On a hot and humid soul-sucking Tuesday, it was no wonder only a few people stopped by Spacecraft to participate in the craft/retail space’s weeklong series of prison crafts in honor of Martha Stewart’s birthday (August 3). But I for one, could not pass up celebrating the birth of our nation’s crafty ex-inmate by making some eco-friendly arts and crafts—prison-style. I was lucky enough to have Spacecraft co-owner Stella Metzner’s nearly undivided attention, and she informed me that these projects were based on actual crafts inmates construct behind bars. (We’re not sure how she researched these crafts, but clearly the Spacecraft ladies have a dry sense of humor.) Given the options of making a Jell-O container oil lamp, toothbrush shank, soap sculpture, instant-coffee painting or prison dice, I decided to try my hand at making the dice (get the how-to after the jump).
As I carefully crafted my own set of homemade dice, Maria, an occasional store helper, decided to take a stab at making a soap sculpture. She carefully sliced her soap into the shape of a rocket—no wonder she’s employed here! The prison crafts series runs until this Thursday, so be sure to drop in (no need to reserve a space) and create quirky crafts from the simplest of materials. Check out the monthly themed Craft on Draft class offered the first Thursday of every month; at the next one (August 6 7–10pm), learn the ropes of glass etching while sipping complimentary beer, including Spacecraft’s own Summer Ale. The cost is $15, but bring a friend and kick back with crafts and a nice cold brewski for just $10 per person. 355 Bedford Ave between South 4th and 5th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-2718, spacecraftbrooklyn.com). Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat–Sun 11am–7pm; $15 per workshop.

DIY prison dice

Step 1: Rip off a generous amount of toilet paper and submerge it in a small bowl filled with water. Break apart the paper as it becomes soaked.

Step 2: Mold the toilet paper into a ball, wringing out all excess water.

Step 3: Begin molding the damp toilet paper ball into a square.

Step 4: Let it dry. (In this step I cheated and used a hairdryer, even though that’s not authentic. Man, do I feel for those frizzy-haired felons.)

Step 5: When dry, put the appropriate number of dots on each side of the die with a black Sharpie marker.

Step 6: Paint each side with a mix of water and glue.

Step 7: When dry, paint over with clear nail polish. Repeat all the steps to make a set of dice, and you’ll be one step closer to betting.—Anna Brand