Crafting for Christmas 2009, let's begin again.......

furrypig

Laura_D wrote: »

Does anyone remember the below plastic ice cream cones? and where I'd get them from with or without whatever the content was - I can't remember now just remember I used to eat them as a child or a least play with the plastic container. Thought they would be brill in my holiday themed hamper, my web searches aren't turning anything up though

Hi not sure where this pic is from but I had something that looked identical to these from the USa a couple of years ago (actually last year whoops) and they had bubbles in! They were so cute and we used them aspart of the themed party bags for my DD's fancy dress beach party! Hope u find them xxx

clareyPINKfairy

dori2o wrote: »

Would it be possible to laminate a cross stitch bookmark?

Hi dori2o,

i laminated a cross stitch bookmark last year (not sure of thickness of aida - i also put a thin bit of material on the back of aida to hide stitches on back)
and it came out really well. i punched a hole in the bottom of the laminate and made a wool tassel bit too.
it looked really good.
i'll be startin my x-stitch bookmarks for this years xmas in a few weeks.

no.1swimmum

I saw the Ice Cream cones filled with bubbles being sold individually in a local Tesco - I can't remember how much they were though ~ sorry

sethsgran

Hi I recently came across this forum ... http://forum.craftmagazines.com.au/index.php might be of interest to some

bluestarrz

Just a quick question, if anyone has time to help? I have recently just got into the crafting game- wanted to for ages but not done much since school. I was just wondering what are the essential tools to start? I've bought a little beginners crochet kit and knitting kit and have been working on them both but wanted to try and customise tins, personalise glasses add glitter to things etc lol!! Oh and of course try the post it note holders!
Just really after a basic list of craft supplies that some of you use regularly maybe multi purpose tools? Don't know if I'm making any sense here or just rambling but don't want to buy 3 different sets if there are one or two items I can practice with first?
Any help appreciated and also stores to buy the items at?

Thanks in advance

laurel7172

bluestarrz wrote: »

Just a quick question, if anyone has time to help? I have recently just got into the crafting game- wanted to for ages but not done much since school. I was just wondering what are the essential tools to start? I've bought a little beginners crochet kit and knitting kit and have been working on them both but wanted to try and customise tins, personalise glasses add glitter to things etc lol!! Oh and of course try the post it note holders!
Just really after a basic list of craft supplies that some of you use regularly maybe multi purpose tools? Don't know if I'm making any sense here or just rambling but don't want to buy 3 different sets if there are one or two items I can practice with first?
Any help appreciated and also stores to buy the items at?

Thanks in advance

How long is a piece of string?

Getting set up for craft can be an expensive business, and it's best done over time. I have a good selection of punches and stamps, for instance that I've picked up in £1 bins over the years.

Really, it depends what you want to do. Choose a project and cost it, but if you want value for money then consider how likely it is that any tools you buy will be used again for something else. Try to have semi-specific future projects in mind when you buy them-the first punch I ever bought was a leaf shape-it was also one of the most expensive, but I've used it in many, many designs.

You can often save money by checking out a discount warehouse (Pondskipper crafts is one I've used) and building your project around an inspiring special offer, rather than choosing a project and then paying whatever it costs for the bits.

If you have access to a fill-a-box paper shop, that's a good way to get you started with a selection of card, and you'll never regret buying a good paper trimmer.

In the cheap is too expensive category, don't overeconomise on glue. Crafting takes too much time, money and emotional investment to see it wrinkle/discolour because you used cheap glue. Been there, done that! :rolleyes:

bluestarrz

Thank laurel7172 that's really helpful, going to hobbycraft today so will see if there are any cheap items to practice with - and buy decent glue!

rainmac

scattymam1 wrote: »

rainmac - I absolutelty love your tin of stuff - what have u made the calender and post it holder with - is it chipboard?

I had a similar idea for some of the mini pringle tins I have...was going to do for kids with a little notepad and crayons in!

But yours is fantastic - love it x feeling all inspired to do something now x

Love your idea Scatty, that's brilliant :T I used chipboard coasters, 7p each from here but you could use beer mats from the pub

rainmac

bluestarrz wrote: »

Just a quick question, if anyone has time to help? I have recently just got into the crafting game- wanted to for ages but not done much since school. I was just wondering what are the essential tools to start? I've bought a little beginners crochet kit and knitting kit and have been working on them both but wanted to try and customise tins, personalise glasses add glitter to things etc lol!! Oh and of course try the post it note holders!
Just really after a basic list of craft supplies that some of you use regularly maybe multi purpose tools? Don't know if I'm making any sense here or just rambling but don't want to buy 3 different sets if there are one or two items I can practice with first?
Any help appreciated and also stores to buy the items at?

Thanks in advance

I'd get some scissors and glue or double-sided tape (or both). I know that sounds basic but for some things, that's all you need. For the coasters I covered I glued the paper to the coaster, cut round it with scissors and then sanded with an emery board to smooth the edges.

Good luck with your crafting

laurel7172

Oohhhhh....I followed a link to halfcost on another thread.

Things you may be interested in: a Christmas cross stitch letter holder for £1

For gardening hampers: The Fragrant Gardener (a good brand) hand cream and bath soak- £1 each. I'm thinking plantpot, seeds, cellophane=expensive looking present for next to nothing...

Glue gun £1.99

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