It just amazes me how diverse The Artful Crafter has become. I love it because I’m naturally an eclectic crafter myself.

Your letters give me the impetus to research and try new things. So thank you for your letters and ongoing interest in our site.

If you have any crafting questions, click here.

We also welcome feedback or additional information on our responses. Be sure to read Don’s crafting question below. You may be just the one who can help him out!

Please take the time to check out our latest effort at “Helping Crafters to Be”. We have launched a blog, titled coincidentally, The Artful Crafter Blog. Here you’ll find something new every day, from crafting-for-profit advice to links to new patterns and project ideas.

Finally, our crafts calendar is looking a little bare. Some visitors have written expressing the idea that we should include events outside of the United States.

This was our intention from the beginning. Feel free to add events anywhere in the world. You can even send your notices in a foreign language, but if you do, please format them so I can just cut and paste the information. My keyboard only does English.

Use the link above to send in your suggestions.

Eileen

Make Your Own Beaded Sandals

I hope the glam fashion look stays around for a while because I love beads and anything beaded.

I’ve had my eye on a pair of very expensive beaded sandals; but finally decided I just couldn’t justify spending such an obscene amount of money for a pair of shoes.

So I made my own. What a great feeling to think of all the money I saved when I wear my glittery “designer” shoes!

To see a photo and directions on how to bead you own shoes, read Make Your Own Beaded Sandals.

Decoupage Under Glass

Decoupage is a lot of fun and the results are very satisfying. If you haven’t tried it or are looking for a new project, read Decoupage Under Glass.

Decoupage plates are not just pretty, they’re practical.

Unlike other dishware crafts (such as polymer clay dishes and bowls or hand painted plates and cups), you can actually use decoupaged glass plates for food. Since all the glue, sealer, etc. are applied to the bottom of the glass, they do not come into contact with your food.

Campaign to Bring Back the Handwritten Note

Some of my friends have been lamenting the death of the handwritten note. It’s just so much more personal than e-mail. One of their complaints is that you can hardly find classy blank note cards anymore.

I really enjoy crafting with the computer, so this was a project that was pure fun as well as profitable.

The cards cost about 30 cents to make and would sell for $1.50.

Find my design and instructions for 3-D Botanical Note Cards here.

Reader Letter of the Month

Could someone help me solve a Popsicle stick glue joint problem? I am in a contest in which I need to glue Popsicle sticks together for strength.

I am having a problem achieving a strong joint because of some kind of coating that comes on the surface of the sticks.

I have purchased sticks from many sources, even hobby shops, and all have the same slightly shiny appearance.

I think there is some kind of substance applied during manufacturing to give them a long shelf life.

This material goes into the grain of the wood because, after sanding, enough is left behind to inhibit a strong joint.

I have tried many solvents including paint thinners, lacquer thinner and even acetone. This has helped a little but the joint still fails before the sticks break.

I am using good clamping techniques.

For this project, I am restricted to using only carpenters’ glue which is very strong under the right conditions, such as using it on a clean smooth surface. These sticks, as the come from the store, work well enough for simple craft projects but not for strong joints.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Don

When I followed up with Don and described the best technique I know of, How to Glue Popsicle Sticks, he provided additional information.

He is already using the three-layer brick design which I recommended. He entered his first Popsicle stick bridge contest last year and took home the prize.

His 2-foot long bridge built with nothing but Popsicle sticks and white glue, supported 183 lbs. before failing!

His goal this year is 200 lbs.

Can you help with his questions?