Learn To Cross Stitch

Made by MonaxMonax.

Just a quick note to say that I have split up my cross stitch and needlepoint craft roundups so you can find them separately now at the following addresses:

Cross stitch - click here.

Needlepoint - click here.

Hope you enjoy them - they include more pretty pics now :)



Embossing Clay With Paper

This tutorial shows an interesting technique for embossing a piece of clay with a papercut design, which is a brilliant way of creating the exact same pattern on clay over and over again.

Homemade Animal Hangers

See how you can make your own funny animal head hangers by clicking here - you could even print out a photo of your own face to display on your hangers if you wanted!



Clay Jewel Necklace

Click here for details on making this fun statement necklace using copper plate settings, and neon coloured polymer clay for the 'jewels'. Funky fashion project.

DIY Piggybank

I've not seen a piggy bank made from scratch like this before but I love the cute felt design based around a section of PVC pipe - and you get to your money via a zipper on the backside!

Click here for the tutorial.

Hedgehog Knit Pattern

I've liked hedgehogs ever since we found a lost one, who was particularly energetic and adorable, in our garden when I was little (we ended up taking him to a hedgehog centre and he was named after my brother! naww.) Anyway, what I'm saying is, hedgehogs are cool. And so is this knitting pattern.  

BBQ Sweet Potato Chips

Delicious-looking fried chips, seasoned with paprika and other spices....mmmmm......

Find the recipe over here. 

Ornament Terrarium

Using clear Christmas baubles as mini capsules for terrariums is such a good idea - and it also means you can easily hang them up for a pretty decoration. Go here for the how-to.

Steel Wool Light Painting

This light painting photo technique looks so cool (and kinda dangerous!) - who would have thought it cost less than $10 to do and didn't need any post production?

Take a look at the instructions here.

Humans of New York

I always view New York as full of character - and characters - even though unfortunately I've never been there (...what I wouldn't give to be there in the snow...)

And Humans of New York showcases photos of the most interesting, ordinary and extraordinary folk of NY.



DIY Upholstered Bench

If woodworking is more your bag, this project for a cross-leg upholstered footstool looks straightforward and satisying to produce. An excellent introduction to 2 crafts.

Geometric Embroidery Canvas

Make a colourful and contemporary piece of embroidered art for your home with these instructions.



Laptop Bag Patterns & iPad Sleeve DIYs

Photo and sleeve by Not Yet The Dodo.

My next crafty tutorial roundup is for laptop bags, tablet sleeves, phone cases and lots of other pouches for your gadgets -so if you have a gizmo you need a case or bag for, check out the big list of sewing patterns and quick DIYs to make your own, right here.

Flower Petal Art Print

I own Photoshop but have barely scratched the surface of what I can do with it yet - but I reckon this should be one of my first projects. You gather flower petals, assemble them into a word, photograph the word and upload it onto the PC, and then edit it in Photoshop to make a lovely unique print.

 

If you made a whole flower petal alphabet like this that would be one awesome font!

 

Click here for the tutorial.

 

Also, Happy Valentine's Day! (even for singletons like me :))

Tasseled Love Pillow

The blue and purple combo (my favourite) on this cushion really creates a modern look, and the letters are spelt out with a clever use of finger knitting - find the step-by-step here.

Star Trek Cookies

Click here to check out the process of creating these funny and nerdy cookies...the 'Beam Me Up Hottie' one is hilarious!

Mailable Fortune Cookie

A brilliant idea, and so easy to do - a foam sheet fortune cookie which you can send through the mail! I know I'd love to receive one :)

Go here for the DIY.

Embroidered Gift Boxes

Embroidery on a plain brown box background really stands out and adds that extra special handmade touch to your presents.

Go here for the how-to.



Coloured Chocolate Lollies

I never knew how this type of lollipop was made, but this step-by-step is brilliant at showing exactly how all of the colours are painted onto the moulds.



Heart Picture Holder

To see how to make this easy wire and clay holder yourself, click here for the tute.



His & Her Pillows

This fun his & her pillowcase DIY is perfect for a Valentine's Day craft or gift.

Amigurumi Patterns Roundup

Photo and amigurumi by Mowglee Mo.

Another day, another roundup; this time for crochet stuffed toys - or 'amigurumi' as they're best known. So if you're a crocheter already or are just starting out and want some free patterns for all kinds of cute amigurumi, click here to have a browse.



DIY Himmeli Mobile

I've always liked these geometric style decorations, and guess what? You can make your own using plastic drinking straws! Go here and here for two brilliant tutorials.

Berry Infused Ice Cubes

How gorgeous are these? Probably best suited to Summer drinks, but the hearts would be lovely for Valentine's drinks too - check out the how-to here.

Valentine Pom-Poms

I used to really like these little pom-pom monsters (which you usually got free at events and parties) and I collected a few and attached their sticky feet to my window! I haven't really grown up so I think these Valentine monsters are very cute and would be great dotted around the home during this month of love :)

Homemade Crafts For Dogs & Cats

Photo and stuffed fabric toy by Holly Hickman.

If you have a pet and you enjoy crafts then I hope you'll really like my latest crafty roundup which contains loads of DIY dog beds, cat scratching posts and plenty of other pet treats! Click here to have a look.