Santa’s washing line
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Santa’s washing line

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…

Let’s share a simple skill
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Let’s share a simple skill

‘ojo de dios’ — Standalone tutorial — suitable for kids If you are looking for relaxation, but are hopeless at knitting or crochet, this very simple craft might be of interest to you. I have led a couple of workshops suitable for all ages, in the art of the traditional ‘Ojo de Dios’ (God’s Eye)…

Cross-stitch charts info
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Cross-stitch charts info

Downloadable patterns & charts for all levels of ability All cross-stitch patterns are created from my own designs or photographs — each pattern is supplied with a detailed colour chart for thread picking and suggestions for canvas type. The default chart uses DMC thread colourways as standard, but you can of course substitute with the…

Large papier maché baubles
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Large papier maché baubles

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…

Using fancy yarn & ribbons
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Using fancy yarn & ribbons

Using fancy yarns, ribbons and woving will add interesting movement and texture to your finished piece. In contemporary weaving, the use of unexpected fibres has become very popular in recent years, and the results achieved have been surprising to say the least. In the blue & moon weaving project, you will see that there are…

Folk style houses cross-stitch pattern
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Folk style houses cross-stitch pattern

Folk houses — for medium level stitchers Downloadable PDF cross-stitch pattern & colour chart Description:A simple cross-stitch pattern suitable for novices and youngsters, (for the latter, preferably with some help from an adult or capable stitcher), this downloadable PDF file includes a simple chart with colour key to create a single design or border strip…

Interlacing colours [11]
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Interlacing colours [11]

Let’s get started — twining (or twisted ‘header’) in place, you can begin to weave, using the comb to ‘knock down’ your work against the twining as you proceed. The knocking down process is necessary to keep your work as neat and compact as possible.According to your chosen design, you might be planning on using…

Preparing your table-top frame [3]
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Preparing your table-top frame [3]

Here’s how to prepare your table-top weaving frame: You will need a measuring tape or ruler, a pencil and a hammer — plus the *wooden frame and nails from your kit. See the small images below for positioning your nails which should be 1cm apart and along the centre of the frame section. Leave approx….

Easter Bunny cross-stitch
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Easter Bunny cross-stitch

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…