Crafts I've seen

A selection of images from craft shows I've been to lately, some unusual and inspiring stuff - if only I had the time/skills to make them!

Les Miserables - the costumes

Knitted & Crochet garden

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

This was a giant dragon! Couldn't get a full size photo of him, must have taken ages...

Mythology

Love the pegasus

A little bit of magic!

Clever way to use up fabric scraps, since I'm doing various patchwork at the moment might be able to incorporate this!

There was a display of vintage hats and accessories, I'm slowly getting a hat collection but would love a 1920s hat to add to it, trouble is they don't often fit! My only vintage hat is a 1960s one, most of the others are hand made, but I've yet to make one myself!

Changes & New Creations

A lot's been going on, new house - bit of a project, work, new crafts, a sewing class and Shakespeare Richard II...so it's all go!

Many things in the house need sorting (not least to say a new kitchen!) All in good time...I keep telling myself, got to watch the ££ it's a busy and costly time of the year!

We 'inherited' some chickens, who desperately needed looking after, that's an ongoing project and the garden seems to have been a dumping ground, so more clearing and sorting there, just want the worst done before the really cold weather sets in!

Potential for a decent garden - just get rid of the 'dump' at the bottom, sort the chicken's pen, sort the hedges and tree, get some more light in, get up the paving slabs, demolish old shed, build new larger shed, get a veg patch in, flowers etc...this may take a while!

I have had a little 'me' time in between, so my sister and I attended a lovely sewing class at Guthrie & Ghani in Moseley. See more here.
I also was fortunate enough to get tickets for Stratford to see Richard II with David Tennant- we had excellent seats, so close. The play was very good and had light hearted comedy moments, and parts of the play are relevant to today, so Shakespeare was well ahead of his time, that or the problems of then are still with us today!

I have been crafting I can, which isn't often enough and sometimes I'm too tired to craft- which isn't on! Anyway I have agreed to make a few items for The Donkey Sanctuary, a lovely charity looking after neglected/abandoned Donkeys I hope to make a few items for them, it's just fitting it in around my crafting too!

Crochet - as well as various donkey themed items, I have been working on some cute crochet creations including owls and robins. 

Felt - again I have been making donkey items as well as some robins here, which I hope to make into brooches/decorations/hair clips...hopefully in time for Christmas!

Lavender scented donkey sachets - typically my felt robins have gone walkies, I can't remember where I put them!

I have also got some background projects I have been working on, including some bouquets I hope to finally put together, it's all a bit experimental, but involves crochet, beads, buttons, vintage pearls and various bits and bobs. I would love to get something finished this year, but with robins in need of making and turning to Christmas - hand made decorations...who knows if I'll have time!

I'm also considering a craft swap...may be join one or organise myself? I'd like to, but it all boils down to time - if only we had more of it!!

Crochet Flowers

Vintage bead earrings

Shells - making into Angel Wings & Butterflies

Headband - button centre

Crafty Delights

Some lovely items I recently purchased as gifts & something for myself from some talented crafters.

Miss Bohemia

Alice in Wonderland Mug - came with matching coaster

 

I asked for this picture especially - matches my shop name!

Miss Bohemia also makes some great jewellery which I've previously brought.

 

 

 

Mel's Creations

 

I fell in love with this fabric and thought about buying some to make my own items, but that's on the 'wish list' no time for that now! So I asked Mel to make this bag as a gift and the one below for me. Reminds me of summer holidays with my grandparents in Frinton!!

I also got a tardis fabric purse for a gift, forgot to take a photo, but look at Mel's stuff and you'll see loads there!

 

A Handmade Christmas

Over the past few years, each Christmas myself and my family have been breaking away from the standard Christmas decorations in favour of more unique handmade crafts- both brought from craft fairs and items we crafted ourselves.

There are so many ways you can go with decorating your home and so many wonderful things to make and buy that really you are spoilt for choice, this year there is defiantly a more vintage and traditional feel- with a few modern touches. Take a look!

 Wreath- made with real holly, ivy, beautiful tree branches, mistletoe and even some hand-dried oranges. Simply buy a plain wreath (ours was wicker) and using gardening green wire attach the various components layering up the wreath as you go. Additional items can be added such as the dried orange slices (cut an orange into slices and roast in the oven at the lowest temperature for several hours). Complete the wreath with some optional ribbon and bows.

Paper chains – so simple, take any paper, cut into strips and loop together. We used some old vintage styled scrapbook paper that hadn’t been put to use.

Scented Christmas ‘baubles’ – these not only look vintage-like but have a wonderful aroma which you can choose to match your own tastes, we used a mixture of dried cloves, juniper berries and star aniese.  Take some fabric (we used white linen and hessian) cut into circles, place your herbs etc into the centre of the fabric pull fabric together and tie thread or ribbon around to hold it together. To attach to the tree use wire, attach to the ‘bauble’ at the back and make a loop, hook onto the tree. As an option you can decorate the ‘bauble’ or leave plain.

 Decoupage tree decorations – another quick and easy decoration. Using rectangles of card (red and green colours) add a Christmas themed image to the card (optional on both sides) add a little glitter, make a hole at the top and thread some ribbon through to make a loop- hang on the tree! 

Pom Pom ‘Snowballs and Icicles’ – use a pom pom maker, or make your own circle for creating pom poms. We made blue pom poms to represent ice and white for snowballs. Make the pom poms in various sizes and ensure they have a loop on them. You can use them in various ways; I simply attached them to some stretch magic and hung them by the window for the illusion that they are falling. 

There's still time to try some of these crafts!!

Please look out for my follow up blog on handmade Christmas gifts…it’s a little too early to be giving them away yet, but I have managed to make a few this year and possibly receive them too? (well I have been good this year!)

CRAFTfest

CRAFTfest 2011                     

The time is fast approaching, Christmas is not far away, why not get some truly unique gifts this year.

CRAFTfest hosts a range of handmade items and supplies for sale over the 26^th and 27^th November: http://creative-connections.ning.com/page/craftfest-home

This event allows you to explore the crafters world and just how much talent there is out there with some really beautiful creations- available from sellers all year round.

This is the first time I am taking part in such an online event and I’m excited to see what people think of my designs and also to take a look myself for some lovingly hand crafted gifts- hopefully I’ll even be able to treat myself!

Out of the huge array of people listing their crafts, here are a few:

Hi I'm Gayle owner at Happy Hands Belcoo.

I create hand crafted Bridal Accessories and Venue decor. I believe that the most special day in you life should leave you with more than a photo album. I work hard on creating memorable keepsakes for you to treasure for the rest of your days. My bouquets define my work and the Bride and Groom. I believe that you should have your day your way. Your day should show the couple you are and the beautiful blend of two personalities joined together forever. We have developed this concept into all our bespoke products so your wedding accessories and decor become cherished keepsakes.

www.happyhandsbelcoo.com
www.facebook.com/happyhandsbelcoo
www.blogtv.com/people/happyhands
www.blogspot.com/happyhandsbelcoo

Perfect Patchwork is based in Devon in the Southwest of England, where we pride ourselves on the individuality of our work. All our products are made from the finest 100% cotton patchwork fabrics, and designer yarns.

We design many of the products ourselves and are proud to carry an extensive range from handicraft items, household goods and beautiful quilts, from baby sizes to king size. We are happy to design a quilt of your choice at no extra charge. 

If you require something specific that you cannot find on our website please contact us at  admin@perfectpatchwork.co.uk 

I'm Alyson and I love fabric and needlework.  I make all sorts of things and sell them on my website Creative Stitching.  I'm glad I'm in the lilac group as thats my favourite colour!

My website is http://www.creative-stitching.co.uk/ 

Here are some links to the other fabulous crafters that are at CRAFTfest:

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Button-Company/22322143440

 www.personal-space-interiors.co.uk

http://allthingsblankets.weebly.com/blog.html 

http://www.crystalclarke.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/madaboutbags

http://www.aingealdesigns.co.uk
http://www.groovycart.co.uk/just_k_jewellery
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-by-Zenia/115413615145511
www.facebook.com/butterflybessie
www.handmadebyclare.co.uk
www.sunnysue.co.uk
 http://www.missnovadesigns.com/
http://www.randomeyesboutique.co.uk

And not forgetting www.cheshirecatcrafts/shops.folksy.com

www.etsy.com/shop/thecheshirecatcraft

Other Blogs on CRAFTfest:

http://www.handmadewithpassion.co.uk/handmade-blog/

http://perfectpatchwork.blogspot.com/  

And remember crafts aren’t just for Christmas – enjoy them all year round!

Newbie

Just starting out with blogging, hoping I can regularly update here, but life has a tendency to get in the way- I will try!

I have set up this blog mainly to talk about my love of crafts- I have two online shops:
http://www.folksy.com/shops/cheshirecat
 and http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDarlingBudsOfMay?ref=pr_shop

I love making crafts when I get time and I like trying new crafts. I make jewellery, accessories, hand painted glass items, various fimo creations as well as knitting, crochet, card making etc.
I hope to learn more crafts and become better with the crafts I already enjoy- I'm thinking about doing a silver making course, it would be great to make your own designs and I have seen so many beautiful creations. Any tips or advice on silver making appreciated!

I also spend my time working as an aromatherapist. I like making oil blends and natural beauty products and I hope I will be able to make some more scented sachets from home grown plants! If you are interested in aromatherapy please see my website:

www.beautiful-serenity.co.uk