The Next Dimension in Doodling!

Hi Everyone,

I've been busy getting ready for today's Hochanda TV DoodleArt Shows (at 3pm and 7pm) and reliving my childhood too! I don't know if anyone else remembers the Doodleart posters that used to be available - I know I spent hours and hours colouring them in. 

Anyway Efco have taken adult colouring to the next dimension with their range of DoodleArt boxes and letters...

They can be coloured in with pens and pencils, even watercolour pencils and acrylic markers and embellished with crystals and glitter etc. Some, like the heart design can even be part decoupaged!

Efco have also brought out a range of DoodleArt Stamps some of which tie in with their range of Texture Mats. These are intricate designs which are great for adult colouring and creating backgrounds etc. You can use them to make cards, decorate bags and other items too. 

You can even use them in mixed media projects such as this book cover...

I will upload instructions for the book cover and also how to get the best images on the fabric bags when creating repeating patterns, so watch this space!

Happy Crafting!

Bags of Cork!

Hi Everyone

Here's the instructions for how to create the small cork leather bag I promised Hochanda viewers on my last show...

Materials:

Cork Leather Sheet (Marron) 45 x 35 cm (3370600)

Cork Tape 5mm x 100 cm  (3374005)

Cork Tape 10mm x 100 cm (3374010)

Cork Tape 20mm x 100 cm (3374020)

Sewing Machine & Thread

Wonder Clips & Pencil

Small piece of Mountboard

Scissors, Knife, Ruler & Cutting Mat

Step 1. Cut a 7 cm strip from the long edge of a piece of cork leather. Cut 2 x 18cm long pieces from the strip and from both pieces cut a 5 mm square from two corners (see photo).

Step 2. Mark the centre of the large cork piece and the middle of the two side gussets. Place the side pieces on the main piece, wrong sides together, lining up the marks and the side edges.

Step 3. Sew approx 5mm in from the edge along the bottom of each gusset.

Step 4. Position the 5mm cork tape approx. 25mm from the edge of the short sides of the bag. (You can use the 20mm tape as a guide if desired.) Sew down the middle of the 5mm tape, securing the ends with back stitching. Trim the ends flush with the Marron cork.

Top Tip: When sewing the tapes in position across the top of the bag make sure you overhang the tape at either end as it tends to travel a little whilst sewing. This will stop it appearing to be too short at the edges.

Step 5. Cut the 10mm cork tape in half. Position the ends approx. 3cm from the side edges, butting them up to the 5mm tape.

Step 6. Sew the ends in position with a square of stitching going onto the 5mm tape to firmly secure the handle ends. (See photo)

Step 7. Sew the 20mm tape along the top edge of the bag on either side, trimming the ends as necessary.

Step 8. Line up the side seams with the gusset on either side and sew them approx. 5mm from the edge.

Step 9. You will need to finish the corners by hand as they will be too tight for the sewing machine.

Step 10. Cut a piece of card 27 x 6.5 cm to help shape the base of the bag.

There are four different cork leather designs available: Marron is the only dark one so you get a great contrast with the cork tapes, but there are also Granulo, Mosaic and Stripes if you prefer a lighter coloured bag.

Cork is also available as paper and fabric (The fabric is called Tissue but it is definitely fabric with a woven backing and not tissue.) Both the leather and fabric can be hand washed and ironed on a low setting.

Happy Crafting!