Crafting Fingers: when one craft isn't enough: Page 15

This bread bin (which may or may not have been stashed in my craft room for well over a year while I figured out what to do with it) was in desperate need of some TLC.

When I spotted the bread bin in its sticker-covered, scribbled-on, and scruffed up glory I knew it would be perfect for a makeover. It is pictured here after most of the cleaning and sticker removing had been done.

But this weekend I got off my bum and figured out what to do with it. I needed something quick, easy, and most importantly gentle on my shoulder. And it turned out, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® was the answer! Take a look at the photos below to see how it turned out.

(And let me know what you think about my super professional painting set up!)

Can we officially say it’s summer yet? Nature seems to think so.

Changing seasons are so inspiring to me. When the view from my craft room window is different from day to day, it’s so much easier to really pay attention to things and dig into enjoying the moment. Looking through my stash there are just so many possibilities!

The Sizzix Big Shot is an embossing, cutting, crafting machine. It’s the perfect tool to get your craft on this summer! Tweet and comment for your chance to win. (Details below.)

Disclosure: The Sizzix Big Shot is courtesy of Hobbycraft. Giveaway is UK only.

Pastel shades are so last year.

This spring I have been addicted to these three shades. Warm yellow, emerald green and sky blue are absolutely everywhere at the moment, and I’m not complaining a single bit. Usually colour trends don’t connect to me much, but I am lovin’ these! (Radiant orchid? Meh.)

Baker’s twine is a craft room staple nowadays, and when craft shop The Homemakery came out with its line of cotton twines I was quick to snap up these colours. And let me tell you, the thick twine and bright colours are so much fun to work with.

If you’re a fan of rustic, country style don’t say no to baker’s twine, either. It looks absolutely scrumptious when it’s crocheted. (Not too twee at all!)

My first summer job as a teenager was working at a florist. As the assistant I just washed plastic vases, trimmed stems, and dusted the shelves.

But one quiet morning my boss showed me how to arrange flowers, and I was hooked. And apparently I did a decent job, because I got to make a few bouquets and potted arrangements.

Flower arranging is one of those skills that you keep for life. It’s like riding a bicycle.

And if you want to learn, a book is a good place to start. I love the book ‘Simple Flower Arranging’ because it lives up to its name. Flowers don’t need to be overly complicated. Pick the right blooms, and they speak for themselves.

Disclosure: I was given this book c/o DK to review.

It’s Q&A time! Leanne admits she’s growing obsessed with knitting. Knit me a cake is evidence. I really enjoyed this peek into Leanne’s crafty life, from her feline companion to her proudest make. Don’t miss her top tip for newbie crafters, either. It’s something we all need to hear when we try a new technique.

If there’s one thing I can understand, it’s a crafter passionate about their yarn stash. (And all the fun things that can be done with it!)

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For readers new to your blog, can you tell us a bit about Knit me a cake?

My name’s Leanne and I’m 28 and living in Surrey. I craft alongside my cat Freds (he’s got a big following on my blog!) and I love to be creative – from knitting, to baking and sewing to crochet, I’ll give anything a go. Over the last couple of years I’ve built up a stash of ideas and inspirations and my blog is where I like to share my findings and crafty makes. I’d like to think my blog is for anyone who likes to be creative; there’s no snobbery about certain crafts, and it’s more just seeing what takes your fancy and having a go. I hope it inspires my readers.