The Magic Bean

Freebie Friday - 20 Craft and DIY Tutorials with an Asian Flair

New Here?

Every Friday I share a collection of links to free craft tutorials that I find on the internet, focussing on a different theme every week.  If you are looking for something specific, use the Search box on the top left.

For the whole month of June, I'm thinking globally with craft tutorials inspired by all different exotic locales.  Last week, I featured African inspired crafts and this week I'm turning to Asia.

1.  Kicking off this week's round up is the amazing Asian Ottoman Floor Cushion tutorial on Sew4Home.  Click the link to learn how to make this ottoman yourself.

2.  Click the link to visit Sew4Home to get a tutorial on how to make this Ruched Asian Meditation Pillow - dont't know about you but I'm feeling calmer already.  Ommmmmm...

3.  Sew4Home has more Asian goodies with a tutorial on how to make this Boxed Asian Floor Pillow.

4.  Bring a touch of the East to your interiors with the Asian inspired wall treatment technique with a how-to on BHG.com.

5. Click the link to visit May Arts to learn how to make this Japanese Carp Kite from Japanese papers and ribbon.

6.  Click the link to go to MarthaStewart.com to learn how to make these decorated Japanese soaps.

7.  Click the link to visit the Lark Books blog where you'll find a tutorial on how to make this Sonoko Wave necklace designed by Sonoko Nozue as excerpted from her book Japanese Beadwork with Sonoko Nozue

 

8.  Katy from No Big Dill shared a tutorial on how to make a fabric crane which she used to make these cute as a button hair clips.  Click the link to visit Katy's blog to see how she did it.

9.  Click the link to visit Burda Style to learn how to make this Japanese fabric flower with a full tutorial.

10.  Heather Mann from Dollar Store Crafts shared a tutorial on how to make this Japanese pendant from Menko cards.

11.  Use Japanese decorative paper and a tutorial from the blog Wild Child to make these great magnets.  Click the link to get the knowledge.

12.  Washi tape has been a huge trend in crafting lately.  The Japanese patterned tape has inspired a lot of free tutorials including this list of 27 washi tape tutorials featured on UCreate.

13.  Click this link to get my very own tutorial for making this really simple Kokeshi Panel doll that you can use as a lavender sachet.

14.  In fact, if you're a doll lover here is a link to a previous Freebie Friday where I featured nothing but free Japanese doll tutorials, including these fab Japanese paper dolls.  So really that's 12 links in one!

15.  One doll tutorial not included on this list that shouldn't be missed is this free downloadable paper doll template from Paper Thin Personas called Flirty Eyese and Kimono Sleeves.

16.  Mollie Johanson shared a tutorial on how to embroider this cute little Chinese lantern on her blog Wild Olive.

17.  On her blog, For the Love of Paper, Kimberly Crawford shared a tutorial on how to make these fun paper fortune cookies.  Click the link to check it out.

18.  Click the link to visit the blog Paper Thin Personas to get a Chinese New Year free downloadable paper doll. 

19.  Click this link to visit AllAboutYou.com to learn how to make this embroidered Indian elephant and download the free pattern.

20.  Make another project with Indian flare with my own tutorial to make a Night Blooming Jasmine Panel doll.

They always say "Go West" and I say, "Go East"!  At least for this week anyway.

Freebie Friday - 20 Craft and DIY Tutorials that are Straight Out of Africa

New Here?

Every Friday I share a collection of links to free craft tutorials that I find on the internet, focussing on a different theme every week.  If you are looking for something specific, use the Search box on the top left.

This month I'm taking you around the world in 80 tutorials.  This week I'm starting with 20 tutorials ranging from interiors to fashion with some doll making tutorials thrown in, all inspired by Africa. 

1.  Click the link to visit LoveMaegan.com to get the tutorial to make this amazing DIY feather wall art piece based on an African Juju Hat.

2.  Annie who regularly blogs at Sun and Glory, guest blogged at Poppytalk where she shared this tutorial on how to make an African Mud Cloth/Textile art hanging from a paperbag.  Click the link to see how to do it.

3.  If you can't make it on an African safari you can always pretend, by making yourself this zebra striped DIY floorcloth with a tutorial from diynet.com.  Just to be clear - no zebras were harmed in the making of this floorcloth.

4.  Learn how to make African inspired beads using recycled paper with a tutorial from the blog Craft.  Click the link to learn how.

5.  If you love using seed beads you can use the African Helix Stitch to create some beautiful seed bead effects.  Watch this video from Aunties Beads to see how to do it:

 

6.  Raffia is a material that is native to Africa.  Although also associated with the South Pacific, it is in Africa that raffia has its roots.  Martha Stewart shared a number of raffia inspired projects, including some instructions on how to tart up a curtain using raffia.  Click the link to find out how to do it.

7.  Martha Stewart shows you how to use a simple stitch to dress up a plain canvas bag and hat using raffia to give it a truly sunny African touch.

8.  Even your place settings can have a touch of African inspiration with this simple idea from Martha Stewart - click the link to see how to add stitched raffia details to ready-made placemats.

9.  Keep things cool in the hot sun with these raffia pom-pom cocktail sticks - click the link to see how to do it on MarthaStewart.com.  Cheers!

10.  Click the link to visit Sew4Home to learn how to make this African inspired table mat.  Here it is used for Kwanzaa, but I think it would be great at all times of year.

11.  If you'd like to add some African inspiration to your wardrobe, try following this DIY video tutorial from Rose Gold who shows you how to customise your shoes with African fabric and Mod Podge:

 

12.  African Export shared a quick video tutorial on how to make African fabric covered earrings:

 

13.  Create a faux African batik effect using glue and the help of this simple tutorial on the blog Well Done.

14.  Visit Cheryl's blog Teach Kids Art and get the tutorial to make an African mask using scratch art.

15.  Staying on the African masks theme, learn how to decorate a standard mask available from craft suppliers to give them an African theme with this tutorial on Creativity Direct.

16.  You can also frame an African styled mask with this tutorial from Creativty Direct.

17.  The colour and pattern on these birds really screams "Africa" to me - learn how to make these birds of a different feather with a tutorial from Creativity Direct.

18.  Click the link to visit Sewing.org to learn how to make this West African inspired doll.

19.  If you love paper dolls, or enjoy making paper dolls into flat textile dolls, then you'll love this free to download "Inspired by Africa" Marisole paper doll that you'll find on the Paper Thin Personas blog.

20.  For a different take on an African inspired paper doll, check out this free downloadable African Inspired Elf Paper Doll also found on the blog Paper Thin Personas.

With these tutorials straight out of Africa, I hope you'll be inspired.

Freebie Friday - Leather Craft and DIY Tutorials

New Here?

Every Friday I hunt down the best free craft tutorials on a different theme and share the links in a weekly round-up.  If you want to find something specific, use the search box on the top left.

This week I'm rounding up some tutorials that use leather as the star of the crafty show.  I think you'll give these tutorials 5 stars.

Go on over to Chictopia to get the tutorial for how to make this leather lunch bag shared by Sylvia of LipGlossandBlack.

Matt from Wood & Faulk guest blogged over at Design Sponge and shared this very man-friendly leather lunch bag tutorial. 

Another perfect gift for guys (or girls)  - learn to make your own leather covered journal with this tutorial from the blog Ishi.  Click the link to see the how-to.

Refashion an old top with leather lacing using this tutorial from Burda Style.

Click the link to vist the blog EF to see how to repurpose an old leather garment into this fabric lined leather clutch bag. 

Learn how to make a leather cuff bracelet out of a repurposed leather belt by clicking the link to see the tutorial Vanessa Christenson, author of Make It Sew Modern shared on her blog V and Co.

Click the link to hop on over to the blog Love Aesthetics where Ivania Carpio shows you how to make this amazing leather all purpose net bag.

Michelle Cangemi shared a clever tutorial on how to make these leather flower rings on the site The Wedding Window.

Jess from the blog Time for Tea shows you how to make this statement leather fringe necklace with her fun tutorial.  I don't recommend wearing this one if you want to blend in.

Melissa Esplin also shared a tutorial for a leather statement necklace on her blog, this one with a cool colour block spin.

Art Dolls

If you're an art doll maker there are some fun leather tutorials out there for you to enjoy.

Martha Boers shared a tutorial on the site BJDCollectasy on how to make a doll size leather bag.

Also from Martha Boers, learn how to make a leather lace-up gladiator style boot for a doll with her tutorial on her blog Antique Lilac.

Another leather shoe tutorial from Martha Boers on her blog Antique Lilac, this time a simple Mary Jane styles soft leather shoe.

I think these tutorials really show how versatile leather can be and if you repurpose some old leather, it needn't be expensive.

Freebie Friday - Air Dry Clay Doll Tutorials

New Here?

Every Friday I search out the best free craft tutorials and patterns that I find on the web, focussing on a different theme every week.  To search for something specific, use the search box on the top left of the blog.

This week I'm zeroing in on tutorials on using air dry clay for making art dolls.

Click the link to visit the blog Air Dry Clay Tutorials to find the links to a tutorial for this adorable air dry clay clay doll created by Oksana Dyachenko.  The tutorial is in 6 parts and is written in Russian but Air Dry Clay Tutorials has provided links via Google Translate.  Don't miss this tutorial by Oksana as it includes sculpting in La Doll and even how to create an armature.

Click the link to see a pictorial tutorial from Hannie Sarris on how she sculpted this fairy head in air dry clay.

Sophie who blogs at Miss Sophie 7 Arts shared her in-progress photos on how she made this air dry clay and papier mache doll.  This isn't what I would consider a full tutorial, but does provide great inspiration and an idea of how Sophie works.

Moriah Betterly shared a 9 part tutorial on how to make a Folk Art paperclay doll, see the below video for part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Part 4:

 

Part 5:

 

Part 6:

 

Part 7:

 

Part 8 :

 

And finally part 9:

 

Visit the Amaco site to learn how to make these simple air dry clay angels designed by Michelle Zimmerman.

MarissArt shared a tutorial on how she used Creative Paperclay to sculpt a doll on an armature of a Styrofoam ball and a glass bottle.

Pop on over to Polka Dot Pixies to see a tutorial on how to make diminutive fairies out of air dry clay.

Rivkah Mizrahi shares a tutorial on her blog Doll Maker's Muse on how to fill in cloth doll seams with air dry clay to make it look like it is sculpted.

Air dry clay gives you lots of options as an art doll maker - if you haven't tried this medium yet, give it a try.

Freebie Friday - Button Craft Tutorials

New Here?

Every Friday I collect a range of links to tutorials I've found on the internet that fall under a certain theme. To find something specific, use the Search function at the top left.

This week I'm focussing on craft tutorials using buttons, not just as a closure, but as the star of the show!

Kristen of the blog Big Box Detox shared a tutorial to make buttons into fridge magnets. 

Jennifer Brasher who blogs at Two Butterflies shared a tutorial on how to make this beautiful button necklace.

Visit the blog BCheniful to get a tutorial to make this Cute as a Button headband.

Penny from Sew Take a Hike shared a tutorial on how to make a buttoned infinity scarf.  Click the link to visit Penny's blog.

Click here to visit Martha Stewart's website for instructions on how to make this button-up window shade.

Visit Meylah.com to see this tutorial on how to make a button bouquet.

Ashley from Little Miss Momma shared a tutorial to make a checkerboard where the pieces are buttons.

Art Dolls

Doll designer Sherry Goshon shared a free tutorial on Doll Maker's Journey on how to make a button butterfly doll.  Click the link to see how to make this little beauty.

Cloth doll artist Judi Ward shares her invisible jointing technique with buttons in the following video:

 

I think these tutorials have crafts all buttoned up.  Wouldn't you agree?

Freebie Friday - Refashioning T-Shirt Tutorials

New Here?

Every Friday I do a round-up of links to free DIY craft tutorials on a certain theme.  Stop by every Friday to check out the best of craft ideas on the net or use the Search function on the top left to search for something specific.

This week I've found some inspiring tutorials that show you how to take a plain old t-shrt and make it into something fabulous!

Laura from the blog Trash to Couture shared a tutorial on how to transform a plain V-neck shirt into a cowl neck top.  Click the link to check it out.

Laura at Trash to Couture also shared a tutorial for adding this fun convertible collar refashion on a plain crew neck t-shirt. 

And again from Laura at Trash to Couture, you can use t-shirt fabric or any stretch, drapey fabric to create a super simple convertible shawl/shrug with her tutorial.

Mandy, the author behind the blog Sugar Bee Crafts shares a great tutorial on how to refashion a men's t-shirt into this amazing shirred women's top.  The elastic thread technique Mandy shares in this tutorial is amazing so click the link to check it out. 

Anne from the blog Wobisobi created this tutorial to refashion a man's t-shirt into this no-sew waistcoat. 

Anne from Wobisobi has another idea for remaking a man's t-shirt into a new-sew waistcoat of a different design.

Cathy from Trinkets in Bloom shared a tutorial on how to turn two simple t-shirts into a simple summer dress.

Melanie who blogs at Crafty Cupboard guest blogged at Craftaholics Anonymous with a tutorial on creating a lace insert in the top of regular t-shirt.

Pop on over to Maya in the Moment to see how to re-invent a t-shirt with bleached designs with Tulip Fabric Dye.

If you are an art doll maker you can still repurpose t-shirts, this Bottled Lightening Bug tutorial is made from an old t-shirt and a repurposed Eucalan bottle.

With just a humble t-shirt you can make so much, so what are you waiting for?

Freebie Friday - Detachable Collar Tutorials

New Here?

Every Friday I do a round-up of links to free tutorials on different craft related themes.  I search out interesting tutorials on other blogs and websites and link to the tutorials or free patterns that I find.  If you are looking for something specific, use the search box on the top left.

Separate collars are hot, hot, hot right now.  Detachable collars jazz up an old outfit and become a feature more like a necklace.  

Want to see some modern takes on this vintage style?

Click here to see a tutorial on making detachable collars for yourself on Burda Style.

M&J Trimmings shared a tutorial on how to make this metallic detachable collar.

Refinery 29 has a slideshow of how to make 4 different DIY collars.  Click the link to have a look.

Kinsey at a the blog A Beautiful Mess has a fun tutorial to make a simple detachable peter pan collar.

Get a free detachable collar pattern on Grosgrain.

Casey from Casey's Elegant Musings guest blogged at Grosgrain and shared an amazing tutorial to make a faux fur collar with a fabulous vintage feel.  Click the link to see this vintage-feel tutorial.

The fab thing about removable collars is that fashion-wise they can change your look for relatively little money and work. 

And if you make art dolls I often find that separate collars work far better for getting the right look in small scale.

Freebie Friday - Free Easter Craft Project Tutorials

Easter will be upon us before we know it, with Easter falling at the end of next month, so here are some egg-cellent craft tutorials to put a spring in your step.

New to the Magic Bean?

Every Friday I do a round-up of free craft tutorials on a certain theme. So stop by every Friday for your weekly dose of free crafts, patterns and tutorials. Or browse for more free resources by combing through the "Free Craft Tutorials & Patterns" category (just click the link) or use the Google Search function on the top left of my blog to search for something specific.

Click the link to visit MarthaStewart.com to see this free tutorial on how to needle-felt this adorable Easter Bunny to herald the season.

Click the link to go to the free tutorial for this Honey Bunny photo bookmark on Martha Stewart's website.  What a cute gift and easy to make with the template and chenille stems!

Martha Stewart also has a tutorial to make simple yarn flowers that can be used as a brooch as pictured or that could embellish any number of textile projects including art dolls.

Learn how to make Easter chicks with gauze bandage and polystyrene with a tutorial from Creativity Direct.

If you've always fancied giving Paverpol a try, this Paverpol chicken figure tutorial from Creativity Direct.

Keep things bright this Easter with these felt triangular chicken using a tutorial from Creativity Direct.

This little Easter chick gets his feathered look from a painted pinecone - get the tutorial for this funny Easter fellow on Creativity Direct.

Click the link to get a tutorial on how to use silk clay and wool to make these Easter lambs, as found on the Creativity Direct website.

Pop over to the Creativity Direct website to learn how to make these felt egg cosies.

From today you've got approximately a month to get crafting for Easter, so get crackin'!

  

Freebie Friday - Craft Tutorials Using Foam

Whether you use Styrofoam, upholstery foam or foam-core, foam can be a great material to craft with.  Here are some great tutorials using foam.

New to the Magic Bean?

Every Friday I do a round-up of free craft tutorials on a certain theme. So stop by every Friday for your weekly dose of free crafts, patterns and tutorials. Or browse for more free resources by combing through the "Free Craft Tutorials & Patterns" category (just click the link) or use the Google Search function on the top left of my blog to search for something specific.

Interiors

Click here to see a tutorial for how to make a wall mounted foam-core deer head on the Chronicle Books blog as excerpted from the book Dorm Decor.

The Styrofoam Crafts site has lots of great foam tutorials, but personally, I love these 3 free e-books on decorating with foam with everything from wall art to valances for window treatments.

Visit the Craft Stylish blog to see this tutorial on how to make a foam glitter monogram as excerpted from the book The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown: 40 Fabulous Projects to Make in the Months, Weeks & Hours before Your Special Day by Khris Cochran.

Fun Figures

Click here to visit the blog Crafted to get a tutorial to make a fairy with various Styrofoam shapes.

Visit the CraftProjectIdeas.com site to get the tutorial to make these fun foam under the sea magnets.

Giving a gift of money?  Make this foam bird with a tutorial from Mel Designs.

Pop over to Creative Dish to get a tutorial for making a Styrofoam Kokeshi Doll.

Art Doll Tutorials

Hop on over to the Craftside blog to see how to melt and sculpt foam to make a basket for an art doll as excerpted from Patti Medaris Culea's book Creative Cloth Doll Collection: A Complete Guide to Creating Figures, Faces, Clothing, Accessories, and Embellishments

Craft Tools

Make your own stamps with fun foam with a tutorial from Rachel Hinderliter on her blog Lines Across.

A fun craft for decorating your studio or a great gift for a knitter friend, click here to see a tutorial for making this knitter's ornament from a Styrofoam ball as found on the Styrofoam site and designed by Kathleen George.

Foam is a very diverse material and these tutorials should keep you foaming at the mouth with excitment.

 

Freebie Friday - Tutorials for Crafts Made from Hardware

The humble hardware store can produce some inspiration for crafts of all kinds.  Here some crafts made from hardware.

New to the Magic Bean?

Every Friday I do a round-up of free craft tutorials on a certain theme. So stop by every Friday for your weekly dose of free crafts, patterns and tutorials. Or browse for more free resources by combing through the "Free Craft Tutorials & Patterns" category (just click the link) or use the Google Search function on the top left of my blog to search for something specific.

Interior Ideas

Click here to see a tutorial on how to make a cupcake stand out of hardware from Lowe's Creative Ideas.

Create a hardware monogram with a tutorial from Lowe's Creative Ideas.

Use only three U-bend pipes, superglue and a candle to create this candle holder with a tutorial on the blog Don't Interrupt Me I'm Talking to Myself.  The tutorial is in German but if you use Google Translate you'll find the tutorial is understandable.

Pop over to this link at Garden Therapy to see how to make hand-stamped metal plant tags from washers.

With another project for your garden, you'll find out how to make a low cost hardware store hanging wind chime with instructions from Too Many Projects on Instructables.

Jewellery

Visit this link at Momtastic.com to see how to make a glorious looking bracelet from hardware components.

Daniela Jacobs guest blogged at Refinery 29 and used a slideshow tutorial to show how to make geometric hoop earrings from hardware.

Natasha from Little Pink Monster shows you how to assemble a hardware inspired bracelet with this tutorial.

Click here to visit Lex's blog to find a tutorial to make a washer necklace.

Art Doll Inspiration

Raid the hardware store to make an art doll armature using this tutorial from Paint-Sculpt.com.

Why not take a trip through your hardware store to see what sort of inspiration you can find?