Upcycled Spring Vase & Pen Pot

Spring has definitely sprung in our part of the world so here's a simple upcycling idea for bringing a little spring prettiness into your home.

If you are in the southern hemisphere and heading into Autumn, maybe just pin for now and come back to this in 6 months! 

In order to bring you this craft project I was provided with some products by Hobbycraft.

Perfect for an Easter Table centerpiece or just as a fun way to brighten your indoor space, this vase started it's life as a jam jar. I don't know why we call them all jam jar's here in the UK when this jar didn't contain jam at all! It actually contained mincemeat that we used for mincepies last Christmas, it's a good size jar, 13cm/5" tall - perfect for a vase. 

To make this vase or the pen pot you will need:

• Faux grass - mine was this one from Hobbycraft
• Artificial daisy heads - I used these also from Hobbycraft
• A clean old jam jar for the vase
• A clean old food tub of some sort for the pen pot
• Scissors
• A hot glue gun - mine is one of these

This is a super quick project, it took longer to clean up afterwards that it did to make the vase and pen pot! 

Simple cut the faux grass to fit in a band around your jam jar. I made my band about 7cm/3" wide as I wanted a little glass and therefore stems showing top and bottom, yours can be as wide or narrow as you wish.

It's really easy to cut with regular scissors, but it is a little messy as you can see. Just rub your hands over the grass after you've cut it to remove all the loose bits and to fluff it up a bit. 

Now hot glue it to the jam jar. No photos of this bit I'm afraid as I can't hot glue and take photos simultaneously but I'm sure you can work it out! 

Just be careful of your fingers with that hot glue. Once it's attached, just press firmly to the glass for a few seconds until the glue cools down and hardens.

Next take the artificial daisy heads and glue them to the grass. I did a fairly regular pattern but you could dot them randomly all over or place them in a line, whatever takes your fancy.

That's it! Simple as that. Fill your jar with water and pop in some spring flowers. I went for daffodils as they scream Spring and Easter to me.

This would make a great Mother's Day gift too, maybe not for small children to do with the hot glue but anyone else could rustle this up easily. 

You could even just add a grass wrap around an existing vase and just tie it on firmly with twine if you wanted a large bunch of flowers for an Easter celebration, that way once you were finished with it you could easily remove it and stash it away for next year. Some sort of rustic twine could look great with the grass and daisies, tied in a bow, maybe with an Easter tag. 

Making the pen pot uses exactly the same method. 

This time I covered a coffee tin but covered it completely in the faux grass. It was just a case of cutting the faux grass to size, hot gluing it on and then adding the daisies. This time I just used white daisies - just mixing things up a bit!

The tin gets surprisingly warm inside as the glue is cooling, I guess the metal holds the heat but it was never dangerously hot.  

Once it had cooled I popped my prettiest pens in and added it to the desk. 

This tin could be a planter too of course, as long as your recycled container is water tight you could add a potted plant in there instead - now that really would be ideal for Mother's day. 

Just bear in mind that metal tins used as planters will rust at the bottom eventually. You can read my cautionary tale about that here.

I've got a few more Easter and Spring crafting ideas in the pipeline made from the products Hobbycraft provided, plus they have loads more ideas here if you are in an Easter decorating mood now!

You might also be interested in:

Carrot Treat bag

Tassel Button Key Ring

Washi Tape Berry Boxes

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

I'll be linking up this project at some of these lovely link parties

Meet Elspeth from Ragged Life

Now for something completely different!
Meet Elspeth Jackson from Ragged Life, self confess fabric hoarder, colour lover and expert rag rugger.

A few weeks ago at the CHSI stitches show I had the pleasure of meeting Elspeth, the talented rag rug making teacher, designer and founder of Ragged Life. I've asked Elspeth to share a little more about her creative journey and plans for world rag rug making domination. (ok - I added that bit, but wouldn't that be fun, a rag rug in every home on the planet!)

How did you first get into rag rug making?

Every year my school used to put on a “Recycled Fashion Show” where the students had to make costumes out of recycled materials. My mum had been making beautiful rag rugs out of old clothing for years and I thought it would be a great medium for my outfit. My masterpiece took hours to make, weighed a tonne and was baking hot under the catwalk spotlights but won me a prize. By then I had caught the rag rug bug! Afterwards I began making rag rugs for myself and eventually for other people. My core rag rug pieces are for sale on my website (www.raggedlife.com) but I also undertake commissions for custom-made pieces. My mother is the original rag rug guru. I’ve learned new techniques, tips and tricks over the years but without my mum’s patience when I was learning as a youngster, Ragged Life would not exist today.

What made you decide to start Ragged life?

I decided to launch Ragged Life after noticing how many people were interested in learning how to rag rug. There were very few rag rug “experts” out there to teach and lots of crafty people looking to learn. I’d been looking for a creative outlet for a while so it was the perfect opportunity and timing.

What is your background? What did you do before starting Ragged Life?

Although I’ve always made rag rugs, it wasn’t until 2014 that I took the leap of faith to make my passion, my work. In fact, most people are very surprised when they learn that I did Geography at university, not an art or textile degree. After university, I went straight to work for Unilever in London. I worked in Marketing for three years, working on incredible brands, including Persil, Flora and Lynx. Although I don’t regret working for a big company, I knew deep down that working for a company that large just wasn’t for me.

Are there any other crafts you enjoy?

Like most crafty people, I just love making things. I flit from one craft to another and have tried everything from modern calligraphy and pottery to cross stitch and lampshade making over the years. Aside from rag rugging, I love to crochet - I'm not the most competent at it but I do love hoarding wool and making snoods. 

What's your favourite thing about what you do now?

I love meeting so many happy, creative people. The craft world is such a nice industry to be in - people are friendly, inspiring and never fail to surprise me. 

Where do you get your design inspiration from? 

Inspiration can come from anywhere so getting out there and seeing different things is key. Last year, while on holiday, I went to the Spello Infiorati (Spello Flower Festival) which was incredible for design and colour inspiration. Closer to home, exhibitions such as the “Henri Matisse - The Cut-Outs” show at the Tate Modern or the Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” exhibition at the V&A were great for helping me to think outside the box. Of course, there’s also Pinterest which is the place for inspiration. I have plenty of boards chock-full of ideas here.

What are you most proud of in your rag rug journey so far?

In October, 2016 I had my first ever book, "Rag Rugs, Pillows & More", published globally. I'd never even imagined that I would become a published author so I couldn't believe it when CICO Books hunted me down. There are few things more satisfying than that moment when you receive the first copy of the book you've slaved over for months. 

Do you have a favourite piece that you've made?

I don't necessarily have a favourite piece but I do really love the boucherouite-inspired stool I upholstered in rag rug. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. 

What does the future hold for Ragged life?

At the moment, I'm working on quite an ambitious project to create a rag rug piece to submit to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition next year. I'm incorporating ragged clothing from 1900-2000 which has been a lot of fun to track down. My ultimate aim is get as many people interested in rag rugging as possible so keep your eyes peeled for Ragged Life popping up in shops over the next few years. 

Where do you suggest a beginner should start if they are interested in rag rug making? 

One of the most daunting thoughts for a rag rug beginner is the thought that they've got to make an actual rug when they first start out but actually rag rugging can be applied to so many small projects. I would recommend starting with something like a shopping bag or cushion to get used to the techniques then work your way up to an actual rug.

My second piece of advice would be to do a simple design to start with. Even basic patterns like stripes, spots and check look extremely effective when rag rugged because of the texture. As long as you're happy with the colour scheme, you can't really go wrong. 

What social media are you on?

www.instagram.com/raggedlife

www.pinterest.com/raggedlife

www.twitter.com/raggedlife

www.youtube.com/ragged

A massive thank you to Elspeth for sharing her rag rugging story so far, I don't know about you but I'm itching to have a go now. I've been watching Elspeth's brilliant You Tube tutorial on how to make a rag rugged letter.

Making a rag rug has been on my "to do" list for years, I've had a pinterest board where I've collected a variety of tutorials but I've never actually taken the plunge. But it turns out there must have been rag rugs around in my grandparent's house because look what I found in the depths of my sewing box.

These were my nan's, and although they are a little bit marked they seem in good working order. Maybe subliminally that's why I like rag rugs so much, that and the fact they are a great recycling/upcycling project. I'm going to take Elspeth's advice and start small. I'm thinking a cushion or bag, or maybe coasters if that's not too small, using my nan's old tools. I think she would have liked that.

You might also be interested in:

Lace Cut off jeans

Embroidered shirt refashion

Star Sweatshirt Refashion

Simple Embroidered Bag

I'll be linking up at these great link parties

Handmade Monday #16

Welcome to Handmade Monday, our weekly craft linky.

Come and join us, share your makes, bakes and other handmade craft ideas or just find some new inspiration.

How's your week been? Have you had time for any crafting? I received a skein of the most beautiful yarn from EasyKnits.co.uk, so I've been balling it up and testing it out with some samples squares.

Now onto the features from last week's Handmade Monday.
Vicky and her family made this lovely pebble wall hanging after a day out together. what a great way to involve everyone and make something beautiful too.

Lina from Sew Historically made her own stamps with nothing more than a scrap of craft foam and an old cork. I'm a sucker for keeping corks, they look like they are going to be useful so I have quite a tub full now and this is such a versatile idea. 

Congratulations, here is a "Yay! I was featured" button for your blog.

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We have a Handmade Monday Facebook Group where here we share tips and ideas. If you like to link up here regularly you are welcome to join us, just send a request. Every entry to Handmade Monday gets pinned onto our Handmade Monday pinterest board too, send a request to join this group board if you love to pin.

The rules for Handmade Monday are simple:

• Did you make it? Yes - hooray, we'd love to see it!
• Add the link to a specific blog post, not your main site URL.
• Link up to 3 posts each week.
• Mingle - visit some of the other links - comment - share - let's support one another and grow our craft community.

If you're not sure, more information can be found here.

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Embroidered Shirt Refashion

Embroidery embellishment on clothing seems to be everywhere in the shops right now and it's easy to create a little of this look at home. 

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One of the trends that is all over the place at the moment is floral embroidery on clothes. I keep seeing it in every shop window I walk past, it was even mentioned at the CHSI stitches show a few weeks ago as a big fashion thing. Some trends come along and stay for ages, others are in and out again before you know it. I'm no great fashion expert and I don't want to spend lots of money on something that is "here today, gone tomorrow" so I thought a DIY nod to this embroidered fashion trend might be in order.

I've had this old denim shirt for a few years now, it's soft and comfy and goes with loads of things.

A couple of evenings and some pretty simple stitching later and it has a new lease of life.
I love the red embroidery thread on the denim but you could try this idea on any colour or fabric shirt.
I used the DMC magic sheet that was in my goodie bag from the CHSI stitches show to transfer my design to the fabric. I like how it makes the fabric stiffer so an embroidery hoop is not really needed (at least I didn't use one and it turned out fine) 

To create a similar refashion you need:

• A shirt - with a pocket if you want this "flowers in the pocket" effect
• Embroidery threads, mine was DMC coloris 4517 for the flowers and DMC 522 for the green stems and leaves
• Embroidery Transfer Magic Sheet by DMC or similar, or a wash out fabric marker pen
• Sharp embroidery needle and scissors

Start by drawing a simple design on scrap paper until you are happy with it. Or you can copy mine here,  it's not precisely what I ended up with on the shirt, but it gives a rough idea.

Now transfer your design onto the magic transfer paper if using. I used a pale blue pen which was probably a mistake as a darker colour would be easier to see. I'm afraid I was being lazy and just grabbed what was to hand.

To put the design onto the fabric you just cut it out, peel off the backing then press it down firmly.

Now you just stitch your design using 2 strands of the embroidery thread. I did all the green stems and leaves first using back stitch for the stems and lazy daisy stitches for the leaves. 

I used the DMC coloris thread, again with 2 strands, for the flowers and did a mix of lazy daisy stitches, simple long stitches (I'm not sure exactly what to call them, kind of satin stitch but not so close together) and some woven wheel stitch. My nan taught me these years ago and I was reminded of them just the other week by this great tutorial from Tea and a Sewing Machine. 

Because the DMC coloris thread changes colour as you go it gives different shades to the flowers without you having to change anything.
The magic sheet transfer paper is pretty cool, I have no idea what it's made off but when your embroidery is all done you can just run it under the tap and in seconds the paper just turns to a kind of jelly and then vanishes. 

I confess I started my embroidery threads with knots, normally a bit of a no no for embroidery but on the weighty denim I think I got away with it. 

I added a little embroidery to the cuffs too, in exactly the same way as the pocket detail. 

Dry your garment, if it needs ironing do it on the wrong side with a fluffy towel underneath so you are not squashing all your lovely stitches and the wear your embroidered embellished top with the joy of knowing no one else has one exactly the same.

You can go wild and add more or tone it down and add less. that's the beauty of doing it yourself! I can imagine a little on the collar, or maybe actually on the pocket instead of peeking out. 

You might also be interested in:

Embroidered Gloves

Making Toys from Kids Drawings

Cross Stitch Planter

Simple Embroidered Bag

I'll be linking up at these great link parties

Handmade Monday #15

Hello and welcome to Handmade Monday, our weekly craft linky.

Come and join us, share your makes, bakes and other handmade craft ideas or just find some new inspiration.
We are a super friendly bunch here and most who join are ready, willing and able to come by and visit your blog, leave a comment, share on some sort of social  media etc. Sometimes leaving a comment can be a problem though, it seems to depend on what platform you are using. One of our members was kind enough to let me know last week that she can't always leave a comment when she visits some sites. (name/URL isn't an option on the drop down list apparently) Just bear that in mind, no comment doesn't always mean no visit! 

What have you been making this week? I've just treated myself to a subscription to Mollie Makes magazine (there was an offer, I couldn't resist!) so I had fun trying out the little mini weaving kit that came with the March issue.

It was all very fiddly so I'm not sure I'm going to suddenly become a weaver but it was fun to play with. I actually know 2 amazing young weavers whose work is well work checking out if you are interested Woven by Laurence and Sophie Graney. What they do is worlds away from my little wall hanging and they both have Instagram feeds full of beautiful inspiration. 

Here are the features from last week's Handmade Monday, this week it's all about learning new skills.

There is nothing quite like having an expert show you exactly how to do something properly - for example this clear tutorial from Made by ChrissieD on joining diamonds for your quilt making or patchwork. Just check out her perfect points! 

Have you ever made a purse or bag with a purse frame? I've always thought it would be complicated but Tea and a Sewing Machine takes us though the steps, I think I could actually do this!

 
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We have a Handmade Monday Facebook Group where here we share tips and ideas. If you like to link up here regularly you are welcome to join us, just send a request. Every entry to Handmade Monday gets pinned onto our Handmade Monday pinterest board too, send a request to join this group board if you love to pin.

The rules for Handmade Monday are simple:

• Did you make it? Yes - hooray, we'd love to see it!
• Add the link to a specific blog post, not your main site URL.
• Link up to 3 posts each week.
• Mingle - visit some of the other links - comment - share - let's support one another and grow our craft community.

If you're not sure, more information can be found here.

An InLinkz Link-up