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Book Review: Return of The Stupid Sock Creatures

February 7, 2013 by Stefanie Girard

return of the stupid sock creature book

Do you like it when the things you create make you smile and laugh every time you look at them? That is just what every single page of Return of the Stupid Sock Creature does! If you dive into the quirky, hilarious world of Return of the Stupid Sock Creatures, I can almost guarantee you’ll be laughing the entire time—whether you’re following the instructions step-by-step or simply using them as inspiration to stitch up your own outrageous creatures from recycled socks and scraps. This book is overflowing with personality and creativity, and it inspired me to create something extra silly for my beloved crew of Aminekos.

I took a page (or a few stitches) from one of the book’s wildly imaginative projects and gave my Aminekos a bold new look using a pair of old gloves. The result? A rockin’ new ‘do that had me giggling non-stop! Curious what that looks like? Pop over to Sweater Surgery and check it out—you might just be inspired to give your own handmade creatures a style upgrade too.

Here’s a bit more about the book from Lark Crafts:

Return of the Stupid Sock Creatures
By John Murphy

They’re back—and they’re more ridiculously adorable than ever! In this follow-up to Stupid Sock Creatures, John Murphy teams up with guest designers to bring you 20 delightfully deranged sock creations. From two-headed beasts to wild-eyed monsters and quirky quadrupeds, these characters push the boundaries of weird in the most wonderful ways. Whether you’re working with a single sock or going all out with a four-sock masterpiece, there’s a project here for every level of crafter.

Don’t worry if you’re new to creature-making—John’s clear instructions and playful tone make everything feel approachable (even Piethagorus, the pie-loving creature that’s only slightly intimidating).

John Murphy, the creative mind behind Stupid Creatures, has been making oddball plush monsters since 2003. His creations have been featured in ReadyMade magazine and the Washington Post, and he’s taught workshops across the country. When he’s not crafting bizarre beasts, John works as a counselor for at-risk youth—a role he’s as passionate about as he is his monster-making. Check out more of his creations at stupidcreatures.com.

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How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.

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