Crafts

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Hi everyone

A couple of years ago we used to have a great interest in crafts that members did but it seems to have fizzled out, there was quite a bit of knitting and crocheting that the ladies used to show on the site. Don't worry men, you can do some too, it's definitely not just for ladies. 

I vaguely remember that when I was around the ages of 4 to 10 years old, so that's almost 60 years ago, my mum showed me how to knit a few items and it doesn't stop there, I can remember that I was fond of little rug making kits. I made a little bedside rug by following instructions and in the mornings when I got out of bed my cold feet landed on a cosy woollen rug. Those kits were very common, anyone remember them? Maybe they're still around, anyone seen them lately? Wool shops, as we called them in Belfast, were plentiful in every town and city. 

I haven't made any woollen items but I have been working with wood a little. For my wife's last birthday in May I made her a little easel as she likes to paint now and then. This is it 

For Christmas past, I made a few little bird feeders for some close family members, you pull the cork out at the top and fill with nuts or whatever. My wife did the paintwork, I was a little worried thatGrinning she used grey wood preservative because I thought that made them look like a pigeon and small birds are afraid of pigeons but to my delight little birds were abundant and soon scoffed the lot! We Grinningdon't have any squirrels in this area unfortunately although I have seen the occasional one a mile or so away. Hopefully they'll come to the little wood of 1500 willow trees I planted in the field oppoGrinningsite. Willow trees are great for attracting wildlife, I was told. The photo below is of one of the birds that I kept for myself Grinning

So let's get making folks, it's a wonderful activity and let's see what you've done/what you make. 

Tvman xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    I sort of worked it out lol.  I read some of Gina’s posts when I first joined - was gutted when I saw she was no longer with us.

  • Well made the easel and the bird feeder you are very talented. My husband likes to make things from wood and has made log sheds and frames for cloches for the plants to withstand The cold weather.

    we buy fat balls for the birds which they love  but when we had feeders with nuts the rats came from across the fields and through the wall at the bottom of the garden. We are next to fields. We now stick to the fat balls.

    your wife is very artistic which is nice I like to draw sometimes for a change and have enjoyed a jigsaw I was given for Christmas.

    I remember the rug making kits I made a couple and also tapestries when I was younger.

    I'm now reading Thursday murder club about 70 year olds that solve a murder 

    Trying to find things to do in this lockdown which is going to go on another few months. Sort of getting used to the isolation x

    Ruth 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    It looks like you have an opening for a Cottage Industry  I love both the easel and the bird feeder and would buy them both!

    I'm not at all creative but did knit a couple of woolly hats for my husband and son, and have been asked to do some more for for family and friends.

    Not in the same league as 's knitted doll, that really is a work of art. xx

  • Hi

    I'm not a creative person either, we had one like that which kinda rotted away and I used that as an example and tried to improve on it. I have one hanging from an apple tree outside our bedroom window and get endless enjoyment from watching little birds trying to extract pieces of peanut. I have it there to attract birds that will also eat harmful insects on the branches. Two birds with one stone lol.

    I love to receive articles that people have gone to the trouble to make. I decided that this year I'd make birds as Christmas presents for close family, one went to my daughter in Peterborough and another smaller one to my grandson also. He's so pleased and he had to show me where he has it. 

    I started one for my brother today, you wouldn't believe the pain that causes my back. Next year my presents may be small willow animals. I'll have to practise and show some here.

    Take care and stay safe Tinalay

    Tvman xx

    Love life and family.

    Love Annette x

    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
  • Hi MazLC

    I MANAGED EVENTUALLY TO POST THIS PICTURE!

    This is the tiger made of sequence my granddaughters aged 5&8 did for my birthday in August. They did it during lockdown!

    It took so long because it needed to be downsized and I took it with my mobile so it didnt go to my Gallery. Next time, i will take photo with my camera! Thanks for your help. I have uploaded many photos but never had this problem. The last time i tried it gave me two options add File Number or URL????

    Love Annette x

    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
  • Oh Annette

    My goodness, what an effort, stunning, and made by a 5 year old and an 8 year old. Simply breathtaking. 

    Your granddaughters clearly love you and vice versa. I'm sure you are so proud of them and a tear in the corner of an eye.

    Tvman xx

    Love life and family.
  • That;s just amazing and beautiful...and wow they so young, i could not do that. I never was good at crafts , no patience but i am good at renovating lol...

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to anndanv

    Wow  that's stunning. Your granddaughters are very talented and obviously have great patience too. You must be so proud of them xx

  • What a super picture well done xxx

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