Sunday, June 05, 2011

Craft Help, Please!

This weekend I've been on a craft kick. Or more of a craft search kick as I'm not actually doing anything. I'm planning projects for when I return. 

Caitlin sent me a website: Craft Gawker and I have spent a lot of time going through that. It's fun. It makes me want to buy a sewing machine. And then learn how to sew.

Here's where I need help. I have some things from Bulgaria that I want to eventually showcase. But I'm not really sure what to do.  

Project 1:
One of the things I have is old Bulgarian money from the Communist era. (And a lot of 1000 dinari bills from the former Yugoslavia.) It's pretty awesome. Too bad it's not real money.



I called my mom to ask her for some ideas. She was an Art major back in the day. We talked about a Mod Podge'd table top or TV trays. Right now I'm leaning towards the TV tray idea. I checked out Craigslist and found sets of 4 for about $20. (Or maybe my parents will give me theirs for free!) 

Has anyone done one of those types of projects? I've found all sorts of how-to/DIY websites but I'm still scared. I have these crafty ideas but it seems like often they never turn out too cute...

Project 2:
My other non-existent project is with postcards. I've collected postcards from the places I've visited since I've lived in Bulgaria. And I have no idea what to do with them. Right now I have 12 but am planning on adding six more during my after Peace Corps travels. 

I'd thought about doing some kind of framing but no doubt it would get ridiculously expensive for any kind of custom framing or matting. All the cards are different sizes. So my creative friends, what in the world should I do?! 
I'm kind of begging y'all to comment... all you Google Readers or people who stumble upon this... any ideas?!

::Change of Subject:::
Yesterday, we finally had a non-rainy day with the sun out. So I finally did something I've been meaning to do for the past two years.... I walked to the edge of the village where the Bachevo welcome sign is and had a little photo shoot. I thought I needed to have some pictures here before I leave the village in less than a month!




7 comments:

andrew said...

Way super!!!

Unknown said...

I saw some good posts on FB, so you ought to have plenty of ideas to evaluate before onset of project begins!
You do have lots of money...easy enough to cover 4 tv trays, I'm thinking...I still like the frame/mat idea for the postcards. More costly but definitely classier looking for the long term, imho...

Ania said...

Hi Valerie,

I am not sure how much have you traveled in Europe but if you haven't been yet you should visit Germany and Poland, both of my home countries...

Unknown said...

I just happened to read this post today and wanted to share this site with you:

http://www.readymade.com/

They usually have some great ideas. I love the table tray idea as I have done things with coffee tables but table trays are much more portable. You could also make matching coasters for the table tray.

One suggestion I have, take or leave is how you feel about cutting the money as it may look very cool basket weaved together. Good luck and post photos when you decide what to do! I'm interested, as i'll be in the same situation next summer most likely.

kristen said...

oh and val, youcouldmakethat.blogspot.com is fantastic diy site!! you can do some fantastic stuff with that money and the post cards!! i cant wait to see what you do!! i also wanted to say how gorgeous you look in all of your pics!! you are gonna come home and everyone isgoing to say how amazing you look!!

The Clark Family said...

So for the money...I LOVE all the colors. I was thinking...what if you had an old window (shabby chic rustic like) and modge podged the money in the pains. It would be a really neat way to display the money and then a bonus peice of wall art? Or the money could be the back drop in the pains for pictures/artifacts of your travels....

The Clark Family said...

*panes?