Crafts thread

[Joski]

I find crafts a good distraction from pain and worry at times, and when my health allows I make greetings cards and jewellery - to see some of my bracelet designs you're welcome to click here and visit my web album.

Over the last year or so I've started doing cross stitch again too and have really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if I'd manage with having my left thumb and wrist fused, but with a few little adaptations I'm finding it very relaxing and distracting, so long as I'm careful about my positioning and not overdoing things.

I've done quite a few big projects including a cushion to celebrate the birth of my friends baby boy. They are both opera singers so I thought this design was absolutely perfect! I actually found the pattern whilst browsing in a craft shop between hospital appts in Leeds and couldn't resist. It took me a while to do and I decided to make a cushion instead of just framing it, to make it a bit different and special. There's a picture below of the finished item for anyone interested.

I've just finished a Tatty Teddy Height Chart for another friends daughters, as well as a gorgeous Dream Catcher design with an inspirational message too. I just need to get them framed now, so will post up some pics when they're done if you'd like?

[nickb]

Yes we'd love to see them when you've finished The cushion is gorgeous I am sure your friends treasure it

I've been crafting a little more now I'm on maternity leave-been trying to make the cards I need for the next month or two, I've made some bibs for the babies in my NCT group that have already arrived


and have done a little knitting. I gave it up years ago because my wrists were too bad to cope-but baby cardigans are very little and lightweight and I use a nursing pillow to prop up my elbows/shoulders so can do 1/2hour knitting at a time now

[Elfy]

Everyone here is very talented. I crochet various items and have started selling things at craft fairs to try and earn some extra cash, not that nayone else has any to spend. I sell on Etsy too which is like an ebay for hand made stuff if anyone wants to have a go at making some cash.

[mindsquatter]

Wow, everyone's work looks so good, I'm really impressed. My last project (finished this morning) was my mother's day card - don't forget, mother's day (uk) 22nd March). It's made all the more impressive by the fact that it's done, and there's still over a week to go ... yes, I'm an afternoon before cardmaker!
The image is a bit grainy, I had to shrink it quite a way!

[elka3131]

That card is great! Did you cut out the flowers yourself?
I am an arty person. i have started thinking about design ideas. I have alot of coloured paper, I am going ot make it at the weekend while she is out.

[Englishgremlin1]

that looks really good.

[mindsquatter]

Thank you guys!
Ellis - no, I wish I had the dexterity to do that sort of cutting - I buy them die cut from the craft shop then stuck them together! Doing the cutting myself would have ruined it.
Hopefully I should have some more of my cards up on my facebook soon - thinking about taking comissions soon!

[elka3131]

I think the flowers look great. I have a cutting tool that does difficult shapes for me. It looks abit like a spinning top but with a blade at the bottom. Then all I have to do is pull it over any lines that i want to cut and it does it for me. It is really great.

When I have made the mothers day card I will try and post a photo (or a scan) of it

[Englishgremlin1]

Just finished this piece - a bit of fun based on an old celtic design.

[barkingmad]

I like that!!!

[shen]

ok, here's my mothers day card

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/337 ... 3a5cdf.jpg

[Englishgremlin1]

very stylish Shen - must have taken a lot of work

[hannah]

I like that shen

I made this card for my mum (who loves gardening)

[mindsquatter]

Hannah, Shen: They're lovely - I might nick yours, Hannah, and adapt it for Father's day!

My current card project is making aniversary cards for my parents - not for me to give them, for each other! I'm thinking that I might do the same design but an inverted colour scheme. So my dad might give my mum black on white, my mum give my dad white on black. Got a week to go, so plenty of thinking to do!

Michelle

[Blaadyblah]

I never thought to take a picture of the card I stitched for my Mum. I really should get into the habit of taking a photograph of things before they are despatched! Love the kneeler(?) EG!