouraged originality, simplicity of form, local natural materials, and the visibility of handicraft, it also accepted the use of factory work in the production of items which made it possible for middle income families to purchase and enjoy simple but elegant items.

The terms "Arts and Crafts", "Craftsman" and "Mission Style" have come to be used interchangeably, but there are differences.

I would love to share some artisans of today who create in the Style of the Arts and Crafts or Craftsman traditions :)

WONDERFUL TILE WORK...