Something came in my inbox the other day that I thought was interesting.   The company Crispina, which is run by designer Crispina French, is offering summer workshops up at her studio in Pittsfield, MA for people who are interested in taking old, cozy sweaters and turning them into something new.      Above is a picture of one of the projects you can make: “sweater flowers” made from old sweaters and notions that she swears is a cinch to make.    Here’s a bit from the email:

Each month for the rest of the year I am offering studio workshops teaching the recycling techniques developed over 21 years of Crispina Design Workshop.  Learn to make Blankets, Rugs, Sweaters, Ragamuffins and Flowers all from 100% post consumer clothing! 

These classes – held in the studio (except for Sept) are limited to 10 students per day.  Workshops are offered for 3 days back to back.  Students are welcome to come for one, two, or all three days of learning.  One and two day students are free to come whichever days are most convenient.   Costs are $150 per day including the use of all tools and equipment, materials for the day, and a healthy lunch. 

One of the workshops is happening July 22-24th and it’s called a “potholder rug workshop.”   It’s a little misleading because the above picture is what they call a potholder.    Basically, you can handweave a small, medium or large potholder rug of your own, all made from recycled sweaters, in whatever colors and combination of colors you desire.    This could actually be a lot of fun, even though July might be the worst time to think about warm, cozy, woolen rugs!   But still, there’s something nice about making a rug of your own and putting it in your own house.

Crispina will provide all the materials, but you are encouraged to bring your own sweaters.   So, grab all the old sweaters from your entire family and make a family quilt?   Could be fun.

At the end of August, there are workshops on making stuffed toys, which looks like a lot of fun, too.   From the email:

Learn the craft of the critters that started it all back in 1987.  Ragamuffins are collages of body parts and shapes that allow for creative diversion.  Build your very own style with basic technique and components.  At the end of the session you will have a finished stuffed animal, puppet, or soft sculpture and a head full of inspiration to continue on your creative path. Completely hand sewn of all recycled wool sweaters.  No special tools or skill are required but strong hands and a general interest in hand work are advantageous.

And there are even more workshops on making everything from sweaters to scarves to kid’s clothes.      For more information, check out www.crispina.com or call 413-236-9600.   I just might see ya there.

I was at a photo shoot last week at Milk Studios in New York City and had A LOT of time to kill in between shots.   One thing I noticed was this very cool looking pin entirely out of Legos in the shape of a heart.

I was thinking about my nephew, who is obsessed with Legos, and this growing trend the popular toy has with kids today.  Even with high tech gaming devices flooding the market, there’s something great about a simple, creative and straightforward toy like Legos regaining popularity.  Yeah to that!

Here’s the front of the pin.  Just blocks all clicked together into a heart.    With a little imagination, you could make a clover, a cross, a red heart, a  yellow sun…almost anything.    These lego shapes could also become ornaments for a holiday tree, too.

And the back.  Just a simple pin to keep it in place.  I think you need a very strong industrial glue to make sure the pin stays intact.   I love E6000 glue because it truly, really does not come off anything.  You want something really glued together?   Try E6000 (at any craft store like Michael’s).  

I’m going to pickup Legos the next time I see them at Goodwill or a flea market to play around with shapes and ideas.     And one more thing: Can you believe these lego pins are selling for $20?   Raid your kid’s play room and make one yourself for a buck.

I was recently in Barney’s New York NOT buying clothes and saw this funny looking donkey hanging from the ceiling made entirely out of clothing. It got me thinking about making a pinata. I’ve been pre-producing a kid’s birthday party story for a national magazine and sitting here thinking of fun things a 5 year old could do at a party. That had me thinking of pinatas and making them.

This pinata process was shot for my book “Simply Green Parties.” It shows all you really need is a balloon, some newspaper, craft glue (lots), prizes and something to cover the finished pinata. The process is simple: blow up balloon, cover in strips of soaked newspaper (soaked in water and glue), cover and let dry. Pop balloon and cut a small section to fill up with prizes. Reattach that cut out part and cover with something decorative.

I used leaves here, but you could also use scrap fabric and make a donkey, too.   Anyway, here’s a shot from Simply Green Parties showing guests swinging away at a leaf covered pinata.    Have fun!