RPF - She's Crafty
Oct. 27th, 2009 01:30 amI'm creating this post because although I would be happy with any of the fandoms my writer does for
yuletide, this one has the least chance of being written because it's so obscure. I want to give it a fighting chance. I had a REALLY hard time narrowing down what fandoms I want to request since I have at least six I could request easily, but I can only request four. So, I've made my choices. And two of them have enough of a following that I can easily see me getting a story written for one of them, while the other two are iffy, RPF - She's Crafty being the iffiest. Part of the fun of
yuletide for me is being surprised by which fandom I get. It won't be a surprise if I can say oh, I'll definitely get a _____ story, because there's no way I'm getting a ______ story. I'd actually be shocked if anyone even OFFERS that they can write this fandom.
SO! The point of this post. If I know that I've introduced the Yuletide audience to the show, then I won't assume that I'm getting another fandom - I'll think "RPF - She's Crafty" has a chance! And the fun of being surprised is still there for me. Make sense? I hope so.
Without further blathering,
"She's Crafty" is a real person crafting show hosted by Wendy Russell. I get it on the ION Life Channel; I know it has been on HGTV before, but I don't know if it's on there now. Only one season was produced, in 2007. I guess they aren't going to make anymore. :(
Wendy makes some really neat, funky crafts that I actually feel I can make as well. It's not an intimidating experience. Many crafting and cooking shows make me feel like I could never make the things they create because the materials/ingredients are so expensive or out there or out of my taste range, but this show isn't like that. Wendy recycles things all the time and turns them into new, beautiful items, something I LOVE to do. She also loves retro decor, which I adore.
All of the pics below are thumbnails; click the pic to get the big version if you would like to see it.
This is Wendy, wearing some great wristbands she made out of a tie:

This is Toby, Wendy's little sister, who often helps Wendy out on the show:

Toby and Wendy make a clock out of a rotary phone:

On every episode, Wendy has a famous crafting guest come on and show her how to do a craft.
This is fashion designer/crafter Mark Montano, author of The Bigass Book of Crafts. He's been on the show at least twice.

Here, Wendy and Mark pretend rolls of acetate are light sabers over the credits (Wendy's is yellow, which is why it's so hard to see). This is why I'd really like to see Mark Montano included in the story, because he and Wendy get along like old friends.

These are some of the crafts they've made on the show.
. 
This is a lamp made of plastic cups glued together. No, I'm serious. I think it looks awesome, except that if I made one, I'd try to find some really special cups, or some other material to use, because I think that plastic cups would look really tacky close up. It's one of those crafts that looks better from a distance.
. 
A mirror mounted on a painted backing (might be canvas, can't remember) with lettering on the mirror. I know exactly what I'd do with this - I'd make it look like the side mirror on Dean Winchester's car, with a real mirror.
. 
A mod-style room divider and a sectioned poster. With the room divider, I'd paint it to be more to my taste (pastel colors or patterns) and maybe fill in some of the openings with pictures. The poster is created by cutting up a large poster or pic you've blown up and putting each piece into a clear sleeve (Wendy called them sleeves for "hockey cards;" must be a Canadian thing), then attaching the sleeves together with craft rings and hanging it all from a curtain rod. There are so many ways you could modify this to make a really awesome wall hanging. It'd be a neat way to make an advent calendar, too. (A smaller version.)

Make your own Andy Warhol-style picture. This is not the best picture of Wendy ever.
. 

One of the most awesome things they ever made on the show, the slide lampshade. A lampshade made of slides, what could be more "Why didn't I think of that?!" So pretty. Another thing you could modify in a ton of gorgeous ways.
Episode Guide:
Snatched from the HGTV website.
Season 1, Episode 1: Smashingly Stylish
It's the same old dilemma - you want to beautify your home, but don't want to spend a ton of money doing it. Host Wendy Russell serves up stylish, crafty designs for the budget-conscious: a gorgeous take on impressionistic art, a cheese plate and place settings with attitude, and an adorable birdhouse made from recycled books. Join Wendy and special guest Danny Seo, one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, in this episode filled with fun and eco friendly ideas.
Season 1, Episode 2: Kitschy Kool
Sass up your space! In this rock-star worthy episode, host Wendy Russell turns a vintage telephone into the coolest clock ever, recycles her way to a knife block that costs next to nothing to make, and rocks out with embroidery expert Jenny Hart who dishes on needlework tools and techniques.
Season 1, Episode 3: Just Give'r
Wendy transforms a picture frame into a cool tray perfect for holiday parties and whips up a pair of stylish cufflinks for her dad. Finally, special Guest and crafty beauty expert Mashiah Vaughn drops by to share her secret recipe for a homemade spa gift that every woman will want.
Season 1, Episode 4: All Things 'L'
It's an episode of all things "L" - Luminous Lamps, Leather and LP's. Sounds like a 70's burlesque club, right? Nope! Host Wendy Russell crafts up a gorgeous lampshade made from vintage slides, a designer-inspired leather cuff purse you'll love, and Trash-to-treasure crafter Steve Dodds comes over to turn LP's into a super stylish mail organizer.
Season 1, Episode 5: Chillaxin'
In this episode, Wendy crafts up a very modern set of bedside tables and a darling yet useful lap desk. Craft queen Leah Kramer comes over to reuse and recraft a discarded cigar box into a stunner of a jewelry box.
Season 1, Episode 6: Livin' tha Life
Dress up your home with hip, modern pieces that you, yes you, made yourself! Host Wendy Russell turns to the 60's for inspiration for a mod room divider and then raids her closet for a fun way to update old chairs.
Season 1, Episode 7: Overhaulin'
Host Wendy Russell inspires you to reuse what you have, to decorate your home and your... dog? Yes, that's right. Give your pooch designer-inspired dazzle with a faux fur doggie collar, and for your home, how about flipping your collection of has-been picture frames into creative wall art? Finally, Wendy meets up with super fun crafty gal Jennifer Perkins to turn an old TV table into a 21st century version worthy of any meal in front of the television.
Season 1, Episode 8: Dress Your Naked Walls
Boring, blah rooms be forewarned – your days are numbered! Host Wendy Russell gives a simple mirror a creative twist using an artist canvas. Special guest Mark Montano turns a favourite photo into a stunning homage to Andy Warhol and creates a gorgeous lamp using an oh-so-unexpected material - plastic disposable cups!
Season 1, Episode 9: 21st Century Craft
Feeling stuck in the 80's? Host Wendy Russell crafts a throwaway table into a hip, 21st century ottoman and one of those old school audio cassettes into a funky business card holder. Fashion Designer Teresa Findlay of "Dirty Laundry" fame pops by and shares her designer secrets behind turning old T-shirts into cheeky hand-stitched creations.
Season 1, Episode 10: I'm Lovin' It
Trend-setting designs you're going to love! In this episode, host Wendy Russell spices up the bedroom with a sassy (and cheap) headboard, and she whips up a laptop cozy so cute all your friends will want one. Fashion designer Frances Dickenson of "Frances Felt" fame drops by to teach Wendy how to create an adorable felt purse anyone can make!
Season 1, Episode 11: Knitty Galore
Host Wendy Russell needs help. She's tried to learn how to knit three times and failed. Have no fear – author and knitting goddess Vickie Howell is here. Thanks to Vickie Wendy learns how to knit up a cute drink cozy and more. Finally, men’s knitting groups are popping up everywhere, so Wendy and Vickie hook up with a group of crafty men who love to knit in their spare time.
Season 1, Episode 12: Simply Green
Re-use, re-cycle and re-vamp! It’s easy being green and stylish at the same time! Special guest eco-stylist Danny Seo shows Wendy how to turn leftover tiles into adorable faux wood-grained tile coasters and recycle boring old dinner plates by glazing them up!
Season 1, Episode 13: Vixen Mixen
Host Wendy Russell is hosting a "Sex and the City" meets 'Crafty Night' at her place – a Vixen Mixen, if you will. Wendy gets busy with her girlfriends as they create the coolest vase you've ever seen – an homage to film buffs everywhere. Then the gals whip up sassy nipple tassels guaranteed to sauce things up and get busy chopping up t-shirts to make something fresh for the old wardrobe. This is where you and your pals, after a tough day of shopping, get to sit back, enjoy a Cosmo and get crafty!
Season 1, Episode 14: Crafty Idol
Attention all "Grease" fans! Host Wendy Russell stops by backstage to talk crafts with her idol, Actress & Singer Olivia Newton-John. Learn how to make two gorgeous crafts Wendy gives as gifts to Olivia: a luxurious but simple lavender eye pillow and an inspiring piece of message art to hang on your wall. And to top it all off, Wendy transforms boring old side tables into stylish, modern shelves, with the help from her little sister Toby.
Season 1, Episode 15: Craft Outside the Box
Craft expert Wendy Russell invites her girlfriend Wendy over (yes, you read that right – another Wendy), to create the perfect spot to display your favorite pictures – using a camera tripod! Next, Wendy puts leftover corks to good use, and turns them into fabulous and functional cork board for your home office. Plus "Crafty Chica" Kathy Cano-Murillo shows Wendy how to use glitter to its full potential with a sparkling 'love shrine'.
Season 1, Episode 16: Rock 'n' Roll Baby
Craft goddess Wendy Russell creates fresh designs that add some rock n' roll glam to your tot's surroundings, and also make fantastic gifts! Hang up a fabulous shelf using a pre-loved thrift-store snowboard, make the latest design in baby mobiles and special guest, designer Suze Katz, shows how to recycle sweatshirts into a hip baby blanket!
Season 1, Episode 17: Eco Weddings
Host Wendy Russell can't throw anything out! She whips up some environmentally friendly crafts made especially for weddings! Wendy starts by turning empty toilet paper rolls into chic wedding favours. Next, Wendy gifts up a Lovers Kit that's perfect for a honeymooning couple, a Hangover Kit for the party-before-the-party and keepsake luggage tags using wrapping paper leftover from your haul. Plus, film and television set decorator Kate Marshall shows Wendy how to make an elegant wedding gift inspired by recycled household materials!
Season 1, Episode 18: Crafty Flashback
Crafting queen Wendy Russell is all about style and function! Two tall wooden stools become four cool small ones - perfect for extra seating, funky side tables or even a coffee table. Multi-purpose – we love that! Then, Wendy turns a can of tuna into a fabulous paperclip clock, and she conquers her fear of drawing with the help of artist and designer Hope Perkins who paints up a storm and transforms boring pillows into something down right beautiful.
Season 1, Episode 19: Crafty Do Over
Crafter extraordinaire Wendy Russell is at it again, turning a plain garage sale lamp into a one of a kind shingled shade! Also, when is a book, not a book? When it's a secret hiding place! Wendy transforms a pre-loved novel into a hiding spot for valuables. Plus, Wendy learns how to make a gorgeous one-of-a-kind journal with collage queen Traci Bautista.
Season 1, Episode 20: Take It Outside
Even if you don't have a backyard, crafty girl Wendy Russell shows you how to fully enjoy the outdoors – crafty style! Repurpose stools you no longer need into a bench for the garden. Wendy cuts up hardware store piping and electrical tape easily - and very inexpensively – and they become a fun fitness hoop, plus gardening superstar Gayla Trail stops by to make custom concrete garden stones – gorgeous!
Season 1, Episode 21: Style Galore
The oh-so-stylish Wendy Russell shows you how to decorate your home with one-of-a-kind pieces you made yourself. With the help of a pal, Wendy shreds up radical coffee table using skateboard trucks and wheels, and for the easiest décor update ever, she creates an ultra modern set of mirrors for your walls. Style guru and television star Brini Maxwell introduces Wendy to one of her favorite crafts – gorgeous felted wall art, using rare burlap linen and adorable wool felt flowers.
Season 1, Episode 22: Living Large
Host Wendy Russell loves all things retro, especially when she can add a modern twist! Flashback to childhood by framing tie-dyed fabric that creates stunning designer-inspired wall art. Oh – and don’t throw those old hardcover books away – recycle them into handy notebooks! Plus, Author and Quilt Designer Denyse Schmidt shares a great way to showcase a favourite photo with a custom quilted frame.
Season 1, Episode 23: You Had Me at Craft
Host Wendy Russell truly believes everyone can be crafty! Well, it's all beer and potato chips when her guy friends come over to get their craft on. But the potato chips aren't to be eaten! Wendy teaches the guys that copper and potato chips do mix, for a fun and surprising way to display photos. Plus, Wendy and the boys whip up designer-inspired wine racks using, believe-it-or-not, pipe couplings from the hardware store, and last but not least, blah white plates are transformed into cool keepsakes with meaningful messages.
I hope that even if you haven't seen "She's Crafty," this gives you enough information to want to.
SO! The point of this post. If I know that I've introduced the Yuletide audience to the show, then I won't assume that I'm getting another fandom - I'll think "RPF - She's Crafty" has a chance! And the fun of being surprised is still there for me. Make sense? I hope so.
Without further blathering,
"She's Crafty" is a real person crafting show hosted by Wendy Russell. I get it on the ION Life Channel; I know it has been on HGTV before, but I don't know if it's on there now. Only one season was produced, in 2007. I guess they aren't going to make anymore. :(
Wendy makes some really neat, funky crafts that I actually feel I can make as well. It's not an intimidating experience. Many crafting and cooking shows make me feel like I could never make the things they create because the materials/ingredients are so expensive or out there or out of my taste range, but this show isn't like that. Wendy recycles things all the time and turns them into new, beautiful items, something I LOVE to do. She also loves retro decor, which I adore.
All of the pics below are thumbnails; click the pic to get the big version if you would like to see it.
This is Wendy, wearing some great wristbands she made out of a tie:
This is Toby, Wendy's little sister, who often helps Wendy out on the show:
Toby and Wendy make a clock out of a rotary phone:
On every episode, Wendy has a famous crafting guest come on and show her how to do a craft.
This is fashion designer/crafter Mark Montano, author of The Bigass Book of Crafts. He's been on the show at least twice.
Here, Wendy and Mark pretend rolls of acetate are light sabers over the credits (Wendy's is yellow, which is why it's so hard to see). This is why I'd really like to see Mark Montano included in the story, because he and Wendy get along like old friends.
These are some of the crafts they've made on the show.
This is a lamp made of plastic cups glued together. No, I'm serious. I think it looks awesome, except that if I made one, I'd try to find some really special cups, or some other material to use, because I think that plastic cups would look really tacky close up. It's one of those crafts that looks better from a distance.
A mirror mounted on a painted backing (might be canvas, can't remember) with lettering on the mirror. I know exactly what I'd do with this - I'd make it look like the side mirror on Dean Winchester's car, with a real mirror.
A mod-style room divider and a sectioned poster. With the room divider, I'd paint it to be more to my taste (pastel colors or patterns) and maybe fill in some of the openings with pictures. The poster is created by cutting up a large poster or pic you've blown up and putting each piece into a clear sleeve (Wendy called them sleeves for "hockey cards;" must be a Canadian thing), then attaching the sleeves together with craft rings and hanging it all from a curtain rod. There are so many ways you could modify this to make a really awesome wall hanging. It'd be a neat way to make an advent calendar, too. (A smaller version.)
Make your own Andy Warhol-style picture. This is not the best picture of Wendy ever.
One of the most awesome things they ever made on the show, the slide lampshade. A lampshade made of slides, what could be more "Why didn't I think of that?!" So pretty. Another thing you could modify in a ton of gorgeous ways.
Episode Guide:
Snatched from the HGTV website.
Season 1, Episode 1: Smashingly Stylish
It's the same old dilemma - you want to beautify your home, but don't want to spend a ton of money doing it. Host Wendy Russell serves up stylish, crafty designs for the budget-conscious: a gorgeous take on impressionistic art, a cheese plate and place settings with attitude, and an adorable birdhouse made from recycled books. Join Wendy and special guest Danny Seo, one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, in this episode filled with fun and eco friendly ideas.
Season 1, Episode 2: Kitschy Kool
Sass up your space! In this rock-star worthy episode, host Wendy Russell turns a vintage telephone into the coolest clock ever, recycles her way to a knife block that costs next to nothing to make, and rocks out with embroidery expert Jenny Hart who dishes on needlework tools and techniques.
Season 1, Episode 3: Just Give'r
Wendy transforms a picture frame into a cool tray perfect for holiday parties and whips up a pair of stylish cufflinks for her dad. Finally, special Guest and crafty beauty expert Mashiah Vaughn drops by to share her secret recipe for a homemade spa gift that every woman will want.
Season 1, Episode 4: All Things 'L'
It's an episode of all things "L" - Luminous Lamps, Leather and LP's. Sounds like a 70's burlesque club, right? Nope! Host Wendy Russell crafts up a gorgeous lampshade made from vintage slides, a designer-inspired leather cuff purse you'll love, and Trash-to-treasure crafter Steve Dodds comes over to turn LP's into a super stylish mail organizer.
Season 1, Episode 5: Chillaxin'
In this episode, Wendy crafts up a very modern set of bedside tables and a darling yet useful lap desk. Craft queen Leah Kramer comes over to reuse and recraft a discarded cigar box into a stunner of a jewelry box.
Season 1, Episode 6: Livin' tha Life
Dress up your home with hip, modern pieces that you, yes you, made yourself! Host Wendy Russell turns to the 60's for inspiration for a mod room divider and then raids her closet for a fun way to update old chairs.
Season 1, Episode 7: Overhaulin'
Host Wendy Russell inspires you to reuse what you have, to decorate your home and your... dog? Yes, that's right. Give your pooch designer-inspired dazzle with a faux fur doggie collar, and for your home, how about flipping your collection of has-been picture frames into creative wall art? Finally, Wendy meets up with super fun crafty gal Jennifer Perkins to turn an old TV table into a 21st century version worthy of any meal in front of the television.
Season 1, Episode 8: Dress Your Naked Walls
Boring, blah rooms be forewarned – your days are numbered! Host Wendy Russell gives a simple mirror a creative twist using an artist canvas. Special guest Mark Montano turns a favourite photo into a stunning homage to Andy Warhol and creates a gorgeous lamp using an oh-so-unexpected material - plastic disposable cups!
Season 1, Episode 9: 21st Century Craft
Feeling stuck in the 80's? Host Wendy Russell crafts a throwaway table into a hip, 21st century ottoman and one of those old school audio cassettes into a funky business card holder. Fashion Designer Teresa Findlay of "Dirty Laundry" fame pops by and shares her designer secrets behind turning old T-shirts into cheeky hand-stitched creations.
Season 1, Episode 10: I'm Lovin' It
Trend-setting designs you're going to love! In this episode, host Wendy Russell spices up the bedroom with a sassy (and cheap) headboard, and she whips up a laptop cozy so cute all your friends will want one. Fashion designer Frances Dickenson of "Frances Felt" fame drops by to teach Wendy how to create an adorable felt purse anyone can make!
Season 1, Episode 11: Knitty Galore
Host Wendy Russell needs help. She's tried to learn how to knit three times and failed. Have no fear – author and knitting goddess Vickie Howell is here. Thanks to Vickie Wendy learns how to knit up a cute drink cozy and more. Finally, men’s knitting groups are popping up everywhere, so Wendy and Vickie hook up with a group of crafty men who love to knit in their spare time.
Season 1, Episode 12: Simply Green
Re-use, re-cycle and re-vamp! It’s easy being green and stylish at the same time! Special guest eco-stylist Danny Seo shows Wendy how to turn leftover tiles into adorable faux wood-grained tile coasters and recycle boring old dinner plates by glazing them up!
Season 1, Episode 13: Vixen Mixen
Host Wendy Russell is hosting a "Sex and the City" meets 'Crafty Night' at her place – a Vixen Mixen, if you will. Wendy gets busy with her girlfriends as they create the coolest vase you've ever seen – an homage to film buffs everywhere. Then the gals whip up sassy nipple tassels guaranteed to sauce things up and get busy chopping up t-shirts to make something fresh for the old wardrobe. This is where you and your pals, after a tough day of shopping, get to sit back, enjoy a Cosmo and get crafty!
Season 1, Episode 14: Crafty Idol
Attention all "Grease" fans! Host Wendy Russell stops by backstage to talk crafts with her idol, Actress & Singer Olivia Newton-John. Learn how to make two gorgeous crafts Wendy gives as gifts to Olivia: a luxurious but simple lavender eye pillow and an inspiring piece of message art to hang on your wall. And to top it all off, Wendy transforms boring old side tables into stylish, modern shelves, with the help from her little sister Toby.
Season 1, Episode 15: Craft Outside the Box
Craft expert Wendy Russell invites her girlfriend Wendy over (yes, you read that right – another Wendy), to create the perfect spot to display your favorite pictures – using a camera tripod! Next, Wendy puts leftover corks to good use, and turns them into fabulous and functional cork board for your home office. Plus "Crafty Chica" Kathy Cano-Murillo shows Wendy how to use glitter to its full potential with a sparkling 'love shrine'.
Season 1, Episode 16: Rock 'n' Roll Baby
Craft goddess Wendy Russell creates fresh designs that add some rock n' roll glam to your tot's surroundings, and also make fantastic gifts! Hang up a fabulous shelf using a pre-loved thrift-store snowboard, make the latest design in baby mobiles and special guest, designer Suze Katz, shows how to recycle sweatshirts into a hip baby blanket!
Season 1, Episode 17: Eco Weddings
Host Wendy Russell can't throw anything out! She whips up some environmentally friendly crafts made especially for weddings! Wendy starts by turning empty toilet paper rolls into chic wedding favours. Next, Wendy gifts up a Lovers Kit that's perfect for a honeymooning couple, a Hangover Kit for the party-before-the-party and keepsake luggage tags using wrapping paper leftover from your haul. Plus, film and television set decorator Kate Marshall shows Wendy how to make an elegant wedding gift inspired by recycled household materials!
Season 1, Episode 18: Crafty Flashback
Crafting queen Wendy Russell is all about style and function! Two tall wooden stools become four cool small ones - perfect for extra seating, funky side tables or even a coffee table. Multi-purpose – we love that! Then, Wendy turns a can of tuna into a fabulous paperclip clock, and she conquers her fear of drawing with the help of artist and designer Hope Perkins who paints up a storm and transforms boring pillows into something down right beautiful.
Season 1, Episode 19: Crafty Do Over
Crafter extraordinaire Wendy Russell is at it again, turning a plain garage sale lamp into a one of a kind shingled shade! Also, when is a book, not a book? When it's a secret hiding place! Wendy transforms a pre-loved novel into a hiding spot for valuables. Plus, Wendy learns how to make a gorgeous one-of-a-kind journal with collage queen Traci Bautista.
Season 1, Episode 20: Take It Outside
Even if you don't have a backyard, crafty girl Wendy Russell shows you how to fully enjoy the outdoors – crafty style! Repurpose stools you no longer need into a bench for the garden. Wendy cuts up hardware store piping and electrical tape easily - and very inexpensively – and they become a fun fitness hoop, plus gardening superstar Gayla Trail stops by to make custom concrete garden stones – gorgeous!
Season 1, Episode 21: Style Galore
The oh-so-stylish Wendy Russell shows you how to decorate your home with one-of-a-kind pieces you made yourself. With the help of a pal, Wendy shreds up radical coffee table using skateboard trucks and wheels, and for the easiest décor update ever, she creates an ultra modern set of mirrors for your walls. Style guru and television star Brini Maxwell introduces Wendy to one of her favorite crafts – gorgeous felted wall art, using rare burlap linen and adorable wool felt flowers.
Season 1, Episode 22: Living Large
Host Wendy Russell loves all things retro, especially when she can add a modern twist! Flashback to childhood by framing tie-dyed fabric that creates stunning designer-inspired wall art. Oh – and don’t throw those old hardcover books away – recycle them into handy notebooks! Plus, Author and Quilt Designer Denyse Schmidt shares a great way to showcase a favourite photo with a custom quilted frame.
Season 1, Episode 23: You Had Me at Craft
Host Wendy Russell truly believes everyone can be crafty! Well, it's all beer and potato chips when her guy friends come over to get their craft on. But the potato chips aren't to be eaten! Wendy teaches the guys that copper and potato chips do mix, for a fun and surprising way to display photos. Plus, Wendy and the boys whip up designer-inspired wine racks using, believe-it-or-not, pipe couplings from the hardware store, and last but not least, blah white plates are transformed into cool keepsakes with meaningful messages.
I hope that even if you haven't seen "She's Crafty," this gives you enough information to want to.