Only Craft – Craft Blog and Store

September 3, 2009

Handmade Book

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 3:44 am

Making your own notebook gives your journalling a lovely personal touch, they also make very special gifts.

What you will need:-

  • Heavy card or paper for front and back covers – decorate, paint or stain
  • A4 writing paper, drawing paper, craft paper or decorative paper as desired.
  • Embroidery thread
  • Large darning needle or punch
  • Blunt knife
  • Pegs or clips

Cut paper to the desired size for A4 paper in half is good. Cut the covers to match. Mark holes by measuring even spaces along the edge about 1cm in, to fit paper size and making sure you have an odd number of holes. For an interesting touch you can punch holes in a zig zag pattern instead of a straight line.

So the covers will open easily you will need to score the front and back with the knife being careful not to cut into the card. Score just to the right of the holes and fold over and back gently. Place the pages inside the covers and secure with clip or peg. Punch the holes in the marked spots with the darning needle then you are ready to thread.

Cut the thread four times the length of the book plus a little more to allow for tying off. Start threading from the top, put the threaded needle through the hole from the back through to the front then around and through the back again. From the front move down to the next hole and repeat all the way to the bottom. Once you have reached the bottom hole do a running stitch back to the top and tie both ends together.

July 26, 2009

Kids Painting Fun

Filed under: Kids Painting and Crafts — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:47 am

Blot Painting

What You Need:- Paint, brush, spoon or flat stick, paper.

Method:-Fold paper in half then open it out flat. Place paper on flat surface. Put paint drops down the fold or on one side of the paper with a brush, spoon or stick. Fold paper over again and rub palms of hands over paper, starting at fold and working out toward edges. Open paper and see what shapes the blots have made. Some shapes can look like objects, animals or insects. These shape’s can be later cut out and used for cards, mobiles or other crafts.

String Painting

What You Need:- Paint, string or wool, brushes. clip type clothes pegs, paper.

Method:- Cut lengths of string or wool 30-50 cm long. Lay paper on a flat surface. Holding one end of string with a peg dip string into paint. You may need a brush to help cover all of the string. Trail the string around the paper to make different patterns. Lift strings and dry flat.

Another Method with String:- Place painted string on paper with attached peg over the edge, fold paper as in blot paper painting, place one hand on top of folded paper with the other hand pull string out. Repeat with different colours.

July 11, 2009

Checklist for Sewing

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 10:01 pm

Choose the right fabric for the article and its use…

In order to make successful items it is important to select the fabric to suit the purpose you are making it for. So that you can choose suitable material, check the features of fabrics.

Whatever you decide to make its a good idea to ask yourself a few questions first.

  • Why are you making it? Is it for yourself or a gift?
  • What skills do you need? Can you cut out, pin, make the pattern and use the machine? Do you need to sew in a zipper? Can you nick and trim seam allowances?
  • What materials do you need? How much will they cost? Is the cost worth the time and effort?
  • What type of fabric do you need?
  • Carefully read all the instructions. Do you have everything you need? Can you do all that’s required?
  • Solve any problems before you start.
  • Now you’re ready to start. Carefully work through each stage. Solve new problems as you come to them. Adjust your plan if necessary. Work conscientiously to finish your item as efficiently as possible.
  • Evaluate your work. Did you learn some new skills? Do you need to improve some areas of your work? Are you happy with the quality of your item?
  • Consider what changes or improvements you would make if you made the same thing again.

Suggestions for simple articles to make to get you started…

Toiletry Bag, Cushion Cover, Tote bags, Oven Mitt,  Apron,  Pillow Case, Pencil Case, Beach Bag, Summer Tops and Skirts.

Have Fun:)

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