A blog and podcast for those who love everything handmade

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Grand Rapids Press Art & Craft Column

Charity Crafting Craft Columns Crochet
Proof That Craft Makes The World A Better Place

by jennifer January 25, 2012

by jennifer January 25, 2012

A couple weeks back when I thought my column writing days were numbered, I had a bit of a panic because I came…
Grand Rapids Knitting Reupholstery
A knitting love story & a behind-the-scenes look at my upholstery adventure

by jennifer February 15, 2009February 15, 2009

by jennifer February 15, 2009February 15, 2009

I’ve been very busy writing loads of stories for my newpaper. Here’s a look at today’s crafty offerings that might be of interest.…
Craft Columns Grand Rapids Jewelry
West Michigan Jewelry Artist Combines Aluminum and Resin to Create Reversible Bling

by jennifer February 8, 2009February 9, 2009

by jennifer February 8, 2009February 9, 2009

I’m a reformed gamer, but when I met jewelry artist Sarah Martin at an art show in 2007 my childhood obsession with 1980s…
CPSIA Craft Columns Grand Rapids Made in USA
West Michigan sounds off about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

by jennifer January 25, 2009January 25, 2009

by jennifer January 25, 2009January 25, 2009

Like so many other makers and fans of the handmade movement, I’m very disappointed that lawmakers passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act…
Craft Columns Knitting Videos wool
Cranking Out Wool Socks: A Column & Video About Antique Sock Machines

by jennifer December 21, 2008December 21, 2008

by jennifer December 21, 2008December 21, 2008

Today my Grand Rapids Press art & craft column is about Mike Bronkema, a fire-fighting farmer who cranks out cozy socks on one…
Craft Columns Fiber Art Quilting Tutorials
A Celebration of Quilts and Their Makers

by jennifer July 20, 2008July 24, 2008

by jennifer July 20, 2008July 24, 2008

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Clark, the fascinating Grand Haven, Mich. quilter I profiled in today’s art and column.…

6 days ago by craftsanity Lavender farming is hard work. Today I’ve spent hours harvesting, bundling, and hanging it up to dry. I also prepped four cups worth for a very experimental batch of essential oil. And, after all that, there is more to harvest. This is a fantastic problem to have and I’m thrilled. #lavender #lavenderharvest #suburbanfarming #herbs #farmdreams #diyessentialoil #growyourown
5 days ago by craftsanity Here’s a scene from my Sunday morning walk. I really enjoy watching these wild sunflowers bloom in the same place every year. I might order seeds and add them to my garden next year so I can watch the whole process up close. If more people took the time to plant seeds and watch them grow, I imagine that the world would feel like a much kinder place. There’s something very calming about watching flowers bloom and I wish more people could experience the peacefulness of it. #sunflowers #plantseeds #watchflowersbloom #bloom #sundaymorning #walk #sundaymorningvibes #ontodayswalk #bluesky
4 days ago by craftsanity I wrapped up the summer lavender harvest yesterday and I’m looking forward to harvesting the next crop in the fall. #suburbanfarming #lavender #lavenderharvest #herbs #homegrown #puremichigan #farmdreams #lavenderfarm
24 hours ago by craftsanity Wow. I'm getting really sick of being called an "enemy of the people" by a self-proclaimed “very stable genius.” This nonsence needs to stop. When the leader of a free nation declares war on a free press it should be a wake up call for all of us. Journalists work tirelessly to protect the democracy and keep everyone informed. Rational people understand and support this vital work, even though it challenges them sometimes. Anyone who tries to impede the work of a free press by spewing lies about what journalists are trained to do, threatens the freedom of the entire
12 hours ago by craftsanity I grew these zinnia from seeds I secured from my local library seed exchange. Seeing the variety of blooms and knowing that a kind stranger contributed the seeds really lifts me up during these crazy times. Now I have to figure out how to save the seeds so I can make a contribution back to the seed library. #zinnia #gardentherapy #kdl #bloom #grownfromseed #garden #puremuchigan #seedswap #seedsaving #kdllibrary #kdlseedlibrary