tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78025768312410847772024-03-28T04:41:00.426-07:00Anna's Craft Journal A Blog for creative DIY Upcycle and Craft inspiration Howtos and reviewsAnna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-72142379108956951602022-01-07T08:00:00.009-08:002024-03-28T04:31:03.204-07:00Craft to Beat the January Blues<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Sue Ellen Francisco; font-size: x-large;">3 Crafty Tips to make January a bit easier on you</span></h1><p> Now that the festive season is over, we still face two-thirds of Winter to get through. By comparison, January seems like the anti-climactic
end of Winter. The lights are gone. Our social lives are, basically, non-existent.
Everything that makes Winter magical and happy in December is basically gone by
January 2<sup>nd,</sup> and our entire demeanour changes. So, what can we do to
combat our low mood in January?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Let me show you some crafty tips to combat the January blues.</h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">**Disclaimer: None of my suggestions can be used as therapy. If you
are suffering from depression, anxiety or any other mental illness, please, get
professional medical help.**<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Identify Your Feelings and Issues</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSYE4kWQiWg_6KO0DDfCZQr0RqLIOSPcwARQiDwYGXbx8y-Ko9msL-yjV8Y5SmvMSFoNB0xlgyhe5mUDTHMtt6GQvJ7Jaji_ntjxq2ATGnybUMeOsjKzrjcd5lwt_ThNEwOeolhZNFXPDoyk1qbnPxVpOEIhPqhNXogOWMQaat52yxXdtoUsASChw_=s5184"><img alt="Journal to identify issues and causes of low mood assoiciated with January blues" border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSYE4kWQiWg_6KO0DDfCZQr0RqLIOSPcwARQiDwYGXbx8y-Ko9msL-yjV8Y5SmvMSFoNB0xlgyhe5mUDTHMtt6GQvJ7Jaji_ntjxq2ATGnybUMeOsjKzrjcd5lwt_ThNEwOeolhZNFXPDoyk1qbnPxVpOEIhPqhNXogOWMQaat52yxXdtoUsASChw_=s16000" title="Journal to identify issues and causes of low mood assoiciated with January blues" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, January is the polar opposite of the festive season.
But the low mood can have different and multiple origins. They may not always be clear because numerous issues melt into one big block of low mood. Untangling
this block takes a bit of effort. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Crafting can give you space to practice mindfulness. Why not
journal for a week and identify what impacts your mood most. Bullet Journaling is an excellent technique to capture your personal feelings and thoughts and
visualise them. Based on my bullet journal, I create a focal point every week to
establish my day-to-day and give me perspective. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many crafts also enable mindfulness. Whether you make jewellery
or crochet, knit or paint, why not use your time for yourself and ponder
over your emotional needs. Are you feeling unproductive? The process of creating
and finishing a project can be just the thing to give you a lift. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Try Something New</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLSh7gvyGoXeStqsYYdS0F2MY3HNf8EYZdI1fp5BfPzdsO2FqRFP6OIhfnjr0jcsJsPsN_bIqntOZ0uzL0lTthywOYlxZqJcjdvKfUumWsZadfd4M_S6myqbneHGvCBCha-lYDrSx3phN-_aE2Bpq3GzCyzLLmU3IaZJEpng4Z4vyMvNOzGNROlxUA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="try a new craft to beat the january blues" border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLSh7gvyGoXeStqsYYdS0F2MY3HNf8EYZdI1fp5BfPzdsO2FqRFP6OIhfnjr0jcsJsPsN_bIqntOZ0uzL0lTthywOYlxZqJcjdvKfUumWsZadfd4M_S6myqbneHGvCBCha-lYDrSx3phN-_aE2Bpq3GzCyzLLmU3IaZJEpng4Z4vyMvNOzGNROlxUA=s16000" title="try a new craft to beat the january blues" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we are tired and low emotionally, it is easy and all too
tempting to just keep doing what we always do. While it is not wrong, why not induce some excitement by trying something new. It doesn’t have to be a
new craft. Sometimes just pushing yourself to make something you wouldn’t usually
make is enough. If you knit hats, why not knit a jumper or a pair
of socks. Add some colour to your crafts or redecorate your home by crafting
new decor and furniture.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The objective of this exercise is to keep your mind active. Learning
to do something new diverts our attention from negative thoughts towards something
productive. Mastering the new skill gives you a confidence boost early in the
year. While generally being creative reduces stress and symptoms of depression.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result, you can look at your finished product and your learning
curve and focus on what you achieved rather than the things you temporarily missed.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Be Social</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6TMS00Ki0VWqz6Lb1JYO4KMp5tWWtyURFNMOZRZwGNdFKzGR7eQg-ewWfUXRdIwpC6hmZDgOE6p72oxL3yN8HyYijtln0uNJ-Y-ce7hx5uY6pw06NSF9JoOH6CJx-fduT7JrWAlj8O93psR_i9AWafkw37lt8tqf_MKkMF3LaE7nlX3air85-lwsA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="be social while you craft you can even use video conferencing to not feel alone in January" border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6TMS00Ki0VWqz6Lb1JYO4KMp5tWWtyURFNMOZRZwGNdFKzGR7eQg-ewWfUXRdIwpC6hmZDgOE6p72oxL3yN8HyYijtln0uNJ-Y-ce7hx5uY6pw06NSF9JoOH6CJx-fduT7JrWAlj8O93psR_i9AWafkw37lt8tqf_MKkMF3LaE7nlX3air85-lwsA=s16000" title="be social while you craft you can even use video conferencing to not feel alone in January" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">January is not the most inviting month to go out. But are
you feeling lonely now? While we are out and about in December visiting family
and friends, come January, we stop. It is almost like in January, we choose to isolate
ourselves when it is actually the last thing we should do. Our social
engagement is down, and more than in any other month, we are retreating to our
sofas binge-watching TV. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is the beautiful thing about crafting. You can choose to
do it alone or in a group. I visited the local yarn shop when I moved town and
scouted for knit and natter groups. Those open for new people to join usually
leave a Flyer in the yarn shop, and shop assistants generally know their clients very
well and can direct you. Some more technically minded groups
moved on to Zoom or other Conferencing Apps throughout the pandemic. My friends and I meet on Zoom once
a month or even fortnightly for a craft and natter evening. It has been a
virtual stronghold to cope with the loneliness many of us experienced during
the Lockdowns. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are many crafty things we can do to combat the January
blues. What are you doing in the coming weeks, and what project are you
currently working on. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your
project on Instagram. Tag me, @annascraftjournal. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Are you looking for a new project? Why not check out some of
my idea posts here.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">See you next time<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anna x<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0Cambridge, Vereinigtes Königreich52.205337 0.12181723.895103163821155 -35.034433 80.515570836178853 35.278067tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-61826314694969284092021-05-28T03:00:00.001-07:002021-05-28T03:00:00.187-07:003 Life Lessons I Learned From Crafting<p> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Crafting can be a messy time-intensive
affair. In the best-case scenario, you end up with a beautiful item you love and are
proud of. Worst case scenario, well, I think we all know. Yet, I don’t believe
that all the tears and work and time we pour into our project, even if it ends
up a craft fail, go without its impact. Whether we refined our skills and
learned how to improve our techniques or catch ourselves in old habits
with each craft we learn.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Inevitably learning skills and competencies in one area of life will translate
to skills and competencies in other life areas. There are many lessons of
life I learned through crafting. And though there are many to talk about, I
share with you 3 major life lessons I learned through crafting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read up on a topic.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Honestly, when was the last time you
informed yourself before you started anything? Understandably, some things are
more interesting than others. Some things seem easy to do. So, why should we
read up on things? Why should we look at the instructions before doing
something? Well, the answer is clearly and loudly going through your head right
now. We know what happens if you want to assemble the Flatpack while discarding
the instructions. It might go well, or quite regularly go all pear-shaped.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">More than once, I bought crafting
supplies and thought it was easy enough to wing it. Well, I can show you enough
proof of mishaps I could have avoided by just informing myself in advance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since I started reading up, informing
myself and reading instructions, my projects work out the process
work smoother, and I am quicker to create freely and be really creative with
the technique. It saves me time and patience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vpgNSYby9o/YHL1xRwew_I/AAAAAAAAQQU/mNCOXFxHZTA9WyMVDJBm-eUW0zDfnQjhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210411_135021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crafting taught me to read up on things I wanted to learn" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vpgNSYby9o/YHL1xRwew_I/AAAAAAAAQQU/mNCOXFxHZTA9WyMVDJBm-eUW0zDfnQjhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210411_135021.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be Patient.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I used to be the kind of person that
could not see a project to a finish, wait for the paint to dry or work on details.
The result was often messy, mostly a bit lacking and, well, unfinished. I can’t
count all the projects that fell apart because I couldn’t leave the glue to dry,
the fingerprints on painted boxes and surfaces because I wanted to continue
rather than wait for the paint to try. <br />
Over time, I learned to wait. There is nothing more frustrating than an
avoidable blemish on a project I like or having to redo everything. While
crafting, another inevitable lesson is that certain things just need time and left alone to work out. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While there is a need
to check the progress at times for some things, we need to put our impatience aside and wait
for some things to finish the process on their own. Constant checking, readjusting
and fiddling around won’t hasten the process but for sure will leave a mark on your
project. And then, a watched tea cattle never boils. So, I learned to put away
some of my projects overnight and continue working on them when the time is right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4_m3y9hkpw/YHL5VDz8WPI/AAAAAAAAQRU/8BkyKdlM6sgROEE_uMfegME1it6nehYcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210123_134956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of a failed attempt to cut glass bottles wiithout a saw" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4_m3y9hkpw/YHL5VDz8WPI/AAAAAAAAQRU/8BkyKdlM6sgROEE_uMfegME1it6nehYcACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210123_134956.jpg" title="Never give up trying and be patient with yourself. No matter what the outcome may be." /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never
give up.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some crafts can be incredibly
frustrating to learn. For me, it has always been crochet. I remember my mum desperate
to teach me when I was about eight years
old and how bored I was at the sheer never-ending strings of single stitches,
which my mum always judged to be irregular and thus not good enough to start on
perhaps easy but more interesting projects (We had the same drama with
embroidery and cross-stitch). What has changed now? My crochet work has by no
means improved in its quality. (Ok, maybe a little.) In fact, my granny recently inspected a scarf I
am working on and did not even need a second to see some mistakes in my
pattern. Still, I will see this scarf through because I am getting better with every new row, and my technique improves, and I am gaining confidence in the skill
I learned. I do not deny myself to advance and progress because my rows are
not perfect. I am starting, and I don’t need to be perfect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So whatever project and craft I start next,
I know it does not need to be perfect. Practise makes perfect, and I just need
to start.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What crafting mistakes have you made?
Do any of the lessons sound familiar to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am looking forward to reading your
comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you craft yourself, do not forget your
creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us share our ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some more <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7802576831241084777/5107036680348718196"><span style="color: blue;">home decor </span></a>ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-25428295389937684242021-05-21T03:00:00.001-07:002021-05-21T03:00:00.178-07:00Working with Epoxy Resin: My Experience as a beginner<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Epoxy Resin, for the longest time, had
this mysterious veil for me. I was intrigued to test it. Yet, I was afraid to
for fear of mixing it wrongly or creating irreparable damage. Eventually, I ventured
out to try casting Epoxy Resin. Mostly because my feed was flooded with all
sorts of things people created with it. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of
course, the first thing I made with resin was jewellery. You might have noticed
that I have an affinity for jewellery making. I create other things, but home décor
does not have the same pull on me that jewellery day has. Most of my random ideas
in my craft journal are jewellery related. Of course, I am trying to broaden my
interest. But jewellery comes with more intrinsic motivation most of the times.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bx4GPyueVE/YI_YQ_QExDI/AAAAAAAAQpc/dF2lQ9p0Hic_MSrHX7BgcfhwOXJz7lzeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210410_163219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bx4GPyueVE/YI_YQ_QExDI/AAAAAAAAQpc/dF2lQ9p0Hic_MSrHX7BgcfhwOXJz7lzeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210410_163219.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So here is what I learned so far:</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Preparing the Mixture</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In one of my recent blog posts, I talked
about how crafting helped me develop patience. When preparing the Epoxy-Resin For mixture, it will take some time to thoroughly mix the resin and the hardener. When this is done properly, I dared to put in pigment to give the mixture some
colour and other additives like glitter and gold leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also add them in little steps to achieve
the opacity and density of the glitter particles that I am exactly after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a quick process. It takes a little time
to get right. But taking the time is worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Casting the Epoxy Resin</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is so tempting casting the Epoxy Resin
mixture straight from the cup-like the people on Pinterest videos do. However,
with some forms of the more intricate forms in the moulds that I used. I ended
up with major air bubbles. There is a reason that most kits come with a pipette, and when I used it, the number of bubbles around the corners and edges went down
dramatically. Also, I experienced fewer spillovers which I needed to wipe away quickly
or cut away and sand when it’s dry. Doing that is a real piece of work, which, I
think everyone understands, I like to avoid if I can.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfg4pPZ9cRo/YI_YZ8N0SJI/AAAAAAAAQpg/SCJZDIdHQBsEQdCw4o1RkYxT-GwB9HaOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210410_163016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfg4pPZ9cRo/YI_YZ8N0SJI/AAAAAAAAQpg/SCJZDIdHQBsEQdCw4o1RkYxT-GwB9HaOACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210410_163016.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Letting it dry and working with it
after</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The hardest thing when letting the
cast Epoxy Resin dry, for me, is not to fiddle around with what is inside the resin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to trust that what I was planning for
my crafts is working out. I need to wait until the resin is fully set and dried
before taking it out of the mould. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgeE2jkFN6E/YI_YlO0-78I/AAAAAAAAQpo/_JmoDkw9ZRUR3rqHaoM2ZIvc-3XkQquygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210410_162819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgeE2jkFN6E/YI_YlO0-78I/AAAAAAAAQpo/_JmoDkw9ZRUR3rqHaoM2ZIvc-3XkQquygCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210410_162819.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Working with epoxy resin is no quick
craft. It will take some time. But the result is well worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have you worked with Epoxy Resin? What
have you created?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Why not share it with us on Instagram
#craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Crafting is easier when you share ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some DIY?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-36957347901008751092021-05-14T03:00:00.005-07:002021-05-14T03:00:00.207-07:00Craft: Roadmap Wallart<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I rent. So, there are only so many pictures I can hang. More
important than, that I absolutely love the art that is hanging on my walls.
This project now was on my mind for quite some time. I left Germany a couple of
years ago now, and I still miss it. I have an empty wall in my craft room that I
wanted to display something about me. So, I looked at all sorts of
prints and ideas when I stumbled over some websites offering roadmap prints of
cities. I could have quite easily entered my hometown, order it and hang it on
my wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am a crafter, and I found
every possible excuse to make it myself. I was never quite happy with the sizes
offered, the colours used and so on. Let’s face it, whatever my end result, it
will never be as good as a professionally done print. But it will have been my
accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something to hopefully
proudly say about: “I did it myself. It’s where I come from”. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zruHeeyhSTw/YHMJCFfVe9I/AAAAAAAAQRs/46cD2jSY1YkY7scKkPvvbVLvfMB9PguUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210410_153843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Roadmap Wall Art Homedecoration" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zruHeeyhSTw/YHMJCFfVe9I/AAAAAAAAQRs/46cD2jSY1YkY7scKkPvvbVLvfMB9PguUACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210410_153843.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Get a map for your roadmap art.</span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Getting a map was no easy task. As my hometown is not a tourist
attraction, though it really should be, getting hold of a sufficiently big and comprehensive map required some searching. Still, eventually, I
found a roadmap that met my expectations. It covers the entire region surrounding my hometown. I don’t think will add road names to
my art, but I would like it to be as detailed as possible. Having found the right map, the next question was on what
kind of canvas or to create the art. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">What to draw the roadmap wall art on.</span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The question of what sort of canvas the roadmap art was to be based
on came hand in hand with the question of what look I wanted to go for. When I
started planning this project, I wanted the art to seamlessly merge with the
wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could do that by using paper as
my basis and create a poster or acrylic glass. The Paper seemed to be too flimsy
and might not have the elevated feel I would like to see. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I did not want a frame around the art, as it would break the
seamless look I wanted to go for initially. However, after choosing the wall art size, I decided to purchase a picture frame with acrylic glass
because I would like to try both and see what fits best, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will stick to copying the street patterns
on the acrylic glass as it is easier. I won’t need a contraption of a sort to
have enough backlight to follow the street pattern on paper. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFb61X5z_Ns/YHMJg6Q5XJI/AAAAAAAAQR0/Nw2T2v4GjeMtj4X8yrfaDVONZbrOscxpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210409_152529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What I used for the roadmap art acrylic glas perspex permanent marker or sharpie a map and double-sided cellotape" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFb61X5z_Ns/YHMJg6Q5XJI/AAAAAAAAQR0/Nw2T2v4GjeMtj4X8yrfaDVONZbrOscxpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210409_152529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Copying the street pattern. </span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With every craft project, I assess eventual problems in advance.
For example, how to keep the map and glass always aligned so that the pattern
won’t shift or wobble. I decided to fix the glass on top of the map with double-sided cello tape. This way, the map is fixed in place while I might be still
able to see the patterns to follow around the edges of the glass. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Working on acrylic glass, I have some other considerations to make.
What pen will I be using? A wipeable pen might not hold the pattern for long,
especially if I can’t find a way to put a protective layer on top. Putting
something on top of a wipeable marker might again damage the pattern. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Using a permanent marker comes with its own risks. What can I do if the marker is accidentally smeared all over the surface or smudged in one
part? I will be working inside out, but what solution would there need to be if something goes wrong? A little research on the internet, and I think I have
some solutions to <a href="https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/remove-permanent-marker/" target="_blank">erasing permanent marker</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, I got all materials for the roadmap wall art ready and started.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy9oaEfnYNY/YHMKAmBWr_I/AAAAAAAAQR8/m0lS5DeVGeMoOOlnHrNNXSunKqTCCyIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210409_165151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="For my roadmap art I started tracing the streets in the top left hand corner and ended in the bottom right hand corner" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy9oaEfnYNY/YHMKAmBWr_I/AAAAAAAAQR8/m0lS5DeVGeMoOOlnHrNNXSunKqTCCyIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210409_165151.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">How to copy the street pattern.</span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When everything was set up, I wondered where to start. Several options
presented themselves. I could start from the top and work myself down. I could
start in the middle and work my way outwards in circles, like a mandala. I
could start with the main roads and then fill in the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I worked diagonally downwards, which means I started in the top
left corner and ended in the bottom right corner. Retrospectively, I would
start colouring areas first. I had a map of the entire region with cities and
villages, which I wanted to be coloured. I did it after I finished tracing the
roads, which created the need to retrace some parts. So, next time I would do
it the other way around. I would colour the areas I’d like to be highlighted
and then trace the roads. The double-sided cello-tape solution really worked quite
well. And as I finished the painting, I just stripped off the protection sheet on
the back of the Perspex. Done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y97Xqxo2oJk/YHMKgqcEP9I/AAAAAAAAQSE/cgSn0EMjOHEzUMBvX38JEv1GQgv7peKpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210410_152521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the finished roadmap art before I put it in the frame" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y97Xqxo2oJk/YHMKgqcEP9I/AAAAAAAAQSE/cgSn0EMjOHEzUMBvX38JEv1GQgv7peKpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210410_152521.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All in all, I am happy with how this piece came out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the time being, I chose to hang it with a frame.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I think the frame gives the
picture the needed finish and impact. If the picture's size had been
bigger, perhaps I would have been more confident about hanging it without a
frame. But I think that’s an idea for another time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">What is your favourite piece of art in your home?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
am looking forward to reading your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If
you craft yourself, do not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag
#craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let's share our ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Feel
free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog. How about some more </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7802576831241084777/6182631469496928409"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">home
decor </span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Until
I see you next time remember: Keep colourful and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-59059376851635377992021-05-07T03:00:00.001-07:002024-03-28T04:31:32.039-07:00Polymer Clay: Tipps for Beginners<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIn90ygCtj8/YI_WZ4cnrdI/AAAAAAAAQo8/QOIw4wyMoVQXprGFcPFD9ogN8smwNQdbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210417_172313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="making earrings with polymer clay or fimo" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIn90ygCtj8/YI_WZ4cnrdI/AAAAAAAAQo8/QOIw4wyMoVQXprGFcPFD9ogN8smwNQdbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210417_172313.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was when I started planning another jewellery craft that I got
into working with polymer clay. I am nowhere near mastering to form botanical
forms such as leaves, blossoms, and flowers, making my flower
hoop earrings. For the time being, I will find other solutions to creating them; stay tuned for this craft. Nonetheless, having a big white block of Fimo, I
started playing around creating different shapes and forms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Working with polymer clay takes some patience. It is by no means
sufficient to just roll it and cut it. The conditioning process is something
you must take seriously if you don’t want your creations to crumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when it’s done, the material is soft and mouldable.
You will be able to experience how versatile this material can be. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Granted, what I created today is simplistic and does not even begin
to display what you can do with polymer clay. But, it is a cute start to learn to handle the material and just get a start. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So here is what I made with polymer clay so far:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Earrings and Studs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The first time I played around with polymer clay, I used different
colours and cookie cutters to cut forms. It was interesting to see how
different coloured clays mix. I am most proud of the studs. They have this
pretty marbled effect that came from just a few mixing motions. I folded and stretched
the polymer clay bit only about two or three times and then cut a round shape which
I baked and glued on some stud poles. People who saw me wearing them generally
commented on how pretty the pattern looks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9s1BASw97XM/YI_WuJuqfeI/AAAAAAAAQpE/tgyCPMfuIlUHaBQ99V7LdYO2bqpcqWfRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210415_165621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9s1BASw97XM/YI_WuJuqfeI/AAAAAAAAQpE/tgyCPMfuIlUHaBQ99V7LdYO2bqpcqWfRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210415_165621.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Using the Extruder<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Making polymer clay bows<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Working with the extruder and forming shapes with perfectly shape
strings of polymer clay was good fun. Making bows took me a couple of attempts.
These are the best attempts, and they are not quite perfect yet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYHQDe3cLuo/YI_W5e386vI/AAAAAAAAQpI/ljRrkh0vH0Q3G1RSujIiml-VMGGpG650wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210418_120640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYHQDe3cLuo/YI_W5e386vI/AAAAAAAAQpI/ljRrkh0vH0Q3G1RSujIiml-VMGGpG650wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210418_120640.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Making Pretzels with polymer clay<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Making pretzel shapes has been rather tricky. After all, you can’t really
fling around the polymer clay like contestants in the Great British Bake Off do
with the dough. In the end, I just twirled the 2 strands of the string about in
the middle of the line. Then I fold the loose ends over towards the bow that
was under the twirl. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Braided Polymer Clay String.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I saw braided Polymer clay hoops on Instagram. Frankly, I needed
to try it myself. It proved to be trickier than I initially thought. Braiding
polymer clay strings is nothing like braiding. I could have known that, but
well, sometimes you must learn it the hard way. So, the first couple of times while braiding, the string got so thin that it broke. Eventually, I made
it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took cautious and slow
movement. But it worked!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heM9CXQSksM/YI_XJEwGoZI/AAAAAAAAQpU/vztdX3j1zT4fPHl8HhHV8JN1i-MnkXfqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LRM_20210415_171740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heM9CXQSksM/YI_XJEwGoZI/AAAAAAAAQpU/vztdX3j1zT4fPHl8HhHV8JN1i-MnkXfqACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/LRM_20210415_171740.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What would you make with polymer clay if you had the chance? What
are your recent (polymer clay) creations?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am looking forward to reading your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you created a button necklace yourself, do not
forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some more earrings?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-51070366803487181962021-02-07T10:21:00.001-08:002021-04-04T13:09:22.147-07:00How to make bath bombs easy and quick<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvSJ8RZ2jHE/YCAs6x2oGnI/AAAAAAAAP-8/t-XIui3JACIRVjsGa8rq5LdgYQB3KyGMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvSJ8RZ2jHE/YCAs6x2oGnI/AAAAAAAAP-8/t-XIui3JACIRVjsGa8rq5LdgYQB3KyGMACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ok. So, whenever I am in a WHSmiths be
it for cards or the post office, I am always dram to the craft magazine area. Of
course, one time I came home with an entire stack of craft magazines. Some
about beading others about how to make DIY beauty products. One idea was making
bath bombs. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is a multitude or
recipes around. Some very easy to make with what you already have at home some
more elaborate.</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, I scoured the internet for recipes
a little more advanced than baking soda and cornflour and a little less complex
than the generally beloved lush bath bombs.</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I stumbled over a <a href="https://fitasamamabear.com/why-how-to-make-your-own-bath-bombs/" target="_blank">recipe</a>, that seemed
easy enough and having tried it several times now, I would say bath bombs are
fairly easy to make and the results are quite nice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What I like with making bath bomb is
that I get to play around with essential oils and scents. There are so many combinations
for every sort of occasion and with every kind of effect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Personally, I like all sorts of citrus
scents, and I am a big fan of lavender and rose scents. Last week I mixed lavender,
eucalyptus and ylang ylang. It made for quite a nice scent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some tricks </span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLeJRcOta4E/YCAu7dzDweI/AAAAAAAAP_I/GnzMz84NZTEU6fHfFLqXTQuzAai2at2JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2B%2Bfill%2Bform.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLeJRcOta4E/YCAu7dzDweI/AAAAAAAAP_I/GnzMz84NZTEU6fHfFLqXTQuzAai2at2JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2B%2Bfill%2Bform.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I press some of the mixture into the forms
up to halfway then I fill up both forms and press them. This way I get out some
stable balls ready to use. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Cl2rM9Swu8/YCAvFrtLnxI/AAAAAAAAP_M/hMhdHnINAtgSzul6aWsc9Nq56YnHnLQ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2Bwet%2Band%2Bdry%2Bmixture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Cl2rM9Swu8/YCAvFrtLnxI/AAAAAAAAP_M/hMhdHnINAtgSzul6aWsc9Nq56YnHnLQ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2Bwet%2Band%2Bdry%2Bmixture.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I mix the dry ingredients and the wet
ingredients in separate bowls before mixing the contents of the bowls. I try to
be quick while mixing. It takes a while to mix everything thoroughly. Ideally the
mixture starts clumping up like wet sand as you press it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RmzjUEAN4s/YCAvf89CyVI/AAAAAAAAP_Y/m_6VkWGapnUAP0gxfDndCJjmo5H4c477wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2Bfinished.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RmzjUEAN4s/YCAvf89CyVI/AAAAAAAAP_Y/m_6VkWGapnUAP0gxfDndCJjmo5H4c477wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bbathbombs%2Bfinished.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What is your favourite scent in bathroom
products?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am looking forward to reading your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you craft yourself, do not
forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us share our ideas!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some more <a href="https://www.annascraftjournal.com/search/label/homedecor">home decor </a>ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-50199020472914582372021-01-30T09:14:00.002-08:002021-05-02T07:40:05.846-07:00How to Make Earrings. Easy and Quick<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNv7PzjOrzE/YBWTpvhYy_I/AAAAAAAAP7U/UQ8NDNoA34QrMi5SWO_YRXo-0pWnw7yCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bdifferent%2Btypes%2Bof%2Bearrings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNv7PzjOrzE/YBWTpvhYy_I/AAAAAAAAP7U/UQ8NDNoA34QrMi5SWO_YRXo-0pWnw7yCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bdifferent%2Btypes%2Bof%2Bearrings.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif">First time I started crafting beyond sticking glue together I made
jewellery. It, of course, started with stringing beads and adding clasps and jump
rings on the ends. Over time my techniques developed and became more elaborate.
I enjoyed making earrings. They are my favourite piece of jewellery. I have
many more of them than I can possibly wear. But I do not have enough. Do you know
this conundrum?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">With my increasing knowledge about all types of jewellery findings
I was able to make more and more jewellery and many different types of
earrings. Making jewellery seems to belong and complicated process at first.
But the 3 types of earrings I am going to show you are so easy to make and quick. I
think starting on these, you will get hooked into jewellery making.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Know which findings you need to make earrings:</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RreazTfqOYQ/YBWTO3AhbiI/AAAAAAAAP68/uXv9F32Pom8qcaBND_If0EFrk-7RzJ_oACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bearrings%2Bmaterial.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RreazTfqOYQ/YBWTO3AhbiI/AAAAAAAAP68/uXv9F32Pom8qcaBND_If0EFrk-7RzJ_oACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bearrings%2Bmaterial.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There are many earring findings you can use. I chose those finding
that you will most likely find in jewellery making kits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Kidney-Hooks</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qYj5wOiJUU/YBWTXuAmOeI/AAAAAAAAP7A/dDZbMkoJ-wwHKeV3gpTRv2610tI8pqjbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bearrings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qYj5wOiJUU/YBWTXuAmOeI/AAAAAAAAP7A/dDZbMkoJ-wwHKeV3gpTRv2610tI8pqjbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bearrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">They are ideal for charms. I added a drop-shaped bead to mine here.
Because the bead does not leave much wiggle room in the hook, I think this
combination makes for a nice organic looking earring.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hoops</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYgkb29qtKA/YBWTd14KXpI/AAAAAAAAP7E/LMgZUz6xB34ZGwKcrsy4FaPu_BQu53IogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2BHoop%2Bearrings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYgkb29qtKA/YBWTd14KXpI/AAAAAAAAP7E/LMgZUz6xB34ZGwKcrsy4FaPu_BQu53IogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/How%2Bto%2Bmake%2BHoop%2Bearrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When thinking of hoops, we never really think of more than just hoops.
Have you ever thought about decorating your hoops with beads and charms? On
these hoops, I just added a simple black wire bead. I think it adds a little
statement to otherwise normal boring hoops. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Plates</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LszD1Za2XG8/YBWTjicCW-I/AAAAAAAAP7M/F_crjtA_ymkAY_kmTbszXbqbMX5ABwBfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2BStud%2BEarrings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LszD1Za2XG8/YBWTjicCW-I/AAAAAAAAP7M/F_crjtA_ymkAY_kmTbszXbqbMX5ABwBfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Button%2BStud%2BEarrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I like working with plates. With a little bit of glue, you can
make so many different earrings. I chose to glue buttons on the plates this
time. Bottle caps work, too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What kind of earrings are you usually wearing? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I am looking forward to reading your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If you created earrings yourself, do not
forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some more jewellery ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-63962457485140279372021-01-22T09:00:00.004-08:002022-01-03T04:17:43.817-08:00Why Should You Start Crafting Now?<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGaZ8m3ONAE/YAiSsh9oLyI/AAAAAAAAPzc/PZE2nWYCNJA5VMqu-ObduPCDdpqDwmoTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Why%2BStart%2BCrafting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGaZ8m3ONAE/YAiSsh9oLyI/AAAAAAAAPzc/PZE2nWYCNJA5VMqu-ObduPCDdpqDwmoTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Why%2BStart%2BCrafting.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the start of the pandemic, what was starting to be a
major trend anyway got even bigger. I am not talking about Selfcare. Although,
I would argue, there is a strong case for crafting to be a form of self-care. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you started a craft, yet? Which one?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are multiple reasons to start crafting. Granted, it
won’t save you time or money. Crafting will not increase any convenience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if we stop measuring achievement in time
and money, we can gain so much more from what we do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reasons why to start crafting.</span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All the reasons I can think of can be put in 2 categories:
mental health and sustainability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sustainability</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I understand. We don’t save money knitting our jumpers and
by no means time. But crafting and making things ourselves changes the way we
think about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you knitted your
own jumper, you will never look at jumpers in the shop in the same way. I would
say gone are the days that you would have thrown away a jumper with a run or, a
shirt because the seams are opening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, think of the many things you can do with old clothes.
All the upcycles, thrift flips and recycles. By just sorting through what we
use before we throw it away, we both create and reduce waste. I saw beautiful
candle holders made from coke cans. There is no limit as to what we can use to
craft a thing. It’s up to our imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv9Bvgq0GbM/YAiTKAIrmCI/AAAAAAAAPzo/kfUcfjwpWOo-sz-5VOFZeQEGX-WdDijqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Start%2BCrafting%2BNow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv9Bvgq0GbM/YAiTKAIrmCI/AAAAAAAAPzo/kfUcfjwpWOo-sz-5VOFZeQEGX-WdDijqACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Start%2BCrafting%2BNow.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mental Health</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I know this past year everything has been about mental
health. But there is a reason there are whole therapies based on arts and
craft. The positive effect crafting can have on our mental health has been the
subject of many studies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The benefit of crafting is you can do them on your own, or
in a group. As an introverted person myself, I found it helpful to join the
local knit and natter group. Not all conversation is about your private life,
but about your current projects. You get to know people in your local
community while picking up some tricks from experienced crafters. It’s a way
to ease yourself into social situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can take part in the conversation and take pauses as you need them,
focusing on what you do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crafting can be a meditative task. Focusing our attention on
what we do takes our mind off negative feelings. We focus on something
productive, something we like, something we will be proudly showing off when
it’s finished. <br />
The best feeling comes when finishing a project. Increased self-esteem
building up with every project, even when it did not turn out the way you
wanted. We have this inherent need to be productive. And nothing will make you
feel more productive than creating something.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3GJcocvoA/YAiS9Vl3cjI/AAAAAAAAPzk/iSZvkoblZYQDqh66bGKdUE0e2zHh_DXeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Reasons%2Bto%2BCraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3GJcocvoA/YAiS9Vl3cjI/AAAAAAAAPzk/iSZvkoblZYQDqh66bGKdUE0e2zHh_DXeACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Reasons%2Bto%2BCraft.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So why start crafting now?</span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why not. We’re in a 3<sup>rd</sup> lockdown. We need something
other than, or at least in addition to Netflix. Something that will lift our
mood and make us feel productive, in another way than driving insane overtime
working from home. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you started a craft?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why not share it with us on Instagram #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crafting is easier when you share ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog. How about some
DIY?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful and craft more :-)</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-4210807833536751922021-01-15T03:00:00.002-08:002021-01-20T12:24:08.524-08:00How to Make a Hanging Gallery Wall<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXQjQtqwfT4/YAB0ziMTvgI/AAAAAAAAPtc/ZbI3RAoccgsoBor_8LKoEPk00j6drPseQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210114_154628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXQjQtqwfT4/YAB0ziMTvgI/AAAAAAAAPtc/ZbI3RAoccgsoBor_8LKoEPk00j6drPseQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210114_154628.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I live in a rental property. The number
of pictures I can hang is limited (No gallery wall in my flat). So, I needed to
find a different solution to hang my family photos. Wall space was off the
limits. I thought of different ways of displaying them. They were too small to
put them on the floor. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Putting them on
the window ceils means high risk of knocking them over because I am continually
clumsy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I put every picture I could on
sideboards and shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I needed
something to display my not quite embellished Ikea Picture frames. Then I
remembered a gift I was given some years ago. It was two picture frames fastened
to a pole with some screw eyes and ribbon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When we moved furniture around in our
living room, I found the solution. It is a curtain rail we do not use because
the window is too narrow to put a curtain on it. But it is there, so, why not
use it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: large;">Here is what I used:</span></span></h3><div><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -7.1pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Frames (the ones
I used were from <a href="https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/fiskbo-frame-light-blue-30464705/" target="https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/fiskbo-frame-light-blue-30464705/">Ikea</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -7.1pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Screw eyes <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -7.1pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ribbon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -7.1pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paint<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 7.1pt; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: large;">How I made the hanging gallery wall:</span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First, I lay down every frame the way I wanted
to hang them. Then I marked the screw placement on all frames, so they are as centred
and equally spaced as possible. Ideally, all of them sit exactly underneath each
other. That was the ribbon will hang straight down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then I put the screw eyes in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9cVkt6wq7s/YAB7bTbbfXI/AAAAAAAAPts/j6OX5tyAq-Mxvzk9qdoiudh23xZIJTCjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210111_155213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9cVkt6wq7s/YAB7bTbbfXI/AAAAAAAAPts/j6OX5tyAq-Mxvzk9qdoiudh23xZIJTCjACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210111_155213.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the frames are coated, I would suggest priming
the frames. I had some trouble getting the acrylic paint to stick to the frame
and provide coverage. I used black paint because of the contrast I wanted to create,
and other colours just do not fit my living room colours.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBJZZn7td1E/YAB7bYGzWnI/AAAAAAAAPtw/iQGaSoZDzQkZKNk0B3XkLEdozok4RhbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210114_151553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBJZZn7td1E/YAB7bYGzWnI/AAAAAAAAPtw/iQGaSoZDzQkZKNk0B3XkLEdozok4RhbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210114_151553.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To tie them together I use some ribbon. I was
thinking about Jute cord as well, but I think a bit of a broader line to
connect than a cord struck more with my style and how I wanted the hanging frame
to look like.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EarOOfVQO_U/YAB7w_EHX5I/AAAAAAAAPt8/xRJrrneZRS0itsTkCOQmuOI8ufPML-tSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210114_152210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EarOOfVQO_U/YAB7w_EHX5I/AAAAAAAAPt8/xRJrrneZRS0itsTkCOQmuOI8ufPML-tSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210114_152210.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><h3 style="margin-left: 7.1pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display"; font-size: x-large;">How you could variate a hanging gallery wall</span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With jute, macrame or any other cord, you could
create a very pretty, vintage, shabby chic kind of look perhaps bind some flowers
and use some used or vintage effect paint.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 7.1pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You could hang the pictures from a simple wooden
dowel. Or you could use an old branch or even driftwood would look cute. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be hung from a ribbon or cord. You
could bind it around the wood or put some screw eyes in to fasten it to. In any
case, I would put the screws in or bind the ribbon in the far ends to balance
the structure better. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is a straightforward DIY that
really makes a difference. Most time it takes to make it is for the paint to
dry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What is your most creative way of
displaying pictures?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
I would love to read about your thoughts in the comments!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you created a hanging gallery wall yourself, do
not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about <a href="https://www.annascraftjournal.com/2020/11/https//www.annascraftjournal.com/diy-and-upcycle-suitcase-table.html.html" target="_blank">suitcase tables</a>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-41045414171751666342021-01-09T01:41:00.007-08:002021-01-13T10:00:53.378-08:00Craft: How to Make a Button Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cr_DIQfoJpI/X_l1cBIMRbI/AAAAAAAAPkw/Geb_FuB9jMkxqPpHgjOy4yv1R0_RtZfAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2BCreate%2Ba%2BButton%2BNecklace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cr_DIQfoJpI/X_l1cBIMRbI/AAAAAAAAPkw/Geb_FuB9jMkxqPpHgjOy4yv1R0_RtZfAACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2BCreate%2Ba%2BButton%2BNecklace.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I love buttons. I love them so much, that I wear them. And while buttoned blouses and skirts are part
of my wardrobe. I am more of a jewellery kind of girl. Most button jewellery
as statement pieces. I have some statement button jewellery, which I adore.
But sometimes statement jewellery is a bit much. So, I started making more subtle button jewellery. The idea was to still wear buttons but making
them look like a pearl necklace. I wanted a simple, perhaps even minimalistic
piece of jewellery with buttons. And I wanted more than a button on a string or
a chain.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There had to be some middle ground. Not too many buttons and not
just one either. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With the technique, I use for button hearts and some basic
jewellery making skills, I came up with this Craft. Like with the button heart
the buttons will not flip around. And because I use wire for the necklace will keep
its form and not move around.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I received so many compliments for my necklaces and made many for
friends and family. Because you can choose the buttons you use the options are
endless. Your necklace can be bright and colourful or laidback or classic. Why
not incorporate vintage buttons, buttons from your (grand-)parents or buttons
from beloved old dresses?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is an easy and quick project. One necklace takes me less than
half an hour to make.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the result is simple, yet impactful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is what you need for your button necklace with a length of
about 40 cm (16”)</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpoWswFib10/X_l3ok9n6CI/AAAAAAAAPlM/Rps-yYvOECggWsf_msJyAqSBJBjvEV-7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1890/Button%2BNecklace%2BMaterial.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1890" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpoWswFib10/X_l3ok9n6CI/AAAAAAAAPlM/Rps-yYvOECggWsf_msJyAqSBJBjvEV-7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Button%2BNecklace%2BMaterial.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-wire (diameter 0,4mm or less)
about 1,25 meters<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-buttons<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-beads<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-crimps<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-clamps<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-lobster clasp<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-adjustment chain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p style="font-weight: normal;">How to make a button necklace</o:p></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span>First of I fold the wire in half and secure this end of the
necklace with a crimp bead and a clamp. Then I put the first bead down on both
wires.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From here I alternate button - bead, button - bead and so on.</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The buttons of the necklace are put on the wire the same way they
are in the button heart hanger. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A 2-whole button<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxDRoF_BFGg/X_l4io5g74I/AAAAAAAAPlU/bolrtvjIL4cKO7iixCNRnTzFyQKdb6kCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210108_150807.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxDRoF_BFGg/X_l4io5g74I/AAAAAAAAPlU/bolrtvjIL4cKO7iixCNRnTzFyQKdb6kCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210108_150807.jpg" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A 4-whole button<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqMtSi4eEEw/X_l4xJQs0XI/AAAAAAAAPlY/964xCaNcMLcC-T4COn3dZtclEe4-8DrMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210108_150950.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqMtSi4eEEw/X_l4xJQs0XI/AAAAAAAAPlY/964xCaNcMLcC-T4COn3dZtclEe4-8DrMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210108_150950.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I alternate buttons and beads until my necklace has the needed length.
The last item on the necklace should be a bead. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4D4vKnMp7s/X_l45qQPOJI/AAAAAAAAPlg/PaDAAebXu8YHz_ePkipSmzYPKMBoILC3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210108_154130.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4D4vKnMp7s/X_l45qQPOJI/AAAAAAAAPlg/PaDAAebXu8YHz_ePkipSmzYPKMBoILC3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210108_154130.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then I put the clamp and the crimp bead on and close both. After
trimming the wire down I fix the lobster
clasp and the adjustment chain to the clamps on either side of the necklace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JES9HFlh_Tk/X_l5ElXVcNI/AAAAAAAAPlo/aUMFk93NgGoJKftMm3ADI4x920ZDZ3ULACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210108_154507.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JES9HFlh_Tk/X_l5ElXVcNI/AAAAAAAAPlo/aUMFk93NgGoJKftMm3ADI4x920ZDZ3ULACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210108_154507.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That is it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is such a versatile and
quick craft. The variations are literally endless. Check out my Instagram for
some inspirations!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Have you already tried to make a button heart
hanger? What is your favourite piece of jewellery?<br />
I would love to read about your thoughts in the comments<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you created button necklace yourself, do not
forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some more jewellery ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-41616041161619735892020-11-06T11:11:00.015-08:002021-01-13T09:59:42.563-08:00Craft: Jewellery Simple Netted Necklace<p class="MsoNormal">This netted bead necklace pattern has been with me my entire
crafting journey. My first dips into crafting were with jewellery making. I strung
some beads on a string and I was hooked. Granted, my repertoire of techniques
has certainly expanded. But putting beads on a string makes for a quick craft
with very pretty results. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lrmu7_f5t0/X-3u9rw1UYI/AAAAAAAAPSA/XyadI6M0gKMFzHv4khNRR7MUNVxZatzLgCPcBGAsYHg/s4000/20201230_143816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lrmu7_f5t0/X-3u9rw1UYI/AAAAAAAAPSA/XyadI6M0gKMFzHv4khNRR7MUNVxZatzLgCPcBGAsYHg/s16000/20201230_143816.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This netted necklace will take you a little longer. It took me
about 3 hours or so. Ok, I was working slowly. Too distracted watching Bridgerton,
which lead to some mistakes. Then I had to undo the pattern and start again from
there. It is not a glorious story of jewellery making on my part, but that is what
my afternoon was like. And what better way to spend the cold dark afternoons of
the holidays while you are in lockdown. Coffee, crafts and Netflix are what I
will choose anytime. <o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">So here is what I used</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AR70ISBATM/X-8sa7RCESI/AAAAAAAAPak/gVj4jCJRXJctCHOm1MIrD7f-Rc18XftTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1890/Material.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1890" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AR70ISBATM/X-8sa7RCESI/AAAAAAAAPak/gVj4jCJRXJctCHOm1MIrD7f-Rc18XftTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/Material.png" width="320" /></a></div>The pattern construction was a bit of a challenge. I based it on a
pattern I found years ago in a book and built it from memory. Some end results were
not coming out as I imagined. (Lookout on my Instagram for those.) But I kept trying
until I had the pattern down and working. And here is the pattern:<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I worked on 2 Strands. There are tutorials on how to do it with
one. But I think two strands are easier to work with. The shorter strand needs
to be long enough to go around the neck and will serve as a base. The long strand
is about 4 times the length of your base length. This should just be enough to create
the netted pattern<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qK2faoOvq0/X-8sNS1dmuI/AAAAAAAAPag/z0U3-E0KhxwHFbAoxl9IJDJd7ev25YjagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Netted%2Bchain%2Bnecklace%2B%2Bgrafik%2Bplan%2Bchart%2Bjewellery%2Bbeading.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qK2faoOvq0/X-8sNS1dmuI/AAAAAAAAPag/z0U3-E0KhxwHFbAoxl9IJDJd7ev25YjagCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h180/Netted%2Bchain%2Bnecklace%2B%2Bgrafik%2Bplan%2Bchart%2Bjewellery%2Bbeading.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">With a crimp bead and a clamp, I fastened both strands at one end
and added a jump ring and a lobster clasp. Then strung beads on the shorter
strand and secured it with a stitch marked. Because putting a clamp and crimp
bead do not always fit over a knotted beading string, I used a stitch marker so
I can easily undo the knot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I will talk about braids and loops now. They might not be the most
accurate technical terms. But they describe what I mean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FJmxS_xrnQ/X-8v8ULdXkI/AAAAAAAAPbM/uIJiHmLoGAAZWA4J5_Ho3TAgRO2blNlFACLcBGAsYHQ/s672/Netted%2Bchain%2Bnecklace%2B%2Bgrafik%2Bplan%2Bchart%2Bjewellery%2Bbeading.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FJmxS_xrnQ/X-8v8ULdXkI/AAAAAAAAPbM/uIJiHmLoGAAZWA4J5_Ho3TAgRO2blNlFACLcBGAsYHQ/w124-h320/Netted%2Bchain%2Bnecklace%2B%2Bgrafik%2Bplan%2Bchart%2Bjewellery%2Bbeading.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As you see, every braid is made up of loops. I highlighted the connecting
beads. The connecting beads in a loop connect two braids.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I found that keeping the connecting beads spaced between an even
number helped me to get the ratio and pattern right more easily. Of course, you
can increase the number of beads between the connecting beads. As a beginner, I
would recommend this: Keep the number of beads in one loop the same, as well in
that row. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you do not you might find it difficult to create a neat, netted
pattern. Or you might find string exposed or the pattern gathering at one part
in a way that makes the necklace not sit quite right on the neck.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Colour-wise, I chose to use a different colour for every connecting
bead. Of course, using one colour will give the necklace a lovely lacey look. You could also use completely different</p><p class="MsoNormal">beads as connecting beads. There are those beads in the middle of the last loop
you could easily replace with a drop-shaped bead or any other bead to add some
more eye-catching elements and length. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What I like with this netted necklace pattern is, that it gives you
some freedoms. Starting with the necklace your braids do not need to be made of
three loops. You can start with one loop followed by a braid of two loops and
so on. The length of the braids can be increased by adding more loops. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When I finished the netted pattern, I loosened the knot and stitch
marker strung the clamp and then the crimp bead. Fastened the crimp and then
the clamp and attached the adjustment chain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That is it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever dipped your toes into jewellery making? What is your
favourite piece of jewellery?<br />
I would love to read about your thoughts in the comments<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">If you created netted bead necklace yourself, do
not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this
blog. How about some <a href="https://www.annascraftjournal.com/search/label/Upcycle">Upcycles</a>?<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful
and craft more :-)<o:p></o:p></p><p></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-25659230939365397102020-11-06T11:08:00.005-08:002021-12-30T06:25:45.074-08:00DIY and Upcycle Suitcase Table<p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMDBMOvgtoU/X6WeUK97cWI/AAAAAAAAOqs/vu-h5NjS0VcfE6-yADf3TUsvSycbvW-CwCPcBGAsYHg/s1080/Instagram%2B2%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMDBMOvgtoU/X6WeUK97cWI/AAAAAAAAOqs/vu-h5NjS0VcfE6-yADf3TUsvSycbvW-CwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/Instagram%2B2%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">In the process of decorating my craft room, I thought hard
about ways to store my current knitting and craft projects. There is an
abundance of project storage inspiration only, but I was not so keen on the
traditional baskets and sewing boxes. As my craft room must work as an office and
guest room at the same time, something more like a side table had to be found.
It was then, as I roamed the local antique store that the idea struck me. I saw
the most beautiful red suitcases. There is an abundance of suitcase table
inspiration on Pinterest. So, I bought them to create multi-use suitcase
tables.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZJLXYn6J4/X6WefhDvhLI/AAAAAAAAOqw/QT84ETXFlYEqa0A1hEhpPe9PzLfFQi45gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Instagram%2B1%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZJLXYn6J4/X6WefhDvhLI/AAAAAAAAOqw/QT84ETXFlYEqa0A1hEhpPe9PzLfFQi45gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Instagram%2B1%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Getting the Material</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Coming home, I immediately assessed my purchase. Both
suitcases were made of cardboard. This meant some issues with their stability
could occur if I just put them on legs. I found the solution to this problem on
YouTube as one crafter used a sheet of plywood to reinforce the bottom
structure of her suitcase table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
solution though would be a little too heavy for the lid of the suitcase lid. As
the suitcase lid was too wobbly to function as a tabletop on its own, I purchased
some thick cardboard. This is a lighter alternative to plywood and proofs to be
equally as stable in the end. The kind of legs was more of a style issue to me.
Some table legs are easier to install than others. However, as my desk rests on
hairpin legs, I decided that the suitcase table legs will do so, too. This
saves me time finding the right wood colour or, stain to keep the coherent look
of the room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To give the inside of the
suitcases a renewed cover I got some extra fabric. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArUt2BKm0VQ/X6WemGlHM-I/AAAAAAAAOq4/mSCobJ5_lpsZ5nahR3fQrBqZyJNF8025wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Instagram%2B3%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArUt2BKm0VQ/X6WemGlHM-I/AAAAAAAAOq4/mSCobJ5_lpsZ5nahR3fQrBqZyJNF8025wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Instagram%2B3%2BSuitcase%2BTable.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Assembling the suitcase table</span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Assembling the tables proved a little difficult when you are
on your own. I do not have a saw and living in a rental, I do not really have
to opportunity to cut the sheet of wood to size, I ordered it a bit smaller
than the suitcases. It takes a bit more time to measure the suitcases and
centre the sheets. But it made it possible to build them with some sort of
stability. The wood sheet is placed inside the compartment. You can place the
suitcases on the sheet with the legs directly screwed on the plywood. But, I
wanted to give the illusion that the suitcase is directly placed on the legs. I
measured and predrilled the wholes. So, screwing the legs suitcase and plywood
together was easier as I could make sure everything is in place and exactly put
together as I wanted. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When screwing everything
together, I recommend help. With the bigger suitcase, I asked my husband to hold
the legs up, while I put the screws in. This way, I was able to hold up the
sheet of plywood while putting the screws in. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Then I started covering the inner compartment of the
suitcase with some fabric and cut 2 sheets of cardboard per suitcase to size,
covering them with the fabric as well. One sheet of cardboard I glued to the
lid of the suitcase to create a stable surface to use as a table. I used the
second sheet to cover up the plywood sheet inside.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjM6LmCsTK4/X6We09H2vVI/AAAAAAAAOrA/qpER6q1cJKk95LyBcShK8qVkpK03JsVyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/PIN%2B3%2BSuitcase%2BTable%2BDIY%2BCraft%2Bidea%2Binspiration.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjM6LmCsTK4/X6We09H2vVI/AAAAAAAAOrA/qpER6q1cJKk95LyBcShK8qVkpK03JsVyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PIN%2B3%2BSuitcase%2BTable%2BDIY%2BCraft%2Bidea%2Binspiration.png" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">All in all, I am so happy with my suitcase tables. They look
cool and fit the style of my craft room perfectly. And best of all, they are
multifunctional, so I can store my current projects and craft supplies in them,
while everything looks put together and tidy, if guests are staying in this
room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">What are your recent craft projects? Have you had a go at
building furniture pieces yourselves? Let’s help each other getting some
inspiration for craft ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.5px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">If you created netted bead necklace yourself, do not forget your creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.5px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog. How about some <a href="https://www.annascraftjournal.com/search/label/craft">Crafts</a>?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.5px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.5px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Until I see you next </span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">time remember: Keep colourful and craft more :-)</span></p>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802576831241084777.post-44840476534287239342020-11-06T11:02:00.012-08:002021-01-13T09:58:55.963-08:00Craft: How to make cute handmade button hearts <p class="MsoNormal">I remember the first time my fascination for buttons flared
up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was my mum’s button jar that I would regularly open it to
inspect the beautiful spare buttons collected over the years. Ever since I have
a fascination with buttons. They are my favourite objects to craft with. One of
my most done crafts is button hearts, which make a lovely wall or hanging decoration.
They are cute and versatile and it will take only about 10 minutes to make one. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXzRu6FmF0k/X-36f5oFPuI/AAAAAAAAPV8/fcCIRsj9RBoVO2gY77n4_m5dFFpmHKbhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2BHeart%2BEnd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Button heart" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXzRu6FmF0k/X-36f5oFPuI/AAAAAAAAPV8/fcCIRsj9RBoVO2gY77n4_m5dFFpmHKbhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Button%2BHeart%2BEnd.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">What you need</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VKwDMuYC4k/X-36SpDkn1I/AAAAAAAAPVg/YMkXR1ynEK8vwmi3w6iEdMbYMgoecjngwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2BHeart%2BMaterial%2BTonges%2Band%2Bwire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Button heart material" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VKwDMuYC4k/X-36SpDkn1I/AAAAAAAAPVg/YMkXR1ynEK8vwmi3w6iEdMbYMgoecjngwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/Button%2BHeart%2BMaterial%2BTonges%2Band%2Bwire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><o:p> <br /></o:p>How to make a buttonheart</span></h3><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are many ways to wire up the buttons. The following is
the most stable way in my experience as well as the most formable. Depending on the site of the base circle, you can form a multitude of shapes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cut the wire to about 2 ½ times the length of your preferred
size of the heart and fold it in the middle.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adM8rtQgCMY/X-3675eRYOI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/i2cvDm3drSEdkeueBOOOX65_VYVRl7HfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2BHeart%2BLin%2BUp%2Band%2B3times%2Bwire%2Blength.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adM8rtQgCMY/X-3675eRYOI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/i2cvDm3drSEdkeueBOOOX65_VYVRl7HfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Button%2BHeart%2BLin%2BUp%2Band%2B3times%2Bwire%2Blength.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With a 2 whole button put both ends through one whole from
the back of the button. Then put the ends back from the front into the opposite
hole and pull tight.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZegbCNccxI/X-37GXRH8kI/AAAAAAAAPWY/_f8kgfCnIQsSrtMzrk2s5ujuNC33wBGjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2Bheart%2Bwire%2Bup%2B2%2Bhole%2Bbutton%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZegbCNccxI/X-37GXRH8kI/AAAAAAAAPWY/_f8kgfCnIQsSrtMzrk2s5ujuNC33wBGjACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/Button%2Bheart%2Bwire%2Bup%2B2%2Bhole%2Bbutton%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A 4 whole button offers more options. The following is the one
I like the best. From the back of the button put the ends through the diagonally opposite
2 wholes. Then put the ends back from the front into the opposite hole and
pull tight.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3dxV-4WfE0/X-37aZLdViI/AAAAAAAAPWk/W1p7JmjOa-8RkN_UcuinHgIC2tc0GbFWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2Bheart%2Bwire%2Bup%2B4%2Bhole%2Bbutton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3dxV-4WfE0/X-37aZLdViI/AAAAAAAAPWk/W1p7JmjOa-8RkN_UcuinHgIC2tc0GbFWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Button%2Bheart%2Bwire%2Bup%2B4%2Bhole%2Bbutton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal">Repeat these steps for the entire length of the wire until
about 2 cm of wire is left.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To connect both ends to a circle repeat the same steps of
adding a button to the first button you put on a wire. Then I tie each end
around the line and cut any bits standing away. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loWtkk5nyog/X-37t-EXBeI/AAAAAAAAPWs/4YlkYtT6FCAloq9T6aT8M6rOflfDEZP8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2020/button%2Bheart%2Bend%2Bconnect%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bcircle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2020" data-original-width="1515" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loWtkk5nyog/X-37t-EXBeI/AAAAAAAAPWs/4YlkYtT6FCAloq9T6aT8M6rOflfDEZP8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/button%2Bheart%2Bend%2Bconnect%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bcircle.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZm1fF4gpK8/X-37uWV_OSI/AAAAAAAAPWw/3oKQK3BwNdMChA63yFUEsN9IKNzYWga3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Button%2Bheart%2Bend%2Bfrom%2Bback.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZm1fF4gpK8/X-37uWV_OSI/AAAAAAAAPWw/3oKQK3BwNdMChA63yFUEsN9IKNzYWga3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Button%2Bheart%2Bend%2Bfrom%2Bback.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">To form the heart, I bend the button circle to create two
strands of buttons. While I fix one end, I push the other down to create a dip.
Then I just pull the strands apart and form them to create a nice heart shape. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkwjDfpt5MY/X-374bV6rSI/AAAAAAAAPW0/DQAtbF3CNLUTeAHjkcTvf7Eh7xAKa2xtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201219_123013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkwjDfpt5MY/X-374bV6rSI/AAAAAAAAPW0/DQAtbF3CNLUTeAHjkcTvf7Eh7xAKa2xtACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201219_123013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">To hang your button heart, you can tie some ribbon or cord either
in the middle or to each side of the dip. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think it makes such a nice little gift for baby showers
weddings, dinner invitation. Because you can use any button, these hearts are
so customisable that you can make one that almost anyone will find nice.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What is your favourite button experience? What craft do you
usually do with buttons?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you created a button heart yourself, don’t forget your
creation on Instagram with the hashtag #craftjournaler<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Feel free to roam about and find more ideas on this blog.
How about simple <a href="https://www.annascraftjournal.com/2020/11/craft-button-hearts-walldecoration-and.html">jewellery making</a>?<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Until I see you next time remember: Keep colourful and craft
more :-)<o:p></o:p></p><p></p><br /><br /></div></div>Anna Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664941436463556090noreply@blogger.com0