March 21

Become Master of Catan with This DIY Game Set

Settlers of Catan board by Aaron Day

Got some wood resources? Make your own Settlers of Catan board, using a single 2×4 block of wood!

Inspired by Summer Woodworking’s annual 2×4 challenge to make something out of a 8? framing 2×4, Aaron Day set out to recreate one of his favorite games from college, Settlers of Catan. The project entailed a massive amount of work and know-how, which he highlights in a video on his site.

I was impressed with his attention to detail and perseverance, right down to creating the playing cards out of wood shavings. I also loved that his kids made appearances in the video – yay for involving kids in geekcrafting adventures!

Via ManMadeDIY.

Links of Interest:

 

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May 3

Launch into Hyperspace with This Star Wars Shelf

Star Wars fighter shelf hyperspace wall by Her Tool Belt

In honor of Star Wars Day tomorrow (May the Fourth…be with you!), I wanted to share this cool child’s bedroom decorating idea. Who am I kidding? This would be cool for any Star Wars fan, from padawan up to Jedi!

Amy from Her Tool Belt has put together an awesome tutorial on how to build a Star Wars shelf, complete with supply list, step-by-step instructions, and detailed photos. As you can tell from the photo above, the results are simply…stellar.

I love the extra details she also added around the top border of the room, taking advantage of Star Wars dingbat fonts to use as stencils.

Do you have any plans for Star Wars Day tomorrow? Share with us in a comment below!

Links of Interest

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February 17

Friday Roundup: The year of the dragon

It is the year of the dragon, and as a recently birthday’ed fire dragon myself, I wanted to delve into all things dragon for this week’s round-up. First up from Olga Farberovao, I bring you this touching father-son moment. Check out this firey poppa welcoming his new addition:

This made-to-order toy was crocheted out of mohair yarn. His eyes, nostrils are needle felted. The egg is made by wet felting wool.
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January 28

Lots o’ Lord of the Rings

Hobbits, wizards, elves, and kings.
What’s not to love about
Lord of the Rings? 

Many a crafter has been so inspired,
to knit, sew, or sculpt from this story admired.

But some feel the need to go a bit further,
to celebrate this story with a touch of odd fervor.

So check out these crafts, both geeky and unique,
and I promise I’ll stop rhyming in faux-Tolkien speak.

Eye of Sauron Journal

Sauron Journal

Etsy seller ArtBug offers this one-of-a-kind Eye of Sauron journal, perfect for scribbling down all your evil plans. What I love about this most of all is that the eye friggin’ LIGHTS UP.

Hobbit Feet Baby Booties

Hobbit Feet baby booties

I’ve seen various incarnations of these crazy hobbit-feet slippers, but none so cute as these wee baby booties. Knit some up for your own little hobbit with this free pattern offered by Penwiper. Grown-ups can also get in on the hairy foot action with this Hobbit foot pattern from The Unique Sheep.

Door of Durin Beaded Necklace

Door of Durin beaded necklace

It took Etsy seller Whitestar Jewelry 15 hours to hand-bead this striking Door of Durin necklace.  What impresses me more is the story behind the store, as the maker uses beadwork as a way to soothe her bipolar disorder.

Frodo Plush
Frodo Doll

Craftster member MumbleFord wasn’t content to simply buy a plush Frodo from a store. She had to make her own! I think he turned out even cuter than the original. She was also generous enough to share her pattern, so you can make your own hobbit.

Map of Middle Earth Cigar Box
Map of Middle Earth Box

The latest LOTR swap on Craftster yielded some amazing projects, from replica cloaks to an amigurumi Bilbo. What impressed me the most, though, was this map of Middle Earth burned into a cigar box, made by Craftster Gommeriffic. Perfect thing for hiding your Old Toby in, eh?

Eye of Sauron T-shirt
Eye of Sauron Tie Dyed Shirt

Throw Led Zepplin’s “Ramble On” on the turntable and rock out with this crazy Eye of Sauron tie-dyed T-shirt, available from Portland-based Etsy seller Tie Dyed Monkeys.

Miniature J.R.R. Tolkien Art Doll
JRR Tolkien clothespin doll

The man himself, adorably immortalized in clothespin-doll form. Debbie Ritter (Etsy’s Uneek Doll Designs) also has a little C.S. Lewis doll. Makes me wish she had a dollhouse version of the Eagle and Child pub they used to meet in!

December 13

Texas Chainsaw Massacre Light Box

Nothing is more comforting than a Leather Face night light, take it from me! This awesome Texas Chainsaw Massacre Light Box is handcrafted in poplar by Dave at MorbidDecor’s etsy shop. I just love this thing! But then again, I have a thing for the “villians”, I wake up every morning to a Dalek alarm clock, so why wouldn’t I want a light up of Leather Face staring at me when I get up to pee at night?

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