101 Things in 1001 Days #80

Create or go on a scavenger/treasure hunt

Over the Easter Weekend, myself & Nick decided to go Geocaching!! I had heard of it a few weeks ago but hadn't had the time to properly research it so didn't fully understand what it was all about. So over the weekend I downloaded the app & we decided on the best area to go so we could walk a route.

If you haven't heard of it before, you basically look for small capsules that are hidden in the outdoors - on gate posts, signposts, under bushes, in tree stumps! These are marked on a map on the app & you can also ask for a hint if you're struggling to find it. Once you find it, you open the capsule, log your name & the date you found it on the bit of paper inside then put it back exactly where you found it for the next people to find! You can also log it on the app too. 

The app shows you where to find the capsules

There are different size capsules, some with small items in which you can move around - but that all gets a bit technical & we are new to the party so just stuck to writing out names. There are literally thousands all over the place & the app it's totally free. It's a really good way to encourage people to get outside. You can pay for the premium version, which allows you to find the more challenging ones - I am seriously considering doing this!

I am not sure if it is cheating my ticking this one off my list as it isn't really a scavenger/treasure hunt but it's a very similar idea & a brilliant way to satisfy your inner nerd! Have you ever been Geocaching before? 

♥  

ZoFlo

Craft Blog Club // Craft Resolutions Reveal

Another Craft Blog Club Challenge! This time is was a "Crafty Resolutions" challenge. Whether it was something new you wanted to learn, or something you had been meaning to do for a while, it was time to finally give it a go! I opted for Cross Stitch. As well as being something I hadn't done before, it was also a gift my Mum got me for my birthday so I definitely needed a kick up the butt to get going with it!

I think for a first timer, I have opted for something quite challenging. But my Mum chose a design she knew I would like once it is completed. It is quite time consuming, although I do really enjoy it. I haven't finished it yet...in fact I'm quite a long way off completing it! But I am pleased that Craft Blog Club gave me the motivation I needed to get started on it. 

The reason I wanted to give Cross Stitch a go was of course due to Pinterest. I have seen loads of great Cross Stitch designs on clothes & it looks so cute - very boho! So of course I wanted to learn the skill so I could do some DIY of my own to liven up some of my plain tops/dresses/skirts! My absolute favourite is this dress I saw a while back on Pinterest - isn't it so beautiful?!

Have you taken part in the Crafty Resolutions Challenge too? If you have, please post your links below. I would love to see what you did too!

♥ 

ZoFlo

My Pattern Stash!

The other day I was organising my fabric & pattern stash. I didn't realise how many patterns I had until I whipped around my sewing room & collected them all up, so I thought it was only fair to share my favourite ones with you.

All of the patterns (& Humphrey)!

I am currently using the New Look K6144 pattern for a dress making project I am working on. It is really easy to follow, although it has been a while since I have had to sew darts so I had to really think about what I was doing!

I used this pattern to make my Mums Christmas gift. It was free from the Daily Mail & is the most simple pattern ever!

I recently got some really cheap, thick upholstery material from a Flea Market which I plan to make a skirt with (which also cost me £1.50 for a meter & a half). It always takes me a while to decide, but I have managed to whittle it down to 2 options - the New Look K6217 or K6107! Which one would you pick?

I have finally organised everything nicely, into a vintage suitcase that use to belong to my grandparents. It is very snug so just means I can't make any more purchases for a while...

What are your favourite patterns?

♥ 

ZoFlo

Kirstie Allsopp Button Kit // Review

Hey remember that competition I won last summer? Well here's another review of one of the kits I won - this time it's the Kirstie Allsopp Button Kit. The buttons can be used for lots of different crafts, but I jumped straight into jewellery making (crossing off another of my 101 Things). 

I decided to create my own bracelet using yellow, cream & grey buttons. You get lots of different charms included in the kit, which I absolutely love! I did add a couple to my bracelet but it seemed a bit much, so I decided to stick to one; a cute safety pin! 

I found this kit super easy to use & there are so many things you can use the buttons for. The only thing I would say is that the necklace chain is rather short (literally it is almost a choker) which is a shame as I love a good necklace! But nevertheless, it is a lovely little kit that could be a great give for an avid crafter or someone who is new to the crafting scene! 

Have you created any button masterpieces before?

♥ 

ZoFlo

Crafty Haul #4

I think we can all agree that I am not very good at updating you on my crafty purchases, with my last Crafty Haul being in May 2015. As I have treated myself to a couple of bits recently, I thought I would share them with you all.

As you all know, I recently won tickets to the Craft4Crafters Show in Exeter where I picked up some really lovely fabric at a great price. I have some really great projects line up for both of these fabrics, which I can't wait to share with you when they are done. 

I recently saw a project idea that really caught my eye; a cute clutch bag with a purse clasp. So when I popped into Millie Moon & saw this oversized purse clasp, I just had to get it! They had lots of different sizes available, with this one costing £5. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but I have some fabric in my stash that I immediately had in mind for this project so that made it slightly more acceptable. I also picked up a burgundy zip, for a sewing project I am currently working on...

I am yet to receive my next item, but I can't wait for them to arrive; Line Painter Pens! I have a project in mind for these, which I why I purchased them (obviously) so I will be sure to update you all when I use them & let you know what I think of them. I found these on Amazon & they only cost around £10.

I think that is about it for now. Lots of future projects in the pipeline to update you all on which is exciting.

Have you purchased any craft gems recently?

♥ 

ZoFlo

Get Crafty Card & Decoupage Starter Kit // Review

Remember that time last summer when I was lucky enough to win a box of goodies in a competition? Well, I have finally cracked open the Get Crafty Card & Decoupage Starter Kit. Ill be totally honest with you, I wasn't convinced from the look of the designs on the box. It didn't look very "cool" or "fancy" so I just popped it on the shelf & there it stayed. But ya know what? It's lush. I feel really bad & it just proves you shouldn't judge a crafting kit by the box....! 

The kit comes with a pack of plain white cards & envelopes, a pack of 3D Foam Squares & loads of cute decoupage designs to make beautiful handmade cards! It is so simple to do & super quick too. If you ever forget a friend's birthday you could knock them up a lovely homemade card in a flash & they wouldn't know any different! It is the perfect kit for beginners & I actually really enjoyed having a go at it whilst watching TV. 

I only did 2 cards for the time being - I didn't want to get carried away & waste the supplies! I did use some extra patterned card with mine too, just to add a little more colour to my designs. You could really add anything you like to it; buttons, ribbon, even mix the different decoupage designs together. I'm pretty pleased with my designs & can't wait to have an occasion to make another one! 

Beware friends & family - you'll all be getting handmade cards from me this year! 

Have you ever done any card making before? What kits would you recommend? 

♥ 

ZoFlo

The Craft4Crafters Show

A little while ago I entered a competition with Crafts Beautiful to win a pair of tickets to The Craft4Crafters Show. It was one of those times when you totally forget you have entered it until you check your inbox & boom......"Congratulations you have won". I was so excited & thought it would make the perfect girls day out for me & my Mum. 

After a surprisingly quick drive to Exeter in the world's worst driving conditions(!) We went straight to the nearest cafe to grab a cup of tea & plan what we wanted to buy. I had 4 dressmaking patterns with me so we had a look at those to decide on which ones I should go with.

As usual it was difficult to know what way to turn with the many different craft stands to look at. We tried our best to explore the show in some kind of order, but it's so easy to get distracted - particularly by the giant knitting needles...

And this paper cake was just the cutest thing...

I found it so difficult to make a decision on fabric so spent a lot of time going back & forth comparing! I obviously chose some fabric from the cheaper stand (a very girly navy blue floral fabric @ £5 per meter) but also chose to treat myself to a slightly more expensive fabric too (some gorgeous burgundy fabric with dragonflies on @ £8 per meter). I think I was very good at being sensible as I could of spent much much more! 

It was such a great day, I do love a good crafty show. What craft shows would you recommend? 

♥ 

ZoFlo