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

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Organisers of

Tina - In the Garden

Tracey - Wowthankyou

Claire - Elderberry Arts

Kerry - Scrapbookerry

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)

Gill - Personal Space Interiors

Anna - Editor Avril - TechnicalEditor

Well here we are again! Only this time it is rather special as it is our

3rd Anniversary Issue!!Can you believe it? No, neither can we! What fun we have had, what creationswe have made since October 2009. So dive right in and join in with theHalloween fun in this bumper fun filled issue.

Actually, before you head in, I would like to warn you that we have somemajor Halloween themed items between these pages so if you are feint ofheart don’t say I didn’t warn you!

As usual we have been joined by your regular favourites plus a few newcrafters to keep you on your toes. We have projects and recipes andinterviews and interesting features galore!

For those that don’t know, the Christmas CRAFTfest online Craft Fair is alsogaining speed over at Creative Conections. So if you haven’t heard of it go towww.craftfest-events.com and have a read. It is a wonderful experience andyou will meet lots of new friends and gain oodles of marketing experience.What are you waiting for?

We are looking forward to creating our Christmas issue next anif you would like to take part please email us at Articles@creative-crafting.com

The Creative Crafting Team

CRAFT fest

Martina - Sparrow Primitives

Kerry - Crafts from the Heath

Maria - MsBittyKnacks

Bridget - Inkahoots

Flick - Perfect Patchwork

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Recipes from the SlowlaneSilvia is with us again. This issue she shares herrecipe for A Molehill or Graveyard Cake.

An Interview with … Helen Rose GlassHelen creates beautiful glass in the Essex.

CREATIVE

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Make a Trick or Treat Lollipop PendantAnother wonderful tutorial by Claire fromElderberry Arts.

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Millie-Mae & Mummy Makes … GhoulishHangmen Bird Feeders!A very ghoulish offering from Millie – Mae andTracey this issue.

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Pumpkins are for Life, not just forHalloween!Fabulous recipes by Gill from Personal SpaceInteriors.

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Upcycling makes the world go aroundLearn all about upcycling with Bridget fromInkahoots.

Halloween and it’s originsFascinating Halloween history with Martina fromSparrow Primitives.

Crystal MagicThis issue The Crystal Lady has found handcrafteditems in beautiful Obsidian.

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Make your own Halloween Mini BuntingClever project by Kerry from Crafts from the Heath.

Voodoo Doll TutorialFashion your own voodoo doll with Maria fromMsBittyKnacks.

Wedding Wonders with No Wonga Part 2See how Kerry is getting on with her crafty weddingpreparations

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An Interview with … Auli’I BeadsSo many beautiful bracelets!

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43 It’s Christmas!Don’t panic but you MUST be prepared! Traceyand the WowThankYouteam are here to help.

Create a Crystal Band Watch with TassleSally-Jo from the Bead Bounty is with us againwith another stylish tutorial.

Tina in the GardenTina is with us again from her beautiful Englishgarden

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How to create your Candle CupA vintage project from Bridget at Inkahoots.

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Perfect Creations Designed for you ….This issue Flick from Perfect Patchwork shows ushow to make a Log Cabin Effect Pincushion.

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Crafters Directory

In the Spotlight with Mr X StitchYes, he’s back! This time he has brought OlisaCorcoran with him.

An Interview with … Nanuk JewelleryMeet Louse as she tells us about her adventures inSilver and Goldsmithing.

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There has been a real American popular cultureinvasion over the last few years. High school

leavers are celebrating their graduation with a schoolprom, and ”Penny for the guy” on November 5th hasgiven way to “Trick or treat” on Halloween as the mostpopular autumnal outing for children of all ages.Growing up in the North East, Halloween for memeant hours of gouging a rock solid swede to makesomething vaguely resembling a Jack O’Lantern. So,the advent of the pumpkin arriving on our shopshelves was something of a revelation. We may not bequite up to the American standard of pumpkincarving…

…but at least we’re trying.

But, what happens to all the forgotten pumpkins when November 1st

arrives? Whatever you do, don’t throw them away, unless of courseyour little ones have rendered them not fit for eating. Remember,you’ve already scooped out the seeds, so you’re already half waythere! The aroma of roasting pumpkin and the glorious colour greetingyou as you bring it from the oven is enough to lift the spirits on anycold, rainy autumn evening.

Image source: http://perezsolomon.com/2010/10/25/the-best-pumpkin-carving-you-will-see-this-

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There are so many delicious recipes out there, so why not try something different and give that pumpkin a new leaseof life!

Delicious and soothing, this soup has such a rich flavour you’d be forgiven for thinking it had loads of ingredients andtook an age to prepare. In fact it’s so cheap, quick and simple, it’s sure to become a regular feature on your weeklymenu.

· One medium pumpkin or squash, cut into large wedges· A good drizzle of rape seed oil· One large onion, finely chopped· A knob of butter· 1 litre of Vegetable or chicken stock· 250ml milk· Salt and pepper· Freshly grated nutmeg

1. Preheat the oven to 220oC (425oF, gas mark 7)2. Place the pumpkin wedges on a large, solid baking tray lined with foil and drizzle liberally with rape seed oil3. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper4. Bake for around 40 minutes, turning the wedges over during cooking to make sure they brown evenly5. Meanwhile, heat the butter and another drizzle of rape seed oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat,

add the onion and fry until golden and caramelised around the edges6. Add the roasted pumpkin to the onion along with the stock and milk7. Season well with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg8. Turn the heat as low as possible and simmer gently for 20 minutes9. Blend to a velvety puree – if you really want to you can sieve the soup too, but that’s purely a matter of

choice. If you think the soup is a little thick, add a little extra stock or milk.10. Serve in warm bowls with a garnish of grated gruyere cheese and crispy bacon pieces

Roasted pumpkin soup: serves 4-6

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Risotto has always been one of my favourite dishes; relaxing to make and comforting to eat. This vegetarian versionis packed with robust flavours and textures. I promise meat eaters won’t be disappointed.

· One small pumpkin or squash, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks· A good drizzle of rape seed oil· One large onion finely chopped· A knob of butter· One large juicy garlic clove, crushed or grated· 500g Arborio rice· One large glass of dry white wine· One litre of vegetable stock, hot (you could use chicken stock if you prefer)· A sprig of rosemary, finely chopped· 75g walnuts (halved or chopped)· 100g gorgonzola, in small pieces· Salt and pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 220oC (425oF, gas mark 7)2. Dry roast the walnuts in a small frying pan for a couple of minutes and set aside3. Place the pumpkin / squash chunks on a large solid baking tray, drizzle with rape seed oil and bake for

around 20 minutes until golden and just softening4. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan heat the butter and another drizzle of rape seed oil over a medium heat,

add the onion and fry until golden and caramelised around the edges5. Add the rosemary and garlic and fry for another minute6. Add a little more rape seed oil to the pan and add the rice, stirring well to make sure every grain gets a

nice coating of oil7. Add the wine and stir until absorbed .8. Gradually add the stock, one ladle full at a time while you continue to stir the rice. As the rice absorbs the

stock, add another ladle full. This should take around 20 minutes9. Add the roasted pumpkin / squash, walnuts and gorgonzola and stir gently

10. Season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper11. Pop a lid on the pan, turn off the heat and leave the risotto to sit for a few minutes before serving in

warmed bowls. Written by Gill from Personal Space Interiorswww.personal-space-interiors.co.uk

Pumpkin risotto with gorgonzola and walnuts: serves 4

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Recipes

Fr

om the

Slowlane

Written By Slowlane Handmade

October the 31st…AllHallows Eve or as we know itHalloween. Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and their familiars

coming out to play!

How about you? Do you decorate and celebrate?

Why not surprise your guests or the Kids with a nice‘Graveyard’ !

This cake can be made on a baking tray or as I do in a26cm Springform. Decorate it to your heartscontent…..make it ghoulish and scary but above all makeit tasty!!

Ingredients5 Eggs, separated140g Butter200g Sugar10g vanilla sugar100g Flour2tsp Baking Powder100g grated chocolate1 large tub of double cream1 tinned/fresh fruit of your choice(if using tinned drain well)

Step 1. Separate the eggs, whisk theegg white till stiff and set aside.

Step 2. Mix together the egg yolks,sugar, vanillin sugar, butter, flour,baking powder and grated chocolate.

Step 3. Carefully add the egg whites.

Step 4. Line baking tray or Springformwith baking parchment and bake on alow heat for about 50 minutes.

When the cake is done set it aside and leave to cool. It isimportant for the next step that the cake is completely cooleddown!

Step 5. When the cake is cool, take a knife and cut a circle.DO NOT push the knife all the way down into the cake!

Step 6. Now take a spoon and very carefully scoop out the middle ofthe cake. Set the crumbs aside. Fill the cake with your choice of fruit.I used black cherries but you can use mandarin’s, bananas or anymanner of fruit you fancy.

Step 7. Whip the cream till it’s nice and firm and top the fruit‘building’ a little mount! Then take your cake crumbs and top the cake,covering the cream filling.I added some icing sugar mixed with cocoa powder to give it thatmuddy look.

Now you can decorate the ‘Grave Yard’ to your hearts content. Isimply pushed some square biscuits into the top to representGravestones.

5.

6.

7.

Molehill

Graveyard Cakeor

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I love Halloween. I grew up celebrating it and have continued the practice with mychildren. However I have been surprised by the number of people I’ve met who havenot realised that Halloween has its origins here with the Celts and is not an Americaninvention. Many cultures have days for the dead e.g. The Buddhists have The Festival

of Souls – Obon - celebrated in July in Japan and August in China, Mexico has El Dia delos Muertos -celebrated between 27 October and 2nd November and China has Qingmingfestival to name but a few. I won’t bore you with reams of history but thought you may likea brief overview of Halloween’s history and customs.

It is generally believed that Halloween has it’s origins with the Celtic peoples. Theycelebrated four main festivals : Samhain, Imbolc, Beltainne, Lughnasadh. The Celtic year began withSamhain (now commonly referred to as Halloween). Stories have it that all the hearth fires in Ireland wereput out and then re-lit from a central fire kept by the Druids near Tara. To the Celts, time was not linearbut moved in circles. Samhain was celebrated around 31 October and it was believed that the veilbetween this world and the land of the departed was thought to be so thin that the dead could return towarm themselves at the fires of the living, and some of the living would be able to enter the otherworldthrough the doorways of the sidhe, especially at the Hill of Tara in Ireland. Some historians believe thatfood was left on the table to welcome the the visitors from beyond (the Treat part of Trick or Treat ).

The Celts did not believe in demons (or the devil) but they did believe in the sidhe. The Sidhe were knownas the people of the mounds as they were believed to inhabit them and also the land of Tir Na n’Og. (Thesidhe are now often called fairies.) Many trees and mounds were believed to beunder their protection and if a human destroyed or damaged these, then he andhis family were believed to be cursed. Because the veil between the two worldswas believed to be so thin at Samhain, it was understood that some fairy folkwould roam the countryside creating mischief (the trick part of trick or treat). Atthis time of year, the Celts brought their cattle in for the winter, and in Irelandthe warriors, the Fianna, gave up fighting until Beltainne and thereis historical evidence that playing boardgames was popular!So how did the Celtic Samhain become our present day Halloween?In the 4th and 5th Centuries, Christianity arrived in Ireland. Theearly Church officials soon found that the Celtic people wereextremely reluctant to give up their deeply engrained traditions, sothe Church adopted a practice which had worked elsewhere –impose a church holiday on to an existing tradition e.g. the Germanic Yule became our present dayChristmas, the Celtic Imbolc became Easter and Samhain became All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween.Some believe that the early Church used fear to make the Celts adhere to the new religion and so theFaeries became demons, the much loved dead became ghosts and ghouls and the Church introduced theconcept of the Devil (and evil) to the Otherworld. Many believe that the early church used the Celts’superstitions to their advantage and transformed what was a Harvest thanksgiving, an honouring ofdeparted loved ones and an offering for protection through the long harsh winters into a frighteningpicture of hell fires, demons, rotting corpses and the like.

All Saint’s Day and All Hallow’s Eve were reintroduced by Pope Gregory III in the 7th Century and to put itall in a nutshell, rather than bore you with loads of dates, it is commonly believed that All Saint’s Day(Hallowmas – a mass to honour the Dead) was moved to 1st November because the Celts stubbornlystuck with their Samhain celebrations, particularly that of the large bonfire. The 31st of October becameAll Hallows Even (evolving into Halloween) and the church taught that the bonfires would keep the Devilaway. The Church later introduced All Souls Day on 2nd November – a day to pray for souls stuck inPurgatory. At the time of the reformation, Luther and Calvin, among others, tried to call a halt to theseCatholic observances but the Protestant communities continued to hold autumnal festivals where many ofthe old practices continued.

Halloween and it’s origins

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Funny to think that we can thank the Church for continuing with the ancientpractice of remembering the dead and associating it with a festival, bonfires

and the like!But all of this is a long way from our modern Halloween celebration, withit’s customs, games, witches, vampires, bats and things that go bump inthe night!

Try to imagine Halloween without Witches…How have they becomesynonymous with our present day Halloween? Once again it is widely

believed we have the Church to thank. There are many theories as tothe origins of the word “witch” and how it became associated withevil, but a commonly held theory is that it is from the Anglo-Saxon

word “wicce”, meaning Wise One. The Church, as we have seen,incorporated many traditional festivals and customs in order to keep thelocals happy. However the patriarchial church had no place for the WiseWoman of old and so she was persecuted. Think of the infamous WitchTrials, burning at the stake and reign of terror which occurred. The last

official documented Witch burning in the UK took place in Scotland in1722. It was only in 1952 that the Witchcraft laws were finally repealed.

Somehow the association between Samhain (now considered evil) andWitches (also evil) came about.

Finally we are getting to the Halloween we all recognise! Colonial life in some of the new American stateskept alive many of the old folk beliefs and traditions. These were not just Irish traditions but those fromEngland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Poland, France – and we must not forget the influence of the largeslave population. Many beliefs and customs had overlapping elements e.g. Mischief Night,communityparties to celebrate harvests and so on. The traditional symbols of modern day Halloween have their rootsin this melting pot of Folklore.

The Jack ‘o Lantern is believed to have orginated with the Celts who used to carve out lanterns fromvegetables. The spooky faces became associated with ghost tales, and may have come from the naturalphenomenon of “ignis fatuus” – decaying matter releasing combustible gas in marshes and swamps (will‘o the wisp; corpse candles etc) How delightfully spooky…all mists, eerie gases…and creepily carvedlanterns

As we have seen, the Celts left food out for thereturning ancestors. Door to door begging was commonpractice in many cultures – often involving a song orpoem in exchange for a treat. In Scotland, the guiserswould dress up in horrible costumes and masks, carrylanterns and go door to door singing in exchange forapples, nuts or coins. I used to go out at Halloweenasking for “Any apples or Nuts?”, hoping that no-onewould be so mean as to give me any…I wanted coins!There are plenty more historical and cultural examples– and no Halloween would be complete without bats,vampires, black cats and ghosts – but they will have towait their turn as this is getting too long!

Happy Halloween!

Written by Martina from Sparrow Primitiveswww.sparrowprimitives.co.uk

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Orange cotton fabricBlack/white polka dot fabricBlack cotton fabricBlack bias binding tape 19 or 25 mm 140 cms longFelt –orange, green, black, brown, whiteSewing threadPinsSewing machineTriangle template shape 12 cm across x 12 cm down [middle to point]ScissorsPencilIron

Step 1 Cut 4 triangles using the template from each of the fabrics – you should have 12 triangles to make 6 doublesided bunting flags.

Step 2 Cut out your Halloween felt embellishments to go onto your bunting flags. I decided on a ghost, witch &pumpkin but you could also choose a spider, spider’s web, skeleton, or anything Halloween themed.

Halloween Mini Bunting

Step 3 Pin your embellishments ontothe right side of the flags [front side] &sew around the shape securing it to theflag – this is also the time to sew anyadditional features to faces or shapes.

Step 4 Once all the embellishments are secure, pin your flags with rightsides together. Taking a seam of about 5 mm, sew down one side to thepoint and stop. Then keeping your needle down in the fabric, turn andsew up the other long side. Do not sew top edge.

You can sew all the flags in one go. As you get to the end of each flagallow your machine to sew a few stitches without fabric, then introducethe next flag. This saves time and thread!Then just cut the thread between flags when you have finished sewingthem all. Remove pins.

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Step 5 Cut away excess fabric at the point of each flag, making sure not to cut through the stitches. Now youcan turn the flags the right way. You can use a pencil to gently push the point out fully. Press the flags with aniron to make them neat.

Step 6 Cut 140 cm of biasbinding. Fold it in half length-wise (you may want to pressit with an iron). Pin your firstflag 20 cm from the start ofthe binding & space the flagsout leaving approximately 6cm between each flag.

Step 7 Sew from the end of the bias binding to just before the first flag, throughboth sides of the binding – this will form a channel to hold the flags as you sewalong.

Next slot the top edge of first flag into fold of binding. Sew through binding andflag and stop, needle down, when you have sewn all along the top edge of oneflag. Repeat with all the flags until all are secure. Make sure the flags face theright way with all the embellishments facing the front. [Try to sew as close to theedge of the binding as possible making sure that the top fabric of the flag issecure.] Now sew to the end of the binding – you should have approximately 20cm either side to tie the bunting .

Now hang your bunting & admire with pride !

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Larger bunting with different design.You can make larger bunting using a largertemplate & longer bias binding.

I usually use a template of 15 cm acrossby 20 cm drop & 3M of binding with 8-9flags.

Written by Kerry from Crafts from theHeath

www.craftsfromtheheath.co.uk

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Voodoo Doll TutorialBy:

Maria River

MsBittyKnacks

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Here is a simple and fun tutorial on how to make your own Voodoo Doll!Instructions and materials listed are to make an 8 inch doll like the one on the picture; ofcourse colors and materials can be changed to your own liking. Now lets have some fun!

Some Materials:Fabric (Burlap and black Cotton)

Felt Sheet (black & red)Yarn or Embroidery thread (black and red)

Polyfill StuffingScissors

PinsTracing Paper

Using the tracing paper, sketcha person. Mine was about 9inches. Remember to leave asminimum a 1/4 in for latersewing.Don't worry if it isn't perfect,follow the tip to the right forcutting ;)

We are using 2 different fabrics: burlap for theoutside and the black cotton for the insidelining.Using the paper pattern just made, secure it tothe fabric with some pins and cut.But, read the tip below first!

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Copyright 2012 MsBittyKnacks Whimsical Decor & Designs

Using the black thread, I do recommend a crafts or heavyduty one; secure the 2 fabrics together along the edge. Iused the most basic stitch, a running stitch.

Put aside the littledolls. Using the feltsheets cut out 2circles (foreyes) and 1 heart.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/msbittyknacks

Secure the felt eyes and heart to the dolls withpins and using matching color yarn or embroiderythread sew in place. Note: you can use arunning stitch or a back stitch, your choice*With the black yarn free hand the mouth of thedolls. I used basic XXXX and the classic stitchedmouth look.

Now we put it together. Secure the doll with a few pins, right side up.Guiding yourself with the previous stitch done (from step 3) fold the fabricedges towards the inside and sew the 2 flaps together. You will notice theburlap may begin to loosen somefibers, try to tuck them in as best youcan, don't worry if some stick out,remember this is a Voodoo doll it'ssupposed to look raggedy.PS. don't forget to leave a hole forstuffing, I do recommend the top/head part.

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Trick or TreatLollipop Pendant

Craft knifeSmall amounts of black and green fimoCocktail stick2 x 1/2 inch eye pins

Step 1. Cut off a small piece of eachcolour clay - around 1 cm will befine.Condition clay to soften and roll intoballs.

Step 2. Roll each ball into a thinsausage approximately 15 cm long.

Step 3. Wrap the sausages aroundeach other and cut the resulting sau-sage in half.

Step 4. If you like, you can roll thesausages a little to blend the twists.

Step 5. Take one sausage and coilit. Press down the end to secure.Now repeat with the second sau-sage.

Step 6. Cut the cocktail stick in halfand push into the bottom of eachlolly.Insert an eye pin into the top of eachlolly to finish.

Step 7. Remove the cocktail stickscarefully and bake according to themanufacturers instructions. You mayneed to use a little glue to secure thesticks back in after the lollies havecooled.

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Written By Elderberry Arts

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Written By Tracey from WowThankYou

Millie-Mae&

Mummy Makes …

Are you, are youComing to the tree

Where they strung up a man they say murdered three.Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it beIf we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are youComing to the tree

Where the dead man called out for his love to flee.Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it beIf we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are youComing to the tree

Where I told you to run so we’d both be free.Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it beIf we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are youComing to the tree

Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me.Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it beIf we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

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When you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a BIG surprise! We’ve gone all Spooky this month –

yet practical too – and have made some hangman bird feeders, ready for the wintering birds packed full of

nuts, seed and fat. Warning – this is a very messy project!

Large Saucepan

Some old baking trays

Greaseproof paper

Wooden spoon

Large gingerbread man cutter

Red food colouring

Wire sandwich bag ties (for ‘skeleton’)

‘Rope’ (we used paracord)

Scissors

Lard (we used 500g beef dripping)

Bird seed (big bowl full)

1. With adult supervision,

place the block of lard into

a large saucepan, and

over a low heat allow it to

melt entirely

2. Once melted, take off the

heat and carefully pour

the bird seed into the

liquid. Mix well.

3. Keep adding the seed until

it gets quite thick. Then

leave to cool for a good

30-45 minutes.

4. When the fat starts to set (turn white), place the gingerbread

cutter on a piece of greaseproof paper and fill with the bird

mixture. Pack it down well.

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5. Take the wire bag ties and

make a ‘spine’ for the

hangman (this will add

strength); we also added a

loop to attach to the noose

later!

6. Carefully remove the cutter

and then place in a fridge

while you make the noose!

7. To tie a noose, or more accurately ‘the hangman’s knot’ – we have to say we

cheated and found a guide on Google. It’s frighteningly simple to do. Millie-Mae

had a go at making one, but it wasn’t something we want her to remember, so

we made most of them ourselves, following this simple image:

8. Once made, put the rope over

the head of the bird man, take

a small brush and add some

‘blood’ in the form of red food

colouring.

9. You’ve finished! Hang outside

on the trees – very effective in

a row of several during

twilight!

Millie-Mae (aged 6) and Toby (aged 3) are the children

of Tracey Kifford, owner of the marketplace

WowThankYou

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

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Tell us about the lady behind Helen Rose Glass

I am a glass artist living in the Essex countryside just outside Chelmsford. I’ve worked with glass for 8 years now andwhile fusing is my main skill, what I create is constantly changing and developing as I learn new glass techniques.Over the last few years this has included stained glass, lampwork beading, glass casting, printing on glass andrestoration work. I find it interesting to see how these techniques can work together to create something new andexciting.

I am currently in a period of major change where my crafting life is concerned as I’ve just left classroom teaching after11 years to do this full time. I was starting to find that opportunities were presenting themselves and having givenmore hours than I’d care to remember to my school and going part time last year, I decided it was now or never. Sohere I am all excited and scared about my future crafting career.

Creative Crafting speaks to Helen Rose Glass

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Perhaps unsurprisingly considering myteaching background I run various glassfusing workshops which take place inmy home studio and at ‘Handmade’,Colchester and ‘Make, Do and Mend’,Chelmsford.

I sell my work at ‘ ,Billericay, Essex, ‘ ’,Colchester, Essex, via my websitewww.helenroseglass.co.uk and at localcraft fairs. I am a member of The Guildof Essex Craftsmen and regularly attendtheir craft events.

When did first begin creating yourdesigns, and why?

I first discovered glass fusing at a localcraft fair and after buying hugeamounts of it over several months, Idecided to learn how to make glass formyself. I’d been looking for a craft todo at home that was completelydifferent from what I spent my days asan Art Teacher doing, so this was ideal.I found a day course in London andloved it. That was it, I was hooked. Isigned up for their evening classes. For10 months I took the journey fromEssex to the studio which involved 2trains and a 20 min walk. I loved goingso much that it didn’t seem like a hugeeffort.

What is it that you enjoy aboutyour work?

I love being creative. When I don’t craftI just don’t feel like ‘me’ so can happilyspend hours making glass, printing,felting, sketching ....pretty much doinganything arty or crafty. Being creative is so relaxing and it’s the ultimate compliment when someone else likes yourwork enough to buy it. I am so thankful that I am now able to do this full time.

What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why?

Last year I learnt how to do traditional leading with a view to making my own designfor the kitchen/hallway door. So not doing things by halves, this was my first project ina new technique. I decided to have a peacock as the image and designed it to includeelements of glass fusing alongside the traditional leading. I even melted my own sheetsof mixed coloured glass in the kiln to create the peacock ‘eyes’. It took around 6months of evening classes to complete and then with the help of my Dad, I installed itinto the door. The peacock design was perhaps more adventurous than I’d firstenvisaged but when I see the light come through it every day I am glad I took on thechallenge.

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

I recently joined a choir with very friendly people, in Chelmsford, called ‘WalthamSingers’. We sing a range of classical music and so far I’ve been involved in 2 concerts.I was incredibly nervous for the first one as I’d not sung with a choir in over 13 yearsand we had professional soloists/musicians joining us, so there was a lot to live up to. Iabsolutely loved it though and came home buzzing so much that I couldn’t sleep.

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Rehearsals can be pretty full on as the music is always challenging and theconductor is extremely strict but it’s one of the best things I’ve joined in years.

If you had to choose your favourite from your creations which onewould it be?

I love my koi carp coffee table. For ages I’d wanted to make a wood and glasstable for my house for ages but finding a piece of wood with a hole was trickierthan I’d realised. Thanks to Ebay though I found a company in Scotland that hadthe perfect piece. I made a template for the hole, spent hours shaping the clearglass and began experimenting with ways to create the various elements of thedesign, whilst also keeping a sense of the movement of the fish. I’m pleased tohave such a unique piece of furniture in my home that I can proudly say I made.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I find inspiration in many different things and keep sketchbooks of images I like,postcards from artists, photos I’ve taken etc. As someone who studied design atuniversity, it’s a process I’ve alwaysfollowed and even as a glass novicecouldn’t follow pre made designs inbooks. I just didn’t find it inspiring enough

and the process of creating my own work always starts with design andexperimentation. I’m currently exploring ways of combining printing and textileswithin my glasswork. At the same time I’m also using nature within the imagerye.g. prints of leaves, peacock feathers, shells.

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

I’d like to be working alongside other like-minded people in a craft studio but atthis stage when I’ve only just stepped into the full time craft world it’s anexpense that I can’t justify. For now I’m going to work at home and pop intovisit friends in their studios instead.

Do you have a favourite website?

I know most people use Facebook to stay in touch with friends but I also find itgreat for coming across new and exciting crafters on a regular basis. I’ve foundloads of inspiring designers via people who tag them in their posts or pictures.This year I visited ‘Art in Action’ and managed to talk to several people whosework I’d only ever seen online before which was fantastic.

Has anyone helped or supported you more than any other?

There are 2 people who have helped and supported me more than any otherbut each in vastly different ways. Jan Waller of ‘Love, Make, Think’ and CarolineWeidman from ‘Glass from the Past’. I first met Jan when we worked togetheras art teachers and she helped me through my first years in the classroom.Since then we have been firm friends who support each other emotionally andartistically. We can openly discuss our ideas/designs and give each otherencouragement at the points when doubt starts to creep in. I know I can callJan for advice whenever I need it and thanks to Skype we can still do this eventhough she’s now in USA. Caroline has been a kind of glass mentor after Irandomly met her in a car park at a craft fair! Whenshe opened her glass gallery I was honoured to beasked to display my work for the 1st time. Caroline hastaught me copper foiling, traditional leading and hasnow taken me on as her studio apprentice where I amrestoring stained glass windows. The experience isinvaluable and one I am very grateful for.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I grow lots of my own fruit and veg in the backgarden.

27

Obsidian blades were used in Palaeolithictimes. In antiquity it was supposed to drivedemons out.

● Mentally -Dissolves shock, fear, blockstrauma. Protects from psychic attack.Expands the consciousness.

● Physically - Obsidian dissolves pain,tensions and energy blocks. Improvescirculation and warms extremities.

Dragon Necklace ‘Storm’Abeautifully detailed oriental style dragon curledaround a 16mm genuine Snowflake Obsidiangemstone. Obsidian Snowflake and Hematite.

on Folksywww.folksy.com/shops/flamehairedjewellerydesigns£19.00

Beaded SnowflakeObisidian Necklace

Created from glass seedbeads in shades ofblack, frosted grey irisand grey pearl,framing a beautifullypolished snowflakeobsidian cabochon.

onFolksy

www.folksy.com/shops/EnchantedSoul

£22

Obsidian Tomb NecklaceAn obsidian pyramid resides in ahandmade rose gold vermeil beze.

on Etsywww.etsy.com/shop/BloodMilk$280

Golden Obsidian Cuff BraceletThe swirls in the wire are inspired by Aztec culture - towhich the spiral represented the cycle of life.

on Etsywww.etsy.com/shop/AztecJewelry

$35

www.mysticearth.co.uk

Items discovered for you byThe Crystal Lady

from

Obsidian Arrowhead EarringsGorgeous black ObsidianArrowheads are edged in 24K gold

on Etsywww.etsy.com/shop/talastone

$50 Crystal Magic

28

It's quite possible that we are in the midst of a new crazesweeping the nation… No, it's not the pursuit of celebrity or

trying to beat Usain Bolt - it's a much quieter pastime that's creptinto our culture gradually over the last few years. Now is the timeto start shouting about 'Upcycling' and appreciating the amazingresults that can be achieved with a little time and skill!

If you've never heard of it, you won't be alone, but put simply it'sthe act of taking something that you would otherwise throw out andfinding a way to make it into something else, something better ormore beautiful. Or, as I would say 'taking something a bit naff andturning it into something that someone might actually want!'

So, why has it become so popular? There are lots of personalreasons why people do it, but the main themes are an interest ineco-living and not wanting to leave an huge footprint on the

environment. Doing things like shopping locally, reducingenergy consumption, saving precious resources and doing yourbit by recycling and in all its forms. The recession hasplayed its part too, people are looking to save money and theplanet - Upcycling does both.

A book by William McDonough & Michael Braungart, 'Cradle toCradle - Remaking the Way We Make Things', published in2002, brought the topic into the fore by getting people torethink the way they used things. It was only last year Idiscovered that Upcycling was the word for what I'd been doingfor the last 5 years!

The fantastic thing about Upcycling is that we can all do it andwe can do it at home, in our lounge whilst watching telly or atthe kitchen table. It's so satisfying to see somethingtransformed from a very ordinary thing (or even a horrible

mak

es the world

go around

come along for the ride….

29

thing!) into something that is unique, a one-off. Your options are endless - you can redecorate byusing paint or decoupage, or change it completely, such as using an old jumper to make a doorstop orturning an unwanted children's game into hanging decorations.

You'll find that lots of the handmade products, sold on Etsy and othercraft sites, are made with Upcycled items. In fact, the number ofproducts on Etsy tagged with the word 'Upcycled' rose from 7,900 inJanuary 2010 to 167,000 in October 2011! The craze is here, withouta doubt, but is it here to stay?

It seems we are hooked on Upcycling. It's a bit like our obsessionwith vintage - that harking back to another time. Everyone recycledand upcycled during the wars - 'Make Do & Mend' wasn't somethinginvented to go on tea towels! There are opportunities too, for mumslike me, to set up a business and work quite happily from home,using a personal website or bigger craft websites, like Etsy or Folksy.

Also, it doesn't have to cost much to get started,you basically need glue, a bit of left over paint….and there is inspiration everywhere you look oncraft websites, magazines and Pinterest. There areeven blogs and videos to show you how to tacklespecific projects. I think that we've all got a little'Upcycler' in us - the only thing to do is have a go- you never know what hidden talents you maydiscover.

I'd like to see Upcycling Clubs spring up in ourlocal communities - places where folks can go tobe creative and artistic, swap ideas and finishedproducts, sell their creations and, of course, do itover a cup of tea and a big wadge of cake…. now there's an idea…!

Written By Inkahoots

www.inkahoots.co.uk

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Wedding Wonderswith No Wonga!

Part Two

weddingwonderswithnowonga@gmail.com

The first plans.These last couple of months we have been trying to work out exactly whatwe want from our wedding and have been having to look at some of thethings that we do need to pay for! The dates, themes and venues have beenat the front of our minds!

As soon as Mr L proposed, I knew right away that I wanted to get married onthe last weekend in August. I didn’t really care what day of the week it was, itjust had to be that last weekend. Luckily Mr L knew that I would want that andwas happy to go along with that date as well.

The date is important to me. My own parents were married on the 1st of September and my sister and brother in lawwere married on the 29th of August, so it just seemed right to get married inbetween them.Once we looked at the diaries we saw that in 2014 the 30th of August falls on theAugust bank holiday and it is Saturday as well. It must hve been destined as itwas perfect for us, so within days we had the date set.

We have had many discussions about what we wanted and our ideas for ourwedding. Everything we have been thinking and talking about has been put intoour Wedding Art Journal so we can record all of our ideas. Our ideas usuallyend up being the same! We are both country people in our hearts and we bothwant that to be reflected in our wedding.We thought we would have a quiet wedding and a reception in a field.

We didn’t want anything fancy. We wanted a vintage feel with old style teasets and a nice simple hog roast for the food. We had various ideas forcolour combinations, but eventually decided on brown and cream. It is acolour combination which suits all of our immediate family. As I amstrawberry blonde, Mr L is brown and Baba is ginger we needed something

that suited us all. So we were raring to go….

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But we came unstuck with the field. We have gone over this idea for the lastfew weeks, trying to decide whether it is truly what we want.It is something that we both would love, but and it is a big but, we are bothvery nervous of the great British weather. We can’t afford to have massivemarquees and were thinking of having tents instead. Our next hurdle wastrying to find a field near us. We live in an area with lots and lots offields around us. However finding one that we wanted was a differentmatter.

We began looking into village halls instead and some of themnear us were remarkable. We have managed to find a fantastic hallwe can hire for the whole weekend and can decorate to our ownspecifications. It has great grounds, so we still have space forour hog roast and it has a playground for the children. It looksfantastic. There are car parking spaces and it isn’t too far fromthe church. So all in all it is perfect and the best thing is that itis undercover and the price is great! A really good deal for thewhole weekend.

We are set on having vintagechina sets and we have narrowed it down to two options. We can either go huntingourselves searching car boots, eBay, charity shops andjumble sales or hiring all the china from a company. LikeDormouse and The Teapot http://www.dormouseandtheteapot.com/ Thiscompany hires enough china out for a wedding of 80, which would be perfect for us.

They have a stunning range and it is just what we are looking for. Butat the moment it is still a decision to be made - whether, to hire or tobuy ourselves?

We are planning far in advance so we decided that we wanted to make some Save theDate cards. Nothing too complicated as we wanted the cards to fit in with the simpletheme of the wedding itself.We could go with a very simple Save the Date card, where we would fill in all thedetails, but this could be time-consuming, or we could opt for a more personal photoSave the Date card.

This is more us and fits in well with my scrap booking. Plus once it is made it caneasily be reprinted to send to all our family and friends.The card is more in keeping with a wedding and more in line with what weare wanting for the rest of our wedding. So it has been decided that these aregoing to be our Save the Date cards and the rest of the wedding stationery will bebased on a similar design!

If you are interested in helping us along the Wedding Wonders with No Wongajourney then please do contact us at weddingwonderswithnowonga@gmail.com

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Tina in the Garden

Hi! I’m Tina

Glad that you could all get here today as it is a beautiful sunnyday. Yes I agree, one of the few. Shall we have our tea out in TheGarden and take advantage of the sunshine? It really is lookingspectacular at the moment. The hydrangeas are better than everbefore and so are the rest of the plants, thanks to all the rain.There are a few more weeds as I have not been able to be asdiligent with the weeding. It was just too wet even for me.Perhaps I should mention that this visit is in the last week ofAugust so it will not look like October when it appears in themagazine, but I hope the bright colours will help to cheer up theautumn for you all. However we could have an Indian summer,you just never know!First of all, do you remember the new everlasting sweet pea thesnails were chomping on? Well it defeated them in the end andalthough the lower leaves are shredded, it has now reached thetop of the trellis and is producing so many beautiful flowers.

33

The hanging basket has also excelled this year.Shall we go around the garden first and enjoy our tea on ourreturn?The patio is looking good and the rain has certainly saved mefrom all the watering I would normally have to do in thesummer. There is always a plus side to everything, don’t youthink?Do you like the new flower bed that my better half made in theautumn last year.?It is great, and has been made from a sparepiece of window sill left by the fitters when we had our windowsreplaced a couple of years ago. He really is wonderful and canalways come up with some material when I ask and make a good job.The plants seem to thrive as they have more soil than when in potsand the Agapanthus looks so exotic.

This patio rose was originally one of four miniature roses which Ibought from the reduced plants section of the garden centre. It is myfavourite department as with a little TLC, the plants have a new leaseof life. But I digress. About three years ago I set these small roses outone summer as they did not seem happy indoors. Unfortunately I lostthe other three over the following winters but this one is a fighter andso pretty.

The Honeysuckle and the Passion Flower are bothdoing well on the fence.

34

This lily is so beautiful and the perfumeis wonderful. Do you remember theAcanthus last year? It is just as good, ifnot better, this year. It’s leaves havesuch a lovely shape and are a beautifullush rich green.

Do be careful on the steps as theMontbretia is hanging over and still verywet. Talking of this plant, it really is themost wonderful one I have in thegarden. I move it all over and it alsospreads like crazy, but just look at thecolour of it at this time of year.

Another plant which spreads is the DayLily and these flowers take your breathaway. They, of course only last for aday, but if you dead head them they willcontinue to produce further flowers for aconsiderable time. They have lastedlonger this year because of the weather.The roses are still flowering as well asever.

35

Here we have the Hydrangeas. Theyhave done so well this year and whata selection of colours! As the flowersopen, the colours change, as you cansee. As I have mentioned before, thecolour depends on the type of soil.These are all cuttings taken from fourplants which in their original position,produced only pink flowers.

How do you like the Artichokes? Theyare spectacular this year. When we first arrived here, I found one plantin a pile of rubble and they produce more every year. I just keepsplitting the plants and moving them to a new position. I think it might

be time to have a look at that inthe spring as they are gettingquite big. The Phormium areplanted on a slope as they lovewell drained soil; they do hatewet feet, as do we all.

36

Here is the pond. It does look quite good now. It didneed a good clean after the winter but is so small it wasnot much of a job and the water was soon clear again. Iam a little disappointed that nothing has taken theopportunity to make it’s home there, as I was verycareful when cleaning it. I still live in hope for next year.

Now we are at the bog. My better half has made a path alittle way into it so you will not all disappear. As you cansee, he is in the process of making a natural pond. It isstill in the early stages but maybe the wildlife will bemore at home here than in a shower tray.

Well we will make our way back to the patio and enjoyour tea, and as we have had a little exercise, maybesome scones and jam. That will inspire us as we makethe walk back as it is uphill.I would like to thank you all again for visiting, and I hopeyou enjoyed an end of summer visit to The Garden.

Your green fingered friend,

Tina

37

Crystal BandWatch

with TassleThis piece was inspired by the beautiful

colours of autumn and is perfectfor the party season ahead.

Approximately 56 Crystals for the bracelet(I have used 4.5mm x 5.5mm doughnutbeads)7 x 4mm contrasting bi-cone Crystals forthe tassel and chain dangleSize 11 seed beads for the tassel2 x wire protectors2 x 4-5mm jump rings1 x eye pin1 x head pin1 x clasp

1 x 50mm piece of chain1 x 12mm end cone2 x 50cm lengths of fishing/fire lineBeading needle and beading threadGlue or clear nail varnishScissorsRound/Flat and side cutter pliersBeaders watch face

Written By The Bead Bounty

Beads and watch face used

produced a 7 and a half inch

band.

www.thebeadbounty.co.uk

38

Step 1. With the first piece of fishing/fire line, thread on a wire protector and position it at the centre of the thread

Step 2. Thread on first crystal crossing the threads through the bead hole and positioning the bead centrally to thewire protector.

Step 3. Pick up 2 beads on one thread and 1 bead on the other thread.

Step 4. Pass the thread with the one bead on through the second bead on the first thread so that the threads crossagain and pull the threads tight.

Step 5. Continue this process until you have added 28 beads in all.

Step 6. Pass the threads, one through each side, through the hole on the watch.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.6.7.8.9.

10.

39

Step 7. Pass the threads through the first bead on the strap and then back through the hole on the watch and oncemore through the first bead on the strap.

Step 8. Run the threads back through the length of the strap in the same way as before with the threads immergingat the same place just above the wire protector.

Step 9. Tie a good knot and add a dab of strong glue or nail varnish.

Step 10. Run the extra thread up through several beads, tying knots as you go and adding glue then cut off excess.Repeat the above for the other side of the strap.Step 11. Add a 4mm bi-cone crystal to the head pin.

Step 12. Bend the pin to a 45 degree angle.

Step 13. Shorten the wire to approximately 6-8mmwith wire cutters.

Step 14. Using the round nose pliers, make a loop.

Step 15. Attach the loop to one end of the 50 mmchain.

Step 16. Attach the other end of the chain to oneend of the bracelet.

Step 17. Using a jump ring, add the clasp to theother end.

Step 18. Thread the bead needle with approximately50cm of thread and tie one end to the loop of youreye pin.

11.

12.

13.14.15.

16 & 17.

40

Step 19. Pick up 20 size 11 seed beads.

Step 20. Pick up 1 4mm bicone crystal and 1 seed bead.

Step 21. Pass the needle back up through the crystal and pull the thread so that the crystal meets the seed beads.

Step 22. Now pass the needle up through the 20 seed beads and the loop on the eye pin.Please read N.B below before you continue with 23.

Step 23. Repeat this process 5 more times and tie the two ends of the thread together. Add a dab of glue and trimthe excess thread.

Step 24. Put the bead cone on to the wire of the eye pin and over the top of the seed beads. Now repeat step 12 –14 above to make the loop for your tassel.

Step 25. Using the second jump ring, attach the tassel to the Watch Band.

18. 19. 20.

21. 22 23a.

23b. 24. 25.

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Tell us about the lady behind Auli’i Beads

So, a bit about me ... I've always loved jewellery and you could frequently hear "notmore bracelets? " being said in my general vicinity. A colleague asked just how manybracelets etc I had, as I always seemed to have different ones on and they alwaysseemed to be colour co-ordinated with whatever I was wearing. What can I say Ilike jewellery!

When did first begin creating your designs, andwhy?

I began creating my designs in the last 18 months.I'd bought some beading elastic to repair a braceletwhich had broken and had quite a bit left over. I was going out and I just couldn'tfind a bracelet to go with the outfit I was wearing and I remembered the left overelastic. I decided to get some beads and make myself a bracelet as I'd be able to get

exactly what I wanted then. I was pretty much hooked after that.

What is it that you enjoy about your work?

I've always wanted to be creative but really didn't think I had it in me until I startedmaking bracelets and getting positive comments. I love designing new items. Thereisn't anything about it I don't like (except having too many ideas at onetime).

What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why?

I think my biggest achievement to date has been making a bracelet fora friend's boyfriend. It was one of the first woven braceletsI'd made, so I was a bit nervous. Not only that but it was thefirst time I'd made something for a man, my designs areusually for women. The bracelet was a surprise for myfriend's boyfriend and I'm pleased to say he was delighted with it.

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

Other than crafting I love watching films, reading and I'm abig Rugby League fan.

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

I would be hard pressed to choose a favourite from my creations but if Ihad to at the moment it would be one of my charm bracelets "RougeNoir". I just love it. Luckily I have very tiny wrists so I can't keep this onefor myself!

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from all over the place. It can be something I seewhile I'm out, something in a magazine, a book or on tv.

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

If I could change one thing about what I do, it would be to give myself morehours in the day to work on my designs.

Do you have a favourite website?

I don't have a a favourite website but love looking at anything bead related.

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

I'm lucky that my friends and family have all been really enthusiastic andsupportive of my jewellery making. It's lovely that they all get excited for me.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

A random fact about me - I have an 8 year old long haired chihuahua called Tito.

www.folksy.com/shops/Aulii

www.facebook.com/AuliiBeads

www.auliibeads.blogspot.com

43

In the immortal words of Slade’s Noddy Holder ‘ ll?’ Well, fairenough if you aren’t, but for the craft designers among us now is the time for making preparations for the

festive season. The watchword is to start early; taking a leaf out of the supermarkets book, late August/earlySeptember is the time to start. You need to decide what your best selling items are, build up your stock, plan forcraft fairs and markets, source packaging and raw materials early so that you don’t run out and press gang asmuch help as possible. Remember the run up to the holiday season is when customers come out of thewoodwork and spend, spend, spend. Just think when you’ve sold out your entire stock and counted the profitsyou can sit back, pour a drink and take a well-earned rest over the Christmas holiday! Maybe it’s not quite as cutand dried as that but you can still dream J WowThankYou asked a group of sellers what their Christmaspreparations are like – when do they start preparing and what the pitfalls are.

The talented Samantha of Manfymoo produces delightful purses and bags withcow and pig prints and she has written a little poem to sum up the Christmasexperience for busy craft designer/makers everywhere…

Christmas is a busy time for us crafters,Attending craft fairs with my fellow grafters.Hoping customers will spend lots of pennies,Bags of sewing, wrapping and sending.All my goodies are delivered by Royal Mail,So let’s hope there will not be too much wind and hail.Drink Milk with Santa and leave a carrot for Roo,Make someone smile at Christmas with Manfymoo!

ChicnTrendy’s Helene and Suzi have a love for natural products, producing a range ofpainted wooden and pottery products as well as felt and hessian bags. Christmasis one of their busiest times of the year. Helene explained how they prepare forthe Christmas rush.

We start thinking about Christmas in earnest during early Septemberas that is when we spend a week together on a sort of craft retreat inFrance. There are just two of us as well as my husband and dogs so nointrusions just time to spend thinking, planning and crafting – sharinghints and tips we have found in our experimentation/product developmentfrom earlier in the year.

Our main preparation is planning what to make especially for Christmas – thisyear(2012) we will offer more products in hand made felt including bags, a new range of decorated and gold leafedglass and a larger range of natural wreaths and Christmas decorations. At this point we also plan whichChristmas Fairs to attend – based on last year’s experiences which were pretty positive (we have only beentrading for just over a year). In fact our success at the Christmas Fairs last year was an impetus for us to take itmore seriously and now we have also taken to using a number of craft website to sell our items as well. Wehave realised though that our product range is best appreciated when it can be touched and seen in detail. Thedisadvantage of this is that we have to attend the fairs in person and as much of our product is breakable andheavy (pottery and now glass) we spend hours packing and unpacking at arrival and departure from the variousvenues.

Written by Tracey Kiffordof http://www.wowthankyou.co.uk

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One of the main differences about our Christmas prep compared to the rest of the year is planning the logisticsof the targeted Christmas Fairs as we do not go to fairs during the rest of the year. This year will also involvesetting up a special Christmas section in our on-line shops with Christmas specific gifts and decorations and wewill be doing this during October. Another new idea is to start offering small ‘make-it-yourself’ parties andworkshops locally to us during October and November.

Sandra of Sandy Mitchell Jewellery produces some fantasticcontemporary necklaces, brooches and bracelets. One of herbest times of the year for sales is Christmas and here sheshares her preparations in the lead up to festive season.

As a designer and maker of contemporary jewellery who sellsboth wholesale and retail I have to start thinking of Christmasback in August when most people are lying on a beach sippinga cocktail! I send out a newsletter to the shops and gallerieswho stock my work in September and then start my retailpromotions via events, exhibitions and through my website atthe end of September.

I usually offer some kind of incentive to customers to place an order early - such as 10% off for orders placedbefore the end of October or free shipping. This makes a huge difference and spreads the work out more evenlyin the months before Christmas.

I usually end up working on individual orders right up until about 10 days before Christmas – there is no point intaking orders beyond that because you are then at the mercy of the Post Office!

I try to design something 'sparkly' for this time of year or something that will go with the LBD (little black dress)to wear at parties. Last year my best seller was a Christmas Sparkle Bracelet – this year I am launching aChristmas Sparkle Sphere Necklace.

By about 18th December I start to wind down and I usually take my holidays over Christmas and New Year as awell-deserved break.

Catherine of Little Memories Keepsakes produces afabulous range of keepsake jewellery including finger, handand paw print cufflinks and key rings and pendants. Here sheexplains how Christmas is different to other times of the yearfor sales and work and how her craft business fits into herbusy schedule.

Typically my keepsake business toddles along for much ofthe year with a relatively steady turnover eachmonth. January is quiet along with the summer holidays andduring these periods I only get a smattering of orders (whichsuits me as I have two boys at home). I set up my businessnearly three years ago and on average I make 60% of myentire annual turnover between September and December.

I now make sure that by the time it gets to mid-September I've ordered all the business stationery I'm likely toneed (to give out at events) and have ordered as much stock as I can afford. The last thing you need whenyou've got 15 pairs of cufflinks to make is to be thinking about ordering promotional postcards and gift boxes ona three week lead time!  I keep my social calendar as clear as possible without offending anyone.  The last twoChristmases I've tried to take orders right up until mid-December and it's meant late nights and early mornings toensure the work gets finished in time.

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I used to attend events all year round, now I concentrate mainly on September to November with a couplechucked in around Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  If you're at an event lasting 5 hours there are inevitably quietperiods so I try to plan my work in the run up to the event so I can take bits and pieces of jewellery that needpolishing by hand with me.  Plus I use these quiet periods to arrange appointments and contact customers aboutfinished jewellery so that no time is wasted!

This year should feel slightly easier as my youngest is now in nursery every day so I'll have some more ‘free’ timeto turnaround the jewellery. Of course I still need to find the time for my other part time job, housework, Christ-mas shopping and running the house! January is then for updating the website, doing my tax return and bookingour summer holiday with the profits!

Laura of Kozmic Dreams produces a brilliant range of knittedowls and cats as well as some fantastic baby hats. Here sheexplains how Christmas affects her work schedule and what shehas to do to make the festive season a success for her.

Most crafters think about Christmas on and off all year round,which can be quite disconcerting when we're in the middle ofSummer! I tend to attend a lot of local craft fairs from Septemberonwards and sell a wider range of goodies to include hats, scarvesand stocking fillers.

I try to target as wide a range of potential customers as I can. Ihave lovely postcards that promote my goods and lead everyoneto my WowThankYou shop. I love going to craft fairs as well as

selling online; the Christmas fairs usually have a great atmosphere and even if I don't sell anything, I lovechatting to other crafters. It's also the best way to do some market research and get feedback on my products.People also tend to pick up my postcards and hopefully this leads to future sales.

Beverley of Just Bev Soaps loves Christmas but has to startpreparations in the middle of the year to keep up with hersales and craft fair commitments during the festive season.Here she explains how she manages her time and resources.

Christmas for me begins in August if not July. In July I have tothink about what I am going to make and from what. Augustis the month I need to make soap. All cold press soaps haveto dry for four to six weeks before being sold anyway and sothat is one of the big hurdles for me. Around this time I alsohave to source fragrances from suppliers and that can be a bigdelay if their Christmas ranges are not ready.I sell at farmers markets and fairs quite regularly throughoutthe year and so around about September time I take samplesof Christmas products to gauge what my regular customersneed for Christmas. September is also a time for wrapping and making up boxes/bags/baskets etc. ready to sell. When we get into November we have so many fairs that we really do not have time tomake new products or wrap gift boxes anyway. I also make sure to look back at the previous year’s sales so thatwe are stocking our previous Christmas best sellers. One of our biggest winners at Christmas has always beenchocolate orange soap made with real chocolate! This I demonstrated at a fair two weeks ago and people wereamazed that we actually used real fair-trade chocolate!

So there you have it. How do you prepare for Christmas? Start early with your preparations, plan your work loadaccordingly, go to some selected craft fairs to sell and fly the flag. Make sure you have enough reserves of stockto cover the Christmas rush and above all keep smiling and have a drink or two, you deserve it. May we be thefirst to wish you a very Merry Christmas from the WowThankYou team J

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Tell us about the lady behind Nanuk Jewellery

My name is Louise, and I set up Nanuk Jewelleryabout 3 years ago to start selling my own hand madejewellery designs. I studied Silversmithing,Goldsmithing and Jewellery at Kent Institute of Art andDesign, and a couple of years after I finished mydegree I began to make and sell my own work.

Have you heard about …

When did first begin creating your designs, andwhy?

I have always enjoyed making things and trying newcrafts, and eventually got into beading and jewellery-making, but Nanuk jewellery really kicked off once Ileft university. After some time working for a localjeweller’s and making a few pieces for people in myspare time, I set up on my own making and selling mydesigns.

What is it that you enjoy about your work?

I love being able to make the ideas in my head into actualobjects – although they often end up quite different from theoriginal idea! – and seeing people wear and love something Ihave created. I especially love to work on commissions, whenI have designed something especially for that person.

What is your biggest crafting achievement, and why?

I have been very pleased with some of the wedding jewellery I have been luckyenough to work on lately. I also recently made a moongazing hare pendant whichsomeone had asked for, and I was thrilled with how it turned out (as was thecustomer!), so much so that I am planning to make some more, including myNanuk bear in a similar design.

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

If I’m not making jewellery, I’m usually making something else! Ilove to draw with pen and ink, making cards and decoratingnotebooks and things, and I am hoping to begin introducing someof these into my Nanuk range. Other than that, I love to read whenI have time, and get out and about taking the dog for walks.

If you had to choose your favourite from your creations which one wouldit be?

I tend to switch favourites whenever I come up with a new idea I like! However, Ithink my Leaf Dragons, the pendants and earrings, are my all-time favouritedesigns, and I would like to create some new dragon-themed ideas.

Where does your inspiration come from?I get most of my inspiration from the illustrated books of fairy tales I hadwhilst I was growing up, featuring the work of artists such as Kay Nielsenand Edmund Dulac. I love all the detail and colour, and I like to use a lot ofstones and beads and wire-wrapped details to represent this in my work. Iam also inspired by the stories themselves, which had led to the mythicalcreatures and dragons featured in some of my work.

If you could change one thing about what you do, what would itbe?

I would definitely get someone to do my finishing for me! All the emeryingand polishing can be time-consuming, and very fiddly on some of the moreintricate designs.

Do you have a favourite website?

My favourite site at the moment is probably Folksy (http://folksy.com), which I sell mywork through. There are some amazingly talented people selling their work on there,and so many beautiful things, I have to try not to get too distracted browsing throughthem!

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

My family and friends have all been very supportive of my endeavours, but my sister inparticular is my biggest fan. She is always willing to tell everyone about my work, andshe has helped me with craft fairs and by letting me bounce ideas off her.

Tell us a random fact about yourself!

I have a slightly freaky ability for rememberingcompletely random/useless facts and words – very

helpful for crosswords!!

Website: http://www.nanukjewellery.co.uk/Folksy shop: http://folksy.com/shops/NanukJewelleryFacebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NanukJewellery

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�

Name: Olisa Corcoran

Medium: Hand embroidery and textile art

What's your story?I was a fairly serious amateur photographer andwriter for many years. During a difficult time inmy life, a friend taught me how to knit in orderto help take my mind of my troubles. Unliketoiling alone at my computer or working inthe darkroom, I found making things withmy hands to be incredibly immediate andsatisfying. Although I enjoyed knitting, givenmy background of writing stories and shootingphotos, I sought a medium that allowed me to makeitems with my hands but also tell stories.Through various knitting blogs, I found my way to handembroidery and fell in love with the creativity and the narratives the artwork captured. I signed up for a beginningembroidery retreat at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in the Smokey Mountains. I remember the crazy magic Ifelt learning the chain stitch. I instantly became hooked. The textures of threads and fabric, the combination of

colors and the opportunity experiment with design and storywere addictive.In particular, I’m attracted to transferring sharp, simple designsinto soft, wonky stitch. Thing like hazard and prohibition signs(both real ones and that I’ve made up with oddball meanings oftheir own) and various typefaces are very appealing to me. Ialso like playing with self-portraiture. I’m a constant and readysubject for my own photography and stitching and I can tellmyself what to do!I started blogging about my work in 2010(www.cocoaeyesthestitcher.blogspot.com). This has allowed meto connect with other embroidery and textiles artists around theworld, which is something that I love. Through sites like Mr XStitch and social media networks like Twitter and Flickr, I’mexposed to work of other artists who are pushing theboundaries of textiles on fiber arts.

This issue we meet:

In the Spotlightwith

mr x stitch

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What's your favourite piece of work thus far?Two pieces that I made early on are still my favorites. I stitched“Turntable” for a Phat Quarter Swap on flickr. I was quiteinexperienced when I signed up for the swap and I had no idea whatI’d gotten myself into when I designed it! It took me ages to finish.For weeks, I would come home from my corporate day job andspend hours stitching. Through that piece I learned how much I loveworking with heavy fill stitch. I’ve continued to use this thick, shinytexture on many pieces since then. I also like my thread-sketch self-portrait called “I Aman Oak.” It is the opposite of the Turntable piece; I sketched it and stitched it veryquickly in simple back and split stitch. It allowed me to explore a recurring dream Ihave of discovering my own face in the surface of an oak in the forest.

What do you find challenging?Finding time to work on all of the art projects that I have in process. My house is filledwith hoops of works in process and sketchbooks with images I want to explore in stitch!

Any advice for newbies?Don’t be afraid to lookbeyond traditional patternsfor inspiration for yourstitching. I spend as much time looking at art exhibitioncatalogs and in museums for ideas as I do in classicpattern books. Do something unexpected, like, say,look at a Giacometti sculpture and imagine how youwould transfer than into stitch. Keep playing!

Vintage/pretty coffee or teacupLength of 1" wickWick fastenerSmall long-nosed pliersWooden skewersWax (block or beads)Scented oilPatterned paperRibbonSmall saucepanPlastic jugScissors

How to create yourCandle

Cup

Step 1 Wash & dry cup. Cut a length of wick. Make sure it's long enough to reach the base of your cup from therim, plus enough to tie a knot.

Step 2 Thread wick through the wick fastener until there's a small end left onthe flat side. Pinch the raised collar on the top side tightly with the pliers tosecure the wick.

Step 3 Balance a wooden skewer across the top of the cup and tie theloose end of the wick to it, so that the wick fastener lies flat on the bottomof the cup with the wick taut. Make sure the wick is central.

Written by Bridgetfrom Inkahootswww.inkahoots.co.uk

Step 4 Melt the chopped wax orbeads in a saucepan over a lowheat until clear.

Step 5 Pour a small amount of wax into the jug and then into the bottomof your cup to fix the wick and it's fastener in place. Let it solidify. Keep therest of the wax melted in the pan over a really low heat.

Step 6 When ready, pour the wax into the jug and add the oil - the moreyou use, the stronger the scent! Stir in well.

Step 7 Pour the remaining wax into the cup, keeping the wick central.Don't fill it to the top - leave room for topping up the wax as it can shrink alittle when cool. Let it cool and solidify.

Top up the wax, using the same method as before, if you need to. Again,do not fill the cup to the rim, let it cool and solidify.

To finish, cut a pretty paper topper, poking a hole in the middle for the wick and place on top of the wax.Tie a coordinating ribbon to the handle…

…. and there you have it, a reallypretty present for yourself or a friend! You can make so many lovely variations with different scents and styles of cup- I tend to do mine in batches like little cakes. Have fun!

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Small picture fabric for centre (approx 1 inch square)2 inch strips for surroundCalico for mounting (4 inch square)Batik for backing (4 inch square)Ribbon (6 inch piece)Toy StuffingGeneral sewing threadPinsScissors or Roller Cutter and Mat

Step 1. Seam allowance is ¼ inch.Centre the picture fabric on the calico andstitch around all four edges, to secure.

Step 2. Fold the 2 inch strips in half widthways and press.Take the strips of colour 1; attach the top andbottom strips withthe fold towards the centre, then attach theside strips.Step 3. Complete round two with the secondcolour, and round three with colour 1.

Log CabinEffect Pincushion Perfect

creations designed for you’

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Take the length of ribbon and fold in half; centre at the top of thepincushion and stitch in place (very close to the edge).Step 5. Lay the finished piece face down onto the backing fabric andstitch, leaving a gap at one side of approximately one and a half inches.Trim the backing to fit, and trim the corners to enable neat turning.

Step 6. Turn the pin cushion to the right side.

Fill the pincushion quite tightly, and stitch the small gap to complete.

This pattern is designed for personal use only, andnot for resale.

©PerfectPatchwork 2012 all rights reserved.

www.perfectpatchwork.co.uk

Step 4. Trim 1/8 inch from the last round of stitching.

This design can be modified by using wider strips and a larger centresquare picture to make a full size cushion.

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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.craftfest-events.com

www.crafty-emblies.org

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

TreatYourself

Happy Halloween!

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Creative craftingDirectory of Crafters

Gifts

www.sparrowprimitives.co.uk/

Supplies

www.theverysmallcompany.co.uk

www.scrapbookerry.comwww.slowlanemade.me.uk

ADVERTISE YOURSTORE HERE

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Prices start at just £3.50 foryour banner to be addedwith an interactive link forthe online version of the

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www.etsy.com/shop/MsBittyKnacks

www.inkahoots.co.uk

More projects, more interviews, more crafting possibilities.

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Don’t miss our

christmas

issue out on

1st december2012

Don’t miss our

christmas

issue out on

1st december2012