49th Project Completed - A Victorian style tree decoration

Hi there, 


So what did I make with the plastic lids? 

A Victorian style tree ornament. 

I thought I would go a little more traditional this week, these are great fun and you could always combine a few together to make a garland. You could also use this idea to display family photos or miniatures throughout the year if the style suits your home. If you don't want to make the lace you could always buy some (but where's the fun in that?).


Materials needed

• Plastic lids - screw in bottle tops work well for small 'frames' or go bigger with gravy / sauce granule tubs (as I did)
• Scraps of white medium / heavy interfacing or tear away stabiliser
• Sewing machine 
• 'Wing' needle - we sell these at July Textiles if you have trouble finding them locally
• White thread
• Multi-purpose glue like UHU
• A length of matching ribbon

Instructions

1. Start by measuring the circumference of your lid, this will determine the length of lace required. Cut a strip of interfacing to twice this length.

2. Cut a suitable picture to size (I used a traditional 'Christmassy' picture) and stick it inside the lid.

3. Now, with the wing needle installed, select one of the 'forward, back, forward' or heirloom stitches such as those shown above.

4. Stitch in rows on the interfacing whilst holding it taut.. As the wing needle goes in and out of the fabric it will cut small holes which appear  as old fashioned 'drawn work' stitches. Clever Huh?

5. Once you strip is complete, make two lines of gathering stitches along one side with long running stitches. Draw these up to fit around the lid. Glue into place.

6. Add a hanging loop by glueing it to the back of the lid. 

There we are, a traditional style Christmas tree decoration and a new technique!

Join me tomorrow for next weeks materials announcement.

16th project completed - a colourful garden mobile

Hello again! This week I have been trying to sort out my garden, not an easy job with two young dogs intent on destroying it at every opportunity! I wondered if the aluminium drink cans I rescued from the rubbish could be used to brighten the garden up. They are, of course waterproof and durable. So I came up with this........

A colourful garden mobile to hang from my shed!



Materials required

• An aluminium drinks can
• Fishing wire or beading nylon
• A few beads from a broken necklace
• Needle
• Sharp small scissors

Instructions
1. Cut the top and bottom off your drinks can, then cut down the can and open out to create a flat sheet of metal.

2. Draw 3 circles of differing sizes onto the sheet of aluminium and carefully cut out (the edges will be very sharp so take care).

3.Now cut out the middle of each circle. Save one of the removed circles to create a 'twiddly' bit for the bottom of your mobile. Pierce holes at the top and bottom of each shape with a needle.

4. String together with the fishing wire and beads to create a hanging mobile and add a hanging loop at the top.

5. Hang up and enjoy!

And there you have it, a colourful mobile to adorn your garden shed which will reflect the light whilst moving in the wind!