Craftmaking Cabin

Knitted mushroom wrist warmers

2012-01-03T21:55:00.001Z

I'm a knitter myself and like knitting whenever possible.

These
knitted mushroom wrist warmers
are just forestry funky!

The Faux-Cardigan Tee

2011-12-18T20:22:00.000Z

For a step by step guide on how to turn a shirt that your child has outgrown, into a faux-cardigan tee, by

Designed by Dawn Nicole

Craft 4 Charity

2011-11-17T23:58:00.001Z

At Craft 4 Charity you can buy a CD with numerous sheets which can be used for your craft projects! Hasn't been updated for a year but the CD should still be available to buy.

Soapmaking that's right for you

2011-09-12T17:15:00.007+01:00

TEACH SOAP is the premier site for soap making tutorials, soap recipes, soap making tips and everything you'd want to know about making soap and other handcrafted products including lip balms, lotions, bath fizzies and lots more. (www.teachsoap.com)

Soapmaking is a fascinating interest and one I've done for some years, now. If you want to sell soaps, however, you will have to get an insurance that covers soapmaking.

Recently I've also taken to making traditional soap using castile soap, hand-milled and adding a soap making milk and butter.

1) Cold processed soaps take a minimum of 4 weeks to cure properly
2) Caustic soda or lye, is a very difficult substance to get the balance right
3) I've used soap I make myself for a couple of years now and found that although handmade soaps made with lye can be used prior to complete saponification, I find it reacts slightly with my skin, causing a slight itch and sting
4) Unless you make large batches of soap regularly and the shelf life is short, the overheads and space otherwise can be costly

I'm told by the soap assessor that each person reacts differently to soap made with lye so it's up to the individual to see whether a particular soap is right for them or not.

I've also found that more acidic fragranced soaps tend to cause a slight red itchy patch that goes away on using a gentle, milder soap.

I like using vegetable glycerine soap bases as well as I can use the end product the next day.

Having insurance in soapmaking is essential if you want to sell to the public and the soaps I prefer are the milder ones with a combination of soothing oils.

July 2011 Crafts Giveaway - Artisan Silver - Crafts News & Blog - Handmade Crafts Directory UK

2011-07-26T18:26:00.000+01:00

July 2011 Crafts Giveaway - Artisan Silver - Crafts News & Blog - Handmade Crafts Directory UK

A brand new site

2011-06-18T18:58:00.001+01:00

I've just visited Craft Calendar which is a brand new site of craft events and it is packed with listings for Craft Fairs, Craft Material Shows and Craft Workshops in the UK and Ireland.

Events and dates to put in your diary!

Craft freebies

2011-06-14T21:38:00.005+01:00

It's like a breath of fresh air when I see freebies for craft making projects and at Craft Freebies there is no exception.

So many offers and freebies there, it's easy to get swamped by it all!

This craft freebie forum is also worth checking out:
Craftville

Here there is free printables for card making and paper craft:
Card Making World

Ways to save money and get bright ideas

2011-06-12T08:25:00.003+01:00

As someone who have done craftworks since 2006, I've been finding ways to get quality products cheaply and one website I like is,

Free Craft Stuff

There are a number of good ideas on there that I've used and liked.

Father's Day

2011-06-11T13:15:00.007+01:00

The shops are now flooded with gift ideas for Father's Day.

If you're adventurous and want to impress your dad or help your children make something for Father's Day, here's some excellent ideas:

From Activity Village

where fun and exciting projects are available.

Soap making

2011-06-08T21:19:00.003+01:00

Takes a lot of practice and experimenting with a combination of oils and natural ingredients.

Once you find the right balance of butters and oils, you'll know whether you prefer hot or cold processed making soaps and this has to be approved of by a soap assessor before you can sell soaps to the public!

It is a gradual process of building up experience and initially it will seem like you'll never make a cent or penny but then as you start to become good at soap making, it will become natural. If you chose to make soaps for yourself, which I do and have done over the past few years, you'll want to sell to the public but that can come at a price as you may start off with a stall at craft markets and make just a few sales.

I now figure that craft exhibitions and selling on craft websites are what works best.

Lavender Handmade Soap

2011-03-14T18:15:00.002Z

Lavender is a soothing essential oil which calms and relaxed the mind.

In soaps or in fragrancing a room, it can be used just before going to sleep as I find it helps to bring on sleep much more quickly.

Bergamot, Rosewood, Orange and Elderflower Handmade Soap

2010-12-11T14:36:00.005Z

Soaps with bergamot and rosewood as well as orange essential oils really help me feel good throughout the day and this is one soap I like using.

Cinnamon & Ginger Handmade Soap

2010-12-11T14:32:00.002Z

A refreshing and invigorating soap which makes you feel good and alert, throughout the day.

Ginger has beneficial effects in helping you feel invigorated throughout the day. Although I like the smell of ginger and lemon mixed together, I find that in foods, its flavour is over empowering.

Handmade Shaving Soap

2010-12-08T19:56:00.002Z

Jojoba oil in small quantities can be nourrish the skin, particularly where it becomes hardened by shaving or being in hot, dry weather for long periods of time.

It is amazing what natural ingredients can do to help make the skin feel smooth and soft.

Natural Handmade Soap

2010-12-06T19:47:00.001Z

Anything natural is good for the skin but it comes at a price. Natural handmade soaps are nourrishing for the skin but the expenses can add up. However, it's well worth pampering yourself occasionally!