General

Rosi Jo shares how to use old markers as a way to dye all kinds of things from fibers to paper to salt. [via Creative Jewish Mom]

Maya of Maya*Made and AnneKata have been sharing ideas and projects for impromptu circus party ideas all week long. One of my favorite projects is making these fun rag juggling balls by Maya. Also be sure to check out how to make frosty nectars and wax-paper-lined doily cups for serving and how to make blossom crunchies.

Amber Dusick shows you how she makes her beeswax wood polish that she uses as a toy sealer on the wooden toys she makes (woodmouse on Etsy).

Mollie of Wild Olive shares these great portable ironing boards that were made for her by her father.

For crafting, I like to be able to be in other parts of the house sometimes, especially when natural light (for photos) is needed. Small ironing boards are very handy, but still a little bulky.These are just small boards that are covered with some padding and a couple layers of muslin.

Fantastic and so handy!

Apparently, today is National Macaroni Day. I had no idea, but I'm glad that Cindy at Skip to My Lou knew and that she posted this fun tutorial for coloring dried pasta to use in crafts. I used to love stringing up dried pasta necklaces as a kid, but our method of smothering them in poster or tempera paint were never very successful. This method seems much more likely to provide bright, lasting results.

How cool is this? The Chateau de Guedelon, in Burgundy, France, is a new medieval castle. Say what? That's right: the castle was started in 1998 and is being built entirely by hand using medieval techniques. The stone is quarried from the site, the nails are made by blacksmiths right then and there, and they even make their own mortar! I love how the project is reviving ancient skills, and scholars are fascinated by the small historical mysteries that are solved by seeing the hands-on process. Best of all, the architects had to invent a historical "owner," so that the design would have some soul!

Sean @ Make: Online writes:

The glue that holds rear view mirrors in place is amazing stuff, that breaks all the normal rules about adhesives: it holds a joint between two extremely smooth, entirely nonporous surfaces that are subject to near-constant mechanical vibration, extremes of temperature, and ongoing exposure to UV radiation. And it holds for years, even decades. If you are faced with one of those "impossible" gluing problems requiring a strong metal-glass or glass-glass bond, try using a rear view mirror repair kit on it. They can be had for a couple bucks from most hardware stores.

• Lightbulb Terrarium
• How-To: Light Bulb Terrarium
• Recycled Light Bulb Lamps

Lotta Jansdotter has partnered with Rowenta as their new host for their online craft videos. I love this one on making simple iron-on transfers.