http://www.popularcrafts.com/ Popular Crafts Latest Articles en-gb Copyright My Hobby Stored Limited - 2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/sites/8/images/website_images/lc.gif http://www.popularcrafts.com/ http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6139 Bought a rotary cutter but still find yourself using scissors? Worried your cuts will be wonky? Take a look at our tips and you will be using your cutter successfully in no time! 10/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6136 Use pretty flowers and tiny buttons to create a special Mother's Day card for a special Mum. The simple colour scheme is easy to adapt, so why not choose Mum's favourite colour for an extra special greeting? 08/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5690 Create a personal touch for your cards with a bit of a twist. Use craft wire to make detailed features and elements. You can easily adapt these ideas to suit any occasion. 08/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6135 Practical Textiles Techniques by Ruth Sleigh Johnson Published by A& C Black, 1st March 2010 ISBN: 9781408105870 08/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6133 The beauty of buying handmade is that it is so easy to find a personalised gift for a child (or for an adult with a child!), whatever their name! 08/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6129 Learn how to use embossing powder on your stamped designs, this can work on ink drawings too if you're quick with the drawing! 07/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6127 Whether you sell online or at craft fairs, packaging makes an impression on your customer and may make the difference to whether or not you get repeat business. 07/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5738 Whether you throw it on your sofa, scatter it in your bedroom, or use it to make a garden bench more comfortable, this cushion is an essential summer sew. 06/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5698 These colourful daisy cards, gift tags and notebook, are great mini projects for your teenage daughter and her school mates to make on a sleep over! 05/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6125 Nottingham Craft Mafia will be screening the acclaimed craft documentary Handmade Nation by Faythe Levine for only the third time that the film has been screened in public in the UK on Saturday 20th March 2010. 05/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6117 Have you booked your first fair but unsure what to take with you and how to start selling? Here's 10 pointers to get you on track. 03/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6120 Put a little sparkle into someone's life with a glittery greeting. These glitzy and funky cards are made by stamping a design on acetate and using glitter to decorate it. They are unusual, effective and very enjoyable to make. 03/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6110 Whilst wearing a heart shaped ring full of red glitter today, it came to me that the first in the new "Buys" series on Popular Crafts should feature glittery handmade treats! 02/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6114 Get a burned finish on your paper projects using just ink- no flame necessary! 02/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6113 02/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6103 Click on the images below to download your free A4 pdf of the design. Print them off and get crafty! 01/03/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6096 Just what are all those different gauges of wire for? And which should you use for your project? Consult our guide for quick reference to get you on track! 26/02/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6095 Five tips to improve your rubber stamping! 26/02/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5775 You've probably noticed them on sale in the high street. Now you can make your own with the simple technique of using Lazertran. Either design your own images or use the templates here. 25/02/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=6058 Create these bright designs to celebrate spring. Use small pieces of fabric and mount as a card or picture. The effects are easy to achieve when using textile and silk paints. However, incorporate an exciting range of techniques to amaze and inspire! 14/02/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5989 This soft and bright cushion is quick and simple to make. The colours remind you that spring isn't so far away and the warm fleecy fabric is great to snuggle into on a cold winter's night. 26/01/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5971 Make a shimmering crystal table runner and provide your dining room with a fresh new spring look. with this elegant and stylish entertaining, you will be the envy of your guests. 22/01/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5919 Take a pretty rose motif, some lovely scented pot pourri and create these dainty little projects perfect as a special present. 11/01/2010 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5864 Summer lunches and evening barbeques are always a popular activity on these beautiful sunny days. Dine in festive style, impress your friends and present your seasonal fayre using this bold, bright and cheerful Daisy tablecloth and napkin set. 21/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5852 Recycle your old fabric leftovers to make these retro-style cushions. They'll look great anywhere in the house. 17/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5855 Using traditional English patchwork, Grandmother& #65429;s Flower garden, create this drawer sachet. It's a great project to use up old scraps of fabric and make your drawers burst with the lovely smell of Lavender. 17/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5848 The soft hues of approaching Autumn are delicately recreated in this lovely storage box. The pretty mixture of textured papers and skeleton leaves give a subtle and tasteful look and the well-chosen quotations provide the perfect finishing touch. 16/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5845 If youre looking for a way to add a little romance to your Valentines Dinner table, why not create this floral storm lantern? Its easy and quick to make and it can be used as a lovely table centrepiece. 15/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5841 Unusual effects adorn these glass bottles, using spirit-based glass paints and metallic ceramic colour. The colour is diluted and applied using the coule technique. Light glows through whilst the opaque gold tones contrast to give a stunning finish. 14/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5839 Knitting this delightful light and lacy cardigan will truly banish the winter blues. Spend the dark cold evenings creating it and dream of wearing it in a warmer season. 14/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5829 This lovely autumnal jewellery is made with seed beads. Easy and quick to make, they are ideal as a gift for family or friends. We made this bracelet and earring set using size 11 seed beads in contrasting colours. You can, of course, use any combination of beads you like. 11/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5830 Have fun transferring your favourite photographs or images onto fabric. With little expense you can revamp an old cushion cover and achieve a professional finish. 11/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5799 These standard flower arrangements look spectacular and may be used for many different occasions. Once you have made the basic structure simply replace the oasis for a new arrangement. A good excuse not to prune your laurel hedge too early in the year! 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5804 In true country style, decorate these elegant frames and co-ordinated romantic lamp to give a fresh and clean feel to any room in the house. 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5798 Use natures own accessories to bring new life to potted narcissus plants, here we have used moss, twigs and stones. 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5797 What better way to stay calm whatever the occasion than to wear a relaxing lavender, thyme or rosemary buttonhole? Something a little different from the more predictable carnation! 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5796 Grandchildren will adore this knitted owl wall hangings. The perfect gift for a child who suffers with nightmares, hang an owl near their bed to watch over and protect them when they are sleeping. 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5795 Learn some decorative painting techniques and colour mixing, painting a collection of floral ceramics. These designs are inspired by Springtime, created with a freestyle painting effect using glass and tile paints in a variety of tones created from few colours. Follow the outlined designs to produce professional results to adorn a dresser table. 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5803 Why not have a go at flower-bashing and make this useful drawstring bag out of the printed fabric that you've created? 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5802 This is a fresh modern floral arrangement to make in the comfort of your own home it will look like you have paid a lot of money for it in a trendy florist shop. 04/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5788 Transparent colour, metallic threads, glass beads and metal leaf are brought together in this innovative project, combining applied work with glass painting. Adorn your table with a stunning coloured centrepiece bowl, which is lit up with the use of floating candles. Stunning candle holders and wine glasses complete this set, which is fit for any occasion. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5793 These bright and breezy knitted bags are fun to make and they are a great storage item for toiletries. Change the colours to match your bathroom. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5792 This beautiful, rich needlepoint cushion is worked in an Elizabethan style and features Tudor roses. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5791 Get cosy with this easy-to-make embroidered knitted blanket. Here we& #65429;ve got both machine and hand-knitting instructions. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5790 Just about anything can be crocheted, and accessories are no exception. This crochet scarf will mean you can wrap up well and feel super snug, even when it's not that cold outside! 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5789 Take it nice and simple with this pretty watercolour painting. Find your subject and have fun. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5794 This project is ideal for a novice of the technique to practice. The softly-coloured floral motif has been repeated three times across the watery moir taffeta fabric and a simple satin border has been added to enclose the lavender motifs. 03/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5778 Bring sparkle to ordinary glassware by painting and gilding it with these easy techniques. You& #65429;ll be surprised at how effective it looks, and you& #65429;ll certainly impress guests at the dinner table. 02/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5770 These pretty fairies can be made within a day and add a bit of magic to your Christmas decor! 02/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5768 The idea behind these wire wrap pendants is basically the same, but different designs can be created simply by using different shapes and colours of doughnut beads and winding the wire in different ways. 02/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5781 Gardeners love their flowers so paint this Pelargonium on a watering can and have colour all year round. It would also make a great gift for a green-fingered friend. 02/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5773 Have you seen the film, Moulin Rouge? It inspired this gorgeous necklace a la Nicole Kidman. It will take at least half a day and a lot of patience to complete but the result is well worth the hard work. 02/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5763 The beading technique worked here is commonly called lazy stitch or, more correctly, lane stitch. The designs are worked in parallel lines, or lanes, of beads, and the lines follow the contours of the design, making rhythmical patterns within the motifs. The lines are stitched by stringing several beads onto a length of thread, then couching down the thread between the beads, either with a new thread or working backwards with the same thread. The technique is very useful and a lot quicker than the single bead per stitch method, for both working the designs and for unpicking them if things go wrong. 01/12/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5737 Add a little extra flavour to your al fresco eating this summer with these tasty table settings Our brief British summers make the seasons pleasures even more piquant: you simply have to make the most of the weather while it's here. So why not add some more zest to your open air meals and barbecues with the seasonal patterns and colours of these table settings? 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5745 Floral corsages are so last year- brooches are the only accessory to be seen in. Add a touch of lux to your wardrobe with a cabochon gem that looks and feels ultra glam! 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5740 This bright gingham bag is a really easy and cheap sewing project. It's also ideal to put flower bulbs in as gifts for family and friends. 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5736 This new craft has its origins in Swiss Straw-work. Lengths of straw are flattened and moistened, and then worked on a comb to create beautiful designs. This old idea has been adapted using paper strips instead of straw and an onion holder instead of a comb. 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5732 Lindsay Masons lace-bound album puts a different sort of stitch in time. With its leaves of handmade paper and its bold laced binding, this album has a tactile appeal that invites you to fill its pages with photos, pictures, jottings and mementos. Weve also included some suggestions on ways that you can combine Lindsays approach with different materials, colours or effects to create themed albums. 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5742 As spring takes hold and buds begin to bloom, its time to don the wellies and get out in the garden. Our practical boot bag provides the perfect storage place when they are not in use and makes a lovely Mothers Day gift when decorated with floral applique. 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5741 The bright and retro feel of this trendy painted T-shirt and cute beanie hat recall the heady flower power days of the early 70s - yeah, man, groovy! 30/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5707 Use coloured card and tissue paper to make these see-through greetings cards. Remember that a craft knife is very sharp; do ask an adult to help you use it. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5721 Customise your CDs with these beautiful designer covers. Choose a theme and a colour palette to suit the mood of the music. These eye-catching covers are certain to impress your friends who are sure to appreciate this personal touch. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5717 Twinkle, twinkle little stars! Let the winter sun make these little stars twinkle as they hang in your window over Christmas, or hang them from your tree and let them reflect the sparkle of the fairy lights! 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5716 With a little imagination you can create dazzling customised greeting cards to delight your friends and family. Save money on expensive cards and give your greetings a customised look. You dont need to be an accomplished artist to produce impressive results, simple designs can look just as effective! 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5714 Send a little extra cheer to friends and family with festive hanger cards. The recipient can simply remove the detachable handmade decoration and hang it straight on their tree. Here are a few design ideas to try, using festive wooden shapes, which you can scent for an added touch. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5713 There have never been so many different ways to make greetings cards, and here are two examples of the newest methods from Holland paper pricking and embroidery on paper. With their bright spring colours they will make great birthday or Easter cards and when you have made these frames there is an endless choice of what you can put inside them! 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5712 Package up a special Valentines treat in this gorgeous box and accompany it with your heartfelt greetings written in a tasteful matching card. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5711 This smart trio of Christmas gift boxes will be useful for packing all sorts of presents. No one will guess they are made from an old cereal box and a sheet of Christmas wrapping paper! 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5710 Create beautiful cards that will provide you with hours of fun and let that special person know exactly how you feel. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5709 Send a breath of Spring to friends and relatives with these charmingly fresh cards. Choose from a couple of easy techniques and send your Spring greetings soon! 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5708 There are so many occasions that require a gift card to say Thank you, Sorry, I love you, Get Well Soon, Congratulations, You are invited, Happy Birthday. Handmade cards are always special but can carry a hefty price tag. The cards shown here are all made using skeleton leaves that cost about 1.50 for a huge bundle. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5720 A little creative thinking will lead to the perfect presentation of & #8232;your gifts this Christmas. There is a huge choice of papers available for gift wrapping. Dont just look at purpose made giftwrap, consider art papers. In fact, any paper can be used if it is large and flexible enough. Choosing the right paper for the job will make wrapping much easier and more rewarding. 27/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5704 Use a mosaic punch to create intricate patterns in your card-making that are inspired by stunning Moroccan textiles. 26/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5701 These chic glass-painted heart cards will steal anyones heart when placed on a window sill to catch the sunlight. Perfect for your loved one on Valentines day! 26/11/2009 http://www.popularcrafts.com/news/article.asp?a=5700 With iris folding proving to be just as popular this year as it was last year, here is a sweet and simple iris folding pattern to start you off on this fascinating craft. 26/11/2009