To Learn Some Great Card Crafts >>click here to continue >>

Decoupage crafts have enjoyed huge popularity these last few years and little wonder. Decoupage can be subtle or dramatic depending on your choice of papers. One of the attractions is the cost. Anyone can start with the basics of paper and scissors. But be warned; it is addictive!

I first came across Decoupage many years ago at a weekend Dayschool. Sadly the class was not well prepared or presented, which did little to inspire me. The lady may have been an enthusiast but she was no craft teacher.

I came away convinced the subject was dull and uninspiring. For may years I left it alone. What a shame, because I missed out of learning a new craft skill.

As you probably know, there is Flat Decoupage and 3D Decoupage.

Flat Decoupage is used on frames, trays, boxes etc. In fact you can use Flat Decoupage on any reasonably flat surface as you mould the cut motifs to your base shape.

You can use both gift-wrap or decorated napkins. Once the base has been prepared, your cut designs are then fixed on with a dilute glue and sealed with a varnish. There are various more expensive alternatives to this simple methods, but in essence, the ideas is the same.

- Choose and prepare your base
- – Cut your motifs
- – Paste on with glue
- – Varnish

The results can be dramatic. You can transform any humble tin or plate with appealing cut motifs. As long as you can carefully wield a pair of small pointed scissors – and fix it without tearing or damaging the delicate fibers, then you are in business!

There are 3 main skills to that you need to get your head – and your fingers around.

1. Choosing your designs
2. Cutting them out
3. Assembling them

3D Decoupage is favored by Craftsmen too. The idea is simple enough. It’s the execution that demonstrates the skills.

Using the same design, various layers are built up on a base, separated by either Silicone Glue or Sticky Fixers. Skillfully applied , and with motifs cut to show spilling and feathering, it is possible to create tremendous works of art.

Both 3D or 2D Decoupage offer challenges. But with a little patience both product great results. The choice is up to you – flat or 3D. Decoupage crafts could be your next ‘must do’.

I’m judging a County Craft Exhibition in a few days time and I expect to see some great examples of workmanship. I’ll be looking for all the basics plus some added flair. They know the Standards they are aiming for and I suspect there will be a number of Decoupage Crafts waiting for my expert eye.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find your some great Card Crafts .

Tags: Card craft, Craft Club by admin
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For your own excellence in Craft Skills >>click here to continue >>

Tomorrow I’m judging for my Womens’ Institute County Federation. It’s something I love to do and it gives me a chance to share some teaching experience and to see that craft standards are alive and well.

Many years ago now I trained as a Federation Craft Judge. This meant that I was allowed to judge locally, within my County and Nationally, if asked on all things Craft related. In the UK the Womens’ Institute has a first class reputation as both teaching and maintaining homecraft standards.

The Federation excels at many things – including debating and informing issues of National Importance. So it is considered quite an accolade to be qualified to judge for them.

Tomorrow sees me judging the Greeting Card section of the Cator Cup. I expect to me appraising around 40 or so entries so I’ll have my work cut out for me to give each a valued comment after all their preparation time.

Having exhibited myself before, I know what it’s like both sides of the fence and it’s quite some responsibility. To be able to comment you need a mix of experience plus commonsense and the ability to communicate what’s importance with encouragement and direction.

I hope I’m up to the mark. The ladies will be counting on it – and as it’s marks out of 20 – I will too! There will be no room for error if I am to maintain my own standards of Judging. Wish me luck.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find your own excellence in Craft Skills.

Tags: Craft Demonstration, Teach crafts by admin
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To find the quickest and easiest Craft Course around >>click here to continue >>

These days we all want to learn things our way. To get access to things immediately and to have choices in how we do things. My Craft Course will have you learning fast. No need to bale out of anything I teach you, because you get clear non-nonsense how to, every time.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find the best in Craft Courses.

Tags: Craft Club, Craft Courses by admin
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To find the best place for Craft Demonstrations >>click here to continue >>

Like anything that words well, a craft demonstration needs careful planning to do its stuff. It does not make any difference if you are watching a demo at a craft fair, Expo or on video. The following parts are crucial to your success.

1. You want to know the purpose of the demonstration – what to expect. The shorter the demo, the less they can show you. It should still be enough to teach you something, or to what your appetite. Have they told you what the demo is about or for, so that there are no surprises?
2. Once they have told you what they are going to do, it needs to be shown clearly, and in the proper order. You need to be absolutely sure you know how to start. Have they shared any Health and Safety guidelines, where to get materials and all the important steps involved?
3. Can you get up close and see exactly what they are doing, when and how? Hopefully they have been thoughtful enough to run off some handouts or, maybe they have a video screen or CD’s complete with Step by Step screen shots.
4. Do they have enough samples in different colours, sizes, shapes etc to give you an idea of what is possible with the project? This is particularly important if they do not have time to show you the whole start-to-finish process. A good demo should refer to these at some point during the demo.
5. Have they been engaging and personable? Have they sold you on their craft? Do you feel you would like to have a go too?
6. Are you able to ask questions about what you are seeing, if you have some queries. Some might ask you to wait till the end of their
Demo if they are in front of a group. Smaller 1:1 demos can be more flexible
7. Have they been tidy and organised? Have they engaged you, the audience and made you feel part of the process? It is always best if you feel the demo was for you!
8. Make sure before you leave that you have got all the information you need about courses costs, how to purchase etc. And most important – take some contact details. They should have a stack of business cards available.

Finally, have they made it clear what the next step is and what you need to do if you want to take things further? A Craft Demonstration is both the craft experts chance to show and your opportunity to learn so make the most of it!

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find the best in Craft Demonstration on Video.

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To find 25 fabulous Easter Crafts all with Expert Craft Instructions >>click here to continue >>

The clock is ticking and we’re running out of days to make all those fabulous Easter crafts. Isn’t it time you got started?

Tags: Easter crafts, Easy craft ideas by admin
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To find the Best Place to Learn Shadow Quilting >>click here to continue >>

Shadow quilting is the most wonderful techniques. Learn how to make a shadow quilted card and you have cracked 2 things. You have mastered the modern take on this traditional technique and you have made a fabulous card in the process.

I have run many creative card courses. Shadow quilted always features on them because it does many things. It:
- Simplifies a more complicated sewing techniques
- Helps you master basic quilting skills
- Teachers the fundamentals to build on late
- Creates a fabulous individual card for giving or a practice piece for reference.

When you are learning a new skill there are the obvious things you need to see demonstrated. Those who craft all know that while something might look complicated, a skilled demonstrator teacher can made it appear simple. On the other hand, a fairly straightforward skill can be made to look difficult and confusing in the hands of someone unskilled in sharing.

It is the obvious translation of What and How. But there are so many ways that this can be presented that you could find your project more confusing that necessary! Ask yourself a few questions if Shadow Quilting is something you want to learn:
1. Do you want a simple one-page minimal list of do’s and do nots?
2. Do you prefer more lengthy, written explanations to teach you?
3. Do you find it difficult to find your place if you return to instructions? Would a clear layout make a difference?
4. Do you like to watch and do through video?
5. Do you want to learn this as part of a bigger card course?
6. Are you looking for a gentle introduction to quilting?
7. Are you after a quilting project as part of a general craft program?

Once you are clear in your own mind on what type of instruction you are after it will be easier to find the right kind of help. Choose wisely, and you will be able to add Shadow Quilting to your list of craft can-do’s.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to Learn Shadow Quilting.

Tags: Craft Club, Craft Courses by admin
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To Get the best in Classroom Craft Activities >>click here to continue >>
To Get Some Great Craft Ideas >>click here to continue >>

It can be stressful and pressurised to come up with regular crafts to offer in class. I have taught all ages – and taught in prison. They are all difficult environments. Possibly like you I have wasted hours looking for suitable activities. Most are basic and often not written by teachers who understand the information you need to know. And they are not put in a layout that makes it easy.

Because I teach too, I know you want:
- Easy on the eye layout
- White space
- An intro
- A photograph
- What you need list
- What to do section
- Easy to follow instructions
- What next directions

You do not want to waste time getting nowhere. So when you find an idea, or a layout, or a style of writing that works for you, check out what else they have got.

They may have a series of easy craft projects that you can use straight off the page. Even if they only need a little tweaking it will be in a layout you are familiar with. That in itself will save you valuable time as you find your way around the instructions.

Make sure you know what level of project you are after and if you prefer things numbered or written in paragraphs – which are more difficult to follow. What other things would you ideally like included in your project instructions?

Would anything do or are you really prepared to take a bit of time getting familiar with a new, but possibly long-term supply of ideas? The quickest to find, free stuff may not always be your best teaching ideas. Great for now, but can you keep to returning to it for the kind of activities you need?

It may take you a while to find what you are after, but if you find the well, go drink! Classroom craft activities deserve a little help from fellow teachers.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find the best in
Classroom Craft Activities.

Tags: Craft Club, Easy craft ideas, Paper crafts by admin
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To find the quickest and easiest place to Learn Origami>>click here to continue >>

Origami is such a precise craft. Any error in folding will give you a serious problem. You should follow your paper folding instructions carefully to get the required result!

Like any craft, it is in doing things in the right sequence that is vital. One Origami fold has to come before the next. If your fold is done wrong, incorrectly or any way in-between, the next fold in the process simply will not happen.

With such a precise activity it is important to really understand what you need to do before you start. I always tell my students to do these 5 things before tackling any project.

1. Read through your project.
2. Watch the video that comes with it.
3. Look at any accompanying diagrams.
4. Cut yourself a practice sheet to size.
5. Complete a practice piece of the folded instructions.

There are obvious reasons why doing this will not only save you grief but speed up your making process.

1. You will be able to see any problem areas and figure them out.
2. You can change the size and scale of your base paper once you can see the finished practice size.
3. You can practise any folds that are challenging.
4. You will have a practice piece to refer to.
5. You can fold and refold your practice paper without wasting or damaging your chosen project material

Once you’ve got the basics sorted, everything will be easier to understand. You paper needs to be folded a certain way to have it ready for the next fold in the process.

Make your folds crisp and sharp. I always use the edge of my nail to create a nice edge. Some prefer to use a boning tool. If you choose to use scissors be very careful to use the outside edge so that you do not damage the delicate paper fibres.

If you choose to make folds with a ruler, make sure there are no ink marks on the ruler edge that could be transferred. Be careful to hold the ruler close to the edge to prevent it snapping.

Remember all project instructions have been carefully planned out. Take a bit of time up front to see how your origami instructions come together and your project proper will move along quicker.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find the best place to learn
Origami.

Tags: Craft Club, Paper crafts by admin
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To find out how you can make a beautiful Patchwork Card >>click here to continue >>

Making a patchwork card is a perfect introduction to learning patchwork. It can be made in a short time, it creates a wonderful card for giving and it teaches you the essential patchwork basics.

Many patchwork techniques can successfully transferred to card making. One of my favourites is folded Star or Somerset Patchwork. It is one of the few to have two names.

Those of you familiar with it will know it starts with strips of fabric which are cut down into separate smaller rectangles. These then have a ¼” turn on one long edge and are next turned down into precise individual triangles.

These little pieces may look uninspiring, but once they are made up they become stunning. It is the idea of the whole being bigger than the sum of the parts (I think!).

Individually they are nondescript, but assembled correctly onto a base fabric and they become spectacular.

Folded Star Patchwork was one project I always included in my card-making course because at first sight it looks way beyond a beginner. But taught slowly and carefully, with the right pauses for practice and you can turn out one of these cards in less than 2 hours. That may seem a lot of time, but it does get better! Because, like anything, the first doing takes the longest.

When I am making this project I tend to make a batch and I finish the same stage on all of the cards before moving on the next step. It is quicker as you get into rhythm and means you can create a range of cards in a relatively short space of time.

If you are thinking of giving a go then look for either a Card Course or a Patchwork course. Either way you will pick up some skills which you can turn into a variety of projects.

Many are dumb-founded why anyone would want to cut up perfectly good fabric, and then re-arrange it. But for me that is the attraction. Making new from old.

Patchwork cards have the added bonus of being easily transported so they are great to carry around and work in those spare moments.

If you are someone who does not like idle hands then a Patchwork Card project will sound just great.

The process of Learning Crafts is an individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to find out how you can make a beautiful Patchwork Card.

Tags: Craft Club, Patchwork by admin
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To find out how you can make your Artificial Flower Arrangement >>click here to continue >>

An artificial flower arrangement is very green. Flower arranging is so absorbing but often expensive. One of the attractions of the artificial flower arrangement is that they can be recycled. Bring them out as the occasion demands. A bit of tweaking here and there and they will look like new.

Whilst fresh is wonderful, we do not all have access to fresh flowers and greenery. Sometimes a larger outlay into artificial material is more cost effective and time saving in the long run. There is no right of wrong here. It is a matter of preference and pocket. Whatever works best for you as you work each arrangement.

There are 4 flower craft projects in the Craft Course, along with a host of other projects like patchwork, card making, embossing, glass painting and much more.

If flower arranging is your specialist area then these 4 projects could add a few more ideas to your repertoire. Using your experience you will be able to adapt them to make them truly individual and to your taste.

The projects included are:
- Wired ribbon rose
- Tartan plate arrangement
- Flower card
- Cracker arrangement

You may appreciate having some other crafts mixed in with you particular favorites. Having weekly crafts can keep you fed with regular ideas.

They come to you in 2 parts. Each activity has carefully written and laid out instructions covering the essentials of any good project.

In with the instructions you will get templates, patterns and where useful, line diagrams to help you understand what to do.

The bonus of this particular course is that you also get an individual craft video with each weekly project. Follow along as you are shown each careful step of what to do. You really cannot go wrong!

I have made so many of each of these crafts for family and friends. Some have used fresh flowers, others have been artificial. When I have given arrangement with artificial flowers they have been brought out again and spruced up for a new occasion. It does not take much to make something look fresh again if it has been carefully stored in the meantime.

Why not give Flower crafts a go? You will be turning out great things in no time. Your artificial flower arrangement will take pride of place amongst your other course crafts.

The process of Learning Crafts is as individual as we are. We all have our preferred way to pick up new skills and techniques. The Craft Teacher can have you learning crafts fast with a Proven system for mastering any Craft Skill. Our Weekly Step by Step Online Craft Course gives you choices in how and when you learn. We create the steps and you set the pace. Go here to learn how to make your Artifical Flower Arrangement.

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