The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2

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This book is dedicated to Walter, my surrogate guardian and my dearest friend

Note to Readers

All activities in this book should be performed by an adult or with adult supervision. Common sense and care are essential to the conduct of any and all activities described in this book. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any loss, damages, or injuries, however caused. Neither the author nor the publisher endorses any of the products, tools, or services referred to in this book or assumes any responsibility for use of any such products, tools, or services. All trademarks of products are property of their respective owners. Be sure to read and follow all instructions and warnings that accompany any products, tools, or services referred to in this book. Due to differing conditions, materials, and skill levels, results may vary and the author and publisher disclaim any liability for unsatisfactory results. Nothing in this book is intended as an express or implied warranty of suitability or fitness of any product, tool, service, or design.

INTRODUCTION

HELLO AGAIN, my creative friends!

It’s good to be back with a whole new book of ideas that I hope will inspire you. While I know that not every project in this book will fit everyone’s style, I can assure you that if you take a look at each project, you’ll find a technique or process that will enhance your already wonderful creative abilities. After all, isn’t that why you bought this book in the first place? I thought so.

Recently I tried to figure out when my creative soul took flight. It may have been the first time my grandmother let me sew a button on a piece of fabric or when my aunt Lulu taught me some basic macramé knots and let me go nuts with her stash of twine and cord. It’s tough to pinpoint a specific project that sparked my crafty interest. All I know is that from early on, being creative made me feel good. I loved that I could take my creative challenges into my own hands, and that gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment; if I wanted a lamp or a piece of art or a scarf or a new top for my dresser, I could make it myself. I also learned that when I create, I’m happy. It’s that simple. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way, either. I believe that if everyone took a little more time to express themselves by creating, we’d all be a little happier.

I wish you the very best in your craft adventures, and I hope they bring you as much happiness as mine have brought me. And if you have any questions about the projects in this book or just want to say hello, you can always email me at MarkMontanoNYC@aol.com.

TWO IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AS YOU EMBARK ON YOUR CRAFTING JOURNEY:

Newspaper is crucial! Always have a stack on hand to cover your workspace. It will make cleanup a breeze and ensure that you don’t get paint and glue on your tables and floors. And always remember to use safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes when using power tools.

AROUND MY NECK

Sometimes when I see a good accessory display at a store I get upset. I’m going to admit it: Wearing beautiful, colorful, and sparkly things is just plain fun, and it’s unfair that as a man I don’t get to partake in as many fabulously embellished pieces as my female counterparts. In any case, I always try on my crafts, even if I’m not the intended recipient, and revel in their lacy, glittery intricacies. As someone who tends to dress fairly plainly during the day, I really appreciate the impact that a cool necklace or scarf can have on an outfit, and I hope you find that the following projects will allow you to feel a bit fancier in your everyday wear. (Oh, and don’t worry about me. I can rock a ribbon scarf like nobody’s business!)

BEADED FRINGE NECKLACE

My friend Shaye wears the most amazing jewelry you’ve ever laid eyes on. I made this necklace with her in mind. It’s a showstopper, just like she is, and just like you will be when you wear it out and about.

YOU’LL NEED

■ 100 inches of gold or silver chain

■ Wire cutter or needle-nose pliers with wire cutter

■ 1 yard of beaded fringe on a ribbon

■ Needle and thread that matches the ribbon on the fringe

■ 14 jump rings

■ Needle-nose pliers

■ 1 lobster claw closure

HERE’S HOW

 1  With wire cutters, cut 3 lengths of chain: 1 piece 25 inches, 1 piece 34 inches, and 1 piece 41 inches long.

 2  Cut 3 lengths of beaded fringe, each 21 inches long.

 3  Fold the ends of each ribbon over ¼ inch and then ¼ inch again, and stitch the folds closed with needle and thread so that you have finished edges.

 4  Center a length of beaded fringe on each chain, then sew the finished ends of the ribbons to the links of the chains at even intervals with needle and thread.

 5  Evenly space 4 jump rings every 4 inches along each chain. Put each ring through a link of the chain and around the ribbon part of the beaded fringe, then close the rings up using your pliers. (This will hold the fringe in place and keep it from getting tangled.)

 6  Arrange your chains in 3 rows, with the shortest on top and the longest on the bottom. Then link 1 end of all 3 chains together with a jump ring, and close the ring.

 7  Put a jump ring through the lobster claw closure, then link the other ends of your chains together with the same jump ring and close it.

ZIPPER NECKPIECE

I wore this to a costume party once and by the time I left everyone wanted one. I think it’s something Lady Gaga would go for, don’t you? Or, if Queen Elizabeth I were alive, she might rock this, too. Either way, it’s dramatic and I hope it sparks your creativity.

YOU’LL NEED

■ 12 to 16 zippers, each 7 inches long (the number of zippers you’ll need depends on the measurement around your neck)

■ Sewing machine with zigzag stitch and black thread

■ 3 inches of ¼-inch-wide black elastic

■ 1 large button (should be about 1 inch in diameter)

HERE’S HOW

 1  Lay 2 zippers side by side on your sewing machine, and attach them by sewing 3 inches of zigzag stitches along the center of the line where the sides meet.

 2  Repeat until all of your zippers are stitched together.

 3  Fold the elastic in half to form a loop. Pin it to one end of your neckpiece, right in the center along the edge, then stitch the ends of the loop to the back of the zipper.

 4  Stitch the button on the outside of the other end of the neckpiece so it’s positioned exactly opposite the elastic loop.

 5  Wrap the piece around your neck and stretch the elastic over the button to close it.

 6  Unzip each zipper as much as you want, and show off your dramatic neckpiece.

MELTED PLASTIC JEWELRY

I’ve been melting plastic for ages—even before I should have (my mother used to get mad at me for playing with the stove, and I deserved it). I can’t help it—what’s not to like? Put some plastic bottles over a flame, and suddenly fantastic shapes start to emerge!

YOU’LL NEED

FOR BOTH

■ Heavy-duty scissors

■ Needle-nose pliers

■ Candle

■ Soap and water

■ Dry cloth

■ Gold enamel paint

■ Small paintbrush

FOR THE NECKLACE

■ Gold chain with clasp

■ 1 thick plastic bottle (such as a 64-ounce Ocean Spray bottle)

■ 25 jump rings that will fit through your chain

■ Additional pair of needle-nose pliers

■ Drill with very small drill bit (a ¹/16-inch drill bit should work)

FOR THE MATCHING BRACELET

■ 1 thick plastic bottle (such as a 64-ounce Ocean Spray bottle)

■ Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish

■ 1-inch paintbrush

■ About ⅛ cup black faceted beads (bugle beads work, too)

IMPORTANT

HERE’S HOW

FOR THE NECKLACE

 1  Cut out 25 ovals from your plastic bottle, varying in length from 1 to 3 inches.

 2  Holding an oval with your needle-nose pliers, wave it over the candle to melt it into whatever shape you want. (See photos on the next page)

 3  Melt the rest of the ovals, wash them in soap and water to remove any soot, and dry completely.

 4  Paint the edges of your ovals with gold paint and let dry.

 5  Drill a hole in one end of each oval.

 6  With pliers, add a jump ring to each oval, then connect the largest oval at the middle of your chain. Attach the rest of your ovals to the chain, using smaller ovals as you work each end toward the clasp.

HERE’S HOW

FOR THE MATCHING BRACELET

 1  Cut a ring of plastic from your bottle 1½- to 2-inches wide.

 2  Cut an opening in the ring to form a cuff bracelet shape.

 3  Holding the plastic ring over the candle flame with pliers, melt a little bit of the center section of the ring, observing how it reacts to the heat.

 4  Continue melting and shaping the ring to form your bracelet.

 5  Cut off any excess plastic at the cuff opening and melt the ends so they have a smooth edge and won’t scratch you when you put on your bracelet later.

 6  Clean the cuff with soap and water to remove any soot, then dry it completely.

 7  Paint the edges with gold paint and let dry.

 8  Coat the outside of your cuff with the clear coat, then dip it in a pile of loose beads, rolling it to get beads all over the cuff. Let the clear coat dry.

 9  Apply several additional layers of clear coat, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next, until the beads seem very secure and there are no bald spots.

STRIPED RIBBON SCARF

A friend of mine came over the other day and said that a rainbow-colored ribbon scarf I’d just made looked like the decorations at his wife’s circus-themed baby shower. I responded by giving him a look that caused a tear to run down his face. (I don’t think he’ll be commenting on my projects from now on!) I think you’ll love this project, whether you make it boldly colorful or subtle.

YOU’LL NEED

■ Sewing machine with zigzag stitch

■ 8 pieces of 1-inch satin ribbon, each 4 feet long

■ Matching thread

HERE’S HOW

 1  Lay 2 pieces of ribbon on your sewing machine side by side so they overlap a tiny bit. Starting about 8 inches from one end, zigzag stitch them together until you’re about 8 inches from the other end, then stop stitching.

 2  Continue adding ribbons, leaving 8 inches loose at either end to create a fringe, until you’ve used all of your ribbon.

 3  Toss your new scarf in the washing machine to soften it up a bit before wearing.

BRAIDED BRAIDED YARN SCARF

No, I’m not drunk, I braided this scarf twice on purpose. (That said, there’s nothing better than a glass of wine at the end of a tough day.)

YOU’LL NEED

■ Skeins of yarn in several different colors

■ Scissors

■ Sewing machine

■ Needle and thread

■ 1 large button

■ Optional: 1 bottle of cheap wine (no glass required)

HERE’S HOW

 1  This scarf is made out of 9 braids, each made from 6 strands of yarn. To make a braid, cut 6 strands of yarn, each 40 inches long, bundle the strands together, and tie a knot 3 inches from one end. Then divide the yarn into 3 sections of 2 strands apiece and braid them together, knotting the braid at the end so it doesn’t unravel. Repeat until you’ve made all 9 braids.

 2  Line up your braids, gather them tightly together, and then sew across the braids about 8 inches from one end, using a sewing machine or needle and thread.

 3  Starting at the stitch line, braid your individual braids together, using three braids per section. Finish braiding about 8 inches from the end. You should now have about 8 inches of loose braids at each end of your scarf, with a fat braid in the middle.

 4  Gather the loose ends of your big braid together and stitch, with a sewing machine or by hand, across the bottom of the big braid.

 5  Wrap the scarf around your neck to figure out where the button you’ll use to close it will go. Using needle and thread, stitch the button on through several layers of yarn so that it’s very secure.

 6  Put your scarf on, slip the button through the braid, and enjoy your handiwork!

COUTURE RESIN JEWELRY

Have you ever seen footage of the huge Paris fashion shows? The dresses are works of art, but I love the jewelry even more. I am always inspired by the creativity I see on the runways, and these pieces reflect those inspirations.

YOU’LL NEED

FOR BOTH

■ Plastic bottles with flat sides (Ocean Spray bottles work well)

■ Scissors

■ Newspaper

■ 5 lids or caps from plastic juice containers or water bottles

■ Mylar confetti or glitter

■ Plastic jewels

■ Resin

■ Drill with small drill bit (a ¹/16-inch drill bit will work)

■ Pliers

■ Optional: E-6000 glue

FOR THE SMALLER PIECE

■ 80 inches of silver chain (plus more for added zing, if desired)

■ 7 jump rings (plus extra for added zing)

■ 1 lobster claw closure

FOR THE LARGER PIECE

■ 100 inches of silver chain

■ 2 pieces of ¼-inch ribbon, each 18 inches long

■ 2 pieces of ½-inch ribbon, each 18 inches long

■ 1 lobster claw closure

■ 1 large jump ring

■ Optional: A piece of aluminum flashing and E-6000 glue

HERE’S HOW

FOR THE SMALLER PIECE

 1  Cut 5 egg shapes that are each 3 to 4 inches long out of the flat parts of a plastic bottle.

 2  Go outdoors for the next steps, and bring lots of newspaper to protect your work surface.

 3  Lay each of your plastic eggs on top of a lid to elevate them, so when you pour the resin, it will drip off the eggs and won’t stick to the newspaper.

 4  Sprinkle some mylar confetti or glitter onto your egg shapes, and add some jewels for good measure.