• You get unique products, full of character quite unlike the mass produced items you buy in supermarkets or shopping centres
• You are sure to get quality and attention to detail
• Handmade gifts make the recipient feel special because you actually took the time to find something that's one of a kind

How you as a crafter can help protect the environment

If you're an experienced crafter I'm sure you're also a hoarder of things that might be used in your future projects. If you're starting now keep all those interesting bits and bobs that you think you might use. Here are some suggestions:

- Ribbon: keep all the bits of ribbon that come with some products. They can be used in cardmaking, scrapbooking, sewing, etc.

- Beads/Sequins: the same as above. Some time ago I threw away a pair of slippers that were falling apart. They had some sort of design made with beads and sequins and I took these out and put them in my beads box. It just seemed just a waste to throw them away when I use beads quite often in my crafts!

- Buttons: these make great embellishments for cardmaking and scrapbooks pages. Take all buttons from clothes you no longer wear. You can do the same with the zippers if they are in good condition...and while you're at it what about the fabric of that shirt, skirt, etc. that you're about to throw away? If it has a nice, unusual pattern you might want to use it for some project or other.

- Paper: you can get nice samples of paper from gifts, packaging, cards you've been sent, etc. Also, if you work with paper keep all those small pieces in a folder or box. You never know when they might be useful.

There's a crafter on Flickr who has been using punched out pieces of paper left over from her previous projects. She has very cleverly integrated them in her handmade cards to stunning results. Check out her blog at http://kimmikat.wordpress.com/

Well... today I didn't do what I had in mind which was to put together a tutorial on cross stitching because...

...I got an unexpected order for a card. I'm still in a state of shock! So I got to work and spent all morning trying to figure out what I was going to do. I came up with two designs which you'll find here. I'm quite pleased with the result. Have a look.

Here's a little photo tutorial I put together on how I do the blanket stitch. I'm not sure this is the correct way of doing it... this is how I do it although I must say I don't always get it right. I guess I'll just have to keep practicing

The most difficult bits are the corners and I tried to illustrate the different steps I usually follow. Have a look here and here. I've also included a little text below the photos which I hope will help you get started.

The blanket stitch is used either as a decorative stitch or to help prevent the fraying of fabric. You can also use this stitch to create buttonholes but in this case you'll have to do the stitches very close together.

Hope you like this tutorial.

The next one will be on cross stitching.

I have finished the cards I mentioned in my last post...here they are, have a look. I'm so proud of them as I think they look really cute.

I started these cute felt animals yesterday and I'm going to use them on some fun greeting cards I've been planning for children.  You can also use them to personalize children's clothes, as patches, as mobile elements, etc. Just let your imagination fly. The template for some of the animals is here. These were not designed by me but found on the Net for free download.

Also, have a look at the new hair accessories I made. For some I used crochet flowers and beads and for others felt flowers, all handmade by me. All these projects are very easy and quick to make. Hope you like them.

I've been making some Easter cards and also some for Mother's Day. I stitched these Easter cards last night. They are very easy to make and you can find the templates here if you want to try stitching some to give your friends and family.

Nothing shows your mum how much you care as something handmade, so why not give her a beautiful handmade card? And don't forget Easter too.

Have a look here for ideas or to buy a handmade card for Mother's Day (2nd March) and Easter (22nd March).

If you want to buy one of my cards, please read these instructions.

I got the idea for these last night while watching Poirot and had to try them straight away, needless to say I didn't watch the rest of the episode so don't know who killed who!

These are very easy and quick to make and I think look great on both adults and children.

If you want to try for yourself, here are the instructions:

1 - Make a crochet chain to the desired length.

2 - Using this template, make a flower following these instructions.

3 - Attach the flower to the crochet chain.

4 - Insert some beads on both ends of the chain.

5 - On the back of the flower stitch a small metal hook. This will be used to join both sides of the chain to form a loop around your neck.

It's that simple and quick

Hope you enjoy this project.

I love felt, there's so much you can do with it and it's so easy to work with.

These are my latest projects using felt: a chicken, ideal for any Easter project and a very easy to make felt flower that you can use on cards, necklaces, bags, etc.

The templates for both are here, please feel free to download them and try them yourself. You'll see how quick they are to make.

I love felt, there's so much you can do with it and it's so easy to work with.

These are my latest projects using felt: a chicken, ideal for any Easter project and a very easy to make felt flower that you can use on cards, necklaces, bags, etc.

The templates for both are here, please feel free to download them and try them yourself. You'll see how quick they are to make.

Here are two projects I started yesterday and finished today. This is my new idea for a wedding favour. I think it's a lovely, simple wedding favour... just the way I like things.

Also, I created this fun necklace using gingham, felt, beads, ribbon and a button. I think any little girl will look adorable wearing this.

The weather has been so lovely that I've been out for walks and therefore have negleted my crafts a little .

10- Show off your headband .

I've just uploaded a few more new cards. To have a look follow this link.

I've just uploaded a tutorial on how to do the chainstitch I used on some of my cards. If you'd like to try it please feel free to use the patterns I uploaded yesterday.

I've uploaded 3 new cards. I'm very proud of them as I've used a different technique and I love the results. These have all been hand embroidered by me using these templates and chainstitching. These cards are very versatile as they can be used for several occasions.

As promised here are the instructions for a drawstring bag.