Hello,
I'm must
confess that I'm so flipping chuffed to be asked, by the one and only “Martha
Mudguts” to do a guest post for her while she is away in Dubai. So much so,
that it truthfully took me a little while to decide on what to craft for you
all! Let's not dance around the giant sized vodka bottle just yet as they are
indeed huge “crafting – shoes” to fill....however you do have my word, that I
will give it my very best shot! I just luv that lady! Word - Lady Mudguts is my
kind of gal and I think she is one of the best girly - blouses around! Wouldn't
you agree?
So, while
Martha's off kicking her heels up in the desert, yes I mean that red sandy
stuff and not crème brulee, let’s make “colourful cross bunting”. If crosses
aren't your thing, please feel free to make Pineapple Bunting instead. As Martha
often suggests, if we pop a little vodka in our tea cups we won't even
know the difference! I too think it’s important to be flexible when
it comes to a good crafting tete tete - so if you make any mistakes, remember
there is always, always much beauty to be found in imperfections.
No more of the
"Chatty Cathy" from me – I think it’s time we got down and crafty!
REQUIREMENTS
- Balsa Wood.
- Cutting Mat.
- Stanley Knife.
- A cross design – you can print my cross design here.
- Painters tape – strong hold.
- Paints – I used oil paints on my bunting purely because they are my fav’s babes! I find the colour tones and clarity so beautifully addictive but you can totally use acrylics or even ink pens or texta's. However you decide to colour your crosses, is perfectly ok by me! * FYI – My oil paints did not take too long to dry as I used the paint very sparingly and applied it using my fingertips.
- 1.5 / 2 metres of twine to connect / hang your crosses
- Lastly an Embroidery needle or fine crochet hook
METHOD
Prepare your mat
and crafting station with all of the requirements listed above.
Print out your cross design / pdf – using scissors cut around your cross shape.
Using your cutting mat, place your cross over your balsa wood and lightly trace around the design with a pencil.
Remove the cross design and cut around your sketch using a Stanley knife or blade. * It is best to always work your knife in a downwards direction so that you have more control – swivel the cross shape around until you have completely cut out your design.
Cut out 6 or more crosses however cross numbers simply depend on how long you want your bunting to be.
PAINTING YOUR CROSSES
Firstly choose a colour palate or mood for your
bunting design – pick at least three fabulous tones that work a little colour-
magic together. Perhaps your palate could be based on nature, your
favourite colours or a scheme that you’ve already established at your home
already?? * If you’re needing inspiration – I painted my crosses in pink,
gold and variations of yellow tones.
Yes I did chose a “safety yellow” shade in
order to channel a lil Martha into my crafting room – I know it’s one of her
faves!
Using your Painters tape – create /isolate some
shapes to be painted * I used triangle shapes, I hand drew arrows and flowers.
This is basically where you have a swig, oops I mean sip of tea and let your
creativity shine how you want it to.
THREADING YOUR CROSSES
Using an embroidery or crochet needle gently make
two holes on each cross as pictured. FYI - you don't want to place your holes
too low down sweets as your cross will then have trouble staying upright.
Using your crochet hook, grab your twine and thread
it through each cross.
You can hang your cross bunting vertically or
horizontally in any space. * I think it would look super great layered over
windows/ curtains, on a Christmas tree or mantle or as part of a wall vignette.
Thankyou
for having me guest here Martha, do hope you all have enjoyed making your
crosses!
I
am so looking forward to hearing all about Martha's adventures in Dubai, I simply
can’t wait, can you?
xx Rachael
- Chatty C
Stylist
and blogger at Hip Brown Home
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