DIY Weaving with Drinking Straws. Skinny = 3 straws, Wider = 15 straws. Even though this is for children of all ages, I had to read the directions twice, but then I got it and it was easy to understand. Good for small projects like bracelets, and great for kids. Tutorial at Home Ed Groups here.
DIY Free Pattern for a Catnip Mouse Captain Cat-Battler. These patterns were originally made for cats at Battersea waiting for a new home (article and pattern for Capt. Cat-Battler here). Download all the mice patterns by whodunnknit at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home here. And if you live in the UK, maybe send them a few 
*It calls for knitting needles size 3.5mm which is a US size 4. A good conversion table is here.
Question from Reader about photo: DIY Inspiration. “The Key to the Door in the…
“holographic thread” ??
She used Madeira holographic thread that you can see here. It looks like she only used a tiny bit on the constellation part of her project. But on her blog she has lots of embroidery samples: http://smallestforest.net/
Kreinik here explains the holographic metallic threads the best. “ These Iridescent threads have flecks of color in them that are truly dazzling in the light – which makes them look 3-dimensional. Use them to replicate candy, crystal effects, retro looks, fantasy, psychedelic, electric, modern and cutting edge looks – or anywhere you want to add dimensional color to your needlework and crafts. Perfect for cross stitch, needlepoint, crochet, knitting, bead knitting, bead crochet, fly fishing, crafting, embroidery, quilting, crazy quilting, and any creative technique.”
DIY Free Pattern for Stocking Hats for Bottles. I know the holidays have past, but these are really bright and cheerful and could go on the top of any bottle – expensive shampoo, old fashioned glass bottles, etc… I’m going to knit these for next year because they are that easy. Tutorial and pattern (and PDF download if you want) from Simply Notable here.
DIY Inspiration. “The Key to the Door in the Mountain”. This was made by Smallest Forest for the Darwin Visual Arts Association’s Annual Member’s Show (here on her Flickr Photostream). It is made out of: ”Cigar tin, black and red nail polish, black felt, Madeira holographic thread, iridescent dimensional fabric paint, tulle and black embroidery thread.” I love the constellations (because I just do here) and the embroidery on the tulle. I can see doing something like this using a more common object here like an Altoids’ Tin.
This was inspired by Jean Valentine’s poem: Door in the Mountain
Never ran this hard through the valley
never ate so many starsI was carrying a dead deer
tied on to my neck and shouldersdeer legs hanging in front of me
heavy on my chestPeople are not wanting
to let me inDoor in the mountain
let me in
