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.

31st project completed - A plastic bottle necklet

Happy evening! 



I say 'Happy' as we are all supposed to be statistically the happiest this year between the hours of 6pm and 7pm this evening. Were you? I'm not entirely convinced about all that but I am certainly happy to show you this week's project!

A neck-let made from recycled plastic bottles!


Materials needed

• A few plastic bottles
• Permanent markers or glass paint
• Thick wire
• Multi purpose glue
• Jewellery clasp
• Long nosed pliers
• Heat tool

Instructions

1. Cut a section from one of your bottles and using the heat gun, gently heat it. You will find it bends, buckles and twists into a shape of it's own. Trim into a pleasing shape as you go. I made one large and one small shape

2. Once cooled, you can colour them with the permanent markers or glass paint.

3. Make a hole at the top of the larger shape with a sharp, heated needle. Glue the smaller shape to the larger one where it fits best.

4. To make the beads, colour a 1cm wide strip of the plastic with the paint or markers. Then holding one end with the long nosed pliers, wrap the strip tightly around the pliers. Move the pliers so you have one of the noses through the bead and hold the rest in place by clamping together. Now heat gently with the heat gun until the layers have melted slightly and stuck together.

5. Thread the beads and the pendant onto a length of thick beading wire making a twist at the top of the pendant to hold it in place. Attach the clasp and jump ring to finish.