Craft Critique

December 17, 2007

Sharing Crafty Inspiration With You

The reporters thought it would be fun to share some fun blogs/websites we like to frequent. These are the sites and artists that inspire all of us. Let us know what you think and what some of your favorite crafty blogs are. And be sure to check back tomorrow for more inspiration.

Heather's Selections:

http://www.nickieblog.blogspot.com/
Nicolette Anderson is a Canadian artist who has a unique style of doodling and lettering. Her journal pages are very vibrant and colorful and I am always inspired to just grab my markers and doodle!

http://sheetload.blogspot.com/
This is the blog for SheetLoad of Cards, a monthly e-zine founded by Alicia Ekermans. Its goal is simple: "increase your card stash using one layout, a few sheets of paper, and a short amount of time." We all know the more cards we have to mass produce, the less creative we get and this concept seems like the perfect solution!

http://carolinezcraftz.typepad.com/a_spoonful_of_sprinkles/
This is a blog of creative chefs (artists) who post appetizing weekly art (including recipes), online classes, hints and dish! Although I am not much of a scrapper, I find lots of ideas to use on my own cards (plus I am a sucker for such a great theme carried throughout the whole blog!)

http://gothicarches.wordpress.com/
Gothic arches is a challenge blog where every week a guest artist presents a new theme. The arches are very visually appealing and a nice break from rectangular cards. The artists involved have a very unique altered art style and I am inspired by the way they combine elements and reminds me why I was so unsuccessful at altered art!

http://megannoelart.blogspot.com/
Megan Noel is one of my favorite all around artist-pen and ink, mixed media, beading, fiber, ceramics-anything she touches turns into a piece of art. She has a unique sense of style and we are lucky that she shares her talent with the world.

Heidi's Selections:

http://sweetmissdaisy.typepad.com/sassy_sweet_notes/
Sweet and Sassy Notes by Anna Wight. I know she is a favorite of loads of people and there's no wonder why! Not only do I admire her for her fanstasic hand for drawing and some of the best coloring I have ever seen, I also look up to her with her photography skills. I have always loved to take pictures but Anna was the one that led me to the lenses that were right for me and inspired me with her beautiful work! Thanks Anna!

http://www.durcandesigns.typepad.com/
Durcan Designs by Tracey Durcan. What can I say? This gal knows exactly how to do simple! I love gawking at her perfectly plain, yet fabulous designs. She keeps it short and sweet and I love getting my updates via email for her blog! She is one of the few that I subscribe to because I just can't wait to see what she posts next!

http://stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/
Stampin' with Julie by Julie Masse. I have read Julie's blog for a long while. She is one of the first of my list when I get the chance to sit down and actually cruise the blogs. First off, Julie is just a great person! Always sweet and helpful. Second, her work is awesome. She also tends to keep things clean and crisp just like I love! Third, she gives links to everything!! To me personally, that is so helpful! Then again, I really don't need more enabling! {wink}

http://paperdelightz.blogspot.com/
Paper Delightz by Rose Ann Reynolds. I have been a fan of Rose Ann's for a long time also and along the way she has showcased so many different stamp companies. I love her style and her silliness that often shows through. Plus, she uses some of my favorite stamps, Doodle Factory! She is a great person and always finds time to stop in at my blog which always makes me smile! Love ya Rose Ann!

http://skiptomylou.wordpress.com/
Skip to my Lou by Cindy. Although I'm not sure of her last name and although she doesn't post too often, her tutorials and projects are fantastic! This gal can decorate a room for any holiday all with hand made items. She takes wonderful pictures, so those of us who might be slow to catch on can actually tell what she is doing step by step. She sews, she cooks, she stamps. She even chops and dices! Well, food that is. You need to make sure she goes onto your *must visit* list!

Donna's Selections:

http://craftypod.com/
Craftypod.com - Is a great place to find ideas about lots of different crafts. The unique thing about this blog is the owner, Diane, creates podcasts for you to listen to for some extra inspiration. Her latest one is all about gingerbread houses. She also lists other crafty sites that produce podcasts.

http://www.iamsusie.blogspot.com/
Susie Can Stitch - Besides personally knowing the author of this blog I am always impressed with what she gets done. She loves fabric and stitching and makes some wonderful items from old thrift shop sweaters. Check out the Christmas stockings she just completed when you stop by.

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/
Lazy Girl Designs Blog - Lazy Girl is a purse pattern company and their blog is full of great little tutorials and details like "How to install a zipper" or free patterns for making a last minute gift totebag. It's also a great place on the lookout for other crafty projects out on the web.

http://printpattern.blogspot.com/
Print & Pattern - Not really a strict craft blog but if you want to discover cool prints & patterns (just like the title) you will find a plethora of images that will definitely stimulate your visual senses. A great place to get inspired for designing.

Lexi's Selections:

http://stampingscoops.blogspot.com/
Stamping Scoops :: Emily's got the scoop on A Muse and Elzybells plus beautiful cards and other stamped creations!

http://novelleckstrom.blogspot.com/
Mastering the Art of Procurement :: A newcomer to blogging, Novell shares beautiful cards, including A Muse and Elzybells sneak peeks!

http://stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/index.html (yes a repeat, but lets hear what Lexi has to say)
Stampin with Julie :: Prettie Girl and Kitchen Sink Stamps design team member, Julie, is a fabulous stamper who showcases a variety of different images--always a good read!

http://thestampingshac.blogspot.com/
The Stamping Shac :: A Muse design team member Elena shares beautiful and creative projects--wonderful inspiration to be found here!

http://thepolkadotcafe.blogspot.com/
The Polka Dot Cafe :: I've followed Becky's work in her Splitcoast Gallery where she's known as "twoboysandagirl" and now she has a brand spanking new blog--I can't wait to see what she has in store for us there!

Check back tomorrow to hear from the rest of the reporters. And be sure to leave us links to your favorite inspiring blogs and sites.

5 comments:

IamSusie said...

Thanks, Donna!

Joan Hawley, Lazy Girl Designs said...

Hi Craft Critique!

Thank you for sharing my blog with your readers!

I'm a fan of your blog.

Joan Hawley
Lazy Girl Designs

Tejal said...
This post has been removed by the author.
Tejal said...

Loved the article and all the links were amazing. I truly found some great blogs to surf..


I do want to mention a blog that I really like. She's not a DT for any stamp companies. she does not do any conventional layouts, but each of her cards is wonderful and it has her own distinct style and personality. She does great tutorials and has done tons of sketches for cards

Here's the link to her blogs,
www.cardinspired.blogspot.com
www.stampininspirations.blogspot.com , and oh yes, her name is Maria Bell.


Tejal

crafty al said...

Wow, I am so honored to be mentioned on your blog.

Thanks so much for helping get SheetLoad out there!

Alicia
aka Crafty Al