September 28, 2011

Old McDonald set - Day 197

This hand puppet is part of a birthday present for a pre-school teacher, by her request. This is Old McDonald! 

He took a bit of thinking and design because I wanted a pocket to put the finger puppet animals in. Have managed to do this in the back, his shorts and shirt are a pocket. So, in a way, the answer to the question "where is your cow?" is... "Down my shorts!!" :) Have one cow made so far, now for the rest...

July 17, 2011

Ribbon Hairclips tutorial - Day 124

Yesterday i made some ribbon hairclips, thought I would add the steps in case anyone was curious.

RIBBON HAIRCLIPS                                                                                                   



1. Find some hairclips
 2. Hot Glue the end under one end, then quickly glue over the top.
 3. Cut and glue the other end over
3. Cut and glue the other end over
 4. Now for the bow. Measure the ribbon so its smaller then the base, then double and cut. Hot glue the ends together in the middle. Then glue onto base
 5. Repeat step 4 with next one, but smaller
 6. Cut a small ribbon and glue in middle, then glue the edges under.
7. Remove any hot glue strands and blow on scorched fingers.

July 16, 2011

Ribbon Hairclips - Day 123

Some new hairclips. I saw some similar hairclips at the shop the other day and thought it was a definate craft I could tackle. In fact, it was easier then I thought.

Some ribbon, some clips and a decent amount of hot glue (with a bonus of some scorched finger tips!) Anyone could tackle this, not worthy of a tutorial really. but might do one for tommorow anyway.

July 14, 2011

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!!

July 13, 2011

Yellow Beaded Bracelet - Day 120

Attempted a beaded crochet bracelet.Unfortunately it stretched and twisted, not ideal! I think its a tension issue more then anything else, but will need to play around with it!!




July 11, 2011

Balancing Lizard - Day 118

Another new creature working from yesterdays.
I was after a new dragon type creature but then something went wonky.
The pattern adjustments seemed right, I even tried to shape it so weight was more balanced, plus with 4 legs and longer, balance shouldnt have been an issue.... hhmmmmm
All stitched up and stuffed, feeling all proud, then I put it down and lo-and -behold, he balances on his front legs.
Kinda cute, but not what I had in mind. Any suggestions??

July 10, 2011

Strange Creature - Day 117

a new strange creature.
I was experimenting from a sketch a friends child had done. Following the basic principles of drawing up a pattern with a middle gusset I quickly drew it up and hoped for the best.
Obviously, as a jnr pattern maker (aka... success by fluke) some things work, others didnt.

What worked? it all fit together!
What didn't? its unbalanced, even tried to push the stuffing to the end, but he still tumbles forward (big head)
Oh well, maybe a different shape next?