Author: barmac5

I set up Crafted By B Studio after retiring from writing a blog for over 10 years on chronic pain. As a chronic pain sufferer myself I had always used art as a way to relax and take me away from my pain and stumbled upon paint by numbers by fluke. I was hooked from day one and went into custom paint by numbers as I progressed with my others. Over the past 3 years I have completed over 20 pieces and also made some of my own unique pieces. I am happy to help anyone who might like a custom picture made into a piece of beautiful art using this type of technology. I am also interested in lots of different types of crafts which I enjoy with my 4 grandchildren so my site will have lots of links and posts on mixed crafts and arts.

FANCY THAT FINE GIFTS FOR YOUR HOME…

Fancy That home

While spending a couple of days in Banbury, Oxfordshire, we came across this beautiful shop.

Jeanine, (the ownner) had my favourite CD (Lana Del Ray)playing when we entered this bijo mix with vintage and modern shop full of wonderful gifts and home décor.

Her collection includes an elegant selection of sterling silver jewellery, Danish décor collections, aromatic candles and lots and lots of home decorations and accessories.

There was so much I wanted to buy that we decided it would be better to return on our way back to the Hotel for another look around it all.

I bought these beautiful vintage inspired glasses case and this pretty sign for my downstairs loo.

Have a browse on her website or if your in the area you must pop in to see her extensive range of gifts, http://www.fancythatfinegifts.com/index.html

vintage glassessigns

HANDMADE EMBROIDERY….

lace

National Embroidery month is from February 16th – 22nd.

According to ‘wikipedia’ embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with a needle and thread or yarn.

It can also incorporate other materials like pearls, beads, quills and sequins.

Different stitches are used in embroidery from chain stitch, buttonhole, blanket stitch, running stitch, satin stitch and cross stitch.

Although the origin of embroidery is unknown, some examples survived from Egypt, Iron Age and the Dynasty China around 5th – 3rd Century BC.

Different materials can be used in embroidery from wool, linen and silk.

A very popular magazine available throughout the world is ‘Embroidery and Stitch Magazine’, which has free designs and templates on the internet.

‘Embroiderer’s Guild’ is the UK’s leading crafts association with 10,000 members http://www.embroidersguild.com

The last time I embroidered was about 13 years ago when I was recovering in hospital after developing an infection after my last spinal surgery. Due to all the medication I was on I found it difficult to concentrate to read and with one arm attached to a drip, I really only had one hand free. So, a friend suggested doing some embroidery with my free hand and a picture was born. I’ve still got it but not framed it as the memories of making it are not something I want to remember.

Have you done embroidery recently, it’s like knitting, it’s become very fashionable again. I really fancy doing some on some hankies for my friends.

NOVELTY HANDMADE MINI APRON FOR YOUR WASHING UP BOTTLE…

pinafores

I love these trendy novelty mini aprons for your washing up bottles, http://www.craftroommagic.co.uk/NOVELTY-MINI-PINNY-MAGIC–.html

A friend bought me one for Christmas and I bought one recently for my daughter.

Washing up bottles are far from attractive at the best of times but with these aprons on them they are so much better.

There’s lots of choice from ebay sites and online shops (like the one above), and with mothers day the next date in our diaries, it could be an ideal gift. I’m also sure we could make these ourselves.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-NOVELTY-WASHING-UP-LIQUID-BOTTLE-APRON-HAND-MADE-/250697928172?pt=UK_Kitchen_Accessories&hash=item3a5ec2cdec

novelty pinafores