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Your Creative Team

Raising the profile of the crafting communityAvAnna

Publications

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We always love to hear ofyour crafting experiences andread your feedback forCreative Crafting.Email us at:articles@creative-crafting.com

Get in touch!Visit our site using yourmobile QR APP!

Organisers of

Tina - In the Garden

Tracey - Wowthankyou

Claire - Elderberry Arts

Gill - Personal Space Interiors

Sally - The Bead Bounty

Jamie - Mr X Stitch

thecrystallady@creative-crafting.com

Technical Editor - Avril(Sprinkles Sparkles)

sprinks@creative-crafting.com

FEATURE WRITERS

Editor and Ad Sales - Anna(The Crystal Lady)

THE TEAM

Silvia - SlowLane Handmade

Proof Reading- Martina(Sparrow Primitives)

Clare - Thread Bare

Anna - Editor Avril - TechnicalEditor

Welcome!

Well, another year is almost done and we will soon be headinginto 2013! We have seen many changes in the Crafting world thisyear, lots of new small businesses arriving, the closure of somethat we have known for a long time. Things never stay the samedo they.

In this final issue of 2012 we have some beautiful articles for you.Some wonderful projects, fantastic recipes and very inspiringinterviews.

You will see regular faces and some new ones and we hope thatyou enjoy reading them all. For those that purchase the hardcopy of this magazine the version for this one will be perfectbound rather than saddle stitch so we are looking forward toseeing how it comes out.

CRAFTfest saw its largest event ever in November! 250 wonderfulonline craft stalls. The next one will be held in March 2013 solook out for the forms opening in the New Year.

Which just leaves us to say a very Merry Christmas to you all anda prosperous ‘Crafty’ New Year. Thank you for all of your supportthroughout the last 12 months we will be back again in February.

The Creative Crafting Team

Angela - Angel Crafts

Polly Allen - Easyjet

Kirsty - The Little Floating Craft Co

www.creative-connections.ning.com

www.creative-crafting.com

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A bit of sparkle to unite the generationsA fun, family Christmas craft project from Kirsty atthe Little Floating Craft Company.

An Interview with… ScENT CosmeticsHusband and wife team Garreth and Carla createstunning soap in the wilds of Ireland.

CREATIVE

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Create a Wooly Bears Santa CardClare Chanter from Thread Bare has a festiveproject for us.

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Crystal MagicThe Crystal Lady has found some multi-gemstonecreations for this issue.

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Recipes from the SlowlaneMocha Sticks with Chocolate and ChocolateWalnut Kisses from Silvia.

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Snow Quartz Christmas Angel KeyringClaire from Elderberry Arts shares a festive jewelleryproject with us.

Millie-Mae and Mummy makes… aGingerbread HouseMillie-Mae and Tracey get building with a fabulouscreation in the kitchen.

Kitchen Capers with Gill - Christmas Lunch –Make it easy on yourselfOur own ‘Nigella’ Gill shares her recipes for theperfect Christmas dinner.

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Create an Christmas Angel OrnamentAnother beautiful tutorial from Sally-Jo at The BeadBounty.

The Rise and Rise of Wow Thank YouTracey shows us how the up and coming sitestarted, how it is now and everything in between.

An Interview with… JJ CreationsJulie Jasper tells us about her fabulous mini rockinghorses and her passion for creating them.

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Mr Cross Stitch interviews…Erin M Riley

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49 Best Craft Markets and Craft Shops in EuropePolly Allen tells us the best places to go in Europe.

Tina in the GardenA rather wet visit with Tina in her beautifulgarden, wondering if it will ever stop raining.

Hand knitted Christmas Wreath TreeDecorationAngela from Angel Crafts gets her knitting needlesout.

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Crafters Directory52

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with GillKITCHEN CAPERS

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From the

Slowlane

Written By Silvia from Slowlane Handmade

Mocha Sticks with Chocolate

Chocolate-Walnut-kisses&

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4tbsp Espresso powder275gr Flour50gr ground Almonds50gr ground Hazelnuts75gr Sugar10gr Vanillin Sugar2 ½ tsp Cocoa PowderPinch of Slat2 Egg yolks200gr Butter200gr dark chocolateCling FilmGreaseproof Paper

Mocha Sticks with ChocolateLine 3 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Dissolve the espresso powder in 2 tbsps hot water. Mixflour, almonds, hazelnuts, sugar, vanillin sugar, 2tspcocoa powder, salt, egg yolk, espresso and butter to asmooth pliable dough. I use my Food mixer with thedough hook for this. Form dough it into a thick roll,wrap in cling film and set it aside in the fridge for 1hour.

Cut your dough roll into 8 pieces. Roll out each pieceinto 42 cm long rolls (about 1 cm thick) cut into 7smaller rolls.

Bake for 11 – 13 minutes at Gas mark 3 or 200degrees.

Melt your dark chocolate and cover each end of theMocha sticks.

Chocolate-Walnut-kisses300gr Flour325gr Sugar (125gr for maindough the rest for the meringue)10gr Vanillin SugarPinch of salt20 gr cocoa powder1 Egg150gr Butterca 120gr Walnut halves4 Egg whites2 tsp. Lemon juiceCling FilmGreaseproof Paper

Line your baking trays with greaseproof paper

Mix flour, 125 gr sugar, vanillin sugar, sugar, salt,cocoa, egg and butter to pliable dough. I use my foodmixer with the dough hook for this. Wrap in Cling filmand set aside in the fridge for 45 minutes.Roll out the dough approximately 3mm thick on afloured work surface. Use a small circular biscuit cutter(4 cm) and cut out your shapes. You should getapproximately 78 little circles.

Mix your egg whites until they form peaks, add thelemon juice and slowly add the sugar, keep mixing allthe time. Keep mixing until the ‘snow’ has a shiny lookto it.

Use a piping bag to add the egg snow onto your bases.Add a walnut half and bake at Gas 2 /175 degrees for12-15 minutes. You want the snow to be firm but stillwhite.

Sadly this will be the last of the Recipes from the SlowLane. I have enjoyed my time withCreative Crafting Magazine and I hope you have enjoyed my Recipes.

Christmas is around the corner and and thoughts turn to gift giving and feeding thefamily.

The economic downturn is also taking it’s toll and perhaps you feel that you need to cutyour Christmas gift giving list. But you don’t really have to!! Why not give home made,

home baked gifts? And try something a little different.These little biscuits, wrapped with love will be such a hit that your loved ones will want

them all year round.

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The hangers: Take a length of ribbon or cotton tape no more than 15cm long and two pins. Secure one end ofthe ribbon using one of your pins, pushing it into the polystyrene as far as it will go and then nestle the other endof the ribbon as close as you can get it and pin into position with your other pin. Use pearl headed pins or lookonline for florist pins which come with all kinds of tops such as pearls, diamante in different colours, even littleflowers!

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Print, pins & buttons: The largest bauble is coveredwith disks of paper cut from an abandoned and uselessold book. The bauble has been slightly dented in thepalm of my hand using a fingertip and then a prettypearl headed pin is pushed through an old button,through the paper and into the polystyrene ball. Be surethat your ball has a wider diameter than the length ofyour pins to avoid any sore fingers! Cover the ball inthese disks completely. I have sprayed the bauble witha little silver glitter spray to add some sparkle when it’son the tree near the lights.Glittery pink print: this small bauble is the mostsimple of all three, and is just covered with torn scrapsof old book pages that have been covered in basic

school PVA glue and arranged over the surface, being sure to overlap. I sprayed a little pale pink ink overrandomly to add interest and once it was dry I used my fingers and covered the whole bauble in glitter glue.Vintage buttons and glitter: this button-ie bauble was the most complicated of the three, but only becausethe glue takes a little while to dry! If an adult is making this one then I’d recommend using a hot glue gun toattach the vintage buttons all over the surface of the polystyrene but if this is a family affair then a little patienceand regular glue must be the way forward. Once the glue had dried a little I went over the bauble with myglitter glue, filling in the gaps and gently dabbing with my finger to smooth it around a little so we have analmost solid surface.These would look great hung on a family Christmas tree and are simple to produce. Why not encourage yourkids to write their name on a glittery print bauble and attach it to their Christmas stocking to make sure that thebig man gets the right one? Or make one for their Grandma or Grandad? It would look so special with a fabdrawing rolled up into a scroll and the bauble attached with a thick strand of ribbon tied with a bow! If you’reinto gift wrapping with style then a bauble, ribbon and a sprig of greenery would look amazing,The possibilities are endless so I really hope you enjoy making your baubles!

Merry Christmas from Kirsty at The Little Floating Craft Co

www.littlefloatingcraftcompany.co.uk

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Written By Tracey from WowThankYou

Mummy Makes …

I made a house of gingerbreadIt was so sugary sweet

It took me all day long to makeBut, it lasted just a week.Monday I ate the ceiling.Tuesday I ate the door.

Wednesday I ate the windows.Thursday I ate the floor.

Friday I ate all four walls.Saturday I ate the lawn.

Sunday I licked up all the crumbs.My gingerbread house is gone!

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Ingredients175g butter175g soft dark brown sugar3 tbsp golden syrup700g plain flour1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda2 tsp ground ginger2 tsp mixed spice1 tsp ground cinnamonZest and juice of 1 orange2 medium free-range eggs

For the decorationBoiled sweets for the stained glass windows (weused rhubarb and custards)500g box royal icing sugar, made up nice and thickLong ‘straw-like’ chews for windowsillsLiquorice comfits for the shuttersA LOT of white chocolate buttons for the roof tiles (Ibought 14 bags of Cadbury ones!)Hundreds-and-thousands for the chimney (thoughour chimney didn’t survive!)Jelly beans, sprinkles, other sweets for decoration

Method

1. Put the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup into a pan over a very low heat, stirring until the butterand sugar have melted. Set aside to cool.

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2. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda,spices and orange zest in a big bowl.Crack the eggs into another bowl.

3. Add the butter mixture to the flour alongwith the eggs and orange juice. Mix well, thenuse your hands to bring together into a ball.Sprinkle a little flour over a clean work surfaceand knead the dough for a few minutes untilsmooth.

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into3 pieces and roll out on to sheets of baking paper.Roll until the gingerbread is about the samethickness as a £1 coin.Templates: I cheated and printed one from thedeliciousmagazine website. Cut out the differentpieces (re-rolling the trimmings), then transferthe gingerbread shapes, still on their baking paper,to 3 baking sheets.Put boiled sweets in each window hole (they willmelt in the oven and create a stained-glasseffect), then bake for 9 minutes.

5.Carefully slide the gingerbread (still on thebaking paper) onto a cooling rack. Leave to cool,preferably overnight.

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To decorate the house use royal icing to stick onthe chew ‘straws’ windowsills and use theliquorice comfits for the shutters. Set aside toset.

We assembled our house on a cake board, but achopping board will give you more garden! Useroyal icing to stick the sides, front and backpieces together, and stick the pieces to theboard to stabilise the house.

Decorate one roof piece: use a knife to spreadicing all over the roof, then cover with whitechocolate buttons. Start from the bottom addingthe buttons in rows that just overlap to look liketiles.

Decorate the chimney pieces with icing andhundreds-and-thousands. Wait until the icing iscompletely dry – we didn’t and it collapsed … so weleft it off!Brush or pipe the icing onto the sloping edges of thefront and back of the house to create ‘icicles’.Attach both roof panels, using royal icing, makingsure you spread some icing in the middle to gluethem together. Stick the chimney pieces together,then attach to the roof with royal icing. Carefullycover the untiled side of the roof with whitechocolate buttons in the same way as before. Attachthe door to the house and choose a sweet for thedoor knob.

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I have no idea where to store it, no idea how long it will last … but it’s one pretty cool Christmasdecoration! Millie-Mae’s nana visited earlier and she thought it was amazing! It was a really fun project todo, although it did take, on and off, a whole weekend. I must leave the last words to Millie-Mae herselfwhen she announced “that has got to be the best thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life” …

Merry Christmas xxx

And here’s the finished item!

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Written by Sally -Jo from The Bead Bounty

Christmas Angel Ornament

10g of good quality size 8 seed beads1 x 8-10mm facetted oval crystal bead for the head2 x 15-16mm dagger beads for the feet2 x 6mm drop beads for the hands2 x flower beads for the cuffs1 x 14mm decorative bead cap for the head21 x 6mm twisted bugle for the legsWaxed beading thread (i.e. Nymo)Bead needleScissorsBead mat or good surface for working with small beads

This sweet littleornament that

measuresapproximately 3

and ahalf inches from

headto toe, will make agreat gift, or a

prettyaddition to your

ownChristmas tree.

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Step 1. With approximately 1 metre of thread on needle pick up 2 size 8 seed beads and position them on thethread with about a 6 inch tail remaining.

Step 2 & 3. Pass the needle back through the beads and position the beads alongside each other with the holesshowing.

Step 4 & 5. Pick up another bead and pass the needle through the previous bead and then back up through thenewly added bead.Pick up another bead and add it in the same way making sure that each bead sits alongside the last with the holeshowing (this is called Ladder stitch)

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Step 6. Keep adding beads in the same way until you have a row of 15 beads.

Step 7 & 8. Second row - Pick up a bead and pass the needle through the thread between the first two beads onthe previous row and then back up through the new bead. This bead should now sit, with its hole showing,between the first two beads on row one.

Step 9 & 10. Pick up another bead and pass the needle through the thread between the next two beads on rowone and then back up through the newly added bead. This bead should sit alongside the first bead with its holeshowing.

Step 11. Continue to add beads in the same way until you have 14 beads. This is called Brick stitch.

Step 12. Row 3 add 13 beads, row 4 add 12 beads, row 5 add 11 beads etc. Continue to add rows, decreasing byone bead each row until you add the last bead at row 15 and you have created a triangle.

Leave the excess thread to use again later in the pattern. Repeat steps 1-8 to make a second triangle.

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Step 13 - 18 Sew the two triangles together down each side by going up 2 beads at one side and down 1 at theother making sure to keep them in line with each other. Leave the bottom open.

Step 19 - 21. Attach the head by picking up the facetted bead, bead cap and a seed bead. Pass the needle backdown through the bead cap and facetted bead bypassing the seed bead as this acts as the anchor for the head.Pull the thread tight so that the beads sit snugly next to the triangle and pass the needle through several beads tofasten it off.You can add some thread or thin ribbon to the seed bead at the top of the head later to hang the ornament fromyour tree.

Step 22. For the wings, bring an anchored thread out of the middle bead on the 4th row down from the head,pick up 16 beads and secure them in a circle. Pick up another 16 beads and anchor them at the other sidemaking a figure of eight.

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Step 23 - 25. For the arms, bring an anchored thread from the side of the triangle where you want the arms tostart, pick up 1 seed, 1 twisted bugle, 1 seed, 1 twisted bugle, 1 flower bead as a cuff and a drop bead as a hand.

Pass the needle back up through all of the beads except the drop as this acts as anchor. In the same way as thehead, pull the thread tight so that the beads sit snugly against the triangle. Pass the needle through severalbeads on the triangle so that the thread emerges at the opposite side to add the second arm and repeat for the2nd arm.

Step 26 - 27. Bringing a secure thread from the inside top of the triangle pick up 4 twisted bugle, 1 seed, 4twisted bugle, 1 seed and 1 dagger bead. Pass the needle back up all except the dagger (this acts as the anchor)and pull the beads up tightly to the top of the triangle and secure. Pass the needle back down inside the triangleand repeat for the 2nd leg but this time add 5 twisted bugle beads instead of 4 in the first group, this makes the2nd leg a little longer than the first.

This is a very versatile little ornament. You can hang it from your tree, sit it on your mantle pieceor wear it as jewellery i.e. a brooch or necklace.

If you wish to purchase the bead kit at £6.95 (which includes all the beads with needle and thread to make 1ornament) please visit www.thebeadbounty.com. When you purchase the kit the pattern will be sent digitally viaemail.

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Let’s start by going back in time – to 2009 in fact. I was feeling particularly sorry for myself during that summer asa massive writing contract had been discontinued through no fault of my own and I was licking my wounds.

Working as a freelance writer had its perks (working around the demands of my young children for one thing), but I’dhad enough of working short-term assignments, not knowing if I’d find the next one. I still wanted to be my own boss,but the time had come to look to pastures new.

The eureka moment occurred during autumn 2009 when, over a coffee with a friend, we jointly decided that it wouldbe good fun to set up a competitor website to – well – the ‘other’ marketplace we all know. So we set about designinga website and deciding on terms that would make us favourable – the key to this being lower commission rates andincreased advertising. We signed up a graphic designer friend to put the website together, and we thought we had itall covered … hmmm J

of WowThankYou was launched in the earlyhours of 5 March 2010. The week leading up to thelaunch was so hectic – we converted our dining room intoa multi-laptop office; the four of us, myself and Huw(husband), Georgena and her husband Steve, worked inshifts – loading products and looking after our four youngchildren, and when the website finally went live, westood outside the house and popped the cork on a bottleof champagne (that in honesty we were too tired todrink! – I can’t actually remember sleeping during thattime!) It was a lot of fun though. Launch day was mymum’s 71st birthday and we spent the day at the zoo withmy children, and my friend and her children. It was anice day out – though tense, as we wondered how wellthe site would be received. Before that week had ended,we realised that the website was not remotely userfriendly – we had to load all the products ourselvesbecause of the complexity of the system. We perseveredanyway and although we did ok, we certainly didn’t strikeany kind of fear into our competition! Alas the workloadbecame too much for my business partner, and we wentour separate ways, leaving me with a website that certainly couldn’t be managed singlehandedly. So I was faced witha ‘do or die’ situation – throw everything I had into it, or walk away. Not one to shirk away from a challenge, I cashedin my savings account and took on a top notch website developer to sort the business out. I asked all the sellers onthe site what they needed it to do; I told them that I needed it to be as automated as possible, so I could manage itmyself …. and the upshot of that was 9 solid months of website development, starting from scratch again.

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of the WowThankYou website waslaunched in May 2011 – much, much better! It wasstill early days, but the site looked good (we werementioned on a lot of worldwide web design sites,which was promising!) There were lots of newfeatures – the sellers managed their own stores,the site was faster, so much more professional …but I still wasn’t entirely happy. There were stillfeatures I wanted to add, but had exhausted myfunds so had to sit back and hope the site carriedon getting stronger and growing … it didn’t helpthat all this was happening during a recession (Icouldn’t have timed it any better had I tried!)

The first real test of the website was the Christmasperiod 2011. I had held funds back for a full-onadvertising campaign in lots of national magazines– but even with these in print, would we get sales?The answer was yes – we did ok … but can youhear the lack of excitement in my tone?! I guess Ijust expected more. I was relieved that we’d had

decent sales, but at the same was disappointed that we didn’t take the world by storm. I guess I’m never satisfied!By Easter 2012 I had already drawn up plans for WowThankYou Version 3! The bank offered me the money to get itall underway, but I was nervous as I’ve never taken business loans out before. In the end my father in law loaned it tome – and off we set to deliver an even better website! This was launched back in August … typically just as I wasgoing on holiday! Because of the complexity of the new features, there were teething problems, but I’m touchingwood as I type this – we ‘seem’ ok now!

has totally changed the fortune ofWowThankYou. Not all features have been addedas yet, but as soon as the site was made live, salesthat had been trickling in started to flow – andwe’ve seen some surges too! I’m hopeful of a salestidal wave at some point – but I really cannotcomplain about where we’re at, right now, inNovember 2012. I have a website that I canmanage (just about) on my own; it has a fabulousSEO-friendly design; it is full of amazingly talenteddesigner makers; and I just find it a happy andpositive place to hang out these days! We nowhave 972 sellers listing on WowThankYou and sincethis new design was launched we’ve had over10,000 products listed. We average 6500 uniquevisitors every single day. We have been wellreceived in the press too, which is hugely importantand something we intend to build on during 2013.

Why have things turned around for us? It’s agood question, and I’d like to think that the answerlies in the phenomenal support that I’ve beenshown by all the sellers who have probably hopedas much as myself that the site will ‘fly’! Withouttheir constant support and advice, I wouldn’t havegot this far. I still vow to keep commission rates toa minimum and to make the whole selling experience an affordable and enjoyable one. I also will continue to offerfeatures and opportunities that the ‘more costly’ competitors offer their sellers … I have no overheads as such, otherthan this laptop that I am typing on, and by having an automated website that pretty much does everything for me, Idon’t have the worry of thinking about staff and offices (and the costs associated with these). I believe that once youstart thinking about employees and premises you have to change the way you think regarding your business, as you

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are committing to pay wages, rent … To me, this is when it becomes a job – and I don’t want that! I want to workfrom home, have the freedom to take an afternoon off – yet work late at night or during the weekend when needed –I don’t want a 9-5 job! My children (aged 6 and 4) benefit from having mummy at home all the time and we can goaway on family holidays, just as long as there’s a good Wi-Fi pick up wherever we go! I firmly believe that there’s nolimit as to how far WowThankYou can go – we don’t need plush offices to prove our success! Some people see this asa lack of ambition (WowThankYou has lost out on some business awards because of this I believe) – but I see this asmy way of keeping my commitment to sellers of having a low costs selling platform. You’re helping me grow the siteand establish the brand – why should you then pay more for the same service just because we’ve hit the big time? Itdoesn’t make sense to me … there’s nothing I can’t do with perhaps some ad hoc freelance assistance – we can be assuccessful as the best of them, but I don’t have to sit in a posh chair in a contemporary office block to achieve it! Ilove being part of WowThankYou – especially now it’s doing so well J

Where next? Simple – more of the same, with yet more refinements. The lesson I’ve learned since those early daysback in 2010 is that there will never been an end point – a website of this nature has to keep up with technology andtherefore will be constantly changing and advancing. So long as the funds are in place to make the changes, thechanges will continue to be made! Without giving too much away, we have plans to perhaps launch versions ofWowThankYou into new markets, we are constantly looking at possible strategic alliances that will benefit the brand aswell as the sellers, and we’re not frightened to think outside the box and trial new ideas. At the end of the day, sellersare happy if they get sales, and I’m happy as I get the commission to put back into the website J

I’ve recently dipped my toe into the world of Blogger and have set up a blog about me … it’s not all aboutWowThankYou, because there is more to me than this website you know! It’s still early days and I’ve a lot to learnwith how it all works etc. – but please do take a look, all nice comments will be most welcome!http://ohwowtracey.blogspot.co.uk

To end this article I’m going to tell you a secret … Earlier this year, at the time when I was putting together a businessplan for bank loans, I was approached by an agent working on behalf of a large High Street organisation enquiringwhether I’d be interested in selling WowThankYou. Rather thrown by the whole thing, I played it cool to find out more,and the figure they mentioned was over three times the amount that I was hoping to raise at the bank! It would havepaid me back with a handsome profit, but they mentioned buying the ‘goodwill’ that I’d built with my sellers … and Ididn’t like that at all. And I said NO. I have too much emotion invested into WowThankYou to see it swallowed up by abig brand, and I don’t want to see it go … so please carry on supporting me and the website, and let’s see how far wecan take it together – deal? J If you are not yet a seller on WowThankYou, pop over to Creative Connections – youmight just find a tempting joining promotion …

Have a great Christmas – there’s still time to buy last minute stocking fillers on WowThankYou, wink wink xxx

Written by Tracey Kifford from www.wowthankyou.co.uk

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wooly bears

Written by Clare Chanter from Thread Bare

santa card

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Wooly Bears Santa Bear Stamp byKanbanAnn’s Paper Art Pattern a391White Pearlescent Card6x6 White CardHolly & Snowflake Papers fromDovecraft Back to Basics Christmas 6x6Paper Pack - VintageImpress Ink Pad Black

Step 1. Using your Paper Pricker, transfer the pattern onto yourpearlescent card. Then, using your red thread, stitch the spiral patterns.You will need to come up at hole 1, down hole 5. Up hole 6, down hole 2,etc.

Step 2. Next, using Green, stitchthe inner & outer circles.

Step 3. Then lastly, stitch with the gold.Tidy up the back of your stitching. Placesome strips of sellotape across to stopthe ends from moving.

TapePaper Pricking ToolNeedleFoam MatRed, Green & Gold Embroidery ThreadPromarkers : Hat -Berry Red, Poppy, RedBear - Caramel, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Tan,Cool Grey 1Ranger Ice Stickles – Silver IceFlowersSentiment

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Step 4. Ink up your stamp & stamponto white paper. Colour in usingPromarkers.

Step 5. To create your base card,take a 6x6 plain white card. Trimdown the holly paper so a whiteborder shows around the card. Cutthe snowflake paper to 12x12cms.

Step 6. Using a circle cutter, cutaround your stitching, making sureyou leave a 5mm border. This is toprevent the holes being cut into.Layer your pieces onto your basecard.

Step 7. Carefully cut round yourbear, cutting off his legs so he sitswithin the circle. Place him in theinner circle with his hat slightly overthe edge. Add Silver Ice Stickles tohis hat & pompom.

Step 8. To finish the card off useFlowers & a Sentiment, allhighlighted with the Stickles.

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Heart Charm BraceletAbeautifully detailed oriental style dragon curled around a16mm genuine Snowflake Obsidian gemstone. ObsidianSnowflake and Hematite.

on Wow Thank Youwww.wowthankyou.co.uk/phoebe-dreams£35

Chakra Cleansing BraceletThis beautiful bracelet is crafted using , Citrine,Amethyst, Bloodstone and Clear Quartz Gemstones.Topaz, Golden Shadow and Siam Red SwarovskiCrystal and galvanised gold seed beads

WowThankYouwww.mysticearth.co.uk

£12.99

Quartz and Jasper Multi Gemstone BraceletCan't decide what color bracelet to wear...Then thisstunning multi color quartz and jasper gemstone braceletis the right choice

on Etsywww.etsy.com/shop/AngelDesignsbyDebbie$15

www.mysticearth.co.uk

Items discovered for you byThe Crystal Lady

fromCrystal Magic

Beautiful Handmade Gemstone Flower NecklaceFeaturing large flowers (each around 5-6cm) handmadewith genuine violetstone and chrycosolla gemstones andwirework

on Folksywww.folksy.com/shops/UniquelyGorgeous£40

Multi gemstone necklaceMulti Gemstone Wire Wrapped Necklace14k Gold Filled Amethyst Lemon QuartzAmetrine Citrine Peridot HandmadeGemstone Nugget Cluster

on Etsywww.etsy.com/shop/KGeddesCreations

$339

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Tell us about the creators behind Scent Cosmetics

ScENT is a husband & wife team. Carla, is a Brazillian with a love for Ireland. She came over here as a missionary in2004 to work in a meat factory with Portuguese speakers. Towards the end of the 7 month placement she met me andwhether it was for a visa, or for the love of the Irish brogue, she decided to return a year later to marry. Her careerbackground is in hospital management, social care & community development - but she has always had an interest inpaper-craft, make-up, and crafts in general. Carla is the soap artist. She spends her days in the lab perfecting her artwhilst enviously gazing out the window to see her three male counterparts bouncing about on the trampoline.

I'm Garreth, and I guess if trying to narrow my expertise into a job title, I’d say I’m a social entrepreneur. It just aboutcovers me as a coach, facilitator, community worker, home-maker/child-carer, baker and occasional soap-maker. Mybackground is equally varied. I used to be a television presenter, pastor, community & youth worker to name but afew. A degree in Theology has yet to have any use in soap-making but perhaps one day…

Together we are parents of two boys: Eli, aged 31/2 and Tobin, 1.

We live in Cloughey on the Ards peninsula of Northern Ireland. It is a beautiful, if somewhat isolated, spot on the eastcoast of Ireland. We live right on the beach in my father’s house where he has kindly allowed us to live rent free inorder to get our little business up and running.

Meet the fabulous husband and wife team based in Ireland that are

When did you first begin creating your designs, and why?

We took a decision in 2010 to move on from our previous communitywork positions – in part due to funding and to the feeling that we hadlost the support of the very people we were trying to help. The decisionleft us homeless, jobless and with no real idea of what was coming next.Instead of waiting around for a job when unemployment was risingrapidly – we decided to go to Brazil for a few months to be with family.In Brazil I was struck by the entrepreneurial spirit of those who couldn’trely on a benefit system. People with no money so to speak but able tosell home-made cleaning products, crafts, soaps, candles, patchwork,sweets etc., all in an attempt to generate some much needed income fortheir family. I was struck by how we in the UK have lost this knowledge.How many of us know how to make a soap or a laundry detergent?

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I had always been an ethical shopper but something struck my innerconscious. I really resented spending money for global companies tosquander on advertising. I began dreaming about how we should beable to make things, rediscover some “old-wives knowledge” in a bid toadapting them into social business.My sister-in-law found a course in soap-making in Sao Paulo just beforewe were due to return home and as it was in Portuguese, we decidedthat Carla should really be the one to sit in on the course. So my desirefor learning crafts became Carla’s interest also. To be honest she is farmore artistic than me. I can come up with ideas but making thembecome a reality was never going to be my strength, so the rightperson got to learn about a new craft.

We got home and looked around at what other soap-makers weredoing and realized that we had something unique for the UK market.Initially we needed to generate some income and began by making thenormal soap bars that are typical of most soapers as a means of raisingenough money to make the items which we were passionate about -items that set us apart from other’s. Our fruit soaps, stone soaps and afew of our novelty soaps (Irish Sheep/Stout) are the soaps we are mostpassionate about promoting, in part because it demonstrates ourspeciality and also because it tends to reflect a Brazillian/Irish influence.We love organic and fair-trade, so whenever possible we tend to usesuch ingredients in our soaps.

What is it that you enjoy about your work?

Self-employment carries with it many mixed blessings but there is nodoubt that the aspect we are most thankful for is the short commuteover a few blades of grass in order to work in the lab and being able toalways be together as a family for lunches, tea-time and bed-times. Wealso enjoy the flexibility of exercising hospitality whenever anyonedrops in, as well as being able to drop everything should the needarise. There is little doubt that this last year has equipped us to growtogether as a family. It is a blessing we can never take for granted.

I enjoy coming up with ideas for soap - I also enjoy the networking, theon-line community and developing the vision of how this can morphinto a social business in the future.

Carla:

What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why?

Carla: I

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Other than your crafting, what else do you like to do?

Garreth:

If you had to choose your favourite from your creations whichone would it be?

Carla:

Garreth:

Where does your inspiration comefrom?

Much of our inspiration comes from our cultural identity. Occasionallywe have friends come up with something indirectly which sparks ourimagination and more often than not, Carla and I can be sitting readingor watching something when one of us is struck by another possiblesoap idea to manufacture. At the minute I think I have about 20 or soideas still to attempt.

Carla: I also get some of my inspiration from music. I have 3 creationsthat were inspired by music and I’m glad that my brain can associatefragrance and sound this way to create something you can see, touchand smell.

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If you could change one thing about what you do, what wouldit be?

Glycerin & Packaging. I know that this is actually two things but theyare connected. Glycerin has a tendency to sweat in humid conditionsand dry out in dry hot conditions. It means that until using the soap, itreally has to remain wrapped. This means packaging is crucial inensuring the soap can be seen, used for display purposes and leaveenough space for labelling. Fulfilling the cosmetic legislation placedupon soapers is quite something. It has quite frankly been anightmarishly arduous journey to get to the stage where we can say weare finally happy about how we present our soaps. Packaging is socostly and unless you have capital to invest – it is difficult to get it right.I’d love to have the capital to invest in packaging.

Carla:

Do you have a favourite website?

Carla:

Has any person helped or supported you more than any other?

People really invest in this business baby-sitting, ironing and bringingsome lunch in a busy week, making endless wooden work and designs.We appreciate it so much. But if we HAVE TO mention one person itwould be my Aunt Jenny (AKA Jennifer Hunter). Jennifer runs a smallB&B in Killinchy, Northern Ireland known as “Hunter’s Lodge”. It hasbeen our home upon returning from Brazil, the place we launched fromand continue to sell from, as well as the venue for many of ourworkshops. It is also through Jenny we received investment, advice andweekly visits to baby-sit. Quite frankly without her – there wouldn’t beany Scent.

Tell us a random fact about yourselves!

Carla, her twin and I share the same birthday albeit I’m one year olderbut in keeping with the randomness theme - her brother also sharesthe same birthday. He is effectively my twin... It is also the same daythat Carla’s grandfather celebrated his birthday! Currently in ourextended family 5 people celebrate their birthdays on the same date. Itmade choosing our wedding date extremely easy! I can remembereveryone’s birthday and our own anniversary extremely easily.

Links:

www.scentcosmetics.com

www.scentcosmetics.blogspot.com

www.pinterest.com/scentcosmetics

www.facebook.com/scentcosmetics

www.twitter.com/scentcosmetics

Also on Wanelo, WowThankYou, Etsy, Folksy, Tosouk and StumbleUpon

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Being in charge of Christmas lunch can be daunting. Whether it’s your first time cooking for the family or you’re apast master, there’s always a whole lot going on and expectations, not least your own, are invariably high. I love tocook, but I know my passion isn’t shared by everyone. So to help you along, here is my guide to making Christmaslunch enjoyable to make and to eat for everyone.First things first – get organised.

· Have a clear out – check your cupboards and freezer. Get organised and begin to use up what you havefrozen so you’ll have room to store your festive foods.

· Plan ahead –Grab a coffee, and take an hour out of your day. Work out how often you will be cooking forvisitors during the Christmas week, and how many people you’re cooking for on the big day. Do this at thebeginning of December, if you can before all the rushing around starts. This gives you plenty of time to planwhat to make and what you can do in advance to be prepared.

· Shopping lists – I love lists, perhaps a little too much, but now is the time when lists come into their own.You don’t want to have to go last minute food shopping; we all know what a nightmare that can be. Writeyourself proper shopping lists well in advance and pin them up in your kitchen. You can then add to yourlists as and when you need to.Stock up on sundries – make sure you have plenty of tin foil, cling film, baking parchment,plastic containers and freezer bags. Disposable foil baking trays also make life a whole loteasier. Just think of all the washing up saved.

Christmas lunch top tips:· Don’t bother with a starter. Have drinks and some little savoury nibbles instead. Starters are just too

much work, with far too much clearing up and besides, everyone’s just waiting for the main attractionanyway.

· Serve two meats for the main course. I think turkey looks great but doesn’t have the best flavour andneeds a little help. Goose is rich and benefits from something savoury to compliment. And it means youroptions for follow on recipes are much more varied, interesting and tasty.

· Give goose a go. If you feel like pushing the boat out, give goose a go. It’s really easy to cook, tastesheavenly and you’ll get the best fat for your roast potatoes too.

· If you’re making Christmas lunch just for two, have Guinea Fowl. It’s just the right size, it feels alittle special and above all it’s delicious! Just follow the same prep as for the turkey and adjust the cookingtime accordingly.

· Don’t stuff the turkey. I think it cooks better and stays moist when itisn’t stuffed as there’s less cooking time. I find the stuffing from insidethe bird isn’t good to eat anyway; it doesn’t look very appetising and itcan be quite greasy so I always cook my stuffing separately.

· Serve a wide variety of vegetables. That way you can make sureeveryone likes at least one thing and for those who don’t eat meatthere’s still plenty to eat (make sure you use vegetable oil for roasting).

· Sprouts do not take 5 hours to cook. Make your sprouts sing bygiving them the respect they deserve; if you don’t overcook them, theywon’t smell and they’ll taste great. And if you can, buy them on thestem – kids are fascinated.

· Self-service . Put the turkey and trimmings on a serving platter, the vegetables in serving dishes and leteveryone help themselves while someone carves the turkey – the food will stay hotter that way and it’s

with GillKITCHEN CAPERS

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more fun and less work for you. Make sure all plates and serving dishes are piping hot to keep everythingnice and warm.

· Make lots of gravy and keep some warm in case anyone wants extra, which they invariably will!· And finally, ban everyone from the kitchen until you need them! May sound harsh, but it’s better

than having people get under your feet when you’re busy.The night before - do as much of the prep as you can. You can chill out with a glass of wine, take your time andstill have everything sorted in a couple of hours. It’ll save you so much time and stress the next day. And whenthere are visitors to see and presents to open, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day.

· First, cook the ham. You can get everything else done while the ham is cooking.· Get the turkey or goose out of the fridge, remove the plastic coverings and giblets, dry with kitchen paper,

cover loosely with a sheet of foil and leave somewhere cool overnight.· Make the giblet stock for the gravy.· Make the stuffing and roll into balls or place in a loaf tin ready to bake.· Prepare the pigs in blankets and place in a foil tray ready to bake.· Make the cranberry sauce, place in a serving dish, leave to cool and cover with cling film.· Peel and chop the vegetables (except the potatoes and celeriac) ready to cook, pop them into freezer bags

and store in the fridge.· Remove the butter from the fridge. Room temperature butter will be much easier to deal with.· And finally, if you can, set the table ready for dinner.

Family Christmas lunch menu for 8

served with:Chestnut, bacon and mushroom stuffing; pigs in blankets and turkey gravy

– roasted red onion, pepper and goats cheese tart served with:Cranberry stuffed apples; figs in blankets; Cheddar, sage and onion croquettes; and rich vegetablegravy

8.45am· Preheat the oven to 190oC· Prepare the turkey

9.00am · Turkey/goose in the oven

9.30am · Baste the turkey / drain off the goose fat

10.30am · Baste the turkey / turn the goose over and drain off thefat

11.30am · Remove the foil and the bacon and pop the turkey back inthe oven / turn the goose over and drain off the fat

12.00 noon· Turkey / goose is ready· Turn the oven up to 200oC· Make the bread sauce

12.30pm · Peel and parboil the potatoes

12.45pm · Potatoes and stuffing (loaf) in the oven· Make the gravy and the celeriac puree

1.00pm· Stuffing, pigs in blankets, parsnips, stuffing ( balls)/

apples, tarts, figs and croquettes in the oven· Prepare and cook the rest of the vegetable side dishes

1.20pm · Tarts and figs out of the oven

1.30pm

· Everything else out of the oven· Heat the serving dishes and plates· Heat the gravy and the celeriac puree· Plate up, carve and serve

2.00pm · Enjoy!

Roast potatoes andparsnips; sproutswith bacon andchestnuts; carrotswith orange andthyme; celeriacpuree; and broccoliand green beanswith almonds andparsley

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Recipes

Mustard glazed ham

· Place the ham in a large deep stock pot with an onion, a stick of celery, a carrot, 2 bay leaves, some thymesprigs and a few peppercorns.

· Cover with water and put on a lid. Bring to the boil and simmer until cooked through and tender (around 2hours for a large ham joint).

· Remove the ham from the pan and place on a baking tray double lined with strong tin foil.· Remove the skin and most of the fat from the ham. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, sprinkle with 2 tbsp

mustard powder and smear with 2 tbsp black treacle.· Bake in a very hot oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and wrap loosely in the foil.

Roast turkey

· Place a long sheet of tin foil in the bottom of the roastingpan. Place another sheet of foil across from this one to forma large cross. Place a roasting rack on top.

· Loosen the skin from the turkey breast with your fingertipsand smear the butter between the skin and the breast meat.Place a few sage leaves under the skin. Place bay leaves,sprigs of thyme and two halved lemons inside the cavity.Smear the outside of the turkey with butter and cover thebreast and legs with crisscrossed streaky bacon rashers.

· Place the turkey on the rack. Bring the edges of foil togetherand fold over to form a loose fitting cover and put in theoven at 190oC.

· Cook as per the recommended timings depending on size.Baste the turkey every hour. Remove the foil, and take offthe bacon for the last 30 mins cooking time. When ready,remove from the oven, cover loosely again with foil and leave to rest. A large turkey can happily sit for 2hours and stay hot if properly covered.

Roast goose

· Place a long sheet of tin foil in the bottom of the roastingpan. Place another sheet of foil across from this one to forma large cross. Place a roasting rack on top.

· Prick the skin all over the goose using a skewer. Place sprigsof thyme and rosemary, and the onions and apples inside thecavity. Smear the outside of the goose with butter and coverthe legs with foil.

· Place the goose on the rack. Bring the edges of foil togetherand fold over to form a loose fitting cover and put in the ovenat 190oC.

· Cook as per the recommended timings depending on size.Turn the goose over every hour and carefully drain off andreserve the excess fat. Remove the foil for the last 30 minscooking time. When ready, remove from the oven, coverloosely again with foil and leave to rest. A large goose can happily sit for 2 hours and stay hot if properlycovered.

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Chestnut, bacon and mushroom stuffing

· Chop the bacon, chestnuts and mushrooms and finely chop the shallots and garlic· Cover the porcini mushrooms with boiling water and leave to soak for 30 minutes. Then drain and chop

finely.· Sauté the chopped bacon, mushrooms and shallots until golden. Add the garlic and soften for 2 minutes.

Transfer to a plate to cool completely.· Place the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, chopped chestnuts and thyme and sage in a large mixing bowl.

Season very well with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of mace. Mix thoroughly.· Add the porcini, bacon, mushrooms and shallots and mix well.· Place in a foil lined loaf tin, or shape into balls and place on a foil tray / baking sheet.· Bake for 30 minutes (balls), 50 minutes (loaf). Check the stuffing is piping hot throughout.

Pigs in Blankets

· Place the streaky bacon in a single layer between two sheets of cling film. Using arolling pin, roll the bacon lengthways to stretch the rashers. Cut the rashers inhalf if you are using mini chipolatas.

· Wrap the bacon around the sausage and place on a baking / foil tray with thebacon edge tucked under.

· Bake for 30 minutes.

Roast potatoes and parsnips

· Put the goose fat or vegetable oil on a foil / baking tray and preheat in theoven.

· Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks.· Peel the parsnips, cut in half lengthways and then cut each half in two.· Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes in well salted water. Drain, and give the pan

a good shake to rough up the edges.· Place the potatoes in the hot fat, turn to coat and bake for 15 minutes.· Add the parsnips to the tray, turn everything to coat and bake for a further 30 minutes.

Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts

· Parboil the trimmed sprouts for 5 minutes and drain.· Sauté the chopped bacon and chestnuts until golden.· Add the spouts with a splash of sherry, a knob of butter and some chopped

parsley and cook for 2 minutes.

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Celeriac puree

· Peel the celeriac and cut into 2cm cubes.· Place the cubed celeriac in a saucepan and cover with warmed milk. Leave

for an hour. Drain off the milk.· Return the celeriac to a clean saucepan along with a bay leaf. Peel and

quarter the potatoes, add to the pan and water to just cover. Bring to theboil and simmer until tender.

· Drain and either press through a potato ricer or whizz with a stick blender.Add 2 tbsp of crème fraiche, a knob of butter and season with freshlygrated nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Carrots with orange and thyme

· Steam or boil the carrots until tender. Drain and return to the saucepan.· Add a knob of butter, orange juice and some fresh thyme leaves.· Pop the lid on and simmer for 2 minutes. Give the pan a gentle shake to

make sure all the carrots are coated in the citrus butter.

Broccoli and green beans with almonds and parsley

· Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden· Steam the broccoli and beans until just tender, drain and place in a warmed serving dish· Sprinkle with the toasted almonds, a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh chopped parsley

Cranberry, orange and port sauce

Place all of the ingredients in a small heavy based saucepan.· Simmer gently until the cranberries begin to burst and reduce to a syrupy

consistency.· Carefully taste the sauce and add extra sugar if needed, stirring gently until

the sugar dissolves.

Bread Sauce

· First infuse the milk; simmer gently in a saucepan with a peeled onionstudded with cloves, a bay leaf and peppercorns. Set aside to cool, thenremove the onion and seasonings.

· Pour the infused milk into a clean saucepan and add the breadcrumbs, apinch of mace and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

· Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.· Whisk in a knob of butter, a tbsp of crème fraiche and season well.

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Turkey gravy

· Place the giblets in a large sauce pan with the vegetables, herbs and peppercorns. Cover with water, bring tothe boil and simmer for at least an hour. Strain into a jug.

· Skim off the fat from the turkey roasting tray, leaving around 2 tbsps in the tray.· Place over a medium heat and whisk in the flour and stock cube to form a paste.· Whisk in the wine to loosen the paste and gradually whisk in the stock.· Whisk in the redcurrant jelly and stir over the heat until the gravy thickens. Let it simmer for 5 minutes then

add more stock as required.

Roasted red onion, pepper and goats cheese tarts

· Peel the onions, halve and slice finely. Place in a pan with a little olive oil, a knob of butter and the sugar.Cover and leave to soften over a low heat for around 10 minutes. Add the port and continue to simmer untilreduced to a marmalade consistency. Leave to cool.

· Open out the peppers and cut out rounds using a 10cm cutter and cut the goats cheese logs into 2cm slices.· Roll out the pastry to 5mm thickness .Cut into rounds using a 15cm cutter and place on a baking tray lined

with baking parchment. Save the pastry scraps for the figs in blankets.· Put a generous spoonful of the red onion marmalade on each pastry round and spread evenly leaving a 1cm

gap around the pastry edge.· Place a pepper round on top of the onion marmalade, and add a slice of goats cheese· Sprinkle with some fresh thyme leaves, season with black pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.· Bake in a 200oC oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is risen and golden brown

Cranberry stuffed apples

· Place all of the ingredients except the apples in a saucepan over amedium heat. Simmer until the cranberries plump up and the liquid isalmost evaporated.

· Core the apples and run a knife around the “equator” of the apple tosplit the skin.

· Place in a foil lined baking dish and stuff each apple with the cranberrymixture.

· Bake for around 30 minutes until the apples are soft.

Figs in blankets

· Roll out the puff pastry to 5mm thickness and cut into 2cm strips· Cut a deep cross into the top of each fig and squeeze the base to open

up the fig.· Place the opened figs on a foil lined tray and wrap a pastry strip around

each fig.· Put a cube of stilton and a walnut into the top of each fig and drizzle

with maple syrup.· Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden.

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Cheddar, sage and onion croquettes

· Fry the onion in the butter until golden and place in a mixing bowl.· Add the mashed potato, cheese and 1 tbsp sage. Season well and mix thoroughly.· In a small bowl mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan, olive oil and 1 tbsp sage.· Shape potato mix into chunky sausages around 10cm long. Coat each sausage in seasoned flour, then

beaten egg and finally the breadcrumb mix.· Put the croquettes on foil lined baking tray and pop in the fridge for 30 mins to firm up.· Bake for 30 mins until golden brown and crisp.

Rich vegetable gravy

· Fry the onion in the butter and oil in a covered pan until golden brown. Whizz the onion with a stick blenderto a puree.

· Place the pan back over a medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a paste.· Whisk in a splash of sherry to loosen the paste and gradually whisk in the stock.· Whisk in the redcurrant jelly and stir over the heat until the gravy thickens. Let it simmer for 5 minutes then

add more stock as required.

I hope you enjoy my recipes. Why not follow my blog for other festive foodie treatshttp://personal-space-interiors.blogspot.co.uk

with GillKITCHEN CAPERS

Image sources:Onion: http://www.thedailyspud.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/onionforbreadsauce.gifPigs in blankets: http://tomwebster25.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/piggies-in-blankets.jpgCarrots: http://i.yummly.com/Pan-Braised-Carrots-with-Orange-and-Rosemary-Recipe-Leite_s-Culinaria-42351-8591.l.pngCeleriac: http://www.gastronomydomine.com/uploaded_images/celeriac-751863.jpgSprouts: http://www.rivercottage.net/var/members/member51655/roasted-brussels-sprouts-fd-lg-1.jpgSprouts on stems: http://savethekales.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/brussels-sprouts1.jpegTurkey: http://greenroom.asda.com/assets/attachments/12561/player/Turkey_edit.jpgGoose: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/goose/image.jpgFigs: http://heapnose.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/figs2.jpgApples: http://theordinarycook.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/baked-apples.jpg

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Christmas Angel KeyringSnow Quartz

Written by Clare from Elderberry Arts

Step 1. Create the angel by placingthe beads onto the head pin in thefollowing order: 8 mm snow quartzbead, angel wings and then the 6mm snow quartz bead.

Snow Quartz

Snow quartz is sometimesalso known as milkyquartz. It is a calming andgentle stone that isthought to enhancemeditation and to easeemotional outbursts. Snowquartz is believed to helpwith mental stress andimprove concentration.

Wire cuttersRound nosed Pliers

Split ring with chain key ring2.4 cm angel wing4.5 cm head pin6 mm snow quartz bead8 mm snow quartz bead

Step 4. Open the ring on the end ofthe key ring finding and attach theangel by the loop created in step 3.Close the loop.

These angels could also be used to makependants. By using 6 mm and 4 mm beads asmaller angel can also be created and used tomake matching earrings.

Step 2. Bend over the head pinabove the 6 mm bead and trim sothere is approximately 1 cmremaining.

Step 3. Use the round nosed pliersto create a loop with the end of thehead pin.

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Tell us about the lady behind JJ Creations

My love for horses began at an early age, as a seven year old watchingBlack Beauty on the television. I managed to persuade my parents totake me to riding lessons and eventually saved enough to help buy myown pony. I spent my teenage years volunteering in racing stables andshowing yards, teaching myself to draw and photograph horsescapturing their characters in art. It is a passion I have carried throughto my Miniature Rocking Horses.

When did you first begin creating your designs and why?

For a few years now I have been making unique miniature rockinghorses for dolls' houses mainly for friends and family and I have sold afew on E-bay and Etsy. Originally I was decorating my own doll's houseand was disappointed with the choice of rocking horses available, sostarted to experiment with my own designs. Eventually after ending upwith a rocking horse in every doll's house room, including thebathroom, I realised how much I enjoyed creating miniature nurseryitems and decided to expand.

Since November 2011, I have taken things a step further and startedJJ Creations. After twenty years as head nurse in a busy veterinarypractice, I decided to take the plunge, become self employed andbecome active in something I had spent my whole life wanting to do...create!

I specialise in an exclusive range of jewellery, mohair bags, miniaturerocking horses, hand sewn collectors bears and other nurseryminiatures. Every gift is a unique one of a kind item, lovinglyhandmade by myself.

Get to know ….

www.jjcreations.co

www.facebook.com/HandmadebyJJCreations

www.handmadeshopping.co.uk/jjcreations

www.etsy.com/shop/JulieJasper1

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What is it that you enjoy about yourwork?

My true passion is with dolls houses, horsesand making things, so the creation ofminiature rocking horses is the perfect wayto combine all my hobbies! As an addedbonus I can now work around school hoursand help my husband run his flooringcompany.

What is your biggest craftingachievement, and why?

I was incredibly honoured to have thepopular magazine Dolls House World featuremy miniature rocking horses in August 2012.Thinking I was going to get maybe half apage of coverage, I was over the moon whenthey published a four page, full lengthfeature about JJ Creations! I do admit togoing into my local WH Smith and preordering three copies, just to make sure Ididn't miss out!

If you had to choose your favouritefrom your creations which one would itbe?

Without a doubt I would have to choose oneof my miniature rocking horse unicorns. Ilove mystical, magical romanticism, soanything that is also horsey, is a real love ofmine! I have made a pegasus rocking horsetoo, but I am not yet happy with the stabilityof the wings, so this need some furtherinvestigation!

If you could change one thing aboutwhat you do, what would it be?

I think in an ideal world I would like mymind to stop working on ten differentprojects at the same time, and justconcentrate on one!! But that is never goingto happen! So realistically I'd have to settlefor wishing I had more space to enable me towork on those ten projects simultaneously!

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Other than crafting, what else do you like to do?

I love to bake! Cakes, biscuits, savouries, anything... I just loveto cook!

This hobby I try to fulfil by helping a friend in her successfulbakery when I get the chance!

I have a strong passion for animals and love to spend timewalking my dogs with my young son, and taking photographsof the beautiful surroundings and wildlife. All things that sooften get taken for granted.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Being a horse lover I have many photographic books that Iindulge in browsing through. Quite often when I start to createa miniature rocking horse I don't set out for it to be a certainbreed, shape or colour but just go with whatever feels rightwhen I mix the paints, airbrush the many base coats, add theshading and then hand paint the finer detail.

I am also very inspired by The Waterbug Story. Having lostgood friends and family over the years, it is an emotional pieceof writing that is very close to my heart. Therefore I findDragonflies are a huge inspiration in my jewellery making.

Do you have a favourite website?

I love handmade shopping websites! My favourite would haveto be http://www.handmadeshopping.co.uk

The raw talent and immense effort that goes into making thesegorgeous individual items never fails to humble me and makesme proud to call the crafters my friends and colleagues - not tomention the huge support that radiates from such a lovelygroup of people.

Has any person helped or supported you more than anyother?

I have to say my husband [not just because it makes me lookgood! ]

He stood by my decision to give up my full time job, take a riskand become self employed doing something I have alwayswanted to do. He has had complete faith in me and mycreativity.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I am a qualified scuba diver!

My husband and I once had a deal, many years ago, that if helearnt to ride a horse, I would learn to scuba dive!

Julie x

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One pair of 3.25mm double pointed needlesDark green yarn in DKSmall amount of red yarn for bow.

1. Start by casting on 3 sts.2. Knit one row (Do not turn the work).3. Slide stitches to other side of needle.4. Carry on in this way until the cord measures around 16 in.5. Cut yarn and thread through tapestry needle. Thread throughstitches on needle, pull to close, tighten and fasten off.

6. Fold the cord in half and twist. Bring the two ends together toform a circle and sew together, leaving a tail of thread.

7. Make a bow using the red yarn.

8. Sew or glue bow into place, then make a loop using the greenyarn.

And now you have made your Xmas Wreath.I use 3.25mm needles to make these, but of course, you canchoose to use different size needles.

2.

3.

4. 6.

7.

Written by Angela from Angel Crafts

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Hi! I'm Tina, Welcome to thegarden.

Do come in and make yourselvescomfortable. It's a little chilly thismorning, the kettle is on and thecustard creams are at the ready.While we enjoy them let's have a lookat some of the plants which have beenappearing in the garden since your lastvisit at the end of August. The abovephotos were taken in October. Now, ofcourse, it is the first week in Novemberso there are the last of the summercolours to enjoy.The trees have kept their leaves forlonger this year, perhaps as a result ofall the rain.Some of the bedding plants were toogood to take out when the time camefor planting the bulbs and wallflowers,so I left them in and planted inbetween I can always replace them

Tina in the Garden

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later with some winter pansies orprimroses.

The patio has really been beautiful thisyear, and I managed to enjoy the oddcup of tea between the showers. Theroses are from the garden.

I must show you more of the roses.These photos were taken about midOctober, as I have cut them down lowernow to avoid them being caught by thewinter winds which loosens the roots.They grew so amazingly tall this summerI almost needed a step ladder to cutthem and some were definitely abovemy head.

As I have mentioned before, I do plantthe pieces which I cut off but not if theyhave carried a flower. Just put them inpot as you would any other cutting andleave them in a sheltered spot, or if youhave the space, straight in the garden.Of course there is no guarantee they willroot, because in gardening, as withother things, we have to have hope. Butover the years I have been very lucky.You can label the cutting, noting thecolour or just plant them and have asurprise when they flower.

The hydrangeas are still good but havechanged colour to fit into the Autumnlandscape.

As you can see by the photo of the drive(on the right) we saw the full beauty ofthem, followed by the nerines whichwere a little later coming into flower thisyear. The drive is still very wet andalthough we have a 4x4, my better halfhad to put on some wood chippings as

we were finding itdifficult to get up. Wehave never experiencedthis before - just showshow much rain we havehad.

September October

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I have never known an autumn whenthere has been so much water in thestream. It is already full to capacity andyou can actually see the water in the bog.The photo, which I like to call ‘nobarbecue today’, was taken early Octoberbut could have been any time thissummer.The rain, however, has made the plantsvery happy and they have grown very well.The Russian vine has covered the seat andis trying to cover the fence as well. I hadto cut it back just to get to the seat.Needless to say the watering can in thepicture was not used this year, but it isalways there if we need to use it as wetake water from the stream nearby.

It has not been a good year for fruit,. Theblossom came out early and then it turnedcold. The wind swept across the gardenand killed them all except for two appletrees which were protected by formium -that wonderful versatile plant which wehave used all over the garden for itsbeauty, but it is useful too. So we did havea few apples, not to many crab applesthough.

We did have some lovely butterflies. Therest of the summer was so wet for thepoor things but the few sunny autumndays gave them a chance.

No Barbecue today!

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Here is a true sign of Autumn - theMichaelmas daisies. The bees and thebutterflies just love them.

The Pampas is out again in all its glory, it'ssoft plumes waving in the breeze. It neverfails to amaze me that after the rain itlooks just like a bedraggled feather duster,and in no time after the rain is gone, thewind blows it out again all soft and fluffy.

Seed heads have their own beauty too asyou can see from the artichokes. I do notpick them for, although I do like the taste,I cannot seem to get the hang of cookingthem correctly. They are always hard andstringy, so I just enjoy the spectacularshow they give as plants every single year.

The hawthorn is sporting lots of berriesagain this year but the holly trees do notseem to have many. The main holly wasin a hedge which did get a little out ofhand and had to be seriously cut down.Moving all the trimmings, or should I saybranches, down to the copse was not aneasy job. My better half said it was thebest workout he’d had in a long time.Although he added that maybe we shouldnot leave it so long to cut it next time. Idid take a photo as the whole of the patiowas covered with foliage, butunfortunately as I took it from theconservatory there were a lot ofreflections. Just goes to prove once againthat I am a gardener not a photographer,so you will I am afraid have to use yourimagination, which I know as crafters youhave in abundance.

As you all are very talented crafters I havenot done a Christmas project this year. Iwill leave it to the professionals, and willjust add a few more photos of TheGarden.How about this one of the Honeysuckle atsunset? It is lovely and a little different .

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Shall we just have a walk out through the Autumn garden before you leave? I am pleased that you all bought yourwellies - you will need them as it is a little damp.

May I just take the opportunity to thank you all for taking the time to visit again with me in the garden. It has been apleasure as always.

This time before Christmas is a very busy timefor you all, with business as well as the normalpreparations for Christmas, which inthemselves can be stressful enough. So justtake a break now and then, have a cup of teaor whatever takes your fancy, look out of yourwindow at your garden, be it trees, flowers orgrass. If you are in a flat look out at the sky ora beautiful vase of flowers; nature will giveyou a little peace. I am sure you will workbetter and it will stimulate your creative spirit.

So from me, Tina and my better, half I wishyou all a very successful and happy Christmasand a prosperous New Year, and look forwardto seeing you all again for the first visit of thenew year to the garden.

Your green fingered friend,

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This issue I am pleased to present Erin Riley – super weaver!

Name: Erin M Riley

Medium: Tapestry

What’s your story? I am a Scorpio, a middle child, I’m vegan.Oh, I went to art college for fibers in Boston, Massachusettswhere I learned to weave freshman year and never stoppedweaving since. I went to graduate school and kept weavingtapestries and since then I have continued weaving and makingnew work. My technique is always changing and hopefullygetting better as I grow as a weaver and artist. I have beenpretty obsessed with traumatic events, drug use and the issuesthat surround growing up as a woman who didn’t have a fatherfigure. My work touches on many issues, but I believe they allgo together.

What’s your favourite piece of work thus far? So far I would have to saymy favorite is Passed Out from 2011. It’s just the right amount of sad that Ilove.

What do you find challenging? Making work on the same theme over andover again, I think it’s somewhat necessary to touch on the same things andlearn something from each new piece but I tend to want to rush through andmove on to a new subject. I am working on doing more similar pieces.

Any advice for newbies? Don’t give up! Be positive and try to find theresources that are out there for artists.

This issue we meet:

In the Spotlightwith

mr x stitch

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Europe is full of inspiration for crafters, from the beautiful festive markets in November and December to the eye-catching local products that you just have to bring back home as souvenirs. Here are some of the best destinations

to give you some great ideas.

Christmas Markets

· Berlin has some of the longest-running markets, typically from the end of November until New Year’s Eve,meaning there’s plenty of time to browse through glass ornaments, wood carvings and old-fashion toys on thestalls. Christmas trees are a German tradition so there’s no better place to get into the spirit than to visit the20ft tree at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church market.

· A Christmassy visit to Prague wouldn’t be complete without seeing Wenceslas Square, where one of the biggermarkets takes place. Yes, Prague was the home of the famous Good King Wenceslas from the carol, and it’salso where you’ll find the city’s iconic puppets and marionettes – one of the best craft gifts you can bring backfor children.

· Austria is another popular choice, with Vienna and Salzburg boasting a wide array of stalls and severalwarming treats on offer such as mulled wine, waffles and sweet hot chestnuts. Vienna’s Schönbrunn Castlemakes an incredible Baroque backdrop for bargain-hunting for tree decorations and themed presents from theend of November. Meanwhile Salzburg’s market in front of the Cathedral is open until 9pm on Fridays andSaturdays in 2012 and there will be choirs to entertain you with festive songs.

Best Craft Markets andCraft Shops in Europe

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Essential Local Crafts

· Cyprus has manytraditions but its lace-making is definitely worthwitnessing in person. Thevillage of Lefkara is whereyou’ll see lace being made by hand, as it has beenfor centuries. Needlework in general is popular onthe island and you will have plenty of choice when itcomes to embroidered souvenirs and linen goods.

· The Algarve might be more readily associated withgolf than with handicrafts, but the town of Porchesis a golf-free zone where pottery is king. You mightnotice that many of the houses in the region haveblue and white tiles, or azulejos, adorning them:why not buy your own and ask the potters tocustomise it? Porches Pottery is just one of theoutlets where you can have your purchases

personalised during an Algarve holiday. Popular Portuguese designs include lemons and local scenery.· The humble espadrille is something of a summer wardrobe staple, but did you know that it’s a traditional

choice of footwear for people from Majorca in Spain? It’s easy to pick up a pair of espadrilles in local marketssuch as those at Manacor and Son Servera, or even in the smart shopping streets of Palma City. Look out for

(which are made with rope) and (which have a strap and leather detail).

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Craft Shops

· Florence is one of the best places in Europe to pick up leather goods. The Santa Croceworkshop certainly won’t disappoint when it comes to finding anything made of localleather. Meanwhile if you want inspiration for jewellery designs then head to the PonteVecchio Bridge to find decorative pieces, though they often come with a hefty pricetag.

· On a city break to Lisbon you should make a beeline for the Baixa District, which is fullof haberdasheries, bead shops and other independent shops. In the more commercialChiado District it’s hard to avoid the draw of the Retrosaria (which meanshaberdashery) in the Rua do Loretto, but the shop isn’t very well advertised so keepyour eyes peeled! As with the Algarve, you should also be looking out for azulejos onthe buildings.

· Copenhagen is ideal for crafting fanatics and you can see an all-femalemetalworking collective if you visit the Kvindesmedien at Christiania in the city. Ifyou’re stocking up on basic materials like ribbons, paper and card decorations thenPanduro, in Nørre Farimagsgade, will be right up your street.

It really is worth looking beyond the local high street when it comes to tracking down handicrafts. Whether you’relooking to stock up on seasonal treats at European Christmas markets or you want to watch craftspeople at work,there’s something to suit everyone.

Craft heaven as new site blends business with pleasure

Craftybidder.com, a new online auction site for craft makers and craft lovers, launches today, bringing the best ofboth worlds together under one roof. But unlike other sites, Craftybidder.com offers free listings on standard items,which means that if there’s no sale, there’s no fee.

Craftybidder.com has an ever-widening range of sought after craft products for those who love to make……plus theability to professionally showcase and sell the end results to discerning craft lovers. And with the added ability ofbeing able to swap items and list wanted items, it’s the perfect blend of business and pleasure.

For those wishing to use this online marketplace to sell their hand crafted goods,you no longer have to worry about paying upfront fees. If there’s no sale, there’sno fee, it’s as simple as that. But with over 300,000 page views in the two weeksbefore the site even launched, it seems clear goods will be snapped up.

Managing Director, Glenn Small said, “My wife Sue is an avid crafter, andbetween us we came up with the idea for this site, just for crafters. It’s unique inthat you can buy, sell, swap and find items with other like-minded crafters.Searching for craft products on other auction sites takes so long – here, it’s allin one place.”

www.craftybidder.com

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For The Home

Arts and Crafts

Creative craftingDirectory of Crafters

Jewellery

www.elderberryarts.co.uk

www.sprinklessparkles.co.uk

Beautiful Jewellery to helpyou through life!

MYSTIC EARTH

www.mysticearth.co.uk

Love YourHomewww.perfectpatchwork.co.uk

www.lorrainedowdle.com

www.wowthankyou.co.uk/personal-space-interiors

TreatYourself

www.etsy.com/shop/SussesSpindehjrne

Gifts

www.sparrowprimitives.co.uk/

www.scrapbookerry.com

www.slowlanemade.me.uk

www.wowthankyou.co.uk/colacreations

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Creative craftingDirectory of Crafters

Supplies

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More projects, more interviews, more crafting possibilities.

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VALENTINES

issue out on

1st FEBRUARY2013