Tag: Craft Blog

PAINT BY NUMBERS FOR CHILDREN…

I am an avid painter using paint by numbers with not much space left on my walls for anymore but it was when my grandchildren were staying over the weekend that it struck me how wonderful it is for children as well.

As they were about to go to sleep one of my grandchildren noticed a picture on the wall of boats which she greatly admired. She then asked me how I did it and when I explained she said she would like to try that. Two years ago when she was 5, I gave her a paint by numbers set but she soon got bored I thought she was perhaps a bit young. Now she is nearly 7 and I think it’s the perfect time to reintroduce it to her.

Paint by numbers also introduces children to basic artistic concepts in an accessible way. They begin to understand color relationships, shading, and composition without needing formal instruction. This can spark a deeper interest in art and creativity, serving as a gateway to more free-form drawing and painting later on.

Additionally, this activity can be a calming, almost therapeutic experience. The repetitive, structured nature of painting within set boundaries can help reduce stress and anxiety. It provides a quiet space to relax and express themselves in a controlled way.

While younger children might need some guidance at first, many children can complete projects on their own. This encourages self-reliance and decision-making, even within a structured framework.

Finally, paint by numbers can be a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. Parents and children can work on paintings together, share progress, and celebrate finished pieces. It creates a shared activity that is both productive and enjoyable, without the need for screens or complicated setup.

It supports children’s physical development, strengthens their focus, builds confidence, introduces artistic skills, and provides a calming creative outlet. Simple, structured, and rewarding, it remains a timeless activity with lasting benefits for young minds.

There is a massive choice for them which you can buy from Hobbycraft, The Works, The Range to name a few.

Source: Hobbycraft The Works The Range

REFASHIONING CLOTHES: TURNING WHAT YOU HAVE INTO WHAT YOU LOVE…

With “Vinted” and similar websites encouraging us to sell our fashion to buy someone else’s there is also the option of refashioning your own clothes or maybe someone else’s.

In a world of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to feel like your wardrobe is always one step behind. But what if the key to a fresh, stylish closet isn’t buying more-but reimagining what you already own? Refashioning clothes is a creative, sustainable, and deeply satisfying way to breathe new life into garments that might otherwise go unworn.

Why Refashion?

Refashioning isn’t just about saving money-though that’s certainly a perk. It’s also about reducing waste, expressing your personal style, and reconnecting with the clothes you wear. Instead of discarding a pair of jeans that no longer fit quite right or a dress that feels outdated, you can transform them into something unique and wearable again.

There’s also something empowering about taking control of your wardrobe. When you refashion, you’re no longer limited by what’s available in stores-you become the designer.

Start looking online at fashion for Spring and think of what you have in your wardrobe. Cut pictures out of fashion magazines with ideas you love. Social media platforms, thrift stores, and even your friends’ wardrobes can spark ideas. Pay attention to current trends.


Look at your clothes not for what they are, but for what they could become. That oversized shirt? It might be a chic cropped top. Worn-out jeans? Perfect candidates for shorts or even a patchwork bag.

Inspiration is Everywhere

Start simple: Swap buttons or dye fabric for a fresh look. This is one of my favourite ideas. I don’t think I have a blouse or a cardigan that has the original buttons on and lots of my tops I have upgraded by pulling the sides up to go with what’s in fashion now. Shoulder pads are back in fashion and a very easy way to upgrade an outfit.

You don’t need to be an expert with a sewing machine. Many refashioning projects require only basic skills-or even just fabric glue and a bit of imagination.

Check out the website Revamp Your Wardrobe for lots of clothing refashioning tips.

Tools of the Trade

While you can start with minimal equipment, having a few essentials makes the process smoother:

  • Sharp fabric scissors
  • A basic sewing kit (needles, thread, pins)
  • Measuring tape
  • Chalk or fabric markers
  • Optional: sewing machine

As you grow more confident, you can experiment with more advanced techniques like taking in seams, adding panels, or combining multiple garments into one.

Before cutting into anything, it helps to sketch your idea or pin the fabric to test the look. This reduces mistakes and gives you a clearer vision of the final result.

Embrace Imperfection

Not every project will turn out exactly as planned-and that’s okay. Part of the charm of refashioned clothing is its uniqueness. Small imperfections can add character and make your piece truly one of a kind.

Remember, you’re learning a skill. Each attempt builds your confidence and creativity. Turn long sleeves into short ones, crop tops or hems for a modern silhouette, add patches or embroidery to cover stains or holes.

Refashioning is a small but meaningful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By extending the life of your clothes, you reduce demand for new production and help minimize textile waste.

It’s fashion with a conscience-and a personal touch.

Refashioning clothes invites you to see your wardrobe in a new light. It’s not about having more-it’s about making more of what you already have. With a bit of creativity and a willingness to experiment, you can turn forgotten items into favourite pieces.

Source: Refashion Co-op The Sewing Directory Sew Much More Fun



HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CAKE STAND…

Beautiful cake stands are everywhere at the moment, but they can cost quite a lot of money. So make your own, it’s very easy.

All you need are two (or three) plates, a central rod, washers and a handle to hold it all together and bobs your uncle.

You can buy cake stand fittings from Amazon from £10.99, to around £19.89.

If it’s a two tier cake stand you want to use a dinner plate and a side plate. Measure the diameter of the largest plate and mark the centre with a pen, then do the same with the smaller plate.

There is a great post on Pinterest from Instructables Crafts on exactly how to make your 3 tier cake stand.

You can also go for an even easier one like this one from Duke Manor Farm where it explains that for the tops use an old glass plate and a small glass plate that if you do not have in could be picked up from anywhere. The glue is the most important bit as the last thing you want is for it to fall over. One of the best ones is
LOCTITE Super Glue 3g tube Especially for Glass.

The building of your cake stand is simple just like the images show from Duke Manor Farm. Simply turn your plate upside down. Apply your glue to the bottom rim of the plate. Place your candle holder to the rim and let it dry for a few minutes. That’s it. Easy.

Source: Instructables Duke Manor Farm Amazon

TOP 14 HOBBIES WE CAN ENJOY IN OUR HOMES…

I love spending my free time on creative hobbies such as art and paint-by-numbers, blogging, card making, knitting, sewing, painting, cross-stitch, and baking.

Some ideas for hobbies from home include –

  1. Art – My children bought me an adult paint-by-numbers art piece one Christmas. I absolutely love it, and I am well and truly hooked. In fact, I am writing a book on how to make money with paint-by-number kits.
  2. Drawing – there are lots and lots of sites online and on Pinterest to learn how to draw.
  3. Singing – with choirs popping up online all over the country, it is easy to join one and enjoy a bit of singing.
  4. Writing – I love writing and write a couple of blogs. I find they take me away to another place when I start writing. It’s very therapeutic.
  5. Scrapbooking– I looked into this, and I think that when I have finished all my other projects, I will give this a go. There are lots of books on Amazon about how to get started with this, which you can pass down to your family when you have finished it.
  6. Handmade cards – I have been making handmade cards for several years now, and used to have them in a local post office, but I mainly make them for family and friends now. I mean, who doesn’t like receiving a nice card through the letterbox?
  7. Knitting – another of my favourite pastimes. I am a very average knitter, but I can find lots of things to make, including a granny blanket I made from all my bits of wool, which I use outside to keep me warm. Knitting groups are popping up all over the place, and a great way to find one is to head to The Quilters Guild.
  8. Cross stitch – this is a new hobby for me and another present from my children for Christmas, which I asked for. It has become one of my favourite things to do at the moment.
  9. Baking – with a mass of lessons, recipes, and so much more on baking, it’s a hobby for anyone who loves to cook. I love baking for my family and bake regularly for them.
  10. Photography – with lots more of us taking long walks in the countryside its an ideal hobby. At this time of year and with spring around the corner, there are some lovely photos to take outside using just your phone until you want something a bit more substantial to take the photos with and like most of the above, there are endless amounts of free help online.
  11. Making candles, making soap, making jewellery – all these types of crafts can be done from your home and could even bring in some extra pennies if you go onto sell them. Pinterest will inspire anyone with pages and pages of posts and ideas on all these types of crafts.
  12. Calligraphy – an art which is coming back into fashion again, and a lovely hobby to start and learn from home, and then maybe progress to a class.
  13. Reading and reviewing – whatever you buy nowadays they ask for a review on it but the most rewarding review is one that someone has written about a book you would like to read. You can start by writing them on Amazon and if you enjoy it you could always start a blog on book reviews.
  14. Gardening – now the spring is nearly here you can start planting your own vegetables and herbs. Lots and lots of people enjoy gardening and is a great hobby for anyone who loves to be outside.

There are many more hobbies you can start from home, these are just the top 14 but if you haven’t got a hobby or want another one then try any of these as they will definitely improve your health and wellbeing.

Source: Ebay, Amazon, Clip Studio Paint, The Quilters Guild