Transform
a garment, dress up cards and tags or make jewelry with this
selection of twenty handmade buttons. All you need are a few
button molds and the rest is about using up a stash. Fabric,
beads, fancy threads and felt are all used to create these
attractive buttons. You will also require basic sewing skills
and tools, but this is a simple craft that can be done by
most crafters. I confess to wondering where I was going to
get the metal rings and wooden button blanks that are used
but the author sells all these things (and more) on her website
(see below). The book opens with a list of the items you will
require plus some basic button techniques. Twenty To Make
books have twenty projects featuring one page of what you
need and instructions with the facing page showing a photograph
of the item in situ. The buttons can be used wherever your
imagination takes you, but it is inspiring to see them worn
as pendants and hair slides, dressing up cards, tags and gifts,
sewn onto hats and shoes as well as being used as fastenings
on garments. Instructions are in word form only; there are
no staged diagrams but anybody who is au fait with the basics
of sewing won’t have a problem. Make toggles by rolling
fabric, stitch on beads or do a bit of basic embroidery (you
will need to look elsewhere for the stitches but they are
simple ones) and wrap with thread. My own favorite has to
be Spiral, made by rolling up bias binding over cord and adding
a few beads. At the front of the book are some useful circles
to trace that will fit most sizes of circular blank. Another
winner in this excellent series.
Anybody
who regularly reads my reviews will know I am always looking
for new ways of recycling things, and here is a good one.
Weave outside using yarn and twigs, cut out card circles,
roll up card or hammer nails into wooden boxes or (like me)
old frames. With a table fork for a beater, crochet hook and
tapestry needle, hammer and nails you will probably be able
to make any of the looms, all of which are so simple to make
that instructions are kept to a minimum. There are plenty
of clear photographic steps to stringing the looms, weaving
and finishing off, and of course projects. Cover buttons,
weave mats, create jewelry, wall hangings, napkin rings, wallets,
bunting and more (no Alice bands). My favorites have to be
the tote bag and matching clutch purse, showing that you can
do a lot with a little. The threads used include all kinds
of yarns but also ribbons, strips of suede and even chenilles
(pipe cleaners). The projects have clear diagrams and instructions;
if you are new to this sort of thing I advise starting with
the simpler looms and items first. Recycling has never been
so much fun!
Button
bases, threads and more available from www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk
If
you cannot find a good range of craft materials locally try
www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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