EASTER 2011
CREATIVE CRAFTING By Crafters for Crafters
Issue 10
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Editor
CREATIVE CRAFTING
Anna - The Crystal Lady thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com www.mysticearth.co.uk www.radiancecrystals.co.uk
Avril - Sprinkles Sparkles sprinks@creative-crafting.com www.sprinklessparkles.co.uk
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Senior Features Writer Diane - Peggy’s Knits www.peggyscollection.webs.com Feature Writers Tina - In the Garden www.tina-in-the-garden.blogspot.com Tracey - Wowthankyou www.wowthankyou.co.uk Claire - Elderberry Arts www.elderberryarts.co.uk Dianne - Heartmade Gifts www.heartmadegifts.wordpress.com Lisa - Off with her Head www.offwithherhead.co.uk Gemma - Beads Unlimited
Andrea - Andrea Lesley Crochet
Spring is most definitely in the air, the weather is improving, the gardens are starting to wake up and we crafters are full of new inspiration. This issue we are lucky enough to have lots of projects from new and regular faces for you to enjoy. We also bid a sad farewell to two of our favourite contributors Amy from Miss Baclart Designs and AmyOrangeJuice. These lovely ladies have been with us for many issues now and we shall miss them but they have assured us that they will hopefully be back in the future. Good luck ladies. We have some much awaited crochet projects this time so do have a go and show us how you get on. Don’t forget that you can join in all the crafting fun along with our regular competitions on our Facebook Page. http://www.facebook.com/CreativeCraftingMagazine See you all again in our Summer issue.
a Ann x~
www.folksy.com/shops/andrealesleycrochet
~
Your Creative Team
Diane - Senior Feature Writer
Avril - Technical Editor
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Welcome to the April Issue of Creative Crafting!
www.creative-crafting.com
Technical Editor
In this Issue ......
33 Luscious Lockets They may seem old fashioned but just take a look at the beautiful items found by The Crystal Lady.
33
44 My Big Fat Royal Wedding Tracey from Wow Thank You asks how people feel about the the Royal Do!
15 Crystal Magic
48 Jewellery making kits from the small crafter
A selection of handcrafted gemstone products selected by our Crystal Lady.
16 Regular Features
Kits don’t have to be mass produced!
49 This Months ...
6 Crafters Directory The best place to go when you are looking for that special handcrafted item.
More winners of our Blog and Shop awards and the all important ‘man of the month’.
Recipes 34 Who likes chocolate Cake?
40 Online Street .. Best Picks A wonderful selection of handcrafted items, handpicked by Sprinkles Sparkles.
29 Weird and Wonderful Crafts Discover unusual and forgotten crafts with The Crystal Lady. This issue we find out about knitting with Dog Hair!
35 Budget & Luxury
Everyones favourite! A wonderful recipe brought to you by Dianes Mum.
Special Features 10 Di saw it first! Diane from Peggy’s Knits reviews some of your wonderful products.
19
19 Dianes Celebrity Chats! Diane from Peggy’s Knits tracks down another Celebrity. This issue she speaks to Tania Vital.
16 If you want to get ahead,
Sprinkles Sparkles finds more craft items from both ends of the price scale.
26 Tina in the Garden
get a hat! Learn about the fascinating world of Millinery with Lisa from Off With Her Head.
Another visit with our favourite green fingered friend.
30 www.creative-crafting.com
12
44
29 22 Rug Making Sarah from Ragtag Rugs has a rug project for us.
20
30 Easter Salt Dough
Interviews
Dianne from Heartmade Gifts shares some wonderful Salt Dough Gift ideas. Perfect for Easter and Mothers Day.
24 An Interview with Laura by the Sea You’ll never look at broken ceramics the same way again!
36 How to Crochet a flower brooch.
46 An Interview with Little Fairy Cult Sandra creates the most stunning metal jewellery. Take a look!
46
A long awaited crochet project from the talented Andrea Lesley Crochet.
37 How to Crochet a mobile phone/ipod cosy Another crochet project from Andrea Lesley Crochet.
Projects
38 A Teenagers guide to
12 Make your own striking Spring Necklace and Earrings
‘Gok’ up a t-shirt
24
Another wonderful project and competition with Gemma from Beads Unlimited.
42 Make a Rose Quartz Bracelet Another stunning jewellery idea with Elderberry Arts.
20 Make a children’s fleece hat Claire from Elderberry Arts shows us how to make a lovely fleece hat for the little ones.
Heidi gives us a great idea for old t-shirts.
34
www.creative-connections.ning.com
Custom made Healing Jewellery ‘Just for you’
Lemonade and Lamingtons
Crafter’s Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts
Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items. Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive! Browse through our directory and click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.
Off With Her Head
Peggy’s Collection Made with love and care.
Ragtag Rugs
If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website.
Crafter’s Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts
Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items. Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive! Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.
Averilpam Design
Handcrafted one of a kind jewellery and bags.
Folksy
Designs By Isis
Beautiful and unique handmade jewellery waiting for you to treat yourself!
Website
Elderberry Arts
Hand crafted unique and uncommon silver, gemstone, glass, gay and bisexual jewellery.
Website
Enigma Jewellery
Unusual handmade jewellery & gifts using Sterling Silver, Hill Tribe Silver, Swarovski Crystals - most items are 'one off' designs.
Folksy
Kokokelli
Gorgeous Handmade Jewellery & Greeting Cards at affordable prices.
Folksy
LauraFaye Crafts
Eclectic, gorgeous, bright and contemporary - beaded jewellery and gifts, resin jewellery, polymer clay pieces, cards and artwork.
Website
Madam CC
Something old, Something new.
Folksy
Mystic Earth
Gemstone Healing Jewellery, personal matching service available.
Website
Pretty Beautiful Designs by Maria
Unique handmade jewellery, necklaces, bracelets and earrings perfect for every occasion from everyday to a big night out!!
Website
RastafairyMalaika
Beautifully crafted macrame jewellery with semi-precious stones. Comissions taken.
Etsy
Rosie-Jo
High quality handmade beaded jewellery featuring sterling silver, semi precious stones, glass, wood, felt, porcelain and tensha beads.
Misi
Snow Queen Trinkets
Kiln Fused Dichroic Glass Jewellery.
Folksy
Sprinkles Sparkles
Bespoke, Handmade Jewellery and Accessories.
Website
The Jewellery Angel
Cute, Colourful and Kitsch Jewellery.
Folksy
The Vintage Jewellery Box
Hand-designed vintage-inspired jewellery with a modern twist offering a fresh alternative to girls who like to wear something a bit different!
Website
Neate Crafts
Painting, Knitting, Pyrography & lots more.
Misi
Painted Ghost
Handmade accessories for baby and child, home of the Bibbla!
Website
If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website.
Crafter’s Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts
Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items. Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive! Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.
Sud’n’Soothe
Juice Bar just got a new meaning.
Website
Radiance Crystals
Bespoke Bridal and Occasion Jewellery.
Website
All things Nice
The home of unique affordable arts and crafts.
Folksy
Diomo Glass
A range of Stained Glass Gifts by a Stained Glass Artist. I recycle glass to Folksy create gifts and other novel little items of interest, fun and meaning.
FloralGifts4U
Beautiful floral gifts for all occasions. Sock posies are our speciality!!
Website
Lemonade and Lamingtons
Homewares & accessories, fresh & exciting!
Folksy
Ragtag Rugs
Handmade rugs from recycled textiles
Folksy
Ann Chandler Originals
Unique bags and accessories in unusual fabrics, including vintage kimono silks, funky cotton prints and upcycled clothing.
Folksy
Off With Her Head
Vintage Inspired Millinery, hats and fascinators based on original vintage designs, illustrations and photographs and custom designs.
Website
Court & Spark {Dab and a Dash}
Handmade Textiles by Phillippa Harding: An original range of Decorations, Soft Furnishing, Cards & Gifts with a Vintage/Retro Twist. Unique handmade Journals/Notebooks. Fabric covers and stitched binding.
Website Folksy
Kelso Kreations
Handmade Gifts for that special occasion.
Folksy
Little Scruffs, Miniature Mohair Artist
Bears with loads of character. Vintage style, collectable.
Website
Moody Cow Designs
Unique handmade handbags and accessories.
Folksy
pipdesigns
Ipad Covers, Purses, Handbags - Designer, & Funky Fabrics.
Folksy
Wraggamuffins
Handmade chocolate truffles, a perfect Valentine's gift to show someone Website how much you love them. If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website.
Crafter’s Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts
Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items. Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive! Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.
Abstract Cat Crafts
Colourful, high quality hand-dyed and hand-painted knitting yarn.
Website
Andrea Lesley Crochet
Beautiful handmade crochet gifts.
Folksy
Joyknitt
Joyknitt Knits.
Misi
NOfkants Curios
Hand Knitted and Crocheted Unique Handbags.
Folksy
Peggy’s Knits
Quality knitted items.
Website
Wharfedale Woolworks
Hand painted yarns and custom knits.
Folksy
Beads4Breakfast
Artisan lampwork beads made in my kitchen studio. Commissions taken.
Website
The Little Bead Box
Beautiful Beads and Jewellery Supplies.
Folksy
UK Craft Store
Novelty buttons and more.
Website
The Broken Doll
Unique greeting cards and gifts from The Doll, for that something a little Folksy bit different!
A mouse
here could take customers to your store!
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Di saw it first!
craft reviews
Thank you to everyone that has sent in items for the review. Such gorgeous, handmade gifts. There really are many very talented people out there. All of these items are going to be able to be won by one of our lucky readers! Could it be you? Delightful canvas personalised bag and hair accessories. So well made and presented gorgeously. These would make such a good gift for any little girl. Beautiful detail and so many choices of what to buy. The details on them are exceptional. www.jaydesignshairclips.co.uk
Gorgeous hand made beaded bracelet with little pink bows, so well made and would compliment any outfit. Has so many gorgeous pieces in her shop something for everyone. Comes in a gorgeous little organza bag, packaged beautifully. www.mychicunique.etsy.com
Handmade gorgeous card called Moonlit Bay. This card is so stunning the details that have gone into it really show. A very professional finish and hand signed by the artist Mimi who is based in Cornwall. Mini makes some gorgeous items and it is so nice to have her Cornwall influences inspiring her artwork. www.artbymimi.co.uk
This is a stunning necklace made with lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals/pearls and glass bicones with glass seed beads. The colours are amazing and really stand out. Packaged in a beautiful aqua organza bag to compliment the necklace. This would be a great gift for anyone and I am sure you would get so many compliments from wearing this. www.scottishprincess.co.uk
Di saw it first!
craft reviews
Recycled fabric notebook/journal, has 3 pages and is A5 size with 2 decorative pages. The front page also has a pretty nameplate with 3D flowers on it. Made very well and would be an absolutely wonderful gift for any one to receive regardless of their age. Although it is unsuitable for very young children due to the decorative disc on the front cover. My nieces both loved this notebook and I am sure it would be a great gift for little girls and a very special keepsake book. www.folksy.com/shops/dabdash Lovely handmade bookmark, made with material and charms. So different and would make an excellent gift. Never seen a bookmark with so much detail on Before. Gorgeous handmade charm, packaged and has so much detail on it. This would be perfect on your bag or keys and I am sure everyone would ask where you bought it from. Both packaged beautifully. www.d-k-designs.co.uk
Nursing necklace from a company called Booby and The Beads. Absolutely stunning colours and made very well. Pinks and reds really compliment each other. Packaged in a beautiful pink organza bag. A great idea for a present for any lady. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Booby-The-Beads-NursingNecklaces-Reminder-Bracelets -more/157477778613
You could win all these goodies by entering our giveaway! Just enter you name and email address to be in for a chance of winning all these handmade gifts. www.creative-crafting.com/giveaway.html Closing date for entries is 31st May 2011
Written and reviewed by Peggy’s Knits http://peggyscollection.webs.com
Make your own Striking Necklace and Earrings Make this simple striking necklace using beaded headpins and chain to add a bold statement to your favourite outfit Gemma is inspired by everything around her, from colour and form to the materials she uses, and by using many traditional techniques with contemporary ideas she creates jewellery with her individual style.
Materials I used Beads Unlimited products in the following quantities to complete the jewellery set 100g x high quality glass mix pink tones (GLXH22) 1 x 40 mm silver foil flat round lime green (GLCN4028) 50 cm x heavy chain ( sold per meter) silver plated (CHHSP) 2 x (1 pack of 10) 8 mm jump ring silver plated (JR8SP) 1 x pack of 100 headpins silver plated (HPSP) 2 x (1 pack of 6) long ballwires silver plated (LBWSP) 1 x (1 pack of 12) eyepins silver plated (EPSP) 1 x trigger clasp silver plated (TRGSP) You will also need a pair of multi pliers (CRMT)
Step 1. Thread the lime green beads onto an eyepin. With the round nosed part of the pliers bend the eyepin into a loop, don’t close it yet.
Step 2. Measure and Cut 28 cm and 12 cm of chain. Attach one length to each eye on the beaded eyepin and close the loop.
Step 3. Thread a bead of your choice from the pink mix onto a headpin. Trim the headpin 1 cm above the beads. Attach to the chain link next to the lime green beads. Close the loop.
Step 4. Continue to add beads from the pink mix in the way to create a tapered look on each side. The shorter length of chain should be beaded along 5 cm and the longer length 14 cm.
Step 5. Attach and 8 mm jump ring to one and of the necklace ends and a jump ring with a trigger clasp to the other.
Finished necklace.
To make the earrings: Cut a 5 cm length of chain. Attach a long ballwire to one end and bead in the same way as the necklace Make sure you attach a bead to the end line. Repeat to make a pair.
This necklace and earring set could be yours! Visit www.creative-crafting.com/giveaway to enter! Competition end date is 31st May 2011
Designed by Gemma from www.beadsunlimited.co.uk
Quality Knitted Items
Peggy’s Collection Made with love and care.
http://www.peggyscollection.webs.com
Beautiful Jewellery to help you through life!
MYSTIC EARTH Have you ever thought of having a piece of Gemstone and Crystal Healing Jewellery Created ‘just for you’ Each stone matched to your needs!
The Crystal Lady at Mystic Earth can offer you this service. These pieces of unique jewellery make the perfect gift for a loved one or a much needed treat for yourself.
www.mysticearth.co.uk
Mother Nature has provided us with wonderful Healing Gemstones and Minerals. For this Issue, discover the beauty of
Peridot (Mg,Fe)2(SiO4)+Al,Ca,Mn,Ni,Co,Cr,Ti
In the Middle Ages, Peridot was employed for warding off evil spirits and to bestow wisdom and friendship. Mentally -Dissolves oppressive feelings that arise from self-blame. Allows us to forgive ourselves. Physically - Peridot has a strong detoxifying effect and stimulates the liver. Enhances the liver and gallbladder, helps with skin problems, even warts. Chakra - Heart, Solar Plexus.
£14 Peridot Mini Hair Comb
£35
$38 Victorian Sterling Silver Peridot Ring
Lime Crush
If you would like more information about Crystal Healing Jewellery, you can contact The Crystal Lady at: thecrystallady@mysticearth.co.uk or visit http://www.mysticearth.co.uk
$78
£45
Chocolate Pearl and Peridot Necklace
Jasper, Peridot, Rhyolite and Pearl Necklace
£7 Peridot Chip Bracelet
If you want to get ahead, get a hat! As a woman in the UK today, if you attend a wedding or the races, and particularly if you are lucky enough to go to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot then it is usually expected that you should wear a hat, or nowadays a fascinator. People have always worn hats in some form, whether as a protective head covering or as a mark of status within society, hats have always had their place. In the 15th century it was expected that women keep their hair covered, wearing veils and wimples, and refashioned male hats were also popular. But it was not until the 17th century that women’s headwear began to take the familiar shape that it does today. Bonnets became increasingly popular and at times could be extremely elaborate trimmed with ribbons, lace and feathers. The term ‘milliner’ meaning a maker of women’s hats refers to products derived from Milan and Northern Italy, such as the straws and ribbons used in the making of hats.
The haberdashers who imported of these products were known as ‘Millaners’ from which we get this term. The first use of the term in the UK was in the 1700’s. Hats were extremely popular at the turn of the 20th century, not only for special occasions. Victorian hats were large brimmed and ornately decorated with flowers, feathers, ribbons and beads. The austerity of the Second World War led to their eventual decline as an everyday piece of a woman’s wardrobe. Nowadays hats and the ever popular fascinator are seeing a resurgence, not in the least thanks to the influences of women such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Paloma Faith and of course, Kate Middleton. Choosing a hat or fascinator needs careful consideration. Height, face shape and personality all play a part in shaping your decision. A bold fascinator is a statement piece and is certainly not for the shy.
Everyone can wear some type of hat or fascinator, its just a matter of finding the right one to suit you. There are some amazing British professional milliners working today, not least including the likes of Stephen Jones and Phillip Treacy, but you will also find in the UK some wonderful milliners selling their designs on Etsy, each producing unique designs to put the perfect finish to any outfit whatever the occasion.
Off With Her Head – Vintage Inspired Millinery Off With Her Head is run by self taught designer and milliner Lisa Poole, whose designs are fuelled by a love of vintage fashion and movie costumes. Based in Fife, Scotland she prides herself on creating each piece by hand, and loves to create bespoke pieces for her customers. Off With Her Head focuses on creating vintage inspired pieces, and although Lisa creates hats and fascinators from various eras in history, she admits to being a little biased towards the 1950’s as its her favourite decade for fashion. Whatever direction Off With Her Head takes, the ethos behind the business remains the same - quality hats and fascinators at a reasonable price. Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madamequeeny Website: www.offwithherhead.co.uk
Annalisa Maria Millinery Annalisa of Annalisa Maria Millinery has always adored hats, and being the type of person who loves to make things, she quite naturally became interested in millinery. Trained at Kensington and Chelsea college, famous for its millinery alumni, where she learnt all the basics of the trade. She now works out of her London home, producing beautiful, one of a kind hats and head pieces.
Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/designsbyannalisa
Little Miss B Design Little Miss B started out making hats and accessories for herself and friends uninspired by what was available on the high street. She decided that she’d like to give a wider audience the chance to own a unique Little Miss B creation, so began her foray into fashion and millinery. Her inspirations comes from days gone by when style and glamour were more apparent and the quality of craftsmanship was high. From the 1920s to the 1960s, vintage to rockabilly, Little Miss B brings it to the present day with a modern twist. Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleMissBDesign
Ella Gajewska Ella Gajewska is a professional milliner working in London. Hats are the love of her life. She has been working as a milliner since 1996, though her passion for hats started much earlier, in her childhood, when Ella created hats for her dolls to give them a bit more of an extravagant look. Having achieved success in Poland, where she was a milliner's atelier manager and an inspiring teacher for other young milliners, she decided to take her chances in London, the world capital of hats. Since 2001 Ella Gajewska has had the chance of working for renowned ateliers and milliners. Working in England, alongside the best designers of various head wear, she has had the chance to develop and perfect her skills even more. Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/EllaGajewska Website: www.ellagajewska.com
With so much choice, there is absolutely no excuse not to finish your outfit with stunning hat, fascinator or headpiece‌ and as they say, Written By Lisa Poole From Off With Her Head www.offwithherhead.co.uk
Dianes Celebrity Chats Our lovely Di from Peggy’s Knits chats to another celebrity about crafting. Tanya has worked on a number of shows, the most recent being the character Adele Alfrey in ITV’s Emmerdale. She has also worked on other familiar shows with award winning producers, directors and writers. She starred in the BBC comedy Kerching! Her first professional role was in Holby City. She is also an accomplished presenter and budding playwright. Tanya is a former student of the National Youth Theatre. Tanya told me how she has been artistic, about how she sees art and her views on crafting. I've always been artistic in one form or another. As a child I always painted and drew a lot. At school I did everything from make a wooden fish pencil holder, perspex badges, pottery and children's toys. I was very into pencil drawings and shading, but I loved using watercolour and other textures for my more cartoon/Manga style art. I was never very good at what, back then was deemed the 'Girlie' stuff, I was more into woodwork and moulding and graphics. This is probably what made me choose my Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology. For my degree we used a lot of CAD (Computer Aided Design) to design buildings and building materials. We also had to craft models of some of our own designs with foam board and other materials. I was in my element with this part of the curriculum. The great thing about craft/design/making things whatever you want to call it, is that there is a freedom in Art that you do not get anywhere else. There is no right and wrong and no rules. The rules come later. At the point of concept it is just you and your imagination. Which is very liberating and also quite scary, because we are conditioned to think within the constraints of rules. Art has no rules.
Please all take a look at Tanya’s website which is http://www.tanyavital.com
Claire, from Elderberry Arts, shows us how to make a children's hat from fleece material. Why not experiment this Easter holiday! Below are easy to follow instructions and a sizing guide.
What you will need: Fleece material - To determine the size needed - measure the circumference of your head (around your ears) and add 1/2 inch for seam allowance. This will be the width and the length measurement is 20 inches. Cotton thread in the same or contrasting colour.
Thin length of fleece approx 12 inches by 1/2 inch. Ruler or tape measure. Tailors chalk or pen. Scissors. Pins. Sewing needles or sewing machine.
Average Head Sizes Newborn (6 months and younger) Circumference: 14 to 17 inches Crown: 8 to 10 inches Infant (6 to 12 months) Circumference: 16 to 19 inches Crown: 11 to 12 inches Child (12 months to 3 years) Circumference: 18 to 20 inches Crown: 11 to 12 inches
Step 1. Lay out your fleece on a flat surface and draw out a rectangle using the measurements for the hat size required. This should be 20 inches long and the width will be the circumference measurement of the size hat your making plus 1/2 inch seam allowance. So to make a hat for a child with a head circumference of 15 inches the width should be 15 1/2 inches.
Elderberrry Arts
Step 2. Cut out the rectangle of fleece. Then cut a strip 12 inches by 1/2 inch of fleece from the leftover material
Step 3. Pin a hem approx 1/2 inch wide across the shorter length of fleece.
Step 4. Place the right sides of the fleece together and pin along the length of the material. Sew along this edge either by hand or machine. Knot ends and sewing inside the hem. You can trim this hem to make it even and neater if needed.
Sew either by hand or machine. Knot ends and sewing inside the hem.
Step 5. Turn the hat right side out and arrange it so the seam is in the middle back. From the bottom of your hat measure the crown length and place the fleece strip under the hat at this point.
Once you've cut all the way round the strips can be trimmed to shorten them if required. You could also thread plastic pony beads on some or all of the strips, knotting the bottom to secure them. Step 6. Tie the ends of the strip together and pull tight to gather hat.
Step 7. Now cut the top section of the hat into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide. Written by Elderberry Arts http://www.elderberryarts.co.uk
Rug Making
With Ragtag Rugs
Looking for something fabulous to make using all your old T-shirts, sweat shirts and other disused garments ? If so this could be the project for you. The craft of making rag rugs is very traditional and dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds, it’s still very relevant today what with the importance of recycling, the other great thing about it is that the design on the rug can pretty much be whatever you want it to be - an image of your pet or your house, an abstract or geometric design , or something floral / traditional…. it’s totally up to you and your imagination! The technique I’ll be using for this project is a method called ‘hooking’ which is very simple and produces a soft and hard wearing pile, I’ve tried to keep everything simple and equipment to a minimum so that everyone can have a go. My favourite fabrics to use are the afore mentioned T-shirts and sweat shirts as they fray very little but most textiles of a medium thickness can be used. Materials Virtually any material can be used in a rag rug some materials are easier to work with than others. The best materials to use for hooking include T-shirts, sweat shirts, lightweight cottons/synthetics & lightweight wool/synthetic jumpers. Fabrics such as heavy weight denim are not suitable. For this project I’ve used plain fabrics but patterned fabrics can also be used. Hooking Step 1. Working with the Hessian design side up poke the hook through the Hessian and grab the strip of fabric underneath with the hook. Step 2. Pull the end of the strip of fabric up through the Hessian so that you leave a tail of at least 1 cm sticking up. Step 3. Move the hook along about half a centimeter, poke it back down through the Hessian and pull a loop of fabric up through to the top of the Hessian, a loop height of about 1 cm is best, then just repeat this technique filling in the required area, when you reach the end of a fabric strip pull the end up through the Hessian and trim it so it’s the same height as the loops. Make sure your loops are dense enough and you can’t see any of the Hessian backing. There is no need to physically fix the loops in place as they will stay put automatically due to the thickness of The fabric and the denseness of the loops. What you will need: A piece of Hessian measuring 90 cm x 110 cm. Selection of fabrics cut into strips measuring 1 - 2 cm wide, depending on the thickness of the fabric and avoid any seams. Rug hook. Dressmakers pins. Scissors.
Large-eyed needle. Ball of wool. Marker pen. Yard stick / metre ruler. 2 sheets of thin A4 card, or a flattened cereal packet. Compass. Pencil.
Rug Making
With Ragtag Rugs Step 1. Using the compass and pencil draw two circles measuring 18.5 cm across on the sheets of card and cut these out using the scissors.
Step 2. Using the marker pen and metre rule draw a rectangle on the piece of Hessian measuring 63 cm x 84 cm leaving a boarder of about 12 cm all the way around the rectangle. Divide the rectangle into four giving you central lines for the width and length of the rug. Place the card spots on the Hessian in the appropriate places and draw around them using the marker pen, for the half and quarter spots fold one of the card templates accordingly and then draw around it. Draw in your designs within the spots. Step 3. Fold under the raw edges of the Hessian and stitch with a running stitch using the large-eyed needle and wool, this is to prevent the Hessian fraying, selvedge edges can be left as they are. Step 4. Hook in the strips of fabrics filling in the spots first and then the background. You can either use the design shown here or make up your own spots and colour scheme.
Step 5. When completed lay the rug face down on the floor and turn in a hem of about 6 cms to the back of the rug and pin it all the way around, fold and pin the corners as neatly as possible. Sew the hem to the back of the rug with a running stitch using the large-eyed needle and wool. Voila! You have a rug! Supplier For an American Style Rug Hook costing about £7.50 and also Hessian go to Fred Aldous Craft Supplies www.fredaldous.co.uk Note Some people prefer to use a rug making frame which helps to keep the rug square, but as the rug we’re making here is fairly small and we’re keeping things simple I’ve dispensed with this. Written by Ragtag Rugs www.folksy.com/shops/ragtagrugs
Tell us about yourself My name is Laura and I live by the sea in the East of England, Pakefield to be precise. I live with my wonderful Brother who is a musician so we have a very creative household and in our bright conservatory I make “Laura by The Sea” jewellery (from necklaces, brooches & bracelets to ear rings and hair slides) using vintage ceramics. I break vintage crockery, hand sand it to ensure there are no sharp edges and make the shards into beautiful jewellery, When did your crafting begin, and why? I began studying ceramics during my BA Hons degree in Fine Art at The University of Portsmouth which is where my obsession for vintage crockery began to grow. Initially I began by making new plates and tea cups with vintage shards in but soon the beauty of the ceramic shards started appealing to me which is when I had the idea of making jewellery out of them - and one day I just did it and haven’t stopped since! I just love how the cute patterns really stand out against the silver chain. What was the first item you made to sell online? The first item I sold online was on my Folksy shop (http://www.folksy.com/shops/LaurabyTheSea) and was a vintage ceramic and bead brooch, the buyer was very pleased with it and gave me great feedback! What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why? I think my biggest crafting achievement since starting Laura by The Sea Jewellery has to be getting interviewed for the national “MAKE Jewellery” magazine as their new “It accessory” designer. I totally didn’t expect them to contact me via my Folksy store! Other than crafting, what else do you like to do?
In my spare time I like to paint, I write, I strongly believe it is the simple things in life that count. I am a collector of anything old with a story and pick up anything found on the seashore. First morning sunshine, trawling antique treasure troves, walks on the sand with my pooch, Sepia tones and seeing life through a lens makes me happy. I do a photography/fashion blog (laurabythesea.tumblr.com) and am a very sociable person. These are a few of my favourite things and yes, that should include raindrops on roses and brown paper packages tied up with string! Where would you like to be in 5 years?
In 5 years time I would love to be able to do this on a full time basis, to make enough money to live. I am aiming to have my jewellery sold in many UK wide independent stores and hopefully a few abroad. However, the ultimate dream is to have my jewellery featured in Vogue.
Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration comes from trawling antique and vintage shops, photography (one of my current fav photographers is Elizabeth Sarah from America) and I am always inspired by other people. When I get talking with my friends about anything creative the juices start flowing and I get more design ideas. I am also inspired and work along with music (anything from R&B & Hip-hop to Reggae and Jazz, I have an eclectic mix).
What are your favourite materials, and why? Vintage ceramics because I adore the vintage floral prints on the crockery and like the idea of being as eco-friendly as possible and like to only use recycled materials in my jewellery. What is favourite shop online, that isn’t yours, and why? My favourite online shop has to be Loglike, a contemporary gift and home ware store with vintage elements. The owner makes cute candlesticks from vintage plates and saucers that look amazing on my coffee table! (see http://www.folksy.com/shops/Loglike)
Has any person helped or supported you more than any other? I would have to say my parents and Brother! Not just financially, when I was a poor struggling student, but they are supportive with everything I do in life and I just couldn’t do without them! My brother is more like a best friend.
Tell us a random fact about yourself! I have 23 dresses in my wardrobe and have a vinyl collection of mostly 1980’s music (my guilty pleasure).
Visit
Laura at http://www.folksy.com/shops/LaurabyTheSea
in the Garden Hi! I’m Tina, Good to have you visit with me again in The Garden. I think we will sit in the conservatory this morning the sun is just streaming in, it is so wonderful to feel the warmth after such a cold winter. I have the kettle on and some little iced biscuits, but remember we must not over indulge , me especially as I have not been working in the garden so much ,just sitting in doors munching.
Well, Spring is here at last and it does seem to be in a hurry this year, the crab apple is already in bud and also the fruit trees.
Here is a photo of the willow catkins, or lambs tails as my mother used to call them, she was a country woman and knew every wild flower by their old country names, she loved all nature and her garden, and was my inspiration from an early age.
I had my own little piece of garden and the plants there were in my charge, if I forgot to water them and they died mother would say you have to be responsible, give them a little care and you will be rewarded with so much beauty, and as I look around the garden today the beauty just takes my breath away. I checked out the herbs after the winter and just look at this monster, it’s the parsley how great is this.
Also I think that this flower is really confused, it is of course an antirrhinum, when I emptied the summer bedding from the tubs, some were still fine so I planted them in the garden, and as you can see have been well rewarded. Also, some silver foliage plants, which I cannot remember the name of and of course have lost the label, they seem to think that it is already summer. The bluebells are coming through in the wood, not long now before they flower, they have to hurry before the trees get their leaves.
At the moment you can get into the bog, it does not look half as mysterious as it does in the summer, you can even see the stream. My better half and I have one or two projects this summer, well I have the ideas and he makes them work , how lucky am I. So watch this space.
Oh you have to leave, well thank you again for coming, be safe until your next visit with me in The Garden. Your green fingered friend, Tina
www.tina-in-the-garden.blogspot.com
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There are a lot of different crafts to choose from. This series of articles will discover some of the more unusual and also some old world crafts that may have been almost forgotten. This was discovered in an American newspaper by Creative Craftings Tina, we just had to tell you about it. Better a sweater from a dog you know and love than from a sheep you'll never meet Contains easy step-by-step instructions for collecting, cleaning, storing and spinning your dog's fur. The book includes original knitting patterns for the novice and the pro - from mittens to shawls to lace collars from your cat's hair.
Knitting with Dog Hair by Anne Montgomery
I did some Googling about this and apparently there is quite a lot about it! I found a tutorial on the popular E-How site. E-How
Sold by Amazon
How to Knit a Dog Hair Sweater The brushed undercoat of a dog is called 'chiengora' and can be used for knitting, crocheting, or felting just like lamb's wool or other yarn. Dog's hair has been used for centuries for weaving blankets and other coverings. Dog's hair is much warmer than wool. Here is how to knit a sweater from dog hair. After the tutorial, the writer goes on to leave a warning that dog hair is much warmer than wool and an entire garment made of dog hair will be too hot to wear. I also found a very fascinating article about a lady called Laurie Moy on the Boulder Daily Camera website. Warp and woof-woof: Making clothes out of dog hair Read more: Boulder Daily Camera I’m sure like me, you’ll find this quite fascinating. If any of our spinners out there fancy a go at creating some yarn from their pooches we would love to see some of the results. It is also a great idea for recycling all of that fluff that you are constantly sweeping up off your sofa or your carpet. There really is a use for most things after all.
This article was created by
The Crystal Lady
http://www.mysticearth.co.uk
Salt dough is so quick and easy (and therapeutic) to make, endlessly adaptable, a joy to share with the kids and has the advantage of being made from store-cupboard basics (although you could make these projects in clay or fimo or even plasticine.) The drawbacks are that it takes a while to cook/paint/varnish, it will dissolve in wet or very damp conditions and will break if you drop it! So allow yourself a couple of days to produce a finished piece and varnish thoroughly when decorated to protect against any damage. Making a Batch of Salt Dough 1 Mug of Table Salt 2 Mugs of Plain Flour Approx 1 Mug of Tepid Water (Add final Âź slowly) 1 Tablespoon of Olive or Vegetable Oil (Optional) Mix the flour and salt together in a bowl. If you are using oil (which helps to add elasticity but is optional and not necessary) add it to the mug of water. Add the water (with or without oil) to the salt and flour mix. Add most of the water, stirring into the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. Add the last of the water carefully, as you will need more or less depending on humidity and the grade/quality of the flour. You need to add enough to bind the ingredients without making it too sticky. Empty onto a lightly floured surface and knead for at least ten minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly warm.
A Few Tips for Modelling Salt Dough Roll out salt dough onto a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, or you could use a bottle if you haven't got a rolling pin. Gently flattening salt dough with the heels of your hands will work too, but keep moving the dough to keep it even and turn it over to the fresh, smooth side just before you begin cutting shapes. Keep the thickness of your pieces under an inch; much thicker than this and they won't harden properly in the middle. Use a sharp knife to cut salt dough shapes, but a blunt knife (or the back of a knife) is useful when marking lines onto the dough. A scalpel or craft knife is best for cutting out intricate shapes. Use pastry cutters, plasticine moulds, forks, hair grips, scrubbing brushes; experiment with anything you have lying around the house. Cooking Salt Dough Cook your salt dough pieces slowly in a very low oven. The cooler and slower the better, to prevent distortion in the cooking process. These pieces were cooked at 140/275 degrees or Gas Mark 1 for approximately 2 hours, but I often leave them all day in the oven at its lowest setting.
Heartmade Gifts
Decorating Salt Dough You can decorate your pieces before or after the cooking process. Try adding food colouring, herbs and spices, tea or coffee to your dough as you knead it. Or try painting your uncooked piece with an egg wash for a lovely golden glow. Experiment with various mediums on cooked pieces. Gouache and acrylics work well, but poster paint is fine (if a little limited in colour variation) and you could try chalks, felt tips or crayons. Use glue to add decorations including glitter, sequins, fabric bows, tiny scraps of paper, etc. It's nice to leave the dough perfectly natural sometimes; and sometimes, a combination of natural dough and painted areas works very well. Varnish thoroughly. Any varnish will work; I tend to use a spray varnish as a first coat, to set the paints, then I add a few coats of a super store 'own brand' wood varnish. (If you need your finished piece to be especially waterproof, try yacht varnish, but be aware that it will tend to change the colours, making them yellowish.) Use a small brush to get into all the nooks and crannies and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. The more coats you apply, the better protected your final piece. However, unvarnished salt dough I have made for personal use (or the odd forgotten piece), has survived very well, even in a slightly damp old house! So don't let a lack of varnish deter you from trying salt dough. But if you are creating a family heirloom, four or five coats of a good varnish will ensure it lasts for years. Try these two Easter projects: the “Egg-stra Special� eggs are very quick and simple enough to do with small children; the primrose basket takes a while and is a little fiddly, but well worth trying and very easy to adapt by choosing your own flower, or perhaps some other motif.
~ Egg-stra Special Eggs ~ 1. Form an egg shape from a small ball of dough by rolling in your hands and press this gently onto your baking tray. (It's easier to build your salt dough pieces directly onto the tray you will use to cook them, rather than try and move them while they are still uncooked. I have built my eggs onto the kitchen surface because it will be easier for you to see what I'm doing.) 2. Roll out a piece of salt dough and use it to cover the bottom end of your egg like a blanket. When you are happy with the position, gently lift and run a wet paintbrush between the two pieces to glue them together. 3. Cut out an egg cup shape around your egg.
4. Use a damp paintbrush to push the egg cup onto the egg and ensure it sticks. (A damp paintbrush also helps soften edges and blend any creases or cracks.) 5. Uncurl an old metal paperclip and push into the dough to form a hanging loop. You can use a piece of any wire; I try and use paperclips or a piece of wire coat-hanger, as I like to recycle. An alternative hanging method is to create a small hole (or two holes for larger pieces) and thread a ribbon or piece of leather shoelace through the hole, tying it to make a loop.) 6. Cut out a small bow shape from a piece of flattened dough. 7. Cut two ribbon ends from a rectangle of flattened dough.
8. Use a wet paintbrush to layer the ribbon ends onto the top of your egg. 9. Attach the bow in position. And add a small piece to the centre of the bow to finish.
10. Cook. 11. Decorate in whatever way takes your fancy … have fun!
~ Primrose Basket ~ 1. Cover a bowl in greaseproof paper and turn upside down onto your baking tray. 2. Roll out some dough to approx 5mm thickness and cut into thin strips, long enough to cover your bowl. 3. Lay four of these strips across the bottom of your bowl. 4. Begin weaving four in the opposite direction, by gently lifting alternate strips out of the way, laying the cross strip and replacing the lifted strips. 5. Then add
one strip to each side, until you reach the edge of the bowl. 6. Trim the edge with a knife or fold the strips back to form a rough bowl lip. You can indent something on the dough to secure and decorate. 7. Cook.
8. Carefully remove the bowl and paper. 9. Make primrose flowers and leaves and glue them to the rim with a wet paintbrush, replacing your bowl in the oven for a short while: Leaves – cut rough leaf shapes out of a piece of flatted dough and mark the veins and indent the edges with the back of a knife. Flowers – use a small heart cutter to cut 5 heart shapes and place on the rim with points together, indenting the centre with your fingertip and then marking with the end of a paintbrush. Paint with whichever medium you prefer or have to hand. I have used acrylics here, leaving the basket natural and painting the primrose leaves green and the flowers yellow, adding some orange to the centres of the flowers while the yellow is still damp for a blurred effect. This article was written by Dianne from Heartmade Gifts. Join Heartmade Gifts on Facebook www.heartmadegifts.wordpress.com
Luscious Lockets Lockets may sound very old fashioned but if you have a wander through the handmade sites you will find a wealth of very modern and extremely beautiful designs. Perfect for you to carry your loved ones with you wherever you go.
Creative Crafting Favourite
Emerald Bewitched youmin Lilac Lace Heart Locket Jewellery by Bina
$40
£15 Vintage Victorian Styled Sweetheart Locket Miss Bohemia
£17
The Bright Forest Locket marisolspoon
Cameral Locket
$35
mydogandi
$27.50
Bee Joyful Locket The Whimsical Wren
£10 Steampunk Watch Mechanism Locket edmdesigns
$85
This article was created by
The Crystal Lady
http://www.mysticearth.co.uk
? e k a C te la o c o h C s e k Who li
This is a great recipe for Easter, Mothers day or any other day, lets admit it we all love chocolate!! Ingredients 7 8 1 2 4 2 5 5 1
oz self raising flour oz caster sugar teaspoon of salt tablespoons of cocoa powder oz margarine eggs beaten with tablespoons evaporated milk tablespoons water teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Sift together flour, sugar and salt and cocoa. Rub in margarine. Stir in eggs essence and liquids then beat well. Grease and flour 2 8 inch cake tins, divide the mixture between them. Bake in a moderate over 325-350 F, gas mark 3, about 35 minutes. When cold, sandwich together and cover in milk chocolate icing.
Milk chocolate Icing Ingredients: 2 4 8 3 1
and a half oz margarine or butter tablespoons cocoa oz sieved icing sugar tablespoons hot milk teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions: Melt the margarine or butter and blend in cocoa powder then stir in icing sugar milk and vanilla essence. Beat until smooth and thick. We hope you all enjoy the recipe, we would love to see any pictures of chocolate cakes that you make.
Written and reviewed by Peggy’s Knits http://peggyscollection.webs.com
Spring special
Budget & Luxury Woodland Daffodils Charm Bracelet Coco Angel Rose £16.00
Spring Flower Hair Clip Flutter2me £4.50
Spring flowers brooch Di Does Craft £8.00 Pink Spring Clutch funky diva designs £17.50 Purple Tulips Wildrose Ridge £3.50
Springtime Dala Folk Horse Hanging Decoration - Yellow Court and Spark £4.00
Cupcake Bunting! Cotton Cottage £16.50
The Charlotte - Sage Rosalind James £145.00
Springtime 16 Crayon Roll Apple n Amos £5.09
Buttercup earrings in soft yellow with peridot and brass Goblins Market £4.01
D A P H N E - Broken China Plate Pendant and Sterling Silver Necklace Designs by Mila £22.28
Chickadees and Lilacs Stained Glass Window Stained Glass Addie £49.40
By Sprinkles Sparkles http://www.sprinklessparkles.co.uk All prices are correct at the time of publication
Crochet Flower Brooch Materials: Small quantity of DK yarn. I have used a yarn with a wool-mix but any DK yarn of your choice will be suitable. Small quantity of kid mohair yarn (use two strands together) 3.00 mm hook. 2.00 mm hook. ch - chain stitch One large button. dc - double crochet Brooch pin. htr - half treble crochet To make the leaves Sewing needle. ss - slip stitch tr - treble crochet Using DK yarn and 3.00 mm hook make 5 leaves as follows: st - stitch Rnd 1: 9ch, dc in 2nd ch, 1htr in next ch, 1tr in each of next 6ch, 3ch, ss in base of last tr worked. Now work on opposite side of stitches by turning the work. Rnd 2: 3ch, 1tr in each of next 6ch, 1htr in next ch, dc, ss in top of first st. Fasten off and sew in loose ends. To make the small rose Using a 2.00 mm hook and working two strands of kid mohair yarn together 13ch. Rnd 1: 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in 4th ch, (skip 2ch, 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in next ch) 3 times. (4 v- spaces). Rnd 2: 3ch, 6tr into next v-space, 1dc into space between v-spaces. Continue with 6tr into each v-space and 1dc in between spaces until end, ss into last ch. Fasten off. Roll the work with fingers from start to finish to create a small rose flower and sew together at the base. Assembling the brooch Arrange the 5 leaves to form a circle so the corners of the leaves are touching. Sew each corner together to form the petals of a flower. Turn the work so the wrong side is facing up and close the hole by sewing together with the same DK yarn used to make the leaves. Turn the flower so the right side is facing up and sew the button in the centre of the flower. Attach the rose to the centre of the button as shown in diagram. Sew a brooch pin to the back of the flower to complete the brooch.
Crochet Mobile Phone/iPod Cosy Materials: 50g Dk yarn in mustard colour. Small quantity of DK yarn in bright pink for picot edging of cosy and small rose. Small quantity of DK yarn in sage green for leaves of rose flower. Size 3.00mm hook. Instructions for the cosy The cosy can be made to fit a mobile phone/iPod of your choice.
ch - chain stitch dc - double crochet htr - half treble crochet ss - slip stitch tr - treble crochet st - stitch
Pattern note: the pattern is worked in dc throughout and worked in the round using the tapestry crochet method of crochet. This involves carrying a second yarn below the first making it very strong. Foundation row Using one strand of DK yarn in mustard make a chain that measures the width of your mobile phone/ipod. Rnd 1: dc across row until the last chain, 2dc in last chain. Turn work. Rnd 2: Begin to carry a second strand of mustard yarn throughout each round and every round from now on. This yarn is not worked but carried below the first strand of yarn. Work along the opposite side of the row just worked, 1dc in first ch, 1ch in each chain until the last chain, 2dc in last chain. Now mark the last stitch just worked with a different colour yarn so you can see the end of the round and keep moving this marker up to the last stitch worked. Rnd 3: Dc in each chain around working in spirals moving the stitch marker as the piece grows. Continue until the work measures the desired length to fit the mobile/iPod. Fasten off and tie in loose ends.
Picot edging Rnd 1: Using DK yarn in bright pink, dc into each stitch around the edge of the cosy opening, ss to first dc. Rnd 2: 3ch, *ss into 2nd chain from hook, ss into base of 3ch*, dc into next 2ch, 3ch, continue from * to * ss into last ch. Fasten off and sew in loose ends.
Instructions for rose flower Rnd 1: Using DK yarn in bright pink 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in 4th ch, (skip 2ch, 1tr, 2ch, 1tr in next ch) 3 times. (4 v- spaces). Rnd 2: 3ch, 6tr into next v-space, 1dc into space between v-spaces. Continue with 6tr into each v-space and 1dc in between spaces until end, ss into last ch. Fasten off. Roll the work with fingers from start to finish to create a small rose flower and sew together at the base. Instructions for leaves Using DK yarn and 3.00mm hook make 2 leaves as follows: Rnd 1: 5ch, dc in 2nd ch, 1htr in next ch, 1tr in each of next 2ch, 3ch, ss in base of last tr worked. Now work on opposite side of stitches by turning the work. Rnd 2: 3ch, 1tr in each of next 2 ch, 1htr in next ch, dc, ss in top of first st. Fasten off and sew in loose ends. Assembly Sew the leaves to the reverse of the rose and attach to the cosy as shown in the picture.
Written by Andrea Lesley Crochet http://www.folksy.com/shops/andrealesleycrochet
Materials T - shirt - colour your choice. Scissors. Chain. Sewing needle and thread. Corsage or embellishments. Step 1. First, get a plain white t-shirt.
Step 2. Then cut off the neck.
Step 3. Now sew two pieces of chain to each side of where the neckline should be.
Step 4. Cut a triangle out of the bottom of the t-shirt.
Step 5. Tie the two ends that are left, into a knot or bow.
Step 6. Finally, add a corsage or flower to the front.
Step 7. Now you have a bang on trend crop top, simply wear over a vest top! I loved designing and 'gokking' up this t-shirt, it took minutes and didn't cost a lot either!
Written By Heidi Jackson
Corsage made by Madam Salami http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadamSalami
Online Street Favourite finds from around the crafting community This months focus is Easter and Spring! Click on the images to take you to their store!
MISI
Easter Eggs Card Naomi Constable £2.50
Ring With A Flower Blue Fish Handmade £8.00
Spring necklace in glass and sterling silver RosieJo Jewellery £12.75
FOLKSY
Easter Knitted Bags Fluerette £3.00
Small Gorgeous Felt Spring Bouquets Spare Minute Productions £20.00
Easter rabbit cushion with choccie eggs Phoebelina's Treasures £5.00
WOW THANK YOU
Green And Brown Petal Flower Bracelet Sprinkles Sparkles £37.50 inc p&p
Blue Easter Chick Dharmapaintings £12. 20 inc p&p
Handmade Pink Canvas Wall Art (Set of 3) Craft on Canvas £39.00 inc p&p
All prices correct at the time of publication
Best Picks
Favourite finds from around the crafting community This months focus is Easter and Spring! Click on the images to take you to their store!
UGLY BE GONE
Handpainted Dotty Dolly Pegs Ticketty Boo £6.50
Quirky Motifs Shopper Rachael Taylor £15.00
Collette the Cow Bib Baby Boutique £11.00
Easter 1" Square Pendant Happy Easter Spring Flowers Miss Gooseberry Pendants £3.21 ARTFIRE
The Cutie Pie - recycled paper butterfly shadow box The WingSpan Collection £64.21
RETRO//Easter/plastic spring fling, daisy clip-on earrings amber brown makes art £2.08
Easter Egg Mini Cards 2x2 6 Peculiar Parchment £1.70
Spring Chicks - Little Fused Glass Dish - Easter Gift First Light Glass £9.26
4 Chocolate Easter Parade Bunny Lollipops extra large Candy Cottage £7.41
ETSY
All prices correct at the time of publication
Make a Rose Quartz Bracelet Rose Quartz is the stone of unconditional love. It purifies and opens the heart helping the wearer to love themselves as well as others. Rose Quartz draws off negative energy and helps release unexpressed emotions. Encourages self forgiveness and acceptance, aids self trust and self worth.
What you will need: 3 x 10 inch lengths of purple Cylon cord 10mm silver plated lobster clasp and clasp tag 2 x silver plated fold over necklace ends Approx 24 Rose Quartz gemstone chip beads (holes need to be large enough to thread one length of the cylon cord though) 2 x 4mm silver plated jump rings I find it easier to use a macrame board for making this type of bracelet as it make it easier to keep the design neat but it's not essential. I use a simple board made from a cork notice board and pins. I also use nylon nosed pliers to fold over the necklace ends as I find metal pliers often leave marks but again they aren't essential.
Step 1. Attach one of the necklace ends to one end of the three lengths of Cylon cord. You can then use the hole in the end to attach the bracelet to your board.
Step 2. Thread a chip bead on to each of the outer lengths of cord.
Step 3. Cross the outer cords over the middle one as you would in a braid. Then braid the cords again.
Step 5. Repeat step three and four until the bracelet reaches seven inches or your desired length. (The clasp section will measure approximately one inch).
Step 4. Thread two chip beads on to the new outer lengths of cord and braid as in the previous step.
Step 6. Attach the second necklace end to the three cord without cutting them as it makes it easier. The ends can then be trimmed with a craft knife or sharp scissors.
If the cord ends become frayed they can be fixed with a little super glue.
Step 7. Using the jump rings attach the clasp to one end of the bracelet and the clasp tag to the other.
Step 8. And there you are. One finished rose quartz bracelet.
Written by Elderberry Arts http://www.elderberryarts.co.uk
Would you like to share a craft project with Creative Crafting? Let us know what project you would like to share with us. Anything from jewellery, knitting and crochet crafts, paper crafts or a craft you feel has been forgotten about. Email: thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com
To those who are not yet aware, Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot this month, on Friday 29th April, in a quiet little ceremony at Westminster Abbey. To some this may mean getting a day off to celebrate the nuptials or actually attend the whole affair. To others like myself who are self-employed there will be no day off and hence little difference from a normal day, but we can still be happy for the two love birds entering a state of marital bliss for the first time. In these uncertain economic times I am not sure how the Royal Wedding will affect the economy, how much money will people want to spend? Will this mean street parties, like those that dominate many people’s memories from Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding back in 1981? Will there be a rush to purchase ridiculously crass ‘souvenir’ mugs, plates, tea towels, or will the market just not be there at all with all the unsold Royal Wedding goods in the pound shops by June? The handmade and crafting sector needs to be aware of the sales potential created by this Royal event and so products should be made available to support the celebrations and possibly make the country feel good about itself again. Maybe a lovely warm spring day in April will be good for the country and make it forget its economic woes for a few hours? We asked a number of our sellers about their experience of the last big Royal Wedding (Charles and Diana) and what they are going to do this time to celebrate. There were mixed feelings – many were too young to remember much about the 1981 event and even though I remember a day off from school I cannot remember any street parties or spontaneous Mardi Gras. This time around I think money will be a big factor and most people will not stray too far from a bit of home baking in red, white and blue and also a show of patriotic bunting. Union Jacks are quite the ‘in thing’ at the moment for interior design and so a patriotic statement may double as being hip and trendy. Kim Lampard of Zigzag Bunting thinks a great way to celebrate the Royal Wedding is to make your own bunting. She suggests pulling together a pile of fabrics that you no longer need, but that hold cherished memories for you, for example your daughter’s first cute dress, a tea-towel you bought on a special holiday, an old bedspread made by your Granny. Even if the items are damaged, so cannot be passed on to others, there is always a little corner that can be cut up into a triangle to make a bunting flag. Mix a few of these together, and if you have enough for a colour scheme (such as red, white and blue) fine, but don’t worry, the flags don’t even need to be the same size. Sometimes a shabby chic ‘Mix and Match’ approach turns out to be perfect! Sew the fabric triangles onto a piece of ribbon or bias tape and you will have a wonderful string of bunting to decorate for the special day. You and your family will remember not only the Royal Wedding when you bring out that bunting, but have extra glimpses of their past in the fabrics. Definitely a memento to cherish! Gaye Weekes of A & V Designs now lives in Snowdonia, North Wales and only an hour away from Anglesey where the Royal couple will begin their married life. She has no doubt had that His Highness has been hovering over their remote valley in his helicopter over recent months. Gaye plans to be flying red white and green Welsh bunting for the wedding. Her bunting is made from vintage fabric from the 1950s and 1960s - a cotton heavy woven green and cream floral and a jolly red and white gingham. She adds “
”
Karine Ait-Mohamed of The Pink Fairy Cake is French but now lives in England. She says “
” In the spirit of the occasion Karine has produced a product that combines both England and France into the celebration. She has produced sets of two Union Jack hearts filled with lavender from Chateau la Gabelle in Haute-Provence. Lisa MacDonald of LisaMollyMacDonald is quite enthusiastic about the wedding and getting caught up in the glamour of the occasion. “
” Lou Carswell of Loubie Jewels has some pretty fantastic red, white and blue jewellery which would be suitable for a Royal wedding celebration. She told us: “
” So what can we gather from these observations. It will be a nice idea to celebrate the Royal Wedding. If we apply a little ‘wartime’ austerity (handmade lends itself to recycling and upcycling) we shouldn’t have to spend a fortune. We can step back from commercialism and be involved in a low key but meaningful way that will make the event more memorable for its simplicity and just a little thrift. God Bless William and Kate.
This article was written by from http://www.wowthankyou.co.uk
Tell us about yourself My name is Sandra Ritchie, I live in Cleethorpes, UK with my husband, Jason, my 10 year old daughter, Alisha, my 2 year old son, Alfred and our dog, Dumbledore. Primarily I am a housewife, but in my spare time I make jewellery of all kinds from beaded pieces to metal work, but mainly I make custom-made bespoke precious metal jewellery.
When did your crafting begin, and why? Many years ago I studied Jewellery and Metal Art at college and over time I've collected the tools I needed but never got round to setting up a workroom until 2009 when my Husband pointed out that our Utility Room would be perfect for me to set up as a workroom to start making jewellery again. It seemed ideal, I already had people interested in me making them some jewellery and it meant I could stay at home and look after the children as well as try to establish a name for myself as a Jewellery designer/maker. What was the first item you made to sell online? The first item I made to sell, whilst not specifically to sell online, was a silver octopus necklace commissioned by an acquaintance of mine that had seen the silver octopus necklace that I made for myself whilst at college and wanted one like it. She has since purchased the silver and copper entwined Dragon necklace and a commissioned silver Dragon and is back on my list for another piece to be made. My number one fan, I think.
What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why? I love all the pieces I've created, especially my Custom work, but my favourite piece of all is the Greenman necklace. I was approached to make something as a surprise for someone and was basically given the opportunity to produce something different to my usual pieces. I love making pieces that are based on people's ideas of what they want, that is really special . . . but the Greenman necklace was my design based on what the customer wanted it to represent. I had to teach myself etching for the piece as its something I'd never learnt and I'm really pleased with how it worked out. Other than crafting, what else do you like to do? I love spending time with my children and family. I love baking and cooking too and I suppose I should admit to enjoying the odd relaxing glass (or bottle) of nice wine when the children are in bed.
www.littlefairycult.co.uk
Where would you like to be in 5 years? In 5 years time, I'd love to be in a better financial position so I can buy silver and make silver jewellery to sell that isn't just Custommade. I've started sneaking a few pieces of precious metal jewellery that are for general sale onto my site. Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration is usually from the customers themselves. They tell me what it is they want and I design a piece to reflect that. Sometimes they alter the design slightly to reflect more of how they want it and that is fine. For my bead jewellery its usually what beads I have in my workroom that inspire my beaded pieces. I very rarely buy beads for the reason that I have a design idea and usually just buy mixed lots of beads and work with what I have. What are your favourite materials, and why? I really love working with precious metals. There is something uniquely satisfying about taking a flat sheet of metal and turning it into a beautiful piece of jewellery. That's why I take pictures of the pieces as I am making them, so that other people and the customer, who's item it is, can enjoy seeing it progress from a blank piece of precious metal into the finished piece. What is favourite shop online, that isn’t yours, and why?
Oh my! There are so many amazing websites offering beautiful and unique handmade items but I will always take a look at Etsy to see if there is anything that catches my eye on there. They have such a large variety of designers/sellers making almost everything but the kitchen sink (though I bet if you looked hard enough you'd find one on there). I really enjoy the little treasuries they do too, where you can browse a selection of items that are grouped together by themes. Has any person helped or supported you more than any other? I have had a lot of support from the good friends I have gained on Twitter and of course my real life friends have been extremely supportive too, but the main reason I actually sorted out my workroom (or corner of the utility room) was due to my husband insisting that I start making jewellery again. Luckily his insistence and support paid off virtually straight away when a friend asked for the octopus necklace I mentioned earlier to be made. Tell us a random fact about yourself! I have known the sex of each child and whether I'd be carrying one or more before I even conceived them. Fairly random, but fact nevertheless.
its k g n i mak y r e l l ter. f a r c Jewe small e h t from
We’ve found a selection of wonderful beading kits for all ages and experience. These are not massed produced sets but offered by the small crafter.
Beaded Jewellery Kit Japan Crafts £12 Kit includes: seed beads, 5 x handmade glass beads, choker wire x 3, bangle wire x 2, ring wire x 3, jewellery pliers, beading mat, instructions. Makes 8 fabulous and individual pieces of jewellery without the need for fiddly findings, books or other money-wasters! Beadweaving Kit for Jungle Collar Lynn Davy
£38
A coordinating selection of beads plus step-by-step full colour instructions to make your own version of the Jungle Collar design. Learn how to work peyote stitch, edge it with drops, and embellish it with a lush fringe and beaded flowers and leaves. Let your beading imagination run wild! Each kit is hand-picked and slightly different, so the beads you receive may not be the exact ones shown in the photograph, but you can be certain that your necklace will be unique! The kit comes carefully packaged in a handy reusable storage box; the only things you’ll need in addition are a beading needle, a spool of nylon beading thread and some sharp scissors. Fairy Earrings Jewellery Making Kit - Ages 7yrs+ Jewellery Making Kits £5 These single kits are fabulous for all crafty and creative girls! They also make great presents for school friends, nieces, sisters or even grown ups!! Each kit includes: Sterling Silver earwires or studs; a small selection of flowers for the skirt, a pair of wings; a few coloured glass pearls for the heads, silver headpin, Organza Bag, Full set of instructions Suitable for ages 7 years and up. Requires a pair of pliers to finish off - all instructions included. Bracelet Kit - Chunky Swarovski Pearl and Crystal with Toggle Clasp Wonderstuff....... Craft Kits £7.50 A little kit of bronze Swarovski pearls and Golden Shadow Swarovski crystals, silk and toggle clasp. Kit includes: 11 x Swarovski 12mm Pearls Colour - Soft Bronze, 3 x Swarovski Crystal 8mm Rondelles - Colour - Golden Shadow, 8 x Swarovski Crystal 4mm Bicones Colour - Light Colorado Topaz, 1 x Silver Plated Toggle Bar, 1 x Silver plated Toggle Ring, Bracelet length of threading silk, Instructions. This kit contains top quality beads to make an exquisite bracelet, no special tools are needed. This article was created by
The Crystal Lady
http://www.mysticearth.co.uk
This Months... This months ‘Shop of the Month Award’ goes to ‘Julia's Driftwood Furniture’.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/seasandview123
This months ‘Blog of the Month Award’ goes to ‘It’s All Fiddle Fart’.
http://itsallfiddlefart.blogspot.com
This months ‘Man of the Month’ is Ade (Adrian) Edmondson. Chosen by Meg&Millie http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/lets-dance-for-comic-relief/lets-dance-for-comic-relief-results-ade-edmondson-and-eighties-super-group-make-next-weeks-final/
(Nothing like an April Fools!)
This months ‘Lady of the Month’ is Gwen Stefani. Chosen by Claire Pearcy from Elderberry Arts http://www.gwenstefani.com/
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