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How to make Tartan baubles...


Bored with last years baubles?  Tree looking bare?  Here's a quick and easy bauble idea.  Cut 2 cm wide strips of fabric.  Preferably cut diagonally across the bias of the fabric to make them stretchy.
Then simply wrap the strips around a polystyrene foam ball until it's completely covered, securing each end of the strip with glue.
Make a hanger with a length of narrow ribbon pinned into the foam ball with a pin.

The tartan I've used is Culloden Ancient Light Weight from Lochcarron of Scotland .   You can visit their website on this link and feast your eyes on their huge range of tartans on their tartan finder page.

Disclaimer:  I was gifted the tartan by Lochcarron of Scotland but wasn't paid to write this post.   Opinions and content are my own.

Chalk Pens offer code...


I've been sent some chalk pens for free from Chalkola.  I've had a quick try of them decorating these chalkboard baubles from Hobbycraft.  I found they work better than traditional dusty chalk, There's much more staying power but the chalk can still be easily erased with a wet cloth.  I haven't tried any other chalk pens so cannot compare or review them properly.
Check them out for yourself on the Chalkola Website http://www.chalkola.com/

They're available to buy from Amazon, both sets include a white pen.



As well as the free chalkboard markers I was sent an offer code to share with my followers so if you'd like some then feel free to use this offer code (valid at time of writing) that gives you 20% discount on Chalkola products.

20% Off on Amazon - Coupon Code -> 20OFFSTR

For ideas to use chalk pens and chalkboard paint checkout my Chalkboard Art board on Pinterest



Disclaimer:  I was gifted these pens and voucher by Chalkola for free.  I was under no obligation to write this post and didn't or will not receive any payment or commission.  Opinions and images are my own.

Tartan Tablet sleeve...


Looking for a handmade gift idea?  How about a quick and easy padded tablet/gadget sleeve?  It's so easy to make.  All you need is a lovely fabric, a bit of felt/fleece and some basic sewing skills,  Takes just minutes to stitch on a sewing machine but you could stitch it by hand.


I've added a tab closure with a button and buttonhole and used the selvedge edge of the fabric as a feature .  But a closure isn't absolutely necessary if it's a snug fit the gadget won't slip out.
I've not had time to photograph a step-by-step tutorial to make my sleeve but I'm planning to add it later.  In the meantime there's a link to a very similar one on this Pin



The tartan I've used is Culloden Ancient Light Weight from Lochcarron of Scotland .   You can visit their website on this link and feast your eyes on their huge range of tartans on their tartan finder page.

Disclaimer:  I was gifted the tartan by Lochcarron of Scotland but wasn't paid to write this post.   Opinions and content are my own.

#PHWinterWorkshop A box for @GOSH ...


Parclehero's Winter Workshop  is a Christmas charity campaign now in it's second year raising money Great Ormond Street Hospital.
I was one of the craft bloggers approached to decorate and fill a wooden box with a handmade gift to be auctioned off on eBay.
You can read all about it on the campaign page here


I covered the box with paper, decorated the lid with a paper bow and filled it with a pair of handknitted (by me!) cotton wrist warmers.
I'm pleased to say my box got quite a few bids and is now sold.  But, at the time of writing, there are still some more boxes available to bid on. Check them out on this link

Christmas Cardmaking tricks with basic craft supplies...


Featured in  issue 132 of Quick Cards Made Easy
Working against the clock to finish your Christmas cards?  Supplies running low ? Worry no more I've three card designs to share that are all made with just basic supplies that most card makers will have in their craft box.
Two pearl buttons, a piece of bakers twine and paper scraps become a cute little snowman that's dressed to impress.

Featured in issue 118 of Quick Cards Made Easy
Bakers twine, gems and sequins become a sparkling Christmas tree.

Featured in issue 43 of Craftseller 
Ribbon bows and punched paper circles become stylish 3D baubles.

How to make tartan Christmas decorations...


These rustic Christmas tree decorations are so simple to make. Stitch them by hand, with a sewing machine or for the no-sew option, stick them with fabric glue or iron-on hemming tape.



First make a triangular template from card, lay it on your fabric and cut out two triangles.



Place one on top of the other and pin in place trapping a short piece of ribbon at the top for a hanger.



Stitch/stick together leaving a small opening to put in the stuffing and cinnamon stick. Cut back the seam allowance with pinking shears.



Place a small amount of stuffing and a cinnamon stick inside and stitch up the opening.

This beautiful tartan fabric is Culloden Ancient Light Weight from Lochcarron of Scotland .   You can visit their website on this link and feast your eyes on their huge range of tartans on their tartan finder page.

For more tartan craft ideas check out my Tartan Talk Pinterest board



Disclaimer:  I was gifted this fabric by Lochcarron of Scotland but wasn't paid to write this post.   Opinions and content are my own.