Popular Crafts Magazine Product review

I was recently given the opportunity by www.popularcrafts.com to test & review a craft tool for them, the item chosen was the Pyro Master pyrography tool by Antex, which came with 19 interchangeable burning tips, blank wooden keyring & leather fridge magnet. It's a neat little tool, easy to use especially for someone who hasn't tried pyrography before, like me!!

I decided to make a double wooden heart hanger with polka dot fabric & ribbon. I gathered my items & began.
                                                    

The hearts burnt onto the large heart were quite easy to manage & I soon began to really enjoy creating something new, I thought it would be nice to include some colour to my design & the fabric & ribbon fitted in quite nicely.

For the smaller heart I decided to have a go at writing a small message & Home Sweet Home seemed to be perfect for my design, I did practise on a scrap piece of wood just to get the feel of writing with the tool & although it isn't perfect, I think it looks pretty good for a first attempt...even if I do say so myself!

My finished Design

I just want to say a big thank you to Popular Crafts Magazine for letting me try something new.

                My review is in this months Popular Crafts magazine for sale at WH Smiths.

Craft Swap

 I decided just recently to enter the Craft Swap being advertised by the Popular Crafts Magazine. The first one was a button swap and the brief was to design & make something button themed & to include a treat up to the value of £3.
My Swap partner was Mandie who sent me a lovely hand decorated box with lovely goodies inside, icluding buttons, flower sequins & glittery butterflies [just love glitter] Very pretty & pink.

                                                            Mandie's Pretty Button Swap for me



I decided I wanted to try making a button canvas & was very pleased with the results

                                                                What do you think?


I really enjoyed taking part & decided to enter the next one which was Owl themed. My partner was Louise from www.craftyguiderblog.com who sent me a lovely pink parcel consisting of a cute owl, beautiful crochet flower & ribbons. 

                                        My Owl & goodies from www.craftyguider.blog.com



My owl gift was a felt needle case, which I hand sewed & added polka dot fabric, buttons & ric-rac. My treat for Louise was a selection of buttons & lovely ribbon.

My owl Needle case for Louise.

I'm thoroughly enjoying these monthly craft swaps & just signing up for the next one, which is heart themed....mmm what shall I make for this one?

Handmade Christmas

Well Christmas has been and gone & we are well into the New Year, So I thought it was now safe to show my handmade gifts given at Christmas!

                                   Handmade Strawberry Needlecase & pin cushion for my Mum

                                                  Handmade Messenger Bag for my Niece

                                           
                                         Handmade Glasses Case for my Mum & Mum-in-law

I wanted to give something that I had designed & made and also make sure that it was different to  anything already available on the High Street, that's what's so fantastic about Handmade gifts.