bltd

Um, isn’t there some event in your near future where you might need to send a nice, thoughtful gift? Mother’s day? Someone’s birthday? Instead of sending something they may or may not like, give them something they’ll cherish- and they should, as you’ll need to spend a few hours embroidering the message. A piece of cotton ‘paper’ and embroidery thread from this Correspondence Kit by Lauren DiCioccio will be your mode of communication to express your heartfelt sentiments, or maybe just the weather. Either way, it will be a surprise and (let’s hope) a keepsake. Pre-stamped envelope and supplies included. And, if you’d like a more budget-friendly version, here’s a poetry paper kit for $16 that just has the basics (lined cotton fabric, thread, needle).
(more…)

That’s right, the next time an impromptu celebration is called for, you’ll not be caught unawares. You’ll have this re-usable Make Your Own Banner Kit, which has 100 multicolored letters with spacers, links, and hanging strings, so you will be able to spell out whatever message is appropriate to the occasion, to the delight of all party attendees.
(more…)

What an appropriate valentine, eh? I ran across the work of Andrea Everman the other day, and man-oh-man, are there some gems. Namely, her shadow puppets (shadow puppets!) but also her valentines and a little nightlight that says ‘love you’. Cute, cute, cute. See below for pics and prices.
(more…)

It’s only fitting that the handmade card you just made gets delivered in its own handmade envelope. This handy and rather cool looking wooden template creates a 4.5 x 6.4” envelope from any material of your choice. Template measures 7.8 x 11” and is printed with graphical instructions.

From our archives (originally published May 22, 2008), for your gift list consideration… to see more, visit our Gift Guide.

Incredibly affordable, these diorama kits will give enjoyment long after assembly.

‘Tatebanko is the forgotten Japanese art of creating amazing dioramas and scenic perspectives from paper. Tatebanko was popular and widely admired from the 17th century (Edo period) to the early 20th century. Then it all but disappeared. “It’s a Beautiful Day” has now revived and reinterpreted this simple and elegant Japanese art with two new paper craft kits. This kit features Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Beautifully designed and printed in Japan with elegant metallic accents, the kits are nicely packaged A4 size and make a diorama that is 7 1/2” W x 3 1/2” D x 4 7/8” H.’

Hokusai (left): $9.95, Buy it here.
Hiroshige: $9.95, Buy it here.

Holiday season is coming sooner than you think! May I recommend some washi paper tape and a beechwood dispenser for all your upcoming craft and wrapping projects?

If you have any ounce of craft talent whatsoever, this could be an excellent keepsake to create for your nearest and dearest. Whatever the sentiments, it’s sure to make a much longer impression than any piece of paper.
(more…)

You know you’ll most likely have some extra time on your hands this summer, so maybe consider trying out some cross stitch kits like these offered by Fuldesign.

Each kit comes with aida weave fabric, embroidery yarn, pattern and instructions. Pattern fits 12.5 x 10 in fabric. Designed in Sweden.

Cross stitch kit “Continue pretending”, $20.00
Cross stitch kit “You can take…”, $20.00

Buy it here.

Check it: if you don’t have the pounds for an original, you can now easily create your own copy of a contemporary art piece. Choose from IHIRST, IQUINN, IBANKSY, IEMIN, IWHITEREAD, or IPHOTOGRAPHER. Altogether a brilliant idea to get contemporary art into the hands of everyone.

IARTISTLONDON is a brand new way of creating your very own contemporary work of art. It’s quick, it’s easy and you don’t need any artistic training or ability to start making great pieces! We supply you with all the necessary tools to produce your personalized copy of an original master.

Please see site for more details, as I certainly cannot do each piece justice in details.

IHIRST, IQUINN (£20.00), IBANKSY (£9.99), IEMIN (£15.99), IWHITEREAD (£4.99), or IPHOTOGRAPHER (£9.99-£15.00)
Buy it here.

[via designboom]

This might just bring out your crafty side…looks kind of fun, doesn’t it? You could probably get all these materials at a craft shop, but then again, convenience is worth paying for sometimes…

Photo Blocks are a fun and unique way to display your favorite photos, and you get to tell people that you made them yourself! (Oohs and aahs will certainly ensue.) This easy to assemble kit includes everything you need to create two beautiful photo block sets. Photo-safe glue adheres your photos firmly to the blocks and a sealer gives them a protective finish and brushed texture. Easy instructions and all materials included; bring your own 4″x 6″ photos, scissors and ruler. Made in New York City.

Includes 8 wood blocks, foam brush, sandpaper, instructions, photo-safe glue and sealer. For ages 8 and up.

$25.00,
Buy it here.

If you’re thinking about writing in because you’re offended by us posting a paper gun, go right ahead, but please (pretty please) do so after considering the designer’s intent.

London-based Martin Postler considers the aesthetics and lethal appeal of the Awtomat Kalaschinkowa—a.k.a. an AK-47—and by doing so, highlights the darker side of iconic design. Take away its original functional intent by rendering this death machine in paper, and the focus shifts to the power of form, and all that’s implied with it. Part of Postlerferguson’s Death Machine series, the Paper AK-47 was glittered, graffiti’d and garnished by respected street artists for the well-received Paper Wars exhibit in London this summer. Now, if only the world’s wars could be solved with a bit of paper, craft glue and a pack of colored Sharpies.

• Not recommended for people under age 18.
• Recommended for experienced crafters.
• Construction time depends on handcrafting abilities.
• Does not contain glue and cutter.
• 5 sheets in a plastic bag, incl. instruction poster

$42.00,
Buy it here.

I think we’re all pretty sick of the whole celebrity fascination (right?) but I do like the idea of the embroidery of a photograph.

“Hand embroidery is a traditional art form passed from generation to generation in many cultures. Elaborately embroidered clothing, religious objects, and household items have been a mark of wealth and status in many cultures. Although serene landscapes and monuments are predominant in this art form, this designer has taken a modern approach by focusing on popular culture images. More specifically celebrity mugshots, which include Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie and OJ Simpson. 10 x 15cm.”

[posted by kris]

I love these hand embroidered cursor pieces.

(The title of each canvas represents the xy coordinates of the cursor on the canvas as a percentage. This piece is 1 of 25 handmade limited editioned works, each one is unique.)

14″ x 10″ x 2″

Blue Aida, silk embroidery thread, stretched canvas.

This could be a good way to add visual interest to your walls without the weight of actual products or the cost of wallpaper.