This is a fun project which involves simple skills. Suitable for youngsters with a little assistance, but equally appropriate for adults. Personally I have used this decoration in several ways — as a unique Christmas greetings gift to friends — as a decoration for the tree and as a festive fridge magnet. I have created…
So what is intended by the word ‘pattern’? You can find several definitions of this word on internet, and here are just a couple of them: A pattern is a regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. Definition from…
It can be a bit of a challenge to find inspiration — not everyone is brilliant at free-hand drawing and so when it comes to finding images for embroidery or card making (just to mention two possible situations) I believe many people turn to internet for suitable material. Something I have found to be useful…
I have mentioned these sweet little pillow shaped gift boxes in the past, but have now got around to producing a couple of templates and some simple instructions for you to make them yourselves. The tools you require are very simple — a pen or pencil — a ruler — a pair of scissors, strong…
‘ojo de dios’ — Standalone tutorial — suitable for kids If you are looking for relaxation, but are hopeless at knitting or crochet, this very simple craft might be of interest to you. I have led a couple of workshops suitable for all ages, in the art of the traditional ‘Ojo de Dios’ (God’s Eye)…
Downloadable patterns & charts for all levels of ability All cross-stitch patterns are created from my own designs or photographs — each pattern is supplied with a detailed colour chart for thread picking and suggestions for canvas type. The default chart uses DMC thread colourways as standard, but you can of course substitute with the…
The idea of these bookmarks in a Japanese theme, came to me following the terrible Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011. The world was rallying around in an effort to assist in whatever way possible to help Japan. My own very humble and limited contribution came through the sale of these bookmarks which I created…
![Shaping hack [10]](https://www.craftworkshopsinitaly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20210411_130624-scaled-1-768x576.jpg)
Why a shaping ‘hack’ — well this method of ‘shaping’ is simpler than following a set pattern to create your rounded or curved shapes. It is a less formal way for getting some movement into your weaving without the complication of counting threads. It will mean getting interesting results even in your earliest efforts. Often…
Isolation continues to keep us all indoors, and that of course includes children who are home from school since all the schools (in Italy anyway) have been closed until further notice. Many teachers have organised themselves — and their students — to continue on a home learning basis in the hope that the kids will…
If you are into card making or die-cutting of any sort, use these canister seals to sharpen up the cutting edges of your die-cutting tools. They are usually found on all sorts of food packaging –- those in the image came from a canister of dried milk, gravy granules and similar. With few exceptions, when…
Just started a fun course with FutureLearn — ‘Explore Animation’ — a free online course created by The National Film & Television School (NFTS). I calculate that there are about 1000 of us on the course — students of all ages from all over the world meeting up online for four weeks to discuss and…
Every now and again I make an assault on my collection of books in an effort to organize them a bit better. Don’t usually have much success as books are one of my great weaknesses and Amazon frequently drops a few more onto the doormat – vicious circle really. But this one caught my attention…
Might seem a little bold and osé, but give careful consideration to a thorough rummage through the dustbins of your local clothing (and not only) chain stores. It is common practice for them to change the store display quite frequently, and most of the old display will end up in the dustbins. It goes without…
This most divine book dropped onto my doorstep yesterday and has me drooling. I have mentioned that recently I fell in love with felt, but if I thought that was love, I just hadn’t been prepared for this new surge of passion that this book has brought through the door. If anyone is interested, I…
Been doing these little note block holders. I have a feeling that with the current economic crisis people are going to be looking more for useful gifts rather than ornamental ones, so this is my answer to that need: a little covered cardboard note block holder with closeable flap and linen covered ‘hinges’. When the…
I know that I am not alone in my desire to recycle/upcycle etc. as much as possible. In and around the home we have become pretty nifty at finding acceptable alternatives to substitute a lot of our less eco-friendly cleaning agents and so on – one of my favourites is my spray bottle filled with…
