Love it, make it!
worth over £500
25 BEST-EVER PROJECTS FOR PAPERCRAFTERS Issue 262 Jan 2014 £4.99
Q u ui i ck c k -C r ra a f f t
MAKE THESE IT! ITH YOUR K T W T INSIDE: QUILLING FOR ALL OCCASIONS ✬ READER STORIES ✬
NEW YEAR, NEW CRAFT !
Brigh Bri ghtt idea ideass you’ u’llll lov love e
i ! a t e e t re e a C r FOR YOU
i ! m p t am S t a
15 Easy Glass Painting
TEMPLATES & MOTIFS TO DOWNLOAD AND KEEP
i ! ve e t Gi v
FREE EASY WE W EEKEND KNITTING PATTERN
Materials and equipment perfect for crafts, baking and sugarcraft
www.squires-shop.com www.squires-shop.fr
www.squires-shop.es
www.squires-shop.it
www.squires-shop.de
Ordering is simple and secure – shop online or call our friendly customer services team. Order line open Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm, call 0845 61 71 810 or +44 (0) 1252 260 260. Squires Kitchen, The Grange, Hones Yard, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8BB, UK Languages spoken at SK include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Belarusian.
SHOP ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY
Materials and equipment perfect for crafts, baking and sugarcraft
www.squires-shop.com www.squires-shop.fr
www.squires-shop.es
www.squires-shop.it
www.squires-shop.de
Ordering is simple and secure – shop online or call our friendly customer services team. Order line open Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm, call 0845 61 71 810 or +44 (0) 1252 260 260. Squires Kitchen, The Grange, Hones Yard, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8BB, UK Languages spoken at SK include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Belarusian.
SHOP ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY
January 2014
Wel elcome come craft crafter ers s... Three things I’ve learnt this issue…
This is the first issue of 2014 and we’ve got plenty of ideas to blow away the cobwebs and kick start the creative year ahead. New from cross-stitch star Helen Philipps, is a sweet stitched bird set, whilst Jill Alblas’ glass painting and wood engraving offers a fun and easy introduction to a classic technique. In the mood for a spring clean? Then, Rianna’s feature on how to organise your home creatively should fit the bill. Plus, we take a back-to-basics look at the art of soap making. In our Make and Sell feature this month we’ve included some really
that you can crochet star garlands from cotton yarns
useful tips on starting up a baking business. What’s more, Emily Hogarth tells all about her passion for papercutting and the success of her fabulous new book. Plus, Jecelyn tries her hand at icing heart-shaped cookies, so all that’s left for me to do now is put the kettle on… enjoy! Happy crafting,
Sa ra h Sarah Crosland, Editor
book papers make the perfect backing for stamping
Meett the Mee the tea team m RIANNA FRY, FRY, Deputy Editor, has fun with Helen Fitzjon’s farmyard game (p80) and catches up with TV personality, Dawn Bibby
JECELYN LATIMER, Editorial Assistant, pickss out some pick fabulous prizes and shares your handy craft tips (p83)
that it’s easy to stencil patterns on enamel buttons Crafts Beautiful is now available to download from the App Store © ACEVILLE PUBLICATIONS LIMITED 2013
No part of this publication or its content may be reproduced for public display or commercial usage without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Don’t Don ’t mis misss out out Our fantastic giveaways, on page 40, include a Canon digital camera worth over £500, bead kits, cute stamps, plus lots of other goodies to add to your craft stash!
YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT NEXT MONTH...
There are so many crafting possibilities with quilling and for February we have this creative kit featuring a special board and 60 colourful paper strips for you to get stuck right into! Check out our February 14 issue on sale 10th January, 2014
Write to us! Crafts Beautiful, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY Get in touch
[email protected]
JANUARY2014
Contents 18
89
48 REGULARS
FREE GIFT
7
8
FIRST STEPS
Use washi tape to update your glassware 14 INSPIRATION FOR JANUARY
Find out what's been happening in the craft world with our news round-up 22 ASK THE EXPERT
Crafty pros share their top creative advice 32 MY CRAFT SPACE
Corinne Bradd demonstrates her passion for upcycling 45 WEB WATCH
Keep up-to-date with the best of the web 51 HANDMADE HOME
Rianna shares creative ways to organise your home 56 OUR PAPERCRAFT HERO
Create vibrant projects with Kate Skilton's New Year decs 66 YOUR SPACE
CB readers share ideas and inspiration 83 REALLY USEFUL CRAFT TIPS
Nab some handy advice from fellow crafters 114 BEHIND THE CAMERA
Dawn Bibby pops by to talk New Year's crafts
HOW TO USE YOUR FREE GIFT
Let your creativity flourish with this month's Paper Flowers Kit
76 GLOBE TROTTER
Craft vintage travel-themed cards using map prints 80 CHILDREN'S PARTY SET
Make a simple animal game for your little ones
CARDS & PAPER
PEOPLE AND PLACES
11 5 WAYS WITH...
21 ENCOUNTERS OF A DOMESTIC CRAFTER
Be inspired to craft a co-ordinating set from one design collection 18 TREAT BOXES
Add a touch of nostalgia with this packaging from Cathie Shuttleworth 24 NEW HOME BUNTING
Craft a pretty hanger and card to mark a loved one's new journey
Heidi Laing relaxes after Christmas and begins a new challenge 28 MAKE AND SELL...
This month we look at how to sell your bakes from home 60 EMILY HOGARTH
We chat to Emily Hogarth about her papercutting passion
38 SLIDER ELEMENT
Kinetic designs aren't just for kids, as Colette Smith shows 43 MAKE ME QUICK
Kitty Frampton welcomes in the New Year with lantern-adorned cards 64 VINTAGE BIRD DESIGN
Tracey Daykin-Jones puts a timeless spin on her greetings 70 QUICK KIT CARDS
Save on time with Paula Holifield's speedy digital makes
STITCH 48 CHIRPY FABRIC SET
Sew a fabric bird hanging and cross-stitched card 86 CROCHET LAMPSHADE
Love your lights with a rustic drum shade 89 RUSTIC SEWING ESSENTIALS
Organise craft tools using Amanda Walker's designs 93 DITSY GIFT SET
Learn a new skill and make Carolyn Letten's stitched accessories
Share it!with the rest of the CB community via
In this issue
78 FIND FREE TEMPLATES FOR THIS ISSUE AND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE
crafts-beautiful.com
100 LEARN & MAKE 26 WATERCOLOUR DESIGNS
Create perfect prints with paints using Sharon Armstrong's technique 68 CLAIRE WILLIS QUILLS KEYS
Open up the New Year with quaint keys by Claire Willis 72 TRICKS WITH PASTELS
Use rich tones to create stunning dimensions following Sara Naumann's masterclass 78 BACK TO BASICS: SOAP-MAKING
Learn how to master the art and enjoy a free project
BROWSE & BUY 16 CRAFT CRUSH
We've gone all whimsical with childhood motifs 40 FREEBIES & OFFERS
This month there's a fab selection of prizes and offers up for grabs
46
98
84 WOOD ENGRAVING
Brush up on your carving skills with Jill Alblas' top tutorial 100 BUTTON BOXES
Jane Kharade creates a set of cute enamelled trinkets 102 GLASS PAINTING
Colour charming motifs with our guide on glass design
KNITTING 50 SCANDI STORM HAT
Keep heads and ears snug with a classic Nordic knit
JEWELLERY 98 ROMANTIC CHARMS
Create stunning accessories with our clay and resin how-to
MIXED MEDIA 36 SKETCHED POTS
Keren Baker's darling herb set will look fab on a windowsill
TODAY! www.crafts-beautiful.com
66
BAKE & CRAFT 46 ICING BISCUITS
Learn the Biscuiteers’ tricks to topping baked treats
First Steps
Make it!
INJECT SOME COLOUR INTO YOUR CRAFT ROOM AND BRIGHTEN A DULL CORNER WITH THIS SEASON'S
Scented spring blooms
Craft tip
This is the time of the year when spring bulbs are a plenty and keeping them looking trim and perky is always a challenge. With hyacinths it is always best to position them away from direct sunlight and avoid draughts. Choose flower heads with tight buds, these will last longer, then plunge them into really cold water before placing into your vase. A sachet of plant food will ensure that your spring bouquet gets all the nutrients it needs, as well as keeping harmful bacteria at bay. Remove any foliage that starts to deteriorate and change the water in the vase after several days.
SOURCE IT... For care information on spring bulbs visit the Flowers & Plants Association website, flowersandplants.org.uk Washi tape, stickytiger.co.uk
If your glass vase is looking a little plain, jazz it up with washi tape! This versatile adhesive will turn a humble piece of glassware into something chic and unique
v o p i L o i d u t S / a i d e M 4 g n i v i L
LET YOUR IMAGINATION BLOOM AND CREATE A RANGE OF FLORAL CRAFTS WITH THIS PRETTY KIT
WHAT YOU NEED Your free kit Twine Punch Quilling tool Pliers Adhesive
Cut a length of wire in half with pliers, then pop out several small flower and petal pieces in different patterns. Sandwich the top of the wire between two small overlapping petals and secure. Work down the wire stem, adding more petals to each side.
Flat flowers Stick three petals of the same colour together to make a flower. Add smaller pieces in different colours on top of these, filling the spaces between the lower shapes. Bend over an end of a half-length wire into a small loop and glue to the centre of the flower. Add two or three larger, curled petals to the outside and secure small leaves behind these. Use a quilling tool to curl down each strip of the fringed coil to produce a domed centre.
Domed flowers Cut a strip of coloured paper, 3cm wide, and snip a deep fringe into a long edge. Curl the fringe around a quilling tool and glue. Bend the end of a half-length wire into a small loop and pass through the rolled fringe, sticking it in place. Curl three small petals over using scissors, then fix the ends of the petals to the base of the coiled fringe.
S tyle advice Try adding detail such as the veins and stamens on the petals to your blooms with a metallic pen to make them really eye-catching
Add two or three larger, curled petals to the outside and secure small leaves behind these. Use a quilling tool to curl down each strip of the fringed coil to produce a domed centre.
Big blooms Create a domed flower as before, but do not curl the fringed coil centre. Flatten the fringe into a sunburst shape and glue a small flower to the centre. Using a quilling tool or the blade of a small pair of scissors, curl the fringing up around the central flower.
Free gift
S Subscribe today! This month new subscribers will receive a bundle of TONIC STUDIO goodies!, See page 58
Gift bloom Create a mix of flowers, using the instruction for the bouquet, to form one big embellishement. Add two big, green, card leaves, then use it to jazz up a gift.
Other ways to use your free kit...
Use the petals from your kit to make a hanging flower garland. Simply press out the elements from the die-cut sheets, then place them into piles according to pattern and colour. Glue together clusters of flowers, petals and blossoms. Use a tiny punch to make two holes in each set of shapes, then thread coloured twine through, arranging the sets so they alternate between large and small, then secure with tape.
Your Exclusive Gift NEXT MONTH There are so many crafting possibilities with quilling and for February we have this creative kit featuring a special board and 60 colourful paper strips for you to get stuck right into!
February issue, on sale 10th January 2014
Cards
Share it!
5 ways with...
ONE COLLECTION RAISE A SMILE WITH UPLIFTING SENTIMENTS AND PRETTY EMBELLISHMENTS
turn over for projects
5 ways with... ONE COLLECTION WHAT YOU NEED
Celebrate Today
American Crafts, Dear Lizzy, Polka Dot Party collection products Papers Veneer set Large tags Perforated accents Stickers: accent & phrase; epoxy Stamps Adhesive flowers Die-cut frames Thickers, Cordial & Soiree Other materials Ink-pads: salmon, black Card blanks: blue, 9cm x 17cm; salmon, 13cm square; pink, 10.5cm x 14.5cm; light blue, 10.5cm x 14.5cm; yellow, 13cm square Adhesives
Fix a panel of striped paper, 7cm x 13cm, to a salmon blank, 13cm square. Layer a 10cm square of wood grain patterned paper to the back of a floral frame, then secure it to the card. Stamp a heart onto cream card using a salmon-coloured ink-pad, then trim around and stick to a large tag. Fix this to the right of the design using foam pads. Secure a 'celebrate today' greeting and dog embellishment to the tag, using 3-D foam pads and positioning it so the sentiment overlaps the right edge. Create some banners from patterned paper and stickers, ensuring a variation of lengths. Add them to the design so they poke out from under the tag. Finish with the addition of a flower sticker.
OUR ADVICE... To give paper-covered veneers a clean finish, use a nail file to smooth the edges and take off any overlapped paper
Capture & Remember Cover the front of a blue card blank, 9cm x 17cm, with stamped black chevrons. When dry, add patterned paper, 8cm x 13cm, featuring a 'very important' panel. Secure a perforated chevron print piece to the right of the card, then position a floral sticker strip on the top. Snip one end of a spotty decorative tag, 3cm x 9.5cm, into a banner. Use foam letters to spell out ‘birthday’, then stick them to the banner and fix the completed panel to the card. Add a die-cut caravan to the bottom-right of the design using 3-D foam pads. To finish, embellish with a mix of epoxy and sticker stars, lifting some with foam pads.
Staple a folded pink sticker to the top of a large tag, then layer a 'capture and remember' perforated accent on top. Stick a camera motif to this, adding a die-cut disc to the lens with a 3-D foam pad. Secure a 'celebrate' sticker to the bottom. Adhere a 9.5cm x 13.5cm panel of camera print paper to the centre of a bright pink, top-folding blank, 10.5cm x 14.5cm. Fix a 1.5cm x 14.5cm strip of dotty patterned paper along the card, just off centre. Add the tag to the design at a slight angle using 3-D foam pads.
Cards
Share it!
Still Laughing Matt patterned paper, 8.5cm x 12.5cm, onto salmon card. Stick the panel onto a light blue, top-folding card blank, 10.5cm x 14.5cm.
“THIS COLLAGE STYLE OF CARD MAKING IS BRILLIANT FOR USING UP BITS OF PATTERN PAPER AND LEFT-OVER EMBELLISHMENTS.
Create a selection of flags using 3-D stickers, then secure them to the bottom of the panel. Matt a tag onto card, 5cm x 7cm, snip the top corners at an angle, then add the tag to the design using foam pads. Secure a greeting to the top of the tag, then add a layered flower embellishment and a heart, using 3-D foam pads.
THE MORE LAYERS THE BETTER!” Zoe Pierson, Designer
This is the best day Stamp wood grain printed paper, 10cm square, with black chevrons. Secure a decorative brown frame over the front, then fix the panel to a yellow blank, 13cm square. Coat a veneer shape with glue and cover with patterned paper, then trim around the edge and stick to the bottom of the card. Add a flower and an epoxy sticker to the arrow, referring to our image for guidance. Layer perforated greetings to the top-left and add glitter letters to complete. CB
SOURCE IT... Dear Lizzy collection by American Crafts, Sarah's Cards, 01925 244 460, sarahscardsltd.com Ink-pads, Inkylicious, 01925 244 460, inkylicious.co.uk
Trend it! Been inspired by our makes? Share your boards at PINTEREST.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL
JUST A NOTE Celebrate the ups and downs of life with the Acid Drops & Whatnots range of witty, quirky stamp sets. Made from premium photo polymer, they feature characters inspired by vintage artwork from the 20s and 30s, and blended with sharp, modern humour. Find designs to suit a host of occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries, growing old disgracefully or otherwise, plus almost everything in between! aciddropsandwhatnots.co.uk
JANUAR Y GET CREATIVE WITH OUR PICK OF THE BEST THINGS TO MAKE, DO AND SHARE FOR THE NEW YEAR
WRI TING S T YLi t E h ano t her
jac kpo t w Am y B u t ler's hi t t he ve ta b le co l lec tion o f s t y lis h and hig h l y co pa t terns and s ta tioner y. Fea t uring b y her fa brics, t his co lo ur wa ys inspired a hin t o f g lamo ur to la tes t range wi l l add we l l as re vi ving t he yo ur cra f t s tas h, as ri ting. gen t le ar t o f le t ter w ic le boo ks.com B u y on line a t c hron
a copy, visit sixthandspringbooks.com
CRAFT & CREATE SOAP STARS Whip up a batch of handmade soaps, decorated and shaped using a range of moulds and stamps from Panduro. Made from rubber, the natural set soap stamps provide a brilliant way to add a professional touch to the finished product. Pack of seven designs, £5.99, 0844 848 5692, pandurohobby.co.uk See our soap making guide on page 78
House Proud
Spring clean your pad and give walls a fresh look using a clever application from Cricut. The Home Décor Vinyl Wall Art cartridge has 50 fresh designs and phrases so you can add a crafty flair to any room.The cartridge is compatitable with all Cricut electronic cutting machines. Visit cricut.com to find out more.
Wedding Collection
a tiered cake and even a 3-D fan and lantern! See the full collection at sizzix.co.uk
. .. e v o l e W
Browse &Buy
Brighten up your craft work with these top-notch colouring tools
WOOLY WONDER Who could resist this flock of snuggable cuties? Each La'al Herdy is created as part of an initiative in Vietnam to teach crochet skills to local women. Which means, that they are paid fair trade prices, enabling them to stay with their families whilst earning a living wage. Each La'al Herdy is £20 and available in six colours.
Derwent Inktense Blocks 72, £87.50. For vibrancy and optimum coverage these jewel-coloured pigment sticks are the way to go. Visit pencil.co.uk for stockists.
Got five minutes? Here at CB we are hooked on the Besties stamps and crafting CDs. These whimsical characters are perfect for card making. If you want to see more from the range, tune in to Create & Craft every Thursday at 1pm, where expert, Carley Duff from Creata, will be spreading the love for all-things Bestie! For further information, visit, creataonline.com
and an applicator, this handy palette tucks neatly into a craft caddie – perfect for busy crafters. For local stockists, 01926 492213, premiumartbrands.com
fun and frivolity to y these adhesive stars.
We'll take any opportunity to feature nostalgic motifs from childhood fairy tales, so love this Little Red Riding Hood print. Priced £1.99 per metre,
er
0161 236 4224 ,fr
01422 835403, orientaldirect.co.uk
Craf ea i g point – they're are just so sweet!
year, so you're likely to be seeing many
choosing embroidered ribbons. Priced from £1.25 per metre, 01903
S Free tools! Discover how you can get hold of papers, punches & more from Tonic Studios, on PAGE 58 GIVE YOUR PRESENTS STAR APPEAL USING CATHIE SHUTTLEWORTH'S DESIGNS FOR
Dainty treat BOXES FIND FREE TEMPLATES ON OUR WEBSITE
With so many decorative papers available in craft stores, looking for inspiration for a papercraft project has never been easier. Here, Cathie has taken the lead from some botanical prints she found in an old book, choosing modern, vintage-themed papers to create little treat boxes with a butterfly theme. There’s a scallop-edged card to complete the set, making it perfect to send to a friend who is celebrating a milestone birthday.
Our Advice...
crisp cutting lines, so make sure that your craft knife has a new blade, or is sharp enough, before you start
Papercraft
Love it!
WHAT YOU NEED Paper, double-sided, My Minds Eye: Stella and Rose Lovely Bouquet Adhesive gems, silver
Flower stamen Cutting tools Adhesives
TREAT BOXES
Download the box templates from our website and, using tracing or transfer paper, copy onto a double-sided sheet of decorative paper. Using a metal ruler and working over a cutting mat, score along the dotted lines of the box templates with the end of a pointed tool. Trim along the outside edge using a sharp craft knife, then fold in all the scored lines. Glue the two tabs on the box, close it and join the sides together. Fold over the top flaps and carefully slide the two sides of the butterfly together into the pre-cut slits, to form the top of the box. Decorate the face of the box with design elements taken from contrasting papers attached with foam pads. Add a little sparkle to the boxes using adhesive silver gems.
Take it further With just a few pieces of paper you can make a pair of fancy napkin holders. Copy the template from the pattern page and score the dotted lines with a straight edge and pointed tool, then cut out. Decorate the arms of the holder with a butterfly, glue one flower stamen to the back of each wing. Slot the wings together to close the holder and insert the napkin. Add name tags, if desired.
“GOT A WEDDING PLANNED? CHOOSE PALE WHITE, SILVER AND CREAM TO TRANSFORM THIS IDEA INTO ELEGANT FAVOUR BOXES AND TABLE DECORATIONS” Cathie Shuttleworth, Designer GREETING CARD
Cut a small section from decorative paper; the two straight edges should be at right angles. Make a backing for the card from contrasting paper, adding an extra strip at the folding side to act as the hinge. Score and fold the strip, then glue the front panel to the reverse.
Craft tip For linen or thicker napkins, you will need to add 2cm or 3cm extra across the back of the pattern to allow for the depth
Cut two butterfly shapes from off-cuts and attach to the face of the card using foam pads, to create a 3-D effect. Fold a flower stamen in half and glue it to the back of the butterfly to make the antennae. Finish with a scattering of silver gems. CB
SOURCE IT... Circular vintage paper, Stella and Rose. My Minds Eye, Willow Tree Crafts, willowtreecrafts.co.uk All other materials from The Range, 0845 026 7598, therange.co.uk
Crafts Beautiful Forum grup f creaive-minded friends? Sign up day and ge naering n te bes uk craf foum arund! inspirain o prjecs ge yur mind whirring.
www.crafts-beautiful.com
HEIDI LAING People & places
encounters of a
DOMESTIC CRAFTER HEIDI LAING ENJOYS THE CALM AFTER THE CHRISTMAS STORM & TURNS HER ATTENTION TO AN IMMINENT BIRTHDAY
C
offee tastes so much better when it's being sipped from the comfort of my sofa. My feet are up, I'm snuggled under a toasty hand-knitted blanket, my home's been cleared of every trace of Santa (except for the excess biccies and fully-stocked liqueur cupboard, of course). There are no immediate plans in the pipeline, the kids are at school and I've got a few me-days away from work. All that there is for me to tend to is a warming mug of freshly-filtered caffeine loveliness, loaded with whipped cream and a few choccy sprinkles. Christmas is the only time we have them in the cupboard so it would be rude not to! The post-Saint-Nick days are what keep us mums smiling and singing along to Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer as it's played by some witty young radio DJ for the 15th time on the lead up to the day. As well as feasting on sandwiches loaded with the leftovers from our roast, and gorging on mountains of shortbread that probably equal the same weight as my 11-year-old son (calories don't exist between the 23rd December and 10th January, they take a break for Christmas – didn't you know?), I've also begun thinking about my hubby's imminent birthday. It's no secret that men are decidedly tricky to buy for – my husband is no exception to the rule. Each year I spend hours scouting the high street and online shops in search of the perfect gift, only to
“It's impossible not to love a gift that's been tailored to you, isn't it?” settle with something 'that'll do' (plus, inevitably, a few pairs of shoes and maybe a handbag for myself). Luckily for me, he has a well-rehearsed, ever-so-grateful response to any gift he's given. It's a talent of his and something I should really thank his mum for. One year (admittedly when we were first dating) I presented him with a cactus. Yes, you read that right – a cactus. To which he appeared, to the untrained eye, delighted with. However, behind his little-too-enthusiastic expression and Colgate-perfect grin, I could see he was wishing he'd peeled back the paper to reveal the New Kids on the Block
album that he actually wanted, but felt far too macho to ask for. Unlike good wine, age hasn't matured me into the perfect gift buyer. That said, I think crafting may help me out on this front as it's impossible not to love a gift that's been tailored to you, isn't it? With that in mind and hoping to improve on cactus-gate, I've decided to shun the shops and instead make a gorgeous new laptop sleeve, complete with blanket-stitched edges and perhaps a little embroidery for good measure. While it may seem a simple task, it's going to be a challenge as stitching's not my forte (I'll find something I'm good
at soon!). Machine work I'm fine with – in fact, I'm pretty nifty behind a Janome. But hand stitching is a different ball game. There's the whole drama with getting the stitch length just so, and the master task of deciding how much thread to feed onto your needle; if it's too long it knots and if it's not quite long enough it won't reach the end of your project. And, come to think of it, there's the threading process itself. Why does the hole on these little blighters have to be so small? I only wish to possess the same ability as Corinne Bradd – have you seen her hand-stitched quilts?! Anyway, I've managed to uncover what appears to be a fool-proof tutorial which I'm hoping will guide me through the process. In the meantime, I'll dig out that brownie recipe I spotted in Homemaker magazine's last issue, I may need something sweet to soften the blow. CB
Got a question for our crafty team? Send it in to
[email protected]
ask the EXPERTS HINTS, TIPS AND BRIGHT IDEAS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR MAKES FOR THE NEW YEAR FROM OUR TEAM OF CRAFTERS
Meet our Panel...
“What is the best way to transfer a design on to a sheet of felt? I’ve heard that you can use something similar to carbon paper, is there a knack to it?”
JOANNA SHEEN a TV personality and professional cardmaker, who specialises in decoupage and stamping joannasheen.com
SOPHIA COSGROVE is the brand manager for Dylon, shares tips on using fabric dyes, dylon.co.uk
s s e r p h c r a e s ©
CORINNE BRADD is a seasoned crafter and designer, see her projects in CB every month
AMY PALANJIAN is an author and crafty blogger, catch up with her at amypalanjian.com
AMY SAYS... For designs that involve a template, you
READER OFFER...
can trace it with a disappearing fabric marker. Just be sure to choose a colour that will show up on the colour of felt that you are using. For designs that you plan to embroider, you can use transfer paper; though you need to take your time to get clean lines, especially on thicker options. Or you can use a method that I recently fell in love with: Trace the design onto tissue or waxed paper and position it on the felt. Embroider right over the paper and when finished, gently tear the paper away.
In So Pretty Felt by Amy Palanjian (Chronicle Books, £14.99), discover 24 vibrant projects made from felt: necklaces, hair pins, garlands, felt-applique and more from crafters around the world. The book includes how-to illustrations, easy-to-use templates and stunning photography. To order a copy visit chroniclebooks.com
CRAFT CLINIC
Learn & make
What’s the best way to dry flowers for storage, I’m planning for next year and I want to use them on cards. Are there any varieties that are better for craft work? I may sow my own for next summer JOANNA SAYS... One of the main things is to make absolutely sure the pressed flowers are really dry; push your thumbnail into the centre and if it is rock hard they should be fine. I then place them carefully into small white-backed clear bags, like the kind you put cakes in. This allows the plants to breathe, unlike plastic which makes them sweat. Store the plants laid flat in the dark. If you are planning ahead the best flowers to sow are the less fleshy varieties such as pansies, daisies, potentilla and love in the mist.
I’ve bought some pure cotton sheets and pillowcases at a car boot sale, and I’d like to turn them into cushion covers. Can you suggest ways to add colour, would batik be an option?
Is it just me or do pins these days seem to get blunt quickly? Any ideas on how I can keep them sharp?
SOPHIA SAYS... Machine dyes provide a simple solution for adding colour to natural
same problem, maybe it is because the materials aren’t as robust as they used to be. I’ve made myself a pincushion out of left-over bits of fabric from a quilting project I have just completed, then stuffed it with sand. Just use a high thread cotton and double-stitch the seams to prevent them from splitting with the weight of the sand.
fabrics. Just pop them in the washing machine with the dye and some salt, then let the machine do the work for you. There’s a range of 24 colours, plus two seasonal ones to choose from, so there’s bound to be a shade to inspire you. If you prefer to be a little more creative, then you can achieve some lovely effects with batik. Tie-dyeing and dip dyeing are also very easy to do and can give some great results. Visit dylon.co.uk for more project ideas.
I love to recyle as much as possible around the house, and empty jars have masses of crafting potential, but how do you remove the labels? Soaking in water won’t budge them! CORINNE SAYS... I know what you mean, the glue used seems to be industrial strength and I always end up scrapping away at the labels with a knife. However, help is at hand in the form of Mykal Sticky Stuff Remover by De.Dolv. It available from amazon.com . Give it a go, and let me know how you get on!
CORINNE SAYS... Well, funnily enough, I seem to have the
I’m making some felt accessories for friends and to sell at local fairs, it would be great to pass on care advice on how to keep the felt clean. Do you have any tried and tested tips? AMY SAYS... There are two ways that I like to transport finished felt projects: brown kraft paper or zip-top bags. For the gifts, you can wrap each one individually in paper and tie with ribbon, bakers twine, or even secure with washi tape. The paper will prevent anything, including dust and lint, from making their way onto the felt. For transporting items to sell at a gift fair en mass, I would package each in a zip-top bag that’s just larger than the item. Both methods will keep your felt projects clean.
Share it!Join us on the Homecrafts forum and share your tips with other crafters, visit HOMECRAFTSFORUM.COM
CONGRATULATE A FRIEND ON THEIR NEW ABODE AND PRESENT THEM WITH A GORGEOUS CARD AND
New home BUNTING
Craft tip Give your card a witty touch and mount a photo of the recipient behind the door
WHAT YOU NEED Paper: orange, green, yellow, pink; decorative Thread, green Paint, 3-D, relief: orange, green.
Pens, POSCA, ultra-fine: black, orange, white Adhesive gems, silver Scissors, zig-zag Craft knife Adhesives
Love it!
Papercraft
“Use a tall yellow blank to make an alternative card” Stick a shaped pink roof to the top of a blank edged with paper and orange dots. Make four sets of windows from green paper, then mount them onto pink and add to the card. Top with decorative windows.
“ALTHOUGH I MADE THIS SET TO GIVE TO NEW HOME OWNERS, YOU CAN CHANGE THE SENTIMENT AND COLOUR SCHEME TO SUITE OTHER OCCASIONS, TOO”
Use zig-zag scissors to cut a strip of green grass and attach it to the base of the card. Draw highlights around the window frames with white pen.
Cathie Shuttleworth, Designer HOUSE CARD
HOME BUNTING
Make a pink side-opening card, 8.5cm x 11.5cm. Photocopy the roof template onto yellow paper and cut out. Decorate the shape with off-cuts of paper and dots of 3-D relief paint. Glue the roof to the card.
Print and cut out the downloadable house template, then use to trim a number of houses. Score the dotted lines and fold the roofs over the face of the houses. Attach decorative paper to the front of the roofs and, when dry, trim the edges.
Cut rectangles for the windows and door, layering them up to define the frames. Use a fine black pen to add detail. Trim flowers from floral printed papers and fix them to the bottom of the card.
Draw windows on coloured paper using a fine black pen, then cut out and matt onto contrasting paper, so the borders create frames. Make doors and use silver adhesive gems as handles. Glue the windows and doors to the homes, then cut chimneys and attach them behind the roofs.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around three sides of the door, score the hinge and open it outwards. Write a message onto white paper using orange pen, then mount onto green paper, edged with orange dots. Fix the panel to the card using 3-D foam pads.
Fold the roof of each house over a length of thread and use two or three stacked foam pads to hold them in place, so they can still move freely along the length. CB
Posca pens, Cult Pens, 01884 259856, cultpens.com Card, Inspire Me Papers, 0845 120 0155, inspiremepapers.co.uk
If you work up these makes, be sure to share them with us at TWITTER.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL
SHARON ARMSTRONG’S
Wash & Brush Tints WATER-COLOUR PAINTS ARE ANOTHER OPTION FOR COLOURING STAMPED DESIGNS I was introduced to water-colour when I was younger and it is one of my favourite painting techniques. It is very quick to work with and you can achieve something detailed and beautiful in a relatively short space of time. The paints are available in a few different forms: the water-colour pencil is a great introduction to the technique, especially if you have been used to markers. The pencils allow you to apply colour precisely, whilst still giving a soft washed look. Pan paints are bars of pigment often found in a container with a palette for easy use and even a paintbrush, making the set perfect for travelling and attending workshops. The classic metal tube, is economical with prices starting at around £6 for a set of 12. This simple block system is great for longevity, storing, mixing and strength of colour. Whichever type of paint you choose to use, you can be sure to create something unique.
Easy ways to give stamped images a softer look Always use a dye based ink-pad to print the stamped image so that when you add the colour wash the lines will not run For water-colour always use thin card or water-colour paper. This will ensure that the paper won't buckle and fray when the paint is applied. If you don't have the exact shade of paint your need, try mixing two colours to get the desired effect Remember by adding varied amounts of water to paint it will also change the depth and tone of the finish.
“You will be amazed at how many different tones you can achieve simply by the amount of water you mix in!”
“For lighter tones, it’s always a good idea to keep a tube 1
2
3
MASTERCLASS Cards
WHAT YOU NEED Paints, water-colour
Card, white
Stamps, Crafty Individuals: Butterfly Bouquet (C1-337)
Ink-pad, black Mounting foam, Kling-On Acrylic block
Papers, decorative
Embellishments: greeting, paper flowers
Ribbon Paintbrush
Mount the stamp onto a piece of Kling-On and fix to an acrylic block. Stamp image using a dye based black ink-pad onto thick white card. Mix brown water-colour paint with water to create a light wash to the background of the image. Start to create a little depth to the background by building up the colour around the edges of the design. Add a pale wash of red paint onto the image as shown. The flowers are quite detailed, paint over these loosely allowing areas of white card to show through, this will add movement to your finished piece. Use a darker red to add areas of shading; don't be too concerned about painting this exactly. Finish off by using purple paint and colour the rest of the image. Add further shading to the surrounding butterflies. Once dry, trim and make up into a card. CB
SOURCE IT... Stamp, Crafty Individuals, 01642 789955, craftyindividuals.co.uk Paints and brushes, The Watercolour Artist, thewatercoloursrtist.com
of white paint to hand just remember to use it sparingly” 4
5
6
HOW TO
This month we cover the basics of starting up your baking business from home WORDS BY JECELYN LATIMER
With the buzz from The Great British Bake Off still in the air, you might have been inspired to stretch your culinary skills and start selling some treats. Whether you want to earn some extra cash or raise money for charity, you can be part of the process and have a tremendous amount of
tasty fun into the bargain! In the following pages we share tips on selling your bakes, chat to sugarcraft designer and author, Lindy Smith. Whilst CB designer, Corinne Bradd shows us how to whip up a fab cupcake display stand from pieces of scrap card! community whilst getting fresh, wholesome products that their customers will love. It's best to visit these places and see if it's the right environment for you, then get in contact with the organisers or managers to ask about selling there. Secure your goods in containers suitable for transport, and when setting up a stall, match your display and packaging to your overall theme; a rustic pie won't look good on the same stand as a bold, glitter-clad cupcake.
SWEET START Like most things that focus around business, you need to cover some basic legalities before you get under-way. Registering with HMRC as self-employed is the first step, as is getting a food hygiene certificate. Also register with your local council's health department, and check with your mortgage company or landlord when starting a business from home to make sure it's ok. It sounds like a long list, though the process is much less involved than setting up other types of business. Perhaps a cup of tea is needed though!
CHARITY FUN Whether you want to organise your own event or tag along to others, selling your bakes for charity is a great way of testing the goods on the public, whilst doing something rewarding. When attending, set up as you normally would any other event; make the stall stand out, label ingredients and have your business cards at the ready. You might even want to introduce a special bake for the occasion, like football cupcakes for Sport Relief 2014, in March.
GETTING READY Working out what goods you want to make can be very exciting; this is where you can let your creativity really flourish, demonstrating your skills and ideas, and best of all watching others enjoy what you've made. So, create a plan: what do you want to sell? How many types of cakes are you going to offer? Will you have set flavours or will this change often so you can gauge what is popular and what isn't? Then it gets a tad technical. You need to work out the amount of ingredients needed and how many units you can get from those quantities. Next, is cost: how much are they to make, and what do you want to sell them for? Time to get the trusty calculator out! Also, be labelconscious and list your ingredients so that people with allergies can be informed.
BRANCHING OUT The easiest and most cost-effective way of reaching out to the public is through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. Whilst you might not be selling online, people will be able to discover you and get in touch if they want to put in an order, and it allows you to keep everyone updated with new flavours and where you'll be selling. It's worth taking a look at other bakers online to see what they make and
where they sell so it's easier to spot a gap in the market and offer something unique and interesting. Business cards are also a great idea as you can hand them out when visiting places, and also give them to your family and friends to dish out for you! They don't need to be professionally designed, you can make your own on your home pc or tablet.
WHERE TO SELL Deciding how you want to market your bakes is very much down to the individual. If you want to sell from home, will customers need to visit or can you offer a delivery service? If so, give your home and car insurance companies a ring and adjust your policies. It won't cost much, and gets everything covered. You can also sell at farmers and produce markets. Local cafés, artisan shops, delicatessens and tea rooms often want to purchase local goods as they like to support their
WEB WATCH
Visit food.gov.uk where there's loads of information on what you need and how to get started. You can also order a Safer Food, Better Business pack by calling 0845 6060667 There are lots of companies online where you can get your food hygiene certificate, though The Safe Food Handler has brilliant reviews and is low on cost. Visit saferfoodhandler.co.uk
MAKE & SELL
People & places
ESSENTIAL MAKE & SELL KIT LIST
icing and trinkets. The kit comes in a handy portable case for easy storage and includes a colour mixing tray. Visit
Show it If you're worried about breaking a cake stand in transit, then this
on-the-go bakers. visit dontmindifido.co.uk
Roll it
and icing. This pin from The Cooks Kitchen is groove-ended and for ease of use. Check out thecookskitchen.com
Invest in “THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN LET YOUR CREATIVITY REALLY FLOURISH, DEMONSTRATING YOUR SKILLS AND IDEAS, AND BEST OF ALL WATCHING OTHERS ENJOY WHAT YOU'VE MADE” Jecelyn Latimer, Editorial Assistant
The KitchenAid artisan stand mixer is a stable and robust kitchen appliance, with a full metal construction and a large 4.8 polished stainless steel bowl. Plus, it comes in a range of colours to match the design of your kitchen, making it perfect for your baking needs! Find out more at johnlewis.com
MAKE for 50p / SELL for £1
MINI
CAKE STANDS
WHAT YOU NEED Cereal boxes Patterned paper Adhesive
Glue together three layers of cereal packets to make a board, then cut a 10cm circle. Cover both sides with patterned paper and trim to the same size. Create two bases from the cereal packets and cut a 1mm slit from the top-centre of one piece to the middle, then from the bottom-centre of the other to the middle. Cover both with patterned paper and slot together.
MONEY SPINNER Make these in a
to your display
Mark a cross in the
before turning the right way up. If
SOURCE IT...
YOUR STASH”
PVA glue, Hobbycraft, £5 for 1 litre, 0330 026 1400, hobbycraft.co.uk
Corinne Bradd, Designer
We chat to cake designer, sugarcraft teacher and best-selling author, Lindy Smith, about setting up shop HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN BAKING AND SUGAR CRAFTING? I was inspired by my own wedding cake back in 1991 and decided to take evening classes in cake decorating. Sugarcraft is my favourite craft as it combines my love of baking, art, design and colour: what could be more perfect? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I initially started when my son was two years old. At the time I needed a new challenge and setting up a business seemed the right thing to do, as it allowed me the best of both worlds: being a mum and being creative. It takes a lot of hard work and long hours to run your own business, but ultimately you're in charge so you can decide where you want to take your business and when. The rewards can be amazing! WHAT SHOULD EVERYONE DO FIRST? Definitely do your homework and research, but don't panic as there's lots of help around, including a number of books which go through the steps of setting up your own cakemaking business. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING YOUR OWN BOSS? Although I no longer sell my cakes, I now concentrate on
teaching and writing cake decorating books. I know how much cakes mean to people on special occasions. It's such a privilege to bake and decorate one. To be able to bring people so much happiness by mixing simple ingredients together is cake magical! WHAT’S IN YOUR ESSENTIAL TOOLS KIT? A long non-stick rolling pin. Don't battle with a short wooden one, it's not worth it! Smoothers are great for getting rid of any lumps and bumps, and spacers make it easier to roll out the sugarpaste to a uniform depth. A sugar shaper is such a useful tool as it can be used for creating anything, such as ribbon and fur. WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS FOR SOMEONE SELLING BAKES? Don't undersell yourself. Cakes take time to create and decorate, and costs include the electricity used to bake the cake and the box in which it is delivered, so charge accordingly. CB To find out more about Lindy, visit lindyscakes.co.uk
coming next month... We talk about where to go and what to expect when advancing your skills at workshops
Find out what goes on behind the scenes, see what’s inspiring us and enter exclusive giveaways by visiting our page on Facebook
Corinne’s craft space What I am good at is making something old and tired look new and covetable
old into a new beauty for your home
H
opefully by the time you read this my ancient, rotting, wooden sash windows will have finally been replaced. It has only taken me 12 years to get around to having them done; a survey I had on the house all those years ago said they needed doing immediately, along with various bits of repointing and floor board tlc, but hey-ho! Once the walls are made good inside, I'll be up a ladder painting my rooms and I'm determined to be a little more adventurous this time. My childhood was spent with wood chip and magnolia walls so when I bought my first house I redecorated it at every opportunity. In stark contrast, my current home has been predominantly white. I figured that as all my furniture and accessories are every shade under the sun, a coloured wall would just make it all a bit cluttered – as if Liberty's ever held a jumble sale! Now there's so much clutter you can barely see the walls anyway, so I may as well make the odd gaps decorative. I can't say I'm that good at updating my home, it's more of a refresh and reshuffle. Looking around my living room, the only thing that I've bought new is the maple shelving unit that houses my ever-growing collection of card (in spectrum order I might add) and a few DVDs. My armchair and blanket box were my grandmother's, there's a chest of drawers that I rescued from a friends shed and a glass-fronted cabinet from my next door neighbours, which is stuffed full of quilting fabric. While it's safe to say that I’m useless at convincing myself to splash out on new furniture, what I am good at is making something old and tired look new and covetable. In fact, when I bump into my neighbours I'm usually unloading a car load of junk, having had a wander around my local car boot sale. On my last visit, I picked up two nests of tables for a fiver, an old utility furniture bedside cabinet for a quid and a vanity unit with mirror for 50p – in fairness it was raining that day. A quick lick of paint or a covering of decoupage tidies up any dodgy woodwork, and some new foam and a panel of patchwork will restore soft furnishings quickly and easily. The only problem I have is where to put all this 'new' furniture!
Corinne x
Pick up frames from charity shops and paint them white, removing the glass and backing board first. Cut a decorative backing from boldly-patterned paper and mount a print on top, before placing back in the frame. Give the glass a good clean and you're all set.
INSPIRATION STATION People & places
Wrap a table with tape
o ld f u r n i t u re, g n i l c y c re e v lo No t o n l y do I n t i l I ge t a u s ic r b fa ld o to I ' l l a lso ha ng o n n. T h is q u i l t has bee n t io b u rs t o f i ns p i ra d t ra y c lo t hs re e id ro b m -e d made f ro m ha n u t a nd p ieced c , rs a ss a ac m i t a nd a n ld me n 's s h i r ts. toge t he r w i t h o
I bought this table for 83p, believe it or not. Since then it's been wrapped in dyed paper tape measures and the top covered with patterned paper, before being sealed with two coats of good quality PVA to make it wipe clean.
Patchwork stool
This dressing table stool was rescued from the bin men one morning (I'm such an embarrassment to my family – no skip is safe from me!). The top had come away and the foam turned to dust but the woodwork was sound, so I gave it a new pad and covered it in patchwork, then added a pocketed skirt to hold make-up and hairbrushes.
Video of the month
pinwheels, with which you can adorn your home with” Check out the full tutorial at youtube.com/thecraftschannel
‘my craft finds’
If you want to upcycle furniture, you'll find these products handy LOCAL CRAFT STORES
RUSTOLEUM SPRAY PAINTS, £7.98, diy.com
Advertising Feature HAND EMBROIDERY
Learn hand embroidery with the Royal School of Needlework. We welcome all levels to our small friendly classes at Hampton Court Palace; from Day Classes to Degree Programmes. Certificate & Diploma courses also at Bristol, Rugby, Durham & Glasgow.
FELTING
www.royal-needlework.org.uk or call 020 3166 6938
Imagination Crafts produce the biggest range of beautiful decorative papercrafting stencils and accessories that can be used quickly and easily with their signature quick drying Sparkle Medium. See their You Tube videos on using these amazing signature products on their web site: www.imaginationcrafts.co.uk
Browse the fantastic range at Tigerlily Makes where owner/designer/maker Lisa Marie Olson offers a sumptuous selection of felt-making kits, finished items and creative courses. There are also a huge range of wonderful supplies and accessories. There is special offer on the Lilybugs Honey Bee Tea Cosy (featured on Create and Craft) and it is now just £10 with free felting net and bubble wrap while stocks last! Quote CB10 to claim your special offer. E:
[email protected] W: www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk
The Little Wool Company’s website is brimming with gorgeous knitting and wool items! With such a huge range of yarns, knitting kits and patterns there is plenty to inspire. There are a great range of 100% British Alpaca yarns made from their very own herd. What's even better is there is a 20% off exclusive discount for our readers just use CB13 at the checkout, or call 01409 221699
QUILLING
STENCILS
A few of CB’s
Past Times Quilling has launched a new Beginners Quilling Kit which contains everything needed to learn the craft; an easy to follow handbook, Quilling tool, Quilling papers, adhesive, greetings card and gift box blanks to decorate. A wonderful present for anyone interested in crafts ! For details of our complete range of Quilling products, handmade paper and gift bags please visit our new website pasttimesquilling.com
Favourites
YARNS
GET CREATIVE WITH A HANDPICKED SELECTION OF CB'S FAVOURITE CRAFTS'
UPCYCLING
POLYMER CLAY
SUGAR CRAFT
know about baking, chocolate and sugarcraft. With two classrooms fully-equipped with top of the range facilities and over 20 expert tutors available to give you the confidence to create, there is a course to suit every ability and interest. Visit www.squire-school.co.uk or call +44 (0)1252 260262 for more information.
Craftcellar.co.uk is the premier destination for FIMO, Sculpey and Makins clays. Visit their web site for the complete range of clays at great prices. All the tools and books you ne ed. Expect excellent value, fast delivery and personal customer service. Free Delivery over £50 (within the UK) craftcellar.co.uk or call 0113 8150050
Check out Tulip Toppers for a great selection of crafting goodies. They pride themselves on keeping up with current trends and are heavily involved in altered art and mixed media projects. Crafting on a budget and upcycling is close to owner Meryle Hollands heart here is an example of her work using an old LP! UTEE powder, meltport art and mini kits are some of their most popular items. Pop in the shop at 28 Commercial Street, Saltaire Road Shipley BD18 3SP or visit the online shop with youtube inspiration! www.tuliptoppers.co.uk
EMBELLISH MENTS
unique crafts, their hand painted detail make these embellishments a little different from the rest. Prices start from just £1.38 a pack, bulk buys also available. Fast shipping. e-crafts.co.uk,
[email protected], 01384 230000
At papermilldirect we supply British made paper and card, in various weights and wonderful textures. It is perfect for card making and other crafts and is available in pick ‘n’ mix boxes so you can choose the colours you want!. www.papermilldirect.co.uk 01539 818488
ADHESIVES
If you’re looking for a one stop solution for all your Craft glue needs, please visit us at Craft Supplies Direct. Our UK based web shop stock the complete range of Beacon Adhesives. Use the voucher code “SAVE” to obtain a 20% discount off your order. www.craftsuppliesdirect.biz
PAPER
Satchels are really popular gift, and how lovely would it be to give one you’ve made yourself. Our traditional full size leather satchel has all the holes pre punched so it’s easy to sew, and everything you need included. It’s shown here i n Scarlet with NEW Teal trim. Other colours available. Simple Way – the leather kit people www.simpleway.co.uk
FABRICS
LEATHER KITS
Don't just send a card, send a smile with the Acid Drops & Whatnots range of premium photo polymer stamp sets. With a cast of quirky characters, wicked quips and quotes there's a set for every occasion. Now also available, 12 new A4 toppers, featuring characters old and new. See the entire range at www.aciddropsandwhatnots.co.uk
inspired, vintage twist. Stocking the latest fabric collections from Tilda, Tanya Whelan, UK design house Dashwood Studios and beautiful floral Japanese linens from Sevenberry. With ribbons, buttons and haberdashery galore The Homemakery is a one stop shop for all your fabric and crafting needs. www.thehomemakery.co.uk
BEADS STAMPING
SCRAP BOOKING The Bead Store are specialists in TierraCast with the largest range in the UK. We will stock ANY TierraCast item you require. Wholesale deals available. Plus - Extensive selection of Czech Glass Beads and quality range of "Made in the UK" metal beads and findings. Hundreds of beautiful Beads and Cabochons. Also Beadalon, Beadsmith, Nymo, TOHO and Swarovski products. thebeadstore.co.uk
Project Life has really taken off this year and we stock a huge range of PL products, plus many other ranges, including the Simple Stories Sn@p! line, that are suitable for this fast, diary-type scrapbooking. www.papermaze.co.uk 01473 892195
NATURAL SKIN CARE
WOODEN CRAFT SHAPES
Aromantic's Make-Your-Own Natural Beauty Gift Pack range make perfect gifts for encouraging your friends and family to have a go at making their own natural Lip Balms, Bath Fizzers, Hair Serums or Clay Face Masks!. www.aromantic.co.uk 01309 6696900
Christmas may only just have gone, but as your festive memories fade, it's time to think about Mother's day! We stock hundreds of designs that mum will love. Wooden plaques are a lovely keepsake to make, give and sell.... so check out the Daisymoon Designs website and see what inspires you to create! Craft Happy with Daisymoon! http://daisymoondesigns.co.uk
COURSES
wide variety of courses ranging from patchwork, watercolours and willow weaving to silver jewellery, stained glass and sugarcraft. The choice is endless and everyone is welcome.. T: 01865 391 991 W: www.wicraftschool.com
WANT SOMEWHERE TO STORE YOUR HERBS OR CRAFT ESSENTIALS? TRY YOUR HAND AT KEREN BAKER'S
POTS
WHAT YOU NEED Plant pots, enamel Pot tray, enamel Paint, chalk, black Pen, Docrafts: Artiste Gel Chalk marker, white Paper, Crate Paper: Story Teller Ribbon, green Card: white, black
Papercraft
Make it! PLANT POTS
Wipe over and dry a pot, then apply three coats of black paint, allowing drying time between each. Further coats may be required, dependant on the coverage. Sketch designs onto each one using a combination of motifs and words. Use a gel pen for the main outlines of the text and image, then add depth by shading areas using a chalk marker. Glue a small strip of patterned paper around the base of the 'Spring is Sprung' pot and wrap green ribbon around the top, tying into a bow to finish. Add a dot of adhesive to the back of the pot or underneath the bow to secure the ribbon in place. For the butterfly and dragonfly designs, sketch out the main motifs, then work over them with gel pen and chalk marker. Add decorative embellishments to taste, using ribbons and papers. PLANT MARKER
Stick four pieces of white card on top of each other to create a sturdy marker, 2cm x 12cm. Trim the bottom corners to create a tapered end. Secure a shorter, slightly thinner piece of black card to the
small printed panel beneath it. Use a gel pen to mark faux stitching around the black piece, then write what has been planted in the pot. Punch a hole in the top, then thread it with some green
“Keep all of your pots together on a pretty tray” Secure green ribbon around the item, using adhesive to hold it in place. Create a paper bow by fixing the ends of a 1.5cm-wide strip together. Squeeze and glue the middle to form a double-sided loop. Fix a smaller double loop on top, then wrap the middle with paper and ribbon, before sticking to the tray base.
OUR ADVICE...
design in pencil first. Once you're happy, you can either rub it out or leave it there to add to the homemade feel
Enamel pots and tray, Old Farm Interiors, 0118 9772723, oldfarminteriors.co.uk Story Teller paper from the Crate Paper range, Paper Maze, 01473 892195, papermaze.co.uk
Upload snaps of your makes to our page for a chance to be featured in the mag, FACEBOOK.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL
WE ADORE COLETTE SMITH'S WINTER BLOOM GREETINGS, FEATURING A
WHAT YOU NEED Stamps: Hero Arts, Flower Cutouts (CG274); sentiments Card: white, lilac Ink-pad, Versafine, Onyx Black Pens, ProMarkers: pinks, purples, aquamarine Dies, Sizzix, Framelits, Ovals Card blanks: A6, 12cm square Ribbon: purple, aqua Adhesive gems Coins Adhesives
Slider ELEMENT
Craft tip Before fixing the slider into the slot, dust talc or anti-static powder between the pennies, as this will help it to glide
DESIGN ADVICE...
need to heat set the image before colouring it with marker pens or the outlines will bleed. Alternatively, use Memento or Impress ink-pads
Cards
Love it! You would be forgiven for believing markers, you can swap and change floral elements are only suitable for the shades throughout the year. spring and summer greeting cards. Also, breaking the myth that slider However, Colette Smith's purple elements can only be used on kids colour palette shows how you can cards, Colette shows how to work display winter blooms on the front a little kinetic action into adults' of your birthday greetings. Better designs. So, empty out your penny still, as the image is coloured in with jar and get ready to slide! BEST WISHES
Stamp a flower motif numerous times over white card, 8.5cm x 14cm, then set it to one side. Hand-cut uneven scallops along one edge of lilac card, then mount the flower panel onto it. Trim around the lilac card, leaving a narrow border at the top and sides. Colour in the flowers using marker pens. Print a sentiment onto white card. When the ink is dry, die-cut the panel into an oval, then mount onto a larger lilac one. Glue a penny centrally to the reverse and leave to
“THESE CARDS DON’T JUST HAVE TO BE FOR BIRTHDAYS. CHANGE THE SENTIMENTS AND COLOUR SCHEMES TO SUIT THE OCCASION OR EVENT. FRESH REDS, ORANGES AND YELLOWS WOULD LOOK GOOD FOR A SUMMERY FEEL” Colette Smith, Designer
BEST WISHES
Stamp a floral motif several times over white card, 4cm x 12cm. Colour the blooms in using pink, purple and aquamarine markers, then adhere the panel to the bottom of a top-fold blank, 12cm square. Transfer a sentiment onto white card using a chosen stamp. Print the floral design around the text, then colour the blooms in using markers. Die-cut the panel into an oval.
How to assemble... A SLIDING DEVICE
1
dry, then use a small square of foam tape to secure another penny on top. Mark a 1cm x 8cm rectangle onto the centre of the floral panel, then carefully cut out to make the slit for the slider element to fit into. Wrap and tie aqua ribbon around the bottom edge of the floral panel. Insert the slider element (pennies) into the slot, making sure it moves freely. Attach the panel to a top-fold A6 blank using foam tape. Add adhesive gems to finish the design.
2
3
Mount the sentiment panel centrally onto the top of the blank using foam tape. Wrap purple ribbon around the top of the flower panel, then knot it at the right. To finish, add a few gems to the design. CB
4
SOURCE IT... Hero Arts stamp, Craftie Charlie, craftie-charlie.co.uk Sizzix Framelits dies, Cutting Edge Crafts, 01754 612050, cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk Promarkers, Letraset, 01562 744522, letraset.com
Join in! Let the rest of the craft community know about your talents by visiting us at BUSYMITTS.COM
Freebies& Offers THERE�S OVER ���� WORTH OF GOODIES TO WIN AND FAB DISCOUNTS UP FOR GRABS THIS MONTH
Have our freebies taken your fancy? Enter online for your chance to win at CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL.COM Three sewing bag kits worth £50 each Keep your needles and threads together in style with a sewing bag and accessories from Minerva Crafts. The floral bags have a quilted texture that really sets off the gorgeous, vintage-inspired pattern. Visit minervacrafts.com Tick Minerva Five bracelet kits worth £6.50 each Create your own stylish jewellery with Frosted Fancies bracelet kits from JillyBeads. Each one allows you to make three bracelets in a soft,
colour combination, with a stretch thread so they are easy to wear. Visit jillybeads.co.uk Tick JillyBeads Set of four bird mugs worth £52 All things avian is still a huge trend, and this set of four mugs from the Aye Up Bird collection hit the spot. Each mug is made from fine bone china and hand illustrated by Jade herself using unique decals, and is fired in her own studio. To view the range visit jadedevalldesigns.co.uk Tick Jade Devall
Canon DSLR camera worth over £500 Take your craft and family photography to another level with this stunning DSLR camera from Canon. The EOS 100D delivers fab 18-megapixel photos and HD videos, whilst being small and light enough to carry on your travels. It features an easy-to-use, large touch-screen, with an optical viewfinder and Scene Intelligent Auto, which allows photos to be taken quickly by automatically recognising the scene. Visit canon.co.uk for more info on the camera. Tick Canon
WIN!
Giveaways
OVER
TURN TO PAGE 108 FOR THE ENTRY FORM
Six Downton Abbey fabric packs worth £8 each We have six charms packs up for grabs from the Cotton Patch’s exclusive collection of Downton Abbey fabrics, inspired by characters on the show. So, you can embrace the beauty of the show from the comfort of your craft area. Visit cottonpatch.co.uk to view the collection. Tick The Cotton Patch Four stamp sets worth £37 each Woodware is offering five adorable rubber stamps from the Happy Hoppers collection.
With thick grey foam for a smooth impression on uneven or textured surfaces, they are sure to get the seal of approval of everyone. Visit woodware.co.uk Tick Woodware
CB READER OFFERS 20% discount on recycled kraft card products Eco-conscious crafters will be pleased to know that online retailer Razzle Dazzle Rose is offering an exclusive 20% off its range of recycled and natural goodies, including stationery and giftware.
Quote the code CBJ2014 at the checkout, razzledazzlerose.co.uk. 15% discount on a range of homemade goods The Homemade Company is offering 15% off a range of brilliant kits and ingredients to make balms, bath bombs and more! The products focus on the simplicity, joy and fun of making things at home using natural ingredients. Visit thehomemadecompany.com and enter craft15 at the checkout. Offers are valid until 31st January, 2014.
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Digitaledition Ever wished you could carry Crafts Beautiful with you on your travels, so you can dip into the wonderful world of craft on the go? Well, now you can with our digital edition. Simply head to iTunes or the Kindle Newsstand and download a mag or subscribe for three, six or 12 issues. Then, much like the magazine itself, a monthly digital edition will appear instantly in the libraries of subscribers’ tablet or e-book devices.
Better still, once you’ve downloaded each edition it’ll be stored on your reader to enjoy time and again, without internet access. So, if you want to flick through a copy on your daily commute, purchase a previous issue or take an archive of mags with you on a summer craft trip, head online and download yours now! *Please note, digital subscriptions do not include a subscription gift or covermounts
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✁
Make me QUICK
Cards
WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR BY SENDING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ONE OF THESE SPECIAL GREETINGS
Make me QUICK
WHAT YOU NEED Stamps: Lawn Fawn, Lunar Lights set; My Favourite Things, Holiday Subway Art Papers, Echo Park, Here & Now
Dies, Nestabilities, Labels 18 Punch, corner Ink-pad, black Pens: fine-liner; Copics, alcohol markers Embellishments: cabochons, rhinestones, pearls, ribbon Adhesives
THREE LANTERNS
HAPPY WISHES
LOTS OF LANTERNS
1 2 3 4
Round the corners of a 14.5cm square blank and lime patterned paper, 13.5cm square. Mount the paper onto the upper half of turquoise card, round the edges and add to the blank. Punch the two bottom corners of pink flower paper, 6.5cm x 13.5cm, then glue to the lower half of the card. Conceal the edge with black ribbon. Create a bow and add a cabochon to the centre, then glue to the design. Die-cut a large label from yellow dot paper, then draw a frame of black lines around it and add to the design. Stamp and colour two oval lanterns, then cut out and glue into place. Add a black line and stamp a mini bow. Print a 'happy wishes' sentiment, then cut it out and attach to the card. Decorate the corners with black rhinestones.
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Use a black ink-pad to stamp hanging wire several times across the front of a white blank, 8.5cm x 17cm, changing the angle. Print four different mini lanterns onto each of the hanging wires. Colour all of the motifs with alcohol markers, using a mix of colours. Stamp a little bow above two of the motifs, then print a mini tassel onto the remaining two on each line. Cut around a stamped 'Happy New Year' sentiment and attach to the card using 3-D foam pads.
Matt pink paper, 10cm x 14cm, onto a white top-fold blank, 10.5cm x 14.5cm. Fix one 2cm x 10cm strip of stripe paper above and one below the pink central strip. Use black ink to stamp a hanging wire to the top of the pink panel, then add a mini bow at each end so it overlaps the pink. Print three lanterns onto different prints of paper, then cut each one out and glue them to the card so the central one layers over the two side lanterns. From each lantern draw a line up to the hanging wire using a fine-liner pen. Stamp a 'Happy New Year' sentiment in
Top tip Use your stamps to create backdrops to interesting cards. This will give you a simple yet stylish result
2 3
1 2 3
“I'LL BE SENDING MY NEAREST AND DEAREST WELL WISHES FOR 2014 WITH THESE MODERN DESIGNS”
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BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
1
Repeatedly print a circle lantern onto a 12.5cm card blank to create a background. While this dries, stamp circle lanterns onto eight different patterned papers twice, so there's a total of 16. Cut each of the lanterns out and glue them to the card front, over the stamped images. Attach a strip of black ribbon to the left of the card. Tie a black bow from the same ribbon and glue it on top of the strip. Stamp a 'Happy Wishes' sentiment onto white card, then use 3-D foam pads to fix it to the card. Finish with the addition of a black pearl. CB
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Kitty Frampton, Designer
Download
IF YOU’D RATHER NOT CUT UP YOUR MAGAZINE...
You can download and print this project from CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM
SOURCE IT... Lawn Fawn Stamps, Echo Park Papers and My Favourite Things stamps, My Mums Craft Shop, mymumscraftshop.co.uk Nestabilities Dies, The Glitter Pot, theglitterpot.co.uk
ONLINE
Web watch CHECK OUT OUR PICK OF ONLINE FREEBIES AND SEE WHICH BLOG HAS BEEN UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Bloglove Mollie Johanson is the writer of Wild Olive, wildolive.blogspot.co.uk. Here, she speaks
Wild Olive started out as a creative motivation. In the eight years that I've been online, my blog has gone from finding creative things to making them. Most of what I share features quick, simple techniques because these are the types of projects I like working on! I also love embroidery, so you'll find lots of stitching (and free patterns!) on Wild Olive. I like to say that things are better with faces, which is why I tend to create items with cute expressions. What I love most about blogging is the people. I have the chance to learn from an amazing online community, plus being able to pass on the things I've learnt from others; it's really so rewarding. Recently, I've started up some Seasonal Stitching Clubs, and I'll be continuing those through the winter and spring. In addition to DIYs on my blog, I contribute work to other sites and also provide projects for books. Looking further down the road, I've been working on my own
DOWNLOADER FOR YOU TO USE IN YOUR CRAFT PROJECTS welovetoillustrate.com This website has lots of projects and papers to download for kids. nordicneedle.net/swag Check out tons of free Nordic-inspired sewing patterns, here. patternbee.com Nab from this range of printable vintage templates and sewing patterns.
YOURS FOR OUR SISTER TITLE, PAPERCRAFTER HAS DONE IT AGAIN WITH ITS FAB VINTAGE-INSPIRED BOOK BINDING IDEAS, USING THE SPECIAL KIT BY COLETTE SMITH WHICH COMES FREE WITH ISSUE 67! CHECK OUT THE PROJECTS AT PAPERCRAFTER MAGAZINE.CO.UK/BONUS67
i ! i t t V s M u s S.CO.UK
GIGGLINGHEDGEHOG an exciting Giggling Hedgehogs is ace that offers ne w online marketpl sell. Whether quirk y items to bu y or yourself or are you're looking to treat nting a simple a prospecti ve seller wa rket, it’s route into the online ma this British at worth checking out wh site has to offer.
Pinterest pinterest.com/searchpress If you’ve been inspired by the woodland trend, check out what Search Press has been pinning
Via etsy.com/shop/ yuzucha
PINTEREST.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL
Via ravelry.com
Via liagriffith.com
via etsy.com/uk/shop/ UrbanOwls
CREATE STUNNING DESIGNS FOR YOUR BAKED GOODS WITH THIS TUTORIAL ON
IcingBISCUITS
“THERE ARE SO MANY CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES WITH THIS ICING TECHNIQUE; WHY NOT EXPERIMENT WITH THE WIDTH AND TEXTURE OF AN OUTLINE FOR A DIFFERENT EFFECT” Jecelyn Latimer, Editorial Assistant
IN THE KITCHEN
WHAT YOU NEED Biscuits, heart shaped Royal icing Gel food colouring: blue, orange, pink, lime green
Icing techniques
1
2
3
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Piping bag Nozzle, plan (No.3) Squeezey bottle Cocktail stick
Outlining and flooding with icing
1
In order for the icing to flood properly, an outline is required to form an unbroken wall around the biscuit. Start by using a plain nozzle (No.3) in a piping bag. Fill the bag with coloured icing and work around the biscuit. Leave to dry for five minutes. Spoon icing mixture into a squeezy bottle, then use this to fill the biscuits in, one at a time, making sure they don't overfill as, when it comes to the flood on flood, part they may spill over. For smaller designs, or if you are just starting out, spoon the icing on instead of using a bottle and spread with a cocktail stick, adding the icing gradually. The flood on flood technique is a great way to make polka dots, stripes, flowers and more. The desired patterns must be iced directly onto the flooded surface immediately after it has been applied, using more icing. Work over the pattern until the details 'melt' in.
2 3
love hearts
1
Make a batch of basic royal icing with 900g icing sugar and four egg whites. Spoon the mixture into five bowls, then, using the tip of a cocktail stick, apply tiny amounts of gel food colouring to all except one, gradually adding more of the colouring to achieve a deeper shade, if desired. Outline homemade or shop-bought heart biscuits in various colours and leave to dry. Next, fill a squeeze bottle with icing sugar and flood. For an eye-catching look, make sure the flooding colour is contrasted to the border line.
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Pipe stripes or dots of icing onto the flooded surface of each biscuit, then drag a cocktail stick up and down the pattern to create a rippled effect. Clean the stick in between strokes for a neat finish and to make sure the colours don't cross over. Once the biscuits are all filled in, ensure they are completely dry by putting them in an oven that’s been set to a low temperature of 50°C, 120°F or gas mark ½-3, for 30 minutes. CB
4
IN THE LARDER...
READER OFFER... This recipe has been adapted from The Biscuiteers Book of Iced Biscuits by Sarah Moore and Harriet Hastings (Kyle Books, £12.99). To order for £10.99 with free UK p&p, call 01903 828503 and quote KB BB/CB, or email
[email protected]
Eight Wilton icing gels, Craft Company, craftcompany.co.uk
Squeezy bottle, £2.50, Biscuiteers shop, 08704 588 358, biscuiteers.com
LOOKING FOR SIMPLE STITCHED MAKES FOR A QUICK CRAFT-SESH? YOU’LL LOVE OUR
Chirpyfabric set
“ASK FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR OLD BROKEN BEADS TO USE WHEN MAKING YOUR HANGER” Helen Philipps, Designer
WHAT YOU NEED Thread, stranded, DMC, as per key Fabric: cotton, assorted prints; aida, 14-count, white Stuffing, polyester Crochet cotton, pale pink Tapestry needle, size 26 Bead assortment Card blank, white, 10cm x 21cm
Card: cream; white; metallic, green Paper, Wild Rose Studio: Valetta Garden Adhesive gems Stamps, sentiments Ink-pad, green Brads, square, bright pink
Stitch
Love it! BIRD HANGER Trace and cut out the downloadable bird motif onto white card, then use to mark the shape onto two pieces of fabric, 10cm x 15cm, placed with right sides facing. Sew over the drawn line, leaving a small gap. Cut around the bird, then turn out. Make sure the tail and beak are pushed out, then fill with polyester stuffing. Close the gap with a few neat stitches. Use black cotton to sew a black glass seed bead onto either side of the head for the eyes. Make a further four birds in the same way, then thread a large-eye needle with a very long piece of pink crochet cotton and tie a large knot in the end. Thread a random selection of beads onto the cotton, then push the needle through a bird, starting at the bottom. Add another set of beads, then a bird and continue in this way until all the birds have been threaded. String extra beads on top to finish off, then tie the crochet cotton into a loop ready for hanging.
MATCHING CARD Find and download the cross-stitch chart within our template pack, then follow to work the design onto one block of aida using two strands of cotton and counting carefully between the birds. When the stitch work is complete, add a selection of seed beads using a fine needle and white cotton. Refer to our picture for guidance on positioning. Cut out the design with a two-hole border, then back with white card using doublesided tape.
Find your templates on our website at crafts-beautiful.com
Cover the front of a card blank with the bird print paper. Attach adhesive ribbon 6cm down from the top of the card. Matt the cross-stitch onto green metallic card, then fix it to the front of the card. Add a small strip of green and white striped ribbon to the top-left and bottom-right corners of the card, at an angle. Stick a bright pink brad to the top-right and bottom-left of the cross-stitch. Using rubber stamps, print a sentiment onto cream card in green ink, then cut out. Attach to the design with sticky pads. CB
Love birds? theme of this make, we think you'd love this kit. The set contains all the ingredients to hand-sew seven little birdies, which can be used for decoration or given to little ones. Better still, the proceeds go to the RSPB so you can enjoy a little guilt-free spending and crafting. Priced £14.99, 0845 120 0501, shopping.rspb.org.uk
... aletta Garden paper by Wild Rose Studio, Handy Hippo, handyhippo.co.uk een metallic card, seed beads, glass and general crafting beads, Hobbycraft, hobbycraft.co.uk Sew and Quilt, sewandquilt.co.uk
If you make your own bird decorations, share them with us at TWITTER.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL
Knit it!
EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF NORDIC STYLE AND KNIT YOURSELF A
WHAT YOU NEED Yarn: Knit Picks, Gloss Fingering, Timber; Oyster Heather; Blush; Mai Tai Heather; The Alpaca Yarn Company:
SCANDI HAT Corrugated Ribbing Pattern 35 STITCHES 7 STITCHES
Mint kiss, Icicle, 50g each Knitting needles
ABBREVIATIONS K2: K2: Knit 2 stitches P2: Purl 2 stitches
p2 Mint Kiss. Rnds 9–10: K2 Timber, p2 Icicle. Rnds 11–12: K2 Timber, p2 Mint Kiss.
Rnds 1–2: K2 Timber, p2 Oyster Heather.
Rnds 13–14: K2 Timber, p2 Mai Tai Heather.
Rnds 3–4: K2 Timber, p2 Blush.
Rnds 15–16: K2 Timber, p2 Blush.
Rnds 5–6: K2 Timber, p2 Mai Tai Heather.
Rnds 17–18: K2 Timber, p2 Oyster Heather
Rnds 7–8: K2 Timber,
Scandi statement The earliest Scandi knits date back to the 9th century and are thought to have been dyed wool patterned pieces. A knitting revolution occurred during 1840 and 1870, during which coloured woollen yarns where used to form intricate patterns and folk costumes. Each of these designs provided an indication of the wearer’s origin.
READER OFFER...
SOURCE IT... Gloss Fingering yarn, Knit Picks; Great British Yarns, greatbritishyarns.co.uk Yarn, The Alpaca Company, thealpacayarnco.com
FIND THE HAT CHART ON OUR WEBSITE CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL. COM/DOWNLOADS
This pattern was adapted from Nordic Knitting Traditions (Krause Publications, £16.99). To order a copy for £12.74 with free UK p&p, call 0844 8805851or visit stitchcraftcreate.co.uk and quote R111009.
HANDMADE HOME Learn & make
Organised ideas for a CRAFTY HOME INTERIORS EDITOR, RIANNA FRY INDULGES IN A LITTLE POST-CHRISTMAS TIDYING
stamp boxes
crochet holder
button magnets
I
n the months leading up to Christmas day, we're all guilty of pumping most of our attention into making the festivities truly magical. So, now that we've carefully packed away our snow globes and tree decs until next year, it's time to work fresh accents into the home, ready to welcome in the new year. While it's not yet spring, I love to give my home
were delivered under my tree on the day.
PHOTO: MAGPIELINE.COM
jar labels
WHAT YOU NEED Porcelain paint Frog tape Adhesive lettering Sponge
Paint your own jar labels
1 2
Wash jars thoroughly with warm soapy water and leave to dry, then use tape to mask off a strip around the centres of each. Use adhesive lettering to spell out desired words within the taped areas. Press the chosen paint onto the panel, around the letters. Immediately dab with dry sponge to reduce the bubbles. When the paint is touch dry, carefully remove the lettering and tape. Heat the jars with a hairdryer and they will peel off easily. Leave to dry for 24 hours and follow the manufacturer's instructions to bake the paint onto the porcelain surface.
3
FIND MORE INSPIRATION If you love this project, you should definitely take a look at Homemaker magazine! It's full of creative ideas on how you can bring a little crafty spice to your home, homemakermagazine.co.uk
Design detail Use these labels to mark your craft jars, too
Three reasons to love organising your home... IT'S THERAPEUTIC
YOU REDISCOVER LITTLE TREASURES
I'm definitely a believer of the old adage that 'a clear room, is a clear mind'. I love to see that my home is a tidy landscape of all the beautiful and useful things I've collected over the years. Plus, it's delightful to think of something I need and know exactly where to find it – mind you, this doesn't last long!
Many of us have experienced the joy of finding a pound coin in an old coat jacket or pre-loved purse. That familiar sense of excitement can be enjoyed when clearing out your home; I always uncover lovely photos and trinkets stored away on previous cleaning sprees.
IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BE RESOURCEFUL With all the decadent roasts eaten, my family seems to go through stacks of food jars – all of which I nab. You see, whether I give the glass a coat of pastel paint or spray the lids silver, they make great little containers for craft embellishments.
HANDMADE HOME Learn & make
Craft tip Speed up drying time by using a hairdryer, if you wish
WHAT YOU NEED Carving rubber, scraps Ink, block printing Wood or acrylic block, 8cm square Double-sided tape Storage box, cardboard Brayer Inking plate Stack of books (for weight only)
1
Use scraps of rubber to make a stamp
1
Position several pieces of scrap rubber into a pleasing composition on a mounting block, trimming if desired. When happy with the layout, adhere each piece onto the mounting block using double-sided tape. Fill a storage box with a stack of books to make it sturdy, so it’s easy to print on without caving in. Roll block
2
2
printing ink out onto an inking plate using a brayer, then work onto the stamp. Begin to print the stamp onto the box and lid, applying a firm, even pressure without letting the stamp slide. Allow each side to dry before switching to the next. The ink is set when it turns from slightly shiny to dull and is dry to the touch.
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3
READER OFFER... This project has been adapted from Put Your Stamp On It by Meagan Lewis (Apple Press, £12.99). To order a copy for £10, including free UK p&p, call 01903 828503 or email
[email protected]
and quote APG36.
4
READER DETAILS... The project has been adapted from Creative Makers: Simple Crochet by Sara Sinaguglia (published by Mitchell Beazley, £16.99), octopusbooks.co.uk
WHAT YOU NEED Cotton: Rowan, Fine Milk, shade 501, Sepia, 50g ball; Anchor, pearl, no. 8, shade 265, 10g ball Crochet hooks: 1.25mm,
2.25mm Hessian, 21cm square Thread Needles: tapestry, sewing
Crochet little containers Base Round 1 Using a 2.25mm hook and fine milk
cotton, make a slip ring, 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), 11 tr into ring, ss into top of 3 ch (12 sts). Round 2 Working into back loop only of each st, 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr into same st, 2 tr into each st, ss into top of 3 ch (24 sts). Round 3 As round 2 (48 sts). Round 4 Working into back loop only of each st,
3 ch (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr into same st, * 1 tr into each of next 3 sts, 2 tr into following st *, repeat from * to *, ending 1 tr into each of last 3 sts, ss into top of 3 ch (60 sts).
Sides Round 5 Working into back loop of each st, 3 ch
(counts as 1 tr), 1 tr into each of next 2 sts, 5 tr into next st, ss behind the 5 tr into back loop only of first of the 5 tr to form bobble, * 1 tr into
each of next 3 sts, 1 bobble into following st *, repeat from * to *, ss into top of 3 ch. Round 6 1 ch, 1 dc into top of 3 ch, 1 dc into each of next 2 tr, 1 dc over ss at back of bobble, * 1 dc into each of next 3 tr, 1 dc over ss at back of bobble *, repeat from * to *, ss into 1 ch. Round 7 3 ch, * 1 bobble into next st, 1 tr into each of following 3 sts *, repeat from * to *, ending 1 bobble into next st, 1 tr into each of last 2 sts, ss into top of 3 ch. Round 8 1 ch, 1 dc into top of 3 ch, * 1 dc over ss at back of bobble, 1 dc into each of next 3 tr *, repeat from * to *, ending 1 dc over ss at back of bobble, 1 dc into each of last 2 tr, ss into 1 ch. Round 9 As round 5, but working into both loops of each st. Repeat rounds 6–9 twice, then work round 6 again. Fasten off.
Lining Stitch the short ends of hessian, 11cm x 21cm, together with a 1cm seam allowance, then press the seam open. Turn a free edge to the wrong side by 1cm, then press. Snip the edge of an 8cm hessian disc by 5mm at 2cm intervals. Pin the disc into the remaining edge of the cylinder and hand-sew into place with small running stitches or backstitch, leaving a 1cm seam allowance. Snip the cylinder's edge seam allowance to make it flexible.
Make it up With wrong sides facing, push the lining in the pot. Using a 1.25mm hook and pearl cotton, work 1 dc into each st, around the top of the pot, passing the hook and yarn through the lining fabric. Finish with a final round of 1dc into each st. Sew the thread end into the work with a tapestry needle.
HANDMADE HOME Learn & make
WHAT YOU NEED Buttons: decorative; self-cover, flat-back, larger than 1cm Magnets, circle, 95mm Cotton or linen, scraps Thread, polyester Pins Super glue Paper Scissors: paper, fabric Needle
Craft diddy magnets
1
Start with regular buttons, blobbing glue onto the backs and attaching to magnets, then leaving to dry. Make a circular paper template for the cover buttons, ensuring it’s 1cm larger in circumference. Use the template to cut a chosen section of fabric to appear on the magnet. Work a small running stitch around the edge, 5mm in. Place the top, dish-shaped part of the button in the centre of the wrong side of the fabric circle. Pull the stitches to gather the fabric around it, then knot the thread. Push the flat cover button back into place – it may help to use a pencil to do this. Use a blob of super glue to secure it to a magnet, then leave to set. CB
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1
Handy gadgets Keep note of shopping lists, event invites and more, by popping them on your fridge or note board using homemade magnets
2
AILS... oject has been adapted om Makery by Kate Smith , octopusbooks.co.uk
Treat yourself Carefully choose pretty storage options that you’ll be happy to have on display
P I C K R IA N NA ’ S
Carved wooden boxes, £6.99, 01288 595135, mygifttree.com
Sweetheart rack with two jars, £18.99, 01305 830095, mollieandfred.co.uk
Our Papercraft Hero Greet the New Year in style using Kate Skilton's ideas and make vibrant colour co-ordinated projects for your home
Craft tip By fixing two magnetic strips to the reverse of the calender it can be displayed on a fridge door
Happy New Year WHAT YOU NEED Card, white, gold, silver Paper: polka dot, striped Dies: Sissix, Framelits set; stars Craft wire Ribbon Twine Adhesive gems Lolly stick
Rustle-up this greeting finished with stars and wire spirals Matt and layer gold card and patterned paper onto a white card blank. Add strips of paper to the left-hand side, as shown. Fix ribbon over paper strips and adhere a die-cut star to the middle. Attach small dimensional stars to wire spirals, then tuck the ends under the larger star, fixed with glue. From a computer, print 'Happy New Year' onto silver card, then trim into banner shapes. Position under the striped paper so it lays across the large polka dot piece.
Mini Calendar Gift ADHERE ALL RIBBON AND TWINE BEFORE ATTACHING TO THE MAIN PANEL SO THAT ALL THE WORKINGS BEHIND ARE HIDDEN
Put together this handy make so you can organise the year ahead Trim two 13cm squares of red card and round the corners. Layer one with patterned paper and add paper strips to the top. Attach ribbon and twine to the centre of the paper strips. Adhere a die-cut star and, using craft wire, attach two punched stars fixed under the edge of the larger star. Mount a calendar onto red card and adhere to the main panel. Attach a ribbon loop to the back for hanging.
Papercraft
“STARS AND BRIGHT COLOURS ARE FANTASTIC FOR CELEBRATING CELEBRA TING THE NEW YEAR – USE THEM TO TO BRING IN 2014 WITH A CREATIVE FLOURISH!” Kate Skilton, Designer
Cupcake Topper USE UP THE SMALL SECTIONS OF PATTERNED PAPER LEFT OVER FROM ANOTHER PROJECT TO CREATE THESE ITEMS
Give party food a bit of flair and finish with handmade cake picks Die-cut two scalloped circles from purple card. Attach a circle of striped paper. Fix a star to the centre of the circle. Attach two punched stars using craft wire. Print and cut out '2014' and adhere to the star. Glue a lolly stick behind the scalloped shape, then cover the back with a circle of plain paper.
Wine Bottle Label PERSONALISE THE BOTTLE LABEL DESIGN WITH THE RECIPIENT'S NAME TO MAKE IT PERSONAL
Pop this tag onto a bottle of bubbly and take a New Year party Trim purple card, 5mm x 10cm. Score 5cm from the top of the long edge. Die-cut a hole in the centre of the upper section. Layer gold card onto the front panel and matt with paper. Add a strip of paper to the top, and ribbon and twine to the centre. Attach die-cut stars, add a bow, then type and print out a sentiment. Stick behind the star. CB
SOURCE IT... Framelits dies, Sizzix, 0844 499 8181, sizzix.co.uk Card, Inspire Me Papers, 0845 120 0155, inspiremepapers.co.uk
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I truly believe that if you want to work in this industry, then you can, but you have to be prepared to put in the hard graft
EmilyHogarth
WORDS BY MORGAN MATHEWS
Enthusiasm for creative hobbies is at an all time high, with TV programmes such as The Great British Sewing Bee helping to bring traditional craft skills into the mainstream. The creative revolution shows no signs of slowing and as our thirst for craft continues, more and more of us are looking for crafty satisfaction outside of sewing and knitting. The fascinating art of papercutting is gaining in popularity thanks to talented creatives across the world using the technique to create stunning, detailed pieces and converting them into covetable prints. You can now find papercut designs on everything from gift cards to dinner plates and even the world of advertising has become wise to the eye-catching versatility of the technique, with big companies such as Nivea, Cadburys and Debenhams utilising designs in their campaigns.
One of the best things about papercutting is how easy it is to get started, as you need very few specialist materials. Armed with a craft knife, paper and your imagination, you’re all set to start creating your own papercut designs. Helping crafters as they embark on their papercutting journey is Scottish designer and illustrator, Emily Hogarth. Her first book The Crafter’s Guide to Papercutting, is a stunning introduction to the technique, sharing step-by-step projects and inspirational ideas for creating your own exquisite works of art. Inspired by Emily’s motto, ‘making the everyday magical’, the book is full of designs that reflect the Scottish landscape where she lives. Due to the popularity of her first title, Emily has created a new book of gorgeous makes,
DESIGNER INTERVIEW People & places Papercutting for Special Occasions, which is packed full of practical projects designed to beautify your home. “I wanted the projects to be useful to people and hopefully include things they will actually try out themselves,” she explained. And, there is plenty in this inspirational read for beginners and mo re experienced paper crafters. Containing coloured templates and papers as well as exciting designs, it’s a brilliantly useful resource to have on your shelf. Emily wants to help others improve their skills, “I hope readers gain confidence in their own papercutting, and use the book as a starting point from which to grow, and make their own designs,” she explained. From simple to the more complicated pieces, it’s lovely to see that all the projects incorporate Emily’s signature style of bold designs, which still manage to retain a delicate beauty. Emily was thrilled to be putting together her second volume, having learnt so much about the publishing process the first time around. However, it wasn’t without its
difficulties. “I think the most challenging moment when designing projects, is when you have this great idea in your head, but it just doesn't work or is much more complicated than you first thought.” she confided. While, Emily is very pleased with all the ideas that appear in the book, when asked to pick her favourite one she said, “I think my most satisfying paper creation has to be the woodland window decorations, as they were so much fun to design and are the sort of thing I like having around my own home.” When she’s not designing and making her delightful papercuts, Emily keeps herself busy baking and quilting, plus she has recently discovered a love for carving her own rubber stamps. “I am currently stamping everything I can,” she confessed with a smile. When I asked why she thought so many people were now embracing crafting, she said, “I think people are enjoying crafting so much as it’s so satisfying to create something yourself, and often it’s lovelier than a shop bought version. There is a lot to be said for the hand made!” For those wanting to follow in Emily’s footsteps
“It’s so satisfying to create something yourself and you often find it is so much lovelier than a shop bought version”
and make a career out of crafting or even get a book published, Emily had this advice: “Be prepared to work hard. I truly believe that if you want to work in this industry, then you can, but you have to be prepared to put in the hard graft.” It would seem she is taking her own advice and not resting on her papercutting laurels as Emily is currently working on creating her first illustrated book for children. If it is anything like her wonderful papercuts, it is sure to excite and inspire! CB
ON THE SPOT... Tea or coffee:
Tea
Best advice recieved:
Be true to what you love and everything else Strawberries will work out Christmas or New Year's Eve: Christmas Idol: I love what Johanna Basford Kittens or puppies: is doing with Puppies her career Crayon or brush: Pet Peeve: Talking Brush with your mouth full! Chocolate or strawberries:
Things I couldn't live without: My camera,
notebook and a good pair of boots Most recently read book: I have just
re-read the Hobbit, a classic
Most cherished memory: I loved my
childhood, especially memories from my grandparent's house in Innerleithen on the Scottish borders
READER OFFER... To order a copy of Papercutting for Special Occasions by Emily Hogarth (Search Press, £12.99), for £11.99 with free p&p in the UK, call Search Press on 01892 510850 and quote Crafts Beautiful (Jan issue).
crafty
Find your local class or workshop today and get creative!
learning online
essex
hertfordshire
Creative craft workshops in Lampshade Making, Rag Rugs, Felting, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing, Dressmaking, Screenprinting, Polymer Clay, Metal Clay, Jewellery, Children's Craft Parties, Hen Parties & much more
www.themakeitroom.co.uk 01245-477152 07973-920046
cheshire
devon
Stockport’s largest independent craft shop for all your card and scrapbooking needs. Enormous selection of dies i.e Spellbinders, Marianne and Sizzix. Graph-It stockist. Weekly cardmaking lessons 44-46 Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9AD - Tel: 0161 477 7027 Email:
[email protected] www.cjcardcraft.com
A break the weather can’t spoil
essex
C r a y B r e ft s s ee p a ak ge 17 f o r f u l l d e ta i l s
cornwall
leicestershire
On our ‘Introduction to Jewellery Making’ workshop each candidate will make and take home three or four pieces of jewellery (Depending on time and ability) made with sterling silver, freshwater pearls, real gemstone beads and Swarovski Crystal. Additionally we run more advanced classes, these change in subject area depending on demand. Please see http://montysbeads.com/lessons/ for more details and dates.
hampshire
london
BLADE RUBBER STAMPS Altered Art, Scrapbooking Book Online: www.scrapbookmagic.co.uk
Call on 01326240381 or email
[email protected]
dorset
Create It All Adult and Child Craft Workshops
www.createitall.co.uk (01202) 432656
Fowley Cross, Nr Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4NA PHONE:
0800 234 3071
www.activityhotelbreaks.co.uk
essex
Exciting classes every saturday and some sundays - book early!!
Daily, friendly Craft Clubs - drop in! Loads of workshops inc. sewing, crochet, beading, paper craft and more! Open 7 days. Fab online store. Tel: 023 8051 7054 - www.bellacrafts.co.uk Within Fair Oak Garden Centre, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Hampshire SO50 7HD We’d love to see you! Fab on-line store!
www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk
hampshire
london
JENDENINK-CRAFTWORKS Located in Fareham we are a Craft Shop with a large and airy workshop for 20 people. We stock Kaiser Craft, 7 Gypsies, BoBunny, Crafts-Too and Marianne Dies, Anchor Threads and Decopatch. We run regular classes, crops and swarms. CHECK THE WEBSITE OR RING FOR MORE DETAILS 167 West Street, Fareham, Hants PO16 0EF,0 (44) 132 9 825116 www.jendenink.co.uk
12 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL
020 7831 4123
Fun, easy going and informative sewing classes in East London or at your own home, one to one or in small groups. Sewing machine repair & service in East London, at yours or by Skype. Bespoke colourful quilts @ folksy.com/shops/cheekyhandmades www.cheekyhandmades.co.uk
[email protected]
Crafting classes and workshops are Crafting are an excellent way to learn new skills and in some cases gain a qualification in doing something you enjoy. enjoy. This is also a great way to make new friends and become a part of a crafting family so find your local class or workshop today and get creative! To advertise here please contact
[email protected] [email protected] nottinghamshire
suffolk
wales - south
Craft-e-Liza Come visit us for regular weekly classes in Parchment, Cold Porcelain and Card Making
2a Newgate Lane, Mansfield, Notts NG18 2LF
[email protected] 01623 422689 www.craft-e-liza.co.uk
somerset
November workshops: Introduction to Altered Art - Thurs 14th Advent Calendar - Saturday 23rd Trio of Christmas Cards - Thurs 28th
Check out www.papermaze.co.uk for full schedule Book online or phone 01473 892195
A Papercrafter’s Paradise Guest Celebrity Workshop Leaders also in-house workshops Find us at www.dandiecr www.dandiecrafts.co.uk afts.co.uk Tel - 01443 842785 Near Pontypridd
wales - south
west midlands
Bizzy Fingers Upper Floor Aberafan Shopping Centre Port Talbot, SA13 1PB 14a Broad Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2DN tel: 01749 673090 24-25 Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset BA11 1 BY tel: 01373 464650
01639 892253 Regular workshop and demonstrations Call for details
Tigerlily Makes offer a whole host of gorgeous felting feltin g courses. courses. Come Come and have a magica magicall hen weekend, create one-off unique accessories and home furnishings with full confidence, that you will go home at the end of the day with something to be proud of. www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk k See more at: www.tigerlilymakes.co.u
warwickshire
staffordshire
west midlands At Bead & Button Bazaar we have a range of Jewellery Making Courses where we accommodate all people at
and we also run childrens workshops, please visit our website for more details
www.beadandbuttonbazaar.com
yorkshire yorkshir e - east
Craft Shop and Studios 9 South Lane Hessle East Yorkshire HU13 0RS www.st www.studiocraftique.co.uk udiocraftique.co.uk 01483 627559
[email protected]
yorkshire - south
JB-Crafting Supplies Wath Plaza, 2 Sandygate, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotheram, South Yorkshire, S63 7LW
Offering a wide range of jewellery related workshops from basic stringing to silver jewellery.. jewellery 111A High Street, Wolstanton, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 0EP Tel: 01782 850108
suffolk for all your crafting needs... Dolls’ houses and furniture, beads, artists requisites, kits, gifts, card making & scrapbooking supplies plus much, much more. Workshops, demonstrations and parties. Open Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk 4 St Lawrence Street, Ipswich IP1 1DN 01473 257550
[email protected]
FUN, FAB & FRIENDLY For all your Card Making and Scrapbooking Supplies Fun Workshops * Altered Art Projects * Demo Days Exciting New Products arriving weekly!! Graphic45 * Pion * Kaisercraft * Clarity * IndigoBlu PaperArtsy PaperA rtsy * MemoryBox * Tim Holtz * Spellbinders Fab range of quality lazer cut project kits & products Friendly, helpful staff - relaxed atmosphere - inspirational! Spernal Ash Nurseries, Alcester Rd, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7PD Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm Tel: 01527 852052
www.pinktulipcr www .pinktulipcreations.co eations.co.uk .uk Follow us on Facebook * Mail Order Available
and workshops Please phone, email or check out the website for more details www.jb-craftingsupplies.com jb-craftingsupplies@hotmail. jb-craftingsupp
[email protected] co.uk 07922049825
Don’t forget to mention Crafts Beautiful when responding to an advertisment
USE SUBTLE INK EFFECTS AND
Vintage BIRD BIRDDESIGN DESIGN
WHAT YOU NEED Stamp, IndigoBlu: Antique Songbird A6 Ink-pads, assorted colours Make-up sponges Blank, Kraft card Card, pink, purple Dies, circle Circle cutter Embossing powder, clear Gems, tiny yellow Thread, white
“ YOUR CAN TRIM DOWN THE LARGER STAMPS STAMPS IN DIFFERENT WAYS TO EXTEND THEIR VERSATILITY, OR EVEN CUT OUT ELEMENTS OF THE DESIGN AND USE THEM INDIVIDUALLY” Tracey Daykin-Jones, Designer
Cards
Make it! THINKING OF YOU
Take Tak e a sheet of brown card and score a vertical line, 10cm in from the outer edge. Fold and trim card, 15cm high. Fold a book page to fit the front of the card, leaving a small border on either side and along the bottom. Trim a strip of pink card, 5.5cm wide and create an inverted 'v' shape at one end. Cut out a second rectangle from darker pink card, 3.5cm wide, and repeat to create the effect of ribbon. Working over a cutting mat, pierce a line of holes around the inside edge of both pieces of card. Use a ruler as a guide to ensure your holes remain in a straight line. Stamp the image onto white card using black ink and heat emboss. Trim, making same inverted 'v' shape at the bottom. Add colour to the motif, building the layers slowly to create your desired effect. Stamp the image several more times onto post-it notes, then use them to create a mask so that you can intensify particular areas of the design. Stick a narrow strip of light pink to the outer edge of the inside right of the card. Type and print sentiment and add colour using yellow and orange ink-pads. Trim the sentiment, round top corners and stick to the top of the light pink panel. Pierce a series of holes below the text. Finally, embellish the stamped image with yellow gems, sew a heart button to the right.
Craft tip... Build up colour slowly using small sponges or old ink-pads which are no longer effective for rubber stamping
How to assemble the... LAYERED CARD
1
2
CIRCLE GREETING
Take a kraft card blank, 12cm and stick a book page to the centre, leaving a small border remaining. Stamp the image onto white card in black ink and sprinkle with clear embossing powder, then set with heat tool. Cut a circle from the stamped piece and trim off the left edge. Colour with various ink-pads, picking out elements of the design using the masking technique. Die-cut a slightly larger circle from purple card and mount the stamped image, again straightening the left edge. Stick this section to the card, then using the paper piercing tool, prick an outline of tiny holes along the edge of the coloured card.
3
4
Trim out a postage stamp shape from original songbird image, add colour, then stick to the bottom right of the card. Sew three buttons to the front. Glue several tiny yellow gems to the flower centre to finish. CB
SOURCE IT... Antique Songbird A6 stamp, IndigoBlu, 01777 701980, indigoblu.com Kraft card, razzledazzlerose.co.uk Book pages, designer's own
YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT FROM
y ou r
readers B C w lo l fe to lo l e Sa y h as! e id d n a s e k a m r and s hare yo u
N TA D SA E L L E S Q U I E L V A N D %
2 0
FOLKSY BIRDS
60%
C O U N T D O % W N
2 0
STAR LETTER My fellow crafter, Lee Burkill, and I came across some sock snowmen on Pinterest and both thought they looked very sweet. It seemed like a quick and easy project to do in a day, so we decided to make them and ended up with these little fellas! I've tried to vary their accessories slightly to make each one unique and think they look so cute. Marie Worley, via Twitter
Vote for your favourite this issue on homecraftforums.com!
S t a r P r i ze
These snowmen are absolutely adorable, Marie! What a wonderful addition they must have been to your Christmas.
ta r t h is mo n t h's s T he w i n ne r o f r a s t u n n i ng s i lve ve i e ec l r l i w r te le t o r t h £42 f ro m b i rd nec k lace, w eo us E ng la nd. Go rg te i h W ge ba b Ca ha nd-cas t b i rd a nd da i n t y, t h is l id u lded f ro m so nec k lace is mo i lve r o n a s te r l i ng s s i lve r a nd h u ng ra nge, k a t t he w ho le o lo a r Fo n. i c ha m hi teengland.co v is i t cabbage w
I made this chunky-knit striped scarf for my boyfriend. With winter rapidly approaching, and as I'm still fairly new to knitting, this seemed like the perfect project. I used Sirdar Hayfield yarn and knitted my way through six feet of ribbed stripes. Sew_Sensational, via Twitter
Bird romance At the moment I'm in love with bird cages and chandelier motifs, so I decided to make a card based on those elements. I think these motifs give the card a very tender feel and hope everyone likes it! Kathy Morris, Staffordshire
We don't like it, Kathy, we love it! It's a very pretty design.
Love the scarf, Louise! It looks nice and warm.
FELT LO
Get in touch via... Post – Your Space, Crafts Beautiful, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY Email –
[email protected]
kit, Lorraine, and think your felt
e! a m a t M e e t
Swap hints, tricks and your stories with new friends Sue Turner, 61 I enjoy all types of handcrafts, especially needlecrafts, and upcycling. I'm looking for anyone, anywhere who loves to craft. 212, Fernbank Road, North Ascot, Bracknell, SL5 8JX
Jean Hancox, 66 I love making cards, plastic cavers, book markers and crossstitching. I'd like to meet anyone from anywhere in the world. Flat 2, Station Mews, Oakengates, Teldford, Shropshire, TF2 6AF
Olive Alford, 55
Reader make I really enjoyed making this card with the flowers kit from this issue. The die-cut flowers were very easy to assemble and the card a great quality, with bright colours and good patterns. It was an absolute treat!
Robin Simpson, Portsmouth
You've made a very sweet card from the kit, Robin!
Happy returns! After a recent week away, I returned home to find that our 22 year-old son had managed to leave the house in a bit of a tip. I was not in a good mood at all, until he said that I'd received a letter. When I opened it I found out that I was one of five lucky people to have won £100 worth of Hobbycraft vouchers from the October issue giveaway—the day turned much brighter! Thank you so much for your excellent magazine and your brilliant giveaways.
Lynn Wells, Oxfordshire
Hi Lynn, very pleased that it managed to turn your day around and congratulations!
Twitterverse Trying my hand at felt making courtesy of @craftsbeautiful! @OHHhayley Made 4 lovely free motion Christmas hangers this morning. Now time for lunch :) @septcottage Good morning! An early bike ride along the seafront to blow away the cobwebs and then settling down to some sewing! @Georgina_Giles
I spend my time making simple and small crafts. I'd like to get in touch with anyone who makes or collects similar things. 61 Sydney Road, Abbey Wood London, SE2 9RY
Karen Jenkins, 47 My favourite things are scrapbooking, card making, cooking, sewing, crochet and reading. I'd like to hear from anyone. 39 Springfield Drive, Cinderford, Glostershire, GL14 2TE
Julie McLaughin, 39 I love knitting, sewing, cross-stitching, reading, and many more crafts, and would like to chat to anyone with similar interests. 34 Cambridge Road, Birstall, West Yorkshire, WF17 9JF
Neetha Mohotty, 60 I enjoy all sorts of handicrafts such as crocheting and ribbon embroidery and much more. I'd like to hear from ladies aged 20-60 from the British Isles. No. 7, Second Lane, C.A.M housing scheme, Beddagana, South Pita Kotte, Sri Lanka, Ceylon Please be aware that entrants to the pen pals section submit personal details at their own discretion
knittingqueenuk
Each issue w e ce lebr ate someone on the f or um w ho has made a r eal ef fo r t in the cr af tin w or ld. Our w ond g er fu l team of moder ator s has the task of highlig hting one membe r w ho they f eel de ser ve s a little r ecognition. I f y ou w ant to be in w ith the chance of w inning, join us at h Knittingqueenuk goes out of her w a Chr istmas she m ade lav ender he ar ts f or The Salv ation Ar my an d knitted ov er 60 0 beanies f or I nnocent Smooth ie's Big Knits ca mpaign. She's also a f ri endly f a ce on the f or um
CLAIRE WILLIS quills GET CREATIVE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION WITH THESE DAINTY QUILLED PIECES -
Birthdays, put simply, are the best. It's the one day of the year that's about you, getting spoilt with gifts and cards, breakfast in bed, shopping, lovely meals and cups of tea made at your disposal: whatever you want! Birthdays tend to be family oriented, so it's the perfect excuse to get everyone chipping in and share this wonderful occasion with your nearest and dearest. The kids might even help with the housework! Time goes on and with every passing year, we celebrate by having the key elements that make a birthday a happy one: being surrounded by who and what we love, so I hope you'll enjoy crafting this project for a special someone! Happy quilling, Claire x
Blue ribbon key Apply double-sided tape down the length of a plastic drinking straw, then carefully spiral a gold-coloured quilling strip around it. Once fully covered, trim off any excess. To make the key handle, wrap several quilling strips, end to end, around the base of a circular object. Make sure that the full length of each one is adhered to the layer beneath, so it doesn’t slip out of position. Once dried, remove the circular shape and attach the handle to the end of the straw. Decorate the round end of the key with smaller circles. To complete, roll tight paper circles using a quilling tool for the ‘teeth’ part and fix into place.
Birthday greeting OUR ADVICE...
stylish gift tags. Squeeze the 'teeth' at the button to create a tighter effect
Cover a square white blank with a section of bronze card that measures just slightly smaller and secure with double-sided tape. Emboss white card with an Antique Keys folder, then use a sponge to build up a coating of colour with distress ink. Layer the embossed section on top of the bronze card. Cut several card pieces into the shape of a gift-tag and mount them together. Add a greeting, then use a short length of ribbon to tie the tag onto a small key. Stick both onto the front of the card to finish. CB
MASTERCLASS Learn & make
Make it Easy If you are finding it a little tricky to craft the large circle at the end of the key, then make a solid disc instead by rolling approximately ten quilling strips together and sealing with a dab of glue
WHAT YOU NEED Quilling papers Quilling tool Adhesive Card Embossing folder, Joanna Sheen: Antique Keys Ribbon, thin Distress ink, Tattered Rose Drinking straw
Did you know... Quilling or paper filigree is thought to have been used during the 15th century in religious houses in Southern Europe, and were often gilded
Don’t miss out 10th January
or holy images. By the 1800s, it had caught on in the rest of Europe. In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, the character Lucy is described making a filigree basket.
SOURCE IT... Quilling strips and tools, JJ Quilling, 020 8295 1822, jjquilling.co.uk Embossing folder, Joanna Sheen, 01626 872405, joannasheen.com
WHEN YOU’RE PUSHED FOR TIME, OPT FOR PAULA HOLIFIELD’S PRETTY
QUICK KIT CARDS WHAT YOU NEED Digital Papercrafting Kit: My Other Love Sewing reels, wooden Distress ink, Antique linen Spellbinders, Nestabilities: circle, scalloped circle Dies, Cheery Lynn Designs: French pastry doily Plastic flat-backed needle Buttons Orange twine Pokey tool
Craft tip... Finish the card design with a little distress ink worked around the edges
Crafters always like to receive cards that reflect their creativity, and these sewing-themed designs are ideal to send to a friend with a passion for stitching. Each of these cards is really easy to put together - everything you need is available in a kit taking the stress out of having to mix and match papers and notions. Once you’ve got all the pieces together, check the composition before sticking them down.
Cards
Make it! SEW SPECIAL
Mount a rectangle of floral paper onto white card. Add a piece of lace to the left-hand side. Trim a square of coral paper and mount onto white card, fixed on the right-hand side. Matt a small square of text and sewing print paper onto white and attach to the coral square. Fix a strip of aqua paper to white card. Position the strip on the front of the base card, covering the edge of the squares and lace. From the digital kit, print and cut out the lettering and the image of the sewing machine. Fix to the card front with foam pads. Print out 'special' in brown ink and tuck it just under the aqua panel at the bottom. To finish, attach a thin strip of aqua and coral paper to the front. Finally, add some wooden cotton reels for decoration.
OUR ADVICE...
“EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS FAUX AND REAL STITCHING EFFECTS. IT’S A GREAT WAY TO RE-EMPHASIS THE THEME, AND ALSO ADDS TEXTURE AND INTEREST”
work surface by working over a foam or old mouse matt
Stick a large rectangle of yellow gingham
“use stitchthemed papers to make a new home card” Mount a patchwork paper onto the card front. Create a matt with stripy, blue paper and white card. Now, use a pokey tool to make needle-sized holes along the edge of the panels. Create a stitching pattern on all the panels using a brown gel pen. Orange twine and a wooden button will add a nice textural quality to card design.
Die-cut a doily from off-white paper and snip
Print out the sentiment in brown ink and
CB
. sweetshopperdesigns.com
craftsulove.co.uk
SARA NAUMANN’S
APPLY RICH PIGMENTS TO CARDS TO CREATE BACKGROUNDS AND FOCAL ELEMENTS Curious about gelatos? These handy little pigment sticks are invaluable for creating colourful patterns and strong focal images on cards. The sticks look a lot like lip balm and go on paper just as easily, giving you rich colour, to set off the other elements of your projects. I like to think of them as adult crayons. The pigments can be applied directly to card or combined with water, gesso or other mediums to create a custom shade and texture. My favourite way to use the gelatos is with water. You can experiment with the intensity of colour, depending on the shade you choose and the amount of water you add. For this technique, a craft sheet is a must-have: it works as a palette and the gelatos clean up easily with the swipe of a towel or kitchen roll. Surprisingly, baby wipes are the perfect blending applicator, too. Simply wrap one around your finger and gently dab the pigment onto the paper.
“I add water by spritzing just once or twice with the mister. A fine spray is enough, remember you can always add more to achieve the right shade”
Colouring with Gelato the basic technique Scribble gelato directly onto the craft sheet. Spritz with water and work over the card with a brayer Turn the card one quarter of the way around. Repeat with another gelato colour Trace the stencil shape with black pen Scribble gelato onto the craft sheet and use a damp baby wipe to colour the traced shape.
1
2
3
4
Craft tip Be sure to work with card that's sturdy enough to take wet media, not paper that's so thin it will buckle or warp. You'll be brayering twice with watery gelato, so quality is a must
WHAT YOU NEED Gelato, Faber-Castell: Mix & Match Blue Stencil, The Crafter's Workshop: mini 4 feathers, Stamp set, Paper Artsy: Electica (ESN04) Ink-pad, archival, black Bakers twine
Card, Crafters Companion: Neenah Classic Crest, blue, purple Vellum, white Water mister Brayer Craft sheet Baby wipes
Sara’s PICK OF THE MONTH... My big box of gelatos is always open on my work ta – they're low mess, odourless and not greasy. Best of they come in co-ordinating packs of colours... but with n like blueberry, cotton candy and red cherry, they might make you a bit hungry!
MASTERCLASS
Mixed media
Blend gently for a subtle tone Removing the stencil before adding the gelato allows you to gently colour outside the traced lines for a soft, smudgy effect Create the background using blueberry and grape. Trim to 11.5cm x 15.5cm and mount on white card. Mount again on purple card, leaving a 1.5cm wide edge on the right. Trace the feather on white card, 7.5cm x 15cm. Remove the stencil, then colour with boysenberry and grape gelatos and a damp baby wipe. Outline the feather shape again with black pen. Using the stamp, position the script at the top right and bottom left of the feather. Wrap bakers twine around the panel, then glue to the brayered background. Stamp 'Series No 1016' on the right. Place the phrase, 'I do wish' on vellum, tear and glue to the top-left. Stamp the postmark on the white card, cut out and fix into position.
Sara says... A red and orange colour combination works perfectly for a strong background. Pick a butterfly motif and you’ll be onto a winner
Add a motif with a stencil Lay the stencil on the paper, apply the colour and leave it in place. This helps to keep the pigment inside the lines Create the background using boysenberry and cotton candy. Trace the feather. Leave the stencil and outline the motif again with black pen. Trim the brayed card to 11cm x 15cm. Stamp 'one word: dream' as shown, then 'anything possible' on vellum; tear and attach to the panel with a light swipe of glue stick. Wrap the bakers twine around one end of the card, twice and tie in a bow. Add a decorative accent with staples. Make a folded blue card, 12cm x 16cm. Mount the brayered card in white and glue to the centre. CB
SOURCE IT... Faber-Castle Gelatos Mix & Match Blue, The Craft Barn, 0844 800 8551, thecraftbarn.co.uk Stencil, Crafters Workshop, Art from the Heart, 0142 387 3739, afth.co.uk Stamps, PaperArsty, 0127 721 2911, paperartsy.co.uk
Crafts we love Bertie’s Bows
Bertie's Bows is now selling their latest range of Christmas ribbon. Available in 3m or 25m rolls, the designs range from cute to contemporary, with reindeer, candy stripes, Santa's sl eigh, and Christmas puddings. Guaranteed to charm. Visit us at www.bertiesbows.co.uk
Totally Buttons
Totally Buttons provide hundreds of unique buttons in a great range of gorgeous materials. Our featured buttons of the month are our gorgeous baby range available in four sizes, prices starting from 25p..... Why not take advantage and enter newcustomer at the checkout for 10% discount off your first purchase. www.totallybuttons.com 01403 754633
Josy Rose Online, London based haberdashers catering for all your fashion, interior & crafty needs! Our range includes classic essentials like scissors, pins & needles through to professional forward thinking items such as hot-fix diamante wands, iron-on motifs...& much more. Being creative has never been so quick, easy or fun! www.josyrose.com info@JosyRose
Razzle Dazzle Rose Online retailer of natural and recycled kraft card products Razzle Dazzle Rose have a new range of goodies added to their existing porfolio. Decorative brown kraft paper bag kits are just one of their new additions. Depending on paper bag kit you choose, they come with matching brown kraft tags, typography sheets or vintage crochet lace, with handmade paper flowers - perfect for wedding favours or birthday gifts! See their full range at www.razzledazzlerose.co.uk
JJ Quilling Design
Spellbound Beads Among the many fabulous beading kits that Spellbound Beads produce are these gorgeous beaded bookmarks. They are a great project for a winter evening and make curling up with a good book even more special! There are currently 6 designs in the range -a pyramid; a butterfly; an owl; a cat and mouse and the super badger and fox designs show here too. The kits all have fully illu strated step-by-step instructions and all of the beads, thread, needle and ribbon you need to complete the pictured design. You can visit the shop at 47 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JW. Tel 01543 417650 Or browse the fabulous range at www.spellboundbead.co.uk and email
[email protected]
Home maker Try 3 issues of Homemaker for just £6 Try our new magazine packed with makes, interiors, stitching, baking, knitting and much more! Every issue is overflowing with the best hints, tips, projects and features for the home with beautiful photography.
Whether you're rolling, looping, fringing, folding or crimping, we can make all your paper wishes come true! J.J.Quilling Design has everything you need to quill some paper magic - beautiful strips, great designs and fast, friendly service. visit us at www.jjquilling.co.uk
Dottie 4Crafts Why not try your hand at vintage with these gorgeous die cuts? The designs come ready for you to use with your distress inks or can be used as embellishments, toppers, on a scrapbook page, borders, corners or a background on your project. All the designs are made with excellent quality card or paper and there is a great variety of other die cut shapes available online.
Cards
Love it! INCORPORATING A DASH OF TRAVELLER'S SPIRIT, TRACEY DAYKIN-JONES' THEMED CARDS ARE PERFECT FOR A
Globe TROTTER
“TO PERSONALISE THIS SET, USE A MAP THAT'S SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND THE RECIPIENT – FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU ENJOYED A SPECIAL HOLIDAY IN ROME, USE A GUIDE FROM THE CITY” Tracey Daykin-Jones, Designer
WHAT YOU NEED Stamps, Crafty Individuals, Vintage tickets and Ephemera Paper: map print; printed pads Card: red, blue, green, mustard Ink-pads: black, yellow, blue, brown Embossing powder, clear
Punch: circle, corner Dies: circle, scallop, small; hearts, nesting Lace Ribbon, grosgrain, blue Buttons, mother of pearl
Cover an 11cm square blank with red card. Trim a slightly smaller square from patterned paper, round the corners and stick it to the centre of the card. Matt a yellow disc onto a cream die-cut doily, then adhere to a slightly smaller mustard circle. Die-cut a tiny red butterfly and sew it to the left of the layered section using black thread. Stick this complete section the centre of the card, then lift the wings. Trim a tag from blue card and secure a strip of patterned paper along the bottom. Conceal the join with lace. Stamp a ticket image onto patterned papers, then clear emboss. Cut the borders from each stamped image, then ink the edges to create an aged effect and secure to the tag. Sew a cream button to the bottom-right of the tag and staple red grosgrain ribbon to the top. Use foam pads to fix a tag to the right of the card, then glue silver gems behind the butterfly. ROUND DOILY DESIGN
Cut two large circles; one from patterned paper, another from white card. Score a line across the outer edge of the white disc, 3cm in. Directly opposite the scored line, trim a 1cm section off. Stick double-sided tape to the section above the scored line and use to join the two circles, ensuring they line up. Die-cut a doily from cream paper and stick to a slightly smaller blue circle. Back map print paper with card, then use to die-cut a large heart. Stick blue sheer ribbon behind the centre-top of the heart and put to one side. Stick a mustard coloured circle to the doily and fix the heart to the centre of the card using 3-D pads. Stamp 'Happy Birthday' onto patterned paper, the cut using a small scallop-edged die. Create a round mask and ink the outer edges blue. Stick a small mustard circle to the centre of this piece and sew a button on top. Stick to top-right of the heart using foam pads.
Cards
Love it! MAP HEART
Stick patterned paper over the front of an A6 blank, then add a green panel to the middle. Trim a rectangle from patterned paper, round the top corners and stick to the top of the card. Add lace across the join, fixing it inside the card with double-sided tape.
Craft tip Use cheap foam make-up sponges to add ink to age the stamped images.
Stamp a postcard image onto lined patterned paper using black ink, then clear emboss. Trim and ink the edges. Sew two buttons to the bottom-left, then glue the panel to the card. Secure gems to the left of the postcard and sew a button to the right of the blank. Back map paper with card, then die-cut two hearts from it – one large and one small. Stick the large one to the postcard using 3-D pads and mount the tiny heart to the left using double-sided tape. CB
“Layer stamped postcards onto the front of your card” Cover an A6 blank with red paper, then glue a patterned piece with rounded right corners on top. Stamp three postcards, then emboss them and fix to the card so they overlap. Pull together a handful of embellishments and add them to the card.
Vintage tickets and Ephemera stamps, Crafty Individuals, 01642 789955, craftyindividuals.co.uk My Mind’s Eye Cambridge Court and Find Your Wings Fly Up and Away paper pads, My Mum's Craft Shop, 01305 459131, mymumscraftshop.co.uk
Care for your hands “As well as keeping my hands soft, I found this solid bar helped to heal little cuts, too. I was a little dubious about how easy
IN BETWEEN YOUR CRAFTING, BE SURE TO GIVE YOUR PALMS A LITTLE TLC
“A practical and inexpensive way to keep your hands supple, this soap has meant I no longer have to moisturise after washing my hands” Sarah Crosland, Editor
Editorial Assistant
“My hands are often dry, but I've found this cream has really helped. The best bit is, it absorbs quickly so doesn't get in the way of crafting – or writing!” Rianna Fry, Deputy Editor
Dettol with E45 Softness hand wash, £2.49, 0845 609 0055, boots.com
Yon-Ka, yonka.com
: i c s B ac k t o b a s
SOAP MAKING
Style tip Adapt yours by swapping the lavender for oils and dried buds of another flower
JUST GOT THAT BIT EASIER WITH OUR SOAP-MAKING GUIDE Creating soap is a science but don't let that put you off because, when you think about it, so is baking. And, just like the culinary side of things, making bars of scented stuff is an accessible and enjoyable craft just waiting to be discovered by creative-types. We all know that scents can bring back waves of nostalgic memories, just like the glimpse of a picture. So, with homemade soap you can give more than the gift of an object, reminding someone of a precious memory, too. Think carefully about the senses, choosing shapes and smells that'll be meaningful to the recipient. Are you going to go for rustic and rough-cut bars, sprinkled with flower buds? Or pick lemon-shaped zesty smellies? Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can put your creativity to the test.
Picking the process Although there are different ways to create soap – cold-press, hot-press, rebatching – melt and pour is the fool-proof and favoured option. Unlike other methods, items made in this way don't require drying or curing time, nor does it involve the mixing of chemicals, so it's spot on for the everyday creative. Put simply, this process sees pre-made soap bases be melted down, before exciting additions are stirred in – such as colourings, scents, dried flowers – then it's left to solidify.
Craft lavender-scented bars WHAT YOU NEED Soap base, goat's milk, 650g Lavender buds, dried, 1 cup Pestle and mortar Heatproof bowl Saucepan Spoon, metal Measuring beaker Essential oil, lavender, 15ml Tupperware container, 12.5cm x 18cm Metal scraper or knife
Divide a cup of lavender buds into two equal portions; finely grind one lot using a pestle and mortar, then set aside. Chop soap base into small pieces, then place into a heatproof bowl, over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat gently, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon until the base has melted. Remove from the heat.
Add three teaspoons of lavender essential oil and the ground lavender, then stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This will help the bits to remain evenly suspended within the soap. Allow the mixture to cool slightly without it setting. Pour the mixture into a container. Before the soap starts to form a skin, immediately sprinkle
it with unground buds and press gently to help them to adhere to the surface. Allow the block to set for several hours before unmoulding and slicing into smaller blocks, using a metal scraper or knife. This project has been adapted fr Craft (Dorling Kindersley, £25). To or a copy, visit dk.com
LEARN & MAKE
craft & learn The early form of soap was a mixture of animal fat and wood ash, which was used for cleaning garments Soap production in England dates back to the 12th century where it was made in Bristol In the 13th century the demand for soap was so high that many forests were chopped down to generate wood ash, which caused a shortage in winter fuel The government viewed soap as a great way to get revenue, so began heavily taxing it in 1711
During this time, laws were in place to prevent it from being made in batches of less than a ton. This forced small-scale soap makers to move overseas or stop trading As it was so valuable, soap makers were watched by the king's men and all utensils were supposedly locked up of an evening to prevent any illegal making and selling
Kit list Your essential shopping SOAP BASES are available in clear, white or natural options, and can be made from honey, goat's milk, olive oil and more. Priced from £2.50 per pack, 0844 880 5381, thesoapkitchen.co.uk
It was only once the heavy tax was lifted in 1853 that soap became readily available and used in England. At this time it was generating the equivalent of over £90million in today's money
STYLE
file
Not only is a PESTLE AND MORTAR handy in the kitchen, but it's really useful for soap making too, enabling you to grind down dried blooms and ingredients. Priced £5, 0844 888 8380, procook.co.uk DRIED HERBS AND FLOWERS give homemade soap a quality feel, so why not include them inside your bars as well as on top? Available from Aromantic, 01309 696900, aromantic.co.uk
ESSENTIAL OILS
While they may all be natural, not every essential oil can be used within soap mixes. There are some that aren't recommended for individuals with particular health issues, such as a high blood pressure or pregnant ladies. Always research the oils you wish to use before doing so, looking online and double checking with the supplier. Popular options include;
Once you've made your formula, think about how you want to present it. If you've opted for a sweet scent, why not present it in a cupcake shape? You could set a rose-smelling soap in a FLORAL MOULD, too. Find options at themouldshop.co.uk
LAVENDER LEMON ROSEMARY PEPPERMINT ORANGE
Take it further As with most crafts, once you begin creating soap you're likely to catch the DIY bug! Luckily there is plenty to learn; from alternative making processes to packaging ideas and, for those of you who enjoy that extra splash of luxury, bath fizzies, truffles and muffins. If you want to delve deeper into the world of smellies, check out Soap Schools workshops. As well as hosting classes in London, Glasgow and Huddersfield, the team has put together an instruction DVD on cold press soap making to enable crafters to learn from home. For more details, call 01484 310014 or visit soapschool.com
Give your soap depth with ESSENTIAL AND FRAGRANCE OILS. Just carry out some research before adding them to ensure they're not skin irritants. Available from The Soap Kitchen, 0844 880 5381, thesoapkitchen.co.uk
SAFETY FIRST Protect yourself with gloves and googles when working with hot liquid
Your soap has been made and left to set, now you need to think about how to present it. We suggest wrapping yours with a SIMPLE BOW of raffia ribbon or natural twine. Priced £1 per metre, 01258 455889, craftyribbons.com
STAMPS, MARKERS, CARD AND INK-PADS ARE REALLY ALL YOU NEED TO CREATE A
Children’s PARTY SET
“TO PLAY THE GAME, HIDE THE CARDS AND GIVE EACH CHILD A COLOUR OF ANIMAL TO FIND. THE FIRST TO DISCOVER ALL SIX IN THEIR COLOUR WINS A PRIZE!” Helen Fitzjohn, Designer
Mixed media
Love it! WHAT YOU NEED Stamps: Artemio, Down on the Farm (10001149); Stampendous, Retro Alphabet (SSC055) Ink-pads, Versacolor: canary, baby blue, lime, petal pink Pens, ProMarkers: tulip,
amber, pink carnation, rose pink, lime, leaf green, cool aqua, sky blue, orchid Mount board Paper, kraft Card Adhesives
Make it al fresco Laminate the cards using A5 pouches, then the game can be played in the garden, too
FARMYARD GAME Download and print the game template and stamp the words for each animal in the squares; Stanley the Sheep, Rob and Rachel the Rabbits, Cilla the Cow, Pedro the Pig, Hamish and Helga the Hens and Roderick the Rooster. Print a cow, rabbits and rooster into the corresponding squares, then photocopy five times. Onto the first photocopied page, use canary ink to stamp a pig, sheep and hens into appropriate squares. Draw a black line around them, as well as lines and patterns. Use yellow and amber pens to add stripes and colour a thick amber line around each animal. Colour each page in a different shade so there are six blue animals, then same number of each in pink, yellow and green. Colour an extra rooster in orchid (the bonus card). Stick brown parcel paper onto 10cm x 11cm pieces of card and use this as a background to the animal cards. To make a box, cut a piece of mount board, 14cm x 19.5cm. Score a line 9.5cm up, then another 2cm from this. Paint with chocolate brown acrylic, then punch holes at 2cm intervals up all sides. Fold the scored lines and lace the holes with string. Download the instruction panel, stamp and colour, then stick to the back of the box. Print animals onto card and colour them, then stick each one to the front of the box. Add a speech
Cut out and keep... FARMYARD GAME RULES
✁
Players: Six Teams: Stanley the Sheep, Rob & Rachel the Rabbits, Cilla the Cow, Pedro the Pig, Hamish and Helga the Hens, and Roderick the Rooster Turn over all of the cards and shuffle them around. Give everybody an allocated team. Starting with the youngest player, take it in turns to pick a card at random; keep the ones from your team and replace those that aren’t. The first player to get all six cards wins! Watch out for the orchard-coloured rooster, bonus card which, when picked, warrants an extra chance to pick a card.
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Design detail Helen used Bradley Hand font for the words on her party set
BIRTHDAY GREETING
Create a fence from brown card using the downloadable template. Bear in mind that the card features two valley folds, which make it easier for the design to fit into an envelope. Use alphabet stamps to print a birthday message onto white card. Draw a rough speech bubble around the words in pencil, then cut out and add a black line. Secure stamped flowers and animals to the fence, using 3-D foam pads to fix a pony into place. To make the free-standing duck, stamp the motif onto card. Cut the character out leaving a strip along the bottom, then score it at the left and right, and fold. PARTY INVITATIONS
Find and download the invitation template on our website, then print out along with a panel of party text including all of the details the recipient needs to know. This text will go in a speech bubble so it needs to fit in a 4.5cm x 6cm rectangle. Once printed, fix the text into place. Stamp a sunflower and chicks, then stick them onto a kraft paper square. Print a duck motif onto card, then fix it onto the design using 3-D foam pads. Add a string hanger to the top to finish. CB
SOURCE IT... Artemio Down on the Farm and Stampendous Retro Alphabet, The Stamp Man, 01535 601554 thestampman.co.uk Card, Craft Superstore, 0116 2744 754, craftsuperstore.co.uk
“Put your stamps to good use and create goodie bags, too”
Really Useful
CRAFT TIPS CB READERS SHARE THEIR CRAFTY ADVICE
Bead time I put beads in grip seal bags, then write on how much each one costs and where I got it from to make pricing and reordering easy! @RubyTuesdayKnit
Sprinkle away Keep glitter in a pepper pot to make it easier to control where you sprinkle it and less likely to spill than if it was in a packet or plastic bag Goose
one bear pattern on two pieces, sew together, stuff and you have a fab new toy for your dog pinkpuppy
Worker bee Take care of yourself when working! Mind your posture, have good lighting, take breaks! It's easy to forget when engrossed @chic_n_cheerful
“I LOVE A GOOD HELPING OF VINEGAR ON MY TAKEAWAY, BUT IT IS ALSO A FANTASTIC NATURAL STAIN REMOVER THAT CAN BE USED AROUND THE HOME, GET RID OF ODOURS SUCH AS GARLIC AND ONION FROM YOUR HANDS AND IS AS CHEAP AS CHIPS! Elizabeth Hudson, Editor of Homemaker
s t ic k y s a ve
sid W hen using do u b le ue s tic k a long t he s tic k y pads, r un a g l yo u to mo ve and be fore fi xing to a l lo w reposi tion G l ynisrose
Wash & brush Save your battered paintbrushes; trim then apply them, in a dabbing motion, to create distessed or rustic effects on surfaces
Alexandra Evans, London
Share it!
TACK TIME
mound Sticking pins and needles into a y rar of blu tack makes a great tempo pin cushion Jane Gil bert, Essex
Real Readers like YOU! Keen baker and sugarcrafter, whipping up cakes for her family and friends, especially for her two young daughters.
to blend colours. Alternatively wrap the icing in cling film and knead it just like dough.
If you’ve a crafty tip or trick you’d like to share, get in touch via Twitter, Facebook or
[email protected]!
YIELD A TIMELESS SKILL AND CREATE EFFECTIVE MOTIFS BY
Wood engraving FIND FREE TEMPLATES ON OUR WEBSITE
“VERY LITTLE PRESSURE IS NEEDED WHEN CARVING; IMAGINE YOU’RE DRAWING WITH A PENCIL. JUST GUIDE THE TIP AND LET THE TOOL DO THE WORK FOR YOU” Jill Alblas, Designer
Engraving
Make it! MATERIALS
Stencils Varnish, matt Ribbon Card Fabric, gingham Wicker hearts Protective safety glasses Adhesives
Wood engraver: Dremel 3000 & multi chuck Carving tips, Dremel: 105, 107 Frame, wooden Coat hanger Paints, acrylic: antique green, pale green, pink
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up a coat hanger or wooden frame, then look no further than our beautiful designs by Jill Alblas. These homemade woodcarving projects are very simple, with a tutorial that offers a way to create professional looking results in no time at all. CHIC FRAME Mix antique and pale green paint together, then use to cover the frame, leaving to dry before applying a second coat. Position a stencil to the short left-hand side of the frame and pencil around, then turn the pattern over and mark again. Repeat on the other short side of the frame and on the two longer ones. Draw a heart on each side, between the pencilled patterns, then paint them pink. Place
a multi chuck and 105 tip in the tool, turn to a speed you’re happy with and carve around the hearts and stencilled pattern. Place a 107 tip in and carve out the centre of the stencilled design. Wipe the frame with tissue to remove any residue of dust, then paint with varnish. Leave to dry before applying a second coat.
COAT HANGER Paint the back of a hanger, the edges and
Craft tip... Instead of handwriting the recipients’ name, choose a font, adjust the size, then print it from your computer and trace it in position
heart in antique green, then add a pale green to the front of the arms and leave to dry. Place the stencil at the end of one arm and pencil in, then reposition and repeat three times along the length. Mark in the same way, along the other side. Set the multi chuck and tip 105 in the tool, then carve the outline of the designs. Use tip 107 on the inside of the designs. Pencil a name across the central heart and use tip 105 to carve, then trace a floral pattern beneath. Colour the petals pink and the leaves pale green, then leave to dry. Referring to our picture, carve around the design with tip 105. Brush the front of the hanger with a couple of coats of varnish and leave to dry before applying a coat to the back. Add the finishing touch by tying the hanger with ribbon. CB
Why choose wood engraving? Wood, perhaps, is man's oldest resource, and carving into this material taps into an ancient skill. It takes years to become a master, with a keen eye for detail and expertise with a chisel, though this craft has been made easier and more accessible than ever due to rotary tools available. This means, even complete novices can enjoy engraving safely from the comfort of their home
SOURCE IT... Multi chuck, carving tips and Dremel 3000 tool, Dremel, dremel.com Stencils, Efco, sinotexuk.com Coat hanger with heart, Creativ Company, 01793 616068, cc-craft.co.uk
GIVE YOUR HOME SOME HANDMADE CHARM WITH A RETRO-STYLE
Crochet Lampshade Revamp a charity find using a little crochet wizardry and Ros Badger's simple guide to openwork. This pattern will make a cover to fit any-size drum shade. Now, all you need to do is pick a colour to go with your décor and WHAT YOU NEED For the lampshade:
Crochet hooks: 3mm, 3.5mm (US sizes D/3 and E/4) Yarn, Yeoman Yarns: DK Soft Cotton, 1 x 450g cone in charcoal or a similar lightweight matt cotton yarn, in one colour Drum lampshade For the star garland:
Crochet hooks: 2mm, 2.5mm (US sizes B/1 and C/2) crochet hooks Yarns: Yeoman Yarns Cannele 4-ply, or a similar super-fineweight mercerised cotton yarn, in seven colours
TO FIT THE STITCH PATTERN TO YOUR LAMPSHADE:
To determine how many foundation chains to start with for a drum lampshade of a different size, first measure the height of the lampshade. Subtract 2cm from the total height; this amount will be added by the edging along the row-end edges of the crochet, which runs along the top and bottom edges of the cover, each of these borders being 1cm wide. Now use the tension to work out the number of stitches you need; the stitch pattern is worked
OUR ADVICE...
110g of yarn, so the 450g cone is enough for a larger drum lampshade
have a go! The maths for working out the pattern is straight forward, however some crochet skill is recommended for this project. We have also included a guide on our website, in the template section.
Stitch
Love it! TENSION For the lampshade: 18 sts and 12 rows to 10cm measured over stitch pattern using a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook. Size: Lampshade cover shown measures 63cm in diameter by 28cm tall, but the cover can be made to fit your own drum lampshade For the star garland: Each star motif is approximately 9cm in diameter and the garland measures 200cm. Yarn note: Each star motif requires approximately 5g of yarn
ABBREVIATIONS Alt alternat be begin ch chain cl cluster cont continue dc double crochet dec decrease dtr double treble foll follow grp group htr half treble inc increase lp loop MC main colour patt pattern rem remain re repeat rnd round RS right side sp space ss slip stitch st stitch tch turning chain tog together tr treble trtr triple treble WS wrong side yrh yarn round hook
over a multiple of three stitches plus two extra stitches, so make sure the number of stitches is a multiple of three plus two – it is better to make the piece a little wider rather than a little narrower, so that it will definitely cover the height of the shade. The calculated number is the amount of double crochet stitches needed in the first row of the stitch pattern. Add one to this number for the number of chains for the foundation chain.
in last tr, 1 dc in top of 3-ch at end, turn. Repeat rows 2 and 3 until work stretches evenly around your lampshade, ending with a Row 2. Fasten off. Edging Work the edging around each row-end edge as follows: Round 1 (RS): Using a
3mm (US size D/3) hook and with RS of work facing, join yarn with a sl st in one row-end edge of lampshade cover at seam, 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as sl st, work dc evenly along this edge (1 dc in every dc row end and 2 dc in every tr row end), join with a sl st in top of first dc at beginning
of round. Continue in rounds with RS of work always facing. Round 2: 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as last sl st, 1 dc in each dc to end of round, join with a sl st in top of first dc at beginning of round. Round 3: Rep Round 2. Fasten off.
Work 3 rounds of dc along the other row-end edge in the same way. Sew in any loose yarn ends. Slip onto lampshade. To finish With right sides together, sew foundation-chain edge to top of last row of crochet piece.
have calculated for a lampshade of a different height. Row 1 (WS): 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each of remaining ch to end, turn. (47 dc – or number of stitches needed for a lampshade of a different height) Row 2 (RS): 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), miss first dc, 1 tr in next dc, *1 ch, miss 1 dc, 1 tr in each of next 2 dc; rep from * to end of row, turn. (47 sts – counting first 3-ch as a st, and counting each tr and each ch as a st)
MAKE THE COVER
Row 3: 1 ch (does NOT Foundation chain: count as a stitch), 1 dc Using a 3.5mm (US in each of first 2 tr, *1 size E/4) hook, make 48 dc in next 1-ch sp, 1 dc ch for a 28cm tall in each of next 2 tr; rep lampshade – or the from * to last 1-ch sp, 1 number of chains you dc in last 1-ch sp, 1 dc
Key = chain stitch = double stitch = treble crochet
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CREATE A STAR GARLAND TO MAKE THE STAR MOTIFS
Base ring: Using a 2.5mm (US size C/2) hook and yarn, make 5 ch and join with a sl st in first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS): 7 ch (counts as 1 dtr and a 3-ch space), [1 dtr in ring, 3 ch] 7 times, join with a sl st in 4th of 7-ch at beginning of round. (8 spaces) Continue in rounds with RS of work always facing. Round 2: 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), [4 tr in next 3-ch space, 1 tr in next dtr] 7 times, 4 tr in last 3-ch space, join with a sl st in top of 3-ch at beginning of round. (40 sts) Round 3: 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as last sl st, *6 ch, 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 trtr in next ch, miss 4 tr, 1 dc in
next st; rep from * 7 times more, omitting 1 dc at end of last repeat, join with a sl st in top of first dc at beginning of round. (8 points) Fasten off and weave in any loose yarn ends. GARLAND CORD
Row 1 (RS): Using a 2mm (US size B/1) hook and A, make 20 ch, 1 sl st in first chain to form a loop for hanging, 22 ch, *with right side of a star facing, join star onto chain with a sl st in top of one point, 30 ch; rep from * until all the 15 stars are joined onto chain, 42 ch, 1 sl st in 20th chain from hook to form second hanging loop, turn. Row 2: 1 dc in first free ch after hanging loop, 1 dc in each ch to 1 ch before beginning of hanging loop at opposite end, 1 sl st in last free ch.
Craft tip Pin stars into shape and steam gently on wrong side, you can also stiffen them with spray starch
Fasten off. Sew in any loose yarn ends.
Behind the book ROS BADGER, CRAFT DESIGNER AND AUTHOR OF HOOK, YARN AND CROCHET
What's your guilty pleasure: Champagne Favourite song of all time: There are too many to choose from Chic to the Arctic Monkeys and from Bach to Arvo Part! Best piece of advice you've been given: One step at a time Person you follow religiously on Twitter: Marina O'Loughlin Your childhood idol: David Bowie Five dream dinner guests: It would have to be the four close friends who all died too young between 2008 and 2010 If you wrote an autobiography, what would it be called: Little Badger Couldn't live without: The radio What's the one thing that really niggles you: Having to cook, clean and do the washing as well as working full time, grrhhhhhhhh... What are you reading at the moment: All of the Barbara Pym books!
.
Stitch
Sew it! KEEP YOUR TOOLS NICE AND TIDY WITH A SET OF
Rustic sewing essentials
“IT WOULDN’T TAKE YOU MUCH LONGER TO MAKE ANOTHER SET, SO WHIP UP TWO AND SAVE ONE FOR A LAST-MINUTE GIFT” Amanda Walker, Designer
WHAT YOU NEED Fabric: Tilda, mini spot, red: mille, teal Ribbon, linen, heart print Felt flowers, cream Buttons, pink Wadding Paper flowers Thread: embroidery, machine
PIN CUSHION
Cut out four 8cm squares from spotty and floral fabric, then stitch them together in matching pairs using a 1cm seam allowance, so there are four sets. Join two of the assembled squares together, making sure that a spotty piece is attached to a floral one and repeat. With the right sides of the fabric facing, lay one assembled square on top of the other, matching the seams. Sew around the borders of the square and leave a small gap along one edge. Trim away any bulk and turn it out. Tease the corners and seams, then press. Cut two squares of wadding to the size of the patchwork and fit inside, making sure that the corners are filled, then slip-stitch the gap closed. Wrap a length of heart linen ribbon around it, overlap the ends and secure. Repeat the process in the opposite direction. Layer a paper flower on top of a felt one, together with a button. Sew the assembled flower over the ribbon in the centre of the cushion, working through all the layers and pulling the threads tight. Wrap a length of ribbon underneath the flower and tie in a bow to finish.
Craft tip You will only need small quantities of fabric, so this is a great project to use up your scrap pieces
SCISSOR CASE
Cut spotty fabric, 10cm x 46cm, and a floral piece, 10cm x 24cm. Fold the floral rectangle in half, then lay to match the shorter base of the spotty rectangle. Position a 10cm length of ribbon above the folded edge of the floral, then fold the top of the spotty rectangle over and down to meet the 10cm base. Pin through all the layers, then stitch down each side with a 1cm seam allowance. Turn out through the base, tease the two top corners and the seams, then press. Turn the base of the floral and the spotty rectangle up, then stitch across the base, through all the layers. Trim away the corners and push back down to make a pocket for the case. Push out the corners and press. Fold the spotty top of the case down and place under the ribbon. Layer the paper flower on top of the fabric one and add
Stitch
Sew it!
a pink button. Sew this to the centre at the base of the spotty flap. Finally, cut a length of cord, tie in a bow and stitch to the middle of the heart ribbon. NEEDLE WRAP
Cut two spotty rectangles, 12cm x 14cm, and two floral, 10cm x 12cm. Lay 14cm of heart ribbon across the centre of a spotty piece. Make a small loop out of the linen cord and pin it to one end of the ribbon. Fold a spotty rectangle over itself, with the right sides of the fabric facing, then pin and stitch around the edge, leaving a gap in one of the edges. Turn to the
right-side through the gap and ease out the corner, then press and slip-stitch it closed. Repeat the process with the floral rectangles, omitting the ribbon and cord. Lay a prepared floral rectangle onto the back of the spotty one. Draw a line along the spine of the case and stitch. Finally, sew a pink button onto the ribbon at the opposite end of the loop, then fold the case along the spine and fasten. CB
SOURCE IT... Tilda mini spot red and mille teal, Stitch Craft Create, stitchcraftcreate.co.uk
While we all know the importance of sharpening our scissors to ensure clean cuts, many of us forget that our pins also need attention to prevent them from becoming blunt. A great way to maintain the sharpness of the ends is to stuff your pincushions with steel wool, so everytime they are pushed in they get a little TLC.
Ribbon and cord, The Range, therange.co.uk
Fabric Alternatives
Floral poplin in Navy, £6.99 per metre, 01254 708068, minervacrafts.com
Care for your pins
LOVE THE PROJECT BUT FANCY A DIFFERENT LOOK? WE'VE PICKED OUR FAVE ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS
Florette Ruby, Colour Me Reto, £3.25 per fat quarter, 01207 565728 thefatquarters.co.uk
Retro glam in plum, Rock N Romance, £13 per metre, 01728 746275, quilters-haven.co.uk
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Stitch
Sew it! DUST OFF YOUR SEWING MACHINE AND STITCH CAROLYN LETTEN'S
Ditsy Gift Set Craft tip A thick piece of card would work just as well as heavy interfacing to stiffen the memo holder
If you've made a New Year's resolution to be more organised or know someone who has, then let these brightly-coloured elephants act as a reminder to never forget anything again! Hang a memo pad in the hall or
the kitchen where it’s always on hand for jotting down messages or checking dates on the calendar tabs. Make a card and gift-tag to match, so you have a co-ordinated gift for a friend who is moving home.
MEMO HOLDER
Cut out one piece each of the following: elephant print, spotty fabric and wadding,18.5cm x 29cm. Lay the wadding down, the elephant piece right side up, then the spotty piece which will be the front, wrong side up and pin together. Allowing for a 0.5cm seam allowance, stitch around the two sides and across the bottom, leaving the top unstitched. Cut away excess wadding close to the stitch line and trim across the corners. Turn right side out. Insert a slightly smaller piece of heavy weight interfacing and iron it. Take a 29cm length of green striped ribbon and insert the ends into the top that you've left open. Fold the top seams in, stitching all the way around just in from the edge. Cut out a teal elephant, cover the back with glue and secure it to the bottom right. Stitch around it once dry and add details. For the calendar tab, trim green ribbon,10cm, fold each raw end under by 1cm, so the tab will fit snugly then stitch both ends down to the left of the elephant. For the memo pad and pen holder ribbon, cut a 16cm lenght, then 5cm from the top, stitch the right-hand end down tucking raw ends under. Measure the width of your pad and make another line of stitching at the left of it to fit snugly. To ensure that the pen fits, lay it under the remaining ribbon pulling it tightly around it to make a loop. Keep your finger on it, remove the pen and stitch the end down ensuring you catch the raw end under.
GREETING CARD
Take a white A5 card blank and cover the front with the elephant fabric. Set aside. Trim light card, 6.5cm x 8cm, and cover it with plain cream cotton fabric. Machine-stitch five pale blue lines, 1cm apart and write or embroider your message. Mount onto the main card at an angle using foam pads. Stick bright pink washi tape across the top. Roughly cut out a teal coloured elephant and stick it onto a larger piece of light card. Leave to dry, then stitch around the edge and add detail. Crop the elephant, leaving a border, and mount onto the card using foam pads.
WHAT YOU NEED Fabric: elephant print, fat ¼; spotty fat ¼ Wadding Interfacing, heavy weight Ribbon, green stripe
Card blank, A5, white Washi tape, pink Adhesive: glue-stick; foam pads
Stitch
Sew it!
“WHY NOT MAKE ELEPHANT FRIDGE MAGNETS TO MATCH, OR TURN THIS PROJECT INTO A LOVELY NEW HOME GIFT!” Carolyn Letten, Designer
Looking after your sewing machine First, check the needle by running your fingertip along it lengthways. Does it feel bent, blunt or damaged? Replace it before you start as faulty needles cause problems. Wind the bobbin up with the same thread you are using on top. This means that you won't run into tension problems. Use good thread, cheap threads are a false economy. To avoid tensions problems, check that the stitches look the same on both sides, if not adjust it. The machine handbook will give information on how to do this. Keep your machine clean - baby wipes are great for the outside, and use a small
CB paintbrush to clean inside the bobbin area and under the stitch plate. Cover the machine with a cloth even if you just leave it overnight. If your machine needs repairing or servicing, Jennie Caminada runs a repair service in the London and Essex area. For more info, contact Jennie at cheekyhandmades.co.uk
SOURCE IT... Elephant and spot fabrics, plushaddict.co.uk Green strip ribbon, crabapplehome.co.uk Memo pad and calendar tabs good stationers
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Share it!Why not let the rest of the craft community know about your talents on the CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL page? SET RESIN OVER CELTIC-INSPIRED CLAY MOTIFS AND CREATE ELLEN KHARADE'S
Romantic charms
Prepare resin and apply to the bezel until full, then disperse with a heat gun. Cover the pendant and leave to dry overnight. Attach a chain to finish. SQUARE BRACELET Condition peach clay and roll to a 6cm square sheet, 1mm thick. Brush green iridescent powder over a third of the clay and apply different colours to the remaining two thirds. Dab ink onto a texture sheet and press into the clay, making six prints in various colours and print combinations. Bake for 15 minutes at 110 °C.
WHAT YOU NEED Polymer clay, Fimo: Aqua; Peach; Lilac; Mint Texture sheets, Fimo: Baroque, Art Nouveau, Oriental Resin, Gedeo: glazing Iridescent powders, various colours Ink-pad, black Bracelet, Pebeo: fantasy square Bezel, circular, 30mm Chain, silver snake, 41cm Papers, Melissa Francis, 5th Avenue, 6” x 6” Card, pink Heat gun Lollipop sticks Adhesive, Bake Bond
Place the cool clay motifs onto a cutting mat and trim into 2cm squares. Dab Bake Bond onto the back of the pieces and set into jewellery bezels, baking for 20 minutes at the same temperature as before.
PRETTY PENDANT
“WE HAVE USED PASTEL COLOURS FOR OUR BASE CLAY, BUT WHY NOT TRY USING A BRIGHTER PALETTE? THEY WOULD GIVE A VERY DIFFERENT EFFECT” Ellen Kharade, Designer
Knead aqua clay and roll out to the same width as for the bracelet, then cover with green and purple iridescent powders. Brush a texture sheet with ink
and press firmly onto the clay. Bake as before. Once cool, trim to a 3.2 circle. Cover the back of the motif with Bake Bond and set into a circular bezel. Bake again for 20 minutes.
Protect the work area and your hands, then prepare resin and stir with a lollipop stick until well combined. Leave for 20 minutes for the resin to thicken, then apply a small amount to each bezel until full, taking care not to overfill. Hover a heat gun over the motifs to disperse any air bubbles, then cover with a bowl and leave to dry overnight. Scrape any cured resin that has dripped over the bezel using a scalpel.
Polymer clay
Make it!
What is resin glaze? Casting resin is made from two liquid chemicals which solidify when cooled, leaving a beautiful clear, glazed finish. That said, pigments can be added to the liquid form to create a coloured finished. It's a popular material in making jewellery, toys, crafts and much more.
CARD Roll out a 1mm thick, 6cm square in lilac clay. Cover with green and purple powders, set ink over a texture sheet and press firmly onto clay. Make another two square motifs the same way using various colours, then bake for 15 minutes at 110 °C. Trim to 3.5cm squares, when cool. Fold pink card, 6cm x 25cm, in half. Stick paper, 11.5cm
x 15.5cm, to the base. Layer spot paper, 5.5cm x 15.5 cm, to the right-hand side of the card, then cover the polymer clay motifs with double-sided tape and stick into place. CB
Craft tip Use an acrylic roller when preparing clay, as a wooden one will leave fibres on the surface
OUR ADVICE...
re-baked, not all adhesives are oven-safe. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to check if they can be baked
Tell us!Share your feedback on this issue and more via our page on the forum, HOMECRAFTFORUMS.COM INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE ART OF ENAMELING WITH JANE KHARADE'S
Bu t ton boxes WHAT YOU NEED Enamels, Efcolor: dark turquoise, light turquoise, dark pink, light pink, old rose Copper blanks: square, 19mm; IV, round, 25mm, IV; 19mm, IV; 15mm, V Papers, striped: turquoise, pink Copper blanks: round, square Card blank, cream
Craft tip Try cutting your own floral stencil from acetate or use a paper punch
Tins Wire, copper Sieve top Cutting mat Scalpel Resin, epoxy Paintbrush Ribbons Buttons, mother of pearl Adhesives
Enameling
Make it!
FLAT ROUND TIN Sprinkle dark turquoise enamel over a tin lid and bake in the oven. Leave to cool once the enamel has melted and looks glossy. Cut a large circle from a sheet of acetate and place over the tin. Position four sticky circles centrally for button holes, applying sticky-side up. Sprinkle dark pink and old rose enamels over the acetate stencil, then carefully remove the acetate and sticky dots. Tidy away any excess enamel with a paintbrush, then bake again. Cover the side of the tin with pale turquoise paper, then secure a length of pink ribbon around it with double-sided tape. Use a mother of pearl button to hide the ribbon join. SQUARE BOX Coat the base of a square tin with pink striped paper and add two layers of contrasting ribbons with double-sided tape. Use a mother of pearl button to hide the seam. Sprinkle old rose enamel over the lid of the tin, bake, then leave to cool. Make four square copper buttons in dark turquoise, four round 15mm ones in a pale turquoise with a dark pink design, then layer on top of each other and secure with resin.
OUR ADVICE...
Always carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with enamels, to ensure the very best results
“Decorate tins in a range of shapes and sizes” CIRCULAR CONTAINER Cover a tall round tin in the same design as the square box, but omit the cover button. Sprinkle pale turquoise enamel over the lid of the tin and bake. Make four round buttons in old rose enamel, 19mm. Once cooled, lay a floral stencil over them, sprinkle with dark pink enamel and re-fire on a baking tray. Glue three buttons to the lid with resin, then add one button to hide the ribbon seam. Finish by gluing three mother of pearl buttons across the tin.
“IF YOU HAVE A PRINTER, SAVE TIME BY PRINTING TEXT DIRECTLY ONTO PAPER TO USE FOR DECORATION” Jane Kharade, Designer GREETING CARD Layer turquoise striped paper, 7.5cm x 15cm, and pink striped paper, 7.5cm square, onto a cream card blank, 15cm x 21cm. Print 'Happy New Year' text onto a sheet of acetate and cut into a 3cm x 15cm strip, then stick to the card with double-sided tape. Add pale turquoise ribbon to either side. Matt a square of pink patterned paper and striped turquoise paper to the card. Punch two 2mm holes in the copper blank. Sprinkle dark turquoise enamel over a 25mm button and bake in the oven, then make a 15mm pale turquoise button in the same way. Once cooled, lay a floral stencil over the small button and sprinkle dark pink enamel, then bake. Glue layered buttons to the card layered with resin. CB
SOURCE IT... Enamels, Efco, Sinotex, 01737 245 450, sinotex.co.uk Screw down hole punch, London Jewellery Supplies, 020 8979 2659, londonjewellery supplies.co.uk Copper blanks, Cooksongold, 0845 100 1122, cooksongold.com
RECREATE A HINT OF ART AND CRAFTS STYLING WITH
Butterfly glass painting FIND FREE TEMPLATES ON OUR WEBSITE
WHAT YOU NEED Glass paints, Marabu: turquoise, Bordeaux, violet, clear Paint, acrylic, antique green Outliner, Marabu: imitation lead, grey Paintbrush, soft, fine Canvas, 10cm square Glass vase Card, white, pearl green Acetate
a basic technique how to use an outliner Outliner acts as a barrier to stop glass paints from running. The technique is simple and rather like icing a cake! Before you apply it to your project, test the outliner on scrap paper, squeezing the tube gently until the leading flows smoothly. Hold the tip just above the surface and practice drawing a few shapes and lines. When you feel comfortable with the technique, work directly onto your project
Glass painting
Love it! We’ve taken inspiration from nature and the floral themes of the Arts and Crafts movement to create this fresh look. Although this style originated with William Morris in the 1860s, it has continued to influence British design right up to the present day. BUTTERFLY CANVAS
Download the pattern from the template pack. Secure the butterfly on your work surface and tape the acetate on top. Apply outliner over the butterfly design, checking the lines are joined; this is important as the glass paint will flow through any gaps and spoil the effect. Leave to dry. Paint the acetate in the colours. To make different shades, mix the colours with varying amounts of clear paint. Use the paint quite generously and allow it to flow right up to the outlines but not go over them. Apply a couple of coats of acrylic paint to the canvas and leave to dry. Although it will be touch dry after a few hours, it should be left to harden for at least 48 hours before handling. When ready, fix chain or ribbon to the back for hanging. Trim around the acetate and cut white card the same size.
Craft tip A warm, dust free airing cupboard is perfect for drying and hardening glass paint
“WHEN DRY, MISTAKES IN THE OUTLINE CAN BE REMOVED FROM GLASS AND ACETATE WITH A SHARP CRAFT KNIFE” Jill Alblas, Designer
Use foam pads to fix the card on the canvas. Apply tiny spots of glue to the back of the acetate, press down gently and leave to dry before moving. GLASS VASE
Tape the pattern inside the vase, then pack the holder loosely with kitchen paper so the pattern is held firmly against the glass. Outline the design and use tweezers to set a bead in centre of the flower. Leave the leading to dry for about an hour before proceeding to the next side and working in the same way. Allow the leading to harden overnight before turning the vase and outlining the remaining sides. Paint one side at a time, leaving each to dry before moving on to the next. Finally, tape ribbon around the top of the holder. FLOWER CARD
Tape acetate onto the downloadable pattern and outline the designs. Set a bead in the centre of the flower, at the top of the leaf and at each end of the butterfly. Leave the leading to dry, then paint. When dry, use sharp scissors to cut around the shapes, then assemble a card with ribbon bows tied to the top. CB
SOURCE IT... Marabu glass paints and outliner, Arti Folk, artifolk.co.uk Glass vase, Creativ Company, 01793 616 068, cc-craft.co.uk
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FEBRUARY Issue
Learn how to work fabric and stitching into your cards with Zoe Pierson's designs Ellen Kharade shows how to create felted bowls New CB designer, Helen Cant, crafts jewellery from fabric-covered buttons Work heart motifs into your projects with our alternative Valentine’s ideas
Love
Print a matching set for a horse lover, following Corinne Bradd's lino cutting tutorial Use our pattern to knit a family of quirky Gonks
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Polymer Clay embellishments to decorate your handmade greeting cards and crafts. Mini pets including bears, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, hedgehogs, penguins, rudolph, snowmen and also cupcake embellishments. Request a catalogue from Greetincardz, 22 Crossleys, Fleckney, Leics, LE8 8BY
Can you finish it with a button? Designer Corinne Bradd does. She gets her buttons from with his 60 day no-quibble guarantee & Free P&P to UK addresses. See these buttons and more at Tel: 01634 375706
DECORATIVE PAINTING
CARDMAKING AND SCRAPBOOKING See our eBay shop Glas_With_Class Plaid/Hobby Line/Marabu Peelable Glass Paints (Gallery Glass, C2, fun&fancy), Glass paints & outliners.
Craftzone Pontefract
STRICTLY MAIL ORDER
01977 699888
Send £2 (refundable) for illustrated catalogue. Glass With Class, Dept CB, 20 Mendip Walk, Crawley, Sussex RH11 7JZ. Tel: 01293 417035
Open Mon - Sat 10 - 5 Sun 10 - 4 10a Britannia Work, Skinner Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1NA
Office Hours: (Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30-5:00pm, Fri 9:30-1pm Shut Wed, Sat & Sun) www.craft-supplies.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk We now accept payments through Paypal
CRAFT EVENTS
ONE STROKE PAINTING See us on UTube: One Stroke with Mark Follow us on Facebook: Brushstrokes Craft Supplies Talk to Us on 0118 989 4756 Order from us at www.OneStrokeUK.com Call in to Brushstrokes, Holme Grange Craft Village Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AW
1000’s of people read
Now in stock new Marabu glass paints and more!
WOODEN BLANKS suitable for painting, stencilling, decoupage etc. Boxes, treasure chests, mini chests of drawers and more. Competetive prices. Send SAE for price list. Boxy Lady, Timbers, Aysshton Gardens, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7DW. http: www.boxylady.co.uk Email:
[email protected] TC0L10 •
Visit www.crafts-beautiful.com for the latest crafting projects, downloads and giveaways! BEADING & JEWELLERY
Let them know about your business! To advertise here call 01206 505429 EGG CRAFT Linda Martin Egg Designs Are you creative and looking for a new way to express yourself? We supply an extensive range of materials to help you make amazing gifts from real eggshells. We offer a friendly mail order service and seminar days with expert advice to help you enjoy this fascinating craft. To order your copy of our 134 page colour catalogue packed full of amazing supplies and ideas, send a cheque/postal order for £7.50 made payable to Linda Martin Egg Designs. Unit G · Bank View · Shard Lane · Hambleton · Poulton-le-Fylde · Lancashire · FY6 9BX
Tel/Fax: 01253 702703
[email protected] www.lindamartineggdesigns.com
GIFTS AND HANDCRAFTED SOAPS
Balm of Gilead Soaps
Treat yourself to a handcrafted natural soap. Traditionally cold processed handmade soap, made using the finest oils, clay and botanicals to cleanse and moisturize your skin. Individually wrapped in beautiful fabric just for you to make the perfect gift.
www.balmofgileadsoaps.co.uk -
[email protected] - 077168 53111
directory TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 01206 505429 E-mail:
[email protected]
Do you want more customers?
SOAP
KNITTING
Call Bekki on 01206 505429
to advertise
www.crafty-patch.co.uk
LEATHER CRAFTING UK
Leather Crafting UK Suppliers of leather tools, dyes and bespoke leather gifts.
Follow us on Twitter!
www.leathercraftinguk.com
[email protected] 01252 314155
Follow us on Twitter for snippets of craftspiration! @craftsbeautiful
MISCELLANEOUS
14 High Street, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7BD
Card Making & Scrapbooking Specialists. Stockists of all leading brands.
02380 283199
www.emeraldcrafts.com PYROGRAPHY
STAMPING
BLADE RUBBER STAMPS London's Rubber Stamp Store 12 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL 020 7831 4123
www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk 1000’s of people read
ONLINE SCRAPBOOKING
Let them know about your business! To advertise here call 01206 505429
directory TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 01206 505429 E-mail:
[email protected] STITCHING
Banbury Sewing Centre Tel: 01295 262 344 www.banburysewingcentre.co.uk For all your Knitting, Sewing, Craft, Haberdashery, Cross Stitch, Beading, Card and Cake decorating supplies
We s tock br and es n ame se wing m achin * DYLON FABRIC AND SHOE DYES * SIRDAR AND STYLECRAFT YARNS AND MUCH MUCH MORE! * SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS AND SERVICING or ders welcome Tele phone
OPEN 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday
CLASSIFIED FORM 40 words for ONLY £20.00 including VAT. If you need more than 40 words please fill out your ad on a seperate piece of paper or email to:
[email protected] Extra words charged at 10p each.
Please include my advertisement in the next issue of Crafts Beautiful Magazine
UNIQUE JEWELLERY MAKING
Tick here if Box Number required and include an extra £6.00 with your remittance.
YOUR AD MUST REACH US BY 13/12/13 TO APPEAR IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE
The digital edition of Crafts Beautiful is now available on the Apple Newsstand! Purchase the most wanted craft magazine, ready to read at the touch of a button.
VINTAGE STATIONERY
Only £2.99 per issue!
Easy to use and delivered straight to your iPad or iPhone! Plus each purchase is permanently stored in your own magazine library forever! Once the magazine is downloaded, no internet connection is required. Please note, the digital versions do not include the free gifts found on the newsstand.
I enc lose my payment of £
for
issues. Please make cheques/
postal orders payable to: CRAFTS BEAUTIFULoryou may pay by Access/Visa/Amex
card No. Signature....................................................................................................................... Expiry Date...............................................................Issue No................................ NAME................................................................................................................................................................ ADDRESS........................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................................... POSTCODE...........................................................TELEPHONE............................................................. SIGNED.................................................................................................. DATE ............................................ Send completed form to: CLASSIFIED AD DEPT CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL, 1 PHOENIX COURT, HAWKINS ROAD, COLCHESTER, ESSEX C02 8JY
local crafting
Our guide
to all the local crafts
in your area
TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 01206 505429 E-mail:
[email protected] BEDFORDSHIRE
IRELAND
DEVON
Loobi Crafts
DONEGAL
Stocking a huge range of card making, scrapbooking, altered art and Decopatch supplies. Classes and workshops held monthly – call for details. 01525 838535 www.loobicrafts.co.uk 6 Ryland Mews, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1SP
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
NORFOLK
The Craft Den Bamber Leisure, Lynn Road, Walton Highway, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 7DA
Open 7 days 10am - 4pm A great selection of card making and scrapbooking supplies Clarity Stamps, Joanna Sheen, K anban, Kars, Flower Soft, Do-Crafts, Personal Impressions, Creative Expressions, Go-Kreate and many more. Tel: 01945 586962
DORSET
DURHAM
MAGIC MOMENTS
For all your sugarcraft and cake decorating needs
Email: thecraftd en@btntern et.com
Open Mon-Sat 9-4.30 Wide variety of well-known brands for your crafting needs 449-451 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole BH14 0AX - Tel: 01202 716286 Visit www.magicmomentssugarcraft.co.uk for further information or call 01202 716286
- Cuttlebug and Bigshot - Crafters Companion - Kanban... and lots more Crafty Nook, the award winning Indoor Market Hall
ESSEX
BJ Crafts
www.bjcrafts.co.uk
d S o f t C u r t a i n a n k e r s a t a M g i n F u r n i s h n b r a n c h t o c l a C r o u
EXTENSIVE YARN RANGE Crafty Hobbies
28 High Street, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1UQ - 01255 428 352
54 Cavendish St Barrow in Furness Cumbria LA14 1PZ
ALSO AT
Don’t forget to visit our website for crafts, dolls house & model railway
www.theswanstitchshop.co.uk
www.crafty-nook.co.uk
CHESHIRE
CUMBRIA
Unit 27, Durham Indoor Market, Durham City. DH1 3NJ
Tel: 07540 829914 - 0191 372 4877
www.thecraftden.co.uk
We stock Hunkydory, flowersoft, Crafters Companion, embossing folders, stamps, gems and much more Unit 7 Clarendon Court, Winwick Quay, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 8QP 01925 654747 www.patscraftybitz.co.uk
Crafty Nook
71 Connaught Avenue, Frinton, Essex CO13 9PP - 01255 674456
Yarn, Haberdashery, Linen, Fabrics, Crafts & Babywear
[email protected]
www.crafty-hobbies.co.uk
HERTFORDSHIRE
DEVON
Crafty Corner UK A small craft shop and ceramic studio, with a very friendly welcome awaits you as you walk through our Door.
www.craftycorneruk.com
OXFORDSHIRE
Specialists in rubber stamping and stencilling techniques. We stock the full range of Imagination Craft products as seen on QVC. Check our website for details of the papercraft shows we exhibit at.
Tel: 01945 881382 Antioch Farm, New Road, Tilney St Lawrence Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE34 4QF
local crafting
Our guide
to all the local crafts
in your area
TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 01206 505429 E-mail:
[email protected]
SCOTLAND KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE
YORKSHIRE PENNYHOLME CRAFTS 22 Market Street, Eckington Sheffield, South Yorkshire S21 4EH Tel: 01246 431600/07765 102920
We specialise in quality knitting and crochet yarn, stocking a beautiful range of colours and brands to best suit you!
www.outbackyarns.com 01556 504900 Free postage on orders over £25 worldwide
SOMERSET
Stockists of: Parchment & Tools, Rubber Stamps, Ink Pads, Embossing Powders, Heat Guns, Brass Stencils, Lightboxes and Punches. Anchor stranded cotton, Sylko Thread, Peel offs and more. Rubber Art & Business Stamps made to your design. Please ring for your r equirements Open: Mon-Sat 9.30-4.00
THE CRAFT STORE
& WOOL SHOP
A large range of Artist materials and supplies for crafters. Stephen H Smith Garden Centre Poole Road, Otley, West Yorkshire Tel: 01943 462195 www.artcraft.co.uk Also branches in Scunthorpe and Bolton
K&K Craft Creations
62 Victoria Road, Scarborough, N. Yorkshire
One of the largest selections of Cardmaking/Scrapbooking suppliers in East Yorkshire
ALADDIN’S CAVE
We stock Duffex, Glitter girls, wide range of punches/card stock, Scrapbooking/ Peel offs and many more!
01723 366311 Card accessories, decoupage, peel offs, rubber stamps, backing papers, patchwork fabrics, beads and jewellery findings. We stock Patons, Robin, Lang Yarns, Rico wools, Patterns, Needles etc. Closed Wed and Sun Open 10 - 4pm
Tel: 01262 401160 53 Promenade, Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Y015 2QE
www.kandkcrafts.co.uk Mon, Tues, Wed 9.30 - 3.30 Thurs 9.30 - 2.30 Fri 9.30 - 3.30 Sat, Sun 10.00 - 4.00
STAFFORDSHIRE
tel: 01785 609171
The digital edition of Crafts Beautiful is now available on the Apple Newsstand! Purchase the most wanted craft magazine, ready to read at the touch of a button.
Only £2.99 per issue!
Over 10,000 items in stock, free gifts and low prices. (Cardmaking, scrapbooking & cross stitch)
www.bluebell girls.co.uk SUFFOLK
Craft Shop and Studios
Suppliers of Card, Scrapbooking, Jewellery, Candlemaking materials & Workshops
9 South Lane Hessle East Yorkshire HU13 0RS www.studiocraftique.co.uk 01483 627559 -
[email protected]
Tel: 01473 744714
TYNE AND WEAR
WALES GWYNEDD
WILTSHIRE
Once upon a Time ... Craft & Gift Store
Card Making Scrapbooking, Beading and Parchment Crafts ,
Visit our shop in the north east for a large selection of beads, findings, tools, books, magazines and much more or order online at www.rosarama.co.uk 15 Beech Grove Terrace, Crawcrook/Ryton, Gateshead, NE40 4LZ Tel/Fax 0191 4139111
Our shop is crammed full of items for the crafter with lots of samples, demos and workshops to inspire you. Mail Order and Gift Vouchers
Quality craft supplies, cross stitch, card making, scrapbooking, rubber stamps and more. Louloupurple, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1RD - 01341 422021 www.louloupurple.co.uk
Make a date to visit the store and see the fabulous range of products available. 103 High Street, Cricklade, Wiltshire. SN6 6AA
01793 759280 www.itsonceuponatime.co.uk Workshops ❊ Mail Order ❊ Gift Vouchers
Easy to use and delivered straight to your iPad or iPhone! Plus each purchase is permanently stored in your own magazine library forever! Once the magazine is downloaded, no internet connection is required. Please note, the digital versions do not include the free gifts found on the newsstand.
LAST WORD
O N T H M S I H T T A E M Y T R ised
o m s I ha ve p r As a m t is r h . A f te r C le te de to x o f p m o c a f l m yse t a m y r iad h g u o b n e I' ve be n te nd to i I , s t c u d o bea u t y p r o f pa m pe r i ng t i me n t y s pe nd p le t i fy i ng m yse l f. bea u
DAWN BIBBY KICKS OFF 2014 RE-ORGANISED AND READY TO CRAFT F A V E T HI N G
i s m y c ra f t t p
I love my Hot Melt Glue Gun! For experimental crafters, like me, it's fabulous as it
✔ Punch through
aluminum foil to sharpen your decorati ve punches er and through wax pap to lubricate them air ✔ Al wa ys keep a p r you of t weezers in craft box for fiddl y embellishments and
material – in fact, I used it when
anywhere with me.
peel-offs ds ✔ To gi ve your car k, loo l na sio that profes to der fol e in vest in a bon s create sharp crease
Something I’ve learned...
CRAF TOFTHE MON TH January is the perfect time of the year for having a clean and to sort out of all your craft goodies. Re-organise your creative stock so you can easily find and dip into your essentials, whilst busily working away on your New Year masterpieces.
Hot Product If you received lots of exciting new crafty bits at Christmas, you'll be after some new storage. I always opt for see-through boxes so I can see exactly what's inside each one. You'll be able to find a handy pack of eight for £23.99 at createandcraft.tv or call 09056
LOOK WHAT I MADE! I love a bit of bling so have been busily creating rings, brooches, necklaces and a whole lot more with my Meltpot. To start with, glue an image into a bezel, then pour melted, ultra-thick embossing enamels on top and leave to set for an hour. Once dry, you can mount the piece onto chain, then embellish with charms or decorative beads.
I have a large number of birthdays which I need to buy presents for in January. Aside from sending and giving homemade cards, I have been inspired to add a personalised touch with gift wrapping by watching other shows on Create and Craft. Once you've mastered a few basic techniques, it's really simple. So, I'm feeling positive that all of my gifts will look beautiful.
