By Crafters for Crafters

VALENTINES 2011Issue 9

CREATIVE CRAFTING

Creative ConnectionsCrafterrsquos Network

Sponsored by

Join our friendly Social NetworkAnd make lots of new crafting friends

Upload photos and videos to promote your creations

Customise your own profile pageown profile page

Join in the fun on the forumfun on the forum

Spend time in our chat room and host your own chat events

Become part of a wonderful community

wwwcreative-connectionsningcom

Creative ConnectionsCrafterrsquos Network

Sponsored by

Join our friendly Social NetworkAnd make lots of new crafting friends

Upload photos and videos to promote your creations

Customise your own profile pageown profile page

Join in the fun on the forumfun on the forum

Spend time in our chat room and host your own chat events

Become part of a wonderful community

wwwcreative-connectionsningcom

EditorAnna - The Crystal Lady

thecrystalladycreative-craftingcomwwwmysticearthcoukwwwradiancecrystalscouk

Technical Editor

Avril - Sprinkles Sparklessprinkscreative-craftingcomwwwsprinklessparklescouk

Senior Features Writer

Diane - Peggyrsquos Knitswwwpeggyscollectionwebscom

Feature WritersTina - In the Garden

wwwtina-in-the-gardenblogspotcom

Tracey - Wowthankyouwwwwowthankyoucouk

wwwelderberryartscoukClaire - Elderberry Arts

wwwsurfjewels000spacecomHannah - Surf Jewels

wwwheartmadegiftswordpresscomDianne - Heartmade Gifts

wwwetsycomshoplittlewrenpotteryVictoria - Little Wren Pottery

wwwmirribeadsfolksycom

Mirjam - Mirribeads

wwwfolksycomshopsmadebydollyDolly - Made by Dolly

wwwcreative-craftingcom

Creative Crafting is anAvanna Publication

wwwcreative-connectionsningcom

CREATIVE CRAFTING

ww

wc

reativ

e-cr

afting

co

m

1st April2011

Look out for ourEaster issue on

Your Creative Team

Anna - Editor Avril - TechnicalEditor

Diane - SeniorFeature Writer

ON OUR COVERRoses Tea Cosy

by Andrea Lesley Crochet

By Crafters for Crafters

Issue 3ValentinesMothers Day 2010

Handcrafted

Wedding

SpecialValentine amp

Mothers Day

ProjectsHave you

been

featured

B

EASTER 2010

Issue 4

FATHERS DAY 2

010

Issue 4

By Craf

ters f

or Craf

ters

Chec

k out our

Craf

tersDirec

tory

AUGUST

SUM

MER

201

0Is

sue

5

By C

rafte

rs fo

r Cra

fters

Chec

k

out our

Craf

ters

Direct

ory

CREA

TIVE

CRAF

TING

Donrsquot forget that you canadvertise your craftbusiness in CreativeCrafting magazinefrom only pound2

Visit our website for moreinformation or email us for acopy of our media pack

ww

wc

reativ

e-co

nn

ectio

nsn

ing

co

m

Donrsquot forget

All of our links andadverts are fullyclickable

For media packs please emailthecrystalladycreative-craftingcom

wwwcreative-craftingcomadvertisehtml

Welcome to our first issue of 2011

How many craft projects did you undertake last year Didyou try any new crafts that you hadnrsquot done before how didit go All fantastic questions and we would love to hearabout your crafting year You can contact us via emails ourwebsite Facebook Creative Connections We are alwaysabout so why not get in touch

Back to this issue we have some interesting new people foryou to meet Also some beautiful projects to have a go atOver the next few issues we are hoping to bring you lots ofnew ideas we have new articles in the pipeline that we thinkyou will enjoy a lot As always our favourite part of thisissue has been getting to know new crafters This year mayprove to be another challenging one in the world of the smallcrafter so we will try and bring you as much information aswe can to build up your business

Sit back make a nice hot drink and enjoy

Anna x

wwwcreative-craftingcom

In this Issue

Regular Features

Special Features

6 Crafters Directory

The best place to go whenyou are looking for thatspecial handcrafted item

Another visit with ourfavourite green fingeredfriend

A selection of handcraftedgemstone productsselected by our CrystalLady

A wonderful selection ofhandcrafted itemshandpicked by SprinklesSparkles

10 Online Street Best Picks

Discover unusual andforgotten crafts with TheCrystal Lady This issue wefind out about Rug Hooking

19 Weird and Wonderful Crafts

Sprinkles Sparkles finds morecraft items from both ends ofthe price scale

42 Budget amp Luxury

28 Tina in the Garden

13 Crystal Magic

More winners of our Blogand Shop awards and theall important lsquoman of themonthrsquo

47 This Months

Peggyrsquos Knits discovers acommunity encouragingpeople to lsquoknit yourselfrsquo

12 Stitch London

Tracey from WowThankYoutalks to Crafters about whythey love their work

16 Why we love what we do

Yummy Valentine Trufflerecipe from Surf Jewels

31 Valentine Truffles

Unusual and delicious Trythis recipe from LittleWren Pottery

37 Chocolate amp Pistachio Macaroons

RecipesPage12

Page19

Page31

Page38

Page24

wwwcreative-connectionsningcom

Interviews

Projects amp Tutorials

Make beautiful bugs usingglass beads withMirribeads

20 Catch the Love Bug

If you like the darker sideof jewellery donrsquot missout on our interview withRachel

14 An Interview with Dark Elegance Designs

A lovely jewellery projectby Gemma from BeadsUnlimited

22 Beaded Wire Heart Set

Meet Ron Ostlund Jr fromIndiana Find out hisinspiration for his amazingdesigns

26 An Interview with Ostlund Custom Works

A fantastic Mothers DayGift project from Diannefrom Heartmade Gifts

24 Tealight Votives from Recycled Materials

Dave from turning timetells us how crafting haschanged his life

34 Meet turning-timecouk

Elderberry Arts is with usagain for a beautifulMothers Day gift idea

32 Make a 3 strand Bracelet

An original Valentines ideafrom Made by Dolly

38 Make a Valentine Tea Cosy

Itrsquos not all about theBootie

40 An Interview with Booties by Dannie

Find out how Sarah lovesall things vintage and oldfashioned

43 An Interview with Tiny Gems

Page40

Page14

Page22

Page26

Page34

Page16

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative tomass produced items

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensiveBrowse through our directory and

click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

Peggyrsquos Knits

Quality knitted items

LamingtonsLemonade and

Custom made HealingJewellery

lsquoJust for yoursquo

wwwcreative-connectionsningcom

Interviews

Projects amp Tutorials

Make beautiful bugs usingglass beads withMirribeads

20 Catch the Love Bug

If you like the darker sideof jewellery donrsquot missout on our interview withRachel

14 An Interview with Dark Elegance Designs

A lovely jewellery projectby Gemma from BeadsUnlimited

22 Beaded Wire Heart Set

Meet Ron Ostlund Jr fromIndiana Find out hisinspiration for his amazingdesigns

26 An Interview with Ostlund Custom Works

A fantastic Mothers DayGift project from Diannefrom Heartmade Gifts

24 Tealight Votives from Recycled Materials

Dave from turning timetells us how crafting haschanged his life

34 Meet turning-timecouk

Elderberry Arts is with usagain for a beautifulMothers Day gift idea

32 Make a 3 strand Bracelet

An original Valentines ideafrom Made by Dolly

38 Make a Valentine Tea Cosy

Itrsquos not all about theBootie

40 An Interview with Booties by Dannie

Find out how Sarah lovesall things vintage and oldfashioned

43 An Interview with Tiny Gems

Page40

Page14

Page22

Page26

Page34

Page16

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative tomass produced items

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensiveBrowse through our directory and

click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

Peggyrsquos Knits

Quality knitted items

LamingtonsLemonade and

Custom made HealingJewellery

lsquoJust for yoursquo

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative tomass produced items

Lovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensiveBrowse through our directory and

click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

Peggyrsquos Knits

Quality knitted items

LamingtonsLemonade and

Custom made HealingJewellery

lsquoJust for yoursquo

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

Averilpam Design Handcrafted one of a kind jewellery and bags Folksy

Elderberry Arts Hand crafted unique and uncommon silver gemstone glass gay andbisexual jewellery Website

Jinja Jewellery Original handcrafted jewellery and gifts for all tastes Website

Kokokelli Gorgeous Handmade Jewellery amp Greeting Cards at affordable prices Folksy

LauraFaye Crafts Lovely Handmade Beaded and Resin Jewellery Folksy

Laura Groom Jewellery Unique and quirky jewellery thats fun to wear Custom ordersundertaken Folksy

Lola Kade Genuine Hand made Jewellery using Semi Precious gemstonesSwarovski Crystals and much more Plus Spiritual Dragons too Website

Lorraine Dowdle Spoil yourself with artfully interesting artisan lampwork jewellerycreations Website

Madam CC Something old Something new Folksy

Marthamoo Beads Contemporary and unique handcrafted jewellery Folksy

Mirribeads Mirribeads resets vintage beads in fashion jewellery Folksy

Mystic Earth Gemstone Healing Jewellery personal matching service available Website

Purple Shmurple Vintage Glass Wood amp Miniature Jewellery Website

Snow Queen Trinkets Kiln Fused Dichroic Glass Jewellery Folksy

Sprinkles Sparkles Bespoke Handmade Jewellery and Accessories Website

TheGoddessampTheGreenman Original artwork and handmade costume jewellery one off pieces madeon Isle of Bute Dreamaid

The Jewellery Angel Cute Colourful and Kitsch Jewellery Folksy

Victorias Polymer Clay Art Handmade Polymer Clay Jewellery Buttons and Home Decor Folksy

The Vintage Jewellery Box Hand-designed vintage-inspired jewellery with a modern twist offering afresh alternative to girls who like to wear something a bit different Website

Ann Chandler Originals Unique bags and accessories in unusual fabrics including vintage kimonosilks funky cotton prints and upcycled clothing Folksy

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced itemsLovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced itemsLovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

SudrsquonrsquoSoothe Juice Bar just got a new meaning Website

Paulines Passions Handmade cards and wedding stationary also provide a bespokeservice Misi

Radiance Crystals Bespoke Bridal and Occasion Jewellery Website

All things Nice The home of unique affordable arts and crafts Folksy

Bits and Bobs Crafts Beautiful handmade knit crochet and fabric accessories and gifts Folksy

Caractacus Pots Fun and functional handmade ceramics Come and browse in my shopfor some unique gifts Etsy

Diomo Glass A range of Stained Glass Gifts by a Stained Glass Artist I recycle glass tocreate gifts and other novel little items of interest fun and meaning Folksy

GilliansMixedMediaMusings An eclectic mix of handcrafted items using mixed media elements fromAltered Art to Papercraft from vintage to distressed shabby chic to new Folksy

Lemonade and Lamingtons Homewares amp accessories fresh amp exciting Folksy

Little Wren Pottery Contemporary handmade English dinnerware for your table Folksy

Made by Dolly Sweet unique and quirky items for your children and home Folksy

Scottish Princess Designs Designer and creator of unique stylish hand crafted jewellery andbespoke creations Website

Neate Crafts Painting Knitting Pyrography amp lots more Misi

Painted Ghost Handmade accessories for baby and child home of the Bibbla Website

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

If you would like to be featured in our directory please visit our website

Crafterrsquos DirectoryThe perfect place to find beautiful gifts

Handcrafted items are becoming a popular alternative to mass produced itemsLovingly created and often surprisingly inexpensive

Click on the links to visit a world of beautiful craft shops

Buttercup Boutique Unique textile gifts and accessories Folksy

Kelso Kreations Handmade Gifts for that special occasion Folksy

Little ScruffsMiniature Mohair Artist Bears with loads of character Vintage style collectable Website

Lola Kade Creations Unique and special hand made Spiritual Dragons made using clay andSemi Precious Gemstones Find your perfect companion Website

Moody Cow Designs Unique handmade handbags and accessories Folksy

pipdesigns Ipad Covers Purses Handbags - Designer amp Funky Fabrics Folksy

Wraggamuffins Handmade chocolate truffles a perfect Valentines gift to show someonehow much you love them Website

Zygotegifts Unique bespoke handspun newspaper yarn cards amp framed art Ecoknitted brooches and more GWampG

Beads4Breakfast Artisan lampwork beads made in my kitchen studio Commissions taken Website

PrintedOnRibbon Description Quality satin ribbon printed with your words or messagePromote your craft business for just 99p per metre (pound149 pampp) Folksy

The Little Bead Box Beautiful Beads and Jewellery Supplies Folksy

The Prickly Pear GiftCompany

Beautiful ribbons perfect for a range of craft projects from interiordesign to cardmaking and gift wrapping Website

UK Craft Store Novelty buttons and more Website

Abstract Cat Crafts Colourful high quality hand-dyed and hand-painted knitting yarn Website

Joyknitt Joyknitt Knits Misi

NOfkants Curios Hand Knitted and Crocheted Unique Handbags Folksy

Peggyrsquos Knits Quality knitted items Website

Wharfedale Woolworks Hand painted yarns and custom knits Folksy

FOLKSY

WOWTHANKYOU

UGLY BE GONE

Favourite finds from around the crafting communityThis months focus is Valentines amp Motherrsquos DayClick on the images to take you to their store

Online Street

All prices correct at the time of publication

Valentines HeartKey Ring Bag Charm

Buttercup Boutiquepound700

Large Bath HeartHearts and Homespun

Handmade Soaps amp Bodycarepound250

Leaves and Pearls SilverHeart Pendant

Ali Bali Jewellerypound4800

Love Hand Cut Greetings CardQuite Contrary Crafts

pound530 (inc pampp)

Domed Silver amp EnamelHeart Ring

Wendy Penrosepound6900 (inc pampp)

Shabby Chic Decorative HeartEmbellished CushionAmethyst Creationspound1690 (inc pampp)

Door Stop with Applique Linen HeartTicketty Boo

pound2500

Heart Shaped BlackboardMe and Thee

pound1495

White heart pearl amp bowearrings

Expressorizeureselfpound600

Favourite finds from around the crafting communityThis months focus is Valentines amp Motherrsquos DayClick on the images to take you to their store

Best PicksCORIANDR

ETSY

ARTFIRE

Porcelain TexturedHeart Pendant

Caractacus Potspound549

St Valentines CardBeBonDeSign

pound120

Cushion-LoveHeart Gingham

MissLucyLupound1295

Pink Heart and Roses HandPainted Frosted Glass Votive Cup

A stroke of jeanne-iuspound449

Whimsical Pink amp RedTrue Love Photo Frame

fantizziedesignspound1285

Lady Bug Valentine Heart Door Decoration

Mosscreekmercantilepound1412

Silver Hearts Charm Bracelet Beads and Buttons in Pink

CTStudiospound1251

Roses Mothers day CardValmade

pound219

Valentine heart PonytailHolder hair setBluemanatee

pound500

All prices correct at the time of publication

Stitch London are a great stitching communitythat encourage absolutely anyone to enjoycrafting httpwwwstitchldncom

Last year they held a stitch yourself eventwhich was promoted in the Science Museum inLondon

There were so many they were from all overthe world and from all walks of life

Knit Yourself Featuring Stitch London

They can be crocheted knitted or whatever you craft you decide to use We canrsquot wait to see whatyou all makeMake sure you send a picture of your little knitted self into us so we can show them off in thenext issue

You can upload your pictures at our web sitehttpwwwcreative-craftingcomstitch_londonhtml

Here is a link for more pictures for all of the littleselves and more information on what they didplease be aware though that they are not takinganymore as it was last year this event happened Youcan find more pictures of the event here on StitchLondons blog here -httpstitchandbitchlondonwordpresscom20100702stitch-yourself-night

Written By Peggyrsquos Knitshttpwwwpeggyscollectionwebscom

Here at Creative Crafting we are askingif you would like to Stitch Yourself too Justsend photos in to the magazine andwe can forward on the pictures to Stitch London

Here is the link for the patterns and you justcustomise them to make them look likeyourselfhttpwwwstitchldncomstitchyourselfhtml

Mother Nature has provided us withwonderful Healing Gemstones and Minerals

Lapiz LazuliFor this Issue discover the beauty of

(NaCa)8[(SO4SCl)2(AlSiO4)6+Fe

If you would likemore information about

Crystal Healing Jewelleryyou can contact

The Crystal Lady atthecrystalladymysticearthcouk

httpwwwmysticearthcoukor visit

Lapis Lazuli was used in Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt as thelsquostone of rulersrsquo and for cult purposes

Mentally - Wisdom Honesty Peace Friendship BondingPhysically - works with the neck larynx and vocal chords

Lowers blood pressure regulates the thyroid glandChakra - Throat Third Eye Crown

Gemstone Wire WorkLapis Lazuli Necklace

pound40

Chione Earrings

$48

Macrame and Lapis LazuliNecklace

pound35

Love of Lapis

$23Lapis Lazuli amp Tanzanite

Earrings

pound24

Darcy the Peace Dragon

pound15

I live in Bristol England a very beautiful city with gorgeouscountryside lots of beautiful architecture things to do andbrimming with history I have three fur children Maia cat Chloecat and out adorable little chihuahua called Bellatrix who is onlya year but knows so many tricks I lose count

Ive always been crafty Over the years I could never find clothes or jewellery I wanted so Istarted making my own My first memory of finding jewellery magical was my grandmothersvelvet jewellery box when I was a child If I was good she would let me look through it )

I think it was a velvet choker with a rosebud

I love all my pieces equally

I love walking my dog in the countryside and woods where we live travelling reading cooking(anything spicy is yummy) alternative music and events

I would like to have more time to make new designs Imkept so busy with current ones and I think my head mightexplode with all the new ideas in it

httpwwwthe-gothic-shopcouk because they have a largerange of clothing from corsets to skirts bags to shoesfantastic customer service with super quick delivery

Im from Scotland Ive lived in 3 different countries in the past 2years Scotland England and Holland I do believe in faeries at thebottom of my garden )

Books childrenrsquos fairytales legends memories and historyAs we get older we learn the difference between fantasy andreality but its important to also learn to hold onto dreams Ihope my jewellery reminds people of when they believed inmagic faeries and falling down rabbit holes if they werentcareful After all somewhere over the rainbow lsquodreamsreally can come true

I love working with all the charms I have I have 4 charmboxes each jam packed with 48 sections so I have hundreds ofadorable little charms from tea pots to owls I can lookthrough those boxes for hours They are like tiny treasures

wwwDarkEleganceDesignscouk

wwwDarkEleganceDesignsEtsycom

Rachel

Why we love what we do

ldquoLove begins at home and it is not how much we do but how much love we put in that actionrdquo

What drives the artist the crafter artisan or small producer Hopefully itrsquos not always a case of ldquordquo Surely

there must be an element of loving what you do and a sense of satisfaction at producing items thatare unique personal and brilliant What makes you get out your sewing machinesketch pad eachday - why do you do it

For some there is an element of breaking free from the mundane day job and entering the freedomof doing what you want to do For others who have already made the jump and given up the dayjob there must be a sense of liberation and excitement of course tempered by the need to pay thebills How do you feel about what you do Is it therapeutic lsquochicken soup for the soulrsquo Does itprovide some useful pennies Does it give you more quality time with your family

The crafters on WowThankYou have told us their reasons for doing what they do and these rangefrom being able to spend more time with the kids to feeling more at one with the universe

Ley Holloway from the Vintage Beadery says she works intuitively ldquoIf itfeels good do it I make it up as I go alongrdquo Ley adds ldquoSometimes thebest bit about creating is being able to surprise yourself with the result and it is not what you set out to accomplish but is just great all thesamerdquo Ley recently produced a fabulous piece from the accidentalmixture of two sets of beads that occurred simply because she had notcleared away a previous project ldquountidy is sometimes good and some ofthe best work comes from this type of spontaneity producingsomething totally off the wall is sometimes the best way to start a newtrend or brandrdquo

Martina Macklin of Sparrow Primitives has a more primeval need tocreate something new she says ldquo

rdquo She gets areal sense of satisfaction from creating her products and ends by sayingldquo

rdquo

Visit Ley on WowThankYou here

Visit Martina on WowThankYou here

Pandy Grenville-Evans of Princess Kitten has a more earthy view of crafting and grafting tellingus that ldquo

rdquo I supposeone could call this the shear organic joy of creating something unique and escaping into your ownworld just for a little while

Lisa Galvan-Reyes of Craft on Canvas is an artist and a talented interiordesigner and uses her skills to do the things she loves ldquo

rdquo She loves thecolours and the challenge of producing a unique design to give anindividual look She sums up her love of crafting ldquo

rdquo

Charlotte Hupfield is a talented ceramicist producing wonderfulcontemporary pieces which she markets through her own studio andshop She loves the idea of having her workshopstudio at home and onlya few paces away so that when inspiration strikes she can act immediatelyand produce that lsquokillerrsquo piece She says ldquo

rdquo

There are of course added perks to working from home as Helen Lloyd-Hoare from Moonstone Glass enthuses ldquo

rdquo

Visit Pandy on WowThankYou here

Visit Lisa on WowThankYou here

Visit Charlotte on WowThankYou here

Visit Helen on WowThankYou here

This article was written by

fromhttpwwwwowthankyoucouk

Gaye Milton-Weekes from AampV Designs is of the opinion that mostcrafters do not do it for the money She has such enthusiasm that shesays ldquo

rdquo She loves all her items and feels this is important ldquo

rdquo She concludes ldquordquo

So there you have it - crafters do what they do for a variety of reasons Immense satisfactionbeing a great start an enjoyable hobby that brings in a modest income that can be carried outaround being a parent a lsquoreleasersquo from the everyday stresses of modern life they do itbecause they love it and can give over part of themselves in what they do producing articlesfrom the heart of their creative imagination for the rest of us to admire appreciate purchaseand cherish

Happy Valentinersquos Day from WowThankYou I started on a quote so Irsquoll end on another one

ldquoLove is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imaginationrdquo

Visit Gaye on WowThankYou here

Tracey has asked a very interesting question We would love to hearmore of your reasons for doing the crafts that you do

We have a forum thread on our Social Network please join us andinspire us with why you love your crafts

httpcreative-connectionsningcomforumtopicswhy-do-you-craft

There are a lot of different crafts to choose fromThis series of articles will discover some of the more unusual and also some

old world crafts that may have been almost forgotten

This article was created by

The Crystal Ladyhttpwwwmysticearthcouk

Rug HookingThis always looks fantastic fun to me but rather time consuming to make the whole rug Therug is made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base If you have beenwatching the Edwardian Farm series that has been on BBC 2 over Christmas you will haveseen one being made with strips of fabric and an old sack It took ages so I applaud thecrafters that have the patience to create some of the beautiful pieces that I found whilesurfing the craft sites I would love to have a go at some point though

Horse RugThread-Bare

If you are interested in trying this wonderful craft you can find awealth of information online Youtube has a number of videotutorials and there are also some magazines dedicated to the craftas well as various books that you can purchase

Making Rag Rugs is a very topical craft these days as it is aRecycling Craft and we all love those

Girl TeddybearRag Rug

Crocus Angelica Crafts

If you would like more information on rug making Heather RitchiesWebsite httpwwwrugmakercouk is a great place to start Thereare some incredible designs on there and also lots of videos to helpyou get started

Rag Rug BagsRags Bags and Baubles

It also seems to be a very versatile craftas you can see by the wonderful ideaRags Rugs and Baubles on Folksy has hadwith their Rag Rug Bags

Also Stripedpebble with their colourfulProggy Cushions

Proggy Cushionsstripedpebble

If you have an unusual craft that you wouldlike to share with us please get in touch

You can email me at

thecrystalladycreative-craftingcom

Spot RugRagtag Rugs

Step 2 The wingsTake one end of the wire and thread through one of the 2 larger hearts pointyend first Now take another size 8 seed bead and thread it on Now thread thewire back through the heart making sure it is pushed tight to the oval bead

This is your first wing now repeat with the other wire end

Step 1 The bodyTake the 40 cm piece of wire and fold it in half Thread on one size 8 seed beadthrough one end and let it sit in the fold Through both ends pushed togetherthread the oval bead

Push it up to the seed bead

Feeling all giddy Is your stomach filled with the fluttering of butterflies Oh yes yoursquove caught thelove bug all right With valentines just around the corner itrsquos high time you passit on to this special someone thatrsquos making you float on cloud nineTo help you Irsquove created a gorgeous love bug for you to make

This is what you need0315 mm thick coloured copper wire in dusky pink or red 3 pieces of 7 cm for the legs 40 cm for the body

1 flat oval red glass bead 2 cm long 1 cm wide2 crystal AB glass hearts 1 cm1 red AB glass heart 8 mm12 red bugle beads 7 mm6 facetted red AB 4 mm fire polished beads11 size 8 metallic peach seed beads16 size 11 silver lined clear seed beadsCutter for the copper wire

Step 3 The headPut both wire ends back together again You can twist them round each other for about 5 mm tosecure the wings Now thread on the red smaller heart pointy side first Push it tight towards thewings so they are firmly in place Split the wire ends again and on one of them thread 8 size 11 seedbeads Finish off with a size 8 bead Push the beads right up to the heart Loop the wire round the size8 bead then push it through again Snip the wire as close to the bead as you can Now repeat with the other wire end

Step 4 The legsTake one of the 7 cm lengths of wire Thread on one of the facetted beadsPush it towards the end of the wire and then loop the wire through the beadagain Snip off any excess wire at the back end of the bead Thread on 1bugle bead 1 size 8 seed bead and another bugle Now wrap the wire roundthe base of the head of the love bug pulling the beads as tight as you can tothe bug Thread on the third bugle another size 8 bead and then the last buglebead Put on a faceted bead and push all the beads as close as you can to the

body Thread the wire in a loop through the facetted bead again and snip off as close as you can tothe bead The love bug now has its front legs

To create the other four legs repeat this process making sure you wrap the legs closer to the ovalbody rather than the head

Step 5 Finish offShape the legs and wings in the position you want them to be To attach thisbug to a brooch you can take another piece of wire and wrap the bug with itto a brooch base Alternatively you can hang it on a piece of chain by usinganother piece of wire to loop round the head and shape a loop with it tothread some chain through

I hope you will enjoy your love bug and passit on to someone special

Written by Mirribeadshttpwwwmirribeadsfolksycom

Beaded Wire Heart Set

Win this necklaceand earrings set

See our web sitefor moredetails

Make this simple wire work jewellery set to impressyour friends and loved ones on Valentines Day

Gemma is inspired by everything around her from colour and form to the materials she uses andby using many traditional techniques with contemporary ideas she creates jewellery with herindividual style

What you will needI used Beads Unlimited products in the following quantitiesto complete jewellery set

6 x 5 mm glass lamp bead transparent rosy pink (GLTR0512)4 x 7 mm glass lamp bead transparent rosy pink (GLTR0712)1 x pack of 1 mm silver plated wire (SPW10)1 m of trace chain silver plated (CHTRSP)1 x 25 5 mm jump ring silver plated (JR5SP)1 x pack of 12 headpins silver plated (HPSP)1 x pack of 6 long ballwires silver plated (LBWSP)1 x trigger clasp silver plated (TRGSP)You will also need a pair of multi pliers (CRMT)

Step 1Using the cutting part ofthe pliers cut a 3 cm lengthof wire Using half way downthe round nosed part of yourpliers bend a loop in the endof wire and squeeze closedThread on a 7 mm bead andbend the wire in the oppositedirection to make a loopMake one more and two using5 mm beads Set these aside

Step 2Cut a 135 cm length of wire Usinghalf way down the round nosed partof your pliers bend a loop in the endof wire and squeeze closed With thepliers and your fingers start to shapethe wire heart

Step 3Use the round nosedsection of the pliers tocreate a loop so that thefirst half of the heart isapproximately 35 cmThread two 7 mm beadsonto the wire followed bya 5 mm bead

Step 4Bend the wire around withyour fingers and the pliersto create the second half ofthe heart Bend the end intoa loop in the same way asstep 2The heart should beasymmetrical

Step 6Join a 7 cm length to theother end of the beadedwire with a jump ring and a5 mm bead to the other endin the same way Next attachthe 9 cm length of chainfollowed by a 5 mm bead the7 cm length a 7 mm beadand the remaining length ofchain Attach a jump ring tothe end with a trigger claspand close the jump ring

Step 5Cut two 10 cm lengths oftrace chain two 7 cm andone 9 cm length Attach ajump ring to one end of a10 cm length Add anotherjump ring to the other endand join a 7 mm bead sectionthat you made earlierClose the jump ring

Step 7Attach a jump ring to thebeaded side of the heart andattach to the centre sectionof the chain so that the chaingoes through the jump ringand moves freely

Step 8Make the hearts for theearrings in the same way asthe necklace using a 7 cmlength of wire Open the loopof the long ball wire andattach to the larger side ofeach heart so that the heartsare mirrored when they hangclose the loop

Step 9Thread a 5 mm bead onto aheadpin and trim 1 cm abovethe bead Bend the headpininto a loop attach to the loopon the bottom of the heartand close the loop on theheadpin Repeat to attach aheadpin to the other earringand finally add a beadedheadpin to the heart on thenecklace

Designed byGemma fromwwwbeadsunlimitedcouk

Would you like to be the proud owner of this stunningbeaded wire heart necklace and earrings set

Visit the Creative Crafting web site to enterhttpwwwcreative-craftingcom

Tealight Votives from Recycled Materialsfor Mothers Day

Treat your Mum this Mothers Day to a pretty tealight votive made from recycled materials Quickand easy but effective and endlessly adaptable you could make a set of co-ordinating votives inan afternoon Make some for your Mum some for friends hellip and a few for yourself

The basic idea is very simple

1 Make holes in an opaque base material to create a cover

2 Place this over a translucent lining material

3 Wrap around and attach to a small glass or jar

You can use any size jar but baby food jars are perfect for little tealights Cut a piece of paper sothat it will wrap round your jar (with an overlap of about 1cm) and be slightly taller than your jar

I have used the card from the inside of some Christmas wrapping paperhere but plain brown wrapping paper works well and you can experimentwith all kinds of paper card fabric or foil for example

Use a punch to cut shapes from your base material

Cut a slightly smaller piece of lining material (tissue paperor organza for example) and glue to the back of your base material

You can leave your votive cover just like this or decorate it inany way you like Try writing something in metallic pens or paints Its agood idea to practice on a scrap of your base material first To ensurethere wont be any smudging or bleeding and to get your spacing right

Glue some foil sprinkles confetti glitter or small gems to your basematerial You might also like to glue some on the inner side too

Glue the overlap and form into a tube aroundyour jar

You can fill the gap around the top with tissuepaper making sure it is securely tucked belowthe rim

You could also fill the gap with tiny glassbeads or sprinkles

Slip a tealight into your votive and its readyto wrap and give to someone special

Heartmade Gifts

This article was written by Diannefrom Heartmade Gifts

Join Heartmade Gifts on Facebook

wwwheartmadegiftswordpresscom

If you dont have a paper punch you can cut simple shapes with scissors Orfor some intricate images or fine detailing try using a very sharp craft blade

Try designing your own letters or using an existing font (you canfind hundreds of different fonts online or use all kinds of signs ora magazine for inspiration)

If you dont want to cut shapes out try layering thin paperor fabric Add mini pictures stickers ribbons and beads or

This layering gives a lovely effect the different textures arehighlighted by the flame

Swap your (opaque) base and (translucent) lining bygluing shapes to your jar and covering in tissue paperor thin fabric

You could prick a pattern into a foil wrap for an alternative effect Try using differenttools to mark your pattern The tip of a wooden skewer lets you create a number ofeffects but a screwdriver or fork might produce interesting results Place your foil ona piece of foam to make it easier

I have used two layers of kitchen foil but you could use a piece of tin foil tray oran empty drink can or layer foil sweet wrappers

If your Mum isnt particularly girly try combining simplecolours and shapes with favourite motifs

Glue buttons or a fabric symbol onto a tissuebackground Use natural fabrics and materials includingfound items from a favourite nature walk for example

You dont have to use glue to attach your votive cover try ribbon wire orstring The simplest hessian wrap is very effective when lit from inside

Have fun experimenting with various materials you have lying around with various ways ofcutting out or layering and attaching to your jars Explore the infinite combinations of colour andtexture You can use anything that isnt highly flammable (I even had some votive covers withoutthe jars while photographing) just remember to remind people never to leave candles

Wrap your votives individually in pretty paper andribbon or put them in a gift bag or box Or you couldarrange a few in a wicker basket with scented tealightsand some pampering bath treats

My name is Ron Ostlund Jr and I work in retail but I am really an artist I live in Fort WayneIndiana USA with my wife Carissa my new son Liam and two feisty dogs Tiko and Petey My artfor the most part consists of building one of a kind pieces of home decor I am really known sofar for my clocks and lamps but i am looking at doing much more I have plans for everythinghome decor tables chairs couches etc

My first item I made to sell was a very simple clock that started what Ithen called my industrial waste line It was a simple piece of aluminiumthat was a cast off from a machine shop I bolted it to an oak base andpopped a clock movement into it and listed it It took awhile for it to selland I sold many other pieces before it finally sold

First and foremost I am a husband and father mountain biker and fitness nut and also am apretty advanced weightlifter I mostly do the weightlifting or bodybuilding in the winter duringthe cycling off season I hate riding in the cold I have raced in the past and love doing it andhave plans to continue doing some racing in the years to come More specifically enduranceracing like 12 and 24 hour solo races I also enjoy researching natural nutrition and believe it isthe way to a happy healthy disease free life

I started building things as soon as I knew how to use tools thanks to my dad I used to build a lot of my toys and just loved to tinker with things I would get toys and take them apart and build what i wanted out of the parts When it really got serious is when I started looking at home decor and liking alot of the modern styles That was around 2003 and I built a few clocks in a small shop in my apartment living room and tried to get some kind of a business going Well it fell apart and I never sold anything Then again in 2005 I started building stuff again mostly clocks and again nothing came together Couldnt seem to sell anything at all so I just dropped it and itremained a dream So many years went by and then in 2010 a good friend of mind told me aboutEtsycom and i decided to give it a try I opened shop on April 2 2010 and just pulled my old workoff and dusted it off and listed it I started building as fast as I could after that and just tried tocrank out work to fill space in my shop I now have a small and cramped shop in a garage i rentfrom my apartment complex It shares space with my workout area and storage I am amazed atthe kind of work I am able to do in this small and cluttered space of a shop

I would have to say my biggest crafting achievement in not necessarily apiece of work but a transition into what I consider real art I started as anart hater I wanted nothing to do with it I said I just build stuff this isnot art its a candle holder Well things changed and I now love and embrace art and my best workhas happened since then Its been an amazing improvement in my work and who i am And now Ihave plans to be in 3 different local art galleries As well as running an Etsy shop that is growing inexposure and sales

Creative Crafting would like to congratulateRon and Carissa on the birth of son Liam on12th January 2011

In 5 years I would love to be successful and doing this full time I wouldlike to have work in art museums around the country and be workingwith top interior designers I really love to just let my creativity flow butI would also like to work with clients one on one to design and build apiece that fits them perfectly My wife and I are buying our first houseand I can imagine myself still working out of a two car garage I wouldreally love to be able to provide for my family enough that we can live acomfortable life without my wife having to work With the path i am onnow I really believe that itrsquos possible to do

Honestly I really dont have a favourite shop online or anywhere for thatmatter I just like too many things If it really came down to it I would have tochoose the cycling website wwwpricepointcom they are my go to for bikeparts

I would have to say that no one person has really supported me in some grandway Most of my drive comes from myself My wife is a great supporter as well asmany of my friends artists or not I just use their collective support to help drivemy own ambition to succeed in this

I am a mutant well thatrsquos what my brothers call me and some of my friends

wwwetsycomshopOstlundCustomWorks

My favourite materials are metal and wood I like aluminium the most out of the metals because itrsquoseasy to work with and itrsquos shine And I like regular plan ole oak Its a relatively cheap hardwood andis hard and stable and easy to work with as well It has a wonderful grain pattern and can even befound naturally felled really easy I have built pieces out of wood from friends properties that have oak trees I also like working with some of the exotic woods as well mostly for the interesting colours and grain patterns Also in the mix is coloured glass which can really set off a piece and bring it from boring to amazing Almost all of the metal I use is scrap metal from machine shops I go to a scrap yard and several machine shops and look for interesting pieces of cutoffs and castoffs I also find all kinds of interesting junk at the scrap yard and just use my imagination to figure out what to make with the parts

I would have to say that my inspiration mostly comes from just feeling the energy of a piece or anidea I just love to match up materials so that the end result is more powerful than the combinedenergy of all the pieces involved A synergy of art I love to just wander the scrap yard or dig throughthe scrap bins at machine shops and imagine a new life for what is there I would have to say that theone person I know that does this better than anyone is Sayaka Ganz She is an amazing artist that Ihumbly have the pleasure of knowing She takes everyday plastic junk and turns them into the mostamazing and vibrant sculptures To me I can just feel the energy and they feel alive Seeing her artwas a turning point for me My good friend Julie showed me her website and I was somoved by what I saw I almost cried (wwwsayakaganzcom) Julie Wall Toles is anotherperson I admire and gain inspiration from She has to be one of the most confident andwell spoken people i know and her art of print making is stunning I have yet to see thisprocess but itrsquos on my list of things to do She has described it to me and I am shockedat what is involved She has work that I will own someday Julie is also the oneperson i credit with my transition from art hater to artist

in the Garden

Hi Irsquom TinaI hope that you all had a great Christmas and New YearThe white stuff that came down was very seasonal if alittle cold Now itrsquos nice and warm in here the kettle is onfor a good warm cup of tea Maybe today a nice shortbreadbiscuit but remember we must not over indulge

I am so pleased that you took the time to come and joinme again in The Garden It is a little grey and wet todayand the Garden is still enjoying its winter sleep so there isnot much going on yet so I thought you may all like a littleSunshine I would love to share with you a trip which mybetter half and I took in October to a most wonderful andunusual gardenThe Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are just outsideCharleston in South Carolina USA

The Magnolia Plantation

In the past it was an old rice plantation but the rice fields have long since been claimedby the natural plants The main bushes were Camellias theywere smaller flowers than the ones we have in the garden andof course were flowering at a different time of year but theywere such delicate blossoms

The house was beautiful but not as I expected as thinkingplantation I expected to see something of the style of Tara from Gone with the WindBut not so although it did have its own beauty As it says on the plaque there have been threehouses on the site over the years The first house 1680-1811 burned down the second1811-1805 was burned down by General Shermanrsquos troops and the third house has beenaltered in 4 phases to make it as it is today

Camellias

PlaqueThe Plantation House

Rice Fields

Swamp

What about this gazebo I did draw theattention of my better half to thismaybe he could knock one up for me inhis spare time not that he manages to getmuch as I always have the projects lined up

Here is a beautiful photo of the bridge over the lake the Spanish moss is just wonderful like silver cobwebs we were told that it does not harm the trees at all they live in perfect harmony

Bridge

The River

We then toured what was my very favourite part which was theSwamp Gardens There was much more water of course thanour bog but I checked to see if my better half was making notesfor the future It would be just great to have something like thisif on a smaller drier scale However there were some residentswhich I would not welcome in the bog no thanks

Alligators

I have not written so much this time More photos are better than myramblings and there will be so much next time as Spring will really bewith us and lots should be happening in The Garden

Now I will clear away the empty cups and send you out again into thedull wet weather but I hope you will take with you a little sunshinefrom the photos of Magnolia Plantation

I am looking forward to visiting with you all again in the next issue and sharing with you theawakening of Spring in The Garden

Your green fingered friend

Tina

wwwtina-in-the-gardenblogspotcom

Another special feature is the large river that runs through theproperty This was used in days gone by to take the rice bypaddle steamer into Charleston You can see from the photojust how tranquil it looks on such a beautiful day

Gazebo

Made with love and care

Quality Knitted Items

httpwwwpeggyscollectionwebscom

Peggyrsquos Knits

Julie Monks professional photography where passion has no boundaries

wwwfolksycomshopsjuliemphotography

INGREDIENTS

An equal amount of chocolate and cream(so if you use 100ml of cream use 100 grams of chocolate)Icing sugarCocoa powder biscuit crumbs coconut nuts (optional)Orange or mint flavouring or coffee granules (optional)

METHOD

1) Warm the cream in a pan add the chocolate and melt Stir on a low heat until all combinedOnce this is done put the mixture in a bowl and put in the fridge for about an hour or until firm andthick

2) Get the mixture out Scoop a bit out with a spoon and use icing sugar to coat them and to stop itsticking to your hands Roll them in to balls and you have a simple truffle

3) If you find your mixture is sticking to everything just use more icing sugar until it stops stickingOnce this is done you can begin to experiment with coatings and flavours You can rolls thesetruffles in cocoa powder biscuit crumbs coconut nuts or whatever takes your fancyYou could add flavours to the truffle mixture once you have taken the cream and chocolate off ofthe heat such as orange or mint flavouring or coffee granules

You can also dip the truffles in chocolate to coat them Just melt the chocolate (very easily done inthe microwave for a couple of minutes just make sure you stir it after a minute and keep an eye onit as sometimes it looks unmelted when itrsquos not it somehow seems to hold its shape) Then put thetruffle on a folk and dip away I then dry the truffles on a tray in the fridge and you are done

These can then be wrapped boxed or put in jars to make a lovely present

Each Christmas birthday and occasioncomes around and you have the sameproblem of what to buy why not thisvalentines make the person you love apresentMaking something for someone showsyou care in a way a bought presentnever could And what does everyonelove Chocolate of courseSo why not make them some trufflesNot as hard as it sounds and actuallyquite a lot of fun if not a little messyAll you need for a basic truffle is somecream and chocolate simple Of courseyou can add all sorts of things to themto make them even better but lets startwith the basics

Written by Surf Jewels httpsurfjewels000spacecom

Valentines Truffles

3 Strand BraceletMotherrsquos Day Gift Idea

This style of bracelet is great for using up oddments and beads leftover from other projects You canuse any beads you have to create a variety of styles to suit anyoccasion and every bracelet will be totally unique

Materials I have used8 shell chip beads4 Peach aventurine chip beads6 Strawberry Quartz chip beads2 4mm pink Jade beads1 6mm pink Jade bead2 Rose Quartz 6mm oval beads2 4mm garnet beads2 8mm Amethyst beads2 8mm Rose Quartz beads1 6mm Moonstone disk3 red Jasper chip beads10 glass chip beads10 4mm Rose Quartz beads3 Garnet chip beads

30 3mm pink seed beads20 3mm purple seed beads5 purple 8mm bugles4 6mm glass flowers4 6mm red glass beads15 6mm crackle glass beads inpinkpurpleclear5 6mm clear glass beads8 4mm Rose Quartz beads2 6mm Amethyst beads3 4mm white Jade beads5 4mm silver plated round beads

7 4mm silver plated daisyspacers2 6mm Hematite heart beads20 4mm bicones in pinkpurpleclear3 6mm red glass pearls4 metalised rose beadsNylon beading cord2 Silver plated calottesSilver plated lobster clasp andclasp tag

Step 1 String the beads in a random order on the nylon until you have a7 inch length of beads

Step 2 Cut the nylon leaving a tail a few inches long at both ends Thisis used to finish the bracelet and fit the clasp later I tie these endstogether in a loose knot to avoid the beads coming off

Step 3 String a second 7 inch length of beads cut the nylon and knotthe ends as in step 2

Step 4 Repeat step 2 for a third time so you now have three strands ofrandomly strung beads

Step 6 In one end knot the three lengths of nylon together and pull theknot tight Cut off any excess nylon The knot can be secured with adrop of super glue if you like

Step 7 Place one calotte over the knot and squeeze it shut

Step 8 Push all the beads down towards the calotte Loosely braid thestrands of beads

Step 9 Pick up the strand by the unknotted end and rearrange the braidif needed so the strands and beads sit correctly

Step 10 Tie a knot as in step 6 a few mm from the last beads Do not tie the knot right next to thebeads because if you do the calotte will not fit on properly Trim the excess nylon and add the secondcalotte as in step 7

Step 11 Using the jump rings attach the clasp to one calotte and theclasp tag to the other

Step 5 Take the three strand undo the knots and lay them next to eachother

Elderberry Arts

Written by Elderberry Artshttpwwwelderberryartscouk

3 Strand Bracelet

turning-timecoukMy Name is Dave I am married to Jo and live in Kent

I have always liked woodworking but unable to secure an apprentice when Ileft school in the early 70rsquos I ended up working in an office Over the last30 years I was chained to a desk and although it enjoyed it (most of the time)I never really had the opportunity to do much more than DIY around thehouse

After moving into a rundown property during the last recession most of the DIY was notexactly creative but was still a big learning curve that kept the urge to create something atbay

Eventually we got to the end on the major renovation and I was able to throw out the lastof many pairs of cement laden jeans But what now ok the garden helped but I still had aneed to do something creative

By chance my uncle moved house a few years ago and decided he no longer wanted a latheso he offered it to me By now I had a bit more time and money so decided to build myown workshop at the end of the garden

One of the first items I produced on the lathe was a pen I also like making clocks whichwas the inspiration for the name of my web site as well as my outlook for lsquoturning time intosomething usefulrsquo

A few months later and I had the lathe up and running and was able to do some turning that I had always loved doing during school This was the slippery slope to where I am today

I was made redundant in August 2009 my late mother was having treatment for cancer and so my wife and I decided that rather than returning to a 9-5 job it was time to do a bit more ofwhat I like doing and have the freedom to be where I needed to be

This is how turning-timecouk began in earnest Wood working isa good therapy for me It gives me the opportunity to be creative and is always a challenge I have not had any lessons since school as I tend to like learning from doing it myself and finding alternative ways to achieve a similar result

turning-timecoukObviously you have to know the basics but I found it was a bit likeriding a bike ndash yes I had a few bonfires from experiments that wentwrong but I also had a lot of fun

I first sold a pen on ebay and that gave me the confidence to startlooking around for ways to sell the items I make First I created a shop onmy web page but soon after I discovered Folksy and decided that I would not have the timeand money to market my own shop

I prefer to take the wood from as near to how it came off the tree this means having to storeand dry the wood or doing what is called lsquogreen turningrsquo I prefer to use dry wood so normallybuy it in plank form and cut it to the size I need when I need it To do this I have added aband saw table saw and a thicknesserplaner which helps reduce the plank to a basic shapethat can be mounted on the lathe

I rarely use a plan as I tend to lsquofeelrsquo the shape of the piece I am turning It may sound strangebut each piece of wood has its own characteristics Maybe that is also an excuse for the itemfinishing nothing like the plan J

There is a good network of suppliers for turning equipment and project supplies My favouritehaunt is Styles and Bates who are based In Dover As they are reasonably close I visit theshop when I can this way I can rummage through their wood store for myself

Recently I added a laser cutterengraver to my collection of tools Think of it as a scroll sawwith much more capability It allows me to cut veneer and create what I like to think as moredecorative clock faces with veneer shapes I would not be able to cut by hand

I could only have done this with the support of my lovely wife who has to put up with meeither in the workshop staring at a computer screen or watching the laser cut the latest ideaI do try to push the vacuum round for her once in a while -)

Random fact ndash I once met the Queen who was very sweet

httpwwwturning-timecouk

I like to make sure that the wood I use is from a managed source as the care for flora and fauna is close to my heart ndash I will often use recycled wood and have friends that will call me to ask if something is any use The last being timbers from a building that was built with old wooden Royal Navy ship timbers

VisitDave

at

Beautiful Jewellery to helpyou through life

httpwwwmysticearthcouk

Have you ever thought of having a pieceof Gemstone and Crystal Healing Jewellery

created lsquojust for yoursquo

Each stone matched to your needs

The Crystal Lady at Mystic Earthcan offer you this service

These pieces of unique jewellery makethe perfect gift for a loved one or a much

needed treat for yourself

MYSTIC EARTH

Creative CraftingAdvertise with

wwwcreative-craftingcomadvertisehtml

A mouse herecould take customers

to your store

We care about yourcraft business

Prices startfrom

only pound2

Chocolate andPistachio Macaroons

Mention the word Macaroon and youre likely to think of softalmost cakey pillows made from almonds and coconut Ivenever been keen on coconut its difficult to eat and to cookwith

So in going for an alternative I chose one of my favouriteflavours - pistachio

Macaroons are similar to Italian amaretti biscuits having at itscore a meringue base and are related to the Italian wordlsquoammaccarersquo meaning to crush or beat

The earliest recorded macaroon recipe are a type of almondmeringue from the 1500s baked by Italian pastry chefs

Heres my recipe for chocolate and pistachio macaroons

I hope youll agree that the bitter tang of dark chocolate helpsto counterbalance the sweetness of the icing sugar

INGREDIENTS

140g pistachios250g icing sugar2 egg whites100g low fat soft cheese25g 70 dark chocolate melted

METHOD

1) Heat your oven to at least 160C

2) Put 25g of icing sugar and the pistachios in a blender and mix until fine With a wooden spoon mix thenut paste with 175g more icing sugar

3) In a large bowl whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks Add 50g icing sugar and whisk againuntil thick and glossy

4) Fold in the nut mix to the whipped egg whites Spoon into a piping bag or use a spoon to form smallrounds of the mixture on parchment lined trays Each one should be about the size of a 10 coin

5) Leave them to dry for 30 mins before putting them in the oven bake for 12-15 mins or until goldenbrown

6) Beat together the cream cheese and melted chocolate use this mix to sandwichthe macaroons together

7) Serve and enjoy with someone special Written by Victoria Bakerhttpwwwlittlewrenpotterycouk

What you will need

A piece of paper 30 x 20 cm2 pieces of fabric 1 for outer cover 1 for lining Both at least 60 x 20 cmA piece of interlining wadding or similar material also 60 x 20 cmRibbon or pretty bias tape at least 60 cm longA button or other embellishmentSewing essentials (Needle thread pins scissors iron)Sewing Machine You can sew this by hand but I prefer to use a machine - itrsquos a lot quicker

Make your pattern

Take your piece of paper I have stated 30 x 20 cm here as this fits a medium sized teapotHowever if possible it might be a good idea to check your teapot before you proceed Fold thepaper in half across the middle and round off the corners

You should end up with a shape similar to this

Step 1 Fold over the fabric you intend to use Pinning the pattern you have made to it cut aroundit carefully so that you have two identical pieces Repeat this for the lining fabric and again for theinterliningwadding You should end up with 6 identical shapes two of each material

Everyone loves a hot cup of tea so why not make thissimple tea cosy to give as a gift on Mothers Day or wowyour lucky partner with breakfast in bed on Valentines Day

You can embellish this as much as you like if you are intoembroidery or screen printing or you can just use a funprint as I have done here

Step 2 Taking the two pieces you wish to be the outside of the cosynow is the time to embellish them with embroidery or ribbon as youwishTo add ribbon (I have put on polka dot bias tape) first cut two lengths30 cm each Pin these to the fabric about 1 cm above the bottom edge

Machine or hand sew on as preferred

Make a Tea Cosy for Valentines orMotherrsquos Day

Step 3 Pin together right sides facing one coverand one lining piece and stitch along bottomedge only

Open out the pieces and press seam towardslining

You should have two identical pieces

Step 4 Now you are going to make a sandwich Place the two fabricpieces together right sides facing

At the end where the cover fabric is add the interliningwadding oneither side ndash like the pieces of bread in a sandwich

Pin it all together

Step 5 Now sew all around the inside edge of your pinned together sandwich making sure thatyou leave a gap of around 5 cm at one side of the lining pieces This is for turning it all back theright way out Donrsquot forget to do this

Step 6 Turn your cosy right way out and slip stitch the opening in the lining shut Then tuck thelining fabric into the cosy Press lightly as turning out tends to crumple the fabric a bit

Step 7 Now you can sew on any button you might like to add Isewed mine onto the braid which does look pretty

Step 8 Ta Da Enjoy

Written By Made By Dollyhttpwwwfolksycomshopsmadebydolly

My name is Danielle Mansell but I prefer to be called Dannie and mycraft is crochet Im married to Brett for ever over 8 frac12 years and wehave a 2 frac12 year old named Sebastian (Seb) I live on the sunny Essexcoast of Clacton on Sea

My mother taught my to crochet when I was about 10 She also tried to teach myknitting but it was difficult as Im left handed and she isnt My work space is mysofa although my storage area is in our conservatory

I THINK the first thing I ever made was my Mary Jane babybooties but I cant quite recall as I went through a mad makingspree early on because my fingers we excited by crochet again

Well if by biggest you mean time consuming then it is thisdress which was also made for the same customer as thebooties Size 3-6 months This was made over 4 or soevenings

I am a bit of a twitcher I love going bird watching and have gone to many RSPB sites in the pastalthough the time for that these days sadly is a little less than it used to be

I would like to be earning a full time income doing what I love andI hope that in 5 years I will have a well honedwell oiled ldquomachinerdquomaking baby and adult knitwear

My inspiration comes from what I love and what I seearound me My favourite type of knitwear is chunky andthe colder winters have allowed me to play with more funtextures like what I have made with these hats I havealways loved knitwear and I think that stems from mymom always making things for us and people we knew

I love any yarn that I can get my hands on Sadly because of the type of things I make I cantsplash out on Merino Rowan or any other make of high end wool

Thats SUCH a tough question I love so many places and so manydifferent things but if I had to choose right now it would behttpwwwsilverbirchcraftscouk because their shop had such aprevalence in my house this Christmas Two gifts for my son one for myniece and a surprise gift for me )

My husband has always been great through this (even as my love for yarn takes over the house)and fully supports what I do He has also been a great sounding board for some of my ideas

I am originally from a small city in Upstate New York andmoved to the UK when I was 20 to live with my husband

wwwbootiesbydanniecom

VisitDannie at

By Sprinkles Sparkleshttpwwwsprinklessparklescouk

All prices are correct at the time of publication

Budget LuxuryClick on the images to take you to their store

Pretty handmade valentinecard with quilling rosesRoses and sentimentshandmade greetingcards and keepsakes

pound450

English Roses Heart CushionHouse Proud Cindy

pound1995

Vintage Teacup Candle ndashShabby Chic Roses

Beautiful Things by ClaireMackaness

pound1000 (inc pampp)

French Beaded Cream ampPink Sweetheart Rose

Fleurs de Perlespound2500 (inc pampP)

Rosalie earrings- maroonChain of Daisies

pound950Roses Kimono

Calla Lilypound7000

Rosa - White Pearl andSilver Rose Necklace

Indivijewelspound7300

Red and pink fymorose bracelet

Crystal Utopia Craftpound650

Hair Comb - Olive GreenRose Ribbon Hairband

Aurorarosepound1660

Red roses valentine romanceflea marketslouch bag large

Ajourneyyettocomepound905

My Rose Garden-Statement Necklacew Satin Flowers amp

Vintage PinsSolbijoupound8661

Rose Wax Mini Melts 6pknikkicandles

pound262

My name is Sarah Marks I have been married to my husband Chris for 3 years and we have an 11year old black Labrador puppy (I say puppy as although he has arthritis and is going deaf he stillthinks hersquos a puppy) called Travis and a 13 year ish old black cat called Salem I say ish as I gothim from the RSPCA when he was a kitten so Irsquom not certain of his exact age

We live in a little village of only 3 roads in Wirral Northwest England which is about 30 minutesaway from both Chester and Liverpool so we have great shopping opportunities to behad in all directions The proximity is exactly what everywoman needs for retail therapyI make handcrafted jewellery and tiaras and love finding newmaterials and trying new ideas all the time I especially lovecharity shop finds of broken and damaged vintage pieces ofjewellery cleaning them up repairing them and giving themsome tender loving care Then redesigning them and creatingsomething new to be re loved by a whole new generation

I have always loved crafting and there are many pictures ofme as a child with bits of tape hanging from my mouth ortrying to learn to knit all with the same look of utterconcentration on my face I first got a jewellery making kit in2009 and did it in the evenings as a form of stress relief andrelaxation from a very busy job In June 2009 I was put atrisk of redundancy along with a lot of friends and colleaguesand was actually made redundant at Christmas 2009 whichas you can imagine was a very worrying time Howeverhaving worked with the company for 14 years I decided thatit was now or never and I should seriously consider becomingself employed doing the craft that I love and thatrsquos exactlywhat I did I have not regretted my decision once and it is the best thing I have ever done

Crafting does take up a large part of my time but when I do have time for anything else I love bookkeeping only joking that has to be my biggest pet hate it is so time consuming and Irsquom alwaysthinking of what I could be doing during that time I love reading and my reading material variesgreatly I love anything from classics like Pride and Prejudice and Rebecca to Harry Potter andCharlaine Harrisrsquos True Blood series As well as Matthew Reilly Michael Connolly (especially hisBosch novels) and the Twilight Saga booksI love spending time with my husband and our boys (dog amp cat) and weather permitting we lovespending time in our garden growing our own vegetables you canrsquot beat our home grown potatoesand peas they taste so much nicer knowing all the work yoursquove put into getting them onto yourplateWhen I get time I love to bake although last year I only managed to make some mince pies andshortbread biscuits at Christmas as I was just too busy they went down a storm so maybe thatrsquos theidea bake once a year and then everyone gets very excited and you feel really popular and cleverI used to enjoy playing tennis with my husband but again donrsquot seem to have the time latelyI also like watching films as Irsquom sure most people do gossiping on twitter and facebook and playinggames on the wii

Reworking a vintage brooch and hand making a chainmailleand crystal chain to turn it into a pendant is my greatestcrafting achievement to date It involved replacing the stonesin the brooch and gently cleaning it up to remove manydecades of grime and dust Then I fiddled around with singlejump rings and wire wrapped some crystals to create a veryintricate and if I say so myself beautiful chain to suspendedthe pendant from It was one of those do a bit and leavealone projects that lasts many many days to complete but thefeeling a satisfaction upon completion canrsquot be described

In 5 years time I would love tiny-gems to have its own littleboutique shop selling my handcrafted jewellery and tiaras butalso a wide variety of jewellery making supplies with the abilityto offer courses and guidance in the shopIrsquod also love my website to be large enough to be able toemploy other enthusiastic jewellery makers to make up mydesigns with me and us be featured and noticed by the largercompanies In a nutshell I really want tiny-gems to carry ongoing from strength to strength as it has been doing this year

Being a fan of all things vintage and an old fashioned country girl at heart I believe a lot of myinspiration comes from Hollywood glamour and nature There is such beauty all around us I wasinspired to make a stunning necklace after seeing the effect of freezing fog on the trees aroundmy village recently and that was from just looking outside my front door I donrsquot believe you haveto travel far and wide to see beauty you just need to open your eyes and take the time to take inyour surroundingsMy parents and brother inspired my attitude to work seeing them work so hard was a trueinspiration and made me the woman I am today and I shall be eternally grateful to them for thatThey also gave me the confidence to believe in myselfMy friends inspired me to make a life changing decision and to be brave they also gave me mystolen motto of- try it whatrsquos the worst that can happen

The first item I made to sell online was a tiara called Emily (namedafter my eldest niece) It was made using Swarovski pearls aroundthe band with Swarovski Jet Clear and Clear AB crystal stalks and black Swarovski Pearls all made on a silver tone tiara band

A lovely bride to be loved the tiara and asked for one to be madeto match her colour scheme She sent me a picture of her stunninglilac dress and we had lots of discussions around her likes anddislikes This allowed us to adapt the style of the tiara to suit herpersonality and colour scheme perfectly and together we createdthe Stargazer tiara This was a beautiful tiara that combined herlove of stars with Swarovski star shaped crystals on the peaks ofstalks consisting of clear and tanzanite coloured Swarovski crystalsalong with the same crystals on the bandIt is always a true honour to be involved so closely with the happiest day of peoplersquos lives I loveweddings and I think that comes across in my passion and excitement when discussing ideas

My favourite materials are Swarovski Crystals I am a bit of amagpie and they are so sparkly and well made true qualityreally does shine through in this case The majority of mypieces tend to be in silver tones of metals this is purely dueto my personal taste though I do try to incorporate goldtonersquos however it is hard when yoursquore always drawn towhat you likeAnother favourite material is polymer clay a non toxic veryversatile material for making lots of various shapes andcolours of beads the possibilities are as endless as yourimagination I have a strange obsession with buying wireanother really versatile material I have every gauge of wire you can imagine and in lots ofdifferent colours I use it for making rings making jump rings to make chainmaille wire wrappinggemstones and beads I have even been known to knit and crochet wire to make necklaces andearrings which did look very effective and was very light weight

My favourite online shop at the moment is httpwwwbridesandbeautycouk the advice andinformation is amazing and since I discovered the website I have bought lots of skin care fromthem and my skin is amazing I read her blogs religiously and follow her on Twitter tooI also love the old faithful ebay always amazed at what you can and canrsquot find on there

The person who has helped and supported me more thanany other would be my husband He is a very logicalperson so he keeps me down to earth and makes methink things through rationally a great calming influenceand keeps me sane forcing me to take a break now andthen He also provides me with copious amounts of teaand coffee while Irsquom working If he didnrsquot feed me Irsquodprobably forget to eat while Irsquom shut away in my officefor hours on end He always knows just what to say tocheer me up if Irsquom down his belief in me spurs me on

A random fact about me is that I have travelled all over the world however I have neverbeen to my countries capital of London Weird but true

Join

Sarahat httpwwwtiny-gemscouk

This MonthsThis months lsquoShop of the Monthrsquo award goes toFleurs de PerlesA delightful secret garden filled with elegant andfanciful beaded flowers and houseplants Eachpetal and leaf is handcrafted by Megan usingthe traditional French Beading technique withwire and delicate glass seed beads The result isa one of a kind piece that will delight the eye andbrighten any room for years to comehttpwwwfolksycomshopsFleursDePerles

This months lsquoBlog of the Monthrsquo award goesto Lorraine Dowdle creating gorgeous glassbeads and incorporating these original gemsinto wearable creations

Follow Lorraine athttplorrainedowdleblogspotcom

This months lsquoMan of the Monthrsquo is Craig HornerChosen by Angela from Angel Crafts

httpwwwfanpopcomspotscraig-hornerimages16678251titlecraig-horner-photo

This months lsquoLady of the Monthrsquo is Venus (the goddess of love)What a perfect choice for Valentines Day chosen by KellyJohnson from Kokokelli

ww

wc

reativ

e-cr

afting

co

mw

ww

cr

eative-c

on

nec

tion

snin

gc

om

CREATIVE CRAFTING

Our next issue will be available to read on

1st April 2010If you have missed any of our issues you

can find them to read on our websitewwwcreative-craftingcom

And also on our Social Network Creative Connectionswwwcreative-connectionsningcom

To advertise in Creative Crafting or to submit an article please contact Annaat thecrystalladycreative-craftingcom

AUGUSTSUMMER 2010

Issue 5

By Crafters for Crafters

Check out our

CraftersDirectory

CREATIVE CRAFTING

By Crafters for Crafters

Issue 3

ValentinesMothers Day 2010

HandcraftedWeddingSpecial

Valentine ampMothers Day

Projects

Have youbeen

featured

By Crafters for Crafters

Issue 3ValentinesMothers Day 2010

Handcrafted

Wedding

SpecialValentine amp

Mothers Day

ProjectsHave you

been

featured

By

EASTER 2010

Issue 4

FATHERS DAY 2010

Issue 4

By Crafters for Crafters

Ch

eck out our

Crafters

Directory

AUGUSTSUMMER 2

010

Issu

e 5

By Craf

ters fo

r Craf

ters

Chec

k out our

Crafters

Directory

CREATIVE

C

RAFTINGAU

TUM

N H

ALLO

WEE

N 201

0Is

sue

7

CREA

TIVE

CRAF

TIN

G

By Craf

ters f

or C

rafter

s

Chec

k

out our

Craft

ers

Directo

ry

An

niv

ersa

ry

Issu

e

Donrsquot forget

All of our links andadverts are fullyclickable

If you would like to embed our magazine into your website blog myspace page etc you can

customise the code to suit your style and size

Issue no 1Autumn 2009

Happy Halloween

Knitting ~ Sewing ~ Beading ~ Baking ~ Crochet ~ Recycling

Whatever your craft join us and learn create discoverMake new friends and have a good time

AUTUMN HALLOWEEN 2010

Issue 7CREATIVE CRAFTING

By Crafters for Crafters

Check out our

CraftersDirectory

Anniversary

Issue

CHRISTMAS 2010

Issue 8

By Crafters for Crafters

FATHERS DAY 2010

Issue 4

By Crafters for Crafters

Check out our

Crafters

Directory

EASTER 2010

Issue 4

By Crafters for Crafters