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Cute Scottie dogs in tartan hats
SEW ITCROCHET IT
HOW REJECTION FROM DRAGONS’ DEN BOOSTED CRAFTER KATE SMITH’S BUSINESS...
“TV LAUNCHED MY CRAFTY CAREER!”Real life
Ideas for the new year!
What a foxy fella!
MEET OUR FELT & FABRIC
PLAYBOY
UPCYCLED SHEET MUSIC CLOCK STYLISH KNITTED CLUTCH BAG PRETTY CLUSTER JEWELLERY
Soft & snuggly baby sleeping bag
Salted caramel brownies
BAKE IT
WIN!OVER £1250
WORTH OF PRIZES*
2014’sbest-selling craft trends
* COMPETITION UK ONLY
86BEST-SELLERS
FOR EASY PROFIT
handmade
START MAKING
& SELLINGIN 2014
12 STEPS TO SUCCESS
HOW TO
EXCLUSIVE
PAGE FLAG
3 Craftseller Craftseller 3
If your bank balance post-Christmas is looking a
little like your wilting tree – scant and severely
worse for wear – now is the time to kick-start your
craft-selling. We have an issue packed with ideas for the
new year ahead to boost your finances and keep those
rubbish January blues at bay...
This month, we have gorgeous, New Year crafty ideas
to tuck into including a set of party photobooth paper
makes over on page 27, adorable crochet Scottie dogs
complete with tartan accessories (p84), stylish knitted clutch bag (p74)
and an upcycled sheet music clock (p72), great for welcoming in New
Year. And of course, we have our fabulous cover star – the post-party (and
slightly hungover) felt fox! Full of character, this foxy fella is sure to be a
huge hit with the quirky-loving shopper.
Feature-wise, check out our guide to 2014’s hottest craft trends on page
80 and over on page 38, we have a 12-month craft-selling business plan to
help you maximise your sales this year. And finally, we’re giving you TWO
FREE gifts this issue – a handy pack of 20 sewing needles plus a pretty pink
notebook, perfect for jotting down all those crafty ideas!
Happy 2014 crafting to you all!
Welcome
COVER
Meet our post-party,
felt and fabric fox!
How very suave…
16
Sheet music makes
are fab sellers and
easy to personalise
72
ZEENA MOOLLA – EDITOR
Bake our
delicious
Peek-a-boo
Battenberg
Knit this
gorgeous,
deep red
clutch bag
44 74Cute Scottie dogs
with tartan touches?
Happy Hogmanay!
30
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PAGE FLAG
4 Craftseller
ContentsJanuary 2014
Fantastic Mr Fox
Bring a sense of fun to your stall
with this charming felt character
30-minute make
Quick and easy photobooth props for
some New Year’s Eve sparkle
Love heart brooch
This cute, cross stitch design is
perfect for early Valentine sales
Tweed twist
Appeal to winter shoppers with
these cosy wrist-warmers
Scrub-a-dub-dub
Make these simple, scented soap
letters to sell as birthday presents
16
27
28
30
34 62
Chequerboard cake
Amaze and astound buyers with a
sweet surprise inside this bake
Parmesan and rosemary biscuits
The perfect party nibble that’ll leave
guests and shoppers wanting more
Salted caramel brownies
Sell the latest baking trend on your
stall with our savoury-sweet treats
Party season
Luxe-look papers plus two fab card
projects to try them out on
Mummy makes
Warm shoppers’ hearts with this
sweet baby’s sleeping bag
44
46
47
50
From junk to funk
Make money with this unique
upcycled sheet music project
Bags of style
Buyers will love the vintage charm
of this knitted clutch bag
Perfect pooches
These cute amigurumi Scotties will
be snapped-up by shoppers
Make a crafty tenner
Stitch this sweet little mouse
pincushion to make a mice profit!
More ways than one
These cluster jewellery designs are
super-stylish yet easy to do
72
74
84
92
50
72
74
62 22
Look at this
month’s gorgeous
free papers!
Projects
84
94
OVER £1250
OF PRIZES TO WIN!
PAGE 68
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Craftseller 5
16
Making news
Get the lowdown on the latest
crafty news and views
Dear Craftseller
Your chance to share all your
crafting and selling success stories
Pin it!
Escape to the country with our
mood board of wintry tartan prints
Stash it!
Add colour to your makes with silver
and purple embellishments
Real life: The Makery in Bath
How Kate Smith’s Dragons’ Den
appearance helped her business
8
10
12
15
22 79
My 2014 monthly craft plan
Use our handy guide to help you
prepare for the year ahead
Charity bakes
Bring out your inner baker and raise
cash for three great causes
Fab freebies
Enter now and you could get your
hands on some brilliant prizes
Diary of a craft-selling mum
Erica juggles new trade customers,
commissions and baby nap times!
The new craft-selling trends
The experts share their predictions
on what will sell well in 2014
38
48
68
70
Ask us!
Let our experts solve your craft-
selling queries with the best advice
My craft shop
Find out how these three successful
sellers make cash from their craft
Crafty courses
Choose from a range of inspiring
courses to expand your craft skills
Online loves
Check out our favourite makes
selling well on the web this month
89
98
100
106
Features
BE AN INSIDERWe want to know what you think. After all, the more
we know about you the better placed we are to bring
you the best magazine possible. So we would like to
invite you to join our online reader panel ‘Insiders’.
Interested? Log on to www.immediateinsiders.com/
register to fill out the short registration survey and
we’ll be in touch from time-to-time to ask for your
opinions on the magazine
and other relevant issues.
We look forward to hearing
from you soon.
Turn to page 102 for those
all-important templates
40
Subscribe to the digital editionTurn to page 40 for your special offer!
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DESIGNERS
6 Craftseller
ContributorsMeet three Craftseller designers who have
created projects just for you…
Kirsty
Pedlingham
Kirsty created the letter moulds for the
soap-making project on page 34
Kirsty is part of the team involved
with soap mould, packaging, kit and
advertising design for The Soap Kitchen.
You can find moulds and all of your
soap making ingredients you need at
thesoapkitchen.co.uk.
Kate Smith
Read about Kate’s TV experience on p22
and try her cute pincushion on p92
Kate just wants to get everyone crafting
which is why she set up The Makery
Emporium and craft hub – it’s also why
she wrote Makery, filled with gorgeous
projects. So make sure you read her
inspiring story on page 22 then try out
her pincushion to earn an easy £10.
Susanne Frank
Turn to page 74 to try Susanne’s gorgeous
clutch bag, complete with pretty bow!
Susanne loves to create unique
accessories such as scarves and iPod
cases using top quality cashmere,
cotton and silk yarns. Susanne enjoyed
designing the cute knitted clutch this
issue - take a look at her Etsy shop,
HandwerkDesign, for more of her work.
Editor Zeena MoollaEditorial Assistant Beth CollinsArt Editor Lisa JonesPublisher Alison WorthingtonPublishing Director Cath PotterManaging Director Andy MarshallAdvertisement Director Caroline HerbertSenior Advertising Manager Jane HendyAdvertising Designer Catherine HowlettProduction Director Sarah PowellProduction Managers Rose Griffiths and Louisa MolterMarketing Director Jacky Perales-MorrisDirect Marketing Manager Penny ClappMarketing Executive Lucy OsmondReprographics Tony Hunt, Chris SutchPhotography Louise Broom, Ally Stuart, Steve SayersDistribution FrontlinePrinted in the UK by William Gibbons
A special thank you to contributors and designers Annie Bellamy, Jane Tooze, Emma Read, Claire Watkins, Wendy Massey, Vicky Craxton, Sarah Heys, Jessica Sharp, Liz Ward, Marie Parry, Dorothy Wood, Susanne Frank, Kate Smith, Kirsty Pedlingham, Karen Dunn, Sarah Chadwick, Steve Wright, Holly Johnson, Verity Gough, Helen Burge, Jo Benner, Anne MacGregor
Subscriptions and customer enquiries
To place a subscription or order any of our wonderful
sewing, knitting or craft magazines, please call the
subscriptions hotline on 0844 844 0388. It’s open
weekdays 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.
Join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
Become a fan of Craftseller on Facebook or follow
@craftsellermag on Twitter and you can take part in
competitions, share news, tips and more.
Copyright guidelines for projects
We have requested specific permission from authors, book
publishers and designers so that you can recreate and sell
the projects from this issue. Please credit the designer where
appropriate and when it has been requested. Craftseller is for
crafting enthusiasts who want to make beautiful, handmade
items to sell. You can individually make as many as you
wish to sell either for yourself, your local event, summer
fete or to raise money for charity. You cannot go into mass
production, which means you cannot manufacture in large
quantities, especially by machine. Please respect one
another’s copyright.
Immediate Media Company Limited is working to ensure
that all of its paper is sourced from well-managed forests.
Immediate Media Company Limited is dedicated to producing the very best consumer specialist interest magazines, edited and designed to inform our readers, enhance their lives and give them the best value for money possible. Please visit www.immediatemedia.co.uk for details of our other publications. We take great care to ensure all elements of Craftseller are accurate. However, we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine. All prices quoted are correct at the time of going to print. ©Immediate Media Company Limited.
Craftseller is published by:
This magazine can be recycled, for
use in newspapers and packaging.
Please remove any gifts, samples
or wrapping and dispose of it at
your local collection point.
Immediate Media Company Limited, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. Tel: 0117 927 9009 Fax: 0117 934 9008
A SPECIAL MENTION TO
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Find out how to put this month’s free needle
collection to good use in your projects
Your free gift!
6If you’re working
on hat making,
pleating or appliqué
projects, use a long
needle with a round eye
7A big, long needle
with a long eye is
very useful when you’re
repairing and darning
items of clothing
8 A thick needle with
a sharp triangular
end is ideal when you’re
sewing tougher fabrics
such as leather
4 Large, sharp needles
are ideal for looser
weaves and smaller
sharp needles are better
for tighter weaves
3 Use a thin needle
with a small eye for
threading and stringing
beads for jewellery
or embellishments
2 A short needle
with a small round
eye enables quick and
even stitching which is
useful for quilting
1 A needle with a large
eye and a blunt end
is the perfect tool for
tapestry and cross stitch
embroidery projects
5 A curved needle
makes tricky seams
on items such as
lampshades easier to
sew together
COVER GIFT
Craftseller 7
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CRAFTY UPDATE
8 Craftseller
1 His work ethic has got him where he is today. He
works harder than most, but is also fun-loving and
approachable – a combination that has propelled him from
owning one Nottinghmam-based boutique in 1970, to 17 UK
shops and a global empire today.
2He takes classic designs and gives them his own unique
twist. Describing his style as ‘Saville Row meets Mr
Bean’ during his recent appearance on BBC2’s The Culture
Show, everything he creates incorporates a playful surprise.
3Paul, who became Sir Paul in 2000, uses everyday
images as inspiration for his work. He photographs what
he sees on his travels and incorporates these pictures into his
fashion designs. One of his scarves started life as a stream of
lights seen from a moving taxi in Japan, for example!
3 things we can learn from designer
Paul Smith
Crochet is cool!
We love this
retro design at
naturalmat.co.uk
Visit London’s Design Museum before 9th
March to see Paul’s exhibition – Hello, My
Name Is Paul Smith. His book of the same
name is also on sale now, priced at £40 and
available from designmuseumshop.com.
Kick-start your year!
If you’ve got big ideas but not a big bank balance, it’s worth checking out Kickstarter, where you can raise funds to launch your creative project. The platform recently enabled Folksy to rally £6,500 to produce their book Revealing Craft, which is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of 13 Folksy makers. Find out more at kickstarter.com.
BESPOKE REVIVAL
Want to increase your commission
work? Then sign up to be one of the
makers at fab new site bespokee.co.uk.
Making news
SUPERSITES Our pick of
the best from the
world of online
this month…
misstillysfabric
emporium.co.uk
Indulge your debit
card in the likes of
Dashwood Studios,
Robert Kaufman and
Riley Blake.
campaignforwool.org
All the latest news on
this fantastic project,
championed by HRH
The Prince of Wales.
abeautifulmess.com
The prettiest inspiration
on everything from
bakes to makes.
PH
OTO
: B
BC
Welcome to your one-stop shop for all the latest
craft trends, dates and celebs…
PH
OTO
: Fo
lksy
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CRAFTY UPDATE
Craftseller 9
PIECE OF CAKECAKE DESIGNER Beth Mottershead
of Cakes by Beth has a real flare
for colour and detail, which is evident
in her impressively-intricate bakes. She was
recently announced as the winner of the food
and drink category in the Balvenie Masters
of Craft Awards 2013, after wowing the
judges with her Black Fantasy Forest Birdcage
wedding cake (right). Nice one, Beth!
CITRINE BRIGHTSIF EVER THERE’S A TIME we
want a bit of colour in our lives
it’s January! So it goes without
saying that we’re loving the
trend for bright pops of yellow on
home and fashion accessories for
spring 2014. Why not try adding
yellow buttons or pockets to a
navy cardi, or make some chic
citrine earrings and accessories?
TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND ✓ TOP TREND
CRAFTY EVENTS Our pick of the
best crafty events
around this
month...
Quilters Exhibition and
Fabrics January Sale
Farnham Maltings
12 January
Free SOS clinic
Loop yarn shop
Islington, London
12 January
CRAFT London
Earls Court
12-14 January
Past & Present
Antique, Vintage &
Craft Fair
Christchurch Hall,
Wanstead
18 January
The Creative
Crafts Show
Sandown Park, Esher,
Surrey
23rd-25th January
Block Party:
contemporary craft
inspired by the art of
the tailor
The Gallery, Arts
University, Poole
Until 24 Jan 2014
Bright ‘n’ Crafty
St Nicholas’ Church,
Dyke Road, Brighton
25 January
Creative Stitches and
Hobby craft
EventCity,
Manchester
6-8 February
Sew-long 2013!
Happy New Year craft-sellers! With
all the festive excitement and last-
minute orders, we’re betting that
some of you will have missed the Great British
Sewing Bee Christmas special, but don’t panic!
The six-part series 2 is due to hit our screens
in April, so watch this space for the latest
gossip. Here’s to a sew-inspiring 2014!
Earr
ings:
cold
lilie
s.co
m; ri
bbon: oliv
erb
onas
.com
; pla
te: m
arks
and
spence
r.com
; ju
mper:
whitest
uff
.com
; m
odel im
age: eas
t.co
.uk
PH
OTO
: B
BC
See more of
Beth’s designs at
cakesbybeth.co.uk!TalentSPOT
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LETTERS
CRAFTY BLOG FUTUREGIRL.COM
This is a really useful
blog for knitters and
crocheters, although
Alice Merlino dabbles
with embroidery amd
hand or machine
sewing – so there’s
something for
everyone! I love the
way Alice uses colour,
there’s nothing like a
beautiful skein of yarn!
ROSIE WINTERS,
DUBLIN
Send us your latest crafting and selling stories – each issue,
the star letter wins a fantastic Abakhan prize!
It struck me…
I’VE BEEN BUYING YOUR magazine since it
started and I find the articles a great inspiration.
I’m more of a stitcher than a papercrafter and
was at a loss to think of somthing to do with the
lovely free papers you include in each issue – I
don’t like letting anything go to waste. However,
inspiration came to me and I made these lovely
paper wreaths that have been selling like hot cakes
to friends and family. Hope you like them.
JOANNE CAMPBELL, DAISYMAKES.ME.UK
Ed: This is such a fun and clever idea, Joanne.
We love the way the hanger is included!
Joanne has been putting our free papers to good use!
We love this loopy
paper wreath – it’d be
perfect for Christmas!
The kids at Elgol
Primary have been
busy getting creative
Dear Craftseller
Spook-tacular class
I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED by your Halloween
supplement – here is a photo showing the haunted
houses made by the pupils at Elgol Primary
School, which is a very small, rural school on the
Isle of Skye. There are only 18 pupils in the whole
school. We are very proud of their efforts!
LORNA NICE, ELGOL PRIMARY
Ed: Halloween might be over but, Elgol Primary
School, you’ve definitely spooked the Craftseller
team with your creepy creations! Well done.
10 Craftseller
Sew inspired
I HAVE RECENTLY SUBSCRIBED to your
fab magazine. The first issue I received had
so many things I wanted to try, but I settled
on making the advent calendar. I thought it
would be good to get organised and might
inspire me to do more sewing. Well I was
right, my head is brimming with ideas for
Christmas craft fairs! There is no way I am
selling the advent calendar, I love it too
much. Love the mag – it’s my ‘me’ time.
EMMA HORABIN, LANCASHIRE.
Ed: Your bunting looks brilliant, thanks for
sending us a photo, Emma.
Emma made the
bunting featured in
our Christmas issue
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LETTERS
Craftseller 11
CRAFTY TALKHere are some
of our favourite
posts and tweets
this month…
Search for Craftseller on facebook.com
@craftsellermag yourletters@ craft-seller.com
Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
Reading @CraftsellerMag
whilst eating homemade
soup. Perfect lunch time :) @CRAFT_ME_PRETTY
Had a fab day at
#christmascrafts! Even
got my subscription for
@CraftsellerMag! @PRINCESSLUCE14
@CraftsellerMag
packing gifts sold on my
website milliesmarket.
co.uk, #cwtch @MILLIESMARKET
Bunnies and
reindeers, inspired by
@CraftsellerMag, were
a big hit on our stall! @LIZZYANDKIMMY
Thank you to
@CraftsellerMag for the
lovely feature on me in
the Nov issue! @RACHTDESIGN
SELLING INSPIRATIONMY DAUGHTER HAS JUST bought me
your wonderful magazine – she is trying to
encourage me to sell my work, as I haven’t
had much luck yet selling any. I usually just
give my creations away but after reading your
magazine I’m inspired to keep on trying.
AGNES AT ACY CREATIONS, ON FACEBOOK
Ed: Your makes are very cute so it’s great to
hear that you’re persevering with the help of
Craftseller. Let us know how you get on.
Fantastic Mr Fox
I LOVE CRAFTSELLER MAGAZINE and look
forward to the day it arrives every month, so decided
to share some of my work with you. I am mostly a
mosaicer but love lots of different crafts. With the
trend for forest creatures continuing into winter,
here is my fox. What do you think?
JANET DANIELS, JUBES ORIGINALS, ON FOLKSY
Ed: We love your fox Janet, and with the woodland
trend continuing he’ll be popular with shoppers, too!
Turn to p79 to see what other trends are big for 2014…
What a hoot!
WORKING AWAY FROM HOME, I often while away
the hours by taking my latest craft project. On
a recent trip, I took some yarn with me to make
this owl. I was getting on well with my crochet
when suddenly we needed to board the train. I
continued to crochet but the wool ended! I knew
I’d had plenty with me, and then it dawned on
me – my ball of wool had fallen out and was left
behind on the tarmac. So my owl ended up being
rather brown. The moral of the story - bring a bag
big enough to fit all your supplies!
MRS DEBORAH SNOOK, SNOOKERYCRAFTS.CO.UK
Ed: Thanks for making us chuckle! We think your
owl looks fab despite your missing ball of yarn!
Agnes stitches cute
characters like
Marvin the mouse
Deborah had to adapt
her design after losing
her yarn on the train!
Star LETTER
We love Janet’s
on-trend
mosaic fox
Star letter prize!This month our star letter writer
wins £50 worth of vouchers
to spend on abakhan.co.uk
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PIN IT
12 Craftseller
PIN IT
Tartan Use super soft plaid and Celtic
character to give your makes a cosy,
country feel this winter
2
4
8
3
1
5
6
7
9
10
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Craftseller 13
1 Country check throw, £19.95 houseofbath.co.uk
2 Tartan stag hanging heart, £5, mandco.com
3 Red tartan scarf, £4, primark.com 4 Forest friends
candle tin, £1.50, wilko.com 5 Tartan pinafore dress,
£35, ohmylove.co.uk 6 Limited edition tartan checked
flight bag, £35, marksandspencer.com 7 Plaid Derby
lace-up brogue, £55, bankfashion.co.uk 8 Highland wool
baby rollback dining chair, £329, indigofurniture.co.uk
9 Tartan passport holder, £7.50, paperchase.co.uk 10
Grandad Highland wool sofa, £2,990, indigofurniture.
co.uk 11 F&F chiffon and tartan maxi dress, £30,
clothingattesco.com 12 Tartan bedset, from a
selection at matalan.co.uk 13 Primo plaid in
blue orange mustard, £12.80 per metre,
fabricrehab.co.uk 14 Primo plaid in burnt
orange, £12.80 per metre, fabricrehab.co.uk
15 Scottie dog doorstep, £12, mandco.com
16 Tweed dog cushion, £19, mandco.com
17 Tartan cushion, £16, mandco.com
11
17
16
12
15
14
13
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For more information visit www.brothersewing.co.uk Brothersewinguk
Experience the V5 for yourself at your local Brother dealer.
Space& Performance
The Innov-is V5 has the space to create
impressive quilting and embroidery.
Enjoy the extra large 11 ¼” long arm (285mm) sewing space for those big quilting and sewing projects.
Relax as the precision feed helps you breeze through intricate decorative stitches and effortless free motion.
Enhance your creations with amazing embroidery and embellish with lettering from the many built-in styles.
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Pembertons Sewing Machines Stirling FK8 1HA 01786 462993
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Lord’s Sew Knit Centre Accrington BB5 3DE 01254 389171
R&T Machines (Domestic Sales) Blackburn BB1 2AL 01254 52063
Superior Sewing Centre Cumbria CA3 8PW 01228 599880
Temptations Lancaster LA2 7HQ 01524 261868
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Gillies Fabrics York YO1 8SW 01904 626244
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Howdens Sewing Machines Huddersfield HD1 6BL 01484 516700
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Creative Hands 2 Worcester WR1 2LU 01905 24940
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Lewisham & Deptford S/Mcs London SE8 3NT 0208 692 1077
Maidstone Sewing Centre Maidstone ME14 1ED 01622 670254
Regent Sewing and Knitting Ltd Ilford IG1 2AG 0208 4780669
Rona Sewing Machines Waltham Cross EN8 7BX 01992 640250
Sew Devine Reading RG6 1JQ 0118 926 8664
The Sewing Centre Battersea SW11 3BP 0207 2283022
The Sewing Shop Canterbury CT1 2HX 01227 457723
Theobalds Luton LU1 5AA 01582 720332
Tysons Sewing Machines Ltd Southall UB1 3DA 0208 5741750
Tysons Sewing Machines Ltd Hounslow TW3 1NW 0208 5706790
Woking Sewing & K/M Centre Woking KT15 3NY 01932 352958
South West Caffle Crafts Weston Super Mare BS24 6SE 01934 838327
Direct Sewing Machines Redruth TR15 2DY 01209 216942
Exeter Sewing Machine Company Exeter EX1 2LD 01392 275660
Franklins Group Limited Salisbury SP2 7SU 01722 554466
The Stitch Academy Taunton TA1 1NZ 07547 006618
Bredons Taunton TA1 3NB 01823 272450
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Inspiring ideas for your crafty makes
Stash it!
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Craftseller 15
NOWWIN IT!
ON PAGE 68
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Fantastic Mr FoxThe charming and sophisticated Mr Fox is sure to become a collector's
item and will bring a sense of fun to your stall! By Vicky Craxton
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £10.50
FOR £45
FELT IT
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Your customers are sure to be
enticed by this foxy lothario –
he’s so full of character with
his slightly dishevelled style and suave
expression! He would look perfect as a
decoration at a New Year’s Eve party,
especially displayed in the hallway so he’s
the first thing guests see when they arrive.
This make has a lot of detail and with a
combination of sewing, gluing and needle-
felting, it’s a very satisfying and enjoyable
project. When photographing this fox for your
online shop, display him with exploded party
poppers and a champagne bottle to give your
customers an idea of his size.
How to make the felt fox
INFORMATION
Materials
* Orange/brown felt 60 x 60cm
(24 x 24in)
* White felt 8 x 4cm (3½ x 2in)
* Light grey felt 14 x 7cm (5½ x 2¾in)
* Red and white polka dot cotton
fabric 24 x 10cm (9½ x 4in)
* Black cotton fabric 66 x 50cm
(26 x 20in)
* White cotton fabric 38 x 25cm
(15 x 10in)
* 2g white wool roving
* 1g black wool roving
* 2 x 17mm (¾in) plastic
amber teddy eyes
* 31cm (13in) length of
white 1.5mm elastic cord
* One 9mm (¼in) black
plastic button
* Matching sewing thread
* Polyester toy filling
* Fabric glue
* Foam pad
* Felting needles, sizes 38 and 40
Size: 36cm (14in) height, 18cm (7in)
width including tail, 11cm (4½in)
deep including tail
Rating: Moderate
For the body
1 When hand sewing the felt
shapes, use an overstitch. Sew each pair of
torso shapes together along the long straight
side. Pin the torso shapes together and sew
the shoulders, sides and bottom together,
leaving gaps for the legs and neck. Stuff with
toy filling, as shown above.
2 Sew the inside and outside legs together
leaving the top open. Stuff with toy filling.
Sew the legs onto the torso and finish filling
the legs as you do so. Sew the tail shapes
together and fill with toy stuffing. Sew the
tail onto the back of the torso. Sew each chin
shape onto to each head shape, then sew
the head shapes together but only the front
of the neck, nose and forehead.
3 Sew the eye shapes onto each side of
the head, about 5cm from the bottom of
the neck. Cut a small slit in the middle of
Cutting out the templates
All templates include a 0.5cm (¼in)
seam allowance.
* In orange felt cut four torsos, two inside
legs, two outside legs, two tails, two chins,
two heads, one head back, four ears, four
hands and two eyelids.
* In white felt cut two eyes.
* In white cotton fabric cut one
handkerchief, one shirt collar and two shirts.
* In black cotton fabric cut two bow ties,
two trousers (one with a slit at the top),
two jacket collars, four jacket fronts, four
sleeves, two jacket backs, one of pocket 1
and four of pocket 2.
* In grey felt cut one glass top, one glass
stem and two glass bases.
* In red and white polka dot fabric cut one
party hat and one party hat base.
each eye and push the post of a plastic eye
through each hole. Secure the plastic eyes by
pushing on the back. Sew an eyelid shape
above each plastic eye so it covers the top of
the eye. Lightly stuff the eyelid to make sure
it keeps the shape.
4 Sew the head onto the head back shape,
leaving the bottom of the neck open. Stuff
with toy filling and sew the head onto the
neck of the torso. As you do this, check that
his head is tilted to one side.
5 Cover the top half of two of the ear
shapes with black roving and stab in place.
Sew the plain ear shapes onto the needle
felted ear shapes.
6 Then cover the top edges of each ear
with the black roving and lightly stab in
place. Fold the bottom edge of the ears to
create a crease and sew the ears in place on
the head. Stab a thin layer of white roving on
the front of each ear, as shown above.
7 Cover the chin, neck and the tip of the tail
with white roving and stab in place. Roll up a
small piece of black roving into a ball with a
fluffy end. Stab this until it creates a solid ball
and leave the end fluffy. Place the ball onto
the end of the nose and stab the fluffy end
into the nose to secure it in place.
8 To create the mouth and eyebrows, use
thin strips of the black roving and stab them
in place to make lines.
For the shirt
1 Using a sewing machine, sew the shirt
shapes together, leaving the curved neck side
open. Turn inside out and iron flat.
2 Fold both short sides of the shirt collar
shape about 0.5cm (¼in) in and iron flat.
Fold the collar shape in half along the long
FELT IT
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edge and iron flat. Sew the long edge of
the collar onto the curved neck side of the
shirt so the seams are on the inside. Wrap
the shirt round the torso of the fox and sew
some tiny stitches on the sides and front of
the shirt and also the bottom of the collar to
secure it in place.
3 Sew the two bow tie shapes together,
leaving a gap in the middle on one side. Turn
it inside out, sew up the gap and iron flat.
Wrap the bow tie round the fox’s collar and
secure in place at the front and the back with
a dab of fabric glue.
Jacket
1 Fold the handkerchief shape into a
triangle and a triangle again and sew the
longest side onto one of the front jacket
shapes using an overstitch. Fold the short
sides of pocket 1 about 0.5cm (¼in) in and
iron flat. Then fold the long sides into the
middle so they overlap and iron flat. Using
fabric glue, stick it together and stick it in
place on the jacket front shape so it covers
the bottom of the handkerchief.
2 Sew each pair of the pocket 2 shapes
together using the sewing machine and
leave the top open. Turn inside out and iron
flat. Turn the top edges in, iron flat then sew
in place. Sew the pockets onto both jacket
front shapes but leaving the tops open. Sew
the jacket front shapes with the pockets
onto the plain jacket front shapes with the
wrong sides out. Only sew the curved sides
together. Turn inside out and iron flat. Sew
the neck and the tails of the two jacket back
shapes together. Turn inside out and iron flat.
3 Attach the jacket fronts to the jacket back
shape by sewing the shoulders and sides
together with wrong sides facing out. Turn
inside out and iron neatly.
4 Sew the jacket collar shapes together
leaving a gap in the middle on one side.
Cocktail glass
1 Using an overstitch, sew the long sides
of the stem together and lightly stuff with
toy filling. Sew the stem onto the middle of
one of the base shapes. Sew the other base
shape on the bottom. Sew the straight sides
of the glass top together and sew the pointy
end of the glass top to the other end of the
stem. Sew the stem of the glass to the hand.
Party hat
1 Machine stitch the straight sides of the
hat together with wrong sides out. Sew the
base shape onto the party hat shape with
wrong sides out, leaving a gap. Turn inside
out and stuff with toy filling to make a cone
shape, as shown below. Sew up the gap. Use
a needle with a large eyehole to thread the
elastic through the bottom of the hat from
one side to the other. Tie ends together into
a tight knot and place on the head.
SAFETY FIRST This fox is not intended as
a toy, or for young children. Always ensure
your work is well-stitched and any loose
parts are securely attached. Remember,
if you intend to sell it, even if it is not
sold as a toy, there are strict regulations
to adhere to. Visit craftseller.com/free-
downloads for advice on child safety.
Stab the needle-felted areas again after you've
finished the fox as he tends to get a
bit fluffy!
TOP TIP
Turn inside out and iron flat and sew the gap
closed. Attach the collar to the jacket using a
small amount of fabric glue.
5 Sew the button onto one side of the
jacket front. Pull the jacket onto the fox and
sew a couple of tiny stitches on the back of
the neck, on the hips and both sides of the
chest to secure the jacket in place.
6 Attach a hand shape onto each sleeve
shape by sewing it onto the wrist so it is
facing the wrong way. Make sure one pair of
hand shapes is pointing downwards and the
other is pointing upwards. Pull the hand back
so it is flat. Sew the sleeve shapes together
with wrong sides facing out.
7 Do not sew the hands. Turn the sleeve
inside out and stuff with toy filling. Using an
overstitch, sew the hands and lightly stuff
before closing them up.
8 Sew each arm in position either side of
the jacket so one hand goes in a pocket and
the other points upwards slightly.
Trousers
1 On each trouser shape, fold the bottom
of the legs about 0.7mm (¼in) in and sew in
place. On the back trouser shape, where the
slit is, fold the flaps back to form a V shape
and sew in place.
2 Fold over the top of each trouser shape
about 15mm (½in) in and sew in place. Sew
the trouser shapes together along the long
side and also in between the legs. Sew with
the wrong sides facing out.
3 Turn the trousers right side out and iron
them so there is a long crease on the front
and back of the legs. Pull in place on the fox
so the V-shape is under his tail.
FELT IT
Craftseller 19
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You’ve made it, now sell it…
1Create a backstory. This cheeky fox
has seen some things, so make up an
exciting life for him on your shop page. 2 Use your stash to save cash! Yarn
scraps or even old fabric scraps
make great, free toy stuffing.
3 Add fun details. Stitch on a scrap of
fabric for the fox's hanky or give him
a bright red bow tie for a pop of colour.
4 Blow your own trumpet! Felting and
sewing all take skill so mention this in
the item's description.
5Strike a pose. Photograph your fox in
a series of party scenarios for a range
of fun product images.
6 Create a fashionable fox. Adapt the
pattern to create a luxe velvet smoking
jacket or smart tartan coat.
7 Avoid needle-felting accidents!
Watch out as you hold and turn your
project as there's a greater chance of
poking through the wool into your finger.
8Vary the accessories. Mr Fox could
be drinking port, wearing a top hat or
swirling a cane. Be creative and have
fun making some mini accessories.
9 Expand your range. Once confident
creating this fox, consider making
other woodland creatures to join
him in his merry-making!
10 Keep sewing neat and tidy. With
lots of stitches on show be sure to
use good quality thread to give
a smart, clean finish.
SELL IT
Follow our hints and tips to maximise profits from your felt fox
NOW SELLING ON...
Etsy: Felt fox ornament by theladybirdtree, £4
Folksy: Fergal Fox by Mrs Fox Handmade, £20
Folksy: Fox brooch by Automation, £10
20 Craftseller
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TV helped launch
my crafty careerKate Smith quit her job to set up a craft shop, and she’s never
been happier. Just don’t mention Dragons’ Den… By Karen Dunn
Tucked away down a small street
in the heart of Bath’s historic city
centre is a shop that would send
any crafter’s heart aflutter. Stocked full
of fat quarters, buttons, clips and clasps,
washi tape and stamping sets, The Makery
Emporium is where we met Kate Smith,
the woman behind this lovely little supply
store, not to mention The Makery itself – a
hub for workshops and parties.
Back in 2008, Kate, 36, quit the party
lifestyle of London and moved west with
her husband Nigel to begin their first
craft business. It’s been a bumpy ride, but
Kate now has the job most of us dream of.
However, she was scared she might have
ruined it all after they appeared on BBC2’s
Dragons’ Den and got a roasting from the
Dragons. Kate explains…
“For 12 years, I worked in London in TV
and media. I was always doing all sorts of
exciting stuff, but as I got older it became
less fulfilling and I realised it wasn’t what I
wanted any more. Nigel and I got married
and decided we wanted to move and start
up our own business, but we didn’t know
what we wanted to do!
“At first we planned to move to Bristol,
but one day when we were driving back
to London we decided to stop in Bath
for lunch and fell in love with the place.
We went travelling for a year in 2007 and
spent the whole time brainstorming ideas
about what our new venture in Bath could
be and it always came back to making
stuff. It seemed so obvious – I’d had a
stall on Portobello Market while I was in
uni; I made all my friends’ dresses for the
university balls; and when I was little I’d
taught my friends to make slip dresses. I
even made my own wedding dress!
“Opening a workshop space seemed like
the perfect idea. I could teach crafts and we
would host parties. We could see how big
the craft scene was getting so we decided to
jump in with both feet. Most of our friends
thought we were completely crazy, but I’ve
always liked proving people wrong!
“We’d been saving the whole time we
were in London and had just enough
money to start the business, but we had
no survival money, so Nigel kept working
in London and I got a part-time job at a
branding agency in Bath while we found
the perfect premises. I found out I was
pregnant with our first daughter, Lyra, at
about the same time, but we just carried
on! We got the keys to our workshop two
weeks after we had Lyra in November 2009
and then opened the shop in December.
“I have to admit, the first year was
incredibly hard work – I taught all the
workshops and Nigel was still working in
London. I was taking Lyra to meetings and
having her sleep under my desk – that is
until she learned to crawl and I nearly had a
breakdown and begged the nursery to take
her for a few days!
“Despite the craziness, the business
was going really well – not only had we
already outgrown our workshop space but
we had lots of people asking where they
could buy the supplies, so we decided to
open The Makery Emporium, just up the
road, in 2010. By this point I’d realised I
couldn’t do it all myself and got in some
fantastic tutors to take the strain. However,
for that first year I barely had a day off
work and nearly had another breakdown
when I realised, with just weeks to go,
that I didn’t have anything to stock the
new shop with. Luckily an amazing friend
of mine, Lucy, worked for Virgin Atlantic
and after listening to me sobbing, booked
us on flights to Japan and we spent a week
in Japan’s Fabric Town. They have whole
department stores just for craft. It was
heaven! I made tons of contacts and came
back with five suitcases full of stock.
“By this point, Nigel was able to join the
business full-time and we were approached
about making a book, but as usual my
timing wasn’t great and I handed in my
final work to the publishers just ten hours
before I gave birth to our second daughter! Phot
os: Ti
m M
ossf
ord/
UN
P
REAL LIFE
22 Craftseller
“I was taking my daughter Lyra to
meetings and having her sleep under my desk!”
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Clockwise from left: Kate started out sourcing
fabrics from Japan; Bakers Twine is sold in a host of
colours; from bunting and hearts to dogs and owls,
The Makery is packed with pretty trimmings and
on-trend ribbon designs; dive into the stash of
buttons, cleverly displayed in a stylish collection
of jars, bowls and baking trays!
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“Then, in February this year, Dragons’
Den contacted us and asked if we had a
project we’d consider coming on the show
with. We’d been working on some new
craft kits and, feeling very flattered, we
decided to go for it. We only had two weeks
to get the business plan ready and worked
day and night on it. We didn’t consider that
it might be a bad idea until we walked into
the room and faced the Dragons. It was the
most terrifying experience of my life. After
we’d done our pitch, one of the Dragons,
Peter Jones, just laid into us for what felt
like hours. The other Dragons were much
nicer, but I was devastated and afterwards
Nigel had to talk to the camera because
I couldn’t stop crying! The programme
wasn’t aired until this September, so I then
spent six months worrying about it. By
coincidence, the release date for our book
was the day after the programme aired,
we thought people would still come to
our website, so we made sure you could
pre-order the book from there. I refused
to watch the episode and locked myself
in the kitchen with a bottle of wine, but
thankfully our pitch was nowhere near as
bad as I thought. Even better, our book
sold out on Amazon that night! It may have
been a horrific experience, but thanks to
Dragons’ Den we’ve been approached about
loads of new opportunities.
“Thanks to Dragons’ Den, we’ve had loads of
new opportunities”
Kate Smith
To book a workshop and see
the full range available at The
Makery, visit themakeryonline.
co.uk, plus turn to p92 now to
try Kate’s cute mouse pincushion.
Plan ahead
We spent a year working on our business
plan and have always known what we’ve
wanted to do for at least three years in
advance. You need to have a long-term plan
so that you can keep the momentum going.
I get bored very quickly, which is why we’re
always preparing for what’s happening next so
I can start working on it.
Get help
The biggest lesson for me was accepting
that I couldn’t do all the work myself. You
need other people to support you, whether
that’s staff for the shop or accountants for the
money side of things. If we hadn’t decided to
ask people in to help we would never have
developed the business and Nigel and I would
have just burnt ourselves out.
Don’t waste time worrying
about the competition
Keep it different and don’t worry about
what other businesses are doing. When we
opened up in 2009, there was only one other
place in England offering workshops like we
do and now there’s tons, but I refuse to look at
what others are doing – I just concentrate on my
own ideas and suppliers.
Kate’s top three tips for running a craft business
“2014 is looking exciting for us – we’re
moving to huge new premises where we
can combine both of the shops and add lots
more for our customers, from new stock to
sewing machine hire. It’ll also be a place
where they can get inspiration and advice
for their next projects. I know it sounds
clichéd, but I feel like I’m now doing what I
am supposed to, and all the other jobs I had
were simply so I could learn skills for the
life I have now. It’s been hard, but it’s the
best thing we could have done.”
Clockwise from top left: Cute
stamps are just one of the
products sold at The Makery;
The Emporium is a hive of
activity; crafty heaven!
REAL LIFE
24 Craftseller
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www.silversewing.co.ukFor your nearest stockist and expert advice, please contact
Silver Viscount on 01933 311888 or [email protected]
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30-minute makeSell your own brand of sparkle and fun this New Year’s Eve with these fantastic yet simple-to-make photo booth props. By Annie Bellamy
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £3
FOR £6
INFORMATION
Materials:
* A selection of glitter and
metallic card
* Wooden skewers
* Decorative paper tape
* Glue
* Craft knife
Size: Largest is 18 x 15.5cm (7 x 6in)
Skill level: Easy
2 Carefully cut out each shape using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife for the more fiddly props.
1 Using the templates on p102, trace the shapes onto the reverse side of the selected card. You can add your own props with some simple line drawings.
3 Cut the pointed tip off the skewer. Fix the skewer onto the back of each prop using a few lengths of paper tape. Enjoy!
MAKE IT
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £6
FOR £20
T he paired-down design of this red
and white cross stitch brooch creates
a natural, Scandinavian feel. Not only
is cross stitch trending on the high-street at
the moment, but the simple Scandi-style is
hot too, and the whole ensemble will make
a sweet Valentine’s Day gift. This is a perfect
stash-buster project as you need very little
embroidery thread. The lovely dark wood
surround is a setting that really works on this
simple brooch and gives a professional finish.
Woo passers-by with this simple stitched heart – it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day love token. By Sarah Heys
How to make the cross stitch brooch
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HEART CHART
1Find the centre of the chart and fabric
– this is where you should start
stitching. Follow the chart until you have
completed the cross stitch design.
2Trim your stitching so that it is 4cm
(1½in) bigger than the wooden frame.
Lay the heart over the self-covering button,
following the instructions on the pack. Make
sure that the button will lie flat in the brooch
back – if not, you may need to trim it in the
middle a little bit.
3Cover the inside of the brooch setting
with glue and place the covered button
into the brooch setting and leave to set.
4Cover the brooch back in glue and stick
onto the back of the brooch, making
sure it is central. Leave to dry.
HEART KEY
Stitch count 15 high x 14 wide
14 HPI (28-count evenweave)
– 2.5 x 2.5cm (1x1in)
This design was stitched using DMC
stranded cotton on 14-count aida
Cross stitch in two strands
DMC Anchor Madeira Colour
t 777 43 509 red
Wear your heart...
STITCH IT
Craftseller 29
INFORMATION
Materials:
* White aida
* Threads as shown in key
* Size 24 tapestry needle
* Superglue or jewellery glue
* 38mm self-covering button
* Wooden frame: brooch setting
(40mm) from MagicWoodenJewel
on Etsy.com
* Brooch back
* Scissors
Size: 4cm (1½in) diameter
Skil level: moderate
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £7
FOR £15
Tweed twistKeep up with the tweed trend by offering these stylish wrist warmers
– they’ll appeal to fashion-lovers everywhere. By Emma Read
SEW IT
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Don’t choose fur that’s too thick or
your customers will struggle to get them
on and off
TOP TIP
SHOW US ON FACEBOOK!
If you’ve enjoyed making this
pincushion, post a photo on
the Craftseller Facebook page
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Tweet us your tips and
advice, and follow our own
tweets @craftsellermag
FIND US ON PINTEREST!
We’ve got loads of crafty
inspiration for you to browse
at Pinterest.com/craftseller
These cosy wrist warmers are perfect
for that transition between autumn
and winter. They cover up that
annoying gap you normally get between
between your coat sleeve and glove, while
keeping fingers free to operate important
things like cups of tea and lip balm. Made
of stylish, thick tweed and luxurious, soft
faux rabbit fur, they not only look smart and
gorgeous, they’ll keep your buyers toasty and
warm, layered with gloves for extra warmth,
throughout the winter months. We sourced
our tweed fabric from a charity shop – use an
old tweed jacket and you’ll lower your outlay
costs dramatically. Always a bonus!
1Cut two pieces of main fabric,
measuring 24 x 27cm (9½ x 10½in)
from tweed, and two lining pieces, measuring
30 x 27cm (11¾ x 10½in) from fur fabric.
2Lay the tweed and fur pieces together
with the fur facing outwards, and with
the right side of the tweed facing inwards
(there should be approx. 2.5cm (1in) of
excess fur showing at the top and bottom).
3With the tweed on top, fold the two
layers in half and pin along the longest
edge. Sew a running stitch along the pinned
edge. Turn the right way round.
4Using the excess fur fabric showing at
both ends, fold over the tweed fabric
edges. Hand-sew the fur to the tweed using
a neat whipping stitch to hold it down.
5Sew two large coat buttons next to each
other near to the end of the cuff to give
the appearance of a jacket sleeve. Repeat
these steps with the other wrist warmer to
make a matching pair.
How to make the wrist warmers
32 Craftseller
SEW IT
INFORMATION
Materials:
* 50cm (20in) tweed fabric or similar
suiting fabric
* 50cm (20in) faux rabbit fur
* 4 large coat buttons
* Matching thread
Size: 27 x 11cm (10½ x 4¼in)
Skill level: Easy
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Scrub-a-dub-dub!
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR
38p EACH
FOR £3.99
EACH
SAFETY FIRST The 2013 Cosmetic
Regulations state that all soap intended
for sale needs to be assessed, labelled
with ingredients and a batch code so it
is traceable if wrapped, or displayed on
a point of sale if unwrapped.
Pre-assessed soap is available to buy,
that is already coloured and scented.
You only have to melt and mould
it to your required shape. If your
finished soap looks edible, it will
need to be labelled ‘DO NOT EAT’ if it
is going to be sold.
How to make your alphabet soap
1Measure out a quantity of melt and
pour soap base into a heat-proof
container and heat it in the microwave or on
the hob until it is melted into a liquid. Take
care not to let the mixture boil.
2Add the fragrance or oil and colour
while the base is still liquid – you can
reheat it slightly if it starts to harden. Place
the mould(s) onto a level surface and pour
soap in at a steady rate, filling to the top.
3Cool the soap completely, remove it
from the mould(s) and wrap to sell.
Soap-making is fun, easy and these
kinds of gifts always go down well
at gift fairs. Melting a larger batch
to make multiple soaps at the same time
will save you time and money, plus bump
up that profit per item for you (the cost per
item here is calculated using 5kg of soap
base). You can also use all sorts of things as
a mould, but a silicone or plastic mould is
best as it allows the soap to be pushed out
once set. Change fragrances and colours, and
add embellishments such as glitter, seeds
and dried flowers to suit your style and your
shoppers' tastes. To sell, wrap in a cellophane
bag and tie with pretty ribbon or twine.
This simple, scented handmade soap made from alphabet letter moulds will be perfect for birthday or Valentine sales. By Kirsty Pedlingham
INFORMATION
Materials
From thesoapkitchen.co.uk
* Melt and pour soap base
* Choice of essential oil or fragrance
* Choice of colour or dye
* Soap letter mould
Size: 7 x 7cm (2¾ x 2¾in) each letter
Skill level: Easy
Dab a bit of coloured soap onto a white plate and let it set to check how the colour will look
TOP TIP
MAKE IT
Craftseller 35
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PLUS we’re now online! Visit www.craft-seller.com
To find out more just search Craftseller on the App Store
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JanuaryAny small business owner knows that as
New Year looms, so does the taxman.
If you haven’t done a paper tax return
in October, you need to file your online
version by 31st January, and there’s no
better time to do it than during the post-
Christmas lull. “You just can’t compete
with high-street sales, so don’t. Take
the time to relax, then start making for
Valentine’s Day,” says Louise Firchau of
Paper Panda (paperpanda.bigcartel.com).
Emma Jones, author and founder of small
business community, Enterprise Nation
(enterprisenation.com), advises crafters to
use the time to take stock: “Update your
business plan, plot your targets for the
year and have a strategy that shows how
you will achieve them,” she says.
As a busy crafter there are always things you need to do to make the best use of
your time and to make sure you don’t miss all-important events and holidays.
Whether it’s hitting deadlines, making the most of the festive season or
marking down important national dates, our yearly planner is essential reading
We take a look at how to map the year out in crafts...
By Verity Gough
monthly business plan
My 2014
FebruaryLove is in the air and it’s a busy time for
sales. Make sure your customer service and
packaging is up to scratch to build a loyal
buyer network. “Start on your Mother’s
Day projects by using and adapting your
Valentine’s makes,” says Steffi Stern of
Mother Goose (mothergooseonline.co.uk).
MarchWith Easter fast approaching, seek inspiration
for the coming trends by reading fashion and
craft magazines and blogs. “Now’s a good
time to photograph new spring/summer
items,” says Abi Simmond of The Red Hand
Gang (on Folksy). “Bright, crisp, clear shots
turn browsers into buyers!” For bakers, March
is about spotting opportunities to maximise
profits across the year: “Simnel cakes are
popular at Easter,” says Bruce McMichael,
author of Cook, Wrap, Sell. “So, let customers
know you make seasonal cakes.”
SELL IT
38 Craftseller
Spend January
preparing for
Valentine’s Day
Wooden floral
buttons look great
on spring crafts
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AprilWedding season kicks off this month and it’s
one of the most lucrative revenue streams
for crafters. “Make a product that can be
easily customisable,” says Louise. “For
example, a heart cushion that you can add
names and dates to. Make one, photograph
it, then whip up lots of ‘blanks’ so that when
the season begins all you have to do is add
the details and post off the cushion.”
MayThis month is a good one for sniffing out
trends that will cross over into crafting. For
those making fashion or accessory items
trade, it’s time to send out press releases and
images of your autumn/winter styles to the
relevant fashion editors and bloggers: “Bear
in mind that magazines plan their editorial
content at least three months ahead,” says
Alison Lewy, author of Design Create Sell.
JuneFairs, fêtes and festivals are popping up
everywhere so plan which shows you
want to attend. “Many food festivals and
farmer’s markets are booked months in
advance, so let organisers know you want
a stall as soon as you can. If you’re offering
something unusual you’ve a much better
chance of securing a stand in the more
popular events,” advises Bruce.
JulyWhile many people head off on their
holidays, canny crafters are planning
their Christmas makes and bakes: “Start
baking Christmas cakes in July to allow the
ingredients to blend together and intensify
flavours. Your shoppers will start buying in
November,” advises Bruce. “Now’s the time
to start making appointments with trade
buyers to show them your autumn/winter
fashion collection,” adds Alison.
AugustBy now you should have your Christmas
crafting well underway. Make use of
foraged items such as driftwood, pebbles,
cones, etc, in your projects and take
advantage of any craft summer sales. “I
use August to research Christmas packaging
options,” says Abi. “If you send items, bear
in mind Post Office size and weight charges.
Beautiful packaging and affordable postal
charges = a very happy customer!”
SeptemberIt’s never too early to start peddling
your festive wares and Louise
recommends joining Facebook groups
such as Send In The Troops, Hike Those
Likes Market Place and Bob’s Place.
“Take a look at the business and see if
you can free up your time by focusing
on what you do best and outsourcing
social media, fulfilment, and marketing.
The business will grow and you’ll still be
doing the bit you enjoy,” adds Emma.
OctoberHalloween is a great opportunity to earn
some money and as it falls at the end
of the month, you can start making in
the first week or two. “I try to fit in with
the seasons, so for Halloween, I create
things like my pumpkin necklace while
my moustache necklaces are popular for
Movember,” says Tracey Humphreys of
LittleEnglishJewelry on Etsy.
NovemberChristmas sales should be building
steadily as many people start buying
this month. Festive markets are also
great places to sell your wares and lots
of crafters report some of their best
sales from these events. “Use Facebook
to drum up business by regularly posting
new makes, hinting that they are selling
out fast, to get those sales,” says Steffi.
DecemberMake a note of deadlines for
international shipping as well as
domestic, and make it clear on your
website or online shop so shoppers
know when they have to place orders
by. There will be last-minute making
to do as well as your own Christmas
shopping, so prepare to be busy!
SELL IT
Craftseller 39
‘Movember’ is a
popular time for
moustache makes!
Create unique items
to secure bookings at
popular summer fairs
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Textile, jewellery & paper craft supplies
plus some lovely gifts - aren’t we fancy!
Visitors welcome by appointment at The Craft Room in Nottingham
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New Year nibbles!Put the January diet on hold! These delicious treats are far too hard to resist
– and great sellers with the New Year party crowd By Jessica Sharp
BAKE IT
We love...Baking sweet and savoury party treats
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1Heat oven to 160°C, 140°C Fan, Gas
Mark 3. Grease the sides, well and line
the bases of the round sandwich tins with
baking parchment.
2Combine ingredients for the white
sponge in a large bowl. Beat to form
a smooth batter. Divide between two tins,
smooth the surface and bake for 25-30mins,
until risen and golden. Remove from the
oven, cool in the tins for five minutes then
turn onto a rack to cool completely. Repeat
for pink sponge. Wrap the cooled sponges in
cling film and leave overnight to firm up.
3For the icing, melt the chocolate and
set aside to cool. Beat the butter until
very soft. Add icing sugar, beat until smooth.
Add vanilla and melted chocolate and beat.
4Trim the sponges to flatten the tops. Cut
a 12cm (4¾in) round from the centre
of each sponge, then cut a 6cm (2½in) circle
from the middle of that. You now have 18cm
and 12cm rings, plus a 6cm circle.
5Heat the glaze so it is easily spreadable.
Add lemon juice. Place a 18cm (7in)
white sponge ring on the cake board. Place a
12cm (4¾in) pink ring inside, followed by a
6cm (2½in) white circle. Top with a quarter
of the apricot glaze. On top of this, place a
pink 18cm (7in) ring, add a 12cm (4¾in)
white ring inside, followed by a 6cm (2½in)
pink circle. Spread the top with apricot glaze.
Repeat to stack all four sponges.
5Spread buttercream thinly over the
cake; chill for 30mins. To make the
‘petal’ pattern, fit a piping bag with a
medium-sized plain tip. Pipe a column of dots
(the size of a 5p), one beneath the other,
on the side of the cake. Hold a small palette
knife sideways, press down on the middle
of each dot then drag the knife to the right
to spread the icing to one side. Pipe another
column and repeat. Keep going until the
sides are covered with ‘petals’. Do the same
to ice the top of the cake, in circles.
INGREDIENTS
For the white sponge:
* 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
* 225g (8oz) soft butter
* 225g (8oz) caster sugar
* 85g (3oz) ground almonds
* 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 tbsp milk
For the pink sponge:
* 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
* 225g (8oz) soft butter
* 225g (8oz) caster sugar
* 85g (3oz) ground almonds
* 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 tbsp milk
* Pink gel food colouring
For the filling and buttercream:
* 1 220g (8oz) jar apricot glaze
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* 300g (10½oz) soft butter
* 650g (23oz) icing sugar
* 200g (7oz) white chocolate
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special equipment:
* Electric whisk or freestanding mixer
* 25cm (10in) cake board
* 2 x 18cm (7in) sandwich tins
* Piping bag with medium plain tip
Time taken: 2.5 hours (plus overnight)
Makes: 1 cake (cuts into 16-20 slices)
Skill level: Moderate
Chocolate buttercream chequerboard cake
ALLERGY ADVICE When you are selling
homemade food, like the yummy New
Year treats here, make sure you label all
products with clear allergy warnings. For
best practice make sure you have a full
list of the ingredients used available to
give to any customers who ask. For more
information on food safety advice, visit the
Food Standards Agency at food.gov.uk
44 Craftseller
BAKE IT
Many people party at home for New
Year, and welcome a helping hand
with the catering. So whether you
sell these delicious bakes by the piece, or
all in one, you’ll make a tasty profit. Salted
caramel is really popular, so don’t be shy,
take orders for whole trays of brownies! We
have the perfect cheeseboard companion,
parmesan and rosemary shortbreads make a
crumbly, buttery alternative to crackers. Sell
them boxed to add a bit extra to the price
tag. Lastly try a chequerboard cake that’s rich,
sweet and creamy. Serve as a dessert, with
fizzing sparklers, amid poppers a-popping!
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BAKE IT
Craftseller 45
M A K E FOR £8
FOR
£15
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1Mix all the ingredients together – using
a bowl and spoon, electric mixer or
food processor – until the ingredients start to
clump together into a dough. Turn the dough
onto a clean surface and knead briefly. Split
into two and roll each half into a cylinder
approximately 3cm (1¼in) wide. Wrap each
cylinder in cling film and chill in the fridge for
at least an hour. Alternatively you can make
the dough ahead and chill it for up to two
days before baking.
2Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350ºF
Gas Mark 4. Remove the dough
cylinders from the fridge and cut into slices
approximately 0.5cm (¼in) thick. Arrange on
a baking sheet lined with baking parchment,
and put in the oven for approximately
15mins, or until turning golden at the edges.
3Remove from the oven, leave to
cool on the tray for a couple
of minutes before removing the
biscuits to a wire rack to cool
completely. Then wrap to sell.
INGREDIENTS
For the shortbreads
* 150g plain flour
* 75g finely grated parmesan
* 100g soft unsalted butter
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 tbsp freshly chopped rosemary
Time taken: 1 hour (excluding chilling time)
Makes: 35-40 small biscuits
Skill level: Easy
Parmesan and rosemary shortbreads
46 Craftseller
BAKE IT
M A K E FOR £1.50
FOR
£4.99
A BOX
Leave out a dish of seconds to let your
shoppers try a biscuit before they buy a
whole box
SELL MORE
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INGREDIENTS
For the brownies:
* 225g (8oz) butter
* 250g (9oz) plain chocolate, chopped
* 3 eggs
* 1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
* 250g (8oz) caster sugar
* 85g (3oz) plain flour
* 1½ tsp baking powder
* 150g (5½oz) milk chocolate chips
For the salted caramel sauce:
* 125g (4½oz) caster sugar
* 85ml (3 fl oz) double cream
* ½ tsp table salt
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Sea salt, for sprinkling
Time: 1½ hours
Makes: 25 squares
Skill level: Easy
1Preheat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan,
Gas Mark 4. Line a tin or disposable foil
tray of approximately 23 x 30cm (9 x 12in)
with baking parchment.
2Melt the butter and dark chocolate
together in a medium bowl set over
simmering water or in the microwave.
Allow to cool for 15mins. In a large bowl,
stir together the eggs, espresso powder
and sugar. Stir the chocolate mixture into
the egg mixture and mix thoroughly. Fold
in the flour and baking powder, followed by
the chocolate chips. Spread evenly into the
prepared tin and bake for 30-35mins.
3While the brownies are cooling, make
the salted caramel sauce. Place the
caster sugar in a saucepan with 4 tbsp of
water and bring to a boil over a high heat.
Cook for four to five minutes, or until it
has thickened slightly and turned a golden
colour. Remove the pan from the heat then
immediately add the cream and stir with a
heatproof spoon. Take care as the caramel
could splutter when the cream is added.
Stir in the vanilla and salt and leave to cool
Salted caramel brownies
slightly before drizzling over the brownies.
Sprinkle with sea salt and allow the brownies
to cool completely in the tin.
4Once cooled, slice the brownies into
squares to serve, or stack on a vintage
plate to tempt passers-by. They keep for at
least a week in an airtight container.
BAKE IT
Craftseller 47
M A K E FOR £6
FOR £1.25
PER SQUARE
When you’re cutting your brownies, clean your knife regularly
to make sure the sides look neat
SELL MORE
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GOOD CAUSES
48 Craftseller
Bake some delicious festive eats and treats this month to
help raise some cash for these three great charities
Bake scones and cakes to bring a little joy to
elderly people living alone
Help elderly people in your community
get 2014 off to a sweet start by hosting a
SuperJam Tea Party. This registered charity
organises hundreds of free tea parties
all over the UK for elderly people who
live alone or in care. Some of the biggest
parties have attracted over 600 guests,
and so far there have been 150 tea parties
held everywhere from tiny Welsh villages
to the Southbank in London. Founder of
SuperJam, Fraser Doherty, was inspired
by his Gran to create the charity: “When
my Gran made jam, she’d make scones and
cakes too and visit elderly people to have
afternoon tea. My little brother and I would
go along to provide entertainment.”
Now SuperJam need volunteers to help
run tea parties. Keep it simple with tea
and cake at a care home, or go large with a
tea dance. The charity will support events
with free jam and £50 towards food or
entertainment in return for a few photos of
your party to share on the SuperJam blog.
“The biggest parties have attracted over
600 guests”
How you can helpVisit superjamteaparties.com or email
[email protected] if you’d like more
information or to get involved.
SuperJam Tea Parties
Enjoy afternoon
tea with elderly
people in your area
Love jam? Bake
some scones for a
charity tea party
Charity bakes
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GOOD CAUSES
Craftseller 49
How you can helpFor more information on Battersea Dogs &
Cats Home, visit battersea.org.uk or call
0870 890 0000.
How you can helpVisit teapot-trust.org or email
[email protected] for more information.
Start the New Year by lending a paw to help
our furry friends at Battersea
If you love animals, then make it your
New Year’s resolution to bake a difference
for the residents of Battersea Dogs & Cats
Home. By simply holding a cake sale in
your community, you could really help to
improve the lives of animals in need.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims to
never turn away a dog or cat in need of help.
The charity reunites lost pets with their
owners as well as rescuing and rehoming
abandoned or abused animals, giving
them shelter and the highest standards of
kennelling and veterinary care. It receives
no government funding towards the
running of the home, and so relies on the
generosity of the public to help care for lost
and abandoned dogs and cats.
If you’re wondering how you can help,
then it really couldn’t be easier. Organise
a cake sale in your community and invite
everyone along to enjoy a cuppa and a
cupcake in return for a donation. It’s a great
excuse to get everyone together for a catch
up after the Christmas holidays and to meet
new people in your area. Put up posters in
local animal rescue centres and parks to
make sure you get a crowd of dog lovers,
then go to town baking pet-themed treats
for the hoards to enjoy. Try icing animal
faces onto cupcakes or making bone-shaped
gingerbread. You could even bake up a
batch of dog-friendly liver or tuna cake for
people to buy and take home for their pets!
The Teapot TrustWarm your teapot and whip up some
cakes to help raise much-needed funds for
children with chronic illnesses
If your craft club is looking for new charities
to support, then why not join The Teapot
Trust’s merry band of Teapotters and turn
your first meeting of the New Year into a
very special tea party? The Teapot Trust is a
Scottish charity that provides professional
art therapy in a medical environment to
children coping with chronic illness. It
particularly focuses on supporting children
suffering from complex rheumatological
diseases, including Lupus. Art therapy is
used to help these young people to adjust
and adapt to their life-limiting conditions.
Long-term health problems can cause
anxiety, anger and upset for children and
many find it difficult to talk about. With
the guidance of an art therapist, The Teapot
Trust offers a safe space for children to
express and deal with difficult feelings
using non-verbal communication such as
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Your bakes
will help cute
pooches in need
painting, collage or modelling clay. The
creative process helps children share their
worries, gain confidence, feel in control and
be more able to cope with their condition.
The charity desperately needs fundraisers
to help continue its vital work, and we
think hosting a tea(pot) party with fellow
crafters is a fun way to do that. Get a couple
of volunteers to help you bake and decorate
a selection of cakes and ask your craft club
members to give a donation to attend. Make
cake decorating the theme of your meeting
that week and hold a competition for the
most creative. The Teapot Trust will provide
you with promotion materials, special
invitations and place name cards to make
your party a success.
Bake to help sick
children create
and communicate
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £50P
FOR £3-£4
MAKE IT
50 Craftseller
1Cut out the ‘Thanks’ sentiment and,
using the templates on p102, cut three
bunting shapes, the bird, wing, heart and
bunting string. Arrange all shapes onto card.
2Glue the bunting triangles and ‘Thanks’
sentiment in place directly onto the
card, then glue the bunting tape on top of
the bunting shapes to form the string.
3Stick the bird’s wing to the bird using
a small sticky pad, then stick the bird
Thanks loads!Shoppers are always looking for ways to say thank you and this personal card shows extra special gratitude. By Wendy Massey
How to make the thank you cardINFORMATION
Materials
For both cards, you will need:
* Free Craftseller papers
* Card blanks measuring
20cm x 15cm (8 x 6in) and
18cm x 13cm (7 x 5in)
* Plain black card
* Scissors
* Glue
* Fine marker
* Double-sided sticky pads
* Buttons
* Glue gun and glue sticks
Skill level: Easy
down with more sticky pads. Glue the heart
in place directly to the card and stick the
beak in place with a sticky pad.
4Pick four or five assorted buttons from
your stash and stick them onto the
bunting string using a glue gun.
5Using a fine marker pen, draw two legs
and a small eye onto the bird and draw
faux stitching around the bunting triangles
and the edge of the card.
Cards are always going to be a
popular addition to your stall, and we
have eight pages of free, glamorous
New Year-themed papers to kick-start your
card-making this month. If you are stuck for
inspiration, then we’ve come up with two
quick-to-make designs to get you started.
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Party Season PAPER COLLECTION
8 PAGES of exclusive
designs
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £1
FOR £3-£4
MAKE IT
Craftseller 59
Happy New Year!Stag head motifs sell on everything these days – so include the trend
in your card range for fab New Year sales... By Wendy Massey
How to make the stag head card
1Cut a piece of the damask paper to fit
the front of the card exactly. Carefully
line up the edges and glue into place.
2Cut out a stag’s head shape using the
template on p102. Using the first one
as a guide, cut another stag’s head shape,
slightly larger all round, from black card. Cut
out the ‘Happy new year’ sentiment and a
rectangle of contrasting paper.
3Trim and glue the sentiment to the
contrasting rectangle and glue them to
the card at the bottom left corner.
4Glue the stag head shapes together.
Place sticky pads onto the back of
the finished layers and glue onto the card.
Use the stag head to overlap the sentiment
slightly, as shown in the photo.
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PAPERCRAFTBEADING&STITCHplus Cardmaking, Sewing, Knitting, Stamping
Sugarcraft, Cross Stitch and Quilting withWorkshops, Demonstrations and Make & Takes
find your nearest show at
sccshows.co.uk
SAVE £1.50Go to www.sccshows.co.uk or call 01822
617744 and quote CMP. Tickets cost £6.50 Adultsand £5.50 Concessions (£8 & £7 on-the-door).
& NO Booking Fee!
SandownParkRacecourseEsher,Surrey
23rd-25th JANUARY 2014Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
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13th-15th FEBRUARY 2014Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
MalvernShowground27th FEBRUARY-1st MARCH 2014
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £15.50
FOR £30
Mummy makesHandmade for baby, there’s nothing like a soft, downy sleeping bag to keep little ones cosy during the cold winter months. By Jane Tooze
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00 Craftseller
Get set for the chilly months with cosy
items that’ll warm your shoppers’
hearts! This cosy sleeping bag is
made from purely cotton fabrics and cot
wadding, with a small safety tab to cover the
zip and safely tuck baby up for a good night’s
sleep. It is fully lined and has a zip running
down the length of one side to the bottom
for easy access. Plus, the jolly elephants are
a perfect design for boys or girls so your
sleeping bag will appeal to all buyers.
How to make the sleeping bagINFORMATION
Materials:
* 1m (40in) baby-safe
cotton wadding
* 2m (80in) honeycomb
pattern cotton
* Fat quarter lime cotton
* Fat quarter aqua cotton
* Small turquoise felt square
* 81cm (32in) cream zip
* Cream thread
* Turquoise thread
* Bondaweb – small square
* 3 x 11mm (½in) poppers
(fronts and backs)
* Popper pliers
* Sewing machine
* Scissors
* Pins
* Iron and ironing board
Size: age 6-18 months
Skill level: Easy
1 Using the templates on p102, cut out
a front and a back piece from the main
patterned fabric and from the lining fabric to
create the shape of the bag. Cut out a front
and a back shape from the wadding. Cut a
rectangle from the lime fabric, measuring
37.5 x 15.5cm (15 x 6in).
2 Take the front wadding and place the
front patterned piece on top with the right
side up. Pin the two layers together around
the edges. Repeat with the back piece of
patterned fabric and wadding.
3 Take the elephant templates and the
templates of three circles and draw around
them onto the paper side of the Bondaweb.
Take the felt and iron the Bondaweb onto
this. Cut the elephants and circles out of the
felt, using the Bondaweb shapes as a guide.
4 Repeat this with the aqua fabric drawing
around the remaining circles, ears and eyes.
Peel off the paper from the Bondaweb and
place them carefully in position. Iron them
all carefully to the lime rectangle.
5 Next iron the Bondaweb onto the lime
rectangle and finally iron the completed
rectangle onto the front panel of the
sleeping bag using the photo opposite as
a guide. Once everything is in place, use a
zigzag to sew around all of the shapes with
the turquoise thread. Press the front panel.
6 Now lay the front and back panels right
sides together, and sew down the right hand
side of the sleeping bag to half way along
the bottom of the bag. Trim excess wadding
and turn the bag the right way.
7 Lay the front and back lining, right
sides together, and sew again down the
right-hand side of the bag to half way along
the bottom. Slip the lining pieces inside the
main body of the bag. You should now have
a lined bag with a gap down one side.
8 Pin and sew the zip into this gap with the
top of the zip attaching under the left-hand
armpit. Attach the lining to the inside edge
of the zip and use a top stitch to sew it in
place and secure the bag.
9 Cut out the zip tabs, and with right sides
facing sew around the edge leaving short
side open. Turn right side out and tuck in the
raw edge and sew onto the left side of the
top of the zip. Secure this with a popper.
10 Using excess fabric from the bag or
appliqué fabric, make a binding. Bind off the
neck and armholes and top stitch all the way
around. Finish with sets of poppers to secure
the shoulder tabs.
NOW SELLING ON...
Not on the High Street
Green Child on noths.com
Etsy
MoutonCerise on etsy.com
SAFETY FIRST There are important
regulations to follow when making a quilt
or sleep bag for an infant. Infants are
never to be in any more than a 4-tog
quilt with the most recent research
suggesting babies should not be in
more than a 2.5-tog sleeping bag. You
can get safe organic baby quilting from
firesidefabrics.co.uk or visit any large
home store and purchase a quilt for a
cot, checking it is a low enough tog and
meets all the fire and safety regulations.
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DROPS Design
DROPS
Over 4000 yarns in stock
100g
DK
Sale!
£1.69 per ball!
Over 100 different colours of
Stylecraft Special DK and Sirdar
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All just £1.69 per 100g ball
Creative Cotton
Just £1.79 a ball
We stock every single colour that
Rico produce. Probably the biggest
range of Rico yarns in the UK!
www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
Patterns & Books
Needles & Hooks
Thousands of knitting
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We are the largest stockist of DROPS
yarn in the UK! Massive selection
in stock from just £1.40 per ball!
10%OFFVOUCHER
CODE
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No minimum order Free UK delivery on orders over £25 £2.95 delivery for orders under £25
Website: www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01926 882 818
Freephone: 0800 505 3300
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68 Craftseller
Be inspired by these gorgeous giveaways, and enter today for your chance to walk away with a fab prize!
Fab freebies
3
4
10 prizes TO WIN!
1 GO DOTTY
When we spotted this range of stunning
crimson fabrics, we had to offer three lucky
winners a bundle of four fabrics (worth £52).
Visit dottybrown.com
To enter, text CRIMSON followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
2HAVE A HEART
The Clover Heart Shape Pom Pom Maker
(£9.99) creates perfect heart poms and we
have 15 that you have the chance to win!
Visit woolwarehouse.co.uk
To enter, text HEART followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
3 BE TOY-SAFE
The Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush
range is gorgeous paint that meets the
stringent requirements of European Union
EN-71-3 toy safety standards for toys and
children’s furniture. We have four cans of paint
to give to five lucky winners, worth £31.96!
Visit rustoleumspraypaint.com
To enter, text PAINT followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
4KEEP IT SIMPLE
Want the four Simple Makes books? Enter
to win one of three sets (worth £52), buy the
four titles at the special price of £40 or choose
your favourite for £11 (normally £12.99), with
free p&p. Call 01256 302699 and quote 9LM.
Visit quadrille.co.uk
To enter, text SIMPLE followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
5BE AMAZED
Win one of 10 pairs of tickets (worth £24)
to Cake International – The Sugarcraft, Cake
Decorating & Baking Show at the EventCity,
Manchester, 7-9 March 2014. Find inspiration,
supplies, demonstrations, and more.
Visit cakeinternational.co.uk
To enter, text CAKE followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
5
2 OVER
£1250OF PRIZESTO WIN
1
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Craftseller 69
WIN IT
* Terms and conditions apply: The Promoter is Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited. Entrants must be UK residents aged 18 years or older. Texts will be charged at 25p plus your
standard network tariff rate. To enter by post: write your name, address and chosen freebie on the back of a postcard and send to: Craftseller 32, Immediate Media Company, 9th Floor,
Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive newsletters, offers and promotions by post, email and telephone from Immediate
Media Company Ltd and the prize providers sending offers and newsletters to you by post, email or phone. You can unsubscribe from these at any time. If you do not want to receive this
information please add the words ‘NO INFO’ at the end of your text message or write ‘NO INFO’ on your postcard. Closing date for entries is 11.59pm on 15/01/14. For the full terms and
conditions visit craft-seller.com/competitions
7
6
6 SEEK IT OUT
Seek It Out’s new range of adult sewing
project kits (£21.50) for beginners to experts
make beautiful vintage products, without the
fuss and financial outlay. Enter to win either a
quilted knitting pin wrap, needle case set or
jewellery roll kit – we have six to give away!
Visit seekitout.co.uk
To enter, text SEWN followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
7 TRY TRANSFERS
Add a touch of whimsy to your next craft
project with cute iron-on transfers. We have
a fun set of woodland-inspired full-colour
transfers (worth £33) for five lucky readers to
win – our favourites include the wise old owl,
the elegant swan and a pretty swallow!
Visit vanikke.com
To enter, text TRANSFER followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
8 STICK ‘EM UP
Whether you’re selling face-to-face or
posting your makes, we know that packaging
is key. But you can have the prettiest paper
and it won’t impress without the right tape to
hold it, so we have 10 super sticky bundles of
tape and dispensers to giveaway, worth £10.
Visit 3mdirect.co.uk
To enter, text TAPE followed by your
name, address and email to 87474*
8
6 prizes TO WIN!
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CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY
70 Craftseller
Diary of a craft
selling mumEvery month, craft seller and mum of two, Erica Martyn, who makes
toys for her business Odds & Soxlets, invites us into her world…
THIS MONTH* Crafty makes – 34
* Trade customers – 3
* New handmade products – 3
* Stuffed animals burned – 2 monkeys
and 1 cat
* Number of parcels collected – 26
* New Year’s resolutions – 1
Day 1Lottie is now sleeping less in the day, is
more mobile by the minute and acutely
aware if my attention is not focused on
her, so finding time to work in the day is
becoming increasingly hard. Therefore my
New Year’s resolution is to be disciplined
and work for two to three hours every
evening, Monday to Thursday. Sometimes
this work/life balance takes real dedication.
Day 4Secured my third trade customer in as
many weeks! I am thrilled because it’s
great to have a big outlet for my makes
but it’s something I’ve always trodden
carefully with. There are so many things to
consider, such as ‘can I still make a profit
once they’ve taken their cut?’, ‘will they
purchase enough to make it worthwhile?’,
and ‘are they reaching a target audience I
wouldn’t be able to get to?’. One thing I’m
pretty sure I wouldn’t want to do is mass-
produce my work. I don’t like the thought
of my work losing its identity or standards
slipping. Handmade crafts are all about the
personal touch and not production lines.
Day 5There’s not much in life that I won’t turn
my hand to, but when it comes to tax
returns my motto is, ‘if you can’t do it
yourself, pay a man or a woman who can!’.
In my case, it’s my sister Sarah who helps
me once I’ve got all my paperwork sorted.
All about me I am 34 years old, and mum to three-year-old Harry
and baby girl, Lottie Rose! I have a husband called
Martin and a naughty but very sweet 12-year-old
Yorkshire Terrier called Mr Biggles. We live in Dorset
and I began my business in May 2011. I’m still
learning heaps, while at the same time juggling
home life, finances, and the needs and demands of
my growing family and my customers…
Erica starts on Milo
Monkey, the Movin
Monkeez mascot toy
Lottie loves sitting at
her activity chair in
Erica’s work room
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CRAFT SELLER’S DIARY
Craftseller 71
Keeping up-to-date with taxes is just too
important to take any chances with.
Day 10After nearly bursting with excitement,
I’m finally able to tell people my big news!
I have been commissioned by Movin’
Monkeez, a pre-school dance and fitness
activity for babies and children, to produce
their mascot. He is a cheeky little fella called
Milo Monkey and luckily the women who
approached me loved my finished version!
I had to recreate their character into a
version that’s suitable to be made into a
plush toy. As with all my prototypes, he had
to be subjected to the full toy safety tests.
This broke Harry’s heart but I explained as
gently as I could, that in order for the toy to
be safe for other girls and boys, he has to be
tested for flammability. I find it difficult to
see the innocent faces of my makes going up
in smoke, however it is for the greater good
and I take a great deal of pride in knowing
my toys are safe and carry the CE mark.
Day 16I have spent ages trying to source some toy
noise inserts in the UK for me to add to my
own toys to make into rattles for babies. It
has proved so tricky, you’d have thought
I was looking for unicorn tears! So with
such an obvious gap in the market, I found
a good supplier and today received my
first shipment. Now on my website, other
artisan crafters can easily find squeakers,
jingle columns and rattle discs for their
specialist toy-making. To experiment with
my exciting new noise inserts, I made a few
of my cat dolls into toys that jingled.
Day 18I’ve been itching to use some rather funky
black and white skull fabric, so Harry
Harry’s tiger
impression was
pretty fearsome
suggested a black cat. He’s called Mr Binx,
he was once a witch’s cat but escaped and
now does heroic, good deeds. I love making
up stories for my characters as I go along
– it means as their personalities
emerge, their features and
characteristics naturally follow.
Day 22I’ve finally found a viable alternative to
the Royal Mail! After researching various
couriers I tried out My Hermes courier
service as they would collect from the
house, plus my parcels are insured.
The same lovely lady comes to my
door every week but I must admit
Harry is a bit disappointed as he thinks
going to the Post Office is a brilliant trip
out. It’s wonderful when children are at the
age when seeing a tractor, riding on a bus
and queuing in a Post Office is deemed to
be an adventure! I’ll miss those days when
they’re gone, so I’m taking advantage now.
Day 28I was greeted at the nursery gates by
a terrifying tiger today! He was quite
friendly until I tried to wash it off at bath
time, when he became a little fierce. In
the end I had to bribe Harry with getting
a special bubble bath with his baby sister.
Not sure what Lottie made of spending her
relaxation time with such a wild cat!
Erica puts her
toys through
their paces to
get the CE mark
This Sock Giraffe
is ready to be
packaged up for
a trade order
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From junk to funkAn old vinyl record and some sheet music create perfect
harmony to net you a good profit. By Claire Watkins
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £10
FOR £20
Music-themed items are always
popular with shoppers, and
especially gift-buyers at craft fairs.
So this upcycled clock is bound to go down
well and earn you a sizeable profit, because
by using an old vinyl record as the clock
base and discarded sheet music to cover it,
your only major expense is the mechanism.
What’s more, this stylish make is the perfect
accessory to update almost any room, so
there’ll be plenty of opportunities for a
sale. We think it would look great in your
shoppers’ living rooms, studies, or even the
bedroom of a child who loves to listen to
music or play an instrument. Just make sure
your buyers know the range of possibilities.
How to make the sheet music clock
1Arrange your sheet music pages on the
record and make a note of how they
are layered. Apply a coat of PVA to one side
of the record and, starting with the bottom
layer of sheet music, smooth the sheet onto
the vinyl. Push out any bubbles from the
sheet as you press it down. Ease the paper
round the edges of the record and apply a
little more PVA to the back to hold in place.
2Once the first sheet is thoroughly dry,
apply the next sheet, building up the
layers until the clock is covered. To speed up
the process you can use a hairdryer on a low
setting to help the PVA dry.
3Once the final sheet has dried, give the
whole clock front a coat of PVA. Once
this is dry, apply a further two coats. Tidy
up any rough edges of paper on the back of
the clock and apply more sheets of paper
to cover the black vinyl on the back. Again,
apply three coats of PVA to protect the paper
from wear and tear.
4Give the whole clock a coat of
waterproof clear varnish (test a
small corner on the back first to check for
discolouration of the paper). When fully dry,
attach the clock movement, following the
instructions supplied.
Welcome 2014
in style!
Avoid sheet music printed from the internet – the ink may smudge when the PVA is applied
TOP TIP
UPCYCLE IT
Craftseller 73
INFORMATION
Materials:
* An old vinyl 12-inch or album
* Old sheet music
* Clock movement from Vinyl
Guru on eBay
* PVA
* Clear waterproof varnish
* Brush
Size: Varies
Rating: Easy
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Bags of styleBuyers will love the vintage charm of this knitted clutch bag
with its cute simple bow detail. By Susanne Frank
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £20
FOR £35
KNIT IT
74 Craftseller
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(Make two)
Cast on 48sts.
Row 1: k.
Row 2 and all even rows: p
Row 3: k3, M1, k12, M1, k18, M1, k12, M1,
k3. 52sts.
Row 5: k3, M1, k46, M1, k3. 54sts.
Row 7: k3, M1, k14, M1, k20, M1, k14, M1,
k3. 58sts.
Row 9: k3, M1, k52, M1, k3. 60sts.
Row 11: k.
Row 13: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k14, sl1, k1, psso,
k20, k2tog, k14, k2tog, k2. 56sts.
Row 15: k.
Row 17: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k14, sl1, k1, psso,
k16, k2tog, k14, k2tog, k2. 52sts.
Row 19: k.
Row 21: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k14, sl1, k1, psso,
k12, k2tog, k14, k2tog, k2. 48sts.
Row 23: k.
Row 25: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k40, k2tog, k2.
46sts.
Row 27: k16, sl1, k1, psso, k10, k2tog, k16.
44sts.
Row 29: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k36, k2tog, k2.
42sts.
Row 31: k.
Row 33: k.
Row 35: cast off 1 at beg of row, knit to end.
41sts.
Row 36: cast off 1 at beg of row, purl to end.
40sts.
Row 37: k.
Row 38: p.
Row 39: cast off 1st at beg of row,
knit to end. 39sts.
Row 40: cast off 1st at beg of row,
purl to end. 38sts.
Repeat last two rows until you have 34sts.
Row 45: cast off 2sts, knit to end. 32sts.
Row 46: cast off 2sts, purl to end. 30sts.
Row 47: cast off 5sts, knit to end. 25sts.
Row 48: cast off 5sts, purl to end. 20sts.
Cast off rem sts.
To make up the bagBlock the two pieces. Lay them on top of
each other, right sides facing, and mark
where the clasp will be. Close the bottom and
side seam up to that marking. Darn in loose
ends. Turn right side out. Attach the clasp
with a few positional stitches first, to make
sure it’s in the right place. Cut off a length of
yarn and pull apart so you’ve got a thinner
strand that will fit through the holes in the
clasp. Then carefully stitch all along the edge
of the clasp, making sure the edge of the knit
fits neatly inside the clasp.
BowFirst part (A):
Cast on 10sts.
Row 1: k.
Row 2 and all
even rows: p.
Row 3: k3, M1, k4,
M1, k3. 12sts.
Row 4: p.
Row 5: k.
Row 6: p.
Row 7: k3, M1, k6, M1, k3. 14 sts.
Continue in st st for 15 rows.
Row 23: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k6, k2tog, k2.
12sts.
Row 24: p
Row 25: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog, k2.
10sts.
Continue in st st for 7 rows.
Row 33: k3, M1, k4, M1, k3. 12sts.
Row 34: p.
Row 35: k.
Row 36: p.
Row 37: k3, M1, k6, M1, k3. 14sts.
Continue in st st for 15 rows.
Row 53: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k6, k2tog, k2.
12sts.
Row 54: p.
Row 55: k2, sl1, k1, psso, k4, k2tog, k2.
10sts. Continue in st st for 8 rows, cast off.
Second part (B):
Cast on 10sts.
Knit 22 rows in st st.
Cast off.
To make up the bow:Darn in loose ends. Don’t block the pieces –
you want a natural curling edge. Sew the top
edge and the bottom edge of part A together.
Wrap part B around the middle of part A and
secure. Attach the finished bow to the bag,
securing it in several places.
Clutch bags are a staple in every
wardrobe and they‘re everywhere on
the high street, especially at this time
of year – from neat box bags to oversized
envelope designs. Your customers will want
to get their hands on this version with its
large, contemporary clasp and smooth knit
in a deep red shade. It’s roomy enough to
accommodate a phone, purse, make-up
and other necessities. We’ve used a smaller
needle size than usual to achieve a dense
knit, so the bag keeps its shape when in
use. The knit is simple – the clasp provides
the wow factor. Let shoppers know they can
dress the bag up or down depending on
the occasion, with coordinating woolies for
daytime or jewellery for evening.
ABBREVIATIONS
Sl st slip stitchst(s) stitch(es)K knitP purlBeg beginningSl slip sts from the left to right needlePsso pass slipped st overK2tog knit 2sts togetherM1 make 1stSt st stocking stitch
INFORMATION
Materials:
* 3 x 50g balls Debbie Bliss Rialto
Chunky in Red (shade 015)
* Kiss-lock clasp, 24cm (9.5in) wide
* 6mm (UK 4) knitting needles
* Tapestry needle
Size: 20cm (8in) high x 36cm (14in)
Skill level: Easy
Tension: 16 sts and 24 rows to
10cm (4in) square using 6mm
(UK 4) needles.
How to make the clutch bag
KNIT IT
76 Craftseller
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You’ve made it, now sell it...
1Make a shoulder or wrist strap from
pretty velvet ribbon or metal chain for
added vintage glamour and practicality. 2 Vary the embellishment and keep
the luxe feel by swapping it for a bow
made from lace, silk, velvet or satin.
3Add a lining inside the bag. Pinstripe,
polka dots or a pop of contrasting
colour would make a sweet surprise.
4Create a statement bridal bag by
replacing the antique clasp for
a luxurious diamanté version.
5Be size wise. Make a small purse and
pop inside as an extra item or go maxi
for lovers of over-sized bags.
6 Get list savvy! List online under
headings such as 'gifts for her',
'wedding', 'birthdays' and 'Valentines'.
7 Use colour to get sales. Think pink,
mint and white for bridal, red and black
for evening and mustard, emerald and
indigo as on-trend hues customers will love.
8 Use Instagram or Twit pic to snap
shots of your bag out and about to
generate interest and post across your
social media channels – ask friends to help!
9 Customise, customise, customise!
Offer buyers a choice of yarn colour,
embellishment and lining to create
unique designs (for a premium, of course!)
10 Don't just bag up your bag! Wrap
in tissue paper and a branded
sticker then box up for a special
touch that buyers will appreciate.
Follow our hints and tips to maximise profits from your knitted clutch
NOW SELLING ON...
Folksy: Hand knitted bag by Knitting Granny, £18
Folksy: Small Knitted Clutch by Rhea Clements Designs, £30
Etsy: Bloom Noir silk-lined clutch purse by Red Ruby Rose £54.05
KNIT IT
Craftseller 77
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On-line stockist of Liberty fabrics - Liberty Tana Lawn, Needlecord,Liberty Haberdashery and Liberty Lifestyle Crafting cottons.
www.sewbox.co.uk, [email protected], 01787 269366 (10am - 3pm)
Contact Claire on
for more information
facebook.com/ thecraftersbarn
@thecraftersbarn
Like to buy handcrafted gifts?
thecraftersbarn.co.ukJoin us at:
The UK’s commission free handcraft website.
Looking to sellyour handcraft online?
If you want a friendly, affordable & easy to use website to sell your creations then Crafters Boutique is for you!
www.craftersboutique.co.uk
Rent your shop from as little as £6 per month - the longer you rent the more you save!
No commissions are taken!
Easily renew or cancel your shop at the end of your rental period!
List as many of your creations as you like - there is no limit!’
Benefits of selling on Crafters Boutique include:
•
•
•
•
10%Discount
using code: craftseller
for craft seller readers
The Bead Pot, 50 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2DY
We pride ourselves on our
unique and stylish beads from all
over the world, including glass
beads, wooden beads, Swarovski
Crystals and much more. We
are always striving to find more
fun and exciting new products to
share with our beading family.
[email protected] 01227 784844 www.beadpot.co.uk
We at the bead pot love beads and creating and sharing all this with our customers.. .
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Beaker ButtonFibre craft and Yarn shop
We design and make our own range of Dorset button kits, from simple buttons to beautiful pieces of jewellery.
We hold workshops felting, knitting, crochet, button making, spinning and lots of other wool related craft.
We provide a personal service to help you, from choosing your next project to fixing that dropped stitch.
[email protected] www.beakerbutton.co.uk
Studio 11, The Fairground Craft and Design Centre, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN
Tel: 07738 534164
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Craftseller 79
SELL IT
The new craft-selling
trends for 2014Macramé, metallic cakes and… badgers! Find out what the experts predict will
be hot in handmade for the year ahead By Holly Johnson
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Fauxidermy designer
Sarah Moore is seeing
more buyers wanting to
bring the natural world
into their homes
SELL IT
80 Craftseller
It’s a new year! Time to pack away those
mince pies, gather your senses after
the Christmas rush and look ahead
to exciting new makes and big business
plans. But what’s going to sell best in 2014
and propel you to success? Take a look at
the latest trends and find out how you can
adapt them for your own makes…
Cool colours & hot huesOne of the best ways to find out what
shoppers are going to be looking for
is to see what’s gracing the catwalks.
Whether you make fashion items or not,
the looks created by top-name designers
have a tendency to filter through to
the high street and beyond. Knitwear
designer and tutor Benjamin Wilson
(knityounexttuesday.com) agrees: “Every
year, the craft market is getting closer
to the fashion market. If you want your
designs to have long-lasting appeal, stop
looking at what’s in the shops, and start
looking at what’s on the catwalk. Pick
whatever is weirdest and work out how
you are going to sell it.”
London Fashion Week for Spring/
Summer 2014 was bursting with bold
florals, sorbet shades and shiny metallics,
while New York Fashion Week saw
designers mixing pastels and brights for
a new kind of colour contrast. Blues, in
particular, are set to be popular this
year, with ‘dazzling
blue’ being the official
Pantone colour for
spring (in case you’re
wondering, it’s
very close to
the blue used on
Facebook), and
softer blues dubbed
‘the new neutrals’.
The natural lookThemes and motifs
are also a great way
to ensure your makes
have that on-trend
edge, and for 2014 you’ll be pleased to hear
that the woodland theme is still going
strong. Foxes, owls, rabbits, deer – these
cute little folk are here to stay (for a while,
anyway). Benjamin’s hot tip for giving the
look your own spin? “Badgers are going to
be big. There’s always a woodland creature
in the spotlight of craft, and this year it’s
going to be badgers simply because they’ve
had such amazing press coverage in 2013.”
In fact, the natural world as a whole is
capturing our imagination. “2014 is going
to be full of nature,” says author of Vintage
Home, Sarah Moore (sarahmoorevintage.
com). “Leaves, shoots, birds, butterflies
and bold, natural-inspired patterns are
looking hot for 2014. Botanical drawings
and vintage prints complete the look.”
Faux taxidermy (known as ‘fauxidermy’)
is also set to stay en vogue: with less of the
‘ew’ factor than the real deal, this ethical
take on trophy animal heads showcases
techniques like wood carving, crochet and
patchwork. Sarah Moore is just one of the
big names creating these impressive
wall-mounted designs, along with
leading artist Shauna Richardson
(shaunarichardson.com), who is famed
for her giant ‘Crochetdermy’ animals.
Breaking the mouldIn the same vein as Shauna’s work,
crochet itself is looking popular for the
year ahead – from cushions to clothing, it
has a nostalgic, folksy feel that buyers of
handmade are loving. “We have noticed
a big increase in people wanting to
learn to crochet,” says big knitter Ingrid
Wagner, who is an elder at The Amazings
(theamazings.com). “We are producing
more designs for people who love working
with one wooden stick in their hands
instead of two.” She goes on to point out
that crafting is becoming less structured
and more ‘freeform’. “Knitters need a
pattern, crocheters do not and this may
have something to do with its popularity.”
Katie Allen, author of Just Sew Stories,
also thinks that we’re going to be more
adventurous with our makes in 2014.
“I think experimenting with different
threads will be popular next year. Macramé
is going to shake off its Seventies naffness
and be sassed up with neon cords and
ombre, while embroidery is going to
really come into its own as a bright and
colourful decoration. I think people will be
experimenting even more with geometric
wood and metal jewellery too.”
The taste of 2014
And finally, baking is going to see quirky
creations inspired by GBBO winner Francis
Quinn, along with exciting new flavour
combinations – as predicted by the director
of The Cake and Bake Show, Luke Collins:
“We’ll see more unusual flavours in sponge
cakes including vegetables such as beetroot
and courgette and also unusual flavours in
the icing. For wedding cakes, there’s a lot
of colour and also the use of metallics and
texture is going to be big.”
For pastry lovers, you’ll be pleased to
hear that this is also firmly on the menu.
“It’s all about puff pastry, choux pastry
and buns – pastry with different, unusual
flavours and intricate presentations.”
Feeling inspired? Time to give these
trends your own spin and incorporate
them into your makes. Have fun!
“Crafting is becoming less structured and more ‘freeform’”
Dazzling blue meets crochet for an on-trend
combination, as seen at Eucalyptus Clothing
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SELL IT
5 ways to make 2014
trends your own
1. Channel the botanical look into jewellery makes by using pressed flowers, leaves or other natural found objects.
2. Upcycle old clothing by using felted wool jumpers to make mini patchwork woodland creatures.
3. Have fun with your crochet – make quirky garlands of fruit, or go edgy with skull-shaped coasters and other homewares.
4. Macramé a range of clutch bags using this season’s colour trends, like dazzling blue.
5. Juxtapose natural and manmade with a fox-motif purse in metallic gold.
1 Clashing florals – seen
here by Bluebellgray
at John Lewis – are hot
news for the year ahead
2 Big knitting is just one
of the ways in which
crafts are diversifying
3 We’re still in love with
woodland for 2014, as
seen at Biscuit Village
4 The botanical trend, as
interpreted with these
candlestick holders at
Re-found Objects
1
3
2
4
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Perfect poochesThese cute amigurumi Scottie dogs, with their chunky snouts and tartan jackets, are great sellers throughout the year! By Liz Ward
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £5
FOR £10
CROCHET IT
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BodyUse 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook
and matching yarn.
Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts.
Round 1: 2dc into each st to the end. 12sts.
Round 2: (dc in the first st, 2dc in the next
st) repeat to end. 18sts.
Round 3-12: dc in each st to the end. 18sts.
Round 13: (dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat
to end. 12sts. Stuff the body now.
Round 14: (dc2tog) repeat to end. 6sts.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through loop to secure.
Using a wool needle weave the yarn
through the last 6sts and pull tight to close.
HeadUse 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook.
Start with 6dc into magic ring. 6sts.
Round 1: (dc in the first st, 3dc in
the next two sts) repeat to end. 14sts.
Round 2: 2dc in the first st, dc in the next st,
3dc in the next st, dc in the next 2sts, 3dc in
the next st, dc in the next 3sts, 3dc in next st,
dc in the next two sts, 3dc in next st,
2 dc in last st. 24sts.
Round 3-5: dc in each st to the end. 24sts.
Round 6-11: (dc2tog, dc in each st)
repeat to end. 18sts.
The iconic imagery of a Scottie dog
is a big trend this winter, currently
appearing on everything from haute
couture items fresh from the catwalk to
furniture, fabrics and interiors, so our sweet
little pups are sure to be a hit with your
pooch-loving shoppers. In fact, while these
amigurumi dogs are the ideal gifts for pet
owners, they also make sweet and stylish key
chains or bag charms for fashion-conscious
buyers. What's more, they are great stash-
busters as they can be crocheted from scraps
of yarn and fabric and take only a few hours
to make, so you’ll soon have a pack of them
whizzed up for your next craft fair.
ABBREVIATIONS
Sl st slip stitchdc double crochetst(s) stitch(es)dc2tog double crochet the next two stitches togetherBLO work in the back loop of the stitch only ch: chainhtr: half treble crochettr: treble crochet
INFORMATION
Materials:
* 1 x 50g DMC Natura Just Cotton in
Ivory No 2, Gris argent No 9, Sienna
No 41, Tournesol No 16 and Camel
No 57
* 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook
* 6mm (¼in) black toy eyes
* Wool needle
* Toy stuffing
* Stitch marker
* Pipe cleaners
* 20mm (¾in) buttons
* 5cm (2in) x 10mm (½in)
tartan ribbon
* 5cm (2in) x 38mm (1½in) tartan
ribbon (for the jacket) plus extra
scraps (for the hats)
* 20cm bias binding
* Black, red and green embroidery
thread
* Fabric glue
Size: 10 x 7 x 5cm (4 x 2¾ x 2in)
Skill level: Moderate
How to make the Scotties
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SAFETY FIRST Hand-crafted amigurumi
items such as these are collectables
and are not to sell as toys for young
children. Always make sure your dogs
are made using natural yarns, safe toy
stuffing and eyes. Pay attention while
you are sewing your dogs together.
All the pieces must be attached
securely to make them safe.
Tail Use 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook and
matching yarn. Ch 8.
Starting in 2nd ch from hook and work as
follows along ch: 2sl st, 3dc, 2htr.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through loop to secure.
Sew in place on the body.
DecorationsDoggie coat: cut a 5cm (2in) piece of 38mm
(1½in) tartan ribbon and round off the edges.
Sew bias binding round the outside with
a running stitch. Sew or use fabric glue to
secure in place on the dog’s back.
Tam o’ shanter: cut a circle of tartan ribbon
slightly larger than your button. Work a
running stitch around the outside and pull
the thread tight to gather the ribbon over the
button to cover it. Glue or sew a red pom
pom to the top of the hat. Glue the hat to the
dog’s head above one ear at a jaunty angle.
Ribbon bow: using 10mm (½in) tartan
ribbon, place it round the dog’s neck and tie
a bow. Put a few stitches through the bow to
secure it in place.
Round 12: (dc2tog, dc in the next seven sts)
repeat to end. 16sts.
Round 13: (dc2tog, dc in the next six sts)
repeat to end. 14sts.
Round 14: (dc2tog, dc in the next five sts)
repeat to end. 12sts.
Insert the toy eyes now. These go on the
round marked with a stitch marker, 8
stitches apart.
Round 15: (dc2tog, dc in next st) repeat
to end.
Round 16: (dc2tog) repeat to end.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through loop to secure.
Using a wool needle weave the yarn through
the last 6sts and pull tight to close.
Sew the head onto the body
Ears – make 2Use 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook and matching
yarn. Ch 7.
Start in 2nd ch from hook and work as follows
along ch: sl st, 2dc, 2htr, tr.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through loop to secure.
Sew onto the head – one on each side, just
above the eyes.
Legs – make 4Use 3mm (UK 11) crochet hook and
matching yarn.
Start with 6dc into ring. 6sts.
Round 1: (dc in first two sts, 2 dc in next st)
repeat to end. 8sts.
Round 2: (blo dc in each st) repeat to end.
8sts.
Round 3-6: dc2tog (dc in each st) repeat to
end. 4st at end of round 6.
Round 7: dc in each st to end.
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail and pull
through loop to secure.
Cut a piece of pipe cleaner to the same
length as the leg and insert inside the leg to
make it more stable.
Use photo as a guide and sew the legs onto
the underside of the body.
Tartan is the
must-have
fabric this
season!
CROCHET IT
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You’ve made it, now sell it...
1 Create a tiny tartan wardrobe for your
pups by whipping up wee hats, collars
and cute jackets in this popular pattern.
Follow our hints and tips to maximise profits from your crochet dogs
NOW SELLING ON...
Folksy: Lavender-filled Scottie dogs, Precious Moments Crafts, £5.95 each
Folksy: Scottie Dog by Gailcherub Creations, £7
WowThankYou: Hamish Dog Brooch by Sandy Mitchell Jewellery, £28
2 Broaden your market. List the
Scotties as bag charms, car accessories
and collectables for maximum reach.
3 Give a dog a home! Mock up a kennel
from cardboard or poke them out of a
handbag for a fun display on your stall.
4Name the pups. We love Hamish,
Angus, Gerty, Dougal, Florence and
Heather, but anything goes!
5Create a sense of fun with your
photos. Snap the pooches in a series of
quirky scenarios to add some humour.
6 Go colour crazy! Forget neutral tones,
these dogs can be rainbow brights,
pretty pastels or plain black and white.
7 Run a Scottie giveaway on Facebook.
Ask fans to like and share your makes
and give one lucky winner a dog of
their choice as a prize.
8 Ride the amigurumi wave. Cash-in
on its popularity by creating a Pinterest
board featuring other cute crochet dogs
you admire (and yours of course!)
9 Be price-wise. Offer boxed, gift
wrapped sets of three or five for a
premium or sell single Scotties at
a slightly higher price per pup.
10 Create a 'gifts for pet-lovers'
section in your online shop. List
and tag it too and add any other
pet-related makes to keep it relevant.
SELL IT
Craftseller 88
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Q&A
Our panel of experts is on hand to answer all
your crafting and selling questions
Stag party
Q I am looking for a little inspiration for my new crafty accessories business.
What prints do you think will be big in 2014 and beyond?
MARLENE, BY EMAIL
A The fox! It may be seen as a predatory pest by many but he’s still the
Fantastic Mr Fox of the craft world. Fleets of foxes have chased out the owls
we’ve seen so much of in the past couple of years and he’s marking his territory.
However, butting his way through, along with those other English woodland
wonders badgers, rabbits and pheasants, is the stag. This magnificent creature is
everywhere from sculptures to art prints, from cushions to coasters. This year’s
palette is predicted to be made up of dazzling blue, lollipop orange, buttercup
yellow alongside parma violet, soft stone grey and laurel green, plus get ready to
welcome back black – it’s the new - erm, black.
Craftseller 89
Ask us
Blade runner
Q I am fascinated by the look of papercutting and
would love to learn more about it, and try it.
ANNIE HEAD, CUMBRIA
A Papercutting is a folk art dating back to 399AD.
It is practised all over the world including
China, Germany and Mexico, and is often associated
with storytelling and silhouette portraiture. Growing
hugely in popularity thanks to influential artists like
Mister Rob aka Rob Ryan, it needs minimal tools;
paper, pencil, scissors, and craft knives. We found
an introductory five-week course near you, taught
by the talented Amy Williams at The Brewery Arts
Centre, Kendal. See breweryarts.co.uk for more
info. A great book to start practising your new skills
is Papercutting for Special Occasions by Emily
Hogarth (£12.99, johnlewis.com)
Try contemporary
papercutting for
stunning imagesOh Deer prints from
Urban Road, Stag
Cushion from Cotswold
Trading and biscuit tin
from The Oak Room
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MY TOP TEN TIPS
90 Craftseller
Q&A
1Always have a
sketchbook. It
loosens your thinking.
2Choose threads
and fabrics wisely.
You need good quality.
3Use recycled
materials. Cereal
boxes are perfect
backing for magnets.
4Mix textures and
clashing colours.
5Only use bright
pink as a backdrop
for photos if you want
a rosy glow.
6Know the settings
on your camera.
7Keep pins and
needles safe.
8Don’t cut fabric
before you have
measured it, twice.
9Make boxes with
detachable lids for
easy posting.
10Use a range of
images on your
business cards, it’s
more engaging.
TRACY BONESS
creates beautiful hand
sewn boxes and cards
at Crafty Little House,
found on folksy.com,
just search TracyBoness
Taxing issues
Q I have recently started working from home in
the evenings so I need to complete a tax return.
I have never done one before so can you tell me how
much of my home is tax deductible?
ELIZABETH NEWCOMBE, BY EMAIL
A We checked with Starfish Accounting
(starfishaccounting.co.uk) who advise, “If
you work out of your home then, as a sole trader,
you can charge a proportion of certain household
expenses such as mortgage interest, utility bills, and
insurance. A good way to calculate the proportion
to charge is to do a rough estimate of square footage
used for your business, or base it on the number
of rooms that you use when you are working from
home, and the amount of time they are used for
business. Note: if you are using part of your house
exclusively for business then this can give you
problems with capital gains tax when you sell your
house in the future – non-exclusive use is much
safer. Alternatively you can claim £4 for each week
(from 2013-2014 onwards) where you use part of
your house for work, which is an easier calculation!”
Copy cats
Q I want to copyright my designs. Can I post
myself a copy to do this?
DENA DIXON, LONDON
A We asked copyrightservice.co.uk who say:
“This method may help, but it is extremely
poor evidence as it is easy to fake by replacing the
actual materials at a later date. The main problem
if you send your work to yourself via courier, any
postal service, or use any other system which
requires you to store the work yourself, is that there
is no verifiable evidence that the contents have not
been swapped.” For individually tailored assistance
and advice on how to protect your intellectual
property, go to ipo.gov.uk to use their free IP
Healthcheck. It will help you find out if you have IP
to protect, whether you own it and how to protect it.
FAQThis month our
top Facebook
question is…
Q I want to start
getting my finances
and bookkeeping in
order and have been told
I need to buy Excel. Is
there a free alternative?
PAULA HUNTER
A Excel is an electronic
spreadsheet
program by Microsoft
for storing, organising
and manipulating data.
Google Docs has a
spreadsheet tool, which
is great if you are happy
to work online and
OpenOffice.org has Calc,
which you can download
to your desktop.
Have you had your
IP Healthcheck?
Head to ipo.gov.uk
Find out whether part of your home is tax deductible
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Craftseller 91
Q&A
Search for Craftseller on facebook.com
@craftsellermag yourletters@ craft-seller.com
Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
Undercapitalisation Do not sugar coat your
budget to make the numbers work. Do your
research, have your costs in actual terms and then
ensure you have a 20% contingency.
Believing others will automatically fall in love
with the business To make a business from your
passion you need to remember that people will
not be immediately overawed by your creativity.
Bad advice Do not scrimp when paying for
advice. Bad business advice can rob you of profits
or even send you bankrupt.
Trying the same strategy and expecting a
different result Be true to your vision and
mission, but be flexible enough to survive.
Business with partners Be careful about taking
on partners. Ensure you have a clear agreement
with them and put it in writing.
Thinking you are bigger than the market
Don’t get too big for your boots, remember the
customer is often (though not always) right.
Growth that is too rapid Massive growth too
fast means you can miss some lessons and your
foundation will not be as solid as it should be.
Being too controlling You need to know how to
delegate and let people help you.
Not paying on time Don’t think
because you are small people
will forgive you for paying late.
It is disrespectful.
Having a selective focus Tax and
admin may bore you, but have
systems in place to ensure every
aspect is covered.
GUEST EXPERTMICHAEL JACOBSEN is an
international businessman,
entertainment entrepreneur and
author of The Business of Creativity.
Here are his ten most common
mistakes made by many start-ups…
NAME: Helen Dolan
WEB: helenleigh
dolan.com
TYPE: Jewellery
TOOL: Piercing saw
AVAILABLE FROM:
powertoolsdirect.com
COST: £8.40
The B
usin
ess
of
Cre
ati
vit
y h
arri
man
-house
.co.
uk, £11.5
5
Tea lights
Q I’ve purchased a load of beautiful teacups from a car boot sale. Any ideas
for how I can use them in my crafts would be gratefully received.
AMANDA DAWSON, HUDDERSFIELD
A You mean aside from serving tea? Course you do. Well, you could make a
cake stand, drill a hole in the bottom and plant bulbs, add seeds and wax
for a bird feeder, store your scraps and
stash and bits and bobs, add ribbon and
create a gift receptacle, add pot pourri
or use them to serve chocolate mousse.
But our very favourite idea is to make
teacup candles. In a small pan set over
a larger pan of simmering water, melt
down old candles and remove old wicks
with tongs. Cut a piece of wicking to
the cup’s height plus 5cm. Tie one end
around a skewer. Pour in the wax,
stopping 1.5cm below the rim. Allow
wax to set. Pour in more melted wax to
even out the surface, allow to harden
and then trim wick. All the equipment
needed to make your candles, including
stearine flakes to improve burning
quality and dye shavings for colour, is
available from hobbycraft.co.uk.
Find our latest
candle project
in issue 31
“A piercing saw is a crucial
yet relatively inexpensive
tool used by jewellers for
cutting their designs from
sheet metal. It is key in my
jewellery-making process
and used on every piece
I create to cut the basic
shape. Initially it requires
a considerable amount
of practice to master the
technique, but is then
straightforward enough to
use. What I love most is that
this plain-looking instrument
allows my creativity to be
realised by turning a plain
sheet of metal into a piece
of art. Using just hand tools
does take more time and
more effort than machine
cutting, however I firmly
believe this creates an
individual and unique piece
of work, which is important
to my artistic integrity.”
ESSENTIAL CRAFT TOOL
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MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE FOR £1
FOR £11
SEW IT
92 Craftseller
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INFORMATION
Materials
* Fabric scraps
* Scissors
* Needles and thread
* 2 small buttons or beads
* Embroidery thread
* Stuffing
* 20cm (8in) ribbon
Size: 10cm (4in)
Skill level: Moderate
Make a crafty tennerThis adorable pincushion is quick to sew and uses tiny amounts of
scrap fabrics. You’ll make a mice little profit! By Kate Smith
These cute pincushions are one of the
best ways we’ve found of using up
scraps of pretty fabric. They make
great presents for anyone with an interest
in sewing, or as part of a beginner’s sewing
kit. By using scraps of fabric, the material
costs are next to nothing, and once you get
into the swing, the making time can be
honed to about 40 minutes. Add value by
including pretty coloured pins and running up
a matching fabric gift bag or needle case.
1Using the templates on p102, cut
out 2 x body sides, 1 x body base, 4
x ears. Lay the body side pieces on top of
each other, right sides facing. Machine stitch
around the curved edge with a 1cm (¼in)
seam allowance. Clip the curves, ensuring
you don’t cut the line of stitching.
2Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon. Pin
the knotted end onto the right side
of the body base fabric piece. It’s important
that the long end of the ribbon is wound in a
coil, to keep clear of the stitching.
3Open out the body side pieces and pin
to the body base, right sides facing.
The ribbon should line up with the back
seam of the body side pieces. Pin all the
way round making sure raw edges line up.
4Sew together with a 1cm (¼in) seam
allowance, making sure you leave
a 4cm (1½in) gap at the side to turn the
mouse the right sides out.
5Clip the curved seams, again ensuring
you don’t cut too close to the stitching.
Turn the mouse so the right side is out,
making sure you push the curves and corners
out properly, using the blunt end of a pencil.
6Fill with stuffing until the mouse is
firm. Hand sew the gap using a slip
stitch or ladder stitch and small stitches.
7Take your buttons or beads and sew
in position for the eyes – check the
picture, opposite, for guidance.
8Take two ear pieces (one back and one
front), and place together with right
sides facing. Stitch around the curved edge
with a 0.5cm seam. Clip the curves and turn
right side out. Repeat for the other ear.
9Turn the raw edges of the ear front
and back towards the inside of the ear,
to conceal them. Give the ears a little fold
in the middle and pin them both in place on
the mouse (check the picture). Sew in place
using small stitches.
10Thread a needle with embroidery
thread, tie a knot 3cm (1¼in) from
the end. Push the needle into the mouse’s
nose where a whisker should be, bringing
the needle out the other side where another
whisker should be. Pull it tight, and tie
another knot close to the fabric to secure the
thread in place, snip 3cm (1¼in) from the
knot. Make three whiskers each side.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Tweet us your tips and advice, and follow our own tweets @craftsellermag
How to make the mouse pincushion
SEW IT
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More ways than one...
Master the technique of cluster jewellery and you’ll have endless creative ways to extend your handmade range. By Dorothy Wood
MAKE A PROFIT!
MAKE BOTH
FOR £8
BOTH FOR
£32.50
MAKE IT
94 Craftseller
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MAKE IT
Craftseller 95
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Cluster jewellery always looks
spectacular and is deceptively easy
to make. Master the basic wrapped
loop technique and repeat it over and over
again, building up a cluster of beads for a
really opulent finish. The technique here is
a two-part process, where the loop is ‘pre-
formed’ before being attached to the ring
or chain and then the process completed by
wrapping the tail. Add the larger beads first
and then work down to the smaller beads,
using soft headpins with a ball end to give
a more attractive finish to the necklace and
ring. Of course you can alter your colours and
beads to reflect current trends – for example,
try gunmetal headpins and chain for that
unmistakeable vintage look.
INFORMATION
Materials
From bead-workshop.co.uk
* AB puffy rondelles in smokey grey;
one strand of each 6 x 4mm,
8 x 6mm and 10 x 7mm
* 6mm off-white glass pearl beads in
light coffee
* 2 x 15cm (6in) lengths of
silver-plated ‘rope’ chain
* 15cm (6in) silver-plated 3mm
round link chain
* Bolt ring, silver-plated
* 2 x 4mm jump rings, silver-plated
* Split ring, silver-plated
* Ball end headpins, silver-plated
* Cluster ring base, silver-plated
* Jewellery pliers, round-nose,
snipe-nose and flush wire cutters
* Extension chain (optional)
* Pearl dangle (optional)
Size: ring 2.5cm (1in) cluster,
necklace 45-50cm (18-20in) length
Skill level: Easy
MAKE IT
96 Craftseller
How to make the ring
1 Use 10 x 6mm pearls; three of 8 x 6mm
and 10 of 6 x 4mm rondelles. Pick up 10
pearls, each onto a ball end headpin. Hold the
first headpin with round-nose pliers, and bend
tail of headpin over at right angle.
3 Reposition the pliers again and bend the
tail around so that it is at a right angle to the
direction of the headpin through the bead.
This stage creates a ‘pre-formed’ loop.
5 Hold the loop that you’ve made in
snipe-nose pliers and then wrap the tail of
the headpin around the short, straight section
above the bead. Trim the tail of the headpin
close to this wrapping.
2 Reposition the pliers as shown and wrap
the headpin tail over the top of the jaws of
the pliers and down the side of the bead.
4 Feed the tail into one of the metal loops
on the ring base until the headpin loop is on
the ring base loop.
6 Repeat with the rest of the pearls,
scattered over the ring base. Add the three
8 x 6mm rondelles and then finish with the
smaller 6 x 4mm rondelles until the ring
cluster is solid when the ring is worn.
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Pre-form loops on all of one type of bead at once rather than one
at a time to speed up the process
TOP TIP
NOW SELLING ON...
Not on the High Street
Erin Cox Jewellery on noths.com
Folksy
Fallon Ismail on folksy.com
MAKE IT
Craftseller 97
How to make the necklace
1 Use 35 6mm pearls; 15 10 x 7mm; 13 8 x
6mm; 13 6 x 4mm rondelles. Open end links
of round chain to attach 15cm rope chains.
Follow ring steps 1-3 and add headpins to 10
x 7mm rondelles. Attach rondelles every four
links along centre round chain, alternating the
side you’re attaching the headpins.
2 Add the 8 x 6mm rondelles, spaced
equally along the necklace and then the 6
x 4mm rondelles and pearls. Add more in
the middle to create a heavier cluster in the
middle, tapering out to the ends.
3 Attach a bolt ring fastening to one end
and a split ring to the other. Add a short
extension chain with a pearl dangle.
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MY CRAFT SHOP
98 Craftseller
MY CRAFT SHOP
98 Craftseller
Meet a trio of craft sellers who share the
moneymaking secrets behind their success
Ensure that potential shoppers can find their way
around your site easily, advises Andrea
“I’ve always had a passion for creating and designing
– like many people, I began by making things for my
own home as a hobby, but feedback from friends
and family encouraged me to take things further. I
make many items from driftwood washed up on our
beautiful South Devon beaches – which means that
each piece is absolutely unique!
“I started selling on an online auction site, and the
positive response I received persuaded me to open
an Etsy shop. Soon after that, I created my own site
using the free template provider Moonfruit. The most
important lesson I learned was how vital it is to make
your website easily navigable: if buyers can’t find
their way around easily, they’ll just go elsewhere.
“A couple of Christmases ago, I made candles in
vintage teacups and saucers for family members.
That one idea really grew, and my husband and I
now make soy wax candles in tins with personalised
labels. Shoppers email us their chosen message for
the label, and the candles make lovely birthday and
Christmas presents or even to celebrate a new baby.
“More recently, a bride-to-be asked if we
could supply bespoke letters for the top table at
her wedding. Since then, I’ve had requests from
customers for painted letters for all sorts of occasions.
“The best thing about working for yourself is
the freedom. If the weather is bad, I catch up on
paperwork, update the website and check social
media. If it’s sunny, I go for a walk along the beach
and look for driftwood. Life doesn’t get much better!”
A shopper’s first
impression will be
when they open
the box, so use
elegant packaging
TOP TIP
“I created my website using Moonfruit”
The website owner
ANDREA PARKER
from South Devon
WEBSITE
andreafays.moonfruit.
com
Andrea’s bespoke,
hand-painted letters
have really taken off
Offices don’t get
much prettier
than this one!
The coastline
where Andrea
lives inspires
her work
My craft shop
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MY CRAFT SHOP
Craftseller 99
For Eileen, the contact that she gets with her
shoppers makes selling at craft fairs invaluable
“I’ve been designing and making for over 30 years,
and my work uses a combination of disciplines. Over
the years, I have sold my creations at many local craft
fairs. I’ve learnt that the appearance of your stall is
important – it needs to be clear and eye-catching.
“A good craft fair can have many benefits, not just
in terms of sales on the day. They are a great way
to interact with shoppers and to get advice from
fellow crafters. Buyers enjoy meeting you and getting
to know the story behind an item and, of course,
passers-by are able to see and feel the quality of your
work, or even try an item on.
“There are some things to think about though –
there’s always that rainstorm that keeps people at
home in the dry and you do need to have liability
insurance, in case an item or any part of your
stand falls and hurts someone. But there are so
many benefits that a good fair is well worth a few
drawbacks. They can give you a real buzz, so once
you’ve done one good one you won’t want to stop!”
The stallholder
“Your stall needs to be clear and
eye-catching”
Folksy’s friendly community was just what Laura
needed at the start of her creative journey
“I’d been making cards to send to friends and family
for a long time. Then, I found myself out of work
and decided to see if I could make money from my
creations. Between filling out job applications I
planned, set up and launched my business, selling
handmade cards, notebooks and gifts. Two years on,
any thoughts of job applications are long gone!
“I started off selling through Folksy. When you’re
starting out, you need to feel part of a community,
and Folksy offers a very supportive environment. This
year, I also started selling on Etsy, hoping to reach a
different market. It’s much bigger than Folksy and
I can feel a bit lost at times, but it has been exciting
sending my handmade stationery around the world.
“For me, being on both sites works well and, while
two shops means more work, they’re both attracting
different customers and bringing in good sales.”
The online marketplace
Laura Pyke
From Yorkshire
WEBSITE
SayIt on Folksy.com
EILEEN CRITCHLEY
From Surrey
EILEEN’S CRAFT
STUDIO
EileensCraftStudio on
Folksy.com
Eileen sells knits
and needlework
Research each fair
before signing up.
Check the event is
well established
and advertised
TOP TIP
Aim for your pictures
to be the best among
similar products
on your selling site.
Photos are key
TOP TIP
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CRAFTY COURSES
100 Craftseller
Choose from a whole range
of craft classes in this
vibrant centre of creativity
The three ladies who run Crafty Pedlars
workshops in West Lothian, Scotland,
were brought together by shared passion.
“We’ve all been enthusiastic makers since
childhood,” explains tutor and founding
Pedlar, Wendy Lorimer. “I started young,
selling daisy chain necklaces for 2p!”
Principal tutor Nicola Newton teaches
sewing, knitting, doll-making, fabric
printing, rag-rugging and more. Nicola’s
niece, Lucy Newton, owns the beautiful
gallery in West Calder where classes
are held with inspirational views of the
countryside outside and beautiful paintings,
delicious cakes and a log fire indoors.
Wendy makes beauty products – and
teaches learners how to use natural,
Why not add a new craft to your skill set? Here are
some of our top courses for you to try this month
skin-friendly ingredients such as herbs
and flowers. She also teaches letterpress
and lino printing and photography. “I’m
inspired by combining different crafts,
printing fabric or paper, or using my photos
to inspire a design,” Wendy reveals.
Bookbinding and woodcraft tutor
Nicky McDonald works in the Book Shop
in nearby Wigtown – so is never short of
inspiration. “Bookbinding is a wonderful
traditional skill to pass on, and you can
make something that looks fantastic in just
one day,” Nicky enthuses.
“Our aim is to offer fun, friendly classes
with a relaxed, positive atmosphere and for
all participants to feel real pleasure in their
achievementsm,” Wendy concludes.
Crafty Pedlars
Crafty courses
INFORMATION
* Information Day classes include
Printing and Fabric Painting (£90),
Recycle – Upcycle! (£80), Soap
Making (£80) and Bookbinding
(£80). Evening classes include Learn
to Knit, Learn to Sew and Rag Rug
Making (two-hour sessions, £8 per
session or 10 for £65).
* For more information contact
Wendy on 01506 870145,
[email protected] or visit
craftypedlarsworkshops.co.uk
Try anything
from knitting to
rug making
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Craftseller 101
CRAFTY COURSES
Nicki Trench is a well-known designer,
craft consultant and author of craft
books including Cute & Easy Crochet, A
Passion for Patchwork & Quilting and
Geek Chic Crochet. She also uses her
years of experience to runs a series of
workshops in craft skills ranging from
crochet, knitting, sewing and patchwork
to cake decorating – not to mention the
complex arts of making jams, chutneys
and piccalillis, all from her converted
barn in East Sussex.
Nicki’s most popular classes include
Beginner’s Crochet, where learners will
pick up basic techniques and stitches
including double and treble crochet and slip
stitching. Each learner leaves the course
with brand new skills and their very own
simple crochet flower. Learners on the
Beginners’ Patchwork course, meanwhile,
will spend the session making a simple
Nicki Trench Workshopspatchwork top while learning how to piece
simple squares together effectively, choose
a design and then sew it together. On
Nicki’s cake decorating course, participants
get the chance to learn how to ice a cake
with fondant, and pick up the technique for
making beautiful sugarpaste roses that’ll
look too good to eat.
“We have a real mix of levels – some
are complete beginners, others more
experienced learners wanting to increase
their craft repertoire,” Nicki explains.
“People of all ages and walks of life come
to learn traditional crafts and enjoy a
homemade lunch in a welcoming and
inspiring atmosphere with a friendly and
experienced tutor on hand.”
“People of all ages and walks of life come to learn”
Search for Craftseller on facebook.com
@craftsellermag yourletters@ craft-seller.com
Dear Craftseller, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
WHY NOT TRY...More great craft courses around
the country
Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
Courses for all abilities and ages, from
evening classes and one-day sessions to
three- and six-month training courses for
those wanting to enter the food industry.
Plus fun and informative sessions for
children and teenagers.
Visit entcs.co.uk
Stamping Obsession
Cardmaking, stamping and scrapbook
classes and workshops led by craft addict
Sarah Piggott at her home in Eastbourne,
East Sussex – or she can come to yours if
you’re within 45 minutes’ drive.
Visit stampingobsession.com
Llanthony Art Courses
Various two- and three-day courses in
painting, printmaking, photography,
botanical illustration and stone carving, held
in spacious studios within a converted barn
overlooking the beautiful Llanthony valley.
Courses for all levels. Cottages are also
available to rent while you learn.
Visit llanthonyart.co.uk
Stitchbusiness
This textile arts school in Durham City
teaches City & Guilds qualifications in
Machine Embroidery, Hand Stitch, Goldwork
and more. You have the option to study
on-site or as a distance learner.
Visit stitchbusiness.com
Abakhan Fabrics
At its two premises in Liverpool and Mostyn,
North Wales, tutors at this fabric shop
will teach you to create everything from
bunting and fascinators to dresses and
soft furnishings. There’s also an ongoing
programme of free demonstrations and
events to get you in the sewing mood.
Visit abakhan.co.uk
INFORMATION
* Information Workshops run from
10am-4pm and cost between £60 and
£80, including homemade lunch,
cakes and practice equipment.
* For more information contact Nicki
on [email protected] or visit
nickitrench.com
Learn from
Nicki’s wide
range of skills
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TemplatesUse these templates to make the felt fox on page 16, photo
booth kit on page 27, baby sleeping bag on page 62 and the mouse pincushion on page 92
FELT FOX
(COPY AT 200%)
HEADCut 2 in
orange felt
EARCut 4 in
orange felt
TAILCut 2 in
orange felt
HANDCut 4 in
orange felt
JACKET FRONTCut 4 in black fabric
SLEEVECut 4 in black fabric
OUTSIDE
LEGCut 2
TORSOCut 4 in
orange felt
HEAD BACKCut 1 in
orange felt
PARTY HATCut 1 in red/white
polka dot fabric
SHIRTCut 2 in white fabric
GLASS STEMCut 1 in grey felt
HAT BASECut 4 in white GLASS TOP
Cut 2 in grey felt
GLASS BASECut 2 in grey felt
SHIRT COLLARCut 1 in white fabric
HANDKERCHIEFCut 1 in white fabric
POCKET 2Cut 4 in
black fabric
EYECut 2
white felt
POCKET 1Cut 1 in
black fabric
EYELIDCut 2 in
orange felt
INSIDE
LEGCut 2 in
orange felt
Neck inside
JACKET BACKCut 2 in black
fabric (cut the slit in both shapes)
Cut slit
TROUSERSCut 2 in black
fabric (Cut the slit in 1 of the shape)
JACKET COLLARCut 2 in black fabric
BOW TIECut 2 in black fabric
CHINCut 2 in
orange felt
102 Craftseller
Vist craft-seller.com/free-downloads
to print all our templates at 100%,
ready to use
TOP TIP
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MEDIUM
ELEPHANT
MOUSE BUM
MOUSE
Cut 2ELEPHANT
(COPY AT 200%)
SLEEPING BAG
(COPY AT 400%)
NEW YEAR CARDS
(COPY AT 200%)
LARGE
EYES
MEDIUM
EYES
SMALL
EYES
SLEEPING BAG FRONTarmpit 30.5cm (12in) width
51cm (20in) lengthbottom 45.5cm (18in)
SLEEPING BAG BACKarmpit 30.5cm (12in) width
51cm (20in) lengthTotal length 68.5cm (27in)
bottom 45.5cm (18in)
ZIP COVER
LARGE
ELEPHANT
EARS
MEDIUM
ELEPHANT
EARS
LARGE
CIRCLE
MEDIUM
CIRCLE
SMALL
CIRCLE
SMALL
ELEPHANT
LARGE
ELEPHANT
SMALL
ELEPHANT
EARS
em seam allowance
PINCUSHION
(COPY AT 200%)
PHOTOBOOTH KIT
(COPY AT 200%)
MAKE IT
103 Craftseller
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TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CRAFTSELLER STOREROOM
PLEASE CALL JANE HENDY ON
0117 314 8823 OR EMAIL
GENERAL CRAFTS
BEADS GENERAL CRAFTSCRAFT SHOP CRAFTING
For more details contact Jane Hendy
0117 314 8823
Advertise your Craft Workshops and Craft Courses in our next issue of
from as little as £45 + vat per month
www.thecraftroomonline.co.ukTel: 07749027634 Web: www.thebeadbase.co.uk
Unit 32, Basepoint Enterprise Centre, Stroudley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8UP
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www.pennineoutdoor.co.ukEmail: [email protected]
Tel: 01524 263377
www.pennineoutdoor.co.ukFAST MAILORDER SERVICE
SPECIALIST OUTDOOR FABRICS
s�4ECHNICAL�mEECE�s�"REATHABLE�WATER�RESISTANT�FABRICS�s�&ABRICS�FOR�BAGS�AND�COVERSs�,ARGE�RANGE�OF�BUCKLES��
HOOKS��AND�WEBBINGs�:IPS��THREAD��PATTERNS�ETC�
Cardmaking Supplies
For Every Occasion
Craft Creationswww.craftcreations.com
79 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1PETel: 01278 794751
www.material-needs.co.uk
MATERIAL NEEDS
IES���
For Quality products at competitive prices
Wools Dress, patchwork and quilting fabrics
Cross stitchHaberdashery, ribbon, lace, braids
...and so much more
Classified advertising works…
0117 933 8024
to place your advert please contact Jane
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Craftseller 105
8 PAGES of papercraft
papers
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ISSUE 29FREE Make your own
Rudolph felt kit
ISSUE 30FREE Exclusive calendar
for 2014
ISSUE 31FREE Handmade Christmas
Gifts craft book
NEXT MONTH IN BACK ISSUES
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SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO CRAFTSELLER
Knit our funky
owl cushion!
Romantic hanging heart
Stitch these
cute love birds
23 projects to make you profit * Best-selling Valentine’s Day makes * FREE needle set and notepad
* Contents subject to change
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FAVOURITE MAKES
106 Craftseller
Fashion* We can’t wait to sport one of this season’s
biggest trends with this fox jumper!* Men’s organic sweater, Frankie the Fox
by BoodleBoutique, £30 on folksy.com
Home* Sweet and stylish, wooden alphabet blocks
bring a lovely vintage feel to a nursery.* Wooden alphabet blocks by JuliaStaite,
£15 on notonthehighstreet.com
Home* Nothing says ‘home’ like a handmade pic –
and we adore this appliqué scene. So cosy!* Framed appliqué and machine
embroidery picture of country cottage
by RubyPatch, £50 on etsy.com
Home * We plan to get our mitts on these
embroidered pieces for a quick and quirky décor update – *how* cute?!
* Megafauna, £95.50 by
MountRoyalMint on etsy.com
Accessories* Initial pendants are hugely popular and we
love the personal touch of these ones.* Hand embroidered initial necklace by
SamPGibson, £20 on etsy.com
Bakes * Yum! These gorgeous chocolates are too
delicious for sharing – just for us please!* Ginger and cappuccino chocolate
hearts by Lushleys, £6.10 on
notonthehighstreet.com
Online lovesHere are just some of our favourite makes from the exciting
designers and crafters we’ve discovered this month
Monogram gifts
are a hit all year,
so start stitching!
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Go ahead… get creative!
For further information:
Telephone 0161 666 6011 or visit our website www.janome.co.uk
The World’s leading sewing machine manufacturer
Janome has a great range of machines to offer the very
best in computerised sewing.
Sewing difficult fabrics can get
really tricky even for the more
experienced. Janome machines
are reliable and robust and
tackle difficult fabrics with ease.
The Memory Craft 5900QC has
an incredible range of stitch
options… whilst the portable
Jem Platinum, DXL603 / QXL605
and TXL607 models are high
specification machines
at affordable prices.
JP760 A ¾ size machine that is light
enough to carry to classes, yet packed
with 60 stitches and full of computerised
features to make sewing easy.
TXL607 2XU�ÀUVW�PRGHO�ZLWK�DOSKDEHW�
& memory facilities. It has direct stitch
selection for the most useful stitches
and a handy panel for quick selection.
DXL603 :LWK�EXLOW�LQ�VWLWFKHV�IRU�TXLOWLQJ�
and heirloom as well as general sewing
this is an excellent all round machine.
Stitch selection and settings are so easy
on the large information LCD screen.
QXL605 All the features of the DXL603
EXW�ZLWK�DQ�DXWRPDWLF�EXLOW�LQ�WKUHDG�
cutter and advanced feeding system
for precise stitching.
MC5900QC This machine has
computerised precision and is packed
with over 500 stitches including 10
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