The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: Fluffywelshsheep on September 25, 2008, 12:51:19 pm
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Anyone doing anything for christmas in ways of craft?
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Hiya,
I've been making cards for a few years and started a few years ago crafting pressies. I'll be doing it again this year (mainly due to lack of cash on my part - but everyone seems more impressed by handmade stuff so I stuck with it !)
The first year I decorated large preserving jars and filled them with mixed nuts (huge bags from Costco for only a couple of pounds) and wee bits and pieces.
Pyrography plaques for house signs, stable names for my horsey pals, door hangers etc went down well. Last year I had gotten into jewellery making so it was jewellery all round (and jazzy key rings and golf counter thingies for the guys)
This year I'm thinking along the lines of soaps, body lotions and smellies - maybe candles cos I'd love to have a go at that ! I'm going to be busy but I love it !
Happy crafting ;D
Karen :pig:
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lol busy doing craft is good
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Happy Hippy, love your ideas, are you near us in Clackmannanshire?
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Hi,
Nope, unfortunately I'm in South Lanarkshire or would've been coming along to the craft meet ups ! : :'( Maybe do an online version if I can figure out how to upload some piccies ! ;)
Karen :pig:
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I seem to have difficulty uploading pictures, they are usualy too big but I take ages making them the correct size etc so I give up....I would love to make all sorts of stuff but am not alwyays happy with the results.
Sandy
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if i remember and find the prog i'll show you how on wednesday you graphic prog the know might be able to do it for you.
if you want :)
Linz
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Drying sliced oranges at the moment, usually dry well over 100 oranges. I then make lots of smelly dangly things and sell at craft fayres.
This time of year, I am usually found foraging for rosehips to dry and fighting off the local kids for the conkers in my field (only joking!) Actually I havent seen any kids down here this year, maybe a health and safety thing!
Jo
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I keep finding stuff to make christmas decorations as well when I'm out with the dog's. I used to do the orange thing, I also spray dried stuff silver and gold or glitter to do little flower arrangements. I like the idea of branches sprayed and home made decorations on them, easy for children to do as you can put glitter on cones or cut out shapes etc. I had an idea, not sure if I am delecate enough, emptying eggs and painting the shells for tree baubles, the contents of the egg can still be used, especialy since I learnt you can freeze eggs. I remember making lot's of salt doe stuff and my children eating it when I wasn't looking.....I love making stuff but time is tight....keep it going, Sandy
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display box out of old christmas cards
This is cool and can easily be done the size of the box depends on the size of the card.
Linz
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I usulay use my old cards cut up to make gift tags, knowing me they are a bit rough but that's me... I do love cards and remember the box of old cards used to come out at scholl so you could choose a picture to put on your calender for you christmas gift to your family....Sandy
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I make gift tags out of old cards - my only craft enterprise. I cheated and bought some fancy scissors that give a fancy edge - very pretty!
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I bought a charity pack of 40 xmas cards 3 years ago,and as I only know 2 people to send to,I reckon I have another 17 years til I have to buy another pack! ;D
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That sounds like me, I know lot's of people and always buy cards choosing very carefully yet never seem to send them. I give my childrren a card each and my ex and my in laws as my parents died years ago and that's about it, so I ususaly send 5 cards.
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I send about 100Christmas cards every year and have numerous birthdays and anniversaries too, so I use up card blanks like it's going out of fashion. I just love making cards.
Annie
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http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/pages.asp?purl=Christmas%20graphiics%20page
download for christmas ~ FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
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What a fantastic site - well done for finding this one - I've downloaded loads of stuff not just Christmas sheets. Thanks, Linz
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i actually get their news letters (via email)they send out so i didn't really find it.lol
Linz
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I've just ordered some stuff from them andgot a free cd for joining their email list. Have bought foils - looked nice and easy to do.
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the cd's are good:)
I have not ordered anything from them but aswith the free sheet they are always good quality
Linz
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Hello, I still have not been able to get out and about much, I went food shopping today but the wind and rain put me off doing much else and I had to get home to clean, I realy want to buy myself some bit's, I want to make some more clay stuff but not sure where localy I can buy it, the last lot was off the internet and only about £6 for a large box, it's air drying, I suggested my sister in law gets some as she loved mine and as she is pregnant and has to rest a lot for medical reasons, Clay would be very relaxing and take her mind off things. Anyway, hope you both make the craft club in Clackmannan on Wednesday evening, this time I shall do something, hope to see you both there,If anyone knows where I can buy air drying Clay without going miles, let me know and I will be happy, thanks all
Sandy
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hiya sandy, I have a look around for you clay but not sure where at the moment, If i go near a craft shop i'll have a look for you.
I will be around for the Wednesday craft.
Just to let other people know that we have decided to move 'our' group in with the other group which is just down the round from sandy's.
Linz
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A collective of crafts, what do you call that? :P
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my sister and i are both pretty much skint this year so our christmas presents are going to be home made things: cookies, preserves, simple bags, snake draught excluder etc mixed into a cheapo basket with some tissue paper cheap soaps bath crystals etc etc it should look like we have actually spent quite alot! were teaming up together so our parents and relatives will recieve a basket / hamper style thing from both of us! any ideas for what we can make and put in would be much apreciated! our sewing skills are limited tho! oh and does anyone know where online i can find a step by step guide on how to knit? i wanted to have a go at making my mum and sister extra long scarfs! thanks ;D
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I love this idea, why do people think they have to spend loads of money anyway, to go to a shop, especialy if you have lot's of money, is not too much effort but to make something is very special...I have forgotten all the stuff I made in the past but I do remember an elderly aunt, loving a home made hamper, I put inexpensive bits and bobs that I knew she needed and put them in some pretty container, you could even get some nice second hand bags or recycled carrier bags to fill. Home made sweets or cookies in a speicaly made box are a very nice pressie. you can make the box appropriate for the individual, e.g. if they like cars, car pictures on the box...also I love natural stuff like shells, stones and cones, you can fill something up with them and add a fragrance. How about doing something paper mache, loads of ideas there.....let us know what you make, in fact, you have given me some ideas now....Sandy
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i was thinking of trying to find one of those picture frames that you can put things in... the ones about a inch or so deep with some little compartments in them and filling them will shells, pine cones or something!
my ideas list so far is:
draught excluder
scarfs
pickled peppers and cougette
cookies
marmalade
decorated plant pot with bulbs
hand made shoulder bag (simple square!!)
hand made cushion (off cuts of material maybe a patchwork effect)
oil in fancy bottle (lakeland!) with chillis / herbs in it
i dont think we will make all of those they are just the ideas we have so far! im still hunting for more ideas and then ill pick some from the final list!
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Go to a charity shop and pick up framed pictures there, you can take off the back, remove the picture and use the frame to put these things in. Excellent ideas there too, Stephen. You can get material from charity shops too - many of them have clothes and curtains which you can buy for pennies and remodel.
Good luck
Let us know what you make
Annie
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i haddnt thought about getting old clothes and using the material to make something else! would be much cheaper than the fabric shop! and the idea for the picture frames is really good as well! im trawling through 'christmas craft' sites on google at the moment! ;D
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Hi stephen, what about walking sticks, also for something different you could make a shillelagh( cudgel secured to the wrist by a strap) traditionally these are made from the blackthorn needs a rough nobbly end. I had a phase of making large hardwood mushrooms that went down really well, but you need to be an experienced chainsaw user to make these. best of luck ...........neil
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on the old cloth front
Old trousors cut up the crutch and sew to each side creating two sperate suages then stuffing with old material you have your draught exluders.
Sorry about spelling mistakes i have my dyslexic brain today and no spell checker.
Linz
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Drying sliced oranges at the moment, usually dry well over 100 oranges. I then make lots of smelly dangly things and sell at craft fayres.
This time of year, I am usually found foraging for rosehips to dry and fighting off the local kids for the conkers in my field (only joking!) Actually I havent seen any kids down here this year, maybe a health and safety thing!
Jo
Oh wow - is it easy to do - sounds wonderful and I really need to NOT spend money this year!!! Any tips would be very much appreciated......for ANYTHING that is Christmasy ;)
Cheers all
;D
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You can buy the small calendar tags cheaply - Woolies I think, and attach them to the bottom of a firm card with a ribbon, you can paste a nice photograph on to the card - loads of them on the Internet. Or if you have MSWord it has a calendar built in, either for a year on one page or a page for each month. You can insert your own photos in there then print off and staple the pages together and attach a pretty ribbon at the top.
Jam jars filled with small fruits - berries are best and topped up with a spirit like gin or vodka, seal the top with wax round the edges of the cap, then put a pretty piece of material on the lid (Cut round with pinking shears will make it even prettier) and hold down with these red post office elastic bands, a pretty label printed from your computer finishes it off - also on Word or a Graphics programme.
Pressies for dogs - buy a pack of chopped kidney from tesco or morrisons (quite often on sale - last lot I bought was 50p), slow cook in low oven - lovely smell - cool then pack in a small jar and make pretty as before. Ready made treat jar for Pluto!
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Just back from Hols, lovely 95 degrees for 2 weeks, back to winter, my garden is still covered in frost. However visited a paper making project and bought back home-made paper/card and envelopes. Took a piece of checky fabric,stuck it on the card, stuck on a dried orange slice, dab it with clove oil, hey presto smelly homemade christmas card. Made up a few and sold them at the Kippen Cafe & Market on Saturday.
Jo
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Hi, Jo Welcome back! I like the card idea - and the dog treats, Annie, but I'd have to do it while Dan was away!
I've started my mincemeat tonight - not really crafty but I might try and tart up the jars for Christmas presents.
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Just found this - The Stitch and Creative Craft Show at
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh
Friday, 28 November - Sunday, 30 November 2008
Anybody fancy going?
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ooooooooooooooo am not sure if an around then but if i am i'll be going
(that time of year i have to go help santa with all his orders, I don't mind cos he give me a vip seat on his sleight
lol
/me binary numbers have gone to her head
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Very short on funds but would love to go, I will check out if you can get on the train as well as I hate driving....I am going to do some work once all my checks are done as I am getting stir crazy again...hope you are well..Sandy
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I'll quite happily drive to Ingliston - my car knows the way there by herself! Quite happy to be driver and my car is a 7 seater, so hop aboard. I'm free all three days.
Annie
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Thank you, I would love to have a trip out and I noticed the entrance fee was not oo steep, I could manage that and I may buy some christmas presents as my daughters love making stuff...Saturday may be best as Steve is here, we get bookings all the time, tonight we have some farmers doing some charity work.....you never know whats in store...they may have to bring there tractor etc...anyway, I can certainly pay a bit of petrol money or maybe your entrance fee...Sandy
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Ok, Saturday 29th November we go to the Craft Show at Ingliston. ANyone else want to come - I can de-dogify the car and then I'd get some more folk in ;) ;D
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count me in (all clear here)
btw if you havn't been toi the show ground it is really easy to get too, But sensible shoes are recommended !!!!!!
Linz
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I think I might just take a trip along to this too... Will be a nice change from work and housework ;D
I'll be taking my car along... so if anyone over in fife wishes to go, just give me a shout.
p.s. I've just become a demonstrator for a craft company called Stampin' Up! just waiting on all my goodies to arrive, once they're here i'll try and organise a workshop for anyone interested
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Great,now I have something to look forward to...... ;DSandy
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Hi all,
Thought I'd post an update on my progress (or lack of it !)
My jewelley & toiletries ideas are still waiting in the wings, kinda got into preserving instead ! lol !
So now, everyone's getting a foodie hamper with home made Xmas chutney (Mary Berry's recipe off BBC Good Food. It's still got 2 weeks to mature before I can taste it properly but the sneaking sample I had when bottling it was FANTASTIC), also a jar of homemade Beetroot & Onion Chutney and mincemeat with more Brandy in it than is healthy (must be why it's sooo good) I'm going to buy cheese (not brave enough yet to make that) from the Isle of Arran on-line shop, it's lovely-especially the mustard one, yum ! Top it off with a nice bottle of wine and wrap it up pretty in a basket and hey presto - Xmas sorted !
Oh and I'll have to start to cards next week - alway's get caught up with orders for other people and end up finishing mine on Xmas eve !
Have fun,
Karen :pig:
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I wish I was on your Christmas Pressie list, all sounds very good, just the sort of present I like, I think I may get some Pork this year from my daughter, she had some pigs, the previouse years we have had cockeral and Turkey so Pork or Sausages etc would be nice...
Sounds like you are realy busy, Sandy
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The mustard Arran cheddar makes the BEST mac and cheese ever.
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Highland Hall Floor Plan -
http://www.stitchandcreativecrafts.co.uk/uploads/manuals/EDINBURGH08(blnk_0311).pdf
Prices etc. - don't know what the advanced price is about - maybe we can still book in advance? I'll have a look. Edited - needs an offer code so if anyone sees it in a magazine they can get a discount.
http://www.stitchandcreativecrafts.co.uk/visitor_detail.asp?eventtype=stitch&id=77
Here's the list of exhibitors and demo's. I've printed it off to take with us.http://www.stitchandcreativecrafts.co.uk/uploads/manuals/EdinburghNov0311.pdf
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Prices and times:
28 - 30 November 2008 Highland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh
Adults £6.50 Standard Ticket Price
£4.50 Advanced Discount Ticket Price (with Offer Code - magazine)
Concession* £5.50 Standard Ticket Price
£3.50 Advanced Discount Ticket Price (with Offer Code - magazine)
Opening times Friday 10.00am - 5pm; Saturday 10.00am - 5pm; Sunday 10.00am - 4pm
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Looking forward to next week, did we agree Saturday or Sunday? not too bothered which day..Sandy
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I don't mind either - Linz and Townie - what about you?
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am happy either, Just tell me a time and i'll be ready. maybe about 9.00? or earlier as of christmas traffic, I know the roundabout you need to go on to can be a bit chaotic at the best of times.
Linz
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CCCTV uses this as a code btw I have booked
3 tickets for Sunday (I had a convo with Sandra as i couldn't get Annie, When i rang the number), So i went ahead and booked
Only £13 which is brilliant.
Linz
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Is that £13 for all of us????? I thought it was £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for oaps like me ;D
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i got a £2 off code and a free book vouhure ? (might be the show guide) for each ticket purchased I'll bring the ticket with me today (I have put them in my bag so i wont lose them). See yah later
Linz
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Okay just a reminder for people
Tomorrow 30th Nov (st Andrews day)
Three of the crafter from TAS are going to the Highland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh
stitch and creative crafts
Pick up from Sandra (Tower House B&B, Clackmannan) tomorrow at 9.00am
Linz
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And hopefully back home before dark and the frost sets in again ;D
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Linz, Annie & Sandy It was great to meet up with you all today .. its great to put faces to the names :)
Hopefully see you all again after the new year at the craft club.
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It was super meeting you two Sarah's too. Thought the Craft show was quite good but not as big as I'd expected. Picked up one or two useful things and info on my knitting machine though and was very intrigued by the huge knitting needles and the rugs they made with them. We left same time as you - didn't go back in, back here for soup and home made bread and a good natter. I think that's half the fun of crafting anyway. See you after the New Year.
Annie
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I too was inspired by the BIG NEEDLES and those super rugs but more Intrigued by the fashion ideas on show, take a look http: http:////www.ingridwagner.com/ Thanks for the company and the chat and of course for the transport on such a cold day.
Sandy
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I thought i better say thank for meeting up (at Ingelston).
Really enjoyed the day even the going around the roundabout side ways !!!!! (about 500years from my house)
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She meant 500 yards I think not years although it must have seemed like that! ;)
My sister is coming to visit next week so if any of you are around I can introduce you to her. She's coming to the Smallholders AGM. Sandie - it's at Rosemary's from 7pm to start the business meeting at 7.30pm. I'm taking a Christmas cake I made using eggs from my rescue girls.
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lol how can you tell am tired lol
!!!!
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Trying to do too much! I know the feeling. Chill out Linz :-)