The 100 Day Project - A Rethink!

I've had to have a serious rethink about my #100daysofstitching. After several injuries in my twenties, I used to suffer terribly with tension in my neck, shoulders and back - and, unfortunately, after only a few attempts at hand embroidery, that tension returned and I was dreading the next session of stitching! There was no way that I could continue for #the100dayproject!

But, I do love to machine stitch - I use it a lot in my scrapbooking - so instead of embroidery, I'll continue my #100daysofstitching with my lovely machine. I'm intending to learn more about the stitches I don't use at the moment and maybe, just maybe, I'll do more than re-hemming!

If you have been struggling with #the100dayproject, consider rethinking those aims instead of lapsing entirely. It's okay to admit when something isn't working!

Simple Cards {Rinea Foiled Paper}

Hello! I'm here today to share a card that shows a little simplicity is sometimes best! This little card can be made really easily - and would look fantastic in a variety of colours! 

First, I used an embossing folder to add detail to a section of the Turquoise/Glossy Gold Foiled Paper. Rinea Foiled Papers all look fantastic when embossed - as the details really show in their metallic finish. 

Once embossed, I added it to one corner of the card base and added another section of the reverse side, without the embossing. The difference in colour and texture lifts a basic card. 

To tie the sections together, I ran the card through my sewing machine, using a zigzag stitch and added a simple sentiment sticker. All done in around fifteen minutes! 

Find Yourself {May's Counterfeit Kit}

After successfully using my Counterfeit Kit For April while working on the Southern Adventure Album, I was incredibly keen to see which kit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge had chosen as inspiration for May. I wasn't disappointed! The Master Forgers had chosen a selection of kits from Paper Camellia, all of which had a travel theme. Perfect!

As usual I was inspired by the colours and theme of the kit, but I found that I was also keen to incorporate some of the smaller details - the banners, the uplifting phrases and, suprisingly, the buttons. (I never use buttons!) So, after putting together a selection of papers from Bazill, Echo Park, American Crafts, Dear Lizzy and Sodalicious, I decided to add a few personal touches!

I started by breaking out some of my stamps and using some of the leftovers from my Counterfeit Kit For April to make some embellishments. I included my favourite 'Life Is Amazing' sentiment; included some large, banner style elements; and broke out my tiny stamps and my sewing machine to make one of my favourite, little banners! (I wrote a Pennant Banner Tutorial a while back, if you want to take a peek!)

The best thing 'killing my kit' in this way is that, aside from making the most of my pretty paper, I'll have co-ordinating embellishments to spread throughout my album - tying it all together nicely.

I also included a sheet of 'handmade' patterned paper which was made, quite simply, using the 'leftover' from a sticker sheet and some Cosmic Shimmer Mists. (Again, I have a handy tutorial, already written on Using Mists To Make Your Own Paper in case you want to try it!)

I'm not sure exactly how much time I'll have to spend using my Counterfit Kit this month - it's shaping up to be a busy month - but at least I know that, when I have the time, everything is ready and waiting! Hurrah!

Pennant Banner Tutorial

Today, I have a little tutorial for you all, inspired by The Counterfeit Kit Challenge, where I'm this month's Guest Designer. September's Counterfeit Inspiration Kit contained some of Maya Road's Canvas Pennants. They're a little bit too big for my style, so I created my own, much dinkier version using the Bannerific Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn. I can highly recommend purchasing this little lovely. It really is one of my favourite sets because each of the elements is adorable - perfect for cards and scrapbook layouts; and most especially for counterfeiting your own embellishments.

Your first step is to gather up some scraps in a colour combination which will suit your finished project and I chose colours that would compliment September's Counterfeit Kit. I then stamped directly onto my little pieces of patterned paper scraps - sometimes managing to fit on all five of the little pennants, sometimes only one or two. It's doesn't really matter, because you'll be cutting them out individually, so use up as many of those small scraps as possible!

Cut out all of your stamped pennant images and arrange them roughly into the order you'd like them to appear in your banner. Now it's time for some machine stitching. (If you're not a confident stitcher, try working your way through my recent series of tutorials Stitching On Paper.)

Start by setting your sewing machine to straight stitch and adjust the speed to it's slowest setting. Now place your first pennant piece under the presser foot, with the needle in place just above the outside edge of the pennant. Sew three or four stitches - aim to leave a little bit of space between your last stitch and the edge of pennant.

Ensure that you leave the needle in the 'down' position - then lift the presser foot and slide the next pennant into place, so that the edges of your pennants are close but not overlapping.

When the pennant is in place, drop the presser foot and continue stitching. Repeat until you have completed your banner - stitching to the very edge of the last pennant piece. Now remove the banner from your sewing machine, pulling on both working threads.

Knot the working threads at each end of your banner - this will stop the pennant pieces moving around - and use a needle or paper piercer to ensure that the knot is tight up against each end. Now display your banner proudly on your cards and layouts!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper - Inspired By String Art, I'm joined by Guest Designer Jemma Sharrock, who has created the most amazing layout using nothing more than some shimmery thread as an embellishment. It's phenomenal, here's a sneak peek!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies. I'll be randomly drawing a winner on Saturday 8th September, which gives you another couple of weeks to start putting your stitching talents to the test!

And one last thing, I'd really appreciate some feedback so that I can make future classes even better. Please take this small survey to let me know what you've thought of the prompts and the class as a whole.

Thanks once again to everyone who has contributed, visited, commented - and especially to everyone who has linked up a project -  it’s made all the hard work worth it! Clair x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Quilting

Hello! Hello! I'm so sorry that today's prompt is coming to you a little later than normal! First I spilt a cup of tea on my own projects for this weekend's classes (at least they were mine) and then our internet went out! So, I'm currently sat in an internet cafe with a cup of tea (no paper projects are close by) waiting for today's downloads to upload. That sounds a little weird, right? 

Anyway. Can you believe that we’re over half-way through the Stitching On Paper Series? Today we’re going to be Inspired By Quilting, with Guest Designers Lisa Hausman, Kim Dellow and Tricia Simmons. You are going to love their amazing projects!

If  you are only just joining in with Stitching On Paper, you can find all of the class materials in the Stitching On Paper Collection over on Scribd. And, while I'm on the subject of downloads, a few of you have let me know that Scribd doesn't support downloads for the I-Pad. So, I've happily set up a little 'mailing list' of people that would prefer me to e-mail the downloads. Let me know if you'd like to be included. I promise that I won't spam you, but I will let you know if you've won the lottery in another country without buying a ticket or if a random prince would like to send you some money.

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! It's rather wonderful to see that people are starting to link up their projects - thank you so much for joining in! 

All being well, tomorrow's prompt will be with you bright and early, but whatever happens have a lovely weekend! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Embroidery

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper, I'm joined by Guest Designer Lisa Hausman, as we expand our stitching credentials and get Inspired By Embroidery. There are inspirational projects, tons of tips and a collection of lovely links to help you learn. 

I'd recommend getting yourself a cuppa - and maybe a packet of biscuits - before settling down to read through today's download. You'll head off to look through all of the links and I guarantee that it could be hours before you resurface! Enjoy! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping

Morning! Ready for some more Stitching On Paper? We've learnt the basics of hand and machine stitching, but now we're going to start looking at how our stitching can be inspired by some more familiar crafts like stamping, embroidery and cross stitch. 

In today's part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping, I'm joined by Guest Designers Julie Kirk and Mel H. We've all interpreted our use of stamping and stitching a little differently, so there's plenty of inspiration. 

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! Have a lovely weekend! x

PS Last week's Guest Designer, Jennifer Grace, has a little stitching template available on her blog. It's the cute cloud from last week's layout. Go get it!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine

Hello! Hello! Are you ready for a little bit more Stitching On Paper? Today's element of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Machine, we look at the basics of machine stitching, with lots of tips and techniques for getting started and a perfect finish. There are also inspirational projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace, Jemma Sharrock and Mel H - and let me tell you, they blew me away!

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere! You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction - I would love to see them! And at the end of the month, I'll be randomly choosing one lucky participant to receive this rather pretty collection of papers, embellishments and stamps.

And one last note, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has commented, e-mailed, downloaded or joined me as a follower recently. It really does mean so much to me and makes all of my hard work (and endless worrying) worthwhile. I hope that you're enjoying the class! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Hand

Well, it's a little later than I expected but I'm having a little bit of a manic weekend - and am busy juggling house guests, far too many loads of laundry and ... um, a craft class. When I over-commit myself I really like to do it properly. Let's move on swiftly, shall we?

This morning’s Stitching On Paper - Introduction looked at all of the tools and supplies that you’ll need to start hand stitching. Hopefully, by now, you’ll have rummaged through your craft stash and will have everything that you need to hand.

If stitching on paper is something new to you, you might still be feeling a little apprehensive – so how about a little bit of inspiration to whet the appetite? In the next part of our class - Inspired To Stitch By Hand - you'll find projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace and Lara Watson. There's also a tutorial and template for creating your own hand stitched card. 

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere!

You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction so that I, and all of the other class participants, can ‘ooh and ahh’ over your project.

And – just in case the recognition of your fellow classmates isn’t enough of an incentive to share – at the end of the class, I’ll be picking one participant at random to receive the rather splendid prize pictured above. The prize includes patterned papers from Crate Paper, Prima, American Crafts and We Are Memory Keepers,; American Crafts 'Fellow' Thickers; Elle's Studio Pink Pennants; Embroidery Threads; Organza Ribbon; Doilies; K & Co. Diecuts; A Clear Mini Frame; Floral Embellishment - and the latest edition of Scrap 365. 


Also included (but not pictured) is this super cute, Papersmooches Stamp Set - Summer Grooves - kindly sponsored by my lovely Design Team Co-ordinator, Emily from Make The Day Special.

So, what are you waiting for, get stitching!

Stitching On Paper Class - Introduction

Welcome to the first day of class! I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response already. Thank you so to all of my followers - new and old - for all of the comments and well wishes that you've left me this week! It's so very much appreciated!

All of the class materials will be available via the Stitching On Paper Collection over on Scribd. You should be able to view all of the class materials without an account, though you may need to create a (free) account to print or download. I hope this suits everyone - there just seemed to be too much material for each part of the class to pack into one or two blog posts!

The first part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Introduction is a simple hunting and gathering exercise, to help you ease into the weekend - and the idea of learning - gently. I'll be back later on today with the first tutorial, some inspirational projects and the details of that prize I mentioned! Enjoy x

Stitching On Paper Class - Sneak Peeks

The idea of stitching on paper might be nothing new, but I'm still amazed by the amount of e-mails that I receive asking me how I've managed to add hand stitching to my cards, or the people who leave me comments telling me that they wouldn't have the confidence to start stitching on their own layouts. 

Rather than reply to each and every one of those e-mails and comments individually, I started to think about the idea of hosting a class - for free - to share my own tips and techniques. It's been a long time coming, but I'm ever so proud to announce that Stitching On Paper will start on the 4th August, with tutorials every Saturday and Sunday throughout August.

I'll be exploring how to stitch on paper - covering the basics of hand stitching and machine stitching - then taking those techniques further inspired by stamping, embroidery, cross stitch, string art and quilting. Each element of the class will include tips, techniques and inspiration projects. 

Of course, I have a few Guest Designers joining me - Sian Fair, Mel H, Julie Kirk, Kim Dellow, Lisa Hausman, Tricia Simmons, Jemma Sharrock, Jennifer Grace & Lara Watston. Pretty amazing line-up, right? Each of these talented ladies will be sharing their own interpretation of my basic prompts - and I guarantee that you'll be inspired to start stitching on paper to create your own projects. Oh, and did I mention a prize?

West Kirby Marina

I found a little bit of time this weekend to do some scrapbooking. I've really missed playing with my pretty papers over the last few months, so it's lovely to be feeling inspired again. Thankfully, there's lots of inspiration around at the moment - I had some new (well, old really) photographs printed off recently which is always a big boost to my scrapbooking mojo and, of course, I've been playing along with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. 

The paper's in my kit for this month are perfect for scrapping the blues, greys and browns of my spring-time photographs from last year and I'm hoping that they'll be just as useful in scrapping the rest! I seem to have a lot of kit left, but not a lot of month though - so we'll have to see if I can manage to squeeze in everything I have in mind.

I come back to this simple formula of strips and stitching, time and time again, because it works for me. It's minimalist, but it works especially well with my larger photographs. I've added in a little extra detail with some Cosmic Shimmer Mist and a selection of stamps from the Blossom Stacker Set by Unity and a word stamp from the Say Cheese Too Set by Lawn Fawn (both of which are available in the UK from Make The Day Special.) 

Do you have a scrapbooking formula? One that works for you when you're in a hurry, or when you need a kick start? I'd be interested to know - so that I can try it!

Stamping & Stashbusting

After all my time away, I'm thrilled to rejoin the Make The Day Special DT. I've really missed playing with my lovely stamps - so I was thrilled to have some time this weekend to get stuck in. My fingers are now satisfyingly inky!

First I made a couple of little gift tag backgrounds using some teeny, tiny scraps. It's really simple, just stick them down, then sew them up! I thought the colours would be perfect for spring - even though they're actually scraps from my October Counterfeit Kit. It's the kit that just won't end!

The first tag uses a partial sentiment and balloons from Admit One and a little cloud from Bon Voyage - both sets from Lawn Fawn's Summer 2011 Release. Still one of my favourite stamp collections!

The second tag uses a simple sentiment from Cruising Through Life, another set from Lawn Fawn's Summer 2011 Release, and some pretty stars from Learning Year By Year, one of Unity's Store Kits.

Such super, simple stashbusting projects that I hope will add a little 'something, something' to my gifts.

I've Hit A Snag! {My Creative Space}

So, there I was, happily sewing along in My Creative Space - working on my rather large 'crafty to-do list'. Unfortunately, it seems that even after a bit of a clean; a new needle; and a show of genuine affection, my sewing machine decided to have a little sulk. Obviously, it felt it was being overworked after a week or two of relative peace and quiet!

Now, I've hit my fair share of craft related snags, and even unravelled a fair few, but this is one mother of a snarl. It's all bunched up above and below the plate and I am certain this is going to require actually taking apart my machine. I am, literally, terrified.

Tonight, I don't really have the patience - funny how a sulk can rub off like that! - but tomorrow I'll have to dig out the manual, the screwdrivers and possibly a stiff drink.

*sigh*

To join in with My Creative Space, or just have a nose at more creativity head on over to Kirsty's at Kootoyoo and say hello!

Trick & Treat {& Tutorial!}

Cute and crafty chicas Julie and Kirsty are having a Hallowe'en Blog Party today and I am feeling oh, so honoured *blush* that they have invited me to join in the celebrations and create a little crafty 'trick' for everyone. And - once you've worked your way through the tutorial - there's a couple of treats for everyone too!

Trick - Customisable Cuff

In the spirit of Hallowe'en, I made a cuff in gothic goddess style with a rich, burgundy satin, black lining and some chunky looking buttons in gold and black. All of which will work very nicely with my little black dress and goth girl make-up for an outfit that nods at the occasion, but makes me look stylish not scary. And since cuffs are bang on trend, it's the perfect accessory.

But, if you've already got tonight's outfit all worked out; goth isn't your style; or you've found your way to this tutorial well after Hallowe'en, fear not. This cuff is really easy to customise. You can change the fabrics, add some lace or ribbons or choose some super cute beads and buttons to make your fastening. Now, since this is my first machine sewing tutorial, it's picture heavy in the hope the pictures will help where my directions may be a bit 'fuzzy'. Feedback and questions will be most welcome! (Don't forget to keep reading to the bottom for the Treats!)

To Make Your Cuff, You Will Need:

Fabric(s) - Choose any fabric that you like. I've chosen a satin finish, which means I need to use interfacing. If you choose a cotton or heavier weight fabric, you can skip the interfacing and the ironing. Result!
Interfacing - You'll only need this with lighter weight fabrics.
Threads - Match or contrast.
Pins - For temporarily joining your fabrics.
Iron - If you're using interfacing. Once you've finished making your cuff, a press with the iron will also make it look super professional!
Elastic - Just a small piece.
Buttons, Ribbons or Lace - To decorate your cuff.
Sewing Machine or Lots of Patience - Hand stitching is perfect, but I'm so not patient enough.

1. Choose the fabric(s) that you want to have visible on the outside of your cuff and cut six pieces approximately 1 1/2" x 3". You don't need to be too exact!

2. If you're using lighter weight fabrics, you will need to back them with interfacing. Cut the interfacing into pieces just smaller than your fabric pieces and adhere to the fabric following the instructions on your packet!

3. Once you have all of your fabric pieces ready, start joining them together. With the 'right sides' together, pin the 3" sides together and, using your machine, sew together. You'll need a seam allowance of 1/4 inch.

4. Keep adding fabric pieces, keeping the 3" sides together, until you have five pieces joined together.

5. Test the length of the joined pieces by wrapping it around your wrist. It will need to overlap by at least an inch. If it's doesn't add the last piece of fabric.

6. Once you have all of your fabric pieces joined together, you'll need to add a backing. Cut another piece of fabric to the same size as your patchwork pieces and pin to your patchwork piece with the 'right sides' together.

7. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch around the outsides of the fabrics - but leave one end of the fabrics open.

8. Turn the fabric cuff inside out through the open end. Use a pencil or knitting needle (I used the end of a paint brush) to really push the corners out.

9. Fold the frayed ends of the cuff inwards so that you have a nice straight edge and pin in place.

10. Take your length of elastic and knot. Trim the ends.

11. Place the elastic into the open end of the cuff - with the knot on the inside - and pin in place.

12. Now 'top stitch' around the outside of the cuff, again leaving about a 1/4 inch seam allowance. I went around the outside of the cuff three times, quite roughly, so that the stitching looked more decorative (and so that I didn't have to match my ends up!) This has the added advantage of closing the open end of the cuff and really securing the elastic in place.

13. All you need now is a button closure. So, wrap the cuff around your wrist and mark where the elastic comes to rest. This is where you'll need to put your button! I just added a few for extra gothic goodness!

Treats - Goodies & Giveaway

Goodies - This weekend, anyone who signs up for Julie and Kirsty's rather lovely looking Twelve Days of Christmas Workshop, will receive an extra download full of goodie goodness. Since the workshop will be crammed full of projects that use up your existing stash, leaving you with some special presents for your friends and family (or for yourself) it's just another reason that you should have a peek and sign up. Go on! You know you want to!

Giveaway - As a little extra thank you for coming over to my corner of the party, I'm giving away a customised cuff - one made especially for you! In order to be eligible for this most covetable of cuffs, you'll need to:

a) Be a follower of my blog. So add yourself now, if you haven't already. I can promise you more fashion, craftiness, scrappiness and giveaways very, very soon.

b) Old and new followers alike will also need to leave me a comment below and make sure that I have a way of contacting you about your win. No-one wants to win and then not find out about it!

I'll choose a winner on Monday 2nd November. Until then, head over to The Copy & Paste Project to see who else has come along to the party. Gatecrashers are so very welcome :)

A Spare Half An Hour

I've been so busy this week that I've not had much time for any craftiness and I had big long list of projects that I wanted to try and challenges that I wanted to participate in - but, as I've not missed a challenge from The Copy & Paste Project since it started, I didn't want to miss the latest one. Even if I didn't have the time to do the project I originally had in mind.

So, here's the result of a spare half an hour. It's a nice, little brooch made from recycled shirt material, cute buttons and a wee bit of love. It's so simple to make and to prove it to you, I'll be posting a little tutorial next week with all the instructions and a little giveaway. Go me!

Have a great weekend!