If a crafter makes something without anyone else around, does it make a sound?
Ok, ok, bear with me. I’m a bit rusty when it comes to this whole writing thing. Maybe a better start would have been the golden cliche of ‘Is this thing still on?’
This month I’m honoured to be featured in Simply Crochet magazine. In Issue 55, they’ve dedicated a whole article to one of my favourite topics: finding a tribe. You can find some of my comments on the topic from page 66, where I discuss online community along with the skilled Amanda of Little Box of Crochet, Mandy of Red Agape, and other inspiring makers.
I look back on the history of this blog. There have been highs and lows. I have nostalgic memories of making new friends and the satisfaction that can only be won through hard work, as well as literal blood, sweat, tears, and tension headaches. I have written over 150 posts on Crafting Fingers alone and been honoured to get over 600 comments so far. It’s harder to measure how many conversations, giggles, and debates have been had on social media, too. This blog wouldn’t have kept on if it weren’t for the community I found online & off. 
Above: The results of my first Craft Club Box
Sewing is my big craft focus this year. So when Courtney of Craft Club Box offered me a trial of her craft box subscription, I couldn’t resist. Each box has a surprise pack of beautiful materials, instructions for a project, and a complementary eMagazine with hundreds of curated projects for inspiration.
Neatly packed, April’s kit is a wonderful bundle of spring colours and useful materials, including the main star of the show: the triangle zipper pouch kit with step-by-step instructions. I really enjoyed this project, but more on that below!
For a total of £10 per box and £3 p&p, I think the box is a bargain. As well as kit materials and instructions, there’s a few bits to add to your craft stash for other projects. April’s box contains:
And every month, Courtney sends subscribers a helpful emag. As well as including a peek of the box contents, the Craft Club Box emag includes a wealth of more crafting inspiration and helpful tips for the month’s sewing kit.
I love how felted fungi look. Mushrooms are a wonderful, whimsical piece of décor that can look as cultured or as fantastical as you like. Whether gourmet chantarelles or little Smurf houses, mushrooms look lovely all year round. All they need is a bit of styling for a seasonal look. (Although a certain Italian plumber definitely thinks mushrooms are in fashion ALL year.)
For a whimsical, earthy, and delicious fungi-friendly look I used needle felt to make this DIY mushroom display. I’ve shared the full tutorial over on Minerva Crafts:
Read the full DIY Felted Mushrooms tutorial on Minerva Crafts >
To make your own mushroom display you’ll need:
- Natural wool roving in grey, brown, white, and other suitable woodland shades (the Assorted Browns felt pack is perfect)
- Felting needle(s)
- Felting mat
- Scissors
- Optional: stiff floral wire & wire cutters
Back in 2012 – the year The Hobbit was finally in theatres, and everyone joked that the world would end – I realised I hadn’t made anything for over a year. That’s how this blog started.
Like an echo, 2015 ended a lot like 2012 did for me. It hadn’t been a yearlong break from making, but at this point even a two month break feels like an eternity. Two months of daily progress on something adds up – and you never get that time back. After weeks of intense making all summer and autumn long, my DIY flame burned out. Kaput.
Confession? When I haven’t been in bed at 8PM, I’ve been a film junkie instead. All those years of turning my nose up at unproductive sofa potatoes has come back to haunt me! And yet, the cliche of the brain working when you’re not actively being creative is true. After a winter funk, I’m bursting with ideas.
In collaboration with Rust-Oleum
Our front room has had a rethink. I’d call it a makeover, but mostly it’s just been a lot of rearranging furniture.
I did need a new shelf. So when I was offered the chance to try some new shades of Rust-Oleum’s chalky finish Furniture Paint I just had to take up the offer. A bit of interior DIY was just what the room needed!
Here’s how I used Rust-Oleum Furniture Paint to make a scratched old shelf look modern again.
