It’s been a while since I’ve received a subscription box from Cotton Clara. You can opt out of the box if you don’t want it, so it feels like a few months since a box landed on my doormat. I actually didn’t want the Goldwork heart brooch kit but I didn’t cancel in time! Goldwork heart brooch Goldwork is embroidery using metal threads. When I received my box I was surprised as it contained two pieces of felt, an embroidery hoop, some threads and two envelopes. Nothing really screamed goldwork at me! However the envelopes contained red pearl purl and…

March was busy and I seem to have achieved a lot over the last few weeks. What I made in March 2024 I started the month visiting the Fashion and Textile Museum to see The Fabric of Democracy exhibition before it closed. This is a great museum and I really enjoyed seeing all the different textiles from around the world. I embroidered a pretty magnolia blossom hoop from a previous Craftpod box and gifted it to my mum on Mothering Sunday. It featured a lot of satin stitch which is not my favourite, but I think it turned out pretty…

On Friday I booked myself a ticket to attend The Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre on Upper Street in London. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to this show before but I really fancied trying a few workshops and buying some craft supplies. The workshops booked up really quickly so I was only able to book two – Italian corded quilting and making a fabric badge. The Stitch Festival 2024 The Business Design Centre is a beautiful historic building in the heart of Upper Street. Once the Agricultural Hall, built to house the Smithfield Cattle Club Show, it…

For artists venturing into entrepreneurship, the quest for passive income holds significant importance. It not only brings about security but also grants you the liberty and flexibility to dedicate yourself to your artistic endeavours. In this article, we will delve into some passive income suggestions crafted specifically for creative entrepreneurs. These suggestions aim to help you broaden your revenue streams and maintain a cash flow while nurturing your pursuits. Establish an E-Commerce Platform for Your Art Pieces In today’s era, establishing an online presence is indispensable for artists and creative business owners. If you’re wondering how to make passive income,…

You may remember last year I was excited to start a 365 embroidery wheel. I read 365 Days of Stitches and was inspired to start my own project, recording every day of the year in stitch. Reader, I failed. Why I failed to complete a 365 embroidery wheel I bought a large wooden embroidery hoop. I prepared a fabric wheel divided into 12 parts. I pondered which colourways I would use (and swiftly abandoned that idea). I kept a note each day of the motif I would stitch, just in case I couldn’t remember what it meant. I photographed each…

Have you ever tried the craft of botanical casting before? We had the children’s hand and feet cast when they were very young but not really thought about it since. So when I saw a botanical casting kit I thought it would be a fun craft to try at home. Botanical casting for beginners I bought myself a casting kit to make two sweet botanical casts. Everything was provided in the kit, although you could substitute the grasses for anything out of your own garden. As it’s February and there is nothing in my garden I was more than happy…