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cathyofcalifornia

cathy callahan, los angeles
contributor

I was raised by a super crafty mom in suburban Southern California during the 60s and 70s so I cant help but be influenced by crafts and design of that time period.

I get inspiration for my work from my constantly expanding collection of vintage craft books and magazines. I seem to gravitate toward projects that require supplies and tools that are no longer made. You can often find me digging around thrift stores and browsing eBay in hot pursuit of some long forgotten craft item.

I write the Old School column for Craft: Magazine and contributed projects to Susan Beals Bead Simple + Button it Up.

You can keep up with me at http://cathyofcalifornia.typepad.com/

craft interests: fashion, home decorating, jewelry making, paper crafts, vintage crafts from the 60s-70s

my etsy page:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=35475

Member Since: 06/06/2008

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Never Stop Learning: Take a Craft Class

Feb 17, 2009
5 comments

If you're interested in taking a craft class, there are a host of offerings out there. You can learn how to embroider, make loom flowers, learn to use power tools, even how to make a moss terrarium, just to name a few possibilities.

Holiday Gift-Wrapping Ideas Using a Flower Loom

Dec 16, 2008
4 comments

The recipient of this present will actually get two gifts: what's inside the box and the box itself.

How to Make Flowers Using a Vintage Flower Loom

Sep 18, 2008
23 comments

Once you discover how much fun it is to make a flower using a vintage 1970s flower loom you are going to want one for your self.


recent comments

Re: How to Make Flowers Using a Vintage Flower Loom

thanks for all of the tips of where to purchase.

looks like that there is now a much cheaper source for the looms - which are in fact still old stock and not a new production. the fact of the matter is that i have been severely undercut by someone selling the looms at a lower price than even my cost. as i have said i do provide a little more in my kits but it's difficult to compete.

i just want to say that it has always been my sincere intention to provide a source for a very cool vintage craft tool - i'm not making a million dollars - i cover my costs and time. i want to thank everyone in the craft community for their ongoing support.

thanks!

posted: 3:35 am on September 29th  

Re: How to Make Flowers Using a Vintage Flower Loom

Thanks for checking out my tutorial I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! The things in my kits are vintage and no longer being made. Just like with everything else that's vintage, they can be found in many places and for various prices. My kits contain looms and an original instruction book as well as a resource sheet (sources for supplies, links for additional information, etc.) as well as a close up photo of some original vintage flowers so you can be inspired by vintage flowers!

posted: 11:50 am on September 18th  

Re: Crafting with VHS Tapes

so cool diane!!

posted: 10:59 am on March 28th  

Re: An Alarming Day of Celebration at CHA

was so fun to hang out with you guys!

posted: 11:26 am on January 27th  

Re: Fantastic Craft Classes at Home Ec in Los Angeles!

thanks for the shout out susan!

posted: 11:25 am on January 27th  

Re: If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd Have Stitched a Cake: How to Make Felt Food

golly erika these are so freakin' cute. i should take a cue from this post and have more felt treats around my house
instead of the real ones that i've been eating way too many of this holiday season.

posted: 10:21 pm on December 17th  

Re: Felt Club Recap: So Much Fun! So Many Crafts!

thanks for the mention erika! i loved that they featured you so predominantly in the LA times article. you looked so cute in that photo.

felt club was a blast. and considering the bad economy and wildfires it turned out to be my best show ever! i too was stuck at my table all day and never had a chance to really get a good look around.

can't wait for the next one!


posted: 11:14 am on November 24th  

Re: Make It Pink! How to Embroider Your T-shirt

adorable!

posted: 7:12 pm on October 15th  

Re: How to Make a Patchwork Cozy for Your French Press

love it! especially the buttons!

posted: 10:26 pm on October 2nd  

Re: How to Make Flowers Using a Vintage Flower Loom

thanks everybody!

i had so much fun doing this post. am so thrilled that you all are wearing clips and brooches made with the looms.

posted: 12:13 pm on September 19th