Creative Crafting Summer 2010

AUGUST/SUMMER 2010

CREATIVE CRAFTING

Issue 6

By Crafters for Crafters

Ch

e ck o ut o ur

Craft

ers

Direc tory

Welcome Happy Holidays!

Now the kids have broken up for the school holidays here in the UK, and they are already driving you crazy, what do you do with them?

The usual ‘I’m bored’ springs to mind, so why not entertain them with some of the fantastic crafting projects we have this month?

We have our regular writers along with our guest contributors Amy B, Michelle, Gemma, Mandy, Louise and not forgetting Tracey from WowThankYou! We all hope you enjoy this Summer Issue, as much as we enjoyed putting it altogether!

If you complete any projects from the magazine, let us know! Send us pictures, we would love to see your crafting efforts!

We are still looking for ways to get the magazine in to print. If you know of any suitable printers, please let us know.

fting!

Happy Cra Look out for our Anniversary issue on

1st October 2010 www.creative-crafting.com Cover Photograph

By Jayne Wharton

This issue of Creative Crafting was brought to you by: Anna - The Crystal Lady Email - thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com www.mysticearth.co.uk www.radiancecrystals.co.uk Avril - Sprinkles Sparkles Email - sprinks@creative-crafting.com www.sprinklessparkles.co.uk Diane - Peggy’s Knits http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin Tina - In the Garden www.tina-in-the-garden.blogspot.com Amy - Amyorangejuice www.amyorangejuice.co.uk Dianne - Heartmade Gifts www.heartmadegifts.wordpress.com Amy - Ciren’ Call www.cirenscall.misi.co.uk Guest Contributors Amy B - Miss Baclart Designs www.missbaclartdesigns.co.uk Michelle - Socklings www.socklings.com Gemma -Damselfly Gemma www.folksy.com/users/damselflygemma Mandy - Cheerymishmash www.folksy.com/shops/cheerymishmash Louise - Looby Crafts www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk Tracey - Wowthankyou www.wowthankyou.co.uk Interviews Alison - Jelly Cake www.jellycake.etsy.com Sarah - Northfield Primitives www.northfieldprimitives.co.uk Claire - Elderberry Arts www.folksy.com/shops/ElderberryArts Sophie - Trinket Box www.folksy.com/shops/frankie

Marketing, marketing, Marketing!

Page 10

Photography tips!

Page 36

ck out C he o

er

ur

Craft

Direc s tory Page 16 Page 38 Page18 Page 14

Page 19

Crafters Directory.................................5 No skills Recycled Bunting.................30 Crystal Magic........................................9 Elderberry Arts...................................32 Marketing, marketing, marketing......10 Guide to starting knitting Part 6........34 Jellycake.............................................12 Picture Perfection...............................36 Knit a Summer Beach Bag..................14 Make a beach bag from a tea towel...38 Create a Sock Bunny...........................16 Tina in the garden..............................42 Make a plaited pendant......................18 A Diary of a Beader.............................44 How to Tie Dye T-Shirts .....................19 Fruit Smoothie....................................46 Let’s get spinning...............................22 Budget & Luxury.................................47 Just Chillin’ Scrapbook Project...........24 Trinket Box.........................................48 Salmon Fishcakes Recipe...................26 Online Street Best Picks.....................50 Crafting for Charity.............................27 London................................................52 Northfield Primitives..........................28 This months........................................53

www.creative-connections.ning.com

Join our friendly Social Network And make lots of new crafting friends

Creative Connections Crafter’s Network Become part of a wonderful community

Sponsored by

Join in the fun on the forum Upload photos and videos to promote your creations Customise your own profile page Spend time in our chat room and host your own chat events

Crafters Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items.

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive!

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.

Ciren’s Call

Damselfly Gemma www.mysticearth.co.uk

Averilpam Design

Handcrafted one of a kind jewellery and bags

Folksy

Beadesk Crafts

Beaded Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings

Folksy

Chasing Beads

Handmade Fashion Jewellery and Jewellery Supplies

Website

Ciren’s Call

A mix of styles of jewellery made in the hope of helping

Misi

Damselfly Gemma

Jewellery. jewellery and more jewellery

Folksy

Little Dragon Jewellery

Original Designer Jewellery- Handcrafted in Yorkshire

Website

Little Red Star

Hand Made kitsch, cute, Indie and Retro inspired jewellery

Folksy

Lonely Hearts

Beautiful Handcrafted Jewellery and Bags

Folksy

Lorraine Dowdle

Artisan Glass Beads and Jewellery

Website

Mystic Earth

Gemstone Healing Jewellery

Website

Paulaz Jewelz

Great Value Handmade Jewellery and Personalised Gifts

Folksy

Radiance Crystals

Bespoke Bridal and Occasion Jewellery

Website

Snow Queen Trinkets

Kiln Fused Dichroic Glass Jewellery

Folksy

Sprinkles Sparkles

Bespoke, Handmade Jewellery and Accessories

Website

Trinket Box

Handmade Jewellery Designs

Folksy

Jojasca

Beautiful and Unusual Crochet

Folksy

Neate Crafts

Painting, Knitting, Pyrography & lots more

Misi

If you would like to be featured in our directly please visit our website.

Crafters Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items.

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive!

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.

Peggy’s Knits Quality knitted items

AmyOrangeJuice

Stained Glass Artist

Website

Falcon

A collection of quintessentially English images

Folksy

Jentwinkle

Unique handmade gifts, accessories & homewares

Folksy

Lemonade and Lamingtons

Homewares & accessories, fresh & exciting!

Folksy

Sixes and Sevens

Handmade & hand painted cushions and textiles

Folksy

Sud’n’Soothe

Juice Bar just got a new meaning.

Website

Joyknitt

Joyknitt Knits

Misi

NOfkants Curios

Hand Knitted and Crocheted Unique Handbags

Folksy

Peggy’s Knits

Quality knitted items.

Misi

Wharfedale Woolworks

Hand painted yarns and custom knits

Folksy

Karen’s Beads

Quirky handmade resin pieces & destash

Folksy

Planet Events Direct

Trimmings, pearl buttons, beads etc.

Folksy

The Little Bead Box

Beautiful Beads and Jewellery Supplies.

Folksy

UK Craft Store

Novelty buttons and more.

Website

If you would like to be featured in our directly please visit our website.

Crafters Directory The perfect place to find beautiful gifts Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced items.

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive!

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops.

Cheerymishmash

Lemonade and Lamingtons

Cherrymishmash

Handpainted t-shirts and other designs

Folksy

Pipistrelle

Natural fibre handbags and accessories

Folksy

Little Scruffs, Miniature Mohair Artist

Bears with loads of character. Vintage style, collectable.

Website

Monkey Gang

Handcrafted Modern Sockmonkeys.

Website

Socklings

Handcrafted Creatures made from Socks

Website

Clairez Cardz

Handmade Cards and Paper crafted Gifts

Website

Konnie Kapow

Offbeat Greeting Cards and Artwork!

Folksy

Quite Contrary Crafts

Hand Cut Personalised Cards & Gifts

Folksy

Miss Baclart Designs

High quality handmade cards, invitations & wedding stationery Folksy

Pauline’s Passions

Handmade Cards and Wedding Stationery

Misi

You can purchase adverts in our directory from ÂŁ2 per single issue.

Graphic Adverts can also be purchased or received if you submit an article that we publish.

All advertisements have click through links enabling new customers to visit or site or online store straight from the magazine.

Our back issues also remain online for new readers to find.

If you would like to be featured in our directly please visit our website.

CRAFT EVENTS! When

What

1st August 2010

6th August 2010

7th - 29th August 2010

Link

Look out for ...

Contemporary Craft Fair, http://www.contemporarycraft.co.uk Ditchling, West Sussex Farmers and Crafts Market, Methodist Hall, London Road, Ashington, West Sussex, 9:301:30 http://www.3d2d.co.uk/festival.html The West End Craft, Art and Design Fair, Edinburgh

The Sequinned Sheep

Alibali Jewellery

12th - 15th August 2010

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

13th - 14th August 2010

UK Ravelry http://www.britishyarn.org.uk/index.p Abstract Cat Weekend,University of Stirling hp/ravelry-weekend

14th - 15th August 2010

Foxton Locks, Leicestershire

http://www.fipt.org.uk/news.html

Craft Fair, Queens Square, Crawley, West Sussex

http://www.crawleycraftfair.co.uk

21st August 2010

22nd August 2010

28th August 2010

Craft Weekend, Lytham St. Annes Summer Crafternoon.The Calthorpe Project 258-274 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8LH 12:00-5:00 Masonic Hall, The Cross, Linlithgow

28th August 2010

Vintage Craft Market Chertsey Hall‎, Heriot Road, Chertsey KT16 9DR 11:00-3:00

31st August 2010

Clumstock Festival, Devon

18th September 2010

25th September 2010 26th September 2010 26th September 2010

Vintage Craft Market Hythe Centre, Thorpe Road, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 3HD 11:003:00 Masonic Hall, The Cross, Linlithgow Kevin Murphy fairs, Chase Hotel, Ross on Wye Whitchurch Market Hall Shropshire

Charlotte Hupfield

Lauras Jewellery Jentwinkle Not Just Handbags

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?

Starsnscars eid=124443150923307&index=1 http://www.lothianevents.co.uk/index Clairezcards .html The Sequinned Sheep http://www.theculmstockfestival.com

Amyorangejuice The Sequinned Sheep

http://www.livingstoncrafts.co.uk/eve Clairezcards nts.php http://www.kevinmurphycraftfairs.co.

Blue Box Studio Too uk/ross.html

If you would like to tell us about a Craft Fair or Event that you will be attending, please email us at: Thecrystallady@creativecrafting.com

Not Just Handbags

Advertisement

21st - 22nd August 2010

http://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Silvessence

Mother Nature has provided us with wonderful Healing Gemstones and Minerals.

For this Issue, discover the beauty of

Citrine SiO2+(Al,Fe,Ca,Mg,Li,Na)

Citrine is said to be able to strengthen the intellect and provoke a sunny disposition.

Mentally - Individuality, self-confidence, overcomes depression.

Physically - works with: the stomach, spleen and pancreas.

Stimulates the digestion and can alleviate diabetes in its early stages.

Chakra - Cleanses and re-energizes all.

£3.50 ‘Happiness’ Key Ring

£75 ‘Peach Blossom’

£55 Pearl, Crystal & Citrine Set

If you would like more information about Crystal Healing Jewellery, you can contact The Crystal Lady at: thecrystallady@mysticearth.co.uk or visit http://www.mysticearth.co.uk

£83

$55 Crocheted Gold & Citrine Ring

Moonlit Water

£12 Citrine, Golden Jade & Tiger Eye Necklace

Marketing, marketing, marketing!

Craft sales are down, money is tight and advertising costs are high. So how do small craft businesses really survive through these tough economic times? Well, to be honest, if I knew the definitive answer to this question, I would be laughing. My little business would be booming and I would be taking over the world! So what do we do to try to answer this ever-puzzling question?

Marketing, marketing, marketing. This is truly the key as far as I can see. The concept of marketing is all about knowing the needs and wants of your target markets and finding a solution to delivering them. It is essential that you do your homework. A business plan would be a wise idea when thinking about marketing. It doesn’t have to be fancy or completed by an accountant or bank manager, just take some time to sit down and think about what you are selling, who will buy your products, how to reach these people through marketing and how to deliver that all important marketing campaign. A little bit of organisation goes a long way when it comes to planning an advertising campaign and if you take the time to do it right, your business will undoubtedly benefit from your commitment.

I started my business, Miss Baclart Designs, in January 2010. Miss Baclart Designs is a home based business that I fund with my full time job as a PA. I have so many great ideas and a maze of avenues to venture down, but I am limited in what I can do. Why? Because of funding. How do we get more funding? Making sales of course! Now, as we all know the economic climate is far from at its best and making sales is proving more difficult than ever. People are struggling to make ends meet and the last things on their minds is thinking of accessorising their houses or buying themselves, little hand made delights from online shops such as ‘Folksy’. Nevertheless, all is not lost! I think with a little bit of clever marketing, we can all uplift our spirits and more importantly, uplift our bank balances!

The key is getting yourself out there. I had a stall in the craft tent at a local agricultural show recently.

It cost £48 to hire the stand for the day, which included a 6 ft table and two chairs, which is a very reasonable price for a large craft event. So, I was £50 down for just requesting a stand and with stock on top of that it was nearer £150. After a very long day, I found that I had not only covered the cost of the stand hire, but I had also made a small, yet much appreciated profit.

Money aside, the networking opportunities that came from the day were of far greater value to my business. Having good quality business cards and flyers available for people to take away with them is such an important element of marketing.

Business stationery speaks volumes for your brand. Good quality business cards, flyers, even promotional pens, gives your customers confidence in your brand. If you can take the time and money to design and print decent business stationery, it shows your customers that you are proud of what you do and more importantly that you believe in your products.

If someone buys something from you, give them a bag for their items with your brand on it. This does not have to cost you lots of money; I brought 125 brown handled bags for £6 from a local supplier and made my own tags to hang off the bags. Now, this took a bit of time and a lot of creative energy, but the final product was well worth it. Not only did it keep my costs down, but as they were designed to fit with the stock on sale, everything on my stand tied together nicely. So long as you make sure your brand name and a brief description about what you sell is on there, it is a great marketing tool. Not only do people the walk around the rest of the craft fair advertising your

brand, think how many bags you re-use. I know that if I get a nice bag from a shop, I keep hold of it for shopping etc. Everyone is keen on saving the environment and this is yet more advertising for your brand, because there is the chance that you may then get your buyer going home and re-using the bag, thus spreading your brand even further; this has cost you minimum amounts, but could potentially give you a maximum effect.

Speak to as many sellers as you can when you are at craft events.

Find out what they do, ask if they are having a successful day, see what they are selling and make sure you take their business details, as they are then more likely to take yours. Do some market research and try to find out how other crafters are finding the day.

If you find they are making a profit and you are not, stand back and look at their stand to see how they are marketing their products differently to you. You are not ‘stealing’ their ideas, but just observing what is working for them and finding ways to apply that style of marketing to your business.

Make sure your brand is clear and distinguished. You need to make sure that your company name is clearly visible with a snippet of what you sell detailed on it. Think about big brands like Kelloggs or Tescos, they are brands we recognise in an instant because their logos are so distinctive. Obviously, those specific companies have had lots of money ploughed into their marketing and are well established within their sectors, but we all have to start somewhere right?. Too much information can be confusing, but too little information can be misleading. Get it right, or your brand could loose out to your competitors.

Essentially, what I am trying to say here is look around, see what marketing tools work for others and utilise them to elevate your business to new heights. Think about your product from a consumer’s point of view and be honest with yourself; would you buy what you are selling? If the answer is yes, then that is great. Go for it full pelt and get out there! If it is a no, then I am afraid it is back to the drawing board. Get thinking and get creative.

Good Luck!

Amy Jayne Bartlett BA

Visit Miss Baclart Designs at: Folksy And also: www.missbaclartdesigns.co.uk Advertisement

My name is Alison Hopes, aged 40, wife to Pete - a very talented carpenter. Mum to two lovely girls, Ella and Tess aged 13 and 10. We live near Lyme Regis in Dorset.

Have always enjoyed crafting, don't really remember how long ago I started, but used to also enjoy making cards as well, and somehow stumbled into what I'm doing now!

My favourite materials tend to change, but at the moment, I'm really into antique brass, vintage rhinestones and the gorgeous acrylic flower cabochons.

The piece I'm most proud of is my English country garden Bracelet.

The favourite piece I'm selling at the moment is Vintage glamour - FREE SHIPPING

Crafter Interview

That can alter by the day, but I tend to favour pink shades, particularly the dusky pink dahlia cabochon I use a lot!

I find a lot of my inspiration from the beautiful countryside around here, and all the beautiful summer flowers around.

I don't have one particular favourite seller, I try to use various shops on Etsy, but also a couple on Folksy.

My lovely husband Pete, has always supported me, and of course I always have 2 willing guinea pigs in my daughters, to try new accessories/jewellery out on.

I love Etsy, and can quite easily get lost and distracted for ages looking at all the beautiful designs and shops there.

I also like Folksy, my favourite shop is Noah.

Etsy, but I also love the sis boom fabric blogs, as well as heather bailey blog/website for all the beautiful colours/designs.

www.jellycake.etsy.com

Peggy’s Knits

Made with love and care.

Quality knitted items.

Knitting Pattern for Beach / Summer Bag This is a great knitting pattern for a beach/summer bag.

Perfect for taking to the beach with your sun cream, sunglasses in.

It is knitted from the top down using circular needles.

Abbreviations

You will need : 4mm needles straight and circular 100g yarn Bamboo handles Stitch marker

St K2tog Skpsso Yo St(s) K M1

Tbl WS RS

stocking stitch knit 2 together slip next st, knit one, pass slipped stitch over yarn over stitches knit make one stitch pick up the loop between the next stitches and put it on the needle and knit it knit through the back of the stitch wrong side right side

Pattern First Top Cast on 22sts using 4mm needles.

Begin with a knit row, work 14 rows of st ending on a WS row Next row – RS Knit into the front and back of each st to end (44sts).

Next row – Purl.

Inc 1 st at each end of every full row until you have 54sts.

Next row – Purl.

Next row – RS k5, m1, *k4 m1 rep from * to end k5 (66sts).

Next row – Purl *** break the yarn and leave these sts on a spare needle.

Crafting Project

Peggy’s Knits

Made with love and care.

Quality knitted items.

Knitting Pattern for Beach / Summer Bag Second Top Work as for the first top to *** Next row – change to 4mm circular needles and knit sts from the 2nd top then knit across the 66sts from the first top (132sts).

Knit 2 rounds then start the pattern as follows:Round 1 - *p2, k2tog, yo x2, skpsso rep from * to the end *(use stitch marker here to show the beginning of the row).

Row 2 - *p2,k2, p1, k1 rep from *.

Row 3 - *p2,k4 rep from * to end.

Row 4 – *p2, k4 rep from * to end.

These four rounds form the pattern, repeat these four rounds 5 times or until the desired pattern length.

Work knit rounds again for as many times until you reach your desired length of bag.

Cast off loosely.

To Make Up Turn bag WS and sew up the bottom edge, turn in the right way and fold the bag tops over the bamboo handles to the WS and catch stitches in place.

Written by Peggy’s Knits http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

Create your very own handmade Sock Bunny Crafting Project

What you will need: 1 plain white baby sock 1 small patterned child’s sock Soft toy stuffing Needle, pins, scissors Threads to match your socks Embroidery threads for face Instructions:

1. Gently fill the patterned 2. Fold the cuff of the sock over sock with stuffing so it is and sew a running stitch around in a sitting position. the top and pull thread to close up neck. Then sew closed. You will have a collar around the top of the sock.

4. Now you have a body with arms and legs.

3. Use thread matching the patterned sock and stitch back and forth through the middle of the toe end of the sock to define the legs. Do the same through the body to define the arms. Go right through the sock and stuffing and pull tight.

5. Turn the white sock inside out and lay flat with the heel on top.

For the ears, cut approx 2 inches from the tip of toe towards the heel.

Cut approx 3 inches off the top of the sock to leave a head shape.

6. Keep sock inside out. Pin the cut seams and use white thread to sew the cut edge to make the ears.

7. Turn the sock right way out and stuff head and ears.

Sew the neck closed with running stitch.

8. Sew the head onto the body and you have a sitting bunny.

9. I have used embroidery thread to sew the face but you can use buttons, beads or felt to decorate.

This article was written by Michelle from Socklings www.folksy.com/shops/socklings http://www.socklings.com

Make your very own plaited silver and bead pendant

by Gemma Andrews from Damselfly Gemma.

You can use all sorts of different wire or beads in this simple project. I used 0.8mm sterling silver round wire and coin shaped 10mm abalone shell beads.

You will need: 0.8mm sterling silver 10mm abalone shell beads Wire cutters Blow Torch (if available) Vice or clamp

Step 1. Cut 3 lengths of soft wire. You can use any length you want really. The lengths I cut were approximately 9cm, 7cm and 5cm.

Step 4. Keeping the beads out of the way, plait the wire.

Crafting Project

Step 2. Heat the ends of the wire with a blow torch until it balls up, quench pickle and rinse. If you don’t have a blow torch you could use pre made headpins, pop crimps on the ends of the wires, coil the ends or any other method to stop the beads falling off. Put a bead on each piece of wire.

Step 3. Secure approximately 1.5cm of the non-balled ends of the wire in a vice or clamp.

Step 5. When you Step 6. Curve the Step 7. Wear you cannot plait any further tops of the wires to pendant with pride! arrange the longer form a bail and cut wires in whatever shape off any excess wire. you like. Remove the pendant from the vice and gently hammer it to work harden the plait.

By Damselfly Gemma http://www.folksy.com/users/damselflygemma

How to Tie Dye T-Shirts What you will need: - A white or light coloured t-shirt (bear in mind that the colour of the t-shirt may affect the end result e.g. yellow on blue=green) - Some string or elastic bands – if you have a few different kinds of string you can experiment and see what different results they give. Coloured string may not be colourfast and can run into your fabric which can give some interesting results, but if you want a clean finish use plain string.

- Marbles or small coins - Scissors - A clean bucket - Dye (we used Dylon hand dye) - Salt - A measuring jug - Rubber gloves

There are lots of different ways that you can tie t-shirts for dying which will give you different patterns.

To make circles take a coin or a marble and place it under the fabric where you would like the centre of your circle to be, and tie round it tightly with some string or an elastic band.

For stripes, around sleeves or around the body of your t-shirt, gather the fabric together.

For more circles around your first one, tie more string at regular intervals.

And tie round it tightly.

Crafting Project

For neater stripes, concertina the fabric, rather than gathering it.

For a more random effect, you can simply tie sections of your t-shirt in knots.

Once you have tied your t-shirts,

prepare the dye as per instructions on the pack.

Add your tied t-shirts to the dye and stir the dye, making sure all parts that you want dyed are covered.

Your t-shirts will need about an hour in the dye, and you will need to stir them on and off during this time so that the fabric dyes evenly.

After your t-shirts have been in the dye for the required length of time, take them out and rinse them in cold water, before removing the ties, taking special care not to cut the fabric.

If you only want part of your t-shirt dyed, secure it to the bucket with pegs so that only part of it is submerged (dip dying).

Once you have removed all the ties, wash in warm water and allow to dry.

These pictures show finished results by children aged 5, 9 and 12

And finally, wear!

Here are some designs by Mandy from Cheesymishmash

This article was written by Mandy from Cheerymishmash. http://www.folksy.com/shops/cheerymishmash http://www.facebook.com/cheerymishmash

Let’s get spinning with

Peggy’s Knits Drop Spindles

Drop Spindles are spinning tools, they were virtually the only spinning tool used until 1000ad.

The Spinning Wheel as we know did not exist before the 1500’s. The drop spindle has become very popular among current hand spinners in the last few years.

The top-whorl drop spindle has three parts to it, the top part has a hook, then the whorl, then the stick is the spindle part of it.

I recently bought my drop spindle from IST Crafts http://thewoodemporium.co.uk where the drop spindles are all handmade and he sells a vast amount of different styles depending on what you want.

To prepare to drop spindle you need Fibre, I bought my fibre from Fluffosity on Folksy http://www.folksy.com/shops/fluffosity where you can get the most amazing colours of fibre to use for your drop spindle or just plain cream fibre.

Let’s get spinning with

Peggy’s Knits The Fibre Pull off a small section from one end of the wool preparation and gently grasp the fibres from this small sample.

Pull out the few fibres and look at them. They look like hair and are constructed much the same as hair.

Now set them down on a dark surface and pull out a few more fibres and lay them next to the first.

Continue doing this until all the fibres in your little sample are loose and laying next to each other on the dark surface.

Does it appear that the first fibres you pulled are longer than the last?

You can pre draft a lot of your fibre ready for when you are spinning.

When you twist the fibres together the resulting yarn is called thread or singles. Singles may be used in weaving but is not great for knitting or crocheting.

If you wish to knit or crochet your yarn you must do another process called plying which is twisting 2 or more singles together into a plied yarn.

Written by Peggy’s Knits http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

Crafting Project

Just Chillin’ Scrapbook

Louise from Looby Crafts shows us a step-by-step guide on scrap booking!

What a perfect way to show off your holiday snaps!

You will need: 1 6x4 inch photo 1 sheet of 12x12 inch white cardstock (I’ve used Bazzill Lily white) Scrap of card 2 pieces of patterned paper measuring 7.5x6 inches and 11x2 inches (I’ve used Echo Park Sweet Summertime Sunny days border and Sunny spots) Spray ink (I’ve used Cosmic Shimmer Mist in Aqua Lagoon) 12 inch length of ribbon Alphabet stickers (I’ve used American Crafts thickers) Journaling stickers (I’ve used October Afternoon Fly a Kite stickers) Date stamp and inkpad Selection of summer themed stickers and embellishments (I’ve used a selection from American Crafts, K&Co and Doodlebug) Glitter glue (I’ve used Stickles in Frosted Lace).

Step 2. Spray with ink and Step 1. Draw 3 cloud shapes allow to dry (you can speed up onto your scrap card and cut the process with a heat tool) out. then remove your cloud shapes.

Position on your 12x12 cardstock, as shown, with a low tack, repositionable adhesive.

Step 3. Draw a scalloped edge on your strip of patterned paper and cut out.

Ink the edges of both pieces of patterned paper with a black inkpad to make them stand out.

Just Chillin’ Scrapbook

Step 4. Stick the large piece of patterned paper on the bottom right of your cardstock approx.

1 inch from the bottom and ½ inch from the right hand side.

Step 5. Staple your length of ribbon over the join of the 2 papers and stick your photo at an angle, as shown.

Step 6. Add your title and journaling stickers as pictured, write your journaling and stamp your date using the date stamp.

Stick the long piece of patterned paper over the top as shown.

Written by Looby Crafts www.loobycrafts.misi.co.uk Finished summer scrapbook picture.

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Salmon Fishcakes Potatoes Salt Breadcrumbs Salmon Parsley Onion

This recipe was provided by Diane from ‘Peggy’s Knits’ http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

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INGREDIENTS

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Salmon Fishcakes

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INSTRUCTIONS Prepare the breadcrumbs and fish, peel the potatoes and boil then mash them, chop the onion.

Add the fish, onion and salt into a food mixer until smooth. Add the mashed potatoes until smooth. Make into fishcake shapes and dip into the breadcrumbs.

Put into the oven for approx 25-35 minutes on 200F or until golden brown.

Serve with salad and garnish with parsley for a lovely light summer dish.

If you have a favourite recipe that you would like to share, please send it to: thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com

NORTHFIELD PRIMITIVES

Hello! My name is Sarah and I live in West Yorkshire with my lovely dog Polly. I work full time as an Early Years Foundation Stage teacher, so my crafting has to fit around my school hours and paperwork. I started Northfield Primitives in 2007 and each year I seem to be busier! I currently supply to several independent retailers across the country, and have two gallery exhibitions later in the year which I am very excited about. I attend regular craft events in West Yorkshire, mostly around Wakefield, Barnsley and Bradford, although I am known to travel South to a couple of village events in Northamptonshire, near my parent's place.

I have always sewn, since I was little. I remember my Nan used to bring me scraps of fabric as a child and I would spend ages making purses and little finger puppets. My parents bought me my first sewing machine when I was aged 7. It was a very industrial looking Jones hand-cranked machine, probably from the 1960's, which they found in a small ad in the paper. It wasn't very pretty, but it sewed through absolutely anything! My dad was in car sales at the time, and he used to take my fluffy pink elephants and white baby seals to work with him, carefully wrapped in large sandwich bags with hand-made labels attached. It was a great day when he sold one of my toys as well as a car! Now I have my own home I have several lovely old Singer machines. I stitch most of my dolls, animals and bags on an old 1920's treadle machine. The gentle rhythm of the machine is very therapeutic after a day spent with 30 very lively five year olds!

I love upholstery fabrics, especially velvets. There are several mills where I live, and I must admit that I have more fabrics in the house than I am sure I will use in my lifetime! I collect vintage mother of pearl buttons and use them for the button joints on my dolls, and my latest obsession is finding vintage metal meccano wheels for my 'pull-along' animals.

I love the fox terrier on wheels - he is just so cute and really fun to make. He is also special because he is one of my own designs.

I really like the little giraffe that I made recently.

I don't make them too often because they are really fiddly and time consuming. Again, one of my own designs - this one turned out lovely.

Click on images to visit the items

NORTHFIELD PRIMITIVES

I am very drawn to blue.

I am often inspired by images of vintage toys and early folk art dolls. I love bespoke commissions because they really challenge me creatively.

Not really. I source a lot of my materials over the Internet. I love a bargain!

My family, of course, are very supportive. My two little nephews aged 3 and 7 are my biggest fans and every birthday and Christmas I ask for an Argos list but they always request something from my Folksy shop!

There are so many lovely shops on Folksy. I think my 'favourites' currently has over 100 shops in it!

I recently bought some beautiful things from The Glass Mountain. Katie's embroidery is simply lovely, and has a really vintage feel to it.

It would have to be Folksy I'm afraid, because you never know what wonderful creations will be listed from one day to the next. I seem to spend an increasing amount of time in the forum and have met some lovely people there, and found lots of useful advice. Folksy has certainly helped me to grow my business this year and make my work known to a wider audience. folksy shop www.northfieldprimitives.folksy.com blogsite www.northfieldprimitives.blogspot.com website www.northfieldprimitives.co.uk

Crafter Interview

ah r a S

www.amyorangejuice.co.uk No Skills Recycled Bunting.

Planning a summer BBQ or party and need a quick, cheap way to brighten up your house or garden?

Then try my quick and easy bunting pattern. The only skill you need is the ability to sew a button onto a piece of material! My sewing machine and I have not been on speaking terms for a number of years now, so if like me you have irreconcilable differences with your sewing machine, or don’t have one at all, this bunting pattern would be perfect for you! This pattern uses old pieces of material; I have used 2 worn out and out grown dresses from my oldest daughter, so it is a lovely way to keep a memory of some favourite clothes too!

You will need: Several old items of clothing, or material, clean, ironed flat (if you can be bothered) A length of ribbon as long as you want to make the string of bunting (I have used 3 metres to make a string of 10 flags) 24 old buttons, saved/cut off from old shirts etc Pinking shears Needle and thread Pins Paper, pen and ruler Stage 1 Cut a triangle shape from a piece of paper or card, this will be the template for your triangular flags.

They work best with one side slightly shorter than the other 2, My shortest side is about 20 cm wide, but you can make them any size you like, from cute baby bunting, to giant flags.

Stage 2 Cut a couple of seams on the garments you are using, lay them flat and either pin the paper to the material or draw around it with felt tip. Then cut the shape out with the pinking shears, repeat until you have enough flags. I have made 10.

Stage 3 With one end of your ribbon make a loop, mine are about 4cm long and pin the ribbon where you have doubled it over.

Crafting Project

www.amyorangejuice.co.uk

Stage 4 Now use your paper template as a spacer and pin the top end of the bunting to the ribbon with a flags width between each piece and pin all the flags to the bunting.

EXTRA CHEAT you can forgo the pinning part and just sew them directly on if you want to be extra fast!

Stage 5 Taking your buttons sew one button over the doubled over material (do this at each end) to secure the loop to hang them.

Now working along the ribbon, sew a button, securing a corner of the bunting to the ribbon, at each of the 2 flag corners that connect with the bunting. Remove your pins and you have finished!

Brilliantly simple, virtually free and quick to make, older children will have fun making them with you too. And when the inevitable rain comes you don’t have to worry too much if they stay outside as you can replace damaged flags so easily!

Crafter Interview

My name is Claire Pearcy. I live in Linclonshire with my girlfriend and three children. We also have a cat, a bearded dragon, a horsefields tortoise and tree frog.

Where we live is close to the sea, countryside and woodlands and yet also has easy access to shops, transport, schools etc I moved here from West London in 2004 to give my children more space and hopefully a better quality of life especially as my eldest son has special needs.

I have always had an interest in arts and crafts and have tried many things such as knitting, crochet, card making, sewing, making books, drawing and some more unusual things such as lino printing and macrame. I started making jewellery about 10 years when I was given some of a family members unwanted beads and findings. I started out with those and my interest just grew and grew. Now I work in a range of techniques such as stringing, macrame and a little wirework. I'd like to learn more wireworking techniques and also chain maille in the future.

To be honest I cannot remember the first item I sold as it was about six years ago but it was a piece of healing crystal jewellery on ebay.

I don't think I have a single biggest achievement but have written projects and had jewellery featured in several magazines and also feel a real sense of achievement when finishing a custom design and the person is so happy with it because it was just what they'd hoped for and wanted.

I don't really do any other crafts anymore as jewellery takes up most of my time now but I have been studying with the open university for several years now covering a range of subjects such as child development, Autism, medications and drugs and science. I enjoy learning about new things so it's great to be able to study from home. I also grow my own fruit and veg and enjoy walking and photography.

In five years I think I would like to have my shop on Folksy established and hope to also be selling through other outlets as I have been doing this through a website called Lavender lifestyles for a few years now and have found it to be a great and successful partnership.

I am inspired by all sorts of things such as nature and other artists work. I also find that often the materials themselves inspire me and when I see them an idea comes to me or I think ' they'd look great with...' and then a design comes from experimenting with the materials together.

I only work with silver purely because I prefer it to gold, though I'd be happy to do a custom design in gold. I prefer natural materials such as hemp, wood, glass and gemstones. My favourite stones are Hematite, Rose Quartz and Amethyst.

I know of so many great shops it'd be impossible to chose I think! Can I have a few? http://www.folksy.com/shops/buteartism sell gorgeous handmade jewellery and also some amazing original artworks. http://www.beads4breakfast.co.uk sell beautiful and unique lampwork beads. http://www.folksy.com/shops/Swirlyarts sells lots of recycled craft items such as badges and stickers made from London Underground maps and gift tags made from unwanted children's books.

Lots of people have been there for me through time, family and friends and my girlfriend listens to me chatter on about beads, online shops, pricing, jewellery etc endlessly and never complains.

I have met some amazing people through crafting, some of which who have become good friends.

I'm only 5ft tall - first thing that came to my mind!

Find more of Claires Jewellery at: http://www.folksy.com/shops/ElderberryArts

http://www.facebook.com/Elderberryarts

Guide to starting knitting Part 6 In this issue I am going to be covering how to knit in the round on circular needles and how to knit with double pointed needles.

Circular Needles Circular needles are a lot of fun to work with.

They allow you to make bags and sweaters without seams, as well as other fun projects.

Circular needles can be bought in a fixed format, meaning the needles are permanently fixed to the cord, or they can be bought as interchangeable's, where the tips can be taken off the cord and exchanged for larger or smaller needles.

The process of casting on is the same with circular needles as it is with straight needles. If you’re knitting a round project, the pattern will say something like join stitches in the round.

Place a stitch marker on the right-hand needle before you start knitting but after you make the join if you are crossing stitches. This marks the end of the row.

A lot of circular knitting is done in stockinette stitch, which is great because all you have to do is knit every row. To make garter stitch, instead of knitting every row you’ll need to knit one row, purl one row.

For reverse stockinette, you purl every row. Other pattern stitches can be worked in the round, but these are the most common stitches you will come across.

Double Pointed Needles Knitting with double pointed needles is a great way to knit small-circumference circular items such as socks and the crowns of hats.

But juggling multiple needles can be confusing and awkward at first. Here are some tips to make it a little easier.

Guide to starting knitting Part 6 Casting on When casting on for knitting that will be worked on double-pointed needles, cast onto just one needle and then distribute the stitches onto the other needles as needed.

To move stitches from one needle to another, slide the cast on stitches down the needle so that the first cast-on stitch is close to the end. Use the second needle to slip the stitch (as if to purl) onto the needle.

Join your stitches in the round as you would for circular knitting.

Once you have your stitches distributed, you may want to use a stitch marker between the second to last and last stitch on the last needle to mark the end of the round. Or as I do, simply use the cast-on tail as a guide to which needle is the end of your round.

Knitting with Double-Pointed Needles The first row or two knitting in the round with double-pointed needles can feel pretty awkward, but go slowly and it will get easier. To knit, just hold the needle with the first cast on stitches on it in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand and knit as normal.

When the needle in your left hand is empty, put it in your right hand and knit from the next needle on the left. Let the remaining needles hang as you work. It will be easier the more you knit with dpns.

It's important to knit tightly when you switch between needles, because if the yarn is too lose between needles, you will get a gap in your knitting commonly called laddering.

Written by Peggy’s Knits http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

Picture Perfection hints and tips to enhance your product images Tactility is key for the vast majority of crafts – being able to hold, feel, and admire at first hand a handmade piece is what gives craft fairs a competitive edge over selling online. However, to reach a wider customer base, selling on the Internet – whether through your own website or an online marketplace – is something most small craft businesses have tackled or will need to address at some point.

What I have discovered, since setting up is that the quality of a product image simply has to be 100% to get a sale. A customer is unable to pick up an item to study it, so relies on good, clear, crisp images to capture them and entice them into buying. A potential customer rarely hangs around long enough to decipher what an out of focus picture actually is – and we all know that when someone views your product page, you want to do everything you can to keep them there and hopefully end up with a sale!

So how do we get these perfect images? Do we invest a lot of money (hundreds, even thousands, of pounds) to book a professional studio for a few hours, or is it possible to get equally good results using your own digital camera? I asked this question to the 260 artisans who are part of our WowThankYou community, and the responses have been incredibly informative.

What follows is a selection of replies I received ...

Mary Foley, Quite Contrary Crafts

Jane Pennington from Stone-Me

Suzanne Hall from Saffron Sacks

Read more tips on the Creative Crafting Website

Helena Carrington from Helena Carrington

Helen Dickson, DevonBear Designs I'm not an expert photographer but have learned some things the hard way ....

1. Invest in a tripod - no matter how steady you think you are holding the camera - you're not!

2. Avoid flash and bright sunlight - drains the colours from your images. Bright, but diffused natural light is best.

3. Watch out for shadows - don't stand between the light source and your product.

4. Look for the angle - whilst a picture taken directly to the front is good and informative, it's the picture at a slightly different angle that will catch the eye - but obviously make sure it's still clear what your product is!

5. Composition - nothing too distracting in the background, nothing overlapping your product so it can't be seen clearly, no clashing colours.

6. Think about the size and scale of the image you're creating - lots of detail won't show in a 250 px square shot, save it for the close-ups.

7. Try to establish a "theme" within your site - use the same background for close-up shots you are looking to brand your products.

8. Invest in Paint or Photoshop - great for manipulating your images to make them even better!”

Our Top 5 Tips on how to take a great photograph 1. Wherever possible, use natural lighting 2. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake

Find more tips from other crafter's on the Creative-Crafting website

3. Use the macro facility on your camera – do not use the zoom but move the camera closer to the object 4. Enhance images in programs such as Photoshop, Microsoft Picture Editor, Picasa 5. Take many photos so you can select the best ones to use The best news of all is that you don’t need to pay a professional and you don’t need to spend a fortune on photography equipment, and that DIY can (and does) produce some fantastic results. It takes time and it takes patience, and it is a continuous learning curve – but it is within the capability of us all. You may have an amazing product to sell – but unless the images convey this to the buying public, the sale may never come.

So why not spend a little bit of time one weekend getting to know your camera and try out some of the above hints – it could be the most profitable investment of time you’ll ever make!

Sarah Stone from Sarah’s Fleeces

This article was written by Tracey Kifford, Gaye Weekes from A & V Designs

founder of

Heartmade Gifts Make a beach bag from a tea towel!

Hurray for Summer! Warm and sunny and filled with colour, we are having a gorgeous Summer this year. I couldn't resist using these lovely flowery tea towels to make something to celebrate; a beach bag seemed perfect.

It's very quick and easy to make, using two simple hand stitches (a running stitch and a diagonal stitch.) Or, you could use a sewing machine, if you prefer. And, of course, you could choose to embellish with other hand stitches like blanket stitch or cross stitch.

You could also embellish in other ways. (A few ideas later!)

You will need three matching or co-ordinating tea towels to make a small bag. But you could easily double the size by using more tea towels. Fold one tea towel in half. This will be the front and back of your bag. If you want to make a larger bag, use one tea towel for the front and another for the back.

Cut one tea towel in half along the length:

Then cut one strip widthways.

Fold each short strip on itself so the joining edges are down the middle and overlapping slightly:

These strips will be the ends of your bag, so it's up to you how wide you make them, bearing in mind the wider you make the sides, the shallower your bag will be. The strips of this bag are 10cms wide.

Pin the sewn strips into place along the inside edge of your bag's sides, starting at the top and tucking the end of the strip in at the bottom of the bag.

Crafting Project

Sew along the seam with diagonal stitch, overlapping the seam and catching a few threads from both sides:

Heartmade Gifts

Sew with running stitch one way, then turn the fabric and sew with running stitch the other way, to fill in the gaps.

This makes a neat line of robust stitching on both sides, so they don't have to be tiny stitches. But, depending on how thick your tea towels are, you may need to run the needle and thread all the way from front to back and then from back to front, rather than sewing running stitch from the front. *

Cut the remaining tea towel in half lengthways, to form the bag's strap. Fold to the width of your sides (this makes a wide and very comfy strap, but you could do a narrower strap, if you prefer) and sew along the long seams with an overlapping diagonal stitch, as for the sides. * Slip one strap slightly inside the other to make one long strap:

Sew together on both sides of the strap, Reinforce by stitching a diagonal or cross stitch where with overlapping stitch: the inner strap ends inside the outer strap, catching the underlying edge of the inner tea towel:

Heartmade Gifts You might like to experiment by fastening the straps with a knot, rather than sewing them together. You could also try making two handles, of course. (This is a very adaptable recipe! Created, as with all Heartmade projects, to be played with. Have fun making it your own!)

Use overlapping stitch to close the ends of the straps:

Place the ends inside the bag, against the sides, adjusting for length:

Attach with overlapping stitch along all seams inside and out:

You can add extra stitches to secure, as for the middle of the strap. Or sew some buttons on, making things more secure, while also adding decoration. Or you could use a kilt pin, which you can use to hang some pretty charms.

You could add a fastening flap, pockets and lining, all from more tea towels. You might like to make a base, re-using an inner bottom from a shopping bag and covering it with a tea towel.

My daughter prefers the soft, floppy feeling of the bag without a base.

If you choose to make this from tea towels with a fine weave, it will roll up small enough to put in a handbag: Of course, you don't need to use tea towels for this project, you could use up any fabric you have, or recycle clothes, bedding, towels or curtains.

Have fun!

And enjoy your Summer!

e Diann

Quality Knitted Items

Beading and Jewellery Supplies

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MYSTIC EARTH Choose by stone

Buy online Custom designs

Personal to you!

Beautiful Jewellery to help you through life!

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Made with love and care.

Peggy’s Knits http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

in the Garden Hi! I’m Tina Well hello again, you really have chosen a beautiful day to visit with me in ‘The Garden’.

As always first things first, but it may be a little warm for the kettle today, how about a nice cool glass of something cold and refreshing. Maybe we will leave the biscuits as we need to keep our figures to show off our summer Clothes. Oh! As I am writing, my better half has just asked if I would like one and what do I say, why yes of course, no will power what so ever.

The Bog

After the wonderful spring the garden seems as if it just cannot wait to produce just one beautiful flower after another. I have taken so many photo’s. I would like to share them all but would need a whole magazine to myself, and there are lots of other good articles which need space.

So I will stop waffling, and get on with it.

The bog, well the bog is looking very overgrown and mysterious and the wild water irises which I mentioned in the last issue are now out as you will see, they really are lovely.

is

Wild Water Ir

Foxgl

Roses

ove

The foxgloves are wild and do seem to place themselves in the most unusual and sometimes difficult places, but I leave them to do their thing and am rewarded tenfold as you can see.

We have a number of roses, a lot of which are from the cuttings taken, of course even these are a little unruly as is everything in ‘The Garden’.

There is a photo of the old tree which had to be taken down last year, we were so sad to see it go. But this year Wow, its back and looking stronger and more beautiful than ever, what a gift. ee Old Tr

We do have a wild part of the garden, well yes I know it is a little untamed everywhere, but this is seriously wild and there were lots of caterpillars, I checked in my book but was not sure what variety they were, so I thought I would share the photo with you, they look very sporty don’t they?

I am not writing so much this time as I want to leave room for more photo’s, and I do leave ‘The Garden’ to get on with it at this time of year. Of course there is some weeding to be done, but the main job is the dead heading. I do it on the roses and bedding plants, but not on the aquilegia and foxgloves as I like them to seed. Also there is a lot of tying up to be done everything grows so fast.

Do you know what kind of caterpillar this is?

The Wild Garden

Aquilegia

I have planted a lot of seeds and bedding plants in pots on the patio and elsewhere but they are just starting to flower so I will photograph them for the next issue. Also, my better half and I have created a green roof, well that was something else, but I thought that I would save that tale for later in the winter when there is not so much going on in the garden as that may take up one issue in its self, with before, during and after photo’s.

Well now I bet you can hardly wait!

Another vi ew

of the bog

So I will leave you now and thank you for visiting me again in ‘The Garden’, enjoy the lovely sunshine, and if we do not get too much rain spare a thought for the plants and the birds, they still need water as we do to survive.

I’m looking forward very much to your next visit.

Your green-fingered friend Tina arlie!

Chilled out Ch

www.tina-in-the-garden.blogspot.com

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A Diary of a Beader

During my time at my jewellery class, I have been lucky to meet a lady called Beth.

She has a talent for creating new styles of jewellery that I envy.

Beth trades under the name Starpixie Creations. She mainly works in copper but what she does with it is astounding. She was kind enough to agree to do an interview for ‘A Diary of a Beader’.

What originally got you started in jewellery?

I’ve always loved making things and learning new skills. When I first started experimenting with wire I knew I had found my passion.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspiration from so many sources. I base a lot of what I do on nature; trees, insects, sea life etc. Nature has so many wonderful shapes, there is limitless inspiration out there!

Do you have a favourite design if so which?

My favourite designs constantly change. I tend to get really excited about an idea and create lots based on it, then I move on and get really into whatever it is that I go on to make next. At the moment I a really enjoying working with wire and resin creating fairy wings and dragon flies.

Have you got any plans for the future?

Two years ago when I started my degree in photography I thought I wanted to be a photographer. I have been enjoying the degree but in the last six months my jewellery has really taken over. I think that although I will finish my degree, I would like to focus on my jewellery. I will never be able to work a normal full time job due to illness but as long as I can create things then I’ll be happy.

Have you got any dreams for the future?

I really want a studio so I don’t have work from my living room. I dream of a workshop at the bottom of the garden that I can work in for hours without distraction. Until the money fairy pays me a visit I think I’ll be cluttering up the house with wire and tools.

What do you have in mind for your next project?

I’ve got the resin bug at the moment and I am now working on creating my own bezels and frames from copper. Everything is still in the experimental stage right now but it won’t be long before you see some of it on my blog.

Is there any skills you wish you had?

Patience! I’ve always had great admiration for people who can create fiddly fine work which takes many many hours.

Favourite colour?

Turquoise (probably because it goes with copper so well!)

Favourite animal? (although I think I know the answer to this one) Cats – I’m a totally crazy cat lady.

What would be your dream job?

Part time cat cuddlier (yes that job exists!) and part time jewellery artist which is pretty much what I’m doing now.

If you could live anywhere where would it be?

New Zealand. I’ve never been there but it just looks so beautiful and looks like a wonderful place to escape to.

What is your all time favourite comedy movie?

I don’t really have a favourite comedy movie but as for a comedy TV series, I love Flight of the Concords What was the best vacation you ever had?

Last year my boyfriend and I went on our first holiday together to Minorca.

We had such a wonderful time, hopefully it was the first of many holidays we have together.

If the whole world were listening, what would you say?

Um, I think I’d be lost for words.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, see you at class!

Written by Ciren’s Call http://www.cirenscall.misi.co.uk

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Fruit Smoothie

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INGREDIENTS

A selection of your favourite fruit.

Dice all the fruit up and put into a blender, adding as much apple juice as you wish.

Apple Juice.

Mix it all up in the blender until smooth.

Pour into a glass and enjoy, you can change the flavour depending on the fruits you like.

This recipe was provided by Diane from ‘Peggy’s Knits’ http://www.folksy.com/shops/crawlin

Budget & Luxury Click on the images to take you to their store!

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Funky Bright Red Flower Purse/Pocket £3.00 Bags, Buttons, Bows Handcrafted bespoke bags

Summer Garden Mirror £35.00 olgadepolga Summer Dress Age 5 years £20.00 Charliebumbles Clothing

Mrs. Flower Keyring £5.50 (inc p&p) PeggyCrafts

Handmade Felt Flower Tea Cosy £33.00 (inc p&p) Felted House

Yummy Cheeseburger Ring £3.99 Candy Jewels

Climbing Tree Miniature Oil painting £33.00 Nancy van den Boom

Black and White Bucket Sun Hat with Hot Pink Flower $6.95 blissfulmoments

Pop Art Flowers Pendant Necklace £5.24 Carol Vega Designs

Cupcake Candles $39.99 candleconfections

Clothes Line Tent, Playhouse £85.31 CardTablePlayhouses

By Sprinkles Sparkles http://www.sprinklessparkles.co.uk All prices are correct at the time of going to print

My name is Sophie, I'm in my twenties and I work full time as a children's nanny - however, my first passion is my jewellery making!

I love nothing more than creating jewellery :) When I'm not working/making jewellery I love to spend time with my friends and boyfriend, watch films, read and go shopping!

My Mum got me into it - she taught me how to cross stitch as a child, and as I grew up, I got into making cards and customising clothes etc, before getting seriously into making jewellery!

I love working with art clay silver and semi precious gemstones. I also only use sterling silver in my work. I love the satisfaction of making something with the art clay silver - it's amazing how, what was once clay, turns into something beautiful - and 99.9% fine silver!

That's a tough one, because there are a few - but my current favourite is this bracelet

The bracelet I mentioned in the last question is the current favourite of mine in my shop. It's not been sold yet, though!

Definitely green.

Anything and everything!

I use Etsy quite a lot to buy supplies, as I find there's so much on there. I have a few people I buy from regularly.

Crafter Interview

http://folksy.com/shops/frankie

If you mean by friends/family - my boyfriend and my Mum!

I love Nelli D on Folksy http://folksy.com/shops/nelliD2

www.folksy.com

Sophie Shop - http://folksy.com/shops/frankie Twitter - http://twitter.com/trinket_box Blog - http://sophiefranck.blogspot.com

Would you like to be interviewed for our magazine?

It is a wonderful way for people to get to know you and your work. It can be great publicity too as we always include lots of pictures of your products with clickable links.

Don’t worry, its not like this!

We will email you a list of questions for you to reply to. You will also be able to attach photographs of items that you would like us to include, along with any links to your websites, online shops, Facebook pages etc.

We can’t guarantee which issue you will be in but if you are interested please email: thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com

Online Street Favourite finds from around the crafting community This months focus is Summer!

Click on the images to take you to their store!

MISI

Circle Neck, Baby Girls Dress, Flowers Strawberry Blush £25.00 FOLKSY

Stripey Sunhat Age3-8 Blossom Tree £6.00

Summer flower crocheted handbag/ beaded handbag Unique Handmade £16.99

White Sakura Flower Ring ilovehearts £7.00

Small summer tray eskil design £15.00

Patchwork Cushions set of 3 (Custom Orders) Jentwinkle £32.00

WOW THANKYOU

Toy Fort Paperpod £28.29 (inc p&p)

Blue daisy mosaic mirror Garden Reflections £26.00 (inc p&p)

Gorgeous Greens Button Flower Brooch Milomade £14 (inc p&p)

All prices are correct at the time of going to print

Best Picks Favourite finds from around the crafting community This months focus is Summer!

Click on the images to take you to their store!

CREATIVE STORES

Handmade Felt *Pretty Pink Spring Quartet - Thread Crochet Cupcake Hearts* Hair Clip 3 tiers of pretty pastel meringues Small Doilies / Coasters Dolls House Miniature BOBBELICIOUS £10.75 £39.00 £2.10 ETSY

Sea-side Charm Necklace 001 strozzistawzee $12.00

The Ultimate Campers Mini Paper Bag Album Bunny girl happy sea Serenity Silk side zipper $18.00 chigu $49.00

ARTFIRE

Summer Garden Bracelet Malayans Art £17.61

Strawberry Patch Scented Body Butter to Go Ponydustcosmetics £2.12

Summer Incense LunaSeas £1.96

All prices are correct at the time of going to print

Everything to do with London is very popular in interiors at the moment in the high street.

What can we find from our crafting community that won’t just accessorise your home but yourself as well!

london calling eco friendly recycled cotton classic tote hankie tankie $22

Dot to Date Calendar, London Dan Usiskin £14 (inc p&p) Retro Union Jack Flag with Crown Embroidered Purse Steampunk Sassyladyrocks £7.83 London Flower Brooch SewRealicoul™ £4.50

Rustic handprinted hessian union jack flag cushion Helkatdesign £35.00

London Underground lampshade the old lampshed £38.00

This Months...

Shop of the Month Award This months ‘shop of the month’ award goes to Paperpod.

‘Paperpod have developed an innovative concept in creative toys & furniture for children.

They produce a range of environmentally friendly, cost effective, sturdy, and practical designs made from recycled corrugated cardboard.’

Perfect to keep the kids happy over the summer holidays! http://www.wowthankyou.co.uk/store/supplier.php?secondary=127

Blog of the Month Award This months ‘Blog of the month’ award goes to Puddytat purr.

In 2010 she started dyeing fibre and has started her own business called Fluffosity on Artfire and Folksy.

Read more about Puddytat purr here! http://puddytatpurr.blogspot.com

Man of the Month This months ‘man of the month’ has been chosen by Joy Shallcross.

It’s Andres Iniesta, the winning goal scorer for the Spanish team in the world cup

http://www.gstatic.com/onebox/sports/worldcup/players/183857.png

Lady of the Month This months ‘lady of the month’ has been chosen by Steve Peggy’s Knit’s Fiance.

It’s Halle Berry, posing in the sea for her new signature perfume. http://www.littlemissdivasworld.com/2009/03/halle-berry-gets-her-pose-on-for.html

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‘Our Anniversary Issue’ will be available to view from 1st October 2010 www.creative-crafting.com

If you would like to submit an article or have an idea that you think our readers will enjoy, please contact us at: thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com sprinks@creative-crafting.com We offer very reasonably priced advertising both in the magazine and on the website.

If you would like to promote your business to our large reader circulation please contact: thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com

Remember - unlike printed adverts ours are permanently on view to new readers.