DIY Legos meet Muji Craft

January 18, 2010
DIY Home, Holidays, Paper

Muji-lego-paper-block-toys-models

I love it when two good brands collaborate. Like Legos and Muji.

They’ve joined to create this genius new product that comes with traditional Lego blocks, paper, and a puncher. There are 4 amazing sets but sadly, they are only sold in Japan. But there must be a way to DIY this…stay tuned.

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Off to buy Legos!

Via.


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Paper Cuts Craft

January 5, 2010
Decor, DIY Home, Paper

Braga

 Celio Braga, Placebos, 2008-09

Or, cut paper rather. Over the holiday I saw a really impressive exhibition called Slash: Paper Under the Knife at the Museum of Art and Design in Manhattan, a totally great, very digestible museum. You just can’t image all of the techniques that are explored in the show, from stop motion video to sculpture to photographic images that didn’t use a camera.  It’s seriously the kind of show that falls flat online or even in the catalog…it’s a must see in person. And lucky for you it’s up until April, so you have time to make it to New York.

ps…the Braga piece above is made from medical paper inserts found in prescription medications of friends and family.

Seriously.

Go

See

This.

Image via.


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Etching Cream Crafts

December 29, 2009
DIY Home, Everyday Crafts, Food, Gifts, Upcycled

Of all art supplies, I find etching cream to be the most magical. Ok, maybe magic is an overstatement, but it certainly packs a big wow. I discovered the stuff a few years ago, and I must say, it’s hard to go wrong, as long as you follow the directions. Here are a few ways to use craft with it…just be sure to wear rubber gloves; it burns when it touches your skin!

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Etched Glass Kitchen containers, Martha Stewart

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Etched silhouette mirror, Living with Lindsay

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Cocktail conversation, ReadyMade.com

Oh and if you want to try another fool proof frosting technique for larger areas, you can also try Glass Frosting by Krylon.


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Embroidery Hoop Crafts

December 27, 2009
DIY Home, Everyday Crafts, Kids Rooms, Organization, Upcycled, Wall Decor, Yarn & Fabric

I have a thing for embroidery hoops. They are just round windows of opportunity, priced at next to nothing and often available at yard sales, thrift stores and the like. Here are a few of my fave ideas…

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Embroidery Hoop Chalkboard, by Bliss in a Teacup, Etsy $35;

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Bulletin board hoops via LushLee.

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Suspended from the ceiling…oh my! via Erin Ever After.

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My Heart Belongs In…by Moxie Doll, $32, Etsy.


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First Blog Post Ever

October 5, 2009
Everyday Crafts

Lg_thehour This is a terribly strange feeling, talking to absolutely no one. I feel like Christian Slater from Pump Up the Volume preaching without the certainty of anyone listening.

A quick (and short) history of The Violet Hours, as it pertains to me, the writer. I have worked for many years crafting, writing, and creating for other people, and this is my first forum to craft, write, and create for me. We’ll see where it takes me.

My title comes from an old book by Bernard DeVoto called The Hour—a humorously written book about the cocktail of all things. But the Violet Hour specifically refers to twilight, or the more commonly known concept of happy hour. It’s that fertile time when people are rushing home, when the work day is complete, and time becomes your own to drink, to read, to craft, to breathe.

So…welcome to The Violet Hours, or, rather, thanks for adding me to your already full blog line-up.


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