** Feeling Crafty **
** Pergamano **
Pergamano (or Parchment Craft) originated in the convents of Columbia a few centuries ago, and is currently becoming popular throughout Europe, mainly through the efforts of a lady named Martha Ospina. It involves drawing (or tracing in my case), painting (optional), embossing and perforating.
** Quilling **
Quilling originated in the poorer religious houses around the Mediterranean in the 15th century.
The paper was probably wound around goose quills, hence the name.
** Teabag Folding **
Teabag Folding was invented by a Dutch craftswoman taking a break. She was idly playing with the tag on her herbal teabag when she realised the possibilities. Now you don't even have to drink gallons of tea before you start - teabag sheets are available from craft stores. Some pictures produce very different, but equally pretty, designs on the front and the back at the same time, as below. The lower two pairs both started with the same basic picture.
** Polystyrene Craft **
Polystyrene can be decorated in a variety of ways.
I made these Christmas decorations (from kits made by a company called Pinflair) by securing beads and sequins using pins.
** Cross Stitch **
Cross Stitch is one of the simplest forms of embroidery, and it is easy to design your own pictures even if (like me) you cannot draw, as they must be made using straight lines. I designed the map of Arizona and the golden wedding card myself, although the latter uses several of Jo Verso's ideas. I thoroughly recommend her books. I stitched the line-dancing bear onto a T-shirt using waste canvas as the material is not evenweave.
** Glass Painting **
Plaid make a set of glass paints and lead called Gallery Glass. You pour the lead like icing in the outline of the shape you want onto a piece of plastic and leave it to dry. You use the paints in the same way, then I used a toothpick to create the variegated look on the ivy before either colour was dry. Once your design is dry you can peel it off the plastic and stick it onto your vase, window, or any other piece of glass. There are several Gallery Glass books of pattern ideas with detailed instructions. One word of warning: if you store your paints lying on their sides, be sure to stand them upright a while before you plan to use them, otherwise far too much rushes out at once.
** Miscellaneous **
** Guest Spot **
Steve made & iced this cake for my 21st birthday.
Katharine cross-stitched this cushion for Innes to hold our rings on during Steve's & my wedding.
The crest is that of Aberdeen University, where we met and married.
Hilary made this keepsake of our wedding with cross stitch and hardanger.
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