Raccoon Softie
The free pattern for this delightfully spherical and huggable raccoon can be found here, along with the DIY instructions.
Custard Cream Cake
How amazing does this cake look?!
I love the 3D effect and the shading that’s been added…plus, if it really does taste like a custard cream then it’s an absolute winner anyway 🙂
Find the recipe here.
Handmade Seller Interview: Freda Made
This week’s interview is with Australia-based Freda from Freda Made, who creates hand-stitched leather sea creatures in great life-like detail. I bet they feel so nice!
So let’s now find out a little more about Freda and her makes:
How did you get started in your handmade business?
I made my first squid in leather at the end of 2016. I had always liked the ocean theme and wanted to make a giant squid to hang on the wall for my house. I made one and posted it up on Facebook. Everyone liked it and said it was very unique and that I should make more and sell them. That’s how I started.
Apart from crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a Graphic Designer so I do craft in my spare time. My life is filled up with graphics and craft haha.
How long have you been creating art/crafts and how long have you been selling online?
I have been selling on Etsy for over a year now and it has been slow, but I’m definitely getting more exposure as Etsy has been promoting my store every now and then.
How many different places do you sell from?
You can buy my leather creatures in my Etsy shop or in Queen Victoria market.
Where would you like to be in 10 years?
I would like to do crafts for my whole lifetime. Hopefully in 10 years, I will be a full time crafter.
Do you have another job? What is it?
I am a Graphic Designer in Melbourne.
What’s the most difficult part of your craft?
The difficulty of working with leather is that it doesn’t stretch.
What is your favourite part of your handmade business?
I can tell you that every single process is fun…except for hammering holes in leather!
What are three tools in your workspace that you could not live without?
Chisels, thread and needles.
Have any pets?
I have 3 cats; Tofu, Sergeant and Eliza.
If you had the opportunity to learn one more craft you don’t already do, what would it be?
Probably woodwork, so that I can make my own display boxes for my crafts.
Freda has also kindly provided a free shipping code for you to enjoy, yay!
Free shipping code: FREESHIP2002
Confetti Postcards
My favourite cards to receive have always been cards containing colourful sequins or beads or confetti – I just love them! So these vellum-and-confetti postcards are right up my street 🙂
DIY Sleeping Bags
I have never even thought of the possibility of making my own sleeping bag, but this tutorial makes it look pretty simple!
Ever Wanted to Learn How to Knit?
Just to let you know that I’ve published a knitting class over on Skillshare, yay!
It’s aimed at absolute beginners, so even if you have never picked up knitting needles before, you will be able to follow along and knit your own tasselled scarf.
Click here to view the intro video and see if it appeals 🙂
Thanks to anyone who joins my class!
Liquorice Pom-Poms!
I remember that, as a kid, I always used to sneak the blue and pink jelly ones out of the sweet container, so I’m loving this re-creation of Liquorice Allsorts in yarn form!
Find the pom-pom making tutorial here.
