BAKE IT
SEW IT
Delicious squash cupcakes
Pretty forest-print bunting
KNIT IT
Adorable owl motif scarf & glove set
EXCLUSIVE
Cheeky chums GO NUTTY FOR OUR FELTT SQUIRRELS! FEL SQUIRRELS!
WIN!
8 9 autumn
BEST-SELLERS FOR EASY PROFIT
£1350
WORTH OF PRIZES!
Handmade prrojects p PAPER STAG’S HEAD VINTAGE TEACUP CANDLES CROCHET WOODLAND CREATURES
HOW TO
START SELLING FROM HOME IN 7 EASY STEPS
ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 2013 £4.99 WITH GIFT
“MY NEW LIFE IN THE COTSWOLDS” HOW FACEBOOK LAUNCHED CRAFT-SELLER LOUISE FIRCHAU’S DREAM BUSINESS
Welcome 28
Pretty forest-print bunting will make a fab addition to your stall
COVER
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s autumn draws in, take inspiration from our fairytale woodland theme this issue - perfect for cosy nights in and a sure-fire hit for sellers. ry our sweet cover stars on page 16, have a go at stitching the forest-themed bunting on page 28 and check out our cute crochet creatures on page 84. If you love spending time in the kitchen, make the most of the plethora of delicious autumn fruits with our baking section from page 43, which includes apple and fig chutney and mouth-watering blackberry and elderflower cheesecake. As always, this month’s mag is packed with advice on how to sell your makes and bakes. Our real-life story this issue (p22) follows the success of paper cutter Louise Firchau, who proved the power of social media by building a 12,000 strong Facebook following, whilst our feature on page 79 looks at the importance of having a good blog when launching your career.
Our FREE Halloween project book is packed with spooky things to make and sell too, including a pumpkin costume, haunted house lanterns and some creepy crawly cupcakes! You can even get the kids involved with 15 easy projects for your little terrors. Have fun crafting - see you next month,
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How cute?! Squirrels are fantastic sellers at this time of year
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ry this contemporary, stylish stag’s head
ZEENA MOOLLA – EDIOR
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Tis Peter Pan beaded collar is easy to make and hard to resist
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Vintage teacup candles sell everywhere!
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t h i s e o u t L oo k k a t s u s g r r o g g s ’ h n t r s ! m o n p a p e r e e p f r
Contents 76
£ 1 300
Z E S I Z O F P R N ! TO W I N 8 P A G E 6
October 2013
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O V E R
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Projects 16
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Nutty friends! Make these lovable squirrels from felt, and embellish with embroidery 30-minute make Our wax crayon hearts are so simple and sweet, you won’t want to stop! Treetops Treeto ps bunting Fun fabrics add a seasonal feel to this gorgeous home decoration Stag head stunner Create a focal point for any home with this fabulous piece of wall art Pearly queen Our Peter Pan collar is a stylish and easy make for your jewellery stall
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Blackberry cheesecake A truly scrumptious dessert with a touch of delicate elderflower Spiced apple & fig chutney Use your apple windfalls to make this delicious autumn pickle Squash cupcakes The perfect sweet treat for Halloween and harvest festivals Autumn Days papers Create cards for the new school term, Halloween parties and more... Mummy makes We show you how to transform simple pebbles into lovely ladybirds!
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From junk to funk Wellies aren’t just for wearing – they make brilliant plant pots, too! Creature comforts Add owls to your knitted range, with our scarf, hat and mittens set Woodland friends Your customers will love this group of adorable crocheted critters! Make a crafty tenner Go vintage with these gorgeous shabby-chic teacup candles More ways than one Make a bag, cushion and keyring from our cross stitch camper motif
BE AN INSIDER We want to know what you think. After all, the more we know about you the better b etter placed we are to bring you the best magazine possible. So we would like to invite you to join our online reader panel ‘Insiders’. Interested? Log on to www.immediateinsiders.com/ www.immediateinsiders.com/ register to fill out the short registration survey and we’ll be in touch from time-to-time time-to-time to ask for your opinions on the magazine and other relevant issues. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Reader offer Special gift Subscribe today and choose your free gift!
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Features 8
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Making news Get the lowdown on the latest crafty news and views Dear Craftseller Your chance to share all your crafting and selling success stories Pin it! Be inspired by sumptuous autumnal tones on our bronze mood board Stash it! Make the most of the woodland trend with this must-have stash Real life: Louise Firchau Louise tell us how her Facebook fans made Paper Panda such a success
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Seven steps to selling at home Find out how simple it could be to start your craft business from home Charity bakes Support three good causes by baking up a storm in the kitchen Fab freebies Enter now and you could get your hands on some brilliant prizes Diary of a craft-selling mum Erica has a busy month and sells her makes at Harry’s first school fair! Blog it! Find out how a blog can help you transform your crafting career
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Ask us! Let our experts solve your craftselling queries with the best advice My craft shop Find out how these three successful sellers make cash from their craft Crafty courses Choose from a range of inspiring courses to expand your craft skills Online loves Check out our favourite makes selling well on the web this month
h o s s e e t h r t n t t o p a ge e 1102 fo r u r n T u m p l l a t e e s t e e m n t t r t a n m p o r a l l l l- i m Craftseller
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DESIGNERS
Contributors Meet three Craftseller designers who have created projects just for you …
Siobhan Gough Siobhan’s crayon hearts will only take you 30 minutes to make – turn to page 27 Siobhan is an avid crafter with a particular interest in paper crafting, everything from origami to paper cutting and creating beautiful paper decorations. Siobhan sells her creations through local shops and craft fairs as well as taking commissions for special gifts and wedding unique decorations.
Vicky Craxton
A SP SPEC ECIA IAL L ME MENT NTIO ION N TO Editor Zeena Moolla Editorial Assistant Beth Collins Art Editor Lisa Jones Publisher Alison Worthington Publishing Director Cath Potter Managing Director Andy Marshall Advertisement Director Caroline Herbert Senior Advertising Manager Jane Hendy Advertising Designer Catherine Howlett Production Director Sarah Powell Production Managers Rose Griffiths and Louisa Molter Marketing Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Manager Penny Clapp Marketing Executive Lucy Osmond Reprographics Tony Hunt, Chris Sutch Photography Louise Broom, Ally Stuart, Steve Sayers Distribution Frontline Printed in the UK by William Gibbons A special thank you to contributors and designers Jo Benner Benner,, Helen Helen Burge, Burge, Katrie Katriell Costello Costello,, Liz Ward, Wendy Massey, Anne MacGregor, Siobhan Gough, Vicky Craxton, Jessica Sharp, Jane Tooze, Annie Bellamy, Claire Watkins, Sarah Chadwick, Steve Wright, Marie Parry, Holly Johnson, Sophie Jordan, Jorda n, Poppy Poppy Benner Benner,, Verity Verity Gough, Gough, Karen Dunn, Emma Read, Susanne Frank Subscriptions and customer enquiries Subscriptions To place a subscription or order any of our wonderful sewing, knitting or craft magazines, please call the subscriptions hotline on 0844 844 0388. It’s open weekdays 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Join us on Fac Facebook ebook or follo follow w us on Twitt Twitter er Become a fan of Craftseller on Facebook or follow @craftsellermag on Twitter and you can take part in competitions, share news, tips and more.
Vicky’s adorable felt squirrels – our o ur cover stars – can be found on page 16!
Copyright guidelines for projects We have requested specific permission from authors, book publishers and designers so that you can recreate and sell the projects from this issue. Please credit the designer where appropriate and when it has been requested. Craftseller is for crafting enthusiasts who want to make beautiful, handmade items to sell. You can individually make as many as you wish to sell either for yourself, your local event, summer fete or to raise money for charity. You cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Please respect one another’s copyright.
Vicky used to join her mum selling at craft fairs as a child, then went on to study animation at university. She set up as a full-time craft seller after receiving positive feeback on Facebook about her handmade bags and owls. Bold prints, quirky designs and vintage fabrics are features of Vicky’s gorgeous work.
Immediate Media Company Limited is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests.
Emma Read This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging. Please remove any gifts, samples or wrapping and dispose of it at your local collection point.
If you love pearls, check out Emma’s gorgeous Peter Pan Pan collar on page 34 Emma started her business, Hapitat, when she couldn’t find a fascinator to wear to Ascot. Her speciality is pretty silk flowers, but generally she loves to work with silks, chiffon and other delicate fabrics to create a wide range of beautiful accessories. Her passion for eco-friendly fashion is clear to see.
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Craftseller
Craftseller is published by:
Immediate Media Company Limited, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009 Fax: 0117 934 9008 Immediate Media Company Limited is dedicated to producing the very best consumer specialist interest magazines, edited and designed to inform our readers, enhance their lives and give them the best value for money possible. Please visit www.immediatemedia.co.uk for details of our other publications. We take great care to ensure all elements of Craftseller are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine. All prices quoted are correct at the time of going to print. ©Immediate Media Company Limited.
featur atures es, displays, workshops Inspirational fe and demonstrations for all creative crafters AUTU A UTUMN MN SHOWS THURS 12 - SAT SAT 14 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER
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THUR TH URS S 7 - SU SUN N 10 NO NOVE VEMB MBER ER
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CAKE INTERNATIONAL THE SUGARCRAFT SUGARCRAFT,, CAKE DECORATING DECORA TING & BAKING B AKING SHOW NEC, BIRMINGHAM
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Buy tickets on-line
or phone Ticket Hotline
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SAVE UP TO £2 OFF EACH ADULT & SENIOR TICKET IF ORDERED AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE SHOW.
CRAFTY UPDATE
Making news Welcome to your one-stop shop for all the latest craft trends, dates and celebs…
SUPER SITES s e r u t a e F x e R / x i p s w e N / f f o l r o O m r o N
Our pick of the best from the world of online this month…
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things we love about...
Wayne Hemingway
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He started out by selling his own clothes – literally, straight out of his wardrobe – in 1980 at Camden Market. Together with his wife, he had expanded to 16 stalls within the space of just one year!
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Having sold his hugely successful Red or Dead fashion label, Wayne now works on a range of projects including Kioskiosk, which helps creative businesses find affordable retail spaces in prominent locations, as well as mentoring up-and-coming talent for The Prince’s Trust.
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He launches the UK’s first National Festival of Thrift on 21-22 September, taking place at Lingfield Point, Darlington. He promises us a ’Life-changing, life-affirming’ event, which includes a pop-up allotment, upcycled fashion show,, street food stalls and vintage vehicles! show
sewyeah.co.uk A colourful blog that’s packed with ideas on everything from felting to crochet and DIY tricks. stellaireblog.blogspot. co.uk Lifestyle blogger Jess shares her love of all things handmade.
h e s e d t t h a d Down l o a c c e n n a r F F e D D e r e g r e B r a i i s e d r a n n d p a t t e r n n s a s k r a p S r r o f y e n o m 8patternsfor babies frompremature to 3months
Pattern guide -allpatternsavailablefromsizesfromprematureto3
Silver Maple Beanie & Booties page 3
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a d a e a l le e d n t l l y r e e v ve r e e c ce e n n ogu e e r M i i n n i ii i M nn D a n d on e e h . “I h a v ve e d s t i i t c ch s s s ve oof c r o s t l l o ve s e e c c r e e t ng .” xi i n x s o r e el l a ’s s d. I t s a ki d e I w a s a k nc c e I s i i n i t s
sweetapolita.com Warning: do not enter this website when hungry. Recipes and video tutorials to make your mouth water!
Little Purls
To find out more about Wayne’s latest venture, check out festivalofthrift.co.uk, or take a look at his official website at hemingwaydesign.co.uk to see some of his newest designs.
OO! T T F A R C S B E L E C
CrochetBeanie
page 4
months
Bobble Hat&Booties
page 5
Diamond Pixie Hat
page 7
#minifashionprotest
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f you love fashion but hate sweatshops, join craft author Perri Lewis and top TV crafters like Tilly & the Buttons in making mini protest banners for London Fashion Week, which will be displayed at an exhibition in the autumn. Visit craftivist-collective. com or follow #minifashionprotest on Twitter.
CRAFTY UPDAT UPDATE E
CRAFTY EVENTS Our pick of the best crafty events around this month... Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts EventCity, Manchester 12-14 September Bluebird Events Craft Fair Taunton 14 September
Love to bake?
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f cakes are your thing, or you want to meet some top baking stars including GBBO winner John Whaite, then don’t miss Te Cake and Bake Show, Earls Court (13-15 Sept) and Manchester Central (4-6 April 2014). We have five pairs of tickets to Earls Court – visit craft-seller.com for your chance to win!
KNITTED CHIC
Festival of Thrift Lingfield Point, Darlington 21-22 Sept
SPOT
a r m a T r a n s f f fo r l s e e h h d l l o o p a i r e s e k k n i t t e d t h p s ! w i t h t c l i e c s h o e
TOP TREND TREND ✓ TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓
THIS ANCIENT WEAVING technique has been reinvented in the form of printed fabrics, homeware and fashion accessories – and we love its retro, tribal feel! The trend is set to continue into 2014, so make sure that zig-zags and rich, vibrant hues are on your creative radar.
Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show Alexandra Palace, London 21-22 September
Talent
BEING CREATIVE is all about thinking outside the box and doing something different, different, and that’s why we love queen of the yarn, Jessica Biscoe (jessicabiscoe. co.uk). co.uk ). Proving – once again – that knitting is cool, she has been featured in various national magazines and has just relaunched her website, where you can view her contemporary takes on traditional patterns.
IKAT PRINTS
London Design Festival Various locations 14-22 September
Craft and Jeweller Jew ellery y Fair Fair Pavilion Gardens, Buxton 21-22 September
; k u . o c . e m o h l l y d i , 9 4 t £ e , e g h a s b r t e a p k 5 I ; 1 u £ a , . k m u . o o c . c . d e a s o r u o n a h e b r e r u t , e 0 h 2 t 1 n $ i , y t b n r i r e p p s a a P v e n k a a c C a e n l n b e i i d S E
Crafts Unlimited Association Craft Fair Glasgow 22 September Brighton Craft Fair Ship Street, Brighton 28 September Upcycling Academy The Knitting and Stitching Show Sh ow,, London 10-13 October
Craftseller
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LETTERS
Dear Craftseller Send us your latest crafting and selling stories – each issue the star letter wins a StickyTiger prize!
d r i a n a d A d n t e d e x p e r i m e D d y u r D a n d w i t h o u D e e r d e s i g n
Resounding success I RECENTLY STARTED SEWING cushions, then I expanded to lampshades, and and now I also repaint and reupholster furniture. I was so inspired by your magazine and the wealth of information inside that I decided to see whether I could sell some of the things I was making, so Mols & Tati-Lois was born. I was so taken with your article in the June issue on outdoor selling, that I even ventured out. I followed your tips and, I have to say, the day was a resounding success. So huge thanks all round, to you and your brilliant mag. NATALIA PRICE-CABRERA, MOLS & TATI-LOIS
Ed: Wow, so much success in such a short time – congratulations, Natalia, we’re really impressed!
Ian’s signs are fab quality and make for great gifts
CRAFTY BLOG joytheb joy thebake akerr.co .com m
My favourite blog is a baking blog called joytheba joyt hebaker ker.co .com. m. It’s It’s full of beautiful photos of some of the most weird, wonderful and imaginative recipes, both sweet and savoury. Until you have tried Joy’ss chocol Joy’ chocolate ate pea peanut nut butter pretzel brownies, you haven’t lived!
SHERI THOM, EXETER
It’s my party My dandy deer I JUST WANTED TO express my gratitude for such a beautiful pattern – I love this design! As you can see, I made one in the same style as it was printed in the magazine, then I started experimenting a little bit by adding some crochet details and changing the colours. I am looking forward to selling them online! ADRIANA, BY EMAIL
Ed: Both your deer are adorable Adriana, and so well finished. We love the realistic bambi design.
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FOR MY LAST BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY I invited lots of of friends to my house for a vintage tea party. Your pattern for the Drink Tea Here sign was a perfect addition, even if I did finish it with only an hour to spare before my guests started to arrive! It looked fabulously fabulously festive sitting next to my teapot-shaped birthday balloon. JANET NUTTER, TRAWDEN, LANCS
Ed: Happy (belated) birthday, Janet! Your Your sign looks great – we think you chose a fab colour. Hope your guests loved it, too.
LETTERS
BES B ESTT MAG
Star
CRAFTY TALK
LETTER
I WAS REALLY EXCIED when I picked up Craftseller recently, and I was amazed at the amount of content and useful information inside I don’t know how I’ve gone without it. I am looking forward to working on my craft space, and I’ve already started making use of all the hints, tips and advice. I wanted to say a big thank you for one of the best craft magazines in the UK. AMANDA TROUGHT, REALITYARTS.CO.UK Ed: Your makes look great, Amanda! Here’s £45 to spend on crafting and selling supplies at Stickyiger. Sticky iger. Happy shopping!
Here are some of our favourite posts and tweets this month… Loving Craftseller ’s ’s July article...10 Top Tips to Launch your Crafty Career...great advice! @TRINKETS123
My dog brooch was spotted on @folksy and featured in @CraftsellerMag @KAYLEIGHOMARA
Jill has been making matryoshka dolls, ahead of the trend
Matryoshka heaven Ma Amanda loves crafting with our free papers
Star letter letter prize! prize! Tis month our star letter writer wins £45 worth of vouchers for stickytigersupplies.co.uk
I’M A S SEMI-REIRED school teacher, and your mag gave m me the push I needed to have a go at selling my felt cre creations. After going through CE testing, I’ve just cr created a Facebook Facebook page Bobosunbeam and started selling at local craft fairs, too. When I saw the lovely th l matryoshka doll in the August issue I had to write, as they’re one of my favourite things to make. I thought you might like to see one of mine. JILL HOLLIDAY, NORTH EAST LINCS Ed: Your matryoshka is really sweet, Jill. Te hand embroidery dery gives her a lovely, professional finish.
Little cutie
@CraftsellerMag Loving my new #Craftseller mag, it makes me #Smile :) @FUSSYBITCH1961
I think @CraftsellerMag is quickly becoming one of my favourite magazines! @LAURENASPENCER
HIS IS HE BUNNY I created using the pattern in issue 24 of Craftseller . It’s the first time that I’ve ever followed followed a written pattern, so I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Tanks so much for such a great design – I loved it! CHARLOTTE HEGGIE, BY EMAIL Ed: Your bunny really is adorable, Charlotte! We love Liz Ward’s simple patterns – keep reading Craftseller for more of her designs, and turn to page 84 in this issue for some really simple and very cute woodland creatures for you to try your hand at.
Search for Craftseller on facebook.com
@craftsellermag
@Craftsellermag loving the Russian doll make. @SONIKMUMMY
yourletters@ craft-seller.com
Dear Craftseller , 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
Craftseller 11
PIN IT
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Autumnal copper and bronze colours are abundant in nature at the moment, so start a adding these rich shades to your crafts, too a
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1 John Robshaw Fig Ikat Cushion, £79, idyllhome.co.uk 22 Starburst Metal Wall idyllhome.co.uk very.co.uk 3 3 Cirque Round Art, £75, very.co.uk Cushion, £12, isme.com 4 Deco Jewel Structured Cuff, £15, accessorize.co.uk 5 Loose Leaf Brass, £5.95, anniesloan. co.uk 6 co.uk 6 Handmade Pillar Bronze Candleholder, £140.86, felicityandlee. com 7 Copper Sunflower Tea Light Holders, £21, maudinteriors.com 8 Beaten Copper Tray, £60, bitten.myshopify. com 9 Goddess Metallic Maxi Dress, £220, coast-stores.com 10 Literary Terms Bronze-Effect Bronze-E ffect Cuffl inks, £30, theliterarygiftcompany.com 11 Metallic Bronze Sequin Film, £4.50, josyrose.com 12 Early industrial light by GEC, similar available from skinflintdesign.co.uk 13 Black and Gold Brass Bowl, £19.99, oscarandeve.co.uk 14 oscarandeve.co.uk 14 Copper Milk Pail, £14; Copper Casserole Dish, £125; Atelier Table, £599, johnlewis.com 15 Rose C Crepe de Chine, £49 per m, liberty.co.uk 16 Joy and Sorrow A Crepe de Chine, £49 liberty.co.uk 17 17 Metallic Ginger per m, liberty.co.uk Glow Edible Silk, £2.50, justbake.co.uk
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The definitive events for anyone with a love of stitch and creative crafts. Supplies, workshops and textile art. Alexandra Palace, London • 10th to13th October RDS, Dublin • 31st October to 3rd November Harrogate International Centre • 21st to 24th November
Book at www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com or call 0844 848 0132 Groups of ten or more call 020 7688 6830
I m a g e : J a n B e a n e y
SHOPPING
S tash tash it! Inspiring ideas for your crafty makess
Animal Party Forest Fun Fabric Natural Lime, £3.30 per Fat Quarter, frumble.co.uk frumble.co.uk • Deer and Woodland d Friends i d Fabric-covered bi dB Buttons, £4.25 for five, Den Uartige Kat on etsy.com etsy.com • Rusty The Fox Iron-on Patches, £3.95 a pack, dotcomgiftshop.com dotcomgiftshop.com
John Lewis Glitter Edged Edged Ivy Leaves, £12 for a pack of 10, johnlewis.com • Fairy Retro Off-White Off-White Sewn-on Love Birds Motif, £1.29 each, myfabrichouse.co.uk myfabrichouse.c o.uk • Squirrel Cookie Cutter, £1.70, Sugar Fox Shop on etsy.com etsy.com
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Set of Wooden Owl Stamps, £8.99, pandurohobby pandurohobby.co.uk .co.uk • Enchanted d For £11 per per me metr metre, tre e th thef thefabricloft.co thefabricloft.co.uk efab abri ricl clof oftt couk .uk • Forest est Fab Fabrics rics, £11 Leaves Clear Tape, £8.95 for set of two tapes, papermash.co.uk
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FELT IT
Nutty friends! These adorable felt squirrels, with their soft tummies and bigg bushy tails, are the perfect decoration for autumn! By Vicky Craxton axton
E A K A M P R O F I T !
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stars
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FELT IT
How to make the fel squirrel INFORMATION Materials
* 28 x 17cm (11 x 6¾in) grey felt * 28 x 17cm (11 x 6¾in) red/brown felt * 11 x 10cm (4¼ x 4in) white felt * 11 x 7cm (4¼ x 2¾in) beige felt * 5 x 5cm (2 x 2in) black felt * 40cm (15¾in) of 9mm emerald green and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon * Sewing thread in black, white, brown and grey * Embroidery thread in dark brown, grey, emerald green, pink, yellow and black * Polyester toy filling Size: 14 x 10cm (5½ x 4in), not
including ribbon Ribbon loop – approx. 7.5cm (3in) long Skill level: Easy
SAFETY FIRST This colourful make is likely to appeal to children. Make sure you sew all the different parts on securely, and make sure any toy filling is non-toxic and firmly sewn inside. Remember,, if you intend on selling Remember them, even if they are not sold as toys, there are strict regulations to adhere to. Visit craft-seller craft-seller.com/ .com/ free-downloads for more legal advice on child c hild safety.
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our customers will go nuts over these adorable little woodland critters, especially when they see the pretty embroidered flowers on their tummies! They're sure to appreciate the delicate blanket stitch detail, too, which gives a wonderful handmade look. These lovable characters each have a ribbon loop, so they can be hung up anywhere around the home as seasonal decorations. Make a whole family of felt squirrels and present them on a twiggy tree on your craft stall, or display them among lots of autumn leaves and acorns for your product photos.
Templates Using the templates on page 102, cut the felt shapes out as follows: Red/brown: cut two of BODY and two of ARM. Grey: cut two of BODY and two of ARM. White: cut one of FRONT and four of EYE. Beige: cut one of FRONT. Black: cut two of NOSE and four of PUPIL.
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For the embroidered design on the squirrel’s tummy, start with cross stitches for the flowers, a small running stitch for the stems, and single chain stitches for the leaves. Use pink thread for the flowers on the grey squirrel, and yellow thread for the flowers on the red/brown squirrel.
1 On one of the body shapes in each colour, sew the eyes onto the face using an colour, overstitch. Then sew the pupils in place in the middle of each eye.
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For each squirrel, fold a 20cm (8in) length of the ribbon in half to make a loop, and sew it onto the back body shape. Use a single cross stitch to sew the ribbon in place, so the cross appears on the reverse.
FELT IT
SELL MORE These squirrels can be made in lots of different colours, and personalised with embroidery
2 With the grey embroidery thread, sew the white front onto the grey body using a blanket stitch. With the brown embroidery thread, sew the beige front onto the red/ brown body using a blanket stitch. Only sew the top and the bottom edges of the front.
Sew the front and back body pieces together using a blanket stitch. Start from the feet and stop before the end of the tail. Stuff the squirrel with toy filling through the gap, then finish sewing the rest of the tail. » 7
3 Sew the nose onto the face using an overstitch. Then, with black embroidery thread, sew a little smile under the nose.
4 With an overstitch, sew the arms onto the front so that they are resting at the top of the tummy.
W e e l ov e e t h he e d e el l i ic c a a t t e e e m mb b r oi d de e r y
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SELL IT
You’ve made it, now sell it... Read our top tips to help you sell your sweet felt squirrels…
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Make your squirrels collectable by offering a whole family of them, including a mum, a dad and babies.
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Offer a personalised service , with the option to have a name stitched onto the tummy. Charge a higher price for this service to maximise your profit.
Xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
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Photograph your products in a pretty woodland setting. Hang them from trees, or shoot them nestled amongst pine cones and rustic autumn leaves.
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Mix up your colours to cater for all tastes – use different ribbons and vary the colour of the stitched flowers.
Give your animals names. Making each squirrel feel unique will add to the value of your product and appeal to the younger audience – you could even make them mini birth certificates!
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Get festive – cater for the Christmas gift market by using ribbon with a holly leaf or mistletoe motif.
Make door signs out of your squirrels by creating little felt plaques to hang round their necks. Continue the woodland theme by presenting each squirrel in a little brown box filled with s hredded paper. Display your squirrels in a shop or at a craft fair by hanging them from cut tree branches placed in a vase. Sew a tag into the back of your animal to make sure people know where it was bought from.
NOW SELLING ON...
NOTHS: Tree animals by The Contemporary Home, £20
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DaWanda: Felt hanging owl by Federica Creation, £24
Wowthankyou: Woodland animals fairy lights by Button Owl, £26
www.silversewing.co.uk For your nearest stockist and expert advice, please contact Silver Viscount on 01933 311888 or
[email protected]
REAL LIFE
Facebook fans let me quit my day job Paper-cutter Louise Firchau has built an army of 12,000 Facebook fans, so now she can live her dream by Karen Dunn
ucked away in a little cottage in the Cotswolds in the grounds of an impressive manor house, Louise Firchau, 37, is furiously working away with her scalpel – cutting, perhaps, the most intricate design you have ever seen. Louise, or Paper Panda as her followers know her, is a social media success story. Her (whopping) 12,000 Facebook followers, including some of the most devoted fans you could ask for, have allowed her to turn her hobby into a fully-fledged business. Te only word to describe where Louise lives is idyllic. Te manor house’s gardener regularly delivers fresh veg from the country garden, there are fields all around, and a whole host of friendly pets eager to be stroked. Sat in her country kitchen, she alternates between cutting bespoke paper designs, checking Facebook and chatting with her husband Ryan, who also works from home. Modest Louise, however, insists her online fame is all a fluke… “Tree years ago I was a full-time graphic designer – then one day I spotted papercutting on Etsy and my life changed. I ordered a scalpel from eBay, made a design on my computer and started cutting. It took me seven hours, but I was hooked. I love typography, so my first one was a simple phrase: ‘You are the sun in my Sunday morning’. I was really proud of it, so I put a picture of it on Facebook. “It was supposed to be just for me, but a friend wanted it so I gave it to him. Ten I 22
Craftseller
made another one and someone else asked for it. I was so excited I went out, spent £22 on a frame, £10 on postage and only charged her £30 for it. Before I knew it, I was selling commissions to people who started liking my business page. It was totally crazy, and a real shock. “I had no business sense at first. I was just so happy that people liked them, and I made a loss on every single paper-cut I finished for the first few months!
“I was the first papercutter on Facebook. Even Rob Ryan wasn’t on there when I joined” “I was the first paper-cutter on Facebook. Even Rob Ryan wasn’t on there when I joined, but after six months Paper Dreams, run by a girl called Amy, popped up. At first I panicked and thought there wasn’t room for both of us, but rather than competing we joined forces. We bought frames together, split the costs and shared tips. Joining forces made us both see what we were doing as a real business, and Amy and I became best friends in the process. We decided we’d take new paper-cutters under our wing and all work together. It was lovely to see everyone flourishing.
“Gradually I was doing more papercutting and less of the day job. Ten, two years ago, my husband Ryan got the opportunity to take redundancy. We’d been to Bourton-On-Te-Water on holiday and had fallen in love with the place. One Friday night we decided we would move down here. Within a weekend we had found a gift shop to rent and a cottage to live in. By the uesday, Ryan had told work he was leaving and that was it. It was a mental couple of weeks! “It also happened to be the weekend Paper Panda decided to go crazy with orders. I had 85 all at once! Cuts were going so quickly I was selling them within two seconds of putting them on my page. We decided I’d work in the shop and Ryan would freelance, but as I got busier papercutting, we were getting robbed blind – I was too busy to notice people were stealing things! Ryan took over in the shop, but after a year we decided to sell up and make Paper Panda my offi cial full-time ful l-time job. “A lot of people ask me how I got to over 12,000 likes for my page, and the answer is you have to throw every single minute of the day at it. Even on holiday I have to check the page, and I now have an assistant who checks it and responds when I can’t. “You have to be prepared to work insanely hard for the first couple of years. You do, however, have to learn your limitations. Tis time last year I was cutting so much, my hand was becoming like a »
P N U / y e l d a H n o m i S : s o t o h P
Clockwise from left: Louise prides herself on hand-
cutting her products – it’s what makes her work so unique and a delight to own; the cottage is filled with a collection of whimsical characters that inspire Louise’s work; Louise’s very first sale was a framed cut that she sent to a friend at a loss, and these are still some of her best-selling products
REAL LIFE
Louise’s top selling tips for Facebook Be nice and go the extra mile Good customer service when you sell online is essential. One bad review could ruin you, or at least be very damaging. You also have to be professional all the time. If a package is late I’ll always send another one out immediately – even if it means the customer ends up getting two. I have done cuts to incredibly short deadlines, but I always make sure they get there on time by using special delivery.
Network and make friends There are lots of great networking groups for crafters on Facebook, like Send In The Troops and Hike Those Likes. Some people say lots of likes don’t necessarily mean gaining sales, but they really do. It’s very simple – the more people who see your work the more potential buyers there are, as you can only sell to friends for so long.
Give stuff away for free! I do a lot o f offers and giveaways and I always make sure I’m being generous, so that the offer creates enough hype. You do have to be careful and make sure you don’t break Facebook rules, though. To be safe, I always put any competitions on my blog and link from Facebook to there. I recently ran a competition that probably cost me £50, but I ended up with 400 new likes and 800 comments, making it more than worth every penny.
Clockwise from top: Louise stays on top of her Facebook page; complex designs were almost damaging; Louise’s cottage is so idyllic
claw. Te breaking point came when I got really ill and was admitted to hospital, and Ryan ended up bringing my cutting mat in so I could finish some orders! “After years of getting annoyed at people accusing me of laser-cutting my prints rather than doing them by hand, I decided to do a laser-cut range to make some cheaper cuts. I also had cushions, cards and cups printed up, using only small businesses in the UK from Facebook (mainly other mums working from home). “Having so many followers means you can find new businesses quickly – you all help each other out. My followers are pretty fearsome, too. If someone copies my cuts, they’re very quick to tell them to stop. I’ve made hundreds of friends through Facebook, which is amazing – especially since I was never popular at school! 24
Craftseller
“Last November, myself and Amy from Paper Dreams started making and selling a range of paper-cutting starter kits. Te first batch sold out within a day, and now
“Last year I was cutting so much, my hand was becoming like a claw” we’ve sold 1,000 kits. All the cutters who sell on Facebook after learning through our kits call themselves Panda Cubs, which is lovely. With so many new cutters on the scene, I’ve had to diversify to stay unique. I’ve moved away from typography and am drawing my own designs, rather than using a computer. I didn’t have the confidence to
do it that way before, but the support from the ‘Panda Cubs’ has really spurred me on. I’ve also just started using watercolours to paint my two favourite characters – bird and bunny – and my dream is to write a children’s book filled with paper-cuts of what they’re getting up to. “If you had told me three years ago I’d be living somewhere this beautiful, selling my own cuts, I’d never have believed you – but thanks to Facebook I have a business I could only have dreamed of.” Louise Firchau Follow Louise’s latest news and check out her Paper Panda ideas at facebook.com/ PaperPandaPapercuts or shop for her intricate designs at paperpanda.bigcartel.com
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MAKE IT
30-minute make
E A K A M P R O F I T !
0 M A K E 1 0 3 FO R £
Create lots of these sweet decorations – they look fantastic in the sunshine and cost just pennies to make! By Siobhan Gough
3 FO R £1
INFORMATION
SELL MORE These can be made mad e to shoppers’ needs nee ds – garlands for parties or larger individual decorations
Materials
* Coloured wax crayons * Baking paper * Twine for hanging * Fine grater * Iron * Old tea towel Size: 7.5 x 7cm (3 x 2¾in) Skill level:
Easy
Lay a sheet of baking paper pa per on totop. p. Ir Iron on ove over r thee pap th paper er to me meltlt th the e wax. Immediately place a heavy book or weight on topp whi to whilele th thee wax wax se sets ts.. 3
Grate cra Grate crayo yons ns to make wax shavings (the finer the better), keeping the colours separ sep arat atee as as yo youu do do thi this.s. 1
Place an old tea towel and a piececee ofof bak pi bakin ingg pap paper er on an iro ironi ning ng board. Sprinkle a thin layer of shavivings sha ngs on ontoto th thee pa paper per,, mix mixin ingg thee col th colour ours.s. Ov Overl erlap ap th thee col colour ours s sligh sl ightltlyy to bl blend end th them. em. 2
Use a stencil to draw heart shape sha pess on on the the pa paper per.. Cut th the e hearts out, just inside the outline. Punch a small hole near the topp and to and th threa readd wit withh a pi piece ece of vintage-style twine to hang up. 4
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E A K A M P R O F I T !
8.5 0 £8 O R £ M A K E F
FO R £ 2 0
Treet Tre etop opss bunt buntiing This fairytale forest-print bunting with a reversible gingham side looks perfect indoors or outside, for late summer parties By Jane Tooz Tooze e
INFORMATION Materials
* 1m (40in) cotton gingham * 1m (40in) cotton woodland print * 5m (16½ft) green bias binding * 2m (80in) coloured ribbon * Green cotton thread * Sewing machine * Tape measure * Scissors * Pins * Iron and ironing board Size: 246.5cm (97in) excl. strings Skill level :
Easy
T
his sweet bunting with a traditional pattern will appeal to all ages. It’s perfect for decorating spaces at parties, with soft colours that will look great in the garden or even at harvest festivals. You can also use it to make a child’s room extra special. The cute woodland theme works well for kids and will appeal to both boys and girls. If you sell online, think about offering a made-to-order range, personalising each string for different occasions or colour schemes. The possibilities are endless…
i c r b a a f f e s s o o h C p e a l s t a p e t o t h a t a n e r yo n e v e
How to make the woodland bunting Using the flag template, cut out 20 red gingham flags and 20 woodlandprint flags. Draw around the template on the wrong side of the fabric. When cutting out, add on another 1.5cm (½in) seam allowance all the way around the flag.
Trim off excess seam allowance and snip across the bottom point to make turning easier. Turn and press each flag.
Pin together one gingham and one woodland piece of fabric, right sides facing, and sew around the two sides of the triangle, leaving the top edge open. Repeat until all flags are sewn.
Fold the bias binding in half along the length, and press, creating a channel to pin in the flags. Pin the flags at 3.5cm (1½in) intervals. Sew in place and press. Sew a length of ribbon to either end for hanging.
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TOP TIP Use offcuts of fabric left over from other projects, to keep the cost down when w hen making bunting
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SHOW US ON FACEBOOK!
We’d love to see your pretty bunting on the Craftseller Craftseller Facebook Facebook page
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S
eamstar have recently launched Craft Club, a great community for crafters everywhere! Every month subscribers receive a bundle of gorgeous craft products through their letterbox. Included in every bundle is a ‘Monthly Makeable’ so you can get crafting straight away. Here’s some more reasons to get involved with the Craft Club: 1 Crafting can be expensive. The Craft Club is a great way of getting small amounts of craft products without having to buy big packs or pieces of fabric. 2 The bundles are suitable for all levels of ability. 3 Y You ou get a lovely lovely surprise surprise through through your letterbox letterbox every month! month! All of this for just £9.99 per month. If you are interested head over to Seamstar as they only create a limited number of bundles each month. Word is, there will be some great Christmas ‘Monthly Makeables’ to get stuck into over the coming months too.
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MAKE IT
E A K A M P R O F I T !
£14 K E F O R M A
F O R £ 3 0
Stag head stunner This piece of minimalist wall art will stop your customers in their tracks. It’s definitely got the wow factor! By Annie Bellamy
Materials
* 2 x A1 sheets of thick white mountboard * Sharp craft knife * Strong glue or double-sided tape * Ring-pull (from a drinks can) Size: 20.5 x 23.5 x 33cm (8 x 21 Skill level:
Easy
e love the look of a statement stag head, and have created a minimalist design that looks very classy in any kind of setting. This traditional trophy is usually associated with country houses and the hunting-shootingfishing crowd, but our majestic mountboard beast brings the wall hanging into a new century. Gone are the glassy eyes that follow you round the room – this sleek and simple version is made from layers of mountboard to create a stylish 3D sculpture. Stand headand-shoulders above the competition by offering coloured or découpage versions!
W
INFORMATION
x 13in)
How to make the stag 1
Cut out the shapes from mountboard using the templates on page 102.
Cut along the dotted lines to make the slots that hold it all together. You will need to make sure each slot is wide enough to fit the width of the card into it (2mm), but narrow enough that the board is held tightly together – so start small, then enlarge.
One by one, add in the other pieces until your stag head is complete. Make sure that you add the antler piece one section in front of the ears.
4
Being careful not to cut through the mountboard, add two score lines to the back end of the main head piece, and bend them to create a flat edge. Add strong glue or double-sided tape to the folded ends, and mount onto a final piece of board. You can use an oval shape that will sit discretely behind, as we have done here. Alternatively, why not experiment with a more elaborate shield shape?
5
Now bend the ring-pull a little, and glue to the finished stag with the ring end bent slightly away from the flat board, so that it is easy to hang on the wall.
6
2
Once all the pieces are cut out, you 3 can begin to build the stag’s head. Start off by slotting in the very first nose piece and then the last piece, to give the finished shape some structure.
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Craftseller
TOP TIP Use a self-healing cutting mat if you can. Alternatively, a surface like a bread board will work
MAKE IT
Craftseller 33
MAKE IT
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MAKE IT
Pearly queen Keep fashion-conscious buyers happy, with this stunningg pearly Peter Pan collar By Emma Read
E A K A M P R O F I T !
3.5 0 £3 O R £ M A K E F
FO R £ 2 0
Craftseller
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MAKE IT
INFORMATION TOP TIP
Materials
* Square of beige/cream felt * 1m satin ribbon * Cotton thread * 2 long fixed pearl necklaces (or approx. 220 large pearls) * 2 loose pearl bracelets (or approx. 120 small pearls) * Copydex or strong fabric glue
Scout charity shops shop s and car boot sales for old beads, vintage buttons and lace to add to your collars
* Size: Adjustable * Skill level: Easy
eter Pan collars are popular on the high street at the moment, but who needs the mass-produc mass-produced ed ones?! Our hand-crafted version will instantly turn a plain dress or top into a cute vintage outfit that oozes femininity. It can be made in an evening from odd beads and buttons, and you can really use your creative talents to offer customers a unique look. This example uses a couple of long pearly necklaces, plus smaller pearls to fill in the gaps. Once you get the principle of making the collar, you’ll be amazed at the effects you can achieve.
P
NOW SELLING ON...
How to make the Peter Pan collar Etsy beetrims on etsy.com
Using the template on page 102, cut two felt collar shapes. Cut the satin ribbon in half, widthways. Take one felt collar piece and machine-sew one ribbon end to one tip of the felt, and the other ribbon end to the other – see photo for guide. This will be the underside of the collar.
1
Take the front felt piece. If you’re using a pearl necklace where the pearls are fixed to a thread, keep them strung to the thread and lay in place on the felt. Sew a stitch through the thread in between each
2
Folksy Hollybird Beads on folksy.com
36
Craftseller
bead. If the beads are loose, sew them on individually, first sewing the beads around the edge of the felt, then working evenly into the centre. Next, fill in the gaps with the smaller beads. Stick the back felt collar piece to the front collar piece using a thin layer of Copydex or strong fabric glue. The ribbon ends will be sandwiched in between the two layers. To seal the ends of satin ribbon and stop them from fraying, quickly and carefully sweep them over a naked flame.
3
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SELL IT
7 easy steps
Milkgirl, Lucy Anne Harding, uses her milkround customers to inspire her work
to craft sellıng frrom home f home! ! So you’re ready to take the plunge and start selling your wares from home? Great! All you need now are our top tips to help take the fear out of going it alone… By Sophie Jordan
Y
ou’ll be relieved to hear that setting up a business from home is relatively easy and cheap. Almost all small craft businesses began with talent, a work space, understanding of free marketing and a place to sell. Just be prepared to work hard, stay focused and disciplined! Our tips, expert advice and quotes are here to hold your hand while you take those first, tentative steps…
Become an expert
1
If you’re a multi-crafter, choose the skill you love and become exceptional at it. Find local courses to learn the latest techniques, like Katherine Pentney from thecannysquirrel.co.uk : “I enrolled on an evening textile design course… My eureka moment came when I was shown machine embroidery. I took to it straight away!”
Know your market
2
Check what’s on the market and make something that fits the trend, but has a unique spin. Hand out potential items to family and friends and ask for honest opinions. If you give out a short feedback form, you’ll have something to refer back to later. “I think you have to understand your market thoroughly, and have a good price range within your collection,” says screenprinter, Lucy Anne Harding from madebyhandonline.com .
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Craftseller
You can see all of Jane Booth’s pretty pottery at madeby handonline.com
the law, 3Know and the industry
Be aware of legal dos and don’ts for selling, read the Sales of Goods Act and Distance Selling Regulations in the business section at tradingstandards.gov.uk.. Join national forums tradingstandards.gov.uk like craftsforum.co.uk to get an insight into the world of craft selling, plus don’t miss all the great advice on craft-seller.com craft-seller.com..
4
Set up a workspace
If you’re serious about your business set up a craft area in your home. Potter, Jane Booth, adds: “I’m pretty happy with my own company at home most of the time, because I am doing what I love, but sometimes I do miss the social interaction of a workplace, so I make time to meet up with other makers regularly.”
SELL IT
5
Cost your products wisely
In order to make a profit, you need to know exactly what you’re spending, so get a notebook (or even a spreadsheet) and write it down! It’s important that you give everything a price, even if fabrics/materials were recycled – consider how much they would cost to replace. Designer, Petra Boase from petraboase.com advises: “Be realistic about how long it takes to produce your items. Include materials and your time – you don’t want to end up not earning anything from all your hard work.”
Petra Boase products, like these quirky cards, are always carefully costed
Katherine Pentney’s Royal Highland Show cushions look great on display together
s tory, take great pictures! 6Write a good story,
Develop a story for your business. Talk about who you are, what you love and why you started out. Passion will always attract attention and hopefully sales. Back up your story with good pictures of you, your workspace and your products. Terri Leahy from terrileahy.co.uk suggests, “have your range professionally photographed, unless you are really good with a camera. You’ll use these p hotos over and over. Get cut-out images for press features too!”
Terri Leahy’s Best In Show toy range is full of fun characters with personality
7
Market and sell
Even if your business is tiny, put together a business plan. Include what you hope to achieve for the first six months, then the first year, and how you plan to achieve it. It will keep you focused on your goals and you’ll appear more professional. Make the most of free social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest). It’s great for ‘word of mouth’ and can give your business a friendly voice, which helps with branding. Katherine Pentney from thecannysquirrel.co.uk, says: “Test the waters by selling items at craft fairs too… you will get valuable feedback about how you can improve your range.” Just make sure you get some business cards printed to take with you and give out to browsers.
Craftseller
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BAKE IT
Seasonal bakes Autumn is a bountiful month with plenty of natural ingredients in season, so pick your own and harvest a healthy return! By Jessica Sharp
We love... Using ingredients in season
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BAKE IT e’ve got three sensational bakes for you this month, using the best ingredients autumn has to offer. Make the most of food in season – it’s much cheaper, so you’ll see profits start to climb. This rich blackberry and elderflower cheesecake is a sumptuous dessert, and no one can resist a savoury pickle with a chunk of good cheddar, so don’t miss our spiced apple and fig chutney. Finally, try our amazing squash cupcakes. Tell passersby that they’re made with vegetables – they’ll be so intrigued, they’ll have to buy!
W
E K E A K M A FO R £6
Blackberry and eede derfl rflow ower er ch cheeeese seca cake ke
FO R £2
P E R
S L IC E
INGREDIENTS For the base:
* 300g (10½oz) digestive biscuits * 140g (5oz) butter, melted For the filling:
* 250g (9oz) caster sugar * 900g (2lb) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature * 50g (1¾oz) plain flour * 3 large eggs, at room temperature * 200ml (7 fl oz) soured cream, at room temperature * 1 tbsp elderflower cordial
a saucepan and put on a moderate heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, while stirring and mashing the blackberries. Cook for 5-10 mins, until the blackberries have broken down and the consistency is thick. Push the mixture through a sieve, add the elderflower cordial and leave to cool. This can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together, using an electric whisk or a freestanding mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the eggs, flour, soured cream and elderflower cordial and beat until smooth.
4
For the blackberry sauce:
* 150g (5¼oz) blackberries * 1 tbsp caster sugar * 1 tbsp elderflower cordial Special equipment:
* 23cm (9in) round springform tin Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time) Makes: 12 slices Skill level:
Moderate
Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 160ºC fan, gas mark 4. Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they resemble breadcrumbs (or put them in a freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin). Add the melted butter and mix thoroughly.
1
Press the biscuit mix into the base of a 23cm (9in) round springform tin and bake for 10-15 mins, until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely in the tin.
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Meanwhile, make the blackberry sauce. Place the blackberries and sugar in
Pour half the filling onto the base, then dot over half the sauce using a teaspoon. Top with the rest of the cheesecake mix, then dot the remaining blackberry sauce over. Use a metal skewer to swirl the sauce into the cheesecake.
5
Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 10 mins, then lower the temperature of the oven to 110ºC, 90ºC fan, gas mark ¼ and bake for a further 30 mins.
6
After this time, turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour. Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edge of the cheesecake, before covering with a large mixing bowl – these measures should prevent the surface of the cheesecake from cracking, but don’t worry if it does. Once completely cool, place the cheesecake in the fridge to set.
7
To serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin and slice it into 12 pieces. To achieve a nice clean cut, dip the knife into hot water and wipe with kitchen paper between each slice.
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BAKE IT
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BAKE IT
Spiced apple and fig chutney INGREDIENTS Ingredients
* 1kg (2¼lb) tart eating apples, eg Granny Smith * 2 large onions * 200g (7oz) dried figs * 350g (12¼oz) granulated sugar * 425ml (15 fl oz) malt vinegar * 2 tsp mixed spice * 5cm (2in) piece of fresh ginger * 1 tsp salt Time: 3
hours Makes: Approx. six jars Skill level: Easy
Peel and dice the onions into a large saucepan. Peel, core and chop the apples into the pan and top with the vinegar.
1
Chop the figs, and peel and finely grate the ginger. Add to pan with sugar, spice and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 2-2½ hours until nearly all the liquid has reduced. Stir occasionally to stop it sticking.
2
Meanwhile, sterilise six jars with airtight lids. To do this, wash in hot, soapy water then rinse and place on a baki ng tray in a pre-heated oven at 180ºC , gas 4 for 10 mins. To sterilise the lids, place in boiling water for 10 mins and dry on kitchen paper.
3
Remove jars from oven and fill with chutney.. The jars must be hot when chutney you add the chutney so they don’t crack. Wear clean oven gloves to screw the lids on. Allow to cool completely before covering and labelling. Store for at least a month before using, to allow the vinegar flavour fl avour to mellow. mellow.
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TOP TIP Ask to see if anyone an yone has an apple tree. They’re bound to have a glut of apples to sell or swap
E E K K A M £ 5 F O R
F O R .5 0 £ 2 5 R A P E R J
BAKE IT
M A A K E E F O OR £ 7 R 7
Squash cupcakes wth cream cheese icng INGREDIENTS For the cupcakes:
* 225g (8oz) squash, peeled and coarsely grated * 100g (3½oz) caster sugar * 50g (1¾oz) soft light brown sugar * 2 eggs * 125ml (4½ fl oz) light olive oil * 1 tsp vanilla extract * 150g (5¼oz) plain flour * 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda * 1 tsp ground cinnamon * 75g (2½oz) pecans, chopped * Zest of one orange For the icing:
extract, followed by the orange zest. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon in another bowl, then add this to the wet mixture, whisking until just combined. Using a large metal spoon or rubber spatula, fold in the pecans and grated squash. Divide the mixture between the cake cases and bake for approximately 25 mins or until risen and lightly browned. Leave the cakes to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3
To make the icing, beat the butter and 4 cream cheese together using a hand whisk or freestanding mixer until combined. Add the icing sugar in three batches, beating
F O OR
£ 2 E A C CH H
between each addition. Add the orange zest and colouring and mix briefly briefly.. If you want the frosting to have a rippled effect, stop mixing before the colouring is fully dispersed. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days before use, remembering to remove the frosting from the fridge about 30 mins before you wish to ice the cakes.
5
To ice the cakes, spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a wide, starshaped nozzle and pipe onto the cakes in swirls. Keep the cupcakes refrigerated and eat within three days.
6
* 175g (6¼oz) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature * 125g (4½oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature * 400g (14oz) icing sugar * Zest of one orange * Orange food colouring Special equipment
* 12-hole 12-hol e muffin tin & cases case s * Electric whisk Time: 2
hours Makes: 12 Skill level: Easy
Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 160ºC fan, gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
1
Using an electric hand whisk or freestanding mixer, mixer, beat the sugars with the eggs for a few minutes. Still whisking, slowly add the oil and vanilla
2
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GOOD CAUSES
Charity bakes From tea parties to cupcake competitions, get involved and help raise funds for these three worthwhile charities
Concern Worldwide
Everyone can take part in Bake a Difference
Bake up a storm in the kitchen to help poverty-stricken people around the world
Be inspired in the kitchen this October and join the the Bake Bake a Differenc Differencee campaign. campaign. This This fun, annual event calls on keen bakers and cake decorators to join forces and bake and sell treats to raise money.
“Make sae, nuriiou food availa ava ilable ble to all all ” Bake a Difference raises money to fund Concern Worldwide and help create a world where safe, nutritious food is available to all. It works with communities on solutions that help save lives and build livelihoods. Treat friends, family and colleagues to a feast of sweet creations. You could bake scones for a cream tea, decorate cupcakes and biscuits in a ghoulish, Halloween theme, or host a baking competition or bake sale. Gather any friends who are handy in the kitchen, then sell tickets to your event or ask tasters for a minimum donation on each purchase. Make sure you have buckets so people can offer their change! Hold your event during October – just email
[email protected] and visit concern.net to download a free starter pack including a sale poster and price tags.
48 Craftseller
Try Eric Lanlard’s lemon and coconut cupcakes at your sale
How you can help For more info on Concern Worldwide, call 020 7801 1850 or visit concern.net
GOOD CAUSES
Blind Veterans UK Take a break from biscuits, brownies and cupcakes – bake tarts for the troops!
Put your baking skills to good use this summer and throw a Tarts for Troops party. Blind Veterans Veterans UK is behind this tasty initiative – they’re asking crafters to create a range of mouthwatering treats and sell them to raise funds to help improve the lives of blind veterans. The charity believes that no one who has served our country should battle blindness alone, and offers lifetime practical and emotional support, getting ex-service men and women back on their feet and helping them to live an independent and fulfilling life. Whether it’s a Bakewell, lemon or savoury cheese tart that tickles your tastebuds, get baking to help this fabulous cause. It’s easy to take part. Decide what sort of event you want to hold – it could be a bake-off between colleagues, a Tarts
Host a Tarts and Tea Party to raise much-needed funds
and Tea Party at your craft club, a coffee morning in your community or a gourmet tart dinner party for your sophisticated friends! Once you’ve chosen a venue, date and time, put up posters, promote it on social media and send out personal invites. Now comes the fun part – dust off those cookbooks and get baking! You can find a whole host of delicious recipes on tartsfortroops.org.uk for inspiration.
Rainbo Rai nbow w Trust
How you can help Find out more about Blind Veterans UK at blindveterans.org.uk
Make your bakes colourful to appeal to children and adults
Take advantage of that extra hour – get your craft club baking when the clocks go back!
When the clocks go back this October, put that extra hour to use and join The Big Hour Cake Sale. The campaign, run by Rainbow Trust, aims to inspire people across the UK to get baking to support the families who understand how just precious a single hour can be. Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides care and support to families when their child has a life -threatening or terminal illness. It offers emotional and practical help to families around the clock, helping them cope with the present and prepare for the future. Rainbow Trust relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, and that’s where your baking skills come in.
Have fun with friends and bake Tarts for Troops
So, whip up an old favourite or try something new, then hold a Big Hour Cake Sale. Get your craft club together for an extra hour and sell cakes to members, or turn it into a coffee afternoon. Share photos of your event on Rainbow Trust’s social media pages, @RainbowT @RainbowTrustCC rustCC on Twitter and facebook.com/rainbowtrust. Heather Wood, Wood, chief executive of Rainbow Trust says: “Many of us lead busy
lives and an hour can pass without noticing. For families who have a sick child, time is so precious. I think baking a cake is a great way to show your support.” suppor t.”
How you can help Find out more at Rainbow Trust’s social media pages, @RainbowTrustCC on Twitter and facebook.com/rainbowtrust
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E A K A M P R O F I T !
O R £1 M A K E F
FO R £3
Happy Halloween Be prepared and make sure all the local kids have a funky card to take to Halloween parties next month. By Annie Bellamy
INFORMATION Materials * Craftseller papers and tags
* White card or blanks * Orange ink * Orange, red and brown card * Coloured pencils * Lace scrap * Brown embroidery thread * Scissors and glue
TOP TIP Practise drawing your pumpkin a couple of times before you cut out a final version to add to your card
* Size: 10.5 x 14.8cm (4¼ x 5¾in) and 14.8cm x 14.8cm (5¾ x 5¾in) * Skill level: Easy
H
alloween hasn’t always been a big celebration in the UK but with more and more Brits joining in the fun every year and the global reach that many online marketplaces have, there are plenty of reason to stock up on a batch of these quirky cards for the October festivities. We’ve used our autumn-themed apple papers as the backdrop for this greeting but if you want to add some truly spooky crafts to your range there are plenty of scary papers on sale. Plus turn to page 59 for the cutest Back to School card for anyone who’s enjoying their first day at school this month. Good luck!
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How to to make make the the ‘Happy Hal Hallowe loween’ en’ card Cut a piece of white card to a finished size of 10.5 x 14.8cm (4½ x 5¾in) and cover the with apple paper. Cut a square of white card, round the corners and ink the edges in orange. Stick to the card. 1
Cut a simple pumpkin shape from orange card and draw in some detail using a pencil, stick to the white square. 2
Cut a stalk shape from brown card and add to the pumpkin. Trim the bottom of the card with a length of lace. 3
Print out the words ’happy halloween’ using a spooky font and orange colour. Cut the words into a strip, colour the edges using matching ink or crayon and then stick down, overlapping the white square. » 4
8 PAGES
of exclusive designs
Au A utumn days PAPER COLLECTION
s y a d n m u t u A N O I T C E L L O C R E P A P
A u t u m n d a y s
P A P E R C O L L E C T I O N
s y a d n m u t u A N O I T C E L L O C R E P A P
A u t u m n d a y s
P A P E R C O L L E C T I O N
s y a d n m u t u A N O I T C E L L O C R E P A P
A u t u m n d a y s
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s y a d n m u t u A N O I T C E L L O C R E P A P
MAKE IT
E A K A M P R O F I T !
O R £1 M A K E F
FO R £ 2
Back to school Mark the first day at school with a sweet design and a heartfelt tag to send nervous new pupils on their way. By Annie Bellamy
How to make the ‘Special Day’ card Cut a piece of white card to 14.8 x 14.8cm (5¾ x 5¾in). Carefully cut the front half into an apple shape. 1
Cover with the red and white mushroom patterned paper. Cut out a rectangle of red card, round the corners and stick down as shown. Then add a smaller rectangle of apple patterned paper. paper. 2
Cut out the special day tag and tie a piece of brown embroidery thread through the hole, then stick into place. 3
Print out ‘at school’, cut into a strip, then stick onto the tag. To finish off, cut a stalk from brown card and stick to the back of the apple shape to form the apple stalk. 4
TOP TIP Create a template for the apple shape so you get it right first time and don’t waste valuable card
Craftseller 59
Handmade CHRISTMAS EDITION
BR AN D D
N E EW ! W ! J U US T
Don’t miss out! 48 festive projects for your home, plus on-trend looks and ideas for the perfect crafty Christmas
O r d de
£ 7 . 9 9 9 I N NC P &P
Handy step-bystep guides for every project
N O OW W
Inside this this iss issue: Pretty knitted bunting Edible tree treats Stylish table linen Fabulous floral wreath Cute crochet stockings
Sewing expert May Martin discusses the next series of the Great British Sewing Bee , shares her most treasured make and reveals her top tips!
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Call on 0844 844 0388 and quote ‘Handmade Xmas 13’ Online at www.subscribeonline.co.uk/magazinespecials Lines open weekdays 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1795 414 676. Eur price £9.99 Rest of world price £10.99. All prices include P&P
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MAKE IT
Muy makes These ladybirds rock! They’re quick to make from pebble collections and will brighten up any craft stall By Wendy Massey
E A K A M P R O F I T !
4 £4 £ E T FO R M A K E S
FO R £15
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MAKE IT
Craftseller
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SEW ITIT MAKE
INFORMATION Materials * Smooth pebbles * Acrylic paint in a selection of colours and white * Fine permanent marker pen * Clear varnish Size: Varies Skill level:
Easy
hese ladybirds are so versatile – transform the tiny ones into fridge magnets, medium ones work well as paperweights and large ladybirds are perfect door stops. Any size, they make great garden ornaments, too! These little critters will especially appeal to children, so emphasise the gift potential here, and maybe sell each one with its own little drawstring bag. This way you can command a higher price and make a comfy profit. Use acrylic paint for a long-lasting finish, and apply clear varnish as double protection from scratches and knocks.
T
How to make the ladybid rocks 1
Paint the top of each pebble with white acrylic paint, leaving the underneath unpainted. If there are any areas you would like to be left as a natural pebble pe bble colour, mark out and leave those unpainted too. Allow to dry. Paint the underneath of each pebble white. Leave to dry. 2
Paint the pebble in your chosen main colour. Allow to dry and repeat. Once dry, colour. paint the bottoms of the pebbles to match and leave to dry again. Paint patterns onto the pebbles as required – dots, flowers, hearts, swirls or stars are all good options.
3
Paint a face by first painting two white eyes, then embellishing them when dry with eyelashes and irises. You can do the same with the mouth by painting a white smiling shape and adding the lip details afterwards. 4
Finish by outlining the painted shapes with a fine marker pen – a Sharpie works well as it writes on almost any surface. If your pebbles are intended for an outdoor space, paint them with two-three coats of outdoor-quality varnish. While not absolutely necessary, it will make your paintwork withstand the weather for much longer!
TOP TIP You won’t need ne ed much paint for this project so once you’ve invested in a set it’ll last you a while
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We design and make our own range of Dorset button kits, from simple buttons to beautiful pieces of jewellery. We hold workshops felting, knitting, crochet, crochet, button making, spinning and lots of other wool related craft. We provide a personal service to help you, from choosing your next project to fixing that dropped stitch.
Studio 11, The Fairground Craft a nd Design Ce ntre, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN Tel: 07738 534164
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Fab fre freebi ebie es
OF PRIZES TO T O WI WIN N
Be inspired by these gorgeous giveaways, giveaways, and enter today for your chance to walk away with a fab prize!
4
3 prizes
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TO WIN!
1Enter for a chance to win one of 30 copie s 3 We have five tubes of specialist Seams YOUR HANDMADE MARKETPLACE
of The Handmade Marketplac Marketplace e by Kari Chapin (£11.99 (£1 1.99). ). Perfect for the beginner be ginner or the pro. Visit storey.com TO ENTER, text KARI followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
2Two lucky readers will win a Homecrafts
GET SILKY MITTS
Hand Cream (£9.50) (£9.50) to give away. It helps soften, strengthen, mend and protect, and the non-greasy formula is perfect for crafters! Visit seamsbeauty.co.uk To enter, text SEAMS followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
TEXTILE PRINTING FUN
textile printing pack (£90), with everything you need to create unique textiles and prints! Visit homecrafts.co.uk To enter, text LINO followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
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4
SHARE NICKI’S KNOW-HOW Enter for a chance to win one of t hree £50 vouchers to spend on a Crochet or Knitting Workshop. You’ll learn from author Nicki Trench in a friendly, relaxed environment just outside Lewes. With lots of homemade
refreshments and practice materials, it will make a great gift, or a day out for you! Visit nickitrench.com To enter, text NICKI followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
5
WANDER IN THE WOODS Win one of two complete Enchanted Forest fabric collections, worth £45 (£11/m) – enough to make a gorgeous double quilt! It’s designed by Phylida Coroneo and inspired by her childhood memories of Somerset. Visit thefabricloft.co.uk To enter, text ENCHANTED followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
WIN W IN IITT
7
8
6 HALLOWEEN MAGIC You could win one of three fantastic tool sets from Dremel. Dremel. Each set include includess a Dremel 3000 kit including 15 accessories, a Detailer’s Grip and the Drill D rill Bit Set 628, worth £75 in total! Now try the project on craft-seller.com Visit dremel.co.uk To enter, enter, text DREMEL followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
6
PRACTICAL VINTAGE STYLE Want a sturdy sewing basket or stash box? Look no further than this one from Dotcomgiftshop (£25), which is both pretty and practical. We have six store-alls to give away, so enter now for your c hance to win! Visit dotcomgiftshop.com To enter, text STASH followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
7
EXPRESS DELIVERY Tired of lugging around your makes and materials? Then enter to win a Tote Exp ress (£125). (£1 25). It offers big storage space, plus wheeled transport that you can separate for smaller tasks, or use as a two-layer carry-all. Visit readicut.co.uk To enter, text TOTE followed by your name, address and email to 87474*
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Terms and conditions for giveaways: *The Promoter is Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited. Entrants must be UK residents aged 18 years or older. Texts will be charged at 25p plus your standard network tariff rate. To enter by post: write your name, address and chosen freebie on the back of a postcard and send to: Craftseller 28, Immediate Media Company, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive newsletters, offers and promotions by post, email and telephone from Immediate Media Company Ltd and the prize providers sending offers and newsletters to you by post, email or phone. You can unsubscribe from these at any time. If you do not want to receive this information please add the words ‘NO INFO’ at the end of your text message or write ‘NO INFO’ on your postcard. Closing date for entries is 11.59pm on 30/09/13. For the full terms and conditions visit craft-seller.com/competitions
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CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY
Diary of a craft selling mum Every month, craft seller and mum of two, Erica Martyn, who makes toys for her business Odds & Soxlets, invites us into her world…
Alll ab Al abou outt me I am 34 years old, and mum to three-year three-year-old -old Harry and baby girl Lottie Rose! I have a husband called Martin and a naughty but very sweet 12-year-old Yorkshire Yorkshir e Terrier called Mr Biggles. We live in Dorset and I began my business in M ay 2011. I’m still learning heaps, while at the same time juggling home life, finances and the needs and demands of my growing family and my customers…
Day 1 oday is the day I am going to get hashtagged up! I need to get to grips with witter. I love Facebook and blogging but witter, despite the fact that I signed up nearly two years ago, has always left me feeling a bit of a twit. I don’t quite get it but everyone says it’s a great way to network and promote your business so maybe it’s time to tackle it. Deep breath… I’m off a-tweeting!
Te new Kitty Cat motif is so cute on a babygro
Day 3
TH T HIS MONTH Crafty makes – 35 Craft Fairs – 1 * Sales – 22 * New product ideas – 3 * Tweeting – 6 hours *
Wow, #love tweeting! Yes, I’m a convert. Wow, witter can be wonderful – it’s true. Feel free to R (which means retweet and not Radio imes as I previously thought). I’ve already discovered #dorsethour which is a great way for me to network locally. here’s also #handmadehour every Wednesday Wednesda y between 7.30-8.30pm which is a great way to showcase your crafty makes and make yourself known when retailers are looking for handcrafted products. hrough using witter I’ve already picked up two clients – one for a bespoke painted bag and another for a couple of dolls. Not bad for a couple of hours work! Finding the time can be a struggle but I realise just an hour a week can be really beneficial.
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Day 9 Lottie had her first wedding (my sister in-law, Lucy’s) today and was a dream! She spent most of the day happily gurgling
Harry’s new t-shirt matches Lottie’s Kitty Cat babygro
CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY
Teses baby sock monkeys sold really well at the school fair
outfits that co-ordinate with my new Kitty Cat dolls with little tutu skirts. I got to work immediately. First I appliquéd a baby vest with Lottie’s Kitty Cat toy’s head onto the front, then I added a frilly tutu skirt using some co -ordinating fabric in-between gorgeous lace. hen I did a boy’s t-shirt version for Harry with his cat doll’s head and customised both with their names on the back using my new printing equipment. I took Lottie out today in the outfit and already picked up an order from a friend, so it looks like my weird dream is a winner! Harry helped Erica at the school fair
or sleeping soundly. She looked so adorable in her skull and crossbones polka dot dress that I made last month – and I attached a matching Dinkie Dollie cat taglet to her pram to keep her occupied when she did wake up.
Day 16 his recent spell of hot weather has been awful for poor Lottie and, in turn, for me too! She cannot sleep – I’ve done everything I can think of including fans, cool baths, limited clothing. I posted a Facebook update saying as much and someone suggested popping the sheet in the fridge before bedtime. Great advice! Her not sleeping has thrown my schedule out of kilter a bit, but hopefully we’ll be back on track now and I can carry on making.
Day 24 Came home shattered today – felt like I’d run a marathon and then gone on to swim the Channel. It was actually Harry’s school fair to raise money for our local primary school. I don’t do many fairs and I thought this would be a fun way to spend the afternoon. Wrong! My stall was next to the face painting, which gave me a huge footfall and lots of inquisitive children asking lots of lovely questions. I’d made heaps of smaller items, like my baby sock monkeys and sock charms, and they sold really well. What I was also reminded of is that fairs aren’t just about about sales sales – they’re a great way to do market research as well. Right, I’m off to check my witter feed. Catch up with you all next month!
Day 18 Erica is going to add t-shirt printing to her range of crafts
Little Lottie looks adorable in her Day of Te Dead outfit
I am so excited! I bought a secondhand t-shirt printing plotter and heat press, which will mean I can design and print t-shirts from home now, as well as add branding and personalisation to my coordinating products. In the past I’ve tried hand-sewing appliqué names but the material puckers and never looks as clean, neat or as professional as the vinyl printing. he process is so simple and even though the machine cost me about £400, I’m hoping to get a return on it eventually.
Day 22 Last night I had a dream involving dancing cats – which gave me the idea to make
Erica’s dream inspired Lottie’s new babygro
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UPCYCLE IT
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UPCYCLE IT
E A K A M P R O F I T !
R £4.35 M A K E FO
FO R £8
From junk to funk Turn kids’ wellies into bright plant pots that’ll earn you some bootiful profits! By Claire Watkins
INFORMATION Materials * Wellies, old or new * Compost for pots or containers * Plants * Drill or screwdriver * Pebbles or broken terracotta plant pots Size: Varies Skill level:
Easy
W
e love the idea of taking something ordinary and turning it into something really special, and the quirkiness of this project is bound to pull in the punters. These cute welly planters are a great little upcycling project, but equally as good with new wellies. For those with green fingers, you can grow plants from seed for extra savings, or take cuttings from well-established plants at home to really reap the revenue. We’ve planted herbs in our wellies, which will fit a kitchen window sill. Offer them as pairs or single planters, and customise plain wellies by painting them in bright colours. A perfect autumn make!
NOW SELLING ON...
Etsy HalfGlassed on etsy.com
How to make the welly planters
TOP TIP Ask local schools schoo ls or nurseries for old wellies, and offer offe r a donation to the PTA from your profits
Remove any sole insert in the bottom of the welly. Clean thoroughly. Drill or push a screwdriver into the sole to make a few drainage holes. Be careful not to damage the sides or the top of the boot.
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Coriandr Anne10 on coriandr.com
Place a few pebbles or broken bits of old terracotta pot into the bottom. Fill with compost, leaving enough room for the plant. Place plant in the top and fill with compost around the root ball. Water well.
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KNIT IT
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KNIT IT
Creature comforts Get ready for autumn with these fun accessories that will swoop woop off off your shelves. Knit them all, and sell as a set! By Susanne Frank
E A K A M P R O F I T !
R £ 25 M A K E FO £6 0 S E T £ FO R £5 0 -
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KNIT IT Row 32: p in green. Rows 33-52: follow the pattern chart, continuing with pink outside of the motif. Use separate pink bobbins and make sure you keep the stitches nice and tight. Cast off.
INFORMATION Maa
* 150g Rowan Pure Wool Aran in Vert (686) and Burlesque (689), plus a small amount of white and black Aran yarn from your stash * 5mm (UK 6, US 8) knitting needles * 5mm (UK 6, US 8) double-pointed needles * 7mm (UK 2) and 8mm (UK 0, US 11) knitting needles * Stitch holder or large safety pin * Tapestry needle * 8 small black buttons or beads
Finish the thumb Row 1: place the 11sts from the stitch holder onto double-pointed needles and using pink, knit across them. Pick up 5sts from the cast-on sts. Divide sts evenly on your needles. 16sts. Rows 2-8: k in pink, cast off.
Size: Gloves: 22cm (8.5in) long, 10cm
(4in) wide (excl thumb), to fit a medium/large woman’s hand Hat: 23cm (9in) high, 50cm (20in) circumference Scarf: 160cm (62in) x 15cm (6in) Skill level: Moderate
O
wls have proven to have enduring appeal, so tap into this trend with our cute set of knitted beret, ribbed scarf and fingerless gloves! You can use a yarn of your you r choice, but we’d recommend opting for a high-quality yarn to set your products apart from cheaper, novelty knits. Soft green and pink will brighten up grey autumn days, and we’ve used bigger needles for the hat and scarf to achieve a lovely soft texture. It's a good idea to price the items individually, but give a discount for the whole set to really entice buyers to spend!
ABBREVIATIONS k: k2tog: p: p2tog: m1: st(s): st st:
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knit knit 2sts together purl purl 2sts together make one stitch by picking up horizontal bar in between stitches stitch(es) stocking stitch
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Fingerless gloves Before you start: make two small bobbins each from the pink yarn and the green yarn. You’ll need several strands of yarn for the intarsia motif.
Right glove Using 5mm needles and green, cast on 34sts. Row 1: (k1, p1) to end. Row 2: (k1, p1) to end. Repeat to row 16 until you have 16 rows of ribs. Row 17: k in pink. Row 18: p in pink. Row 19: k in green. Row 20: p in green.
Start thumb gusset Row 21: in pink k18, m1, k1, m1, k15. 36sts. Row 22: p in pink. Row 23: in green k18, m1, k3, m1, k15. 38sts. Row 24: p in green. Row 25: in pink k18, m1, k5, m1, k15. 40sts. Row 26: p in pink. Row 27: in green k18, m1, k7, m1, k15. 42sts. Row 28: p in green. Row 29: in pink k18, m1, k9, m1, k15. 44sts. Row 30: p in pink. Row 31: in green k18, place 11sts on stitch holder, cast on 2sts using the backwards loop method, k15. 35sts.
Right ear Using pink, pick up 4sts for the right ear at the right-hand edge. You’re facing the front of the owl when you pick up the stitches. Row 1: p. Row 2: k. Row 3: p. Row 4: k2tog twice. 2sts. Break strand, thread through remaining sts and pull together. Turn the knit over and do the same from the other side. Sew the two parts of the ear together and darn in the loose ends. Left ear Pick up 4sts for the left ear (above left eye). Row 1: p. Row 2: k. Row 3: p. Row 4: k2tog twice. 2sts. Break strand, thread through remaining sts and pull together. Turn the knit over and do the same from the other side. Sew the two parts of the ear together and darn in the loose ends.
Left glove Knit in the same way as the right glove until row 20.
Start thumb gusset Row 21: in pink k15, m1, k1, m1, k18. 36sts. Row 22: p in pink. Row 23: in green k15, m1, k3, m1, k18. 38sts. Row 24: p in green. Row 25: in pink k15, m1, k5, m1, k18. 40sts. Row 26: p in pink. Row 27: in green k15, m1, k7, m1, k18. 42sts. Row 28: p in green. Row 29: in pink k15, m1, k9, m1, k18. 44sts. Row 30: p in pink.
KNIT IT Row 31: in green k15, place 11sts on stitch holder, cast on 2sts using the backwards loop method, k18. 35sts. Row 32: p in green. Rows 33-52: Follow the pattern chart, continuing with pink outside of the motif. Use separate pink bobbins and make sure you keep the stitches nice and tight. Cast off.
Making up Sew each eye onto the hat and sew a button in the middle of each eye. Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, make a few horizontal stitches for the beak.
S 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 23 22 21 20 19 18
Scarf
17 16
Rib pattern: (k2, p2) to end.
15 14 13
Making up Close the side seam on each glove. g love. Darn in loose ends. Sew a black button in the middle of each eye.
Hat Ha t Using 7mm needles and green, cast on 72sts. Rows 1-2: (k1, p1) to end in green. Rows 3-4: (k1, p1) to end in pink. Rows 5-6: (k1, p1) to end in green. Rows 7-8: (k1, p1) to end in pink. Rows 9-10: (k1, p1) to end in green. Break green strand, continue in pink. Row 11: (k3, m1) to last 3sts, k1, m1, k2. 96sts. Change to 8mm needles. Rows 12-36: (k2, p2) to end. Row 37: k2, (p1, k2tog, k1, p2, k2) to last 6sts, p1, k2tog, k1, p2. 84sts. Row 38: knit sts as they appear. app ear. Row 39: k1, (k1, k2tog, k1, p1, k2tog) to last 6sts, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog. 60sts. Row 40: knit sts as they appear. app ear. Row 41: k2, k2tog, (k1, k2tog, k2tog) to last st, k1. 37sts. Row 42: p. Row 43: (k1, k2tog) to last st, k1. 25sts. Row 44: p. Row 45: (k2tog) to last st, k1. 13sts. Row 46: (p2tog) to last st, p1. 7sts. Cut off yarn, leaving a long tail. Pull sts st s together and close side seam. Darn in loose ends.
Using 8mm needles and pink, cast on 32sts. Work in rib pattern as follows: Rows 1-2: pink. Rows 3-4: green. Rows 5-6: pink. Rows 7-8: green. Rows 9-10: pink. Rows 11-33: Follow the pattern chart, continuing with green rib pattern outside of the motif. Use separate pink and green bobbins and make sure you keep the stitches nice and tight. Row 34: Continue in green rib pattern. When your scarf measures 140cm (55in), alternate two rows pink with two rows green until you have 10 pink stripes. Cast off.
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Righ glove 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42
Making up Darn in loose ends. Sew a black button in the middle of each eye. Add fringes to the edges of the scarf.
41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33
Le glove 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 52 51 50 49 48 47 46
Eyes Using 7mm needles and white, pick up 4sts above the rib. Row 1: p. Row 2: k1, m1, k2, m1, k1. 6sts. Row 3: p. Row 4: k1, m1, k4, m1, k1. 8sts. Rows 5-9: Work in st st. Row 10: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6sts. Row 11: purl. Row 12: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4sts. Cast off. Knit a second eye in the same sa me way.
45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33
Ch key Green
Pink
Black
White
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SELL IT
You’ve made it, now sell it... Read our top tips to help you sell your snuggly owl set
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Be allergy aware! Lots of people are allergic to pure wool, so make up some sets using kinder yarns, like bamboo.
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Make a child-size version. Little ones will love this sweet set. Just swap the buttons for stitching to ensure your items are kid-safe!
3
Experiment with different stitches. Beginners can use a simple stocking stitch, while advanced knitters can attempt a pretty but tricky cable pattern.
4
Play around with colour. Try autumnal hues or contrasting brights – make a note of the best sellers and whip up a few extra in those tones.
5
When displaying items, group as single items as well as a set – not everyone will want all three makes, so don't limit your buyers' options.
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Pin smart. Owls are everywhere this season, so publicise your makes to a global audience on Pinterest.
Include washing instructions, i nstructions, as wool's a notorious shrinker and buyers want to keep items for years to come. Charge for added extras. Wrap in tissue paper and pop in a simple white box for a g ift-on-the-go. Add appliqué detail to gloves for a pop of interest. It's on-trend and will showcase your crafting talent! Attract the Christmas crowd by labelling your items as 'Festive gifts' or 'Christmas gift sets'.
NOW SELLING ON...
Etsy: Owl Fairisle Scarf in Winter White and Grey by Clovaknits, £50
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Craftseller
Etsy: Blue Owl Scarf with Pockets by Afra, £33.42
Etsy: Cute Owl Face Knitted Baby Hat by BijouBabies, £24.85
SELL IT
Blog it!
Find out how a blog can help transform your crafting into the career you want…By want…By Holly Johnson Craftseller 79
SELL IT
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hink of a ny successful successful craft business and you’re guaranteed to find them online - they will no doubt have a website, a blog, a Facebook page and a witter account - because the more ways they can reach their audience, the better. A blog, in particular, gives you a great platform to showcase your talents and engage an audience in your brand. Some of the best crafty bloggers have even gone on to write books and win awards. One such success story is Maggy Woodley, who runs redtedart.com – a colourful craft site for kids. Maggy won the UK Craft Parenting Blog of the Year in 2011 and 2012 at the Mum and Dad Blog Awards (MADS), and her site now gets up to 600,000 page views per month. “A blog provides that instant online presence,” says Maggy. “It’s a great way to connect with your customers, share your wares and establish your brand. My blog has led to my first book being published – Red Ted Art, Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids
(published by Square Peg, £15.99).” A blog is also a great way to find an online community - after all, crafting can sometimes be a solitary business, and it helps to build a support network. “Fellow craft bloggers are a great resource for exchanging tips and ideas,” says Maggy, who also uses her blog as a way to try out new crafts to see what response she gets – a kind of ‘market research’ tool (and a confidence booster if you get nice feedback). “You “You can see what works and a nd Blogging success led to a surprise book deal for Maggy Woodley from redtedart.com
“I began crafting in 2009, towards the end of my degree in photography photog raphy.. Te following year I took Holly Becker’s blogging course, and I haven’t looked back,” says Claire. Holly Becker is i s a worldrenowned worldrenowned blogger who receives 48,000 hits a day at decor8blog.com.. Her ecourses (available decor8blog.com through her site) cover everything from online etiquette to blogging trends.
Te good blog guide
Maggy knows the importance of using great photography to entice browsers to stop by
what doesn’t. My crafting skills have definitely grown through my blog.”
Getting started If you’re you’re worried you’ll need technical techn ical knowledge or programming expertise, don’t be. Sites like Blogger.com and
“My blog has led to my first book being published!” Wordpress.com enable you to quickly and easily create your own blog using a choice of templates, which can be customised using different fonts, colours and backgrounds. You don’t need to pay anything, unless you want to use an upgraded template or specific domain name. “It’s very easy to sta rt a blog,” Maggy tells us. “It did take me a while to learn how to use it, but on the whole it is pretty self - explanatory and user friendly.” Another craft blogger who has built a mini empire with minimum expertise is Claire Donovan at hearthandmade. co.uk. Her beautiful and inspiratio inspirational nal site is packed full of styling ideas and craft tutorials, and now receives around 6,000 hits a day. It also won Cosmopolitan magazine’s magazi ne’s Blog Blog of the Year award for the DIY and Crafts category in 2012.
So what does it take to create a successful blog? “Dedication to blogging often is important,” importa nt,” says Claire. “It’s “It’s also important to be able to connect with potential customers. Having a blog full of good, relevant content keeps you in touch with people and keeps them on your site longer. It also means you can share designs, old and new, which opens th e door for custom orders and new clients.” cl ients.” A blog post should be considered carefully. careful ly. Decide what you’re you’re going to ta lk about and, if you’ you’re re not a confident w riter, keep your posts short and let your images do the talking. “A very important aspect for doing well in blogging is good photos,” says Maggy. “You want to make your crafts look appealing appealin g and your photos are a re key.” key.” Tink about varying your posts, perhaps including the odd ‘stepbystep’ tutorial (which are really popular and could drive more traffi c to your blog), as well as li nkin nkingg to craftled content you’ you’ve ve seen elsewhere. el sewhere. Linking out is important, as this enables Google to find you for online searches. Another great use for a blog is to build excitement about upcoming designs giving people a sneak preview of a new range, for example. Use witter to tweet about it and include a link to your blog post. Wordpress and Blogger both h ave a ‘site stats’ option, so you can see wh ich posts have been popular. Finally, ensure your blog is easy to read. “Choose a strong blog design that isn’t cluttered,” advises Claire. People are quick to click on to something else if it doesn’t capture their imagination straight away.” Start setting aside half an hour a day for your blog and social media and, who knows maybe one day you, too, will have a book with your name on it.
SELL IT 1
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5 of the best craftselling blogs 1 FLOSSIETEACAKES.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK
Mum of two, Florence, blogs about fabulous fabrics and her sewing obsession. She also sells her cute sewing patterns from the blog. 2 THROUGH-THE-ROUND-WINDOW.BLOGSPOT. CO.UK
A great example of a simple yet effective blog – Flora designs stained-glass items and shares details of projects she’s working on, as well as other pretty things she’s come across. 3 PLANETPENNY.CO.UK
Take a trip into the woolly world of Planet Penny for recipes, tutorials and a link to her colourful Etsy shop. 4 VERYBERRYHANDMADE.CO.UK
Crafter Ali sells Liberty Tana Lawn fabric and shares her love of sewing, crochet, baking, gardening and more on her info-packed site. 5 LUCYKATECRAFTS.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK
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Tips and creative inspiration from Amy Adams, who makes unique patchwork, sweet soft toys and stylish appliqué creations.
Sharing lifestyle stories or insights into your life will make your blog an i nteresting read 2 Use your blog to offer sneak previews or tutorials as a way to engage your audience 3 Claire Donovan’s blog won Cosmopolitan mag DIY/Craft Blog of the Year in 2012 4 Maggy Woodley uses her blog to showcase her best sellers and family craft projects 5 Hearthandmade.co.uk is filled with stunning ideas and tutorials for crafting and styling 1
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CROCHET IT
Woodland friends If you go down to the woods today, be sure to invite these cute critters critters to join your craft range – they'll be snapped up! By Liz Ward rd
E A K A M P R O F I T !
O R £5 M A K E F
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CROCHET IT
INFORMATION Mtrl * 50g Rico Design Essential Cotton DK in Red Brick (072), Beige (091), Taupe (081), Nature (051), Dark Grey (045) and Grey (025) * 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) crochet hook * 6mm and 9mm safety toy eyes * Wool Wool and embroidery needle * Toy stuffi s tuffi ng * Brown embroidery thread * Felt in pink, peach, mint, blue, brown, cream and reddish brown * Fabric glue * Small buttons Size: 10 x 5cm (4 x 2in) Skill level:
Moderate
s summer comes to a close, the woodland critters come out to play! These stylised woodland amigurumi creatures are simple to make, and brought to life with little details and flowery accents. Using only small amounts of yarn, these chaps and chapettes are perfect stash busters and a sure-fire way to boost your profit. They're also easy to customise and personalise by changing colours, tails and ears, so you can use this pattern to make virtually any critter your shoppers desire!
A
ABBREVIATIONS dc double crochet st(s) stitch(es) dc2tog double crochet the next two stitches together BLO work in the back loop of the stitch only
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Hw t mk t wl rtr Basic body Using 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) crochet hook and main yarn colour. Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts. Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 18sts. Round 3: (dc in the first five sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 21sts. Round 4: dc in each st to the end. 21sts. Round 5: (dc in the first six sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 24sts. Round 6: dc in each st to the end. 24sts. Round 7: (dc in the first seven sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 27sts. Round 8: dc in each st to the end. 27sts. *Mark this round.* Round 9: (dc in the first eight sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 30sts. Round 10: dc in each st to the end. 30sts. Round 11: (dc in the first nine sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 33sts. Round 12: dc in each st to the end. 33sts. Round 13: (dc in the first ten sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 36sts. Rounds 14-23: 23dc in each st to the end. 36sts. Round 24: (dc2tog, dc in next four sts); repeat to end. 30sts. Round 25: (dc2tog, dc in next three sts); repeat to end. 24sts. Round 26: (dc2tog, dc in next two sts); repeat to end. 18sts. *Insert the toy eyes now.* Round 27: (dc2tog, dc in next st); repeat to end. 12sts. *Stuff the body now.* Round 28: (dc2tog); repeat to end. 6sts. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull through loop to secure. Using a wool needle, weave the yarn through the last six sts and pull tight to close. Weave in yarn ends and cut off remaining yarn.
Bunny Make body in Beige yarn. Place 9mm eyes on marked round, 6sts apart.
Er (mk 2) Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.
s t i n g a r t n n o c c e s U e x t r a r e y a r n f fo r t e x t u r e
Round 2: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 15sts. Rounds 3-4: dc in each st around. 15sts. Rounds 5-11: dc2tog, dc in next and each following st to end. 8sts at end of round 11. Round 12: dc in each st around. 8sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Cut bunny ear inners out of cream felt and glue, then sew, to the ear. Sew ears in place on the bunny’s head.
Tl Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts. Round 2: dc in each st around. 12sts. Round 3: dc in each st around. 12sts. Round 4: (dc2tog); repeat to end. 6sts. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull through loop to secure. Stuff slightly. Use the photo as a guide and sew the tail in place on the body. Cut the face shape out of cream felt. Glue onto the bunny’s face and sew a line of brown embroidery thread in the middle.
Hedgehog Using Nature, start with 4dc into magic ring. 4sts. Rounds 1-5: 2dc in the first st, (dc in each st) to the end. 9sts at the end of round 8. Round 6: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 12sts. *Mark this round with a stitch marker.* Round 7: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 15sts.
CROCHET IT
Round 8: (dc in the first four sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 18sts. Round 9: (dc in the first five sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 21sts. Continue from round 5 of main body pattern, but work every stitch in the back loop of the stitch only (BLO throughout).
Spi Use Taupe yarn and start at the head end, on round 5 of main body pattern, and working in the loops created by BLO rows. Rounds 5-28: (2ch, 1dc) in each st to the end. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull through loop to secure. Weave in yarn ends and cut off remaining yarn. Cut nose from brown felt, then glue and sew.
Fox Fo x Make body in Red Brick yarn. Pause at round 26 to create face. Cut large face shape out of cream felt and face detail out of reddish felt. Glue and sew the face onto the cream base. Cut holes out for the eyes. Place the 6mm eyes through the holes and through the stitches on the marked round of the body. Secure in place at back with the washers. Glue and sew the face to the body and cut the nose out of brown felt,
then glue and sew this in place as well.
Ti Working in BLO throughout, with Nature, work 4dc into magic ring. 4sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 8sts. Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 12sts. Round 3: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 15sts. Round 4-6: dc in each st around. 15sts. Change to Red Brick yarn at end of round 6. Rounds 7-13: dc2tog, dc in next and each following st to end. 8sts at end of round 11. Rounds 14-15: dc in each st around. 8sts. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull through loop to secure. Stuff slightly. slightly. Use the photo as a guide and sew tail in place on the body.
E (mk 2) With Red Brick yarn, work 4dc into magic ring. 4sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 8sts. Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 12sts. Round 3: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 15sts. Rounds 4-6: dc in each st around.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Cut fox ear inners out of cream felt and glue, then sew, to the ear. Sew ears in place on fox’s head.
Racoon Make body in Grey yarn. Pause at round 26 to create face. Cut eye mask out of charcoal felt and face detail out of cream felt. Cut holes for the eyes. Place the 6mm eyes through the holes and the stitches on the marked round of the body. Secure in place at back with washers. Use photo as a guide to sew nose and mouth on cream face patch with brown embroidery thread, then glue and sew in place as shown.
E (mk 2) With Grey yarn, work 4dc into magic ring. 4sts. Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 8sts. Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 12sts. Round 3: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st); repeat to end. 15sts. Rounds 4-5: dc in each st around. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and pull through loop to secure. Use the photo as a guide and sew ears in place on the body.
Ti Work the same as fox’s tail but with alternate two rounds of Grey yarn and two Dark Grey.
Flowers Cut two flower shapes out of two different pastel felt colours, layer up and glue together. Sew a small button in the middle. Leave to dry, then sew in place on your animal.
SELL MORE Make a bunch of these and put them together with more felt flowers flow ers to make a forest-themed kids' mobile
SAFETY FIRST Hand-crafted amigurumi items are collectibles and are not intended as toys or for young children. However, always make sure you use natural yarns, safe toy stuffing and safe toy eyes. Pay attention when stitching together and adding detail, so that everything is securely attached. Remember,, if you intend on selling Remember them, even if they are not sold as toys, there are strict regulations to adhere to. Visit craft-seller.com/free-downloads craft-seller.com/free-downloadsfor for more legal advice on child safety. Craftseller
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SELL IT
You’ve made it, now sell it... Follow our handy hints to help you sell your cute woodland critters
1
Display your critters among leaves, toadstools and pine cones to create atmospheric product photography photography..
2 3 4 5 6
Create characters for your critters and stamp their name onto a card, to pop in with the packaging.
Go mini! Create all manner of cute collectables. Think bag and phone charms, keyrings and hanging decos. Make 'em weighty. Add a weight to the stuffing before sewing up, and sell your creatures as paperweights.
Swap buttons for beads, pearls and gems, or add ribbon, to create a more luxe embellishment for each animal. Stamp simple brown paper with pine cones, mushrooms or leaf motifs for a sweet and cheap packaging idea.
7
Mix it up. Use old scraps of floral or patterned fabrics in place of the felt, to make a vintage-style version. Don't forget to market the retro element.
8
Make a scented pomander. Fill your crochet critter with a small bag of dried lavender or rose petals, and add a ribbon loop so it can be hung up.
9
Save money on materials. Raid your stash for felt and fabric scraps, buttons and threads. As it's not a worn item, you can also use cheaper yarn!
10
Create a range of puppets . Insert a wooden dowel into the bottom of each animal, glueing it securely in place at the base.
NOW SELLING ON...
Etsy: Amigurumi Chocolate Brown Hedgehog Plush by 72stitches, £15
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Craftseller
Etsy: Etsy Et ssy y: Cr Crochet roc oche h t Fox he Fox Supersoft Fo Supe Su erssofft by b REcreationsyarn, £16.50
Etsy: Crochet Woodland Mobile by SpikeyCake, £59.45
Q&A
Ask us Our panel of experts is on hand to answer all your crafting and selling questions
Press ahead Q
I really want to start getting my work seen in publications. What’s the best way to do this?
KAROLINA, BY EMAIL
Google the names of journalists that might be interested in writing about you. Follo Follow w them on witter, check out their LinkedIn page and see what else they’re listed on. Get to know them and keep an eye out for any press call-outs. Email writers and journalists directly with a concise and clear press release, all your contact details and decent images. Let them know you’re willing to assist with last-minute case studies. Tis way they’ll know you’re organised and reliable, and be more likely to feature you. Get in touch with the PR agencies of your suppliers, and offer yourself and your business as a customer case study for their products. If you’re on Etsy or Folksy, contact cont act their press pr ess office and tell them you are interested in press opportunities. Also regularly check the forums for case study requests.
A
Vintage Doily Just Married Bunting, £8.99, gingerray.co.uk
Pretty paper trails
Set Of 72 Pink Heart Paper Doilies, £3.95, dotcomgiftshop.com
Make contacts to get your work featured in craft magazines
I’ve been asked to help organise my sister’s wedding next year. She’s on a tight budget and we are toying with the idea of using paper doilies to decorate. What do you think?
Q
FRANCESCA O’BRIEN, LONDON
Lace is a trend that’s here to stay for a few seasons yet, and doilies are a perfect cheap and adaptable alternative. You can use them to cover mason jars filled with with candles for atmospheri atmosphericc lighting, stick stick a few together in in a funnel shape to hold the bride’s bouquet, write on them as place settings and tie with twine to hold the cutlery together, or place under a glass plate. A white doily could be folded in the shape of a wedding dress with a ribbon bow centre, and used as the invite. Tey can be wrapped around the wedding favour packages after wrapping them in Kraft paper, or even use a pretty doily stitched onto a plain purse to transform it into a wedding clutch. A few strung together as bunting, or written on as a banner, look beautifully effective. We like this example created by expert party suppliers Ginger Ray (gingerray.co.uk, ( gingerray.co.uk, £8.99).
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Q&A
FAQ FA Q
MY TOP TEN TIPS TIPS
This month our top Facebook question is…
Q
Can you tell me, is there an easy-touse tool for adding press studs to my work? STEPH MARTIN
A
HANNAH ASHWELL has been making and selling textile origami gifts and accessories under the name bY Mi since 2008. Here are her business top tips.
1
Talk to everyone. They may be a shopper or an expert.
2
Carry business cards to make the most of chance meetings.
3 4
If you can, wear your crafts!
Test your products. Unhappy buyers make you unhappy.
5
Overall, the cost of Special Delivery will outweigh the cost of a few resent orders.
6
Visit fairs to see if they’re busy with buyers or browsers.
7 8
Don’t be put off by one bad fair.
If you’ve quit your day job, keep to regular craft hours.
9 10
Try an HMRC Tax Returns workshop.
The more you put in, the more you get out.
90 Craftseller
Blackwork doesn’t have to use black thread
Back to black I love the look of blackwork cross stitching. Can you tell me a bit more about it? PENNY FOX, BY EMAIL
Q
Blackwork is a type of embroidery that dates back to 14th–century Britain and is said to have originated from Spain, hence it is also known as ‘Spanish work’ and has Arabic influences. It’s usually worked in monochrome on white or natural linen, and shows the clear definition of the stitches and pattern. Many embroiderers, including Senior Technical Technic al Editor Anne MacGregor – whose work is shown here – are adapting it for contemporary designs, and the style is enjoying a resurgence. Popular designs include geometric patterns, flowers and fruit. During the time of Henry VIII it was a fashionable way of embroidering garments, and was said to be introduced by the King’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. If you are thinking of trying your hand at blackwork, regular stitches worked with precision produce the best results.
Channel the collar trend by adding buttons to your clothes
Kathy at Artisan Leather (artisanleather.co.uk) suggests trying the Popper Fixing Tool. “It costs £7.50 and only needs a quick tap with a mallet to fix the two popper halves together. The tool comes in small and large sizes, so there should be something suited to your crafts. I hope this works for you.”
A
Te on button I’ve been hoarding spare buttons for years and now have quite a few. Any suggestions as to how I might use them? THERESA MALTBY MALTBY,, DONCASTER
Q
Look no further than your wardrobe and get upcycling! Embellishment is big news, whether you use them to add borders to pockets,
A
A collar is a great way to use your spare buttons
replace matching buttons for mismatched ones to create a unique look, glue t hem onto canvas pumps, create a collage or a monogram on your t-shirt, make a sexy ‘false’ opening by sewing a line down the centre of a dress (back or front), or even sew them down the side of woollen tights to make a seam. We particularly love this button collar, using Hobbycraft Hobby craft Assorted Multicoloured Buttons (100g for £1) from hobbycraft.co.uk as a simple and costeffective way to update an old black cardi.
Q&A
ESSENTIAL CR CRAFT AFT TOOL
NAME: Julie Mortimer SHOP: Jooles Bespoke Handbags WEBSITE: Jooles Accessories on folksy.com TYPE: Designer Handbags TOOL: Viking Emerald 118 AVAILABLE FROM: Sewingmachinediscount. co.uk,, £279 co.uk
“Two years ago we had loads of snow and I was stuck in the house for days. I dragged out my granny’s sewing machine and made myself a handbag. I got so many compliments that I started selling them to family and friends, but my poor old machine couldn’t cope with the leatherette. Reluctantly, I realised it was time to invest in a heavy-duty machine. The
Viking Emerald 118 has transformed the way I worked. It’s made all the difference to my time and effort, as well as the quality of the finished handbag. It glides over the material, the stitches are consistent and, dare I say it, it has made my work more enjoyable. Granny’s machine will always have a special place in my heart, but the Viking Emerald 118 has won me over!”
Neck and neck I have started subscribing to your magazine and I love it! You have inspired me to start selling my own scarves. Any tips for a novice but keen knitter? PIPPA CHAPMAN, BY EMAIL
Q
A scarf is a great introductory knitting project, as it doesnot need to follow a pattern or involve advanced techniques. Since the scarf will be up against the face and neck, go for soft yarn. A thick but easy chenille is great for beginners. Knit and purl rows, without sewn seams, will make your scarf curl into a tube. Try garter stitch for an easy stitch that looks good on both sides – just knit every row. Consider the front and back when choosing a stitch, as both sides will show on a scarf. Moss stitch, seed stitch and twin rib are all good reversible choices. Knit a gauge swatch to determine how much knit you’re getting from your yarn. If your wool quantity is limited, make the scarf long and thin rather than short and wide. For Simple scarves are more inspiration and tips, try Easy a great project for Knitted Scarves by Monica Russel beginner knitters (£4.99 from searchpress.com searchpress.com). ).
A
Search for Craftseller on facebook.com
@craftsellermag
GUEST EXPERT EMMA JONES is founder of Enterprise Nation and StartUp Britain. She’s the author of Spare Room StartUp and A House Beautiful Home Business. In June, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Enterprise.
After coming up with an idea and doing your research, writing a brief business plan is your first practical step to starting your business. A business plan will act as your map – it will guide the business from start to growth, with milestones along the way. For example, you might want to open a shop, launch a website or reach a number of customers within a certain time. And you’ll need to refer to resources – what you have already, what you’ll need and how you’ll pay for it. This type of organisation of your short- and long-term business thinking is essential. You will certainly need a plan if you’re looking to raise money,, be that from friends or family or the bank. money But it’s also a very important document, even if you aren’t looking for external funds just yet. With it in hand, you’ll be off on your business journey.. “I’m off!” you might say. journey say. Or in other words – ‘IMOFF’. This is an easy way to remember the headings to include in your business plan: Idea, Market, Operations, Financials and Friends.
1 2 3 4
Idea: What’s your idea? Make this clear and concise to help you stay focused. Market: Who will be your customers or clients? And who is your competition? Operations: How will you develop the idea, promote it and offer good customer service?
Financials: Can you earn more than you spend, so that the business makes a profit? Do you need any funds to get started?
5
Friends: Do you have a support network for when you need business advice? Are there businesses you’ve identified where partnerships are a possibility?
Have these as headings in your plan, and you’ve taken a big step closer to becoming your own boss.
yourletters@ craft-seller.com
Dear Craftseller , 9th Flo or, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
Craftseller 91
5 £ , k u . o c . g n i h s i l b u p d r o w t h g i r b m o r f e l b a l i a v a s i
s s e n i s u B e m o H l u f i t u a e B e s u o H A
MAKE IT
E A K A M P R O F I T !
14 £1 £ K E F O R M A
£ 25 F O R 5
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MAKE IT
Make Ma ke a cra craffy te ten nne ner r Transform pretty china teacups into trendy ‘tea’ lights that will wow the shabby-chic crowd and turn a healthy profit By Claire Watkins
INFORMATION Materials * Vintage cups * Container candle wax * Wick * Metal wick tab * Coloured dye * Saucepan * Double boiler insert or a heatproof bowl * Scales * Old spoon for stirring wax * Scissors * Pliers * Measuring jug * Pencil * Blu-Tack Size: Varies Skill level:
S
Easy
imple to make and cost effective, these candles will be a big hit with buyers looking for a vintage touch. Not only good for tea parties, they also make beautiful wedding table decorations and can be personalised with a special scent. After a small investment in a double boiler, our only other major outlay was the cups. We sourced cups that had small hairline cracks or minor chips, which made them cheaper. Buying in bulk will also save money – we bought a selection on eBay, but you could build a collection from boot sales or charity shops. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
How to make the vintage tea lights Work out how much wax you’re going to need for your candle. To do this, fill the teacup with water and pour into a measuring jug. The amount of water in the jug, minus 10% from this measurement, will tell you the amount of wax you need to make a candle to fit your cup.
1
Put the wax into your double boiler or heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of water, and begin to heat to a low temperature so it starts to ‘steam’ the wax. Never place the wax directly into a saucepan as it may catch fire!
2
Once the wax has melted, add the dye of your choice. A 10p size piece of dye is enough for 100g of wax. Stir this into the wax and add scent, if using.
3
Now prepare the wick. Wick thicknesses will differ for the size of your container, container, so check a candle-making website for the correct gauge. Dangle the wick into the teacup, and cut it to measure about 6cm (2¼in) higher than the rim of the cup. Push the wick into the wick tab, leaving a small tail sticking out at the bottom. Close the smaller metal hole with pliers. Trim the wick on the bottom of the tab.
4
the tab in place. Once this small amount of wax has dried (this usually takes about 15 minutes), pull the wick upright, being careful not to pull too hard and dislodge it. Blu-Tack a pencil across the rim of the Blu-Tack cup, fix some more Blu-Tack on the middle point of the pencil and secure the wick to it. This is the simplest way to hold the wick upright and in place while you pour the rest of your wax into the teacup. Once this is ready, pour the wax into the cup to about 1.5cm (½in) from the rim. Leave a small amount of wax behind in the bowl. This will enable you to make a second pour for a more professional finish.
6
Leave your candle to set for around 2-3 hours, then make your second pour, re-melting the remaining wax and adding it to the cup. Trim the wick to about 1cm (½in) and leave to set for a day before lighting.
7
Pour a small amount of wax into the bottom of the teacup and pop the wick tab into it, making sure it’s upright and central in the bottom of the cup. This fixes
5
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STITCH IT
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STITCH IT
More ways than one ne....
Flex your funky muscles with a set of bright stitches that willll cheer Gregor you up, long after the summer has ended! By Anne MacGregor
E A K A M P R O F I T !
R £ 25 M A K E FO
FO R £5 0
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STITCH IT
How to make the capervan se U INFORMATION Materials
• 25-count tangerine or lime green colmar evenweave measuring 36 x 36cm (14 x 14in) for the cushion, 40 x 36cm (16 x 14in) for the bag and 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) for the keyring • DMC stranded cotton as listed in the key • Anchor Reflecta metallic thread as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • 4 x 8mm and 4 x 5mm silver sequins (optional) • 5 x 4mm buttons for keyring (optional) • 2 x 12mm buttons of choice • ½ metre 5mm wide ribbon (optional) • Letter buttons available from Button Planet, visit buttonplanet. blogspot.co.uk • Cushion pad to fit
sher in a groovy new generation, or get nostalgic about times gone by with baby-boomers. This set of three funky cross stitches will appeal to anyone who’s a fan of the classic campervan! The cushion is ideal to brighten up any student bedroom, the bag is the perfect size for an A4 notepad, and it’s going to be very hard to lose your keys with that striking keyring. So market these makes as an autumn-term starter pack, and even offer a student discount! Make yours in different shades to suit every taste, or use the chart as a template for a stylish appliqué version.
How to stitch the design Cut your fabric to size. Oversew the 1 edges to prevent fraying.
Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in quarters. Follow the arrows on the chart to find its centre and start stitching from here, working outwards.
2
Size: 30 x 30cm (12 x 12in) for the
cushion; 36 x 30cm (14 x 12in) for the bag; 8 x 10cm (3 x 4in) for the keyring Skill level: Moderate
Work the cross stitch over two threads of the fabric using two strands of cotton. Add the backstitch detail using two strands of cotton. Where you are working the backstitch detail over a number of threads, hold the long length down with a small overstitch (couching) so that it doesn’t gape.
3
Work the long stitch in two strands of silver thread, and add the sequins on top at the central point (optional). Sew narrow lengths of ribbon to the window struts by using small slip stitches (optional). Add buttons of your choice.
4
How to make the cushion Cut a piece of evenweave measuring 1 36 x 36cm (14 x 14in) and stitch the design centrally on the piece of fabric.
Cut two pieces of backing fabric measuring 26 x 36cm (10¼ x 14in) to create the envelope-style back. Pin a 2cm (¾in) double hem along one long edge of each piece. Machine-stitch and press.
2
3
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Craftseller
With right sides together, pin the long raw edge of one panel to the top edge
of the stitched piece. Do the same at the bottom, so that the two back pieces overlap each other in the middle. Sew around the edge using a 2cm (¾in) seam. Trim the corners, turn through and press. Insert cushion pad.
4
How to make the bag Cut two 6 x 89cm (2½ x 35in) pieces of 1 fabric for straps. Cut two 40 x 34cm (16 x 13½in) pieces of fabric for the main bag.
Stitch the design centrally on one of the main pieces. Place the two pieces of fabric together with right sides facing, and sew along the bottom and up the sides.
2
Fold over a 2.5cm (1in) hem at the top, and sew a line of o f stitching 1.5cm (½in) below the top edge.
3
To make the straps, fold a long piece in half, and machine-stitch along the length using a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. Turn through to the right side and press flat , with the seam along the centre back.
4
Tuck the raw edges inside the strap. Make the other strap in the same way. Place the straps in position on the outside of the bag and machine-stitch in place.
5
How to make the keyring Once you have stitched your design, 1 sew a zig-zag stitch around the design, in a contrasting colour, colour, to create a border and prevent fraying.
Cut out the design and trim to the border edge. Using the stitching as a guide, cut out a piece of patterned felt, slightly larger, and a piece of interfacing, slightly smaller, than the evenweave.
2
Sew the interfacing to the patterned felt, with the patterned side of the felt facing the non-glued side of the interfacing.
3
Position the stitching over the interfacing with wrong side down, and iron in place. Make a small hole in the felt and attach a keyring to finish.
4
STITCH IT
KEYRING CHART 10
10
Q x
Q
y p
20
y
x
Q
p
x y
Q
10
p
x
p
y
Q QyQ
x xpx x
Q
x
Q x x p xxx x
y y Q
p p p
Q QyQ Q
TOP TIP
QQpQQ Qpyp Q QpQ Q y y Qy y x xpx x
ppxpp pxyxp pxp p
y y Qy y
Q p
Q
y
Keep your work in a hoop while you’re stitching, to ensure even tension across the design
10
BAG AND CUSHION CHART CHART 0 6
x Q pp Q Q p y p Q p ppp pppppp pppp
Q
Q y
0 5
p
y
xx Q x x xx y
x Q
x
0 4
0 2
y yy yyy yyy yypy yypyy ypyy yyy yyy yy Q y
0 2
0 3
0 4
CAMPERVAN KEY Cross stitch in two strands
y
DMC
xx xxx xx xxx QQQQ xxxx xxxxx QQQQ xx x xxxxxx xx xx
Q Q pp Q Q p y p Q p ppp pppppp pppp
166 601 740 3844
x
x x x xxx xxxxx xxxx QQ xx x QQ xx xx QQ xx QQ x xx xxxx xxxx x x y x x ypy x y
QQ QQQQ Q QQQQ QQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQQQ QQ QQQQQQQQ xxxxx ppppppp QQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQ xxxxxxx pppppppp QQQ QQQQ xppppxx ppppp QQQQQ QQQ QQQQQQ xxxxxxx QQQQ QQ Q xxxxxxx QQ xxxxx
QQ Q Q p Q pyp Q Q p QQ
x Q x x x y yxy y
DMC
––
p
x
Q Q Q y Q
––
y Q y y y
p pyp p
p
x Q
x xyx x
O
0 2
x xyx x
Q Q Q p Q
301
Colour
silver silver buttons of choice
(2¼ x 3in) Tese designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton and Anchor Reflecta on 25-count evenweave over two threads of the fabr ic
Q
Q Q y y
0 1
Anchor Madeira
Stitch count of o f keyring 27 high x 37 wide Design area 25-count evenweave – 5.5 x 7.5cm
Q
0 3
black
(7¼ x 10in)
y ypy y
0 6
0 4
2400
Stitch count of o f cushion/bag 90 high x 126 wide Design area 25-count evenweave – 18.5 x 25.5cm
p pyp p x Q x x x
p pxp p
403
Colour
Placement of buttons x xyx x
y Q y y y y
green pink orange electric blue
Placement of sequins
x xpx x
p
1611 703 204 1102
Anchor Madeira
O
Q Q Q p Q
x
310 DMC
x xpx x p Q p p p
280 63 316 1089
Colour
Long stitch in two strands Anchor Reflecta
Q
p pyp p
Anchor Madeira
Backstitch in two strands
y
y Q Q Q Q Q Q QQ Q QQ Q QQ QQ QQQQ QQQQQ Q QQ pp QQ ppp Q Q QQQ ppp QQQ QQ ppp QQ QQQ ppp QQQ QQQ ppp Q QQ QQ ppp QQ QQQ pp QQQQQQQ QQQQQQQ QQQQ QQ Q QQ QQ QQ Q QQ QQ Q y
Q
yy yyyyyyy yyyypppyy yyyyyyyy yy
y
pppppp pppppp ppppp Q p p Q Q p y Q pp
0 5
pp ppp pp ppp pppxxxpp pppppxxxxppppp pppppppp ppp pp pp
p
x QQ Q Q p Q pyp Q Q p QQ p
p
0 1
yyyyyy xxxxxxx QQQQQQQQQ ppppppppp yyyyyyyyy xxxx QQQQQ pppp yyyy
Q
y 0 1
QQ QQQQQQQQ QQQQ QQQQ yyy yyy QQQQQQQQ QQ
p yy yyy yxxx yyy yy x
Q
0 3
yy yy yy yy yyy yppppyyy yyyyppppyyyyy yyy yy yyy yy y
QQ Q Q p QQ
x
0 1
0 2
0 3
0 4
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MY CRAFT SHOP
My craft shop Meet a trio of craft sellers who share the moneymaking secrets behind their success
The website owner Louise’s sewing career started with a project that saved money and impressed her friends
LOUISE GARBUTT
from County Durham WEBSITE
lcgcreations.co.uk
P TO P T I P a r e ha e. S h a t e. ra boo r la b Co l la Co ea r n hs, l ea ngg t hs r e n yoo u r s t r y rss, ma k e h e r ro m o t h f ro a c h ea ndd r e ndds a n e n r i e f r es e ncc s e n udd i e n e w a u
“Crafting has always been in my life – making decorations for the home, recycling old canvases and decorating old tin cans to make storage. Then, when the local animal sanctuary was asking for donations, I started making jewellery. The confidence I gained from helping to fundraise buoyed me up during a difficult time in my personal life. When my granddad died, I gave up my job and moved back to Hartlepool to look after my nanna. With no job I got bored very quickly, so I got out a sewing machine I’d bought on a whim. It was a friend’s birthday and I had no money for a present, so I searched for a free pattern for a bag. It was well received by all – my nanna told me that I had the patience of a saint! I knit and crochet, but sewing is my craft. For a year I’ve built up my business, alongside a part-time job and caring for my nanna. When it came to building my website, I started out using templates from website-building companies like Yola and Create – but I soon found that my ideas were outgrowing their limitations. So I turned to my friend Kris who runs a programming company, The Legend of Skippy. His admin area is easy and straightforward to use, and it’s always easy to add a new product page or change a colour scheme. I lost my nanna earlier this year, but LCG Creations is going from strength to strength. I have finally given up my day job and my products are now being stocked in two local shops – and I am also teaching others via my So Sew Clever Craft School.”
“It wa a fri frie edd ’s s birday ad I had no moey for for a pree” pree ” 98
Craftseller
Louise’s first bag was a gift for a friend
Louise has tried many different crafts but loves sewing the most
MY CRAFT SHOP
P TO P T I P
Te online seller
ng yoo u a r e k n i t t t t i i ng W h e n y r a t tss pa h e p yss, s e w a l l l t h t too y a l h d e n t ta h e r w i t t h t toog e t h ngg o ro r t s ’s v e r y n flooss – i t t ’s fl ecc u r e ndd s e a n
Funds from Deb’s shops go to richardmeese.muchloved.com
s r e t c a r a h c d e s n e c i l g n i s u e r o f e b n o i s s i
m r e p s ’ r e n w o t h g i r y p o c e h t
DEB MEESE
n i a t b o s y a
from Stourbridge Billet Doux
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WEBSITE
hennies.misi.co.uk and bluesunflower. misi.co.uk
At a very difficult time in her life, Deb found huge support came from her fellow online craft sellers “I was taught to knit and crochet by one grandma, and to sew by the other – now I pass these skills on to the primary school children I work with. I started selling after a successful Christmas Fair. Before that I gifted items, or made props for storytelling bags, or story sacks. My best-selling items are my Story Sacks – in particular the Gruffalo* version!
In October 2008 I was invited to join MISI. I’m glad I did – the community spirit is amazing, selling fees are very reasonable, and my shop is easy to update. In August 2009, our family suffered a tragedy. Our son Richard passed away as a result of an epileptic seizure. We set up a memorial fund to honour Rich by raising funds and awareness of epilepsy. Proceeds from my MISI shops go towards the fund, and so far we’ve raised £2,000. The online community has been amazing – lots of crafters donated items for us to sell.”
he stallholder Katie uses the Handmade is Hot Facebook group to find news of craft fairs across the West Midlands “My handmade business is inspired by all things retro and quirky. I make a variety of items including cushions, candles, aprons, memo boards, tote bags and jewellery, plus cake stands, bowls and clocks from vinyl records, which I sell at regular craft fairs. My first fair was one of the lovely Bert and Gert’s Vintagee Markets, in Birmingham. I realised how much Vintag I enjoy meeting people and selling my products – so when I turned my hobby into a business, I decided that regular craft fairs would be an essential part for me. I must have sold at over 50, including events run by the local council and Kerrang! Radio. I sell at weekend fairs across the West Midlands and I receive news about what’s coming up via Handmade is Hot on Facebook. It’s a very useful group. Like everything in life, craft fairs have pros and cons. But setting up and packing away are more than made up for by meeting like-minded people who appreciate the work that I put into every piece.”
KATIE MORETON
from Walsall WEBSITE
oldskoolretrokitsch boutique.co.uk
Katie’s loved selling at craft fairs ever since her first one
P TO P T I P
“I realied how muc I enjoy meeting meeting peole and selling”
h e rs a r e t h a i rs a f t t f fa ra C r h w i t t h wo r k w m e t too n e t w t i i m a g e n t ta rss, v i n e r a f t t e ra c r rss w o p hoo n e r rss, s h ra d e r t ra s rs r e hoo p p ndd s h a n
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CRAFTY COURSES
Crafty courses Why not add a new craft to your skill set? Here are some of our top courses for you to try this month
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Alison loves how versatile craft is and wants to share it with all her students
Lilac Barn In a setting that couldn’t be more conducive to creativity, visitors to Lilac Barn can try their hand at a variety of crafts in the heart of the Somerset Levels. “Our aim is to provide students with new skills, or to augment those they already have, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere,” explains Cherry Dobson, Lilac Barn founder and author of The Upholstery Bible. “Now that adult education centres no longer run craft courses, there’s a lot of demand for the teaching of these skills.” Courses offered by the hand-picked team of tutors include upholstery, patchwork, quilting and lampshade-making. “Men and women, young and old, beginners and improvers – all are very 100
Craftseller
welcome,” Cherry continues. “Students work on their own projects, at their pace.” Most courses run for a single day, but patchwork, quilting and upholstery are taught on week courses, covering a large
“Sudens work a their on pace” project. “Furniture has suffered from the throwaway throwawa y society,” says Cherry. “Pieces are binned before they’ve finished their useful life. By renovating an old loved chair, you’re preserving a part of your heritage, learning a new skill and having fun.”
INFORMATION * Courses include Traditional and Modern Upholstery, £30 per single workshop, £125 for five, £245 for one week including home-cooked lunches: next week 23-27 Sept. Patchwork and Quilting, week course £245: next week 20-24 Oct. Dressmaking for Fun, 10am-4pm, £45 including lunch. * For more info contact Cherry on 01823 698707, cherry@lilacbarn. co.uk or visit lilacbarn.co.uk
CRAFTY COURSES
Treacle Wool Shop This wool shop and courses provider in the historic Morpeth, Northumberland, has received national attention. Treacle was Highly Commended in the UK Independent Retailer section in Craft Business Magazine ’s ’s 2013 awards, and was also awarded 2013 Best Knitting Retailer North East by the British Craft Awards. The teaching at Treacle is an integral part of the shop’s ethos. The workshops on offer cover everything from knitting, crochet, felting and sewing to découpage, upcycling, pottery and more.
“We ’re always hee to hel helpp if nee needed ded ” Each workshop is split to suit beginners and improvers. “The workshops are held in our lovely upstairs room above the main shop, in an old stone building with stripped wooden floors and beams,” explains shop owner Kym Hewison. “It is a calm and comfortable space and participants are
WH W HY NOT TRY... taught, informally, by a range of tutors – whose ‘real’ jobs include plastic surgeon, author and ex-head teacher!” The aim of each class is for everyone to have something finished to take away, and the skills to continue at home. “We teach the skills needed to continue with the craft, but we’re always here to help if needed – it’s not unusual to see a customer sitting at our side in the shop,” Kym reveals.
INFORMATION * Courses include Let’s Crochet, 10am-12.30pm, beginners and improvers, £22: next session 28 Sept. Knit Wire Jewellery, 10am-12.30pm, £22. Wet Felting, 10am-3pm, £35. Beginner Machine Sewing, 10am3pm, £40: next session 21 Sept.
Other great craft courses taking place around the country The Tudor House Study a range of arts and crafts at this beautiful, half-timbered studio and gallery in Hertfordshire. Full and half-day courses on offer for six to eight learners per session, so you’ll get plenty of help and guidance. Visit tudorhousesawbridgeworth.co.uk Seashore Gallery Glass artist and painter Fiona Crombie hosts courses in glass fusing, painting, drawing, pastels, mosaics, jewellery and more at her studio in the pretty East Lothian village of Cockenzie. A range of stained glass workshops, suitable for all skill levels, are starting this September. Visit seashoregallery.co.uk Clitheroe Craft Studio For anyone who works nine to five, try one of the regular evening workshops in papercrafting, beading, knitting, patchwork, calligraphy and much more at this friendly craft shop and studio situated in the east Lancashire town of Clitheroe. Visit clitheroecraftstudio.co.uk
* For more info contact Kym on 01670 504045, email info@ treaclewoolshop.co.uk or visit treaclewoolshop.co.uk
Assington Mill If you want to get back to basics, this timber-framed farmhouse in Suffolk is the venue for workshops in a wide range of rural and traditional crafts including beekeeping, bread-making, felt-making, upholstery, children’s cookery and more. Visit assingtonmill.com The Bramble Patch Northamptonshire’s Bramble Patch is one of the UK’s leading centres for patchwork, quilting and fabric arts. With a well-stocked shop and an impressive array of one- and two-day courses throughout the year, there’s sure to be something that you fancy. Visit thebramblepatch.co.uk
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Use these templates to make the squirrels on page 16, bunting on page 28, stag on page 32, collar on page 34 and the woodland creatures on page 84 WOODLAND CREA CREATURES TURES RACOON EYE MASK
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FOX AND HEDGEHOG NOSE FOX EARS
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SQUIRREL
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NOSE
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Cardmaking Supplies For Every Occasion
Craft Creations Web: www.thebeadbase.co.uk
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CRAFTSELLER STOREROOM PLEASE CALL JANE HENDY ON 0117 314 8823 OR EMAIL JANE.HENDY JANE.HEN
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Products for cardmaking, scrapbooking, papercrafts and beading. Regular demos and classes held at the shop. Stockists of a wide range of scrapbooking papers, quilling papers and decoupage sheets. 57 Queen Street, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 2AU
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FFAVOURITE FAVO FA AVOURITE VOUR VOUR VO URIT ITE TE MAKES MA M AKE KES
Onll ine lo On loves Here are just some of our favourite makes from the exciting designers and crafters we’ve discovered this month
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There’s nothing more comforting than a slice of toast with real butter...to butter...to sleep on! The Original Toasty Pet Bed by TheToastyPetCo, TheToastyPetC TheT oastyPetCo, o, £65.47 on etsy.com
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Next time we need to make someone feel special, we’re sending a pack of these! Personalised Love Love Biscuits Biscuits by Les Biscuits Les Les Quatre, Quatr e, £26.5 £26.50 0 on noths.com
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If getting to sleep is a struggle, this quirky mobile makes counting sheep a doddle. Cascading Rainbow Sheep Mobile by BossyFeltworks, £153.65 on etsy.com
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Looking for something comfy to slouch around in? Try a colourful knitted t-shirt. Knitted Viscose Sweater Sweater by TheKnitKid, TheKnitKid, £177.69 on etsy.com
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Add some geome geometry etry to your jewellery box with a funky rring ingg – super in super ggeek eek cchic! hic! Wooden Laser Cut Geometric Ring by The Little Chilli, £8 on etsy.com
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Know someone who’s moving house? They’d love to receive this cute cushion. Terrace Houses Embroidered Cushion by Stitch City, £45 on folksy.com
Go ahead… get creative!
f 3 o Choice
Our latest Memory Craft 9900 Professional-style sewing and embroidery machine brings amazing tools to your creative talents. The amazing MC9900 utilises utilises intuitive technologies technologies and is smooth, quiet and easy to use. Faster navigation and design layout on a high resolution LCD colour touch screen, USB port and unique swing-out carriage offer everything you need in one compact powerful unit. For limitless embroidery possibilities optional embroidery software is available which can convert artwork into stitches and stitches into works of art.
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