Chicago Craft Social

Amanda from Craft Social appears at Kenmore Live Studio Nov 17th

2011-11-16T14:16:00.001-06:00

Come and check me (Amanda) out at the Kenmore Live Studio in Chicago tomorrow, Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm. If you're not in the area you can watch the show live on the web at 7:00 pm central. I'll be showing folks how to make your jars of homemade goodies cute, how to wrap that bottle of wine for that last minute holiday party you're running out to, and how to fancy up some fireplace matches for a hostess gift when you go away for the holidays or show up for a cozy New Year's Eve party. We'll whip up a topping for apple crisp on the induction cook top and we'll be serving up piping hot apple crisp to the live audience. If you can't catch the show live you can see it on the same LiveStream website in the near future when they edit out all my awkward moments!

Check out Kenmore's Facebook page for more fun ways to interact with them and their neat appliances and products. They make a great sewing machine if you're in the market for something more crafty than kitchen-y, I happen to own one.

November Craft Social Postponed

2011-10-27T14:40:00.002-05:00

UPDATE
Because Craft Social is such an undertaking, logistically, and because we here at Craft Social HQ have day jobs, we have decided to cancel the event previously scheduled for November 5. We know, we know, you were really excited to come out and craft, we were too. But life gets in the way of crafting sometimes, maybe you can relate?

So here's the basic problem. Forget all this "we" stuff, it's really just me, Amanda Edwards. I put on Craft Social by myself now, and Craft Social HQ, it's my sunroom/office/craft studio. So, Craft Social has gotten to be so chock-full of awesome stuff, like goodie bags, prizes, with corporate product sponsors, 15+ projects in diverse mediums every time and new and loyal project leaders, it has become pretty overwhelming. And really, despite some perceptions, it doesn't really make any money to speak of, for me. So, while I love getting free stuff in the mail from sponsors (just imagine 100 bottles of Mod Podge and 100 scissors of every shape and dimension in your dining room!), and I love meeting new project leaders at places like Renegade Craft Fair, plus you guys out there who contact me to be a part of it all, it's kind of un-sustainable. That is, unless some of you believe in Craft Social as much as I do.

You see, it's really great to get together in a community of like-minded people, people who love to make stuff, and make friends with at least one or two of them. I know of a scrapbooking group that got together from one of the events, and one of our project leaders even got a job out of the deal. Plus there are many more of you who I see having fun and meeting new people at these events all the time!

So, if you want to help out in some administrative capacity or organizing way, if you love events and can juggle all sorts of emails from creative people all around the country, or if you have spare room in your house for free stuff, I want to hear from you! I think with a committee approach we could make this work again and continue having Craft Social events. Now I can't pay you anything, see note about not making any real money above, but you can get your pick of free craft supplies and know that you are helping a lot of people "Make stuff, and make friends." I know this is a lot to ask, but so many people lately have been urging me to have more events and even encouraging me to reach out to you, I figured I would give it a shot.

So if you're interested in the future of Craft Social, shoot me an email (craftsocial[at]gmail[dot]com) and we can talk about what level of involvement you would like to have.

Craft Socialite at heart,
-Amanda

An Evening with Premo Sculpey Clay and FaveCrafts.com

2011-10-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

NEW UPDATE: Save $5 on this all-inclusive workshop.

Pay only $15 during the Columbus Day Weekend Sale.

Craft Social, along with FaveCrafts.com and Polyform (one of our wonderful sponsors), is putting on a great event on Saturday, October 22^nd, from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm in Lincolnshire.

You are invited to an evening of creativity!

Iris Weiss, Polyform Education Director, will teach how to create a pair of vibrant bargello pattern earrings with premo! Sculpey oven-bake clay. Learn a quick and easy way to create a polymer clay veneer using rich pearl and dazzling metallic colors of clay.

You will create 2 pairs of earrings in the shape and color clays you select. All materials provided!

Simone Collins, Director of Social Media from FaveCrafts.com & AllFreeBeadedJewelry.com will show how to easily use Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest & StumbleUpon to find holiday craft ideas, to search for new craft materials, and to keep track of the great projects you like. With just a few clicks, you can find money saving coupons, discounts and deals! It's easy to store and share with friends all your best crafting finds. Everyone will receive a free gift: "The Crafters Guide to Online Holiday Craft Resources" booklet, plus there will be door prizes, and who doesn't like door prizes?

The event will be held at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. The event is open to the public, 16 years or older, and the hotel has free parking.

Make sure you register online HERE!

Event Sponsors: Sculpey, Craft Social, AllFreeBeadedJewelry.com & FaveCrafts.com

Next Craft Social Announced - Saturday, November 5, 2011

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

We're pleased to announce the next, and eighth, Craft Social at Catalyst Ranch on the afternoon of Saturday, November 5, 2011. This event will be jammed packed again with lots of projects to make and take, and goodie bags and prizes from sponsors.

Get ready for the holidays with some new ideas and skills for handmade gifts and decorations. You'll learn from craft professionals, Renegade makers and people just like you, with great ideas and new projects for you to try and take home. Stay tuned for project announcements and sponsors in the coming weeks. Like us on Facebook and you'll learn about exclusive offers and for discounted advance tickets.

This event is produced by Events By Hand, Inc. a Chicago-based handmade event planning firm. Events By Hand and Craft Social are also a sponsor for other events. Look forward to a post about the Let's Create with Sculpey! event coming to you in October.

Operation Christmas Card and YOU!

2011-08-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

Hey Craft Socialites, we have a great opportunity for you to get out in public and be creative for a good cause.

EKSuccess Brands and Michaels, North America’s largest arts & crafts specialty retailer, are getting into the holiday spirit a little early this year, all to support our troops. The creative consumer products company and craft retailer will be sponsoring a booth at the Wrigleyville Block Party, in Chicago, during the Cubs vs. Cardinals game where visitors can stop by and make holiday cards for U.S. and Canadian service men and women deployed overseas.

From Friday Aug. 19th to Sunday Aug. 21st, the booth will be open for passersby to create cards using K&Company™ paper and embellishments and EK Tools™ pens and adhesive. All of the cards will then be sent to the Operation Christmas Cards organization, where they will be forwarded to military bases in Afghanistan, Japan, Iraq, Egypt and Germany. According to the organization, these cards will be the only correspondence that about half of these service members will receive during the holidays.

The event is part of EKSuccess Brands’ multi-level approach to collect 25,000 holiday cards for Operation Christmas Cards. Other efforts include Michaels in-store card making, an online Spotted Canary School™ class, and community and marketing initiatives. Operation Christmas Cards itself has a goal to send 175,000 cards this year.

Craft Social will be there at the Block Party, making a card and we hope to see you there!

Special Discount Announcement - iLoveToCreate.com

2011-03-28T21:42:00.000-05:00

If you didn't get to come to Saturday's Craft Social, you can still get in on some of the fun. Shop iLoveToCreate for a special offer from Craft Social. iLTC makes familiar products like Tulip® Fashion Art, Aleene's Tacky Glue, Kathy Cano-Murillo's Crafty Chica™ line, and Puffy products.

Just enter "Craft Social" in the keywords at checkout to get $5 off your minimum purchase of $15. This offer expires May 1, 2011, so spread the word. Thanks to our friends at iLTC for their generous support of Craft Social!

Prize Sponsor Announcement - VersaSpin 360

2011-03-25T15:43:00.000-05:00

Craft Social is pleased to announce a last minute prize sponsor, VERSASPIN 360. Tomorrow we will be giving away a VersaSpin360, three sets of Painters Pyramids®, and one set of Grabbers™.

VERSASPIN 360 is a unique and versatile project support system that allows you to securely elevate and effortlessly rotate projects to improve results, save time and save effort. For projects that include wet paints, glues, clay and even cake frosting, the VersaSpin 360 allows access to all sides without touching the wet surfaces. Many other diverse projects, including flower arranging and sanding or light machining, benefit from the secure and stable support VersaSpin 360 provides.

The easy-to-use VersaSpin 360 comes complete with both Painter’s Pyramids^® and Grabbers^TM, each offering specialized benefits across multiple projects.

PAINTER'S PYRAMIDS® provide non-stick, minimal touch support that securely elevates 'wet' projects involving the use of paints, stains, glues, etc.

• Rounded, non-stick point makes only minimal contact with the object being painted or glued.

• Formulated of a proprietary high density polymer to which paints, stains and many glues do not adhere.

• Allow you to complete all sides of a project in a single session.

GRABBERS™ provide significant contact, high friction surface support for any project or operation where firm placement is beneficial. Some examples include: light machining, sanding, flower arranging, cake decorating, etc.

USING ACCESSORIES INDEPENDENTLY

Painter’s Pyramids® securely elevate your project off the work surface so you can save time, save effort and improve results on many arts and crafts projects. Painter’s Pyramids can be:

Used alone to elevate a project
Mounted to a work surface
Secured to one another
Combined with Grabbers on slippery work surfaces

Ticket sales for tomorrow's Craft Social close today at 5pm so this is your absolute last chance to get a ticket!

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Complete List of Projects Announced

2011-03-24T21:00:00.002-05:00

Are you coming to Craft Social, this Saturday, March 26? If not, here is the entire list of projects to entice you. Buy your ticket before ticket sales close at 5:00 pm CST, Friday, March 25.

So here's the round-up:

T-Shirt Headbands

Duck Tape and VELCRO® pouches sponsored by Westcott Cutting Tools

Button Box Fascinator by GoGo Craft, sponsored by Blumenthal Lansing

Polymer Clay Pens sponsored by Polyform

Free Form Ribbon Embroidery by Wrens and Roses

Needle Felted Pendants by LBO Studio, sponsored by Clover

Beads in a Bottle Tote sponsored by Tulip Fashion Arts

Spring Picture Frame sponsored by Quick Snippers

Paper Mache Letters by Food Wine and Mod Podge, sponsored by Plaid

Vintage Dimensional Necklace by Candie Cooper, sponsored by Plaid

Relief Printing by Fiori Falsi, sponsored by Blick

Fabric Trivets by Hydroxide

Fabric YoYos by Jackthemanabouttown, sponsored by Blumenthal Lansing

Tatting by Lisa Gordon, sponsored by Clover

Pinch Pots sponsored by Maker & Maker

Seed Bombs

Get your tickets now, last chance!

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Want to attend the next Craft Social THIS Saturday, March 26?

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Project Announcement - Seed Bombs!

2011-03-24T19:21:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a vacant lot on the street and thought, that place could use some color, some life? Well , there is something you can do about it. Come make Seed Bombs, and precious up-cycled glass jars with us, this Saturday at Craft Social at Catalyst Ranch. You'll learn how to make these wildflower little grenades that you can throw around in some dirt and watch them bloom just a short time later. After you've finished making your bombs, decorate a jar with Mod Podge, glass paint, and ribbons, in which you can store your bombs, for yourself or for giving. Keep reminding yourself, Spring is around the corner!

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Want to attend the next Craft Social THIS Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Porcelain Pinch Pots sponsored by Maker & Maker

2011-03-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to announce an exciting project that pushes the boundary of craft and art. Andy from Maker & Maker will be showing you how to make a porcelain pinch pot. After making your pot Andy will take your piece back to his ceramics studio in Chicago where he will fire it. The little elves from Craft Social will pick up your finished piece and mail it to you. Due to the customized delivery method there will be a $5 additional charge for this project, please bring exact change in cash. It'll be worth it, because you will have your very own little pot with your finger prints on it to brag about.

Maker & Maker is an independently owned, ceramic design company based in Chicago that focuses on the production of expertly crafted, limited edition, functional and sculptural objects. Three ceramic artists from Chicago who appreciated the value of quality design and local craftsmanship founded Maker & Maker in 2009. Ali Gibbons, Andy Hunt and Tim Woodbrey first met as students in the ceramics department at The School of the Art Institute. Maker & Maker released their first product line in December of 2010 and exhibited at the Holiday Renegade show in Chicago, where we at Craft Social, met them. Maker &Maker is constantly designing and innovating and are looking forward to releasing a spring collection in June of 2011.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social THIS Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Tatting Bookmarks Sponsored by Clover

2011-03-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

This beautiful little knotted gem is called Tatting, and yes, you can learn to do this yourself ! Use this piece as a bookmark or just a decorative piece. Tatting seems to be a 19th century invention, although it seems to have grown out of the earlier art of knotting, which goes back to ancient times. Stronger and smoother threads were developed in the early 19th century making it possible to make tatting easily, since the making of it puts strain on the thread. By the Civil War, tatting was very popular in the United States and it stayed that way until the 1920s or 30s. There is even a reference to tatting in Little Women.

Tatting seems to have been developed as a cheaper and easier method of making lace than the other ways that were known at the time. It is the easiest form of lace-making to learn. Tatting is the only form of lace-making that cannot be replicated by a machine. Tatting requires the human touch to make.

This project is generously sponsored by Clover. Clover offers the best and innovative tools in sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery and felting. Clover Felting tools and accessories and Tatting Shuttles will be used at this event. For more information about Clover visit or follow them on Facebook (Clover USA) and Twitter (@cloverusa).

Come learn this antique traditional craft, this Saturday, with Lisa Gordon, owner of Lisa Gordon Events, a full-service, boutique wedding and events planning service. She is also the proprietor of Lisa's Laces. Look for her on Etsy under that name in a few weeks. Lisa has been tatting since 1982 when her sister brought home the skill from college. Her sister had learned from her college roommate who learned from her great-grandmother. Lisa enjoys keeping this old art alive and, especially, teaching it to other enthusiasts of the fiber arts.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Announcement - Fabric Yo-Yo Headbands and Dog Collars

2011-03-23T14:00:00.005-05:00

Fabric yo-yos are not your grandma's craft any longer. Let Debra Vaccaro of Jackthemanabouttown show you how to make a brooch or attach them to a head band or make a dog collar, all out of fabric yo-yos in bright spring colors. This project uses colorful buttons sponsored by Blumenthal Lansing, and there is quite a selection to choose from.

Jackthemanabouttown is a hand knit shop full of fun animal shaped hats for infants to adults. All designs are the work of Debra Vaccaro. Lion hat was a second place winner in the 2010 Vanna White Contest. All hats by Jackthemanabouttown can be customized for you - change a beanie into an earflap hat or choose a panda in purple. The sky is the limit. Check out Debra's etsy store for the cutest hat designs, ever!

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Announcement - Fabric Trivets Sponsored by Hydroxide

2011-03-23T10:00:00.088-05:00

Anyone who works with fabric has lots of scrap material left over and you probably hate to see any of it go to waste. This project is a great way to use up your boxes of scrap material. Julie Oh of Hydroxide will be helping you to make these triangle point shaped trivets with pieces of fabric. But these triangle forms are so much more versatile than just trivets. You can make a seat cushion using the same idea, or decorate a headband or dress, heck even make a rug! So don't throw out your left over pieces of materials and instead turn them into one of a kind gifts for your family or friends.

Julie Oh, who will be leading you in this project, as a child, watched her mother sew and taught herself on lots of different machines in her mother's sewing factory. Julie and her husband bought a business where she worked as a tailor full time so she has been sewing professionally since 2001. It wasn't until 2006, when she nearly sold out at a street fair that she really pursued designing and producing her own items. All the while studying to be a doctor and entering the Peace Corps, (now doesn't that just make you feel like an under-achieving crafter!)

The name of her Etsy shop, Hydroxide, comes from her science background. Julie sells her own designs of handbags and children's clothing and accessories on Etsy and is slowly getting back to sewing and designing again after two beautiful children. Julie's designs for Hydroxide are each unique one of a kind creations. Hydroxide is an outlet for stress and gives Julie peace and satisfaction as she shares her many talents with the world, and now, with you, at Craft Social on Saturday, March 26.

Come out to Craft Social on Saturday, March 26 to learn from a master tailor.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social THIS Saturday, March 26?

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Prize Sponsor Announcement - Eclectic Products & E6000

2011-03-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

Eclectic Products, makers of E6000 adhesives, are sponsoring Craft Social again with an item in the goodie bags and a special prize with some of their great products. This stuff is amazing and works every time. We hope you will enjoy using it as much as we do here at Craft Social HQ. E6000 truly is the go-to product for permanent bonds on a variety of surfaces and we couldn't live without it!

For a chance to win this prize you must register for Craft Social, this Saturday, March 26, at Catalyst Ranch.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Relief Printing Sponsored by Blick

2011-03-22T08:44:00.005-05:00

Participants will get a down and dirty in Relief Printing 101 that will result in a print of their very own!. Each person is given a piece of linoleum and a set of carving tools. Participants then draw an image of their choice onto their linoleum and begin carving away!. After the carving is done, we roll ink onto the linoleum with a brayer and then transfer the image onto paper. Shazam! a magical print to take home and enjoy forever. Relief is a reductive process, so whatever is carved away will show up as a clean line.

Dick Blick Art Materials is sponsoring Craft Social for the first time, welcome! Blick Art Materials is the premier art supply source for professional artists, students, and teachers, and continues to be a family-owned business. Blick's annual Artist's and Educator's catalogs, more than 500 and 600 pages, respectively, are considered industry "bibles." They also offer hundreds of printable lesson plans and video workshops for teachers, and product videos for artists, to help them with their purchase decisions and techniques. Plus, they've expanded the reach of they're retail stores to most major urban areas, including Evanston Illinois, and they expect to add new locations every year.

Matt Nichols, fearless printmaker, resides in Chicago, Illinois and holds a BA in Art Practice from U.C.Berkeley and MFA from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Matt enjoys snorkeling, graphic design, and wood working. He also has a cat named Blanche that looks like a gargoyle. Matt is one half of the print business and bag maker Fiori Falsi, along with Jessica Taylor Caponigro who has contributed to Craft Social in the past.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Prize Sponsor Announcement - Westminster Lifestyle Fabrics

2011-03-21T16:00:00.001-05:00

Westminster Lifestyle Fabrics is generously sponsoring Craft Social for the first time with a prize pack this time around with fabric and patterns from their FreeSpirit brand, and it's really cute!

Westminster Lifestyle Fabrics is one of the leading supplier of high quality fabrics and well-known in the textile industry for their creative, unique designs and talented, trend-setting artists. Under the brands of Rowan Fabric (the fabulous Amy Butler designs for this line), FreeSpirit Fabric, Ty Pennington Impressions and Top Drawer, Westminster supplies retail stores with some of the finest fabrics in the market to inspire sewing creativity and speaks to a new generation of sewing enthusiasts.

To have a chance to win this prize, you must buy a ticket and attend Craft Social, this Saturday, March 26 at Catalyst Ranch.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Vintage Necklace sponsored by Plaid

2011-03-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Join professional designer, Candie Cooper, making her second Craft Social appearance, Saturday, March 26, to make a sweet necklace using Plaid's fabulous Flavor line along with vintage fabric, sealed with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. You will learn basic jewelry making techniques, embellishing with charms and fabric, and leave with a piece that's packed full of Flavor and fun!

Candie never met a craft material she didn't like. For the past few years she has been freelance designing for craft and hobby publications. Candie truly has a passion for sharing her love of making fun and clever objects with others. She specializes in creating accessible mixed media jewelry and crafts with savvy design solutions and unique color combinations. In 2007, she single authored Felted Jewelry (Lark Books). Designer Needle Felting (Lark) she co-authored with Terry Taylor. In the Fall of 2009 Lark Books released Metalsmithing 101 for Beaders. Candie's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and she designs for Plaid Enterprises. Candie last led a project at Craft Social last summer when she expertly showed off Plaid's Simply Screen product line.

We welcome Candie back, because she's so talented, plus she's so stinkin' cute we can't resist inviting her all the way from Indiana to join us at Craft Social!

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Prize Sponsor Announcement - Tulip® Body Art™

2011-03-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Tulip^®, self expression has never been easier and more fun! Tulip^® Fashion Art introduces Tulip^® Body Art™, a comprehensive collection of temporary face and body paints and accents that allow you to celebrate your personal style in a very creative and unique way! With Tulip^® Body Art™, the world is your gallery and YOU are the work of art!

The Craft Social prize includes Glitter Tattoo Kit which makes over 70 tattoos lasting up to 5 days, Hypoallergenic Paint, Nature Stencil containing 25 stencil designs which are reusable and self-adhesive to use with body glitters and paints, a set of brushes to apply glitters and paints (or maybe just your face) with Tulip Body Art, a comprehensive collection of safe, cosmetic-grade face and body paint products that will allow you to celebrate your personal style like no one else. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, dancing queen or party host, you’ll discover just how quick and easy Tulip Body Art makes creating temporary art on your body. Blur the lines between fashion, self-expression and makeup with Tulip Body Art!

Come to Craft Social, this Saturday, at Catalyst Ranch, for your chance to win this amazing new product line.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Paper Mache Letters Sponsored by Plaid

2011-03-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

Looking for a fun new piece of decor for your home? These three dimensional little letters really make a statement! Beginning with paper maché letters, Katie P of Food, Wine, & Mod Podge is going show you how to use Plaid products including Fabric Mod Podge, Apple Barrel® paint, and Folk Art Extreme Glitter to make these letters pop.

Use them anywhere from a monogram hung on the wall to a child's initial above his/her bed to a statement on a mantle. Inexpensive and easy to make, these little letters give a personal touch to your home!

Chicago Craft Social will provide paper scraps and fabric scraps to Mod Podge the letters, and also will provide all paint supplies. Feel free to bring your own paper or fabric if you want a specific look! Letter selections are limited. Thanks to Amy from Mod Podge Rocks for hooking us up with all these great products.

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Quick Snippers Spring Picture Frame

2011-03-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Frame your Spring photo and create beautiful designed edges on scrapbooking paper and make accent flowers inspired by Christie Bryant of ScrapNArt Magazine, with Miriam and Lisa of LIMIRI, LLC, the makers of the Quick Snippers tool.

Quick Snippers, designed here in Chicago, is back once again as a sponsor for Craft Social. Quick Snippers is an innovative, new product that transforms and combines 6 popular design scissors into 1 tool for the on-the-go artist. Offering convenience, portability, organization, storage and ease, Quick Snippers is a valuable inclusion in every craft kit. Plus, it's fun and easy to use. Creative cutting combinations are quickly at the tips of your fingers...or, more accurately, thumbs! Quick Snippers will allow every scrapbooker, card maker, crafter, designer and stylist to take art making to a new level.

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Prize Sponsor Announcement - Crafty Tools from Clover!

2011-03-19T10:00:00.002-05:00

Have you ever found yourself in the notions aisle of the fabric store, or looking at all the products there are for needle arts, and coveting all the little green packages from Clover? Well, you're going to freak out when you see the prize gift basket that you can register to win at the next Craft Social, next Saturday, March 26.

This thing is jam packed with needle felting tools, flower knot tools, the Wonder Knitter, Create a Button, Pom Pom makers, Yo-Yo makers, Flower Frill makers, and Bow Makers, to name a few. Our kind friends at Clover are sending this basket just for you.

Clover offers the best and innovative tools in sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery and felting. Clover Felting tools and accessories and Tatting Shuttles will be used at Craft Social. For more information about Clover visit their website or follow them at Facebook (Clover USA) and Twitter (@cloverusa). I heard that the recent Favorite Clover tool contest on Facebook yielded prizes for everyone that entered, that's how nice Clover is.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Beads in a Bottle™ Tote Bags

2011-03-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

The fabulous designers at iLoveToCreate®, have designed a special project for all of you attending Craft Social, on Saturday, March 26 at Catalyst Ranch. Indulge your inner flower child with a bag that’s anything but old-fashioned! Create dimensional, colorful florals with Tulip® Beads in a Bottle™ Paints and Studs. Everyone at Craft Social will be getting this cute tote filled with goodies, and then you can take your tote, and use this amazing product, not yet released to the market, and create your own beaded and studded creation, or follow the pattern to make this great springtime bag.

Tulip® Fashion Art is the most comprehensive collection of premium, high-quality color products for creating fashion and home décor fabric art. Most well-known for “Puffy Paint”, the Tulip® Fashion Art brand has expanded throughout the past 30 years to provide fashion artists with multiple on-trend methods to add color to fabric, including a vast assortment of paints, dyes, embellishments, sprays and glitters along with inspiration, education and tools to make the experience easy.

iLoveToCreate® is also including a coupon in everyone's goodie bag so you can have access to all their products online that include the brands Tulip®, Aleene's®, Crafty Chica™, and Duncan.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Needle Felting Sponsored by Clover

2011-03-17T16:00:00.002-05:00

Needle felting is an easy, quick and portable way to craft. Fashion jewelry, toys, home accessories and more. Give it a stab! Learn the basics, with Lindsay Obermeyer of LBO Studio and Clover tools, while you make a cheery red Gerber daisy pendant. Perfect with a t-shirt or that flirty sundress.

Clover makes so many crafting tools that you wouldn't believe it! Craft Social HQ just received their entire catalog and it's amazing. From sewing and quilting,to needle arts like knitting and crochet, flower frills, puff dimensional quilting, pop-pom makers, to needle felting and embroidery, and many things in between, Clover's got you covered in the tool department. You can find Clover tools at your local fabric, sewing, yarn, and craft stores.

Lindsay Obermeyer, your gracious project leader, is an author, educator, and artist with a passion for textiles. A natural born colorist with an eye for color, she started her first business at 13 with a line of hand painted ribbons. Since then, she's owned a yarn store, worked as a ballet costumer, taught countless classes and workshops all while maintaining a full time studio practice. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Swedish government and is shown at numerous galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Museum of Art and Design in New York. Her designs have been included in 6 instructional books published by Lark Books, making front cover of Designer Needle Felting with her stylish pillows. Her work has been featured on PBS, the Home Shopping Network, and various news affiliates. Her community artwork The Red Thread Project® has involved thousands of knitters from around the world and over 6,000 handmade hats donated to charity.

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Saturday, March 26?

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Project Announcement - Free Form Floral Ribbon Embroidery

2011-03-17T14:00:00.006-05:00

Come to Craft Social, Saturday, March 26 at Catalyst Ranch to create a beautiful ribbon embroidered project. Dominique D'Amico, of Wrens and Roses, will teach you how to use ribbon and chenille needles to create a one of a kind, and simply amazing, piece.

Dominique was bit by the crafting bug early. Her grandmother got her started with embroidery and crochet when she was little and she's been hooked ever since. Growing up, she taught herself macramé, beading, wire-wrapping, and most recently, knitting. Anything to keep her hands busy. When she isn't crafting, she loves hunting down vintage treasures for her Etsy shop, singing Karaoke, and engineering analog recording sessions.

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Polyform Polymer Clay Pens

2011-03-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

Polyform is scheduled, once again, to sponsor Craft Social. At the event, Saturday, March 26, you can learn how to make these awesome pens. Turn an ordinary stick pen into a fantastic pattered conversation piece. Learn to create a simple millifiore cane to create your pen using Polyform’s newest colors of polymer clay. Join Iris, Polyform's national education manager, as she teaches you to make this easy and fun project.

Founded in 1967, Polyform Products Company encourages a world of bright ideas by producing and distributing polymer clays that stay soft until baked. The award-winning family of Sculpey^® brand oven-bake clays sets the standard for polymer clay and can be painted, sanded, drilled and more. Sculpey is available in a wide assortment of kits, colors, styles, sizes and accessories.

Project Announcement - Blumenthal Lansing Button Flower Pin & Fascinators

2011-03-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

Let Kpoene' Kofi-Bruce, founder of GoGo Craft, teach you how to upcycle that box of old broken jewelry and random fabric scraps into a fantastic gem. This project will teach you how to make a brooch, hair fascinator, or, for quick learners, a necklace. Use the materials provided by our newest sponsor Blumenthal Lansing, the button people, or bring your own fabric and buttons to craft a unique eco (and wallet)-friendly treasure!

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes was elected President of the United States. Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, and Benjamin Blumenthal started B. Blumenthal and Co. Clothing styles were dictated from Paris and corsets and bustles were all the fashion rage. Buttons on clothing were for function as well as decoration. Ninety percent of fashion buttons were imported. Benjamin Blumenthal used his knowledge of importing and distribution to supply buttons to the growing textile trades.

In the 60's, 70's and 80's, B. Blumenthal acquired several other button companies, including Lansing Company. The button industry has shrunk to a handful of companies. Interestingly, the company has come full circle, having returned a major part of its operations to Lansing, Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi River where it manufactured buttons until the end of the 19th century. Today, Blumenthal Lansing Co. still makes several fashion brands including La Mode^®, La Petite and Slimline™ as well as many lines of Crafting Buttons.

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Project Sponsor Announcement

2011-03-16T06:29:00.001-05:00

Attention all fans of sticky. Duck Tape, makers of all things colorful and sticky strong, are new sponsors of Craft Social. You will be making Duck Tape pouches with Marisa Pawelko of Modern Surrealist at Craft Social on Saturday, March 26. These cute and strong pouches are very versatile and show off the great colors of Duck Tape and what it can do for your crafting. Welcome, Duck Tape.

Duct tape has adhered itself so well to American culture that it's become much more than a roll of tape. It's an enduring symbol of all in this world that is functional. So how did this sticky wonder come about? It was World War II and there was a need for a strong, flexible, durable, waterproof tape that could seal canisters, repair cracked windows, repair trucks and help the war effort in general. Permacell, a division of the Johnson and Johnson Company, stepped up to this challenge. Using medical tape as a base, they applied two new technologies. Polycoat adhesives gave the tape its unshakable stick and polyethylene coating allowed them to laminate the tape to a cloth backing, making it extremely strong and flexible. The resulting tape was nicknamed "Duck Tape" for its ability to repel water, while ripping easily into strips for fast convenient use. After the war the tape was put to the more civilian use of holding ducts together. So the product changed from a nameless army green tape to the familiar gray duct tape. Thirty years later, Jack Kahl, former CEO of Manco, Inc., changed the name of the product to Duck Tape® and put ‘Manco T. Duck’ on the Duck Tape® logo, giving personality to a commodity product. Manco, Inc. also began to shrink-wrap and label the product, making it easier to stack for retailers, and easier to distinguish different grades for customers. Now, over 50 years after its invention, Duck® tape is sold in more than 20 colors and is touted by its followers for having a nearly endless amount of uses. What will happen to Duck Tape®? What advancements in Duck Tape® technology will be made? Only time will tell.

An additional sponsor has been added, VELCRO® BRAND Hook and Loop fasteners. These fine folks are also sponsoring Marisa's clever pouches, and are a goodie bag sponsor as well. That's right, you will all be getting a sample of their hook and loop cleverness to take home with you.

In the 1940s, George de Mestral invented the first hook and loop fastener after studying the natural hook surface of a cocklebur under a microscope. Today, Velcro USA Inc. is a leader in the industrial, consumer, military, automotive, construction, and personal care markets with fastening innovations such as ULTRA-MATE® plastic HTH, VELTEX® display fabric, ONE-WRAP® straps, STICKY BACK™ tape, clear hook, non-woven fabrics, and many other reclosable fasteners. VELCRO® brand hook and loop fasteners are available with a sew-on or adhesive backing and come in different sizes and materials to best fit your application, whether it be for a disposable diaper, an orthopedic brace, a military uniform, a tradeshow booth, or your next home craft project.

We look forward to using these products at Craft Social next week!

Project Announcement - Duck Tape Pouches Sponsored by Westcott

2011-03-15T07:19:00.000-05:00

Indie Craft Guru Marisa Pawelko of Modern Surrealist will be hosting a Westcott Brand sponsored project station at the upcoming Chicago Craft Social! Marisa will be teaching crafters a fun and easy project featuring Westcott Titanium Bonded Non Stick Scissors! Making clever use of Duck Tape® Brand Duct Tape (rolls and sheets) and VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back Hook and Loop Fasteners, Marisa designed these nifty pouches that can be used for change, cosmetics, electronics, sunglasses, travel and more! They’re totally versatile, customizable, and downright crafty! Be sure to grab your goodie bag at the event which will include everything you need to make more of these groovy pouches at home! Brought to you by Westcott… Cutting Made Easy!!!

Westcott... Cutting Made Easy!✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂✂
For Home, Office, Crafting and School!

Westcott began in 1872 as a ruler company and was then bought by Acme United Corporation, located in Connecticut. Over the years the Westcott brand has grown to become the "World’s Favorite Scissors Brand" whose innovative designs have reached across many other product lines. Westcott is always thinking of new ways to push the limits of cutting edge innovation as can be seen by their exclusive new line of cutting tools with Non-Stick blades! In addition to achieving a "Good Design Award" for their electric pencil sharpeners, Westcott is a pioneering leader in many other product categories including: paper trimmers, math tools, rulers, hobby knives and more!

Meet celebrity crafter Marisa Pawelko winner of the CHA Indie Craft Contest and host of America’s Next Top Crafter™. Armed with a formal education in furniture design, Marisa used her talents to design products for the gift, toy, fashion and accessories markets before turning her focus to the craft industry. In 2005, sparked with an idea to create a recycled baby memento-keeper out of one of her son’s baby food jars, she founded Modern Surrealist LLC, which quickly developed an international following. Marisa enjoys inspiring crafters on her “Memoirs of a Modern Surrealist” blog with thrifty project ideas for “upcycling” ordinary objects, into extraordinary custom creations! Her work has been featured by PBS, HGTV, Illinois State Museum and in countless exhibitions and high end boutiques around the world.

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Project Announcement - T-Shirt Headbands

2011-03-14T12:30:00.001-05:00

Headbands are probably one of the greatest accessories of all time. They dress up a ponytail, hold back bangs and give us an excuse to wear flowers in our hair. Join us at Craft Social at Catalyst Ranch in making unique, stylish and comfortable headbands out of T-shirts. We’ll teach you a weaving technique for thick statement headbands and various flower and ruffle techniques for embellishment. Bring your own t-shirt or cut up one of ours, either way we look forward to see you there!

Chicago Craft Social FAQ - March 26, 2011

2011-03-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

Chicago Craft Social

Saturday, March26

1pm - 4 pm

Catalyst Ranch

656 W. Randolph Street, 3W

Chicago, IL 60661

What is a Craft Social?

This fun-filled event is a chance to craft and meet amazing people. Whether you want to learn a new craft, meet like-minded crafters or hang out with your friends for the night and make cool stuff... Craft Social is the place. We have over 15 different projects in every genre of craft from paper crafting to ceramics. You will decide at the event which projects you would like to make and then sit at a table and create. While hand crafting your nifty little project, you will meet new friends, professional crafters or maybe even someone who likes macrame just like you.

Will I know what the projects are before the Social?

Most projects will be in place before the Social and announced here on the blog a couple days prior to the event. Everyone will receive a guide of the event so they can navigate which tables they would like to join. Seating is limited at each table and there will generally be two or three informal "seatings" for each project so that everyone will have ample time to complete their craft.

What do I bring to the Craft Social?

Most projects require you to bring nothing but a smile but if you see a project in the list of projects that will be listed here on the blog next week, check to make sure that you are not required to bring any supplies in order to participate. Depending on the project table you hope to join will determine what you should bring along, if anything. We recommend everyone bring a friend (just make sure they register)!

Does it cost anything to attend?

Yes. The fee to attend the Chicago Craft Social is currently $30 per person and there will be limited availability at the door. On-site availability will be announced on the morning of the event on the blog. Everyone must register so that we can plan the event appropriately. We only have a limited number of tickets and space, so register early as this event fills fast. Walk-ins at the door may be able to be accommodated, but you should still purchase your ticket ahead of time to make sure you get a spot. There are no refunds but you can transfer your ticket to a friend if you are unable to attend.

Where is it?

Regarding our location, please note that this Craft Social will be held at our Sponsor, Catalyst Ranch. Catalyst Ranch is a fun and kitschy place to have private events, meetings, and more. Their staff is super friendly and extremely accommodating, and they love crafters. You'll love it when you see it!

Catalyst Ranch is located at 656 W. Randolph Street in the West Loop in the Haymarket Square building, between Des Plaines and I-90/94. Metered street parking is available as well as in a $10 validated System parking lot on Lake Street between Des Plaines and Jefferson. Get there by CTA: Green & Pink Lines/Clinton Stop, Blue Line/Grand Stop, Brown Line/Washington Stop.

Who runs the project tables?

At this event, we have professional crafters and every day crafters leading projects. Tables have some great companies and crafters who have generously joined in to sponsor a project. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event or an upcoming Craft Social or you are interested in becoming a project leader, email us at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com. This is a great way to connect with crafters.

Other Special Information...

No kids under 18 are admitted at this event (except nursing babies). With scissors everywhere, this would be no place for small children.

No alcoholic beverages permitted, again because of the all the scissor madness.

Some of our sponsors have generously donated some special gifts and everyone will receive a goodie bag when they arrive at the Social. Our Sponsors are being announced on the Chicago Craft Social blog, so stay tuned for more information about what we have in store.

All attendees will receive a raffle ticket upon arrival and you may enter to win one of our fabulous door prizes. Depending on your craft of choice there are lots to choose from and you will get to decide which one you would like to try your luck at winning.

If anyone has any other questions, concerns or suggestions... please email Craft Social at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com.

Ticket Sales Open for Craft Social, March 26

2011-03-06T21:50:00.001-06:00

You can now get your tickets for the seventh Craft Social, Saturday, March 26 at Catalyst Ranch. To encourage you to buy now, so we can plan really good stuff for you to do, we are offering a $5 discount for the first 25 people to register, until March 16. Enter the discount code IMTHERE. After that, tickets will be $30, through Eventbrite.

Don't miss out, get your tickets now!

Next Craft Social Announced - Saturday, March 26

2011-02-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

Attention crafty fans around the world (and especially Chicago): We are pleased to announce the next Craft Social will be on Saturday, March 26, at the fabulous Catalyst Ranch, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. We had a great time with you in January and want to continue the fun. Come out in March to make some innovative projects; on board are upcycling projects, fabric projects, a polymer clay project, and many more.

If you would like to lead a project table, please contact us at craftsocial [at] gmail.com and let us know. Otherwise we'll see you at Catalyst Ranch in March! Stay tuned for more details and project descriptions.

All Set to Be Crafty?

2011-01-21T14:27:00.000-06:00

Are you ready to get your craft on tomorrow, at Catalyst Ranch? We are! There will be 14 different crafts to participate in, goodie bags, door prize raffles every hour, and light refreshments will be served. If you got your ticket, you should be receiving an email soon giving you a few more specific details. Any questions, email craftsocial [at] gmail.com.

Project Announcement - Paper Globes

2011-01-20T16:00:00.003-06:00

These adorable paper globes, or kissing balls, are going to make your head spin. Tradition states that in 18th century England, if an eligible young lady received a kiss on the cheek under the kissing ball, marriage would soon follow. While this tradition is no longer used, it is still a fun and festive symbol of times past.

This paper version of the cut flower, or greenery, Victorian version, stems from a somewhat newer tradition of creating paper kissing balls from the year's Christmas card intake. Wouldn't these be great for a baby shower or a wedding? Or strung along a garland? You can use any kind of paper, like old children's books, or sheet music, and we will be using paper from Stampology, our paper sponsor, at Saturday's Craft Social.

Less than 24 hours to sign up, so what are you waiting for! Ticket sales end at noon on Friday, January 21.

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Project Announcement - Cereal Box Gift Boxes

2011-01-20T14:00:00.002-06:00

Looking for a great way to recycle? Florence, of ReMix Boutique, will show you how to turn your old cereal boxes into gift boxes easily and in no time, using your own cereal box and your new Westcott cutting tool. It is a great way to wrap small gifts, plus it provides a great way to continue crafting by also creating the packaging for your smaller projects. Come to Craft Social this Saturday, January 22 at Catalyst Ranch and learn for yourself! Note: Please bring an empty box of your fave cereal for this project.
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Project Announcement - Chalkboard Cork Magnets

2011-01-20T09:38:00.000-06:00

Come make chalkboard magnets using this chalkboard paint, and fabric covered magnets, for your refrigerator or anywhere. Plaid's chalkboard paint has added a whole new dimension to these cork rounds. E-6000 adhesive makes it all possible. These chalk rounds also make great wine coasters for those who always seem to "forget" where they put their glass. There's only one day left to buy your ticket for Craft Social at Catalyst Ranch, so don't wait!
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Project Announcement - Swedish Heart Baskets

2011-01-19T16:00:00.003-06:00

The Swedish heart basket is usually made for Christmas, but wedding or Valentine's Day gifts can be spiced up with this traditional winter woven paper treat, with paper from our sponsor, Stampology. You will learn how to make the half circle and basket-weave variations, suitable for holding small gifts, tags or any lightweight treat, and learn how to customize for your own event or occasion.
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Project Annoucement - T-shirt Yarn and Reverse Applique Scarf

2011-01-19T14:00:00.005-06:00

Tarn, Definition: Yarn made of upcycled T-shirts that can be turned into knitted, crocheted, or otherwise twisted or woven projects. Didn't know this existed? Well come out to Craft Social this Saturday to learn how to make Tarn, then use it in a scarf project, make a pom pom, or learn how to upcycle t-shirts in another way, reverse applique.

Kate will be teaching you the delicate art of reverse applique using several layers of old tshirts, embroidery floss and Westcott scissors. We will have lots of clean t-shirts for you to use, but it you have a couple old faves you can bring those too.

_________________________________________________________

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Sponsor Annoucement - Stampology

2011-01-19T10:00:00.001-06:00

We welcome back our paper sponsor, Stampology! Stampology is a stamping and card making store on the northwest side of Chicago that has been in business for 8 years, now under new management. Stampology specializes in a large variety of stamps from many different stamp companies. They also have a large selection of inks and hard to find ink refills.

Stampology has classes 3 days a week and all items needed are supplied, you can just show up! Classes range from those for beginners through advanced. The store offers a variety of projects with a variety of techniques. They do private parties and their classroom is available to customers during non-class hours so you can come in and really spread out your stuff!
New items are brought in regularly and Stampology carries those fabulous Copic markers and they do refills for $1.00. They have a great team of designers (including some Craft Social alums - you know who you are) and always looking for and open to customer suggestions.

Thanks for all the wonderful paper that we will all be using at Craft Social on Sturday, January 22, at Catalyst Ranch!

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Project Sponsor Announcement- Maker & Maker Porcelain Pendants

2011-01-19T08:34:00.000-06:00

We are very excited to announce an exciting project that pushes the boundary of craft and art. Andy from Maker & Maker will be showing you how to make a porcelain pendant. After making your pendant Andy will take your piece back to his ceramics studio in Chicago where he will fire it. The little elves from Craft Social will pick up your finished piece and mail it to you. Due to the customized delivery method there will be a small additional charge for this project. But it’s worth it, because no one will be wearing the type of jewelry you’ll be making at January 22nd’s Craft Social!

Maker & Maker is an independently owned, ceramic design company based in Chicago that focuses on the production of expertly crafted, limited edition, functional and sculptural objects. Three ceramic artists from Chicago who appreciated the value of quality design and local craftsmanship founded Maker & Maker in 2009. Ali Gibbons, Andy Hunt and Tim Woodbrey first met as students in the ceramics department at The School of the Art Institute. Maker & Maker released their first product line in December of 2010 and exhibited at the Holiday Renegade show in Chicago, where we at Craft Social, met them. Maker & Maker is constantly designing and innovating and are looking forward to releasing a spring collection in June of 2011.

_________________________________________________________

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Craftster Does Tetris

2011-01-18T16:45:00.001-06:00

Reliving an old childhood favorite via craft is classic Craftster. That's right, we said Craftster, they're a sponsor for Craft Social and will be leading a project just for you! These plastic canvas needlework magnets will remind you of Tetris pieces from your youth (or if you can't remember Nintendos and Gameboys, just imagine the stress of three-dimensional puzzle pieces falling from the sky). Casey from Crafster.org will be leading this craft using the best industrial strength adhesive around, E6000 from Eclectic Products. Everyone will be getting a little industrial goodness in their goodie bags, so don't miss yours.

Casey Buchanan, also known as jungrrl, is an Administrator for the website Craftster.org. Casey joined the website as a community member in 2004. In 2006, she was selected as a Moderator for the Crafty Business Advice Boards and then in 2008, she was hired as an official employee. Casey is a crafty dabbler, doing everything from cross-stitch to screen printing to quilting; she especially enjoys sewing plush animals.

Craftster is an online community where people share hip, off-beat, crafty diy projects and tutorials. The term "Craftster" means "crafty hipster" and draws upon the recent renaissance in crafting known as the indie craft movement.

Craftster is the largest online community for indie crafts and welcomes a wide range of craft types like clothing, sewing, knitting, paper crafting, ceramics, glasswork and jewelry. Recycling, reusing and upcycling are also popular craft techniques exemplified by the Craftster community.

Craftster was started in 2003 and has since grown to a membership of over 200,000 and over 1,000,000 visitors per month. Visit Craftster at http://www.craftster.org/.

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Project Announcement - Valentine Recipe Booklets

2011-01-18T12:00:00.002-06:00

Miriam Smith and Lisa Avery, of Chicago-based LIMIRI LLC, the manufacturer of one of our sponsors, Quick Snippers, will be showing you how to create a sophisticated Valentine Recipe Booklet using the nifty tool the Quick Snippers. This tool does it all for crafters on the go, a must for anyone's toolbox.

Watch out for a suggested menu of simple and delicious recipes by Yasmina Ksikes Roignant of La Creperie, in Chicago. You can use her recipes, or add your own.

Here is a sampling:

Smoked salmon, crème fraiche and chives crepes
Moroccan roasted chicken
Mixed berry crepe with white and dark chocolate

If your taste buds are watrering right now, you should head on over and get your ticket to Craft Social, on Saturday, Januaryy 22, at Catalyst Ranch.

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Project Announcement - Fabric Tape

2011-01-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

Have you seen all adorable fabric tape around these days? Do you have tons of fabric scraps you can't seem to throw away? Do you like to use tape? Well, you don't have to fly to Japan to get that cute tape, just bring your fabric scraps or use our stash and learn how to make rolls of fabric tape that can be used for anything from wrapping packages to home decor. We'll be making rolls of tape and showing you to how to make fabric stickers with the finished product, at the next Craft Social, this Saturday, January 22 at Catalyst Ranch.
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Sponsor Announcement - H&H Industries Desk Lamps

2011-01-17T14:30:00.001-06:00

Our newest prize sponsor is H&H Industries featuring the Vi-Tek 93® PLUS Ergonomic Desk Lamp. We have been using the lamps at the Craft Social craft soom and love them, we want another one for the office!

The Vi-Tek 93 Plus bulb in the lamp is the only general-purpose fluorescent that simulates natural outdoor daylight. Now you can enjoy all the wonderful benefits of natural outdoor light on your desktop - or anywhere in your craft room or office! The adjustable gooseneck design lets you put the light exactly where you want it .You'll get 10,000 hours of maintenance-free light, 10 to 13 times the life of standard bulbs. Although covered by a one-year Free-Replacement Warranty, the Vi-Tek® lamp will last about five years in normal office use at eight hours for 250 working days a year. For quilting or crafting purposes, you shouldn't have to replace the bulb for over 5 years.

The benefits of the Vi-Ttek desk lamp are:

Delivers 120 watts of natural light.
Improves seeability and visual comfort.
Provides near-perfect color rendition.
Produces 28% less glare than conventional CFL's.
Reduces computer screen glare.

The regular retail price of these lamps is $99.99, but for Craft Social friends and fans, you can email Len Tomasello, our dedicated sales rep, and receive a $10 discount. That's a top of the line task lamp for only $89.99 (+ applicable tax and shipping), much less than lamps of lesser quality, that have a shorter lifespan. This lamp is also available in a floor lamp and the manufacturer will also offer you a $25 discount on it as well, just contact Len for details.

We look forward to giving this prize away at the next Craft Social on Saturday, January 22 at Catalyst Ranch. We know whoever wins this awesome lamp will be a happy crafter!

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Project Annoucement - Vintage-Look Zinc Frames

2011-01-17T09:58:00.000-06:00

Real zinc frames are so hot right now. You're seeing zinc furniture, zinc letters, and all things zinc in home decor. It looks so cool, but it's expensive. Come learn how to make your own using Mod Podge from sponsor Mod Podge Rocks and some household items at the next Craft Social, this Saturday, January 22. Better yet, add some chalkboard paint to the background and you can have your own custom chalboard in a beautiful frame!

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Project Annoucement - Silhouette & Paper Cutting

2011-01-16T10:30:00.007-06:00

Silhouettes are such precious wonders (how do you make those little cuts?). Hint: you'll be using your newest Westcott tool. Pye Squire of Cutting Art will show you how at this project table. Bring a picture of your child, or pet, or even you, and she will show you how to transform it into a perfect silhouette and then maybe into a card or wall hanging. Pye will also be teaching you intricate paper cuttings if a silhouette isn't your thing.

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Sponsor Annoucement - Scotch Advanced Tape Glider

2011-01-14T13:05:00.008-06:00

Attention all adhesive enthusiasts, (and let's face it, who doesn't use adhesive)! 3M's Scotch brand has generously sponsored Craft Social and provided us with numerous Scotch Advanced Tape Gliders (ATG for those in the know). Check out projects and more info on their Facebook page.

These things are fantastic, we've used them in our crafting and you can't beat them for strength of adhesive (with no bubbling) and ease of use, just a trigger pull glides the tape right onto your work surface. With 36 yards of adhesive tape you'll be making less trips to the store to get more, so it's super convenient for bigger projects. While a little tricky at first to load, our media sponsor, Craft Critique has a video showing exactly how to load this baby.

3M and Scotch have given us adhesive to go with these ATGs and they include regular all-purpose, re-positionable, and acid-free. Plenty of choices for our projects at Craft Social, on Saturday, January 22, plus a prize pack to go home with one of you lucky crafters at the event!

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Project Sponsor Announcement- PinBackAttack

2011-01-13T10:00:00.002-06:00

Since leading a wild hit of a project at the June Craft Social, Alice and Kevin are back and are ready to crank out buttons and magnets with you again! By day, Alice is a Creative for Apple and Kevin is a video editor. By night, the two make quirky buttons for their Etsy shop, pinbackattack, and custom buttons for pinbackattack.com. They will show you how to make 1" recycled collage button fronts using pin or magnet backs. There will be a sampling of old books and maps available, but they welcome you to bring any images or graphics you may also want to use!

Sponsor Announcement - Quick Snippers

2011-01-12T16:30:00.000-06:00

Special thanks to Quick Snippers for donating these handy little tools for a Valentine's Recipe Book project at Craft Social on January 22nd, we can't wait to use them and create a very special valentine!

Quick Snippers is an innovative, new product from LIMRI LLC that transforms and combines 6 popular design scissors into 1 tool for the on-the-go artist. Offering convenience, portability, organization, storage and ease, Quick Snippers is a valuable inclusion in every craft kit. Plus, it's fun and easy to use. Creative cutting combinations are quickly at the tips of your fingers...or, more accurately, thumbs! Quick Snippers will allow every scrapbooker, card maker, crafter, designer and stylist to take art making to a new level.

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Chicago Craft Social - January 22, 2011 FAQ

2011-01-12T14:35:00.000-06:00

Chicago Craft Social

Saturday, January 22

1pm - 4 pm

Catalyst Ranch

656 W. Randolph Street, 3W

Chicago, IL 60661

What is a Craft Social?

This fun-filled event is a chance to craft and meet amazing people. Whether you want to learn a new craft, meet like-minded crafters or hang out with your friends for the night and make cool stuff... Craft Social is the place. We have over 15 different projects in every genre of craft from paper crafting to ceramics. You will decide at the event which two projects you would like to make and then sit at a table and create. While hand crafting your nifty little project, you will meet new friends, professional crafters or maybe even someone who likes macrame just like you.

Will I know what the projects are before the Social?

Most projects will be in place before the Social and announced here on the blog a couple days prior to the event. Everyone will receive a guide of the event so they can navigate which tables they would like to join. Seating is limited at each table and there will generally be two "seatings" for each project so that everyone will have ample time to complete their craft.

What do I bring to the Craft Social?

Most projects require you to bring nothing but a smile but if you see a project in the list of projects that will be listed here on the blog next week, check to make sure that you are not required to bring any supplies in order to participate. Depending on the project table you hope to join will determine what you should bring along. We recommend everyone bring a pair of scissors and a friend (just make sure they register)!

Does it cost anything to attend?

Yes. The fee to attend the Chicago Craft Social is currently $25 per person and there will be limited availability at the door. On-site availability will be announced on the morning of the event on the blog. Everyone must register so that we can plan the event appropriately. We only have a limited number of tickets and space, so register early as this event fills fast. Walk-ins at the door may be able to be accommodated, but you should still purchase your ticket ahead of time to make sure you get a spot. There are no refunds but you can transfer your ticket to a friend if you are unable to attend.

Where is it?

Who runs the project tables?

At this event, we have professional crafters, every day crafters, craft businesses planned. We have some great companies and crafters who have generously joined in to sponsor a project. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event or an upcoming Craft Social or you are interested in becoming a project leader, email us at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com. This is a great way to connect with crafters.

Other Special Information...

No kids under 18 are admitted at this event (except nursing babies). With scissors everywhere, this would be no place for small children.

No alcoholic beverages permitted, again because of the all the scissor madness.

If anyone has any other questions, concerns or suggestions... please email Craft Social at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com.

Sponsor Announcement - Mod Podge Rocks

2011-01-10T16:24:00.001-06:00

Mod Podge Rocks and Amy Anderson is just about out our favorite blog and blogger here at Craft Social. Plaid's Mod Podge will again be a sponsor of Craft Social and everyone in attendance will be getting a little taste of decoupage this time around. If you've never Mod Podged before, get ready for some fun on Saturday, January 22.

We will have projects featuring innovative new Plaid products that you might not have used before, doing things that you might not know are even possible. Thanks again to Plaid and Mod Podge Rocks for sponsoring Craft Social again!

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Project Sponsor Announcement - Blue Buddha Boutique

2011-01-08T12:01:00.001-06:00

We are so pleased and excited to have Blue Buddha Boutique on board with us at the next Craft Social, Saturday, January 22, at Catalyst Ranch. This earring project is going to rock your world.

These earrings are one of Blue Buddha's most popular designs. Once you learn the basic pattern, have fun by varying the colors, linking additional components, or adding beads. The earrings come together fairly quickly, but the variations are endless!

Blue Buddha Boutique, a diverse line of chainmaille 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 a staff of several full- and part-time employees, with interns and guest contributors helping the company thrive. Originally handling only local orders, the company now has customers in 40 countries and all 50 states. Blue Buddha prides itself on outstanding customer service, fast turnaround and of course, amazing chainmaille designs.

Rebeca Mojica has just released a new book, Chained: Create Gorgeous Chain Mail Jewelry One Ring at a Time and this website is the complete reader's guide to the book, with links to buy the book as well as supplies.

Media Sponsor - Craft Critique

2011-01-07T16:39:00.004-06:00

We're super excited to welcome back Craft Critique as our media sponsor. You can check out their review of our last event here. Craft Critique is a unique site that offers reviews of craft supplies, tools, and materials so you can see them road tested before you buy. Or, if you're like us, you can see what new things you don't even know exist, and then have to run out and buy them! Thanks for your continued support, Craft Critique, we look forward to seeing your next awesome review.

Sponsor Announcement - Westcott

2011-01-07T15:08:00.000-06:00

We are so happy that Westcott has signed on again to be an official sponsor for the upcoming Chicago Craft Social on Saturday, January 22 at Catalyst Ranch.

Westcott has been around for over 140 years. Westcott began as a scissors and ruler company selling into offices and schools around the world, and because of its quality and innovation, is now the leading scissors and ruler brand in the USA and the first choice for teachers, professionals and students. Westcott’s award-winning products can be found in nearly every fine retailer in the U.S. and Canada.

Westcott has kindly donated a special gift for all attendees of the Chicago Craft Social on Saturday, January 22.

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Looking for Project Leaders & Project Ideas

2010-12-28T16:13:00.000-06:00

For all of you who've come to Craft Social and wondered how you could get more involved, here is your chance! You could be a project leader at our next event, January 22. We're looking for unique and creative projects, and people to teach them. We're always interested in new materials, tools or techniques.

If you want to volunteer to be a leader, or if you have a specific project you'd like to see at Craft Social, let us know by emailing us craftsocial [at] gmail.com, or by leaving a comment about what project you'd like to see at the next event.

Next Craft Social on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Catalyst Ranch

2010-12-22T13:00:00.006-06:00

We are pleased to announce that the next Craft Social will be our sixth event, and will be held at a new location, Catalyst Ranch, our newest Sponsor. Catalyst Ranch, in the West Loop, is a great place for private parties, meetings, and more. It has wonderfully kitschy furniture, a lively atmosphere, and a super friendly and helpful staff, who you'll meet when you attend the next Craft Social there, on Saturday, January 22, 2011.

We have moved to the new location to accommodate all of you who could never make it up to the Evanston location on a Friday night. We know you'll love the new space and date and time.

Ticket Sales open today and you can reserve your seat now and guarantee that you'll be in on all the fun.

Sponsor Announcement - Quick Snippers

2010-09-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to Quick Snippers for donating these handy little tools for a project table at our Craft Social on September 24th, we can't wait to test them out on a great project!

Quick Snippers is an innovative, new product from LIMRI LLC that transforms and combines 6 popular design scissors into 1 tool for the on-the-go artist. Offering convenience, portability, organization, storage and ease, Quick Snippers is a valuable inclusion in every craft kit. Plus, it's fun and easy to use. Creative cutting combinations are quickly at the tips of your fingers...or, more accurately, thumbs! Quick Snippers will allow every scrapbooker, card maker, crafter, designer and stylist to take art making to a new level.
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There is also a list of Projects for this event for you to browse!

Project - Fabric Scrap Flowers with Fabrics Etc 2

2010-09-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

Learn how to stitch strips of scrap fabric, ribbon, or trim into flowers of all shapes and sizes! Use your finished flower to embellish your wardrobe, a bag or pillow, or add a wire stem and start a bouquet. You don’t need to bring a thing to make a flower; all materials will be provided for you. Or, bring some of your own fabrics to create your one-of-a-kind bloom!

Thanks to Fabrics Etc 2 for sponsoring this great project!

Fabrics Etc. 2 is your complete quilting, sewing and embroidery resource. The store, located in suburban Bensenville, IL, has a helpful, friendly, and knowledgable staff of quilters and sewers ready to assist you with your next project or answer any of your sewing related questions.

Select from more than 4,500 bolts of fine quality cotton fabrics, with new fabrics added regularly! Fabrics Etc. 2 also caries a variety of Rayon Batiks, top quality T-shirt knits and more.

Come & try out the latest machines from the world's best manufacturers, including Baby Lock, Bernina, and Elna Sewing Machines.

Browse their large notions wall to find all the notions and tools you'll need to make your project a snap! You'll find a large selection of rulers, threads, ribbons and more.

The store also features all the latest books and patterns as well as the best of the tried and true ones.

Choose from the largest number of sewing classes in the Chicago area! Fabrics Etc. 2 has two spacious, new state of the art classrooms with great lighting, multiple ironing & cutting stations, and plenty of room for your sewing comfort.

Don't forget to bring your machine into their award winning service department for a thorough checkup to get it back to like-new operation!
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Project: Collograph Prints with Fiori Falsi

2010-09-23T11:16:00.000-05:00

Collographs are a fun and easy way to create hand printed fabric without expensive equipment. Using cardboard, Mod Podge, paint, and a variety of interesting textures, each crafter will make a unique stamp that can be used over and over again to compose infinite patterns and designs.
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Project: Beaded Candelstick with Ayla's Originals

2010-09-23T02:30:00.002-05:00

Another cool project at tomorrow night's big event is this Beaded Candlestick brought to you by Ayla's Originals. Learn to create this classy and sophisticated adornment that would be great during the holiday season or even make a great gift!

Thanks to Ayla's Originals for joining us as a sponsor for this event!

In 1996, Ayla was taking stock of her life when an opportunity presented itself: the bead shop where she had been purchasing materials closed. She thought, "How cool would it be to play with beads all day? and decided to take a big, crazy chance. Within months of its closing, she reopened the shop as Ayla's Originals. The store is now a teasure trove of beads, gemstones, and jewelry for scores of designers. As a result, Ayla's has become one of the top bead stores in the nation."
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Sponsor Announcement - Art Glitter

2010-09-23T01:13:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to annnounce a brand new sponsor for the next Craft Social tomorrow night, Friday, September 24th... Art Glitter. Everyone will be happy to see a little gift from Art Glitter in your goodie bags upon arrival at the event.

For 20 years, founder of Art Glitter, Barbara Trombley created her own Christmas cards, each year in a different medium. She used chunky, metallic glitter and school glue from the dime store on the card. After developing her own glitter colors, industrial-strength adhesives, and metal writing tips that are a part of The Art Glittering System, she became known as the “Glitter Queen.”

Trombley started Art Institute Glitter, Inc. in 1982 and now supplies artists and artisans, crafters and craftsmen with more than 400 brilliant cosmetic quality glitter colors and industrial-strength adhesives. Art Glitter products have been featured on the Martha Stewart Show, the Carol Duvall Show, HGTV, Home Shopping Network and several times in Martha Stewart Living magazine including the December, 2009 issue. Thousands of retail stores throughout the world carry Art Glitter products. Barbara’s first book, Glitter Artistry: Bags, Tags & Cards, (Sterling Publishing, Inc.) was warmly received by artists in 2006 and is still a big hit today. Art Glitter’s retail showroom is located in Historic Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona.

Art Glitter is the largest manufacturer of artist quality glitter colors in the world with over 400 colors to choose from! We have an excellent on-line gallery, projects, blog and first-rate customer service. Products include: Ultrafine and Microfine Polyester Glitter, Vintage Glass Glitter, Fantasy Film and Fiber, Glass Beads, Gala Glitz, Faux Snow, and Elements Earth Textures. Art Glitter industrial strength adhesives include: Designer Dries Clear Adhesive, Fabric Dries Clear Adhesive, Designer Dries White, 3-D Embossit, Leafing Adhesive as well as glitter related tools and accessories like our Ultrafine Metal Tip for precision adhesive application. Art Glitter also carries stamps by Barbara, Sticky Paper, Transparency Sheets and Double Sided Sticky Tape.

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Project: Mini Album with Stampin Up!

2010-09-23T00:26:00.000-05:00

Mini Scrapbook: Beautiful paper, embellishments, ribbon and ephemera combine with chipboard to create a beautiful keepsake to remember a special moment, event or person. Crafters of any skill level will enjoy putting together a mini scrapbook using their talents and some new techniques with a focus on the Sizzix BigShot Die Cut Machine, and Mod Podge!

Thank you so much to Dee Tollaksen for sponsoring this cute project, I just know that people are going to love it and Dee too.

Dee Tollaksen is a life-long crafter, currently teaching scrapbooking for EKSuccess at Michael’s stores in Palatine and Mt. Prospect; representing Stampin’ Up! through workshops, classes and catalog sales.

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Project:: Pomp-a-Doodle Scarf with Coats and Clark

2010-09-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

Students will learn how to create this elegant and warm "Pomp-a-Doodle" scarf with just the simple single crochet stitch. Designed by Darla Sims, Coats and Clark has generously provided kits with the original design pattern as well as two hooks, and a yarn needle. You'll be in "good hands" with Gwen and go home with your scarf almost done!

Gwen Blakley Kinsler has been crocheting for 39 years. She is the founder of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA), is a Certified Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) Instructor and recipient of the “Diploma in Crochet, Part I” from England. She feels her talents lie in her ability to reach and unite stitchers to sing the praises of needlecraft. She is committed to the importance of sharing her passion for crochet with anyone, especially children. Her book, Kids Can Do It Crocheting, was co-authored with Jackie Young and published by Kids Can Press in 2003. A “Crock Star” (Crochet = Rock = Crock), Gwen is a widely published crochet designer and author of articles on needlework, and she is currently at work on her latest book, The Fine Art of Crochet. (Voyageur Press, Fall 2011) A nationally known teacher, she has taught at numerous venues ranging from local yarn shops to Convergence and Stitches East and Midwest, as well as the Knit & Crochet Show sponsored by CGOA and The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) trade show.

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Project: Polyform Premo Clay Pendant

2010-09-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

Lisa Cline, a recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, will teach you how to use Premo Sulpey clay from Polyform to create beautiful pendants using texture and the surprising technique of mica shifting. At the end of the night you will leave with a completed necklace and pendant.

Project:: Halloween Treats with Scor-Pal

2010-09-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Come learn how to use the Scor-Pal and create this cute little treat basket and card just in time for Halloween. You will put the tool in action and see how it can make creating boxes, cards and other projects in a snap.
All supplies provided.

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Project: Simply Screen Tank Tops with Plaid

2010-09-20T17:55:00.000-05:00

Make a super cute tank in minutes with Plaid’s Simply Screen. Simply Screen is an easy way to screen print T’s with a quick-drying fabric paint. Later you can embellish with crystals or embroidery stitches. If you’ve ever wanted to try screen printing, this project is for you!

Project Leader

Candie Cooper is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining unique materials and color combinations, inspired by extensive travel and her years living in China. Candie is the author of Metalworking 101 for Beaders (Lark Books 2009), Felted Jewelry (Lark Books 2007) and Designer Needle Felting (Lark Books 2007). Currently she’s creating designs for a variety of companies in the craft industry as well as for craft and jewelry-making publications. Candie teaches workshops both nationally and internationally and has appeared on the Public Television series Beads, Baubles and Jewels and Hands-On Crafts for Kids. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and Fine Arts from Purdue University.

Project - Wire Wrapped Jewelry with RAC

2010-09-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Learn how to make wire wrapped nest egg rings, pendants, earrings, brooches and more with wire and beads. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring beads you’d like to use.

Project Leader:
Tamera Gagne is a crafty domestic engineer who moonlights as an art instructor and the financial director for the Riverside Arts Center. She loves sewing, baking and selling her handmade and vintage goods at http://crankheartpony.com. You can find her blog at http://crankheartpony1.blogspot.com/ .

Since 1993, the Riverside Arts Center (RAC) has been providing Riverside, its surrounding suburbs and the city of Chicago with art classes, free art exhibitions, and special events. The RAC includes the Freeark Contemporary Art Gallery and artist studio space. We offer a variety of art classes each term (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) for children and adults in mediums ranging from clay, printmaking, oil painting, sewing, jewelry as well as giving people the option to create their own class in the medium of their choice. The RAC also offers tours, field trips, and curricula-based workshops for public and private schools as well as professional development opportunities for teachers. Find the RAC at http://riversideartscenter.com/.

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Project - Duck Tape Cuff Bracelets with Westcott

2010-09-18T12:57:00.000-05:00

We are so happy to once again have Westcott as a major sponsor for this event and they will once again have a project table at the upcoming Craft Social.

Modern Surrealist, Marisa Pawelko will lead participants in making some wonderful Duck Tape Cuff Bracelets with Westcott Titanium Bonded NonStick Scissors! These are not only fun to make but also make a fashion statement.

Meet celebrity crafter Marisa Pawelko winner of the CHA Indie Craft Contest and host of America’s Next Top Crafter™ . Armed with a formal education in furniture design, Marisa used her talents to design products for the gift, toy, fashion and accessories markets before turning her focus to the craft industry. In 2005, sparked with an idea to create a recycled baby memento-keeper out of one of her son’s baby food jars, she founded Modern Surrealist, which quickly developed an international following. Marisa enjoys inspiring crafters on her “Memoirs of a Modern Surrealist” blog with thrifty project ideas for “upcycling” ordinary objects, into extraordinary custom creations! Her work has been featured by PBS, HGTV, Illinois State Museum and in countless exhibitions and high end boutiques around the world.

Project - Braided Fabric Headband with Earth Cadet

2010-09-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

One of the great projects at the next Craft Social is this Braided Fabric Headband from Earth Cadet. Be sure to register so that you can get a chance to make this fabulous project!

Earth Cadets is a company committed to recycling, reducing and reusing. Our mission is to provide every Earth Cadet with their own uniquely designed and hand screenprinted tote bag made entirely out of recycled materials. In addition to 100% recycled totes, Earth Cadets offers 100% certified Organic Cotton clothing for you and the ones you love as well as hand screenprinted fabric pillows to put some sass in your sofa.

All designs are one-of-a-kind, hand screenprinted and/or dyed with love by me, Krissy Callahan, in my Chicago studio. Also, if you want to learn how to screenprint, come take a class with me at The Needle Shop in Bucktown!
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Sponsor Announcement - Scor-Pal

2010-09-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

We are excited to have a new sponsor for the upcoming Craft Social, Scor-Pal. This handy scoring tool is going to be a hit next Friday because they have also sponsored a table so you can get some hands on experience making a great project!

Scor-Pal Products have an array of outstanding products for Card Making and Scrapbooking. The most popular scoring tablet on the market today is the Scor-Pal. The grooves are deep, the scor-tool is formulated and shaped to fit in place giving you outstanding crisp, deep exact scores for professional folds each and every time. Multiple scores, boxes for example or for accordion fold can be done all at one time as you don't have to move the paper and the score measurements are perfect. You can make boxes, envelopes, cards etc. and on the Scor-Pal web site there are over 160 full tutorials on how to make different projects. You can print out these tutorials.

Strictly for Cardmakers is the new Scor-Buddy. It is smaller in size, has grooves at every 1/4" and some 1/8" grooves and comes with its own tote bag. It is great for taking to classes. retreats or your friend' house s for a fun afternoon of card making.

Scor-Tape is the best double sided adhesive available due to its superior holding power. The smallest width 1/8" is perfect for ribbons or wider sizes to hold beads, sand and glitter. The 1/2" size is great for boxes.
Finally our glitter Clean Up Cloth is a must have if you like to work with glitter but not have it all over yourself and the house. It wipes up all the remaining residue and everything sticks to the cloth. It does not shake off.

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Sponsor Announcement - Jacquard

2010-09-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

Special thanks goes out to Jacquard for sponsoring a table at the upcoming Craft Social.

For 25 years Jacquard Products has been producing the finest colors at the best value for surface designers, textile artists, fine artists, hobbyists, and crafters. We have almost 20 color lines, available in standard and bulk sizes, sets, and in our fun, easy to use, and award winning kits.

There will be a table with a project sponsored by Jacquard called Funky Cats and will feature their Tee Juice Fabric Markers.

More information about the projects at the next Craft Social are coming up as well as more sponsor information but be sure to get your tickets early as this event will sell out!

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Project List - September 24th Event

2010-09-13T18:25:00.002-05:00

This is the list of projects you have to choose from for the Chicago Craft Social that will be held on Friday, September 24th.

Attendees are allowed to pick two projects to participate in the night of the event and we encourage you to take a look at this list before the big event to make the decision process easier.

Pomp-a-Doodle Crocheted Scarf
Coats and Clark
Students will learn how to create this elegant and warm "Pomp-a-Doodle" scarf with just the simple single crochet stitch. Designed by Darla Sims, Coats and Clark has generously provided kits with the original design pattern as well as two hooks, and a yarn needle. You'll be in "good hands" with Gwen and go home with your scarf almost done!

Premo Clay Pendant
Polyform
Use Premo Sulpey clay from Polyform to create beautiful pendants using texture and the surprising technique of mica shifting. At the end of the night you will leave with a completed necklace and pendant.

Halloween Treats
Scor-Pal
Come learn how to use the Scor-Pal and create this cute little treat basket and card just in time for Halloween. You will put the tool in action and see how it can make creating boxes, cards and other projects in a snap.

Simply Screen Tank Tops
Plaid
Make a super cute tank in minutes with Plaid’s Simply Screen. Simply Screen is an easy way to screen print T’s with a quick-drying fabric paint. Later you can embellish with crystals or embroidery stitches. If you’ve ever wanted to try screen printing, this project is for you!

Wire Wrapped Jewelry
Riverside Arts Center
Learn how to make wire wrapped nest egg rings, pendants, earrings, brooches and more with wire and beads. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring beads you’d like to use.

Duck Tape Bracelets
Westcott
Modern Surrealist, Marisa Pawelko will lead participants in making some wonderful Duck Tape Cuff Bracelets with Westcott Titanium Bonded NonStick Scissors! These are not only fun to make but also make a fashion statement.

Braided Fabric Headband
Earth Cadets
Use pieces of fabric to create this stylish and cool braided headband. You choose the fabrics and you will be shown step by step how to make your very own.

Fabric Scrap Flowers
Fabrics Etc 2
Learn how to stitch strips of scrap fabric, ribbon, or trim into flowers of all shapes and sizes! Use your finished flower to embellish your wardrobe, a bag or pillow, or add a wire stem and start a bouquet. You don’t need to bring a thing to make a flower; all materials will be provided for you. Or, bring some of your own fabrics to create your one-of-a-kind bloom!

Collograph Prints
Fiori Falsi
Collographs are a fun and easy way to create hand printed fabric without expensive equipment. Using cardboard, Mod Podge, paint, and a variety of interesting textures, each crafter will make a unique stamp that can be used over and over again to compose infinite patterns and designs.

More projects will be added soon!!

Sponsor Announcement - Westcott

2010-09-10T15:31:00.001-05:00

We are so happy that Westcott has again signed on to be an official sponsor for the upcoming Chicago Craft Social on September 24th.

Westcott has been around for over 140 years. Westcott began as a scissors and ruler company selling into offices and schools around the world, and because of its quality and innovation, is now the leading scissors and ruler brand in the USA and the first choice for teachers, professionals and students. Westcott’s award-winning products can be found in nearly every fine retailer in the U.S. and Canada.

Westcott has kindly donated a special gift for all attendees of the Chicago Craft Social on Friday, September 24th.

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Sponsor Announcement - ModPodge Rocks

2010-09-08T13:03:00.001-05:00

We are so happy to once again have ModPodge Rocks as one of our sponsors for the next Craft Social on September 24th.

ModPodge Rocks is a great blog written by the fabulous Amy Anderson and it features tons of great projects you can make with all the varieties of ModPodge. You can find great kids craft projects as well as home decor ideas that will be fun to make and show off.

And don't forget to enter the new contest, Trick Your Pumpkin! Amazing prizes, celebrity judges and more. This is a great time to get started on those Halloween projects and why not win while you are at it.

We are so excited that Plaid and ModPodge Rocks has sent along a little gift for everyone attending the next Craft Social!
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Registration Open - Craft Social September 24th

2010-09-03T10:36:00.000-05:00

Registration is now open for the next Craft Social, Friday September 24th, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. This fun-filled night of crafting and commiserating is held at the Evanston Vineyard Church. Join us for a night of over 20 different crafty projects to choose from as well as awesome goodie bags and fabulous door prizes. And did I mention tasty treats to nibble on?

This event fills fast and we have limited space, so sign up early to hold your spot. And don't forget to tell your friends because when we are filled to capacity, registration is closed.

Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for most of the pertinent information and stay tuned because in the upcoming weeks we will be revealing our generous sponsors as well as project information.

We can't wait to see everyone at this event!
Are you in?

Chicago Craft Social September 24th

2010-09-01T00:55:00.000-05:00

Chicago Craft Social

Friday, September 24th

7pm - 10pm

Vineyard Church

2495 Howard Street (behind Jewel)

Evanston, IL 60202

What is a Craft Social?
This fun-filled event is a chance to craft and meet amazing people. Whether you want to learn a new craft, meet like-minded crafters or hang out with your friends for the night and make cool stuff... Craft Social is the place. You can bring your own projects to work on and share with new friends, we have plenty of space to create in. We also have over 20 different projects in every genre of craft from paper crafting to painting. You will decide at the event which two projects you would like to make and then sit at a table and create. While hand crafting your nifty little project, you will meet new friends, professional crafters or maybe even someone who likes macrame just like you!

Will I know what the projects are before the Social?
Most projects will be in place before the Social and announced here on the blog a couple days prior to the event. Everyone will receive a guide of the event so they can navigate which tables they would like to join. Seating is limited at each table and there will generally be two "seatings" for each project so that everyone will have ample time to complete their craft.

What do I bring to the Craft Social?
Most projects require you to bring nothing but a smile but if you see a project in the list of projects that will be listed here on the blog next week, check to make sure that you are not required to bring any supplies in order to participate. Depending on the project table you hope to join will determine what you should bring along. We recommend everyone bring a pair of scissors and a friend (just make sure they register)!

Does it cost anything to attend?
Yes. The fee to attend the Chicago Craft Social is currently $25 per person and there will be limited availability at the door. On site availability will be announced on the morning of the event on the blog. Everyone must register so that we can plan the event appropriately. We only have a limited number of tickets and space, so register early as this event fills fast. We will not be able to accomodate walk-ins at the door, all tickets must be pre-paid. There are no refunds but you can transfer your ticket to a friend if you are unable to attend.

Where is it?
At the Evanston Vineyard Church, a former electronics warehouse located on the border of Evanston, Rogers Park, and Skokie (behind the Jewel). There is plenty of table room at this event and ample FREE parking. You can also get here simply by taking the Red Line to Howard and then the Pace 215 bus. Directions and map.

Who runs the project tables?
At this event, we have professional crafters, every day crafters, craft businesses and self-run projects planned. We have some great companies and crafters who have generously joined in to sponsor a project. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event or an upcoming Craft Social or you are interested in becoming a project leader, email us at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com. This is a great way to connect with crafters.

Is Chicago Craft Social doing any projects for the community?
Yes, we are! Thanks for asking.
At every Craft Social, we choose a charity that we would like to craft for and support.

Other Special Information...

No kids under 18 are admitted at this event (except nursing babies). With scissors everywhere, this would be no place for small children.

No alcoholic beverages permitted, again because of the all the scissor madness.

Some of our sponsors have generously donated some special gifts and everyone will receive a goodie bag when they arrive at the Social. Our Sponsors are being announced on the Chicago Craft Social blog, so stay tuned for more information about what we have in store.

All attendees will receive a raffle ticket upon arrival and you may enter to win one of our fabulous door prizes. Depending on your craft of choice there are lots to choose from and you will get to decide which one you would like to try your luck at winning.

If anyone has any other questions, concerns or suggestions... please email Craft Social at craftsocial(at)gmail(dot)com.

Next Craft Social - September 24th 7p-10p

2010-08-17T14:09:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars!
Call the babysitter!
Tell your friends!

The Next Craft Social is set for September 24th

7p - 10p.

As we did last time, we will have online registration so that you can ensure your spot at the event as well as some more fabulous sponsors, giveaways and more.

Online registration will begin on September 3rd.

Questions? Feel free to email us or check out our FAQ page.
You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Chicago Craft Social Photos

2010-07-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

The last Craft Social on June 18th was a big hit! Crafters seemed to be having loads of fun, making friends and inspiring each other. This is exactly what Craft Social is all about.

Here are a few photos of the night captured by Jennifer Gaudreau of Jennifer Kathryn Photography of the great night of crafty fun everyone was having.

Crafters hard at work at the Craft Social.

Marissa Pawelko and Westcott cutting tool enthusiasts.

Polyform clay ready for mokume jewlery making.

Sarah Moore from Craft Critique leading the painted glass table sponsored by Plaid.

Kevin from PinBack Attack showing the button-making technique.

Happy crafter upcycling a t-shirt into a tote bag.

Sharon of Arcadia Knitting creating some jazzed up Flip Flops.

Caravan Beads resin pendants for Salvation Army's PROMISE project

Showing off sweet felt cupcake magnets.

Crayon Embroidered peanut butter jelly time.

Beth Engelman from Mommy on a Shoestring and her door prize loot.

Thanks Jenn for those great photos!

Anyone have a recap, photos or blog post about the event of their own? We would love to share it with your fellow Craft Socialites. Just add a link in the comments!

Craft Social Makes National News

2010-07-14T15:00:00.002-05:00

Well, it appears that we have hit the big time now! ABC News has just picked up the story from the Associated Press about our very own Craft Social. We couldn't be more excited to see our crafty event making headlines. I'm sure this news will hit many more cities and get people even more interested in Craft Social.

You can read the entire article online, Craft Socials Turn Do-It-Yourselfing Into a Party.

Thank you to everyone who has come out to a social, supported us with sponsorships or even just told their friends about it. You are the reason that Craft Social is becoming bigger and better!

Craft Social Video - See the night in Action!

2010-07-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

We all had so much fun at the last Craft Social, June 18th. If you missed this event and really want to see what Craft Social is all about, you can check out this great video from the night created by Dan Nellessen of the night's events. I see lots of familiar crafters, do I see you?

Thanks again to Dan!

Plans are underway for the next social, are you in?

Craft Critique Event Review

2010-06-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

There is a great article about the last Chicago Craft Social on Craft Critique today. Julie Tiu took so many great photos and summed up the event so beautifully. If you missed our last event or were still on the fence about what this whole Craft Social thing is all about, check out the article and see what you missed.

A special thank you to Craft Critique for being our media sponsor at the last event as well as bringing some of their great reporters and editors to run some of the project tables.

Also, if you don't want to miss out on the next event, be sure to subscribe to this blog...HERE.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Survey Winners

2010-06-21T13:00:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone for coming out to Craft Social! We had a great time on Friday night, despite the weather. We received some great feedback from the exit survey and as promised, we have picked three winners from the responders. Congratulations to Kerry B., Betsy K., and Lauren S. We will email these fabulous ladies their code to receive free entry to the next Craft Social.

We'll be posting pictures and video soon, stay tuned!

Chicago Craft Social Tonight!

2010-06-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the big night to come on out and get your craft on!

We have been working super hard to make this event fun and creative for everyone. There are so many great crafts that you can choose to create tonight with some of the most talented people in this area that I know. You will love to sit, create and blab with these people about all things craft, Chicago and life. If you wanted to meet Chicago area crafters, this is the place. Whether you are coming with a friend or alone by the end of the night, you will surely have more friends than you started with.

And you should see the goodies we have for everyone as well as the multitude of fabulous door prizes in every genre of craft. People are going to be leaving this event tonight with more than they came with.

We have all of our projects listed in our Project List.
If you have questions or concerns about what to bring tonight, where it is, etc., you can find most answers in our FAQ area.
And if you haven't bought your ticket yet, we have some tickets available for purchase at the door, it's not too late.

Today is a hot and humid, why not move inside, stay cool and craft with us!

Chicago Craft Social

Friday, June 18th

7pm - 10pm

Vineyard Church

2495 Howard Street (behind Jewel)

Evanston, IL 60202

Sponsor Announcement - Fiori Falsi

2010-06-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to Jessica Taylor who is generously donating a project table for tomorrow night's big event. She is the artist behind the bags, purses and accessories of Fiori Falsi which are all handcrafted and many of the fabrics are hand screenprinted.

Join Jessica's table tomorrow night where she will be doing Collograph Printing. You will learn this unique technique of screenprinting and make your own design. To participate in this craft, you will need to bring cardboard and something to print on such as paper, fabric, etc.

There are only a few spots left for the Craft Social tomorrow night, so don't wait to buy your ticket!

Register Here Today to save Your Spot.

Check out some of the Projects that will be available at this event! Projects List
Need more information about this event? Event Information and FAQ

Sponsor Announcement - Moda Fabrics

2010-06-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

People who know quilting and fabric, know Moda. United Notions has generously sent an uber cute door prize that will most certainly make someone's day.

A little bit about United Notions...

United Notions, Moda Fabrics and Moda Home is a multi-line fabric, notions and finished product manufacturer and distributor selling to the independent shop owners. We offer a wide range of fabrics, notions, patterns, books, quilting supplies and finished product in our Dallas warehouse. We have been in the quilting and fabric industry since 1975 and are constantly striving to bring you the latest and greatest in both our fabrics and other quilting and home products. Moda currently has independent designers as well as an in-house design staff bringing you some of the hottest new lines of fabrics and home product available in the industry.

Moda has great fabrics, notions, an amazing blog full of projects and even free quilting patterns. They are certainly a site full of awesomeness.

At the next Craft Social this Friday, June 18th we will also be creating a project inspired by a project seen on the Moda BakeShop Blog.

Fabric Candy Dish
Using scraps of fabric, create a cute candy dish that will be a crowd pleaser (and not just because of the candy inside of it).

You need to bring: Small bowl to use to form

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Want to attend the next Craft Social on Friday, June 18th?
Spots are almost filled!
Register Here Today to save Your Spot.

Check out some of the Projects that will be available at this event! Projects List
Need more information about this event? Event Information and FAQ

Project Peek - Hexagon Pillow Front

2010-06-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

Learn English paper piecing. A technique often used for quilting, we'll be creating smaller pieces that can be used for applique on a pillow or used as the start of a quilt. If you have particular colors of fabric in mind bring those.

You need to bring: A larger piece of background fabric if you want to learn how to applique your hexes.

_________________________________________________________

Want to attend the next Craft Social on Friday, June 18th?
Spots are almost filled!
Register Here Today to save Your Spot.

Check out some of the Projects that will be available at this event! Projects List
Need more information about this event? Event Information and FAQ

Project Peek - Decorate Switch Plates

2010-06-15T17:17:00.000-05:00

Decorate your own Switch Plate Covers!

Don’t settle for a boring white plastic switch plate cover! Learn how to create your own custom designed switch plate cover to match your room décor. Want to have a funky pattern? Want to put up a magazine collage? Want to do a themed one? Or simply change them for each holiday? No problem! Attendees need only to bring whatever material they want to cover their switch plates with: fabric, wrapping paper, origami paper, magazine pages, or any other light weight paper. It will get a little bit messy with mod podge so be prepared.

_________________________________________________________

Want to attend the next Craft Social on Friday, June 18th?
Spots are almost filled!
Register Here Today to save Your Spot.

Check out some of the Projects that will be available at this event! Projects List
Need more information about this event? Event Information and FAQ

Project Peek - Mokume Madness

2010-06-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

Come and join Iris, a representative and artist from Polyform, to create a necklace, pendant and earrings using the very popular polymer clay Mokume Gane technique. You will be creating fabulous patterns with these luscious colors to create your own unique pattern and design. Even if you have never worked with clay before, you will love this craft and the end results.

Polyform Products will be bringing all the supplies you need to complete this project.

Chicago Craft Social This Friday!

2010-06-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

We are so excited that there is only 4 sleeps until we all get together and get our craft on!

Craft Social is such a fun and creative night that is always filled with laughs and new friendships. If you have never been to one of these events, don't wait any longer... Join the fun! It is a great night out with friends or come and meet some new friends. This is the place to meet fellow Chicagoland crafters, people just like YOU!

We have so many great projects planned and wonderfully talented leaders to guide you. There will be refreshments to keep our energy up and great conversation to keep that smile on our faces. We also have some great goodie bags for each of you as well as a chance to win some super cool crafty door prizes.

Chicago Craft Social

Friday, June 18th

7pm - 10pm

If you want to attend this event... YAY! We want you to!
All you need to do is register online to save your spot.

If you want to see the great projects we will be doing, check out our Project List.
Got a question? Concern? Check our FAQ page.
Anything else, please email us at craftsocial{at}gmail{dot}com.