decoration

Tin Art Gecko Repaint

Tin art gecko

In the 99pShop, in the garden section, I spotted some tin lizards all brightly painted in vibrant colours. I liked the size and shape of the decorative reptiles, but the colours were too bright for what I wanted. I thought it would be worth buying the cut and pressed tin lizards, they would be easy to repaint. I already had some pots of Hammerite paint and decided red would be a good colour for where I wanted to put them. First I lightly rubbed down the gecko with sandpaper, to give adhesion to the paint.

Tin art gecko before the repaint
Tin art gecko with Hammerite paint and sandpaper
Tin art gecko painted with Hammerite
Tin art geckos

Felt Birds

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Felt bird decoration

Over the last couple of days I've been getting familiar with my new sewing machine, especially the embroidery stitches, a novelty to me!

Pine Cone Christmas Decoration

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Pine cone Christmas decoration

In our garden we have a Scots Pine tree, a few weeks ago I picked up all the large (15cm/6ins) pine cones that had dropped on the ground. Now I'm making the cones into Christmas decorations, very easy and very cheap. First of all, with my handy Dremel, I drilled a hole in the top of the cone, to pass wire through for hanging. Using ordinary household emulsion I painted the cone white. While the paint was still wet I sprinkled white glitter on the cone, just to give it that touch of sparkle. When the cones were dry I added ribbon bows to finnish them off.

Scots Pine cones
Painting a pine cone with emulsion paint
Sprinkling on white glitter
Pine cone Christmas decoration

How to make a Woven Heart Basket for an Easter Decoration (Using Felt Cleaning Cloths)

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Woven heart basket made from felt

For this Easter decoration I took the basic Scandinavian woven heart basket pattern and instead of using traditional red and white felt I used felt cleaning cloths, in pastel shades. I decorated the baskets with flowers, made from the same felt, and placed a piece of tissue inside to nestle small eggs in.

Woven heart baskets made from felt

Skates, Felt Christmas Decoration

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Felt skate Christmas decoration

I love this Christmas decoration, felt skates, such a clever idea that looks simple to make. The use of a paperclip for the blade is inspired. If you want to make this decoration there is a very clear photographic tutorial at Not Quite Vintage 

How to Make a Traditional Scandinavian Woven Heart Basket Decoration

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Traditional Scandinavian Woven Heart Basket Decoration
Place your chosen template on a piece of folded white felt as in the photo. It is important the bottom edge of the template is placed on the fold. Using a pencil draw around the template.
Cut out the felt, paying particular attention to cutting the channels.  Make another one in red.
Time to start weaving. This is the tricky bit, a bit like 3D weaving.
3D weaving! When you open it out it should forms a basket
Attach the handle by sewing it to the basket, you can add a button too

These traditional woven heart baskets look very festive hanging on a tree either empty or filled with sweets. I have made mine in red and white felt but they can be constructed from paper. There is a choice of two templates to download, one is for 4 x 4 square heart and the other is for 3 x 3 square heart, you choose.  Down load the templates. Glue them on to card, cereal packet card or similar. When dried, carefully cut them out. Cut out the channels between the strips to 5 mm (1/4 inch) approx.

Template showing 5 mm channels cut out
This is how the inside of the basket should look
A group of heart baskets decorating a tree
Alternative colour way for Easter

How to Make a Christmas Angel / Fairy Tree Decoration

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Pom pom fairy

This fairy I designed is based on an old fashioned clothes peg and a pom pom. First paint your peg like the photos below. I used acrylic paints, indelible pens, metallic marker pen (for laces on the ballet pumps) and glitter. Allow the peg to dry. Now make a pom pom following the instructions here Follow the tutorial to the point were the two cardboard rings are covered with wool. Take your peg and insert it into the centre of the wool covered circle.

Painted peg
Painted peg
Pom pom fairy
Pom pom fairy

Soft Christmas Trees

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I found a really nice soft tree pattern on Little birds she has kindly made a pattern to download. For inspiration go here and see the variety and variation that can be achieved with this simple pattern. I had to add face and legs to some of mine! 

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