Washi Tape Embellished Necklace

I'm really loving all the statement necklaces that are so popular at the moment, there are some really bold ones available. I recently bought a silver coloured necklace very cheaply (from Primark, well actually Penney's as I bought it in Ireland) with the sole purpose of jazzing it up a bit and thought washi tape would be perfect to do just that.

The necklace consists of three crescent-shaped pieces attached to a single section on each side, these in turn are attached to a length of chunky chain. The front sides are smooth with a slightly beaten look while the reverse side has a ridged lip around the edge and textured surface.

Front

Back

I decided to add some colour to each of the crescents which graduate in size, getting slightly bigger as you go down, and decided to do this to the reverse side so I could easily apply a resin coat thanks to the lip.
The first step was to use flat-nose pliers to open the jump rings attaching each crescent and removing them but keeping them safe.

I then used some paper and a pencil to create a template for each of the crescents by tracing them as best as possible, cutting them just short of the hole on each side. 

This is what I stuck the washi tape to, I attached short sections of tape completely covering the paper surface, I then trimmed off the excess. Repeating the process 3 times, once for each section.

I used three different tapes which I liked the look of together. You could do complimentary patterns/colours, contrasting patterns/colours, all the same- what ever takes your fancy!

I then glued each one in place to the corresponding section using epoxy glue. After this I coated each crescent in clear resin (here's a link to a previous resin post of mine:  http://craftinernest.blogspot.co.uk/2013_09_01_archive.html)

Once this was thoroughly dry I used the original jump rings to reattach each crescent but the reverse side out, creating a totally unique accessory. 

All that was left was to wear it with a big smile on my face :-D 
Hope you like the result? Keep crafting in earnest, Craftin' Ernest!

Key Keeper

Today's post involves an extremely simple tutorial for a handy little item if, like me, you are prone to losing things, I'm calling it a Key Keeper and it's inspired by a nifty little thing the local police gave out a few years ago. I'm terrible for losing things, in fact, the more I try not to the quicker I seem to lose an item.
Keys are a good example, so this handy crafted solution not helps prevent their loss but also makes it much quicker to find them in a large handbag (my favourite kind of handbag as you can pack it full of "stuff"). You can also use it for certain purses to help against pickpockets, if you can attach it to part of the purse - a zip pull for example.

All that's needed is a shoelace, 2 clasps, a needle and thread, scissors and a way of sealing the end of the shoelace again- I find either a lighter for a nylon shoelace or clear nail varnish/glue works well.
I've bought particularly snazzy laces especially but any old ones would do.

Cut off the aglet from each end, i.e. the coated ends (thanks to an episode of Disney's Phineas and Ferb for teaching me the actual name) and seal the ends. If using the lighter make sure you do it safely, it only takes a few seconds for the ends to melt and you don't want it to smoke. With the nail varnish, coat the ends with a thick layer and leave it to dry completely.

Thread one end through a clasp and sew it in place (I actually used a sewing machine but it can be done by hand instead).
Repeat for the other end.

Then you just attach one clasp to your keys (or purse if possible or even both) and the other to your bag! Easy peasy.

Here's an alternative using a split ring at one end instead...

Zip-Up Pouch Tutorial

I think this is quite a simple make but with really effective results. They make great presents for girls to use as make-up bags or for guys as wash bags. They’re always handy for people with children/babies and you can knock them up in no time.

All you need is two pieces of fabric the same size- one for the outside and one for the lining, a zip (which is at least as wide as the width of fabric), pins, thread and a sewing machine.

The pieces of fabric needs to be twice as long as you'd like the finished length to be plus approx 1.5cm for seam allowance. The width needs to be the same as desired finished width plus 1.5cm seam allowance again.

So for a finished pouch 20 x 15cm, you will need two pieces of fabric 41.5 x 16.5cm.

Line up the edge of the zip with the edge of the outer fabric along one end, with the top of zip facing the right side of the fabric. Place the lining fabric on top of the zip and outer fabric so the right sides of the fabric face each other, pin in place.

Sew all three layers together along the edge.

Repeat with the other ends of the fabrics, attaching them to the opposite side of the zip.

This will result in a sort of figure of “8” shape with the zip in the middle joining the two pieces of fabric.

Fold the outer fabric layer back on itself over the lining fabric so the top of the zip and the right side of the outer fabric is on the outside. The next step is to pin the layers and top stitch along the zip. Open the zip and sew along each side of the zip, through the outer layer, zip and inner lining.

Refasten the zip and unfold the outer fabric so that you have the figure of “8” again. 

Flatten the two loops with the zip sandwiched between. You can have the zip in the middle but I personally prefer it towards one end so sandwich it off centre (for example with the zip 5cm from the fold).

Sew the layers together all the way along one side. On the other side sew almost together but leave a gap of about 6-7cm. I find it easier to leave the gap towards the centre to help with the finishing step, so I sew from one end inwards and then the other end inwards leaving the gap. If you have placed your zip in the centre I would definitely advise you leave the gap to one side of the zip rather than in the middle.

It’s then time to turn it out the right way through the gap and if necessary press everything flat (I'm normally too lazy for this step so it has to really need it for me to do it).

All that’s left is to sew the gap up by hand, firstly the lining through the gap in the outer fabric. Then sew closed the gap in the outer fabric using a hidden running stitch.

Admire your finished zip-up pouch! I would say a button or two as an embellishment never goes a miss ;-)

If you do make one, I’d love to see it.

Craft in earnest, Craftin’ Ernest x

Needle Felt Doll Part 2

I haven't progressed very far with my doll as I went off gallivanting for a long weekend with my hubby for his birthday. We went to the beautiful county of Warwickshire and amongst other things visited Warwick Castle. Well worth the visit if you get the opportunity! The birds of prey displays are worth the entrance fee alone. Then with Easter, there was egg decorating to do and new Spring lambs to visit.

I did decide on her hair colour though and she's now a redhead! I had originally intended to sew the hair on but decided it was best to needle felt it also. As I used a 100% wool DK which is quite fuzzy it attached really well. I started at the sides and worked a little at a time each side to make it even.
This also made it possible for her to have her hair down.

After a cut to even it all up, the next question was fringe or no fringe? I went with a fringe.

I then plaited it into the two French braids I had originally intended and I'm really happy with the outcome. I just used some pink thread to secure the bottom of the plaits.

Her face, however, took a couple of attempts! She now has blue eyes and a plummy pink lips, also done with the felting needle.

The first attempt was a little on the scary side to say the least. I wanted her to have eyelashes, this along with all black eyes gave her quite a sinister look- not what I was going for so they were hastily removed.

The next most important item was underwear!
She now sports of pair of rather colourful, paisley knickers. This is where I have to confess, I'm a do-it-by-eye-kinda-gal. Fingers are just as good a tool as a ruler for measuring, right? ;-)
Knickers are also great as they are very forgiving in terms of hiding non-precision measuring. I roughly drew a "pattern" on some white fabric. Unlike normal knickers (i.e. for real people) hers need to be larger at the front rather than back as she has a flat bottom but a rather pot belly. Once I was sure they would slip on, I used the white fabric to cut the same out of the paisley fabric and added the elastic at the top and each leg hole. Overall I'm happy that they're a nice fit.

Hopefully she'll have an outfit by next time, until then craft in earnest, Craftin' Ernest x

Needle Felted Doll Part 1

As much as I enjoy a bit of "wet" felting I definitely prefer needle felting. I think it's a very satisfying craft and love seeing the item slowly transform from raw roving into the desired shape. It really is like sculpting with wool and the repeated stabbing action is very therapeutic! It's not so much fun when you jab the needle in your finger though (I may have done so once or twice in the past). I'm always impressed by how, with some patience and a firm hand, the piece starts to shrink and compact into a defined shape.

I've tried using a handle which holds a number of needles but don't find it as easy to work with as the single needle.

I mostly use the technique to make small accessories such as flowers and leaves. The first thing I ever made was this little tortoise.

I decided I wanted to make a doll as I want to make mini outfits. I thought needle felting would make an interesting base for the doll. I used about 45g of roving in total and made the head, followed by the body and then each limb before felting them together.

This is the result...

I still have some refining to do and to go over with a finer needle or two.
I now have to decide on her hair. I'm going to use wool to give her a couple of French plaits but I can't choose between making her a brunette (slightly bias as it's my hair colour and everyone knows brunettes have the most fun?) or a lovely redhead?

I'll let you know which I decide, and by then she will have a face too, in a future post.
Keep crafting in earnest, Craftin' Ernest xx

Day Tripping- Delightful Stroud

Last weekend my husband and I decided to go out for the day but couldn't make up our minds where to go. We were in the car when I suddenly had a brainwave to visit a town nearby which neither of us had ever been to. We're a bit spoilt for choice where we live, although we live in quite a rural town we have easy access to 3 big cities- Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester are all within 40 minutes of us and so we tend to head to these.
As such we've never been to Stroud which is only 30 miles away and actually a little closer than Gloucester so with the Sun shining on we went.
On arrival we immediately discovered a lovely Farmer's market, which was fantastic and as it turns out is award winning- http://www.fresh-n-local.co.uk/markets/stroud.php It was a lovely mix of yummy food (lunch and dinner sorted) and handmade items. It put me in the hubby's good books as they had a great selection of real ales- his equivalent of my buttons.
This led to a street that gave me high hopes for the town, Threadneedle Street!

Situated here were shops and a flea market with a whole array of goods for sale from wool roving to antiques. Now we're talking!
Whilst in a charity shop around the corner I headed straight for the button tin (it's like a magnet), this is where my other half stepped into his own and told the lady I'd buy the lot if I could, at which she replied you can have them all for £3! Wahooooo yes please, thank you very much.

There was a very interesting "pop-up shop" filled to the rafters with weaving looms, wool and truly beautiful blankets. A shop called "Made in Stroud" as you can guess selling items made in Stroud, there were some exceptional items, it really was a feast for the eyes- there are some very talented people in the area.
On the other side of the high street was another market selling fresh produce outside and an eclectic mix of items.
At the bottom of town was as a wonderful vintage shop, Strangeness & Charm http://www.strangenessandcharmvintage.com/ I picked myself up a quirky vintage brooch made from wire and thread. It's so intricate and I love the thought of someone crafting each of the individual petals and leaves before putting it all together- I look forward to pinning it to my favourite blazer.

The lovely owner was super helpful and gave me a map of Stroud she'd put together pointing out all the great places you might pick up a vintage treasure or two.
There was also a wonderful wool shop called Yarnarama but as I have given up buying wool for Lent I only paid a flying visit (roll on Easter).
We'll definitely be returning in the not so distant future and it just goes to show there may be a little treasure of a town near you just waiting to be explored, give it a go, who knows what you'll find!
Until next time, craft in earnest! Craftin Ernest xxx

Ding Dong The Bells Are Going To Chime

I do love a wedding, it's such a delight to share in a couple's "Big Day".
I can totally appreciate all the hard work that goes into making the day so special and all the decisions that had to be made along the way.

I also love a bit of wedding related crafting! It's the most perfect time to get busy with the pearls and crystals, lace and ribbon.

I recently had the pleasure of making my close friend's sister-in-law-to-be's beaded tiara and the bridesmaid's hair accessories! (Not great pictures sorry)

Also, as I mentioned in previous posts I had the great honour of being part of my friends' Becky and Steve's wedding. For part of their wedding gift I thought I would make them something personal to commemorate their special day and decided on a cushion.

I used transfer paper for inkjet printers to copy an image of their hands with their wedding rings onto white fabric. It took a few attempts as the instructions didn't mention anything about letting the image cool after ironing before peeling off the backing paper. Probably very obvious (especially as it's not the first time I've used it) but I forgot so trial and error certainly played a part, as did some choice words.

Once I'd finally got it right, I machine embroidered the lettering. I used white tissue paper to space the words just as I wanted them.

I went over each letter a number of times with two different colours. To finish it off, what else but a few buttons- heart shaped, shell buttons were perfect for this project in my opinion.

I think the happy couple were pleased were the result, it's certainly very personal to them.

We have a few other wedding this year to look forward and to keep me busy :-)

Until next time craft in earnest, Craftin' Ernest x