Weekend DIY - sewn pillowcase floor cushions

The cold and the dark always make me want to snuggle up and hibernate in the winter. If it wasn't so impractical I'd wear my duvet everywhere.

And how cute are these pillowcase floor cushions? What a great way to re-purpose old pillows and cases. You only need to sew a few cases together, fill with spare pillows and you'll have your very own comfy mat to snuggle on. You could use them as instant spare beds for sleepovers too.

via Re-Nest, image from Great Little Trading Co

Dissected porcelain

I really like this concept by UK sculptural artist Beccy Ridsdel. Called Art/Craft, she wanted to explore the debate of craft versus art, technique and function versus idea and meaning.

Installed like a surgical lab experiment, the outwardly ordinary pieces of bone china plates and mugs have been dissected to reveal beautifully ornate innards.

Beccy explains that the '... ‘surgeon’ is dissecting the craft object to see what is within' and that '..he finds craft through and through. He tries the experiment again and again, piling up the dissected work, hoping to see something different but it is always the same'.

Her thought was that by '...turning a table full of craft objects into an artwork in its own right, it had a point beyond the technique, beyond the things themselves'.

 

I'd argue though that the dissected pieces themselves also suggest how, at its core, craft has art running through it. Beautiful craft work is, in its own right, an artform. Take any piece of tapestry, hand embroidered wedding gown, hand forged sword...

The world's smallest letter

How can you not squeal in delight at the World's Smallest Postal Service's tiny letters? Lea Redmond used to take her mobile post desk around with her and transcribe letters by hand into insey winsey miniature form.

I love, love, love the attention to detail. The envelope has a tiny address (and return address!), special mini stamps, mini WSPS post mark and is closed with a teeny initialed wax seal, then packaged with a magnifying glass to be sent in a normal sized parcel.

Lea now runs a business sending tiny letters, cards and mini parcels everywhere from her website. You can even buy your own mini letter kit!

I am unashamedly a big fan of snail mail and a super geek of all things miniature so I'm probably biased on two fronts, but an email or text just can't beat the amount of time that goes into something like a tiny letter and the excitement of receiving something like it.

Weekend DIY - Zip-Itself pencil case and coin purse

This week's DIY project, from Craft Passion, is a bit more complicated than the ones I normally choose but it is simply too cool not to share. After some sewing magic, you can zip up a single strip of ribbon to form either a pencil case, or a tetrahedral coin purse!

These would make wonderful small gifts! Make your own coin purse.

Or pencil case.

via Craft Passion

Weekend DIY - Matryoshka doll sewing set

When I was younger I found my mum's Russian doll set rather fascinating; I liked the way the same doll got smaller and smaller and fitted inside each other like a puzzle (and made rather sweet, if odd sized, bowling pins...). Now I've found an even cuter way you can make use of your Matryoshka dolls - turn them into a handmade sewing kit! Follow Vintage Violet's easy steps to make the Russian doll pin cushion HERE.

via Cut Out + Keep

Thursday ♥ - Bunny Wall Art

Bunny Wall Art by BibelotForest on deviantART

Weekend DIY - Strawberry Pillows

These are so cute! Extra large handmade strawberry squishy cushions - what's not to like? Make a few of your own to add a touch of fun to your room with these simple steps HERE.

via the purl bee

Weekend DIY - Shell candles

Yay! Outdoor eating weather has finally arrived. Candlelit garden soirees anyone? If you just happen to have lying around, the odd candle ends and old scallop shells (or any other large enough shell for that matter), turn them into these pretty handmade shell candles to decorate and delight. Simple steps HERE.

via Martha Stewart

Weekend DIY - Handstamped Spoon Plant Marker

Sometimes you come across an idea that makes you think, now why didn't I think of that?

Not only does this turn old cutlery into great handmade gifts, I reckon the hammering would also be rather good for releasing stress. Follow the quick and easy steps HERE.

via Shrimp Salad Circus

Weekend DIY - Doily Vase

Add some whimsical charm to a plain glass vase by wrapping a lacey doily around it. Then simply cut away any excess and hand stitch securely in place for a tight fit.

via Country Living

Weekend DIY - Tile Coaster

So! This weekend I bring you pretty customised handmade coasters using paper prints and the humble white tile. They'd make lovely housewarming gifts don't you agree? Follow Lindsay's easy instructions HERE.

via The Cottage Home

Weekend DIY - Tiny Polaroid Magnets

These are adorable! I love the idea. You could also give them as lovely handmade presents using family and special photos. Follow Ambrosia Girl's instructions HERE

via Creature Comforts

Weekend DIY - Teacup Bird Feeder

I think I have a tea cup obsession. Not only because they remind me of Alice's Tea Party every time I see one, but because they're so incredibly versatile. You can drink your tea or eat puddings out of them, or you could use them in crafts and turn them into candle holders, planters, pin cushions, and now I've found another one - adorable handmade bird feeders.

Just imagine a few of these popped up around a garden. So sweet! Follow Cap Creation's simple steps HERE.

via crafting a green world

Weekend DIY - Embellished Socks

Add some handmade fun to your socks and show them off! Attach cute lace trims or ribbon bows with minimal sewing, follow Alisa Burke's instructions HERE.

via Luulla

Weekend DIY - Teacup pincushion

As part of my cunning plan to write more regularly for the blog, I'm going to do features of "easy and simple, yet super-duper amazing" handmade craft projects by the many talented and creative bloggers out there, every Saturday =D

So here's the first one. Unbelievably easy and so, so cute: teacup pincushion by The Spotted Fox. Full tutorial HERE.

via punk projects