I’ve been working with my Gelli plates to produce some prints for various uses. The first set have been used for making a fun multi-colour collection of all-occasion gift tags which will add a spark of interest even to the plainest gift packaging! They are up on my Etsy store and are selling in sets…
This is a fun project which involves simple skills. Suitable for youngsters with a little assistance, but equally appropriate for adults. Personally I have used this decoration in several ways — as a unique Christmas greetings gift to friends — as a decoration for the tree and as a festive fridge magnet. I have created…
I have mentioned these sweet little pillow shaped gift boxes in the past, but have now got around to producing a couple of templates and some simple instructions for you to make them yourselves. The tools you require are very simple — a pen or pencil — a ruler — a pair of scissors, strong…
Managed to get the tutorial done for the papier maché baubles if anyone is interested. You will see that I have suggested inexpensive toilet paper to create the paper base, but of course other paper, preferably from recycled sources is a good alternative. Just be aware that the build up of thicker paper is going…
Miss Pumpkin in orange & black [easy level] Downloadable PDF cross-stitch pattern & colour chart Description:A simple cross-stitch pattern suitable for novices and youngsters, this downloadable PDF file includes a simple chart with colour key to create a cute Halloween witch in the traditional spooky colours, black and orange. The chart includes a thread named…
This year seems to have been my ‘patchwork’ year — probably as a result of the restrictions imposed on us by the Covid pandemic, I have found more time and patience to dedicate some of my sewing time to patchwork and simple quilting. My efforts have covered a number of projects, including a doggy coat…
In recent years I have fallen in love with the honest, rustic appeal of recycled cardstock for the Christmas cards (and not only) that I make. This year I have added some other recycled materials to my cards — scraps of fabric, and in the case of the Christmas cards — the scraps have a…
I’m sure I’m not the only one, but for years I have used plastic bags or tattered boxes to keep my Christmas baubles in order between one year and the next. This year I decided it was time to break the habit by making some dedicated cotton ‘sacks’ to hold them all neatly together at…
Another one to add to the collection of freebie cross-stitch patterns and colour charts. An Easter or Spring project for more accomplished stitchers. An older child might manage with the assistance of an adult. Download the pattern and chart from the link below. For youngsters, you might like to download the Easter and Spring design…
Just in time, here is a sweet project for the children to do — possibly with a little help — a Spring or Easter project with eggs and bunnies and flowers. A bit of colouring, a bit of tracing, a bit of glueing to make the project just messy enough to keep everyone happy. My…
Bound eggs [Tutorial] These pretty bound eggs don’t have to come out just at Easter, and of course, they don’t have to be bound in satin cord. Why not go for the rustic country look with jute string? Another interesting version could be with long skinny strips or recycled fabric — your imagination is your…
Been wanting to make some of these little guys for ages, but I was finding it hard to get hold of the felt colour I wanted. At long last my suppliers came up with the goods and I was able to ‘bake’ half a dozen. I also decided to set up a little kit for…
Tough going for the felt hearts I am sewing right now. Not quite a drill job, but I do have a pair of pliers to hand to pull the needle through at almost every stitch! The problem is probably down to the fact that I am having to use a hefty cotton and a needle…
Greetings with a difference and they don’t come much more different than this one! Your seasonal wishes will certainly stand out with this cute (ouch!) washing line full of Santa’s smalls – and larges too! These will be custom made as and when they are requested, but that shouldn’t affect the delivery times so within…
Well it’s just about that time again, and we are getting ourselves ready for the Craft Market to be held in Via Garibaldi here in Venice at the end of this month. We have a fairly good stock of bits and pieces, but were surprised at the last market by just how many earrings went,…
Just in the process of doing some more Christmas cards and have used some of my lovely pure cotton prints for die-cut baubles. These cottons are all gorgeous Tyrolean type micro-patterns which I manage to pick up locally. Just love them. They bring to mind mountain chalets and big log fires – maybe even a…
