C&T Publishing is a group of quilters and crafters dedicated to publishing products tailored to our audience. This blog is where we break away from book schedules and marketing campaigns to focus on what drives us to be creative and how this creativity manifests itself in our every day lives.
Junk to Jewel: Pile of Old Sweaters to Felted Friendship Ribbons
The felting process for me is like a magic trick. I can put a XXL 100% wool sweater along with a towel and a little soap in the washing machine and presto chango – out comes a thick fuzzy fabric that can be used to make all sorts of wonderful treasures.
The Junk
It all started when I wanted to make a sewing related friendship gift for a friend that just made her first quilt. She did such a great job I (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: $2 Basket Handbag to Cheerful Summer Door Decor
The Junk
I do so love it when a plan comes together! Last summer Susanne Woods, Our Acquisitions Editor and I were looking through some European magazines for ideas…colors, trends, things we couldn’t live without, when I came across a photo of a lovely basket of flowers hanging on a door. I thought that could be a fun Junk to Jewel project…..
I tore out the page, filed it in my “don’t forget” file, and promptly forgot the whole thing. That was (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Swing Frame Album to Decorative Scrapbook Page Display
The Junk
Objects in metal always catch my eye. I believe this little photo album has lots of potential…..and the price of one dollar makes it even more attractive…..
In addition to fabric and yarn, I enjoy working with paper. Making cards is one of my favorite ways to express my creativity. Lately I have seen lots of different ways for people to include different “unexpected” household items to showcase their paper creations. From cookie sheets to vintage cigar boxes and everything (Continue Reading...)
Junk to Jewel: Messenger Bag to Reusable Gift Wrap
The Junk
I love wrapping presents! Whenever I go to garage sales and thrift stores I’m always on the look-out for ribbons, embellishments, and other little treasures that would make for perfect additions to my gift wrap, and make my gifts look truly special.
So, when I saw this messenger bag I instantly thought it would make great reusable gift packaging for a gift I was working on for a dear friend.
Junk to Jewel: Tennis Racket Frame to Oversize Pincushion
Editor’s Note: Today’s craft month project of the day is the first post in an exciting new series called Junk to Jewel by C&T author and editorial team member, Sue Astroth. Junk to Jewel will chronicle Sue’s upcycling adventures with thrift store finds.
Unlike our other craft month projects, this post doesn’t offer a specific materials list or step-by-step instructions. What it does offer is a look inside the mind of C&T’s resident upcycling queen, and the inspiration needed for you (Continue Reading...)
Staff Pick: Inchie Ruler Tape for Papercrafts
When I first saw our Inchie Ruler Tape, I thought…boy I wish I’d had some of that a few years back, when I was doing all that hand-quilting I used to do. It sure would have been SO much easier to use than masking tape! But being that I’m into paper crafting these days, I thought the product wasn’t for me…. till I had a recent brainstorm.
Seems of late, paper and fabric tapes are all the rage in (Continue Reading...)
Best Laid Dyeing Plans Can Yield Wonderful Surprises!
On a recent thrift shop trip, I found a fabulous linen dress in a not-so-lovely shade of chartreuse. Think neon yellow. The low price outweighed the hideous color and the style is perfect for our over 95 degree summers. No worries, I thought, I’ll just ask our resident Dye-it-Yourself Diva, Lynn Koolish if she has anything planned for the dye pot and see if my dress could join in the fun for an over-dye.
Lynn was pleased to have me join (Continue Reading...)
Over-the-Top Top Hat Halloween Project
To wear or display this hat features my love of ribbons and Halloween. Fancy yet ghoulish this hat nestles a crow and hovering arachnid amongst layers of ribbons and sparkling embellishments. Tip your hat Halloween style.
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Denver Buttons
While in a recent trip to Denver, Colorado to attend a mountain top wedding, we stayed over night in a little town called Frisco. We didn’t have lots of spare time to shop, but we did mange to get out and “stretch our legs” for a bit. During our walk down Main Street, we went into a shop called “JUNK-TIQUE, INC.”
I was taking in all the fun Rocky Mountain gifts they offered wondering if I would find some small treasure (Continue Reading...)
Egg Baskets Project
Here’s a charming new way to way to celebrate springtime!
Making an egg basket is a great project to do with children—have them decorate the “eggs” while you make the basket. After Easter, the basket becomes a handy holder for decorative soaps, candies, or other small items.
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