Only Craft – Craft Blog and Store

October 27, 2009

Mosaic

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 4:21 pm

Have you ever looked at beautiful mosaic tables or mirrors and wished you could make one yourself, I know I have. Here are a few basic instructions you will be able to follow and apply to any design.

If it’s your first attempt at this it’s best to start with a flat surface so a small side table or mirror frame will be a good choice.

What You Will Need :-

  • Old plates or/and tiles are the easiest to start with but china, glass and shells are also good depending on your project.
  • Impact adhesive
  • Paint brush
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Clear contact or tape
  • Pencil
  • Hammer
  • Tile cutter
  • 2 pairs of pliers
  • Rubber gloves
  • Poster paint
  • Tile grout
  • Large sponge

Plan your design and draw it out on your project base. Seal the surface with a coat of adhesive using a brush and leave to dry according to instructions or for at least one hour.

Break up your material, if you are using plates cover with contact and cardboard then tap with the hammer to break into smallish pieces. Check your plate with each hammer tap.

Spread adhesive over your projects surface a section at a time extending a little past the design outline. Transfer mosaic pieces to the glued surface, leaving small gaps in between each piece to allow for grout. Continue in this way until your design is complete.

If you use tiles for part or all of the design you will need the tile cutter to score and cut to the desired size, roughly a 15mm square is a good size for most designs. For smaller pieces score with tile cutter then use the pliers to snap. Make sure there are no sharp pieces overhanging the edges. Leave your design overnight to dry thoroughly.

Grout your mosaic using rubber gloves to protect your hands, Mix the grout as directed. Buy a coloured grout of your choice or mix in poster paint to get the colour you want. Use the sponge to work the grout into all the gaps, make it level with the surface. Smooth out, removing excess grout with a clean damp sponge, smooth and even the edges. Allow to dry overnight, clean off any remaining film from the grout and polish your finished mosaic with a clean cloth.

Well Done :)

October 18, 2009

Marbled Paper

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 4:48 am

Marbling creates decorative paper by dipping it in liquid containing floating coloured paints.

What You Need

  • Large flat container
  • Small containers for mixing colours
  • Needles
  • Cocktail sticks
  • Paint brushes or drinking straws
  • Eye dropper
  • Newspaper or line for drying
  • Oil paints
  • Turpentine or white spirits

Floating oil paints in the water can create some lovely patterns on your paper. Mix the paints with the turpentine or white spirits until it runs easily off a brush, Use paper that fits just inside the tray. Any type of printing paper is fine and white or coloured to your liking.

Fill container with water and drip droplets of paint onto the surface and spread the colour out carefully using a brush. Patterns can be made by blowing gently using a straw. Another way to create patterns is to swirl with a needle or thin stick. Don’t over mix because the colours wil become muddy.

When you are ready to put the paper in the water slide it in carefully starting at a corner whilst holding it at opposite corners. Make sure the whole sheet comes in contact with the surface. Lowering your paper carefully will prevent bubbles that can spoil your design. If you notice bubbles you can carefully tap the paper down into the water just a little.

Once the paper is covered carefully lift it out of the tray, it can dry on the newspaper pattern side up or hang it on an indoor clothes line.

Have Fun :)

October 16, 2009

Découpage Jewel Box

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 5:46 am

You will need a pre-made box. These can be found in most craft supply stores along with many other crafty items you can apply découpage to.

Instructions

  1. Seal the surface of item to be decorated with all-purpose sealer, paint or gesso.
  2. Sand gently with coarse sanding pad. Clean with a damp cloth then wipe over with a tack cloth to remove dust.
  3. Apply two coats of your choice of green acrylic to the inside of the box, allow to dry then wipe over with acrylic gold.
  4. Mix a cool and warm acrylic yellow together and apply to the outside of the box. Let dry, trim with the green and wipe over with gold.
  5. Seal painted surface with all purpose sealer.
  6. Seal découpage paper, front and back, with sealer.
  7. Use sharp manicure scissors to cut out motifs. Arrange images as desired for your project. Use blu-tack while deciding your design.
  8. Mix clag and PVA, 4:1 and apply generously to images and surface of item. Place your images on the item and apply more glue. Smooth the surface of image and remove air bubbles and expelling excess glue. Apply roller gently to the surface to ensure it is smooth and free of bubbles. Wipe carefully with a damp cloth, so as not to move the image.
  9. Using a weak vinegar and water solotion wipe over the surface to ensure all glue is removed. This prevents mould forming after the item has been varnished. Let dry. Any patches can be coloured with oil pencil.
  10. Use sponge brush to apply two coats of sealer. Let dry.
  11. Working in a ventilated dust free area apply acrylic or polyurethane varnish to protect your finished work. Apply smoothly and carefully work in even strokes from end to end without lifting brush from surface. Allow to dry following manufacturers instructions. Repeat about 30 times, at right angles to each  previous coat. Sand in between each coat also at right angles to previous sanding, using the course, medium than fine sanding pads. Wipe with tack cloth before reapplying each coat until you reach your desired finish.
  12. Polish with Micro-mesh or beeswax.

October 14, 2009

Découpage

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 5:59 am

Découpage is the art of turning everyday items into decorative pieces that add a touch of romance to the decor.

Following is a list of general items and instructions that are required to complete most projects.

General Materials List

  • Item to be decorated
  • Clear Sealer
  • Sanding pads – Coarse, medium and fine
  • Tack cloth
  • Fine point curved cuticle scissors
  • 5cm and 10cm hard rubber rollers
  • Craft sponge brushes
  • Sea sponge – large and fine
  • PVA, Clag
  • Chux cloths
  • Water based varnish
  • Oil based varnish
  • Brushes for varnish – good quality ones are best for this
  • Blu-Tack
  • Greaseproof paper
  • oil based coloured pencils
  • pencil and ruler
  • Acrylic paints
  • Cracking medium
  • Gesso
  • Micro-mesh kit

General Instructions

  1. Seal the surface of item to be decorated with all-purpose sealer, paint or gesso.
  2. Sand gently with coarse sanding pad. Clean with a damp cloth then wipe over with a tack cloth to remove dust.
  3. Paint the background in desired colour and allow to dry. Sand and apply another coat of paint.
  4. Seal painted surface with all purpose sealer.
  5. Seal découpage paper, front and back, with sealer.
  6. Use sharp manicure scissors to cut out motifs. Arrange images as desired for your project. Use blu-tack while deciding your design.
  7. Mix clag and PVA, 4:1 and apply generously to images and surface of item. Place your images on the item and apply more glue. Smooth the surface of image and remove air bubbles and expelling excess glue. Apply roller gently to the surface to ensure it is smooth and free of bubbles. Wipe carefully with a damp cloth, so as not to move the image.
  8. Using a weak vinegar and water solotion wipe over the surface to ensure all glue is removed. This prevents mould forming after the item has been varnished. Let dry. Any patches can be coloured with oil pencil.
  9. Use sponge brush to apply two coats of sealer. Let dry.
  10. Working in a ventilated dust free area apply acrylic or polyurethane varnish to protect your finished work. Apply smoothly and carefully work in even strokes from end to end without lifting brush from surface. Allow to dry following manufacturers instructions. Repeat about 30 times, at right angles to each  previous coat. Sand in between each coat also at right angles to previous sanding, using the course, medium than fine sanding pads. Wipe with tack cloth before reapplying each coat until you reach your desired finish.
  11. Polish with Micro-mesh or beeswax.

October 11, 2009

Candle Making

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 10:26 pm

Use shells or even small terracotta pots to make candles to repel insects or for fragrance on your balcony or patio area.

Materials

  • Block of parrafin wax
  • Candle wick
  • Old saucepan
  • Sink Washers
  • Shells of suitable size
  • Citronella or lavender
  • Skewers

Use a hammer to break up wax then melt in saucepan on low heat. Cut wicking to required lengths. Tie washers to the ends of the wick so they will sit on the bottom of the shells or pots while the wax sets.

Keep an eye on the wax and ensure it does not overheat or burn, keep the heat low. Use gloves to protect your hands when pouring into receptacles and do not overfill.

Remove melted wax from heat and add fragrant oil or citronella and stir. Pour the wax into the shells or pots carefully. Put the wicking in place and hold up with skewer placed across the top. Make sure the wick is central in its position.

Tips

Colours and Scents for Candles

Colouring for candles comes in a number of forms, chips, liquid, flakes, blocks and powder. If you can get the chips they come in a wide variety of colours that you can also mix together to make even more colours.

It is best to get oils that are specifically for candles otherwise you may find they will not mix well they should not contain water or alcohol. Other types of scents like flowers, herbs and spices have a different effect. They do not blend into the wax but can still produce a nice effect and pleasant fragrance.

October 10, 2009

Homemade Soap and Deodorant

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 6:23 am

Making your own soap is easier than you think and can also be inexpensive. Why not save money and the environment, follow these simple steps and see for yourself.

What You Need

  • A vegetable soap powder – 2 cups (coconut)
  • 2 tblspns oats
  • 1 tblspn bran
  • 150ml boiling water
  • 4 tspns dried mint or 1 peppermint tea bag
  • peppermint oil (limit 10 drops)
  • food colouring or dye

In a bowl combine oats and bran and add boiling water. Mix well. Add mint and peppermint and set aside for 15 minutes.

Add the oatmeal mix to a separate bowl containing the soap powder.Add colouring if desired.   Mix with a fork until a doughy consistency is obtained. Mould mix into shapes or spread out flat and cut with cookie cutters.

Deodorant

Deodorant kills off odour causing bacteria whereas antiperspirant only suppresses perspiration.

What You Need

  • 100ml grapeseed or almond oil
  • 10 drops lavender oil
  • 1o drops sandalwood

Mix all the ingredients in a screw top plastic jar. Rub into skin, allow to dry to prevent staining clothes.

Happy Days :)

October 9, 2009

Making Candles

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 5:13 am

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax comes in sheets and can be found in most craft stores. You can shape or cut the beeswax sheets into the shape you want. You will need to allow the sheet to soften before rolling it by placing it in the sun or near a heater.

You will also need some lengths of wick, which you will be able to get from the craft store as well. When the wax is ready to roll place the wick right along an edge and roll from there.

Fold the edge over the wick and press down firmly allow about 8mm of wax for the fold. Doing this makes it easier to roll. Different shapes can be made by how you choose to roll the wax. The sheets are usually rectangular so for round symmetrical candles roll straight from any edge and add more sheets until you get the size you want.

For a tapering candle cut the sheet across the diagonal and roll from the straight edge for a short candle or from the diagonal for a longer candle. Make sure as you roll your candles the bottom edge rolls straight so they will stand up when finished.

Balloon Candles

Candle wax for balloon candles is melted and hot so care must be taken to avoid burns especially when children are helping. Wear protective gloves, clothing and eyewear.

Materials

  • Block or parrafin wax
  • Old saucepan
  • Balloons
  • Dyes for candles
  • Wick
  • Bamboo satay skewers
  • Sink washers

Turn balloon inside out and fill with water until about the size of an orange. Tie securely. For melting the wax use a saucepan that is deep enough to dip the filled balloons into. Use a low heat to melt the wax to avoid boiling and burning. Remove melted wax from heat and add colours if desired.

Carefully holding the balloon by its knot dip it into slightly cooled wax. The wax will cling to the balloon, do this several times building up layers. After a few layers touch the bottom onto a flat surface to create a base for your candle. Dip your candle about 10 – 12 times. If the wax is not clinging well enough you may need to warm slightly as it has cooled too much.

Allow the balloon to set completely then cut the top off the balloon, pour out the water and carefully remove the balloon. Tie a length of wick to the washer and drop it into the candle casing.

Place the skewer across the top and drape the wick over it, centered then carefully pour in remaining wax, add scent if you wish and allow to set.

Enjoy :)

September 23, 2009

Making Clay Fridge Magnets

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , — @ 4:51 am

Self hardening modelling clay is easy to use it can be painted and decorated to make a variety of items, its available at reasonable cost from most craft supply stores. It’s a great craft for kids to join in making a variety of shapes, animals or funny faces.

You will need:-

  • Self hardening modelling clay
  • blunt knife
  • rolling pin
  • card
  • scissors
  • glitter
  • glue
  • magnets
  • paint and brushes
  • plastic tablecloth or similar for working on

Prepare your work area and using the roller, roll out the clay to a about 5 mm thickness and leave it to harden slightly for about five to ten minutes. Draw the outline of the shapes you want onto the card and cut around to make templates. Use the cut out templates to cut out the clay shapes with the knife. Smooth the edges and leave them to dry for 24 hours.

When the magnet shapes are dry they are ready to be painted and decorated. Paint the surface and sides with acrylic paint in the style you wish. When the paint is dry if you wish to decorate with glitter paint the area with some clear glue and sprinkle on the glitter. Leave to dry.

To waterproof you magnets paint a layer of varnish over the top when you have finished decorating. Make sure you have covered all areas and leave to dry lastly glue the magnetic strip onto the back of your shapes.

September 22, 2009

Stamping and Embossing

Filed under: Craft Ideas — @ 4:14 am

Stamping and embossing has a beautiful effect if you enjoy hand making your own cards. There are a large range of stamps available in craft or specialty stores and you can achieve some beautiful designs with  some imagination and creativity.

Stamping and embossing is an easy craft and with a few basic skills you can make a start. Designs can be simple or complex but always very effective, so keep an eye out for some ideas here. Following are some basic steps to get started.

Stamping

  • To ink the stamp tap it lightly on the ink pad, until the image is covered in ink.
  • For large stamps, place the ink pad directly onto the rubber stamp and tap until it is covered with ink.
  • Ensure that the rubber stamp image is completely covered in ink.
  • Place the inked stamp firmly down on the paper or card, applying even pressure.  Stamp on a smooth flat surface
  • Lift the stamp straight off the paper surface.
  • Allow the stamped image to dry for a few minutes or emboss it straight away.

Embossing

  • Stamp the image using pigment or embossing ink and pour on embossing powder. The powder will stick to the ink.
  • Tip the excess onto a  sheet of folder paper for easy returning to container.
  • Hold card over folded paper and tap gently on the back of the card to remove any loose grains. Lightly brushing with a fine brush will help.
  • Pour excess powder back into the container.
  • Heat the card using a heat source until the powder melts.
  • Allow one minute for the embossed image to set before touching.

Happy Days :)


September 16, 2009

Pressed Flower Gift Tag

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 5:39 am

Making gift cards is something my daughter and I enjoy doing together, we share ideas and we both learn from each other. We decided to try a pressed flower card for my sisters birthday because of her love of flowers. We were very happy with the result, and the benefits were many, my sister loved the card, my daughter and I spent time together and we have added another craft to our repertoire.

What You Will Need :-

  • White Card
  • Cord/ribbon, 22cm (9ins)
  • Gold Paint/pen
  • Fine Water Colour Paint Brush
  • Hole Punch
  • Small Flower eg. Pansy, hyacinths, primrose

Cut the card to suit your chosen flower, the flowers should be less than half the width of the card. Draw a border around the card and go over it with the gold paint.

You will need to use flowers that have been pressed and have dried for the appropriate amount of time (about six weeks).  To protect the flower on the card it is fixed in place with glue as well as a transparent seal over the top.

Place the flower on the transparent  seal sheet and draw a circle around the flower, give it a 4mm border. Cut out the shape and carefully remove the backing. Place the pressed flower face down on the transparent sticking film, carefully dab a small amount of glue onto the petals and centre of the flower. You are then ready to put your flower in place, press down carefully over the flower and film removing any air bubbles.

Punch a hole in the corner of the card and thread with a cord or ribbon Write any words or message with a gold pen.

Enjoy and be Happy :)

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