My Writing Process

So I am in the middle of the script for the 'documentary' of Searching for the Art Drawer II. No spoilers here, I'm afraid, though I do think I know where it is going.

The point of this post is that my writing process is weird. I come up with the title, then I write a list of the characters. Then I picture a scene somewhere in it. Then I write a little bit of the beginning. Then I write an outline and usually change the beginning. Then I continue writing the script until I have an awesome idea and change the beginning again, or some other part. I usually end up deleting a character and/or adding a new one. Then, when I am about to finish, I get all happy and write a flimsy end that I change RIGHT WHEN I FILM IT. In Searching for the Art Drawer I, at the end, I was going to have CB read the Nerds' note and say something like, 'The Nerds!' but instead, while I was filming, I decided to end it with 'I must rendezvous with... someone.' And I, personally, liked that better! I am sure glad I did it, too, because of the sequel/prequel (no spoilers, see?). If I hadn't, it would end without a cliffhanger, and that never works for MY sequels! :D

So that is a little bit of the months ahead for me! Right now, I am on the 'write an outline and change the beginning.' I am not totally done with the outline yet, though. I can say that Sweepy will probably return! ;D That wasn't a spoiler because I am unsure.

Random + Writing,
CB

How to make Pajama Shorts!! :D

Hey guys! I went to the store today and saw this cute fluffy fabric, and it made me think of pajamas. We bought the fabric and I put together a tutorial for you, about how to make PJ shorts! :D **Editors note: I said in one of the videos that you don't have to make the shorts two layers... I take it back!! Make the shorts have two layers!

Materials:
-Fluffy, soft, or cute fabric of your choice
-Fabric Chalk
-Scissors
-Shorts or shorts pattern (You can get shorts cheap at a thrift store)
-Ribbon (optional)
-Sewing machine (recommended) or Needle and thread

Step One:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/i7aaf261882b240f895ba8c1424cc544f

Written instructions: Get a pair of shorts and cut ONE of the sides of the shorts. Then cut the part of the shorts that goes in between your legs. Iron the shorts, so they are flat and easier to work with.


Step Two:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/iece9c0c3042449f190de7846f55c92f2

Written instructions: Place the shorts on the fabric you're going to use and trace the shorts with fabric chalk, or bar soap. Cut along the line.


Step Three:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/ie3aaaf53c0824a9b9eb69bde41dc7ec2

Written instructions: Flip over both pieces of fabric, so that you see the underside of your fabric. Stack both pieces of fabric on top of each other, and then sew both pieces together on every side except the two sides if you lay the fabric horizontally.

Step Four:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/i97dbdc75d6d943c492974b60b9e2b85c

Written instructions: Flip the fabric right side out... That's all you really have to do for this step so watching the video is completely pointless.. :I (and find ribbon that you like ;) )

Step Five:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/if917f695472941faaf0349324b7cb42f

Written instructions: Measure how long your shorts are with a tape measure or ruler. Then take that length and measure X amount of inches on your ribbon. Add an extra 2 feet or so. Once you cut your ribbon, fold the ends over about a centimeter and sew a seam, so the ends don't fray. Next measure how tall your ribbon is and put that measurement on the top of the shorts sew a line that is as tall as your ribbon down the top of the shorts. Then sew the two sides together and sew the part that goes in between the legs to the rest of the shorts. (PS its easier to understand if you watch the video)

Step Six:
Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/i090734fe8bc54a87b73236b456ced077

Written instructions: Cut two slits about in inch apart on the front of the shorts. Then where the seam was, cut a slit in front, and on the other side of it to make it so you can thread the ribbon through.

Step Seven:

Video: http://mailvu.com/msg/ie9dfcb07d6084b96aab78ef1b1dd5a67

Written instructions: Attach a safety in to one of the sides of the ribbon, and put it through on of the slit in the front. Then when you get to the seam, make it go out the first slit and back in through the other. To move the ribbon through bunch up some fabric in one hand and with the same hand grab the safety pin through the fabric and with the other hand pull the fabric so it un-bunches. As it un-bunches it will also have pulled the ribbon through. When you get back to one of the other slits, pull it through the slit, then take the safety pin off. Make the ribbon even and you have successfully made a pair of PJ shorts!! They also make wonderful gifts!

Keep it Nurby! ~RK

(P.S. Here is a picture of the outcome: http://www.picanom.com/from_a_friend/163801d0d3eb8a9e71759a6849aa06b4.htm)

Searching for the Art Drawer II TRAILER

The Art Drawer Studios and CB Productions present. . .

The movie will be filmed BY December of this year. 

How to Make a Heating Pad/Microwavable Beanie Bag

Hey guys! Its RK again.. I still haven't uploaded any pictures to my photo blog... Because I'm a procrastinator... :D But, I have a video for you! It's about how to make a microwavable heating pad/beanie bag. You can put it on cold feet, cramps, sore necks or backs etc, under your knees, or any where that you are cold. You can put them under your bed covers to warm up your bed before you go to sleep as well! I can't directly upload the video 'cause don't know how to on the computer I'm using. So I gave you a link instead.

How to make the beanie/heating pad: http://mailvu.com/msg/ic6e8526632234481ac188a1d5260cb8d

Materials:
-Iron
-Fabric/old T-shirt
-Scissors
-Sewing machine and thread
-Buck wheat/Rice (Buckwheat is recommended)

Written instructions:
1) Iron out two pieces of fabric. If you don't have fabric use an old T-shirt. Put a book on top of the fabric and trace around it with fabric chalk, or if you don't have fabric chalk you can use an alternative: bar soap.
2) Cut around the outline of the book. Make sure that your two pieces of fabric are the same size.
3) Sew only 3 sides of the beanie with a sewing machine. You should now have a pouch. Flip the pouch right side out and fill 1/3 of the way with buck wheat.
4) Making sure that all the buck wheat is at the bottom of your pouch, sew the open side of your pouch closed with the sewing machine. Then trim any excess fabric off.

How to make the Beanie Case: http://mailvu.com/msg/i2dd21b2c0b26441498eafaefdec955cc

Materials:
-Iron
-Scissors
-Fabric/ old T-shirt
-Sewing Machine and thread
-Your beanie

Written Instructions:
1) Iron out some fabric. Cut out a piece 2 times as LONG as the beanie plus an extra inch. Make it the same WIDTH of the beanie plus an extra inch.
2) Flip the fabric to the side you WON'T see when you make the case. Then fold the fabric over about a centimeter on both sides of the fabric. When you fold it, iron it so it stays.
3) Sew along the folded parts of the fabric to make a seam.
4) Flip the Fabric over to the side you WILL see in your end result.
5) Fold the fabric over a little less then half way. Iron down so that the fabric stays in place. Fold other side of fabric so that it over laps the first fold.(It should be folded so that you can't see the side of fabric in your end result).
6) Put your beanie OVER the almost done case to see if the beanie will fit inside. If the beanie will fit, then sew the sides together.
7) Flip your case right side out.

How to put the beanie in the case, How long to microwave it, and other important things: http://mailvu.com/msg/i4cdb43273f7643db840f325e729e3308

Written instructions:
Microwave for about one minute, depending on how hot you want it. To put the beanie in the case, Stick the bottom of the beanie in one of the flaps. Then pull other flap over beanie. You can buy Buckwheat in the produce section of a grocery store. If you can't find it ask someone who works there. If they don't have it you can use rice instead, but buckwheat just works better.

If you have any questions, or need clarification, please feel free to ask! I really hope you like this creation!! It comes in handy at winter time too!

Keep it Nurby! ~RK

CB's Strange Art

I have just created a blog for my crafts and such! See it at www.strangeartcb.blogspot.com! Thank you! I will post craft tutorials and more on CB's Strange Art! You guys are awesome!! :D

Loom-Knit a Cell Phone Pouch

I was inspired* by something I saw on Pinterest, but I went back to try and find it to give credit for inspiring me, but I sadly could not remember where I found it. So if you have seen a pattern or tutorial for these little striped monster cell phone pouches similar to this pattern, please tell me so I can credit them. :) Thanks!!

*(Though I did create this pattern myself)

What You Will Need:

• Two balls of yarn, any colors (you will knit with these as one)
• Straight knitting loom (I used about half of the pegs on the red Knifty Knitter)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

How To Make Them:

To make the case itself:

1. Cast on 8 pegs (counting both sides, 16 pegs in all).
2. Knit 28-29 rows and bind off, leaving a long tail of both colors.
3. Using the yarn needle and tail, sew the farthest left stitch on the bound-off end to the farthest left stitch on the first row. Do the same on the other side: Sew the farthest right on the bound-off end to the farthest right stitch on the first row.
4. From the bound off end, count out (going down) 8 rows and sew the farthest left eighth stitch to the bound-off end. Do the same on the other side: Count eight rows and sew the farthest right eighth stitch to the bound off end. Now there should be a short flap. Sew the rest of the open sides closed (NOT THE SLIT THE BOUND-OFF END AND THE BEGINNING END CREATE!!). Now it should look somewhat like the picture.
5. Turn it inside out.

To make the hand strap: 

1. On your loom, cast on two pegs (counting both sides, 4 pegs in all).
2. Knit 10-12 rows and bind off, leaving a long tail of both colors.
3. Knot the tail from the other side of the strap so that it will not unravel.
4. Using the yarn needle and tail, sew all sides of the end of the strap to the back of the pouch. You will sew it to the middle of the 2nd and 3rd stitches from the seam. Cut the yarn. Knot the end of the yarn still on the needle to the other end of the strap. Do the same on the other side: Sew the end to the middle between the 2nd and 3rd stitches from the seam. Make sure both sides are securely on.
5. Cut off any long strings that are left.

(Tested) OPTIONAL: A loop and button:

1. In the middle of the two center stitches on the top of the largest pocket (the bottom one), sew a large button.
2. This will feel very strange to do: Using both colors as one, cast on 1 peg. There will be one peg on each side. So, in all, two pegs are used. Bring your working yarn outside the first peg, and wrap it bak around to the peg across from it, creating like an S. Repeat this process until there are two loops on each peg. Knit regularly, and re-wrap the pegs the same way to make there be two loops on each peg again. Knit 8-12 rows, depending on HOW big your button is. Bind off by picking up the loop NOT connected to the working yarn. THEN pick up the other loop. Bring the first loop over the second loop and drop it. Cut the working yarn, leaving a good size tail. 
3. Once satisfied, tie a small knot on the loop where you want the top to be. After you tie this knot, there are two strands coming out of it.
4. Directly up from it, on the smallest pocket (top), use the strands coming out of the knot to tie the loop to the case.

Now you are done! If you added the loop, you can keep more than your phone in your pouch! You might keep your wallet, change, etc.

Feel free to put my tutorials on your blog or website, but please give the Art Drawer credit! :) I would love for you to send us a link if you do! :D (If you already have put our tutorials on your website before I told you that you could, that is okay, too!)

Random + Writing,
CB

P.S. If you like this idea, but want something a little different, maybe more secure, check out my post "Loom-Knit a Button Pouch." This version has the large pocket the same, but the top is a lid that folds down over the bottom and fastens with two buttons.

[UNTESTED!!!] CB's Hot-To's: How To Make a Bird Puppet (Sock loom)

Make a cute little UNSTUFFED, knitted bird puppet!

What you will need:

Adjustable sock loom (adjusted to any size)

2-5 different colors of yarn (body, beak, mouth, white[eye], black[eye])

Yarn hook

Scissors

Yarn needle

BODY - Begin just like a sock. 

BEAK - When you get to the heel, switch to another color (probably orange or yellow) do it exactly as you would, but decreasing to ONE peg, then back out. [OPTIONAL: Right after you get down to one peg, you can switch to another color for the inside of its mouth. Probably pink.] Knit a few rows around. Do another heel in the exact place of the first and in the exact same way. [OPTIONAL cont'd: Do the pink when decreasing, and switch to the yellow or orange when increasing.] 

HEAD - Switch to the first color of yarn. Continue knitting and finish like you would a sock (and DO tie off). 

EYES - Using a yarn needle, for the white of the eyes, sew an asterisk shape, or a star-like shape. Do this on both eyes. Then sew a much smaller asterisk of black in the middles of the white for the pupils. 

WINGS - Adjust the loom so that it is 2 (technically 4) pegs closer to the stationary short edge. Do (only) a heel out of the body color. Again, decrease to one peg, then increase. Tie off. Do another of these. With a yarn needle, sew them closed (separately) and then sew them to the body of the puppet in their appropriate place.

I admit, I have not tried this, I only thought of it because the heel on my sock that I am making turned out like a beak. I have no idea if all of this would work right. If you know that it would not work right, please tell me in the comments. Or even if you have a concern, please tell me. Or especially if you have tried this! Unless someone confirms that this method would work, and unless you have lots of yarn, I suggest not trying it because it probably wouldn't work... Sorry! I feel kinda guilty, like I am giving you wrong info... I am not! It is just an idea!!! ;D

Sock Loom!

I got a sock loom today! It is a rectangle of metal pegs that are closer together. It has a sliding short side of pegs to help vary in sizes. It is pretty much a tighter, and adjustable round knitting loom. It is very easy to make socks on this type of loom.

Please check out some video tutorials on how to knit socks like this. I doubt instructions I write will do you much good. ;)

More updates to this post soon, so check back in a bit! :)

Forth of July and Photography

Happy Fourth guys!!... Oops.. I'm late... Awkward... Okay not really, but I have made the page for my photography! It's really cool actually! I honestly havent uploaded any pictures YET but I will very soon! I just have to get somebody to help me figure out how to upload pictures onto the computer first. And I have to find a USB cable. :3 Don't worry I'll get the pictures up soon! You can subscribe to the page before I post the pictures so that when I do post the picture an email will be sent! I'm sure you'll love them! I'm actually not that bad! http://rkesphotos.blogspot.com/

Keep it Nurby! ~RK

Loom Knit a Ball (Round and Straight Looms)

Check out these in instructions from http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/loomed-ball.html. These instructions are not mine, they are copyright Becky Hardy, 2006. NONE OF THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE MINE. I did not create these directions or change them in any way.

Using a Knifty Knitter Newborn Loom (blue loom)

• Using 2 strands of worsted weight, 4 ply yarn held together, e-wrap the loom 3 times around. Leave a 6" tail at the beginning. 
• Double Knit  (2 wraps lifted over 1 wrap) around and around until a ball is formed.
• Remove with the gathering off method. (Like you would for a hat top).
• Gather it tightly.  Stuff with fiberfil.  Then thread the initial 6" yarn tail into a yarn needle, and weave it in and out of each stitch on your initial round.
• Gather tightly and weave ends under several times.  

(The copyrighted stuff ends at this point)

Now you know! This could be used to create a stuffed animal or anything else that takes a sphere. In the picture on the linked page where these directions originally came from, the ball looks to have about 15 rows, 7 or 8 stitches across. If you can count them more accurately, please do comment to us and tell us YOUR number!


You should also be able do this on a straight loom. Same stitch as the above directions.

Knit a rectangle, 8 stitches wide, 5 rows. Tie off regularly. Cut a long string from the ball of yarn and tie on end to on of the top corners. Use a yarn needle (not a knitting needle) and draw the string through the top row of stitches, away from your knot. Gather it and tie it so the top row has become like a corner. Do the same with the bottom (different string). Turn the points towards the inside and sew some of the open side closed. Stuff it with stuffing. Tada!


I tried to do it on a straight loom exactly as the round loom instructions say and I made a cucumber. SO I gave it to my dog as a new toy! :)


If you find it is easier another way, or have better instructions please do comment or email them! Thank you very much!

Virus!!

If a window pops up when you click a link (like a post title) and it asks if you really want to leave the page and the window says that it has something special for you, click Leave Page. If you click Stay on Page it might do something bad to your computer. Just a warning!!

July 4th Crafts!

It is the Fourth of July again! The time of year when your poor dogs are scared of the fireworks. D:< ;) But that's another story. Without getting sappy, July 4 is when we honor our freedom that we have in America (don't live in America but still want to make the gloves? I am getting to that)! Here are a few crafts to do in celebration!


Patriotic Fingerless-Gloves
Now, let's get one thing straight: A lot of you don't live in America, so you have absolutely no use for these. That is okay! You can make these in any color; I just needed a July 4 craft, so I used these. ;D

What You Need:

• A rectangular loom at least 20 pegs longways (doesn't matter, but I used the Knifty Knitter set)
• A loom-knitting hook
• Scissors
• Three full balls of yarn in three different colors (you WON'T use all of it, unless you have really big hands)

To Begin:

TIP: Write down the measurements of what you do so you can exactly replicate it to make the second one.

1. Before threading your loom, 'measure' you hands on the loom. Put the widest part of your palm flat on top of the pegs. Count how many pegs it touches (probably 4-6 pegs). Double that (8-12) and maybe add another peg, too make sure it isn't TOO tight (9-13. These are only ideas of what it might be like. Other measurements are fine). If you think it might be too loose, don't add another one. You can take one off, even, if you want. Stretching is better than too loose!... Probably. ;D Just make sure it is an odd number.
2. With the number of pegs you came up with, thread that many pegs (If you got, say 13, then on ONE side, count out 13 and thread up to there). Knit like normal for as many rows at you want. If you want them to cover the entire length of your lower arm, then knit that many. If you want it to fit just like gloves, then knit that many. BUT STOP AT THE VERY BASE OF YOUR THUMB!!!!!!!!!!!  TIP: Begin with any of the three main colors. If you are making your gloves long, you can do any pattern you like. If they are shorter, probably stick with one until you get to the thumb.
3. When you get to (the length it would take to get to) your thumb (for some, after many rows, for others, almost right away), make something called a Non-Placket Button Hole. After you have knitted the last row until your thumb, on the center two pegs (across from each other), take the loop of yarn and move it over to either roy the adjacent pegs (left or right). On the peg across from the center peg, move it in the direction opposite it. (Clarification: Look down on the loom. If you moved one loop to the right, move the other to the left, so they are going in different directions)
4. Next, with the color you were using, thread the pegs again, but this time STOPPING just before the center peg. Bring in another color, and do the same, stopping before the center peg. Knit regularly, but always leaving out the center peg. 
5. Soon there should be a hole in your work where the center pegs are. See if that hole is big enough for your thumb. TIP: Trace down the side of your pointer finger (the edge closest to your thumb). Trace down to your wrist. You will have touched the skin right net to your thumb. That part of your thumb is what you need to make sure fits through the hole. For many, the base of their thumb is probably 2 1/2 to maybe 4 inches. If the hole is not big enough yet, do another row with the two colors, still skipping the center. If you were satisfied with the size of the hole, choose a color to continue with. You could continue with the color you were using just before you began the hole, or you could use the color you added in, or you could use a third color. If you are choosing one you already have on your loom, just cut the other color away, leaving a LONG tail (to make sure it doesn't unravel). If you are adding in another color, cut both leaving a long tail.
6. Whichever you decided to do, thread all of what you had, going over the hole. You still won't be able to knit the middle because it only has one loop over it, but on the next row you will be able to. Continue for however long you want, but keep in mind: Your finger's knuckles aren't that far from the top of the base of your thumb. You might even want to go a few rows over your knuckles. READ THE NEXT STEP BEFORE COMPLETING THIS ONE!
7. You are going to make what is called a placket out of a different color. It is where the edge of something is thicker and stronger than the rest of it. It is where you double the number of loops you use, so you would take two bottom loops over two top loops. When I made these, I actually ran out of that color, so I was only able to do three loops on it, so I took two bottom loops over one top loop, and it worked fine. You can make however many rows plackets you want! :)
8. When you get to the point where you want to stop, tie off as usual. Cut a long tail. Because you switched colors, and if you have a small placket, and if the two tails are on opposite sides, you will tie the placket tail and the previous color's tail together in  knots a few times. NOTE: If the tail are on the same side, that is okay!
9. Thread a large needle (yarn needle) and sew the open side together, forming a tube. Knot all of the tails to stitches near them, do any little touch-ups, all that ending stuff.
10. Now do all of that again! On Step 4, if you used a different color for half of it, don't worry about doing it backwards; since you are using a rectangular loom, you can just fold it the other way and tie it. :)

This project inspired by: http://www.lisaclarke.net/2008/11/01/loom-knitted-fingerless-mitts/ You know, you could use this one just as well! :)

Star Hanger

This is very fast and easy! Also, you can do any shape, but I will just be calling it a star.

What You Need:

• Paper
• Scissors
• Maybe a pencil for tracing
• Tape, glue, or staples

1. Cut out a star shape on two-four sheets of paper.
2. Fold each one in the very center, and tape or glue them together at the center. If you want, tape or glue a folded string to the center to use to hang it. Keep each piece folded towards it's other half.
3. Adjust them so each half are evenly positioned.
4. Now, wherever you look at it, it looks like a star!

Puff-Ball, Pom-Pom Thing

I forget what it is called, but it is sometimes on the top of hats and it is kind of fluffy... Anyway, you can make these really fast and easily and hand them around the house.

What You Need:

• Yarn (red, white, and blue, OR a R.W.&B. multi-color, or any color you like)
• Scissors

1. Wrap yarn around three fingers at least 30 times and cut the yarn from the ball.
2. Cut another string and tie it AROUND the middle of the wraps (not THROUGH the hole, AROUND all of it) VERY TIGHTLY!!!! If you want, just before you do this add in a shorter string and after you tie the other string, you can tie the shorter one to itself to make a hanger for it.
3. Cut through the loops.
4. Cut the strings shorter and fluff them up. Cut the strings so that the ball looks circular.

Hooray!

Enjoy the 4th of July! I hope your pets don't get too scared!

LOT'S OF DOGS RUN AWAY ON THE 4TH OF JULY BECAUSE OF THE SCARY LOUD NOISES. KEEP YOUR DOG'S COLLAR ON THEM TODAY!!!