I Love Crafty

Crafty Cleverness - Suits you!

2012-02-22T04:22:00.010-08:00

Get ready to raid charity shops and car boot sales looking for old suitcases.

These are some of my favourite new uses for something that you might use only a few times.

Enjoy!

Cute suit case chair! Add chair legs and comfy cushions to make a unique piece.

Fab shelves made by taking the case apart and nailing both sides to the wall. Sweet!

I love this bedside table made with different coloured cases topped with a chunky framed mirror, genius!

Ready to go picnic!

Use your old cases as draws in a tall chest of draws.

Use them as handy storage tables by adding legs from old scratched tables.

Make your dog a thrown fit for a king! Use old stool legs and a comfy cushion with vintage fabric! Use the cases inside pocket for his toys, maybe even paste some pics of his favourite walk inside!

Get organised by making little compartments for your crafty bits. An instant craft business on the go!

Hope you enjoyed these fab ideas! Enjoy being crafty!

XXX

Happy Days - Discount for Bloggers!

2012-02-17T08:14:00.005-08:00

To celebrate adding lots more fab jewellery to my Etsy Shop that you can visit here

Exclusively for visitors to my blog I'm giving you 15% off ALL pieces of jewellery like these:

The code is: BLOGLOVEILC

Macaron Earrings

Happily Ever After Necklace

Perfectly Pink Macaroon Ring

Happy shopping!

XXX

Sneak Peek at the "Curiouser and Curiouser" collection

2012-02-15T07:50:00.004-08:00

New for 2012 the "Curiouser and Curiouser" jewellery collection is inspired by rustic victorian charm, secret places and Alice in Wonderland.

Take a sneak peek at my making process.

XXX

We have a Winner!

2012-02-12T13:33:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Valentines giveaway and the winer is

......................

............................

Mrs Sketchley!

Congrats to this lovely lady and thanks again to all who entered!

xxx

Puppy Love!

2012-02-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

Its nearly Valentines so here's some pics to get you in the mood as well as a rather fun alternative Valentines present!

Ooh la la!

A gorgeously romantic skirt!

For a different kind of Valentines present why not make a romantic fort for 2!

You'll need:

*Blankets or lots of fabric

*pillows

*a cozy corner

*string to hang the fabric

By Design Sponge

Make a simple paper heart garland to decorate your romantic fort!

Have a lovely Valentines weekend and day!

XXX

give me all your love...and some presents too!

2012-02-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Just a little Valentines inspiration!

XXX

Fairytales Do come True

2012-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

Some sweet pictures to mews over, daydreaming about fairytales.

Ooo and prince Charming at the end!

XXX

Facebook giveaway

2012-02-06T04:13:00.001-08:00

Giveaway time! To say thanks for helping me get to 400 likes I'm giving away this gorgeous pair of rose bud earrings and glittery heart ring!

To enter just 'like' this link on my facebook page here then go on http://www.ilovecrafty.co.uk/ and tell me your favourite piece of jewellery!

Easy! Good luck!

Winner will be chosen on 19th February.

XXX

Whoops! Macaroons gone wrong

2012-02-01T03:04:00.000-08:00

Things don't always work out the way you planned.

At times like this it's good to remember,

"Real girls aren't perfect, perfect girls aren't real."

I've got no idea how I did it but I've now tried to make macaroons twice and both times I've made....

Looking at some vids on you tube I think I didn't beat the eggs enough..

It's amazing what chocolate frosting and sprinkles can do!

I felt a bit defeated after doing it twice but hopefully third time lucky!

XXX

London Calling!

2012-01-26T03:55:00.000-08:00

I had a fab time visiting my sister and her boyfriend in London. It's one of the best places to be inspired and refresh your batteries even though walking around ALL day can get tiring!

It was my first visit to the shop Liberty and it was amazing!

Really pretty things although it's quite pricy but a great place to wonder and take in this unique shop.

I LOVE Irregular Choice shoes so was very pleased when I came across this shop on Carnaby Street. There were some truly gorgeous shoes and a great sale! Whoop!

One of my favourite places in London is China Town. I love the cute little shops, exotic bakeries and yummy restaurants. Sooooo good!

I found this cat jumper in the shop Joy, I love it with it's peter pan collar!

On Sunday we spent all day at the many markets on Brick Lane including this vintage one. These markets are a bit dangerous for someone like me!

I picked up these fab buys!

The tee and kitten scarf are handprinted by a fashion student and I love her cat prints, they are gorgeous!

And I picked up this powder blue tiger print vintage jumper for £5! Wow!

I had a fab time, it really inspired me to design some new jewellery collections and I'll show them off soon!

XXX

Giveaway! - Valentines

2012-01-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

Its giveaway time again! Whoop!

Valentines day is just around the corner and to celebrate I'm giving away these super cute heart earrings from the new I.L.C 'LOVE' collection and velvet lilac ribbon from Liberty's London (2m).

RULES FOR ENTERING

1. Leave a comment here telling me what your fav item from the I Love crafty site is with your contact email for 1 entry.

2. Like me on facebook, this will give you 1 extra entry.

3. Follow my blog (comment to say that you do) for 1 extra entry.

4. Twitter tweet, starting with @ilovecrafty (comment to give link) for 1 extra entry.

WANT MORE CHANCES TO WIN?!

5. Link to this giveaway on your facebook for 3 extra entries! Comment with the link and make sure you make it open to everyone or I won't be able to see it! :)

6. Blog about this giveaway for 3 extra entries! Comment with the link.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Winner will be picked: 12th February!!

XXX

Something for the Weekend - Macaroons!

2012-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've got a bit of a sweet tooth at the moment so my mind is fixed on...

Pretty Macaroons!

I'll be trying to bake some of these pretties, the last time I tried it ended in a lot of mess and burnt macaroons! So I'll let you know how I get on. Heres the recipe for these gorgeous Strawberry Macaroons!

Ingredients

50g ground almonds
140g icing sugar
2 large egg whites
1 tbsp caster sugar
Pink food colouring paste
3 tbsp good-quality strawberry jam

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5. Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Sieve the ground almonds and icing sugar together into a large bowl. Put the egg whites into a separate bowl, and using an electric hand whisk, beat to soft peaks. Add the caster sugar, and whisk until glossy. Fold into the almond and icing sugar mixture, along with a very small amount of the pink food colouring. Mix until just combined and evenly pink – the mixture will reduce as the air bubbles in the meringue burst.
3. Put the mixture into a disposable piping bag, snip off 1cm from the end. Pipe small blobs (about 1 heaped teaspoon each) onto the baking paper, spaced apart, so you have about 50 in total. Set aside for 10 minutes to dry – this is important as it gives the macaroons the correct texture. Bake for 5 minutes, then turn the whole sheet of paper over – the macaroons will be stuck so won’t fall off. Bake for another 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.
4. Peel off the baking paper from the macaroons, then sandwich 2 together with a tiny blob of strawberry jam in the centre. Repeat to give you 25 in total.

And I'm also off to London this weekend to visit my sister, shopping on Brick Lane, getting inspiration at the V&A and hopefully visiting Liberty's for the first time!

Have fun this weekend, what do you like to do in London?

XXX

Pom Pom's at the ready!

2012-01-16T11:41:00.001-08:00

It's a new year and I'm getting into a redecorating, reorganising kinda mood so here's some ideas and inspiration for if your feeling the same! (Pom Pom shaped)

1. Homemade Glitter Ball!

2. Fabric Pom Pom's

Supplies:

fabric of your choice

scissors

hot glue gun

chinese lanterns
Step 1: Cut circles out of fabric.

Step 2: Fold the circle in half and put a little hot glue on the center, then fold over to secure.

Step 3: Apply more hot glue to the bottom of the folded circle.

Step 4: Press the bottom of the folded circle with the hot glue onto the chinese lantern.

Step 5: Repeat these steps until the whole lantern is covered. Once finished, attached some fabric to the metal frame of the lantern to hang.

3. Pom Pom Necklace!

Amazing Pom pom necklace from here!

XXX

Inspiration for the weekend!

2012-01-13T01:07:00.000-08:00

Doggy Draft Excluders!

2012-01-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these cute doggie draft excluders I made! £25 each to a good home!

(And they help keep you warm!)

Roma

Florence

Abby

Audrey

XXX

Bye Bye Crafty Shop Bristol

2012-01-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a roller-coaster ride it's been having a shop! Now my little shop in Bristol is closed I thought I'd write a post all about it from beginning to end.

I hope you find it interesting and inspiring, it's been the best and hardest journey I've done so far so enjoy!

What made you open a shop? I get asked this a lot and it's been a toughie to answer. There's lots of reasons but here's just a few:

I'd always wanted to have a shop (since a little girl)
I wanted a place where customers could always find me (I'd sold at markets before that)
Because I wanted to (I'm one of those people who need to do things rather than wonder 'what if". My mum always said "theres no gain without risk" and life's too short for regrets.

So after selling at lots of markets, and they ARE hard work, I decided to open I Love Crafty Shop Bristol. I wanted to keep my cute, kitsch style like I had created on my stalls such as this one.

With the help of my sister who's a production designer in the film industry we started looking for inspiration for shop design.

I loved this shop front with it's grass, cute exterior and windows full of lush goodies!

When I was on my honeymoon in San Francisco I came across this charming tea room called, The Crown and Crumpet which had a tiny gift shop which I fell in love with. It was soooo beautiful and full of handmade trinkets, a true feast for the eyes.

For me, to make my shop look half as sweet, quirky and interesting as this one would have been a dream come true!

This is the mood board I made for the shop. I knew I wanted pastel colours, as they are my favourite and reminded me of Disney, another HUGE inspiration. I wanted the shop to feel like an experience, not just be a space with products you could buy. I wanted to grab peoples attention and create a space like no other. I hope I did this!

This is my sister Kate's design, we wanted to paint a sky on the celling so we'd always have blue skies and it was very important for me to have a tree in the shop. I was inspired by a photo shoot by Tim Walker. We made one from a old shelf unit, chicken wire a plaster of paris and after a hour of auguring about how to make it we did!

So we open on the 14th August 2010 thanks to all my family helping with the painting, cleaning and getting the furniture in. It was a great day, and I felt very lucky and tired!

You can see the edge of the tree with baby clothes hanging from it in this pic.

As well as selling my own crafty work I wanted to sell other local artists work. I was amazed by the amount of lovely, talented artists there are in Bristol and here's a few of them in front of the shop. Thanks to all of you who made the shop what it was!

We had our 1st birthday in 2011 and I hung bunting from the celling. it ended up looking like the inside of a circus tent and was sooo pretty!

Just before the new year, my little shop closed for business. I was very upset and it was a really hard decision. I'd loved having my shop but times are hard and in the end I had to decide to close.

So after a month of planning, 2 weeks of decorations and a year and a half of being open it took one day to clear out. I didn't feel sad, I found it quite therapeutic like it was the end of that particular chapter of I Love Crafty and my life.

The tree was the hardest thing to get out! It's now got a new home in a shop on the road where I live so I see it all the time, weird!

As much as I loved my shop I felt like it wasn't the right time to dedicate all my time to it but I'm soooooo happy and proud that I did. I met soooo many amazing people and friends through having the shop.

I don't regret having it or closing it, I'm just thankful for what's come out of it!

And now you can visit I Love Crafty in your own home on our online store here as well as selling at local markets and happily my jewellery is now on sale in shops around the country.

I've got lots of plans for I Love Crafty, this is only the beginning!

Thanks for reading this! Hope you like it and remember, I Love Crafty loves you!

XXX

My 2011

2012-01-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Time to look back at 2011 as I make pans for 2012. What a busy year!
What was yours like?
XXX

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
I want to wish you all a happy new year how ever your celebrating!
Bring on 2012!
Keep checking out my blog as I've got lots of exciting crafty plans for next year!
XXX

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-15T13:35:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone has had a fabulous Christmas!

I've been eating and drinking a little too much so this post is a few days late but....

Relax....it's Christmas!!!!
XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 24!

2011-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of our crafty advent calendar! Whoop!
Since it's Christmas eve and we should be relaxing, peeling vegetables, panic present buying and drinking too much so I'm going to do these easy crafty table decorations. Have fun!

Napkin Bow

Dress up the party table with these decorative napkins, unique napkin rings, and festive folding ideas. A perfect bow on each plate is a fun way to spiff up a plain napkin and give party guests a gift of their own. Spread a dinner napkin out, lying flat. Fold opposite sides in so they meet at the center. Then fold again at the center to form a narrow, ribbonlike shape. Next, fold short ends in so they meet at the center. Cinch in the middle with a ribbon in a coordinating color, and glue at back.

Recycled Christmas Trees with Glitter

Materials:

* Small magazine or book

* Gold Spray Paint

* Glitter

* Scissors

Instructions:

1. Fold the spine of the magazine so that it is broken

2. Fold the pages of the magazine in towards the spine one at a time. Then fold them all in again so the fold is smaller.

3. Use scissors to cut the irregular shape from the bottom of the pages. You could leave this attached but if the paper of the magazine is soft or thin the tree will be unstable

4. Spray the small tree with the gold paint and dust with glitter

And here's some simple table ideas.

Relax, take it easy and look forward to tomorrow!
XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 23!

2011-12-15T13:33:00.002-08:00

Since it's Christmas and we've made some fabulously crafty things let's take things easy with these free printable gift tags! Enjoy!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 22!

2011-12-15T13:33:00.001-08:00

Last minute gift wrapping ideas toady!

Hopefully we've all got our pressies and are confronted with a mountain of wrapping to conquer, so heres some sweet ideas to help! Oh, and grab yourself a glass of mulled wine, it helps!

This year (and don't tell the family) I've wrapped all my pressies in pages from Pride and Prejudice, it's my Mum's favorite book. Be more festive and use A Christmas Carol or Hymen music pages if you like.

I just tape the pages together, don't worry if it looks a bit rough, this is the inside of the paper.

I've got to say it looks very pretty and I bought the book from a charity shop for £1.80 and I haven't run out! I've also used black ribbon and tags to look classy and used black stars (table confetti) to spell out their names.

This pressie is a teapot and looks quite fab!

I love this idea of using some old keys and house hold string! Soooo cute and easy!

And who doesn't like a doily! Cute!

Have fun wrapping, now I'm off to wrap a bird box! Wish me luck!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 21!

2011-12-15T13:32:00.001-08:00

Right, just a few days to go till the big day so lets make some cute heart envelopes for those friends who pop around rather unexpectedly! Nice! I like to use old wrapping paper, wall paper and even pages from books.
Here's a little tip: For extra Christmasy vibes use pages from A Christmas Carol! Or even pages from a Christmas song book!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 20!

2011-12-15T13:31:00.003-08:00

Let's make a...

Mmm...it's Christmas so enjoy this fab glittery trifle!

xxx

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 19!

2011-12-15T13:31:00.001-08:00

It's time to start planning our Christmas feast and how to make them look pretty. Here's another genius idea from ashleyannphotography using old doilies, just imagine their snow flakes!

Step 1: Lay out your largest doilies first

Step 2: Fill in with smaller doilies. I used all different shapes and stuck with white and cream colors.

Step 3: Overlap the edges of the big and small doiles so that the small ones aren’t always on top.

Step 4: Tack the doilies together using string on the UNDERSIDE. I tied a double knot in several spots using thread and a needle. Knowing me it won’t take long before I decide I am ready to do something different, so I wanted to be able to take the runner apart easily without hurting the doilies.

Ta Da

Cute, fun, easy. My 3 favorite crafting words! XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 18!

2011-12-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of the festive crafty favorites!

Let's make some super cute party hats thanks to Oh Happy Days!

Materials Needed:

Crepe Paper in Folds,
Scissors,
Thin Gauge Wire,
Wire Cutters
, Glue (I don’t use the glue in these two examples but I found it helpful depending on the style of flower),
Plastic Headbands (you can get cheap ones from the high street.)

Basic Rose Instructions
Step 1: For the petals, take the fold of crepe paper and cut off a 4 inch section.
Step 2: Take that section and cut it in half the same direction as the grain. (Crepe paper has a grain and this will matter later on.)
Step 3: Cut out a petal shape so that the grain of the crepe paper goes from the top to the bottom. It should look like there are lines running from the top of the petal to the base. (Choose the shape of the petal depending on the type of flower you want to make.)
Step 4: Cut long sections of wire about 10″ long and short sections of wire 3″ long. If you are making a lot of flowers then cut all the wire at one time for the process to go a lot faster.
Step 5: Take a scrap piece of crepe paper and wrap the wire around the middle twisting it very tight so the paper can’t slip out.
Step 6: Scrunch it in a ball.

Step 7: Then take a square of crepe paper (in whatever color you want the center of the flower to be) and wrap it around the scrunched up ball twisting it at the bottom.
Step 8: Now you’re ready to add the petals.
Step 9: Take the petals and with both thumbs stretch the crepe paper so it makes a nice curved petal. This is where it will matter what grain the paper is going in so that it stretches right. To go quicker you can even do this to a small stack of petals at the same time.
Step 10: Taking the center of the flower begin placing the petals around and then pinching it and holding it at the base. When you are happy with the fullness of the petals take a small piece of wire and tightly wrap it and twist it to secure it in place. When you are done you should have a nice simple flower.

Basic Chrysanthemum Instruction
Step 10: Take a fold of crepe paper and cut off a 4″ section. (If you want the flower big and puffy do a 6″ section.)
Step 11: Take the fold and cut along one side about 3/4 of the way through making thin strips of fringe.
Step 12: Repeat steps 5 through 7 to create the center of the flower. Begin wrapping the petals around the center and pinching it tight at the base.
Step 13: Continue wrapping it around until you are happy with the fullness.
Step 14: Wrap some small wire tightly around the base. Wrinkle and fluff the petals with your fingers.

Attaching the Flowers to Your Headband
Step 15: Gather the flowers you want to use together in one hand until they look pretty.
Step 16: Hold the flowers tightly together at the base and pull the wire taught.
Step 17: Take the headband and wrap the wire tightly around it until secure, trimming the extra wire if needed. Once it is assembled you can adjust the composition to your liking.

You'll look extra cute this season!
XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 17!

2011-12-13T08:02:00.002-08:00

Make a real-life Christmas candy land with these candy lights!
Wow! I can't tell you how excited I was when I found this crafty project on Oh Happy Day .
I urge you to make this, I am, its a beautiful and cute idea!

Materials Needed: plastic boxes, string of lights, scissors, wire or pipe cleaners to fasten, wire cutters, cellophane rolls in different colors, tape

Step 1: Cut a piece of cellophane about 18x 18″.

Step 2: Wrap the string of lights in the cellophane piece making sure you leave the beginning and end of the string out so it can connect to your power source and/or the next piece of candy. This will create the “crackle” of the candy.

Step 3: Put the package of lights into the plastic box and secure it closed.

Step 4: Wrap a larger piece of cellophane around the corsage box making sure there’s enough left over on each end to create the candy shape. Tape it close on one side.

Step 5: Using the wire or pipe cleaners, twist to secure at each end of each side of the corsage box.

Step 6: Leave a few lights in between each “piece” of candy and then repeat until the strand runs out. Use as many strands as you’d like for the space you intend to use.

Step 7: Plug in and watch your candy come alive!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 16!

2011-12-13T08:02:00.001-08:00

Let's make some sock monkey's for our own little monkey's! (and the big ones too!)

I've made quite a few monkey's in my time, they are simple, cute and you can customize them to make them unique for your friends and family.
Here's a basic guide on how to make them. You don't have to use the original grey sock, be creative and use bright colours!

Once you've got your basic monkey it's time to customize! Why not make monkey versions of your family members? Make a sock monkey of you friend or take a look at some of my favorite monkey's out there!

Enjoy making your monkey's!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 15!

2011-12-13T08:01:00.001-08:00

Time to make some more pressies! It's never too late when ideas are this easy!

Crafty jars make great pressies for those crafty friends or those who want to be crafty next year!

Its sooooo simple and makes use of any empty jars hanging around the kitchen and any small bits of fabric that you have no use for.

Empty out your jar, in this case its a ketchup bottle, cool! then fill it with lots of crafty bits. You could make a jar filled with bits to customize cards, make crochet hair clips or just general bits! I like the last one best cos you get to make anything you can think of!

When you make a gift like this I recommend picking a few keys colors and filling your jar with things in that color scheme. It will make it look more pulled together than just a random mess of stuff.

You could make a little ideas book with some small projects your friends could do, just to spark off their creative juices!

This idea is from AshleyAnn photography and has some other amazing ideas!

I've sold a few jars like this in my shop and people always love them so who will you make one for?

xxx

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 14!

2011-12-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tutorial: Hat and Scarf From Sweater

From one of my favorite blogs Ruffles and Stuff

Something for the boys! Yay!

I got this sweater vest at the Dollar Store several days ago (sweaters at the Dollar Store? How random is that??) and I just knew it was dying to be a little beanie and scarf set! I'm so excited to have a project for little boys!

This would actually work best with a sleeved sweater (then you could just use sleeves for a scarf!), but this is what I had, so...

1) Measure your child's head, and cut out a hat shape through both layers (I free-handed this, but if you had another beanie to trace around, that would be great!), then cut a large rectangle shape through both layers for the scarf.

2) Lay the two scarf pieces right side together and pin the non-banded end. Sew with a zig-zag stitch, being careful not to let it stretch too much.

3) Cut out your "face" shapes from felt or fleece. 4 ears, two big circles for eyes, and two slightly smaller circles for the pupils, and a little triangle nose.

4) Lay two of the ear shapes on top of the other two, and sew around the edges with your machine. (not pictured)

5) Pin the ears to the right side of the beanie, facing downward. Lay the other piece of the beanie on top of it(right sides together), with ears sandwiched in between, and pin.

6) Sew the two hat pieces together, leaving the banded side open.

7) Take your scarf piece and fold it over, right sides together, and pin. Sew all the way down the side.

8) Turn the scarf right side out, and sew the banded edges closed.

9) Pin the face shaped where you want them, and hand stitch them on.

Ta-da!

My model had already gone to bed for the night, but luckily she's a heavy sleeper!

My goodness, I love that child. :o)

Take care!

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 13!

2011-12-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

I was sooooo excited about finding this fab crafty project from CraftStylish! Since it's Christmas, what better excuse for me to make my dog a pressie and his gonna be soilt for choice after I've chopped up some of my old jumpers!

This old vest may not have been flattering on a human, but it looks adorable on Gertie!

Refashioning old or thrifted sweaters into dog sweaters is easy and fun. You'll be amazed at how even the ugliest sweater can take on a whole new look as canine couture! Case in point: this vest. I picked it up at the thrift store because the details in the knit are adorable, but this style would flatter no human! My little Gertie, on the other hand, will look smashing in it.

This ill-proportioned vest is about to get a second wind.

1. Start by measuring the pooch you intend to make it for. You'll need the following:

(A) neck circumference + 1 inch
(B) chest circumference (right behind the front legs) + 1 inch
(C) length from collar to tail + 1/2 inch
(D) underside length from collar to (just short of) the business end + 1 inch
(E) distance from collar down to front leg
(F) front leg circumference x 1/2

2. Now we can cut out our pieces. Utilizing the bottom rib, if your sweater has it, or the finished bottom edge, as the neckline, cut a rectangle that measures (A) wide (along the rib) by (C) long. Find the difference between (B) and (A) and add 1 inch to it. In my case, (B) – (A) was 3 inches, so adding 1 inch gave me 4 inches. From another piece of the sweater, cut a triangle this wide by (D) long. This will be the underside piece. Finally, cut off the neck or cuff rib of the original, to be used to finish the back edge. This is optional; it can also be hemmed or even left raw if the sweater is felted.

Here are the pieces you'll cut to make the dog sweater.

3. Stitching time! Pin the triangle piece to the main body piece, with right sides together, so that the point of the triangle is lined up with the beginning of the neck rib. If you don't have neck rib, pin it an inch or so down from the neck edge. The back edges won't match up because the underside of the sweater needs to be shorter than the top (especially for male dogs). Place one pin at (E) and another at (F), measured from (E). These will indicate the leg opening.

Pin the triangle to the body piece, placing pins at each end of the leg openings.

Now sew the seam with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Use a stretch stitch or small zigzag (I used 2mm by 2mm). Begin at the point of the triangle, backstitch, then proceed to the beginning of the leg opening and backstitch again. Skip past the leg opening and repeat for the other half of the seam. Then pin the triangle to the other side of the sweater and sew in the same manner. This time you will begin sewing all the way up at the top of the neck edge.

Pin and sew the other side.

This is how it will look when both seams are sewn.

4. Next, we'll finish the leg opening edges. From the wrong side of the sweater, use a wide zigzag to stitch one side of the seam allowance down to the body, catching the raw edge in the zigzag. Continue right past the leg opening, and you will hem it in the process. This reinforces the seam and keeps the edges from fraying. Do this for the remaining three seam allowances.

Anchor each side of the seam allowance down to the body with a wide zigzag stitch.

5. Lastly, finish the back edge. Trim the corners so they are rounded and blend in with the underside edge.

The back edge before trimming...

...and after rounding the corners.

Now you can either hem the edge or sew on some ribbing. I used some extra rib trim I cut from my sweater. Gertie's torso, like many dogs, gets much smaller at the waist, so the rib helps gather in the back to fit better. I cut my rib about three-quarters the length of the back edge, but you might cut it the same length if your dog is shaped differently.

Cut the back rib a little shorter if you want it to pull in the "waist."

Seam the short ends of the rib, and pin it to the edge of the sweater, right sides facing, stretching the rib to fit. Sew a 1/4-inch stretchable seam.

The back rib is pinned to the body.

The finished sweater. It will look so much better on a dog than it ever did on a person!

That's all there is to it!

XXX

We Have A Winner!

2011-12-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

And the winner of this fab Minnie Mouse hair band is....
Glitter Detector

Congrats and look out for our new giveaways soon!
xxx

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 12!

2011-12-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Lets make some Scrabble letter Christmas decorations!

This is a really easy and fun project from http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/.

Here is what you will need:

an assortment of scrabble letters and some scrabble trays.

a saw,

hot glue gun

twine or ribbon

drill with a small drill bit

Start by making your words.

After you place the words on the tray, mark with a pencil,

take letters off, and cut the tray to size.

You can use a chop saw to sand the edges, but you could also use a hand saw.

Then all you have to do is hot glue the letters in place!
Drill 2 holes in the center top of each tray.
Add a bit of hot glue and black twine in each whole to secure.

You could use colorful ribbon too.

Enjoy this chick and easy craftiness!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 11!

2011-12-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

Today lets make some simple but super cute earrings that are perfect for party season! So its just 3 steps and 3 supplies!

Supplies:

- Earwire Hooks

- Any 2 Beads

- 2 in. Upholstery Tassels (bought from craft shop)

Steps:

1) Loop beads through top of tassels.

2) Tie a knot to shorten the length.

3) Hook earwires through the tops.

That is it! 3 steps, 3 supplies.

Time: 5 minutes

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 10!

2011-12-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

Today, since its the weekend and we all deserve it lets make some crafty Christmas cocktails!

'Tis the season of holiday themed cocktails and cocktail parties! So put on your party dress, add heels, and belly up to the bar! Here are some fun Christmas cocktail recipes: Drunken Elf

1 oz Bacardi Golden Rum
Pink Lemonade
Serve with a candy cane hanging off the rim of a tall slender glass.

Cranberry Mojitos (makes 2):

8 oz. fresh cranberries
1 C sugar
1 C water
20 mint leaves
2 T lime juice
Ice
4 oz. rum
4-6 oz. soda water

Enjoy being crafty with cocktails!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 9!

2011-12-07T08:21:00.001-08:00

Today let's make a Moustache key-ring!

I've got a feeling this one's going to be popular!

From Katrinshine

You will need:

a. A piece of genuine leather – could be from a old jacket, bag, whatever!

b. A thick needle or

c. Scissors

d. Flat nose pliers (2 pairs)

e. A key ring - you can get these from most craft shops

f. Thread

g. A sewing machine

h. Moustache pattern

1. You can print and use the pattern included or draw your own.

2. Outline the moustache pattern twice оn the back side of the leather. Also outline a rectangle measuring 0.8x2.4” (2x6 cm).

3. Cut them out. It has to look like this.

4. Pass the strip into the ring and bend in half. Join the edges as shown. Position the strip with the ring between the two cut-out moustache pieces as desired.

5. Sew together give a gap from the edge. Sew through twice where you put strip with the ring.

6. If one of the edges overhangs, trim it with scissors.

Your keychain is ready!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 8!

2011-12-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an amazing DIY find! Thanks to the fab blog Do's Family for this fabulous lamp idea, it would make a great pressie for that vintage loving friend who's just moved into a new house.! The lamp is easy to make and truly a beauty.

First we used a huge balloon that I bought at a party store.

Then you collect all the old doilies crochet or lace small tablecloths.

Paint them with lots of wallpaper glue so they are soaked.

Hang the balloon on a string and put the soaked lace on the balloon. They have to overlap each other so they will stick together and connect.

I always put on another coat of extra glue when they are all on the balloon.

Just to be sure.

Then wait for a while. Maybe a whole night.

Pop the balloon when the glue is dry. And attach a nice looking cord and lamp fitting.

Voilá a new lamp!

Happy crafting!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 7!

2011-12-07T02:31:00.000-08:00

Time to make some cute Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

It's party season and why not take a batch of these to a party! You'll be very popular!

Cupcake Recipe
100g butter or margarine
100g caster sugar
100g self-raising flour, sifted
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180°C (Electric oven | Electric fan oven 160°C | Gas Mark 4) and place 12 paper cases into a muffin tin.
Using an electric whisk, food processor or wooden spoon, beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating each one in well before adding the next. Add the vanilla essence if using.
Carefully fold in the flour (and baking powder if using).
Alternatively, you can mix the ingredients together using a food processor. Use the pulse button to mix together in between adding the ingredients in the order above.
Bake in the oven for 10 - 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, check to see if the cupcakes are ready by inserting a cocktail stick into one of the cupcakes. If it comes out dry then the cupcakes are done. If not, then back in the oven for a few minutes more. Don't overcook the cupcakes otherwise they will dry out. Lift the cupcakes out of the muffin tin and leave to cool on a wire rack.
For a simple icing topping, add a little water to some icing sugar until you have a smooth paste. When the cakes are cool, drizzle some icing mixture over the top. These cupcakes are best eaten on the day they are made.
Decorate with green icing to make the tree and little sugar balls make great baubles.

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 6!

2011-12-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to day 6!

Here's a quick project to use up those pretty fabric scraps and make a pretty tree to make any desk festive!

You'll need:

Styrofoam cone (the cone I used measured 2 7/8" x 5 7/8"; 73mmx149mm)

Felt

Marking pen

Circular object for tracing around

Scissors

Dressmakers' pins

Using your round object as a template, trace circles onto your felt

+ cut out

Starting at the bottom begin pinning your felt circles around the perimeter of your styrofoam cone, overlapping slightly as you place a pin in the center of each successive circle.

Begin the second row

Centering your first felt circle slightly atop the previous row, and overlapping the edges slightly as before, work your way around the perimeter of the cone.

...continue to pin your way around the tree until it is completely covered in 'felt shingles'

Some more fab ideas!

these add a lot of texture to a mantle or shelf display especially when done in different fabrics

-try using velvet or patterned fabric scraps for your 'shingles'

styrofoam cones come in various heights, so you could easily shingle up a small, yet interesting forest

use more than one color scheme on your tree {red + turquoise; green + blue....}

you could add a small seed bead or a sequin to your pin before centering it on your felt circle for added texture

From Scissor Variations

XXX

The I.L.C Christmas Gift Guide!

2011-12-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

It's here! The very first I Love Crafty Christmas gift guide!

Full of lots of crafty pressies and beautiful handmade gifts from the shop.

Take a look and let me know what you think!

http://ilovecrafty.co.uk/#/gift-guide-cover/4558088740

We have comfy cushions!

Beautifully sweet scented candles!

Unique tree decorations!

And lots a lovely pressies never seen online before and
much
much
more!
Take a look here

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 5!

2011-12-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today, easy peasy paper tree ornaments!

From kimemories

You'll need:

Embroidery thread or string

Sewing Needle

Glue

Scissors

Paper

1. Cut out three different sized circles out of patterned paper. You could even use old music paper or magazines.

2. Snip a quarter sized section of the circle.

3. Bend the circle around to make a cone, then glue it together (I just used regular glue stick). Using scissors, make numerous cuts around the bottom edge of the cone.

4. Using a pencil, roll the cuts around to make it curl. Repeat for other two circles/cones of the tree.

5. Thread a long piece of embroidery thread onto a sewing needle. Make a big knot in one end. Push the needle up through the big cone.

6. Push the cone down as far as the knot. Make another knot a little further up from the top of the large cone, and then slip the middle sized cone on.. repeat for small cone. Note: if the knot slips through the hole at the top of the cone, you can use a piece of ribbon to tie a knot around the thread knot.. holds it in place, and looks super cute too!

7. To finish off the top, you can add two stickers back to back (like the snowflakes pictures, or the softies as well), or hand cut 2 stars from patterned paper, and glue them back to back.

Enjoy!
XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 4!

2011-12-02T03:38:00.000-08:00

Today we make - QUIRKY ANIMAL ORNAMENTS!

I came across these fab decorations on Young House Love and i just love them! Quirky and sweet and my favorite, EASY!

Purchase a pack of small plastic zoo animals. You can find them in most pound shops.

Prime them all with white paint.

Use a small drill bit to start a hole to screw small ring hooks into the top of each one so they could be hung.

You could use jewelley fish eye hooks to make things easier!

Paint them bright colours, if your inclined and I defiantly am, add glitter!

Add colorful string for hanging and there you have it ready for your tree!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 3!

2011-12-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

Today's magical make is Christmas jars!

From Tortoise and the Hare

All you need to make these festive jars are:

Jars

Bottlebrush Trees (cake most cake or craft shops)

Sugar (for snow)

Glitter

White paint

Other Christmas miniatures, Santas, Robbins, Deers

It's easy, just sprinkle some sugar into a jar, pop in your tree (if you can only get green ones you can paint them white) and top with lots of glitter! Add the other miniatures to your other jars and spread out on a table or mantle piece for a gorgeous effect!

Ooo, I'm feeling Christmas now!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 2!

2011-12-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Today we're making cute cupcake tree decorations!

You'll need:

2 different coloured felts (I went for white, pink and purple but be creative!)

Thread

Needle

Scissors

Fabric Glue

Ribbon

Plastic jewels (or real if you have them!)

Stuffing

With your felt cut out 2 cupcake bases and 2 cupcake tops.

Then stitch the 2 bases together with basic overcasting stitch . I think it's quite nice to have the thread a contrasting colour to your felt, it looks cute!

It should look like this.

Then with your short piece of ribbon, loop it like this.

Now stitch your 2 cupcake tops together and at the top sew in the ribbon.

Like this.

Now use your stuffing to stuff both the cupcake base and top.

Slip the cupcake base into the top and sew them together.

Now get your fabric glue and jewels and decorate to your hearts content!

If you don't have jewels you could always add sequins, ribbon, lace, feathers what ever you like!

There you have it, their so easy you can make a whole bakers dozen of them for your tree!

XXX

I'm Crafty Advent Calendar - Dec 1!

2011-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first Christmas Crafty DIY project!
To start with I thought I'd show you this fabulous simple advent calendar idea with a free print out for you!

From Oh Happy day

You'll need:

Small boxes (24)
Glue
Scissors
Paper for printing
Festive treats for prizes!

1. Print out the advent numbers from here.

2. Cut them out and stick them onto the boxes.

3. Add your festive treats and your away! just try not to open them all at once!

Here's a few other ideas that you'll love too!

Match boxes!

Baby socks!

Come see what crafty project I have tomorrow!

XXX

Disneyland and giveaway time!

2011-11-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

I had the best time at Disneyland Paris and I wanted to share some pics with you as well as start my Disneyland giveaway!

We stayed at the Newport Disney Hotel which was beautiful!

The lobby had fabulous Christmas trees..

that were themed to the hotel so there was little deckchairs, light houses and seashells!

At night everywhere was lit up by tiny lights and it snows every hour on Main Street, there's no way you couldn't feel Christmasy!

The shop window displays were magical and stuffed with precious presents!

This is the most Christmasy shop I've ever seen!

Disney sandwich anyone?

Sweets galore!

I love going to the March Hare's cafe.

And feeling sick on Alice's Teacup ride!

I love this shop with Jack's beanstalk growing out of it!

One of the best rides, Thunder Mountain!

And I'm normally way to scared to go on this ride, The Tower of Terror but this year I braved it and it wasn't that scary! Jon my husband was quite disappointed that I wasn't more scared!

We had a fabulous time at Disneyland and to celebrate I'm holding a giveaway!

You can win this fabulous Minnie mouse bobble plus a few more goodies as well!

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment and:

Follow my blog

Go on the I Love Crafty website and tell me your favorite piece of jewellery from my "I Love Christmas" collection that you can see here

Tweet about the giveaway for extra lucky vibes!

And good luck!

The giveaway will end on the 12th December so you'll get your prize just in time for Christmas!

XXX

I'm Dreaming of a Girly Christmas!

2011-11-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

Some girly Christmas goodies!

I hope this cutie is under my tree this year!

A Barbie tree!

Gorgeous vintage Christmas cards.

Coming soon...
The I Love Crafty Christmas Gift Guide!
Full of great pressie ideas for your favorite people and for you!
XXX

The Shop's Christmas Window Display!

2011-11-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the I Love Crafty Sugar Plum Fairy Christmas town!

My little shop's gone all Christmasy and cute!

I wanted to create a cute, magical snowy town where Susie snowflake(from curiouspip) lives and they gather their crafty pressies for the big day!

We even have our own little I Love Crafty shop!

And the town hall is ready to ring in Christmas day!

Little sweet scented puppy candles dot the snowy landscape!

Suzie Snowflake has her Christmas cake ring ready to wrap!

And we have adorable pink carriages to whisk your jewellery gifts to your loved one!

I hope you like my Christmas window display!

XXX

Even Jane Austen likes my shop!

2011-11-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

Even Jane Austen likes my shop!

XXX

Crafty Christmas Party!

2011-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate Christmas in our fab little shop with live music, mulled wine, mince pies and a few little surprises! It's sad we're closing soon but let's celebrate and have a party!
XXX

Crafty Cleverness - Recycling

2011-11-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes being crafty with recycled things can feel the most rewarding. There's nothing like something you love but is either about to fall apart or to be binned and turning it into something completely original and useful! You get a huge sense of accomplishment and personally I love keeping everything, I don't throw anything out so saving that moth bitten chair or beloved childhood toy is very satisfying.

So I've found some inspiring idea's that will have you grabbing your tatty things and making them beautiful once again!

This clever idea is my fav, got an old little suit case or vanity case? Turn it into a useful and unique cabinet! Perfect for your makeup, toiletries or jewellery! I'm so making one of these!

Those old dusty jars piling up in your kitchen looking a bit sad? Turn them into useful crafty jars or....

Combine them with some old childhood toys and make quirky arty jars like these! Love it!

Looking for some recycling Christmas ideas? Why not prune that tree outside, clean out your nutella jars and get your glue gun out! For that extra Christmasy touch sprinkle with snow, I mean glitter!

And what about that old tea tray your great aunt left you? Turn it into an adorable vintage magnetic notice board!

And finally, that jumper you got from your nan last Christmas that "got shrunk in the wash" can be reborn into cute mittens for you and your family, depending on the size of your hands!

I hope you feel inspired by this crafty recycling post!

Get crafty!

XXX

This week in Prettiness

2011-11-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

This week I have:

Been sewing cushions like a mad woman! My shoulders kill!

Laughing at Larry David on Curd your Enthusiasm.

Making dens for my dog.

And getting ready for...

Whoop! Next week I'm off with my hubby, my sis and her boyfriend to have our yearly dose of Disney Christmasy goodness!
I can't wait!Whoop! Pics to come when I get back!
XXX