I just wanted to thank all of my followers and readers. Your support is so very much appreciated. We inspire each other to explore the world and express our creativity in new and exciting ways. All the best to you and your families in 2019!
Happy Crafting!
It’s the night before Christmas, and little feet tiptoe toward the tree for a sneak peek at the presents. We may not have done this, but we thought about it a lot. It’s human nature to wonder -What’s inside the box?
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., you’re going to give gifts to lots of people, and those gifts need to be boxed, bagged, or wrapped in an attractive fashion.
Last Minute Checking All the Details
If your name is Mrs. Claus, you probably don’t need help wrapping gifts.
Santa’s Secret Gift Stash
In fact, Mrs. Claus probably has a gift-giving closet that looks like this one. For the rest of us, there’s still a lot of shopping to be done and presents to be wrapped. Department stores typically offer gift wrap, but it can be pricey. Many retailers have eliminated this service and the gift boxes as well. Shopping malls offer gift wrapping, but the lines can be very long. Fortunately there are lots of solutions to make your gifts look beautiful.
Gift Bags & Boxes
Gift bags are probably one of the best inventions of all time. They’re sold just about everywhere, including the food stores, so when you’re running around last minute a gift bag is easily on hand.
Accessorized Cloth Gift Bags
These burlap bags are dressed up with the addition of berries and glitzy red ornaments.
Red & White Fabric Gift Bag
This red and white gift bag has a built-in drawstring.
Fabric Gift Bags with Metallic Polka Dot Patterns
Amazon provided these festive gift bags, which my family passes back and forth for various occasions all year long. Unfortunately there’s no way of knowing which color you might receive, and some items are wrapped in paper instead of a bag.
Velvet-Lined Metal Box
A metal box is an intriguing way to package a gift.
Collectible Porcelain Box
Porcelain boxes come in a variety of shapes and colors for every occasion. These are perfect for jewelry or other small items, and can also be used to conceal a cash gift.
Glass Jar Adorned with Silver Heart
For the baker in the family, this fluted glass jar and lid will hold your gift now, and will be perfect for holding baking ingredients in the future. It could also be used as cookie jar.
Bath & Body Gift Basket
Gift baskets filled with the recipient’s favorites is always a welcome surprise. You can purchase a roll of colored cellophane wrap or use regular plastic wrap to cover the entire basket, and tie a bow on top.
Gift Box Tower
Some stores provide colorfully printed boxes, which are suitable for gifts any time of year, and can be stacked and tied with a pretty ribbon.
Gift Boxes – Lids Wrapped Separately
When using standard wrapping paper, you can always wrap the lid separately. By doing so, the box can be reused for years to come.
Accessorized Gold Box
A floral pine cone stem and some ribbon were all that was needed to complete this package.
Matching Gift Tags
Don’t forget to add a gift tag. Some people save the pictures, from last year’s holiday cards, and use them as gift tags on this year’s presents.
Dress up Gift Wrap with Ornaments
Standard green wrapping paper perks up with the addition of bright red ribbon and two adorable ornaments.
Recycled Paper with Greens from the Backyard
For an all-natural look, recycled paper can be used, with twine instead of ribbon, some evergreen and a pine cone from your backyard.
Fancy Metallic Paper & Coordinating Ribbon
A silver bow makes a statement on this aqua and silver wrapped gift.
Fanciful Paper with a Statement Bow
A glittering gold bow makes the perfect topper for this dancing reindeer package.
Metallic Paper with a Pom Pom Bow
A 3-dimensional snowflake has sprung to life from this pretty wrapping paper.
Glittering Paper, Ribbon & Bow
For a glamorous look, combine sparkling red paper, gold studded ribbon, and a shiny gold bow.
Coordinated Paper & Ribbon
This perfectly coordinated metallic ribbon and paper is suitable for gifts any time of year.
Pretty Paper with Flower-Shaped Bow
Sometimes a really great topper steals the show. A bow like this one will be appreciated for sure, with its petal-like layers in full bloom and wisps of green ribbon leaves peeking out beneath. There’s a very interesting pattern of wildlife, holly sprigs, and guitars intertwined among the curvilinear vines.
As they say, it’s the thought that counts. With a few creative choices, gift wrapping can be a pleasure, instead of a chore.
Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!
As the weather turns colder, my thoughts turn to baking. The scent of home baked cookies wafting through the air is sure to be followed by the thumping footfalls of my family as they bound down the stairs in search of something sweet from the oven. I have to admit I love it too and have sampled more than a few of my own creations.
In addition to satisfying your family, baked goods make great gifts for guests, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Below are several ideas for inspiration.
Gingerbread Cookies
These charming gingerbread cookies are served on an equally adorable pinwheel candy plate. They’re easy to make, or you can buy plain ones and apply your own colorful candy and icing decorations.
Gingerbread Houses
Everyone loves home baked goods. How about baked goods that require no baking at all (at least on your part)? Gingerbread kits come in a number of varieties, such as cookies, houses, and villages, and include all the necessary candies, icing, and yes the baked gingerbread too. The whole family will enjoy building and eating their creations.
Traditional Christmas Cookies
Decked out in green, red and white icing, these cookies celebrate Christmas in the sweetest possible way. If you have a long list of people to bake for, get the whole family involved with the decorating to speed up the process in this fun activity.
Assorted Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are finger licking good. If you are pressed for time, many bakeries offer ready-made cookie platters to share with your friends and family or give as gifts.
Fancy Cookie Cut Outs
This elegant cookie looks professionally made, but it’s actually quite easy to make yourself. All you need are two cookie cutters – one large round with scalloped edges, and the second in the shape of a swan or any design you prefer. Layer two large cookies on top of each other, with strawberry or raspberry filling, to make this sandwich cookie. The bottom cookie is solid, while the top cookie has a swan cut out in the center. Shake powdered sugar on top for a beautiful bakery finish.
Iced Snowman Cookies
Snowmen are seasonal favorites. These individually wrapped cookies would make great party favors for your guests. If you have extra, they’re popular items at the school bake sales. Of course that assumes your family doesn’t finish them off first. (lol)
Holiday Cookie & Candy Platter
Homemade cookies & candy go hand in hand. This creative assortment tantalizes the taste buds. Should I have a cookie first or dive into the chocolates? There are plenty of candy mold designs suitable for any occasion, and new flavors in candy melts will please the most adventuresome candy aficionados.
Assorted Homemade Breads
Breads are delicious any time of year. With so many recipes and the ease of baking, anyone can make homemade bread in less than an hour. Crafter Tip: Many types of bread need to be fully cooled, and sometimes refrigerated before slicing. To prevent crumbling, be sure to follow the recipe instructions.
Christmas Petits Fours
Petits Fours are the perfect marriage of cake and candy. Fondant icing is actually candy used to cover bite size cubes of yellow, sponge or pound cake. While the fondant is still wet, decorations can be applied using piped icing, or a sprinkling of either candy or nuts. As an added burst of flavor, jelly or butter cream can be spread over the cake prior to applying the fondant.
Snowman Cupcakes
These snowman and snowlady cupcakes are almost too cute to eat. The bodies are standard size cupcakes, and the heads are mini cupcakes. Coconut is the perfect substitute for snow. Oreos become top hats for the gentlemen, and piped icing details create all the smiling faces and earmuffs for the ladies.
Hanukkah Donuts
It wouldn’t be Hanukkah without deep-fried jelly donuts sprinkled with granulated sugar.
Cranberry Rhubarb Pie
Cranberries play a large part in many holidays. There’s cranberry sauce as a side item with your meal, cranberry garlands and sprigs as decorative touches, and cranberry muffins and pies.
Whether you bake everything from scratch, or supplement your desserts with store-bought items, the holidays are a time of sharing, especially at mealtime. Enjoying the seasonal flavors with loved ones is something we all have in common. Please read “Holiday Food Presentation” for ideas on displaying your culinary creations.
Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!
I have a confession to make – researching this article made my mouth water, and I realized it should probably contain a warning, so here it is: If you don’t have a craving for chocolate right now, you will by the time you finish reading this post. You might want to have some chocolate on hand before you continue reading. Grab some Hershey’s kisses, or break open a bag of chocolate chips – anything will do – just in case!
Assorted Chocolates
Chocolate is a worldwide obsession. Everybody has a favorite. The purists prefer their chocolate free of any added ingredients. Some crave nuts, caramel, or coconut with chocolate, but others passionately insist peanut butter and chocolate make the ultimate combo. While the debate continues, candy makers tantalize the chocolate-loving public with their latest creations. It all starts with a seed…
Seeds Growing upon Cacao Trees
Turning cacao seeds into the delicious chocolate treats, we have come to adore, is time consuming. For the DIY candy makers, manufacturers have simplified the process by creating small chocolate wafers called candy melts, which are available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and assorted flavors, such as peppermint and strawberry.
Milk Chocolate Candy Melts
Melted Milk Chocolate
Chocolate is melted in a double boiler. When it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, it can be poured into molds similar to the one shown below.
Milk Chocolate Hearts
After refrigeration, the chocolates are unmolded and ready to eat. The solid milk chocolate hearts in the above photo are the easiest, beginner-level of chocolate candy making.
Assorted Gourmet Chocolates
With practice and a little creativity, you can graduate to the next level.
Chocolate Truffles
Do you have a gourmet sweet tooth? Chocolatiers, such as Lindt, and Godiva, are excellent choices, but can be expensive. Making these decadent truffles takes a little more effort, but it’s still an easy process. Instead of filling the mold all at once, it is done in layers. The first layer forms the outer chocolate shell. Coat the mold with chocolate. Next the filling is added. Popular favorites are hazelnuts, butter cream, peanut butter, caramels, chocolate liqueurs and cream fillings. A piping bag can be used to make filling easier. Refrigerate the mold to allow the filling and chocolate to solidify. The last step is adding another layer of chocolate to fill any remaining voids and seal the top of the mold. Refrigerate and carefully un-mold. Your candy making skills will be the envy of all your friends and family.
If gourmet chocolate isn’t your style, there are simpler options…
Chocolate & Vanilla Fudge
Assorted Chocolate Barks
Crispy Chocolate Caramel Bar
Have you ever eaten a 100Grand candy bar? It’s a delicious combination of crispy chocolate with a gooey caramel center. Making your own is simple: Melt milk chocolate wafers and stir in Rice Krispies. Spread half the mixture in an 8×8 pan. Pour caramel sauce over the top, and then cover with the remaining chocolate mixture. Refrigerate to harden the chocolate and cut into bars. Don’t be surprised if the pan magically empties.
Chocolate Covered Cookie
Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Chocolate Covered Cake Pops
Undecided whether to have chocolate or cake? Have both with chocolate cake pops.
Chocolate Covered Apples
If soft, gooey, caramel and decadent chocolate were people, they would be best friends. For gourmet apples, dip fruit in caramel first, followed by chocolate, and roll in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or anything else your taste buds desire.
Chocolate Caramel Popcorn
What more do you need on movie night?
Hot Chocolate & Red Velvet Cake
Perhaps beverages are more to your liking? There’s no need to wait for cold weather. Crank up the air conditioner, we’re having hot chocolate!
Chocolate Fudge Pie
Chocolate Mousse
Who could resist the rich, creamy taste of chocolate mousse?
Brownie a la Mode
Solid Chocolate Cell Phone
No phone plan is needed here. Hold all my calls! This is going to take a while.
Happy Crafting!!
They say “Good things come in small packages,” and mosaic tiles are perfect examples. So many options and so little time – Deciding where to begin is the biggest challenge. Mosaics are so versatile for use in every day items, such as tabletops, picture frames, flooring, and artwork. The process is fairly straightforward, and no specialized skills are required. Below are a few ideas for inspiration:
Choose Your Design:
Geometric Mosaic
Abstract Mosaic Floor
Choose Your Mosaic Material & Colors:
Ceramic Mosaic Salamander
River Rock Mosaic
Many types of mosaic tiles are available in pre-cut sheets to make installation a breeze.
Glass Mosaic Tray
Crafter Tips: To cut costs, some manufacturers make clear glass tiles with solid color or patterned foil backings. The savings are passed onto the consumer – the beauty of vibrantly colored glass without the expense. When using transparent glass tiles, be sure to use white mortar to avoid an unwanted color change. Coordinate grout color with design.
Apply Mortar Over Strong Substrate:
Wood or any clean smooth surface will do. Using your design as a guide, press the mosaic tiles firmly into the mortar and allow drying time. If required, apply a sealant per manufacturer’s instructions. Crafter Tip: You might want to wear disposable gloves while working with mortar. A friend had gray hands and fingernails for weeks after completing a project. The mortar itself washed off, but the pigments had real staying power.
Blue Glass Mosaic Table
Tropical Glass Mosaic Table
Apply Grout:
Glass & Beaded Mosaic
Crafter Tip: The color of your grout will affect the color of the mosaics. Consider your color scheme carefully before choosing the grout.
Challenge Yourself:
Complex Geometric
Floral Mosaic Mural
Mosaic Water Fountain
Mosaic Sun
Cinderella & Her Fairy Godmother
Mosaic Horse
World-renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly, designed this beautiful mirror tiled statue. Thousands of mosaic tiles follow the muscular contours of the horse’s body, complicating an already challenging project, with stunning results.
Happy Crafting!
Our June Crafter of the Month is Sally, from Cherry Hill, NJ. Her eclectic mix of interests revolves around two lifelong passions: gardening and animals. Tending her flower garden and feeding local wildlife requires daily attention. Sally takes the same approach with her crafting, as she lovingly nurtures each project to completion. Below is a small sampling of her work.
Ceramic Pumpkins
Ceramics
One of the best things about autumn is the availability of pumpkins. This cute pair of ceramic pumpkins looks beautiful in any season. The orange paint was applied following the contours of the outer shells. Darker ridges add depth and dimension. The interiors have been painted yellow with an additional clear glaze to make them food safe. Crafter Tip: The pumpkin stems were coated with a specialty paint, which blends green and brown colors together during the firing process. No two are exactly alike and it produces a more realistic appearance.
Valley Forge Memorial Arch
Photography
This beautiful arch, located in Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania, is a memorial to General George Washington and the Continental Army. Taking this photo at an angle adds visual interest, and beautifully showcases the carved stonework and massive structure of this architectural icon. The cool, light gray stone sharply contrasts with the robin’s egg blue sky.
Amethyst & Fluorite Necklace
Beaded Jewelry
Ever since the first precious gems were discovered, people have crafted jewelry to showcase their finds. Wearing beautiful gemstones against your skin is such a luxurious, decadent experience. This faceted, deep purple amethyst necklace has a carved fluorite center stone and sterling silver accents. Crafter Tips: Genuine gemstone beads are available in many varieties, shapes, and colors at a fraction of the cost of cut gemstones. Be sure to purchase gemstones from reputable sources, such as Fire Mountain Gems.
Christmas Boots Ornaments
DIY Kits
If you haven’t visited a craft store recently, you’ll be amazed at the selection of DIY kits to make anything from stepping stones and suncatchers to pillows and toys. This is a great opportunity to do a creative project with the convenience of having all the necessary supplies in one box, and the simplicity of easy to follow instructions for adults and kids of all ages. This Christmas ornament kit included all the sequins, straight pins, and ribbons needed to make two boots. Crafter Tip: Before selecting a project to make with your kids, be sure to check the recommended ages – kits often include small parts and pieces.
Jaguar Needlepoint
Needlepoint
The gaze of this predator meets the viewer eye to eye. Large paws hint at superior physical strength and agility. In the blink of an eye, he could disappear into the jungle, blending perfectly among the foliage with his spotted fur coat. Intricate details in this needlepoint were created using a single style stitch, which relies upon color, light and shadow to define the subject. The dark stained, distressed wood frame coordinates perfectly with the abstract jungle foliage. Crafter Tip: For best results, needlepoint should be professionally blocked and framed.
Footprints Matted Photo
Semi-Custom Picture Framing
During childhood, some of our best friends are pets. Through every adventure, real or imagined, your faithful companion is always at your side. This adorable photo has a very special customized two-tone double matt. The artist traced her dog’s foot and then transferred it onto the tan matt board. Each print was cut out using an Exacto knife, revealing the dark brown layer beneath, creating the footprint pattern. Crafter Tip: For maximum impact, use two high-contrast matt board colors.
Happy Crafting!
This post is the third in a series featuring crafts made by members of our community.
Our May Crafter of the Month is Lisa, from Kaanapali, HI. Her passion for creativity started with a package of eight oversized crayons for kids and several coloring books. This led to a lifelong love of all arts and crafts. There’s always a project in progress and others waiting in the wings. Inspiration can strike at any hour, day or night. When it does, Lisa dives right in, eager to see where the journey will take her. Below is a small sampling of her work.
Cold Beverage Coasters:
There was a time when beer was simply sold in cans or bottles, without much fanfare. With so much competition, wine and spirits companies are vying for consumer attention with funny commercials and elaborate packaging. Who could forget the scary old tree from Angry Orchard Hard Cider or how about the headless horseman riding a hippo from River Horse Pumpkin Ale, pictured above? With a few easy steps you can turn this eye-catching artwork into cold beverage coasters. Cut out the designs to fit standard 4” x 4” or 6” x 6” cork squares, available from any craft store. Waterproof the cardboard by sealing both sides with clear, self-adhesive laminating sheets. Finish the edges with black craft tape, and glue onto cork squares.
Crafter Tip: Avoid air pockets in laminate by applying firm, even pressure using a credit card or flat plastic ruler.
Painted Wall Mural:
Hovering for a second, an iridescent hummingbird pollinates tropical flowers in this vibrant wall mural. This is only a small portion of a large mural encompassing several walls in this tropical themed bedroom. Although the majority was painted over a period of months, new additions are periodically added – lizards, tree frogs and butterflies are hidden among the foliage, creating a life-size Seek & Find puzzle for everyone to enjoy.
Crafter Tips: During the layout phase for a wall mural, use a colored pencil a shade lighter or darker than the background color, making the lines unnoticeable later. To prevent damage from the sun, ensure the painted designs are protected from direct sunlight.
Crocheting:
Philadelphia sports fans will appreciate this afghan representing the NFL Eagles and the NCAA Villanova University. Although it was completed last year, ironically both teams won their respective championships in 2018. This oversized blanket is big enough to share while watching the games, keeping you warm and showing your team spirit. When folded, one team shows on top, which can be easily alternated by flipping it over to celebrate the team of your choice.
Crafter Tip: Take the official sports logos with you to buy the yarn so that you can match the team colors.
Beaded Jewelry:
What could be more luxurious than a thick strand of beads adorning your neck? Hours of love (four to be exact) went into the making of this grapevine spiral necklace, which was created using a needle and specialty thread one bead at a time. Iridescent blue & purple glass beads are woven with blue triangular beads and aqua seed beads.
Crafter Tip: Have a lot of patience for this time-consuming project & good lighting to work with tiny beads. The spectacular results are worth all the effort.
Watercolor Painting:
Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida is probably one of the most recognized buildings in the world. The soft muted colors in this watercolor painting capture the fairy tale atmosphere. As in the animated films, you almost expect to see the princess herself stroll onto the bridge to look out over the water.
Crafter Tip: When working with watercolor paints, layer the colors – once the paint has dried, you can always go darker, however the opposite is NOT true. If a wet area looks too dark, lighten it with a damp brush to soften the color, or dab with a paper towel and allow it to dry before re-attempting.
Ceramics:
Just about everyone has a favorite animal of choice on a carousel. Some prefer the fancy horses, while others take a walk on the wild side with exotic tigers, giraffes and the occasional polar bear. This ceramic carousel lion roars to life with bright, festive colors associated with carnivals, fairs and amusement parks. The realistic, sculpted details of the face, fur and saddle are enhanced by the color scheme, calling to mind childhood memories of summertime fun.
Crafter Tip: When cleaning the raw clay, be very careful with fine details and fragile areas. The tail on this figure broke off and had to be carefully re-attached and patched with clay. It’s not as smooth as the original, but blends well, and has restored strength due to the kiln firing process.
Happy Crafting!
This article is one in a series featuring crafts made by members of our community.
Our April Crafter of the Month is Kathy, from Broomall, PA. It is said that charity begins at home. Kathy has taken this message to heart as she uses her crocheting skills to make lap blankets for people confined to wheelchairs, in nursing homes and religious organizations. While watching television or talking with friends, that crocheting needle is always in hand. Below is a small sampling of her work.
Crocheting:
A handmade baby blanket makes a great gift. Don’t know whether it will be a boy or a girl? No problem. White super soft yarn with rainbow stripes in pastel pink, blue, green and yellow will coordinate with any décor in the nursery. The loose weave creates lightweight comfort and warmth. Tip: Baby blankets tend to be rather small. You might want to consider making a larger size to be shared by a parent and the baby for an afternoon nap or a ride in a rocking chair.
No one could miss noticing the vibrant colors in this sassy pink afghan. The fringe has been doubled for an ultra luxurious appeal. Because it is oversized, it can be used as a bedspread, or draped across the back of a sofa, within easy reach, for movie night or binge watching television.
It’s a boy! This soft and inviting baby blanket is ready and waiting to wrap up a newborn in cozy style. Babies are fascinated by colors and textures. The spacing of the stitches in this blanket allows the baby to grip the fabric, holding it close like a warm hug. Tip: Most yarns are machine washable, but never assume. Always check the label prior to purchasing yarn for your next project. Baby blankets require a lot of washing, and many toddlers continue to carry around their baby blankets like cherished friends. Buying washable yarn will ensure years of enjoyment for the baby and the parents.
Adult Coloring:
Poised upon a tree branch, this pigeon is ready to take flight. The pencil strokes define the feathers, especially upon the neck, tail and wing. Use of shimmering colors on the side of the head is a realistic touch. The brilliant colors of the eye, beak and feet grab your attention as he stares back at you. The shading and colors on the branches add texture and the new leaves hint at the time of year, spring.
Owls are often heard but not seen. This spotted owl seems perfectly content to remain where he is. Those sharp inquisitive eyes are perfect for finding prey in the dark. Contrasting colors define the feathers across the wings and body. Strong claws anchor this large bird upon a branch, while the boulder in the background suggests this perch is high above the ground as it would be in nature.
Painting:
Green design has been an important part of protecting our environment for generations to come. Kathy has actually taken action by reducing waste, which would otherwise end up in a landfill. The seagull in this photo was painted upon an old wooden oar from a rowboat. The blue and white color scheme brings to mind sunny days at the seashore playing in the sand. The wind, water and feathers are depicted using various brush strokes. This newly repurposed oar would look great hanging above a bar, or over a sofa in an ocean-themed room. Tip: Other than a little sanding, the oar was kept in its original condition. A base primer coat of paint should first be applied to prepare the raw wood prior to painting your designs. Curtain rod or tapestry holders, purchased in any home improvement store, will proudly keep your creation in place for all to admire.
Happy Crafting!
How do you know when your project is finished?
A few weeks ago, I posted an article about painting woodcrafts. One of the featured items was a pair of seahorses painted in two different color schemes. Those of you who are passionate crafters will relate to the notion of having a vision of your finished work. It’s something that you feel, and inspires you to bring that vision to reality. Sometimes, after completing a project, you realize that something just doesn’t seem right. Could it be better, and if so, how?
That’s exactly what happened to me and is the reason for this new post. I walked past those seahorses for a few weeks. Finally, I had to act. My family thought I was crazy, but I had to follow my intuition.
Original Turquoise Seahorse
Above & below you will see photos of the Seahorses Before and After the changes. The original version has a flatter body with a matte finish. There’s some texture, especially in the spikes along the ridges on the seahorse’s back and tail. A subtle scale-like pattern extends across the body, but the outer edges remain smooth. Compared to the raw wood, the paint adds detail and some volume, but overall the body lacks depth and definition.
Turquoise Seahorse 3D Paints
Revised Turquoise Seahorse
For the new (and I hope improved) versions, dimensional fabric paints were applied in a combination of dots and long strokes, creating thick layers of paint to form a 3-D effect. For each seahorse, three of the paints have shiny finishes, and the fourth has an iridescent metallic finish. The light blue spikes were applied last to ensure they are the highest points on the body.
The revised versions have much more texture and vibrant colors. The body is defined with fuller, rounded musculature. The nubby texture of the skin, which continues over the edges, is closer to the natural contours found on a live seahorse and begs to be touched. The shiny finish provides a wet look, which is perfect for this denizen of the ocean.
Original Purple Seahorse
Purple Seahorse 3D Paints
Revised Purple Seahorse
Update: These two seahorses became focal points in an ocean themed wreath. For photos and instructions, please click here.
Getting back to my original question: How do you know when your project is complete? Maybe it’s when the last stitch is knotted, or the final stroke of the brush is made. Or perhaps, the answer depends upon the individual. Follow your heart. Be true to your intuition and inspiration. Nothing less will satisfy the dream. Just like us, our projects are works in progress. What will you be inspired to do today?
Happy Crafting!
This article is the first in a series featuring crafts made by members of our community.
Our first Crafter of the Month is Trudy, from King of Prussia, PA. She has been crafting for years, and continues to seek out new creative challenges. A visit to the craft store is a time to be savored, as she walks up and down every aisle in search of her next project. A shopping cart is definitely a prerequisite for this endeavor. There’s always a new product or technique to explore, and countless reasons (or excuses) to create something new. Below is a small sampling of her work.
Crocheting
Traditionally Granny Squares are crocheted with contrasting yarns. This afghan was made with light blue yarn for the centers and navy blue for the perimeters. Both shades were used for the thick fringe. Granny Squares have a dense weave, which produces a heavy weight, very warm blanket. For a more contemporary style, you could make solid squares in several colors, and lay them out in zigzag or checkerboard patterns. Because the squares are made one at a time, this is an easily portable craft, made a few pieces at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have enough to complete your project. Tip: If you enlist the help of a family member, be sure to use the same tension on the yarn so that the finished squares will be of equal size.
Ceramics
Ceramic items range from decorative statues, to beautiful vases, and functional dinnerware and serving pieces. Workshops and studios offer classes for those with beginning and advanced skills, but knowledgeable staff members can quickly cover the basics, without the need for lessons. A wash technique was applied to this beaver’s fur, in which color glaze was first applied to the body using a brush, followed by a clean damp sponge to carefully wipe away the excess paint from the surface, leaving the darker color in all the crevices. This wash technique gives the fur depth and a soft textured appearance. Tip: When cleaning the raw clay, be sure not to scrape or rub too hard with tools or sponges, because it can damage the details or potentially weaken or crack the item. Once it has been fired in a kiln, the clay becomes firm and strong.
Adult Coloring
A symmetrical design representing the universe is known as a Mandala, and is often used as a focal point for meditation. This example includes elements from the African plains, including giraffes, trees, flowers, and vegetation. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the interlocking pattern of the tree branches mimics the natural patterns in the giraffe’s fur. The light blue seen through the trees becomes the sky and distant horizon. Because the lower body and legs are hidden, the viewer is elevated high above the trees to look directly into the eyes of the giraffes. The lower half of the design mirrors the upper portion, much like the natural water reflection on the surface of their favorite watering hole. The soft palette of these colors is relaxing and closely matches those found in the giraffe’s natural habitat.
Tip: When using colored pencils, it is sometimes difficult to erase mistakes with a standard eraser. Purchase an eraser pencil, which is a pencil filled with an erasing material instead of lead. You can sharpen the eraser pencil to a fine point and use it to remove even the tiniest of marks without damaging the rest of your work. I prefer eraser pencils with a brush at one end to sweep the erasures from the page without the risk of smearing the colors with your hand.
In this Mandala, we are presented with a garden, complete with rabbits, flowers, strawberries, black berries, green leaves, and a moth at the center. The light blue background is reminiscent of the earth itself, and implies movement as the rabbit scampers about the garden for a quick bite to eat. The strawberries and flowers are reaching up toward the sky, while the rabbits hide among the plants, just as they do in nature. The pastel colors contrast with the rich red and blue berries on this perfect spring day. Tip: Color choice is a major part of any work of art. Sometimes going with your intuition produces the most surprising and satisfying results. Trust yourself, and enjoy the creative process.
Needlepoint
As with all needlecrafts, there is an amazing variety of stitches and an equally astounding selection of designs. This complex Gazebo landscape design was achieved using colors, shading, varying stitches & yarn types, and architectural geometry to create a three dimensional effect. The moss green velvet matt and golden, wood frame provide a window with a view into a beautiful garden. Tip: As you work with your design, the backing will inevitably become softer and somewhat out of shape. It’s important to have the finished needlepoint blocked to ensure that the stitches are straightened and the design resumes its intended shape.
Beaded Jewelry
These dangle earrings consist of green jasper and agate beads in three shapes: rondelles, hearts and twisted coins. Cool, shiny, silver-plated accent beads and shepherd’s hook earwires offset the soft matte gemstones in pastel greens. The natural variations in genuine gemstones make each finished piece of jewelry unique. Tip: Metal beads and findings are susceptible to tarnish. Be sure to store your jewelry with anti-tarnish strips, sealed away in an airtight jewelry box or zip locked plastic bag.
Happy Crafting!
Crafts Inspire Me 