Happy International Women's Day!

I try to keep this page specifically about Star Trek crafts, but I would be remiss if I didn't post one of the most powerful graphics and statements to come out this year on the Internet. While I'm not a young African American woman, I understand what an impact Uhura must have had on a whole generation of Black Women. We can nitpick nowadays about whether or not she had a lot to do on the show, but the sheer fact that she was represented on national TV as an equal carried so much weight. 

As my friend Marian Cordry has said, "While I'm assuming the 'representation' that is spoken of pertains to race, I chose to see it in the context of gender as well, given that Uhura, Troi and Crusher (not to mention Majel's Number One) made quite the impression on me when I was growing up." I have spoken extensively at Star Trek and Geek Girl conventions on this very subject. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge fan of Number One (Majel Barrett) and of course, Dr. Elizabeth Dehner. Without them and Uhura there would be no Captain Janeway and perhaps not as many real life women astronauts. So, I raise my Warp Core breach glass to these wonderful women of Star Trek. 

Bonus Mission: Episode 6

Chocolate Covered Delta Shields (Strawberries)

Step One:
Purchase large strawberries and yellow-colored chocolate melting morsels. 

Step Two:
Cut off the stems and slice the strawberries in half. Also, cut off part of the strawberry on an angle to fit the two halves into a delta shield shape.

Step Three:
Use a toothpick to hold the two halves together to create the delta shield.

Step Four:

Dry the strawberries with a paper towel while you melt your chocolate. To melt the chocolate, fill a medium saucepan with a few inches of water and bring the water to a simmer on medium heat. Set your bowl (heat safe, of course) over the water to melt. Keep stirring it until smooth. You can also use a microwave to do this by heating the chocolate on half power for a minute or so.

Step Five:
Place the strawberries on an elevated rack with a paper towel or foil underneath to catch the excess. Remove your toothpicks. Spread a thin later of the melted chocolate onto the strawberries. If your chocolate seems too thick, you can stir in a little bit of oil.

Step Six:
Using a tube of black Wilton Sparkle Gel (or red if you so desire) to add a star or heart to your delta shield for added detail (this step is optional). If you use this product, make sure you give it plenty of drying time before transporting your strawberries.

Jumja Sticks:

I also found this amazing Tumblr called Food Replicator, where this Australian Star Trek fan makes real-world versions of Trek food. Their tag line is, "set phasers to yum." I love it! Since we mention this Bajoran treat in our episode, here's a link to their jumja sticks recipe.

http://foodreplicator.tumblr.com/post/33375856134/jumja-sticks

Episode 6: Star Trek Valentine's Day Treat Bags

Glue Guns and Phasers Episode 5: Star Trek Wearables

Bonus Mission: Episode 5

Each episode, we are adding a new feature which will send viewers here, to our blog, to learn a new craft that ties into the video craft. Each bonus craft will be a written tutorial with photos as seen below. Our most recent episode was about Star Trek wearables. We made rockabilly scarves for the ladies and neck ties for the guys. In our bonus craft, we're making bow ties and barrettes. 

 Star Trek Bow Tie Instructions:

Step 1:
Take a half a yard of Star Trek fabric and cut a rectangle out of it that is approximately 6" by 4.5"

Step 2: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew around the edges of the rectangle making sure 1" is not sewn. 

Step 3: Find the center of the rectangle and push the top and bottom of the rectangle into a bow shape. Pinch the middle. You can also put a few stitches in the center to secure or sew/glue a piece of fabric to make a band to cover the center. 

Step 4: Sew a skinny piece of elastic to the back to form a band that is wide enough to fit around your neck. Make it tight enough to stay up, but lose enough so it's not choking you. OR you can buy bow tie clips here: http://www.amazon.com/10-Metal-Bow-Tie-Clips/dp/B00C0E889Y)

Star Trek Hair Bow Barrette 

Step 1:

Cut a piece of fabric to your desired size. Hair bows can be made tiny or oversized, it's totally up to you! 

Step 2:

Fold the edges of your fabric (you can glue or sew them if you desire - not needed)

Step 3:

Fold your fabric into thirds

Step 4: 

Stitch (or glue) the edges together (I used a single stitch on either side to keep it simple). 

Step 5:

Gather your bow at the mid point and arrange in a way that you like. 

Step 6:

Sew (or glue) the new gather. If desired you can cut a small strip of fabric and fold it to wrap around the middle of the bow. Sew that in place 

Step 7:

Heat up your glue gun and glue the barrette onto the back. You can use a smaller clip or bobby pin for tiny bows. 

We were interviewed by the Tucker Maloney Show!

Hey everyone!
Long time, no blog. We've come out of winter hibernation with a new post and some new videos. Here's a recent interview with Glue Guns and Phasers founder, Mary Czerwinski on the Tucker Maloney Show. She discusses DVD Geeks, crafts and which Star Trek alien species she would like to be. Happy viewing!

More Fun With Decoupage!

I get the most questions and response from my decoupage Star Trek heels than any other craft, so I decided to post some photos of a pair I made for a friend. Hope you like them! For the full tutorial, visit this page: http://gluegunsandphasers.blogspot.com/2012/08/decoupage-next-generation-heels.html