be creative daily!

10/01/2019
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Engaged at Christmas/ New Year: 2019 Wedding Trends

Engaged at Christmas / New Year, how exciting! Now breath! Take some time to enjoy this. Take as much time you like to tell your friends and family. Do it in person or over the phone but then just take some time for yourself. Time is going to fly (8 months and counting ahhh). You can check your secret Pinterest board for ideas that you like and talk to your partner about the budget, what time of year and what themes if any you are having. Will it be a... Read More

03/01/2019

New Year Planning: A Greener 2019

It is easy to set goals for yourself, what needs improving, etc. Winter is the perfect time for planning your New Year, what you hope to achieve and accomplish. Are we thinking a little too small? We know what to do to improve our own health and even the environment but do we prioritize it over anything else? We all know the benefits of tucking into a healthy meal made from scratch using healthy ingredients but sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy and we rely on takeouts... Read More

31/12/2018
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Plans for the New Year and what you want from us?

So it is time for us to start planning for the new year and to find out what you want from us? We need all the information you can give us so please email us with all your suggestions. January is a great time to sit down and plan out the year. We like to take a breather from how busy we have been this Christmas time and start planning. How do you utilise, January? Well, Christmas is over! All that time and effort, some of you will be packing up... Read More

24/12/2018

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We have had such a wonderful year. Our Team has grown and we would all like to wish you a Merry Christmas! We can’t believe there is just 1 day left. One That’s it and then it is all over. So have a wonderful Christmas and tell your loved ones how much you love them at this magical time of year! From all of us at Crafty Arts Merry Christmas.      

20/12/2018

It’s nearly Christmas but don’t panic you still have time

I know there are only 5 days left till Christmas but don’t panic you still have time. Don’t stress too much if you haven’t crossed everything off your list. It is time to put down the google search and hit the high street. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact thing you’re looking for. You can always hunt after Christmas in the January sales. Your family will still appreciate it even if it is a few days late. Maybe Santa got stuck up the chimney and there was no one there to pull... Read More

14/12/2018
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Gift wrapping is my favourite part of Christmas

Gift wrapping is my favourite part of Christmas. I am not sure why, I love a neat edge and a fancy bow. Printed papers or simple designs fill me with joy. I love complicated ties or butchers’ twine. Gift wrap definitely says more about the wrapper than who you are giving it to. Because all your efforts end up in the bin of destiny. The presents from my fiancé are always either neat or hopeless. Meaning he has tried or someone else has wrapped it for him. He also loves... Read More

07/12/2018

How to Start Oil Painting with 6 Easy Steps without feeling daunted

When it comes to oil painting many beginners feel overwhelmed before they have even started due to the techniques that you have to use for oil painting. You don’t need to feel this way. You just need to break it down, learn the methods and don’t be over ambitious with your first try. The “Fat over Lean” principle isn’t difficult but it is important. This guide is to give you 6 easy steps when getting started with oil painting. Using these steps will give you an understanding of how to... Read More

06/12/2018
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How to have a Stress Free Christmas

Christmas is a stressful time. It is- as much as it is full of love family and laughter there is a lot of preparation involved. Food alone is crazy! Here are a few tips so you can enjoy a stress free Christmas. Organisation is key as well as a budget. It is all well and good buying presents here and there but rather than going too crazy, write a budget. Kids toys cost a fortune and they get bored of them quickly. I have a few lists  Gifts Events Food, drink... Read More

29/11/2018
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Working with Polymer Clay : Interview with Artist Stacey Halabuda

We recently asked our crafters to review a new polymer clay product so we decided to interview one of the artists. Stacey works with Polymer clay and runs her craft business from home. Her works are truly pieces of heaven. We asked about crafting and working with Polymer clay and running a craft business. Question time How did you get interested in crafts? I always remember being crafty but it really all started with a quilling kit I was bought for my birthday one year. Although I wasn’t particularly good at... Read More

22/11/2018
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Top 10 of 10 Acrylic Sets

Here I share our top 10 of acrylic sets Watercolour may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Technically it can be tricky very tricky and you have to learn a lot before you can create masterpieces unless you like abstract or mixed media. Acrylic, on the other hand, is a wonderful rich medium that you can create a painting and if you make a mistake, let it dry and fix it.  Acrylic is very forgiving when other mediums are not. 1 Liquitex 48 set If you like to have lots of choices then... Read More

16/11/2018
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Top 10 Of 10 Watercolour Recommendations: For Gifts or just for you

If you are stuck looking for art presents or want to add to your art collection here we go through our Top 10 Of 10 in watercolour. All the products you can use together or on there own. Watercolour doesn’t have to be limited to tubes of paint. You have half pans, pencils, pens, inks and blocks.   1. Winsor and Newton 24 Half Pan I love this set so much I have two of them. It has all the colours you need and you can travel with it easily. When... Read More

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