The Big Stitch For British Heart Foundation

You know I love a bit of upcycling and customisation, so I was delighted to discover the British Heart Foundation Big Stitch campaign! The aim of the challenge, which ran throughout July, was to buy an item in a British Heart Foundation shop and add your own flair to it. I picked this lovely floaty floral dress and set about customising it...

It was a little windy when we took this photo!

I had my heart set on a dress and there were lots to choose from in store

Thank you to the very kind staff in my local British Heart Foundation shop who took this photo of me holding the dress I'd found in their store to use for the challenge

The dress was a little big and low at the front so I decided to add a sort of lace bib to make it wearable for me. I raided my stash for this pretty lace, which I overlaid and stitched together to create a fabric panel. I then stitched this into the front of the dress and used black pearl style beads to embellish the neckline

For some people, the idea of buying second hand clothes is not their cup of tea, but you can find great bargains and add your own flair to them, as well as supporting good causes and reducing landfill waste.  A few simple added details have made this a wearable dress for me and a very thrifty project.

Thanks to the British Heart Foundation for setting this great challenge, I hope it has raised lots of funds and publicity for your cause.

Did you take part in the Big Stitch? I'd love it if you shared a photo of your makes in the comments below!

Have a lovely week everyone!

Louise xx

Upcycled Fabric Christmas Gift Tags How To

I don't know about you, but at this time of year I love being surrounded by wrapping paper and ribbons and glitter and sticky tape, watching a Christmas film as I wrap Christmas presents! I like to give my gift wrapped packages a personal touch by adding handmade gift tags. Today I'm sharing my really simple and thrifty How To for fabric scrap gift tags...

1) You will need

Fabric scraps (I used felt, tweed and tartan), gift tags, scraps of ribbon, scissors, double sided tape (not pictured)

2) Cut small squares of fabric for your "presents." You could make a template if you want to, but I cut mine freehand. Add double sided tape to the back of each square and stick onto the bottom of each of your gift tags

3) Cut pieces of ribbon to decorate your fabric present and attach using double sided tape. You can make each tag unique by using different fabrics and differing pieces of ribbon to dress your present design

4) Tie a little bow in contrasting ribbon to decorate the top of each present. Attach using double sided tape

That's all there is to it and you'll soon have a lovely set of unique gift tags... Happy making!

You could also use the fabric present idea to make your own Christmas cards

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

Tile and Spray Paint Coasters How To

Have you got some old kitchen/bathroom tiles that you're not sure what to do with? Why not turn them into handy coasters or plant pot holders? This is a really thrifty make using tiles, spray paint and masking tape- all materials that you probably already have to hand, or can buy cheaply. With just these few materials you can create something that's both stylish and really useful for your home or desk. As you know, I love upcycling and thrifty makes, so I'm excited to share this How To with you today...

1) You will need

Tiles, spray paint, masking tape, small pieces of felt and double sided tape/glue for backing (not pictured)

A note on tiles... If you don't have any spare tiles to hand, many DIY shops sell sample tiles for a few pence each

2) Use the masking tape to cover the areas you don't want to spray paint. I chose simple striped designs but there are lots of other things you could try- try adding small snippets of masking tape to your tiles, blocking out a grid, mask just the corners or the sides- so many possibilities!

3) Spray your tiles! Building up thin coats will give you a better paint coverage than one thick coat. I sprayed my tiles with three coats of paint. Ensure you spray paint in a well ventilated area and wear a mask. Allow to dry thoroughly between coats

4) When the paint is completely dry, carefully peel away the masking tape to reveal the finished design. I didn't leave mine to dry completely and as you can see, this has resulted in jagged paint lines. I quite like the effect, but if you'd like straight lines, do leave the paint to dry completely!

5) Use double sided tape or strong glue to fix small squares of felt onto the corners of your coasters to protect your surfaces

Tah da! Make a nice cup of tea, grab your favourite biscuits and put your new coasters to good use, or use as a pot holder for your plants. Happy making!

How To... Fabric Scrap Photo Frame

I keep this fabric scrap, decopatch photo frame that I made for a blog How To a couple of years ago on my bedside table- this pic of Mr Writer and myself is one of my favourites. I wanted to share the post again as it has been one of my most popular posts so far and it's such a fun make! All you need to make your very own customised frame is some fabric scraps, Mod Podge (or watered down PVA glue is a good alternative), a paint brush and a photo frame in need of a new lease of life. This thrifty make is a lovely way to display a special photograph and would also make a thoughtful gift. Check out the How To here. Happy making!

If you try this How To and make your own frame I'd love to see- share your makes in the comments below!

Makes Using Felt Flowers

Last week I shared this How To showing you how to make felt flowers and I so was so chuffed to receive such a positive response- it seems that lots of you are in the mood for Spring inspired makes! Today I'd like to share just a few of many many ways you could use your felt/fabric flowers...

Add details to your flowers... 

There's no need to buy anything for this make as chances are you have everything you need already!

This is a really thrifty make, using scraps of felt or other fabrics left over from other projects and you can raid your stash of embroidery thread, beads and buttons to add different centres to the fabric blooms and create your own unique flowers. 

Cut leaf shapes from scraps of green felt and stitch to the back of flowers to create foliage

Crochet a chain (or use ribbon) and either stitch or glue the flowers onto it using small pieces of felt to create a pretty garland

Attach a felt flower to an elastic hairband and wear flowers in your hair!

Glue a flower onto a ring base to create a great statement ring

 There are so many ways you could use the flowers. I'd love to know what you are making with yours- share your makes in the comments!

Happy making!

How Tos Roundup 2015

I love sharing crafty How To ideas with a focus on upcycling or customising what you already have- I love a thrifty make! Today I'd like to share a look back at the How Tos I wrote for the blog in 2015 and ask if there are any How Tos you'd like to see on the blog in 2016? I am planning a How To Knit series with videos (watch this space!) but let me know if there's something else you'd like to see. Also, if you tried any of my How Tos last year I'd love to see, share your photos in the comments. Happy making!

Bead Embellished Gloves How To

Heart Shaped Liberty Fabric Scrap Shoes Clips How To

DIY Fabric and Chain Tassel Garland How To

Liberty Fabric Handmade Mother's Day Card How To

How To... Make Pretty Napkins Using Tea Towels and Pom Pom Trim

Chalk Painted Terracotta Plant Pots How To

How To... Thrifty Plant Name Labels

How To... Up-cycle a Top To Make Fabric Placemats

How To... Customised Canvas Bag

How To...Washi Tape Cake/Pudding Toppers

Pom Pom Present Toppers Gift Wrapping Idea

Bead Embellished Gloves How To

Tomorrow night, 5th November is Guy Fawkes night in the UK and I know lots of us will be enjoying bonfire and firework party celebrations. I first shared this How To for these bead embellished gloves back in chilly January and I thought I'd share them again as they'd make the perfect accessories for sparkler waving at bonfire night parties (that's my favourite bit, apart from the food!). They would also make a lovely gift idea if you're thinking ahead to Christmas and are a thrifty make as you can use beads from your stash. Happy making!