collecting craft items.

[eleanor2]

do you collect craft items that you probably wont use .or maybe buy them planinng to use them in the future.i have all sorts of canvas, paints of all sorts.i cant help buying all sorts of good quality pencils and pens. watercolour pencils,soft colourd pencils.carbon paper of all sorts.glues,scissors.i have about twenty stampers.i do stamping and embossing so they are used.i make cards so i think all these things will come in one day.would love to paint.so get the stuff in it satisfies me for now.cus then if i get the time and urge. i have the stuff in.whats your reason or excuse.or dont you have this weakness for craft stuff.

[franbee]

Yes, guilty as charged! I have loads of craft stuff, most of it not bought, or at least not expensive, card-making stuff, but mainly sewing stuff, vintage trims, fabrics, buttons, all waiting for the moment when I need to make something.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

Meet your match Eleanor. I buy dress fabric when I visit our daughter in Australia- wonderful quality, and so much cheaper. I buy furnishing fabric in Paris up at Sacre Coeur again so much cheaper. I buy most of my craft stuff in Michaels in America because they have everything and also much cheaper. I go on benders. 2 years ago it was scrapbooking. Last year it was art materials from Lidl - you would think I was Picasso. I have the easel set up with my 2 Frank Clarke books on water colours and acrylics perched beside it, and ready to go. I have 2 problems. With running our homeas a B&B I no longer have a room for myself, and I have so little spare time. However whenever I get the urge, I always have the gear. Would love to make a studio for myself in the attic with all my books, and hobbies gear. It is a pain having to clear things up. I also love nice pencils, pens, wrapping paper and personalized stationary. I love any creative activity, and no doubt I will pay a visit to Michael's when I go on Hols. I love making things with my little grand-daughter. It's all great fun

[eleanor2]

well. fran and tiggi so glad i am not the only one.hubby does ow we have no children at home.not mind me leaving my craft stuff on the dining room table if i am having a card making spree.all the craft stuff is coming in handy for grandsons. i make a card and grandson makes one with me for family.he loves making them for his mum and dad.i take craft stuff to France and do crafts with grandsons there.France is quite good for beads.i bought loads of swarcovsy crystals in the sales there last year.have just made a lovely pair of earings with some of them.have about 8 untouched tubs.but many ideas in mind.

[Crocus]

Goodness, paint, brushes, all kind of crafty stuff, stencils, calico to paint on, lovely fabric waiting to be turned into curtains, cushion covers, aprons........... :eek: Does someone here perhaps have some "saved up" time to pass on please?;)

[eleanor2]

i have about 25 craft paintbrushes every size and shape.no saved up time sorry crocus.

[dragonfly]

I have bin bags full of wool and material and about 12 cross stitch kits. I have draws full of craft stuff like beads and cards, all ready for when I get the time to make something.

I have a case full of art material and that is the only thing I do use as I am in an art class. Purhaps that is the answer to finding more time. If we join a class or circle of friends we would make the time.

Everytime OH moans about it all I say I am saving it for when I retire and can't afford to buy much, but the truth is I can't stop buying it especially if it is on sale or reduced. (not much chance of spare time now I have joined RM)

[eleanor2]

dragonfly i have seen some of your collection of craft stuff and you are not exaggerting. i tell you what tho if you ever broke a leg or something and were stuck in for months .our craft stuff would safe our livs of boredom.

[Crocus]

We're bad eh?! Have stacks and stacks of stuff, but not doing anything with it! Shame on us.........;)

[eleanor2]

yes but i am sure one day we willi know i will.i have been letter writing today.using my pens,inks ,fancy paper,cards,dried herbs etc.have had some great ideas for a new design for my card making.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

I am the Queen of Hoarding.

Don't argue, I am, and I can proove it. How many of you have had to convert your attic into dedicated storage space? You can't see your dining table for projects. You fall over the 'little' piles of 'collections' in your bedroom. I have two wardrobes full of fabric and 'saved' clothing for making and conversion. I have countless 'giant' plastic boxes and countless rolls of same fabric. I have three boxes full of embroidery floss. Enough cross stitch fabric to make several garments. Two huge storage boxes (I mean huge) of ribbon and lace. An A0 and an A1 boxes full of sheets of paper (drawing, sugar, tissue, hand dyed etc) Dozens upon dozens of tubes and jars of acrylic paint and inks. Dylon dyes. Brushes, charcoal, crayons, watercolour pencils (three boxes) Three large boxes of wooden cut outs. Shells from all over the world. Couple dozen stamps. Shoeboxes full of buttons and beads.

I now actively stalk rubbish on bin day to look for suitable boxes that are sturdy enough for storing things in.

And if the above isn't enough to convince you that I am the Queen of Hoarding, then how many of you are actively considering getting a bigger house to accomodate your hoard?

[Rustic Pumpkin]

. . . did I mention the knitting yarn, needles, crafting papers, 24 cushion pads of assorted sizes, easels, quilt batting, old nails and bits of slate, boxes of postcards . . .

Oh, look, nice young men, in clean white coats . . .

[keepersdaughter]

Oh Rustic, you do have it bad :). I only have a couple of bags of 'good intentions' of making aprons - the bag of fabric and patterns are on a kitchen chair, closer to being done at least. And I'm halfway through a baby hat - no baby to knit for I just saw the pattern and wanted to have a go at knitting it. I'm going to start the Christmas cake this afternoon, so little by little I'm getting there :).

[dragonfly]

Rustic if you used all your craft stuff you would have enough items to fill a shop and could make a fortune.
I bet the one thing you don't have is enough time.

[Crocus]

My word RP, you can put up shop in your house by the sound of it! You'll have to start changing your "hoardings" into beautiful things! ...oh, and no, I won't even think of arguing, you are the Queen of Hoarding!;)

[Rustic Pumpkin]

It all started with cross stitch, some thirty years ago, in the teeny~tiniest shop in St Augustine, Florida. One thing led to another, I dabbled in patchwork, quilting, stencilling, painting, the list goes on, and the accumulation of 'stuff' did a Topsy~it just grew. And grew. And grew. I used to make so much stuff that I would give it to people, but they quickly became embarrassed as I was actually giving things that had a high value if bought. Of course, they weren't costing me much at all, only time. Then, when I was living in Iceland I was unable to get a job (wrong passport nationality and red tape stuff) so I used to make 'things' to sell at a monthly craft fair. Needless to say, I had a lot of piece goods left over. Then, when I went through my divorce I went back to college, art based of course, and the 'stuff' just piled up and up and up.

Being an interminable Pack Rat, nothing ever gets thrown out. :) Unfortunately, I have more ideas for this mountain than you can shake a stick at. And that is the problem. For every bit of stuff there are 20 ideas, and being a typical Libran I can't decide which one to use! PLEASE stop laughing, this is NOT funny! ;)

Yes, Dragonfly, you are right. I could make a small fortune. If only I could decide . . .

[Crocus]

Write all those ideas down RP, look them in the eye so to speak! Which of the ideas you have would you like best to receive as a pressie? That could help you decide what to do? Again no, I'm not laughing, I'm trying to help you make a decision.....;)

[eleanor2]

rustic you win hands down.would love to come for a visit for a good rummage and craft lesson off you.wish you were my neighbour.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Crocus, did I tell you about the notebooks and sheets of paper with all the ideas I am considering? :)

Eleanor, you may come and look, but I assure you, with no offence intended, you will be frisked and asked to empty your pockets, bag etc as you leave!:p:eek:

Anyone into 'dumpster diving' as this is a grand way to increase your stash!!!:D

[Crocus]

No you didn't RP, but I'm now even more convinced for you to open a shop! My goodness, you better take a pic and put it on here for us to really understand...;)

[franbee]

I had a stash of my own stuff, then my Mum and Auntie died and I inherited all their stuff. People who know I craft give me stuff, and I still collect anything that's being ditched, like today I brought some bits and pieces from work.

[Crocus]

"The RM Craft Shop" comes to mind here .....

[eleanor2]

rustic you wouldnt search my bag would you.oh deari better behave then.
i met my friend yesterday.we got chatting about crafts.she is a big crafter.she is coming to visit me tomorrow night and show me how to do card verses on the computer.then she is taking me to a card workshop.she goes most wednesday nights.she says they have a cup of tea and a laugh.make cards and swap ideas.so i am up for a challenge.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Oh, Eleanor, I hope you know I was only joking! :) This is the trouble with 'invisible' speaking, you couldn't see the wicked grin on my face! Probably just as well !Ha!:eek:

Er, just to let everyone know, the stash is increased as of today with two new balls of wool, and I don't even knit! I just couldn't resist the colours!:(

[Crocus]

Oh RP, as you say one can't convey emotion on here apart from a few emoticons, but I having a good giggle now because of the two new balls of wool! x:D

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Oh, but Crocus, if you could see it you'd understand why I JUST HAD TO HAVE IT!

It is a make after the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who just happens to be one of my favourite artists. It is a random knit (based on that he never wore matching socks) and this particular one is in divine, muted shades of heathery purples, teals, aquas, and just a hint of yellow and orange.

I took it out of the paper bag and stroked it on the way home in the bus. It was very comforting when the bus broke down. :)

Yes, you have every right to be concerned.

[franbee]

So rustic, when you need a piece of fabric for a project, do you pull a pile out of stash, admire them, then put them back because you can't bear to cut them?

[Rustic Pumpkin]

You sound as if you understand me, Franbee!

I have several sets of fat quarters, bought in America, plus several lengths of quilting cotton, again bought in America some 15 - 20 years ago!!!!! and they don't know what a scissors looks like!

I have been known to go out and buy an 'alternate' to which I am not attached for a project rather than cut up a favourite piece!

[sheddie]

All sounds so interesting but I am not a crafty person, I prefer old iron and metal. X

[eleanor2]

rustic cause i knew you were kidding.i think.ha ha ha.go on all that stuff would it kill you to give some away.i mean your love with balls of wool.....i have heard of stroking cats.but...........sheddy its a good job we are all different aint it. any old iron any old iron any any any old iron.
i have a cupboard of yarns and silks and ribbons and cross stitch fabric.i do find uses.like the silks and crochet threads are good for making home made tags.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Oh, Eleanor, I was on a broken down bus in the middle of nowhere! I had no chocolate or anything to eat, so I had to take comfort in something!

Sheddie! Old iron and metal, sounds like 'sculpture' heaven to me. I haven't mentioned the garage full of sheet metal, planks of wood, nails, saws, hammers, etc etc ad infinitum.

And slate. I have chunks of slate lined up from the discarded slate from a local workshop.

Oh, look, yet more nice young men in clean white coats!

[eleanor2]

rustic i really am getting worried about you.do you want me come and help you have a sort out.you can throw some out in my direction if you want.hahahahahahah
on second thoughts my hubby wouldnt be too hapy.i realise i have my full qoto of draws and cupboards full. my friend came last night to download a card making c.d onto my computer.it is gr8.you can even scan old photos from yor printer to the front of your card .now i need more printer paper and cards.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

I think we all have a bad case of 'I need a SKIP' Sometimes I think that it is a good option. Throw it all in the skip, get it carted away. It would be traumatic, but theraputic (probably) and I'd get over it (eventually, in, say about 50 years):(

Eleanor, the trouble with keeping things on the computer is this: eventually you will actually need a bigger memory (computer, not you! lol):D. This actually happened to me. Two years ago I was given an all singing all dancing digital camera with which I went bananas. It released me from having to consider the expense of around £10 per 36 exp film (from film to prints) so I could take gazillions of photographs. They were all committed to the 'ether' that is my hard drive storage. Thousands of pics and no space taken up on shelves. THEN, one day it happened. I logged on and the computer politely, but firmly, told me I couldn't do anything until I removed some of the files to make space.

Don't you just LOVE being told what to do by a machine!?;)

[franbee]

We now have a digi-photo frame, you upload the pics from the computor onto a little discy thing which you plug into this frame, then lo and behold you can use a remote control to turn the pics over. I think you can run them through the TV too.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Yes, I've seen one of those in action, actually as a promotion tool in a gallery that specializes in photography. They had their wall displays etc, but also several of these delicious gadgets rotating away with hundreds of extra images available for sale but not taking up gallery space.

[tigger2]

Oh, but Crocus, if you could see it you'd understand why I JUST HAD TO HAVE IT!

It is a make after the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser who just happens to be one of my favourite artists. It is a random knit (based on that he never wore matching socks) and this particular one is in divine, muted shades of heathery purples, teals, aquas, and just a hint of yellow and orange.

I took it out of the paper bag and stroked it on the way home in the bus. It was very comforting when the bus broke down. :)

Yes, you have every right to be concerned.

Rustic,I couldn't pass on 2 lovely balls of Baby's wool ,white with pink
speckles at a Church back room when I was at the cape.What will I make
with it.I am a pack rat too.
Just had to add my 2 CENTS.
Tigger.

[eleanor2]

i am begining to worry about some of you you know.i thought i was bad but.......

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Hey, Tigger, glad to see you back. How's things? Hope you had a good trip to the Cape. Why don't you start a thread over on Travel?

Thanks for the offer, but I think I have enough yarn for now! Mind, the yarn has turned into a good yarn anyway! LOL :)

[eleanor2]

yarn a bit of a wooly one.did unravel into an interesting story tho.

[jazzactivist]

Hi all. This is a good thread. I am also a collector of craft items and books, all of which I intend to get round to using - sometime... I cleared out a lot when we moved house, but am now, very quickly, in the process of collecting more. Today I discovered a whole basket of embroidery transfers in the local Oxfam. There were some from the 1930s right up to the 1970s. I was so excited and bought a few sheets, but now regret the ones I didn't buy so will have to go back again... Not that I do embroidery, I just like the transfers! I love looking at my craft items and books and thinking about all the potential in them. I have just started classes in feltmaking, silversmithing and knitting, so some of the items will, hopefully, get used.

[eleanor2]

jazz i think thats the thing.we buy these things knowing what we would like to do with them.getting round to doing it is another thing.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

Rustic, You are without doubt The Hoarding Queen. I am almost as bad. You mentioned St. Augustine. I was there years ago. Very quaint. I knew I would have to visit Michaels Craft store, and did so yesterday. Bought more acrylic Paint, Outdoor heavy velcro for hanging things up,12 wooden cut outs to add to the collection I have at home. Have been restraining myself, and have not bought masses of stationary, but did order some Christmas cards. I am also a gadget Queen, and have to keep away from books. I do now need a room of my own again, so that everything can be in one place, and be left. I think we are hopeless cases. Still it's great to have the stuff when inspiration hits. Love from America TIGGYWINKLE

[eleanor2]

hi tiggi hope you are having a lovely time.dont forget you have to carry all your aquisitions all the way back home.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

I dread to think of that Eleanor. I even have 4 rolls of wallpaper. Still I love buying little bits and pieces to remember trips. It is difficult when travelling alone, and not having a man to haul the cases. Thankfully my cousin is collecting me at the airport in NY, and dropping me off on Wed for my homeward journey. TIGGYWINKLE X

[buecherwurm]

I mostly bring pieces of material back from my trips. This year I bought some Donegal Tweed to make a skirt. Will always remind me of my holiday when wearing it.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday, Tiggy.

[eleanor2]

well ladies i have decided to make my own christmas cards.not all.i am using some of my excess craft supplies up.thoroughly enjoying experimenting with bits and bobs.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Tiggy, you can always post things back to yourself. Hope you had the presence of mind to take an empty suitcase?

Now, ladies, I need suggestions, please for some 300m of pre~gathered broderie anglais ruffle.

[keepersdaughter]

how about a fetching ra-ra skirt or several (hundred) baby bonnets?

[Rustic Pumpkin]

I'm sitting here splitting my sides! A ra-ra, mind they are fashionable again. (looks worried)

Answer: I don't think so!!!!!

[franbee]

Rustic, have you discovered www.wardroberefashion yet? It's quite entertaining.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

Thanks, Fran, but it is a 'dead end'. My laptop says it isn't a valid address!

[franbee]

Rustic, if you google it, you can find a link through. I have it in my bookmarks.

[Crocus]

I also tried the link and I only get "Bad Gateway" on the screen. I'll try to google it. x

[sunflower]

Yes, I collect fabric. I had the most wonderful time last Saturday. I introduced my little Grandaughters to Fabricland to buy fur fabric for the hand puppets we were going to make. It was like letting them loose in a sweet shop........girls after my own heart! They could'nt get over the shiny, glittery, silky, furry, colouful fabric. Also, all those buttons, ribbons, gold, silver, sequin lengths of ribbon to adorn their puppets. We had such a fab time. THEN!!! I took them to the dolly shop to buy dog and cats eyes for their puppets. What a shop! The lady is a real doll maker and spent alot of time with my Grandchildren answering their questions and showing her secrets of choosing the correct eyes. Then we came home and they made their puppets. I would love to think that what we do now with our grandchildren will make them creative and independent thinkers in the future. I so believe that it is important for children to be resourceful and know that, from a few scrap items around the house, they can make a treasure. Or, from a craft shop for a few pence they can make a precious gift for someone. SO LADIES!! that is why it is important to horde crafty items. If you get inspiration then you just go to your drawer/attic/shed and there you have all that you need xxxx

[eleanor2]

sunflower how lovely to hear your enthusiasm and that it is rubbing off on your grandaughters.i dont think my grandsons will do much sewing.but we do loads of crafts with my stuff.if he is here and i am making a card for someone he always makes one.this has encouraged his mum to go and buy him a craft box.she buys him things now and then and they do crafts.i also encouraged my daughter and she now has 2 craft boxes and i get all sorts of cards and picturessent to me.it does bring out the creative side for sure.

[Crocus]

Hi Sunflower, I also love going into a fabric shop. I'm one who want's all the lovely fabric, especially the tapestry kind of fabric, damasks, rich velvets, oh goodness me, I just love it. I've still got a piece of fabric I bought in Scotland once, an aubergine almost organza type of fabric, but it has a linen appearance. Still don't know what to do with it, but it doesn't matter. Some day, something will be done with it! I don't always get the chance to go in the fabric stores as much as I would've liked to. Mr C is always tagging along as our nearest big shops are about 150 km away and I don't want to travel alone. Did it once, but I feel much safer with having OH with me.
We will be going next week, so fabric store, watch out, I'm on my way!!! xxxx

[TIGGYWINKLE]

The latest thing I want to make are Golly Dolls for my grandchildren. When I was a child I loved my golly as much as my teddy. I don't understand why they are considered politically incorrect by some. I think it was probably the original name. If you google "Gollydolls" there is a lot of interesting information. Anyhow, I have all the fabric, bought the hair, and eyes in the U.S. Have taken my old golly apart for a Pattern, but will remake him. But is this going to be another project, that doesn't find its way from my head to my hands. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Crocus]

Well Tiggywinkle, keep up the communication between head and hands eh?;)
Those Golly dolls are waiting ........xxxxxx

[eleanor2]

i bought more craft items yesterday.we did make some jewellry last night.today we will be going to the bead shop.must control my urges.i must say d.f has loads of draws of stuff i have been nosying in this morning.

[Crocus]

Oops, she's going to slap your wrist Eleanor!:D Enjoy the craft shopping eh? :)

[eleanor2]

i have totally behaved today.no craft stuff.my sister got a brill book.there was only one.i stood by her hoping she would put it down.but she didnt she bought it. shucks.

[sunflower]

Oh guess what everybody???? I bought a beautiful Dolls house on E.bay last week for a song. It's for my Grandaughters to play with when they visit. Anyway, inside it is totally empty so....Hubby is going to help the girls make wooden furniture and I am going to help them make bedspreads, curtains and other soft furnishings. We made the carpets on Sunday. I also bought some really really cheap plain fairy lights from Asda. The Dolls house is now on the landing all lit up with Fairy lights. We are planning to decorate it inside for Christmas. Such fun!!!

[dragonfly]

It sounds lovely Sunflower. I'm sure you will have hours of fun decorating the dolls house and your grandaughters will love it. I would love to see a photo of it as I am quite passionate about dolls houses. I have one for my grandaughter (and a few for myself)and it really gets the imagination going making small items for them. If you are interested there are web sites where you can print off and make things like hat boxes and food cartons for the kitchen and knitting patterns for 'dolls house' doll clothes.

[eleanor2]

sunflower that sounds a brilliant idea.i bet it looks lovely all lit up with fairy lights.making funiture and furnishing sounds like you will all be having a great and constructive time.tres bien

[jazzactivist]

Your dolls house sounds great, sunflower. I was speaking with a woman at the Knitting and Stitching Show who had made her own Victorian dolls house and was filling it with home made furniture, decoration etc. She said that a tip when putting in new wallpaper is to put the wallpaper on pieces of card to fit each wall and slide them into place, doing the side walls first and then the back so no rough corners are on view. This is much easier than trying to get your hands inside the rooms to paint / paper. She had made lovely miniature furniture, and had also adapted some interesting items to fit, such as an old toothpaste lid as a vase. So I think that you and your grand daughters will have a fantastic time making and collecting items for it.

[Crocus]

I never had a dolls house (would've loved to) but friends of my parents, their daughter had a dolls house. I enjoyed it so much to just look at this dolls house! Would'nt touch it as my mum said I'm not allowed.

In Bourton-in-the-Water there's/was shop with the most beautiful dolls houses and evything you need for it. xxx

[sunflower]

Hi Jazz, what wonderful advice about wallpapering the dolls house. Thanks for passing this on.

[eleanor2]

i was determined not to buy any more craft items for now.but i find really they give me such pleasure .....that yes i am still buying more.i dont pay much but there they are.waiting for a day i can experiment with a new card design.my ideal day a day of peace and quiet,log fire,gentle music ,maybe a glass of red wine.and hours and hours to get all my craft stuff out and just tinker away.

[eleanor2]

today i bought a made in England knitting needle holder .with about 15 pairs of different sized needles for £2.50.i havnt knit in years.but it is coming back in fashion.now to find some nice wool at a decent price.but where a i going to squeeze my new aqusition to store till i need them.

[sunflower]

Hi Dragonfly. Many Thanks. Have P.M you.

[sunflower]

What a bargain Eleneor, I was given my Auntie's knitting needle holder when she died. It's so lovely to have most of the size needles you need when you start on a project.
My friend has a large wicker basket by her fireplace where she keeps her needles and wool she is using at the moment. It's a kind of feature of her fireplace. perhaps that is where you could put the knitting needle holder.

[eleanor2]

i think that sounds good sunflower.i have my needles.just need to get some wool and get cracking.i have just thought of the perfect basketi have upstairs.my bag i have been knitting for months is stuck in a cupboard.if i have it in view i will probably finish it so i can get onto some interesting baby clothes.i have been going a card making class the last few weeks.daughter in law has taken it up to.so oh dear dear i am buying even more craft stuff.i have made my mum a beautiful home made mothers day card tho with all my bits and bobs i have stored up.

[eleanor2]

daughter bought me a lovely craft set for mothers day.it is a new concept to card m,aking.using like a vellum ,frame cards and special pens.like a three d effect.i am really looking forward to trying it.but o dear i need more room to store all my stuff.did say to daughter i like having craft items for pressies.so i think i need a room not just sets of draws.

[Gentian]

I so love crafts that all my friend know and they always think of me when throwing out. I am so lucky I don't really have to buy much, my problem is storing it. I am lucky enough to have a craft room.

[eleanor2]

hi gentian i have an office.which i am wondering about turning into a craft room.trouble is it is upstairs and i am wondering if i would go up there.i like lighting my fire and putting my music on as i do my crafts.

[Gentian]

Hi Eleanor, the beauty of having a craft room is that my sewing machine is always available and I can pop in for a few minutes or as long as I have got. I used to have to co-opt the dining table, but was always having to put it away, for a meal.
My sewing table is an office desk with built in filing cabinet on my right, the top draw is full of cottons, the second have patterns and the file part have books and magazines. Still need more room.

[franbee]

I have my own room too, well, I share it as an office with OH, office, computor and TV on one side, sewing table with sewing machine on the other, with a cupboard full of fabric, and boxes full of other craft stuff. As gentian said, if the machine is out, I'm more likely to do a quick bit of sewing. I do have a basket of hand work that I take downstairs.

[sunflower]

I think it must be wonderful to have a craft room. I have my eye on my fourth son's bedroom. He is at Uni for the next three years........but I have designs on his room when he eventually sets up his own home. Our bedroom is filled with craft items which I try to keep tidy...in a huge chest of drawers and wicker baskest. I then use one of these baskets to bring my present project down into the living room.

[eleanor2]

sunflower i took your advice.ages ago i bought a lovely new basket from a car boot.i didnt have a use for it but new it would come in use.it is now full of my wool and knitting project.i am kntting quite a big bag.with different wools and silks.so it needed all putting together safely.especially has grandson dcided to have a mess and pull the stitches off.he did tell me straight away so i could save my kitting.yes a craft room does sound tempting.

[Gentian]

My craft room is very handy, as we have a bungalow it is only across the hall from the kitchen, so I pop in their while the meal is cooking, somtimes get carried away though and meal is late. My wool is in a deep log type basket and of course that ball I want is always at the bottom.

[eleanor2]

wow you must have some wool gentian.

[eleanor2]

every time i go to town i tell myself not to buy any more craft items.but i do..........

[franbee]

what have you bought this time, ee?

[Crocus]

I think I know ......

[eleanor2]

actually a bargain.i really wanted a corner punch and partners had one in a sale bag for £2 how was i to resist.mind you this time of year.i have loads of cards to make.it seems like everyones birthday in the next few months.

[eleanor2]

oh dear i have bought more craft items today......

[Crocus]

You can put up shop by now Eleanor!;)

[eleanor2]

mind you june is a month of many celebrations.birthday cards and anniversary.oh fathers day too.i have been busy.

[eleanor2]

my daughter bought me a paper patisserie set today for my birthday.it is like a very posh kit for wrapping and tagging presents.all mathching papers,tags,ribbons and stickers.to posh for wrapping pressies.they are going to be for card making.son and daughter inlaw bought me a box filled it full of craft items.wow my draws are full.where ami goiing to put them all.i am so thrilled however....mmmmcard making time coming up.

[jazzactivist]

That sounds very exciting, eleanor. Today I am going to make paper templates for my next batch of silver jewellery. I am trying to create modern versions of garden flowers for pendants and brooches. I bought lots of handmade buttons at Woolfest last week and am going to use them to make some silver rings and hatpins too. Yesterday I took delivery of a rolling mill for my silver work. Although I have all the basic tools this is my first piece of serious workbench kit and it looks very industrial and purposeful. It is used for rolling patterns onto silver and I can't wait to get going with it.

[Crocus]

You two should set up shop! It sounds so interesting. xxx

[eleanor2]

crocus jazz sounds much more industrious than me.jazz your silver work sounds so interesting.i think doing your own designs sets it apart from other jewellry.makes it more of a special item.i have a crocus from a place near australia.it is actually a crocus overlaid with enamel or something.it is very different .

[dragonfly]

It sounds like you two are going to be very busy over the next few months.

[jazzactivist]

That crocus sounds nice, eleanor. You make jewellery too, don't you? I did an enamelling workshop and it is really intriguing as to how the different sorts of coverage and patterns are created - most involving putting your hand into a hot kiln! I like making jewellery from basic silver, as it involves quite a lot of thought and manipulation, plus using a heat torch. It is amazing what you can, and can't, do with silver. I am tryng to create petals that are folded over in the midle, but no luck yet. I hope that we might be able to start a craft gallery of photos on RM at some point, as it would be great see what other people make.

[eleanor2]

jazz would love to see some of your photos of your jewellry.i only make basic jewellry.i like using swarcovski crystals.i buy silver hooks and posts for dangly earings.basic wires for bracelets. d.f and another 2 sisters are very good at making bead jewellry.using twisted wire too.

[jazzactivist]

Glad to hear that there are more of us on RM, eleanor. Crystal jewellery can look really lovely. I wouldn't have the patience to sit and attach all those beads, so it is the chunkier silver approach for me. I like all the soldering, hammering and filing! There is a new magazine out, I think called Making Jewellery. Have you seen it? It is mostly beaded and crystal jewellery projects and articles, but there is one article per month to do with silver jewellery production. It is worth a look, although probably not a subscription. I am now ready to build up a collection of jewellery that would be suitable for a craft stall and to set up a blog, as up 'til now I have focused on jewellery projects for the course that I was on. Once I have a few things together I'll try posting some photos on RM, and it would be good if you and dragonfly and any other crafters on RM could do so too.

[Gentian]

Do you do cloisonne work, Jazz, I have two broaches in this art form which I love.

[eleanor2]

all my collected craft items are coming in handy.there are so many birthdays in july and August.i have also had a great idea for making useful christmas presents.using up a lot of craft stuff i already have in.

[sunflower]

It all sounds lovely Eleanor. I love having all the resources at hand ready for when inspiration strikes!
My new project is repairing my old rubber doll I brought with me from Canada when I arrived in the uk age 2. Her head has completely crumpled but her body is intact. So, on e.bay I managed to buy the identical doll whose head is ok but the body crumpled! The idea is to replace my doll's head with the American head. She is a Cindy sunbabe doll but |I have always called her Bunty. So even as I write this she is travelling to the UK.!

[eleanor2]

arrrrr sounds a lovely hobby sunflower.i gave my rubber doll to d.f as she collects dolls. i have a favorite teddy.have got a doll made in England that i am going to knit clothes for one day.was making my sister a birthday card yesterday.it was cut outs of a sewing machine,cotton spools and scissors etc.i had great fun going through my stuff to make extra cotton spool,ribbon bunch and material swab all in minature.

[dragonfly]

I still have your rubber doll Eleanor.

I have finished a project today that I have been doing for the last few months, which is very satisfying. It is a miniature knitted patchwork quilt. I also started another project which I hope to finish tomorrow. I bought the material about 15 years ago for some bedding for a dolls bed: frilled bottom sheet, pillowcase and quilt cover. It is taking about 5 yards of material.

[eleanor2]

d.f i remember seeing your minature patchwork quilt it is lovely.this dolls bedding topic sounds very good.knowing you ,you will make a good job of it.

[eleanor2]

at last my hubby went on ebay and bought me a brand new crft light.one of the magnifying ones.oooooo there be no stopping me now.

[sunflower]

Hi, how is everyone getting on with their lovely creations for Christmas? I put up my Laura Ashley curtains in the living room that I made in the summer. I've also just made some curtains for the hall that look Christmasy. I've just finished a set of four cushion covers for Christmas. I've made them from Satin covered with Organza a slighlty different shade. Then I've embroidered some seasonal patterns on them, also using sequins. The colours compliment the old fashioned coloured glass balls on our tree. Son paid us a flying visit from Uni this weekend and announced he would like me to knit him another hat.....so out with the needles and wool........................................

[Crocus]

I made some christmassy table runners last year (christmassy fabric) so will be using that again. I'm also changing my decorations each day now, with things I have, even with roses, mince pies, strawberries and the like. I want to keep it "alive" so to speak, but want to use what I have and what I found in the garden. xxx

[jazzactivist]

I haven't put mine up yet, but last year I made some felt tree decorations that turned out quite well. It is a string of hearts and stars in white felt with snowflake patterns embroidered on in red, green and silver thread. They are quite minimalist. I'll use them again this year. I only put up Christmas decorations on Christmas Eve, as I think that it is a nice thing to do to get in the mood. If we are having a tree, or tree substitute OH and I go ut and get it in the morning and then go out to a restaurant for a special Christmas Eve lunch and come back and get decorating.

Your mini quilts sound good, DF, as do your lovely cushions, sunflower. I fancy one of those craft lights too , eleanor, as they make workingin the evening a lot easier.

[eleanor2]

i am not even putting decorations up this year.you all sound so industrious.i am not very good at sewing.but have thoroughly enjoyed making all my christmas cards.i made one for g.e.m.s as the ladies requested signing a card and giving to charity.one of the old ladies stood there looking at the card for ages.saying what a lovely card.i was smiling too as part of the new card was part of her last years card she gave me.i have just found lots of lovely pressed flowers in one of my herb books.for next years birthday cards i think.