http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/en-UKMokoFeed10http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/e4/a2127004a48384ea424526e549923d_160x200.jpghttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/14/easy-father-s-day-cards-16125468/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-06-14:/2013/06/14/easy-father-s-day-cards-16125468/Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:33:41 +0200 <p>On my last post I showed you how to make a pen holder for Father's Day, today I want to share with your a couple of ideas for cards for this special day. The 2 designs below are very easy to make and therefore are a perfect project for children to make for their dads.</p> <p><a title="Cards for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/317/7084317_2f8190855e_m.jpeg" alt="Cards for Father"></a></p> <p>If you're not too keen on these and want something a little more elaborated have a look at <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2011/06/17/suggestions-for-father-s-day-cards-11330123/">these</a> cards instead for inspiration.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/14/easy-father-s-day-cards-16125468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/14/easy-father-s-day-cards-16125468/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/10/pen-holder-for-father-s-day-16110137/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-06-10:/2013/06/10/pen-holder-for-father-s-day-16110137/Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:42:29 +0200 <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/004/7077004_12fc9db2c9_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>Here's an idea for a simple but lovely gift the children can make for Father's Day. To make a pen holder such as this you'll need a cardboard tube, a piece of cardboard for the base, ice cream sticks, hot glue, thick gold or silver card (or any other colour you like) and paper shapes to embellish the pen holder. I put together a little step by step tutorial, hope you enjoy it.</p> <p><strong>Pen holder tutorial</strong></p> <p>1 - Apply hot glue around the edge of the cardboard tube and place on a piece of cardboard pressing down for a few seconds until the glue dries.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/992/7076992_16bab8a4a3_s.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>2 - Trim carefully all the way around with a craft knife or pair of scissors making sure the cardboard base is flush with the tube.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/993/7076993_3c23d0e991_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>3 - Cover the cardboard tube with double sided sticky tape and peel back the non-adhesive layer.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/994/7076994_9d1eadb4e8_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>4 - Begin covering the cardboard tube with the ice cream sticks. make sure these are nice and straight, to help them stay in place use one or two elastic bands.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/996/7076996_7aa1fcab48_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>5 - Cut 2 lengths of thick gold or silver card and put them around the pen holder. These will serve as braces helping keep the ice cream sticks in place and also serve as a decoration element. They should overlap a little at the back; keep them in place with a little hot glue.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/997/7076997_8800eeb912_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>6 - Apply a line of hot glue inside the pen holder along the top of the cardboard tube as shown below. This will further help keep the ice cream sticks in place.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/998/7076998_2fd4da16ee_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p>7 - Add any other embellishments you want and you're done.</p> <p><a title="DIY pen holder for Father" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/001/7077001_14bd465e39_m.jpeg" alt="DIY pen holder for Father"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/10/pen-holder-for-father-s-day-16110137/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/06/10/pen-holder-for-father-s-day-16110137/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/29/crafts-at-the-library-space-explorers-16069141/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-05-29:/2013/05/29/crafts-at-the-library-space-explorers-16069141/Wed, 29 May 2013 15:11:12 +0200 <p>We traveled to the stars and back yesterday at the library during another lively crafts session. We were a very small group as the weather was its usual self: grey, cold, windy and very wet but we had great fun adding whatever details they wanted.</p> <p>As usual I made samples for them to see and then they let their imagination and creativity run wild.</p> <p><a title="Paper plate UFO with alien" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/237/7057237_faa771eee8_m.jpeg" alt="Paper plate UFO with alien"></a><a title="Balloon rocket" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/238/7057238_6e361667d0_m.jpeg" alt="Balloon rocket"></a></p> <p>If you'd like to have a go at making any of these yourself these are the tutorials I used as inspiration: <a href="http://craftsbyamanda.com/2013/01/paper-plate-flying-saucer.html">paper plate flying saucer</a> and <a href="http://alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/balloon-rockets.html">balloon rocket</a>.</p> <p>Happy crafting :-)</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/29/crafts-at-the-library-space-explorers-16069141/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/29/crafts-at-the-library-space-explorers-16069141/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/14/playing-with-fabric-and-embroidery-loops-15973778/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-05-14:/2013/05/14/playing-with-fabric-and-embroidery-loops-15973778/Tue, 14 May 2013 16:09:39 +0200 <p>Back in February I showed you a project of mine, a <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/18/sunbonnet-sue-15544111/">Sunbonnet Sue</a> appliqued and embroidered on felt and framed with an embroidery loop. Here are 2 more, these were made as a birthday gift for a friend.</p> <p><a title="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/801/7033801_27691fb79a_m.jpeg" alt="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame"></a><a title="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/802/7033802_29a343bf75_m.jpeg" alt="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame"></a><a title="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/803/7033803_a5e0f86f91_m.jpeg" alt="Applique on felt with embroidery loop frame"></a></p> <p>To make sure the background felt remains stretched I applied hot glue all around the back of the loop and then folded the felt over to fix it in place.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/14/playing-with-fabric-and-embroidery-loops-15973778/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/05/14/playing-with-fabric-and-embroidery-loops-15973778/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/04/17/spring-tree-15762917/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-04-17:/2013/04/17/spring-tree-15762917/Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:14:53 +0200 <p>Despite the still wintery weather it's looking a lot like Spring in the library thanks to the great tree mural designed and painted by Becky, a very talented 16-year old Art student.</p> <p>We had a narrow, blank wall space between one of the notice boards in the children's area and the emergency exit. After looking online for inspiration I thought a tree would be a good idea but not just any tree, ours is an interactive one as it will change to reflect each season.</p> <p>Our Winter tree was looking quite bare as trees do between December and March.</p> <p><a title="Interactive tree mural - Winter tree" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/207/6990207_95670b5d29_m.jpeg" alt="Interactive tree mural - Winter tree"></a></p> <p>But now it's full of blossom and new leaves, there's birds perched on its branches, butterflies and owls and daffodils on the ground.</p> <p><a title="Interactive tree mural - Spring tree" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/211/6990211_1d834295d2_m.jpeg" alt="Interactive tree mural - Spring tree"></a><a title="Interactive tree mural - Spring tree" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/212/6990212_aa7399098d_m.jpeg" alt="Interactive tree mural - Spring tree"></a></p> <p>Me and Becky were helped by 3 very energetic and creative children aged 3, 6 and 8 who soon took over the whole project and did almost everything themselves with only a little help from the adults here and there. I think they did a brilliant job, don't you?</p> <p>These are the samples I made from templates found online. The links are below, the butterfly was drawn free-hand.</p> <p><a title="Paper bird" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/217/6990217_d2486c37a8_m.jpeg" alt="Paper bird"></a></p> <p><a title="Paper bird" href="javascript:window.open("></a><a title="Blossom and leaf" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/218/6990218_949e42274f_m.jpeg" alt="Blossom and leaf"></a></p> <p><a title="Paper butterfly" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/219/6990219_df4ef6421c_m.jpeg" alt="Paper butterfly"></a></p> <p><a title="Paper owl" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/220/6990220_eeec6a3e48_m.jpeg" alt="Paper owl"></a></p> <p><a href="http://juguetesbellos.blogspot.com.br/2011/10/blog-post_04.html">Template</a> for bird, owl and leaf.</p> <p><a href="http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/making/sew-iPhone-cover-sewing-pattern">Template</a> for blossom.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/04/17/spring-tree-15762917/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/04/17/spring-tree-15762917/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/24/paper-hats-15666119/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-03-24:/2013/03/24/paper-hats-15666119/Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:32:39 +0100 <p>When looking for ideas for my Crazy Hat Day taking place at the library in 2 days time I came across these <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Wearables/easypaperhat/easypaperhat.html">Easy Paper Hats</a> from <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com/">FirstPalette</a>.</p> <p>This is a great crafts project to make with children of all ages as it's so easy and fun. I made a few myself to show them and I can't wait to see what they come up with.</p> <p><a title="Paper hats" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/609/6949609_f18fe09ce9_m.jpeg" alt="Paper hats"></a></p> <p>To make these I used white cardstock to print the hat templates, the ribbons are made from strips of paper, cardstock or wallpaper, the flowers were punched out of paint cards. The leaves were printed on green card and the feathers printed on white card and then coloured in.  All hats were coloured in with markers or pencils.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/24/paper-hats-15666119/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/24/paper-hats-15666119/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/04/mother-s-day-crafts-at-the-library-15588749/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-03-04:/2013/03/04/mother-s-day-crafts-at-the-library-15588749/Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:00:42 +0100 <p>With Mother's Day fast approaching (Sunday, March 10th) me and the children had fun this past Saturday making a card and gift for their mums.</p> <p>These are the samples I prepared ealier for them to see what we would be making.</p> <p><a title="Bangles made with thick cardboard tubes and yarn" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/278/6914278_78313803af_m.jpeg" alt="Bangles made with thick cardboard tubes and yarn"></a></p> <p>The gift was a bangle made from a thick cardboard tube and wound with yarn and they could choose between 2 card designs. The butterflies and flowers used on the cards were punched out of paint card strips which you can get for free from DIY stores.</p> <p><a title="Mother" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/282/6914282_f1a30fedc3_m.jpeg" alt="Mother"></a><a title="Mother" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/283/6914283_ca4721a297_m.jpeg" alt="Mother"></a></p> <p>We used white envelopes to gift wrap the bangles and strips of coloured paper with borders drawn in black pen as "ribbons".</p> <p><a title="Envelopes as gift wrapping" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/279/6914279_66abf644d5_m.jpeg" alt="Envelopes as gift wrapping"></a><br><a title="Envelopes as gift wrapping" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/280/6914280_d7cdd820d1_m.jpeg" alt="Envelopes as gift wrapping"></a></p> <p>Are you making anything for Mother's Day?</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/04/mother-s-day-crafts-at-the-library-15588749/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/03/04/mother-s-day-crafts-at-the-library-15588749/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/18/sunbonnet-sue-15544111/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-02-18:/2013/02/18/sunbonnet-sue-15544111/Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:15:01 +0100 <p>I love <a href="http://www.sunbonnetsue.com/suehistory.html">Sunbonnet Sue</a> and have used her in several crafty projects over the years. The very first one was this wall hanging I made when I was pregnant with my son featuring Sunbonnet Sue and her friend Overall Bill.</p> <p><a title="Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Bill wall hanging" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/552/6890552_965e6e99f6_m.jpeg" alt="Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Bill wall hanging"></a></p> <p>I also used her on cards, made entirely of paper as you can see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=11657162@N03&q=sunbonnet%20sue">here</a>.</p> <p>And this is my latest one which I made as a birthday gift for my mum. Everything was hand sewn and once I'd started I didn't stop until it was all finished.</p> <p><a title="Sunbonnet Sue" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/566/6890566_4a300f151c_m.jpeg" alt="Sunbonnet Sue"></a></p> <p><a title="Sunbonnet Sue" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/567/6890567_b466db7f64_m.jpeg" alt="Sunbonnet Sue"></a></p> <p>I'm working on a few other items envolving fabric, felt and embroidery hoops and will show them to you once they're finished.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/18/sunbonnet-sue-15544111/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/18/sunbonnet-sue-15544111/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/06/pirates-princesses-event-at-the-library-15506949/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-02-06:/2013/02/06/pirates-princesses-event-at-the-library-15506949/Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:35:44 +0100 <p>I've been busy organising the 1st children's event of the year taking place next week at our <a href="http://www.berkeleybooks.org.uk/local.html#events">community run library</a>. The theme is Pirates and Princesses so it appeals to both boys and girls and it's a split event with activities on Tuesday 12th and Friday 15th.</p> <p>Craftwise we'll be making cutlasses and hooks out of cardboard and princess crowns with gold/silver card strips, pipe cleaners and beads. These are the samples I made for the children to see.</p> <p><a title="Pirate" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/424/6869424_d631f1a279_m.jpeg" alt="Pirate"></a><a title="Pirate" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/425/6869425_80d59a0d40_m.jpeg" alt="Pirate"></a><a title="Princess crown" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/426/6869426_362d46bdde_m.jpeg" alt="Princess crown"></a><br><a title="Princess crown" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/427/6869427_2a97b39d2b_m.jpeg" alt="Princess crown"></a></p> <p>The templates for the cutlass and hook can be found online <a href="http://www.beatrizegido.jagh3d.com/2011/06/proyecto-piratas/molde-espada-pirata/">here</a> and <a href="http://funparties.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/fun-pirate-project-4-shiny-cutlass-hook.html">here</a>. I resized the cutlass to make it a little bigger.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/06/pirates-princesses-event-at-the-library-15506949/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/02/06/pirates-princesses-event-at-the-library-15506949/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/15/wreath-15429941/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-01-15:/2013/01/15/wreath-15429941/Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:27:57 +0100 <p>I've been meaning to show you this and then I keep forgetting.  This is a small wreath I made for a friend as a Christmas gift although I think it can be used all year round as it's not particularly Christmassey. I bought a Styrofoam Doughnut Ring from <a href="http://cuddlybuddly.com/shop/search/?q=styrofoam+ring">here</a> and used acrylic wool to cover the ring. As a final touch I added 2 small crochet flowers and it was done. I used hot glue on the back to make sure everything stays in place.</p> <p><a title="Wreath" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/170/6832170_c7492d3668_m.jpeg" alt="Wreath"></a><a title="Wreath" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/171/6832171_cb3fd131e0_m.jpeg" alt="Wreath"></a></p> <p>I actually bought 2 styrofoam rings to make a wreath for myself but never got round to making it and then by coincidence my friend sent me one she made herself. Unfortunately I can't show you hers as I've put it away together with the Christmas decorations and it's difficult to reach it at the moment but it's bigger and much, much prettier than the one I made. You'll see for yourself later in the year when it's time to bring the Christmas decorations out again.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/15/wreath-15429941/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/15/wreath-15429941/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/09/new-year-crafts-at-the-library-15411576/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2013-01-09:/2013/01/09/new-year-crafts-at-the-library-15411576/Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:27:26 +0100 <p>With the Christmas festivities over what better way to welcome the New Year at the library than with a fun crafts session. We made pencil toppers and wall calendars and had a great time.</p> <p>These are the samples I made, most of the children chose to make the 4-eyed alien pencil topper and they really enjoyed making the calendars.</p> <p><a title="Pencil toppers" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/131/6823131_32e5457391_m.jpeg" alt="Pencil toppers"></a><a title="Wall calendar" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/132/6823132_2c7504bb24_m.jpeg" alt="Wall calendar"></a><a title="Wall calendar" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/133/6823133_bc2973dace_m.jpeg" alt="Wall calendar"></a></p> <p>The 2 calendars below were made by sisters Amber and Esme. Aren't they lovely?</p> <p><a title="Wall calendars" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/137/6823137_cd5c2b45b0_m.jpeg" alt="Wall calendars"></a></p> <p>Do you have any suggestions for easy, fun crafts for children?</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/09/new-year-crafts-at-the-library-15411576/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2013/01/09/new-year-crafts-at-the-library-15411576/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/28/christmas-crafts-at-the-library-15361623/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-12-28:/2012/12/28/christmas-crafts-at-the-library-15361623/Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:33:43 +0100 <p>We've had our last crafts session at the library for this year. The children made candy cones which were then filled with a few sweets and also some cute Christmas birds to hang on the Christmas tree.</p> <p>I did take the camera with the intetntion of photographing their work but we were so busy that I ended up forgetting. These are the ones I made as samples.</p> <p><a title="Christmas bird" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/195/6804195_8718e89844_m.jpeg" alt="Christmas bird"></a><a title="Christmas bird" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/196/6804196_8d7faa0e2a_m.jpeg" alt="Christmas bird"></a><a title="Christmas candy cone" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/197/6804197_74b5d56057_m.jpeg" alt="Christmas candy cone"></a></p> <p>The templates for both these projects are available online <a href="http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/treat-cone-template-print-treat-cone.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.allaboutyou.com/prima/paper-decorations-Christmas-birds">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/28/christmas-crafts-at-the-library-15361623/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/28/christmas-crafts-at-the-library-15361623/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/16/handmade-christmas-cards-recycling-15326570/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-12-16:/2012/12/16/handmade-christmas-cards-recycling-15326570/Sun, 16 Dec 2012 21:59:07 +0100 <p>As in previous years I've been making my Christmas cards by hand and this time the inspiration came from a colouring page found online.</p> <p>For the baubles I used free templates available on the Web and resized them to fit the cards I'm using. As for the recycling bit, the shiny card used for the baubles was saved from last year's Christmas crackers. I thought it was so pretty I couldn't bring myself to throw it away and I'm glad I didn't.</p> <p>Here's a small sample of the cards I made.</p> <p><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/825/6786825_0a60ffa5ae_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/826/6786826_f892a5c2e1_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/827/6786827_825b084a58_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a><br><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/832/6786832_83de880174_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/833/6786833_9964500802_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a><a title="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/834/6786834_23b32b1807_m.jpeg" alt="Handmade Christmas cards for 2012"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/16/handmade-christmas-cards-recycling-15326570/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/16/handmade-christmas-cards-recycling-15326570/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/02/decorating-for-christmas-15272173/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-12-02:/2012/12/02/decorating-for-christmas-15272173/Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:09:22 +0100 <p>I had a lot of fun making this cardboard Christmas village for one of the bulletin boards in the children's area of the local library.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/514/6763514_7ba4c4fc81_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>This is a Martha Stewart's project and you can find the templates <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/268209/cardboard-village">here</a>. As you can see I changed mine slightly by leaving out the church and by not cutting out the windows on the houses.</p> <p>This is how I made mine if you'd like to give it a go. The 1st step is to download the templates and to trace them on to cardboard. I used a couple of mailing cardboard boxes and traced the outlines of both templates on the inside of the boxes.</p> <p>When tracing the trees make sure you do it so some of the tabs on the box can be used as a base to attach to the back of the houses later on. This helps create that 3D effect.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/519/6763519_8e1e01cfbb_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>Cut out the trees and the houses and then using a thick permanent black marker draw the outline on both pieces.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/522/6763522_6a458a4a74_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>The snow effect is embossed. I used 2 different embossing powders (seafoam white + bridal embossing tinsel) and melted them with an embossing heat gun. If you've never heat embossed before there are lots of tutorials online that tell you how to do it. This is a really fun and easy technique although a little messy but the results are worth it.</p> <p>Now you can join both pieces to create your Christmas village.</p> <p>Cut 4 thick brackets out of cardboard and fold in half.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/524/6763524_62ae42a0db_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>Glue these tabs to the trees background as shown below. It's best to do this with a glue gun so you don't have to wait for the glue to dry.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/525/6763525_8e97f36dc1_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>Now glue the houses to these tabs making sure the bottom part of both pieces is aligned.</p> <p>Cut 4 thin cardboard brackets and fold like so.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/526/6763526_911725111b_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>These will help keep your cardboard village stable; they are glued to the inside of the village as you see below and they should be out of sight.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/533/6763533_656257800c_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>Your cardboard village is now finished and should be stable enough to stand on its own.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/534/6763534_7e3b2490d6_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>I used mine to decorate a bulletin board.</p> <p><a title="Martha Stewart" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/538/6763538_babf52ac69_m.jpeg" alt="Martha Stewart"></a></p> <p>All the elements on this board were handmade. The letters were also cut from cardboard, painted red, outlined with a thick black marker and the snow effect was heat embossed just like the snow effect on the houses and trees.</p> <p>Have you started decorating for Christmas?</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/02/decorating-for-christmas-15272173/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/12/02/decorating-for-christmas-15272173/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/16/monster-corner-bookmarks-15212275/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-11-16:/2012/11/16/monster-corner-bookmarks-15212275/Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:35:43 +0100 <p>One of the craft projects I made recently with a group of children at the local library were these corner bookmarks.</p> <p><a title="Monster corner bookmarks" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/651/6731651_d4f59cecf4_m.jpeg" alt="Monster corner bookmarks"></a></p> <p>Aren't they great? I thought so and the children certainly loved making them, some even made more than one bookmark adding their own little twists like legs, arms, funny ears, etc.</p> <p>You can find the tutorial for these monster corner bookmarks <a href="http://tallystreasury.com/2011/02/corner-page-bookmarks-3/">here</a>.</p> <p>Are you gifting books this Christmas? If so wouldn't it be fun to include one of these especially if the book is for a child?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/16/monster-corner-bookmarks-15212275/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/16/monster-corner-bookmarks-15212275/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/08/ta-da-small-shoulder-bag-15181168/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-11-08:/2012/11/08/ta-da-small-shoulder-bag-15181168/Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:44:35 +0100 <p>When I began ripping my old shoulder bag apart to use it as a template I seriously doubted I would be able to make anything half decent but now that my new bag is finished I'm quite happy with the end result despite the many mistakes I made along the way (zipps that open in opposite directions amongst others!).</p> <p><a title="Shoulder bag" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/266/6717266_c919ef394b_m.jpeg" alt="Shoulder bag"></a></p> <p>This bag is the perfect size, just big enough for a small water bottle, purse, mobile phone, keys and packet of tissues which is basically what I usually carry with me.</p> <p><a title="Shoulder bag" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/267/6717267_56924dfbcd_m.jpeg" alt="Shoulder bag"></a></p> <p>I didn't buy anything for this bag opting instead to use what I already had: the zips came from old trousers I think, the strap I've had for ages and can't remember where it came from, the fabrics are from my stash, etc.</p> <p>The pretty little pendant was a gift from a very talented friend and I love it, it's just what I needed to embellish my handmade bag.</p> <p><a title="Shoulder bag" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/271/6717271_a82543fa57_m.jpeg" alt="Shoulder bag"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/08/ta-da-small-shoulder-bag-15181168/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/11/08/ta-da-small-shoulder-bag-15181168/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/19/coasters-potholders-and-trivets-15070997/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-10-19:/2012/10/19/coasters-potholders-and-trivets-15070997/Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:27:12 +0200 <p>These were all made as gifts for friends and family and besides helping reduce - ever so slightly - my fabric stash they also provided me with many hours of enjoyment as I love sewing, especially by hand.</p> <p>The potholders were inspired by <a href="http://lieslmade.com/2010/02/11/liesl-made-pot-holder-tutorial/">these</a> and they have a layer of <a href="http://www.doughtysonline.co.uk/shop/search.php?mode=search&page=1">Insul-Bright</a> inside. This was the perfect project for my spices fabric  bought on sale at HobbyCraft a long time ago.</p> <p><a title="Potholders" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/365/6678365_57ea64cb83_m.jpeg" alt="Potholders"></a></p> <p>The coasters were made with scraps of fabric. I did try to make them all the same size but somehow didn't manage it even with all the measuring and remeasuring!</p> <p><a title="Coasters" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/367/6678367_ba1897fdd8_m.jpeg" alt="Coasters"></a></p> <p>And finally the trivets I made for my mum and mother-in-law. For the binding I followed this great <a href="http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/binding-tutorial-part-2-attaching-your.html">tutorial</a> and had fun with the free motion embroidery on some of them.</p> <p><a title="Trivets" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data8.blog.de/media/369/6678369_3c84d6fd64_m.jpeg" alt="Trivets"></a></p> <p>I think my sewing machine has seen more action this year than ever before. What have you been sewing lately?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/19/coasters-potholders-and-trivets-15070997/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/19/coasters-potholders-and-trivets-15070997/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/09/new-look-mums-15010506/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-10-09:/2012/10/09/new-look-mums-15010506/Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:43:26 +0200 <p>Personally I love wearing layers of clothes so I thought I'd try and reflect that on these new look "mums" I created. What do you think?</p> <p><a title="Pregnant mums" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/523/6656523_b2f376e624_m.jpeg" alt="Pregnant mums"></a><a title="Pregnant mums" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/525/6656525_86537b14e9_m.jpeg" alt="Pregnant mums"></a><a title="Pregnant mums" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/526/6656526_e4de24e9b3_m.jpeg" alt="Pregnant mums"></a></p> <p>I always enjoy making these card toppers, I love the whole process of choosing the papers, putting all the pieces together and then making and embellishing the little crochet handbags.</p> <p><a title="Miniature crochet handbags" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/520/6656520_39df4bbb32_m.jpeg" alt="Miniature crochet handbags"></a></p> <p><a title="Miniature crochet handbags" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/519/6656519_a874af2799_m.jpeg" alt="Miniature crochet handbags"></a></p> <p><a title="Miniature crochet handbags" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/518/6656518_817f2c78a9_m.jpeg" alt="Miniature crochet handbags"></a></p> <p>You can find these and other "mums" I've made in the past on the <a href="http://www.sendmycard.co.uk/catalog/leaving-have-baby">Send My Card</a> website.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/09/new-look-mums-15010506/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/09/new-look-mums-15010506/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/02/beyond-the-square-challenge-and-how-you-can-use-the-crochet-motifs-you-ve-made-14940817/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-10-02:/2012/10/02/beyond-the-square-challenge-and-how-you-can-use-the-crochet-motifs-you-ve-made-14940817/Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:08:43 +0200 <p>If like me you've been taking part in Barbara's <a href="http://made-in-k-town.blogspot.co.uk/p/beyond-square-challenge-2012.html">Beyond the Square Challenge</a> you'll have quite a few crochet motifs in a drawer or box somewhere.</p> <p>I've been thinking of ways I can use these motifs and here are a few suggestions, you'll find more on Barbara's blog (just please click on the link above).</p> <p>On the photo below you can see <strong>Motif #5</strong> being used to embellish a gift wrap for a friend.</p> <p><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif #5" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/116/6641116_324cdf8bae_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif #5"></a><br><em></em></p> <p><strong>Motif #12</strong> was used to make this lovely pincushion.<em><br></em></p> <p><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif #12" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/119/6641119_ea5380e31c_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif #12"></a><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif #12" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/120/6641120_ed29f86182_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif #12"></a></p> <p><strong>Motifs #36 and #53</strong> used as Christmas ornaments (I just realised I forgot to sew on the ribbon to hang these from the tree!)<br><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif #36" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/122/6641122_43a7791895_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif #36"></a><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif #53" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/123/6641123_a192ab57f3_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif #53"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/02/beyond-the-square-challenge-and-how-you-can-use-the-crochet-motifs-you-ve-made-14940817/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/10/02/beyond-the-square-challenge-and-how-you-can-use-the-crochet-motifs-you-ve-made-14940817/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/25/beyond-the-square-challenge-motifs-28-30-43-14878900/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-09-25:/2012/09/25/beyond-the-square-challenge-motifs-28-30-43-14878900/Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:12:29 +0200 <p>I just had a quick look through my blog archives to see when was the last time I posted any motifs for this challenge and it was in June which sounds like a very long time ago!</p> <p>The motifs below were made sometime in July, they're from this book by Edie Eckman</p> <p><a title="book" href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Square-Crochet-Motifs-unexpected/dp/1603420398"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/581/6627581_a6c2c4f43a_m.jpeg" alt="book"></a></p> <p> and for the Beyond the Square Challenge hosted by Barbara from <a href="http://made-in-k-town.blogspot.co.uk/p/beyond-square-challenge-2012.html">Made in K-town</a>.</p> <p>Here they are in random order.</p> <p><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/586/6627586_6eadc7e144_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif"></a><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/587/6627587_23675566fb_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif"></a><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/588/6627588_6f9ca6baa5_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif"></a></p> <p><a title="Beyond the Square crochet motif" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/592/6627592_59ff48eb45_m.jpeg" alt="Beyond the Square crochet motif"></a></p> <p>Obviously taking part in this challenge means that I now have a box with several of these motifs and the question is what to do with them. Do I just leave them in the box or do I find a way to use them? I think I found a way to use these motifs that I'm happy with, to know more please watch this space.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/25/beyond-the-square-challenge-motifs-28-30-43-14878900/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/25/beyond-the-square-challenge-motifs-28-30-43-14878900/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/19/a-birthday-card-14833442/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-09-19:/2012/09/19/a-birthday-card-14833442/Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:16:14 +0200 <p>Children's cards are a lot of fun to make and I really enjoyed creating this one for an adorable 2-year old daughter of a friend. I apologise for the quality of the photo, the light was terrible and I was running out of time to give the card before the big day.</p> <p><a title="Kittie" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/948/6614948_7defb2b134_m.jpeg" alt="Kittie"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/19/a-birthday-card-14833442/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/19/a-birthday-card-14833442/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/12/how-to-make-an-i-cord-flower-14722323/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-09-12:/2012/09/12/how-to-make-an-i-cord-flower-14722323/Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:33:41 +0200 <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/167/6601167_769301a961_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>As promised here's my tutorial on how to make a flower with the tube you've knitted using a knitting spool.</p> <p>You can find my previous posts on how to cast on and off on a knitting spool <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/">here</a>, <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/">here</a> and <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/05/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14675615/">here</a>.</p> <p>Get your knitted tube ready and let's start.</p> <p>Fold the tube as shown below.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/172/6601172_f08c437b7e_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>Thread a tapestry needle with the end of the wool and pass it through each fold like so.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/173/6601173_9cd86b6ad7_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>Pull tightly to close and shape the flower. Pass the needle through the inside end of each petal pulling tight so the flower stays closed.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/181/6601181_b978f427e5_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>To stabilize the middle of the flower you need to stitch through each petal all the way around until you reach your starting point.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/183/6601183_1c077f8070_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>This will make sure the petals stay in place. Repeat this step if you think it's necessary, for instance, if your flower has long petals.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/187/6601187_01bf2f3138_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>Sew a pretty button in the middle and your i-cord flower is finished.</p> <p><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/191/6601191_6a608c598a_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a><a title="i-cord flower tutorial" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/192/6601192_1ec4be19b5_m.jpeg" alt="i-cord flower tutorial"></a></p> <p>These flowers can be used as brooches if you attach a brooch bar to the back or to embellish bags, hats, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/12/how-to-make-an-i-cord-flower-14722323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/12/how-to-make-an-i-cord-flower-14722323/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/05/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14675615/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-09-05:/2012/09/05/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14675615/Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:00:47 +0200 <p>Hello again,</p> <p>Here I am to show you another way of casting off on a knitting spool and it's really easy.</p> <p>So, you've knitted a tube to the desired length and want to cast off.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/259/6587259_86a506bf62_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2"></a></p> <p>Cut the end of the wool you're using making sure it's long enough for what you want and thread it through a sewing needle.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/263/6587263_2b77dc23e3_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2"></a></p> <p>Starting on the next stitch push the needle under and up like so.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/265/6587265_2708f1fb1c_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2"></a></p> <p>At the same time remove that stitch from the peg making it go up and over the peg.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/267/6587267_ffc61c63b9_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2"></a></p> <p>Carry on like this until the very last stitch. Remove it from the peg and pull the wool to close the tube. Sew a stitch or 2 to make sure it won't come undone and that's it.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/272/6587272_d8967c28a0_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 2"></a></p> <p>On one of my next posts I'll show you how to make a flower with your knitted tube.</p> <p>Meanwhile, you can have a look at my previous posts on how to <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/">cast on</a> and <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/">cast off (method 1)</a>.</p> <p>Just a reminder that this is how I do things and it works for me, if you look on the web you'll find many other methods for casting on and off on a knitting spool.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/05/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14675615/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/09/05/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14675615/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/08/30/patchwork-covers-for-luggage-handles-14628125/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-08-30:/2012/08/30/patchwork-covers-for-luggage-handles-14628125/Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:03:21 +0200 <p>Hello and welcome,</p> <p>This has been my longest absence from this blog ever but hopefully things will slowly start getting back to normal.</p> <p>My last craft project before we went away on holiday for a few days were these patchwork covers for our luggage. Although we always travel with only hand luggage it's still very easy for suitcases and bags to get mixed up in a busy airport as most of them look similar.</p> <p>These patchwork covers were quick to make and a good way to use some of the many scraps of fabric I have.</p> <p><a title="Patchwork covers for luggage handles" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/489/6575489_09b4e317c2_m.jpeg" alt="Patchwork covers for luggage handles"></a></p> <p>To make some yourself just cut a few strips of fabric (they don't even have to be the same width) and sew them together.</p> <p><a title="Patchwork covers for luggage handles" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/485/6575485_df04cfb2d7_m.jpeg" alt="Patchwork covers for luggage handles"></a></p> <p>Check the measurements to make sure they're long and wide enough to cover the handle of your bag.</p> <p>Choose a fabric for the backing and use acrylic felt or batting for the middle layer (I used acrylic felt). Make a sandwich with these 3 layers and embellish with a stitch of your choice, I quite like the look of the blanket stitch in between the different strips or you can do this by hand if you prefer.</p> <p>Trim the edges and finish off by sewing a length of bias binding all the way around. Sew some velcro on each handle cover to keep them in place and you're done.</p> <p><a title="Patchwork covers for luggage handles" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/490/6575490_c49514597e_m.jpeg" alt="Patchwork covers for luggage handles"></a><a title="Patchwork covers for luggage handles" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/491/6575491_291b9d0782_m.jpeg" alt="Patchwork covers for luggage handles"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/08/30/patchwork-covers-for-luggage-handles-14628125/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/08/30/patchwork-covers-for-luggage-handles-14628125/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/27/exhibition-of-drawings-and-embroideries-14255856/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-27:/2012/07/27/exhibition-of-drawings-and-embroideries-14255856/Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:43:57 +0200 <p><a title="img350" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/779/6512779_80fc23f366_m.jpeg" alt="img350"></a></p> <p>My friend <a href="http://thestitchloft.blogspot.co.uk/">Tanya</a> is having her first solo exhibition in a few weeks time here in Berkeley. In her own words:</p> <p><em>"Other people's..." is a one night only exhibition by Textile Artist Tanya Stanyer. An exhibition of drawings and embroideries inspired by the lives of others. In many of my pieces the subject matter are the people, but just as important are their surroundings. There was also an element of interaction in the making of the artwork as some of it has been created by requesting pictures of pets on a social networking site. The people who responded to this have almost curated part of the exhibition themselves in a sense. All that was asked from them was photographs of their pets and permission to use them for an exhibition."</em></p> <p>If you can't come to the exhibition you can always visit her online shop <a href="http://www.thestitchloft.co.uk/index.htm">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/27/exhibition-of-drawings-and-embroideries-14255856/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/27/exhibition-of-drawings-and-embroideries-14255856/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-25:/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:34:25 +0200 <p>As promised I'm now going to show you one of the methods by which you can cast off on a knitting spool. Again this is how I do it; you may find different methods of casting on and off by searching the web. The important thing is that you experiment to find the one that suits you best.</p> <p>So, you've knitted your tube or i-cord and are now ready to cast off, this is done pretty much as when using knitting needles.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/728/6508728_8b90390f8f_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>With the hook you used to knit your tube pick your first loop and transfer it to the next peg on the left.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/729/6508729_069494d39c_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>You now have 2 loops on one peg.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/733/6508733_818f50e0e0_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>Now pull the bottom loop up and over the top loop and the peg like so.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/735/6508735_42a6c70b24_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>Repeat by transfering this loop to the next peg and by pulling the bottom loop up and over the top loop and peg as before.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/736/6508736_f4d070a01d_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/749/6508749_bd4e1f6571_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>Carry on in this way until you have 2 loops remaining on the last peg. Again, pull the bottom loop up and over so you have one loop left and carefully remove this loop from the knitting spool</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/751/6508751_e39c047d2a_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>Cut the yarn (not too short!) and pull through the last loop as shown below.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/752/6508752_6f95af5784_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p>Pull tightly to close the tube and you're done.</p> <p><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/754/6508754_e3dd86198a_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a><a title="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/756/6508756_2d2f30c6a6_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast off on a knitting spool: method 1"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/25/how-to-cast-off-on-a-knitting-spool-method-14220380/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-18:/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:30:53 +0200 <p>If you've been wanting to try spool knitting but don't want to spend a lot of money why not give it a go with one of these knitting kits for children? You find them in the toys section in many pound shops and I was lucky to receive one as a gift from a <a href="http://thestitchloft.blogspot.co.uk/">friend</a> who knew I was looking for one.</p> <p><a title="Easy-Knit-Easy-to-do-Bear-Knitting-Kit" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/984/6493984_36c74c3b5c_m.jpeg" alt="Easy-Knit-Easy-to-do-Bear-Knitting-Kit"></a></p> <p>The kit comes with 2 knitting spools and I've been experimenting with the smaller one making knitted tubes. It took me a while to figure out how to cast on and knit so I thought I'd put together this photo tutorial both for my future reference and yours if you'd like to try it. This is the method I like and that works for me but I've seen different ways of doing it on the Web just Google it and experiment to find your preferred method of casting on and knitting with a spool.</p> <p>Shall we start?</p> <p>Thread the end of the yarn through the top of the knitting spool and leave (according to some instructions found on the web) about 10 cm hanging out of the bottom. Basically you need to make sure you leave a long enough end so you can later work with it if needed.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/985/6493985_fbcccb4fad_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>Wind the yarn around each peg clockwise as shown in the picture below. Make sure it's not too tight or you won't be able to knit!</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/988/6493988_dae075e45e_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/005/6494005_62c6ffa8c3_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>Bring the yarn to the front and just wind it around the front of the spool.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/989/6493989_07f40d4b21_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/990/6493990_7ff73f45be_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>With the hook included in the kit pull the bottom loop up and over the top "loop" and the peg like so.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/992/6493992_8b331df96d_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/993/6493993_a2ee5b676a_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>Repeat until you have 1 loop left on each peg, and you've just knitted your first round.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/996/6493996_e89f94e26b_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>Again bring the yarn to the front and wind it around the front of the spool as you did before and knit. This is what it looks like after a few rounds.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/997/6493997_07bcdfa445_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>And this is the knitted tube coming out the botom of the spool.</p> <p><a title="How to cast on on a knitting spool" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/999/6493999_f1c7c61e0c_m.jpeg" alt="How to cast on on a knitting spool"></a></p> <p>Enjoy your spool knitting!</p> <p>On my next post I'll show you how to cast off.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/18/how-to-cast-on-on-a-knitting-spool-14137477/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/12/time-capsule-for-june-july-14091116/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-12:/2012/07/12/time-capsule-for-june-july-14091116/Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:14:32 +0200 <p>Shall we travel back to this time last year and see what I was up to?</p> <p><a title="Time capsule for June" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/984/6482984_acd29d2083_m.jpeg" alt="Time capsule for June"></a><a title="Time capsule for July" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/985/6482985_c96f5083dc_m.jpeg" alt="Time capsule for July"></a></p> <p>Looking back, last year was the year I made the most crochet and there was also a little bit of knitting.  All the shawls you see above are really easy to make and if you'd like to try and make any one of them you'll find the relevant links below.</p> <p><a href="http://lallylou-lou.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/granny-shawl-pattern.html">Granny shawl</a></p> <p><a href="http://artemisnorth.com/?p=330">Knitted shawl</a></p> <p><a href="http://milobo.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/evas-shawl-pattern/">Eva's shawl</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/12/time-capsule-for-june-july-14091116/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/12/time-capsule-for-june-july-14091116/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/10/a-birthday-card-some-weekend-sewing-14079809/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-10:/2012/07/10/a-birthday-card-some-weekend-sewing-14079809/Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:13:27 +0200 <p>The card was made this past weekend for a commission, I'm quite happy with the end result and hope the recipient likes it too.</p> <p><a title="Birthday card" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/450/6479450_bf7cf43429_m.jpeg" alt="Birthday card"></a><a title="Birthday card" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/452/6479452_26b8a3ad39_m.jpeg" alt="Birthday card"></a><a title="Birthday card" href="javascript:window.open("><br><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/453/6479453_bdf86df354_m.jpeg" alt="Birthday card"></a></p> <p>Also over the weekend  after all the shopping, weekend baking and laundry was done I had a chance to sit down and sew a few more hexagons for the duvet cover I'm making. Here are some progress shots. This is a very ambitious project due to its size and also because I've decided to do most of the sewing by hand!</p> <p><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/455/6479455_74208776e3_m.jpeg" alt="English Paper Piecing project"></a></p> <p><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("></a><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/456/6479456_d80280becf_m.jpeg" alt="English Paper Piecing project"></a></p> <p><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("></a><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/457/6479457_5cad681b37_m.jpeg" alt="English Paper Piecing project"></a></p> <p><a title="English Paper Piecing project" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/459/6479459_ea85cc17ea_m.jpeg" alt="English Paper Piecing project"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/10/a-birthday-card-some-weekend-sewing-14079809/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/10/a-birthday-card-some-weekend-sewing-14079809/#commentshttp://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/04/playing-with-fabric-potholders-14046259/tag:cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk,2012-07-04:/2012/07/04/playing-with-fabric-potholders-14046259/Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:19:45 +0200 <p>If you read my previous blog post you know I've been playing with fabric, cutting and sewing and then cutting and sewing some more making strange and wonderful combinations. Quite often not much planning goes into the things I make and that's why these potholders are the shape they are instead of being square or round as is usual.</p> <p>I had fun making these, I enjoyed the challenge of creating the block in the centre and having a go at some sort of machine quilting.</p> <p>As you can see I used 2 different types of binding, on the 2 potholders below I used binding I made myself with the help of this great <a href="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/making-binding.html">tutorial</a> found on Pinterest.</p> <p><a title="Potholder" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/918/6467918_afa5936231_m.jpeg" alt="Potholder"></a></p> <p><a title="Potholder" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/917/6467917_65cdc533c1_m.jpeg" alt="Potholder"></a></p> <p>While on this one I used some leftover gingham bias binding.</p> <p><a title="Potholder" href="javascript:window.open("><img src="http://data7.blog.de/media/919/6467919_bbe7dd858b_m.jpeg" alt="Potholder"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/395/AA07F0FD9D7A7CA18EDBA6D0F432F76A.png" alt=""></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/04/playing-with-fabric-potholders-14046259/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p> http://cards-by-paula.blog.co.uk/2012/07/04/playing-with-fabric-potholders-14046259/#comments