I am excited to present the third post in my Blog Round Up series! May you be inspired to make your own crafts and share them with the world!

This week I'm broadcasting live from Siggraph 2010 in Los Angeles. Siggraph is a special interest group for graphics and interactive techniques. The coolest thing I've seen so far is a taste simulator that changes the taste of food through smell. This could be a new form of interactive simulation. I have seen the future! Keep a check on my page for pictures and highlights of the conference.

Step 1: Decorating Accents

My roommate and I are in the accent stage of decorating our apartment. We've got all the furniture, now we need to add those final touches. Here are some decorating ideas for those home decor embellishments.

This is a cheap and easy way to decorate your walls with out the hassle of painting or installing wall paper. It is a string wall mural found on re-nest. There are so many different ways you can configure string on your wall using this technique!

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Maybe you need something pretty to adorn your table or counter? These chic bud vases are made out of light bulb. Find similar crafts at unplggd.

Step 2: Paper Perfect - Crafts and Inspiration

I've been researching paper art for my match in the instructables gift exchange. At first all I could think of was origami and I don't think my paper folding skills are up to par. In my searches I have found a whole variety of art and gifts that can be made with paper.

While Origami is the art of paper folding, kirigami is the art of cutting paper. Check out these elaborate pop out creations. Perfect for greeting cards, gifts, and decorations. My personal favorite are the with wing series, most notedly the hummingbird.

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Russian artist Yulia Brodskaya is known for her innovative and detailed paper illustrations. These three dimensional paper wonders are impossible to ignore. I am unable to chose just one image so I added a few that I find mesmerizing.

Step 3: Photography

This at-home film developing technique uses household items to create your own dark room.

Caffenol - Untraditional film develoing technique using coffee!

I am not an experienced photographer but this seems like an easy tutorial that anyone could try! I found these three different tutorials that are good references if you are interested in doing this at home.
Build/Make/Craft/Bake.com
Photojojo

Step 4: Cake Decorating

Cake decorating is emerging as an art form. There are countless television shows dedicated to transforming cakes into everyday objects. I have melted away Saturdays watching re-runs of Cake Boss. Here are some tutorials and tips for creating amazing customized cakes.

Model gum paste to make your own cake toppers. Create these five petal flowers I found on the Cake Journal.

I think blown sugar is the most interesting and unique cake adornment. Learn how to make your own sugar sculptures. And be careful because this can be dangerous!

Apply these tips and get inspired by these awesome cakes I found on Womans Day.

Step 5: Weekly Challenge

Every week, as part of this round-up, I want to pose our crafty community a challenge.
Take the inspiration I provide and make your own Instructable from it.
Everyone who participates will get a special patch!

This week's challenge is: Wacky Memo Pads. I found these adorable fruit slice memo pads on gallery nucleus while looking for a gift exchange project. There are so many wacky memo pad possibilities!

Once you've made your Instructable, be sure to add it to the Check It Out! Challenge Group, so I'll know to give you a patch.

Last two challenges :
Lego Jewelry by JacQueline Sanchez
I heard about this high-end lego jewelry from a woman I met at MakeSF event. I decided to check it out. It is beautiful jewelry but I'm a DIYer and I don't think I could shell out this kind of money for something I think I could make myself.

Peel-away wallpaper made by ZNAK as seen on dornob.com is still open. HINT: think shelf liner, vinyl contact paper, etc...

I can't wait to see what you make!

Step 6: Events

MakerFaire - DIY heaven for the whole family. Get inspired by creative people at this festival that is sure to impress. Make, create, learn, play and craft by celebrating all that the DIY world has to offer. I arrived a few weeks after the Maker Faire hit San Francisco and the city is still buzzing about it. I am hoping to make it to NYC's maker faire to experience the excitement!

Locations:
Detroit Maker Faire: July 31-August 1, 9:30am
Henry Ford Museum Dearborn, MI

Kansas City Mini Maker Faire: August 22, 10 am
English Landing Park Parkville, MO

Mini Maker Faire RI: August 28
(my hometown :) )

New York Maker Faire: September 25-26
New York Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY