Sep
21
Posted by dodo
The men and women sailed narrow boats along the waterways of England created a unique style of painted enamelware, said to be the oldest folk-art in the country. Today only a handful of narrow-boat painters are still at work, yet a novice can apply a simplified version of the classic narrow-boat designs to dull household items, and transform them with the colours and vitality of the original ware. Canal traditions are also popular in France as well as Holland where distinctive styles of decoration have evolved over the centuries. Read the rest of this entry »
Aug
21
Posted by dodo
Materials
A small open-top wicker or raffia basket
A small pot of emulsion paint in the
colour of your choice
Fabric to line inside of the basket
Fabric to create the upper covering (plus
an equal amount of material for the
lining— approximately one and three
quarter times the circumference of the
basket)
A double length of cord or ribbon to
gather closed the basket top
A narrow strip of fabric, same length as
top covering and wide enough to take
double thickness of cord
Paint the outside of the basket in a colour of your choice and allow to dry. Read the rest of this entry »
Aug
21
Posted by dodo
The canvas does not have to be marked out; instead, just follow the colour chart opposite. Remember that each square represents one intersection of canvas thread and not the hole between the thread. Each square represents one tent stitch (see diagram below). Before beginning to stitch, it is advisable to mark the top of the canvas, so that if you turn the canvas while stitching you will know where the top is. Please note that the colours on the chart are stronger than the wools themselves, to make them easier to see. The corresponding wool colours are on the colour key. Read the rest of this entry »
Aug
21
Posted by dodo
Needlework samplers make gifts that may be treasured for years to come. Dates, names or initials personalize a sampler and add historical interest.
Samplers have a long and important history as chronicles of the social and domestic times in which they were made, and as records of family names and dates. They were so named because they were sewn by young girls who made up patterns from samples of different types of stitches they had learned. Popular sampler decorations included the maker’s name, the date on which the sampler was Completed, a religious or moral motto and a patterned border. Read the rest of this entry »
Aug
09
Posted by dodo
A stocking filled with gifts brings excitement to all children on Christmas mornings.
The custom of ‘Hanging up a baby’s stocking‘ is thought to have originated from the story of Bishop Nicholas on whom the Father Christmas legend is based. The story tells how a local nobleman had lost his fortune and was sadly unable to provide dowries for his three unmarried daughters. Read the rest of this entry »
Aug
01
Posted by dodo
Gift Ribbons and Bows
Expensive satin ribbons and pieces of lace may add a hint of luxury to a gift but even cheap domestic trimmings can be made to look special. The textures of upholstery tape, webbing and string take on interesting effects when dyed. Read the rest of this entry »
