Thursday 12 May 2016

My new craft room + storage for small spaces


Finally ... here is my new workshop craft room! This used to be our music room (AKA hubby's man cave) but since he's moved it to other premises it now mean Jodie Podie has a CRAFTY ROOM! We gave it a lick of paint and I went about sourcing myself a new craft table and some rustic storage. Welcome to the new AHC headquarters ....


creating a craft room


Tips on sourcing a workshop / craft table

The first thing I wanted was a rustic craft table. They're expensive to buy so I created one, which I've already showed you in my previous post: How to make a scandi-chic trestle table. Trestle tables are ideal for craft rooms & workshops as they are collapsable, should you need to make room for large floor-projects. The top of my table has two large holes which is ideal for threading my sewing machine leads through. I also pop my bin under the other one and knock through any rubbish / threads. Is so nice being able to leave the sewing machine set up for long periods of time, it means I actually use it. 



rustic trestle table
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Thursday 11 December 2014

Handmade gifts + teacup candles + cards + sewing projects + tea caddy


Here are a few more ideas for handmade gifts. Some of these projects take a little more time than others, but all of them guarantee a lovely gift, and when you've made them once you'll make them again and again. If you're not a 'crafty' person, please don't be put off ... many of the projects I share on this blog, are things I've only tried once myself, and if I can do it so can you :-)





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Tuesday 15 April 2014

How to make a simple cushion - with Poppy Loves


Our masterpiece in Poppy's cosy corner!
Cushions, cushions and more cushions please! We love cushions. They're cosy, functional and can completely change the look of a room, whether you're changing to suit the season or simply adding a splash of colour. Cushions can be expensive, yet they are SO EASY to make! Once you've chosen your pretty fabric and made your first cushion, you'll never buy off the shelf again, I bet you large sums of cake.

So when my lovely friend and bloggy pal Poppy asked if I'd help her to make a cushion I jumped at the chance. If you don't already know Poppy allow me to introduce you. Poppy is the Notting hill-based lifestyle blogger of poppyloves.co,uk. She writes about all the gorgeous little cafes, boutiques and hidden gems she finds on her travels around London. She also loves a bit of a craft, so today Poppy and I are going to show you how to make a simple but beautiful cushion in 10 easy steps! Now don't be put off by measurements. This patterns is easy to follow and the cushion consists of just three pieces. 


All you need:


* Lovely fabric!
* Three buttons (ours are Cath Kidston)
* Ribbon for button loops
* The pillow
* Newspaper.

  Then make a cuppa and let the fun begin!

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Monday 7 April 2014

Changing soft furnishings with nature 'Spring summer'


Spring is here! Little creatures are unfurling and so are our gardens. Blokes are wearing flip flops as early as March and we girls are fretting over our pastry white legs. We change our wardrobe and our diet with the seasons so why not the inside of our homes? I can't afford to do much but even swapping my soft furnishings over twice a year (in the spring and again in the autumn) makes the world of difference. Why? because it lifts my spirits and invigorates my surroundings. I feel more in tune with nature and it just makes me feel better.



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Friday 4 April 2014

The William Morris 'Tree of Life' Tapestry Cushion


I've always loved the 'Tree of life' tapestry by the 19th Century artist William Morris. 
It's such a beautiful design, so I was over the moon when I discovered this beautiful
 loom-woven Flemish Tapestry cushion over at Wye NeedlecraftI found the cushion just after hubby and I were married, so I thought it would mark the occasion perfectly ... now it sits quietly in the corner watching our marriage 'grow' and it's always in reaching distance should I ever need to hit him with it : ) Aw not that I would!


My 'Tree of Life' cushion by William Morris.
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Wednesday 2 April 2014

How to disguise and makeover an ugly armchair (in 5 mins)


Now I love my armchair. It's comfy, cosy and sits snugly in my little nook under the stairs. 
But while I love the shape of the chair, I detest the fabric. It may have had its plus points back in its day but today it's dark and a bit too shabby (not the chic variety.)

So until I can afford to upholster it - which I will learn to do (anyone care to teach me? skill for a skill?)
I need to find a way to live with it. I've tried all sorts, from disguising it with cushions to covering the whole thing in a big blanket. That didn't work - it just looked like an obese ghost.
Then I tried this: a simple tablecloth, pinned in place ... and it works perfectly! it brightens the whole room, took all of 5 minutes and required no effort whatsoever. Perfect : )


Before



After


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Friday 29 November 2013

My first crochet blanket ... a labour of love.


The ladies at my craft club taught me to Crochet ... and I LOVE it. 
It's easy, addictive and portable. It's a tricky to get your head around at first, but do push on as it soon clicks, then you're away!  I started a blanket of granny squares (a granny square is basically a small crochet square) and I thought I'd share my progress with you ... then I'll HAVE to finish it.


Just so ya know it looks messy as it's not sewn together yet!
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