I am an avid ‘have a go’ type of person. I get an idea in my head and I want to try it straight away. I also try to fit in what I can when I can and some of the crafts I do are seasonally based. I also like making gifts for people.
In this section I am not going to teach you, merely show you what I’ve done, a bit of an explanation about things you need and where I sourced materials, and maybe a few hints and tips on how to get started. There are so many tutorials and accounts to learn from that you can literally turn your hand to anything!
I get a lot of inspiration from the amazing artisans on Amazon Handmade – head over there and take a look at the beautiful handmade gifts and homestyle items available. If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Sewing and quilting
My nana taught me how to thread a sewing machine. I’ve made fancy dress items for the kids, and repairs to clothing, and one day a lovely neighbour I had called Eileen Brewer, showed me how to quilt. From then on I was hooked and looked for bargain cuts of fabric and fat quarters from Hobby Craft and there was no stopping me when I discovered Aldi sometimes sold fabric too, so I always stock up when I see a fabric design I like.
Crochet
Granny Blanket project – ongoing. I need at least 70 squares and I am only 6 in at the moment! Another skill learned from my nana. She would always start me off and then I would carry on so that was something I learned from YouTube when she sadly was no longer with us. I always think of her when I crochet. It is likely I will be a granny by the time I have finished this!
Cross stitch
I got this little kit from Hobby Craft. I have a black cat and I also had a goldfish (RIP Fishy) and I made this cross stitch as a capture of this moment in time.
I think because I am always so busy a little project like this is far easier to start and get finished than a larger project!
Felting
I once met a lady at the allotment taking a photo of an owl! I thought it was real but it was FELT! I signed up to do a course with her – follow her on Insta @ifeltfantastic and that was just the start! This owl was my first project. I’ve really moved on since that first great start and produced some items in my own style.
I got home and bought a starter kit from Amazon and tried my hand at a sheep! Then I loved that so much I bought a kit from Annis on Etsy. Click here for the kit ‘woolysfelting‘
Take a look at the items in my gallery, buy online from my Etsy shop or complete my contact form if you’d like to discuss a custom project or item
More sewing
During the first lock down I made myself a little extra money and used up some time productively making washable Facemasks with filters.
Again, I repeat, there are so many websites with free templates for simple projects. It helped to have the sewing machine though.
Candle making
I just LOVE candles and I had the plan to make wax melts and candle jars I did a fair few but materials just went sky high in price during lockdown whilst people turned to hobbies and it was far cheaper to pick up a candle in Home Bargains, however, homemade candles burn for longer and they make great little gifts. This is the kit I bought for £32 on Amazon
Upcycling
Something I would love to have more time and space to do. Oh the fun I had drinking the beer with the right coloured beer top to make a Union Flag pattern!
I got a pretty little table for just £2 in the charity shop and a few pounds on paint and my little helper Alice did some sanding with me.
Watercolour
This is so relaxing! I have to be in the right mood to sit down and paint.
If I had a critic describe my style it would – erratic, eclectic, and definitely self-taught with plenty of mistaken guesswork.
But hey – sometimes they turn out ok!
It’s the ‘trying to do it’ and taking part, which is as important as the finished project!
Indian Block Printing
Inspired by my recent Indian Block Printing class I made two tea towels and a table runner. I’ve saved the paint to make matching napkins! The course was fantastic and highly recommended. Great value and another string to my bow! I learned with The Art of Jaipur Marea runs candle-making classes too.
The part of the course I loved was that they referred to mistakes as “handmade’ which is great because my first attempts are very ‘ handmade’
AnnieLewisMe 