The Crafter’s Way 209–Decorative Boxes

This tutorial is one for after Christmas. Save all the boxes and decorative papers from your presents and use them to create these useful boxes.

You will need: Boxes (I used a shoe box), paint, PVA Glue, Paper (tissue paper, napkins, rice paper or coloured paper towel). Sealer (I used Modge Podge), and Felt (optional).
Step 1: Paint your box. You can skip this step if you like. I do it for 2 reasons; it doesn’t matter too much if I don’t completely cover the box and some boxes can be a little shiny which makes adhesion difficult. Paint helps the paper adhere. At this stage you may need to glue box flaps flat. Use clothes pegs to hold until it dries.

Step 2: Tear paper into small pieces. Brush PVA glue onto the box, small areas at a time. Place the paper onto glued area. Don’t worry if the paper crinkles a little bit, it gives a marbled effect when it is dry. Wrap paper strips over the edges and down into the inside. Continue until box is covered.

Step 3: Dab small amounts of paint into the box. This will even out any obvious joins.

Step 4: I added felt to the inside of the box. I used a spray adhesive. If you wish you can continue to add paper to the inside.
Step 5: Brush with Sealer.
You can also use Styrofoam trays. These are a little easier for children to manage. You can use the sealer as glue but as it is more expensive I prefer to save it for the final step. I find the glue dries faster as well.

Crafty Christmas Presents

On Sundays a Craft Market sets up around the historical buildings at Old Petrie Town where our shop is. For the last few months the stall holders across the way from us have setting up and selling their printed wares. Today Scott popped across and gave Alan 2 Christmas presents they had made just for us.

They had visited our website to get the logo and an old picture of the shop. Alan couldn’t wait to share; he skyped me to show me this and the extra present.

We have been having an ongoing laugh with them about the fact that recently I have missed lots of Sundays due to craft classes, Mum, blah blah blah. Scott doesn’t think I have earned top billing anymore. He made this tea towel just for Alan. Note the added shop decorations. Thanks for the thought guys, Have a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Craft Tutorials

I have been posting links to past Christmas Craft tutorials over the last week or so. There is still a few to go but in case you have missed them here they are, all in one place.
Click on the image to view the tutorial.





               
        

Made with Love Part 1

My very own poster.

South Bank Really went all out with the decorations.

It was a very welcoming area to do the activity.

Love these decorations hanging from the ceiling.

Lots of fun for people of all ages. I’m back again next week; Saturday afternoon then again on Sunday mornings. Booking here

The Crafter’s Way 208–Fabric Bookmarks

These fabric bookmarks make perfect gifts for any booklovers on your list. They are super simple and will need very little in the way of tools and materials. The only must have is a bit of imagination. I’ve used denim for the samples however you can use any heavy weight fabric that you have.

You will need: Heavy weight fabric, ribbon, coordinating thread, assorted trims; lace, buttons etc.

 

Step 1: Cut 2 pieces 15cm x 5cm and 2 pieces 5cm x 5cm. Cut the ribbon into 12cm lengths (at least).

Step 2: Attach 1 Suffolk Puff to the right side of 1 x small square. Attach the remaining 3 puffs to 1 x large rectangle.

Step 3: Place 2 small squares together, wrong sides facing. Start at the star, stitch in the direction of arrows. When you reach the cloud insert one end of the ribbon between the layers of fabric and continue stitching.

Step 4: Repeat with large rectangle, inserting the other end of the ribbon between the layers as you stitch.

Step 5: Fray edges of fabric carefully.

Sample 2: I used 2 lengths of cotton lace stitched side by side onto 1 x large rectangle. I attached the daisy chain to cover the middle line of stitching. A single daisy was attached to 1 x small square. Complete as Sample 1.

Sample 3: For this bookmark I used a leftover length of cotton braid stitched in place on 1 x large rectangle. One motif was attached to 1 x small square.

Sample 4: The raw edges of a small piece of fabric were folded under before being stitched to a large rectangle.

You can also experiment with buttons, pearls, beads and sequins. If sewing seems to take too long you can use a hot glue gun to speed up the process. Have fun personalising these to your recipient and they will sure to be using them for years to come.

Fabric Love

The Crafter’s Way 207–Fabric Pompoms

We’ve all made pompoms out of wool at some stage. These are made from fabric strips using the same process. The best fabric is one that doesn’t have an obvious wrong side.

You will need: Stiff cardboard, a heap of fabric, scissors and ribbon.

Step 1: Cut 2 equal circles from the cardboard. If, like me, you have the attention span of a gnat don’t be tempted to make the inner circle too large. You will be filling in the inner circle and if it is too big it takes too long. Cut the fabric strips no wider than 2.5cm. If the fabric is thicker/heavier be sure to make them much thinner.

Step 2: Place both circles together. Hold the end of one strip of fabric and wind over it a couple of times to secure. Continue winding around the cardboard, adding strips as necessary, until the inner circle is completely filled in.

Step 3: Carefully insert the scissors into the outer edge of the fabric and snip through the fabric until you can see the cardboard. Take care that the scissors don’t slip.

Step 4: Cut a length of ribbon. Slide the ribbon between the 2 cardboard circles and tie securely. Remove the cardboard.

Step 5: Fluff up your pompom. If you wish you can spritz the pompom with some perfume.