Crafts Beautiful 2015-03

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CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ISSUE 277 MARCH 2015

No.1 for Crafters!

100TONew Ideas GET YOU CRAFTING!

Issue 277 Mar 2015 £4.99

5 Fab Ways WITH YOUR TOOL SET

ight! n o t sults e r t Grea H WIN! CRAFT KITS AND MORE H PATCHWORK MOUSE H SHAPE WINDOW APERTURES

Papercraft, Stamp & Stitch

DESIGNER CARDS

YOU’LL LOVE OUR CELEBRATION CARDS AND KEEPSAKES!

£4.99

TOP-NOTCH

ISSUE 277 MARCH 2015

35

TEMPLATES TO KEEP BRITAIN’S BEST-SELLING CRAFT MAGAZINE

Copy it!

REALLY EASY SUGARCRAFT

CAKE DECS IN STEP-BY-STEP

HOW TO...WEAVE WASHI TAPE

Love it! EASY WEEKEND KNIT

Do it!

40 CRAFT ESSENTIALS Tried & Tested

£4.99

Heidi Swapp’s Minc foil applicator

Plus PAPERCRAFT GIFT BOXES H BACK TO BASICS BEADING H QUILL EASY FLOWERS H MASKING TECHNIQUES EXPLAINED

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March 2015

Welcome crafters...

I'm thrilled to bring you another issue of crafty

Top 3 designs we love this month...

loveliness – light, bright and bursting with new ideas. Turn to page 78 for a peek at the exciting new gadgets and ranges heading to a craft shop near you this spring. You'll find plenty of inspiration to craft for special

occasions too: send a Mother's Day greeting designed by Kitty Frampton (p19) or say 'hello' to a new baby with Katie Skilton's sweet papercraft makes (p34). If you fancy something different, try

embossing clay gift tags (p81) or making botanical transfers – it really is quite addictive! Whether you like to dabble or are an experienced crafter, the free 8-Way Paper Tool Set will have you making dozens of cards in no time! So put on the kettle, tuck into a delicious strawberry cupcake (p76) and enjoy the read...

p66

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Turn to page 36 for your FREE Wild Rose Studio pack

From everyone here at CB, happy crafting!

Sarah

Sarah Crosland, Editor

Meet our Experts...

p58

PAT BRAVO

JANE ASHER

Art Gallery Fabric’s Creative Director and designer on spring trends

The nation's favourite cake maker shares her top sugarcraft tips

SARA NAUMANN Makes magic with washi tape and creates fabulous cards

DON’T MISS… best buys, pretty papers and great days out p22 p78 p102

p26

Get in touch... facebook.com/ craftsbeautiful

Twitter @craftsbeautiful

pinterest.com/ craftsbeautiful

Instagram craftsbeautiful

Crafts Beautiful, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY

© ACEVILLE PUBLICATIONS LIMITED No part of this publication or its content may be reproduced for public display or commercial usage without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 3

Contents qx_Crafts Project Template 23/01/2015 12:52 Page 1

Contents MARCH

2015

53

100

15 REGULARS

CARDS & PAPER

12 YOUR SPACE

15 5 WAYS WITH… ARROWS & CHEVRONS

Share makes and stories with your fellow CB readers

Point your cards in the right direction with our arrow-themed designs

22 INSPIRATION FOR MARCH Create, share and buy our bright spring ideas

28 ASK THE EXPERTS Tricks, tips and handy know-how from our team of top craft designers Welcome a little one into the world with Katie Skilton’s enchanting baby makes Create a myriad of cutesy things for a little one's nursery

71 REALLY USEFUL CRAFT TIPS CB readers offer their crafty advice

94 BROWSE & CREATE We celebrate Mother's Day, post our fave freebies and share other web delights

112 COMING NEXT MONTH See what's in store for our April issue

122 BEHIND THE CAMERA Dawn Bibby shares her jewellery making journey and more

42 WINDOW APERTURES 50 PAPER CAKE BOX

57 HANDMADE HOME

Corinne Bradd discusses her love of all things winged

Whip up a batch of Mother's Day cards using beautiful floral toppers Create pretty spring themes using Tracey Daykin-Jones' card tricks

34 OUR PAPERCRAFT HERO

68 CORINNE’S CRAFT SPACE

19 MAKE ME QUICK

Store little trinkets or mini chocolate treats in a pretty container

66 FANCY FLOWERS Simple paper pleating is at the heart of these folded greetings

84 PAPER JEWELLERY Make a unique gift with Keren Baker's stylish accessories

PEOPLE & PLACES 30 A DAY IN THE LIFE

We chat to craft superstars Julie Peasgood and Wendy Turner-Webster

74 MAKE & SELL

STITCH

53 STITCHED PINCUSHION Hop onto the sunshine bus and get creative with a gorgeous campervan softie

63 EVENING STARS Create a celestial patchwork cushion by Helen Philipps

97 HABERDASHERY SAMPLER Hunt out your prettiest fabrics and combine with clever stitch for a creative design

102 CUTE COSIES Sit back and enjoy dippy eggs and soldiers in style with these felt coverings

104 MADE BY YOU: MOUSE PINCUSHION Sew a little mouse for your craft station with our easy how-to

106 DINNER SET Dress your table top with Amanda Walker's dainty stitched creations

LEARN & MAKE

24 SHADING MASTERCLASS Create subtle shading using stamping and masking techniques

32 ELIZABETH MOAD QUILLS

Stitch up a gorgeous piece of artwork with Corinne Bradd's copyright-free moth canvas

Share it!with the rest of the CB community via 4 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Show your mum just how much you care with these gifting ideas



Contents qx_Crafts Project Template 23/01/2015 12:53 Page 2

In This Issue

24 FIND FREE TEMPLATES FOR THIS ISSUE AND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

crafts-beautiful.com

34

72

74 38 SARA NAUMANN’S MASTERCLASS Use a toolbox essential to turn plain cards into woven washi tape designs

88 BACK TO BASICS: BEADING Discover the ancient art of beading with our simple guide

BROWSE & BUY 11 CRAFT CRUSH

Live happily ever after by looking to classic stories and fairytale motifs

78 SPRING TRENDS FROM THE BRANDS YOU LOVE See which looks and products we're coveting for spring/summer 2015

76

JEWELLERY

91 TRANSFER JEWELLERY Let nature be your inspiration and create Ellen Kharade's designs

KNITTING

100 TEA COSY Knit and purl yourself Monica Russel's pretty poppy vintage cover for your teapot

BAKE & CRAFT

76 STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES Use simple sugarcraft techniques and brighten your baking with these treats

MIXED MEDIA

Freebies & Prizes

45 PHOTO MEMORIES Try your hand at image transferring so you can display your nostalgic pics in style

7

72 PERFECT PACKAGING

Create a collection of papercrafts this issue with our sensational scoring tool set

Add a flourish to lotions and potions with The Soap Kitchen's easy ways

22

81 CLAY IMPRESSIONS Personalise and make your crafts individual with Jill Alblas' sweet trinkets

87 INKED FLORALS Personalise a selection of Mother's Day gifts using POSCA Pens

26 FREEBIES & OFFERS We've got over £1,000 worth of goodies available to win this month!

BRANDS WE LOVE 60

www.crafts-beautiful.com

HOW TO USE YOUR FREE GIFT

78

72

28 122 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 5

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How to use your

FREEGIFT PERFECT CRAFT PARTNERS

YOUR NEXT INSTALMENT OF THE TOOL BUDDIES COLLECTION IS THIS FANTASTIC 8-WAY PAPER TOOL SET, FEATURING ALL YOU NEED TO QUILL, CREASE, SCORE, EMBOSS AND MORE!

Work with pretty papers, such as these Roald Dahl designs by docrafts Standard bone folder for folding

Dual quilling and embossing tool

Alternative bone folder, good for larger projects with its extra flat surface

Creasing tool with a more defined point

Scoring tool with curved section for rounding various elements

Turn over for more ideas... BOX AND BOUQUET

PRETTY STEPPER CARD

3-D CASTLE CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 7

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How to use your

FREEGIFT

WHAT YOU NEED Your FREE 8-Way Paper Tool Set Card: pink, orange Paper: plain, yellow; cream; patterned, orange Ribbon: organza, orange; satin, pink

Stamp, flowers Gems Wire, florist Tape, florist Craft knife

Flower box Take pink card, 30cm x 44cm. Score across at 2cm, 12cm, 22cm, 32cm and 42cm from one edge, then at 10cm and 20cm from the other side. Cut out the box template shape and crease along the score lines with a scoring tool. Assemble and glue the edges, then tie with ribbon. Cut four petal shapes from orange card. Score freehand down the centre of one petal, then shape. Bend the top of the petal over the smooth end of a scoring tool to curl it. Repeat for the other three petals. Make a centre bud with florist wire and tissue paper, then wrap a fringed length of yellow paper around this. Attach the four petals and cover the wire with florist tape. Make three more flowers. Cut out leaves from green paper. Score veins on each leaf, then shape the paper along these score lines. Attach to the flowers, then tie the bouquet together with pink ribbon.

Hello card Make a pink card, 13cm x 18cm, and draw a line across the spine of the card, 7cm from a long edge. Cut this line with a craft knife, 5cm from a short edge to 2cm from the other side. Next, score lines at 2cm, 4cm, 8.5cm and 19cm across the card to the cut line just made. Fold alternately to make steps.

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Cut out leaf shapes and score a line down each centre. Shape them and glue to the blank, on top of thin strips of card for stems. To make a flower, trim three lengths of card, 2cm x 15cm. Make score lines at 1cm intervals. Fold each piece into a concertina and glue the ends of the pieces together to make a ring. Press down flat. Adhere to the card with more leaves. Add a greeting, ribbon and gems to finish.

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Free Gift

Castle greeting Cut two castle shapes from patterned orange paper. Take two lengths of card, 2cm x 10cm, and score across the middle, then 2cm in from each end. Fold over and use the end of a scoring tool to press down and crease the folds. Glue the ends of these pieces to the reverse side of the front castle and the reverse of the back castle. Cut out orange card for the tops of the spires and decorate the design as you wish. CB

Concertina book Cut a 13cm square from strong scrap card, then cut in half diagonally. Cover each triangle with orange patterned paper, using a scoring tool for the fold lines. Take cream paper, 19cm square, then score lines across from the middle point of each side, plus each corner.

Trim along one crease line, from the middle point of one edge to the centre. Decorate the paper with a message, poem, calligraphy or floral rubber stamps. Concertina the paper folds and press the edges using the flat side of a scoring tool. Glue orange ribbon across the two orange triangles, then attach the folded paper. Decorate the outside of the mini book.

Your exclusive gift next month

Add our Gift Box Maker to your growing Tool Buddies collection – you'll be able to whip up lovely pillow boxes in no time!

What’s inside: April issue on sale 6th March 2015

l Box template l Scoring guide sheet l Ruler l Ribbon stencils l Heart motifs

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 9

DuckTapeAds15 qx_Layout 1 21/01/2015 14:29 Page 1

...

... ...find out more at www.ducktapecolours.co.uk or call 01442 275311

Craft Crush March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:49 Page 1

Craft

Crush

Browse & Buy

ONCE UPON A TIME LOOK TO CLASSIC STORIES AND FAIRYTALES WHEN CRAFTING FOR KIDS (OR INDEED YOURSELF!) Celebrate the works of Roald Dahl, the Brothers Grimm, Lewis Carroll and others with story-themed crafts. We've picked some of our fave fairytale designs (think carriages and knights in shining armour) as well as other childhood classics – discover keys to The Secret Garden, or evoke the romance of Beauty and the Beast with a single pink rose. The Roald Dahl collection is full of surprises with illustrations from popular novels, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Clockwise from top-left: 1 Red Riding Hood fabrics by stacyiesthsu, spoonflower.com 2 Santoro antique gold key charms, £4.99 for six, sprinkle-twinkle.co.uk 3 Alice in Wonderland clear stamps, £11 for nine, paperpandacuts.co.uk 4 Diamond, horse and carriage clear stamp kit, £9.98, claritystamp.co.uk 5 Premium artificial rose in soft pink, £1.15, countrybaskets.co.uk 6 Princess and knight children's colour-in placemats, £7 for 12 sheets, pipii.co.uk 7 Traditional nursery rhyme snap game, £4, ellieellie.co.uk 8 Bella Rouge chipboard shapes by Pink Paislee, £4.99 per pack, heylittlemagpie.com 9 Princess and the Pea fabric, £3 per fat quarter, billowfabrics.co.uk 10 Silvery horse charms, 95p each, jillybeads.co.uk 11 Roald Dahl A4 ultimate die-cut and paper pack by docrafts, £11.65, onestopcraftshop.com 12 Magical fairytale wooden blanks, visit daisymoondesigns.co.uk to see the range 13 Shiny fairytale stickers, £3, stickerstack.co.uk CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 11

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E r C A P u S o y are your makes “Join the crafty community and sh ” Jecely n and stories with fellow CB readers!

Star Prize

! Embossing set. With one heat This month's star prize is a fantastic Wow and one VersaMark ink-pad, you tool, 12 embossing glitters, 12 powders ct addition to everyday craft can craft to your heart's content. The perfe embossed cards, own very projects, you could whip up your mbossingpowder.co.uk wowe ! more and lery embellishments, jewel

All you need to get started!

STAR LETTER I love making cards, but I was running out of people to send them to! I then heard that the libraries I work for in York were looking for new ways to raise funds and I wanted to help, so I offered to supply them with my cards. There was such a demand: I found myself producing around 300 in the first few months so that each had at least 30 at a time. I also experimented with other crafts and made my own jewellery. Around this period I was very unwell, so having lots of projects to focus on kept me going, with a cat on my lap and your magazine to help creative juices flow! Ruth McAuley, via email

WHAT A WONDERFUL THING TO DO, RUTH! EVERYONE AT CB WISHES YOU WELL

Your FAVOURITE

Twitterverse

PROJECT FROM LAST MONTH WAS...

Ideal craft day? Putting my favourite music on and creating a complete mess and making something wonderful @hedgegirl 

My friend came over and I taught her how to make fused glass coasters @willofibres I'm nuts about knitting, especially creating patterns as I go instead of following one! @foxynitta

Show us your CB CRAFT

CREATIONS

We love to see what our readers are making. Have you been influenced to create something special?

Why not send us a pic?

12 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

VALENTINE ENVELOPES

Charity Inspiration I wanted to create a pretty card that wasn't too tricky, so when I came across this lovely Doodled Butterfly Card from your February issue I decided to give it a go. I'm quite happy with how it turned out, so thank you Crafts Beautiful – this is my favourite project! Saffiyah Bashir, via email

I'M SO PLEASED YOU LIKED IT, AND WHAT A FANTASTIC JOB YOU'VE DONE TOO!

SPRING CUSHION %

10

DOODLED BUTTERFLY CARDS %

20

10%

BABY BLOCKS %

35

HABERDASHERY ART %

25

Vote for your favourite this issue on homecraftforums.com!

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Meet a mate!

Join us for Thrifty y Thursday ever week at facebook.com/l craftsbeautifu

Thrifty Thursday This month, Christine Barnes from York has been busy upcyling old jigsaws “I made this necklace by decoupaging pretty paper onto an old jigsaw piece, then lined the edges with a gold marker pen. I'm going to make more: there are so many potential designs in one little piece! Thanks so much for your magazine. I've had a subscription for years now and I love it: it's great flicking through and seeing so many fab crafts!”

Swap hints, tricks and your stories with new friends

Joy Satsuma-Loo, 51 Hello everyone. My favourite craft is scrapbooking, and I'd like to hear from women who enjoy the same thing. 92-1304 Kikaha Street, Hawaii 96707

What have you been upcycling as part of Thrifty Thursday?

Pam Lindop, 61 I enjoy patchwork, crochet and card making. I would love to hear from anyone who likes the same crafts. 17 Howard Walk, Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 4SW

Sarah Molyneaux, 43 My hobbies are general crafts, writing letters and listening to music. I'd like to hear from women in the UK. 7 Croot Close, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4SZ

Tina Brown, 57 I like cross-stitch, sewing, making cards and lots of other crafts. I am looking for friends around my own age from anywhere who like to create. 49 Minster Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, CT8 8DA Please be aware that entrants to the pen pals section submit personal details at their own discretion

Email your details to [email protected] or fill out the form on page 113

Gift Shower

FORUM MEMBER

OF THE MONTH knit&flee

This month's winner is knit&flee! As the name suggests, she is often found on the knitting forums offering her support and talking about yarn creations. Thank you for being a star!

Home Recycler

I'm a keen upcycler and I was brought up to re-use things as much as possible. Recently, I painted a frame and stuck buttons to the front and stitched a bedspread usin g old 1970s sheets, embroidered tablecloths and scrap fabric pieces from my stash. June Jacobs, via email

LOVELY MAKES, AND LOOKS LIK E YOUR CAT AGREES TOO!

My friends and I wanted to create a stylish yet thoughtful gift for a pregnant friend as she neared her due date. As our social circle is very international and eclectic, we decided to play with this and asked everyone to bring a bead to her baby shower. Each one's meaning was explained, then I made a necklace during the event and gave it to her at the end. It turned out beautifully even, though we had no idea what anyone would bring! Diane Nolan, via email

Services tography & Birth Elyse Dillon Pho

THIS IS SO WONDERFUL – I'M SURE SHE WILL TREASURE IT FOREVER

Get in touch via... Post – Your Space, Crafts Beautiful, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY Email – [email protected]

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Cards

Share it!

5wayswith... PROJECT LIFE PAPERS POINT YOUR CARDS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WITH OUR ARROW AND CHEVRON-THEMED DESIGNS

turn over for projects CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 15

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5 ways with... PROJECT LIFE PAPERS Pink Arrows

WHAT YOU NEED Papers, Project Life: Blush Collection, Page Dividers, Kraft Edition Dies, Chevron Bits, Avery Elle Stamps: Good Times, Clearly Besotted; Oh Yeah, Avery Elle; Bowtiful, Waffle Flower Crafts Card, white Cardstock, green Ribbon: blue, yellow Ink, Tuxedo Black Memento, Tsukineko White gel pen, Signo Adhesives

Create a card blank, 12.5cm x 14.5cm, and add a slightly smaller matt of pink wavy paper. Position arrow dies onto the card, keeping them in place with some washi tape. Run through a die-cutting machine. Reposition the arrows and die-cut until there are the right amount of apertures. Cut out a selection of papers using the same dies. Adhere white cardstock to the inside front of the card, then stick the die-cut arrows into the matching apertures. Tie blue ribbon into a bow on the left-hand side.

'Allo arrow Arrows and chevrons continue to be on-trend shape sensations that are easy to incorporate in your card making projects. Look for patterned paper, stamps, embellishments and dies with an arrow theme to inject a trendy touch into any design. They have an androgynous look too, so are perfect for greetings aimed at boys and men. Or, instead, make them whimsical with a mix of printed papers...

Hello Create a white card blank, 10.5cm x 12cm. Add a smaller matt of green striped paper. Sketch a large arrow that is the same length as the width of the card. Cut out from green cardstock and position onto the blank at an angle, so the arrow is protruding off the top. Trim thin pieces of patterned paper and adhere onto the arrow. Draw dashed lines around it using a white gel pen. Stamp ‘hello’ in black ink onto white card and cut a ‘v’ to the left. Stick onto the arrow.

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Birthday Create a white card blank, 10cm x 14.5cm. Turn zig zag acetate the wrong way around and trim to the height of the card. Cut grey spotted paper to the same length and fix onto the base, then apply the acetate on top. Cut a tag shape from yellow chevron paper and affix over the acetate. Add thin strips of patterned paper on top. Tie yellow ribbon around the bottom of the card into a bow. Stamp a sentiment onto white card in black, cut out, and trim a ‘v’ into each end. Layer on top to finish.

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Cards

Share it!

You Are Loved Create a white card blank, 10cm square. Cut green chevron paper slightly smaller and adhere onto the card. Trim a strip of blue chevron and position onto the right of the card. Die-cut three pink arrows and place onto a strip of white card, made into an arrow shape. Layer onto the card, alongside a thin arrow cut from striped paper. Trim two hearts from patterned paper and layer on top. Stamp a sentiment onto white, cut into a pennant, then adhere below.

“FILLING A DIE-CUT APERTURE WITH ITS MATCHING SHAPE IS CALLED IN-LAID DIECUTTING – IT'S A GREAT WAY OF GETTING LAYERS AND TEXTURE ONTO YOUR CARDS WITHOUT BULK, SAVING YOU MONEY WHEN POSTING!” Keren Baker, Designer

Craft tip Love arrow motifs? Draw a large one and use the template to make a set of shaped cards

Great Day Make a white card blank, 10cm x 13cm, and adhere different widths of patterned paper to the front. Cut out triangles of a wider width and stick onto the ends of each strip to create arrow shapes. Position onto the card, overlapping them and protruding some over the right edge. Stamp a sentiment onto white card and mount onto green, then adhere to the bottom-left corner. CB

SOURCE IT... Project Life products, Hey Little Magpie, 01925 244460, heylittlemagpie.com Waffle Flower Crafts stamp, My Mum's Craft Shop, 01305 459131, mymumscraftshop.co.uk

Make it! Been inspired by our creations? Send yours to [email protected] to be featured!

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Make Me Quick_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:35 Page 1

✁

Make me QUICK

Cut Out & Keep

WHIP UP A BATCH OF MOTHER’S DAY CARDS USING BEAUTIFUL FLORAL TOPPERS

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Make me QUICK

Craft tip Why not try adding some glitter to the centre of the flowers for added sparkle?

GINGHAM GREETING

BEAUTIFUL MOTHER

SUNFLOWERS DAY

Mount pink gingham paper onto pink card and glue to the front of a square blank. Stick a strip of floral paper to pink, wrap pink gingham ribbon around the centre and secure the ends to the back. Glue the panel to middle of the card. Trim a flower topper and mount onto pink. Adhere to the centre using foam pads. Add pink gems to each corner. Tie a bow from ribbon and glue to the left. Stamp a sentiment onto white, stick to pink and fix below the topper using foam pads.

Stick a square of lilac dot paper onto purple card. Trim a smaller section of gingham paper and mount onto purple. Fix lilac gingham ribbon towards the lower half of the panel and secure the ends at the back. Adhere to a square blank. Trim a rectangle floral vases topper, glue onto purple, then attach using foam pads. Stamp a sentiment onto white, mount onto purple and secure to the card using foam pads. Tie and glue a lilac gingham bow to the left of the ribbon strip. Decorate the top-right corner with three lilac gems.

Trim a sunflowers topper and mount onto brown card. Die-cut a yellow scallop border and glue along the bottom of the panel. Attach a strip of yellow gingham ribbon to the top of a top-folding blank. Secure the topper to the front so it slightly overlaps the ribbon. Tie and stick a bow to the left of the ribbon strip. Add a pearl heart to the centre of the bow. Finally, stamp a sentiment onto white and attach to the card using foam pads.

1 2

1 2

1 2

BEST MUM

1

Fix purple card to the front of a topfolding blank. Trim a floral topper and glue to the front, then stick lilac ribbon along the bottom. Carefully cut out a vase, butterfly and bee, and fix them over the original topper using foam pads. Tie a bow and glue to the middle of the ribbon strip. Stick a pearl circle to the bow centre. Stamp a sentiment onto white and fix to the card. Decorate the corners of the card with self-adhesive pearls. CB

2

“LARGE TOPPERS ARE IDEAL FOR QUICK CARDS – ALL YOU NEED IS A BIT OF RIBBON AND A FEW GEMS!” Kitty Frampton, Designer

SOURCE IT... Toppers and papers, Lili Of The Valley, 01132 578778, liliofthevalley.co.uk Stamps, Clearly Besotted, 01376 330979, clearlybesottedstamps.com

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Download

IF YOU’D RATHER NOT CUT UP YOUR MAGAZINE...

You can download and print this project from CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

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News March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:55 Page 2

BAKER’S DOZEN

Decorating cakes is a breeze using a dedicated set of icing nozzles that store neatly inside an easy-spin turntable. A silicone base grips the cake while you ice and doubles as a stand for a smooth transition from kitchen to table! The Chef’N’ Cakewalk comes with two icing bags, a coupler, 16 nozzles and a decorating nail. Priced £29.99, Lakeland, 015394 88100, lakeland.co.uk

Inspiration for...

MARCH

MAKE, BUY AND SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPRING IDEAS

Colour Savv’reyhooked on

We PIP Studios’ new stationery range. The beautiful detailed folded greeting cards and journals are designed with multiple layers, rhinestones and gold finishing. We think they’re a welcome burst of colour and pattern, which are sure to blow away the cobwebs! pipstudios.com

Bloomin' Lovely Spend a fabulous day out at the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair where you'll find inspiration for home and garden, as well as plenty of handmade goodies to buy. Enjoy the demonstrations or join one of the many workshops and learn something new. The Business Design Centre, Islington, London, 18th-22nd March. countrylivingfair.com

CUSHY NUMBER

Give your mum a surprise on Mothering Sunday with these luxury handmade letter cushions. They're a fun way to spell out a message or name and would make a unique gift for any occasion. The full alphabet is available in a choice of colours decorated with an oatmeal white letter in wool. Priced £18, Swanky Maison, swankymaison.com

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READER OFFER

CB readers can book their tickets in advance and get a 25% discount (paying just £12 instead of £16.50 on the door). Call 0844 8480150 and quote CL151.

News March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:56 Page 3

CRAFT & CREATE

GADGET

Paper Posy

of the Month

The new Build A Bouquet and Pop-Up Die Sets from Stampendous will have you creating floral-themed greetings in no time! They're specially designed to work with the Build a Bouquet stamps and dies to produce vases and flowers ideally sized to fit the tabs on the Pop-Up Die Set. You can also use the die set with any of your favourite stamps to craft a selection of unique paper creations. For stockists details, visit woodware.co.uk

LIGHT TOUCH TINY TREASURES

Bit of a Yarn...

Knitters will be delighted to know that there are a host of exciting events planned for Love Your Yarn Shop 2015. If you fancy stocking up on the latest yarns and patterns or simply want to learn a new stitch or two, pop along to a participating craft shop. For further details about Yarn Shop Day, visit letsknit.co.uk

Place a beautifully illustrated card next to your baby, then with a click of the camera capture the first smile, first steps, first words and 25 other baby milestones! You'll have the perfect memento to cherish or share with family and friends. Baby Milestone Card, £12.99, Cloth-Ears, cloth-ears.co.uk

See page 26 for a spcial offer

The LED Rechargeable A4 Lightbox is a must-have tool and the perfect craft room accessory. The large illuminated area gives an even source of light making it ideal for tracing templates, or for those projects that need a back light such as crossstitch, embossing and Pergamano. The lightbox comes with a red padded storage bag with a flap at the base, making it easy to recharge in situ. Priced £69, craftlights.co.uk

we love 5 Papers this month...

Out and About 13th-14th March. Great Northern Papercrafts Extravaganza, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. A firm favourite on the craft show calendar, this action-packed event attracts thousands of dedicated card makers and scrapbookers every year. Ticket hotline, 0113 287 7794, craftworkcards.co.uk 14th-15th March, Mother’s Day Weekend, Hever Castle & Gardens, Weald of Kent. 01732 865224, hevercastle.co.uk 19th-22nd March, Sewing for Pleasure & Hobbycrafts, NEC, Birmingham. Ticket hotline 01425 277988, ichfevents.co.uk

What a Wonderful Day, fancypantsdesigns.com

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 23

Masterclass stamps Qx_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:29 Page 2

COLETTE SMITH’S Masks with Penny Black Stamps CREATE SUBTLE SHADING USING STAMPING AND MASKING TECHNIQUES Masking is a fantastic way to overlap stamped images to create a dimensional effect. For example, you can use the mask with a flower stamp to create the perspective of some of the blooms sitting in front or behind each other. To do this, simply stamp the flower onto a piece of specialist masking paper and cut it out. Stamp the image again onto your card, position the mask over it, then repeat stamp, overlapping the mask. When it’s removed you will be left with one image tucked behind the other. The masks can be re-used a few times; it’s a simple, clever and cheap technique to master with fantastic results - plus people will wonder how you did it!

the basic technique creating a mask Follow the outline of the image closely when cutting out the mask, otherwise you will get a white border around the stamped image or ink where you don’t want it. Bold images that are easy to cut out work best with masking. It’s important to make sure the ink is dry on the stamped image before covering it, otherwise the mask will pick up and transfer the ink elsewhere, spoiling your design. Before you start, it’s best to cut out a few masks of each image. This makes it easier to stamp clusters of an image and you will always have one ready to use when a mask needs replacing. Test the mask on various types of card before starting your project. The glue on the mask will damage the surface of the card by lifting the fibres.

“You can use sticky notes instead of masking paper; just make sure some of the sticky part is on the reverse” “The masks can be used several times before

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2

3

Masterclass stamps Qx_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:29 Page 3

MASTERCLASS

Cards

WHAT YOU NEED Ink-pad, Versafine, onyx black Pen, ProMarkers: blues, pinks, purples, greens Gems, clear Adhesives

Cardstock: white, pale blue Stamp, Petal Party (30-113), Penny Black Stamping masking paper, Inkadinkado

Stamp the flowers and leaves onto masking paper and, when dry, cut out. You will need more than one of each image. Stamp the large flower onto the bottom of a white blank, so that it overlaps the edge. Allow the ink to dry and cover the stamped image with the mask, making sure it is lined up correctly. Keeping the mask in place, stamp another flower so it overlaps the mask. Cover the second flower with a mask and stamp a leaf, again overlapping the masks. Re-use the masks to build up the flowers and leaves until you are happy with the layout. Remove any masks and colour in the design with shades of purple, blue, pink and green. Stamp a sentiment in the top-left corner. Matt onto pale blue card, then onto a white square blank. Add a few gems around the sentiment to finish. CB

SOURCE IT... Penny Black stamp, The Glitter Pot, 01444 247644, theglitterpot.co.uk Stamping masking paper, Hobbycraft, 0330 026 1400, hobbycraft.co.uk Letraset ProMarkers, One Stop Craft Shop, onestopcraftshop.com

losing their stickiness or becoming covered in ink”

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5

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CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 25

Giveaways_Layout 1 22/01/2015 15:01 Page 1

winwinwinwin Freebies&Offers THERE'S OVER £1,000 WORTH OF PRIZES TO BE WON THIS MONTH: GET ENTERING!

Enter online at crafts-beautiful.com/giveaways or turn to page 115 to fill out the form Three Daylight lamps worth £100 each Crafters know how important good lighting is when creating, and the portable LED Foldi Lamp from Daylight is perfect for those on the go. With comfortable full-spectrum natural daylight that's kind to your eyes, the light from this lamp significantly increases contrast and helps to make reading much easier whilst running for up to six hours from its rechargeable batteries. We have three of these amazing lamps to give away. uk.daylightcompany.com Tick Lamps

26 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

BoBunny set worth £150 BoBunny channels Shakespeare with its new line, Star-Crossed. This eclectic collage teams vintage goodness with romantic motifs including feathers, constellations, lock and keys and musical notes in a swirl of red, aqua, grey and coffee shades. We have a set worth £150 to win. bobunny.com Tick Papers Three Belle & Boo sets worth £52 each Trimcraft has partnered with Belle & Boo to expand its craft collections with a range of delightful papers and embellishments.

Capturing the nostalgic charm of Belle & Boo, the selection of stamps, paper packs and decoupage sets are perfect for inspiring crafters of all ages. We have two £52 bundles up for grabs. trimcraft.co.uk Tick Belle & Boo Two Walls and Floors vouchers worth £75 each Mosaic tiles are perfect for jazzing up just about anything, from the wall space behind your bathroom sink to a notebook. We have two £75 vouchers from Walls and Floors to spend on their range of tiles. From iridescent pieces, glistening mirrors and metallic circles,

Giveaways_Layout 1 22/01/2015 15:01 Page 2

winwinwinwin PRIZE PEOPLE!

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you’ll be able to find what you need to create a dream project. wallsandfloors.co.uk Tick Mosaic Two needlepoint sets worth £85 each Mad In England offers fun needlepoint kits suitable for all levels. There's a variety to choose from and each comes with plenty of Appletons 4-ply tapestry wool, needles, postcards and stitch info. One winner will win dog and chick kits, and the other will get another pooch and bunny. madinengland.com Tick Needlepoint Two website kits worth £59.99 each Fancy having your own customised website?

Anyone can create a beautiful, mobile-ready site with its own online shop with the Build a Website starter kit from Mr Site, and we have two worth £59.99 to give away! Simply select from an abundance of gorgeous website designs, drop-in texts, images and videos with the support of the online team. uk.mrsite.com Tick Website 15% off Purple Stitches Are you sewing mad? Then this is the offer for you: Purple Stitches are giving CB readers a smashing 15% off! So, if you're looking to refill your haberdashery stash or browse through the latest collections of designer

fabrics, now is the perfect time to do so. Simply enter CBMMAR15 at the checkout. Expires 06/03/2015. purple-stitches.com 25% off Lightbox rechargeable lamp The LED Rechargeable A4 Lightbox is a must-have tool for your craft room. The large A4 illuminated area gives an even source of light, making it ideal for tracing templates or for those projects that need a back light such as cross-stitch, embossing and Pergamano. The lamp retails at £69, but for your chance to get 25% off, enter CRAFT2015 at the checkout. Expires 06/03/2015. craftlights.co.uk

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 27

Ask the Experts qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:03 Page 1

Got a question for our crafty team? Send it in to [email protected]

ask the EXPERTS CRAFTY SOLUTIONS AND CREATIVE KNOW-HOW FROM OUR TOP TEAM OF CRAFTERS

Meet our Panel...

ANN MARIE CATTERELL is Hunkydory Crafts' demonstrator and branch manager, who regularly appears on craft TV sharing her tips and techniques. hunkydorycrafts.co.uk

CORINNE BRADD is CB’s talented in-house designer. Corinne likes nothing better than the challenge of turning car boot finds into upcycled masterpieces.

ROSIE SAVAGE is our Deputy Editor, as well as putting your favourite mag together, she also loves to sew and is an expert card maker.

JANE GILL is an experienced card designer and demonstrator with her own stamp range. woodware.co.uk

28 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

“I want to make a special card for my mum this year. Are there any particular kits or colour trends I should look out for?”

ANNE-MARIE SAYS... I recommend Hunkydory Crafts’ Oriental Bloom Collection, it'd be perfect for your mum. The spring theme with its divine colour palette, exquisite floral displays and a hint of oriental charm is ideal for special occasions. The card featured here is made from the Beautiful Birds topper set. The bright pink makes it look really feminine and the pretty design is ideal for celebrating Mother’s Day. The best part is that you don't need to go out and buy lots of different products, because everything to make the card is included in the kit – just add glue!

Ask the Experts qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:04 Page 2

CRAFT CLINIC

Learn & Make

Sometimes my card buckles when applying the glue – what am I doing wrong? ANNE-MARIE SAYS… You could be using too much glue, the wrong type, or the glue might not even be the problem! The most important element in card making is a good quality cardstock, and at Hunkydory Crafts we only use the best quality 350gsm card blanks with a unique silky-smooth coating that won’t crack when folded. If you use a heavy-weight cardstock, any all-purpose craft glue applied sparingly will do the job. Alternatively, tape runner which dispenses narrow double-sided tape is a mess-free option when matting and layering. Also, for attaching toppers to cards, you'll find that foam pads are brilliant as they are lightweight and add dimension at the same time.

Hot embossing has always fascinated me, is it easy to do?

Why is embroidery thread stranded and what is the best way to use it? CORINNE SAYS… Most embroidery thread, whether it's cotton, silk or synthetic, comes in

a skein of six strands. Using the thread straight from the skein is almost impossible as it is so thick. The threads are meant to be separated and used two or three at a time, depending on the intricacy of your embroidery. Cut a 30cm length from the skein and split the threads up by pulling them one by one from the end of the bunch. Recombine them to sew with - it will result in flatter, neater stitches as the two or three threads should sit next to each other rather than twist. You can also experiment with combining different colours of thread to make your own custom shades.

ROSIE SAYS… The simple answer is yes! Hot embossing is a fabulous way to add highlights and rich colour to your cards. Start off by stamping an image onto card using a clear embossing ink-pad. Choose a coloured powder or one with glitter and while the stamped image is still wet, lightly sprinkle the powder over it. Tap off any excess into the container. Use a specialist heat tool, positioned about 15cm above the image, to melt the powder. And if you don’t want to singe your fingers, a handy trick is to hold the card with a clothes peg!

I'd love to try decorating china, but I worry about keeping my painted lines straight, can you help? CORINNE SAYS… I use a soft

pencil to draw a guide line on china, then paint the line slowly with a fine brush that's not too overloaded. If I make a mistake it's much easier to let the paint dry, and then remove the error with a fingernail or craft knife. Horizontal lines can be drawn by holding a pencil flat on top of a block of wood or a book. Bring the item up to the tip of the pencil and rotate it so the line is always an equal distance from the top and bottom of the piece.

Is there an easy way to make sure I always get a neat crisp stamped image? JANE SAYS… Always make sure that the stamp is well inked and that no excess rubber has been tinted before stamping onto the project. Press down firmly, holding the design steady with one hand – clear stamps need less pressure than rubber stamps. Avoid using a rocking motion as you press, as this will will give a blurred outline. Finally keep a moist cotton wool bud handy to correct any errors.

COMING NEXT MONTH... QUILLING MUST-HAVE, TRICKS WITH DISTRESS INKS, THE CREATIVE PALETTE ON-TEST CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 29

day in the life Mar 15 qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 14:07 Page 2

a day in the life of a CRAFT PRESENTER ...

“Always believe in your passion – where there’s a will there’s a way!” raft duo Julie Peasgood and Wendy TurnerWebster are the faces of Crafty Beggars, a TV show that challenges the public to get creative with all sorts of interesting things. Between them they’ve notched up an impressive career in television and entertainment – the ladies’ bubbly personalities, warmth and vitality make their latest show compulsive viewing. We caught up with Julie and Wendy, to discover what it’s like being in the spotlight and how crafting has changed their lives.

C

What's your morning routine?

Wendy: I tend to get emails out of the way first and then catch up on social media content for Crafty Beggars. Julie and I text and speak several times a day – so it’s a good job we get on so well!

Do you work from home?

Julie: My crafting work is homebased and fits in very well, except my husband does bemoan the fact that I hog the kitchen table for my writing and creating! He is actually very understanding, but to have my own private workshop where I don’t have to clear away any work-inprogress is nevertheless top of my wish list!

terms were even invented! She was always cutting up old clothes to make rag rugs, or renovating pieces of furniture, and as a family we all followed in her footsteps. I came up with the idea of Crafty Beggars when I wanted to turn my passion into a TV programme, and Wendy was a phenomenal catalyst – when she came on board things really took off.

Have you always been interested in crafting?

What do you enjoy most about presenting on the show?

Julie: I have made things since I was tiny – having been encouraged by a very creative mum, who was into recycling and upcycling before the

Wendy: I enjoy seeing the ingenuity of our contestants; it astonishes me that they can create such a variety of wonderful items from bits and

bobs one might usually throw away – and all on a tiny budget!

How does your routine change from day to day? Julie: Each day brings different challenges, depending on what stage we are at. One day I might be trying to match all the contestants to get the best mix, or it may be that Wendy and I have to travel to Brighton to check locations, or to have a planning meeting with Hobbycraft, who sponsored our first series. I particularly enjoy the days when we sit down and make things though – often accompanied by a glass of wine and too many crisps!

Do you have a favourite craft

Meet our new technique and why? columnists! Tune in next Julie: I love upcycling old furniture and I’m always fascinated by the month...

results which are often much better than I expected – even just adding a little candle wax when I’m distressing something, or experimenting with Annie Sloan’s fantastic paints (my current hot favourite) is so satisfying. Wendy: On our last Cornish holiday I collected quite a lot of sea glass and other beach treasures and when I got home I made a seahorse from them. Since then

30 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

I have completely fallen in love with the concept of working sea glass into creative items… I just need to visit the beach again!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their crafting into a career? Julie: Know your market – who is going to buy your product and how can you best appeal and advertise to prospective customers? Effective marketing is crucial – you want the public to know your beautiful creations are for sale! Stay motivated, believe in yourself, and keep developing new ideas. Wendy: Do a quick business and social media course (one has to move with the times!). Consider how, when, and what you are going to sell and do some really thorough market research. Befriend other crafters and get some advice and tips from them. And, finally believe in your passion – where there’s a will there’s a way!

Further info:

Find out more about Crafty Beggars at craftybeggars.co.uk

**CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ROPs March 15 master_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 23/01/2015 16:04 Page 31

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 31

Liz moad quilling March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 14:19 Page 1

ELIZABETH MOAD quills

Mother’s Day gifts SHOW YOUR MUM JUST HOW MUCH YOU CARE WITH THESE GIFTING IDEAS

Quilling is a historic papercraft technique that has many aspects to it and can always be adapted to modern designs, colour schemes and patterns. These Mother’s Day projects explore the unusual technique of wrapping paper coils with a second colour, there by 'outlining' the coil to make it stand out and give it more presence in the design. It's an easy idea as the coils are shaped with regular quilling techniques, then a strip of paper is glued around the whole coil for the outline. The colour schemes can be changed to suit the recipient, of course, so get those quilling papers at the ready and have fun with it. Happy quilling, Liz x

WHAT YOU NEED Papers, quilling, 3mm: orange, red, yellow, pink, green Your FREE quilling tool Crimping tool Picture frame, 22.5cm x 27.5cm

Card: light yellow, yellow Gift bag, plain Ribbon, orange Foam pads, 3-D

Picture frame Remove the glass from a picture frame and insert light yellow card into the mount, to fit an aperture measuring 14cm x 19cm. With a 40cm length of 3mm wide orange paper, crinkle the length with a crimping tool. Then, using a quilling tool, make a loose closed coil. Pinch both ends lightly. Take a crimped piece of yellow paper and wrap around the orange coil, then wind crinkled red paper around this. Make two more petals in this way. Glue all three together at the base, then coil the top of each shape. Glue this flower to the top-right of the yellow card, then adhere another flower made in the same way beneath. Take a 20cm length of green, coil one end for 5cm, then remove the tool for an open coil. Fix under the base of a flower, leaving the stem hanging. Repeat to 32 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

make another, glue to the other side, then only adhere the two stems together at the top and base. Repeat for the other flower. To create small buds, make coils from 20cm lengths of orange paper. Pinch the coils lightly at one end to make a teardrop shape. Wrap each coil with a length of green, gluing in place and leaving a 'tail'. Stick these together in clusters, joining all the tails together to become one stem. Adhere to the card. Make a loose closed coil from a 40cm length of pink. Pinch both ends to create an eye shape and wrap with green paper. Create seven more and glue to the yellow card. Finally, add lengths of green for extra stems and open coils.

Mother’s Day card Mount light yellow card to a darker yellow blank. Crinkle a 20cm length of orange paper and make into a loose closed coil. Wrap this with crinkled red. Create another petal and glue the two together at the base. Coil the top of each petal with a quilling tool. Next, with a 5cm length of red paper, make a small coil. Pinch and glue to the top of the flower. With a 15cm length of green, make an open coil at one end and glue to the flower. Create another and stick to the other side. Make four of these flowers in total and glue to the yellow card. Coil and pinch pink paper,

Liz moad quilling March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 14:21 Page 2

MASTERCLASS

Learn & Make

“ALL PAPER FADES IN SUNLIGHT SO PLACE THE FRAME AWAY FROM A WINDOWSILL” Elizabeth Moad, Designer

20cm long, into a teardrop shape. Wrap with green and make five more. Fix to the card. Print and cut out a sentiment onto light yellow card, then adhere to the bottom-left of the blank using foam pads.

Gift bag and tag Make a coil from a 40cm length of pink crinkled paper, then wrap with red twice and coil the top. Create four more petals and glue together at the base, then attach to a gift bag. Make small buds from 20cm of yellow paper, pinched to teardrop shapes and wrapped in green. Pinch orange paper, 20cm, into eye shapes and wrap with green. Tie the stems with orange ribbon. Print and cut a sentiment onto light yellow. Alternatively, make a tag with more

SOURCE IT... Quilling papers and tools, JJ Quilling, 020 8295 1822, jjquilling.co.uk

USE YOUR FREE

GIFT!

Craft tip

For a very modern design, the coils can be wrapped in black paper rather than green for a bolder statement

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 33

PapercraftHero Mar15 qx_Layout 1 22/01/2015 10:23 Page 1

Our Papercraft Hero CREATE KATIE SKILTON’S ENCHANTING BABY MAKES AND WELCOME A LITTLE ONE INTO THE WORLD

WHAT YOU NEED Paper, 8” x 8”, It’s A Girl/Boy, First Edition Card: heavy-weight, white; assorted colours; blank, A5 Dies: Nesting, Circle/ Scalloped Circle; Xcut Alphabet, Centurion Distress ink, brown Gems, self-adhesive Door hanger, MDF Sanding block Trimmings Embellishments

Hello Baby

Rustle up this easy greeting card decorated with chipboard shapes Cover the front of a card blank with patterned paper, leaving a border all round. Add a panel, 9cm x 16cm. Trim a strip, 7.5cm x 15cm, and shape into a pennant. Tint the edge of each paper layer using a brown ink-pad applied direct to paper. Fix a piece of deer paper, 3.5cm wide, across the pennant. Add a length of ribbon and twine, then stick the decorated panel to the card blank. Fix together a plain and scalloped circle and attach to the card using 3-D foam pads for height. Position a sticker on the centre of the circle as shown. Trim and attach a tag, then a ribbon and twine bow.

34 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

GIVE THE TAG A PERSONAL TOUCH AND ADD THE BABY’S NAME

It’s a Celebration New parents will appreciate a bottle of bubbly decorated with a pretty label

Die-cut a large scalloped circle and ink the edges, then attach a slightly smaller circle to it. Use a smaller die and remove the top part of the circle to turn it into a bib shape. Add a strip of ribbon behind each end of the cut out. Stick two buttons on either side for decoration. Die-cut a small circle and attach a teddy sticker. Fix onto the middle of the bib. Position a sentiment and bow to the right-hand side.

PapercraftHero Mar15 qx_Layout 1 22/01/2015 10:23 Page 2

Papercraft

“WHETHER CRAFTING FOR A BOY OR A GIRL, THE NEUTRAL COLOURS OF THESE PAPERS MAKE GREAT BABY PROJECTS” Katie Skilton, Designer

Craft tip Chipboard shapes make great focals; use them with foam pads to add dimension

MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE A STURDY CARDSTOCK FOR THE INSIDE OF THE GIFT BOX

Just For You This easy idea is the perfect way to gift-wrap a present for baby Using the template provided on the pattern pages, cut two vest shapes from patterned paper. Trim out the inside of the box template from heavy-weight card. Colour the edge of the vest shapes with brown distress ink applied direct to paper. Assemble the pieces together using doublesided tape. Trim a bib shape from co-ordinating patterned paper, ink the edges and add the ribbon trim on the reverse. Stick the bib to the box and add a circular sentiment and a bow to finish.

USE A SOFT SANDING BLOCK TO SMOOTH THE EDGES OF THE DOOR HANGER

Quiet Time

Turn a plain blank into a handy sign to use for the nursery Place a MDF door hanger onto patterned paper and draw around it to make a template. Trim the patterned paper to size and fix it to the door hanger with craft glue. Sand and ink the edges. Fix a piece of lace across the centre, then add a ribbon and bow. Attach the teddy sticker. Die-cut the wording, ink the edges and attach. Add the butterfly sticker and adhesive gems to finish.

SOURCE IT...

First Edition papers, Blue Bell Girls, 01785 609171, bluebellgirls.co.uk Xcut dies, The Range, 0845 026 7598, therange.co.uk Door hanger, Artcuts, 01342 843 843, artcuts.co.uk

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 35

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Sara Nauman March 15 (R)_Layout 1 22/01/2015 10:38 Page 2

SARA NAUMANN’S

Woven Washi Tape Cards USE A TOOLBOX ESSENTIAL TO TURN PLAIN CARDS INTO SHOWSTOPPERS Washi tape comes in so many attractive patterns and the weaving technique is an easy way to combine a couple of designs into a sleek and stylish composition. One of my favourite tricks with washi tape is to weave strips together to create instant focals. The clean lines can be placed straight up and down, or tilted at an angle. The key to stress-free weaving is to fix it onto strips of white card – as you can imagine, it’s not easy to weave sticky tape! In addition, the white card brightens up the pattern on the translucent tape, so that the design stands out more clearly. When mounting the tape on card, I leave a border on the long edges. This gives each pattern a bit more emphasis, especially when mixing tape and placing it on a busy background paper.

“Mix in a variety of card widths for added appeal. Standard washi tape is 1.5cm wide. A paper trimmer makes cutting perfectly straight strips more accurate!”

Craft tip

the basic technique weaving washi tape Cut the strips of white card slightly wider than the washi tape and use 1cm wide strips of solid card for larger accents. Place washi tape in the centre of the white card strips and smooth it down. Weave the strips loosely, adjusting the amount of space and the angle. Flip over and secure with sellotape. Trim ends at angles or straight across.

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2

3

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It’s much easier to weave the strips before gluing to the base paper or card. I tried to weave and glue directly onto my background paper with less-than-spectacular results and no small amount of frustration!

WHAT YOU NEED Washi tape: multi-coloured circles; blue x; red dot; blue flower Paper, Unforgettable, Hot Off The Press Stamp, Eclectica (ESN04), PaperArtsy

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Ink, archival, jet black Notebook, blank Punches: 1” circle; corner rounder Card: red, blue, white Bakers twine: red, white

Coming next month… Team stencils and embossing powder to give your cards fabulous shine and crisp, colourful patterns. This technique is easy to do and gives lots of options for variation – Sara shows us how.

Sara Nauman March 15 (R)_Layout 1 22/01/2015 10:38 Page 3

MASTERCLASS

Mixed Media

Série No. 1016 Notebook Bright and cheerful washi tape patterns combine to create an eye-catching woven accent on this stylish notebook Create a woven accent using washi tapes and red and blue card. Place at an angle and secure. Fix onto dark green patterned paper, 10cm x 13cm, and mount onto blue card. Mount again on white card and stamp Serie No 1016 at the bottom in black ink. Matt onto red and use a corner rounder punch to trim the right-hand corners. Place on white and punch the corners of the card. Fix the assembled piece to the front of a notebook. Wrap bakers twine twice around the spine, then tie in a bow at the top. Tie another bow and glue to the washi embellishment as shown.

Sara says... Combining multiple patterned tapes is a great look - I like to mix in strips of plain card for contrast. It also makes the finished piece more tactile; washi tape has a smooth, slick texture that’s a nice balance against the rougher feel of card

Dream, discover Strict, straight lines don’t have to be boring! Here, colourful washi tape patterns weave to become a fresh and fun background Create a woven accent with washi tapes and a strip of white card. Fix in place. Glue the woven piece onto dark green patterned paper, 11.5cm x 14cm, trimming the vertical lines even with the sides. Cut the ends of the horizontal strips as shown - one on the right, one on the left and the others level with the edges. Use black ink to stamp a sentiment. Mount onto white, then black card. Make a folded red card, 13cm x 17cm. Glue the mounted piece to the card front. Stamp a circular image on white card, then punch out. Punch a circle of black card and glue the two together, offsetting them slightly. Use foam tape to attach to the card front. Tie a bow from a length of bakers twine and fix in place. CB

SOURCE IT... Washi tape, We R Memory Keepers, weronthenet.com Hot Off The Press paper, Paper Wishes, paperwishes.com Stamps, PaperArtsy, 01277 212911, paperartsy.co.uk CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 39

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Advertising Feature

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March’s Wish List A collection of this month’s most sought after crafting products to add to your crafty stash. D

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A Rooftop Fabrics has a lovely range of fabrics and haberdashery, there’s something there for everyone, including beautiful cottons and lovely soft plush fabric, jersey knits and funky lycra. www.rooftopfabrics.com

D Sculpey Soufflé is a new polymer clay in 22 colours. Easy to work but holds detail well. We also stock Premo! Sculpey, Sculpey III and all FIMO Clays. Order online for excellent value, fast delivery and personal customer service. www.craftcellar.co.uk or call 01138150050

B Project Life is the new, exciting and simple way to record your life! Document your everyday by mixing photos with journal cards and memorabilia. Check out our huge range including core & mini kits, albums, pocket pages and more! www.papermaze.co.uk Papermaze, Grange Farm, Otley, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 9NS. 01473 892195

E The Noolibird Flowery Heart stamp is perfect for a Mothers Day card and will be a lovely addition to your stamp collection. Prices start at £6.50. Get 10% off with discount code CBMAR10 until the end of April. View the complete range of handmade stamps at www.noolibird.com tel; 01273 308898

C A world of inspiration, with unique in-house designed stamps, you're bound to find something you love. Check out the boys from our hottest new range "Club Royale" for all your male cardmaking or go girly with "Miss Solomons Slippers" Visit www.fairymyworld.co.uk

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F Flame off is the largest Lampwork Glass event in Europe, bringing bead makers together from around the world under one roof, over one weekend. From FREE “have-a-go” benches with experienced stewards to leading Lampwork Artists’ classes there is something to bring out the bead maker in everyone. www.flameoff.co.uk

H G Why not learn new skills and have fun making beautiful projects each month from Pandora’s Crafty Box? Subscribers receive everything they need to make projects and decorate the box for just £15.00/month + P&P (10% off first box online now). www.pandorascraftybox.co.uk [email protected] www.facebook.com/Pandorascraftybox H It's time to begin your Crafting for Mother's Day! With Daisymoon's selection of Mother's Day plaques, kits and sentiments, it is easy to create your craft stock for your next craft fayre or sale. If you just want to create a treasured keepsake for your own mum or nan then take a look at our Mother's Day range today. Craft Happy with Daisymoon! www.daisymoondesigns.co.uk Tel: 07738417822 I Simply Floral is a stunning Spring-inspired collection from Papermania, injecting some much-needed colour into your projects in 2015! With pretty floral patterns with a modern vintage feel, this collection is everything you need for Spring and Summer. Visit www.onestopcraftshop.com or call 01908 227001

**p40-41 - WISHLIST FEATURE MASTER_ADS 23/01/2015 12:58 Page 41

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J Sew Crafty Sewing Centre. Your perfect shop for dress fabrics, haberdashery, buttons, ribbons and trimmings. Visit Sew Crafty at 3 High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1JN. New online store is now open. www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk or call 01628 620 703

K Bertie’s Bows have bought out their Spring 2015 range which includes burlaps, jutes, hessians and raw edge cottons, in a variety of widths, colours and designs. Guaranteed to charm. See the full range at www.bertiesbows.co.uk

L Created by Renshaw: a bright and exciting new colourful range of tasty marzipan celebrating the colourful vibrant shades of Spring with eye-catching Blue, Green, Black, Red, Pink, and Yellow added to the existing signature marzipan lines of natural and golden. Available from www.renshawbaking.com - priced at £2.49 for 250g.

M Why not try a new craft? This kit contains everything needed to create all of the pretty floral designs - full instructions and pattern sheet, coloured illustration, quilling tool, quilling papers, adhesive and mount card. Priced at only £5.99 it makes a wonderful gift and great introduction to this beautiful craft. We have a large selection of other quilling kits, papers, tools and accessories on our website. www.pasttimesquilling.com

N CoolCrafting have a delightful new kit, Reynard the Fox. Made in rich wool felt, Reynard is handsewn and can either be bought with a stylish wardrobe of clothes, or ‘naked’ as seen for £15. For more details visit www.coolcrafting.co.uk/shop or call 015395 61928

Tracey Aperture cards_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:50 Page 1

IFT!

G USE YOUR FREE

SCORE PERFECT LINES WITH THE BONE FOLDER

CREATE PRETTY SPRING THEMES USING TRACEY DAYKIN-JONES’ TRICKS WITH

Window APERTURES

“PLACE LAYERED PUNCHED FLOWERS IN DESIRED POSITION, TAKE A PHOTO FOR REFERENCE, DISMANTLE AND SECURE IN PLACE USING 3-D FOAM PADS AND GLUE” Tracey Daykin-Jones, Designer

42 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

SOURCE IT... Sizzix products, sizzix.co.uk My Favourite Things Die-namics dies, 01305 459131, mymumscraftshop.co.uk

Tracey Aperture cards_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:51 Page 2

Cards & Paper

Make it! WHAT YOU NEED Card: white, light pink, dark pink, light green, dark green, blue, red, orange, yellow, purple Papers, patterned: grey, yellow, pink Dies: Sizzix Bigz, Window & Window Box; Tim Holtz Alterations (658780); My

Favourite Things Dienamics dies, Leaf Filled Flourish Die-cutting machine Punch, butterfly Gems Thread, black Fine needle Adhesives

FELT FLOWER CARD Trim two pieces of card to A6 size and cover one with grey patterned paper and the other with dusky pink card. Die-cut the window frame image from white card. Take the measurements of the aperture area, then draw one onto the pink card, making it slightly larger. Cut the aperture out using a craft knife and put to one side. Fix patterned paper behind the aperture, fold the bottom edge over, then secure in place using double-sided tape. Punch a butterfly from purple card and pierce two tiny holes in the centre.

Craft tip

Position the butterfly over the top-right corner of the window, piercing through the holes into the frame. Sew the butterfly to the frame using black thread. Stick a yellow panel to the back of the window to create a blind.

Create a window box full of paper flowers. Keep your punch sharp by punching through tin foil

Die-cut a window box from green card and stick to the bottom of the frame using 3-D foam pads. Die-cut one large and two small flowers from pink felt. Glue the light pink flower to the

How to make... AN APERTURE CARD

1

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centre of the dark pink flower. Pop a silver gem into each flower centre and add a diecut leaf flourish. Remove the bottom of the leaf flourish and stick to the left of the window box. Fix the overlapping sections to the window frame die to secure in position. Attach a large felt flower with a foam pad and add a smaller one using double-sided tape. CB

TRACEY'S TOP TIPS...

3

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Have fun adding ‘curtains' or ‘blinds' behind the die-cut window frame. Trim patterned paper and stick directly onto the reverse of the window using doublesided tape for unlimited variations. Use good quality white card when diecutting the window frame. It needs to be substantial to secure firmly to the card and will also pick out the embossed detail on the die. Die-cut a window box from bright coloured card and stick to frame using 3-D foam pads. This will allow you to add flowers popping up from behind the window box, as well as flowers to the front to create a thriving display.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 43

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Photo memories_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:57 Page 1

Mixed Media

Love it!

TRY YOUR HAND AT IMAGE TRANSFERRING SO YOU CAN DISPLAY YOUR NOSTALGIC

Photo memories

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 45

Photo memories_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:58 Page 2

WHAT YOU NEED Wooden blocks, 6.4cm Mountboard, stone Photographs, laser copies Card, cream Paper, parchment Eyelets

Liquitex Acrylic Gloss Gel Medium Paint, tester pots: Farrow and Ball, Charleston Grey; Slipper Satin; Red Earth; Dulux, Overtly Olive Punch, circle

PHOTO BLOCKS Make colour copies of your favourite 16 photographs. They must be laser copies, not inkjet. Trim down to 5.8cm square. If you have access to photo software, you could scan, colour and resize the photos before colour copying them. Paint each side of a wooden block with a generous coating of gel medium and place the laser copies face down on three sides in a row. Leave to dry for at least seven hours. Wet a cloth and cover the block so the paper gets really wet, then gently rub off the paper fibres. It will take time to remove all traces of the paper, so just keep going! Copy the 'LOVE' letters from our pattern pages onto the fronts of the blocks and paint in grey, coral and green. Add a little shadow using watered down grey paint, then paint decorative corners.

“ADAPT THIS PROJECT TO MAKE A KEEPSAKE FOR A NEWLY MARRIED COUPLE. SIMPLY PICK THEIR FAVOURITE PHOTOS AND PAINT THE HAPPY COUPLE'S INITIALS ON THE BLOCKS” Helen Fitzjohn, Designer

46 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Photo memories_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:58 Page 3

Mixed Media

Love it!

OUR ADVICE... Don't have your own laser printer? Many art shops and stationers do, so get your printing done there!

CAMERA CARD Trim mountboard, 8.5cm x 26.8cm, then score and fold at 13.5cm so it's slightly off-centre. This is the main card. Use our templates to cut the camera shape from mountboard. Piece A is for the front and B is for the back. Cut the coloured area from B and stick to the back of A. Paint the front in grey. Copy or print the negative design onto cream card and cut out the apertures. Print out two photos onto parchment paper and glue behind the apertures. Trim the middle section out of B and stick the negative on top. Decorate the camera front using our motifs and coloured card. Cut out the lens using a circle punch and layer up with 3-D foam pads. Stick the camera to the main card, ensuring it hides the fold. Slide the negative into the opening between the camera front and main card, then add eyelets and a ‘pull’ tag tied with organza ribbon. CB

SOURCE IT... Wooden blocks, Craft Shapes, 01270 763668, craftshapes.co.uk Acrylic gel medium and mountboard, Pullingers, 01372 741811, pullingers.com

READ ERS LIKE YOU Meet Janet and Button The lovely Janet Roberts got in touch to share her homemade cards and story with us

Thank you for your interest in my cards via Facebook. Here are just a few samples – I hope you like them. I've been making cards for three years. I started after having treatment for breast cancer because I wanted a new hobby, and after the first card I was hooked. I make and sell my cards to raise funds for various doggy charities: RSPCA, where we adopted our Button the Yorkie from, SSPCA, Dogs Trust, and some smaller ones both here and in America. I like to send

gifts like toys or make cash donations to help with vet care... I just love doggies! Thank you again, Love Janet and Button

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 47

**CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ROPs March 15 master_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 23/01/2015 14:28 Page 48

www.e-crafts.co.uk

Ca rdm ak ing an d Sc rap bo ok ing Su pp lie s al Products General Craft Supplies - Flor Supplies al Brid ents Card Embellishm ents ishm bell Baby Em sonal Items Card & Paper supplies - Sea rs Offe cial Spe ral Trading Estate, Units B4/B5 Dudley Cent Midlands DY2 8TP Shaw Road, Dudley, West le: 0775 1891754 Phone: 01384 230000 Mobi Email: [email protected] Mailorder only

Follow us on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter for snippets of craftspiration! @craftsbeautiful

48 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Digital Page Qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:42 Page 1

Join usonline

GO DIGITAL WITH YOUR FAVOURITE CRAFTS MAGAZINE

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Keep up-to-date with all things Crafts Beautiful and see what we're loving right now on our Facebook page. By simply giving us a 'Like', not only will you be privy to amazing creativity, but you'll also get a free project or patterned papers on us! Plus, we host Thrifty Thursday every week – think bargain crafts, upcyling projects and savvy ideas. And don't miss our regular Facebook-only giveaways either.

SPOTLIGHTS

dition Get each e r fo instantly

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instagram.com/ craftsbeautiful Featuring a stream of wonderful photographs, Instagram is a great way to gain a visual insight into people and brands that you love. Check out ours for behind-the-scenes snippets, snaps from days out, a close-up of our photoshoots, sneak peeks of new issues and more. It's like you're part of the CB team!

Digital edition crafts-beautiful.com/subscribe Find Crafts Beautiful magazine on iTunes, the Kindle Newsstand and Nook Apps library, where you can download each issue for just £2.99 or subscribe so the digi mags appear in your online library every month! Please note: digital subscriptions do not include covermount gifts

Website

Twitter

crafts-beautiful.com We don't mean to sound smug, but our website is a smorgasbord of craftiness. From numerous projects to video tutorials, free downloads to templates and giveaways, it's all on offer for you to enjoy – don't miss out!

twitter.com /craftsbeautiful Have a chat with us on Twitter! We share our latest projects, creative finds from the web, things that make us giggle and giveaways, but more than anything we love a good ol' crafty chinwag!

Crafts Beautiful Forum crafts-beautiful.com/forums We've been making some changes to our forum to make it better than ever for you. You can still find topics for various craft techniques, the book shelf where we (and our sister titles) are waiting for you, plus fun challenges and more.

Pinterest pinterest.com/ craftsbeautiful We've got 50 boards of exciting imagery to inspire you on Pinterest. From 'Sew On and Sew Forth' to 'For The Love Of Yarn' and 'A Bit Of A Giggle', there's something for every crafter to get their teeth stuck into.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 49

Cake box_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:27 Page 2

STORE LITTLE TRINKETS OR MINI CHOCOLATE TREATS IN CATHIE SHUTTLEWORTH'S

Paper CAKE BOX

WHAT YOU NEED Paper, stock, 160gsm, assorted colours Punches: flower, circle Paint, relief, 3-D, pearl white Pen, fine, black

“WANT TO USE A SPECIFIC FONT ON YOUR CARD? PRINT THE PHRASE FROM A COMPUTER ONTO COLOURED PAPER, CUT IT OUT LEAVING A FEW MILLIMETRES AROUND EACH LETTER, THEN MOUNT TO THE CARD” Cathie Shuttleworth, Designer

50 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Cake box_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:27 Page 3

Cards & Paper

Love it! To complete this project with ease, why not use the scoring board that comes FREE with issue 79 of PaperCrafter? On sale 13th February!

Craft tip Don’t worry if the pen work on the card is uneven – it adds to the overall effect

CAKE BOX Copy the template from our pattern pages onto coloured paper. Score the dotted lines, cut along the outside edge, then crease the scored lines. Glue the long tab and join it to the long edge. Do not adhere the three smaller tabs – this will be the lid. In a contrasting colour, add a strip around the sides to indicate a filling. Disguise the ends at the lid side of the box by covering them with paper, adding a scalloped edge to the top section. Make 11 more slices. Punch flowers and circles from coloured card and join them together, bending the petals up between finger and thumb. Glue them to the top of the cake slices. Add dots of pearl white relief paint for decoration. Arrange the slices into a circular cake.

CAKE CARD Make a tall side-opening card from blue paper. Face with yellow, leaving a margin all the way around. Cut an oval shape from purple, then draw plate details with a fine black pen and top with relief paint. Cut a blue triangle and an orange slanted rectangle; join the two together with glue. Add a strip of green for the filling. Punch small circles from pink and decorate the orange section with them. Add an orange spoon and pink scalloped icing to the cake slice, creating a slit in the blue triangle for the spoon to sit in. Edge the cake and add detail in black. Join the cake and plate together, then top with a pink and blue flower. Dot with relief paint. Lightly draw letters onto various coloured papers to spell 'yum yum'. Cut out, then draw black lines within the letters. Attach them and the cake to the yellow face of the card. CB

SOURCE IT... Pebeo relief paint, Craft Cellar, 01138 150050, craftcellar.co.uk

Show us! Will you be making this project? Share it with us at TWITTER.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 51

**p052 - CRAFTS WE LOVE_CWL 23/01/2015 14:21 Page 52

Crafts we lo❤e We hope you love this month’s most inspiring craft ideas as much as we do

Step into Spring with the fabulous Fly Away fabric collection from Dashwood Studios. Fly Away features a modern take on folksy floral prints in a fresh Lime, Cornflower, Aqua and Grey colour palette. Available from The Homemakery www.thehomemakery.co.uk

Razzle Dazzle Rose have extended their range of stationery and giftware. We think their new pastel pink stationery range is ideal for gift wrapping presents for Mothering Sunday. For further details see www.razzledazzlerose.co.uk

Online, London based haberdashers catering for all your fashion, interior & crafty needs! Our range includes classic essentials like scissors, pins & needles through to professional forward thinking items such as hotfix diamante wands, iron-on motifs...& much more. Being creative has never been so quick, easy or fun! www.josyrose.com info@JosyRose

JJ Quilling Design Craft your own beautiful Mother’s Day jewellery or accessories with Bonschelle Metal Clay. It's easy to use - simply mix the clay powder with water, shape, texture and fire. Full step-by-step instructions are included. A starter kit and firing service are also available. Great for beginners!. [email protected]. 01702 567360 www.bonschelle.co.uk

Store your creative kit in these versatile, acid free, clear storage boxes. Additional features include: lidded tray, deep internal compartment, fold down side bins with removable dividers, secure clasps, carry handle, Quote BOBBIN for your FREE stackable. Visit our website for more Bobbin Box with Kaboodle Plus. crafty storage www.organisedworld.co.uk solutions.

Our online shop carries a quirky range of designer cottons & pre cut fabrics for all your quilting projects. Our Suffolk shop runs sewing & craft workshops for all abilities, and we stock Simplicity dressmaking patterns & a range of lawns & poplins to create a new wardrobe. Visit www.patchfabrics.co.uk for more information

Online stockists of beautiful craft supplies and home of the new #habdash craft subscription box! Free UK postage on orders over £20. Save an extra 10% with code Crafts10 www.pocketandpin.co.uk

Patchwork Fabrics 100% cotton. Visit us at Sewing for Pleasure stand B22 on 19th – 22nd March ’15. Bring this advert to get 10% off on the day. www.rosarhodesltd.co.uk or call 0115 9402828

Take time out and make this lovely pin cushion rocking chair for you mum this Mothers day. 01763 268686 [email protected] Phillimore Garden Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 6EY

Birds of a feather quill together. Step into spring with our huge selection of quilling strips in more than 70 colours. Flock to our website to see our full range. Fast, friendly service. www.jjquilling.co.uk 0208 295 1822

Why not learn a whole new craft, with these Drop Spindle Spinning Kits. It's easy, fast, fun and a cheap way to spin your own yarn. At only £15, the kit includes everything to get you started. Visit www.twistedstitches.co.uk Topwools, 25 The Arcade, Barnsley S70 2QP Telephone: 01226 730826

Crafty Nook offer a wide variety of well-known brands for your crafting needs including Cuttlebug and Bigshot, Crafters Companion,Kanban and lots more! Unit 27, Durham Indoor Market, DurhamCity, DH1 3NJ Open Monday-Saturday 9-4:30 07540 829914 or 01913 740877 www.crafty-nook.co.uk

To promote your products and events here call Danielle on 01206505429 or email [email protected]

Carolyn Letten_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:06 Page 1

Stitch

Love it!

HOP ONTO THE SUNSHINE BUS AND GET CREATIVE WITH CAROLYN LETTEN’S FUN

Retro pincushion

Use a 5cm seam allowance throughout

Pack up your pins and needles for some spring sewing with this gorgeous fabric campervan made from ditsy printed cottons. Complete with axels and wheels, the pincushion campervan will look fabulous

on a shelf when you’re not using it. However, if you can bear to part with your handiwork, it would make a lovely gift for a stitchy friend, complete with matching card and gift tag!

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 53

Carolyn Letten_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:07 Page 2

Design detail Why not have a go at enlarging the pincushion template to make a chair cushion?

WHAT YOU NEED Fabric, printed: teal; purple floral; orange, dark orange; black scrap; typography Ricrac trim Buttons: black, spotty,

four; pearl, two Card Interfacing Felt, grey Adhesives

CAMPERVAN PINCUSHION Using the templates on the pattern pages as a guide, cut out the top and bottom pieces of the campervan twice from purple floral and orange fabric, turning the template for the second side. Overlap the purple fabric onto the orange by 5mm and stitch across. Cover the join with a length of ricrac trim, iron on the reverse, then repeat for the other side. Use the template to cut out four windows for each side; turn the template over for the other side. Back them all with interfacing. Fix curtains to the windows with a glue stick. Place each window onto orange fabric, then machine or hand stitch over them twice using a dark purple thread. Sew a vertical purple line behind the first window to define the door and stitch a small door handle. Repeat for the other side. Cut out four black wheel arches and stick them in place; the glue will prevent fraying. Stitch them down using black thread. From the typography print fabric, cut out the words of your choice and back them with interfacing. Stitch to the respective sides above the wheel arches. Iron on the reverse and set both sides aside. To make the middle section of the van, which combines the front, roof, back and underside all in one piece, use a strip of orange fabric, 7cm x 48cm. With patterned side up, leave a gap of 7cm from the right-hand side, then cut the front bonnet from purple fabric, back with interfacing and stick it to orange fabric and cover the join with ricrac trim. Cut out two front windows, back with interfacing stitch to the orange fabric; check the placement will match the windows on the sides by temporarily pinning them so that the ricrac meets. Stitch a small circle of dark orange to make the emblem badge. Make the sunroof from dark orange fabric, 3.5cm x 9cm, and interface. Pin to the roof, 2cm above the windscreen you have just stitched, then sew around it twice in dark purple. Iron the whole piece on the reverse.

54 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

ADDING THE DETAIL Make the bumper from a strip of felt. Trim 'sew’ from fabric and stitch it to centre for the number plate. Sew on two black circles, which should be slightly larger than your chosen headlamp buttons at either side. Attach the buttons and hand stitch around the edge of the bumper to add details. Stick the finished bumper to the front of the van.

Make the axels from four pieces of thin card, 4cm x 6.5cm. Score three lines across the width of each axel at 1cm intervals, fold into a triangular shape and secure the end with glue. Once dry, add orange fabric to match the base of the van. Line up the axels with the black fabric wheel arches and stick in place. Once dry, attach a black button to the end of each axel for the wheel.

the basic technique making up the campervan Start by pinning the front piece to one of the sides, making sure that the ricrac meets so it looks like a continuous length. Keep pinning all the way round, overlapping the other end at the bottom where the seam will not show. Stitch a 5mm seam all the way around. Match up the ricrac to the other side of the van and repeat. Clip the seams on the curves and turn right side out. Firmly stuff the van with toy filler and, before sewing up the gap in the bottom, slip in a piece of thin card inside the base.

Carolyn Letten_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:08 Page 3

Stitch

Love it!

Craft tip

Put your own car number plate onto the van or the gift recipient’s name

CAMPERVAN CARD Use the campervan template provided and cut out a card shape. Cover the bottom section in purple floral fabric and fix in place with glue. Add some orange fabric on the top half as shown. Cover the join with orange ricrac trim. Cut out the windows and curtains using the template as a guide. Back the pieces with interfacing before stitching them to the card using purple thread. Cut out ‘someone’ and ‘perfect’ from the typography fabric, interface and stitch in place. Sew around the outside in purple thread and add a vertical purple line to define the door section. Cut two black wheel arches, secure with glue and attach two spotty buttons for the wheels. CB

SOURCE IT... “THESE PURPLE AND ORANGE DITSY FABRICS ARE IDEAL AND GIVE THIS PROJECT A FUN 60S VIBE” Carolyn Letten, Designer

Fabrics, Fabrics and Trims, fabricsandtrims.co.uk Typography fabric, Frumble, frumble.co.uk Sew Happy ribbon and toy stuffing, Hobbycraft, hobbycraft.co.uk

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 55

Make it today ad qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 16:36 Page 2

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HandmadeHome_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:37 Page 1

HANDMADE HOME

Learn & Make

Create a myriad of cutesy things for a

BABY’S NURSERY

MAKE A NEWBORN BABY FEEL WELCOME WITH ROSIE SAVAGE'S TOP PROJECTS AND IDEAS

soft blanket

papercut picture

knitted blocks

stitched canvas

I

t goes without saying that we like making gifts for family and friends year-round, but if there's one occasion when a handmade present is most appreciated, it's on the birth of a baby. New parents have enough to worry about without thinking of everything they need to buy for the little one, so why not make their lives a little easier? This month, we're sharing a selection of projects suitable for a nursery, from a gorgeous blanket to a decorative papercut picture. Whichever project you choose to take on, you'll get nothing but smiles from mother, father and baby.

sewmag.co.uk

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 57

HandmadeHome_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:37 Page 2

WHAT YOU NEED Paper: 150gsm, A4, white; coloured Craft knife or scalpel Printer Compass Glue

make a papercut picture Download the design from crafts-beautiful.com and print onto A4 paper, scaling to fit where necessary. Note that the side it is printed on will be the reverse of the design. Test a knife on spare paper to see how much pressure you need to apply to cut the paper, practising curves and lines. Using a fresh blade, cut away the blue parts of the design. Change your blade regularly for a

1 2

clean finish. Use a compass to make little holes for the eyes of the bunny and bird. Print another copy of the design onto plain paper. Tape on top of coloured or glitter paper and cut around both pieces together using the pink templates. Glue the accent shapes on top of your papercut. Frame the finished piece over backing paper in a colour of your choice.

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“This design is great for the beginner paper cutter – I hope you enjoy making it ” Louise Firchau, Designer

DISCOVER MORE Visit paperpandacuts.co.uk for gorgeous designs, workshop info and more.

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HandmadeHome_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:37 Page 3

HANDMADE HOME

WHAT YOU NEED Yarn, DK, Baby Merino Silk: Limone, Bluebird, Teal, Straw, Opal, 30g of each Needles: knitting, 4mm; sewing Foam blocks, 10cm square Tension 21 sts and 27 rows to 10cm over st st using 4mm needles

Learn & Make

knit baby blocks Main piece Cast on 20 sts. Beg with a k row, work 27 rows in st st. Row 28 (ridge row): Knit. Rep rows 1–28, 3 more times. Bind (cast) off. First side Pick up 20 sts evenly spread on left-hand edge between rows 29 and 56. Beg with a k row, work 28 rows

in st st. Bind (cast) off. Second side Work as for First Side, but on right-hand edge. To make up Weave in loose ends. Press following instructions on the yarn band. Using mattress stitch, close the seams around a foam block.

READER DETAILS Discover more in The Hand-Knitted Nursery by Melanie Porter (CICO Books, £12.99). Photography by Emma Mitchell.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 59

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WHAT YOU NEED Dies, Sizzix: Bigz L, Giraffe (658639); Elephant (658638); Triangle (659853); Bigz, Flowers Layers w/Heart Petals (658053); Alphabet (657893)

Sizzix Big Shot machine (657900) Fabric: Fly Away, Dashwood Studio; mid-blue Fusible webbing Canvases, 23cm x 31cm

Make matching bunting using triangle, flower and alphabet dies - we show you how at crafts-beautiful.com!

create an appliqué canvas Cut two lots of mid-blue fabric, 40cm x 45cm. Apply fusible webbing to patterned fabric, then die-cut a giraffe. Fuse the giraffe onto one of the blue rectangles, 15cm from the top and 13cm from the left edge. Sew each element in place using straight stitch, then add a mini blue button for an eye. Stretch the fabric onto a canvas frame, stapling at the back. Fix a picture hook for hanging. Repeat to make an accompanying canvas, using an elephant die and three mini hearts from a flower die-cut.

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DISCOVER MORE Die-cutting machine and dies available from sizzix.co.uk

Welcome a newborn ANGELA SOUTHEY, SIZZIX'S CREATIVE QUILT SPECIALIST, EXPLAINS WHY THE ABOVE GIFTS WORK PERFECTLY FOR A BABY'S NURSERY l It's always lovely to give or receive a

handmade gift for a new baby, and this project is an easy one to make. It's perfect for beginners; older children could even make it for a new sibling! l You'll love the affordability – simply use plain fabric for the background

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and remnants from previous projects for the appliqué. l They can be made to fit any nursery colour scheme. Plus, you can experiment with different canvas sizes and background fabrics. Why not add the baby's name with stitched script too?

l The bunting can be made in any length – expand the design with the newborn's date of birth, or just create bigger spaces between each triangle. If you want to keep it general so it can be used for years to come, lose the letters altogether.

HandmadeHome_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:37 Page 5

HANDMADE HOME

Learn & Make

WHAT YOU NEED Wool: chunky; thin, for stitching Needles, 8mm Darning needle Felt (optional)

knit a soft blanket For each square, cast on 15 stitches. Knit 22 rows and cast off. Knit 30 squares in total. Stitch them together with wool in a block of five across and six down. This will make a blanket measuring 60cm x 72cm. Leave the blanket as it is or cut out stars from felt and sew in place on random squares. CB

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Hey baby Rabbit night light, £4.99, cloth-ears.co.uk

Alphabet and number stacking blocks, £12.95, dotcomgiftshop.com

ROSIE’S PICK READER DETAILS Discover Home Made Simple for Kids by Joanna Gosling (Kyle Books, £16.99) for more children's projects. Photography by Rachael Whiting.

Cat and mouse music box, £19, beckyandlolo.co.uk

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**p62 - NEEDLECRAFTS_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 23/01/2015 11:12 Page 62

needlecraft directory

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 01206 505429 OR 01206 505940 E-mail: [email protected] BECCLES SEWING HANDICRAFTS

Great value & superb quality

All your sewing needs Sewn-up

Dressmaking & Craft Fabrics Haberdashery & Craft needs Knitting Yarns Sewing Machines Embroidery Machines Overlockers & Embellishers Expert Repairs & Servicing

yeoman-yarns.co.uk Yarn for machine and hand knitting for over 30 years in all fibres, and still going strong!

We are authorized stockists of sewing machines by:

ALFA, BABYLOCK, BRITANNIA, BROTHER, ELNA, JAGUAR, JANOME, JUKI, PFAFF and SINGER

Tel: 01502 714234 Email: [email protected]

on Cone &Ball

www.becclessewing.co.uk

THREAD OF LIFE Independent supplier of those often hard-to-find crochet tools including a range of • hooks • broomsticks • hairpin frames • Tunisian crochet hooks • pattern booklets and cottons in weights 10 to 100. Workshops and tuition arranged for groups and individuals. For personal service, contact Helen Jordan on 07702 392935 or e-mail [email protected]

Banbury Sewing Centre Tel: 01295 262 344 www.banburysewingcentre.co.uk

EXTENSIVE YARN RANGE

For all your Knitting, Sewing, Craft, Haberdashery, Cross Stitch, Beading, Card and Cake decorating supplies

We stock brand s name sewing machine * DYLON FABRIC AND SHOE DYES * SIRDAR AND STYLECRAFT YARNS AND MUCH MUCH MORE! * SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS AND SERVICING Telephone orders welcome

OPEN 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday

Winter Hobby for the cold weather?

Try Crochet! Crochet Expert Pauline Turner wrote ‘Crochet for the Absolute Beginner’ as heard on BBC Radio 2 Drivetime. Learn from this illustrated book or attend a one-day workshop with a money back guarantee that you learn the basics in one day! Pauline’s workshops are for everyone Say what you need to learn when booking See web site for dates and for information on the distance learning course ‘International Diploma in Crochet’ Visit www.crochet.co.uk for more details 11 North Street, Morecambe LA4 5LR

Cross Stitch UK supplies cross stitch kits, needlepoint, tapestry, latch hook patterns and charts to many customers around the world. We provide a comprehensive range of products from leading brands and to bring you the very latest cross stitch designs. From birth to wedding samplers, classic to modern designs, we have a project for everyone

Visit: www.crossstitchuk.com Email: [email protected] 62 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Curta Soft Fu in and Maker rnishing Clacto s at our n bran ch

Stockist of patterned, embossed, glitter and plain felt sheets as well as a vast variety of felt products, felting wool, tools and accessories. With an exciting range of buttons, threads and needlework fabrics, Craft Department is your one stop shop for all things needlecraft! Visit us at

www.craftdepartment.com or telephone 01539823199

28 High Street, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1UQ - 01255 428 352

ALSO AT 71 Connaught Avenue, Frinton, Essex CO13 9PP - 01255 674456 Yarn, Haberdashery, Linen, Fabrics, Crafts & Babywear

[email protected]

Wool N Craft 136 Maidstone Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0DS

Tel 01634 231940 Knitting Yarns Sirdar, Patons, Coats Crochet + Scarf Yarns. Rico Creative Yarns, Mary’s Knitted Wreath. Christmas & Papercraft Workshops

www.woolncraft.co.uk [email protected] CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Huge selection of premium brands including yarn from our own flock of Suffolk X sheep. We stock • Rowan • Debbie Bliss • Louisa Harding • Noro • Bergere de France Opal • Malabrigo • Lorna's Laces • KnitPro • ArtViva • HiyaHiya • Namaste and more... Shop online at

www.littlehoundalesknits.com or visit us here at the farm or Farmers Market's

Want to show off your needlecraft business? We'd love to hear from you! Call 01206 505429 today.

Evening Stars_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:52 Page 1

Stitch

Love it!

MAKE HELEN PHILIPPS' CROSS-STITCH DESIGN AND PATCHWORK CUSHION, FEATURING

Evening stars

We love celestial shapes at Crafts Beautiful, and this project works up an eight-pointed star wonderfully. The patchwork cushion looks impressive, but it’s simply made up from squares,

rectangles and triangles. As usual, we’ve provided you with some fabulous cross-stitch - this time, in the form of a mini tag. It’s perfect for pairing with our cushion if you’re making it for a friend!

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 63

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WHAT YOU NEED Fabric: cotton, spotty, pink; yellow; solid, blue; Aida, 14 count, white Thread: sewing; embroidery, DMC Fusible webbing Cushion pad, 27cm square

Card: white, pink, thin for templates Paper, scrap Cord, yellow Tapestry needle, size 26 Tape, double-sided

EVENING STAR CUSHION Copy and cut out the templates from our pattern pages onto thin card. Place onto scrap paper and draw around them – you'll need one A, four of B, four of C and eight of D. Place a paper piece on the fabric being used for that shape and cut around it, leaving 6mm all the way around. Fold the fabric over and tack in place. Repeat for all pieces. Using our image as a guide, make an evening star block from the paper pieces. Sew together by hand, placing right sides together and using whipstitch. Once sewn together, snip the tacking stitches, take out the paper pieces and press the work. Sew a 6cm border of pink

Love cross-stitch? Find an abundance of fun kits at Cross Stitch UK Cross Stitch UK supplies a gorgeous selection of crossstitch kits, needlepoint, tapestry, latch hook patterns and charts to many customers around the world. They provide a comprehensive range of products from leading brands and bring you the very latest cross-stitch designs. From birth to wedding samplers, classic to modern designs, there's certainly a project for everyone to undertake. Find the kit for you at crossstitchuk.com or call 07838 180556 to find out more.

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Stitch

Love it!

Craft tip

Use our evening star block to make a quilt for your bedroom!

fabric to each side of the block, then press. Add fusible webbing behind the patchwork block and iron in place. Using white sewing thread, stitch around the star shape. Cut backing fabric, 27cm square plus a seam allowance, and place it on top of the block, right sides together. Sew around the side seams, leaving an opening at the bottom. Turn the cushion out and press. Place a cushion pad inside and stitch the gap closed.

CROSS-STITCH TAG Following our chart, sew over one block of Aida using two strands of cotton for the crossstitch and one strand for the backstitch. Once complete, cut out the design two holes away from the stitching all the way around. Back with white card using double-sided tape. Cut a small folded gift tag shape from pink card. Punch a hole in the top-left corner and tie yellow cord through. Glue the cross-stitch design onto the front to finish. CB

SOURCE IT...

Aida fabric and DMC threads, Craft Department, 01539 823199, craftdepartment.com

“YOU CAN PLAY AROUND WITH LOTS OF DIFFERENT FABRICS TO CREATE YOUR STAR SHAPE – YOU COULD EVEN MAKE THE WHOLE STAR WITH JUST ONE COLOUR IF YOU WISH” Helen Philipps, Designer

DMC: 996 DMC: 3608 DMC: 3607 DMC: 676 DMC: 996

Find FREE full-sized templates on our website at www.crafts-beautiful.com

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 65

Fancy Flowers_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:31 Page 1

IFT!

G USE YOUR FREE

TO MAKE THE FOLDED BLOOMS

SIMPLE PAPER PLEATING IS AT THE HEART OF THESE FOLDED

Fancy FLOWERS

“CREATE A BUNCH OF SUNFLOWERS TO GIVE TO YOUR MUM ALONG WITH THE CARD. MAKE SEVERAL OF THEM, ADD A STEM MADE FROM ROLLED UP GREEN CARD AND SOME HAND-CUT LEAVES, AND PLACE IN A SIMPLE GLASS VASE” Colette Smith, Designer

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Fancy Flowers_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:31 Page 2

Cards & Paper

Make it! WHAT YOU NEED Cardstock: green, pale blue, white, brown Papers, origami, Contemporary Colour Collection, Folded Square Dies, Framelits Circles #2 (658604), Sizzix

Punches: circle, 5/8”; 1”; 1.5”; corner rounder Pens, fine liner: brown, yellow Ribbon, orange Gems, clear Adhesives

FLORAL CENTREPIECE Take a 7cm square of yellow paper. With the white side facing up, fold into diagonal quarters. Bring the bottom and top points to the centre, then fold again towards the middle. Turn over and bring the coloured sides together along the length, then fold in half and hold in place with a dab of glue. This is one petal – make another seven and adhere together to make a circle. This is your main flower head. Take two pieces of round white card: one 4cm wide and the other 11.5cm. Decorate each with a narrow doodled border. Take the smaller sphere and fix a brown dot, 2.5cm wide, to the middle. Layer onto the main flower. Fix the flower onto the larger bordered circle. Layer onto blue card, 12.5cm square, with the corners rounded. Mount onto a white square blank, 13cm, and round the corners. Draw and cut out three leaves from green card, then attach with a sentiment and a few gems.

Craft tip

How to make... FOLDED FLOWERS

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2

You can get patterned origami papers and even double-sided ones with a different colour on each face – both would create a totally different look

THREE FLOWERS Using 4cm squares of paper, follow the folding instructions from before to make three flowers: a pink, yellow and an orange. Punch three 1” circles for the flower centres, one in each flower colour. Make three smaller spheres from white paper. Assemble as shown, then glue a gem to each bloom.

3

4

Create a sentiment and fix to the bottom of an A6 top-folding blank. Cover the remainder with blue card, then wrap and tie orange ribbon around the join. Round off the lower corners of the card. Glue the flowers to the blank and add three hand-cut leaves. CB

SOURCE IT... Origami paper, Folded Square, foldedsquare.com Circle dies, Sizzix, 0844 499 8181, sizzix.co.uk

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Corinne craft space_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:58 Page 2

Corinne’s craft space You can ‘paint’ a picture so easily with thread and backstitch

Corinne Bradd discusses her love of all things winged and wonderful

I

s it spring yet? I'm itching to turn the clocks forward again and break out the garden chairs. I've spent too many evenings sprawled on the sofa with a sewing machine in one hand and a chocolate biscuit in the other. I feel like an overstuffed hedgehog, big body and tiny limbs, bundled up for the cold weather.

Once spring has sprung I immediately feel lighter, brighter and more invigorated. Whether it's the extra sunshine or just that the central heating has gone off I don't know. All I want to do is walk briskly along the seafront or take a wander through some woodland, and I resent having to work during the day. This must be why so many projects don't get completed until the early hours of the morning. As I'm sure you're aware, I'm a bit of a birder. I hesitate to call myself that as, although I love to watch birds, I often have no idea what I'm looking at! But my love of wildlife stretches further than the cute and beautiful; I'm fascinated by the tiny and weird as well. I can't say I welcome creepy crawlies into the house but every now and then I look more closely at them just to marvel at their make up. My daughter and I went to see Nick Baker (of Springwatch Unsprung fame) who gave a talk on bugs. Since then, I have been far more tolerant of six-legged creatures, especially those with wings. This has been really handy when camping because no matter how careful you are closing zips, you will invariably spend the night with several little friends. The noisiest is the cockchafer: a short, fat, wobbly beetle that reminds me of myself. Beetles are very on-trend at the moment. They're turning up on clothing and cushions and I've seen some beautiful buggy brooches too. In fact, Nick Baker had a great beetle print shirt on when we saw him – I must tweet him and ask him if I can have it when the cuffs wear out, so I can cut it up and use the fabric for something else. Maybe the bug trend is a natural progression from the butterfly boom of a few years back that is still going strong. I'll wait to see how someone manages to make an earwig the must-have motif for 2016!

Corinne x 68 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Shine bright Regardless of all the crafting I do, I still love stitching more than anything else, especially hand sewing – because you can do that on the sofa with a biscuit – and embroidery. I must have more skeins of cotton than there are days in the year. You can 'paint' a picture so easily with thread and backstitch. My beautiful beetle was sketched onto plain fabric in pencil, then I stitched over the lines and filled in the gaps with split stitch and tiny beads. It was mounted onto a tiny canvas with quilt wadding so the light can bounce off the beads and thread.

Corinne craft space_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:58 Page 3

INSPIRATION STATION

People & Places

You rarely cases now see real butterflies faux versiobut it’s so simple to in glass paper and n. Print butterfly imcreate a decoupagecut out carefully wit ages onto and hold d scissors. Arrange o h small backing boown with foam pads nto glass size with thard of a picture fra . Replace the coloured w e butterfly glass anme the same d all for the best effect. hang on a

FLUTTER BY I bought eight wooden lace bobbins from a boot sale the other day. They were 25p each and I really wish I'd bought more. I've never made lace because I don't have the patience, so they just sit in a pot looking attractive. But it occurred to me that the shape looks like a butterfly's body, so I created this wonder with embroidery thread, coiled wire and lace stiffened with a little PVA.

I bought some ornate pressed metal jewellery findings and couldn’t think of anything to do with them. Moving them around on a tabletop inspired me to use them as filigree wings for a fantastical bug. I used polymer clay to make a smooth body shape, pressed the ‘wings’ into the back, then studded the body with tiny sparkling gemstones to make a unique pendant.

Winged Friends

Celebrate the beautiful butterfly in your crafting

Q&A

“I have a collection of vintage spools. What should I do with them?” ELLA BAXFORD, DUBLIN, CB READER If you’re really stuck for inspiration, you could always send them to me as I have a bit of a collection myself! If you insist on keeping them, you can create interesting vintage-style decorations that can be displayed along the top of picture frames or tucked into a corner of a bookcase. Your average 3cm tall wooden reels could be wrapped with co-ordinating embroidery thread and stacked up in a pyramid to brighten the end of a shelf. Additionally, make a tassel and long loop from the same cotton to thread up through the centre of the reel and hang from doorknobs or drawer handles. Larger reels can be stained and stamped on before being decorated with twists of lace and paper flowers. They make a great alternative to a hand delivered birthday card.

If you’ve got a question for me, send it in to [email protected]

As a 10 year-old boy, Luke Brown built his first butterfly greenhouse in his parents' back garden. Now, he's responsible for flying butterflies in what is to be the world's largest butterfly house and has over 30 years' experience in creating perfect environments for them. The well-being of the butterflies is priority at The Butterfly Gardener, with ethical rules being set in place from the very beginning. “Working with butterflies is not just my job, it’s my lifelong passion,” he says. If you'd like to learn more or buy natural death butterfly wings for your crafting, visit thebutterflygardener.co.uk/store or call 07796 676820.

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Craft tips_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:59 Page 2

Your really useful

CRAFT TIPS CB READERS SHARE THEIR CRAFTY ADVICE

Lino Print

Cut a shape from a styrofoam takeaway container, then add a design to the surface using a pencil and paint the front. Next, press onto a sheet of paper using a roller to create your own easy version of lino cutting

Dianne Steele, via Facebook

Zip Secrets

Safety First

Sew up your seam as you normally would, then place a zipper face down over the seam allowance on the wrong side and stitch into place. Cut open the front seams using a ripper for an easy way to add a zip

Need to draw elastic or cord through a sewn item? Fix a safety pin to the front of the drawstring and drag it through the channel, bunching up the fabric as you go. It makes the whole process much easier!

Ashley Kerr, via email

STAPLE SHADES

Colour a strip of staples using a permanent marker to create a fun, pretty alternative for you to use in your stationery and craft makes Saanvi Nathoo, via email

Jane Simmons, via email

Sleepy Upcycle

lowcases knocking If you have a few old pil all slits into one end about, why not add sm m as clothes bags? of each and reuse the

email Charlie Valentine, via

BEAUTY COAT Apply a small amount of clear nail varnish over the tops of buttons to stop threads from fraying Hannah Smith, via Twitter

Knit Saver Don't throw away your old wine corks – pop them onto the ends of your knitting needles between sessions to stop your work sliding off

Deborah Blunt, via Twitter

SHARP TACK

p? Make Want to keep your sewing pins shar a steel your own pincushion and stuff with t mos wool scrub, which you can get from super markets Margaret Howe, Eastbourne

themakeitroom.co.uk

“NEED A YARN BOWL? FOR A SUPER QUICK AND CHEAP ALTERNATIVE, ATTACH A BULLDOG CLIP TO THE SIDE OF A BOWL AND THREAD THE YARN THROUGH ITS ARMS” Molly Todd, Let's Knit magazine

Workshop leader Lynne Sharpe of The Make It Room in Chelmsford, Essex, is no stranger to running crafty classes. Lynne was previously a resident textiles artist at Hylands House, where she still teaches classes, and now devotes her time to various crafts. She tells us of her favourite furniture painting tips...

1 When you are painting something old, make sure it is free from grease and remove any flakes of loose paint 2 Gently rub down with lightweight sandpaper to help the paint stick to your project. Make sure you wipe the dust away before applying paint 3 If you have brush marks when you paint, gently use your ring finger to smooth them away before it dries. Gently sand and wipe dust away between coats

If you’ve a crafty tip or trick you’d like to share, get in touch

Share it! via Twitter, Facebook or [email protected]!

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 71

Soap Kitchen_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:43 Page 1

ADD A FLOURISH TO LOTIONS AND POTIONS WITH THE SOAP KITCHEN’S EASY WAYS TO

Perfect packaging

WHAT YOU NEED Containers, The Soap Kitchen: bottle, clear glass; jar with metal lid Soap base, The Soap Kitchen Bath crystals, The Soap Kitchen Paper, Bella Rose, First Edition Dies: scallop circle; label Pegs Acetate bags Embroidery thread

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Soap Kitchen_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:44 Page 2

s ION ft MOT

a RO CrIFUL P T AU BE

Made to Display with The Soap Kitchen The Soap Kitchen produce a range of soap making starter kits which are ideal for turning into gifts for special occasions - just add a creative flourish with your own gift wrapping ideas. Present the soapy gifts individually or as a set. A selection of beautifully decorated cosmetics look impressive when gathered together in a basket and covered with cellophane. Make your own descriptive labels using a small alphabet stamp set or print out names from a computer, trim neatly and mount onto paper that matches your wrapping. If you are using natural or organic products, print out the list of ingredients on a label and add it to your packaging.

“I’VE BEEN KEEN TO USE MY MELT AND POUR SOAP BASE AND, TEAMED WITH THIS LOVELY VINTAGE ROSES PAPER, THE SOAPS WILL MAKE AN ATTRACTIVE SET FOR MOTHER'S DAY” Corinne Bradd, Designer

LOTION BOTTLE Cut a strip of small dot paper long enough to wrap around your bottle. Choose a paper with a chevron design and cut two strips from this, using the chevrons as a cutting guide to create zig zag edges. Glue to the top and bottom edges of the dot paper. Add two very narrow strips of pink dot paper as a trim. While the glue is still damp, curve it around the bottle and fix at the back with double-side tape. Cut spotted paper, 5cm in diameter, and decorate with a floral motif trimmed from the paper. Take a double-length of embroidery thread and fold into a loop. Lay the ends onto a slightly larger scalloped circle and glue the decorated circle on top. Place the thread loop around the neck of the bottle so that the label hangs down the front.

SOAP BAR WRAPS Make up the melt and pour soaps in round and rectangular blocks following the manufacturer's instructions. Leave the bars to cool before wrapping tightly with cling film to prevent them sweating. To make the wrap, cut a strip of paper, 3cm wide, then add a narrower piece positioned centrally on top. Wrap the layered strip tightly around the bar and fix with tape at the back. CB

Make bath crystal bags too! SOURCE IT...

All containers, soap and toiletry ingredients from The Soap Kitchen, 0844 880 5381, thesoapkitchen.co.uk

Decorate acetate bags with various patterned papers. Fill them with bath crystals, then secure with a folded strip along the top. Add a mini peg covered in co-ordinating paper to each one.

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MAKE & SELL:

WINGED MASTERPIECE Stitch up a gorgeous piece of artwork with Corinne Bradd’s copyright-free moth canvas

Beautiful butterflies are still big in the crafting world, but try mixing things up with moths instead. They evolved long before butterflies, with discovered fossils thought to be 190 million years old. And they can be as equally stunning

to look at. We've created our design with a selection of patterned fabrics by Riley Blake, to imitate the intricacy of a moth's make-up. To go that extra mile for your customer, you could create a complete set with a matching card too.

MONEY SPINNER Animal artwork in this form is really popular – why not add other creatures to your collection to attract a wider customer base? Other insects work well, as do woodland animals, popular pets and sealife.

“IF YOU LIKE YOUR DESIGNS TO BE A BIT BUSIER, ADD IN SMALLER MOTHS AROUND THE FOCAL POINT OR EMBELLISH THE APPLIQUÉ WITH PRETTY MICRO BEADS” Corinne Bradd, Designer

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CRAFT FAIR MAKE MAKE FOR £3 / SELL for £12

WHAT YOU NEED Fabric, Flower Patch by Riley Blake Interfacing, fusible Thread, embroidery

Shop Talk

Canvas, 9” x 12” Adhesives: glue stick; tape, double-sided

Copy our moth wing and body templates from the pattern pages onto the non-fusible side of interfacing and cut out roughly. Press patterned fabric to remove all creases and lay the interfacing on the reverse, arranging the shapes so that each pair lays in the same direction, making the wings symmetrical. Iron in place. Cut out the shapes with sharp scissors and lay out onto a canvas. Glue down lightly with a glue stick once happy with the positioning – laying the wings down so the top edge is almost straight will make the creature look like a moth, whilst tilting the ends up will make it more like a butterfly. Use two strands of embroidery thread and a sharp needle to stitch through the canvas and sew the fabric pieces in place. Make small stitches at right angles to the edge of the wings. Sketch in antennae with a pencil and sew over the top in small backstitch. Sew long stitches in variegated cotton, radiating from the sides of the body out along the wings between 1cm and 2cm for a feathery effect. Finish all ends of thread neatly on the reverse of the canvas. Cut several wide strips, 5cm wide, from patterned fabric. Fold under 1cm along one long edge and secure with double-sided tape. Fix the strips around the edges of the canvas with more tape and fold the excess neatly to the back. CB

BUY YOURSUPPLIES Make a range of canvases with these items in tow… Fabric: Riley Blake, rileyblakedesigns.com Fusible interfacing: Willow Fabrics, willowfabrics.com Embroidery threads: LOULOUPURPLE, louloupurple.co.uk Canvas: The Range, therange.co.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Selling around Mother’s Day is always a marvellous idea, and what better platform to use than All By Mama? All by Mama is a unique marketplace featuring a beautiful range of products, lovingly created by mums working from home whilst juggling the joys and demands of family life. Sound good? We thought so too. It couldn't be easier to start making

money, and you'll be continually inspired by the mothers selling around you. To get involved or to see what you can buy for yourself, visit allbymama.com.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 75

Baking_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:57 Page 1

USE SIMPLE SUGARCRAFT TECHNIQUES AND BRIGHTEN YOUR BAKING TO CREATE A BATCH OF

StrawberryCUPCAKES WHAT YOU NEED Vanilla cupcakes, 12 Sugarpaste, ready-to-roll: light blue, 350g; red, 200g; white, 200g; green, 75g Royal icing, 250g Food colours, paste: red, yellow Icing sugar Icing bags Nozzles, plain, no.1 Cutters: daisy, small; blossom, small; leaf, small Baking parchment

Roll out light blue sugarpaste, 2mm thick, on a surface dusted with icing sugar and cut out circles large enough to cover the tops of your cupcakes. Ice the cake tops with royal icing, then put the circles on top and leave to dry. To create 24 strawberries, roll sugarpaste pieces into oval shapes and pinch one end of each, then flatten slightly and leave to firm for two hours on non-stick baking parchment. Roll out half of

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the green sugarpaste and cut 24 shapes using a small daisy cutter. Dome each slightly and dampen underneath with cold boiled water, then press onto the strawberry tops. Roll out the remaining green sugarpaste and cut out 24 leaves using a cutter, then pinch the centres and leave to dry. Use scraps of green to roll out a thin sausage and cut into 24 short, curved stalks. Roll out white sugarpaste and make 12 blossom flowers using a cutter. Shape the

3

flowers to open out the petals out and put aside to dry. Arrange one flower, two strawberries, two leaves and a stalk on each cake and attach with dabs of royal icing. Colour half the remaining icing red and half yellow. Spoon the mixture into icing bags fitted with no.1 plain nozzles and pipe yellow dots on the strawberries. Pipe red dots on the flowers and around the sides of the cakes.

4

Baking_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:57 Page 2

IN THE KITCHEN “If your sugarpaste is too hard or dry, try kneading in some white vegetable fat” Jecelyn Latimer, Editorial Assistant

Bake & Craft

Jane Asher's top tips Actress, writer and baking royalty Jane Asher shares her favourite sugarcraft tricks It may seem obvious, but it’s vital to make sure your work surface is clean before you start. Also wear a good-sized apron and avoid fluffy jumpers as fibres will always find their way into your paste! Unless you’re extremely experienced, it’s worth using spacers to gauge the right size and thickness of the sugarpaste; this will save you time and money as it cuts out the guesswork and subsequent wastage. Always use paste food colour, but do bear in mind that these are very concentrated. Add tiny amounts on the end of a cocktail stick little by little and knead in well before judging the depth of colour. You can always add more but you can’t take it away again! Make your own icing moulds with food-safe silicone that you can find in any craft or hobby shop. You can use brooches, small toys, doll house items and much more to create beautiful designs. Don’t be afraid to cheat: if you’re not a great artist, then trace a picture or design and transfer it onto the top of a bake by

1

Icing Essentials It can be confusing knowing what tools to get, so we've listed a few necessaries to get you started Plastic rolling pins & boards: avoid wooden ones as sugarpaste tends to stick to them, but the smooth surface of plastic is ideal. Paintbrushes: a selection of fine-tipped paintbrushes are very handy for applying details and adding royal icing to glue smaller pieces together. Wooden cocktail sticks: used for colouring paste, rolling out fine details and lifting delicate pieces. Smoothers: this tool is essential for flattening out your icing to get rid of odd bumps and uneven surfaces. Tools: used to cut and mould smaller pieces such as flowers and leaves. There's a variety to choose from that have different functions, for example a balling tool is invaluable for making rounded shapes Moulds & cutters: coming in a wide range of designs, use these to create detailed shapes easily by pressing sugarpaste into a mould or cutting on a rolled-out sheet. Spacers: these are thickness guides that will help you achieve the perfect width when rolling out sugarpaste.

2 3 4 5

marking through the paper with a needle around the edge of the design. When decorating a treat for a friend or relative, try to make the design personal. It’s much better to have a birthday cake that has something unique on top! Getting all of the equipment you need can be very expensive, but you can use everyday items to get started. The soft, rounded ends on cotton wool buds are perfect for popping shapes out of cutters! Lastly, if you end up making a mistake or two, don't get hung up about it – they're just cakes! CB

6 7 8

Find more hints, tips and cake decorating ideas at janeasher.com

KIT LIST Can't get enough of strawberries? Tesco has the perfect solution with a sweet jam jar and spoon set. Priced £5, tesco.com

Store your bakes in style with these individual pink cupcake box houses featuring sweet roses and swallows. Priced £6.50, gingerray.co.uk

READER DETAILS… Set your baking mode to glam with a stunning retro-themed apron! Priced from £24.99, thesundaygirlcompany.co.uk

The strawberry cupcakes recipe has been adapted from Sugarcraft Creations by Ann Nicol (Flame Tree Publishing, £8.99). flametreepublishing.com

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Spring trends_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:45 Page 1

SPRING TRENDS From the brands you love See which trends and products we’re coveting for spring/summer 2015

WORDS BY ROSIE SAVAGE

GOOD ON PAPER Hear all about the big papercrafting trends and discover what crafty favourite Stampin’ Up! has to say We’ve been casting our beady eyes far and wide to see what’s hot in the world of paper. You won’t have to look far before finding an abundance of paper cutting, that’s for sure. Turn to p58 to see a picture designed by Paper Panda, and you’ll know exactly what we mean. Also popular is Kirigami – the art of folding and cutting paper – and the intricacy of quilling is definitely being stepped up a gear. In card making, washi tape is being used by the bucketload in tons of different ways, and kinetic cards (or even greetings with one simple interactive element) prove really fun to make and give. Amy Swartz, the Vice President of Sales at Stampin’ Up!, is excited for another successful year. “Carrying over from 2014, we expect to see chalkboard-inspired looks and hand lettering to continue to grow in popularity,” she says. “Watercolours, with their light pastel hues, will also have a major place in the papercrafting world. And we think 2015 is the year to start your memory keeping, if you haven’t already done so. Easy options – like Project Life by Stampin’ Up! – are going to be really popular, meaning a lot more fun and varied options for customers.” Take a look at stampinup.co.uk to be inspired.

LOVE ME Buy Me Stephanie Ackerman’s latest collection Homegrown and Handmade for Sizzix is positively gorgeous. sizzix.co.uk

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE TOP PRODUCTS IN 2015

The Folk It! Series No. 1 is a collection of six kits that will introduce a new painter to the wonderful world of folk art. folkit.co

The Fiskars Tag Maker punches a tag, then a hole, and sets an eyelet – it’s a genius addition to your stash! fiskars.co.uk

Spring trends_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:45 Page 2

MATERIAL WORLD We chat to Pat Bravo about the collections coming your way this spring Celebrating its tenth year, Art Gallery Fabrics has lots to be looking forward to, and Pat Bravo – Creative Director and Fabric Designer – wants to share this with you. “In our spring/summer 2015 collections, you will see a range of exciting trends,” she says. “Some continue from 2014, and others will acquire strength in the coming year. Starting with Wanderer and Morning Walk, there’s an ongoing influence of Southwestern motifs, with Leah Duncan staying true to her signature desert illustrations and distinctive florals, and April Rhodes exploring a worldly bohemian theme using photos of her travels.” From there, she told us of the playful Fantastia, which focuses on Sarah Lawson’s love of the existing unicorn trend. Then there’s the use of flowers. “Skopelos by Katarina Roccella shows a different take on the nautical trend, through vibrant flora and local scenery from the Greek island,” she explains. “Continuing with the floral theme, we have Cultivate by Bonnie Christine. It’s all about going back to basics and nourishing ourselves with things we reap, and through Bonnie we see her desire for blooms and delicate plants.” Visit artgalleryfabrics.com to view the full collections.

WHAT’S NEW AT CREATE AND CRAFT? You’ll be pleased to know that there are tons of exciting product launches at Create and Craft this spring, including the incredible Minc Foiling Machine designed by scrapbooking expert Heidi Swapp. Encouraging you to dazzle up your projects with ease, it allows you to add a professional finish to your gift tags, cards, embellishments, gift bags and more in virtually no time at all. Never before has there been a product on the market which has provided a real solution to professional foiling. Priced £99.99, createandcraft.tv

Mark the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland with the celebratory Pictures and Conversations collection by Liberty. liberty.co.uk

The Embellishment Attic Bow Maker helps you to create perfect, professional bows every time. crafting.co.uk

Renshaw leads the way in cake decorating innovations with the addition of a new multipack to the Flower and Modelling Paste range. renshawbaking.com

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CAST AWAY Natalie Holder, the Senior Buyer at Deramores, offers her insight into knitting and crochet for spring/summer 2015 We love having a chat with you on Facebook and Twitter, and whenever we ask which technique you’re currently loving the answer is so often ‘crochet’. And it’s not just something we’ve noticed. “Crochet as a whole is growing massively,” says Natalie Holder. “We’re seeing huge demand for crochet yarns and hooks. There’s a trend for tape yarns this spring and these work perfectly for crochet projects.” As for the type of projects to be taking centre stage, people are generally steering towards the cute and cuddly. “We’re also seeing more demand for smaller projects in both knitting and crochet with toys and homeware growing in popularity,” explains Natalie. But which colours should we be using? “We’re seeing lots of beautiful denim blues, from rich indigo through to faded sky blue,

6 OF THE Best Trends Deputy Editor Rosie divulges the top motifs, patterns and colours that you need to know about l Polka dots. You can’t go wrong with spots, and they’re back with a bang. Go for a multi-coloured explosion of polka dots for lots of fun. l Cats. Not that I’m biased or anything (I’m a self-confessed crazy cat lady, don’t you know) but feline friends will go from strength to strength this season. Include them anywhere and everywhere. l Blue and white. Always fresh and pretty, the combination of blue and white works every time. Why not try replicating a traditional china pattern with paints or needle and thread? l Pineapples. Imagine you’re in Copacabana and feel all kinds of tropical with pineapples. They’re popular in homeware right now, and look especially wonderful in a repeat print. l Insects. Whether you opt for the classic butterfly or a quirky praying mantis, bugs will bring your crafts to life. l Marsala. This is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2015. A naturally robust and earthy wine red, I think it’ll be perfect for adding coppery highlights to your designs.

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ISN’T THAT

Pinterest-ing?

and they look great alone or combined. Chalky pastels are also strong this season – silvery grey, washed lilac and palest blush are my favourites. There are also some pops of brights with turquoise and mustard yellow.” Deramores has got lots of exciting things planned for the season ahead, including new yarns in its own label range. “We’re also working closely with all of our top brands to ensure we have the best possible selection of yarns and patterns for our customers,” says Natalie. Visit deramores.com for plenty of knitting and crochet inspiration.

Cakes covered in fruit and flowers via call-me-cupcake.blogspot.co.uk

If you’re stuck for inspiration, we know you’ll grab the latest copy of Crafts Beautiful. But Pinterest is pretty good too. Here’s what you’re all pinning and planning to make in the months ahead... Crocheted cactuses which will live forever via dailyfix.co.za

Hot air balloons made from paper via papermatrix.wordpress.com

Fruity, fabulous felt creations via purlbee.com

Follow us at pinterest.com/craftsbeautiful for more!

Clay Impressions 81-83_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:09 Page 1

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Make it!

PERSONALISE AND MAKE YOUR CRAFTS INDIVIDUAL WITH JILL ALBLAS’ PRETTY

Clay imprints

Quick and easy, these clay impressions are perfect for customising your craft projects. They can be made in a matter of minutes and in so many creative ways. Plus, you can optimise all sorts of household

items and craft embellishments to make the impressions. Just go through your stash and have a hunt around the house, then you’re ready to get creative!

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Tweet it!Let the rest of the craft community know about your talents at twitter.com/craftsbeautiful WHAT YOU NEED Air-drying clay, white Items to make impressions Card: thin, white; pale blue; corrugated, white; thick, scrap Embellishments: ribbon, raffia; dark blue;

string; cabochons, pearl, dark blue Rolling pin Craft knife, sharp Needle, thick Adhesives: tape, double-sided; craft glue, strong

WALL HANGING Place air-drying clay on a clean cloth or a few sheets of white paper. Cut two strips of thick card. Lay the card strips either side of the clay, rest the ends of a rolling pin on them, then roll out the clay to an even thickness. Cut a card circle slightly larger than the diameter of your chosen embellishment. Place it on the clay and cut around the edge with a sharp knife. Remove the card and lay the embellishment in the centre of the clay. Press it down gradually to make a firm impression. Ease the embellishment away. If necessary, place the tip of a craft knife underneath and lift it carefully so the impression isn’t damaged. Use a thick needle to push a hole through the clay. Press a blue pearl cabochon into the middle and leave the clay to dry on a flat surface. Thread with blue ribbon to hang.

OUR ADVICE... Don’t attempt to dry clay in a microwave or over direct heat, as this will warp the shape and can cause the surface to crack

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Make it!

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We asked you… DO YOU WATCH TV OR LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE YOU CRAFT?

H AV E YO U R SAY YOU SAID… 37% listen to music 33% do both 24% watch TV 6% like silence OUR FAVOURITE ANSWERS…

“WANT TO EMBELLISH A GIFT BOX? JUST ADD ANOTHER CLAY IMPRESSION, SOME RAFFIA AND BLUE RIBBON” Jill Alblas, Designer

CARD

SOURCE IT...

Roll clay to an even thickness as described previously. Make two clay flowers and a bird impression, then press a cabochon in the centre of each flower. Use a sharp knife to cut neatly around them. Bend the petals upwards on one of the flowers. Leave to dry.

Air-drying clay, Homecrafts Direct, 01162 967733, homecrafts.co.uk

Mandie Twigger CDs of all my old favourites so I can get up for a random boogie to stop me from getting a numb bum! Carrie Merrett When I sew I usually put Create and Craft on in the background. Barbara Williams Depends on how much concentration I need. Otherwise CDs, which I end up singing to.

Tape corrugated card onto the front of a blank, 11cm square. Trim blue card, 7cm square, and fix to the centre. Adhere raffia ribbon across the middle, then glue the clay embellishments in place, using our image as a guide. Tie blue ribbon into a bow and stick beside the clay impressions. Glue a string bow on top of the ribbon, then leave to dry and set before standing the finished card.

CANDLE HOLDER Make another circular clay impression with a cabochon in the centre. Press it against a glass tumbler so the impression bends around the curved surface as it dries. Cut blue card, 2cm wide and long enough to fit around the middle of the tumbler. Tape in place, then fix raffia ribbon on top, followed by the clay embellishment. CB

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T!

GIF USE YOUR FREE

TO MAKE THE CONCERTINA FOLD EARRINGS

CREATE A UNIQUE GIFT FOR AN ACCESSORIES ENTHUSIAST WITH KEREN BAKER’S PRETTY

Paper JEWELLERY

EARRINGS

WHAT YOU NEED Paper, Little Meow, Papermania Cardstock, white Ribbon, sheer, orange Dies, Buttons, Xcut Beads, Swarovski

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Jewellery findings, silver Washi tape Bone folder Hole punch Adhesives

Cut patterned paper, 4cm square, and trim in half diagonally to create two triangles. With the patterned side face down, turn over 3mm of paper and make the fold crisp using a bone folder. Fold in a concertina fashion, using the same width of paper between each one. Continue until the end and trim if there’s any overhang.

Fold this length in half. Attach a jump ring to the top and glue the two edges together where the paper touches. Press together whilst the adhesive dries. Once fully dry, carefully separate the folds a little and cut out a little triangle from the bottom. Add another jump ring onto the previous one and attach an earring wire onto it. Place a small blob of glue into the space near the first

Paper Jewellery_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:58 Page 2

Papercraft

Make it! affix each of the layers together, so it looks like one piece. Wrap orange ribbon around the neck of the cameo girl and secure at the back. Fix onto the oval and leave to dry. Using a strong adhesive, stick a brooch finding onto the reverse and leave to dry overnight. Create a small, top-folding card blank and add a smaller matt of yellow patterned paper. Make openings in the card by cutting two 'x' shapes so both sides of the brooch finding slot in. Add a die-cut button to the card and push the brooch into place. CB

“FOR LONGER LASTING JEWELLERY, ADD A LAYER OF VARNISH TO YOUR CREATIONS – YOU CAN ALWAYS PURCHASE A MATT VERSION IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE SHINE” Keren Baker, Designer

jump ring and put a crystal bead on top. Leave to dry and repeat to create another earring. Make a small, top-folding white card and punch tiny holes near the top. Slot the earrings through. Fix a small strip of patterned paper towards the bottom and die-cut a few layers of pink paper with a button die. Adhere together and stick on top of the strip.

Design detail...

Place co-ordinating paper behind the first folded layer to add another dimension

BRACELET Die-cut a variety of buttons from patterned papers and white cardstock – you'll need two paper shapes and one cardstock shape for each button. Adhere the layers together so the cardstock is sandwiched between the two papers. Leave to dry. Measure how long the ribbon needs to be for the bracelet's recipient, double this length, and cut. Leaving a length of at least 15cm, knot the ribbon a few times. Thread the paper buttons onto the opposite end of the ribbon, allowing some to overlap and using different sizes next to each other. When sufficient buttons have been added, tie more knots to secure. Tie a bow at either end and knot the bow ends to keep it from coming undone. Create a small card blank and punch two circles to thread the ribbon through. Fix on the inside with washi tape. Stick patterned paper across the bottom of the card.

SOURCE IT...

BROOCH

Papermania products and Xcut dies, Riverside Crafts, 01778 344550, riversidecrafts.co.uk

Cut out a cameo girl from two lots of pink patterned paper and one layer of card. Adhere together. Die-cut five ovals from cardstock and

Jewellery findings, The Bead Shop, 0161 274 4040, thebeadshop.co.uk

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Posca_Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:59 Page 2

T AU

ts OTIO af ROM CrIFUL P

BE

N

PERSONALISE MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS USING POSCA PENS AND

Sweet Spring

FLORALS

WHAT YOU NEED uni Posca Pens: 1MR in White, Pink, Red, Light Blue, Green, Yellow, Metallic Blue; 3M in

Light Pink, Apple Green; 8K, White Wood shapes, hearts Ribbon Card

TO DECORATE THE HEART Using the 8K pen, apply a coat of white onto both sides of a wooden heart to act as a base for the artwork. Wait for a few minutes, then add a second coat if required. Using a pen in your choice of colour, paint in the rim, taking care not to overlap the sides. Trace or draw the designs from the pattern pages onto the heart front using a soft pencil. Paint in the lighter pink and smaller inner petals, then add a tiny red centre. Create stems and leaves in green as shown.

Craft tip Posca Pens has a selection of nib sizes to make decorating larger areas easier – simply choose a nib to suit your project

“THE BRIGHT OPAQUE COLOURS GIVE A LOVELY PAINTED FINISH ON WOOD OR PAPER WITH ALL THE CONTROL AND ACCURACY OF A PEN” Sharon Bennett, Designer Paint in the lighter green leaves here and there where needed. Add highlights to some of the leaves with a dark green pen. Apply yellow dots to the main flower centre, then use the dark green pen to create a couple of wispy stalks attached to the stems. Dot little blue buds along the stems as shown. Complete the decoration by using the metallic blue pen - the words can be traced or drawn freehand for a more personal look. CB

SOURCE IT...

uni Posca Pens are available from all good stationery outlets, or purchase them online at hobbycraft.co.uk

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Back to Basics Mar 15 qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:04 Page 1

Back to basics:

G N I D A E B

DISCOVER THE FASCINATING ART OF BEADING WITH OUR EASY-TO-FOLLOW GUIDE

Welcome to the wonderful world of beading. With just a simple bit of planning, you can create beautifully decorated pieces by stringing beads together or sewing them into material, and the best part is that you only need a few basic tools to get started. Whether you're making jewellery, using beads to embroider a cushion or weaving them into yarn, the possibilities are endless!

First Steps BEADS With a vast range of sizes, shapes, materials and colours, you're certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing beads. You can buy glass, pearl, metal, clay, crystal, gemstone and plastic ones which can be mixed and matched to suit your style: it's up to you!

THREADS Picking the right threading material is key. Nylon thread is strong and used for stringing projects and conditioning it with wax will help strengthen the fibres and prevent it from breaking. Other materials include wire, chains, ribbon, natural cords and fishing wire. Try them and see what works for you.

FINDINGS These are the bits and pieces that secure the jewellery or accessory and come in a range of metals, sizes and designs. You should build up a basic kit of jump rings, head and eye pins, earring wires and studs, spring ring and barrel clasps, crimps, lobster clasps, cord ends, bell caps and spacer bars.

TOOLS Stocking up your stash with a few essential tools will kick-start your beading journey. There are roundnose and flat-nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, mats and a variety of needles for threading.

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WORDS OF

Wisdom

BEADING EXPERT LINDA JONES SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Purchase a good set of beading tools. Even if you're just starting out, working with the right equipment will only aid your progress as you won't be substituting on quality. Recycling is an economic and fantastic way to create adorned pieces. Practise on beads from broken jewellery or old embellished garments before spending out on new ones.

Buy a project kit or, better still, attend a workshop. It will build your skills and confidence enough for you to try out new techniques later. Tension on thread or wire is important: beading too tightly can result in curling and puckering, but too loose and it will become limp. It takes time and practice to get it right, so don't get down if it does happen!

To find out more about Linda’s designs and workshops, visit wirejewellery.co.uk

Back to Basics Mar 15 qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:04 Page 2

LEARN & MAKE

Kit list

Stock up with the essential tools to get started Pretty BEADS are always a winner, and these bright shapes certainly hit the spot! spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk

GOOD TO know

Pretty jewellery pieces are wonderful to make, but what else can you do with beading? We look at how to incorporate this technique into your crafts

Loom weaving: A small loom or tube is used to create easy band bracelets or decorative borders. Looms hold a number of tension threads and, once they're secured, you're ready to begin weaving the weft (the thread and beads that run across the warp). A strong thread like Nymo or fishing wire with evenly-sized seed beads would be ideal. Wire wrapping: A dream combination, wire and beads can be used to make an array of items. If you're just starting out, simple shapes such as swirls are great. Once you've gained a bit of experience, you can move on to intricate 3-D figures.

Embroidery: You only need your usual sewing tools to start, though you may want to use a beading needle. Stranded embroidery thread is made from six strands, which you can separate into one or two if the bead holes are small. Crochet and knitting: Beads can be added into the stitch as you work or sewn in later for decoration. Pick ones to match the yarn type – heavy beads on light knits would cause the whole piece to stretch. A darning needle is too big to pass most beads through, so thread a needle with sewing string and knot the ends to form a loop, then pull the tail end of the yarn through the hole and slide the beads down.

SIZING UP

Find the right WIRE for your projects like this Artistic Wire thread by browsing online at cjbeaders.co.uk

Like to craft on your sofa? Use a BEADING BOARD to keep your work organised and create in comfort. cooksongold.com

Confused about bead sizes and how many you need for your project? We've got you covered...

Beads such as seed and bugle have their own sizes, but most are measured in millimetres across their widest point. You can use this number to work out how many beads you'll need per strand. To calculate: take your length (measured in inches), the size of the beads and the metric conversion (which is 25.4mm to 1" ). Multiply the length of the strand by 25.4, then divide that number by the size of the beads to get the approximate number you need. For example, 16 x 24.5 is 406.4, divided by 8 equals 50.8, so you will need

Finish off your beading project with a selection of FINDINGS, such as a few gold-plated designs. spellboundbead.co.uk

50 beads for a 16" strand. Seed beads, which are doughnutshaped, are sized in relation to the number of beads that fit into 2.5cm when laid out with their openings pressed together, so the smallest size 15 bead will fit 15 beads onto a 2.5cm strip and the largest size 3 will hold three.

Workshop directory themakeitroom.co.uk – jewellery workshops for beginners, plus silver clay tutorials craftartedu.com – lots of online classes including free workshops craftcourses.com – search this site to find a beading course near you

You'll need a good selection of TOOLS, and a pair of wire cutters are essential when it comes to beading. beadsdirect.co.uk

The Ultimate Beading Bible (Collins & Brown, £25) is the perfect choice for beginners and experts alike.

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New Spring

Winner Best Independent Store South of England

Beadwork Kits & Patterns Online Now!

Scan me for more kits

Fanfair Necklace Kit £10.95

Luxor Earring Kit £9.50

Herringbone Bracelet Kit £7.95

7 The Green, Haddenham, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3TA

90 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

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LET NATURE BE YOUR INSPIRATION AND CREATE ELLEN KHARADE’S EASIER-THAN-YOU-THINK

Transfer jewellery

CB RECOMMENDS Great gift for Mother’s Day!

Transfer paper allows you to create really personalised makes. Simply copy our pretty imagery from the pattern pages onto the paper (or design something yourself) and press against white polymer

clay to transfer your chosen motif. Once baked, you will have gorgeous custom-made beads. And it’s the perfect way to show someone just how much they mean to you - why not try it this Mother’s Day?

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Craft tip

We have used gouache paints to colour the motifs, however you could use other mediums, such as fibre tip pens, watercolour paints or coloured pencils, depending on the look you want to achieve

“WE HAVE PROVIDED A BLANK SHEET OF MOTIFS TO COLOUR IN - PASTELS OR AN EARTHY PALETTE WOULD GIVE YOU A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LOOK”

WHAT YOU NEED Polymer clay, Fimo Soft: white, apple green Transfer paper Tissue blade Beading needle Head pins x 4 Earring hooks x 2 Calottes x 2

Elastic filament, clear, 52cm Jump rings, 5mm x 2 Caribiner clasp Card: green, white Paper, decorative Hobby drill with drill bit Paint, gouache

BRACELET Make up five botanical tile beads using the basic transfer technique, then bake them following the manufacturer's instructions. Condition green polymer clay and roll into 14 beads, 5mm in size. Push holes through the centre of the beads using a fine needle and bake as before. Once the beads are cool, make the holes bigger using a fine drill bit, then varnish. Make two holes in the sides of each tile, spacing them evenly as you do so. Cut the clear elastic filament in two. Thread both ends of the filament through a calotte and tie it in a double tight knot. Thread the green beads and tiles onto the two lengths of clear elastic filament, alternating them as you do so. Work both ends of the filament through the calottes and tie in a tight double knot as for the start of the bracelet. Add a spot of instant glue to the knots, trim the ends of the filaments and close the calottes. Attach the jump rings on either end of the calottes and a caribiner clasp to finish.

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Ellen Kharade, Designer

EARRINGS Make up two botanical tile beads and four 3mm round beads as before and bake. Pierce holes through all of them. Thread a tile bead onto a head pin, then turn one end into a neat loop. Add a green bead to the other end, trim the head pin to size and turn it into a neat loop using pliers. Thread a green bead onto a head pin. Trim the end to size, make a neat loop and attach the dropper to the earring. Add the earring hook to finish and complete the second earring in the same way.

BOTANICAL CARD Roll out a 2mm sheet of white polymer clay, make up six tiles and bake to the manufacturer's instructions. Trim green card into a blank, 15cm x 23cm, and add a striped panel, 10cm x 13.5cm. Stick a decorative panel, 7.5cm x 12cm, to the striped paper. Take a rectangle of white card, 5.5cm x 6cm, and fix to decorative paper. Cover the back of the tiles with double-sided tape and fix to the front of the card, spacing them evenly as you do so. CB

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Mixed Media

Love it!

the basic technique creating a transfer Colour in the motifs provided on our pattern pages, then photocopy onto the shiny side of transfer paper. Meanwhile, condition white polymer clay and roll out to a thickness of 1cm. Trim a botanical motif to size from the transfer paper, then place the image face down onto the polymer clay. Rub the image gently using the back of a teaspoon and leave the transfer to set for 30 minutes. Place the decorated clay in a shallow tray of water and agitate for a minute or two until the backing paper slides off (leaving the image in place). Lay onto kitchen paper and leave the transfer to dry out for an hour. Trim the botanical motif to size using a tissue blade.

SOURCE IT... Fimo Soft polymer clay, Cooksongold, 0845 100 1122, cooksongold.com Transfer paper, Lazertran, 01545 571149, lazertran.com Reeves gouache paint, The Range, 0845 026 7598, therange.co.uk

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Browse& create

WE CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY, POST OUR FAVE FREEBIES AND SHARE OTHER WEB DELIGHTS THIS MONTH

Q&A:Blog love Linda Gardner is from Virginia, USA, and the founder of Craftaholics Anonymous. She works with a team of talented people to fill the blog with fun craft tutorials and creative ideas.

How did you get into crafting? I attended a sewing class when I was a little girl and it really sparked my interest. I took extra classes a few years later, then started making quilts in high school. I have a passion for interior design, and this features alongside my general crafting and DIY decorating. Why did you set up the blog?  I was a stay-at-home mom with a husband studying at graduate school on the other side of the country. We had a shoestring budget, so I started crafting and thrifting to decorate our first house. Staying at home all day with a baby can be hard and lonely, so I started a blog to record my adventures and connect with fellow crafters online. The idea of Craftaholics Anonymous is to inspire women to be creative and to become part of the online crafting community.

Tell us a little bit about your creative team and what they do. Each member of my creative team makes one new project, craft, printable or recipe each month and it gets published on the blog. This way, they are able to get their work out in front of a larger audience, gain new followers, and learn more about blogging. What do you think is essential to running a successful blog? Being organised is the key. If you can be on the ball and faithfully stick to your editorial calendar and goals, then you'll soon reap the rewards! How has your blogging developed?  Through lots of trial and error! When I first started, there wasn't much out there in terms of learning how to blog, whereas now there’s lots and you can make easy ones on sites such as wordpress.com. Then, when blogging became more popular, I attended a couple of conferences and made several really good friends. Now when I have questions, I turn to them! What’s been your most memorable post?  My favourite is probably the corner shelf that I made from an old door. I created it before I started blogging when I first moved, but I decided to make a tutorial once I had the blog running.

SKILL SHARE Have a selection of projects that you want to share with the world? Whether they're newcomers or experienced, crafters like to see what you've made but they love it even more when you tell them how they can create their own! Write clear, detailed stepby-step instructions and consider taking photos of the process – blogs thrive on visuals.

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Have you picked up any favourite new crafts? Definitely – that's the great thing about regular crafting and meeting other creatives, you want to expand your knowledge by experimenting! I've really come to love painting and stencilling. What’s your advice to people wanting to set up their own blog? Make friends! Networking with other bloggers will really help you on your journey – they will know what you're going through and will be there to offer their support and advice. It's nice having like-minded people you can go to.

craftaholicsanonymous.net

Web watch_Layout 1 22/01/2015 15:03 Page 2

People & Places

DOWNLOAD YOURS FOR FREE!

ON THE NET

FREEBIES FOR YOU TO USE IN YOUR CRAFT PROJECTS red-brolly.com Chic butterfly mug bag PDF pattern thecraftyblogstalker.com Free paper toys for you to print off and enjoy swirlydoos.com Sweet butterfly images to use in your makes

With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how you're going to celebrate. Whether you're crafting a card for Grandma, a teacher settling little ones down with pots of glue and glitter to create their masterpieces, or a dad helping your kids make something special for mum, we have something for everyone. This lovely floral Mother's Day card would certainly invoke a smile! Find this tutorial and others at crafts-beautiful.com

rubberstamping.about.com Six free gift tag templates to download

Share your favourite with us at twitter.com/ craftsbeautiful

fabnfree.com Over 50 free beautiful wall art printables

it! Must VisS.C O.UK

Bestbuy

Digital crafters: get ready! Fairy My World has released a new addition to their ever-growing CD-ROM craft collection with Club Royale. Featuring original hand-drawn designs by Delaney-Seddon, these dapper images and embellishments can be resized and printed in the comfort of your own home to suit your card and papercraft needs. fairymyworld.co.uk

HUNKYDORYCRAFT Do you dream about beautiful, in vintage-inspired papers to use ts has Craf ry kydo Hun ? ects proj your just what you need to make your ch of wishes come true. With the laun their new-look website, browsing online through the collections makes can You . ever shopping easier than and ry kydo Hun Club to up sign also gain access to a fantastic collection os of free content, downloads, vide and more – amazing!

Pinterest Have stacks of scrap fabric? Gain a little inspiration and make something wonderful

FIND US ON PINTEREST PINTEREST.COM/CRAFTSBEAUTIFUL

nanacompany. typepad.com

etsy.com/uk/shop/ leililaloo

pursewna-pursewna .blogspot.co.uk

apartmenttherapy.com

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 95

**CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ROPs March 15 master_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 23/01/2015 16:04 Page 96

Your first choice for sewing machine sales, service and accessories in Winchester ~

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on Cone &Ball

yeoman-yarns.co.uk

DK pure merino Supersoft by Lana Gatto…in 35 beautiful colours...too many to show you here but please request a colour card below by email or phone, or view on our website. This is probably the softest, most luxurious extrafine merino available in UK today and moreover at such a sensible price you can knit a splendid ladies sweater for probably only £25-£30.

We only make and source yarn ethically and within UK & Europe. YEOMAN YARNS Ltd; Kibworth, Leics LE8 0RX Tel: 0116 240 4464 E: [email protected] W: www.yeoman-yarns.co.uk

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Stitch

Love it!

HUNT OUT YOUR PRETTIEST FABRICS AND CREATE SOPHIA PALMER’S SWEET

Haberdashery sampler

Hand-stitched keepsakes make perfect gifts and are sure to please the special lady in your life. This wall hanging has been created using freehand machine embroidery, which is just like drawing with a needle and thread. You need a

quilting foot and a little practice but the finished result is well worth the effort. If you don't have a sewing machine, then create similar effects using hand stitches with one or two strands of embroidery thread.

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WHAT YOU NEED Fabric: cotton, assorted prints; calico Interfacing, fusible, medium thickness Thread, machine Wadding, thin

Ribbon Sewing machine with quilting foot Dowel, wooden Pinking shears

WALL HANGING Cut calico, 20cm x 30cm, with fusible interfacing on the back to thicken it. Trim the edges with pinking shears. Refer to the templates on our pattern pages and draw out the assorted shapes and letters directly onto interfacing. Cut loosely around each motif and iron onto various fabrics. Neatly cut out the individual pieces. Glue or pin the shapes onto the calico panel, adjusting until you are happy with the placement. Use a sewing machine with a quilting foot to freehand embroider the individual elements into place. Add lettering and arrows as shown.

READ ERS LIKE YOU Meet Lucy We were so excited to hear from Lucy Levenson, who shared her Rapunzel creation with us I am currently making a set of appliqué pictures illustrating various fairytales. It's a personal project that I am hoping to exhibit somewhere. Each picture is about 40cm square, made with beautiful vintage fabrics that I have sourced from all around the world. There's a combination of machine and hand sewing, and the faces are painted onto the fabric. I've been a textile artist for four years now and I'm self-taught. I sell my work mainly via my website lucy levenson.com. I hope you like my make!

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Stitch

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Craft tip Make paper or card copies of your templates using our patterns as a guide. You then have a reusable resource for other stitching projects

“SEARCH THROUGH YOUR FABRIC SCRAPS FOR A VARIETY OF PATTERNS AND FINISHES TO KEEP THE DESIGN LIVELY AND FRESH-LOOKING. EVEN FELT HAS A PLACE, HERE IT CREATED A REALISTIC LOOKING SLICE OF CAKE!” Sophia Palmer, Designer

Trim patterned fabric, 30cm x 80cm, and wadding, 30cm x 40cm. Pin the wadding to one end of the patterned fabric, on the back. Fold the long piece of patterned fabric in half, right sides together. The wadding should now be on the outside of one of the patterned halves. Join together by sewing 2cm away from the fold, right the way around, leaving a gap at the bottom and another 2cm at the end. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening. Press and stitch a line across the top, where you left a mark at either side, creating a channel for a dowel. Add a line of top stitching, just in from the edge, to the three remaining sides. Using contrasting thread, sew the calico panel to the front. Thread the dowel through the opening and tie ribbons on each end for hanging.

PADDED HEART Trim two identical hearts from floral fabric. Draw three buttons onto fusible interfacing, cut out and iron to the back of contrasting fabrics. Cut out. Freehand machine embroider the shapes onto one of the hearts. Place the two hearts together, right sides facing. Pin and sew around the outside edge with straight stitch, placing hanging ribbon centrally at the top. Leave a 2cm gap on one edge. Turn through to the right side and press. Stuff and hand sew the opening with ladder stitch. CB

SOURCE IT... Fabric, interfacing and thread, The Homemakery, 01483 361132, thehomemakery.co.uk

the basic technique freestyle stitching Have a practice run with your quilting foot on a spare piece of calico to get your wording the way you want it Follow the settings on your machine to put the feeders down so it doesn’t pull your fabric from you, which is a tendency with this style of stitching

Wooden frames, Wilko, wilko.com

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Skill level

INTERMEDIATE

KNIT AND PURL YOURSELF MONICA RUSSEL'S PRETTY POPPY

Tea cosy

WHAT YOU NEED Yarn: DK, UK Alpaca, Superfine Alpaca Range, Moss (A); Parchment (B); Lilac (C); 50g of each; Mustard (D), small amount Knitting needles: single-pointed, 4mm; double-pointed, 4mm Tapestry needle

Abbreviations beg begin c/o cast on K knit K2tog knit two together P purl P2tog purl two stitches together psso pass slipped stitch over sl slip sl st slip stitch st st stocking stitch st(s) stitch(es) tog together WS wrong side yo yarn over

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OUR ADVICE... When knitting the flowers, cut two six metre lengths and fold them in half to make the petals

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Knitting

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Download the flower chart from craftsbeautiful.com

MAIN PATTERN

Make two Yarn used double throughout. To start: c/o 39 st with A Foundation row: Knit into the back of each stitch to create a neat edge Row 1: *K2, P2, rep from * to last st, P1 Row 2: K1, P2, K2, rep from * to end Repeat both rows once more Start working from the grid (odd numbered rows are K and read from right to left, and even numbered rows are P and read from left to right) Work rows 1-26 of grid using intarsia method Row 27 – 30: Using B, beg with a K row, work in st st Row 31: *K3, P2, rep from * to last 4 sts, K3, P1 Row 32: K1, *P3, K2, rep from * to last 3 sts, P3 Repeat last two rows once. Decreasing Row 1: K1, (P3tog, K1) nine times, K2 (21 sts) Row 2: K1, (K1, P1) to end Row 3: K1, (sl 1, K1, psso) to end (11 sts) Row 4: K1, P to last 2 sts, P2tog (10 sts) Row 5: (K2tog) five times (5 sts) Cut off yarn leaving an end, then thread the length onto a tapestry needle and take through the first and last sts. Pull tight and fasten off. Put the remaining three middle sts on a doublepointed needle.

READER DETAILS This project has been adapted from Knitted Cosies by Monica Russel (The Knit Knacks, £6). To order with free P&P visit theknitknacks.co.uk

“THIS IS A FAVOURITE COSY OF MINE, DESIGNED TO FIT STANDARD SIZED TEAPOT, MADE IN ENGLISH ALPACA WOOL IT CAN BE COMPLETED OVER A FEW EVENINGS” Monica Russel, Designer

Top loops (Both sides are the same) Using colour A and two double-pointed needles, K centre three from sts left on needle without turning. Sl these sts to the other end of the needle and bring yarn to opposite end of work, pulling it tightly across WS. K3 sts. K eight rows this way. Cast off sts. Sew the tops and bottoms of the cords tog to form a loop. Sewing up Join up both sides, leaving an opening on one side for a spout and another for a handle. Join the ribs at the bottom of the cosy, then sew in the loose ends to finish. CB

SOURCE IT... Yarn, UK Alpaca, ukalpaca.com Knitting needles, Outback Yarns, 01556 503254, outbackyarns.co.uk

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SIT BACK AND ENJOY DIPPY EGGS AND SOLDIERS IN STYLE WITH AMANDA WALKER’S

Cute cosies

WHAT YOU NEED Fabric: gingham, red; chambray, blue Felt: ivory, red Thread, embroidery, DMC: red, green, blue Fusible webbing Cord

“THIS PROJECT IS FANTASTIC FOR USING UP SCRAPS OF FABRIC AND FELT – SEE WHAT'S LURKING IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR CRAFT CUPBOARD AND GET CREATIVE!” Amanda Walker, Designer

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Stitch

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EGG COSY Using the templates from our pattern pages, cut two of the egg cosy shapes from ivory felt. Trim a strip of fusible webbing and iron onto the back of blue chambray fabric. Draw a flower pot base onto the backing paper, cut out and peel off the paper. Iron onto the centre of an egg cosy shape, 1cm from the base. Repeat for the top of the flower pot with red gingham fabric. Transfer the leaf and stem outline onto the cosy, just above the pot. Using three stands of green thread, embroider a leaf in fishbone stitch. Make a small stitch at the top, then sew overlapping filling stitches, angling the needle up to one side from the centre, then the other, until filled. Alter the lengths of these stitches to achieve the right shape. Repeat to make another leaf. Embroider the stem in backstitch by bringing the thread through on the stitch line and making a small backward stitch. Take the needle forward under the fabric to emerge one stitch length ahead, ready to make the next one. Next, cut out a flower from red felt and create a hole in the centre. Position at the top of the stem, then overstitch around the edge in two strands of red.

Craft tip

Blanket stitch takes more thread than you imagine – cut a long length to ensure there will be no thread joins in your work

Cut a short length of cord and double over to make a loop. Position at the top of the embroidered cosy, on the wrong side and in the centre. Attach with a few stitches, making sure they are not seen from the right side.

Position the remaining cosy to the back of the embroidered piece and pin in place. Thread a needle with six strands of blue and tie a knot at one end, then sew blanket stitch around the edge. CB

Blanket stitch

1 2

Secure the thread and, working along the edge, bring the needle to the surface of the fabric. Take the needle through from the back of the fabric to the surface on the stitching line. Loop the end of the thread under the needle and pull through to adjust so that the stitch lies along the edge of the fabric.

SOURCE IT...

Felt and DMC embroidery threads, Blooming Felt, 01245 471690, bloomingfelt.co.uk

3

Repeat to create evenly spaced stitches along the fabric edge, maintain an even tension to avoid distorting the fabric.

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Made by you _Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:50 Page 1

Made by You:

MOUSE PINCUSHION

CREATE A LITTLE MOUSE FRIEND FOR YOUR SEWING STATION WITH OUR EASY HOW-TO

WHAT YOU NEED Fabric, printed: cotton, needlecord Thread, sewing, matching

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Buttons Felt ball Toy filling Sewing machine

SOURCE IT...

Printed fabrics: Purple Stitches 01256 882163 purple-stitches.com

Gold pins: Fred Aldous 01612 364224 fredaldous.co.uk

Felt balls: Pocket&Pin

pocketandpin.co.uk

Made by you _Layout 1 21/01/2015 15:50 Page 2

WORKSHOP

Stitch

Craft tip

Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout

“WANT TO KEEP THE PINCUSHION OUT OF REACH WHEN KIDS ARE AROUND? USE THE TAIL TO HANG IT NEATLY FROM A HOOK!” Rosie Savage, Deputy Editor

Coming next time...

Stitch a Cath Kidston sewing tidy!

Download, print and copy the templates from crafts-beautiful.com and cut out. Trim one nose, one base, four ears, and one back from various fabrics. Make pleats in the back piece following the marks; tack the pleats in place either side of the seam allowance. Pin two ears right sides together and sew around the curve. Trim the seam allowances and clip notches around the curves. Turn the ear out and press flat. Pleat the straight edge and tack across, 1cm from the raw edge. Repeat to make a second ear, pleating it to mirror the first. Pin the ears to the top edge of the right side of the back piece, positioning them 1cm

apart. Tack in place. Right sides together, pin the nose to the top edge of the back piece, over the ears. Sew the seam and press towards the nose. Right side in, fold the tail strip in half lengthwise. Sew the long edge and turn the tube out. With the seam along one edge, press flat. Fold the tail in half and tack the ends to the bottom of the right side of the back. Match the ends of the loop to the raw edge of the back, making sure it's square to the edge. Right sides together, pin the base over the mouse upper, matching the raw edges all around. Sew the seam, leaving a 5cm gap in

one side. Zig zag and trim the allowances, clipping notches around the curves. Turn the mouse out through the gap and press the seam. Stuff as firmly as possible with toy filling. Ladder stitch the gap closed. Sew on buttons for eyes and a felt ball for a nose. CB

READ MORE This project has been adapted from Sew-licious Little Things by Kate Haxell (CICO Books, £14.99). Photography by Joanna Henderson.

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Amanda dinner set_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:01 Page 1

DRESS YOUR TABLE TOP WITH AMANDA WALKER’S DAINTY STITCHED

Dinner set

LINEN NAPKIN

WHAT YOU NEED Fabric, linen: white, grey Embroidery thread: red, green Cotton lace edging

Parcel tag, white Ribbon, gingham Sewing machine Sewing kit Spray adhesive

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Trim a 30cm square of linen fabric; this measurement can be changed to suit your requirements. From each corner, measure 2.5cm out in both directions along the raw edges. Mark these points and join both with a pencil line at a 45º angle from the outside edges. Cut off the triangle, then repeat for the three remaining corners.

Fold and press in 5mm along each side onto the wrong side of the fabric. Bring the two outside folded points of the 45º angle together, flatten and match the two edges. Stitch across with a 5mm seam allowance. Repeat this process on the three remaining corners; turn the sections to the right side to create the mitred corners. Press the 1cm borders and stitch the mitres in place.

Amanda dinner set_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:02 Page 2

Stitch

Make it!

Design detail

Craft tip

You can use up fabric scraps for this project – Amanda's example is made from a pair of old curtains!

The design can be mapped out with transfer paper or tape it to a window pane with the fabric over the top and trace over the design

Trim lengths of lace edging long enough to tuck under the borders and in place. Machinestitch around the folded edge of the border, sandwiching the lace in between. Using two strands of embroidery thread make a crossstitch in each corner, then three more equally spaced along each side within the border. Transfer the flower outline from the pattern pages onto one corner of the napkin. Continue in back stitch and outline the petals of the flower in red thread. To create a backstitch, bring the thread through on the stitch line, then make a small backward stitch. Take the needle forward under the fabric to emerge one stitch length ahead, ready to make the next one. Whilst the needle is still threaded with red, create a French knot in the centre of the flower (see the diagram for guidance). Make five green French knots around the red one. Continue with green thread, outlining the leaves and stem in back stitch.

NAPKIN RING Cut a strip of linen fabric,10cm x 16cm. Fold the fabric in half lengthways and stitch together with a 1cm seam allowance. Turn the tube through to the right side and press flat. Position and stitch a length of edging lace. Write 'eat' in pencil along the centre of the prepared strip, then backstitch the wording. Add a circle of French knots at either end of the lettering. To complete, sew the two ends of the strip together. CB

“Create a gift set with an embroidered tag” Trim a piece of white linen larger than a parcel tag. Write a name in pencil onto the fabric, then using backstitch, embroider the outline of the letters in green thread. Sew a border around the shape of the tag in red running stitch. Finish with a circle of French knots. Stick the fabric to the tag using spray adhesive, wrapping the edges around to the wrong side of the tag. Neaten the back of the tag with a piece of linen cut into the same shape. Add a gingham bow to finish.

“THIS EASY PROJECT IS A GOOD EXERCISE IN MITRED CORNERS AND SIMPLE EMBROIDERY; THESE TECHNIQUES CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO ALL KINDS OF PROJECTS” Amanda Walker, Designer

SOURCE IT...

French knot

Fabric and thread, Sew Crafty Sewing Centre, 01628 620703, sewcraftyonline.co.uk Sewing machine, Brother, brother.co.uk

1

Bring the thread to the surface at the position for the knot. Wrap the thread around the needle tip twice and take the needle back through the fabric where it came up.

2

Ease the knot on to the surface of the fabric, holding it steady whilst pulling the needle through to the wrong side. Stitch to secure or return to the surface for next French knot.

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Templates March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:58 Page 1

Your ESSENTIAL TEMPLATES

Crafts Beautiful March 2015 COPY THESE PATTERNS TO MAKE THE ITEMS THAT APPEAR IN THE MAGAZINE

Click & Craft

1

To download actual-size templates for this issue's makes visit crafts-beautiful.com, then click on the tab to view our archive of craft downloads. Select the March issue's templates and click 'Download now' on the new page. The pattern folder will automatically transfer onto your

2

Paper Cake Box Cathie Shuttleworth Page 50 Shown at 90%

DMC: 996 DMC: 3608 DMC: 3607 DMC: 676 DMC: 996

Evening Stars Helen Philipps Page 63 Shown at 100%

Patchwork Cushion Helen Philipps Page 63 Shown at 70%

108 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

computer. Follow the instructions to print all or selected templates. If you haven't already registered, you'll need to create a log-in for our website to allow you exclusive access to all of our free downloads and the masses of craft templates we have up for grabs. CB

3

Templates March_Layout 1 26/01/2015 10:16 Page 2

Essentials

Transfer Jewellery

Ellen Kharade Page 91 Shown at 100%

Retro Pincushion Carolyn Letten Page 53 Shown at 50%

FRONT WINDSCREEN FRONT BONNET

Our Papercraft Hero Katie Skilton Page 34 Shown at 45%

EMBLEM

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 109

Templates March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:47 Page 3

Photo Memories

Helen Fitzjohn Page 45 Shown at 50%

TOP WING INSET Cut 1, cut 1 rev

BODY Cut 1

TOP WING Cut 1, cut 1 rev

BOTTOM WING INSET Cut 1, cut 1 rev BOTTOM WING Cut 1, cut 1 rev

Winged Masterpiece Corinne Bradd Page 74 Shown at 80%

110 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Dinner Set

Amanda Walker Page 106 Shown at 100%

Templates March_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:48 Page 4

Essentials

Sweet Spring Florals Sharon Bennett Page 87 Shown at 70%

EGG COSY Cut 2 in ivory felt

Red felt Flower Back stitch Leaves fishbone stitch Flower pot top

Haberdashery Sampler Sophia Palmer Page 97 Shown at 70%

Cute Cosies

Amanda Walker Page 102 Shown at 85%

Flower pot base

Red gingham Blue chambray

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 111

CNM Qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:14 Page 2

Don’t Miss YOUR APRIL ISSUE!

ON SALE 6TH MARCH 2015

! s d r a d n a E C a b s a y F 5 3 Next Month’s prizes! The brand-new Big Shot™ Plus Starter Kit from Sizzix® along with the full Candy die collection designed by Craft Asylum®

The new Faberdashery collection from Hunkydory Crafts

...plus much more! 112 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

CNM Qx_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:28 Page 3

YOUR FREE GIFT! YOUR FREE GIFT! YOUR FREE GIFT!

Free For You! GIFT BOX MAKER MAKE OUR KNIT-AND-SEW BETTY RABBIT FOR A LITTLE ONE

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Projects subject to change

Fre eP atte rn

CROCHET AN ADORABLE BEAR WITH OUR SIMPLE PATTERN

Box template Scoring guide Ruler Ribbon stencils Heart motifs

Create cute pillow boxes with your gift!

PLUS 5 Digital Papers

Free to download

Easter papers designed by Rosie Simons

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TICK THE BOXES FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL’S Editor Sarah Crosland (01206) 505974 [email protected]

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Group Editor

fabulous prizes!

To enter our giveaways just choose the items you would like to win by ticking the corresponding boxes. Post your entry to arrive no later than 20th March 2015. Mark your envelope: Crafts Beautiful, March Giveaways, PO Box 443, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8WG LAMPS

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Advertising Manager Samantha Kirby

What is the title of your favourite project this issue? ................................................................................................. What is your favourite craft technique?............................................................................................................................ Gender (please tick one) Title* .................. Forename*............................................................................................. Female Male Surname* .......................................................................................................................... Age (please tick one)

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS Open to all UK residents aged 18 or over,

excluding employees or agents of the associated companies and their families. The prizes detailed cannot be exchanged for goods, or towards the purchase of goods at any retail outlet. An alternative prize may be given. Entries must be on the coupon provided (or a photocopy). It cannot be exchanged for cash, or replaced if lost or damaged. Illegible entries and those that do not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. The decision of the judge is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes are drawn approximately 90 days after publication. A list of winners will be available in writing on request from Jo Gould, 21/23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road,

Colchester, Essex. CO2 8JY. Your details will be processed by Aceville Publications Ltd. (publishers of Crafts Beautiful) in full accordance with data protection legislation. All entries become the property of Aceville Publications Ltd., publishers of Crafts Beautiful. Aceville Publications Ltd. and sister companies may wish to contact you with information of other services and publications we provide which may be of interest. Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information by Post Phone Email SMS From time to time Aceville Publications Ltd. will share details with other reputable companies who provide products and services that may be of interest to you. Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information by Post Phone Email SMS

Marketing Manager Andrea Turner [email protected]

Licensing & Content Syndication David Mason (01206) 505923 [email protected]

Find a Crafty Friend JOIN THE RANKS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE NEW FRIENDS THROUGH OUR PEN PAL COLUMN

Subscription Enquiries Publisher Matthew Tudor

Reprographics & Typesetting Ace Pre-Press Ltd Printed in the UK

Published by Aceville Publications Ltd 2014 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY © Aceville Publications Ltd

My name is ........................................................................... My age is ................ My address is ............................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................... I enjoy ....................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... I’d like to hear from .....................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................... Please be careful when disclosing personal information. All personal details are submitted at your own discretion. We aim to publish as many details as possible, but due to the popularity of the column, not everyone will be listed. Open to all readers aged 18 or over.

Put your completed form in an envelope and send it to: Find a Crafty Friend, Crafts Beautiful, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY or submit details via email: [email protected]

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01795 414663

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workshops events demonstrations

learning CHESHIRE

HAMPSHIRE

Stockport’s largest independent craft shop for all your card and scrapbooking needs. Enormous selection of dies i.e Spellbinders, Marianne and Sizzix. Graph-It stockist. Weekly cardmaking lessons 44-46 Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9AD

Unit 4 Fairground Craft Design Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0QN

Tel: 01264 771454 Visit: www.busyhandcrafts.co.uk Come and try our weekly parchment and general craft classes. Adults and children's classes available. Tues to Sun 10am – 4pm

Email: [email protected]

Take a look at our NEW bridal stationery website:

www.cjcardcraft.com

www.bridesrbusy.co.uk

Tel: 0161 477 7027

SCOTLAND - ABERDEEN

Arjo Wiggins Ltd, Stoneywood Mill, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland AB21 9AB.

Tel: 01224 820337 Email: [email protected] The Papeterie is the retail outlet selling fine paper and card which is produced by the ArjoWiggins paper mill at Stoneywood, Aberdeen. The perfect place for all your card making and scrap booking supplies. Also offering a wide range of Classes in cardmaking, scrapbooking, stained glass and other arts and crafts.

LONDON

ESSEX

BLADE RUBBER STAMPS

Creative craft workshops & Courses Lampshade Making, Rag Rugs, Felting, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing, Dressmaking, Screenprinting, Metal Clay, Jewellery, Children’s Craft Parites, Hen Parties & much more The Make It Room, Chelmsford, CM2 7TW

Exciting classes every saturday and some sundays book early!! 12 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL

www.themakeitroom.co.uk

020 7831 4123

[email protected] 01245 477152 07973 920046

www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk

MIDLANDS

www.thepapeterie.com SUFF0LK

WALES - SOUTH for all your crafting needs...

Card Making * Scrapbooking * Altered Art Supplies * Extensive Programme of Workshops * Guest Tutors * Free Demo Days * * Regular Weekly & Monthly Card Classes * * Fabulous Candy Box Crafts Project Kits * Your One Stop Crafting Shop! Spernal Ash Nurseries, Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7PD

Open Mon - Sat 9.30am - 4:00pm

Tel: 01527 852052 www.pinktulipcreations.co.uk Follow us on Facebook * Mail Order Available

116 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Dolls’ houses and furniture, beads, artists requisites, kits, gifts, card making & scrapbooking supplies plus much, much more. Workshops, demonstrations and parties. Open Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm

www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk 4 St Lawrence Street, Ipswich IP1 1DN

01473 257550 [email protected]

Bizzy Fingers Upper Floor Aberafan Shopping Centre Port Talbot, SA13 1PB

01639 892253 Regular workshop and demonstrations Call for details

p117-119 Local/CRAFT DIRECTORY new master_DIRECTORY 23/01/2015 14:57 Page 117

directory CAMBRIDGESHIRE

THE CRAFT DEN Bamber Leisure, Lynn Road, Walton Highway, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 7DA

Tel: 01945 586962 Open Tuesday to Sunday. 10.00 till 4.00 A great selection of card making & scrapbooking supplies; Tonic, Pan Pastels, WOW Powders, Crafters Companion, Creative Expressions, Britannia Dies, Personal Impressions, Stampscapes, Honey Doo stamps, Crafts Too and many more. Web: www.thecraftden.co.uk Email:[email protected]

CHESHIRE

CUMBRIA

KENT

Crafty Hobbies

Our guide to all the local crafts in your area

WILTSHIRE

Once upon a Time ...

54 Cavendish St Barrow in Furness Cumbria LA14 1PZ

Craft & Gift Store

Card Making, Scrapbooking, Beading and Parchment Crafts Our shop is crammed full of items for the crafter with lots of samples, demos and workshops to inspire you. Mail Order and Gift Vouchers

Don’t forget to visit our website for crafts, dolls houses & model railways.

Make a date to visit the store and see the fabulous range of products available. 103 High Street, Cricklade, Wiltshire. SN6 6AA

01793 759280

www.crafty-hobbies.co.uk

www.itsonceuponatime.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

YORKSHIRE

Workshops Mail Order Gift Vouchers

PENNYHOLME CRAFTS 22 Market Street, Eckington Sheffield, South Yorkshire S21 4EH Tel: 01246 431600/07765 102920

“Inspiring you to Create”

Stockists of: Parchment & Tools, Rubber Stamps, Ink Pads, Embossing Powders, Heat Guns, Brass Stencils, Lightboxes and Punches. Anchor stranded cotton, Sylko Thread, Peel offs and more. Rubber Art & Business Stamps made to your design. Please ring for your requirements Open: Mon-Sat 9.30-4.00

For Card Making, DIY Wedding Stationery, Jewellery Making, Fairy Kits, Speciality Flower Beads, Classes And More! Visit our craſt shop - Open 7 days a week

Unit Q Dagfields, Crewe Road, Nr Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7LG www.impressioncraſts.co.uk 01270 842977

CORNWALL

IRELAND - DONEGAL

TYNEMOUTH

Rocking Chair Crafts is Tynemouth’s new Craft and Haberdashery shop. This independent store can provide the new and experienced crafter with a wide range of materials suitable for all projects. There is an extensive stock of wool, sewing, card making, jewellery making items, craft kits & material remnants and much more. Green Ginger Arcade, 78 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE26 4QZ Facebook: www.facebook.com/helensrockingchaircrafts

YORKSHIRE

A large range of Artist materials and supplies for crafters. Stephen H Smith Garden Centre Poole Road, Otley, West Yorkshire

Tel: 01943 462195 www.artcraft.co.uk Also branches in Scunthorpe and Bolton

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directory ART & CRAFTS

papercrafts knitting stamping

BEADING & JEWELLERY

MISCELLANEOUS

We supply wood, papier mache, MDF & galvanised products ideal to decorate yourself. Items include boxes, trays, chests, shapes & letters

BoxyLady.co.uk www.boxylady.co.uk [email protected]

ART & CRAFTS

BEADING & JEWELLERY

EMBROIDERY

See our eBay shop Glas_With_Class

Plaid/Hobby Line/Marabu Peelable Glass Paints (Gallery Glass, C2, fun&fancy), Glass paints & outliners.

STRICTLY MAIL ORDER Send £2 (refundable) for illustrated catalogue. Glass With Class, Dept CB, 20 Mendip Walk, Crawley, Sussex RH11 7JZ. Tel: 01293 417035 Office Hours: (Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30-5:00pm, Fri 9:30-1pm Shut Wed, Sat & Sun) www.craft-supplies.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk We now accept payments through Paypal Now in stock new Marabu glass paints and more!

ART & CRAFTS

Card Making, Scrapbooking and Cake making Specialists! Visit our shop open 7 day a week in The Craft Centre, 50/56 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough PE6 8EB

www.riversidecrafts.co.uk www.riversidebeads.co.uk 01778 344550 10% OFF IN STORE UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2015

DECORATIVE PAINTING

ONE STROKE PAINTING See us on UTube: One Stroke with Mark Follow us on Facebook: Brushstrokes Craft Supplies Talk to Us on 0118 989 4756 Order from us at www.OneStrokeUK.com Call in to Brushstrokes, Holme Grange Craft Village Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AW

118 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

Visit the website to see a range of Needle lace, Stumpwork (also known as Raised Embroidery), Samplers, Counted Thread and Embroidery kits by Doreen Holmes. You can sign up for one of Doreen's acclaimed residential courses, based in her beautiful Somerset farmhouse or take one of her online classes from the comfort of your own home. Email: [email protected]

www.needlelace.com EGG CRAFT

ONLINE

p117-119 Local/CRAFT DIRECTORY new master_DIRECTORY 23/01/2015 14:58 Page 119

directory ONLINE

papercrafts knitting stamping

SOAP

The digital edition of Crafts Beautiful is now available on the Apple Newsstand!

The friendly place to buy downloadable card making designs. We give you the ideas, you make the card. Card making and decoupage our speciality

Purchase the most wanted craft magazine, ready to read at the touch of a button.

www.Bruciescardsandcrafts.com

PYROGRAPHY

Sycamore & Birch Plywood Blanks Hand Crafted in Yorkshire British made Pyrography Tools Brand New Website Special Offers 07777 697133

STAMPING

STAMPING

BLADE RUBBER STAMPS London's Rubber Stamp Store 12 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL 020 7831 4123

Only £2.99 per issue!

www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk STITCHING

Easy to use and delivered straight to your iPad or iPhone! Plus each purchase is permanently stored in your own magazine library forever! Once the magazine is downloaded, no internet connection is required. Please note, the digital versions do not include the free gifts found on the newsstand.

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 119

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click & craft www.bgpaynecrafts.co.uk

Compare search download surf browse

www.gotshop.co.uk

www.BGPayneCrafts.co.uk Quality Crafts at the Lowest Possible Prices Spend £20 get FREE Postage

www.bladerubberstamps.co.uk

BLADE RUBBER STAMPS London’s Rubber Stamp Store 12 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL

Exciting classes every weekend! Make your own personalised rubber stamps

www.bladerubber.co.uk 020 7831 4123 Mon - Sat 10.30 - 6 Sun 11.30-4.30 www.bluebellgirls.co.uk

Visit:

www.crafts-beautiful.com

www.craftcreations.com

for the latest crafting projects, downloads and giveaways! www.thehomemakery.co.uk Your one stop craft ❤ shop for gorgeous ❤ Yarn, Felt, Lampshade kits, Ribbon, Buttons and Fabrics

www.craftlamps.co.uk

www.kitandcaboodlecrafts.co.uk

Kit & Caboodle www.craftydevilspapercraft.co.uk

www.kitandcaboodlecrafts.co.uk Card & Papers, Felting, Glitter & Glue, Handmade Jewellery, Ink Pads etc

Big enough to cope, small enough to care

www.stores.ebay.co.uk/marshland-fabrics

At Crafty Devils we aim to bring you the latest high quality products from all over the world. We supply quality branded products For more information www.craftydevilspapercraft.co.uk

www.craftyproducts.co.uk

The amazing Gyro-cut® perfect for paper crafting! www.thefruitpixie.co.uk

www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Marshland-Fabrics Marshland House, Middle Drove, Wisbech,Cambs PE14 8JT visits by prior arrangement - Tel – 01945 430515

www.mymumscraftshop.co.uk Cardmaking & Papercrafting Specialists P&P Only £1.75 or FREE For orders over £30 21 Great Cranford Street, Poundbury, Dorset DT1 3SQ Tues - Fri: 10am - 4pm Saturdays: 10am - 1pm

www.gluesdirect.co.uk

www.gluesdirect.co.uk ‘For all your adhesive needs’

120 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

www.personalimpressions.com

Personal impressions

Card Making, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamps, Paper Craft Supplies, Embellishments & Parchment Craft

*p120-121 WEBS new master_WEBS 23/01/2015 12:27 Page 121

click & craft

Compare search download surf browse

www.rosarama.co.uk

Shop open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm

www.rosarama.co.uk 01914 139 111 15 Beech Grove Terrace, Crawcrook/Ryton, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE40 4LZ

[email protected] www.storage4crafts.com

Home to probably the largest range of craft storage boxes and office storage solutions in the UK www.spellboundbead.co.uk

Visit www.spellboundbead.co.uk the perfect one stop shop for all your beading supplies, workshops and projects.

Call: 01543 417650 Email: [email protected] www.sunrisecrafts.co.uk

Sunrise Crafts Ltd www.sunrisecrafts.co.uk

www.twocatscrafts.co.uk k toc aily wS D Ne iving Arr

Tel: 01440 706041 email: [email protected] www.ukscrappers.co.uk

www.woodshapes.co.uk FREESTANDING WORDS AND SHAPES, MDF CRAFT SHAPES, LASER CUT SHAPES, WE MAKE ANY SHAPE. Free Design Service, no minimum order

tel: 01842 862634

CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM 121

BehindTheCamera March15_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:41 Page 1

LAST WORD

Behind the

H MY TREAT THIS M‘nON’ TThin

ick …is Rowan Th e its yarn. I just lov e mazing textur a , s s e in k n u h c m going to I’ . th m r a w d n a weater for s ly g g u n s a it kn spring days! those breezy

CAMERA

DAWN BIBBY SHARES HER JEWELLERY MAKING JOURNEY AND MORE Something I’ve learned...

my craft tips ✔ With my jewellery lly making, I've found it rea all sm useful to have e compartmental storag boxes for the beads. e ✔ Invest in a Quickie Glu to ter glit ent esc Pen and irid to e rkl spa of ch tou a bring s; it your decoupage or topper ! nce ere diff a h suc can make ting get e ubl tro g ✔ Havin ly clear images with new over ss Pre s? bought stamp a pe lota Sel h wit ge the ima ove few times – this will rem lied the silicone coating app your w allo and tion duc pro in . ink to grip better

This month I have progressed along my jewellery making path. I've learned to use crimp chain, add fastenings and create some beautiful pieces which make perfect gifts. Beading is giving me such joy and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

CRAFT OF THE MONTH

This month I've had many hours of pleasure with the age-old craft of tapestry making, which my mum taught me as a young girl. Recently I hosted a show with the lovely Phillipa Turnbull, who has created some gorgeous kits that are replicas of historic British needlework. I started off with an easy one – The Jacobean Peony – which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I've now moved on to The Jacobean Fantasy. It's provided me with great enjoyment and has reminded me of times spent with my dear mum.

Hot Product

Make pinwheels with a fabulous new tool from WRMK. They're so on-trend and take me back to my childhood, with all the family trips to fairgrounds. I had many happy hours playing with them and placing them decoratively in our garden. The board makes it so easy and the finish is so professional. Visit createandcraft.tv for more info.

122 CRAFTS-BEAUTIFUL.COM

FAVE THING These cute bunnies make special Easter gifts, or simply have the ability to brighten up spring days. They come in a lovely kit from Corine Lapiere with such beautifully soft felt. Why not give them a keepsake quality and bring them out every spring?

LOOK WHAT I MADE! Riverside Beads has recently joined us at Create and Craft and I picked some lovely simulated pearls and fire-polished crystals to make a necklace, bracelet and earring set, which also uses their signature rose gold snowflakes. I used a small layout of beads and replicated it along the length, then created a few drops on head pins to create earrings and a centrepiece on the necklace.

**CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ROPs March 15 master_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 21/01/2015 17:02 Page 123

**CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL ROPs March 15 master_CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL 21/01/2015 17:03 Page 124