Shabby Chick

TUTORIAL: Vintage china cake stand

By Jennie Hughes

Do you wander around your local charity stores picking up the odd pretty, but mismatched, china plate? Beautiful ceramics and bone china are so enticing, but what do you do with them? It’s not sense to keep them stashed away in a cupboard, and an entire un-matching dinner service takes some chutzpah to carry off, but what about a pretty cake-stand?

It is, just as it seems, a pile of three plates of decreasing size and two sherry or liqueur glasses, preferably one of each so they are of decreasing size also.

The other thing you need is Araldite – that’s the glue that comes in two tubes, an adhesive and a hardener. Trust me – no other glue will do.

Free vintage-style labels

The very lovely Eat Drink Chic has free downloadable labels for oil, vinegar and bit-and-bobs-boxes. They are stylish, have muted, vintage-look colours, and would add the perfect finishing touch to a home-made gift or shabby chic larder.

For full instructions and the link to download go here.

ETSY FIND: Shabby baby buttons

I recently inherited a box of vintage buttons and I have been wondering what to do with them. These handmade felt-and-button embellishments by Berrylicious have inspired me...

They are perfect for all kinds of crafting projects and come presented on a vintage-look card. Just lovely.

Embroidered art rocks!

It's official! Embroidered art rocks and this simple, but oh so effective, piece proves it.

Made by the talented duo known as Fieldguided using bright blue thread and a quote from singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom. It's available here for approximately $30.

[Via MadeByGirl]

Craft Room Inspiration: Bead storage

At the moment I have my beads stored in a variety of boxes, jam jars, and bags. It's not a terrible system, but something more unified and easy-to-browse would be even better.

While browsing for ideas, I came across this on the wonderful CraftyNest. It's a fab way of repurposing an old spice rack - and makes a beautiful bead display to boot. Check out the tutorial here.

BOOK NEWS: Cath Kidston's Sew!

Cath Kidston has been at it again... Writing a book, that is. It's out in October, so plenty of time to save up your pennies, and it's called Sew!

There are 48 projects in the book including bags, soft toys and clothing, plus trace paper and cut-out patterns. As if that wasn't enough to make you reach for your credit card, Sew! also comes with a length of unique fabric (specially printed for the book), handles and button, to make up into a bag.

[Thanks to Kate for the tip-off!]

Circus quilt kit from Buttonberry

I'm thoroughly enjoying Kirstie's Handmade Home, how about you? Kirstie is such a warm and enthusiastic presenter and there have been some truly beautiful projects and crafts on the show.

Most of the crafts (glass blowing, iron work, cake decoration) are probably beyond my skill and time - and cash - but I loved the idea of quilting (Episode 4, catch up at 4OD here). Firstly, I have a sewing machine and basic needlework skills. Plus, I am a fabric junkie. In fact, I can't believe I've never considered quilt-making before...

When trying something new, I'm all in favour of starting with a kit, and this cheerful Circus quilt from Buttonberry is calling to me... It's £28 and could be used as a picnic blanket or toddler's playmat as well as a cosy quilt.

Related: Fat quarter handbag

Craft Room Inspiration: Sewing room in a cupboard

When Sharilyn of Lovely Design wanted a dedicated sewing area in her already full-to-capacity craft room, she decided to maximise her space by using the closet.

By removing the bifold door and clearing out the clothes rail (and the clutter that invariably breeds in cupboards), adding wallpaper, shelves and a cut-to-measure desk, she has created a clever nook.

Read all about it here. Don't forget to check out Sharilyn's beautiful products in her web shop, too.

BOOK REVIEW: Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo

Just as I hoped, Kathy Cano-Murillo's book is a treasure trove of quirky ideas and arty-projects - all of which are simple enough for a beginner to tackle.

Kathy's enthusiasm positively leaps off the page, and I dare anyone to resist her upbeat 'anyone can do this' attitude.

There are thirty projects in the book; from bags and clothes to off-beat pieces like Kathy's lovely fabric postcards. Plus, I know I will be turning to the bright, funky pictures time and time again for inspiration.

Craft Room Inspiration: Amber Karnes

Amber Karnes is a graphic designer and keen crafter. In addition to publishing her website My Aim Is True, she helps to run the 7 Cities Crafters; a collective of indie artists and crafters based in Virginia.

All this, and she manages to keep a deliciously bright and colourful craft room, too. Hop over the cut for some lovely details from Amber's creative space.