Fill mason jars with sugary treats and summery pinwheels for quick-and-easy party ideas.

You’ll need:
• A printer
• White paper or card
• Scalpel
• Pencils topped with erasers
• Pearl-headed pins
• Metal safety ruler
• Small pliers
• Wire cutters

Step 1: Print out the two-page document back-to-back on white paper or card. Use a ruler and scalpel to cut out the squares and then, following the guidelines, snip in towards the centre.

Step 2: Use a pin to prick small holes where indicated on the printout. Next, fold over each corner with a hole towards the centre and push the pin all the way through. You can use your double-sided design whichever way round you like.

Step 3: Secure your pinwheel to the pencil by pushing the pin through the eraser. Use small pliers to bend the end of the pin into a loop and snip off the excess with wire cutters.

This tutorial was originally featured in issue 3 of Gathered by Mollie Makes. Available on the iTunes Store now.

Take a look at more free projects

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Capture your makes with a compact camera

You’ll need:

Compact Camera

Wooden surface

Large window (natural light)

Craft items to photograph

Step 1

Step 1 Set up your shoot next to a window. We want to use natural light, so around midday is good time as the light is at its best. Find a nice background to frame your subject. A wooden surface works well – we used the side of a toy chest and its lid.

Step 2

Step 2 Next arrange your subject and/or props. We’ve opted for the Mollie doll made by Laura Hunter. You can find the pattern for it in issue 14 of Mollie Makes. Try not to over-prop the shot and choose items and/or colours that complement each other.

Step 3

Step 3 Some compact cameras only shoot in a fully automatic mode (if so, skip to Step 5). If your camera can shoot in a part-manual mode put it into the Aperture priority mode (this is often marked as A or Av) as this controls the depth of field in the lens.

Step 4

Step 4 Set the Aperture (depth of field) to the widest setting. This is the smallest number it can go to, and on our camera it’s f/3.5. Using a wide aperture helps blur the background while keeping the foreground object sharp. This creates a softer and ‘dreamier’ image.

Step 5

Step 5 You could also enhance the shot with a photo filter effect. We used the Film Simulation Astia/Soft effect; check your camera manual to see what yours can do. Next, shoot from a low angle, isolating the object/s. Avoid distracting background elements.

Step 6

Step 6 Ensure the focus point stays sharp on the main subject matter. Think about the direction of the main light source. Use faint shadows to give the object/s definition but watch out for heavy casting ones. Once you’re happy, upload it to your blog!

Now that you’re taking photos like a pro, read Melanie Chadwick’s tips on running a craft business and Neil and Sarah’s tips for selling online.

This tutorial originally appeared in our weekly craft magazine, Gathered by Mollie Makes. Take a look at issue 12.

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Even the smallest of dwellings requires a Christmas tree. This one is made from pretty Japanese papers in green, silver and gold and is very straightforward to make based on a simple folded fan shape. You could just as easily make yours from giftwrap, or go for an all white look for sophisticated elegance.

Paper fold Christmas tree as seen in Mollie Makes Christmas.

Materials:

14 paper rectangles, two of each measuring 21 x 28cm (81⁄4 x 11in), 18 x 28cm (7 x 11in), 16 x 28cm (61⁄4 x 11in), 13.5 x 26cm (51⁄4 x 101⁄8in), 12 x 26cm (43⁄4 x 101⁄8in),
9 x 25cm (31⁄2 x 97⁄8in), 6 x 22cm (23⁄8 x 85⁄8in)

Piece of patterned paper measuring

Grazia issue 400

11.5 x 11.5cm (41⁄2 x 41⁄2in) for the trunk

One sheet of A4 (US letter) silver paper for the base

Two 30cm (12in) wooden barbeque skewers

Thin wire

Pencil and ruler

Craft knife and cutting mat

Small pair of scissors

Glue stick and quick-drying glue tube

Darning needle

Method:

Make the base of the tree.

01
Start by making the base for the tree. Cut strips of paper 2cm (¾in) wide. Take the first strip, run a glue stick along one side and start winding it up into a tight coil. As you come to the end of one strip, glue on another strip and continue winding, until you have a disc at least 3.5cm (1³⁄8in) wide. The wider the base the more stable the tree will be; to ensure your tree stands straight, make the base as flat as possible.

02
Taking one of the larger paper rectangles, place it pattern side down with one of the short edges facing you and fold over by 1.5cm (5⁄8in). Turn the paper over and fold the other way, again by 1.5cm (5⁄8in). Continue to concertina fold in this way to the end of the strip (if you are left with a spare bit that is not big enough to fold, trim it off).

Concertina fold and trim

03
Trim the ends of the folded strip to a point, curving the cut slightly to give a scalloped point.

Glue to make a semi-circle.

04
Fold the pleated strip in half and press firmly at the crease. Run a glue stick along one edge of the fan shape and stick to the other edge to make a semi-circle.

Stick two semi circles together.

05
Fold the correspondingly-sized paper rectangle in the same way, then stick the two semi-circles together to form a complete circle.

Make six other branch layers.

06
Take a small piece of wire approx 14cm (5½in) long. Fold it in half and poke the ends through at the centre of the circle from front to back on either side of the two joined semi-circles. Turn over and twist the ends of the wire together to secure. This completes a branch layer.Repeat steps 2–6 to make the other six branch layers from the pairs of paper rectangles.

07
Take the patterned paper square (for the trunk) and run the glue stick over the reverse side leaving a 2cm (¾in) strip unglued along one edge. Starting at the unglued edge, roll up to make a tube approx 1.5cm (5⁄8in) in diameter. Cut into sections as follows: one measuring 2.5cm (1in), three measuring 2cm (¾in) and two measuring 1.5cm (5⁄8in).

Thread the paper branch circles onto skewers.

08
Starting with the second smallest circle, begin to thread the paper fold circles onto the skewers, placing the skewer ends through the holes where the wire joins the two semi-circles. Setting aside the two smallest paper tubes, use the paper tubes in ascending size to separate the paper fold circles. Push the circles/tubes along the length of the skewers to approx 1.5cm (5⁄8in) from the top.

Secure the tree to the base.

09
Once the largest circle has been threaded on, it is time to secure the tree to the base. Prepare the base by using the darning needle to pierce two holes approx 1cm (³⁄8in) apart either side of the centre. Thread on one of the set-aside small paper tubes, place a blob of quick-drying glue into each hole, and push the skewers right down into the holes.

10
Thread the other small paper tube onto the skewers at the top of the tree, place a blob of quick-drying glue onto the end of each skewer and stick the smallest paper fold circle on to finish.

Tip

The pleated circles also make wonderful decorations. Fold some really large ones in gold and silver and hang them up for a stunning display.

Don’t forget to keep in touch! Check out our official Facebook page, Twitter tweetage and pic-a-tures on Instagram.

Another Christmas tutorial

The post Mollie Makes Christmas tutorial – featured in Grazia appeared first on Mollie Makes.

Of course, it’s not the only time we all say thanks but a little autumn reminder couldn’t hurt. We witness so many other ways people say ‘Ta’ on Thanksgiving day: like a firm handshake between a father and his young son, or a warm cuddle from a gentle Gran’, a mouthed thank you floating across a bustling dinning room or a simple card that spells out one’s thankfulness. Gratitude knows no bounds.

Here are few things we came across when looking for the best way to say thanks – other than actually saying it, of course.

Ta muchly!

[Clockwise from top left] Pop some thank-you nibbles in these cute paper bags from Bellas Bead Habit. Stick down your favourite Thanksgiving photograph with a few strips of washi tape from Cara Scrap N Stamp Art. Make a list of gratitude using Tried & True’s chalkboard tutorial. We love this Merci rubber stamp from Cute Cornwall. No need to speak French for this gesture to translate.

Once more, happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the culinary delights!

xx

More Thanksgiving goodies

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Make it a handmade Thanksgiving.

We’ve rounded up a few Thanksgiving table decorations tutorials that will help you make this year a handmade Thanksgiving.

[Clockwise from top left] These leafy placemats by Making Nice In The Midwest would look fantastic on an oak table. Create veggie cross stitch placecards The Making Spot with a ‘Thank you’ note for every guest. We love the fabric Stuff Steph Does used for this napkin. Upcycle some old glass jars and make these cute salt and pepper pots from Maria Just Do It. String some fall leaf garlands by All Parenting around the house, or drape it over guests’ seats. Knit an acorn – no – a mega acorn Thanksgiving centerpiece! Over at Tried & True they’ve shown us how to make something so awesome it’s almost unfair that we didn’t think of it first.

Happy making!

Veggie? Try our felt turkey

More moodboards

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The post Thanksgiving table decorations tutorial appeared first on Mollie Makes.

Embellish your winter warmers with Sizzix.

Learn how to jazz up your fleece in almost no time at all. Just visit the Sizzix site to get started. Happy crafting! x

The post Free download for your winter warmers appeared first on Mollie Makes.

You’ll need:

Wool felt (or even a different fabric if you fancy)

A hot glue gun

A pin back

Scissors

A needle and thread

Step 1

Step 1 Cut the felt into little five-petal flowers. These will be the petals for the final flower. You’ll need four that are roughly about the size you want the finished flower to be. Then cut two more petals that are slightly smaller.

You’ll also need two circles – a big one that will be the foundation of your flower (make this and a smaller one that should fit inside the width of the pin back.

Trim the circle into a five-petal flower

Here’s how to cut the five-petal flowers shapes. Cut the felt into circles that are slightly larger than you expect the finished flower to be. Then cut five little divots to make the petal shapes. If you want, you can draw the design on first with a pencil and then cut along the inside of the line.

Step 2 part I

Step 2 part II

Step 2 Now take one of your large petal pieces and fold it in half. Then fold it in half again so that it’s triangular in shape. Place the tip of the folded petal in the center of the foundation circle and stitch in place starting from the back. Don’t tie off or cut the thread, continue using it for the entire flower. Repeat with the other three petal pieces, arranging them so that they cover the entire circle.

Step 3

Step 3 Now take one of the smaller petal pieces and place it on top (without folding). Secure in place by stitching it from the back, slightly off center, and then back down making sure the stitch is about a millimeter or two wide. When you pull the thread tightly, it will pull the center of the flower in and push the petals upward.

Step 4

Step 4 Take the last petal piece, fold it in half and then roll it into a cone. Stitch in place by threading the needle through the center of the flower out toward the tip of the cone. Now fix the cone to the center of the flower. Repeat the stitch a few more times, then tie off and cut the thread at the back of the flower.

Step 5 part I

Step 5 part II

Step 5 Heat up your glue gun and adhere the pin back to the back of the flower. Use the smaller circle to hide those unsightly stitches by hot gluing it over the width of the pin back.
At this point you could adapt the shape of the flower and its petals by trimming it a bit. Then you’re done! Add it to anything for a fun finishing touch.

All images © 2012 You & Mie

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Instant style and sophistication

David and Vicky

We are Vicky and David, or Vivid Please when we are together. We love to create quirky and curious products as we are quite quirky and curious ourselves. A lot of our inspiration comes from our love of vintage couture and retro objects. We tend to fall in love with an item or idea and try to come up with a modern twist to fit into our lifestyles.

Being obsessed with 50s fashion, I’ve always had a crush on cardigan clips as they are so quaint and delicate. Super happy to see these things back on trend, I decided to create a pair that would perk up my outfits without costing a bomb! We don’t believe you have to spend a fortune to get what you want, you just have to be a little more creative. A pair of clip-on earrings, an old chain bracelet and five minutes and you have yourself your new favorite accessory… We hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

This tutorial will take you less than five minutes to finish and makes use of those old accessories that you don’t use any more. Perfect.

You need Old clip-on earrings, a chain bracelet, small length of chain and two pairs of pliers

Step 1

Step 1 The first step is to pop those rubber plugs out of the clip-on earrings. The great thing about this tutorial is that if you change your mind and want your old stuff back you can just put it all back together again. So you may want to keep these somewhere safe for a rainy day.

Step 2

Step 2 To dismantle your bracelet, you will need to open each of the rings (jump rings) attaching each element and remove the parts you don’t need. For instance, I won’t need the lobster clasp to hold the bracelet closed and I won’t need the words.

Hold the ring with a set of pliers in one hand to keep it steady. Use the second pair of pliers to twist it open by pushing it away from you. This is the best way to open jump rings without the risk of them snapping, ensuring they will sit properly when closed again. Never pull them apart. See the picture below.

Step 3

Step 3 At each end, you will need to attach the clip-on earrings. Simply open the jump ring and pop it in beside the chain and close it again. The best place the jump ring is through the hole where we took out those old rubber plugs. There they will be hidden and secure.

Now all you need is pick an outfit!

Vivid Please has a great bank of crafty tutorials, which are well worth a look if you’re feeling creative. Or check out their range of quirky and kitsch products over at the Vivid Please Etsy shop. That ‘Make and Do’ notepad is making its way onto our Christmas lists, for sure.

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These classic tote bags have long been a favourite over at The Purl Bee, and here they are in a range of gorgeous autumnal colours. “We have remade these awesome, simple bags for fall! This time around, I used a gorgeous new collection of upholstery weight cotton called Outside Oslo. These bold, stylish prints are sophisticated without being serious and come in a rich palette of colors perfect for fall. I added some sturdy contrasting cotton webbing handles for a pop of color, and I love the way they came out!” explains Molly Schnick, one of the Purl Bee creative team, and ex Martha Stewart Living stylist. “If you’d like to make the ones in the pictures, details are below. Alternatively the simple design would show off any fabric beautifully.”

You will need (makes one tote bag)

1/2 yard of Outside Oslo Fabric (Clockwise from top left: Dawn Frond, Dawn Sticks, Dusk Wildflower,  and Dawn Picket)

2 yards of 1-inch cotton webbing to complement your fabric. (Clockwise from top left: Taupe, Turquoise, Turquoise, and Yellow)

Cotton thread to match your fabric

Cotton thread to contrast with the inside of the bag

The fabric in these how-to shots is from Echino and is now out of print, but if you like this, you’ve just got to google Etsuko Furuya. 

Step one: Cutting Out

Cut two 16-inch tall by 14-inch wide panels from the fabric. Make sure the pattern is going the correct direction on both panels.

Cut two 22 1/2-inch long pieces from the webbing.

Step two: Attaching Handles and Hemming the Top

Pin the handle pieces to the top raw edge of the right side of each panel 3 inches from the sides. The raw edges of the handles should match up with the raw edge of the top of the panel so the handles will be facing down as shown in the picture above. Make sure the handles aren’t twisted.

Using the contrasting thread, sew a zig zag stitch across the top edge, sewing the handle to the top edge in the process.

This zig zag stitch should be right at the edge of the fabric as shown above.

Turn the panels so their wrong sides are facing up. Press and pin their top edges with the handles down 1 1/2-inches. 

Make sure to pin the handle so it’s perpendicular to the horizontal sides.

Sew this fold down with the matching thread a 1/4 inch from to top edge and then with a second seam 1/4-inch from the bottom zig zag stitch.

The handle will now be attached and the top hem sewn down on both panels. You’re now ready to sew the bag together. 

Step three: Sewing the Bag Together

Pin the panels right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom 1/2-inch from the raw edges using the matching thread. Back stitch at the beginning and end of each seam. Snip off the bottom corners. 

Using the contrasting thread zig sag stitch along the raw edges of the sides and bottom of the bag.

Make sure to stitch right along the edge to contain the threads from the raw edges.

Turn the bag right sides out press the corners and you’re all done!

This 20 minute tote bag tutorial originally featured on The Purl Bee. Pop on over to The Purl Bee for the complete menu of tempting tutorials.

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Here’s Cinti. She’s all the way from Oz. Take us through it, Cinti…

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the whole process of needle felting, this big button project is a simple place to start. Make one as a brooch or to add a finishing touch to a special knitting project, the possible uses are endless. Needles ready?

Needle felting is a technique where you felt together wool fibres using a special barbed needle. By sculpting the wool as you poke it, the possibilities of what can be made are endless.

Here I’ve made a large wool button that could be used on a knitted garment or as a brooch. Pay close attention to the pictures, as the images form part of these instructions. The finished size of the button will be approximately 3.5cm diam and 1.5cm thick.

1. You will need: Wool roving, a felting needle, foam pad, wool yarn to attach button

2. Take some wool roving and shape it into a round flat disk about 5cm diam and 2cm thick,

When you poke the wool it will firm up and reduce by a third of the original size.

3. Poke the wool with the needle and sculpt it into shape until it is firm and to the desired size.

4. Poke the disk a little more in the centre to make the classic button shape.

5. Needle four little holes in the centre of the button as a guide to sew the yarn through.

6. There you have it – cute as a button!

Cinti, that is so brilliant. Thanks for sharing your tutorial with us. Please make sure you pay a visit to My Poppet where Cinti leads a busy life sourcing gorgeous vintage goodies for The Poppet Shop, as well as her blog with loads of colourful crafting ideas.

If you’ve enjoyed Cinti’s fab introduction to felting, you might also enjoy making Felted Cherries by Katherine Jalaty of Making Chicken Salad, or perhaps you now feel ready to graduate to our Felted Doglets by Gretel Parker.

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