This is NOT a post about COVID

But it is addressing the fact that a lot of us are stuck at home.

The point of this post isn’t to say what everyone’s already said.  It’s to spread some joy, feast your eyes on an explosion of color + get down & dirty* with some DIYs.

*Not really- I just like alliteration. A lot.

For the past year or so I’ve been working on an online library of how-to videos.  I’ve coined it the Tassel Trifecta because there are currently 3 classes talking about all things fringe (using 3 different materials).

I think you’ll enjoy them anytime of the year, but especially now.*

*And I don’t think I need to explain why.

PS there are also some Instagram-related classes sprinkled in there, too.  Like how to make your own gifs.*

*It’s my most popular class!

BUT BACK TO THE JOY SPREADING!

Below you’ll find an affiliate link which when clicked* will give you 2 free months of Skillshare (PLENTY of time to watch the tassel trifecta a trifecta of times & you can cancel your plan before the 2 months are up if you don’t want to get charged!)

*Or tapped

Signing up via this link helps me out & I’d like to return the favor by sending the supplies you need to complete a class!

Starting now, if you sign up for Skillshare via this link, I’d love to send you the leather, glue & jewelry findings you need to complete my Create a Tassel Necklace & Earrings class!

(You'll also need scissors, a ruler & jewelry pliers.  And I can totally hook you up with those, too! Just ask.)

It’s a tiny way to say thanks & attempt to use crafting to help keep you sane.

PS I can see on my end who signs up via this link.  But could you help me stay a bit organized & just send a quick email to let me know you’ve completed step one?  Also, a shipping address will come in handy ;)

THANK YOU & happy crafting!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SKILLSHARE

The fine print: 1 kit provided for each individual sign up. Additional kits available for additional cost. Free shipping available to United States addresses. Please get in touch if you need tools (scissors, ruler, jewelry pliers)!

Once you've signed up, email your shipping address to hello@cravebycrv.com to receive your supply kit.

WISHY GREENWASHY

An earth toned wrapper & slapping the word “natural” on something doesn’t mean shit.

In an industry that loves to greenwash, here’s my truth: Potato chips & Dots pretzels are my vice (& I still haven’t figured out a use for all the wrappers that come with them... although my dad just suggested dog poop bags #genius). I probably use more packaging than necessary. I’m a sucker for branding (+ stickers) & I don’t know how I survived before I bought my Dymo label printer (AKA could also use an upcycle ASAP for all the long streamers of sticker backing I’m trashing).

Some stuff just doesn't make the cut. Experiments fail & not every single scrap gets used. Although I attempt to use it all- SOME THINGS STILL GET TOSSED.

THE POINT: I talk a lot about upcycling, but I’m still figuring A LOT of stuff out.

Like most things.

And also... evening things out is progress 💪

So I'm a long way from "zero waste," but there are also a few less dead inflatables gracing the earth.

Because now they’re gracing earlobes. THE OTHER POINT: We’re all making progress together even though alone it feels like hocking a loogie into the ocean.

And most times it feels like I'm hocking a loogie into the ocean.

MAKING IT UP NORTH

The folks at Making It Up North dropped by awhile back. We chatted about the creative process, first jobs & failure. Then they caught me losing supplies, searching for the perfect zipper & creating #BAG12of18.

Catch my clip that aired below (or get in touch with my parents to watch the VHS tape they recorded from TV).