Craftseller042014

BAKE IT Too-goodto-eat spring cake pops

76

handmade SPRING PROJECTS TO TRY TODAY!

WIN! OVER £1100 WORTH OF PRIZES*

SEW IT Floral oilcloth picnic set

KNIT IT Gorgeous lace knit shrug

FREE

Felt bunny bag kit!

EXCLUSIVE

Just too tweet!

CROCHET OUR CUTE LITTLE CHICKS

MAKE & SELL TODAY! YOU CAN DO IT

Easter makes

HOT CROSS MUFFINS PERSONALISED CARDS TREASURE HUNT CONES

Real life

“OUR BUSINESS STARTED IN A SHED!” GLOBAL TOY MAKERS HOP & PECK SHARE THEIR INSPIRING RAGS-TO-RICHES STORY…

Welcome to the world’s first home and hobby cutting machine with a built-in scanner.

See it.

Scan it.

:JHU HU` PTHNL VY ZRL[JO [OLU WYLJPZLS` J\[ [OL ZOHWLZ VY V\[SPULZ ¶ ^P[OV\[ KLZPNU JHY[YPKNLZ VY H 7*

Create it.

Cut it.

,_JS\ZP]LS` H]HPSHISL MYVT *YLH[L HUK *YHM[ ;=

*\[Z WHWLY MHIYPJ HUK TVYL 0UJS\KLZ I\PS[ PU KLZPNUZ HUK MVU[Z =PZP[ ^^^ ZJHUUJ\[ JV \R MVY M\SS KL[HPSZ

PAGE FLAG

Welcome 34

Cross stitch a pretty, cosy pic for homelovers everywhere

16

Crochet our easy and oh-so-cute chicks for a quick profit

COVER

E

aster is one of our favourite times of year here in the Craftseller office. Obviously eating copious amounts of chocolate has something to do with it, but we adore the cute makes, floral fabrics and pretty pastel shades that emerge out of the crafting world this time of year. Spring is in the air and it feels like we've finally turned the corner on a sad and soggy winter.

So what better way to celebrate Easter and our springtime optimism than with an issue packed full of bright and beautiful handmade crafts, including paper Easter cones for chocolate egg hunts (p27), delicious hot cross muffins (p46) and a really pretty oilcloth picnic set (p94). Elsewhere, we have a set of adorable needle felted bugs (p84) and of course, we have our cute cover stars over on page 16 – the little crochet chicks! Great sellers both online and at fairs.

Feature-wise, check out our top ten tips for best-selling Easter makes on page 38 and over on page 81, we walk you through how to choose the right craft fair for your style of crafting. And finally, this month we’re giving you a FREE easy-to-make, felt bunny bag kit! The perfect pouch for little treasure hunters to carry as they stash their Easter treats.

Enjoy! Happy Easter all!

ZEENA MOOLLA – EDITOR

84

74

This super-soft shrug is perfect for the wedding market

Got the needle felt bug yet? You will with this sweet set!

94

A gorgeous, floral oilcloth picnic set – what's not to love?

PAGE FLAG 50

this Look at gorgeous month’s rs! e free pap

Contents

OVER0 £110

OF PRIIZNE!S TO W PAGE 68

April 2014 22

27

28

72

47

Projects 16

27

28

30

34

Chubby chicklets!

Draw in Easter gift buyers with this family of cute crochet chicks 30-minute make Easter egg cones to cherish long after the chocolate’s been eaten Hair flair Brides-to-be will adore this elegant beaded hair accessory Retro shopper Crochet an on-trend seventies style bag that buyers will love Home sweet home This pretty cross stitch picture is the perfect make for vintage fans

4 Craftseller

44

46

47

50

62

Easter cake pops Add some fun to your spring bakes with bunny, egg and chick pops!

Hot cross muffins Give this Easter classic a modern twist and keep tummies happy Chocolate fudge Easter cakes Sweet, chocolatey goodness perfect for a spring teatime treat Easter Fun Pretty pastel papers for all your projects plus two sweet cards to try Mummy makes A monster’s eaten my pencils! Kids will adore this fun make

72

74

84

92

94

From junk to funk Turn a boring old sewing box into a statement vintage piece Shrug it off Knit this soft lacy shrug and create a must-have summer item Cute as a bug These needle felted fellows are sure to get your craft stall buzzing!

Make a crafty tenner Quick and easy but oh-so-pretty, this fabric heart will steal buyer’s hearts!

More ways than one Picnickers will snap-up this handy oilcloth blanket, bag and cushion set

BE AN INSIDER We want to know what you think. After all, the more we know about you the better placed we are to bring you the best magazine possible. So we would like to invite you to join our online reader panel ‘Insiders’.

Interested? Log on to www.immediateinsiders.com/ register to fill out the short registration survey and we’ll be in touch from time-to-time to ask for your opinions on the magazine and other relevant issues.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Reader offer Special gift

Subscribe today and receive a copy of ‘Creating the vintage look’ by Ellie Laycock. ’

40

16

Features 8

10

12

15

22

Making news Get the lowdown on the latest crafty news and views Dear Craftseller Your chance to share all your crafting and selling success stories Pin it!

Let all things natural, rustic and fresh inspire your makes this April Stash it!

Bring all manner of flora and fauna into this month’s makes Real life: Hop & Peck From the shed to the studio, this crafty twosome tell us their story

38

48

68

70

81

10 best-selling makes for Easter Discover what tops other crafters’ best-selling lists for this special day Charity bakes Bring out your inner baker and raise cash for three great causes Fab freebies Enter now and you could get your hands on some brilliant prizes Diary of a craft-selling mum New designs, tears and teething and one very special birthday...

Get to market!

Should you make craft fairs a part of your craft-selling plan this year?

89

98

100

106

Ask us!

Let our experts solve your craftselling queries with the best advice My craft shop Find out how these three successful sellers make cash from their craft Crafty courses Choose from a range of inspiring courses to expand your craft skills Online loves Check out our favourite makes selling well on the web this month

e Turn to page 102 for thos all-important templates Craftseller 5

DESIGNERS

Contributors Meet three Craftseller designers who have created projects just for you…

Annie Bellamy Papercraft expert, Annie, has created the cute Easter egg hunt cones on page 27 Annie is a talented designer with a passion for crafting, reading (and writing) blogs, taking photographs and scouring local charity shops for treasure! She regularly contributes her pretty papercraft projects to UK craft magazines, as well as working in the art department of a local school.

Emma Read

A SPECIAL MENTION TO Editor Zeena Moolla Editorial Assistant Beth Collins Art Editor Kit Cheung Publisher Alison Worthington Publishing Director Cath Potter Managing Director Andy Marshall Advertisement Director Caroline Herbert Senior Advertising Manager Jane Hendy Advertising Designer Catherine Howlett Production Director Sarah Powell Production Managers Rose Griffiths and Louisa Molter Marketing Director Jacky Perales-Morris Direct Marketing Manager Penny Clapp Marketing Executive Lucy Osmond Reprographics Tony Hunt, Chris Sutch Photography Louise Broom, Ally Stuart, Steve Sayers Distribution Frontline Printed in the UK by William Gibbons A special thank you to contributors and designers Annie Bellamy, Emma Read, Vicky Craxton, Liz Ward, Jess Sharp, Sarah Heys, Wendy Massey, Jane Tooze, Claire Watkins, Dorothy Wood, Karen Dunn, Angela Turner, Sarah Chadwick, Charlie Lyon, Steve Wright, Marie Parry, Verity Gough, Holly Johnson, Jo Benner, Helen Burge, Katriel Costello Subscriptions and customer enquiries To place a subscription or order any of our wonderful sewing, knitting or craft magazines, please call the subscriptions hotline on 0844 844 0388. It’s open weekdays 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

Join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter Become a fan of Craftseller on Facebook or follow @craftsellermag on Twitter and you can take part in competitions, share news, tips and more.

Turn to page 92 to make Emma’s sweetsmelling Mother’s Day heart decoration

Copyright guidelines for projects We have requested specific permission from authors, book publishers and designers so that you can recreate and sell the projects from this issue. Please credit the designer where appropriate and when it has been requested. Craftseller is for crafting enthusiasts who want to make beautiful, handmade items to sell. You can individually make as many as you wish to sell either for yourself, your local event, summer fete or to raise money for charity. You cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Please respect one another’s copyright.

Emma started her business Hapitat when she couldn’t find a fascinator to wear to Ascot. Emma’s specialty is stitching pretty silk flowers but she is our go-to designer for all the projects that use silks, chiffons and other delicate fabrics. You can buy her gorgeous makes on hapitat.co.uk or etsy.com.

Immediate Media Company Limited is working to ensure that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests.

Vicky Craxton This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging.

Please remove any gifts, samples or wrapping and dispose of it at your local collection point.

Needle felt Vicky’s little bugs (p84) or give her picnic basket set (p94) a try Versatile crafter Vicky loves using bold prints and creating quirky designs.

She adores vintage clothing and accessories too. This issue she offers not one but two great projects with lots of selling potential. To see more of her work pop over to her shop at vickysvintagegifts.co.uk.

6 Craftseller

Craftseller is published by:

Immediate Media Company Limited, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009 Fax: 0117 934 9008 Immediate Media Company Limited is dedicated to producing the very best consumer specialist interest magazines, edited and designed to inform our readers, enhance their lives and give them the best value for money possible. Please visit www.immediatemedia.co.uk for details of our other publications. We take great care to ensure all elements of Craftseller are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine. All prices quoted are correct at the time of going to print. ©Immediate Media Company Limited.

www.silversewing.co.uk For your nearest stockist and expert advice, please contact Silver Viscount on 01933 311888 or enquiries@silverviscount.co.uk

CRAFTY UPDATE

Making news Welcome to your one-stop shop for all the latest craft trends, dates and celebs…

SUPER SITES

1

“This year’s all about experimenting with different styles of lettering and typography, with a return to the art of handwriting – calligraphy in particular. We’ll be showing this with handmade stationery and getting creative with lettering on envelopes. It’s all about adding a personal touch.”

2

“Texture and layering. Whether seeking out unusual materials or using semi opaque papers to cut, layer and overlap we will be creating depth of colour and interest through different types of papers.”

3

”Geometrics remain popular: big, bold patterns, blocks of strong colours (citrus yellows, oranges and greens alongside metallics) will be combined with paper folding techniques to create statement, abstract pieces.”

Clare’s new book Letter Art (published by CICO Books, £14.99) is available from all good bookshops or visit cicobooks.co.uk.

For more fab craft ideas visit Clare’s blog at clareyoungs.co.uk.

8 Craftseller

doozey.co.uk Fab new online handmade marketplace promising to showcase the most unique talent.

LEAN your SPRING Cl tim e to rethink

April is the idea stash and craft space! Sort out your tural light… ensure you have lots of na

ideastap.com A charity for creatives with a supportive online community offering all manner of tips and advice for members.

We love this w fantastic ne , e crochet guid k £25, dk.co.u

Best in show

Move over woodland creatures – this is the year of the horse! Expect to see our four-legged friends making a guest appearance on everything from wallpaper and cushions to jumpers, jewellery and more. If you like the idea of incorporating the trend in your own makes, why not offer a personalised service, giving shoppers the option to add names or messages to your horsey designs?

PHOTO: Hibou Home at nubie.co.uk

3Clare Youngs

top papercraft trends to try by queen of crafting

handmadecharlotte.com Design-loving vintage fan Charlotte shares her favourite recipes, crafts, décor and more.

PHOTO: John Lewis

Our pick of the best from the world of online this month…

CRAFTY UPDATE

CRAFTY EVENTS Our pick of the best crafty events around this month...

Hello, baby…

S PHOTO: Ginger Ray

pring is in the air and what better time to think about adding a new range to your craft offering? According to new research, there’s a baby shower boom here in the UK, with us ladies now spending £220 million a year on gifts and decorations for the occasion. Whether you sew, bake or knit, it could well be worth cashing in on the trend!

COLOUR SPLASH

SPOT

Katie’s bold ns textile desig are going to be making a splash this year

LEFT TO RIGHT IMAGES: oakroomshop.co.uk, dotcomgiftshop.com, Gisela Graham at tch.com

TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND

EASTER PASTELS WITH SWEET, SORBET SHADES popping up all over the place, Easter has never looked so pretty.

Pale blues, mint greens and vintage violets are particularly popular this spring, with a dash of sunny yellow thrown in (we need it after the wet winter we’ve had!) For more on this year’s colour trends, visit pantone.com.

Hobbycrafts NEC, Birmingham 20-23 March Country Living Spring Fair BDC London 19-23 March The Art of Craft Westgate Gallery, Harlow 25 March

Talent

If you love bright, bold design, take a look at graduate Katie Whitton’s winning creations (katiewhitton.com). Inspired by travel and architecture, Katie uses a blend of screen printing and digital printing techniques to produce her unique, contemporary textiles. As winner of the New Designers Tigerprint award in 2013, she’s a name to watch in the world of designer makers.

Narrative Remains – An exhibition about words and making Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, 18 January - 23 March

Spring Craft Fair Sandringham Park, Norfolk 28-30 March Creative Stitches Excel, London 03-05 April Contemporary Craft and Design Fair Kent College, Canterbury 04-06 April British Craft Trade Fair Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate 06-08 April Cake and sweet pastry course River Cottage HQ, Axminster 26 April

Craftseller 9

LETTERS

Dear Craftseller Do you l Send us your latest crafting and selling stories each issue – o oriental ve the the star letter wins a Abakhan prize! tr Send us end? you photos r

Success story WHILE HAVING A QUICK gander at the magazines in the supermarket I saw Craftseller. I only started my business three months ago so I’m really interested to read fellow crafters’ success stories.

It’s an absolute minefield, learning about marketing, branding, blogs and actually finding the time to make products. I look forward to the next issue. I’ll count it as research and enjoy the mag guilt-free!

CRAFTY BLOG jazzdomino holly.tumblr.com

DAWN GRIFFIN, ORIGINALBOB.COM Ed: We can’t believe you’ve only just started out – your website looks very professional! Here’s to many more hours of guilt-free reading!

Dawn’s crafts are full of quirky personality, shoppers will love Catherine’s cards use layers of gorgeous Craftseller papers

Taste of the Orient THANK YOU FOR THE beautiful Oriental Garden craft papers that came as the free gift with the February issue of Craftseller. I haven’t had the courage to sell any of my handmade cards online yet but I am seriously thinking about it. I’m really enjoying the current trend for oriental-themed crafts that seems to be everywhere at the moment.

I was so inspired by the papers that came with issue 33 of the mag, that I made this cherry blossom card.

I’m going to give it to one of my best friends on her birthday – I really hope she likes it!

CATHERINE BOORMAN, ST LEONARDS ON SEA. Ed: Catherine, we think your friend is going to love her birthday card! It looks fantastic and definitely something that you could sell if you decided to. We really like the way that you have layered the flower petals and added the beads as a finishing touch.

10 Craftseller

I first came across this lovely lass when I was given her book; Queen of Crafts for my birthday. When I found her blog I was so excited! Limitless inspiration and fun from one of my favourite new generation crafters – I can’t recommend taking a look enough!

PETRA, LONDON

Starting out I AM JUST TRYING TO start up my own little business and as I write this I’m about to subscribe to your magazine because it’s filled with inspiration and useful information.

I’ve set up a blog page on FB and now that I feel like I’m finally over the Christmas mayhem (am I the only one?) I shall be seeing what steps I can take next. Take a look at my progress at Bonnie Things.

BEVERLEY ROGERSON, BONNIE THINGS Ed: Well, we’re sure you will find everything that you need to succeed within the pages of Craftseller. Good Luck!

We love to hear from our latest subscribers

LETTERS

Star

LETTER

CRAFTY TALK

Dawn has used her craft to build a life that’s perfect for Max

Here are some of our favourite posts and tweets this month…

CRAFT FOR LOVE MY NAME IS DAWN SHERGOLD, I have a craft business called Dagian Crafts (on Facebook). I’m a single mum and I have three children, I home educate my eldest son, Max, who has autism. Working from home allows me to do this, so all the inspiration that I find in your mag is incredibly important. I used the stag template from issue 32 to make this framed art, what do you think? I love your magazine, the information you’ve provided has played a major part in how I have managed to set up my own business.

DAWN SHERGOLD, DAGIAN CRAFTS Ed: We’re so pleased that we’ve helped you to build a life that suits you, Max and your other children. Here’s £50 spend at Abakhan. Keep reading for even more crafty support...

@CraftsellerMag just picked up the new issue.

Time for coffee and a good read :)

Who wouldn’t want to play in one of Clare’s funky tents?

@JACSSTUDIO

Space to play MY NEW PLAY SPACE business has been open for a couple of months and I’m starting to get a following on Facebook! My two little ones were the inspiration for Twinkle Teepees And Play Tents.

I wanted to start a business that used my creativity and encouraged children to learn through play. They have been CE toy safety certified and sold with all the accessories. Next challenge? Design table dens so my kids can have more fun under the dining table!

CLARE GOODENOUGH, TWINKLE TEEPEES AND PLAY TENTS Ed: We would have loved your tents when we were kids! What a great idea, Clare. Good luck!

Star letter prize!

This month our star letter writer wins £50 worth of vouchers to spend on abakhan.co.uk

@CraftsellerMag is the best as the designs are copyright free!

@CHARMELLTD

@CraftsellerMag the calender I got FREE with the mag looks great in my new #craft room.

@MADEONMONDAY

I’ve missed doing projects so getting back to it with inspo from @ CraftsellerMag

@JESSYTONKS

I’m hooked!

I have always been interested in crafts but since my Grandma gave me a subscription to Craftseller I’m hooked! I’m 15 and haven’t been crafting for very long but when I saw the map lampshade it inspired me to make this quote picture frame from old book pages. Thank you for creating such an amazing mag!

FRANCES CHANNER, ESSEX Ed: Welcome to the exciting world of craft, Frances.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your subscription!

Search for Craftseller on facebook.com

@craftsellermag

@CraftsellerMag I made your drawstring bag for my niece!

@LOVELOVELUCIE Paper crafts are a quick and cheap craft to start with

yourletters@ craft-seller.com

Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN

Craftseller 11

2

1

Rustic

3

Hazy, lazy days in the sun mean pretty but practical designs for SS14

6 9 4

5

7

8

11

1 Round glass lanterns, £10 each, tesco. com 2 Pink blossom wreath, £30, tch. net 3 Mint enamel bumblebee tumbler, £7, berryred.co.uk 4 RHS Original, £85, hunter-boot.com 5 Circular patchwork cushion, £30, berryred. co.uk 6 Recycled large hurricane glass, £12, tesco.com 7 Taupe cherries oilcloth, £12.99, joleetablecloths. co.uk 8 Moda Bluebird Park rabbits fat quarter, £3.50, milliemoonshop. co.uk 9 Posey pleat dress, £75, eucalyptusclothing.co.uk 10 Selected products from debenhams.com 11 Polka dot ribbon, £2.99, oakroomshop.co.uk 12 Floral straws, £4, peachblossom. co.uk 13 Vintage wooden cutlery set, £2.45, pipii.co.uk 14 Pink cottage rose quilted double bedspread, £95, dotcomgiftshop.com 15 Knitted pod, £70, next.co.uk 16 Doily storage bag, £6, aspace.co.uk

16

10 15

13

12

14

Craftseller 13

TheManor House

15% OFF June Breaks 4nts Midweek from £245pp Full Board

&

Ashbury Hotels

7KH 2QO\ 6SRUW &UDIW 6SD +RWHOV LQ WKH 8.

2XU EUHDWKWDNLQJ YHQXHV ERDVW D UDQJH RI FUDIW VSRUW OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV WKDW ZH EHOLHYH DUH ZLWKRXW HTXDO DQ\ZKHUH LQ WKH 8.

2XU XQLTXH FUDIW FHQWUH RIIHUV WXWRUHG FUDIWV LQFOXGLQJ Ć 3RWWHU\ Ć 3RWWHU\ 7UDQVIHUV Ć 3RUFHODLQ 3DLQWLQJ Ć &DQGOH 0DNLQJ Ć (QDPHOOLQJ Ć +RW 3UHVV 3ULQWLQJ

Ć *ODVV 3DLQWLQJ Ć *ODVV (QJUDYLQJ Ć -HZHOOHU\ Ć :RRGZRUN Ć )DEULF 3DLQWLQJ $1' 025(

$OO IDFLOLWLHV DUH )5(( WR UHVLGHQWV ZLWK WKH H[FHSWLRQ RI QRPLQDO PDWHULDO FRVWV LQ WKH &UDIW &HQWUH

PLUS Our NEW HYDRO SPA is NOW OPEN! Lovingly handmade in England $GGLWLRQDO )DFLOLWLHV )5(( WR UHVLGHQWV RI ERWK KRWHOV 6SRUWV %RZOV 7DEOH 7HQQLV $ 6LGH %DVNHWEDOO

5DFNHW 6SRUWV 7HQQLV %DGPLQWRQ 6TXDVK 6KRUW 7HQQLV

5DQJHV $UFKHU\ $LU 3LVWROV $LU 5LIOHV /DVHU 6KRRWLQJ

/HLVXUH 6ZLPPLQJ 6SD 6DXQD 6QRRNHU 7HQ 3LQ

)DPLO\ )XQ +RXVH *DPHV =RQH :DWHU 6OLGHV 3OD\ $UHD

*ROI [ +ROH &RXUVHV &RPELQDWLRQ &RXUVHV +ROH 3DU &RXUVH 3UDFWLFH )DFLOLWLHV

$OO URRPV HQ VXLWH Ć )XOO ERDUG Ć &KLOG UDWHV Ć 3DUW\ GLVFRXQWV

ZZZ DFWLYLW\KRWHOEUHDNV FR XN

A gorgeous collection of handmade children’s clothing and gifts.

Find us on facebook - www.facebook.com/flossieandted e: Flossieandted@gmail.com

G<CDD=B;

Stash it!

Inspiring ideas for your crafty makes

7UjU``]b] :`cfU UbX :UibU Paper Washi Tape %%")$ h\YdUdYfdUf`cif"Wc"i_ G`YYdm 7f]hhYf beads )"$& HfYYK]b[GhiX]c cb Yhgm"Wca *$ Mushroom cake cases, £1.50, dotcomgiftshop.com

Natural String ( dYUW\V`cggca"Wc"i_ Felt Shapes Aig\fcca @YUjYg '"%$ Zcf ()dWg cbYghcdWfUZhg\cd"Wca ;fYYb leaf ribbon, ("-- h\]aV`Y`UbY"Wc"i_

100 Tree-free Lokta Paper Leaves )"-- k]`XÄckYf!ZUjcifg"Wc"i_ Wooden buttons *"%$ CXdUUa Yhgm"Wca 5bbU`] Leaves fabric, £3, thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk

Craftseller 15

CROCHET IT

Chubby chicklets Crochet some cuteness with this family of adorable chicks – they make the perfect addition to a springtime craft stall. By Liz Ward

MAKEI TA! PROF

M A KE FOR £5 5 FOR £10-£1

16 Craftseller

CROCHET IT

COVER

stars

Craftseller 17

CROCHET IT

INFORMATION Materials * Rico essentials cotton DK 50g balls in: yellow (036), pistachio (086), nature (051), aqua (095), white (066), lilac (016) and dusky rose (019) * 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) crochet hook * 6mm black safety eyes * Toy stuffing * Orange felt * Black felt circles or buttons for eyes * Black embroidery thread * Fabric glue * Wool needle and embroidery needle Size: Large 6 x 10cm (2¼ x 4in); Medium 5 x 7cm (2 x 2¾in); Small 5 x 5cm (2 x 2in) Skill level: Easy

W

ith Easter being all about chicks, bunnies and chocolates, this family of sweet chubby chicks is right at home! The simple amigurumi patterns includes three different size chicks, plus a cute cracked egg, and can be customised to make any combination you wish to sell. The outlay for raw materials here is very small, and these ‘penny makes’ can really help boost your profits, especially as they take very little time to whip up and their dinky size means you can get lots done in one sitting. Once they’re in your repertoire you’ll find all kinds of ways to use them, and being so cute, we think they’ll be an all-year-round favourite with buyers.

ABBREVIATIONS ch: sl st: htr: st(s): dc2tog:

chain slip stitch half treble crochet stitch(es) double crochet the next two stitches together

18 Craftseller

How to make the crochet baby chicks Baby chick

Egg shell top

Make one using yellow yarn.

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring. 6sts.

Round 1: Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end.

18sts.

Round 3: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 24sts.

Round 4: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 5-7: (dc in each st to the end. 30sts *mark Round 5 with a stitch marker* Round 8: (dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. 24sts.

Insert the eyes now - they go on the marked round, 6sts apart.

Round 9: (dc2tog, dc in next two sts) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 10: (dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat to end. 12sts.

Stuff the toy firmly now.

Round 11: (dc2tog) repeat to end. 6sts.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure.

Sew the opening at the bottom closed.

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Make one using cream yarn.

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring. 6sts.

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 3: dc in each st to the end. 18sts.

Round 4: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 24sts.

Round 5: dc in each st to the end. 24sts.

Round 6: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 7-8: dc in each st to the end. 30sts.

Round 9: (dc in the first st, sl st in the next) repeat to end.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure

Egg shell bottom Make one using cream yarn.

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring. 6 sts Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 3: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 24sts.

CROCHET IT

Round 4: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 5-6: dc in each st to the end. 30sts.

Round 7: (dc in the first st, sl st in the next) repeat to end. 30sts.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure Sew the top and bottom of the egg around the baby chick. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Medium chick Make one in green and one in blue.

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring. 6sts.

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 3: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 24sts.

Round 4: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 5: (dc in the first four sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 36sts.

Round 6-10: dc in each st to the end. 36sts *mark Round 7 with a stitch marker* Round 11: (dc2tog, dc in next four sts) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 12: (dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. 24sts.

Insert the eyes now, they go on the marked round, 7sts apart (green chick only).

Round 13: (dc2tog, dc in next two sts) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 14: (dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat to end. 12sts.

Stuff the toy firmly now.

Round 15: (dc2tog) repeat to end. 6sts Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure.

Sew the opening at the bottom closed.

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Wings These are worked along the front and back of a foundation chain so your chain becomes the centre of the wing. Make 2 in yarn that matches chick body. Ch 5.

Round 1: sl st in second ch from hook, dc in the next ch, htr in the next chain, 3tr in last chain from hook. Turn and work along the back of the chain.

Htr in the next ch st, dc in the next st, sl st in

the last st. 9sts.

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure.

Sew onto the body one either side, weave in any loose ends and cut yarn.

Eyes and feet Use black embroidery thread to sew little U-shapes onto the blue chick to make sleepy eyes.

Cut three triangles out of orange felt. Use the photo as a guide and cut notches out of two to form the feet, then glue in place with fabric glue.

Large chicks Make one in white, one in lilac and one in pink.

Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring.

6sts.

Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.

Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 3: dc in each st to the end. 18sts.

Round 4: (dc in the first two sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 24sts.

Round 5: dc in each st to the end. 24sts.

Round 6: (dc in the first three sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 7: dc in each st to the end. 30sts.

Round 8: (dc in the first four sts, 2dc in the next st) repeat to end. *mark this round with a stitch marker*. 36sts.

Round 9-14: dc in each st to the end. 36sts.

Round 15: (dc2tog, dc in next four sts) repeat to end. 30sts.

Round 16: (dc2tog, dc in next three sts) repeat to end. 24sts.

Insert the eyes now, they go on the marked round, 7sts apart.

Round 17: (dc2tog, dc in next two sts) repeat to end. 18sts.

Round 18: (dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat to end. 12sts.

Stuff the toy firmly now.

Round 19: (dc2tog) repeat to end. 6sts.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure.

Sew the opening at the bottom closed. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Wings Make as for medium chick in matching body colour.

Feet Cut three triangles out of orange felt. Use the photo as a guide and cut notches out of two to form the feet, then glue in place with fabric glue.

Hair Purple chick Make a magic ring and work 6dc into the ring. 6 sts Round 1: (ch 8 sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 5sts, dc) twice into each st to the end.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure.

Sew onto head. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

White chick Use a long strand for the matching yarn and sew into the top of the chick’s head. Do not pull the thread all the way through so each stitch makes a little loop. Weave in end to secure loops and cut off.

Pink chick Use a long strand of the matching yarn.

Thread through the stitches at the top of the head. Knot together and cut off. Repeat a few times to get a spiky hair effect.

SAFETY FIRST These chicks are not designed as toys, or for young children. Always ensure your work is well-stitched and loose parts are securely attached. Remember, if you intend to sell them, even if they're not sold as a toy, there are strict regulations to adhere to. Visit craft-seller. com/free-downloads for more advice.

Craftseller 19

SELL IT

You’ve made it, now sell it…

Follow our hints and tips to maximise profits from your crochet chicks

1

Diversify! Such a simple design can be reworked to create any number of new products from juggling balls and mini keyrings to paper weights and door stops.

2 3 4 5

Create a springtime mood board on your website using the chicks alongside other spring makes and upload to Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Offer pick 'n mix colour combos.

Monotones, neon brights or pretty pastels are always popular so why not let buyers choose their own tones?

Be creative with product photos.

Head to a farm or wood or simply nestle the chicks in long grass in your garden. The key is to have fun!

Keep them current: list online under 'table decorations', 'spring gifts' and 'Easter', but also tag with 'farm fun', 'animal makes', and 'crochet birds'.

6 7 8 9 10

Be scrap happy! Save money by using up oddments of felt for beaks and feet and tiny buttons for eyes.

Make mini nests. Shred kraft paper, form into a ball and flatten to create sweet packaging buyers will love.

Create quirky hen houses. Simply print plain gift boxes with wood effect paper and cut out holes for windows.

Appeal to families: Print buyers' children's names onto 'birth certificates' and pop into packaging.

Make cute egg cosies: leave the bottoms of the chicks open, omit the feet and finish off neatly.

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy: Easter egg with yellow chick by Tjanmig, £8.91

20 Craftseller

Etsy: Hand crochet chicken with chick

by Krassy's Knittings, £14.95

Etsy: Fluffy yellow chick hanging decoration by JargOn, £10

UK Dealers Scotland A Coates Sewing Machine Unit Borders TD14 5DH David Drummond Edinburgh EH12 5HD ESC Keith AB55 5HF Karelia House Ltd Perthshire PH15 2LS N J Sewing Polmont FK2 0UF Pembertons Sewing Machines Stirling FK8 1HA Quilt Creations Inverness IV1 1EP

Innov-is 955

£599

01890 750349 0131 5397766 01542 887000 01887 822027 01324 711333 01786 462993 01463 719369

North East Singer Sewing Centre Whitley Bay NE26 2SY Tully Sew Machines Sunderland SR1 3JG The Fat Quarters Newcastle upon Tyne NE17 7TN

0191 2525825 0191 5657995 01207 565728

North West

Original price £799

SAV

Great value compact sewing and embroidery machine.

Features a wide range of advanced sewing and embroidery functions while being lightweight and portable.

£200E!

Affordable Sewing Wirrall CH46 9QA Bamber Sewing Machines Ltd Eccles M30 7HY Hobkirks Sewing Machines Limited Blackburn BB2 2AJ Hobkirks Sewing Machines Limited Bury BL9 0LQ Lord’s Sew Knit Centre Accrington BB5 3DE R&T Machines (Domestic Sales) Blackburn BB1 2AL Superior Sewing Centre Cumbria CA3 8PW Temptations Lancaster LA2 7HQ The Quilted Sheep Ltd Cumbria LA7 8AE

0151 677 7755 0161 707 7786 01254 693555 0161 7644450 01254 389171 01254 52063 01228 59988 01524 261868 01539 565800

Yorkshire & Humberside Gillies Fabrics York YO1 8SW Grimsby Sewing & Knitting Grimsby DN32 9DR Howdens Huddersfield HD1 6BL Sewing Machines and Crafts (Crafts Upstairs) Keighley BD21 1AD UK Sewing Machines & Fabrics Durham DL3 7JY Woodseats Sewing Machines Ltd Sheffield S8 0RY

Innov-is 350SE

01904 626244 01472 343921 01484 516700 01535 609466 01325 463630 0114 255 2822

Midlands Brewers Wolverhampton WV2 3AF Couling Sewing Machines Lincoln LN5 8AW Creative Hands 2 Worcester WR1 2LU DC Nutt Sewing Machines Walsall WS3 3SS E L Grain Nottingham NG6 8UY F L Nutt Sewing Machines Birmingham B14 7AA GUR Enterprise (UK) Ltd Birmingham B19 3QN L & M Nutt Sewing Machines Birmingham B73 5BS Leamington Spa Sewing Machines Ltd Warwick CV32 4RA Sewing Machine Centre Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ The Haberdashers Hub Ltd Nuneaton CV11 4AD

£599

01902 458885 01522 521841 01905 24940 01922 497603 0115 927 1155 0121 444 3978 0121 3597440 0121 3735497 01926 427572 01743 343902 02476 384440

East Anglia

Computerised sewing machine featuring 294 built-in stitches including 3 lettering styles and 10 one step button hole styles. Ideal companion for the avid sewer and quilter.

PLU

S!

CRE FREE ATIV KIT W E QUILT ORT H

£149

Beccles Sewing Machines Beccles NR34 9TB Bedford Sew & Knit Limited Bedford MK41 7LE Franklins Group Limited Colchester C02 7DU Franklins Group Limited Ipswich IP1 3EL Franklins Group Limited Chelmsford CM2 0LG Sew Creative Cambridge CB1 1LD Sew Creative Bury St Edmonds Bury St Edmonds IP33 1NE Sew Creative Norwich Norwich NR3 1LE Sew Northampton Northampton NN1 4DX

01502 01234 01206 01473 01245 01223 01284 01603 01604

714234 217096 563955 221188 346300 350691 755459 305888 637200

Wales J & B Sewing Machine Co Ltd Newport NP19 4SY Sewing Machine Direct Wrexham LL12 0PJ

01633 284646 08000 925215

South East Art of Sewing Eastleigh SO50 5LD Ashford Sewing Centre Ashford TN23 1JH Brighton Sewing Centre Brighton BN1 1YD C & A Sewing Machines Ltd Cranleigh GU6 8NE CCB Sewing Machines Rochester ME1 1HS Cooper Sewing Machines Ltd Borehamwood WD6 1FJ Dowlings Wickford SS11 8YJ Fabrications Hackney E8 4PH Fareham Sewing Fareham PO16 0EH GTS Sewing Machines Banbury OX16 9PQ Lewisham & Deptford S/Mcs London SE8 3NT Maidstone Sewing Centre Maidstone ME14 1ED Regent Sewing and Knitting Ltd Ilford IG1 2AG Rona Sewing Machines Waltham Cross EN8 7BX Sew Devine Reading RG6 1JQ The Sewing Centre Battersea SW11 3BP The Sewing Shop Canterbury CT1 2HX Theobalds Luton LU1 5AA Tysons Sewing Machines Limited Southall UB1 3DA Tysons Sewing Machines Limited Hounslow TW3 1NW Woking Sewing & K/M Centre Woking KT15 3NY

Innov-is 35

£399

Computerised sewing machine packed with user friendly features such as easy jog dial stitch selection and one touch needle threading. Includes 70 built-in stitches with 7 automatic button hole styles.

All offers valid from 1st February- 31st March 2014. Subject to availability.

PLU

S!

CRE FREE ATIV KIT W E QUILT ORT H

£149

02380 650808 01233 620948 01273 621653 01483 267777 01634 841597 0208 2361520 01268 562022 0207 2758043 01329 234641 01295 701384 0208 692 1077 01622 670254 0208 4780669 01992 640250 0118 926 8664 0207 2283022 01227 457723 01582 720332 0208 5741750 0208 5706790 01932 352958

South West Caffle Crafts Weston Super Mare BS24 6SE Direct Sewing Machines Redruth TR15 2BY Exeter Sewing Machine Company Exeter EX1 2LD Franklins Group Limited Salisbury SP2 7SU The Stitch Academy Taunton TA1 1NZ Bredons Taunton TA1 3NB

01934 01209 01392 01722 07547 01823

For more information, call 08444 999 444 or visit www.brothersewing.co.uk

838327 216942 275660 554466 006618 272450

REAL LIFE

We launched in a shed!

L

ooking out of Hop & Peck’s studio window at the farmer’s fields and trees in the distance on a crisp winter’s morning, it’s easy to see how the Essex countryside is the perfect inspiration for their handmade business. Combining their mutual love of design and Steve Robinson’s excellent woodworking along with Elaine Welch’s marketing know-how, they have created a big-selling range of British-made toys and homewares that’s picking up awards – and sellers – all over the UK and abroad. Sitting in their bright and airy studio on a farm in Saffron Walden we chat to Elaine, 38, to find how they took inspiration from their children playing together outside Steve’s shed and turned it into the business they had both been dreaming about.

‘This time five years ago I hadn’t even met Steve. It happened by chance after a mutual friend told Steve that we should work together. I used to be the creative director for Mamas and Papas in Leeds, which I loved, but after having twins I decided to take a career break. It had been a struggle getting pregnant so when Oscar and Rose arrived I wanted to make the most of our time and find a job that would work around them.

Steve, meanwhile, had been running a furniture-making business but when the recession bit he packed up his studio, moved his tools out to his big garden shed

22 Craftseller

and became a stay-at-home dad with his daughter, Hattie.

We met up for the first time at our local playgroup in Saffron Walden in April 2010 and immediately clicked. We both loved design and decided we wanted to make things together. We’d meet up at Steve’s shed, drink tea, come up with ideas for wooden toys, and the kids would play together and try out the toys.

“Our toy car was featured in a national newspaper’s gift guide and we sold out within two days!”

Once we’d worked out a few designs including toy cars, a pull-along duck and a rocker, we set up a stall at the playgroup where we first met to see what people thought. The reception was really positive, so the next month we launched online, signed up for Not On The High Street and did our first Christmas fair, which was really exciting.

At the time we were making the toys out of plywood and we briefly considered getting them made in China. We got a sample made, but when it arrived it just didn’t have the soul that the things we

were making by hand did. We decided that while we wanted our business to grow, we needed to keep it handmade and British so decided to start using British oak instead – which meant Steve still had a job!

Sales really started to pick up and, after doing a big Christmas fair, our toy car was featured in a national newspaper’s gift guide and we sold out within two days!

There was a point where my lounge was so full of them waiting to be packed up I couldn’t even see the floor. The people behind me in the queue in the village Post Office when I was posting them out were not exactly pleased with me either!

We started doing trade shows in 2012 and picking up stockists all over the country.

We decided it was time to take the jump and stop working in our own homes and get a place where we could have a workshop, an office and a showroom. In April 2013 we found an old piggery right

by Audley End House and set to work renovating it ourselves – we even installed a wood burner and made our bacon sandwiches on it while the kids played in the showroom. Around the same time we started winning awards too, which really gave our business a boost.

Junior magazine shortlisted our Bunny Ears Egg Cup as the Best New To Market Product, which was very flattering. It’s now our best-selling item, especially at Easter, which is when we do a lot of

Photos: Joel Chant/UNP

Hop & Peck started making their stylish wooden toys in their back garden and now run a global business, scooping design awards… By Karen Dunn

Clockwise from left: These simple but fun toys remain at the heart of Hop & Peck; broadening the business to include more homeware items and expand internationally are the next steps for this awardwinning twosome; getting to the nuts & bolts of it: napkin holders with a humorous edge; Elaine and Steve enjoy the space in their new studio/workshop

REAL LIFE

Hop & Peck’s Top Three Craft Tips Display is key Our best-selling item is the Bunny Ear Egg Cup, but if you saw it out of context you might not know what it was. Displaying it properly so people can see how it works has been the key.

If your customer gets a nudge by showing what they can do with your product, they’re far more likely to buy. This can be a simple as adding a couple of props alongside it or even photographing it with a relevant backdrop.

Go for awards We didn’t set out to win awards, but they are brilliant for getting your name out there and, in turn, boosting your sales. There are lots of national competitions springing up as well as online awards so we’d suggest entering as many as you can, although beware of paying an entrance fee unless it’s for an award that can raise your profile otherwise the outlay may not be worth it.

Keep an eye on the detail We keep things simple with our designs and make sure that our packaging sells the product inside. There’s no need to spend a fortune either; for example using a perfect box but tying it with a strip of pretty ribbon can really make your product stand out and show people that they are buying quality.

Clockwise from top left: Hop & Peck’s toys have struck a chord with buyers; Steve working in the studio; wooden egg racks are a hit; Elaine displays one of their best-sellers

business with all our spring-inspired products. Our Children’s Treat Boards won best new product at the British Craft Trade show and we were taken by complete surprise when our name flashed up on screen at the Top Drawer show in London to say we’d won best new product with our Cheese Bite and Orchard Boards. It was amazing. The awards have been great because not only have they led to more sales, but the recognition has really helped Hop & Peck become a respected brand.

We now ship all over the world to everywhere from Germany to Australia.

Our big serving platter even got a mention in the LA Times, which was crazy!

2013 was such an incredible year for us and we’ve got big plans for the future. We’ve had interest from big high

24 Craftseller

street retailers and while we love that the wholesale side of our business has blossomed we want to grow the retail side too. We’re thinking of getting some

“Our business still has a real family feel to it and we would never, ever want to lose that” more staff in so Steve has some help in the workshop and we’ve already roped in my mum up in Leeds to work for us and she does all the packaging and posting. Steve’s son Jasper even helps out too.

The lovely thing is while our business has grown, it still has a real family feel to it and we would never, ever want to lose that. It can be a juggling act and our partners are very understanding, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Steve and I couldn’t have done this without each other. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and of the fact that our kids are still central to the business, especially as that’s how we met in the first place.

To find out more about Hop & Peck visit hopandpeck.co.uk or follow them on Twitter at @hopandpeck

Inspirational features, displays, workshops and demonstrations for all creative crafters SPRING 2014 SHOWS SPRING 2014 SHOWS SPRING 2014 SHOWS SPRING 2014 SHOWS SPRING 2014 SHOWS SPRING 2014 SHOWS

CAKE INTERNATIONAL THE SUGARCRAFT, CAKE DECORATING & BAKING SHOW EXCEL, LONDON 10 - 12 APRIL

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEWING FOR PLEASUREFASHION EMBROIDERY & STITCH HOBBYCRAFTS NEC, BIRMINGHAM 20 - 23 MARCH

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CREATIVE STITCHES FASHION & EMBROIDERY HOBBYCRAFTS EXCEL, LONDON 3 - 5 APRIL

Buy tickets on-line www.ichfevents.co.uk or phone Ticket Hotline

01425 277988

SAVE UP TO £2 OFF

EACH ADULT & SENIOR TICKET IF ORDERED AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE SHOW.

FREE Patterns & everything you need for your micro-macrame obsession! scan me!

Studded Leather & Findings

Rose Gold Findings

Fabric Cord £1.95

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

01353 749853 www.spoiltrottenbeads.com

Textile, jewellery & paper craft supplies plus some lovely gifts - arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we fancy!

Visitors welcome by appointment at The Craft Room in Nottingham

MAKE IT

MAKE A

PROFIT!

1.50 MAKEFOR£

30-minute make

Make and sell a stack of colourful and so easy to make Easter cones – perfect for little chocolate-loving egg-hunters everywhere. By Annie Bellamy

FOR £1 EACH

INFORMATION Materials: * White card * Pale brown paper * Yellow dotty paper * Aqua dotty paper * Small heart punch * Small circle punch * Small butterfly punch * Double-sided tape * Pastel tissue paper * Flower stickers Size: Cone approx 30cm high (12in) Skill level: Easy

Using the templates on p102 cut out the rabbit shapes and their clothes from pastel coloured and spotty papers and glue into place. Once dry stick each rabbit to the front of the cones. Punch small circles and heart shapes from paper scraps to decorate each cone with.

3

Cut four squares of white card 21 x 21cm (8¼ x 8¼in). Stick a length of double-sided tape along one edge of the card. Carefully roll the card into a cone shape and stick the left edge to the right edge. Secure in place. Cut a long strip of dotty paper and stick over the join using double-sided tape.

1

Cut strips of pastel tissue paper and cut with scissors to form a fringe. Secure around the base of the cone with doublesided tape. Using a vintage-style font create name labels for each family. Print out and stick into position on the cones.

2

Craftseller 27

MAKE IT

28 Craftseller

MAKE IT

A MAOKEF I T !

PR

Hair flair

OR £5 MAKE F

3 FOR £1

Attract both vintage lovers and wedding shoppers with this versatile hair accessory made from delicate paper flowers. By Dorothy Wood INFORMATION Materials: * 8 palest coffee paper roses and leaves, 1.5 x 1.5cm (½in x ½in) * 6 off-white paper flower buds, 0.6 x 0.8cm * Flowers available from rejectsonline.com * Swarovski Elements crystal powder almond pearl round, 6 x 6mm and 8 x 8mm * 0.4mm silver-plated wire * Silver-plated hair comb, 6.5cm (2½in) * Pearls and fixings available from i-beads.co.uk Size: 10 x 5.5cm (4 x 2¼in) Skill level: Easy

P

retty paper flowers are surprisingly realistic and inexpensive to buy from artificial flower suppliers. To recreate the vintage style used here, look for flowers that are a very light coffee colour or cream, rather than pure white or ivory. Choose more than one style of flower in slightly different shades to create interest and add dimension to the design. These high quality Swarovski Elements crystal pearls in powder almond were chosen to tone in with the coffeecoloured flowers but feel free to choose a different shade from the wide range of colours available. To be really smart and tap into the wedding set, offer to make unique hair combs for bridesmaids in colours that match the dresses.

How to make the roses hair comb Separate out the bundle of paper roses carefully into individual stems and lay out six leaves. Hold the first rose on the front of the hair comb and tuck the stem between the second and third prongs. Wrap the wire stem around the hair comb bar once and leave sticking out at the top.

1

Repeat to add five more roses spaced regularly along the hair comb. Add the other two roses towards the middle of the hair comb to add depth in the middle. Tuck the smaller flowers between the roses one at a time to create a pleasing arrangement.

2

Wrap the wire stems around the hair comb bar as before. When you are satisfied with the shape, trim the wire tails close to the comb.

Tuck six leaves, one at a time, behind the roses and secure by wrapping around the hair comb bar. Take care not to damage the flowers as you wrap. Pick up an 8mm pearl on to a 20cm (8in) length of craft wire and twist once or twice to secure the wire behind the bead. Tuck the ends of the wire between the roses so that the wires go on opposite sides of a prong or the bar. Twist the wires together to secure.

3

Use one of the tails to attach the next pearl. You can wrap the wire so that the pearl is close to the hair comb and sits snugly between the flowers or create a twisted wire stem to raise it up and add some dimension.

Add all the pearls then trim the tail. Tuck all wires and ends away discretely on the right side of the comb, between the embellishments.

4

TOP TIP Tuck wire ends towards the right side of the hair comb so that they don’t scratch the scalp

Craftseller 29

CROCHET IT

Retro shopper Try an easy, on-trend crochet bag that rocks the ‘granny chic’ retro look with a modern twist. By Liz Ward

MAKE A

P R O F IT !

MAKE FOR £5

FOR £10

30 Craftseller

CROCHET IT

Craftseller 31

CROCHET IT

INFORMATION Materials * 2 x 50g balls James C Brett Cotton On DK (shade C04) * 5mm (UK 6, US H/8) crochet hook * Wool needle * 4 buttons * Contrasting ribbon or cord Size: 25 x 40cm (9¾ x 15¾in) Skill level: Easy

T

he seventies are the next decade to be back in vogue as flared trousers and stomach-skimming tees appear across the catwalks so those with an eye for trends will love this natural look, vintage-inspired crochet string shopping bag. It's bound to be a great hit with shoppers at your next craft fair or event.

Not only does everyone need something to carry all those crafty purchases in but this crochet bag is even better as it can scrunch up small and fit into an everyday handbag.

Made with a cotton blend yarn, it is strong but will wash easily and last a long time.

We’ve kept this in a neutral palette to go with the soft retro colours that are popular this season, but you could easily customise it with different decorations such as beading and pretty ribbons or whip up a few in various shades to suit any style. And as only basic crochet skills are needed to make this bag, it's a really addictive project to make over an evening.

If you’ve never dared venture further into crochet than granny squares this will be the perfect project to try next.

ABBREVIATIONS ch: tr: st:

chain treble crochet (sts) stitch(es)

32 Craftseller

How to make the retro bag Ch41.

Round 1: tr in 3rd ch from hook, 1 tr in the next 37 ch sts. 3tr in last ch st, turn and work down back of foundation ch, tr in next 37ch, 3tr in last ch, sl st into 1st tr to join. 82sts.

Round 2: ch3, tr in same stitch, 2tr in each of next 2sts, tr in next 35sts, 2tr in each of next 5sts, tr in next 36, 2tr in each of last 2sts, sl st into 1st tr to join. 92sts.

Round 3-4: ch 3 (counts as 1st tr), tr in each st to the end, sl st into 1st tr to join. 92sts.

Round 5: ch5 (counts as 1st tr, 2ch space), skip next 2tr sts, tr in next st, (ch 4, skip the next 3 tr sts, tr in next sts) repeat 22 times, ch2, sl st into 3rd ch st to join. 23sts and 24 ch spaces.

Round 6-24: ch5, skip next 2ch and tr st, (tr in next ch space, ch4) repeat around, ch2 sl st into 3rd ch st to join. 24sts and 23 ch spaces.

Round 25-26: ch3 (counts as 1st tr), work 4tr

sts in each ch space, sl st into 1st tr to join.

92sts.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure. Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

Straps (make 2) Ch7.

Row 1: tr in 3rd ch from hook, tr in the next 4 ch sts.

Row 2: turn, ch2, tr in each st to the end.

6sts.

Repeat row 2 until the strap measures 60cm (24in) Cut yarn leaving a long tail and pull through loop to secure. Use the photo as a guide to sew in place on the main body of the bag.

Weave in and cut off any loose ends.

CROCHET IT

To finish Sew buttons onto the bottom of the straps using the matching yarn. Thread ribbon or cord through the top of the bag and tie in a bow.

NOW SELLING ON... el Keep the retro fe e by matching th buttons to the yarn colour DaWanda Flower Bag by Goxua, £23.93

Etsy Blue bag by EllenaKnits, £50.34

Etsy Crochet bag by Notforeat, £27.03

SHOW US ON FACEBOOK! If you’ve enjoyed making this bag, post a photo on the Craftseller Facebook page

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! Tweet us your tips and advice, and follow our own tweets @craftsellermag

FIND US ON PINTEREST! We’ve got loads of crafty inspiration for you to browse at Pinterest.com/craftseller

Craftseller 33

34 Craftseller

STITCH IT

MAKEI TA! PROF

£10 MAKE FOR

F O R £ 15

Home sweet home With its mixed-font lettering and delicate, climbing flowers, this homely cross stitch picture is crying out to be bought and taken home! By Sarah Heys

INFORMATION Materials * White aida or fabric of your choice * Threads as shown in key * Needle * Frame of your choice Size: 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) Skill level: Moderate

T

his is vintage cross stitch piece is given a modern touch with bold colours and funky lettering. Made by stitching floral letters onto aida fabric, this versatile design can be stitched on a variety of fabrics depending on your experience. If you are looking for a quicker project, stitch on aida as we have, or if you want more of a challenge, pick a pastel evenweave which would look lovely with the design. You could also charge a bit extra to reflect the extra time and skill involved. Why not mix-up the framing with alternatives to this formal one by making the piece into a door hanging or pop into a hoop for a quicker ‘framed’ finish.

Another idea to make this your own is to use different fabrics for a unique finish – just use soluble aida and stitch onto some pretty floral fabric to make your design stand out.

half stitches before returning and completing each of them with the other half stitch.

Check over your work at the end, and trim and tidy up the loose ends at the back. Press gently on the back of the work, using a clean cloth to protect the threads.

3

4

Carefully line up your stitch with frame, trim the aida and insert into frame.

How to make the cross stitch home picture

TOP TIP Use threads you have in your stash and every picture you sell will make you even more profit

Find the centre of the fabric by folding it in half horizontally and vertically. Find the centre of the chart by following the gridlines and start stitching from this point.

1

2

Follow the chart, work in blocks of the same colour. Finish each section using

Craftseller 35

STITCH IT

HOME KEY

HOME SIGN CHART

Cross stitch in two strands J Z S 7 H ; b 5

DMC 208 554 597 959 961 963 964 3811

Anchor Madeira Colour 99 804 purple 90 711 light purple 1064 1110 teal 186 1114 green 76 610 pink 73 502 light pink 185 1112 light green 1060 1101 light teal

20

20

10

Backstitch in one strand DMC ––––– 3808

Anchor Madeira Colour 1068 2507 dark green

Stitch count 47 high x 49 wide 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 8.5 x 9cm (3¼x3½in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton

10

20

10

10

20

zzzzzzz zzz zJJJJJJJz zJJJz zJJJJJJJJz zJJJJz zJJJzzzJJJz zJJJJz zJJJz zJJzJJz zJJJz zJJJz zzzzJJz zJJJz zJJz z z zJJzzzJJzz zzJJJJJJJJJJJz zJJz zJJz z J zJJJJJJJJJJJ zJJz zJJJJJJJJJJJJz J Jz z zzzJJzzzJJzz zJJz zJJz zJJz zzz z z J z zzzz zJJJz zJJz zJJz zz zJJz zJzz zJJz zJJz zJJJz zJJz zJJz zJJz zJJJz zJJz zJJz zJJJz zJJz zJJz zJJJJzzz zJJz zJJz b zJJJJJJz zJJJzzJJz bJb zJJJJJJz zJJJJJJz zJJJJJJz b JJJJJz zzzzzzz zzJJz zz

SSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSS S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S 77 S 5S S 5S 7;;7 S 5S S 5S 7;;7 S 5S S 5S 77 S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S S 5S SSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSS ;;; ;HHH; ;;HH; ;HH; 7777777 7777777 ;;;HH; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; 7 b 7 7 7 7b777 ;;HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH; 77b7b7 H 7b7b77 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH; 7b77b7 H;H 7b77b7 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH; 7b777b7 H 7b777b7 HH;;;HHH;;;;;;;;;; H ; J 7 b 7 7b77 7b7 77b7 ;HHH; 7b7 JbJ ;HHH; 77b7 7b77 7b7 ; ;HHH; ; H H ; J 7 b 7 77b7b77 7b7 ;HHH;;;;;;;;H; ;H; 7b7 77b77 7b7 H; H H H H H H H H H H H H ; ; H ; 7 b 7 777 7b7 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHH; ;H; 7b7 7 7b7 H; H H H H H H H H H H H H ; ; H H ; 7 b 7 7b7 ;HH; ;HHH;;;;;;;;;H; 7b7 7b7 ; ; H H H ; ; ; ; 7 b 7 7b7 ;HHH; 7b7 7b7 ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; H H H H ; 7 b 7 7b7 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHH; 7b7 7b7 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHHH; 7b7 7b7 ;HHHHHHHHHHHHHH; 77b77 77b77 ;;;;;;;;;;;;;HH; 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7777777 ;H; ;

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy DIY x-stitch pattern and materials kit by ChezSucreChez, £7

SHOW US ON FACEBOOK! If you’ve enjoyed working on this project, post a photo on the Craftseller Facebook page

36 Craftseller

Folksy Home Sweet Home Cross Stitch cushion by Gran’s Attic, £25

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! Tweet us your tips and advice, and follow our own tweets @craftsellermag

Folksy Home Sweet Home Mini cushion by Vintage Style Home, £5.99

FIND US ON PINTEREST! We’ve got loads of crafty inspiration for you to browse at Pinterest.com/craftseller

SELL IT

10 EASTER Top

MAKES

We’ve rounded up the sweetest, prettiest and most scrumptious Easter craft ideas to inspire your making and selling at this fun time of year By Charlie Lyon

W

ho doesn’t love Easter? The long, relaxed weekend, delicious home-cooked food, spring sunshine and the oh-so-sweet chocolate treats… It’s a time for laughter and celebration, and when family and friends meet up they love to give, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for canny crafters to boost sales.

We’ve rounded up a group of astute sellers to share their insider knowledge on which handmade goods make the best sellers for Easter to inspire your own spring makes…

1Country kitchen cosies

Boiled eggs evoke cosy images of family breakfasts and farmhouse kitchens, and Karen Walshe’s beautiful appliqué cosies fit this scene perfectly. She thinks people are drawn to her designs, which she hand-makes in Devon and sells on karenwalshe.co.uk, as they have a sweet homespun charm about them: “Eggs have long been a symbol of new life, making egg cosies the perfect gift for Easter. What better way of serving an Easter breakfast, than with freshly cooked free range eggs dressed to impress? Of course a small chocolate egg nestling under its own egg cosy makes a wonderful alternative.”

38 Craftseller

Traditional Easter biscuits get a makeover with pastel hues and sweet shapes

Kirsty’s whimsical dresses are a fun twist on the usual Easter gift ideas

2Puppet fun

Felt finger puppets will keep little ones entertained for hours. We love Laura Hall’s dinky designs, which she sells on Etsy and Folksy under the name, With Hugs and Kisses.

She says sales peak during Easter and summer holidays: “Finger puppets inspire storytelling and allow kids to think up character ideas and express their emotions while the Easter animals are popular as they are associated with all the fun to be had at this time of year.”

3Chocolate treats

Chocolate will always sell well at Easter, says Zara Narracott, founder of Zara’s Chocolates (zaraschocolates.co.uk) in Bristol.

“Last year my cute little Easter chicks were best sellers. I fill them with mini gold-dusted eggs for an extra surprise.” What’s more, says Zara, handmade chocolates are gaining in popularity: “I love creating something that not only looks really special, but tastes incredible, so customers can’t help but love it.”

6Beautiful softies

The beauty of making gifts for little ones is that you can be so creative, says Michelle Kreussel, who sells her fabric characters at thefoxintheattic.com. While she sells all year round, she finds her designs make popular Easter presents: “My chickens and bunnies are smaller so they fit snugly into an Easter basket to make an extra-special gift.”

7 Dresses to delight

Children are often at the centre of Easter celebrations and, increasingly, shoppers are looking for a way to indulge them with something other than chocolate as Kirsty Hartley of Wild Things Funky Little Dresses (found on Etsy, Folksy and Not On The High Street) has discovered. Her bunny and chick dresses sell especially well at Easter with half her orders coming from US customers: “My makes are bought by grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles, and their irresistible cute factor makes them perfect Easter gifts for the big Easter egg hunt,” she says.

4

Handmade cards are always a good seller says Rebecca Lewis from Suffolk, who runs Handmade at Poshyarns (poshyarns.net).

She added Easter fabric cards to her 2013 collection after spotting a gap in the market.

“Textiles always provide that wonderful tactile experience and look fabulous when framed!”

Ceramics designer Kate Clark, who runs Gilbert and Stone on Folksy and Etsy, sees a rise in the sales of her glazed egg cups in the run-up to Easter. “In January I sent off 21 personalised egg cups to a lady in Australia!”she says. “Add a chocolate egg to one of my cups and you’ve got a perfect Easter gift!“

Karen’s appliqué cosies are a popular Easter gift choice

8

Kate’s personalised ceramic designs are always in demand

9Springtime flowers

Everyone loves flowers and Easter is the ideal opportunity to bring some spring blooms into the home. Independent florist Alison Golding, who owns wild-aboutflowers.co.uk believes that people are uplifted by the flowers they see starting to grow in gardens after the winter months and want to share that feeling with family: “I offer lots of different spring flowers such as the beautiful Eucharis lily plus we can add little chocolate eggs and chicks too!”

10Adorable decoration

Textile greetings

5Colour-burst cups

Makes for baby can also be marketed as the perfect Easter gift

Buttery biscuits

Easter biscuits are bigger than your average biscuit – hurrah! We love them for this, and for their soft, sugary crunch and tasty, chewy currents. Hyan-Young Shin, who runs her own boutique biscuit bakery based in West London, biscuitvillage.com, is seeing sales of her iced Easter biscuits rise year on year. “Our Spring Easter Tin is a best seller, second only to the Christmas tins. And while our customers favour bold vibrant colours at Christmas, we opt fpr pretty pastel tones for our Easter designs,” she notes.

Fun-loving hosts will want to decorate their home at Easter – and Jo Heckett who runs joheckett.com has just the thing: pretty porcelain egg decorations.

She stamps and paints each little egg for hanging, or to give as presents and they’ve quickly topped her best-sellers list. “They are popular for hiding in Easter Egg hunts or as keepsakes,” says Jo. “Customers like the use of colour, and of course the high standard of craftsmanship.”

Jo appeals to buyers’ desire for colour and quality

Craftseller 39

SAVE 47% WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE to the digital edition

Craftseller is the ONLY magazine for crafters who want to make and sell with every issue packed with 100s of ideas to make for your stall, sell online or give as gifts. Featuring gorgeous, on-trend projects for easy proďŹ t, monthly expert advice and real life success stories, Craftseller is the perfect companion to inform and inspire you to join the craft-selling community.

Have Craftseller Magazine delivered straight to your device when you subscribe Simply return to homepage to subscribe

Katie Skilton demy a c A t f a r C Offering online classes, tutorials and information on all aspects of crafting. r New fo : h Marc y Therap Retai l l stamps to Digita antly inst ad downlo

07595 918944 email@katieskilton.com www.katieskilton.com

BAKE IT

Easter bakes

Spring into action as the sun starts to shine with our pretty Easter bakes guaranteed to draw in the crowds at your next craft fair. By Jessica Sharp

We love...

Spring colours and traditional treats

BAKE IT

T

hese scrummy Easter treats look and taste fantastic, and they’re a great way to tempt shoppers over to your table.

Most people will buy a treat to eat at any event, so don’t be shy and stack them high.

This month’s delights include gorgeous swirly chocolate fudge cupcakes for the chocoholics – pile them up on a pretty tiered cake stand for maximum impact! You also can’t go wrong with the cute Easter-themed cake pops – sell wrapped in scrunchy cello bags for an Easter gift or for lucky kids to rip open and eat there and then. Finally, a much-loved spiced hot cross bun, is given a modern twist as a moreish muffin, great for the traditionalists in the crowd and lovely to take home for a special Easter breakfast.

INGREDIENTS For the cake pops mixture: * 400g (14oz) sponge cake (bought or home made) * 200g (7oz) white chocolate For the Easter eggs * 300g (10½oz) pink coating chocolate (or white chocolate and oil-based pink food colouring) * Sprinkles of your choice For the chicks * 300g yellow coating chocolate (or white chocolate and oil-based yellow food colouring) * Orange chocolate buttons * Black food pen For the sheep * 300g (10½oz) white coating chocolate or white chocolate * Licorice buttons * Pink heart-shaped sprinkles * White pearl sprinkles Special equipment * Cake pop sticks * Black edible food pen * Tall glasses or oasis Makes: 12-16 Time taken: 3 hours (plus cooling time) Skill level: moderate

44 Craftseller

Easter cake pops If you wish to use homemade cake for the cake pops, beat together 200g (7oz) each of sugar, butter and self-raising flour along with four eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add some food colouring (optional, but pink looks good). Divide the mixture between two lined 20cm (8in) sandwich tins and bake in an oven preheated to 180°C, 160°C Fan, Gas mark 4 for 25-30 mins. Cool completely before proceeding as follows.

1

Using your hands or a food processor, break the cake into fine crumbs.

Melt the white chocolate and mix all but two tablespoons of it into the crumbs. Use your hands to clump together walnut-sized amounts of the mixture and roll into balls or egg shapes – each should weigh about 25g (1oz). One by one, dip the tips of the cake pop sticks into the remaining melted chocolate and gently insert no more than half way into the balls. Place the cake pops on a baking sheet, cover loosely with cling film.

2

For the chicks you will need to cut the orange chocolate buttons in half to make feet, and in quarters to make the wings and beaks. For the sheep, shake the pearl sprinkles into a bowl. Cut some of the licorice buttons into pieces to make the legs and ears of the sheep; keep some whole for the faces. Also have ready some tall glasses or oasis to stand the pops in while they dry.

3

To decorate the cake pops, melt the coating chocolate according to the packet instructions. If it is a little thick, add a teaspoon or two of vegetable shortening. If you are using ordinary white chocolate, melt in the microwave or a bowl suspended over simmering water then add the oil-based colouring. Remove the cake pops from the fridge. Take one and dip it into the chocolate; remove and gently spin the pop to shake off

4

any excess. You can fill in any gaps around the base of the cake pop by spooning some chocolate over.

Dip and decorate the cake pops one at a time, placing them in a glass or oasis to dry when finished. For the Easter eggs, stick sprinkles of your choice all over the surface of the egg-shaped cake pops. For the chicks, stick on the feet, wings and beaks (once the chocolate is dry you can draw on the eyes using the black edible food pen).

For the sheep, first stick a licorice button on for the face, then roll the cake pop in the pearl sprinkles. Use a little of the chocolate to stick on the licorice ears and legs. Make the nose by sticking a heart-shaped sprinkle onto the face of the sheep; paint on the eyes using a little of the melted chocolate. The finished cake pops will last for up to a week in a cool place (not the fridge).

5

BAKE IT

M A K£E6 FOR

1 FORC£H EA

Craftseller 45

BAKE IT

MAKE FOR £2 FOR £1 EACH INGREDIENTS For the muffins * 450g (1 lb) strong white bread flour * ½ tsp salt * 50g (2oz) very soft butter, cubed * 7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast * 2 tsp ground mixed spice * 50g (2oz) golden caster sugar * Finely grated zest 1 lemon * 275ml (9½oz) milk * 2 eggs, beaten * 150g (5½oz) mixed dried fruits, with mixed peel * 50g (2oz) glace cherries, halved For the crosses and glaze *2 tbsp plain flour *2 tbsp golden syrup, melted Makes: 12 Time taken: 1 hour (plus 3 hours’ proving time) Skill level: Easy

How to make the hot cross bun muffins Put the flour, salt and spices into the bowl of a freestanding mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Mix briefly to combine. To different sides of the bowl, add the yeast, sugar and salt. Heat the milk until lukewarm and add this to the bowl, along with the eggs and butter. Mix the ingredients on a slow speed for a couple of minutes until combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix for a further five to ten minutes.

Alternatively you can knead the dough by hand but it will take longer. Tip the dough into a lightly oiled bowl; cover loosely with cling film and leave aside for about an hour, until the dough has doubled in size.

1

46 Craftseller

Hot cross bun muffins Once the dough has rested, incorporate the dried fruits and lemon zest and leave to rise for a further hour, as before. Meanwhile, cut out 12 squares of baking parchment, each measuring about 12cm x 14cm (5 x 5 ½in). Once the dough has had its resting time, divide it into 12 even-sized pieces using lightly oiled hands. Press a square of baking parchment into a tin hole and drop a ball of dough into it; repeat with the remaining baking parchment and dough. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 180°C Fan, Gas mark 6 and leave the buns to rise for 30 mins.

2

For the crosses, mix the flour with 4-5 tbsps cold water until a smooth paste is formed. Spoon this into a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip (or just use a freezer bag with the corner cut off). Pipe crosses of the flour paste onto the buns, then bake them for 15-20 minutes until they are well risen and browned. Brush the buns with the melted golden syrup and remove to a wire rack to cool. The buns are best eaten on the day of making.

3

TOP TIP It’s a good idea to wrap each muffin individually as they can get very sticky!

BAKE IT

MAKE

FOR £2.25

Chocolate fudge cupcakes INGREDIENTS

To make the chocolate fudge icing, first melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave. Measure the cocoa into a large bowl; add the butter and stir or whisk to make a paste. Stir in the milk then gradually add the icing sugar to make a thick, glossy icing. If the icing is too thick, add a little.

3

For the cake: * 40g (1½oz) cocoa * 175g (6oz) caster sugar * 175g (6oz) butter, at room temperature * 115g (4oz) self-raising flour * 1 tsp baking powder * 3 eggs For the decoration: * 60g (2oz) butter30g (1oz) cocoa * 3 tbsp milk * 250g (9oz) icing sugar * Mini chocolate eggs, to decorate

FOR £1.75

EACH

more milk. Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip and pipe swirls of icing onto the cupcakes. Top each with three chocolate eggs. The finished cupcakes will keep in a sealed container for up to five days.

SELL MORE Package in boxes of four, six or even 12 and sell as family or party-size treats!

Special equipment: * Electric whisk * 12-hole muffin tin Time: 12 cupcakes Makes: 1.5 hours Skill level: Easy

Pre-heat the oven to 170°C, 150°C Fan, Gas mark 3. Sift the cocoa into a large heatproof bowl or the bowl of a freestanding mixer. Stir in 4-5 tbsps of hot (but not boiling) water to create a thick paste. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.

1

Once the cocoa mix has cooled a little, add all the remaining cake ingredients and beat together for one 1-2 mins using a freestanding mixer or electric whisk. Divide the cake batter between the cases and bake for approximately 25 mins, until the cakes have risen and are firm to the touch. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

2

Craftseller 47

GOOD CAUSES

Charity bakes Bake some delicious eats and treats this month to help raise some cash for these three great charities

National Deaf Children’s Society Get baking and raise some dough for children who are hard of hearing What are you doing between the 29th April and the 3rd May? Host a Big Cake Bake event in your neighbourhood to show your support for deaf children while eating copious amounts of delicious cake!

The Big Cake Bake is an initiative set up

by The National Deaf Children’s Society, committed to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.

The charity helps the 45,000+ deaf children in the UK by providing free information and support to their families and running activities that enable deaf children and

See what you can create with a bit of food dye and a piping bag

“Help deaf children to have all the same opportunities” young people to learn new skills, gain confidence and meet other deaf children – often for the first time.

So put your cake-decorating skills to use, then invite friends, family and neighbours to make donations. Every penny will help give deaf children to have all the same opportunities as any other child.

You can find recipes and fundraising tips to get started at ndcs.org.uk/ bigcakebake.

48 Craftseller

A new spin on a traditional recipe will go down a treat

How you can help For more information on Big Cake Bake week, call 0845 2311617 or visit ndcs.org.uk

GOOD CAUSES

The Sick Children’s Trust Host a Big Chocolate Tea Party to help ill children – what could be better than that?

This one’s for all the chocoholics out there – if you can’t get enough cocoa, then put your addiction to good use by throwing a Big Chocolate Tea Party and raising money to help seriously ill children. This is a delicious way to do a good deed and a great excuse to try your hand at making chocolate goodies.

The Great British public earned a whopping £27,000 for The Sick Children’s Trust by holding Big Chocolate Tea Parties all over the country last year, which enabled the charity to fund 1000 nights in its ‘Home from Home’ accommodation. The Sick Children’s Trust believes that having parents on hand during hospital treatment massively benefits a child’s recovery, and so it provides clean, comfortable accommodation, just minutes away from pediatric wards, for families whose children

Paul and Sian can’t wait to help make your event a success

are receiving hospital treatment for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

This year the charity needs your help to beat that total. Big Chocolate Tea Parties come in all shapes and sizes. You could start the day with a muffin or pain au chocolate at a breakfast party, get colleagues at work to break for chocolate cupcake elevenses, have a community bake sale, or get the girls round for an evening of chocolateinspired cocktails. Take advice from experts

Yorkshire Cancer Research Charity begins at home – so make yours a tea party venue and help fund research Indulge in the nations favourite pastime of by putting the kettle on and enjoying a good brew with friends. Only this time, make an event of it and help fundraise for Yorkshire Cancer Research. The Yorkshire Teaparty is a new initiative launched by the charity encouraging people to host a tea party, ask guest for a donation to attend, then donate the proceeds to help with its vital work.

Over 260 people die from cancer every week in Yorkshire and it’s an area that has below national average five-year survival rates for many of the most common cancers. Many cancers in Yorkshire are associated with the county’s industrial past

Even the Mad Hatter and his friends are fundraising

and cultural and socio-economic factors, which need to be addressed through local research. Yorkshire Cancer Research helps the people of Yorkshire avoid, survive and

including TV’s Sian Lloyd when you register your event – you’ll receive a free party pack containing invites, balloons, a guest donation form and recipes from Britain’s own master chocolatier, Paul A Young.

How you can help For more information, call 020 7931 8695 or visit sickchildrenstrust.org

cope with cancer by funding world-class research, and with national charities and the government reducing their investments in cancer research in Yorkshire, the charity needs your help now more than ever.

So what can you do? We think this is a great initiative for your craft club to get involved with. Simply invite all the members to get together. You just need a venue, some tea and a couple home-baked cakes. Make even it more fun by having a theme – Yorkshire Cancer Research held its own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party recently at the top of Almscliffe Crag, where the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts enjoyed a cuppa and admired the views!

How you can help For more info, call 01423 501269 or visit yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk where you can download a tea party pack.

Craftseller 49

MAKE IT

MAKEI TA! PROF

50p MAKE FOR

FOR £3-£4

Spring has sprung!

With more people sending Easter cards, why not offer a range of sweet spring designs for your customers to choose from. By Wendy Massey

INFORMATION Materials * Free Craftseller papers * Scotch Expressions tape in green * Glue * Fine marker pen * Card blanks measuring 21cm x 15cm * Sticky pads * Small pre-made bow * White card Skill level: Easy

E

aster is a time for giving and what better way for people to send their greetings to loved ones than with a beautifully designed handmade card? Our eight pages of gorgeous free craft papers are the perfect starting place for your seasonal card making inspiration. This month we have have two Easter cards for you to try: a cute bunny as well as a pretty floral design which could be adapted for birthdays, thank yous and even get well soon occasions.

50 Craftseller

Floral card Cut a piece of cross-hatch paper and white card each measuring 13cm x 18cm and glue them together.

1

Cut three 5cm squares of flowered paper and attach each to 6cm squares of white card. Add faux stitching using a fine marker pen.

2

Cut a heart shape and a sentiment from the tags sheet. Cut a piece of white card slightly larger all around for each of them. Glue the heart and sentiment to the corresponding white card, as shown.

3

Stick a strip of green tape to the crosshatch paper, 2.5cm from the left and bottom edges, sticking the ends of the tape behind the card for a neat finish.

4

Secure the sentiment in place using sticky pads and layer with the heart.

Position the squares in place, securing the two ends ones first with sticky pads and finally the middle one (placing in this order will help with spacing them evenly).

5

6

Stick the completed image to the card blank using sticky pads, to finish.

8 PAGES

of exclusive designs

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

PAPER COLLECTION

Easter Fun

MAKE IT

MAKEI TA! PROF

MAKE FOR

50p

FOR £3-£5

Hello Easter Bunny!

Cute bunnies, chocolate eggs and soft pastels abound in this sweet design perfect for Easter buyers. By Wendy Massey Easter bunny card Cut two pieces of green flowered paper: one 19cm x 13cm piece and one 13cm x 2.5cm strip and cut the same sizes from white card. Cut bunny and plant pot templates and eggs and sentiment from the tags page. Cut a slightly larger piece of white card for the sentiment.

1

Stick flowered papers onto the white card. Create a strip of grass from green tape and stick onto the 13cm x 2.5cm paper, turning under the tape to neaten. Fix to the 10cm x 13cm paper with sticky pads.

2

Position the bunny and plant pot onto the card and attach using sticky pads in this order: ears first, then head, then his plant pot and finally his paws.

3

4

Stick eggs in place with sticky pads.

Attach bow with a small sticky pad.

5

Using sticky pads, secure the finished image onto the front of the card blank.

6

Add a cute bunny face, sketchy outlines or faux stitching as desired, to finish.

Craftseller 59

Est. 2000 | Devon

t s i L s t n e i d e r g In

Essential Oils Pigments Moulds Soap Supplies abels Personalised L

Tel: 0844 880 5381 | www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk

SEW IT

62 Craftseller

SEW IT

Monster make This fun felt and fleece pencil case makes a great gift for little monsters...just don’t feed him after midnight! By Jane Tooze

MAKEI TA! PROF

£2.50 MAKE FOR

FOR £6.50

Craftseller 63

SEW IT

INFORMATION * 25.5cm (10in) square beige fleece * Small square blue felt * Small square turquoise felt * Beige thread * Turquoise thread * 17.8cm (7in) beige chunky zip * 2 x goggle eyes * Bondaweb Size: Varies Skill level: Easy

T

his little monster pencil case is not only fun for kids, but it’s an essential item for any school child. Made from soft fleece and felt, it’s flexible enough to fit lots of pens and pencils into and so much nicer than a mass-produced neon PVC one!

It has a cute monster face that won’t scare anyone away, and as the face is appliqué, you can develop your own designs from here to stay flexible and ahead of the game. It’s fastened with a chunky zip which makes it very strong and practical for everyday use.

Make in different colours to appeal to girls as well as boys. You could even swap the tie for a hair bow or buttons and we just know that kids will love the goggle eyes – they really make the little monster come to life!

SAFETY FIRST This pencil case is not designed to be a toy but it will appeal to children so make it with care. Make sure the bead eyes are sewn on securely and the sections are all attached. Remember, if you intend to sell it, there are strict regulations to adhere to. Visit craftseller.com/free-downloads for advice on child safety.

00 Craftseller 64

How to make the monster pencil case 1 Cut out the fabrics using the templates on page 102. Iron Bondaweb onto the appliqué pieces – blue body, eyes and tie.

Peel away the paper and iron them into place onto the front of the monster. Stitch neatly around the shapes with a bright turquoise thread.

2 Take the front piece of the monster pencil case. Line up the middle of the zip with the centre top point of the monster.

Pin and tack the zip along the top edge.

Sew into place. Attach the other side of the zip to the back, pinning, tacking and sewing into place.

3 Unzip the zip and sew the rest of the pencil case together. Trim off the seams and turn the right way in. Make two tiny holes each side of your blue eye and slot the goggle eyes through. Push the backs firmly onto the inside of the pencil case to fix the eyes securely. Zip up pencil case to finish.

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy Purse by SquishyBee, £15.34

Etsy Wallet by MyFriendMonster, £19 each

SEW IT

with the t n e m i r Expe reate a c o t n g i s! des monster f o y l i fam Craftseller 65

If you want a friendly, affordable & easy to use website to sell your creations then Crafters Boutique is for you!

10%

Benefits of selling on Crafters Boutique include:

•

Rent your shop from as little as £6 per month - the longer you rent the more you save!

• • •

No commissions are taken!

Discount

for craft seller rea opening a new shoders p using code:

craftseller

Easily renew or cancel your shop at the end of your rental period!

List as many of your creations as you like - there is no limit!’

www.craftersboutique.co.uk

0115 9336182

enquiries@rarebird.ltd.uk

d en Fri

omponents llery c · Ex ewe pe J ly P rt a · ls last ic · J el Ename ew

. ice dv

This ring Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ

Is a 15 minute make, Gives a good profit margin Excellent for craft fairs Can be worked with other materials Ɣ Is fun and easy to do Ɣ Can be personalised

We at the bead pot love beads and creating and sharing all this with our customers...

We pride ourselves on our unique and stylish beads from all over the world, including glass beads, wooden beads, Swarovski Crystals and much more. We are always striving to find more fun and exciting new products to share with our beading family. support@beadpot.co.uk

01227 784844

www.beadpot.co.uk

The Bead Pot, 50 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2DY

Beautifully handcrafted and personalised bespoke gifts, children’s bedroom decorations/accessories, fun and easy sewing patterns and projects.

For more information contact Simmi simmi@gracesfavours.co.uk or visit our website

www.gracesfavours.co.uk

2

1

3

Fab freebies

OVER

£1100 OF PRIZES TO WIN

Be inspired by these gorgeous giveaways, and enter today for your chance to walk away with a fab prize!

3 prizes

4

1

LIFE’S A RAINBOW From bunting to patchwork, these pretty and colourful fabric bundles are perfect for eye-catching makes. We have four to give away, worth £30 each. *Prizes may vary.

VISIT THEVILLAGEHABERDASHERY.CO.UK To enter, text Text VILLAGE followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

2

CUTE CRITTERS Rebekah of TreeWingsStudio is behind Sleepy Critters – a gorgeous range of handshaped, painted beads. We’ve got five sets of four beads (worth £20 each) up for grabs, including owl, fox, fawn and rabbit designs.

68 Craftseller

TO WIN!

5 Visit TreeWingsStudio on etsy.com To enter, Text CRITTERS followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

3

SAVVY STITCHER Bag one of four book bundles of two titles by craft expert Jane Bolsover: Sewing Machine Basics and Sewing School Basics, £14.99 each, and you’ll be a savvy stitcher in no time!

Visit rylandpeters.com To enter, Text SEWING followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

4

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Win one of seven packs of plantable

papers containing meadow grass and wildflower seeds as well as sweet paper shapes in either hearts or flowers (£14.99).

Visit wildflower-favours.co.uk To enter, Text PLANTIT followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

5

BEST OF BRITISH We’re giving three lucky winners four skeins of British chunky wool yarn and a book of gorgeous garments and accessories to knit from Artesano (worth £45 each).

Visit artesanoyarns.co.uk TO ENTER, text CHUNKY followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

WIN IT

6

7 3 prizes TO WIN!

8

6

LOVE LIBERTY Style up your sewing projects with some gorgeous Liberty Lifestyle fabrics. Six lucky readers will win a bundle of five fat quarters in a range of eclectic designs (worth £17.50 each), inspired by the Art Noveau movement and London’s historic Bloomsbury district.

Visit sewbox.co.uk TO ENTER, text LIBERTY followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

7

SWEET TOOTH Are you a sweet fan or a baking fiend?

Enter now and you could win one of 10 pairs of tickets (worth £24 a pair) to attend the cake-lover heaven that is Cake International.

The event takes place at ExCel Centre, London from 10-12 April.

Visit ichfevents.co.uk TO ENTER, text CAKE followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

8

BEAUTIFUL BANNERS Smarten up your stall for the summer with three fab prizes from South Cheshire Banners.

One lucky winner will receive a custom designed banner (£64.99) to fit a standard craft table and two winners will each get a custom designed roll-up banner (£32.99).

Visit southcheshirebanners.com TO ENTER, text BANNER followed by your name, address and email to 87474*

* Terms and conditions apply: The Promoter is Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited. Entrants must be UK residents aged 18 years or older. Texts will be charged at 25p plus your standard network tariff rate. To enter by post: write your name, address and chosen freebie on the back of a postcard and send to: Craftseller 35, Immediate Media Company, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive newsletters, offers and promotions by post, email and telephone from Immediate Media Company Ltd and the prize providers sending offers and newsletters to you by post, email or phone. You can unsubscribe from these at any time. If you do not want to receive this information please add the words ‘NO INFO’ at the end of your text message or write ‘NO INFO’ on your postcard. Closing date for entries is 11.59pm on 9/04/14. For the full terms and conditions visit craft-seller.com/competitions

Craftseller 69

CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY

Diary of a craft selling mum Every month, craft seller and mum of two, Erica Martyn, who makes toys for her business Odds & Soxlets, invites us into her world…

All about me I am 34 years old, and mum to three-year-old Harry and baby girl, Lottie Rose! I have a husband called Martin and a naughty but very sweet 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier called Mr Biggles. We live in Dorset and I began my business in May 2011. I’m still learning heaps, while at the same time juggling home life, finances, and the needs and demands of my growing family and my customers…

Day 2 I finally put needle to thread and started working on the owl sensory toy I made for Lottie last year. The feedback has been so good, I am pretty sure it’ll be a seller. This cute little wise guy will be part of a collection of nursery handmade goodies.

I got round to drawing up the patterns for the three sizes of owl that I’ll be producing and spent most of today cutting out fabrics ready to sew up and make samples. I love this stage of the creation process because it’s such a buzz watching it all take shape.

Can’t wait to get stuck in making lots of pretty owls out of all the gorgeous fabrics I’ve got lined up.

Day 4

THIS MONTH * Crafty makes: 40 * New Products: 10 * Sleepless Nights: 9 * No of baby teeth: 0 but we know they’re there! * Cups of tea: 52

It’s Harry’s fourth birthday soon and he’s at an age where he knows what type of toys he likes, so I thought it would be nice if he helped design his own toy. He wants a cuddly monster to sit on his bed. We sat together and as he told me how the monster should look, I started to draw. About an hour later we ended up with two monsters in a little birthday scene with one of them holding a giant monster cupcake. So far so good, until Harry then announced this is what he’d like on his birthday cake! Oh dear, baking is not my field of expertise…

Day 6 After creating monster characters for

70 Craftseller

Baking Harry’s birthday cupcakes is a family effort!

CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY These cute owl toys are finally going into production

Harry’s birthday, it got me thinking about new product ideas and how I could find time to launch a new monster collection this year. I’ve been thinking about it so much that their little monstrous but cute faces have been appearing in my dreams!

I wonder if other crafters get similar visions when they’re working on an idea… I really do hope so! I narrowed it down now to a little family of three monsters to start with – a baby sensory toy monster aimed at newborns and youngsters, a midi monster which would be the perfect cuddle buddy for toddlers and then a maxi monster aimed at the older child. I’ve told Harry my plans and he’s very excited his birthday idea might become something more. Lord Sugar had better look out when Harry gets older!

Day 13 Watching Lottie today as she pulled herself up on everything from the baby gate to the coffee table, babbling away to me and crawling about exploring every part of the house has confirmed that I’ve made the right decision. My working day is now limited to her nap times, which is just too short to get all I want done. I think it is the right time to stop supplying creations to trade and to stop doing custom orders, for the foreseeable future. Both are exceedingly time-consuming, and this way I can be more efficient with my day, get my new ideas off the ground and work on using up the room full of fabrics and haberdashery, which is now bursting at the seams. Lottie needs me, and one of the advantages of being a crafter and working for yourself is being able to prioritise the really important things in life.

Day 17 Time to address the business of cakemaking for someone special’s birthday!

We decided on one giant cupcake for his actual celebratory cake and ordinary-sized ones for the party bags. I thought a trial run might be fun before the actual event – besides you can NEVER have too many monster cakes in the house can you?!

Baking with my family is always a rather messy affair and I’d love to blame the kids – but really the culprits are me and Martin.

Martin loves preparing the cake mix – and I have to admit, I’m not sure what his secret is but his cakes always taste much better than my efforts. However, once they’re out of the oven and cooled I take the stage and am in charge of decorating, with the help of my trusty assistant Harry of course! I kept it simple and we are rather pleased with the way they look. And as for the way they taste, there aren’t many left by the end of the day, which speaks for itself!

you can feel it in the air but you’re not quite sure what it is. Then there’s the distant rumble of thunder, but you wonder if you imagined it. Then crash – it’s happening: bright red cheeks, horrible nappies, chewing everything that’s not nailed down, dribbling, lots of tears and random deadof-night wakings. Lottie’s eight-and-a-half months so it’s exactly the right time for her first teeth to be cutting through. Harry was the same time. But it doesn’t make it any easier having been through it before.

My time this month hasn’t been spent very productively if I’m honest. Thanks to being awake at 3am, instead of working in the evening, there’ve been a fair few early nights for me with a hot milky drink.

Despite the lack of sleep Erica finds time to get crafting

Day 20 We are now a two-vehicle family – I’m so proud! Harry has a new scooter. On his days home with me and Lottie, I make sure the three of us have some fun. And for Harry that means scooting about on his new two-wheeler. It makes walks very time-consuming as he zips along, not in a straight line but in a very erratic zigzag.

Lottie thinks it’s one of the funniest things she has ever seen and giggles constantly as she watches her big brother.

Sketches of Erica’s new monster toys

Day 28 It’s like a thunderstorm is coming… first

Craftseller 71

UPCYCLE IT

UPCYCLE IT

MAKEI TA! PROF

20 MAKE FOR £

FOR £ 50

From junk to funk Use clever decoupage to turn a plain old sewing box into a vintage treasure and you’ll have your day’s takings all sewn up! By Claire Watkins

INFORMATION Materials * Sewing box (or appropriate alternative) * Victorian paper downloads from fringeart and EdwardianScrapbook on Etsy * Sandpaper or electric sander * PVA glue * Dulux Made by Me Furniture paint in Duck Egg Blue * Clear satin varnish * Paint brushes * Craft knife Size: Varies Rating: Moderate

D

ecoupage is well and truly back in fashion and creates a look that will attract potential buyers. Boxes can be found in junk shops and car boot sales so keep a look out. Here we’ve used printable sheets from a couple of Etsy shops (approved for use in small commercial craft projects), but original vintage books or ephemera could be used. Try a combination of full sheets and cut-out elements to add variety. The base and legs are painted a duck egg blue, but you could cover the whole box.

How to make the sewing box Sand the legs, box and lid until most of the varnish has been removed. Put masking tape over the metal ends of the legs and apply two coats of paint to the legs, base and sides of the box, remembering to paint the inner edges too.

1

Print any chosen decoupage sheets and decide which pieces to keep whole or use as cut-outs. Arrange the pieces on the lid, and once you’re happy, take a quick photo to record of the layout.

2

Start in a corner and apply PVA to the area of the first piece of paper. Don’t water down the PVA if you’re using printables it may cause the ink to run.

Remember that you'll be building up the layers, so start with a piece that will be under the others. Smooth the paper down as you work – if you need to reposition, slowly peel back the paper to avoid tears. Smooth out any large bubbles as you work (the papers will bubble and wrinkle during glue application but once dry they will settle).

3

Fold the paper over the edges and clip the corners to give a neat finish. Cut away any excess paper that goes over the painted areas. Apply PVA over the edge and corners to seal in place. Seal small cut-out

4

items with a coat of PVA once stuck down, to stop them lifting. You may need to wait until the PVA is dry after laying a few pieces especially if they are overlapping others.

Once dry, cover the decoupage with a very thin coat of PVA. Again the paper might bubble but should dry back flat, however if the bubbles are large, gently press them back onto the lid with your fingers. Wait a couple of hours for the PVA to dry before applying a second coat.

5

Once the PVA is totally dry apply a very thin coat of clear varnish (try a test patch at the back of the lid if you wish). The decoupage may bubble but should dry back.

Apply another few coats of varnish, making sure each one is dry before applying the next. Varnish or wax any painted areas.

6

COPYRIGHT QUESTIONS Please be aware that there may be issues with copyright with some magazines so it’s worth checking before using anything in your projects as some images/editions will still be under copyright. Also never use anything with a trademark unless you have a licence! A great website for copyright information is copyrightaid.co.uk

Craftseller 73

KNIT IT

Shrug it off!

This naturally light, lacy shrug is a chic way to ward off chilly breezes but still keep your customers looking stylish. By Angela Turner

MAKEI TA! PROF

MAKE FOR

£20

FOR £40

74 Craftseller

KNIT IT

Craftseller 75

KNIT IT

INFORMATION Materials * 2 x 100g DROPS Lace in cream (shade 0100) * 3mm (UK 11, US 2/3) needles – just for the tension square * 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles * 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) circular needles * Tapestry needle for sewing * One button Size: To fit size 10/12 Sleeve measurement: 58.5cm (23in) from wrist to underarm Skill level: Moderate Tension: Using 3mm (UK 11, US 2/3) needles, cast on 28sts and stocking stitch 34 rows to give a 10cm (4in) square.

How to make the shrug

I

ABBREVIATIONS k: p: k2tog: st(s): st st: yfwd: inc: patt: tbl:

knit purl knit 2sts together stitch(es) stocking stitch bring yarn forward increase pattern through the back loop

Note: This shrug is knitted in one piece.

It is knitted using two strands of yarn together.

76 Craftseller

n spring and early summer, things can get a bit nippy, but everyone wants to shed the layers and dig out those lovely summery outfits. Fill the chill gap with this beautiful warm and light lacy shrug. It has that quirky vintage style that everyone wants, but remains a truly practical and worthy buy for those who’re savvy with their pennies.

Knitted in fine lace yarn, you’ll work two strands together so it knits up quicker and has a more substantial feel. The DROPS Lace yarn is wonderfully soft and silky made from 70% alpaca and 30% silk and being a natural yarn, it is kind to delicate skin but warm enough to keep off the chill. The stunning floral attachment is made up from three layers of knitted petals that are then sewn together and finished off with a button to the centre to give it a sweet vintage style.

Start at right sleeve Using 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles, cast on 38sts not too tightly.

Row 1: K3, *yfwd, k2tog, k3 rep from * to end.

Row 2: Purl.

Rep last 2 rows 7 times more.

Next row: Inc in first st, patt to last 2sts, inc in next st, k1. 40sts.

Next row: Purl.

Rep rows 1 and 2 four times more, working the additional sts as st-st.

Next row: Inc in first st, patt to last 2sts, inc in next st, k1. 42sts.

Next row: Purl.

Next row: K5, *yfwd, k2tog, k3 rep from * to last 2sts, k2.

Next row: Purl.

Rep last 2 rows 2 more times.

KNIT IT

Next row: Inc in first st, patt to last 2sts, inc in next st, k1. 44sts.

Next row: Purl.

Next row: K1, *yfwd, k2tog, k3 rep from * to last 3sts, yfwd, k2tog, k1.

Next row: Purl.

Rep last 2 rows 2 more times. Inc one st as before at each end of next, and every foll 6th row till 84sts, working extra sts in patt. Add a st marker at both ends.

Work 5 rows in pattern.

Next row: Patt to last 2 sts, inc in next st, k1. 85sts.

Work 5 rows in pattern.

Rep last 6 rows till 89sts.

Cont in patt without shaping for a further 51 rows.

Dec one st at end of next and every foll 6th row till 84sts then at both ends of foll 6th rows till 42sts.

Cont to dec one st at each end of 8th row then foll 10th row. 38sts.

Patt 15 rows without further shaping.

Cast off loosely.

turn. 8sts on left hand needle.

Next row: Purl 8, turn.

Next row: Knit 8, turn.

Next row: Purl 8, turn.

Next row: K2tog tbl, k4, k2tog, turn. 6sts.

Next row: Purl 6, turn.

Next row: K2tog tbl, k2, k2tog, turn. 4sts.

Cast off 4sts. Cut yarn and rejoin to rem sts.

Work pattern as before on next 6sts and so on till 6 petals have been worked.

Next row: Inc in first st, k4, inc in next st, turn. 8sts on left hand needle.

Next row: Purl 8, turn.

Next row: Knit 8, turn.

Next row: Purl 8, turn.

Next row: K2tog tbl, k4, k2tog, turn. 6sts Next row: Purl 6, turn.

Next row: K2tog tbl, k2, k2tog, turn. 4sts.

Cast off 4sts. Cut yarn and rejoin to rem sts.

Work pattern as before on next 6sts and so on till 6 petals have been worked.

Layer 2 (make 2 pieces): Using 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles, cast on 12sts.

First row: (Inc twice in each st by knitting into the front then the back then the front) to end. 36sts.

Next row: Purl.

TOP TIP Instead of sewing the flower to the shrug, add a brooch pin so it can be taken off

Dampen shrug and pin to a blocking board with right side facing, stretching where necessary to ensure the holes lie in straight lines. Allow to dry. Remove from board and sew sleeves for 58.5cm (23in). Turn right side out.

Border Use a 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) circular needle and 2 strands of yarn. With right side facing and beginning at bottom of armhole, pick up 125sts along right armhole, neck and left armhole and then 131sts along back of shrug. 256sts.

Work 5 rows 1x1 rib.

Cast off (not too tightly). Sew each end of border together. Sew in all loose ends.

Flower Layer 1 (make 2 pieces): Using 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles, cast on 12sts.

First row: Purl.

Next row: (Inc twice in each st by knitting into the front then the back then the front) to end. 36sts.

Next row: Purl.

Next row: Inc in first st, k4, inc in next st,

Craftseller 77

SEW IT

Layer 3 (make 2 pieces): Using 4.5mm (UK 7, US) needles, cast on 12sts.

First row: Purl.

Next row: (Inc twice in each st by knitting into the front then the back then the front) to end. 36sts.

Next row: Purl.

Next row: K6, turn. 6sts on left hand needle.

Next row: Purl 6, turn.

Next row: K2tog tbl, k2, k2tog, turn. 4sts.

Cast off 4sts. Cut yarn and rejoin to rem sts.

Work pattern as before on next 6sts and so on till 6 petals have been worked.

With right side facing, join each pair of flower petals then sew ends together to create circle. Leave layer 1 and 3 with central hole but for layer 2, sew a length of yarn around each st in circle then pull up tightly to close.

Trim all loose ends. Pin onto a blocking board, dampen and allow to dry. Remove from board and place layers on top of each other starting with the largest, ensuring each layer sits on top of the first one with the petals covering the spaces left between the petals of the previous layer. Sew together securely then add a button to the centre.

Pin in place on shrug then sew in position, sewing some of the top petals to the shrug as well as the centre of the flower to help the flower keep flat and not fall forward. Tie in all loose ends to finish.

TOP TIP After you've finished knitting, pin the shrug to a board to help stretch it into the correct shape

78 Craftseller

Use muted to nes to give the sh rug a vintage vibe

KNIT IT

SEW IT

You’ve made it, now sell it...

Read our tips and advice to get the most from your knitted shrug

1

Appeal to the wedding buyer by knitting in popular bridal hues (white, ivory, cream, champagne, taupe, rose) and listing under 'wedding' and 'bridal', etc.

2 3 4 5 6

Photograph your model in head-totoe vintage glamour to attract this blossoming buyer demographic.

Monitor colour trends and whip up a couple of shrugs in those hues then market as a 'must-have' item.

Be size wise: Make a couple of shrugs XS and XL to cover all shapes and keep your customers happy.

Shout about the quality – if using British Wool, pure Alpaca or eco yarn, let customers know all about it!

Model your own handiwork! Wear it yourself and tell people you made it – you may get lots of new commissions!

7 8 9 10

Think about your tags: List under and tag with 'gifts for her/mums' as well as 'Brit-knit', 'vintage style' and '1940s glamour' to broaden your market.

Seek out craft-loving bloggers and send pics of your gorgeous shrug to them. They're often looking for new content and may well give you a mention.

Team with other knitted makes such as purses or bags so buyers can see (and buy!) the other items in your fabulous range.

Target yummy mummies by making shrugs for tots to teens in bright colours with detatchable button-on flowers for the older ones.

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy: Cosy Chunky Shrug by Skein and Spool, £32.71

Tiny Owl Knits: Forget-me-not wool shawl pattern by Tiny Owl Knits, £3.39

Etsy: Hand knit bolero in various colours by Solandia, £21.51

Craftseller 79

SELL IT

Get yourself TO MARKET Spring is in the air so what better time to take the plunge and book a stall at your first craft fair? We look at how you can find the right one for you and how to get the most out of your chosen event…By Holly Johnson

SELL IT

W

ith Etsy, Folksy and a host of other handmade marketplaces on the internet, is it really worth the time and effort involved in setting up a craft fair stand? “Yes!” resounds Beckie Melvin, who has been a crafter for ten years, moving from card making and papercrafts onto textiles and fabric projects (check out her work at facebook.com/KittyKatCrafts). “Craft fairs are a great way to meet fellow crafters, network with locals, promote your brand and, of course, make some sales.” In fact, Beckie believes in the power of the personal approach, so much that she set up her own events business two years ago, organising craft fairs and events all across the UK (CraftFairsUK.co.uk).

Be selective “We get a real mix of crafters,” she tell us.

“Jewellery makers, card makers, bakers, wood turners, home textiles, upcycled furniture… We limit the number of each type of stall, so that there is a good selection for visitors, and of course the crafters get the benefit from less competition (although we all know a little competition is healthy!)”

But with so many craft fairs out there to choose from, how can newbies find the best one for them? “Ask questions,” says Beckie.

“An experienced organiser like myself won’t mind answering anything that’s on your mind and will put you at ease.

Find our what promotion the fair will do to ensure it’s being well marketed both on and offline

long after I started the business, I was asked to have a table at a small craft fair which was billed as ‘the best and biggest handmade and vintage fair in the county’ for just £10. I had reservations about it, but I went ahead. My reservations were proved right and I spent the day in a church hall that looked like a jumble sale. The fair has to be the right ‘fit’ for your products and the brand that you’re trying to establish. Find out how many other stalls there’ll be and what they’ll be selling. If it’s not really your style, it may well be a waste of a day.”

Make sure the fair your choose is right for you so don’t be afraid to ask the organiser questions

“I’ll give you a list of all the marketing and advertising we’re doing to spread the word about the fair.”

Madelon Juliano is another craft fair organiser (renegadecraft.com) with handy tips for first timers. “Think about pricing,”

“Attend small fairs to trial stock and gauge volumes needed for larger events” advises Madelon. “You don’t want to sell yourself short, but you don’t want to take that piece back home with you after the show’s over. Ask yourself if it’s worth it to have that piece sitting in your studio/ storage until next time. Think about why that piece didn’t sell. Was it the price? Did it take you too much time to make? Is there an easier way to make it so you can reduce the price? Is it worth ever making it again if you can’t?” Look at what other sellers are charging for similar items, and think about running special promotions to attract shoppers. After all, everyone loves a bargain!

Do your research Kate Sage, who is a craft fair regular and runs The Slate Boutique (facebook.com/ theslateboutique), has learnt to do her homework before setting up shop. “Not

82 Craftseller

Practise makes perfect However, starting small is not always a bad idea: “Attending some smaller but wellorganised fairs to begin with allows you to trial your stock, get an idea of how much you can potentially sell and helps you gauge the volume of stock you’d need for a larger, more costly event,” says Kate. “You also have to weigh up the maximum turnover you could make, based on your average price point. If you sell lots of little things, which are generally a few pounds each, is it worth you even thinking about paying a lot of money for a table? Even if you sold all of your stock, you still wouldn’t make that much profit.”

Another factor to consider is how well your fair is going to be promoted. “People don’t just flock to fairs out of nowhere – they go because they’ve seen a poster/banner/ flyer in the local area. Without effective promotion, people will not turn up. If the organiser doesn’t tell you how they plan to promote the event, ask them. If they struggle to answer, you may want to think twice before signing on the dotted line!”

And finally, don’t forget that not all sales will take place on the day of the fair itself.

“Make sure you take business cards and leaflets with you,” says Beckie. “If people don’t purchase an item then and there, they can contact you after the event to browse your items. Your cards should have your name, phone number and/or email address – as well as a link to your website, if you have one. Your cards should be a reflection of your business, so get arty!”

SELL IT

2

Tips for craft fair beginners 1. DON’T SET OFF TOO LATE Packing and unpacking the car and setting up your stand can take longer than you think.

2. DON’T FORGET TO DO YOUR RESEARCH – the wrong type of fair can be a waste of time and money and may even do damage to your brand!

3. DON’T PRESUME A HIGH FOOTFALL MEANS INCREASED PROFIT. Larger fairs cost more and more stalls mean a wider choice for shoppers – so you have to work harder to make any money.

4. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR BUSINESS CARDS – sales after the event are just as important as those made on the day, so make sure all your contact details are on there and that your card is well-designed!

5. DON’T BE TOO SERIOUS – have fun, smile, and you’ll draw in the crowds.

4

1 3

1 Display is key to turning browsers into buyers at craft fairs 2 Cakes and bakes are eternally popular at craft events 3 Kate of The Slate Boutique’s stall has been fine-tuned over the seasons to ensure maximum footfall 4 A venue can really dictate the atmosphere of a craft fair so where possible, visit the location before booking a stall

SEW IT

Cute as a bug!

Bring a dose of spring fun to your craft stall and create a real buzz with these cute little needle-felted critters. By Vicky Craxton

MAKE

P R O F I TA!

MAKE

FOR £14 FOR £15 EA CH

84 Craftseller

SEW IT

Craftseller 85

SEW IT

How to make the felted bugs 2 To attach the head to the body, first place it on top of the body and then stab the bottom of the head into the top of the body until it stays fixed. Cover the head and body with another layer of the wool roving. Wrap it around the neck to cover the join. Stab the wool roving in place with the size 38 needle until it is fixed and smooth. Build up the layers until you have the required shape.

INFORMATION Materials * 14g yellow wool roving * 2g cream wool roving * 20g chocolate wool roving * 30g sapphire wool roving * 30g black wool roving * 3g orange wool roving * 11 x 8cm (4¼ x 3¼in) white felt * 5 x 3cm (2 x 1¼in) baby pink felt * 24 x 12cm (9½ x 4¾in) royal blue felt * 16 x 14cm (6¼ x 5½in) red felt * 6 x 5mm (¼in) black plastic round beads * Black sewing thread * Black embroidery thread * Royal blue sewing thread * Baby pink sewing thread * White sewing thread * Red sewing thread * Foam pad * Felting needles, sizes 38 and 40 Size: (H x W x D) Bee: 10cm (4in) x 9.5cm (3¾in) x 6cm (2¼in) Ladybird: 10cm (4in) x 9.5cm (3¾in) x 7cm (2¾in) Butterfly: 10cm (4in) x 13cm (5in) x 6cm (2¼in) Skill level: Moderate

T

his cheerful trio of butterfly, bee and ladybird are classic bugs full of cheeky character which are so much fun to make. Made using a mixture of materials and techniques, they really allow you to showcase your skills, so make sure you emphasise their handmade qualities to customers.

The main basic shape is needle felted; the wings are felt with needle-felted details; and the faces have felt, bead and embroidery embellishments. They make the perfect gift for spring time, in fact your customers are sure to keep bugging you to make more!

86 Craftseller

3 To help the body stand upright, stab the bottom and push it with your thumbs to make it flat. Do the same for each insect but change the wool colour. Remember to use brown wool roving for the bee’s head, and yellow wool roving for the body.

Templates Using the templates on page 102, cut out the items listed below. * Royal blue felt: cut four butterfly wings. * White felt: cut six eyes and four bee

wings. * Red felt: cut four ladybird wings. In baby pink felt, cut six cheeks.

1 Before using the wool roving, fluff it up slightly first. To make the body, roll up 10g of the wool roving into a ball and stab with the size 40 needle until it becomes solid. To make the head, roll up 7g of the wool roving into a ball and stab with the size 40 needle until it becomes solid.

4 To make the stripes on the bee, take two long strips of brown wool roving that are about 1cm (¼in) wide and wrap each one around the bee’s body. Stab these in place with the size 38 needle.

SEW IT

5 To make the dots on the butterfly, roll up small pieces of orange wool roving into oval shapes that are different sizes and stab each one in place on the body with the size 38 needle.

6 Roll a 10cm (4in) length of cream wool roving that is 3cm (1¼in) wide into an oval shape. Place it on the insect’s head to make the face and stab it with the size 38 needle until it stays fixed and is smooth.

7 Sew the two felt cheek shapes onto the face using an overstitch. Then sew on the two felt eye shapes. Sew a black bead onto each felt eye. Then using one strand of the black embroidery thread, double it up and sew a simple smile between the cheeks.

Do the same for each insect. Sew each pair of felt bee wing shapes together using an overstitch and then sew them onto the back of the bee’s body.

8 To make the dots for each ladybird wing, roll up small pieces of black wool roving into circle shapes and stab them in position on each wing with the size 38 needle until they stay fixed. Make sure the dots look symmetrical when the wings are placed next to each other. Sew the dotty ladybird wings onto the plain felt wing shapes using an overstitch. Sew the top of wings onto each side of the ladybird’s body.

10 To make each antenna, first roll up a 5cm (2in) length of 2cm (¾in) wide wool roving into a small ball and stab with the size 38 needle until it becomes solid. Then fold a 10cm (4in) length of 3cm (1¼in) wide wool roving in half so it is about 1.5cm (½in) wide. Roll it up into a cylinder shape and stab it with the needle to make it solid but keep each end fluffy. Stab one end to make it thinner and pointier than the other end. Hold the shape in a bent position and stab it with the needle to keep it bent. Stab the pointy end into the ball until it is fixed and stab the other end into the insect’s head until it stays attached. Do this twice for each insect.

9 On each felt butterfly wing shape, stab three different-sized oval shapes of orange wool roving in place using a size 38 needle.

Stab a circle of orange wool roving onto the bottom of each wing shape and stab two tiny dots of blue wool roving on top.

Sew each pair of butterfly wings together with an overstitch, then sew the wings onto the butterfly’s back.

SAFETY FIRST The needles snap very easily so only use to stab rather than to reposition the wool. It may be a good idea to buy a few needles so you have spares. It is also very easy to stab your fingers with the needles so it may be a good idea to wear a thimble.

Remember, if you intend to sell it, even if it is not sold as a toy, there are strict regulations to adhere to.

Visit craft-seller.com/free-downloads for advice on child safety.

Craftseller 87

SEW IT

You’ve made it, now sell it...

Follow our tips to maximise profits from your needle–felted bugs

1

Make cute accessories such as a blade of needle-felted grass, several sweet blooms or a tiny honey pot to accompany each bug.

2 3 4 5 6

Create add-ons such as little baby ladybirds, a queen bee complete with crown or a leaf-munching caterpillar!

Photograph your bugs amongst the roses or hiding in the strawberry patch to add a sense of fun.

Make cake toppers and fix onto cocktail sticks or sell as sweet table decorations for a spring wedding.

Watch your finish! Make sure your felting is tidy and all stitches stand up to scruitiny by eagle-eyed buyers!

Offer free gifts for multiple sales.

A packet of flower seeds would be a sweet touch that costs pennies!

7 8 9 10

Use photo-real colour schemes.

Butterfly fans love accurate versions of favourites like the Red Admiral, Painted Lady or Tortiseshell so stay real!

Have fun with packaging. Why not make a hive for the bee and leaf or flower-printed boxes for the ladybird and butterfly?

Use as cute props when displaying or photographing other spring makes but make sure you list the bugs' prices as you might pick up some extra sales.

Needle-felt a whole tiny world which buyers can collect such as dragonflies, flowers, toadstools... the possibilites are endless!

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy: Needle-felted Ladybug by CraftsByKeri, £3.80

88 Craftseller

Etsy: Needle-felted Butterfly Barrette

by WildandWoolyWorld, £27.68

Folksy: Needle-felted bumble bee by Woollydoodle, £4.50

Q&A

Ask us Our panel of experts is on hand to answer all your crafting and selling questions Selection of baking tools at tesco.com starting from £4

Totes amazing!

I’ve said I’ll make some craft items for a fair my best friend has organised. But I have no idea where to start and time is running out… On top of this, my skill set is limited and I have no sewing machine, to whip up a few makes in an evening!

Q

TRISTAN, LONDON We have a totes simple idea, which will make you look like a craft-selling expert. Yes that’s right, tote bags. You don’t even have to sew the bags. You can purchase 100% recycled calico cotton bags for just £1 (hobbycraft.co.uk) and then cut out stencil shapes on acetate and secure on the bag with double-sided tape. Place thick cardboard inside the bag. Lightly fill in the stencil using fabric dye, building up the layers and allow to dry completely before removing the stencils. Hand stitch any embellishments as required for that finishing touch!

A

Tote bags like these from Hobby Craft are easy to embellish and look fab!

Charity case I make cakes and bakes for our village charity fêtes twice a year but have recently been told that I now need a hygiene certificate and must abide by the European food safety laws. When I tried to look it up, my head started spinning! I am so, confused – please help!

Q

MRS JEAN ROSSNER, GLOUCESTER You are not alone in being confused about the exact rulings but we have some good news for you! Last year, the Food Standards Agency ruled that volunteer cooks and charity groups who occasionally prepare food for community events are not covered by EU laws. This also means you no longer need to possess a food hygiene certificate before you’re allowed to offer your wares for sale. So in simple black and white terms: “There is no rule banning the sale of homemade cakes at school fêtes or other community events.” The exception to this would be organisations that regularly serve hot food, cater for children under the age of five or elderly people, or sell food at large-scale events – then they must be registered.

A

Craftseller 89

Q&A

FAQ The Go-To-Book for Irish Crochet Motifs by Kathryn White (£9.99, searchpress.com)

MY TOP TEN TIPS

Kathryn White has demystified Irish crochet for you to try

LIS WILLIAMS (NoodleBubble on folksy.com) on how NOT to run a craft stall!

1

Turn up on the day and expect to be given your ideal stand.

2

Learn how to put up your borrowed gazebo on the day.

3 4

Don’t bother with a table cover.

Never use labels… change your prices based on how rich people look.

5

Business cards are an avoidable, unnecessary expense.

6

Don’t waste any time! Call friends or watch YouTube vids.

7

If a buyer doesn’t have a bag, point out that they should to help the environment.

8

Let shoppers find the right money… why should you lug around change?

9 10

Look bored and check your watch.

Rely on other sellers for change and bags.

90 Craftseller

Getting crochety I remember my Irish granny doing Irish crochet and I have found some vintage patterns but cannot make head nor tail of them.

Where’s the best place to start?

Q

makes Amy-Lee unky and sells f s on ag upcycled b eBay

This month our top Facebook question is…

Q

I’m looking to make a collage and card for my musicloving hubby, but I’m having trouble locating materials, such as ribbon.

JO MILLAR

A

We love the musical note ribbon from the cakecraftshop.co.uk, for 82p/m. There’s a good selection of vintage sheet music from eBay on a buy-itnow basis. Check ebay. co.uk/usr/gerrysalgado who sells sheet music from old books, in various conditions.

EMMA, NEWCASTLE Irish crochet has always been an important part of the Irish needlework tradition. When times were hard, women had to find ways of supporting their family, and crocheting was popular as the equipment needed was simple – just a crochet hook and cotton. As you’ve already discovered, vintage patterns can be bewildering and difficult to interpret. Kathryn White has done the hard work for you and written The Go-To-Book for Irish Crochet Motifs (£9.99, searchpress.com), which includes easy-to-follow instructions and chapters on stitches, techniques, edging and assembly.

A

Tax payer In my spare time I like to buy old handbags, upcycle them and sell them on eBay. I would call it a hobby but do I have to let the tax office know?

Q

AMY-LEE, BY EMAIL

Make sure you know what your tax responsibilities are if you’re selling your crafts

HMRC says: “Amy-Lee is clearly trading. The whole enterprise has an air of commerciality.

She needs to inform HMRC of her activities, and she should be keeping a record of all her income and expenses to help her complete her first tax

return. If the level of sales don’t exceed the VAT threshold, which is currently £79,000, Amy-Lee does not need to register for VAT.” If you would like to find out more about your tax responsibilities visit hmrc.gov.uk for more information.

A

Q&A

NAME: 9Zc^hZ =VnZh SHOP: Through The Add`^c\ <aVhh dc ;da`hn TYPE: Knitting and crochet TOOL: Beaded stitch markers AVAILABLE: TJBdesigns on etsy.com, £15

“I drooled over the TJB Designs for weeks before choosing and I have been thrilled with them. The stitch markers work brilliantly – the wires are nylon-coated and very smooth, they’ve never caught on anything, and are much better than using plastic rings – you can see and feel the markers easily.

These are very useful for keeping your place, marking the start of rounds when doing circular projects or, keeping track of cables and

thumb gussets, for example.

I often use them both in the same pattern – with the knitting markers on my needles and the hooks to mark the last increase row so I can keep track of invisible increases. I now work much faster as I’m not getting lost in the pattern, or having to recount rows. I’ve made fewer mistakes and finish orders faster. They are so pretty – so much so, I have to pick them out of my fiveyear-old’s pirate treasure!”

Victorian values I am looking for Victorian-style etchings to use for my new card range.

Where can I source good quality images that I can use without having to worry about complicated copyright agreements?

Q

OLIVIA CHAPMAN, SWANSEA In December 2013 the British Library uploaded over one million images to Flickr, the popular image and video-sharing social network. The images are from 65,000 books spanning from the 17th to the 19th century. Covering a huge range of subjects, the collection includes images of book illustrations, diagrams, photographs and maps as well thousands of decorative elements such as borders and illuminated letters. They can be downloaded from flickr. com/photos/britishlibrary and they are both free to use and copyrightfree. In fact the British Library would be keen to hear how these wonderful images might Check out this find a 21st century home – great resource for just upload your work onto copyright-free images twitter.com/bl_labs

A

Search for Craftseller on facebook.com

@craftsellermag

GUEST EXPERT JOHN W. HAYES is a marketing strategist, public speaker and author.

Taken from his book A Crash Course in Email Marketing, here are his ten ways to grow and maintain your email marketing list.

Master email marketing BV`Z ^i Vh ZVhn Vh edhh^WaZ id gZ\^hiZg [dg ndjg email newsletter. Place your subscription form on every single page and never hide it behind a link in your website navigation – very few people will actually click here. Remember, once someone has left your site it is very hard to get them to return.

L]Zc hdbZdcZ Wjnh V egdYjXi dg hZgk^XZ [gdb your website you have permission to target them with similar marketing offers.

6YY Vc ZbV^a hjWhXg^ei^dc [dgb id ndjg ;VXZWdd` and Twitter pages as email marketing has the potential to give a better return on investment.

BV`Z ^i ZVhn [dg Zm^hi^c\ gZX^e^Zcih id h]VgZ ndjg emails by adding social media share buttons. This will ultimately send more traffic back to you.

6c VXi^kZ Wad\ \^kZh ndjg lZWh^iZ V ejahZ! `ZZeh you in the searches and helps your business stand out. Don’t forget to include your email subscription form on every page of your blog. :bV^a bVg`Zi^c\ Veeh bV`Z ^i ZVhn [dg ndj id add names to your list on the move. Whenever you meet potential clients ask if you can add them to your email list.

EaVXZ V Wdla dc ndjg hiVcY Vi igVYZ h]dlh [dg people to drop their business cards into or run a prize draw and you’ll get lots of addresses. > adkZ lZW^cVgh WZXVjhZ ZkZgn i^bZ > gjc dcZ I sell something (a book, a seat at a training ZkZci! ZiX # :kZc ^[ > Y^Yc¼i hZaa hdbZi]^c\ i]Zn are a great way of building your email lists. =dl bjX] gZeZVi Wjh^cZhh ^h adhi Vi ndjg hVaZh XdjciZg4 6h` [dg WjnZgh¼ email details, sweeten the deal by offering an incentive such as a discount e-voucher. >chiZVY d[ bdcZn d[[ ndj could offer subscribers exclusive promotions, such as the first chance to buy your new product.

yourletters@ craft-seller.com

Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN

Craftseller 91

A Crash Course in Email Marketing for Small and Medium-sized Businesses Wn ?d]c L =VnZh ]Vgg^bVc"]djhZ#Xdb! .#..

ESSENTIAL CRAFT TOOL

SEW IT

MAKEI TA! PROF

2 MAKE FOR £

FOR £5

92 Craftseller

SEW IT

Lavender love A touch of classic vintage style and the timeless scent of lavender makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift for buyers. By Emma Read

INFORMATION Materials * Cotton fabric scraps, varying sizes * Typewriter font letter stamps * Acrylic stamping block * Printing ink * Pink cotton thread * Loose dry lavender Size: 15 x 15cm (6 x 6in) Skill level: Easy

How to make the Mother’s Day hearts

W

ith Mother’s Day fast approaching you’ll need some products in your range that’ll attract dutiful present-buying offspring! These delightful lavender bag hearts are reminiscent of the old days, when they were used to freshen laundry, keep wardrobes and drawers smelling gorgeous, and keep unwanted winged guests at bay. These days they make beautiful adornments hung on doorknobs or hooks around the house, filling the air with the delicate fragrance of lavender.

Using scraps of shabby chic cotton fabrics in beautiful spring colours, they’re bound to put a smile on the face of the best mum ever.

Using the templates on p102 cut two large heart shapes and one long loop shape. Cut one each of the smaller heart shapes – we’ve used pinking shears but a plain edge would look just as good. Use the letters to spell out and print words of your choice on the smallest heart shape.

1

Take one large heart shape right side facing up, pin the larger of the two small heart shapes to the centre, and pin the small printed heart shape on top of that, all facing up. Sew a running stitch with a 0.5cm

2

(¼in) seam allowance around the edge of both hearts using pink thread, or a colour of your choice that stands out.

Fold the long loop piece of fabric in half length ways right sides together, pin, sew a running stitch length ways with a 0.5cm (¼in) seam allowance all the way to the end. Turn right side out and with the seam centre back, press flat. Make a loop shape and pin ends together.

3

Take the two large heart shapes, place first piece with right side facing up, pin loop piece to centre top of heart with loop facing down, and raw ends poking out the top of heart, place second heart piece right side facing down on top and pin both pieces together around edge.

4

Sew a running stitch around the edge of heart, with a 0.5cm (¼in) seam allowance. Leave a 5cm (2in) gap for turning and stuffing. Turn right side out and press.

5

Using a piece of paper folded into the shape of a cone, create a funnel and slot it into the small gap that you have left.

Fill the heart with dry lavender. Neatly handsew the opening closed.

6

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! Tweet us your tips and advice, and follow our own tweets @craftsellermag

Craftseller 93

SEW IT

94 Craftseller

SEW IT

Perfect picnicking Make the most of sunny weather sales with this pretty oilcloth picnic set that daytrippers everywhere will want. By Vicky Craxton

MAKE A

P R O F IT !

MAKE FOR £75

FOR £90-£100

Craftseller 95

SEW IT

INFORMATION

How to make the picnic set

Materials * 3 x 1.35m (118 x 54in) blue rose floral oilcloth fabric * 2.5 x 1.35m (100 x 54in) dotty rose pink polka dot oilcloth * Roller foot for sewing machine * 46 x 46cm (18 x 18in) cushion pad Size: (h x w) Cushion: 40 x 40cm (16 x 16in) Rug: 1.80 x 1m (71 x 40in) Bag: 40 x 55 x 16cm (d) (15¾ x 21¾ x 6¼in) Straps: 68cm long, 6cm wide (26¾ x 2¼in) Skill level: Moderate

1 How to make the rug Cut a 184 x 104cm (72½ x 41in) rectangle from both patterned oilcloths. Sew together (wrong sides out) leaving one short side open. Cut corners off to prevent bunching and turn rectangle inside out.

2 Fold in the edges of the short end that was left open and sew closed with a top stitch. Continue top stitching along the edges of the rug to make it look neat.

1 How to make the cushion Fold one long edge of both the cushion back shapes to make a 2cm (¾in) hem. Topstitch in place and pin onto the cushion front (right sides together.) Hems should be central and overlapping. Sew these in place.

2 Trim the corners and turn the cushion cover to the right side. Place the cushion pad inside and make sure it fills all the corners.

1 How to make the bag Sew each bag side shape to each short side of the bag front shape with right sides together. Sew the longest side of the bag base shape onto the bottom side of the bag front shape (right sides together). Sew short ends of side shapes and base shape together.

2 Sew the bag back shape onto the other side of the side shapes with right sides together to complete the main bag shape.

Turn the bag to the right side and fold the top edge inside the bag by about 3cm (1¼in). Pin in place.

N

ow that brighter days are here, this picnic set is the perfect project to get shoppers in the mood. Ontrend with its pretty prints, it’s practical and hardwearing. Chill out on the rug if the grass is a bit damp or use as a tablecloth for laying out the lunch. There’s a matching cushion for a touch of comfort and a large, roomy tote bag that’ll pack a picnic, no problem. As it’s all made from oilcloth, which can be pricey, don’t be afraid to charge a premium – your customers will appreciate the quality.

Cutting out the templates All the templates include a seam allowance of 1cm (¼in).

Follow the instructions on the individual templates and make up the following. * In the polka dot oilcloth, cut two complete ‘cushion backs’ and four complete ‘bag straps’. * In the floral oilcloth, cut two complete ‘bag fronts’ and ‘backs’, two complete ‘bag sides,’ one complete ‘bag base’ and one complete ‘cushion front’.

Note: Use a standard sewing machine foot when sewing the cotton side of the oilcloth and the roller sewing machine foot when sewing on the shiny side of the oilcloth.

96 Craftseller

SEW IT

Contrasting d patterns an colours add interest

NOW SELLING ON...

Notonthehighstreet.com Picnic set by The Garden House, £115

Notonthehighstreet.com Picnic blanket by Just A Joy, £49.50

TOP TIP Oilcloth can be tricky so use a roller foot on your sewing machine or tissue paper over the oilcloth

3 Sew each pair of bag strap shapes together along one of the long sides (right sides together). Turn straps to the right side and pin this long side down. Fold remaining long sides in by 1cm (¼in) and pin in place.

Use top stitch along each long side of straps.

4 Pin each end of the straps onto the top of the bag 12cm (4¾in) from each edge of the bag, so ends meet the end of the 3cm (1¼in) hem on the inside of the bag. Sew three lines of topstitching along the top edge of the bag to secure and sew the hem down.

Craftseller 97

MY CRAFT SHOP

My craft shop Meet a trio of craft sellers who share the moneymaking secrets behind their success

The online marketplace user Buyers comments and new techniques both feed into Amanda’s evolving designs

AMANDA ROBINS From Manchester

WEBSITE Gimme That Thing on folksy.com

TOP TIP If someone makesd an items like yours st ju u yo s undercut ge move on and chan your designs

“I started Gimme That Thing in 2010 after I broke my back falling off my crazy horse. I had been a potter previously, but until my back healed I couldn’t lift heavy clay. My young daughter was making beaded jewellery and suggested I give it a go, so with the help of some great online tutorials I taught myself wire wrapping and I discovered Folksy.

“Rather than copying trends, I followed my instincts and created something different.

I love working with brass and copper, applying verdigris patinas using kitchen chemicals to create a style in keeping with the whole urban chic retro feel of Gimme That Thing. I also encourage my customers to experiment with different colours – like happy hot pinks, oranges and reds. I think there’s too much beige going on in the fashion world.

“I’m constantly learning, improving and listening to comments from people who shop from my range.

I offer custom-made rings to any size, I take my best sellers and re-design them, and I learn new techniques to stay inspired. I’ve recently learned willow weaving, crochet and metal fold forming, all of which I’ve applied to my jewellery designs.

“I love the fact that Folksy isn’t a huge marketplace. For a small annual fee the Plus account entitles me to list items without additional charge. The forum is a great place to chat and pick the brains of other sellers, and the support team is quick to respond to any queries.

It’s a tad scary taking that initial step and opening an online shop, but the encouragement from other sellers makes you feel part of a team.”

“The encouragement from other sellers makes you feel part of a team” 98 Craftseller

Amanda stays inspired by learning new techniques that she can use to update and improve her designs

MY CRAFT SHOP

The craft fair seller

TOP TIP

JULIETTE LIVESEYHOWE

Take shee ts printed wit , colour products, h your contact in prices and fo out at craft, to hand fairs

from Horsham

WEBSITE Monster Orphanage on etsy.com

“My monsters have character”

Making toys for her children and nephews opened up new creative avenues for Juliette “You see toddlers dragging around one toy that they can’t be without – I want to make those toys.

“I always loved creating but then life got in the way. Now, being a mum and seeing things though kids’ eyes has re-fired my imagination.

“My monsters have character, inspire imagination, and have shapes and expressions that make you want

to hug them. And they are all totally washable, which is a must!

“I sell at craft fairs to interact with shoppers and to develop a local presence and I’ve probably made as much money in custom orders as from the stall – purely by striking up conversations. When people realise I can make something personalised, wrap it up and hand-deliver it to their door, they’re delighted.

Of course it’s more expensive, but the customer service and a truly original gift are worth it.”

The website owner Alison set up her site to celebrate the fabulous handmade designers she was finding “I nearly always buy handmade gifts and I’m always on the look-out for craft fairs. I love craft magazines and blogs so, to celebrate the work of the incredible designers I was finding, I started a blog, artofcrafts. net, where I interview crafters, offer tutorials and the latest craft news, plus some great competitions.

“The blog is a self-hosted website using my own domain and created on Wordpress. I started out as pretty non-techie, so I have learned along the way.

I like the flexibility of the site – I can constantly change the layout and design. I write much of the content or I feature lovely guest posts and tutorials.

“My Nan was a seamstress and I learned to sew on her very old Singer machine. I now enjoy all sorts of crafts, especially crochet. I love working with colour and I am addicted to jewellery, so last year I decided to put some of my designs online. I chose Etsy as I’ve had great experiences as a buyer. It’s early days so I’m still tweaking but it seems to be going well.”

ALISON WOOD from Wokingham

WEBSITE artofcrafts.net

Alison’s passion for crafts now centres around a love of jewellery

TOP TIP

“To celebrate the work I found, I started a blog”

Spread the word ts about your producw through intervie opportunities on other craft sites

Craftseller 99

CRAFTY COURSES

Crafty courses

at Be amazed n what you ca master at urses Flo-Jo’s co

Why not add a new craft to your skill set? Here are some of our top courses for you to try this month

Be at the heart of this craft boutique on a fun and flirty workshop

Flo-Jo Boutique ‘Something for everyone’ is the name of the game at this popular fabric shop and sewing workshop on Bristol’s Gloucester Road.

“We haven’t got a typical workshop customer,” explains Delia Adey, who cofounded the shop with her friend Erika Peto ten years ago. “We run sewing clubs for kids from age eight upwards (boys included!), alongside adult classes, which attract men and women of all ages.”

Flo-Jo’s learners come both to learn skills and to enjoy the shop’s warm, sociable atmosphere. “We have lots of regular customers, as well as more experienced sewers that like to add to their skill set.”

Over the years Delia and Erika have produced ranges of retro children’s

100 Craftseller

clothing, men’s shirts, Fifties-inspired swing dresses, frilly pinafores and aprons – and knickers, be they vintage, frilly or burlesque. Now, their focus has shifted to teaching knicker-making and creating their own knicker-making kits.

Flo-Jo prides itself on being a friendly and relaxed place to work. “The workshop and shop are open-plan, so learners feel right at the heart of everything,” Delia reveals. “In the evening the counters become cutting tables, and at weekends customers enjoy seeing the workshop in full swing .

“We like learners to come away with the confidence to use their new skills in their own projects – we also want them to enjoy the experience, socially and creatively.”

INFORMATION * Workshops include Knicker Making (10am-1pm, £35), General Dressmaking (4 weeks, 6-8.30pm, £75 plus materials), Corsetry (5 weeks, 6-8.30pm, £120) and Pattern Cutting (5 weeks, 6-8.30pm, £110). * For more info contact Delia and Erika on 0117 904 1498, flojoboutique@gmail.com or visit flo-joboutique.co.uk

CRAFTY COURSES

Learn To Make Jewellery “Three ladies travelled all the way from Fort William to attend my first block of classes in Inverness – now they work together to produce pieces, hold sales and have their own website!” Helen Cormack, founder of the Learn to Make Jewellery workshops, is rightly proud of the impact of her classes.

At her full-day workshops in Inverness and evening classes in Elgin, Helen teaches traditional jewellery-making techniques using precious metals. Learners are taught to use a jeweller’s saw, plus the arts of soldering, doming and forming, etching, clay casting, polishing and finishing, riveting and basic stone setting and more.

“Making something on the day builds confidence” Helen demonstrates some of the techniques herself, then supervises her learners as they try them out. And she encourages learners on the one-day workshop to make something simple that can be finished in a day. “There are

WHY NOT TRY...

a two reasons for this,” she explains.

“Firstly, if they discover that making jewellery isn’t their thing, they don’t need to return to finish the piece. Secondly, making something on the day gives instant gratification and builds confidence.

Attendees often melt down their own old pieces to remake them into something new.

“One lady made her and her husband’s wedding rings in this way! I’m just happy when someone leaves with a piece that they’ve made and can wear with pride.”

INFORMATION * Monthly classes in Inverness include a longer (typically 10am5.15pm) session for £45 plus materials and a shorter session (9.45am-2.30pm), £30 plus materials. Eight-week cycles of evening classes are held in Elgin (7-9pm, £100 plus materials). * For more info contact Helen on 07736839511, learnjewellery@ googlemail.com or visit learningtomakejewellery.co.uk

Other great craft courses around the country Silver Petal Jewellery Learn the art of silver jewellery in Chesterfield. Weekend beginners’ courses, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun, £95; improvers can attend eight-week blocks of morning, afternoon or evening courses at £76.

Visit silverpetal.org.uk Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School Relax, socialise and improve your culinary skills in the idyllic surroundings of the East Yorkshire Wolds. Day courses (£120-£150) include French and Pastry Made Easy.

Visit yorkshirewoldscookeryschool.co.uk Arts Alive Wales Find a wealth of creative courses from basket making to book art, pottery to photography at this arts studio and charity in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales.

Visit artsalivewales.org.uk Red Leaf Studio Artist Michele Mathieson offers a range of courses for adults and children at her studio in Bo’ness, west of Edinburgh. Weekly art classes, plus tailored studio workshops including Spring Colours in Mixed Media.

Visit michelemathieson.com Makeplace Over 30 different crafting and sewing workshops at this craft centre in Norwich.

Techniques taught include crochet, dressmaking, appliqué and needle felting.

Half-day or full-day classes available.

Visit makeplacenorwich.co.uk

Learn to work with precious metals to create unique jewels

Search for Craftseller on facebook.com

@craftsellermag

yourletters@ craft-seller.com

Lazy Crafternoons Lazy Crafternoons offers an expansive portfolio of workshops, in-home craft tuition and more, for all! Chris offers sewing, patchwork and quilting tuition lazycrafternoons.co.uk

Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN

Craftseller 101

TOP TIP Vist craft-seller. com/free-downloads to print all our templates at 100%, ready to use

Templates

Use these templates to make the paper cones on p27, Easter card on p59, monster pencil case on p62, needle felted bugs on p84, lavender heart on p92 and the picnic set on p94 BUGS (COPY AT 100%) CHEEK

CUT 6 IN BABY PINK FELT

BUTTERFLY WING

BEE WING

CUT 4 IN WHITE FELT

CUT 4 IN BLUE FELT

LADYBIRD WING

EYE

CUT 4 IN RED FELT

CUT 6 IN WHITE FELT

PICNIC SET (COPY AT 400%)

BAG FRONT AND BACK CUT 2 IN FLORAL OIL CLOTH

BAG STRAP CUT 4 IN POLKA DOT OIL CLOTH

BAG BASE

CUSHION BACK

CUT 1 IN FLORAL OIL CLOTH

CUT 2 IN POLKA DOT OIL CLOTH

CUSHION FRONT

CUT 1 IN FLORAL OIL CLOTH

BAG SIDE

CUT 2 IN FLORAL OIL CLOTH

102 Craftseller

MAKE IT LAVENDER HEART (COPY AT 200%)

LOOP PIECE CUT 1

EASTER CONES (COPY AT 100%)

LARGE CUT 2

MEDIUM

BODY

MONSTER PENCIL CASE (COPY AT 200%)

CUT 2

SMALL

EASTER CARDS (COPY AT 100%)

BODY

CUT 1 BLUE FELT BODY

PLANT POT CUT 1

PAWS CUT 2

EARS

CUT 2 (FACING EACH OTHER)

BUNNY FACE CUT 1

EYE

TIE

CUT 1

CUT 1

103 Craftseller

STOREROOM BEADS

CRAFT SHOP

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CRAFTSELLER STOREROOM PLEASE CALL JANE HENDY ON 0117 314 8823 OR EMAIL JANE.HENDY@IMMEDIATE.CO.UK GENERAL CRAFTS

THE CRAFT ROOM Products for cardmaking, scrapbooking, papercrafts and beading.

Stockists of a wide range of scrapbooking papers, quilling papers and decoupage sheets.

fairs and shows?

Lift your products to prominence with our portable display system

01626 336171 Unit 32, Basepoint Enterprise Centre, Stroudley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8UP Tel: 07749027634

Web: www.thebeadbase.co.uk

GENERAL CRAFTS MATERIAL NEEDS

57 Queen Street, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 2AU

thecraftroomonline.co.uk

ÂŁ25 per unit inc P&P UK mainland

www.redsquireldesign.net

ONLINE

A Bit Woolly

Cardmaking Supplies For Every Occasion

Online quality yarns & Knitting accessories store

IES

For Quality products at competitive prices Wools Dress, patchwork and quilting fabrics Cross stitch Haberdashery, ribbon, lace, braids ...and so much more

%HWWHU FKRLFH %HWWHU SULFHV %HWWHU VHUYLFH )UHH 3 3

www.abitwoolly.co.uk Top quality yarns & products at very reasonable prices. Speedy delivery & excellent customer service.Â

RQ 8. PDLQODQG RUGHUV RYHU

(01275) 843912 wendy@abitwoolly.co.uk

79 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1PE

Tel: 01278 794751 www.material-needs.co.uk

Advertise yyour Craftf Workshops and Craft Courses in our next issue of

from as little as ÂŁ45 + vat per month For more details contact Jane Hendy 0117 314 8823 Jane.Hendy@immediate.co.uk

Craft Creations www.craftcreations.com

*RW D TXHVWLRQ" SKRQH -HUU\ RQ

ZZZ FUDIWODPSV FR XN

NEXT MONTH IN BACK ISSUES 25 projects to make you a profit * Crafts to make and sell for spring fairs * FREE vintage tea party papers

weet Stitch s ding ed rustic w ng bunti

8 PAGES of papercraft papers ISSUE 32

FREE notebook and FREE assorted needle set

ISSUE 33

ISSUE 34

FREE Oriental Garden paper pack

FREE Mummy Makes Easter project book

BACK ISSUES ORDER FORM Item

Non-subscriber Subscriber

Back issue – UK

£6.35

£5.35

Back issue – Europe

£8.35

£7.35

Back issue – Rest of World

£9.35

£8.35

Issue(s)

Qty

Grand total

Total (£)

£

Your details: (please print clearly) Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss

Name

Address

Make a bea bridal n utiful ecklace

Postcode Country Tel number (in case of queries) Email address*

Method of payment: ■ I enclose a cheque made payable to Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd (Please write your name and address on the back of the cheque) OR, please debit my ■ Delta ■ Visa ■ MasterCard ■ Maestro

t Croche a retro n cushio

Card number:

* Contents subject to change

Our May issue

IS ON SALE FROM 10 APRIL SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO CRAFTSELLER Order online at buysubscriptions.com/craftseller Call now on 0844 322 1236 Lines open weekdays 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ Valid from ■■ / ■■ Expiry date ■■ / ■■ Issue number ■ Date

Signature

Now post your order to: FREEPOST RRJZ-HJKA-ZBCX, Craftseller, PO Box 326, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8FA Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. All prices inclusive of P&P. Data protection: Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd (Publishers of Craftseller) would love to keep you informed by post or telephone of special offers and promotions from the Immediate Media Company Group. Please tick if you’d prefer not to receive these ❑ * Please enter this information so that Craftseller may keep you informed of newsletters, special offers and other promotions by email or text message. You may unsubscribe from these at any time.

Craftseller 105

Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd will occasionally share data, on a secure basis, with other reputable companies who wish to contact you with information about their products and services. Please tick here if you do not wish to receive such information by post ❑ phone ❑ If you would like to receive information from our carefully selected partners by email please tick here ❑

FAVOURITE MAKES

Online loves

Here are just some of our favourite makes from the exciting designers and crafters we’ve discovered this month

Bakes

Home

* We can’t resist sharing a tasty morsel that’s vegan-friendly too!

e We love th hese detail on t characters

* We’re certain these retro dolls will bring the fun to any party we might be hosting

* Gourmet vegan coconut fudge by SweetThingsbyLeoh, £2.67 on etsy.com

Home

* The Party Gang Dolls by Mrs Fox’s Handmade, £45 on folksy.com

* We’d love to come to this stylish stitch every day! So many lovely colours… * Home Sweet Home embroidery hoop

by HandmadebyBex, £32 on etsy.com

Fashion

* Love a chic oversized knit in fresh shades to snuggle into on chilly spring evenings. * Plus Size Hand Knitted Poncho, Tunic

by Afra, £65.49 on etsy.com

106 Craftseller

Home again

Accessories

* Whale Tissue Holder in Cyan by Sparkly Pony, £21.41 on dawanda.com

* Butterfly Wooden Butterflies Earrings

by BlueBellJewelry, £8.52 on etsy.com

* We’re not worried about hayfever season with this funky tissue box by our side.

* Laser-cut design in on-trend shade of blue?

Yes please. Pop a pair in the post today!

Sewing patterns, books and fabrics that are fun, fresh and perfect for creating handmade items for the young or young at heart instant downloadable patterns now available at

www.mellyandme.com

Go aheadâ&#x20AC;Ś get creative!

JP760 A ž size machine that is light enough to carry to classes, yet packed with 60 stitches and full of computerised features to make sewing easy.

DXL603 :LWK EXLOW LQ VWLWFKHV IRU TXLOWLQJ and heirloom as well as general sewing this is an excellent all round machine.

Stitch selection and settings are so easy on the large information LCD screen.

Janome has a great range of machines to offer the very best in computerised sewing.

QXL605 All the features of the DXL603 EXW ZLWK DQ DXWRPDWLF EXLOW LQ WKUHDG cutter and advanced feeding system for precise stitching.

TXL607 2XU Ă&#x20AC;UVW PRGHO ZLWK DOSKDEHW & memory facilities. It has direct stitch selection for the most useful stitches and a handy panel for quick selection.

MC5900QC This machine has computerised precision and is packed with over 500 stitches including 10 DXWR VWHS EXWWRQKROHV 7\SH LQ DQG HGLW OHWWHULQJ IURP IXOO DOSKDEHWV DQG FUHDWH FXVWRP FRPELQDWLRQV RI XS WR VWLWFKHV LW¡V DOO LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QHU GHWDLO

For further information: Telephone 0161 666 6011 or visit our website www.janome.co.uk

The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sewing machine manufacturer

Sewing difďŹ cult fabrics can get really tricky even for the more experienced. Janome machines are reliable and robust and tackle difďŹ cult fabrics with ease.

The Memory Craft 5900QC has an incredible range of stitch optionsâ&#x20AC;Ś whilst the portable Jem Platinum, DXL603 / QXL605 and TXL607 models are high speciďŹ cation machines at affordable prices.