Color Filled Laser Engraved Wood Tutorial and Giveaway

I made a tutorial for color filling laser engraved wood and posted it on HDYMT?

You can also enter win a set of charms for your own coloring fun here (but be quick, it ends tomorrow!)

DIY Shoes

I "kicked off" my shoe making series on HDYMT? today. (See what I did there? Sorry. Also, don't kick things while you're wearing canvas shoes.) I've been working on a lot of projects that I've been really happy with the results of, but I did finally surrender on my attempt to enter the "Sew Warm" contest on instructables. It's okay, I'll get the next 10.

Beaded Bracelet How-To

I posted this project to HDYMT? Go check it out!

Upcoming...

I won runner up awards in TWO contests on Instructables this week. Something something always the bridesmaid something...

Cream Cheese Challenge - Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
Make It Glow Challenge - No-Power Holiday Lights

If you're not a regular ebay user you may not know this, but when you go to the site the front page is littered with items a mediocre algorithm has concluded you might be interested in. Because of a series of projects I've been working on/sourcing materials for my front page looks like that of a confused teenager looking to get into drugs. It's kind of sad, really. I was searching for a spice grinder and mis-clicked, opening instead an "herb grinder." I knew what it was and that it wouldn't work, but ebay seems to be elated that I may now be interested in purchasing off-price drug paraphernalia. I was looking into how compressed sugar candy is made and now know how to manufacture extasy in custom shapes. "Edible paper" and "citric acid" convinced ebay that I secretly wanted books on psychedelic subjects. If I felt like thinking deeply about this I would probably infer that there are so few people who are willing to learn how to make things that the entire topic has been overrun by people who only make things to avoid legal persecution, but I don't actually feel like thinking about that. I feel like planning more projects.

So, if you're wondering what's up next in food, I have ordered edible paper, dextrose and a variety of fruit derived acids (citric, malic, tartaric, etc.) to begin experimenting with candy making. I love an indulgent baked good as much (or more) as the next girl, but I'm ready to play with something outside of adding nutella AND peanut butter to cookies. I've been unable to find a specific extract for flavoring, so making my own extractions is on the list. Past the candy I have some molecular gastronomy recipes I'd like to try and I'd love to finally take the time to try making my own fresh mozzarella. 

I have a romantic idea for the Valentine's contest on Instructables. I have a high risk idea for Sew Warm, but I don't know if I'll get to it in time. I have dozens of ideas for jewelry and fashion projects, most of which will end up on How Did You Make This? (they never seem to do that well on Instructables and I'm enjoying developing such a curated blog.)

If you click on "workroom" in the header, you'll be sent to a that is full of quick pictures of whatever I'm doing. I'm still trying to get into the habit of updating it.

That's at least most of what I have planned for the next few weeks. Meet me behind the bleachers after school. I'll sell you some acid that will change your life.

Faceted Wood Light Shades

I posted a how-to for these on HDYMT!