April Showers

Did you guys know it was April?  I mean seriously where did March go!  What's worse is that it is the middle of April and I have get to post!

I have released 4 new boxes and of course there is the very exciting unboxing of April's colourful box.

I realised last month that sometimes it is hard to know what essential tools you might need if you are starting out with crafting or in a particular area of crafting.  This pondering inspired the 4 latest boxes  'The Basics essentials' collection.

These are all available on my website.  I am also happy to sell all items separately if you are after anything in particular!

I have started doing videos for the boxes to give people an idea of how to use them.  I know some are quite self explanatory but every little helps doesn't it!

Here is a video I created with my lovely crafty friend Jane.  How to heat emboss.

Have you tried heat embossing before?

My trouble is I keep thinking of extra things I could put in each box but I have to keep reminding myself these are the basics, I could always bring out an extension kit!  What sort of kit would you like to see? 

April also saw the release of the monthly box.  This months theme was April Showers.  I've done another little unboxing video again for you guys to see what was inside.

Well I think I may have overloaded you so I will leave it at that for now.  I have so many things to show you including another parenting the crafty way and also an update on my quest to find the perfect storage for my marker pens!

I will be popping by to share my posts this week at Handmade Monday so do pop by and link up your blog if you have one or just come and see what other bloggers have been up to!

See you soon! 

December's Crafty What Nots unveil!

How are your Christmas preparations going?? Mine are so last minute if I'm honest.  I very stupidly released 2 boxes for Christmas!!! (I know crazy!)  There was the standard monthly box for December but I also released the Christmas eve (or the crafty night before Christmas box).  So that was double the work (what was I thinking!)
I have to say though, despite the stress of Christmas as well as my various crafting deadlines it has been fun!
I can't show you the contents of the Christmas eve boxes yet (I will publish that after Christmas)...But... I can now show you Decembers box.

The theme this month was Silent Night and was a mixture of snowy blues and silvers.  The papers included this month were the beautiful Silent night papers by First Edition.  I particularly love these papers as they are such good quality, they are a great thickness and half the papers are double sided while the other half are embossed or textured.
 

This months tutorials were to make these beautiful origami stars ...

And these fantastic felt snowflakes.

There was also a bonus tutorial which I blogged last time as well as a video this month to help with the origami.  I think in future I will video more tutorials and supply my subscribers with exclusive access to them, this will help with some tutorials that are particularly hard to write.

The handmade gift this month were these palm sized felt hand warmers which can be reheated again and again.  

I loved this box, the only downer was my camera breaking, so the photo quality isn't as good as I would have liked at all but sometimes we just have to do the best we can.

Also included in this box were ~

papers, card blanks, snowflake brads, ribbons, glitter card, peal offs and domed glitter pearls.

January's order books are now closed I'm afraid but if you would like to get in with February's love fest then why not pop over to www.craftywhatnots.com and get yours now. 

I am also running a giveaway on my facebook page to win an exclusive mini kit box which won't be available to buy until next year so do pop by to enter.

Well that's it from me folks until after Christmas so I do hope you have a wonderful time and a great new year.

xxx

Felt heart Christmas decoration tutorial

Felt Hearts

I thought I would share some creations I recently made for Decembers Crafty What Nots box.

This months theme was Silent night and was full of icy blues and silvers. As I couldn't fit and more tutorial in the box I thought I would share my method for making these little heart decorations.

These really are so simple. Sorry no step by step photos at the moment.

Step 1 - cut out two hearts out of felt

Step 2 - embellish your hearts how ever you please.  I embroidered a snowflake on one and attached buttons to another, you could sew an initial or just leave blank if you wish.

Step 3 - place your hearts together and sew around the edges, I used a blanket stitch. leave an inch gap and fill with stuffing.  I actually used felt offcuts from my samples, why no add some thing fragranced?

Step 4 - sew up the gap and thread a loop to the top and hey presto!!!

Why not make lots and create a garland? Or add a pocket to the back of each and turn them into advent calendars??

The free personal gift this month was a hand embroidered felt hand warmer.  I will blog a tutorial on how to make that soon!

Well I had better go and finish creating the Christmas eve boxes!!

Jenny xx

Christmas... already?

How are you all this week?  Do you feel those Christmassy feelings of warmth and goodwill sweeping over you yet? The burning desire to get the tinsel out and the mulled wine cooking? No?? Well who can blame you, Christmas is fast approaching but with some lovely sunny days I must admit I am being consumed by Autumn loveliness! The stunning autumn colours and the falling leaves.  All that aside however as a crafter we have to think about Christmas far too early.  I know many who have been making since way before the school holidays!  I thought I would share my latest Christmas venture with you all.

I was introduced to Christmas Eve boxes a few months back. It seems something that originated in America and goes hand in hand with the 'Elf on the Shelf'.  Don't worry if you are new to Elf on the Shelf too.  The general idea in a nutshell, is you have a small toy elf who arrives on the 1st December.  He watches your children everyday and reports back to Santa every night to tell him if they have been good or not! When the elf returns in the morning he gets up to a little mischief.  He may spill cereal all over the counter or tie your shoe laces together etc. (this is where parents have fun and get creative!)  Then on Christmas Eve the elf leaves to go and help Santa sort out the toys and load the sleigh.  When the elf goes he leaves behind a Christmas Eve box, a box full of treasures.  Usually these treasures seem to consist of a Christmas film, book, slippers, new pyjamas and a few yummies to enjoy while watching your film.  Well my pondering took me to... what if the Christmas box contained lots of crafting goodies!!! How about instead of being full of food and dvd's etc that it contained tutorials and craft supplies to create some Christmas crafting memories.  So I give you the Crafty Night Before Christmas box!

Each box contains at least three tutorials, all the crafty supplies you need to complete them and lots extra and a small handmade gift from me to you!  I have designed 4 different boxes based on ages.  There is the under 5's, 5+, teenager and adult.  I am also more than happy to personalised.

Well I'm off to carry on planning my boxes. If you want to found out more or take a peek at my brand new kit box v visit www.craftywhatnots.com

I'm stopping off to visit all those lovely blogs at Handmade Monday so why not pop over and see what others have been up to.

 Xxx

Quick Crafty Card tutorial

Good morning to you all!  How have you been surviving the school holidays? I have certainly found three children quite the handful, especially as my middle one is still trying to adapt to having a baby sister taking up so much of my time!!

I thought I would share a little summery tutorial with you today.  Have a go at making this cute and super easy card!

Step 1 - You can use any shape card, I have chosen a square one here.  First thing you need to do is place a strip of double sided tape approximately 1.5" in from the right side (making sure that your card opens up to the right side).

Step 2 - start to stick your flower embellishments along the strip.  You need to ensure that the side of the flowers go close to the edge but not go over it (mine here is a little close!), the top ones can go over the edge top and bottom.  

Step 3 - Make sure all the tape is covered (you can always add a little more tape and layer your flowers if you wish)

Step 4 - cut around the edge of your flowers, leaving a little border of white around the edge.

Why not add some ribbon or sentiment to finish off your card!!

In the wonderful world of Crafty What Nots I have just launched the 'Crafty Night Before Christmas box'  A Christmas eve box with a twist.  Just like the normal monthly boxes this one-off box is full of crafty goodies, tutorials and a special handmade gift.

Each box is sent out on the 1st December and is available in 4 age ranges - under 5, 5+, teenager and adult!!

So if you fancy starting a new tradition or after an unusual Christmas present for a loved one (or yourself!!)  Do pop buy and find out more!  I am also happy to ship internationally so if you would like a box but not in the UK don't fret (the postage is increased however as you can imagine!)

I am so excited about these boxes and been planning like made!!!

In other news I have been picking up the old pencil again and been making family portraits for some lovely people.  Here is the first one I did.  I am currently running an offer on these. 25% off the first five paid orders I have (there are only two slots left!!)

Well I am going to link up with Handmade Monday (something I haven't been able to do in ages!)

Have a lovely week folks xx

Pin wheel spinning card tutorial

Well it has certainly been a while since I last blogged.  I haven't forgotten you all, honest, Just been a bit busy getting things sorted before the baby arrives.

Anyhow I thought I would share a quick tutorial with you ready for fathers day.

The Pin wheel spinning card.

You will need a pin wheel template, card blank, papers and card for layering, round foam pads (easily found in the range at the mo) Scissors and round punches.

Step 1 - I started with a 4" square card and layered some fab balloons on top (cutting it 3.5x3.5") These balloons are from the wonderful Man Made papers range and were included in June's Crafty What Nots box.  Each balloon is embossed which is rather lovely too!

Step 2 - I next layered a 3x3" grey square of card onto of the balloons to add contrast later on and hide the mechanisms.

Step 3 - cut out a strip of card 1x2" and using a 3/4" circle punch create a hole in the centre.  You also need to punch out a larger circle, This one is 1".

Step 4 - Place a round foam pad in the centre of your bigger circle.

Step 5 - layer the card strip over the circle with the foam dot so that the foam circle shows through the hole.

Step 5 - stick your Pin wheel onto the centre of your foam circle.

Step 6  - turn your piece over and attach foam pads, make sure they do not stick to the circle (infact keep them as far away as possible!) If the pads are too close your wheel won't spin.

Step 7 - now attach your pin wheel to the centre of your card.

Step 8 - I then doodled some writing around the edge to add a little something!  How about writing Happy Fathers Day?

Here is the little spinning card in action!

If you want to know how to make a pin wheel then you will need to start with a square and cut diagonally in from each corner towards the centre, stop short of reaching the centre by about a cm.  then fold down one side of each triangle and pin in place.  This pin wheel started out as a 3" square.

June's Crafty What Nots box was the lovely 'On the Go', great for fathers day.  These pin wheels were included in the box and the card I made as a personal card to each of my subscribers.  Here is a collage of some of the treasures included in the box

Tutorials this month were to make Shrinky plastic embellishments and necklaces, pin wheels and also a secret origami note.  The free gift was a hand made charm bracelet.

Don't forget to pop by www.craftywhatnots.com for more information on Crafty What Nots as well as inspiration and offers.

xxx

February's Crafty What Nots ~ J'adore

It has been a week of hiding under the duvet for me! Bugs everywhere and yes I caught them!!!
It is that time of the month yet again to show you what was in the latest Crafty What Nots mystery postal craft box! This months theme was J'Adore!  Love was oozing out of each box!!

(as you can see I have how to make collages!)  This shows the contents as well as some of the inspirational ideas that could be created!

As you can see there were lots of lovely crafty goodies included this month.

This month tutorial was to make this really cute quilled heart and to help each box came with a handmade personalised quilling tool!  I love making these.

I have also created a new website, just dedicated to Crafty What Nots, this is the new home to reviews, questions and news as well as where people will be able to buy boxes.

In other crafty news, I had a go at felting this week.  I had felted a few polystyrene eggs before but never felted freehand (no pic of this one I'm afraid) or tried directly on felt!  I was pretty chuffed with the results!  What do you think? I need a lot of practise but stabbing something for a couple of hours was surprisingly satisfying!!

I thought I would leave you with my Happy Friday moment (as I had missed last weeks as well as Handmade Monday)

Here is my youngest milking a pretend cow at our local animal farm.  We visit regularly and love the variety of animals.  The things she enjoys the most however, is the fake cow and the little vardo that she can hide in!

Well that's it from me.  Hopefully normal blogging will resume next week! I'm off now to visit these lovely linky parties and see what other fab bloggers have been up to.  

xx

Crafty What Nots Week

Only a short post today, It's been such a busy week preparing the February's Crafty What Nots box and writing tutorials.  I thought I would post a teaser for Feb's boxes, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea or not but thought it may be fun! What do you think? Here is the teaser pic..

I have also been planning a children's Crafty What Nots box for the Easter holidays! Here is one of the kits I was thinking of including.

Don't forget to place your orders for March's Crafty What Nots box, It's looking lovely so far.

I have been having a go at creating my own pics to post on my social media.  This is my version of a saying I see posted a lot! What do you think?

Well I am off to see some lovely blogs at Handmade Monday!  Do pop round to say hi, there is such lovely talent out there!

xx