Thursday, November 21, 2013

What is Craftsy?

What is Craftsy?
Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes. With over two million members and counting, Craftsy has something for just about everyone, in categories ranging from quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Craftsy Class

Before filming even begins, hours and hours are spent determining what content will be covered in each class, and how to best teach specific techniques to the camera. Instructors work with an instructional designer to create an in-depth outline of each lesson, and decide how to best prepare props or “step-outs” that show what your project should like at different steps. Instead of a scripted class, instructors follow their outlines on camera to create an authentic and engaging teaching experience.  


Most Craftsy classes are filmed in one of five Craftsy studios in Denver, CO, assuring that every part of the production process goes off without a hitch. They fly in instructors from all over the world to spend several days filming, then spend several weeks turning hours of footage into a two to three hour class experience that has been watched, rewatched, and reviewed by industry experts. The final result is an HD-quality video that takes you in-depth into specific topics in any given craft category- from cooking and fine art to sewing and knitting. 


What IS the Craftsy experience?
 
Craftsy classes are designed to have all the benefits of an in-person class, with none of the drawbacks. Available online and on-demand, you always have world-class instructors at the tip of your fingers. You can retake the class as many times as you want, and the 30-second repeat feature allows you to watch the same section over and over again until you get every technique just right. 


Watching a Craftsy class is like having a first-row seat with some of the best instructors in the world. Even better, classes have a 100% money-back guarantee.

Try online learning today with a free mini-class from Craftsy! Choose from 23 Free Craftsy Classes ranging from drawing and painting to sewing and quilting, from knitting to cake decorating and more.  This is great for beginners who have no one close by to teach them hands on!


 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Thanksgiving Crafts

Thanksgiving will be coming up soon in the U.S. Here in Canada it is over and done with, it was in October. 

Here is an article with some great Thanksgiving crafts ideas for kids. I think most adults would enjoy making these crafts too! 

4 Easy Thanksgiving Craft Ideas For Kids
By Toasha R Jiordano


The time is upon us. Pull out all those brown and orange sweaters, and grab a cup of hot cocoa. Relax by the fire and read book after book from your favorite author. Oh... what? You have kids? Nevermind!

But have no fear. I'm here to show you some easy craft ideas that any elementary aged child can do. The older ones will love it too, if you can get them to be in the same room with you long enough.

Thankful Turkey

Have each family member write down a couple things they're thankful for on cut out feathers. Poke the feathers into the turkey's back and watch the thankful plumage bloom!

What You Need:

Fall colored construction paper

Scissors

Glue

Pipe cleaners

Yarn (dark and light brown) (preferably ball/ not skein)

Wooden craft stick (or popsicle stick)

Felt material or more construction paper

Optional: Store bought googly eyes or other facial features

How To:  Read more here......