Stitching to connect with other creative types? This past Saturday crafters gathered here to be a part of Chicago’s latest Craft Social. It was a fun-filled event that gathered up like-minded crafters to connect with one another and learn some new crafts. Guests had a choice of 14 different crafts to participate in, projects ranging from creating gift containers from old cereal boxes to making whimsical chainmail earrings. With all the ideas flowing from the various projects, Craft Social was the perfect setting for meeting new friends!

Did you miss this event but looking for a way to get involved in some creative events? Then check out Craft Social’s Webpage for information about upcoming craft workshops and check out our Happenings Page for all our zesty events.

Below are some of the projects the creative folks wrangled up during the Craft Social last Saturday!

Silhouette & Paper Cutting

 

For this project crafters were able to bring in pictures of children, pets or even themselves and with the help from Pye Squire of Cutting Art they transformed the pictures into perfect silhouettes. These silhouettes could then be made into cards or wall hangings. Westcott kindly donated a special gift for all attendees, a cutting tool that worked perfect for this project!

Chainmail Earrings

Project Leader Blue Buddha Boutique, taught crafters how to make chainmail earrings. Blue Buddha taught everyone the correct way to hold pliers and once they learned the basic pattern, crafters had fun by varying the colors, linking additional components, or adding beads.

Blue Buddha Boutique, a diverse line of chainmail supplies and finished jewelry, was launched by self-taught artist Rebeca Mojica in 2003. First operated out of Rebeca’s spare bedroom as a one-woman business, Blue Buddha has grown to not only handling local orders but the company now has customers in 40 countries and all 50 states.

PinBackAttack

Project leader: PinBackAttack

Vintage children’s books, star charts, postcards and patterned papers were provided for crafts to create their own 1” buttons using PinBackAttack’s button maker. Crafters had the choice of creating buttons with either a pin or magnet backs.

 

Cereal Box Gift Boxes

Project Leader: Florence of ReMix Boutique

Here is a great “green project”….so cute and practical! Made from recycled cereal boxes that crafters brought in, these gift boxes are a great way to wrap small gifts.

 

 

 

Chalkboard Cork Magnet

Crafters had a blast at this table making chalkboard magnets that are perfect for all their little notes for on the go. These chalkboard magnets use chalkboard paint that Plaid provided as well as the adhesive that was industrial strength E-6000. In addition to the chalkboard magnets which can also be used as coasters, crafters created fabric covered magnets.

 

T-shirt Yarn and Reverse Appliqué Scarf

Two great scarf projects that left crafters in a buzz to create more. For the t-shirt yarn scarf, crafters were able to select three different colored t-shirts which they then cut loops from around the body of the shirt. After stretching the loops, they were tied together to form one long scarf resembling a chain.

Project leader Kate taught the delicate art of reverse appliqué for the second scarf project.  This project involved using several layers of old tshirts, embroidery floss and the Westcott scissors that were provided to all the guests.

If you missed out on this Craft Social you can still connect with other creative minds… check out some of these cool resources for your crafty needs!

FunkyFinds.com– Dedicated to promoting independent artists, crafters & designers world wide

Swap-bot.com– the easiest way to create and join swaps on the internet

Craftster- “cheaper than therapy” Craftster as several videos to make some funky projects.