Coffin Shaped Glasses Case: Tutorial Link

I have tons of gas station sunglasses. Tons. Part of the problem is that I used to work at a gas station, so I got first pick on new shipments, plus a hefty discount on already cheap sunglasses. The other part of the problem is that I never seem to remember to bring sunglasses with me on road trips (which I go on fairly often), so I am forced to pick up a new pair. However, just because they are cheap doesn't mean that I don't feel sad when a favorite pair gets scratched or broken from hanging around in the bottom of the black hole that I like to call my purse.

That's why I was really happy to find a great tutorial for a case at one of my favorite crafting blogs, Crafting for Cheapskates. Not only is it functional, it's kinda creepy. I also love that she uses duct tape to secure the fabric, rather than pins. Those are the kind of short cuts I totally dig, hehe. Anyhow, head over here for a simple, straight to the point tutorial to make your own cute-but-creepy glasses case.

DIY iPod Skins: Tutorial Link

I love to decorate anything I can get my hands on. I always joke that if it'll hold still long enough, I'll customize it.

That's why I was so excited to find this awesome tutorial on how to make your own custom iPod or mobile device skins over at Crafting For Cheapskates.

I have the iPod Touch, so I sadly can't really use this project for my iPod, but I do have a very sad looking Blackberry! This will also make a perfect birthday present, dontchyathink?

Playing Card Messenger Bag: Tutorial Link

I found this easy to follow tutorial at Crafty Mommy and Me on how to make a trading card purse using materials you may either already have at home, or can easily be purchased at the dollar store. All you need are purse straps, sticky vinyl, and playing or trading cards.

She uses World of Warcraft cards, but I'm thinking that this would be equally as awesome if regular ol' playing cards were used. This project really makes me wish that I hadn't accidentally trashed my old Garbage Pail Kids collection. This project would also work really well for wallet sized photos, paint chips from the hardware store, or any other small rectangular or square bits of cardstock or paper. You can easily adapt this tutorial to make makeup bags or small purses.

If you're really feeling adventurous, why not try putting in a zipper? Just remember that once you stitch vinyl, there is no going back - those holes are there foooreeeveer. Also, make sure that you use the correct needle, feet and stitch settings for vinyl. Since this project uses adhesive vinyl, your needle can get gunked up pretty quickly, so keep a little rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs handy to clean that needle off.

Specimens for Your Bottles: Parasitic Worms

The good folks over at Propnomicon
have provided us with yet another great tutorial relating to creepy things in bottles. This tutorial shows us a very cheap and easy way to make parasitic worms out of liquid latex. A huge mess of these would look wonderfully creepy floating inside a dingy specimen jar, don't you think? You could also add a tiny bit of acrylic paint to the latex to give your parasites some color.

I find nothing more disgusting and interesting, at the same time, as parasitic worms. They repulse me, but I can't help but want to know more about them! If parasites are as fascinating to you as they are to me, I suggest checking out Animal Planet's show Monsters Inside Me.

Bottled Specimens: Version II

Previously, I wrote about creating your own bottled fetus. I also wanted to share another tutorial with you guys on how to make another type of bottled specimen. This time, rather than a fetus, it is a 'mystery specimen.' The tutorial is very clear and concise, with plenty of photos. The author has even included a link to a printable label for your jar (which Lovecraft fans will get a kick out of).
The author discusses things that they would have done differently at the end of the article, such as making the preserving liquid less dark, which I agree completely with. While the darkness and dinginess of the preserving liquid makes it harder for the observer to identify it's contents, it also makes it hard to tell if there is anything in there at all. I do think that sealing the bottle in wax is a great idea, and will have to try that out. I think it lends a bit of a more authentic touch to the whole project.

Miniature Mummy: Tutorial Link

Now, this tutorial is actually for a mummified fairy. I am not exactly the biggest fan of mythological creatures, but I still think that the finished product is totally rad. Personally, I would leave out the wings and fairy accessories, but I still think that it would fit nicely on a shelf next to your bottled specimens and mounted insects. The photo I have included in this post is of the mummy before the author of the tutorial added the wings. The tutorial is nice and clear, very simple, and includes plenty of pictures.
Perhaps you could use this tutorial to make a mummy for a faked freakshow exhibit, similar to this absolutely amazing freakshow prop over at Curiomira.

Zombie Defense Kit - Tutorial Link

Are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse?
This is a very serious question, my friends. One that you must ask yourself and your loved ones.

There are many essentials that may come to mind when preparing for a zombie attack, such as a military vehicle, a fortress, etc. However, the most important item is actually a basic weapons kit.
Craftster user KCBlueGal gives us a great text tutorial on how to make a basic zombie survival kit.

Bunny in a Bear has probably created the coolest ever DIY zombie survival kit I have ever seen. Ever. I highly suggest checking out his kit. Just be warned that you will probably be so impressed that you will fall out of your chair. The case cover doubles as a sheild, my friends, a sheild!

FriendlyNeighbourPsycho has their own version, or rather, versions which can also be found on Craftster over here.

Bottled Specimens: Tutorial Link

I've always loved the look of a shelf lined with bottled specimens. I really don't know where this strange interest came from, but whatever. I know that they creep a lot of people out, but my love of all things biology and all things macabre make me want a whole cabinet in my home filled with them.
I would love the real deal, but I will have to settle for fakes. The plus side of creating your own fakes is that you can make either very hard to find specimens, or mythical creatures. I have a long standing love of birth defects and fetus mutations, as well as all things crafty, so DIY bottled specimens are right up my alley.
I have found a wonderful tutorial for faking a mutated fetus specimen, as seen to the right. It can be found here over at the Indy Mogul forums.
This tutorial uses all kinds of fancy materials that are not readily available to me, and is also meant for making many of the same specimen. You could use the concept of this very thorough tutorial to create your own one-offs using polymer clay.

First Post

I thought that I might make my first post an introduction. Makes sense, right?

I am 23 years old and have been crafting for as long as I can remember. My grandmother taught me how to crochet, my mother taught me how to embroider, my dad taught me how to draw, and I've gotten myself into just about everything else by utilizing the internet and local book stores. I dabble in a bit of everything - paper crafts, crochet, embroidery, polymer clay, sewing, jewelry making, resin casting, you name it and I'd love to try it!

I've also always enjoyed writing. For part of my high school career, I had the opportunity to have my curriculum based on my interests. Subsequently, I ended up accumulating fourteen different English classes! I also had the wonderful title of Co Editor for my high school newspaper, which was a wonderful (and stressful!) experience.

Because books can be so darn expensive, and because I can't read and craft at the same time, I enjoy listening to audio books while I craft. Recently, I have been on a massive Philip K. Dick binge. I've listened to A Scanner Darkly at least four times over the past couple months! I also love John Steinbeck, George Orwell, and Chuck Palahniuk, among others.

I love horror films, especially zombie movies, so a lot of my crafts are heavily influenced by this genre. I also enjoy watching films that are based on books, such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Stephen Kings movies rock my socks, especially The Stand.

I have one pet rat name Lucky. I generally call him Mr. Lucky Rat or Mr. Rat Man. I have had as many as eight rats at one time! I love animals of all sorts, but am definitely most fond of cats and rodents. I do love dogs, though, and am currently hoping to pursue a career as a pet hygienist and stylist (fancy talk for groomer and teeth cleaner!) and eventually become a veterinarian technician.


Well, that's all for now! I look forward to sharing my crafty finds with everybody.

Get inspired!