If you’re an artistic type of person but oil painting just isn’t dangerous enough to satisfy your creative needs, consider chainsaw carving. Though it may sound like a crude art, in the hands of a skilled craftsman, or craftswoman, a chainsaw can produce surprisingly delicate and intricate details. Like Renaissance sculptors of marble, a chainsaw artist possesses the ability to look at a stump of wood and intuit how to remove all the bits that aren’t a bear, or a mermaid or a graceful arching swan.

There’s a Class for That?

Have you ever felled a tree or cut a cord of wood? Even if you haven’t, you may still be a viable candidate for chainsaw carving, as long as the idea of wielding a set of rotating, razor-sharp teeth doesn’t turn your spine to jelly. Getting comfortable with a chainsaw is the first step to learning to carve with one. Believe it or not, there are chainsaw carving schools, camps and workshops all over the country where you can learn the basics, and beyond, of this surprisingly popular folk art. A chainsaw competition is the perfect place to network with other enthusiasts. You may even meet a skilled artist who’s looking for an apprentice to teach. If all else fails, you can order a set of instructions and a “blank” (a pre-shaped stump of wood) from a carving supply retailer and take a stab at it on your own.

Safety First

Chainsaw carving isn’t the most expensive hobby you could choose, but there are some costs involved. You might opt to start with a beginner’s saw (more on the carving equipment later) but one place you don’t want to skimp is on safety equipment. Yes, it can be dangerous. Any number of horrific accidents can happen when a chainsaw’s involved, but the whirring blade isn’t the only safety concern – or even the main one.

Flying wood chips, constant loud noise and unwieldy stumps of wood can be the cause of serious injury to your eyes, ears and toes. Expect to invest in a pair of Kevlar-reinforced chaps and gloves, steel-toe boots, a hard hat and ear and eye protection. Personal safety gear alone could cost 500 dollars or more.

Saws for Sale

Yes, you can make a chainsaw carving with the same blade you use to trim a tree or cut lengths for the splitter. As long as the chain is sharp and you can handle the saw with ease, it’s appropriate for carving. Master carver and instructor Dusty Foster recommends a professional gas chainsaw with a 14-inch bar and anti-kickback chain for beginners. Basic chainsaw carving kits are available for around 400 dollars. As you become more adept, you may want to acquire other tools such as a rotary grinder, a wood-burning tool, a collection of heavy-gauge extension cords and a variety of different carving bars. Basic chainsaw carving kits are available for around 400 dollars.

Whether your goal is to become a professional artist or you’re just looking for a way to marry your love of art with your love for operating dangerous power tools, chainsaw carving is a unique and expressive hobby anyone with a reasonable amount of upper-body strength and good hand-eye coordination can enjoy. Making a piece of art out of an unwanted stump and a clumsy-looking chainsaw truly does take time and talent. And, let’s face it, it’s also darn cool.

Danielle writes on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses. In her free time, she enjoys turning yard waste into toothpicks with her chainsaw. Read her work at eatbreatheblog.com.

I always enjoy making crafts that highlight a natural appearance. Recently, I was trying to decide on my next project when I visited the Chickasaw Dallas Cultural Center. They had plenty of Native items on display, but I figured that most of them were beyond my skill level. Fortunately, I did get inspiration from something that looked doable: a dream catcher.

There are many conflicting beliefs about dream catchers, but it would be incorrect to call them misconceptions. That’s because there are actually multiple legends and uses surrounding dream catchers. The top two concern the purpose of the creations. The more famous use is to stop nightmares and allow good dreams through, and for this reason, most people hang them near their beds for peaceful sleep. Another legend says that they catch good ideas, while allowing bad ones to dissipate.

Why are there multiple concepts surrounding dream catchers? It’s because different tribes have different ideas about them. In fact, some say that it’s important to match the type of catcher with the purpose you have in mind.

Here’s an easy way to make a dream catcher of your own. This style is meant to catch bad dreams in its webbing, while allowing good dreams to pass through the hole in the center to reach the dreamer.

1. Start with the hoop. The easiest way is to buy one that’s made of plastic or metal, but the most authentic way is to make your own hoop from grape vines or willow branches.If you choose to make your own hoop, soak the material for about a half hour to make it supple enough to bend into a smooth, round shape. Then bind it into position so it doesn’t straighten out when it dries.
2. Wrap the hoop with suede lacing, hemp or another natural material. Each loop of the lacing should touch its neighbors, but not overlap. Stick it into position with tacky glue and allow it to dry.
3. Use simulated sinew or waxed nylon string to make the web. You’ll need string that’s about 10 times longer than the material used to make the hoop.White or translucent string is traditional, but some people choose to use colored strings now.
4. Weave the web by tying knots every so often. Start at the bottom of the hoop and work your way around. Then continue by weaving under the loop created by the first and second knots. At each knot, make a hitch by creating a loop over the loose string. Make a hitch at every knot. Don’t make the thread too tight – it should just be snug. The webbing will tighten as you complete it.By using a different weaving style, it is possible to create a web without using any knots except at the start and end.
5. Secure the web by tying it off once there is only a small circle remaining in the center. Make a double knot at the point where you would have made the final hitch, and snip off the extra string.
6. Watch a YouTube video to see these concepts in action and find other styles. A video can clear up any remaining confusion and show you how easy it really is to create your own dream catcher.

Making a dream catcher should be simple for anyone to do with a bit of planning and concentration. Once you’ve made your unique creation, hang it in your bedroom window to see if it really works!

Selling crafts is fun, and I love attending craft shows all over the country and running my booths. It gives me a reason to see places I wouldn’t otherwise and offsets the costs of driving all over the place. I also get to meet all sorts of interesting people.

Many people have asked me for tips on successful craft show selling, so I’ve compiled a few to share. Here are some of the things I’ve learned about how to make a booth work well:

1. Large cities offer large audiences. Small towns are great, but some of the best places for sales are Chicago events. Since it’s a big city, events there draw loads of people from all over. It’s also a cultural hub, so it makes sense for my Midwestern self to frequent it. Look for a big city near you for similar close-by events, and be sure to try Chicago out, too.
2. Not every event advertises booth sales. That doesn’t mean that booth space isn’t available! Call the organizers of any likely event and ask them if you can rent a booth to sell your items. Many of them are surprisingly agreeable. Even better yet, it can be cheaper to rent a booth at a non-craft event than at a dedicated craft show.
3. Don’t make your booth too neat. A super-neat display is intimidating because it gives off the impression that touching anything is a no-no. You want people to feel that it’s safe to touch your items. When people can touch the merchandise, they are more likely to buy it.
4. When selling jewelry or similar items, directly encourage people to try it on. Have mirrors so they can see themselves wearing it. Once people put something on and like it, they naturally want to keep it. That’s when you close the sale.
5. Put risers on your table. When items are displayed flat, they are hard for show visitors to see – and people only buy what they can lay eyes on. A few boxes can be used to prop up a piece of heavy cardboard to serve as a riser. Put a tablecloth over the assembly to make everything look nice. This cheap and quick setup will give your products much more visibility and draw attention to your booth.
6. Fill up your table. A full display is more inviting. When I don’t have enough items, I share a table with a friend. This ensures that the display shows a nice, inviting selection. As a bonus, it also allows the booth rental fee to be split.
7. Try for an indoor location when just starting out. Outdoor stands are subject to wind, which will blow over weakly constructed displays. If you don’t already know how to keep a display standing in the wind, either practice at home or rent an indoor booth. You don’t want to get to the show and find that you’re spending all of the time trying to put your display back up.

These are just some of the practices I’ve picked up when working craft shows and other events. Once you attend a few shows, you’re sure to discover some unique methods of your own. The most important thing is likely to simply get out there and start doing it. The best practices in the world only work if you put them into action!

Getting Started

Fortunately, there are only a couple of tools you’ll need to fashion a formidable basket of your very own. Have handy a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, a knife and possibly an awl, though a long nail may function as well.

Preparing the River Cane

A member of the bamboo family, river cane is a flexible and pliant plant that works very well for basket weaving. It comes in many colors and thicknesses, so you can create patterns within your project using the same material throughout. To prepare your river cane, first ensure it’s completely dried out, then soak it for several hours to a few days, depending on the size of the basket you wish to create. Consider removing the bark for a quicker process.

Making a Base

Now that your cane is wonderfully malleable it’s time to start with the base of the basket. For absolute beginners, it’s recommended that you invest in a simple basket weaving kit that has a starter base. For those with more experience, grab eight thin sticks of river cane cut into 12-inch lengths. Then:

• Create a split in the center of four of the sticks using your knife. Make them roughly 2-3 inches long. Slide the other four sticks through this split, creating a cross shape.

• Use two smaller, finer strands of the cane and sew through the split as before. Hold the ends and separate the two threads. One goes over the four protruding spokes, one goes under. Twist them once at the end and repeat, now the bottom thread is on top, and the top on bottom. Continue around twice.

• Finish the base by weaving around each spoke individually. Spread out each of the 8 spokes — use the awl if necessary — and twine with the fine cane around each one. Carefully add in more threads as necessary, one piece at a time, until reaching the desired size.

Completing the Basket

Finishing this remarkable little crate is now a breeze after the base is made. Double-check that the river cane is still pliable, and soak if it’s getting too dry. Then, carefully bend each spoke vertically so it’s perpendicular to the base at a 90-degree angle. Continue wrapping upwards using the same method as for the base. To finish seamlessly, tuck each of the spokes into the top border with the same weaving technique.

Congratulations! You now have a beautiful, distinctive and natural river cane basket that you created all by yourself. Making this functional decorative object helps you respect the marvelous culture of the Chickasaw people, and gives you an appreciation for this truly spectacular craft.

Mama’s Desk:

This one couldn’t be an easier introduction to DIY upcycling. Turn that crib into a desk with beaucoup de storage space for YOU!

To get this look, remove one of the side rails from your crib. Turn the piece on its side so that it parallels the floor and place it into the crib. This side rail now become an insta-shelf for extra storage. Play with raising and lowering the rail until you find a height that works for you. Mark the height with a pencil and have a friend hold the rail steady while you drill the side rail into its new position. Recycle the old hardware. Finish off the crib with a large glass top.

Bookshelf from Crib:

Keep the crib in your wee one’s room and transform the purpose by turning it into a hanging bookcase for kids’ lit. You’ll need fabric paint, pillowcases in plain white or a fabric of your choice and the front and back panels of an old crib. Remove the side panels from your crib, leaving only the shorter front and back panels. Saw off some of the wooden spines or slats where they meet the side. Blogger Jamie of Home Sweet Home suggests leaving every third slat. Carefully sand down any rough edges. Cut two of the discarded slats into 3-inch pieces, then use these to nail the two panels together to form a rough bookcase. Sand and paint the piece. For assembly, create a fabric sling from the pillowcases for each shelf. Loop one end over the back spine, then sew or fasten the end over the fabric. Loop the other end around the front spine so the pillowcase forms a U-shape and secure this end the same way. Now, hang the shelf in the little one’s room and add books.

Child’s Easel:

If your little darling loves to create, turn the front and back panels of her crib into a chalkboard/art easel twofer. You’ll need a crib with solid front and back sides, like so.

Remove the sides. Now is the time to sand/paint/stain these babies if you want to. Sand the entire frame, but only paint the edging, leaving the center square alone for now. Once the painted edges dry, remove your tape and tape off the edges. Add chalkboard paint to the center square on one of these panels to create an insta-chalkboard that’s just her height. For the second panel, cut a piece of corkboard to cover the dimensions of the inner square and hot glue it over the square. To assemble, attach a hinge to each outside top corner so the easel can fold out and rest on four legs. Pin a sheet of paper to one side and she can paint, leave chalk on the other and she can draw.

And one bonus project: With the side rails left over from the first two projects, you can create two craft or tool organizing stations.

Which of these ideas sparks your interest? Or do you want to make them all? Let me know in the comments.

About the Author: Danielle blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.

Hand-Carved Wood Signs

You’ll need a Dremel multi tool for these, such as one that drills and cuts tile. Home-Dzine has a full tutorial that offers plenty of tips for using the multi tool for this project. Other supplies needed include salvaged or new wood, 300 x 250 millimeter, steel wool, gel stain, sealer, pencil and paper and an orbital sander with 180-grit sanding pads. If you opt to sand by hand, you’ll need plenty of elbow grease. Hand-letter or trace your sign onto paper, then transfer this onto the wood. Use a tile cutting bit with a depth of 3 mm in the multi tool. Don safety glasses, start the tool and cut into the first letter. Slowly trace the outlines. Paint the interior of the letters with gel stain, then sand off rough edges and hang your sign.

Easy Painted Wood Signs

This project comes together in an afternoon and is perfect for any skill level. No fancy power tools needed here! While these signs make cutesy kitchen decor, I’m thinking of suggesting my sister create wedding reception signs like this for her summer 2013 wedding and I myself might make a garden sign or two to hang outside. Love these, via Diddle Dumpling blog!

To get started, find some salvage wood. Pallets are an easy free choice, but the wood tends to be narrow so something wider works better. Sand the wood first; you don’t want to nick your finger while working. Next, distress to your heart’s content. Whack that think with a hammer or some chain. Pound teensy nail holes to mimic bug damage. Really beat it up. Next, use a dry paintbrush to lightly brush an acrylic over the wood. Let it dry while you pick and print your words. Type a work, pick a font then use an imaging tool to flip the letters backwards. Print out the word on a sheet of paper. Place the paper over your dry wood (the letters should be un-reversed now) and brush the paper onto the block with a wet brush. Emboss the word onto the wood by lighting pressing with a marker top. Stop here or distress the finished product with sandpaper. Easy-peasy vintage sign!

Wood Photo Blocks

Save money by making your own wood photo blocks with this tutorial from blogger Cari Stewart. You’ll need gel medium, decoupage paste, wooden paintbrushes and wood in your desired size, such as 8-inches-by-10-inches or 16-inches-by-20-inches. Cut a large piece into several smaller ones to save money. Use reclaimed or new wood. Sand your wood and print your preferred image onto plain paper. Coat the wood with gel medium and press your picture directly onto the wood, ink side down. Leave this to dry. Wet the paper with a sponge then peel it away to find your photo transferred to the wood. If your image looks cloudy, apply veggie oil to restore the shine. Preserve with decoupage paste. How easy and fun! I’m totally DIYing these for holiday gifts next year.

Pin these projects to your craft list now then add your own spin to them later. The equipment that you collect to make these will come in handy for many craft projects to come, so consider this a worthwhile investment.

About the Author: Danielle blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.

1. Wine Bottle Lights: Mason jar lights are so on trend, and this takes the idea and gives it a little bit of sophisticated. Plus, you don’t have to use those vintage Mason jars you’ve been stocking up on! Take a wine bottle and soak it in water to remove the label, then give it a nice soapy wash. Place the bottle in a vise clamp with the bottom facing you, and put on safety goggles and gloves. Using a 1/2-inch cordless drill bit especially made for glass, drill a hole in the side of the bottle about 2 inches from the bottom. Rinse the bottle out and any glass shards ill fall out. Seal those rough edges using glass sealant. Add lights and plug in — you’re done!

2. Soda Bottle Sprinkler: When my sprinkler broke last summer, I made one of these in under an hour! All you need is a side bottle, old coat hanger, hose replacement kit, rubber washer and putty. A 1/16 drill bit should be sufficient; you don’t need to flood your lawn. Sprinklers are expensive, so this offers an easy way to make your own for when that gardening itch strikes! Read the full instructions here.

3. Marble Fence: Isn’t this so pretty? It’s going on my craft list for next summer. All you need are marbles and your drill, plus a drill bit that’s just a tad smaller than the marbles. Look for a spot where you get backlight, so the sun can shine through the marbles. Drill holes wherever you want — this is a feel your way through it kind of craft. Once you’ve made your holes, push the marbles through and you’re set!

4. DIY Organizers: This tutorial is great for making organizers to hang everything from your mail to your frocks, and really lets you take the reins creatively. Use found objects to create organizers for the little things you need to organize. A decorative birch branch makes a wonderful hanging organizer for scarves, necklaces and clothes. An old shutter works well to keep mail, photos and other small items neat and tidy. Use your cordless drill to drill holes in the wall and mount your organizers using the appropriate fastener to support their weight.

5. Japanese Bound Books: Japanese stab bookbinding is super easy to learn and requires only paper, a very small drill bit, a needle and thread. Use decorative origami paper for the front and back covers and plain computer paper for the inner pages. For a neat stocking stuffer or birthday gift, try making these little books for friends and family members. There are all kinds of patterns you can create with this simple technique, but the basic stab bookbinding requires simple sewing skills. I made my first book last week and it was so easy, I’m already planning all kinds of variations for upcoming birthday gifts!

Always take safety precautions when drilling, including wearing appropriate footwear and using eye protection. Tackling any or all of these projects will give you experience working with your drill on a range of craft projects and may inspire new ideas for home hacks and arts and crafts. Happy crafting!

Seashell Candles

This idea couldn’t be easier or more delightful. If you’ve collected shells your children can’t bear to throw away, this craft is an imaginative way to use them. All you need is a shell deep enough to hold a tea light candle, some salt or a dab of crafting clay and a microwave. Place an unwrapped tea light inside a shell, nestle the shell in a small pile of salt or bit of clay so it stands level and zap it on a microwave-safe plate for one minute. Voila – the wax melts and you have a seashell candle. This craft is appropriate for kids of all ages but an adult should be on hand to remove the candles after they’ve cooled for a few minutes.

Dough Ornaments

img via delightedmomma.com

Almost every parent is familiar with homemade salt dough ornaments. They’re easy to make, but after you’ve mixed the dough, rolled it and cut out the shapes, it can take days of air drying before you can get down to decorating. By then, both kids and parents might lose interest in the project. Use the microwave to quicken the drying time and keep everyone’s enthusiasm high. Place cut ornaments in the microwave for short increments of a minute or two, let them cool and you’ll be on to painting by the time everyone finishes their cocoa break.

Microwave Puffy Paint

What’s part science project, part math lesson, part art and crafts and total fun? Homemade puffy paint! The medium is made out of five simple household ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, water and food coloring. The magic of this project happens in the microwave. Kids can paint a picture on paper just as they normally would, but when the paper is placed in the microwave for a few seconds, a chemical reaction occurs and the paint puffs up, making an awesome 3D design. Kids of all ages will enjoy this craft. No doubt some innovative adult artists can figure out how to incorporate this medium into headier projects. Make sure to experiment with food coloring blends to create amazing looks.

Any number of crafts can be completed in the microwave, providing entertainment for an afternoon full of creative fun with your kids, friends or family members. Try your hand at some of these projects and enjoy making crafts for your Christmas tree, kids’ rooms or fridge door!

Danielle blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.

I started woodworking about eight months ago, and I love my new hobby! With a few pieces of wood, I create masterpieces. Of course, my first birdhouse projects won’t win any awards, but they gave me a good foundation. I learned lessons I now use to turn drab and worn out furniture into beautiful works of art.

The other day, I found a $5 bench at a thrift store. It was rough around the edges, and the paint was peeling. I fell in love with it, though. Immediately after I arrived home, I assembled the materials I need for the project.

Then I checked the bench for loose screws or legs. They’re easy to tighten with a screwdriver. There was no hardware to remove, and the wood was in good shape.

Since I didn’t need to complete any repairs, I sanded the surfaces. Sanding is a fine art. If you push too hard or use rough sandpaper, you can damage the finish.

During the pre-painting process, I learned to use a course 80 grit paper. It removes rough edges and old paint without damaging the wood. I actually purchased a sander for this and future projects. It will make the process easier. I still need to work hard, but the machine takes most of the elbow grease out of the process.

Now that I’ve sanded the surfaces, I’m ready to mask off areas I don’t want to paint and apply primer. Where I plan to paint dark colors, I use a dark primer. I apply light primer to areas that will receive a light color. Between layers of primer, I’ll lightly sand the surfaces with 120 grit paper.

I hated waiting for the primer to dry! But I had to take my time or I’d have ruin the project. I used the waiting time to dream up new projects and create my shopping wish list.

When the primer layers were complete, I was ready to paint the first coat of paint. Between layers, I had to sand the paint with 240-grit paper. I also vacuumed after each sanding because I don’t want dust to accumulate in my basement.

When I started painting, I used short, even strokes. That prevents lumps. Again, I had to allow each coat to dry thoroughly or the paint will crack, bubble or chip. More waiting.

Once I’d finished painting, I varnished the piece. Three to five layers of clear varnish should protect any wood project. Between coats of varnish, I smoothed the surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper. My bench was finally ready to use, and I love seeing it every day as I reach for the books I stack on it.

Now that I’ve perfected birdhouses and benches, I’m ready to try my hand at larger projects. My nightstand needs a facelift, and I really want to refinish my bed frame. I also plan to visit a few secondhand stores and local auctions.

While I don’t want to buy any chipboard furniture, I love the sturdy wooden pieces that accept my refinishing vision and withstand the process. I especially love pieces with dovetailed drawers and beautiful wood. I only need to lightly sand and then cover these pieces with varnish or wood polish that makes these beautiful pieces shine.

With my new hobby, quality materials and sturdy wood furniture, I can complete any project I want. My house looks great with all my creations. I love transforming drab furniture into glam furniture.

About the author: Danielle writes on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses. She’s still getting the hang of woodworking, but practice makes perfect and she’s determined to be a professional by the end of the holiday season.

Most crafters love having lots of extra supplies on hand because they can experiment with all sorts of textures, crafts and designs. The “craft stash” that allows crafters so much creativity typically comes at a price, but savvy crafters know how to take advantage of deals. This Black Friday, take advantage of seasonal sales to stock up on all the supplies you need to prepare for the holidays. After you hit up your favorite craft stores, think outside the box to continue saving.

Craft Store Deals

The major craft stores, A.C. Moore, Michael’s, JoAnn Fabric and Hobby Lobby, offer slightly different inventory. If you can, visit all of these to enjoy the most savings. This year, Michael’s will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day sales offer doorbuster items and 30 percent off your order. If you keep your shopping to Black Friday, save 25 percent off your entire order from 7 a.m. to noon. Christmas ornaments and holiday supplies are an average 30 to 40 percent off. Select kids craft are “buy one get one” or “buy one get one half off.”

While JoAnn Fabrics hasn’t released their shopping holiday plans yet, the fabric store opened at 6 a.m. in 2011. JoAnn offered a 50 percent off any item coupon in 2011, and gave customers 20 percent off their regular order. While the fabric store is known for its wide selection of ribbons, ric rac, fabric, patterns and sewing supplies, JoAnn offers far more. Think school supplies, scrapbooking papers and decor, candy-making supplies and more.

Hobby Lobby has not yet released their Friday shopping deals, but expect the craft store to offer doorbuster prizes and sales to attract shoppers.

This year, A.C. Moore opens at 5 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Save 40 percent off your entire order from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., then save 60 percent off your whole order from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The first 100 Friday morning shoppers will receive a $5 gift card. Since holiday gift bags, jar candles and pashminas are on sale, you can stock up on holiday gifts for your friends and family. Craft supplies on sale include Christmas greens and ribbons for homemade wreaths. Jewelry making, scrapbooking and stamp supplies are 40 percent off. Other A.C. Moore sale items include blank t-shirts and sweatshirts, canvas, paints and wooden baskets.

Other Ways to Save

The same shopping plazas that hold craft superstores may offer additional inventory that appeals. Home Depot and Lowes stores have gardening supplies, wood, fasteners, paint and more. Save on spray paint to customize everything from planters to picture frames. Pick up bulbs like Amaryllis or hyacinth, then decorate terra cotta pots with paint, ribbon, mosaic, buttons or other materials.

Marshalls, TJ Maxx and the Christmas Tree Shop receive regular inventory that may appeal. If you’re planning holiday gift baskets, pick up fancy food items at any of the three. Find stockings you can craft, as well as stocking stuffers for the holidays. Look for cookie cutters and decor for baking crafts and paper and punches for scrapbooking.

To stay on task the Friday after Thanksgiving, go through your craft stash and make a list of items you’re low on. Then make a list of things you’d like to purchase. Compare Friday sales flyers to see what store offers the best deal on the items you need most, then start your shopping engine.

Danielle enjoys stocking up on holiday craft supplies to make homemade holiday cards. Read her work at artroommelody.com.