Episode 2 of Craft Wars starts at 10/9 C on TLC! Last week the top crafter won $10,000 for her version of a sporty tote bag and an adorable school and play house. Can’t wait to watch what’s next! Follow the conversation and tweet along using #CraftWars. Will you be GLUED to watching Craft Wars?

Tonight three skilled crafters battle in a series of challenges that are no day at the beach; they must create a set of patio furniture out of beach toys.

Contestants from tonight’s episode “Crafting’s A Beach”

Contestants from tonight’s episode “Crafting’s A Beach”

It’s time to announce the Best & Worst Craft Rooms for the Craft Room Makeover Contest! You voted on Facebook and the results are in…

Why is my craft room the best? Because is was FREE! In exchange for several weeks of dog sitting/house sitting, my incredible neighbors designed and custom built my room and ALL the furniture in it. In addition to the awesome paper/embellishment shelves you see in the picture, I have a 14 foot L-shaped desk to work on! I also have a ton of shelving to hold every little thing I need. They painted, made custom curtains, replaced the trim, flooring, lighting, and electrical outlets. Because the room is small, I can’t get a good shot of everything…I just wish I could submit more than one picture! To see more, you can check out the pics on my blog.  Thank you!

Submitted by Amy E.

This room is about 9 by 7. Quite small. My daughter just moved out and I would love to move everything into her room which is 13 by 11. There is no room for me to walk into this room so I have not made a quilt in a year. I barley fit to sit at my sewing machine right next to the door. I could really use help. I don’t know if it’s the worst or the messiest but I will bet that it is close. Please help me get back to sewing.

Submitted by Hayde C.

Amy E. & Hayde C. will each receive $100 to CreateForLess to help makeover their craft rooms!

By Kid’s Crafts Contributor Stephanie, from the Blog Geek with Glasses.

Macaroni necklaces have been a staple of kid’s crafts forever. This summer step up your crafting skills by making these fun bow tie pasta necklaces or pins. Bow Ties have become increasingly popular as racks of them are major department stores, so why not let the little ones make cute faux bow ties for themselves.

Supplies:

• Bow Tie Pasta
• Paint
• Jump Rings or Pin Backs
• Hot Glue
• Cord, chain or beading supplies

I prepared the bow ties first with either the jump rings or pin backs. This way the glue gun can be put away and the kids can finish the project. Also this gives them something to hold on to while they paint. If using the jump rings, use 2, one on either side at the top so the bow tie doesn’t fall forward when strung and has a more stable mounting. One ring just seemed to make the pasta flop around.

Once the glue is set, the sky is the limit. We started with acrylic paint. For the polka dots we let the base dry first then used a toothpick dipped in paint to make the dots. Another idea is to glitter them, cover them with a matching base paint, then glue, then glitter. To make them look like a sterling silver pendant, use chrome spray paint.

After the paint has dried string them on cord or chains. Super easy and cute!