Craft Radio

Last week I was interviewed on Brisbane radio 4BC about Craft/ Handmade at Christmas. I really enjoyed the experience.



They rang during the week and asked me to be their "Craft Expert". After thinking about it for all of 3 seconds I said yes!



Every second Sunday ( starting tomorrow) you will be able to listen online at around 1.30pm.

Kumihimo Project Republished

This project first appeared Express Publication's Handmade magazine almost 6 years ago.











They recently republished it in Beautiful Beading.

Nice surprise.

Ooops!

Ah! so pretty!












That is until you realise they are all over the floor.

Picking them up wasn't the problem, it was getting them off my fingers. It was so hot yesterday that the sequins were sticking to sweaty palms.

Note to self: never pick up by the lid.

Takadai, Going Forward

I finally un-braided the bits I had done in Japan. I decided to continue with the Oblique Plain Weaving in 2 colours. Sorry if that sounds a bit technical but this is the only place I keep notes. So I'd like to be able to look back and know what I've done.

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This is the original colour placement. I had drawn this u-beaut diagram but Blogger wouldn't import it. Never mind.

This is the pattern after one complete sequence. What I mean by that is the thread I moved first has returned to its original position. This is about 3.5 inches long. Took 15 mins to braid.

Our back door looks out onto the pergola. We have huge bunches of grapes on the vine that grows over the pergola roof. Alan is very proud. I wonder if he has remembered the mess the sap made on the car last year?

Dylon Dyes 53

Remember my grubby cream hat that I planned to refresh with Dylon's Tropical Green.








It's all done.

I love this colour. So fresh for Summer. And I have shoes this colour. How lucky is that. So that is two 'new' hats for a fraction of the cost of buying a brand spanking new one.

The Crafter's Way 117 - Craft Book Review

This week's Messenger column.




The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. Borrowing craft books from the Library is an inexpensive and convenient way to learn a new craft. The opening hours vary so please check with your local branch. These books all came from the Pathways Library. I know I only recently ran an article reviewing library books but I thought these might give you some inspiration for Handmade Christmas presents.

Instant Gratification Ornaments by Genevieve A. Sterbenz (745.59412STE)

We can all use a little instant gratification, right? If you don’t have lots of time these projects are for you. Using readily available materials that are inexpensive you can create your own enchanting decorations. Each of the projects features easy to follow, step by step instructions with full colour photography. Templates are at the back of the book. The Music Paper Bell has to be one of easiest projects in the book. Would make a perfect activity for a child 8yrs +.These decorations are perfect gifts, however I bet that you will want to keep them for your own tree.

Making Candles & Soaps for Dummies by Kelly Ewing (745.59332 EWI)

I’m sure the ‘Dummies’ people have a book on every topic. While I find the humour a little tedious after a while, there is no arguing that these books do provide a basic instruction manual. This candle and soap making edition is no different. The first chapter covers safety and should not be skipped. Part Six has chapters for Holiday Decorating, Gift Ideas and Projects for Kids. The book was published in 2005 so some of the supplier contact information may be a little out of date. As it is only early November you have a little time to gather your supplies and have a go.

Mosaic Art by Martin Cheek (738.5CHE)

This is one for those people who like to practice the art of slow craft. Mosaic is not for the faint hearted as there is quite a bit of preparation. This book focuses primarily on designing but it will provide you with the basics. Whether you want to outlay for all of the specialty tiles and equipment or just want to use those broken dinner plates you can create personalized gifts using mosaics. It is also an activity that children can participate in.

Read more of "The Crafter's Way" here.

Dylon Dyes 52

As promised here are the pictures of the Linda's finished shirt.










And my hat.

Both refreshed with Dylon's Jeans Blue.