Autumn Paper Penny Rug

Here's a paper penny rug made with metallic thread and paper. Small little 'mouse' shapes and orange pumpkin shapes are hand stitched to the paper (brown card stock). It makes a cute little decoration around Halloween and Thanksgiving.

It's been a cute story starter for my kids when they hold it and take a close look at it... they get really imaginative and creative with their stories - I guess it's like a creative writing prompt.

Natural Wool Single Egg Holder Tutorial

Tutorial on creating a Wool Display Single Egg Holder.

This tutorial is a really great craft tip because the end result can be used for so many things - egg holder, little display, napkin holders...

My favorite it to use the eggs as table settings/placements... you can write each guest's name right on the egg... It really seems more of a craft tip than tutorial to me, because it is really so easy and fun!  Enjoy!

Materials Needed:
cotton thread, 5 one-inch wool circles,
embroidery or sewing needle (large eye needles are great)
a pair of scissors

Step 1:
Thread the needle with 3 feet of thread (or an arm length). Use one single piece of thread doubled - tied at the end (it looks like you have two strands of thread).
Poke the needle through the side, going through the diameter of the circle. Leave at least 5 inches of thread out of this first circle (you will be using this again in the final step).
The wool is thick enough to hide the thread as you go throughout the diameter, so be mindful that you are pulling the thread through the wool to hide the thread within the wool. Thread through all five circles.


Step 2:

When you've threaded through the diameter of all five wool circles. It will look like a garland. Bring the last sewn circle to the first sewn circle, and tie a knot.

Step 3:

Re-thread through each diameter back to the beginning. And then Snip the end closely to the wool to hide and fringe.
(Remember, you've already tied a knot, so your work will not unravel).



Step 4:

Thread the loose thread from the first circle though the diameter of each circle to hide that extra bit of thread. (see below picture)

Step 5:
Squeeze each wool circle in half to help mold the wool giving the egg a little more support.




Now you are finished with your little single egg holder!!! For Jumbo eggs, use 6 one-inch circles ~ and have fun! Your circles can be embellished before or after you've completed this, using beads, embroidery thread... limitless possibilities...

http://www.PaperPennyRug.com
Tutorial by L. Mitchell, 2009 all rights reserved
Have fun making these!!!

I bought the wool circles for this project from a wonderful etsy seller ragamuffin2006.etsy.com
& they were nicely packaged with a little extra surprise too!  I love the butter yellow color!

Yay for Craftstylish dot com

I posted this how-to make upcycled wrist warmers on craftstylish.com. I love that website because you can post your own creations, give tips (if you desire), basically promote your crafts/art and have fun interacting with other crafters... It is really good advertising for your crafts too! I say "yay" to craftstylish for their welcoming website and friendly craftmosphere.

Here is a great tip for making wrist cuffs or wrist warmers:
Intentionally or accidently wash a beautiful merino wool sweater (or other wool) and dry it in your dryer, then use your nicely shrunk (felted) sweater to repurpose. Use the sleeves by cutting them to your desired length, then decorate, embroider, add circles, and you have cool cuffs! Wow - so fun and easy too!!!!!!

Wool on glass & linen

I am sharing a project that I am working on which includes wool, glass and linen.
Here are some samples. I love the ease of the threads through the wool and linen. This piece was backed with cotton batting, which isn't as easy to thread, but just as enjoyable and natural to feel.

The Brass Collection

I created this mini tote & business card holder with brass mesh and stainless steel & brass washers, I used Coats & Clark red metallic thread, and wire. My process for achieving this includes threading metallic thread though the mesh and washers. The tote was sewed together with a very fine gauge stainless steel wire.