The Handmade Challenge

 Get Creative, The Handmade Challenge  4 Responses »
Aug 072015
 

MyHandmadeChallengePoster2

I came across a lovely blog called My Handmade Adventure. The author is Karen, a Melbourne blogger, and her blog is about making things, discovering new crafty skills, and rejoicing in the skills of other talented people. Sounds like my kind of blog.

She set up The Handmade Challenge for 2015 at the start of this year but I thought I'd give it a go. The idea is to make a list of things you've been wanting to make and then make them before December 31st - originally it was 12 things but seeing we've past the half-way mark of 2015 Karen is happy to accept late comers to join in the challenge so I'll be looking at making 4 things.

Why am going to do this challenge?

I need a push-start to get me on the creative path again. During my time running EP Designs - a part-time, home based, decorative homewares business - I created and recreated numerous things and I really enjoyed being creative. It was also my 'me time' and 'think time'. But life happens, plus outside work commitments increased and I was also organising a makers market - My creative time came to a halt and I gradually brought EP Designs to a close.

So here is my Push Start list of 4 items I'm aiming to complete before December 31st ...

  1. Doyley bowls and tealight holders. I have a number of lace doylies that I collected over the years for some of my past work so now is a good time to do something more with them. I found the idea on Pinterest.
  2. Framed pinboard or chalkboard - I have several gorgeous old vintage and vintage style frames just sitting there waiting for me to recreate them ... a nice gift for someone?
  3. String ball ornaments - This is another idea I came across on Pinterest and I hope to make these in time to use as Christmas decorations.
  4. Canvas Art - this could be a tricky one for me but it's something I've been thinking about doing for years so now is the time.... right?

I'm actually aiming/hoping to finish before Christmas because I'll need most of those items beforehand.

If you're interested in joining in, even at this late stage, pop over to Karen's post about the challenge and leave a comment.We can then encourage each other, comment and share each creation as they are completed.

Happy Creating

Greeting Cards Go A Long, Long Way!

 Easy DIY Projects  No Responses »
Jun 252015
 

Recycle Greeting Cards

If you're anything like me then you might be keeping all the greeting cards you've ever been given. But as time goes on you can't keep them all. So over the years I've had to sort and keep only a few with special sentiments, as a memento of an occasion. The rest got stacked into my 'card basket' for repurposing. Now I know you can't re-give used greeting cards, but you can repurpose them. So I did repurpose them by recreating them into gift tags - to give as a 'thank you' gift to past customers, to use as a gift tag on gifts, or to make packets of gift tags to give as gifts to friends.

This would have to be one the easiest crafty projects you could do. It's so simple and you most likely have all the materials you need at home.

I have an assortment of crafty odds and ends, bits and pieces that I have collected over the years due to the creative work I had been doing for my EP Designs business. I probably have more than the average person who doesn't have a creative hobby or business but chances are that you also have a few bits and pieces around the house to collect. So this project could easily cost you nothing or at the very most $2-$5 for embellishments and ribbons.

What you need -

  1. Collection of used greeting cards - from any occasion or season.
  2. Scissors - fancy edged craft scissors in a pattern/s of your choice; if you don't have any then straight edge is fine.
  3. Hole puncher.
  4. Assorted ribbons, string or fine cords.
  5. Glitter fabric paint and other embellishments (optional)

The size and shape of these gift tags will depend on the design on your card and where the handwritten message is positioned inside (which will become the back of the gift tag).

Cut Portions of Greeting Cards To Make Gift Tags or Note Tags

There is no rule other than cut out portions of your card that look good to you and is free from any handwritten message on the back. Sometimes there is a printed verse on the card that may suit your purposes - it's up to you if you wish to include it.

Add Ties Using Ribbons. Embellish With Glitter Paint.

Add Ties Using Ribbons. Embellish With Glitter Paint.

Other uses for cards - scrapbooking, use portions as embellishments to make new greeting cards or montage artwork.

These Recycled Cards Were Used As a Gift For a Goodie Bag Giveaway.

These Recycled Cards Were Used As a Gift For a Goodie Bag Giveaway.

Give it a try and you will see how simple it is to do and how sweet they will be.

Enjoy the project.

Rolling Strips of Paper

 Creative Treasury  3 Responses »
May 272015
 

Majaska Quilling Gifts Montage

I first met Maja back in 2010 in the early days of The Handmade Show. Maja’s very detailed and amazing quilling artworks caught everyone’s eye. She absolutely loved her craft and her creativity went beyond making cards and personalised framed artworks. Each month she would show us her next invention – gift box cards, magical changing pictures, miniature crafts, bracelets, …. and more recently, macrame crafts.

Majaska Quilling Gifts Montage

Maja's table filled with her creations.

Majas’s market stalls are always filled with numerous collections of different styles and surprise creations. There’s something for everyone.

Majaska at The Handmade Show

Snippets on Maja's table.

You can check out The Handmade Show website, under the name of Majaska, to find out when she is participating. Although she is usually there each third Saturday of the month and enjoys being part of the warm and friendly atmosphere, exchanging tidbits with other stall holders and chatting with market visitors.

Majaska Framed Quilled Owls

A Hoot of Owls.

Maja also sets up her work at various community events when they arise so pop over to her Facebook page and ask her where you can find her; and while you’re there have a browse through photos of more creations. Enjoy!

Yarn, Glue and a Big Ball.

 Weekend Project  4 Responses »
May 222015
 

Lamp shade Tutorial with Yarn and Glue creativetreasury.com.au

Here is something to get you started on the road to creativity with an impressive, decorative lamp shade you can make for your home. Only three items are needed and you have easy to follow instructions - watch the video below by Dana from Dana Made It and you're set to make something that will draw lots of 'oohs' and 'aahs' at your craftiness.

You can use this technique to make a large, medium or small lamp shade, depending on what you need. Once you've successfully completed one you'll want to make more - maybe a string of lanterns, perfect to brighten any corner of your home or for a garden party.The lamp shade is just one idea but when you start creating you're sure to start thinking up lots more items to make.... decorative balls, bowls, sculptures .....

Just in time for a Weekend Project, so make yourself a cuppa and sit back and enjoy the video.

Now don't put it off. Give it a go.

Enjoy your crafting.

Dana has a website full of lovely crafty things so have a look around to see what else you can try.

Two Weeks To Go!

 The Handmade Show  No Responses »
Nov 072010
 

I’ve been busily preparing for The Handmade Show which only a couple of weeks away. The team at THS is offering another Gift Voucher as a door prize prize at the next show which is on Saturday 20th November.

If you live in Melbourne or are visiting here then jot this date in your diary & come to visit us at THS. You could be the winner of this fabulous prize. For more information about how to enter pop over to The Handmade Show blog.

THS has added Twitter to it’s list of social networks so if you’re on Twitter you can catch up with the team & all the goings on with the show.

In the meatime I must get back to my creative work.

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