Highland Fir Tree & Accessories Tesco 6ft Highland Fir Tree, £15. Gold Tree Star Topper, 96p. 200 Clear Multifunction lights, £19.94. Gold decorations from range starting 94p. Wrap and gift bags from 96p. Gold Merry Christmas ornament, £2.88. Gold crackle hurricane lamp, £9.97 Company Tesco Christmas 2012 W www.tesco.com P + 44 (0)800 505555
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CREATIVE DIVA ISSUE No.3
MY-
Inspired reading for creative hands
table of contents
Every month
diva interviews
06 This Month’s Divas 08 Editor’s Special Guest 82 Pampered Chef
12 14 16 29 26 29 34
Naomi Hall Jenny Rolfe Sunny Vicars Wendy Gardiner Leigh Armstrong Jolene McLellan Michelle Griffiths
diva projects
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64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80
Christmas Wreath Altered Art Bracelet Charm Bracelet White Chocolate Cake Snowy Village Diorama Handy Holdall Crochet Bag Test Christmas Gift Bag Savoury Snacks
November 2012
Queensland Ballet AUSTRALIA
Queensland Ballet presents Season 2013; Queensland Ballet Principals and Soloists. Photo Alexia Sinclair; Art Direction designfront 8
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Editor’s Special Guest
Naomi Hall is a talented watercolour artist based in the UK. Here Naomi shares with us a little about herself and a collection of her more recent work.
naomi hall
Where were you born? My parents came from Goa, Portuguese India, and I was born and brought up in Bandra, ‘Little Portugal’ in Mumbai. After a very religious upbringing (I recently found that I had a Baptism Certificate but no Birth Certificate!), my suitcase and I left on a steamer to England. Aged 17, I found London. How did you become an artist? I started doing secretarial work and eventually was PA to an Advertising Agency Chairman. I loved the creativity of it all, the buzz, and the sheer variety. I eventually made the break from the secretarial side and a few years later, I was an Account Director at McCann Ericsson.Then I retired to have a family. All too soon your kids grow up and they’re gone. I had always hankered after doing something creative and had the good fortune to meet the late David Jackson, then Director of Art at Caterham School. He taught me how to use watercolours, to bring them alive and let them flow. Since then, I have been to classes and workshops with Ann Blockley, Lynda Clarke, Brian Smith and Bridget Woods, but everything I do is founded on what I learned from David. Have you worked in other mediums? I tried oil painting but not for long; I soon gave all my materials away and went back to watercolours. I still do some drawing classes, that’s the foundation for my painting, and have tried my hand at silk painting but I find the equipment very cumbersome. Where do you gain inspiration for your work? Where I live in Limpsfield Chart, just 20 miles from London, we have this amazing view for miles and miles. It inspires landscapes, flower painting and external still life (in the summer!). My studio/conservatory overlooks all this, and I have to work with my back to it otherwise I’d stare out of the window all day.Although I do find that once the paint is flowing, I’m so engrossed that time flies by. Do you still attend classes and where do you mostly paint? I go to classes with Adie Parker during term time, as that’s a very useful discipline. I have painted in Menorca, Andalusia and St Lucia, but I find that the paint dries too quickly. Maybe that’s why watercolours suit the British climate so well! I found the colours in the Outer Hebridies very inspirational but too cold to paint outdoors, as was Lake Como. Who has been a major influence on your work? Major influences have been Elizabeth Blackadder and Alexander Cresswell. The artist I most aspire to is Ann Blockley – I just love the way she handles watercolour – she is a total master of the medium. What galleries and shows are you involved with? In the past I have exhibited locally in Oxted, Crockham Hill, Bletchingly and Caterham, also at the Spirit of Christmas Fair in London and in Hamble. I have had an open day at my home, too which was very successful but hard work.The recession means that there are fewer red dots at exhibitions these days, but ;et’s hope that changes soon because I am running out of space!
If you would like to purchase any of Naomi’s work you may contact her at: enquiries@my-creativediva.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT NAOMI HALL 12
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I loved the creativity of it all, the buzz, and the sheer variety
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llantwit 2012
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With each piece of work I found I became more adventurous and confident
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divine sewing competition
Enter our Sewing Competition to win 1 of 3 fantastic PRIZES! First prize Simplicity’s Simply the Best: Sewing Book This great book really is ‘the’ sewing bible to have. Written by the experts behind Simplicity patterns, it is packed with hints and tips to allow you to learn to sew with confidence. It has easy to navigate chapters that include understanding patterns, sewing basics and sewing on special fabrics that are tricky to work with.There are plenty of top techniques throughout as well as some pattern-less projects so you can get sewing straight away. It is spiral bound within a hard protective cover so it’s easy to leave open next to your sewing machine as you follow the step-by-step techniques. Simply the Best: Sewing Book is published by Collins & Brown (RRP £20), ISBN: 978-1-84340-557-3. Second prize Win a voucher for Simplicity patterns of your choice. Third prize Win a voucher for 1 Simplicity pattern of your choice.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY SIMPLY…. Use a Simplicity, Burda or New Look pattern to make a garment. Embellish and decorate it to make it truly Divine. Send us a photo of your pattern plus one of the finished garment. Include 75 words describing how you added your own designer touch with your contact details. Winners will be announced in Issue 6 of My-Creative Diva. Entries close on the 3rd of February.
ENTER TODAY! SEND YOUR DETAILS AND PHOTOS TO E: competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk
THE FINE PRINT Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No staff members of MCD are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition.The winners name and address will be forwarded to Simplicity for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes.The names of the winners will be published in issue 6 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include this text in your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. 18
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divine competition
BEFORE
AFTER
Our fashion Diva Kira Withers-Jones experienced a make-over session at the
London studio!
Read about Kira’s experience on page 44.
EXCLUSIVE READER COMPETITION! Enter our make-over competition • To be in with a chance of winning your own make-over, email us at competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win this fabulous prize • Please advise us as to which studio would be the closest for you to visit • Include a return email and postal address The lucky winner will be announced in the Issue 4 of My-Creative Diva magazine. Entries close on the 3rd of December. Go on, be a Divine Diva and enter today! YOU could be on our front cover! Conditions of entry: Entrant must be 18 years or older. Proof of age identification will be required. No staff members of MCD are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to New<Id Studios for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva accept no responsibility for the distribution of this prize. The names of the winners will be published in issue 4 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include the following text with your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. The winner is responsible for all travel expenses to and from the New<Id Studio.
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Please tell us about your books and what you are currently writing. I’ve written 14 books, most of which are on sewing. In fact, it was a commission to write four books that made me take the plunge and leave Vogue/Butterick to go freelance. My first was a very basic sewing book with simple projects. Since then I’ve written a number of Sewing Bibles – the most recently published is the Sewing Machine Accessory Bible. I am now working on another book for Search Press which is a beginner’s guide to sewing with a machine. I’ve also just done some presentation spreads for another title that might get commissioned at the Frankfurt Book fair. Who is your favourite designer? I like quirky and I like classic so this one is difficult. I actually like clothes from the Joe Baker collection as well as DKNY. If you could time travel and meet anyone in the world from any era, who would you like to meet? What would you talk about? I’d like to meet Coco Chanel – I’d love to know how it felt to be a woman designing in a ‘man’s world’. She dropped the corset and made clothes that were wearable and elegant. She invented the little black dress and even today, simple cropped edge to edge jackets are still known as ‘Chanel style’ jackets. What’s your favourite tipple, champagne, wine or ….water? Most definitely red wine. I try to ration myself to a bottle a week but if I get together with my girlfriends, we can easily drink a bottle in a night!
If you’re tempted to learn to sew and wish to contact Wendy, her contact details are below. CONTACT DETAILS: E learnmore@isew.co.uk W www.isew.co.uk T 23 92 261338 Photo Credits LEZ GARDINER 21
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Introduction to PMC, The Art of Silver Alchemy and the Basic Ring class. What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome? Recently, the sudden death of my mother. Not only is that a personal challenge but it has also been a business one as my mum, Wendy, was a huge part of Magick Minx. Wendy was responsible for the care of my children when I was working, I have busy kids so it was a full-time job! When the girls were at school Wendy often worked at the studio and was known by and friends with many of my regular students. She is very much sadly missed. I guess currently my challenge is trying to juggle, kids, after school clubs, horses and three businesses. My availability (or sanity) is my biggest challenge!
one of my f
aery houses!
What is your favourite technique? What excites you about it? I love creating my own moulds and textures to utilise in my work, particularly when working on my sea themed pieces. When on vacation , most people see a pile of rocks, I see textures for a new ring! I have recently bought the most amazing piece of industrial kit to create photopolymer texture mats which I am currently playing around with. Also, my moulding compound goes everywhere with me! Do you keep a journal of ideas and how do you keep yourself focused and organised? This is something that is quite new to me actually. I previously had drawings on post-its and scraps of paper, even on my white tables at the studio. It was a bit chaotic but tended to work well for me. Since the death of Wendy, I’ve found that I have to work a wee bit harder in my search for inspiration – my creative mojo took a vacation! As it’s turned out it’s not a bad thing at all as it has made me think a bit harder, be more organised in my recording of ideas and has forced me to look at other mediums. So far this year I have learnt about lampworking, felting, millinery, free-style machine embroidery, sugarpaste flowers and mixed media work. I have also literally just started working through The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. It’s a course book on discovering and recovering your creative self. It came highly recommended by a friend so I’m looking forward to seeing where that may take me. Who is your favourite jewellery designer? I love Gordon Uyehara’s work, He is the most amazing Metal Clay artist. Right from the start he was my hero. I think he is utterly brilliant and I was beyond thrilled when he visited me in my Studio a couple of years ago. If you could time travel where would you go, who would you meet and what would you eat and drink? Well for many a year I wanted to be a pirate or highwayman (thanks to Adam Ant) and I became fascinated with the costume of mid to late 17th century which became readily apparent in my final collection at college. So just on the off chance I get to see a Mr Depp lookalike I’ll go with 17th Century Caribbean, eating suckling pig and drinking rum!
If you’re tempted to learn about Precious Metal Clay or to view some of Leigh’s work visit her website or send her an email.You’ll find all her details below. CONTACT DETAILS E info@magickminx.com W www.magickminxproductions.com P 07921611997 PHOTO CREDITS NICKY TOWNSEND + LEIGH ARMSTRONG 27
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leigh armstrong interview
Wine coaster texhibited at British Silver Week
A close-up of the reverse of the coaster where you can see the wood remaining from pasting silver on to wood. 28
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jolene mclellan interview Do you keep a diary? How do you keep yourself focused and organised? If it’s not in the diary, it doesn’t happen! I can’t live without lists, reminders, post it notes and my precious diary. Between soccer, swimming, singing lessons and school runs (that’s just the girls), I have my work at the park, family and friends to keep in touch with and the list goes on. Being organised is essential! Where do you go when you need some ‘me time’? ‘Me time’ involves being outdoors and usually enjoying nature by myself or with my partner. Whether it’s gardening, swimming, camping, bushwalking or any other outdoor activity I’m able to recharge my batteries (mentally and physically). I’m very lucky in that sometimes I get a bit of ‘me time’ while at work. Where in the world would you like to travel to and why? As long as I can remember, visiting Africa has been my lifelong dream, and this year my dream came true! I have been fortunate enough to be selected to represent the Queensland Rangers Association at a World Rangers Congress in Tanzania in November. The congress is where rangers from all over the world gather to help African rangers develop dynamic and positive strategies to help better conserve East Africa’s natural assets. And of course, I couldn’t go all that way and not ‘live my dream’. So for eight days my partner and I will be enjoying the sweet sounds and sights of Africa’s wilderness and wildlife, touring through the northeast section of Tanzania and parts of Kenya. I didn’t want this amazing opportunity to be all about me though, and over the last couple of months I have raised some much needed funds for the Tanzania rangers,The David and Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi and the School of St Judes in Arusha.
bald rock creek
If you would like to know more about Girraween National Park you can find Jolene’s contact details below. CONTACT DETAILS E jolene.mclellan@nprsr.qld.gov.au W www.rymich.com/girraween/ W www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/camping P +61 (0)7468 45157 Shop Girraween National Park,Via Ballandean Q 4382.
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giraween
PHOTO CREDITS JOLENE MCLELLAN
the sphinx 31
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keep on track
If in doubt seek expert assistance “It’s important that you check out the business regulations in your country, state or province because if you fail to do so you may make yourself liable to a fine”. photo credit Remy Levine© | Dreamstime
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Stanthorpe Heritage Museum 12 High Street | Stanthorpe Queensland Australia
On my vacation in Stanthorpe, my husband and I visited the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum and met up with Mary Rofe, one of the brilliant volunteers who keep this collection of buildings, machinery and artefacts open to the public. I asked Mary to share with us some details about this fascinating place. Mary: ‘The Museum is first port of call for many visitors seeking their forebears’ humble beginnings.We have a dedicated Research Room holding family histories as well as information on local groups and organisations.Visitors frequently request details of family members and we are usually able to provide data and photographs. One of our special collections at the Stanthorpe Museum is called ‘Make Do’. We have collected a wide range of these hand-made, repaired, or recycled items, as they are a direct reflection of the hard times experienced particularly during the establishment of the fruit industry. Clearing land and planting fruit trees is not only hard work, but the rewards are not seen for some seven years. The most important thing to ensure visitors enjoy their stay is that we talk to them. We are very proud that our display items are properly catalogued and marked. The cards show details of the donor and the history of the item (where known) plus how it was used. This is particularly important in the case of the ‘Make Do’ items. We also display information panels in each dedicated area. Within the grounds of the museum there are 10 buildings for visitors to explore and 20,000 items to view. Make sure you drop by when next visiting Queensland! We’re only a few hours drive from the city of Brisbane.
FOR OPENING HOURS CONTACT
My husband andrew checks out the local gaol photo credits joan gordon 39
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Mary Rofe Stanthorpe Museum Research E stanthorpe museum@gmail.com P +61 (0)7468 10805 M +61 (0)427 617 679 November 2012
DIVA TRAVEL
Ragdale Hall Welcome to award winning Ragdale Hall!
Multi award winning Ragdale Hall has won a steady stream of awards over the last ten years, many of which have been voted for by previous guests and readers of leading publications. We would like to offer readers of My-Creative Diva a very DIVINE pamper package! Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa is located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside. It combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. Whether you are looking for total relaxation me-time and pampering, or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and spa breaks has something for everyone, so if you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a day out with girlfriends or some time-out with your nearest and dearest, Ragdale Hall really is the spa to visit.
My-Creative Diva Readers Offer! 33% discount off our Nightly Tariff for two nights or more sharing a Superior Room valid until end of January 2013. Normal price £510 per person – with the offer £341.70 per person for a two night stay, Sunday to Thursday only. PACKAGE INCLUDES (PER PERSON) • Check in at 3pm to a Superior twin/double or triple room for two nights sharing. • TWO 40 minute treatments each (choose from a body massage, prescription facial, manicure, or moisturising lavender body treatment). • Full use of Spa facilities including Thermal Spa, all classes and gymnasium. • All meals included for your entire stay – breakfast in bed, lunch and three course dinners. CONTACT DETAILS To book call: 01664 433 000 and quote My-Creative Diva. For more information on Ragdale Hall go to www.ragdalehall.co.uk 46
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DIVA TRAVEL
creative adventures
For a holiday sure to fire your mojo visit www.ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council
A World-Wide Community of Ceramic Artists World-Wide Community AA World-Wide Communityof ofCeramic Ceramic Artists
Artists
CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III June 2-14, 2013 CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III Italy CERAMICS IN TUSCANY III June 2-14, 2013 June 2-14, Italy 2013 Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana
Italy Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Presented by Potters Council at La Meridiana VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Deadline to Save $555 (US Dollars) VISIT: www. ceramicartsdaily.org/potters-council Ends February 22, 2013 Deadline $555 (US Dollars) Onlyto 26Save Spots Available! Ends February 22, 2013 Deadline to Save $555 (US Dollars) Only 26 Spots Available! Italian Inspiration and Italian TechniquesEnds February 22, 2013 Only 26 third Spotstime. Available! Potters Council is excited to be going to Italy for the Our past trips have proven that travel has always Italian Inspiration Italian Techniques provided a source ofand inspiration for visual artists. Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can Potters Council excited new to beideas. going The to Italy for the past trips have proven travel has make your mind is race itinerary forthird thistime. trip isOur designed to provide visual that stimulation as aalways Italian Inspiration and with Italian Techniques provided teaching a sourceand of inspiration for for visual artists. Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can valuable learning tool interested ceramics. Potters Council is excited to be going tothose Italy for the thirdintime. Our past trips have proven that travel has always make your mind race with new ideas. The itinerary for this trip is designed to provide visual stimulation as a provided a source of inspiration for visual artists. Seeing new things, whether contemporary or antiquities can valuable teaching and learning tool for those interested in ceramics. make your mind race with new ideas. The itinerary for this trip is designed to provide visual stimulation as a Highlights Register Presenters valuable teaching and learning tool for those interested in ceramics. Highlights Register Presenters Presenters
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lavera celebrates years of organic and natural beauty My-Creative Diva magazine loves this range because... Lavera products are not tested on animals and are free from: • Synthetic aromas and colours • Parabens • Silicone oils • Paraffin • Mineral oils • Petrochemicals Lavera holds the international label Na True for genuinely natural cosmetics! Get ready for SS13 with lavera Trend make up range! The word is out on colours and styles for SS13 and the Lavera natural and organic makeup range, ‘Trend’, has everything you need to create fabulous and affordable looks for the upcoming season, while maintaining an ethical stance. Among the predicted trends is the ‘military mode’ with khaki, brown and air force blue colours featuring strongly – and Lavera Trend makeup with its earthy hues is the perfect complement. Celebrities recently spotted sporting these colours include Geri Halliwell, Emilia Fox and Pippa Middleton. Eye makeup in particular was accentuated at London Fashion Week. Groomed eyebrows are predicted to attract attention. Graeme Hume from Lavera says: “We are enormously proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. Lavera stands for genuinely natural cosmetics and skincare; as one of the original organic and natural brands we continue our search for new and innovative products while maintaining our dedication to our core beliefs and values, which has kept us at the forefront of organic skincare and makeup. Our Trend makeup range is a perfect example of adhering to those beliefs while providing our customers with makeup which is at the forefront of fashion”. New from Lavera is the Eyebrow Styling Gel, £10.50, which will be a key accessory in achieving beautifully defined brows, drawing attention to the eyes and framing the face. The innovative gel comes in a natural hazel brown shade that will colour and care for your brows. Eye shadows on offer include, Forest Green, Shiny Taupe, Mountain Blue and Chocolate Brown. These gorgeous mineral-based shadows are bang ontrend to enhance and define the eyes, while caring for the eye area with ingredients including fruit extracts and shea butter. Lip pencils, lipsticks and lip glosses nourish with ingredients including organic jojoba oil.
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Stockists and prices Available from www.lavera.co.uk, Holland & Barrett and independent health stores nationwide. Trend make-up example prices: Organic Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow £10.50, Eyebrow Styling Gel £10.50, Organic Soft eyeliner £9.50, Organic Glossy Lips Lip Gloss £10.50. 61
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Divine Jewellry Altered Art Bracelet By Nicky Townsend Use Altered Art techniques to create this stretch bracelet. You can use fancy papers, copyright free images or even family photographs to decorate. Embellish with charms to finish or for a Steampunk style, add tiny watch components. You can finish each section with glass cabochons, or if you would like to set charms inside, there is a super product called Glossy Accents which sets clear and hard and holds the charm in place. HOW TO MAKE IT STEP 1 Choose your base papers or photographs. Take one of the glass tiles and trace around the edge directly on the section of paper/photo which you would like to appear in the bracelet link. If you are using paper, try and pick out a section that has a good focal point. Move the tile around on the paper to find your favourite image. STEP 2 When you have traced around enough sections to complete the whole bracelet, you will need to seal the paper to lock in the colours. Use Glue ‘n’ Seal for this. Paint a thin coat over each of your templates.You must seal both sides, back and front. Leave to dry and then paint on another coat and leave that to dry completely. STEP 3 Cut out your sealed paper templates.Take the Glossy Accents and squeeze a small dab into the base of one of the links of the bracelet. Use a paint brush to coat the base evenly and then press in one of your paper sections. Use a dry paintbrush to press down and remove any air bubbles that may have got trapped underneath the paper. Don’t forget to pay attention to the edges.
MATERIALS Bracelet blank A selection of images/photos or fancy paper Glue ‘n’ Seal Glossy Accents A selection of charms (optional) TOOLS Scissors Paintbrushes Pencil
resources All materials supplied by International Craft P 01923 235 336 F 01923 235 337 E sales@internationalcraft.com W www.internationalcraft.com
DESIGNER CONTACT DETAILS Nicky Townsend P 0843 2891420 E nickyt@enchantedhandmadejewellery.co.uk W www.enchantedhandmadejewellery.com
PHOTO CREDIT Nicky Townsend
STEP 4 If you have decided to finish with glass cabochons then squeeze a thin and even coat of Glossy Accents over the back of the tile and press firmly into the bracelet section. Keep pressing firmly from the centre out to the edges to squeeze out any air bubbles. Repeat for each of the sections to complete the bracelet. STEP 5 Why not set a charm on top of the paper to add a bit of interest. Place your chosen charm into the section of bracelet and squeeze Glossy Accents into that section. Start close to the charm and work your way out to the edge. Fill the whole recess, completely covering the charm with Glossy Accents. When using Glossy Accents it is imperative that you don’t shake the bottle at any time as it creates air bubbles which you don’t want to appear in your finished piece. STEP 6 Once the recess is filled, take some time to prick out any air bubbles which may have appeared. Use a pin or gently tap the surface of the bubble with a dry paintbrush. Leave to set completely – this usually takes around 24 hours to set to a hard clear finish. You can only complete one section at a time when choosing to use the Glossy Accents, you will need to stand the bracelet on its edge and leave to set fully before you can move onto the next section.
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PRODUCT TEST By Maggie Jones.
Eco Friendly Crocheted Bag I was really excited to receive this kit to make a crochet bag. This bag kit comes with components and instructions to make a chunky crochet hand bag. I love the texture of the yarn and it appealed even more when I realised its eco credentials. The fabric part of the bag is made by recycling high range fabrics left over by the textile industry. The hook is made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable woods available. The items you can make using this kit are as suitable for beginners as experts. By Maggie Jones. MATERIALS • ‘Hoooked Zpagetti’ Milano Handbag kit (includes instructions) • Scissors • Measuring tape • Hand sewing needle • Matching sewing thread • Large eye needle • Beads with large holes TESTING THE KIT Simply follow the instructions which come with the pack. As the yarn is re-cycled, weights and thickness can vary, so make a test piece first to check tension and size. Alter if necessary to add/delete stitches. I followed the pattern exactly, although as a total beginner, I was unsure if the pattern was correct. However, as you work up several rows, the pattern begins to appear. Remember after making the rectangle with horizontal ribs, you turn it through 90º giving vertical ribs.To decorate the bag, you can make your own bag-charm or crochet flower. I used a cluster of yarns and tied beads onto the end of each strand. MAGGIE’S HINTS • The X symbol in the instructions doesn’t mean ‘this is the wrong way’; it’s a notation for how to do double crochet stitch. • The very first row is a chain stitch – keep this fairly loose, so that when you crochet the sides together you can go into the loops easily. • Ensure that you make a turning chain at the start of each row, otherwise your crocheted piece will start to resemble a triangle! • Check on the websites – I found the Australian site www.zpagetti.com.au particularly helpful. RESOURCES This kit was supplied by dmc creative who market ‘hoooked zpaghetti’ products. STOCKIST INFO www.dmccreative.co.uk FOR DESIGNS www.zpagetti.com.au BEADS www.docrafts.co.uk 76
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PHOTO CREDITs MAGGIE JONES
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CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS Gift bags can make an gift extra special, more so when it has been created by hand. By Sharon Williams. When you see the Christmas bags you have made containing special gifts sitting under the tree just waiting to be opened, the feeling you get is somewhat magical. Each gift bag can be tailored to fit the size of your presents or to suit the tastes of the recipient. These instructions are easy to follow, use them to make traditional or contemporary designs.
materials & equipment • • • • • • •
Medium paper bag - plain to decorate/colour yourself White cardstock slightly smaller than the front of the bag All purpose crafting glue Scissors Die cutting embossing machine Embossing folder Christmas tree die or pre cut
• • • • • • •
Poinsettia die or pre cut poinsettia motif Thin ribbon Distress ink Christmas greeting stamp/pre stamped sentiment Die cut shape for greeting sentiment Stickles/glitter glue Christmas tree
TRADITIONAL STYLE BAG
STEP 1 Emboss the card with the design of your choice. STEP 2 Cut 4 thin strips of red glitter card to fit around the edges of your embossed card and glue in place. STEP 3 Gently, working in from the edge use your distress ink to add colour to your embossed design / edge of the card. STEP 4 Glue this card to the front of your paper bag. STEP 5 Now glue on the Christmas tree die. STEP 6 Cut three pieces of your chosen ribbon and cut to the same length, cutting each end at an angle. STEP 7 Glue the top of each ribbon and position these under where you will place the poinsettia at the desired angle. Gently twist each ribbon. After the first twist approx. 1½ - 2cm, dab on a spot of glue and hold the ribbon in place until secure. Now twist the remaining ribbon as before, adding a dab of glue on the end to finish. STEP 8 Put together your die cut poinsettia or stick down your readymade poinsettia, on top of the end of the ribbons. STEP 9 Stamp out your greeting and attach it to the die cut shape. Use distress inks to create a decorative edge if you wish and attach it to the opposite side of the poinsettia. STEP 10 On your Christmas tree you can add some crystal stickles in a swag design. Spread it across the whole tree, add gems or further decorations. RESOURCES Ribbon and card – Dandie Crafts, Treforest - www.dandiecrafts.co.uk A4 Card – Papermill Direct Online - www.papermilldirect.co.uk Plain paper bags – Paperchase - www.paperchase.co.uk Grand Calibur die cutting machine & dies – Spellbinders - www.spellbinderspaperarts.com
To contact Sharon for advice or to purchase any of her work, email her at divaadvice@my-creativediva.co.uk. PHOTO CREDIT SHARON WILLIAMS 79
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WIN THIS! Dremel Moto-Saw £99.99 It is a compact and easy-to-use scroll saw for making detailed cuts in different materials. This user-friendly scroll saw is not only easy to store and set-up, but also easy to operate. HOW TO ENTER • Email competitions@my-creativediva.co.uk • Tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win this tool • Attach this code: DREMEL MOTO-SAW WIN – MCD 3 • Add your name, address and email • The lucky winners will be published in Issue 5 of MCD • CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES – 25TH NOVEMBER 2012 Conditions of entry: Only 1 entry per household. No staff or family members of MCD staff are eligible to enter. No further correspondence will be entered into the competition. The winners name and address will be forwarded to Dremel for the distribution of all prizes. My-Creative Diva does not accept any responsibility for the distribution of the prizes. The name of the winner will be published in issue 5 of MCD. If you do not wish to be contacted by our marketing team with regard to further competitions or magazine subscription please include this text in your entry: * I do not wish to be contacted with regard to any marketing or promotions from MCD. Competition is available to UK residents only.
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Solmate Recycled Virgin Cotton Socks From Vermont USA a wonderful range of multicoloured socks, as the saying goes life is too short for matching socks up. Made from recycled virgin cotton left over from other garment manufacture and saved from landfill. 80% cotton, 19 nylon and 1% lycra for durability. £12.95 Company Shoreline W www.shoreline.uk.com P 0844 6696 434
Cocoon Terra Bio ethanol Fire The fabulous Terra bio ethanol fire from Cocoon fires uses high quality liquid bio ethanol, which is exceptionally clean, safe & environmentally friendly and also provides plenty of cosy heat for up to six hours per 1.5 litre refill. £2580 Company Go Modern Furniture W www.gomodern.co.uk P 0207 7319 540
Paisley Rose Recycled Foil-lined Lunch Bag Recycled plastic paisley rose design insulated lunch bag/cool bag with zip closure and carrying handles. £4.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146
Ivory Indoor Compost Bin Ivory metal compost bin with rubber sealed lid to help keep in food smells and internal removeable plastic bucket for easy removal and cleaning. £19.95 Company Dotcomgiftshop W www.dotcomgiftshop.com P 0780 1976146
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HOLDALL BAG PATTERN ENLARGE THIS PATTERN Use this pattern as your template to make the bag designed by Kira Withers-Jones on pages 74 and 75. It makes a perfect gift for eco-aware friends or a personal bag that you can use for your day to day shopping!
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