Category Archives: Crafts
Contemporary basketry
Making a basket is probably the oldest weaving method that goes back thousands of years. Young branches and strong grasses were used to make small handy baskets for hunting, fishing, carrying, and storing items. Weaving baskets was a quick way to produce the tool when needed and with materials available nearby. Over the centuries, making process and materials became more sophisticated and designs more intricate.
Paulina Bartnik’s embroidered brooches
Paulina Bartnik is a Polish textile artist based in Lublin. Her work amazes equally art lovers, textile crafters and bird enthusiasts. She creates beautifully detailed bird brooches using techniques of needle felting and embroidery. Paulina graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, but she is mostly self-taught in the field of embroidery.
How to make an egg tree
The design for this whimsical egg tree derives from eastern European folk art. The basket at the bottom is traditionally used for bread. The tree makes a spectacular centrepiece at Easter when filled with dyed or painted eggs. At Christmas, turn it into a decorative Christmas tree by putting night lights in the egg holders and filling the basket with presents or sweets (candies). Tinned copper wire has been used here as it is ideal for kitchenware. It is as malleable as copper wire and has the added advantage that it does not tarnish. The egg tree can, of course, be made from cheaper and more readily available wire. For a different finish it could be wrapped in natural-coloured string.
History of creative wirework
Wirework is an ancient art form, probably first practised by the Egyptians around 3000BC. Early examples have been discovered in the burial chambers of important people throughout the ancient world. In 2600BC, wire was used in gold and silver ribbons for entwining in the hair of courtly ladies in the Sumerian city of Ur. The art of wirework spread in various forms from Babylon to Baghdad, Damascus and Constantinople before finally reaching Europe.
Limed wood furniture
Several methods of decorating wood exploit its natural grain pattern. Limed wood imitates the old custom of painting wooden furniture with diluted limewash left over from painting the walls in farmhouses. Now, instead of using limewash, liming wax (a mixture of beewax and whiting) is worked into the wood and the surface is polished, leaving the residue of white wax in the grain.
Memory box
It is very nice thing to decorate the home with personal items. The objects that mean something to you and your family. Even better is you made it yourself. Creating a personalised memory box is one of the projects that are so fun to make and such a pleasure to look at or give as a present. The memory box can be filled with a nostalgic collection of family mementos: old black-and-white framed photos, vintage toy cars, someone’s favourite dolls, souvenirs from vacations and family trips, a letter for the child to read when they are older, rolled up like a scroll, and other miniature objects.
Andy Goldsworthy’s land art
Andy Goldsworthy, an internationally renowned land artist, was born in Cheshire in 1956. There are regular exhibitions of his work in Britain, France and the United States. Although he travels all over the world to carry out commissions, the landscape around his home in Dumfries, south-west Scotland, remains at the heart of his work.
Catnip mouse
Filled with catnip, this little mouse make a delightful gift that a cat literally cannot resist. This is a great project for using up offcuts and leftover pieces of material. Cotton fabrics work well, but why not also try tweed or leather? Catnip or Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies. With domestic cats, catnip is used as a recreational substance for pet cats’ enjoyment, and catnip and catnip-laced products designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Common behaviors cats display when they sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and chewing it.
Lion choker necklace
Animals are often a great inspiration for crafting, especially jewellery making. This Lion choker necklace is easy to make with a few tools and cheap materials. And it can be a lovely present to a little girl or someone who is animal lover. Using two-tone organza creates a fabulous colour effect, so be sure to have a piece of this. You could also try the more traditional method of using wool to make a lion’s mane. Let’s make some jewellery!
Clever upcycling ideas
With these upcycle project ideas you will discover new ways to reuse fabric remnants, wrapping and wallpaper off-cuts, and other household items. It is surprising what can be done with a little resources, a bit of effort and a good plan. You may be able to restore the old piece of furniture and put it with a pride in your bedroom, create an unique presents for friend or family or refresh your home with small additions you have make yourself. And all that can be so affordable and easy to make. So exciting!
