Paperless Origami

This is a project meant for Christmas but I reckon it's a cool (and cheap!) idea to make decor for all year round. You basically just fold fusible interfacing into origami shapes to make interesting decorations - visit this tutorial to see how.

Toad-Stools

These little revamped stools are so cute, and this page shows you how to make one too.

Adjustable Bow Tie

I love bow-ties because they show personality - especially if they're in a fun fabric! Go here for the adjustable tie tutorial.

Magnetic Buttons

Super simple magnets made with a range of pretty buttons - go here for the how-to.

How to Make Bean Bags & Floor Cushions

Source: Katie Madeline.
Click here for lots of tutorials showing you how to make beanbags, floor cushions, pillows, poufs and ottomans for your home. These types of seating are comfortable and affordable, and the best thing is that you can make them to match your decor too.

Learn How To Sew Clothes

Source: Hannah Webster.
If you've always wanted to have a go at making your own clothes, click here to find a list of clothing tutorials from dresses and skirts to jackets and kid's clothes, plus the best online places to buy patterns from.

I hope you find that useful for getting started in dressmaking :-)

Faux Canvas Print

This tutorial shows you how to add a canvas effect to the surface of a poster print of your favourite photo to give it a quality look.

Handmade Seller Interview: The Country Chic Cottage

The Handmade Feature today is an interview with the owner of The Country Chic Cottage store on Etsy which sells all kinds of vintage treasures including jars, ephemera and rustic farmhouse decor, plus shipping is FREE within the U.S. :-)

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Angie and I am a full time working wife and mother to three lovely kiddos. I use etsy as a creative outlet and for a little extra income.

How did you get started in your handmade business?
I started my blog www.thecountrychiccottage.net in January of 2010. The etsy shop just seemed to naturally follow. I love to comb thrift stores and sharing my love of vintage and farmhouse decor through etsy came naturally.

What first made you want to become an artist/craftsperson?
My blog started as a way to keep me on track for a new years resolution. My resolution? To spruce up my home with very low funds. The crafty side of me came out through that process.

Apart from crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love couponing! There is nothing better than a great deal!

How long have you been creating art/crafts and how long have you been selling online?
I started selling in my etsy shop in September of 2010 so I still pretty new at it!

How many different places do you sell from?
I only sell on etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage Of course you can follow my adventures on my blog! www.thecountrychiccottage.net

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I love vintage handmade! Doilies lovingly crafted. Hand painted signs that are worn with time! Those to me are the real gems!

Have any pets?

Yes! We live on a farm. Love that country farmhouse life! We have two dogs that are the heart of our farm! Along with cows and a horse.

Do you collect anything?

I have a weakness for Ball jars -- serious weakness! My absolute faves are the blue ones but they all make me smile!

Do you have another job?

I am an engineer -- do you believe that?? Yes in real life -- 40 hours a week -- I am an engineer!

What is your favorite part of your handmade business?

Getting to thrift for fabulous finds and then seeing them go to a great home! I can't keep em all!

I hope you enjoyed this week's interview!

Shibori Dyed Bedspread

Shibori is a traditional Japanese craft that involves binding fabric around a relief and then dying it in indigo.

If you want to see how you Shibori dying works, click here.

Seed Bombs

Seed bombs are a lovely idea for a gift and for spreading pretty nature wherever you go. Click here to find out how to make them.

Cork Board World Map

I love this idea because it's perfect for travellers and aspiring travellers who would like to keep track of where they have been and where they would like to go in the future. And it looks pretty cool too.

Go here for the tute.

Sock Skeleton Couple

To see how to make these funny sock skeletons, click here.

Mario Bros. Chomper Plant

If you know someone who is a fan of Mario Bros. games, this would be an awesome gift!

This tutorial shows you how to make a plant pot to look like the tubes in the game, and then you add a Venus flytrap for the 'chomper plant'. A clever idea.

Felt Dolls

Find the very detailed and clear tutorial for making these lovely dolls over at Purl Bee.

What do Glass Eyes & Skateboards have in common?

That's right, they are both handmade! Have a gold star.

If you would like to see the process for making glass eyes (by glass blowing them individually no less), then click here, and if you'd like to see a skateboard being made, go here. Very interesting.

Handmade Seller Interview: Raffles Bizarre

The Handmade Feature today is an interview with the owner of the funky alternative jewellery shop Raffles Bizarre :

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My names Jess, I'm 24 and I run my own handmade jewellery business Raffles Bizarre. I specialise in a mix of alternative and extravagant jewellery with a diverse and affordable product range.

How did you get started in your handmade business?

It started out as a hobby during my degree. I would make jewellery for friends and family for birthday's and eventually (being a poor student) decided to see if I could make any extra cash from it.

What first made you want to become an artist/craftsperson?

I've been doing arts and crafts for as long as I can remember, when I was little I was always drawing or painting or constructing something. I guess it was just natural progression, I took art for GCSE, Alevels, I did a foundation year and then my degree which was in Model design and Special effects. Now Raffles Bizarre is my full time occupation, and I also work as a freelance makeup artist whenever I get the chance.

Apart fom crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Haha, well because I decided to take this full-time it's a rare occasion you'll find me doing something other than working on my jewellery business, but I love films, especially horror. This is how I ended up getting into makeup, though I also do beauty and fashion makeup too. I like to draw, a lot of my illustrations are featured in my jewellery. I love to take pictures too, though I don't get as much time for that. Apart from that, whenever I get a chance I spend it with my friends letting off steam and being generally ridiculous. (There's still plenty of time to grow up yet!)

How long have you been creating art/crafts and how long have you been selling online?

As far as RB I have been making and selling for about four years now, though as I mentioned before I've been crafting my whole life.

How many different places do you sell from?

The main place I sell from is my website - http://www.rafflesbizarre.co.uk/ though I also use http://www.folksy.com/shops/rafflesbizarre, and http://www.misi.co.uk/shop_info.php?domain=rafflesbizarre. I do occasional fairs and markets throughout the year but have none planned at the moment.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I'd love to still be doing this but at a much larger scale. It's crazy to even imagine one day being a household name so for now I'll settle for a couple of little shops somewhere cute like Carnaby street or Brighton.

If you had to recommend one movie, which perhaps isn’t so well known, which one would it be? My favourite movie is Pan's Labyrinth, I loved it so much I ended up writing my dissertation on it. Anyone who's seen it will know what a beautiful, atmospheric and captivating film it is, I couldn't recommend it enough!

How did you come up with your shop name?

Ohh it took me sooo long to choose a name! I was sitting on the tube thinking of names and had decided I wanted to use Bizarre, as a play on Bazaar. My cat's name "Raffles" popped into my head and I just thought it had a nice ring to it. I'm not the kind of person who would generally name things after a cat, but it stuck. So there's no exciting meaning behind the name, but I like it.

If you had the opportunity to learn one more craft you don’t already do, what would it be?

I really want to take courses in other areas of jewellery which I don't currently use to help expand RB, such as silver-smithing, enameling, and filigree.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I hate this question and if I think too hard about it I find it impossible to answer, but I think the one I'd enjoy the most would be being able to hold my breath underwater - like Aquaman. I'm fascinated by water, the ocean and especially sharks so it's got to be that.

Stuffed Dachshund

You can find the free templates and instructions for this sweet little dog softie here (there are 3 pages).

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you all have a nice day :-)

A lovely idea for you and your loved one is the completely unique wall art shown above, which displays your fingerprints for all to see. Go here for the tutorial.

Valentine's Day Fort

I love forts and dens anyway so Valentine's Day seems like a good enough excuse to make one (even for the singletons like moi!)

Click here for the how-to.

Valentine's Day Plant

Nice idea for a romantic dinner table centrepiece from Family Chic.

Valentine's Day Breakfast

What a lovely idea for a Valentine's day breakfast! This tutorial shows you how it's done, including how to make ketchup hearts, awwwww.

1-Hour Softies

I think these softies are so cute and they can be made using just felt in under an hour! Go here for the how-to.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post lets you send fine stationery via e-mail - and you can find the Valentine's Day choice of cards here.

Pinprick Cards

This tutorial from Etsy shows you how to make textured pinprick messages on greetings cards, which is a fun technique to use for creating handmade cards yourself. And you can use different sized needles to vary the hole size for a more interesting design too.

Porcelain Pens

Porcelain pens have been around for a while now but I think they deserve a mention because they make it so easy to turn ceramics into a work of art. If you'd like to see what can easily be achieved with these pens (such as the sweet plate above - which would be perfect for Valentine's Day), then click here.

Arrow & Trellis Smocking

If you would like to learn how to stitch arrow smocking click here and if you'd like to find the trellis smocking tutorial, click here. These techniques would add beautiful detailing to clothes and bags, but I think they would be especially suited to luxurious pillows and cushions.

100 Paper Craft Printables

Click here for 100 amazing things you can print and construct out of paper, like the love birds shown above which you can find on the Canon website.

Handmade Seller Interview: Too Cute Kawaii

The Handmade Feature today is an interview with the owner of the adorable Etsy shop Too Cute Kawaii :

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a 26 year old stay at home mother to two wonderful children. My son is 6 years old and my daughter is 1 1/2. I was born in the state of Tennessee but moved to Florida at the young age of 8. Even though I reside in Florida, i've always considered Tennessee to be my home. It was a big change for me, the scenery, the weather and the loss of friends and family I left behind. I still visit Tennessee and my family as much as I can but I would love to one day move back.

How did you get started in your handmade business?

Being a stay at home mom is both rewarding and hard. We rely on my other half to pay all the bills, buy groceries, pay insurance, etc. He works very hard and I opened my business to help support our family. I never thought that my art would be so loved by many around the world.

What first made you want to become an artist/craftsperson?

I suppose you could say i've always been artistic or crafty. I have had an interest in crafts since I was little. My aunt taught me to do a lot of different crafts ranging from latch hook, cross-stitch to bead work and jewelry design. Since I started doing them when I was little I have enjoyed crafts ever since. It doesn't stop there though. I always loved to decorate.. even the smallest things such as letters and envelopes written to family and pen pals. Drawing would have to be my worst craft. I do draw but simply to sketch out a design or idea i'm working on.

Apart from crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?

This being my business and being a stay at home mom with two little children, I don't have much 'spare' time apart from working, haha. Sometimes I take a break and have my boyfriend watch the kids. I escape to a public parking lot or local coffee house to have piece and quiet. During these times I usually am able to come up with new and exciting ideas for my business.

How long have you been creating art/crafts and how long have you been selling online?

I have only been selling online since July of 2010. Since then my shop has grown and with hope, will continue to grow. I am so honored to know that my work is treasured by children and moms all around the world! It really inspires me when I tend to have those "I don't know" moments.

How many different places do you sell from?

Currently my only active venue is Too Cute Kawaii on Etsy. In the future, I do plan on opening more stores across the internet.

Do you collect anything?

Yes. I am a true fan of Kawaii. I love to collect different characters from Japan. My collection is very small because I recently had to depart from my collection. It still hurts! However, I'm looking for a new and exciting chance to collect from fellow artists! Since I have been making and selling handmade I understand the true value and hard work put into it. I am now replacing my commercial manufactured collection with bright, cute and inspiring work from Artists around the world.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Many of the items I had made always got the reaction "That is too cute". At first I didn't pay much attention to it being a shop name but I thought to myself "It fits very well". I am pleased to say, that my customers feel the same! I am so honored by this. So, now we are introducing "TooCuteKawaii" to the world!

If you had the opportunity to learn one more craft you don’t already do, what would it be?

I would love to learn to sew. I love the idea of turning yards of fabric into a beautiful outfit. I really have respect for this type of craft and admire all the hard work they do designing and sewing! I've seen some beautiful curtains, dresses, car seat covers, baby items and the like. It is just amazing what the mind can create!

What would your dream job be?

To own my very own store. I've always had a business mind and would love to have a Brick and Mortar shop. I constantly vision a beautiful store of white and pink with bright colorful products filling the gondola shelves and clothing racks. In reality, I am living the dream of making children smile when they see an adorable piece made just for them!

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?

Mind reading, haha. I'm so nosey! I often look at people and wonder just what they are thinking. Although it would seem to be a wonderful power, it may just be a great way to seep into depression. Often people think about their struggles, their worries.. and to carry this burden of knowing would be a struggle all on it's own. I couldn't imagine taking the hurt, fears and shame of the people I interact with. It would drive me to insanity and having the term "Curiosity killed the cat" turn into reality.

What is your earliest memory of creating something you were proud of?

When I was just a little girl I made my mother a honey pot in school. It is the worst looking honey pot you have ever seen but at the time I was very proud of it. I still am to this day.. I just cringe a little haha. I often find myself looking back on previous work I have done when I first started and seeing how I have evolved from trial and error. An art takes practice. You always find yourself improving over time and coming up with more unique, fun and entertaining ideas that you wouldn't have thought of before.

Homemade Kit-Kats

These apparently taste even better than the real thing, so surely that makes it worth having a go at?! Click here for the recipe and instructions.

Industrial Lamp

This lamp reminds me of the film 'Runaway Bride' (if you've seen it you'll know what I mean), and I can see it looking amazing in a modern office. Click here to see how you can make one yourself.

Top 100 Tutorials of 2010

For a huge list of crafty tutorials from 2010, including the colourful pom-pom pillow above, click here. That'll certainly keep you occupied!

Free Valentine's Day Cards

Click here for a selection of funny Valentine's Day cards (free to download and print) which feature patented invention diagrams on the front. Nice idea for an inventor or 'maker' in your life :-)

Love-ly

For a mini Valentine's Day craft roundup, which includes the above yarn and wire sign, go here.

Handmade Sellers Series Begins!

(The photos show some of the jewellery which is going to be listed soon so stay tuned!)

I've decided to start a series of posts, starting this week and hopefully being a weekly post, where I will interview an online seller of handmade items. To start off I'm mini-interviewing myself since I don't write about myself much and I want a demo run. So anyway, hope you like it:

How did you get started in your handmade business?
Well I've been buying and selling online since I was 15 so I was already well accustomed to the ins and outs of that side of things by the time I set up my business aged 22. I had begun this craft blog quite a few months before and it was this that made me consider selling jewellery that I'd handmade myself rather than buying products in and re-selling them (which was my first idea). I don't do things by halfs so once I'd decided on handmade jewellery I spent pretty much all my savings on tools and more pendants and chains than you'd have ever seen in your life!
I then set up a website and ran that until about June '10 when I switched to Etsy.

What first made you want to become an artist/craftsperson?
I'd always loved crafts and design technology was always my favourite subject from a very early age. I just combined my favourite hobby with my second favourite hobby (selling online) and 'The Wellington Boot' was the result.

Apart fom crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Blogging, photography, reading, TV (bit of an addict of reality shows!), shopping, designing and doodling, watching films, baking and making lists, lots and lots of lists.


If you had to recommend one movie, which perhaps isn’t so well known, which one would it be?
I'd probably say 'Cruel Intentions' which is targeted at teenagers but I really like it and I'm sure anyone who likes edgier rom coms would do too - the soundtrack is great, as is the ending - but I won't spoil it :-)

Do you collect anything?
I did start a collection of vintage products which show how people did things differently 'back then', or are a bit bizarre, (I have a lipstick applicator which lets you apply lippie all in one go as a sort of 'stamp' - not very successfully I'd imagine) but I've only got about 4 things in the collection! I also have a large collection of recipe books although that was an unintentional collection lol. I've got at least 30 'Good Food' books alone.

What's your biggest non craft-related ambition?
To go to New Zealand and explore, bungee jump and skydive (eek).

If you had the opportunity to learn one more craft you don’t already do, what would it be?
There are soooo many and this craft blogging lark has opened my eyes to them all - this question is very tough! I want to learn everything from screen printing to weaving, pottery and mosaic. I guess if I had to choose I'd go for ice sculpting though - for something a bit different.

What was the best holiday you’ve ever been on?
Well all of my Disneyland and Disneyworld holidays have been amazing, but I guess the one where I went to Florida has to top the list as it was my 11th birthday whilst I was there and we went to a fab restaurant on International Drive and I fed the dolphins at Sea World, so yep, that was fantastic. Although, one of my favourite moments on holiday was when my brother and I were in the hotel swimming pool in Majorca and a storm started up and everyone went inside whilst we stayed in the pool with the rain bouncing on the water. Was awesome :-)

What is your earliest memory of creating something you were proud of?
I think it was probably a cardboard and paper mache boat I made in primary school. I loved that boat.


P.S. If you have an online shop which sells handmade and would like to be featured, please contact me via my shop for details, thanks!

Astrology Wall Art

Display your personal star sign for all to see, with this easy tutorial.

49 Valentine's Day Crafts

Click here for 49 romantic crafts from Martha Stewart, perfect for treating your partner this Valentine's Day.

Fall Leaf Cookies

OK it's not Autumn anymore, but I only just found these awesome cookies and I think they're too cool not to share. You can find more details here (click the arrow once to find it) and a basic cookie dough recipe here (250g butter, 140g caster sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tsp vanilla extract and 300g plain flour). Enjoy :-)

Google Art Project

Fancy a day out exploring the art galleries of the world? Fancy having a close up view of art masterpieces? Then check out the Google Art Project which lets you 'walk' around iconic galleries without leaving your computer chair!

Learn How To Sew

Source: House of Sims.
I've put together a web page all about learning to sew, and on it you will find lists of the best free lessons, tutorials and beginner's projects available to you online... so if you would like to learn this extremely useful and versatile skill, please click here :-)