Tots Spring Newsletter

I was asked to provide some craft ideas for the Tots & Co Spring newsletter. I went with the theme of 'flowers and showers' ...

Simple and effective crafts that can be made with everyday items: paper, egg cartons, cupcake cases, straws, cardboard tubes and paint!

Posted on Thursday, 06 March 2014

Stencils

I went to a decorative painting workshop at a friend's house recently. It was really interesting learning how to create a distressed or shabby chic look on furniture and how to use stencils on wood and fabric.

I treated myself to a few stencils, and oil based crayons, to have a go at stencilling onto fabric.

I found an old lamp in the cupboard and took off the shade.

I lined up the stencil and taped it into place.

Then, I put some of the crayon onto a plate and using a short stiff brush went over the stencil, in circular motions.

I carefully removed the stencil and let the pattern dry.

I am so pleased with the overall effect and the ease with which I created it.

I've now agreed to host three workshops over the next month so I'm sure I'll have more to share soon.

Posted on Friday, 28 February 2014

Picasso

This week our mini-makers went to a workshop all about Picasso and this is what they produced:

They learnt about his life and his paintings.

I am so impressed with their drawing ability, the overall face shape, the colours and the detail.

They are only 5 years old ... I'm a very proud mum!

Posted on Thursday, 20 February 2014

St Valentine's Day cards

This month I wanted to try a simple Valentine's craft with the local Tots and Co group.

So, I took along some bubble-wrap...

We cut it ...

We painted it ...

We printed it ...

We made Valentine's cards!

Posted on Sunday, 09 February 2014

Fly the Flag

Many years ago I learnt how to knit, and successfully produced the usual baby booties and cardigans for a then pregnant friend.

I'd recently bought wool for my crochet projects so I thought that I would re-teach myself the knitting basics too.

Using some colourful chunky yarn, I practised the classic stocking stitch ( knit one, purl one ).

To try changing colour, I made this French flag.

Now I just need to decide whether to use it as bunting or turn it into a cover for my mobile phone!

Posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2014

Hooked on Hearts

As it's getting close to St Valentine's Day I'd been looking at crochet patterns to make a little heart.

I met up with a local group of 'ladies who crochet' on Tuesday and shared what I'd found.

Despite looking fairly straight-forward my first attempt looked more like a frayed Christmas wreath!

I tried a slightly thicker wool but didn't quite get it all onto the magic ring properly. Struggling with the different UK / American doubles and trebles one side looked a lot better than the other.

Determined not to be beaten I had another go last night and as you can see I finally made something heart-shaped.

Posted on Thursday, 30 January 2014

TWIG Craft Cafe - January 2014

For our first Craft Cafe of 2014 we learnt about patchwork and how to make a quilt sandwich.

We chose our colour combinations from pre-cut fabric squares then sewed them altogether by hand, in rows and columns. We then ironed all the seams flat.

We added the wadding and backing material and sewed through all the layers 'in the ditch'

I now just need to fold in and sew the edges to finish mine off!

Posted on Sunday, 26 January 2014

Spring Fair 2014

Really looking forward to the annual Tots & Co Spring Fair ... time to book a table ( or two ), recruit some like-minded local crafters and get making!

Posted on Sunday, 19 January 2014