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Jute Projects: Another Supply-Related Roundup

Published on 2013-05-19 16:43:25

I bought a lot of jute for a project recently and then had a decent amount leftover so I was looking through jute projects to get some ideas and put together this fun roundup... These are some of my favorite jute finds and projects I'm thinking

Ramsign Winner!

Published on 2013-05-12 20:43:10

Lucky commenter #13 is the winner of the Ramsign giveaway! And that lucky commenter is... Congrats Suzanne! Check your email and email me back within 24 hours to claim your prize! A big thank you to all of you that entered the contest!

Confetti Shot Glasses

Published on 2013-05-06 20:08:07

I saw these awesome Anthro-knockoff glasses with the painted confetti-style dots from It All Started With Paint and Radical Possibility

Ramsign Giveaway!

Published on 2013-04-30 19:51:52

I know it's been awhile since I did a giveaway, but I just wasn't up to the challenge of dealing with it and I hadn't really seen anything that I thought "hey, I'd love to win one!" which is basically my standard for agreeing to do something like thi

Your Science Experiments: Jodi's Scarf Organizer

Published on 2013-04-25 16:06:44

I've been INSANELY flattered recently because apparently some of the stuff I've made has inspired some of you guys to make your own versions... seriously, seeing comments or emails like that makes me kind of giddy and excited to check out what you ma

Purple & Green Wreath

Published on 2013-04-21 20:31:31

I decided our front door needed a little "spring" fun and when I saw this purple and green yarn at A.C. Moore (I think?), I thought this was just perfect for a new wreath... Supplies Wreath form Yarn Felt Scissors Ribbon Glue Basic Instru

Blog Design Resources

Published on 2013-04-15 18:49:42

In the course of this re-design/update, I did discover a few great new resources that I thought I'd pass along to all of you... First, I actually downloaded some great freebies and spent almost nothing to get tons of free clipart and digital free

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

Published on 2013-04-12 15:32:08

This is the first spring the boy and I have lived in the DC area and as many of you know, one of the big things DC is known for or big events here is the National Cherry Blossom Festival (learn more about it here

Tour of the New Blog Design

Published on 2013-04-11 16:39:20

I'm finally mostly done re-arranging, editing, and updating the blog's design. So, if you're reading this in a reader, I'd love for you to click on over to the blog itself and check it out and tell me what you think! I also re-arranged some things -

Scarf Organizer

Published on 2013-04-04 16:48:20

I LOVE projects that are super simple and make me feel organized... this one was both (and almost free). I was inspired by this project from Dollar Store Crafts and a replica from JaeBellz here. I made some quick instructions, but you really only

Easter Eggs: 2013 Edition

Published on 2013-03-30 23:29:24

In between regular work and life chaos and re-designing the blog, plus my birthday (more about that later, hopefully), the boy and I somehow found some time to dye Easter eggs (follow me on Instagram - @craftyscientist to see more of that fun stuff).

Pardon the dust...

Published on 2013-03-20 18:15:44

I've been working on some fresh new design for the blog (this one was more than a year old!) and I'm trying to mess with the code and put the pieces into place - LIVE on the blog! So if you see buttons not working or messed up pictures, I apologize a

St. Paddy's Day Embroidery Update

Published on 2013-03-17 14:52:47

You might remember this little St. Patrick's Day/ Valentine's Day/ love-y embroidery project from last year (or you can remind yourself here). Well, I didn't quite finish it in time for the holidays last year so I posted my in progress photos or most

Roundup: Quatrefoil Crafts

Published on 2013-03-17 14:51:20

I've been working on a few roundups recently and quatrefoil is one of my favorite patterns (and has been for a ridiculously long time)... lots of the projects seemed perfect for St. Paddy's Day so I figured I'd share this one with you... a big list o

The Utilities Tracker

Published on 2013-03-05 17:43:55

It's time for another FREE printable for your financial binder! If you're not sure what I'm talking about, check out this post for the original story and details on the financial binder I've made and am slowly sharing with all of you... This printab

Favorite Things - February 2013 Edition

Published on 2013-02-24 19:07:52

I haven't done a favorite things roundup in about a million years, but I have started several and I'm determined to finish this one because I've been obsessed with some pretty cool stuff lately and I just have to share it with you guys... (1) Dan

Bars of Beads Necklaces

Published on 2013-02-24 16:29:04

I realized I've been LOVING bars of rondelles or little beads on necklaces on Etsy (check out my Etsy treasury here for some I lusted over...) and I wanted to see if I could figure out how to make some on my own... unfortunately, I really don't know

Bills & Other Fun: A Free Printable Tracker

Published on 2013-02-10 01:48:46

At the end of 2012, as I started thinking about tax season and getting that stuff together, I started to get the regular "new year, new start" excitement AND the overwhelming desire to get some things in order so that I feel more prepared next year.

We're Engaged!

Published on 2013-02-01 17:07:06

Just after midnight, on January 1, 2013, the boyfriend proposed and I accepted, so... Since then, it's been crazy and I somehow forgot to announce it here... oops! But it's official - we're engaged and the boyfriend is now the fiance! No

Mom's Quatrefoil Bulletin Board

Published on 2013-01-17 20:23:17

Remember when I showed you guys how I made this awesome green quatrefoil bulletin board for my old office? Well, after that, my mom asked me to make her a version of the bulletin board for her office... and I did! (A million years ago, but I'm going

Baby Chick Embroidery

Published on 2013-01-13 21:02:51

Remember how I told you guys that I took up embroidery last year?

Paper & Tile Coasters

Published on 2013-01-08 20:22:14

Another project I did a million years ago was making some coasters from tile, felt, and Mod Podge. I gave them out as gifts to my family last Chrismukkah (as in, December 2011) and they were a success. Plus, I kept a set for us and we've continued to

2012 Year in Review

Published on 2012-12-31 17:55:18

Now that 2012 is rapidly winding down (eek! Where did all the time go?), I realize it's time to do a little review and wrap up of some big projects and milestones here... after all, it was kind of an epic year for me. The kind of epic that makes me w

Merry Christmas!

Published on 2012-12-27 00:32:39

From my family to yours... Better late than never. And I blame a VERY terrible stomach virus for my tardiness in getting these out (and making it challenging to set up a tripod and the timer and not look all hot mess and hot fever). This was our h

The National Tree

Published on 2012-12-18 20:42:43

Now that we live up in Maryland, near DC, the boyfriend and I decided to go visit the National Tree in DC this year (you can see more about the tree and its 90 days of history here). We parked at the Metro station near us and then took the Metro all

Past Christmukkah Projects

Published on 2012-12-16 00:14:52

I was realizing I've made quite a few Chrismukkah projects in previous years and I figured I'd review them here in case you guys were interested... Some are just green or red so they fit in for the holiday. And others are things I gave as gifts for

Ornament Wreath - Version 2.0

Published on 2012-12-14 20:47:37

The first tutorial I ever posted on this little blog was an ornament wreath I made - a faux green branch-type wreath from the clearance section at Walmart and some clearance ornaments from after Christmas. About a year after that, I made another ver

Menu Organizer

Published on 2012-12-11 20:59:56

Since we moved to Maryland, I've been on an organizing kick. Somehow a big move and life transition (from grad student to just one, full time, grown-up job!) was just what I needed to get a little kick in the butt on that one, apparently. This is jus

Felt Bow Headband

Published on 2012-12-01 17:08:16

Long time, no tutorials... right? Well, I'm trying to do better and so I figured I'd start by sharing something I made that I think might be a perfect little holiday decor you can wear... a felt bow headband you can make for next to nothing! (I had e

Puppy Halloween 2012

Published on 2012-11-04 21:54:40

We survived Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy with no damage and then it was time for Halloween around here and we had an awesome time. The boy's parents were visiting and their large black lab, Champ, was around too - we didn't know what would happen befor

Plastic Bottles: A Supply-Related Roundup

Published on 2012-10-05 17:53:00

Some of the most popular posts on this blog have been the supply-related roundups I created - projects using wine corks and crayons. I have a few others that I'm still working on, but recently thought of this and had to go for it because I keep thinking of and seeing new projects that make me want to save all the plastic bottles we have... and empty some to make a few more! Take a look - all these projects are made from plastic bottles of some kind (soda bottles, milk jugs, lotion bottles, e [..]

Visit Me at 4 You With Love!

Published on 2012-09-17 19:26:25

In case you haven't guessed from the post title, I'm guest posting today at 4 You With Love! I love love LOOOOOOOVE Marilyn's blog and was so thrilled that she asked me to guest post there now because my post is part of her awesome blogiversary celebration! Go on over and check out my post! And stick around and check out her blog because Marilyn is definitely one of my favorite crafters!

Dad's 60th Birthday Present

Published on 2012-09-16 14:20:52

First, I'm obviously not posting with the frequency I'd like and a lot of my craft supplies are packed up or just not quite organized yet so I'm pulling pictures and projects from the archives. Here's a project I actually loved, but I was holding on to it because I didn't want to show it until I'd given it to my dad (last November) and so somehow it just stayed in the drafts section... so it works perfectly for sharing now. Never mind that it's a project I made nearly a year ago...

Organizing Fever

Published on 2012-09-08 22:39:18

Since we've moved into the Maryland house, I've been all about the organizing... we have lots more space, furniture, rooms now... just tons of stuff! So I've been searching out inspiration from a wide variety of sources. My DIY organizing board on Pinterest has been getting a workout and I've been reading my fave organizing blogs like a crazy gal. Because I still don't have my act together to post pictures of my little organizing projects, I figured I'd share some of my favorite organizing blo [..]

My Guest Post at Destination: Craft!

Published on 2012-08-30 23:37:56

I'm SOOOO excited to be able to direct you over to Destination: Craft for my guest post (today!) that's part of an AMAZING series called "Tips from the Best: How to Grow Your Blog" (see super-cute logo below)! I was incredibly flattered that Kathryn asked me to participate and I think I actually came up with some helpful tips that you haven't seen here already, a collection I call My Favorite Mistakes... so check it out here!

UNC Wreath

Published on 2012-08-26 12:55:03

While the traveling and moving insanity continues, I dug this post/project out of the "archives" (okay, my drafts) to share with you... I made it awhile ago and then didn't have all the pictures edited and ready, but I've got it under control now and ta da! Hope you enjoy it as you gear up for football season (WOHOOOOO)! I made this wreath for my cousins who are both HUGE University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill fans. They both went there for undergrad and did athletic training/physical thera [..]

Recent Travels

Published on 2012-08-24 13:35:07

One of the new parts of this job is that I'm traveling. A lot. Or at least enough to disrupt my usual blog plans and entries and posts. So I know I've been slacking and I feel bad, but I thought I'd update you on where I've been recently... or at least for the past week and until late tonight/tomorrow morning when I journey back to Maryland. I'm in upstate New York! I'm up by the asterisk on the map there. And I got the map here (and edited with PicMonkey)! This little postcard was in my h [..]

Guest Post: Brie of Breezy Pink Daisies

Published on 2012-08-21 10:00:06

Yesterday you saw her answers to the crafty questions and today Brie is back to share a wonderful tutorial with us. Seriously, when I saw that this dealt with organizing jewelry, I was CRAZY excited because I collect it almost as much as I save crafty ideas on Pinterest. But before we get into my issues, I'll turn it over to Brie... I'm so excited to be sharing my necklace display with you all! Thanks Mel, for having me over! :) So, let's start with a before picture just so you understa [..]

Crafty Interview: Brie of Breezy Pink Daisies

Published on 2012-08-20 10:00:09

I want to introduce you to Brie of Breezy Pink Daisies who has agreed to be here today and tomorrow for the interview and the tutorial! I like the interview and Brie did too so we have that today and you should come back tomorrow to check out her tutorial! I actually didn't discover Brie's blog until relatively recently, but I love it and if you haven't discovered it, I hope you go check it out now because it is so fun and bright (as if you couldn't tell from her button)! For now, check out her [..]

Travel Pics: Aurora, Colorado

Published on 2012-08-17 22:45:17

I had a blast on my trip to Aurora, Colorado. That state was just INSANELY GORGEOUS and I definitely want to live there at some point in my life. Before I head off on my next trip, I figured I should get these pictures posted... Translation: Be prepared for quite a few pictures here... My super-pretty hotel room... with lots of navy and lime (my favorite color combination)! We drove around a bit to get to where we were working and staying and various places to eat so there are a few "road pi [..]

Fabric Bow Bookmarks

Published on 2012-08-09 15:49:07

I made the fabric flower frame for the fifth event of the Bloggy Olympics, but I messed around with lots of fabric while trying to figure out what I wanted to share and these are something fun I found at How About Orange and I made them pretty easily with stuff I already owned (and you own now if you made the frame)! Full credit for everything goes to Jessica Jones (who is a crazy genius and you should be reading her blog if you aren't already) who shared this tutorial for bow tie paper clips!

Beach Trip! (Part 2)

Published on 2012-07-28 19:13:40

Right now the boyfriend and I are still moving into the house in Maryland. We just got internet and I just got back from my work trip to Aurora, Colorado. No craft supplies out and I'm struggling to get pictures uploaded, but I still wanted to share some things with you... so here's the second part of the Myrtle Beach pictures from a million years ago... enjoy! (And know that I'll start responding to comments faster now and get back on the blog/into blog world now!) We went to Myrtle Beach, [..]

Aurora

Published on 2012-07-22 21:52:57

image from here I was booked to go to Aurora, Colorado today through Thursday for work. My trip did not get postponed and so I am here in Aurora. I finally have internet and I was planning to update you all on the move and let you know that I won't have internet until Friday (and even that's a "cross your fingers" date). But... I can't make myself write too much about crafting and my life when I'm so close to something so tragic, yet inspiring (in tonight's vigil). And so I leave you with thes [..]

Blog Olympics Fabric Link Party!

Published on 2012-07-12 19:00:02

It's time to get your Olympic-sized party on! Link up your fabric projects - they can be projects you made based upon the tutorial I shared or you saw at DIY Home Sweet Home or Kissed by a Frog, whatever! Just link 'em up - it doesn't matter if you've joined the Bloggy Olympics before or not, medaled or not, ! (And don't forget that you can also link up with Jenni at Kissed by a Frog or Jamie at DIY Home Sweet Home!) Remember, the party opens now and closes at the end of the day tomorrow (Frida [..]

Fabric Flower Frame: Blog Olympics Event #5!

Published on 2012-07-07 12:47:14

Welcome to Event #5 of the Bloggy Olympics: Fabric! Today is the big reveal of my project - the perfect fabric-based craft! (Or as close to perfect as I could come up with, haha!) I had some trouble coming up with my perfect fabric project at first, but eventually I just fell in love with this whole thing because it took some time to put together, but you can VERY easily make the flowers less intricate and spend less time on it. It also really wasn't difficult to do - it's the repetitive cutti [..]

Heading North....

Published on 2012-07-06 02:42:12

This post is long overdue because I know some of you guys have figured out some things were happening with me in my real life (the "science life") via my pins, instagrams, etc. and you're right! I got a job! A real, grown-up, amazing job! But it's in Washington, DC/Maryland... so we're moving (a little more than 500 miles if you're counting along at home)! The pups, the boyfriend, and I are packing up and heading to Maryland. I'm supposed to start my job on Monday July 16th, but we still don [..]

I Need YOU... to help me find the perfect dressy flats!

Published on 2012-07-02 10:00:00

I'm on a quest. For flats that are dressy AND comfortable. Comfort is a big, big priority. I don't want toe pinching, but I can almost deal with that if I don't have the awful heel blisters. (And blister block, lamb's wool, band aids, Dr. Scholl's anything, First Aid tape, etc. are NOT enough - I want shoes that don't rip off skin like they have a secret cheese knife in the back.) So these are a few of the options I've compiled (all the shoes in the collage above are listed below so you can find [..]

Liberty Bell Embroidery

Published on 2012-07-01 20:33:21

I'm back from Philly (WOHOO! So glad to be back with the boy and the pups and my own bed!) and I'm excited to share a little something I made in my hotel room! If you follow me on Instagram (@craftyscientist), you saw that I took a picture of a big fluffy bed... with my embroidery stuff on it! I brought it so I could calm down at night and relax before bed. Before I left for the trip I remembered I'd seen this awesome little Liberty Bell embroidery pattern

Guest Post: Jennifer of Vintage Gwen

Published on 2012-06-27 10:00:05

While my life is crazy busy, the lovely Jennifer of Vintage Gwen volunteered to fill in for me and share an awesome tutorial with you guys! (We're skipping the crafty interview for now because I'm pressed for time and I didn't think people were that excited about it... it could return, but for now, enjoy the tutorial!) Jennifer is super-sweet and definitely one of my favorite bloggers so I'm super-excited to share

Interchangeable July 4th Wreath

Published on 2012-06-23 14:42:47

Before I left for this science-y training/conference in Philly, I realized that I needed to whip up my July 4th wreath because I would have about two seconds back in SC before the big day. I didn't have that much time so I went with the interchangeable wreath again, but this time I made felt stars... I just printed out star shapes on computer paper, cut those out, pinned to felt and cut. Stuff with cotton batting, sew two together, and voila! Or you can sew buttons, sequins, and/or beads to [..]

Come to Philly for...

Published on 2012-06-18 20:12:36

I was crossing my fingers I'd have some internet here because I got so busy before this last trip that I didn't get to update the blog before I left... before you become concerned that I've suffered a head injury with that ridiculous introduction, let me explain. I'm on a business trip for two weeks to the city of Brotherly Love. That's right. TWO WEEKS. Without the puppies or the boy. It's a great opportunity and I'm learning a lot, but it's two weeks of relatively little contact from me for ev [..]

HGTV [Blog] Mention!

Published on 2012-06-12 22:25:01

I don't normally post about features the blog gets, but I'm pretty stunned and excited about this. I realize it may not be a big deal to most of you, but I was seriously excited... my blog and the paint chip art got mentioned on HGTV's blog here

Polka Dot Wreath: The Interchangeable Wreath Returns!

Published on 2012-06-12 11:00:22

After I made the Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day wreath attachments for my interchangeable yarn wreath, I was out of ideas for creating attachments... at least until we got to around July 4th. Somehow, the inspiration was not striking me and I had so little time for crafting that an older solid color wreath went up on the door and that was it. But then inspiration struck around graduation time when I knew people would be coming to the apartment. I was feeling particularly school spirit-y a [..]

Beach Trip! (Part 1)

Published on 2012-06-11 13:00:06

I thought it was time I share some photos of a recent adventure with you guys... especially since I've been falling down on the crafting job! So, here's a quick photo diary of the trip to Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) recently! You can see the storms we drove into and through for a bit... The boyfriend was pretty excited about going fishing from the beach. He bought a fishing license for the ocean and some coolers that were not just about holding Diet Cokes! Our hotel was pretty... or t [..]

Etched Martini Glasses

Published on 2012-06-04 00:50:44

I made this project for my sister's birthday a few months ago, but the pictures weren't great so I hesitated to share this. But I haven't gotten too much crafting done and I do think the project is pretty cute, so I'm going with it... I saw cute little martini glasses at the Dollar Store and then I wanted to customize them a little bit before I gave them to my sis for her apartment. Unfortunately I was pretty rushed on this project so the pictures are not good, but I figured I'd share because i [..]

Guest Post: Amber of Snidbits

Published on 2012-05-30 10:00:15

Yesterday you saw Amber's craft interview and today she's back to share a tutorial for making your car a little more fun (with something I never would have thought of)! Without further ado, here's Amber... I'm a Southern girl who likes to bake, read, blog, and make fun stuff! I blog about recipes (those that turned out great and those that...didn't), book reviews and craft projects I've both attempted (like these DIY felt flower clips I made recently) and those I want to try :) I recently bo [..]

Crafty Interview: Amber of Snidbits

Published on 2012-05-29 10:00:04

I'm excited to introduce you to a blogger you may not know about because crafting is just one of her talents! Amber of Snidbits often does book review and a monthly book giveaway as well as sharing recipes, crafts, and great blogs. Amber is the next awesome guest blogger and she's graciously agreed to answer the crafty questions! When and how did you start being crafty? I’ve always loved crafty things! It’s only been since last year that I started letting it show on my blog :) When [..]

Mossy Monogram

Published on 2012-05-24 23:30:01

I'm back from the beach (it was WONDERFUL! Instagram and camera phone pictures had major problems so I apologize for the lack of photo updates, but I'm working on it!) and I know I haven't posted too much of my own crafty work recently and so I thought I'd share this one that I made, took awhile to write up, and then took some sweet time in publishing... so at last, enjoy the mossy monogram tutorial! You all know I love monograms (like any good Southern girl) and last year I loved the moss-cove [..]

sneakpeeq Winner!

Published on 2012-05-24 23:13:27

While on vacation, I realized that I didn't exactly pick and post the winner of the $25 sneakpeeq giveaway that ended last week and I'm so sorry! But I did it! When I got the list of people who entered the giveaway, it turned out only 5 people entered! If I'd known, I would have tried to promote the giveaway a bit better, but congrats to those that did enter and I'm so sorry I didn't announce this sooner. I counted how many people entered the giveaway and numbered them like that...

Gone to the Beach!

Published on 2012-05-20 14:00:05

By the time you're reading this, the boyfriend and I will hopefully be sitting on a beach and relaxing (or at least close to that point)! We decided we needed a break and after graduation and other fiery hoops we successfully jumped through, it seemed like a reasonable idea. I'll be back late Thursday and probably won't check emails or comments or anything internet-required until Friday. Hope you all are having fun and getting ready for summer now too!

Blog Olympics: The Olympic Torch!

Published on 2012-05-20 00:11:20

Guess what? The 2012 Summer Olympics are coming soon and we are so excited! To help get in the spirit of the Olympics and to add a bloggy spin of our own we will be hosting a 6 week Bloggy Olympics! There will be 18 different blogs (crazy, right? I think you mean crazy awesome!) participating over 6 weeks and 6 events from June 9th - July 21st. Each week 3 blogs will share a simple tutorial that you can copy or will get you thinking about that event’s theme. At the end of the week they will [..]

Guest Post: Angie of Desperate Houselife

Published on 2012-05-15 10:00:10

You saw her answers to the crafty questions yesterday and today Angie is back to share a crafty tutorial with us all! Most people know that I'm a sucker for jewelry (one of my favorite student reviews was from a student who said she loved to sit in the front of the class and see the different necklaces I wore!) and so I'm super-excited that Angie is sharing how to make a super-cute bracelet with us today! Hi, I am Angie from Desperate Houselife, a blog that focuses primarily on crafts and all [..]

Crafty Interview: Angie of Desperate Houselife

Published on 2012-05-14 10:00:02

One of the best parts of all these guest posts has been discovering some wonderful new bloggers (or bloggers who are new to me) and Angie is a prime example! Her blog Desperate Houselife is super-cute (her doodle blog background is awesome!) and she has some great jewelry tutorials. She's also a lot more fashion-y and has great fashion tutorials and highlights as well as great deals and sales she's found because she posts a little bit more often than yours truly! Today you'll get to learn a bit [..]

Graduation Day!

Published on 2012-05-11 10:45:28

Today I'll officially be Dr. Mel because it's graduation day! A lot of emotions and mostly I still can't believe it's real... it's been a very, very long journey and there were many times I wasn't sure I'd ever get to this point. But it's here! And the boyfriend got me the best graduation present. EVER. The front has "PhD" on the left pocket. And this is the back... I think we have to go out so that I can wear this and be awesome. And epic. Because this is so true... my dissertation was a [..]

Guest Post: Mallory of Purplest Pecalin

Published on 2012-05-07 10:00:01

Mallory of Purplest Pecalin is back! Today she's sharing a recipe for something I am seriously hoping I can make... or convince the boyfriend to make immediately. I'm pretty sure never having had one qualifies as an emergency...

Crafty Interview: Mallory of Purplest Pecalin

Published on 2012-05-06 10:00:06

I'm so excited to introduce you to one of my favorite bloggers who has somehow not appeared here before - Mallory of Purplest Pecalin! The story behind the blog name is pretty awesome (at least in my opinion) plus Mallory makes fabulous (yummy!) projects and uses amazing (underutilized) words like "wanderluster." So, today Mallory answers the crafty questions and she'll be back with a tutorial tomorrow! When and how did you start being crafty? I’ve always been the kid [..]

sneakpeeq Giveaway!

Published on 2012-05-04 21:32:12

I think most of you guys know that I am a big fan of internet shopping and daily deals-type sites... if I'd had time, I might have had a nervous breakdown when Heartsy went away because I loved it so much. But, I'm pretty excited to tell you all about a new site called sneakpeeq and to celebrate/encourage to you to sign up, they're going to do a giveaway for a $25 gift card to sneakpeeq here! sneakpeeq It's like shopping with friends through social media. I asked the awesome contact person I've [..]

Guest Post: Kristi of The Night Life of a Scientist

Published on 2012-05-01 14:59:08

I'm excited to introduce you to the crafty side of another scientist - Kristi of The Night Life of a Scientist. She's back today to share an awesome artsy tutorial with us all! I'll let Kristi take it away from here... Hi, I'm Kristi, visiting from my blog The Night Life of a Scientist.

Crafty Interview: Kristi of The Night Life of a Scientist

Published on 2012-04-30 16:50:32

I'm super-excited because our next guest blogger is another crafty scientist! As you all know by now, I get pretty enthusiastic about other ladies out there who do the science-y thing AND have a creative side so I'm excited to introduce her to you guys (if you haven't discovered her and her blog already).... meet Kristi of The Night Life of a Scientist! Her interview is here today and you should check back tomorrow for an awesome tutorial on how to preserve some memories in a crafty way! W [..]

Blog Resources You Should Explore

Published on 2012-04-30 01:13:38

I don't usually think I'm particularly ahead of the curve on blog stuff... most of the time, I think I catch on way after everyone else. And I'm not totally sure if I actually discovered this sort of early on, but I think there's a chance I might have so I feel obligated to share this with you... I was sad that BlogLovin' didn't let you see who was following you (so you could follow them back), but I liked how easy and fast it was to navigate and get updates from blogs you like. Linky Followers [..]

Guest Post: Lindsay from Painting Lilies

Published on 2012-04-27 23:48:37

I'm so excited to share Lindsay's guest post today - it's something I haven't shared much of at all, but I know people are crazy interested in it... blog design! Lindsay has an awesome blog called Painting Lilies and she designed herself with all kinds of other cool social media stuff that impresses me and makes me feel like I need to re-vamp this little blog and all my social media networking... and today she's here to help us all do just that! So here's Lindsay... Hi, I'm Lindsay from Pain [..]

Crafty Interview: Lindsay of Painting Lilies

Published on 2012-04-26 15:22:31

Today we have an interview with Lindsay of Painting Lilies! Sometimes I don't really know all the super-cool bloggers and this might be one of those times... I only discovered Lindsay and her awesome blog recently (and technically, she found me). I'm not sure how I didn't know about her blog before, but it's awesome and her design is gorgeous! Read a little about Lindsay here, check out her blog, and then come back tomorrow for lessons from her on how to make your blog gorgeous! When and [..]

How to Watermark Your Pics: A Blogging Tutorial

Published on 2012-04-25 13:02:34

In the sad, sad days after Picnik, I've been scrambling to figure out how I'm going to edit my photos for the blog. You know, after I get my life back, start crafting, taking pictures, and uploading those pictures. Minor details like that... After some exploring and playing with different options, I too am finding myself jumping on the PicMonkey bandwagon. At least for watermarking my photos. There are a lot of tutorials out there for how to watermark your photos using Photoshop or text-only w [..]

Guest Post: Priscilla of Thrifty Crafty Girl

Published on 2012-04-23 11:38:03

I'm super-excited to share Priscilla's tutorial with you all.... now that I'm doing embroidery, I think I might need one of these for finishing off my projects. And Priscilla had me doubled over with laughter so hopefully you all will appreciate her awesome post too! Without further ado, here's Priscilla... Hi there Crafty Scientist readers! I'm Priscilla and I blog over at Thrifty Crafty Girl. I'm so excited to be guest posting over here today, because I assume that as a guest, I will be rec [..]

Crafty Interview: Priscilla of Thrifty Crafty Girl

Published on 2012-04-23 11:37:18

I know I always say this, but it's still really true... I'm excited to introduce you all to Priscilla of Thrifty Crafty Girl. If you've never checked out her blog, you should - this gal is hilaaaarrious! (She told me the interview was like Barbara Walters and Angelina Jolie, only younger and hotter... LOVE it!) When and how did you start being crafty? I have been crafty since I was a little girl.

Guest Post: Robin of Stamping Country

Published on 2012-04-19 10:00:09

You read about her yesterday and today Robin of Stamping Country is back to share a very fun tutorial with us! Hello friends! I'm so excited to share with you today.

Crafty Interview: Robin of Stamping Country

Published on 2012-04-18 10:00:09

I'm excited to introduce you to our next guest poster, Robin of Stamping Country. She's another new blog discovery for me and make some amazing things with stamps, paper, and cards that I can only dream of! But she's here to answer crafty questions today and she'll be back with a tutorial tomorrow! When and how did you start being crafty? When my middle son was in High School, I started scrapbooking.

Guest Post: Jenna of It's Just Called Spicy

Published on 2012-04-14 10:00:06

I'm so excited to share this guest post with you... and possibly more excited to try out this yummy recipe! I'm seriously drooling looking at these pics... YUM! I'll let Jenna take over and tell you all about it!

Crafty Interview: Jenna of It's Just Called Spicy

Published on 2012-04-13 10:00:05

I decided it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming... and with that announcement, I'm excited to introduce you all to our next guest blogger - Jenna of It's Just Called Spicy! You might have checked out her blog already because I've had her button posted as a Blog BFF and I shared her personalized family wall art here too. But now she's back to answer the crafty interview questions AND tomorrow she'll share a recipe for what I'm tentatively calling my favorite food! [..]

Call Me Dr. Mel!

Published on 2012-04-09 13:34:47

Well, at least 25% of my committee was ready to call me doctor! The others say it's supposed to wait until I get the hood at graduation, but at least one followed the tradition of saying "Congratulations, doctor" when they told me I passed after I defended my dissertation. So wonderful - thank you all for thinking great thoughts and sending prayers my way! I'm thrilled to have completed milestone and I'm ready to celebrate! : )

The Eve of the Defense

Published on 2012-04-08 22:03:16

I defend my dissertation tomorrow. At 11:30am EST. Hopefully you'll be able to call me "Dr. Mel" very soon... (even though just typing that makes me feel like I jinxed it)! For now, I'm kind of a nervous wreck. So if you wanted to send some good thoughts my way, you should feel free to do so. I think I'll need them. And I promise to try to tweet the results before collapsing in exhaustion and excitement tomorrow.

Easter Egg Adventures

Published on 2012-04-06 15:25:16

Last year I demanded that the boyfriend make pretty Easter eggs with me... I'm pretty sure I got to do this at least once as a child, but I delight in making all kinds of crafts usually reserved for kids so this was an obvious win. I'd also just gotten my new awesome super-badass DSLR camera last year at this time so I took a few pictures of the process and results. Sadly, I didn't get my act together to share them before Easter, but it kind of works out perfectly this year because I don't have [..]

Guest Post: Sasha of Creations By Sasha

Published on 2012-04-05 10:00:02

You read her interview yesterday and now Sasha is back to share an awesome tutorial for something that I'm pretty excited to make... Spring Garden Herb Markers! Hi everyone! I want to thank Mel for hosting me today. I’m a huge fan of her blog so I’m excited to so you guys a little bit about what goes on at Creations By Sasha. I’m all about all things crafty. My business is all about inspiring folks through decorative elements in their home and with their memories. So please, stop by and [..]

Crafty Interview: Sasha of Creations by Sasha

Published on 2012-04-04 10:00:08

Our next guest poster is the talented Sasha of Creations by Sasha! She has an awesome blog, which you can find from her AWESOME website with her creations and super-fun web design! For now, check out her interview questions and answers, check out her site, and come back tomorrow for her tutorial! When and how did you start being crafty? I started my craftiness back in high school. I went to a scrapbook party and branched out from there. I’m really into card making now and started gettin [..]

New Buttons for You!

Published on 2012-03-31 22:02:26

I decided to make a few new buttons for my awesome guest bloggers and to just match the other updated buttons I've made recently... let me know what you think of these and please take 1 (or 2 or more)! (And feel free to re-size to fit your blog and design - I just made them a little bigger here so that you could see all the gorgeousness a bit better!) As always, you can find the whole collection of buttons on the Badges page. The first one is an update for the crafty scientists out there... [..]

Guest Post: Christine of Projects Around the House

Published on 2012-03-29 10:00:12

Today I'm honored to say that we have an awesome post from Christine at Projects Around the House! And not only that, but it's her first guest post so I'm extra excited and hope you guys will show her blog some love! I hope you enjoyed her interview and now she's back with an awesome wearable tutorial to help you look fun and pretty for spring! I love making fake flower headbands. They are quick and easy and make great gifts. Plus they are so much cheaper to make yourself than to buy at the [..]

Crafty Interview: Christine of Projects Around the House

Published on 2012-03-28 14:28:11

I'm super-excited to introduce you to our next guest post-er - Christine of Projects Around the House! Christine is definitely multi-talented - she crochets and makes YUMMY food and drinks and jewelry... definitely some of my favorite things! I'm also extra-excited because tomorrow's tutorial will be Christine's first official guest post and she decided to share it here! So check out her interview answers and learn a little about this crafty chick, sneak a peak at her blog, and remember to come [..]

11 Things Game: Part 2

Published on 2012-03-26 10:00:03

I told you guys I was tagged to play the 11 things game, but it was going to take me some time... so while I'm taking a mental break, I filled out Darby's questions first and here are my answers! (And because I can't deal with posts that don't have any pictures, I'm throwing in some gratuitous puppy pics!) Mr. Max and his delightful snaggletooth! 1. Why did you start blogging?

Tag, I'm It!

Published on 2012-03-25 13:21:13

Months later and while I do not have time to be crafty, I figured I should handle this... some lovely crafty ladies tagged me to participate in this little game - Darby of

27!

Published on 2012-03-25 09:30:01

Today is my 27th birthday! I'm mostly trying to get my act together because a final draft of my dissertation is due to my committee tomorrow (that means my dissertation defense is in two weeks). So the result is that this is my fun for today... a collection of 27 facts and trivia! (And yes, this was the fun part of my day... the break from working on my dissertation! As my mom pointed out, this may not be a birthday I remember the content of, but I'll always remember all about it because of the [..]

Guest Post: Laura of Smallgood Hearth

Published on 2012-03-23 10:00:15

I'm SOOOO excited that Laura is sharing this awesome project with us today - it's perfect for March Madness (and NC State is even playing today so it's super-timely), upcycling, writers and sporty gals... so it's right up my alley! Here's Laura from Smallgood Hearth's awesome crafty tutorial! Thanks Mel for a chance to guest post on your blog.

Crafty Interview: Laura of Smallgood Hearth

Published on 2012-03-22 10:00:03

My First Embroidery + Free Pattern!

Published on 2012-03-10 07:23:30

I've recently taken up embroidery and I'm absolutely LOVING it! It all started with this book - Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray. Best $8 I've spent in awhile (on Amazon Prime - free shipping)! I knew NOTHING about embroidery and now you'll see the project I'm working on... I'd say it's pretty darn effective! I've been busy making some things from that book, but then I wanted to make a little something for St. Paddy's Day and I realized that it's crazy easy to make little embroidery patterns [..]

Quatrefoil Bulletin Board

Published on 2012-03-01 09:00:15

With St. Patrick's Day coming up, it seemed like the perfect time to get my act together and post some pictures of my green quatrefoil bulletin board. This project started because I got a nice office with a real desk at school and I wanted to make it a little prettier and stop keeping all my important papers on magnetic clips on the side of a file cabinet. And this is what I came up with... Here's what you'll need - Giant bulletin board Green, white, silver paint Big and little paintbrushe [..]

BlogLovin' Love

Published on 2012-02-29 20:00:20

I hopped on the train with Linky Followers and I've always had BlogLovin, but never really cared for it... however, I've checked it out again recently and like it a TON more! It doesn't have the GFC-like widget, but it's a lot more user-friendly. Basically, I can actually figure out how to easily read blogs I like from BL and add blogs that I like (without worrying about if they use BL). To celebrate my renewed excitement in Bloglovin, I'm joining the Bloglovin blog hop hosted by The N [..]

New Button + Blog Design Resources

Published on 2012-02-27 19:10:41

I've been updating the blog design and wanted to make a new blog button to go with the updated design and so now there's the new button above and with the scrolling text box so you can grab the code below. But I've gotten quite a few questions after the most recent blog design updates so I thought I'd post a few more resources that I've found and remind you of some oldies, but goodies (the classics)! The Tutorials & Info This post is the first one I provided about blog design and resour [..]

Interchangeable St. Patrick's Day Wreath

Published on 2012-02-24 02:06:56

I absolutely loved how the Interchangeable Valentine's Day Wreath turned out and I was eager to see how switching the wreath over for the next holiday was... and seriously, it was CRAZY EASY! I'm so excited about all the possibilities for this because I think the St. Paddy's Day one turned out gorgeously! Here's what I used for this one... Green felt (a variety of greens) White felt Velcro strips Hot glue gun and glue sticks Thread, embroidery floss, needles, straight pin Scissors Sequins, [..]

Google+ Help and Thoughts?

Published on 2012-02-20 17:39:36

I know I had some links to helpful tips and advice about Google+ when it first came out, but now I'm struggling with it a bit more and I'm hoping you all have some ideas and advice, resources and tips... anything! Basically, I'm trying to figure out how to manage my personal identity and page with a public page for the blog. I first created a page with my regular personal account, but then I can't really make circles or get the fun stuff with that page and basically no one is in any circles and [..]

Scientist Elsewhere: Two Girls Being Crafty for 12 Days of Christmas

Published on 2012-02-19 20:00:10

In case you missed this, I shared this little tutorial for a lemon hand scrub (with free printables) over at Two Girls Being Crafty (the actual post is here) as part of their 12 Days of Christmas Series. I love to make projects using stuff I already have and that don't usually take too long and this Lemon Hand Scrub is a perfect example of that. I actually found the recipe for this lemon hand scrub here at Under the Table and Dreaming last year and made some of it to give as gifts to frien [..]

Sequin Ornaments Tutorial

Published on 2012-02-19 19:59:18

Even though I haven't been blogging, I have been creating! This is the first year the boyfriend and I have had a Christmas tree and it's been ridiculously exciting... at least for me! (The boyfriend has taken care of chopping down the tree at the farm, bringing it back, setting it up... the un-fun stuff, so he's a little less excited, but he got into decorating with me eventually and even made some of these beauties!) I got the idea for these from an ornament kit that the boyfriend's mom got me [..]

Christmas Cards

Published on 2012-02-19 19:57:53

This year I decided to make Christmas and Hanukkah cards for friends and family. I had tons of fun browsing the internet and card/scrapbook magazine I subscribed to for a year (several years ago). I'm not sharing the Hanukkah ones because my family actually reads this blog (at least occasionally some of them read it), but I'm pretty proud of the Christmas ones and wanted to show them off! This one was just different scrapbook papers, some of the rhinestones I used on the red rhinestones (tha [..]

Homemade Ornaments

Published on 2012-02-19 19:56:47

Since this was the first year the boyfriend and I had our own tree, there was lots of ornament making around here. I've already shared a couple I've made, but here are a few more I've made... (and I made all of them very quickly and with supplies I already had)! Poinsettia felt flower ornament - I made this using the template from Kaboose that I found here. (And the free template is still up so you can get your own!) Candy Cane felt ornament (sewed up with embroidery floss) - I made this [..]

Bokeh

Published on 2012-02-19 19:56:11

For the first time, I had both a Christmas tree and a DSLR to set up some pretty bokeh shots... or at least try! In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a big fan of Kevin & Amanda and the tutorials from their site and I was mostly inspired by this wonderful tutorial Amanda posted for creating your own bokeh lenses/filters/shapes here and that's what I used to try to get some good shots. I should probably be a lot more embarrassed to share these, but I'm more proud of myself and fascinated by the combi [..]

Ribbon Loop Wreath

Published on 2012-02-19 19:55:34

I'm sure you've all seen variations of this wreath before, but I've loved them for awhile now and had just been waiting for Hobby Lobby to put their ribbon on super-sale and then I had to pick a color and grab my supplies. Somehow that took a little while, but I'm thrilled with the result! I mostly used this tutorial from Jen at Tatertots and Jello (for her Halloween wreath), but since I don't sew or have a sewing machine, I made my own no-sew version! Here's how you can make your own... [..]

Paint Chip Quatrefoil Art

Published on 2012-02-19 19:54:58

Happy 2012 everyone! I was hoping to start the year with something exciting so I'm just going to dive into a project that took me FOREVER to get done, but it's completed and displayed on the wall so it's finally done and I can show you what I made! By now, you all know how much I LOVE my paint chips. So it probably shouldn't shock you to learn that when I saw this AMAZING quatrefoil wall art that Artsy Fartsy Mama made, I decided to make my own... out of paint chips! Lucky for me, Lindsay (the [..]

Paper Cone Wreath

Published on 2012-02-19 19:54:30

I saw this spectacularly gorgeous paper cone wreath that Laura over at The Corner House blog made and I had to try it! I didn't have the 3" paper punch, but for some reason, I thought I could still do this. And somehow, that wasn't even why the first version of this was kind of a craft fail... But luckily, I tried again and made an awesome version of this wreath for my sister's new apartment and I absolutely love it! Seriously, it was totally worth the time and effort and it's really not someth [..]

Linky Followers

Published on 2012-02-18 17:32:09

As we've already established, I am the kid that would follow the others off the ledge of the cliff for what I imagine are fruit snacks or baby animals at the bottom, and so like all the cool kid bloggers, I'm now on Linky Followers... Google Friend Connect (GFC) is being discontinued and so I think I'm safe from this for at least a little while (since I'm on Blogger and I thought Blogger people were getting to keep this feature the longest... but that might be a rumor), but I figured I'd check t [..]

Cabochon Earrings

Published on 2012-02-18 01:18:15

I have had very VERY little time for crafting recently... the dissertation and then crazy puppy (mis)adventures (everyone is fine or getting there, but it was a little stressful for Mr. Max for a bit) and so I don't really have any incredibly detailed tutorials... so I decided I'd share some little things that I'd made recently here (because everyone needs a quick little project sometimes)! : ) This project started because I had some cabochons leftover from my cabochon + filigree necklace and t [..]

Interchangeable Valentine's Day Wreath

Published on 2012-02-06 00:00:51

The boyfriend and I are running out of wreath storage space so I decided to make one big yarn-wrapped wreath and then make seasonal, interchangeable little add-ons for various holidays. So, this is the first version - complete for Valentine's Day! Here's how I made it and what you'll need... Straw wreath form and yarn Felt, felt scraps Regular thread, embroidery thread Sequins, beads, small needles for both Scissors Velcro Hot glue gun and glue sticks Ribbon (to hang up the wreath) Cotton [..]

Yarn Pom Pom Wreath

Published on 2012-02-01 15:32:19

I like making wreaths and I figured one of the easiest ways to make some fun stuff for my sister's apartment was to create some wreaths that she could put on her door or inside the apartment. This yarn pom pom wreath was something I saw online (a gorgeous snowflake one here at Decor to Adore and another one here at bleubird) and then figured I could make AND it would be different from the others I'd made her AND somewhat durable. I knew the Duke Wreath might fall apart before it got to her apart [..]

Science News - Wish Me Luck!

Published on 2012-01-28 01:09:49

I almost never post anything particularly real life related or science-y, but I just wanted to tell you all that I've been pretty quiet on the blog front recently because I'm proposing my dissertation on Friday (THIS Friday - eeeeek)! After that, I'm going to be back full force and I honestly can't wait to get to that point... for those of you not familiar with this process, I still have to come back and defend this thing in May, which is the really big deal and when I'm basically really done. [..]

Dissertation Proposal Success!

Published on 2012-01-28 01:09:24

I am absolutely THRILLED to be able to tell all of you that I successfully proposed my dissertation today! I was a nervous wreck, but it went pretty darn well, if I do say so myself! I just wanted to say a HUUUUUGE thank you to all of you guys that sent good thoughts and prayers my way! Plus, all the well-wishing and tweets and emails were just wonderful and amazing and I feel so lucky to be able to ask you guys for support and get such an INCREDIBLE response! Basically, I'm feeling like a VER [..]

Key Holder

Published on 2012-01-23 21:11:26

I know how much the boyfriend and I like our key/leash holder by our front door - keeps us sane and the keys and leashes in one, predictable place (unlike everything else we own). So I decided to make one for my sis. This was another project made in the insane pre-Chrismukkah time so there aren't a ton of pictures of the progress, but I think that with some info and the pictures I do have, it shouldn't be a problem! Here's how I made this little gift for my sis... Glossy Mod Podge a [..]

Max's New Blanket

Published on 2012-01-21 23:25:55

My grandmother knitted Bella blankets many moons ago and she actually knitted Max a small blanket that we sometimes put on him like a cape. She's been working on a larger blanket for Max and she finally finished it and sent it and Max is in love! My grandmother made the blanket in purple and orange for Clemson and Max just looks so cute in it! With his all-time favorite toy ever - his stuffed elephant that he suckles on A LOT. In his day time bed... that's right, he also has a night t [..]

Updated Blog Design

Published on 2012-01-20 01:20:10

I decided that 2012 should mean a new blog design for me... so I've been working on that and you might see a few new things already. I'm not quite sure how much of a make-over I want to give the blog, but I did want to just add a few more "science-y" touches and update the design and freshen it up! But for now, you'll notice a new header (there's a little preview at the top of this post!) and the buttons for all of the categories (e.g., the crafty tutorials, supply-related roundups, free printab [..]

Glittered Snowflake Wreath

Published on 2012-01-15 18:11:07

I bought these foam snowflakes from the Walmart clearance section more than a year ago and I had no idea what I was going to do with them. I just knew that for $1.50 for a giant package of three colors, I had to get them and I could somehow make something cool. Unfortunately, it took me about a year. But I'm pretty pleased with the result and even more pleased with how little glitter ended up on the floor and the desk and the chair and the puppies! Here's how I did it... Foam snowflakes G [..]

Jars to Vases: Upcycled Decor

Published on 2012-01-13 14:59:00

The boyfriend's mom saved several Starbucks bottles for me - she washed them out and then asked if I could make them into something pretty, maybe some vases. I excitedly got to work in the middle of the frantic Chrismukkah crafting and got these ready to give her as part of her gift. While it was awesome for her, I definitely didn't get nearly as many pictures as I would had I not been crafting like a crazy lady amid stacks and stacks of supplies and projects in progress! But, here's what I mana [..]

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