be creative daily!

09/11/2018

How to crochet a Poppy for Remembrance Sunday

This Sunday 11th November is Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Sunday and in this blog I will show you how to crochet a Poppy. This day commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of the First World War and Germany. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The armistice came into effect at the eleventh hour (11am) of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. This was a significant moment both Britain and it’s Allies, to commemorate all soldiers who... Read More

07/11/2018
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Crafty Christmas Window: Paul and his Posca Pens

This year we commissioned Paul a local artist to paint our Crafty Christmas window using is favourite Posca Pens. Paul is a regular customer of ours who is a sign painter and artists. His work is commissioned all over London, Kent Essex, Hertfordshire and further afield. We are more than thrilled with hill work but we thought you would like to see how this gorgeous piece of art came about. I am already sad that it is not a permanent feature and will have to come off before the new year.... Read More

02/11/2018
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A Crafty Christmas: Planning and Decorating, Making

It officially Christmas We are finally in November and shop windows around the country are turning to Christmas. I know it feels that some shops start far too early but can you ever be too prepared? This year at Crafty Arts we are celebrating all things Crafty and wholesome. We are going back to the ideas of a lovely handmade Christmas with homemade crackers, decorations and dare I say gifts? We plan on giving you lots of inspiration this Christmas to get you in the crafting mood. I hope to show... Read More

25/10/2018
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Celebrating International Artists Day

Today is International Artist Day and if you haven’t ever heard of this day you are not alone. If you read on, we will tell you what it is and how you can participate. So what is International Artist Day? International Artist Day was founded by Chris MacClure, a Canadian artist who specializes in ‘Romantic Realism’ over a decade ago. He created this day to bring recognition to the world of art, and to celebrate all the ways that artists bring their own special view to life. International artists day... Read More

22/10/2018
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How to use the Cricut Machine: Setting it up and preparing your first cut

Today, I am going to show you how I got started with my new Cricut machine. Hopefully, I am going to talk you through the set-up and my first cut. The machine comes with a few pieces of card, a pen blade and a green mat. I did have to buy a few extra accessories, to begin with. I bought the Vinyl sampler pack because the colours are great and it’s a cheap way to practice with the vinyl. I bought the basic toolset as this doesn’t come with the... Read More

11/10/2018
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Product Review: How to make your own Bath Bombs

  I have always wondered how to make your own bath bomb. Using a kit I thought I would show you how successful and easy they are to make. As a mum of two very active boys, I don’t get a lot of time to myself. Having a bath is the only bit of relaxing I can do. Sweet smelling relaxing therapy that I all enjoy at home. Lets face it we all have hectic lives at times. Bath bombs were first brought to my attention around 2 years ago whilst... Read More

04/10/2018

How to Crochet a Granny Square Blanket

Here is a easy crochet pattern to follow to make a Granny square crochet blanket. Autumn is the time of year where I like to dust off my crochet hooks and start to get cosy with the cat. It is also that time again that one of my friends are due to have a little one in January, so dedicated to make an easy design that I know that I will be able to finish with lots of time to spare, as I want to finally crochet myself a cardigan.... Read More

27/09/2018

Wedding Calligraphy: Money in Your Pocket if you Do-It-Yourself

I love calligraphy and I think there is no better place then a wedding to showcase these skills. Wedding calligraphy is continuing to have a resurgence in the wedding world. Yes, you can pay someone to do it for you. Because it so time-consuming and by hand, you will and should pay them a lot. Or you can have the satisfaction and money in your pocket if you do it yourself. I am definitely a DIY Bride. Pinterest is littered with cream thick watercolour card adorned with swirly gold lettering.... Read More

how to decoupage furniture filing cabinet 20/09/2018
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How to Decoupage Furniture: Upcycling the Old Filing Cabinet

Is it about time you had a project? Upcycling opportunities are all around us, and this week we’re looking at how to decoupage furniture. You’ll be amazed at just how quickly and easily you can completely transform even the dullest household objects into works of art. And, to prove our point in the best possible way, we’ve chosen a filing cabinet as our decoupage guinea pig. After all, if you can make a filing cabinet look good, you can make anything look good. Here’s how to decoupage furniture in your... Read More

13/09/2018
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Crafting for Christmas: Getting Organised for Christmas the crafty way

I know,  you may think it is far too soon to think about Christmas crafting. But now is the time that crafters start planning the rest of the year. If you sell your wares then you need to start making now so your stock is ready for end of September. The idea of thick jumpers and hot drinks offers me no comfort during this heatwave. Imagining all the snow and rain paints a big grin on my face. After the terribly long drawn out winter we have had this year, you... Read More

how to read crochet patterns 06/09/2018
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How to Read Crochet Patterns: Step by Step Basics

Ever tried reading crochet patterns? It can feel like trying to read something in a foreign language for any newcomer to the hobby. But don’t let this deter you from pursuing this incredible craft; all you need is a little guidance on how to read crochet patterns and you’ll be completely fluent in all crochet-lingo in no time at all. Here’s a basic guide to the most important things you need to know about reading crochet patterns, starting from the very beginning: Step 1: Choosing the right crochet pattern Most... Read More

30/08/2018
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Getting Organised for Back to School: Bullet Journaling for Parents

We are now in August and it’s almost time for the kids to go back to school. I am going to talk about getting organised for back to school, a guide to Bullet journaling for parents. Lots of parents are probably ready for them to start their new term. The little ones probably want it to go on forever. To some of you,  feel like it already has gone on for too long.   Organisation is not just for them but for you too. We know that you are the... Read More

28/08/2018
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Customer Review of the new DAS Smart Polymer Clay

Our reviewer’s were asked to test the DAS Smart polymer clay and see if they were able to succeed in creating as detailed work compared to their current polymer clay choice. As a quick recap or reintroduction to the DAS Smart. DAS Smart comings from the number one air drying clay brand in the world. The blocks comes in two sizes, the small blocks come in 57g packs and the larger block comes in 350g which are packed in 6 pre-cut portions Reviewer: Lilyana   Lilyana created a beautiful selection... Read More

20/08/2018
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5 DIY Back to School Crafts Projects to Try with the Kids

School’s out for summer, hooray! Six weeks of fun, sun and playtime are stretching ahead, and it’s time to start planning what you and the kids are going to fill all these free hours with. And while we know that school will be far from the kids’ minds right now, it couldn’t hurt to make use of all this spare time and get them crafting their very own DIY back to school supplies. Getting the kids to make their own DIY back to school accessories is the perfect way to... Read More

30/07/2018
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How to Cool off from the heat during the Summer with Crafty Arts

Here are some great steps of how to cool off from the heat the summer. We are in a heatwave and we are all dreaming of cooling down. So here at Crafty Arts, we thought we would share with you some ideas on how to cool off this during glorious summer. Let’s just start with the most practical one and that is, drink lots of water and stay hydrated at all times. Fainting is common during a heatwave so the shade is your friend! We should not be going any... Read More

19/07/2018

How to Make a Portfolio for your Art & Design University Place: Tips From the Tutors

  Got your sights set on a university degree in art or graphic design? First you have to impress the tutors by blowing their socks off with a demonstration of your incredible creative skills at a placement interview. It’s not as scary as it sounds, though, and we’ve got tips on how to make a portfolio from one of the very people you need to impress. Joanne Greenhalgh is a Graphic Design Lecturer (and employability champion) at the University of Salford, and she knows a thing or two about what... Read More

12/07/2018
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Why Should you Book your Kids Parties at Crafty Arts?

Did you know that we host a kids parties at Crafty Arts, we run a series of different creative birthday parties? We can create whatever your child desires from jungles to magical places. We set up the room depending on your chosen theme and the room is yours for two hours. The tutor will be with you for 1.5hrs and then you have half an hour to eat. I generally set up all the rooms as well as host a fair few of the parties but sometimes other tutors come in... Read More

28/06/2018

Customer Review Time: Modelling with the new DAS Smart

We are currently running a promotion where we want you to review the new Das Smart Polymer Clay on our behalf.     DAS is the number one air drying clay brand in the world. With this fact and furthermore their competitive pricing, DAS smart believes that it can hold it’s own amongst the well-known polymer clay brands like FIMO and Sculpey. It is ideal for making murine, creating jewels and small artifacts.   Two Sizes Available The small blocks come in 57g packs and are packed cleverly in an... Read More

21/06/2018
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How to Make Your Own Fairy House using Fimo Polymer Clay

Here I show you step by step instructions on making a fairy house using Fimo that can live outside in your garden. We are running this workshop in the summer so if you would like some guidance then please come and join in or just have a try at home! The truth is it was so simple and could have been even simpler if I didn’t blend all my own colours. This is definitely a lovely afternoon activity and you can easily get the kids involved. This is the absolute... Read More

14/06/2018

Cupcake Day Alzheimer’s awareness: United Against Dementia

Did you know that dementia is the biggest killer in the UK? We are supporting them to help raise awareness. Alzheimer’s Research UK has called for urgent action to be taken following the news reports recently and their aim is to double the dementia research funding over the next five years. This is something we are passionate about at Crafty Arts. On the 14th of June Alzheimer’s Society is raising awareness in the form of Cupcake Day and we want you to help! “Dementia may be the biggest killer in... Read More