Folded Christmas tree - Day 251

There are a lot of these type of things on the internet, so I thought I'd give it a go. 
Its kind of quirky and by the time you get to the last quarter, the folding gets a bit tricky.

 Just 3 folds per page though and then clip the front and back together. 
I'm thinking this could be spraypainted.  I think mine took a bit longer then i should of because I caught myself rereading parts!

beaded crochet bracelet tutorial - day 121

This is just a rough tutorial, no pictures as yet (will add to list). But this is what I have and am working on the tension issues from yesterday. So if you have suggestions, speak up!!

You will need:
- a 6 strand embroidery thread
- crochet hook 2.75 mm
- beeds (seed beads or others, as long as they fit on thread)
-needle

This should make a bracelet about 17cm long. So add a few extra for bigger.
1) Add 40 beads to thread using the needle. Push them down as you dont use them till round 2!
2) Crochet time!! Chain 45 and turn
3) Single Crochet (SC) in 44 stitches, then chain 1 and turn.
4) Start with SC in first 2 stitches, then start adding beads. Slide a bead into each SC before you complete it.
SC in last 2 stitches. Finally chain 1 and turn.
5) Now complete with a SC in the 44 stitches. Fasten off.
6) Now you need to decide what closure method you prefer. The standard is the friendship bracelet "tails" that you can just crochet on, then tie around wrist (or maybe add a slip knot!)
Option 2 is too weave in loose ends and then add jewellery fastenings. A ring one side and clasp the other.

Careful about the tension, too tight and it will twist on itself... but then again, maybe you want the spiral corkscrew look!!

Undead Kit - day 109

Following on from the alien kit, the undead set from the other day has now become its own make it yourself kit.
the printer isnt working properly, the colour cartridge moody, wont print some colours. This isnt too much of a problem for this set but means I cant print the alien ones... grrrrrrrrr...

Alien Kit - Day 108

In full Market prep panic.
Have come up with a fab way to lesson my need to stitch, finger puppet kits!!
I am planning to make up some kits with all the felt etc, at the moment my printer isnt playing nice though, so fingers crossed.
I have written the instructions and designed the front.
Now all I need is to sweet talk my lovely girl to cut felt!!!! Oh, and girls cast is OFF!! she is still experiencing a slight twinge, but should be all fine.

White rabbit tutorial - Day 33

A little felt rabbit WITH added tutorial. The rabbit is a small quick project, but I decided to see if I could write it as a tutorial as well.

Its a good basic pattern that can be easily adapted.
One idea is that it could be decorated as an easter bunny for Easter (can add basket or eggs), and have a ribbon attached for hanging, or be given as a party favour.
Click here for Tutorial 
(tutorial a PDF file on Google Docs)

19 April - Update - Realised there is no materials list on the tutorial. Put its... felt (colours of choice), thread, needle, stuffing, google eyes or beads.

Felt butterfly brooch - Day 11

I made a red flower brooch for a friend and was inspired to try a butterfly.

Instead of stitching on the design with  various felt, embroidery or beads, I wanted to try to cut out the design with a craft knife. It has potential, but not sure when I'd use it next.

Mini rough guide of how its done...

Draw up a butterfly with a basic pattern that can be later cut out. 

You will want to keep the outside edge for stitching and just include some basic shapes inside that you can cut out.

Cut out the front and back butterfly shape. Draw the design on the back of the felt you are going to cut.

Using a craft knife, CAREFULLY cut out the inside shapes. The blade HAS to be sharp (trust me!). Sew a small brown or black body section onto the middle.

Once it is all cut, stitch the back and the front together. At this point, you might need to add some tiny holding stitches on parts that stick up. The felt allows you to do this without showing through the back if you aim for the middle.

Done! Now you can add a Brooch pin or attach it to a hairclip. Could also be used as an applique. MIne is missing the classic butterfly feelers, but I'm sure some could be added :)