Are you finding that you have more time on your hand during the day just lately? Maybe the children are at school, and you find yourself at a loose end. Crafting has become big business these days with a chain of large stores opening up and down the country. Craft fairs are held in community centres at weekends and some people manage to make a good living from doing what they love.
We are going to suggest a few little projects you can take on quickly and cheaply to start your creative, crafty juices flowing. You may well get a taste for crafting, and then the sky’s the limit with what you could achieve.
Cacti Planter
Cacti are as popular today as they ever were. Making an attractive planter is simple and takes only a few minutes. It will take longer to gather the materials than to complete the project.
For this you will need:
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Small cactus plants
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Coloured gravel
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Soil
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Glass bowl (size depends on how many plants you have)
Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of your bowl. Make it about an inch thick. Add another layer of a different colour gravel. Put the soil in next to a level about one inch from the top of the bowl. Now the cacti are planted, and the bowl topped off with another layer of gravel.
The beauty of this project is that cacti are difficult to kill so even if you forget to water them they will be fine. Only give a little water every few weeks normally.
Mobile Phone Cover
It seems that people are obsessed with their mobile phones these days so why not make yours stand out?
For this item you will need:
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Clear mobile phone cover
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Beads
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Felt
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Glue gun
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Glue sticks
This project is simplicity itself. Cut out felt strips or shapes and glue them onto the phone cover to your own design. Apply some beads as you see fit for a one of a kind cover that will amaze your friends. This project only takes about 30 minutes.
Printed Tea Towels
Your individual design can be created in minutes using this simple technique.
You will need:
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Craft foam
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Fabric Paint
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Plain tea towels
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Craft Knife
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Scissors
Firstly, create any shape you like from the craft foam, using the scissors and craft knife. Geometric shapes work very well. You are then able to create your own design by simply using the foam shapes as stamps to apply the paint on the cloth. Check the paint instructions to see how it can be washed; however, there should be no problem using it in the machine. The finished cloths can be purely decorative or functional; that is up to you.
Personal Recipe Book Cover
Use your own pictures to personalise your cover. Don’t cut the original ones up, however, make copies with your computer and printer. Decoupage is a thoroughly relaxing occupation, and you can also amaze your children with your cutting out skills. Coat the finished cover with pva glue to harden and protect it.
I hope the above ideas have given you the urge to dig out the scissors and glue gun, to start filling your empty hours. Turning off the television and doing something creative will help lift your mood and pass the day along quicker. After a few successful projects, you may find it to become addictive. Then your perception alters and there just doesn’t seem to be enough free time. Before you know it, the kids will be home and the real work starts. Ah well, tomorrow is another day. Have fun.
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