Buddha Quote...

"Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence"

MedARTation Project 3...Gingerbread Cookies!

Wow..what a wet week it's been, but that's ok...It gives me more time to spend on my MedARTation Projects and this week I have been making use of Household objects...Cookie Cutters!

I have made these sparkly Gingerbread Christmas Cookies which look good enough to eat and will look great on the Christmas Tree with my other projects. They are so SIMPLE to make too!

Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Decorations



                                                                                    

I Used.......
Cookie Cutters
Paper
Brown/Ginger Felt
White sparkly felt for icing/sequins
Jute for a hanging loop
Stuffing
White/Ginger thread

Cut 3 stars using the cookie cutter as a template.
You will need to make the 3rd star slightly smaller (I did this freehand)

                                                                        
        


Sew the jute loop onto one of the Brown stars

   Make sure its secure
   Its doesn't matter if you sew through to the 
   other side.














                                                                          Turn the star over and place the white (icing)
over the brown star.
Make sure you cover up the stitching from where
you attached the Jute!

Sew in place using straight stitches

Place the 2nd bown star behind
Sew together using Whip Stitch

Don't forget to leave a gap so you can add the stuffing and then close up









 TaDa....... the finished product

 

 

I decided afterwards to add some sequins for a bit of extra sparkle!

 

Oops!....It would have been better to add the sequins to the white felt before sewing onto the brown felt.

I used other cookie cutters I had in the cupboards to make other shapes...They'll look great hung in a garland or individually.

I hope you enjoyed this MedARTation project.....I would love you to share your feedback, stories, suggestions and projects.

Next: A Cute Bumble Bee....

Quick Tip...Organising your threads

My embroidary threads have been getting all muddled up as I cut lengths and split strands for my MedARTation projects.

Quick Tip!

1. Cut a rectangular piece of card
2. Cut a triangle out of each end
3. Snip a wee slit in the side
4. Wind your threads round the card to keep them tidy and tuck the loose end in the slit.

You could also put a few snips in a row for shorter lengths of assorted colours.

Much tidier!

Buddha Quote....

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."

MedARTation Project 2....A Festive Felt Penguin

Before I went away I was able to make a really cute Penguin which will look great hanging on the Christmas Tree...CHRISTMAS TREE!!!?? .....yes I know it's only August, but it's best to plan ahead.

MedARTation  and crafting take time....well...for beginners like me anyway.

The starting point for my Penguin was 2 Arches which I found on the shapes function of my word processor. The feet are a circle cut in half and the rest is pretty self explainatory.

To give a bit of extra sparkle and 'ice-magic' I bought some white felt with a glittery silver snowflake print on. I also bought some sequins and think they look great on my Penguin and give it that 'Christmassy' touch.



1. Sew the sequins onto the belly and then the belly onto the body using straight stitches
2. Straight stitch the white eyes onto the grey surround
3. Straight stitch the grey surround and beak onto the body
4. Sew the feet on the bottom using a Backstitch
5. Whip Stitch the 2 pieces of the body together - Don't forget to add the loop and leave a gap at the end to add the stuffing.
6. Stick on the eyes
7. Stand back and admire your handy work

I'm really enjoyed with this MedARTation project.....next: Gingerbread cookies!

Camping, Cragside & Wood Carvings...

Just back from a week camping in Northumberland. It's a beautiful part of the country and the weather was kind to us campers!

Whilst there we visited Cragside courtesy of the National Trust.

We found these AMAZING wood carvings in the Rhodedendron Labyrinth!

And this was carved into the trunk of a fallen tree.....



Wood carving is such a beautiful and clever craft. I'd love to see some of your pics if you have any...

Buddha Quote...

"When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings, when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear"

MedARTation Project 1....A Felt heart

I decided to start with something simple.

Using my 'word processor' program on the computer I was able to draw some shapes and picked HEARTS as they seemed relatively straight forward.
Once printed out and cut out I pinned the templates onto the felt and I was away...I chose some bright colours for a bit of fun too.

I started by straight stitching the blue heart on to the pink one.....it's an easy stitch for a beginner like me.

Once completed, I attached one of the little felt shapes I picked up at the supermarket (a pink flower) using a chain stitch (being adventurous!).....

Oops!.....Would have been better to do this before attaching the blue heart to the pink one to make the sewing a little less hard going, but a simple mistake to make.

Next I had to stitch the two big pink hearts together and attach the Jute string to hang it up...I nearly forgot to do this as I got so carried away with my sewing! I used Blanket stitch for this bit.

Before getting to the end I stuffed the heart with ...well....stuffing, closed it up and Hey Presto! My Finished Felt Heart....chuffed!

This was such a simple MedARTation project and I loved it.... 

I'm thinking of using my felt crafts as Christmas Decorations this year to show them off so will do some more of these hearts in Festive colours.

Please let me know how you get on if you have a go at this project. 

Also, If any of you have any Tips & Tricks to share, I would genuinely love to hear them.

Tomorrows MedARTation project.....A Festive Penguin.



Felt Crafts....Getting Started.

I've decided to have a go at Felt Crafts...and why not?

It looks relatively straight forward (I think!), I can sew (a bit) and the end results look colourful and fun.
I have ordered a book to help me on my way, but until then I am relying on web searches and good old fashioned improvisation!

I also popped down to a local 'craft store' for some supplies and guess what....felt is really cheap! Less than 50p a sheet which isn't bad..unless you are like me and get carried away - one of every colour please sir!

I have got:
A range of felt colours
Embroidary threads - you can split the strands to make it last longer
Needles - with BIG eyes to make threading easier
Stick on eyes - they make things look so cute
Scissors & a marker pen for drawing templates (well I had those anyway)
A roll of Jute for hanging loops (Super cheap ~ £1.50 for a roll that will last forever)
Stuffing
And a big plastic box to put it all in ;o)

I did also buy some PVA glue - just incase and at the supermarket found packets of pre-cut felt shapes which could be good for added decorations.

Now....what shall I make to MedARTate?

Creating the Blog....

Hi, I'm Sarah.

I always find Arts and Crafts are a great way to relax and empty the mind of the world.....and mindful absorption in your art is a form of Meditation - hence the birth of

MedARTation!

I am no expert, but I do like having a go so hopefully you can join me on my MedARTation journey and feel inspired to have a go.

I will be posting pictures, suggestions and stories for you and would love to hear yours too.

See you back soon and....Stay smiley x