Mad Hatter Crafts

Makers gonna make, make, make, make, make. That’s the unofficial rally song for my Craft Exchange. This fun group of ladies from all over the country get together (via online conference) three times a year and exchange hand-made crafts that we’ve made in secret for each other. This is not an art show, in fact, sometimes our craft projects miserably fail — and that’s SOOOO good because the conversations we exchange about how we perfected our technique and what we learned are like crack for crafters. I love that this is a safe place where we can share our wins and fails, and our plan B’s. If that wasn’t interesting enough, I choose a theme for each time we exchange. This go-around, I challenged my makers to be inspired by the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

I set the scene with a melting clock and some playing card cupcakes,

And a few other goodies.

But the real fun is in CRAFTMAS and getting to reveal our projects to each other.

Seeing as how I’ve never actually SEEN Alice in Wonderland (I have read the Golden Book), I opted to go the literal route with my project. Here are few photos of my Mad Hatter keepsake box. See… hat. On box.

Pretty straightforward.

I know he carries a pocket watch, so that’s under the lid with a scrolled quote.

And something about a card with a weird fraction on it, so that’s in the hatband.

Others were a little more free-thinking with their amazing projects and I love every one! Let me show you what they made:

Ali embossed these mugs with her famous handwriting (AlliKDesign) that say, “Creative Juice”

and paired them with these pretty marbled ring dishes.

Anna upcycled lights and teacups to make these fun lamps!

Angela blew me away with this batik journal. (Just wait until I tell you what all went into this project!)

My sister Dawn made WINE! And she hand-drew the label.

And made these adorable themed crystal wine charms.

Debbie made delicious homemade peach preserves (to go with our tea).

Donna made us all gasp with these sweet tea towels.

Speaking of tea, Dorie made infused earl grey tea candles. Yum.

Elizabeth made her own stamps (yes, made her own stamps) to design tea towels, and then stitched them with fun accents.

Johanna – the queen of packaging (no one ever wants to open them because the bags are so cute) – made us luxurious bath bombs in pretty silver teacups.

Katie rolled up a storm with these heart shaped bottles filled with famous quotes from the book.

Meranda made these whimsical flowers for our wall (out of wire from HOME DEPOT!) How cute would these be all over a wall?

Molly made these whimsical yarn baskets. They magically keep their shape.

Sabrina made these beautiful tiered stands. She sourced items from as far away as Australia!

Sarah made these pretty brooches from clock faces that she found in her father-in-law’s attic.

Sevi made upcycled tea cups and candle holders to make these unique planters! (You can find her how-to on Snapguide here.)

Sharon made gorgeous fused glass pendants and china piece pendants.

I am really excited to feature some of these craft projects in more detail for you in the weeks to come. Thankfully, some of these talented ladies have shared their tips and tricks to making these meaningful gifts, and I get to share their how-to’s with you! Stay tuned for more!

There are sponsor opportunities for this very special triannual event. For more information, please contact me!