Simply Homemade 28 Flip

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Sweet treats

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Birdy’s Dolls

Wire and beads

Exclusive designs & templates inside!

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Upcycled gifts to make and send

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Using your free gi ft – inspiring ideas insi de

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WELCOME

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Hello... page

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…and welcome to issue 28 of Simply Homemade. We trust you are all well and looking forward to the Easter break. With the clocks going forward an hour on Easter Sunday we’re really looking forward to the lighter evenings too.

This issue’s fabulous free gifts have been designed to get your spring-themed projects off to a flying start, and whether your preference is papercraft or sewing, jewellery making or home décor, our exclusive stamps and buttons are suitable for a whole host of applications. Turn to page 12 to see what we made with them. We always like to see what you’re making too, so do remember to share your designs with us.

With the popularity of upcycling gaining pace, we welcome Deryn Wilcox to Simply Homemade this issue with her upcycled fairy-inspired creations on page 16 – wire scourers and beads, wooden dowel and fabric remnants have never looked so adorable!

Judith Hannington is adding colour to her kitchen on the cover and on page 22 with an abundance of practical ideas created using a gorgeous array of fabric perfect for spring, and we have all the templates you need to get started. Once your kitchen makeover is

complete, Patricia Harcourt’s quiche would make the perfect teatime treat, turn to page 40 for the recipe.

If you’re looking to try your hand at a new technique, Jill Alblas delivers a masterclass on silk painting on page 53 while Su Pennick is lifting the lid on all things gilding on page 77. Polly Kyte is crocheting a contemporary collection of colourful storage ideas on page 62 and Mel Brooke is designing gorgeous jewellery for weddings on page 44.

With all of this and much more besides, including an inspiring interview with Katie Buckton, proprietor and maker at Birdy’s Dolls, and an eye-catching collection of makes from Debbie von Grabler-Crozier on page 68, I think I’ll leave you to it.

Have a great month,

Editor diane.grimshaw@practicalpublishing.co.uk

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We love to hear from our readers. Why not share your thoughts and opinions on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Pinterest?

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simplyhomemademagazine

EDITOR’S C

HOICE Simply_Homemade

“These gorgeous fairies are perfect for giving as gifts and upcycling doesn’t get much prettier than this!”

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62 EDITORIAL Editor – Diane Grimshaw Editorial Assistant – Lindsey Hopkins Art Editor – Kay Whittaker Sub-Editors – Becky Higgins, Justine Moran Photographer – Tym Leckey

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CONTRIBUTORS Jill Alblas, Mel Brooke, Birdy’s Dolls, Diane Grimshaw, Judith Hannington, Patricia Harcourt, Lindsey Hopkins, Polly Kyte, Su Pennick, Gillian Sutcliffe, Debbie von Grabler-Crozier, Deryn Wilcox

Simply Homemade is published by Practical Publishing International Ltd. All material © Practical Publishing International Ltd. The style and mark of Simply Homemade is used under licence from Craft Media Ltd. No material in whole or in part may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the prior written consent of Practical Publishing International Ltd.

SHMagazine

Simply Homemade is now available as an app for iPad and iPhone

PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING Publishing Assistant – Janice Whitton janice.whitton@practicalpublishing.co.uk Group Sales Manager – Kevin Edwards kevin.edwards@practicalpublishing.co.uk Tel: 0844 826 0610 Advertising Sales Executive – Noune Sarkissian noune.sarkissian@practicalpublishing.co.uk Tel: 0844 826 0612 Advertising Co-ordinator – Rachael Edmunds Financial Director – Karen Battrick Marketing Executive – Maria Ginzberg Publishing Director – Dave Cusick Managing Director – Danny Bowler Chairman – Robin Wilkinson

The publisher welcomes contributions from readers. All such contributions and submissions to the magazine are sent to and accepted by the publisher on the basis of a non-exclusive transferable worldwide licence unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to first publication. Such submissions are also subject to being used, reproduced, modified, published, edited, translated, distributed and displayed in any media or medium, or any form, format or forum now known or hereafter developed, for any purpose, in perpetuity.

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Tel: 0844 561 1203 DISTRIBUTION Newstrade – COMAG Magazine Distribution Craft Trade Distribution – Practical Publishing International Ltd Tel: 0844 561 1202 Magazine order amendments: jody.byron-smith@practicalpublishing.co.uk CONTACT Practical Publishing International Ltd, Suite G2 St Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Stockport UK SK2 6NG info@practicalpublishing.co.uk www.practicalpublishing.co.uk Tel: 0844 561 1202 Fax: 0161 474 6961

Simply Homemade (ISSN 2045-4392) Published by Practical Publishing International Ltd

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issue 28 90 SWEET TOOTH Lindsey Hopkins is making edible gifts for all this issue

36 BIRDY’S DOLLS We discuss all things crafty with Katie Buckton, the maker and proprietor of Birdy’s Dolls

IDEAS & INSPIRATION Try your hand at one of our inspiring easy-to-follow projects tonight

FABULOUS PRIZES TO BE WON! As always we have a fantastic stash of prizes up for grabs

22 SEW ON TREND Judith Hannington’s marvellous springtime makes will give your kitchen the perfect makeover

12 USING YOUR FREE GIFT Try your hand at one of our inspiring ideas using your fabulous free gifts

77 GORGEOUS GILDING Su Pennick uses metal flakes to create on-trend jewellery perfect for the season ahead

53 GET THE LOOK Jill Alblas gives a masterclass in silk painting, creating a fantastic selection of home décor pieces

Step-by-step guidance through every project

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FREE GIFT

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UPCYCLING

Spring flowers: Diane Grimshaw puts this issue’s fabulous free gifts through their paces to showcase their versatility

I believe in fairies: Fanciful fairies are the order of the day for Deryn Wilcox this issue. Simple to make and delightful to give as gifts, they’re going down a storm here at Simply Homemade

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SEWING

Kitchen dreams: Judith Hannington shows you how to breathe new life into your living space this spring with a stylish array of co-ordinated kitchen accessories

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INTERVIEW

BIrdy’s Dolls: This issue we catch up with Katie Buckton, the enviably talented proprietor and maker at Birdy’s Dolls, to find out how her passion for craft turned into a business

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BAKING

Tomato & asparagus quiche: Patricia Harcourt is making quiche this issue – perfect served with a fresh salad as the weather gets warmer

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JEWELLERY

Be our guest: With wedding season fast approaching it’s time to grab your pliers and put your own stamp on some special jewellery for the big day! Mel Brooke shows you how

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TECHNIQUE

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CROCHET

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SEASONAL

Soft as silk: Jill Alblas delivers a comprehensive guide to silk painting and shows you how to create a collection of gorgeous makes perfect for adorning your home

Decorative crochet: Storage boxes get a stylish makeover, crochet style, this issue. Polly Kyte shows you how

Sweet violets: Debbie von Grabler-Crozier is celebrating the splendour of the garden this issue with a violet-inspired tea cosy and stand

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TECHNIQUE

All that glitters: Su Pennick is designing with metal this issue to create a fabulous array of jewellery pieces perfect for the season ahead

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GIFTS

Sweet treats: Edible gifts are always well received, and even more so when they’re beautifully packaged. Lindsey Hopkins shows you how

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COMING NEXT ISSUE

Next issue: Take a sneak peek at what is coming up in issue 29 of Simply Homemade

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CONTENTS

12 FREE GIFT

22 SEWIN G

53 TECHNIQUE

68 SEASONAL

Regulars 6 What’s new?

Sit back and relax as we bring you all the latest from the world of crafts

10 Letters Tell us what you think!

15 & 35 New products Keeping you up to date with new products and projects

21 & 95 Shopping Your guide to what to buy and where to buy it

Your Free Gifts!

44 JEWELLERY

90 GIFTS

Subscription Offer 38 & 61 Giveaways We have a fantastic array of crafting goodies up for grabs this issue

83 Events Keep track of what’s on, when it’s on and where you’ll find it

85 Found on...

This issue we look on Folksy for a range of goodies

51 & 88 Competitions Enter today for your chance to win

SUBSCRIBE TO Simply Homemade and receive this Tilda Country Escape collection! absolutely FREE! Turn to page 32

Wo r t h

£42

Interview With...

EXCLUSIVE! Stamp set & motherof-pearl buttons

Katie Buckton from Birdy’s Dolls page 36 www.simplyhomemademag.com 5

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What’s

new?

Sit back and relax as we bring you all the latest happenings from the world of crafts

Transform your garden

Felting with Clover Clover’s needle-felting tool and mat are essential for experienced and novice felters alike. Consisting of five barbed needles, these tools help you create your design by catching the wool fibres and pushing them into the base fabric quickly and easily. The mat prevents your tool from being damaged, whilst also allowing the needles to push through the fibres with ease.

You can use the felting tool when creating fun felted patterns and designs for artwork, cushions, book covers, to make cuddly toys and soft animals for children, or textile ornaments for adults. ™ Clover products are available nationwide from all good craft, knitting and hobby shops. For stockist information email clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581

GIVEAWAYS To enter any of the giveaways in this issue send your name and address on a postcard to SH28 followed by the giveaway code to Practical Publishing, Suite G2 St Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK2 6NG to arrive by 25th April 2013, or enter your details online at www.ppjump.co.uk/sh28

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PlastiKote outdoor spray paint is a quick and easy way of transforming tired-looking garden containers or giving a completely new look to inexpensive plastic pots.

With eight vibrant colours available, plus four metallic and four hammered finishes, there’s plenty of choice and something suitable for all. You need to ensure the pot you are spraying is clean and dry before applying the paint in fine layers, and for a longer lasting finish use PlastiKote Primer on plastic, terracotta or ceramic pots before applying the paint.

PlastiKote outdoor spray paint costs £10.34 for a 400ml can and is available from B&Q and independent DIY stores. ™ For more information visit www.plastikote.com or call 01223 836400 for stockist information

Just Bunting Cornwall-based company Just Bunting makes bunting and other beautiful handmade textile accessories for homes and businesses.

Inspired by the beautiful Cornish coast, and sometimes featuring a vintage twist, all the bunting, lampshades, cushions, fabric art and other gorgeous homeware items are handcrafted to order, plus you can also select from a range of DIY sewing kits.

Want to join in the fun? Visit one of the sewing and crafty workshops in the studio and other venues across Cornwall that include freehand machine embroidery and creating bunting, lampshades, tote bags, cushions and more – perfect activities for crafty get-togethers and hen weekends. ™ Find out more at www.justbunting.co.uk or phone Karen on 01840 213253

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NEWS

Stylish storage There’s a stunning new range of storage solutions now available from MIC, including office-style ideas, from files and stacking boxes to nesting gift boxes and even mini briefcases! You can count on MIC for great design and value, and it has a huge range to choose from including gift bags and boxes and of course a great range of gifts to put in them. ™ See the full range at www.giftsandcraft.co.uk or call 01707 269999

ONTH THIS MOVE...

WE L Tilda’s Fairytale Wonderland

Elegant hearts Katy Sue Designs has added a fabulous Elegant Hearts mould to its evergrowing arsenal of must-have crafting goodies.

The Elegant Hearts mould comes with four different designs to choose from and can be made simply by using polymer clay, embossing powder, plaster and tissue paper. ™ Go to www.katysuedesigns.com or call 0191 427 4571 for more details

Tone Finnanger is the talented designer behind the Tilda brand and author of over 10 craft books. This latest addition to her range includes more than 25 sewing and papercraft projects, with each chapter being themed around a popular children’s story including Bambi, Pinocchio and The Nutcracker. Projects include new doll designs as well as gifts and decorations using the latest range of Tilda fabric and craft products. ™ To order visit www.stitchcraft create.co.uk or call 0844 882 5851 Readers can order Tilda Fairytale Wonderland for the special price of £11.24 (RRP £14.99) with free P&P in the UK only. To order visit www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/tildafairytale-wonderland and quote promo code R11914 at checkout or call Stitch Craft Create on 0844 880 5851

...

Our Editor says “As an avid admirer of all things Tilda and this gorgeous book is definitely at the top of my wish list!”

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NEWS Turn to page 88 for your chance to win a £25 Vivebooks voucher

Vivebooks update For the first time, Rainbow Disks eBooks are available as downloads as well as CD-ROMs from the new website www.vivebooks.com There are eBooks from top quilters, beadworkers and stitchers, including Corset Making

by Julia Bremble, Scrap House Quilt by Katharine Guerrier, and the latest title Bead Flowers and Wedding Bouquets by prizewinning beader Katie Dean, including over 1hr of video demonstrations! ™ Visit www.vivebooks.com to see the full range of eBooks and CD-ROMs available to buy To celebrate the launch of www.vivebooks.com, the company is offering a special discount of 10% off any eBooks to Simply Homemade readers. Just enter promotional coupon VB4SH at checkout to get the discount. Offer ends 1st May 2013

Designer website launch A new website launched by a Shropshire couple is showcasing the best of British designers and other unique artists Turn to from across the world page 15 to see and inspiring people more from to learn new crafts Seek It Out and hobbies.

Frank Wagstaffe and Rosie Beswick created online company Seek It Out from their passion to uncover unique talent and creativity hidden across the UK. The couple are already shipping products across the world, including their own special Inter-Twine project bags, created by Rosie, to give people the chance to create something handmade without having to source the individual materials, patterns and accessories themselves.

“The website has an extensive range of products that people can make for themselves or as gifts. There’s something for everybody, from sewing, felting and needlework kits, to jewellery making, knitting and crocheting,” says Rosie.

The site is also launching a directory for people to join and pay to list their courses or craft events as a one-stop shop to find out what is going on in their particular craft or area. ™ Visit www.seekitout.co.uk or email enquiries@seekitout.co.uk for more details

Get crafty at Wonderwool Wales For wool and natural fibre enthusiasts, Wonderwool Wales 2013 (27th-28th April) is an extravaganza of retail therapy and creative opportunities which offers you chance to learn new fibre and craft skills from experts from home and abroad.

“The whole event just oozes creativity and enthusiasm and I know nobody will come away without at least a few purchases and the urge to get making as soon as they get home, if not before at one of our workshops,“ says organiser Chrissie Menzies.

Woolschool workshops are a favourite feature of this annual event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells and are so popular that many are booked to capacity beforehand.

The 2013 programme of twohour afternoon workshops is complemented by an exciting choice of one-hour workshops held late morning on each day, allowing plenty of time beforehand to stock up from around 175 stalls selling yarn, fibres, equipment, books and designer-made products.

Bookings for these and the Woolschool workshops can be made by visiting the

Wonderwool website. Show tickets can also be purchased on the online or on the door. Admission is £8, which includes a show directory, and under 16s can go in free.

Wonderwool Wales literally buzzes with colour, excitement and activity, and alongside the Woolschool workshops there are

plenty of opportunities to have a go, learn or brush up on craft skills and pick up a few handy tips from the experts. ™ For booking information and more details about workshop topics and other show events please visit www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk

NOTE: By entering these competitions you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party

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SH28 pp10-11 Your letters_pp 05/03/2013 10:35 Page 10

Every issue our Star Letter winner receives £50 worth of crafting goodies from craft and hobby specialist Abakhan and all other letters printed win a free gift Email letters@practicalpublishing.co.uk or write to us at Letters, Simply Homemade, Practical Publishing, Suite G2 St Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK2 6NG

Crafty inspiration Having received a subscription to Simply Homemade magazine for Christmas so not to miss any issues, I was really excited to attempt the fox-inspired crafts.

My daughter’s birthday is in January and money is always tight after Christmas, so I decided to get my scissors out and raid my material box to make her a cushion. As it happened, this couldn’t have been better timed or planned, since she has just moved into her own house. This cost me nothing but my time and it was appreciated more than anything I could have bought from a shop. I have already decided on my next project from issue 26 – I’m starting to make bunnies for Easter very soon. Keep up the good work!

Tracy Plummer, by email

SH: We adore this cute little fox – and the brightly coloured fabric you dug out is perfect. If sewing and cushions are your thing, turn to page 15 for the Seek it Out project page – there is a fantastic scotty dog cushion we’re dying to make!

Star letter

Superstar sister I wanted to write and tell you about my sister Anna. Since both of us were young, our mum and nan taught us to do various crafts. While I continued down the craft route, Anna would only follow a craft for a short time (even though she is an experienced stitcher).

However, this all changed last year when she decided to take up patchwork and make herself a quilt. Everyone thought this would be a passing phase, but no, she persevered. As her favourite colour is purple, this was to form the main colourway, with white in between. It took her nearly a year to complete and it looks fabulous. When the quilt was completed, she took photos and had them displayed in our local fabric shop – at the manager’s request – as she had spent so much time buying fabric and talking to the shop girls. Anna was so pleased with herself and her achievement that she decided to make another quilt as a birthday gift for my mother-in-law, choosing

Baby bunny I thought you might like to see the bunny I made from issue 26 of Simply Homemade. A friend has just had a baby boy called Harvey, and I thought it would be ideal for him, but instead of the felt you used I opted for cotton attached with fusible web before stitching so that it could be washed if necessary. I also added a tail made from two circles of the fleece fabric. Whilst I think they look great in cream and grey in the magazine, I am pleased with my colourful version. The templates and instructions were easy to follow so thanks for providing them!

Michelle Cooper, by email

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www.abakhan.co.uk

SH: This colourful little bunny is fantastic! Good thinking with the cotton and fusible web... we’re sure the extra thought will be appreciated after a few weeks of baby Harvey dribbling on him – this little guy looks like he’ll survive a few years of rough and tumble!

pink, lemon and white as the colourway.

After this, she decided to make other patchwork items for herself.

As she has outdone herself with her bedspread, I thought I would surprise her and write to you in the hope that she could be featured on your letters page. As she’s not aware of me having photos of her achievement it will be nice to be able to show her and say well done from her proud sister!

Christine Higgs, Wilshire SH:This is a fantastic achievement for someone who has previously struggled to persevere with one particular craft. We love the colours she has used and would love one of our own – even though it took a year, we’re sure Anna will think it was worth the effort – we definitely do! We hope the Star Letter prize comes in handy – maybe Anna could help you to create your own quilt!