Fabric Flower Making Workshop 22nd of January 2013

Crafts2Cherish

In this workshop you will learn how to make textile flowers from recycled fabrics, wool, reclaimed buttons and ribbon. Fabric flowers are  everywhere- clothing, jewelry and crafts- so to kick off spring you can learn how to make beautiful recycled corsages, hair clips.
Whether you want something funky, fancy, formal or vintage we have a style to suit you. We turn previously loved jumpers, left over wool, vintage fabrics, beads and baubles into beautiful brooches, fabric corsages, and hair clips.You will create unique fabric-art items make beautiful, eco-friendly gifts, and if you want something to match a particular outfit or have some left over fabric you want revamped.
Each item will be made from recycled materials, so that you know we are doing our bit for the planet.. This class will have a maximum of 6 people to allow for individual attention.
Experience level: Beginners
Class duration:approx. 2 1/2 hours

Woolen Mill in Graignamanagh

Cushendale Woollen Mills is the only surviving woollen mill in the South East of Ireland.
Riverside village of Graig-Na-Managh in County Kilkenny, boasts a textile heritage that stretches back to the thirteenth century. In 1204, Cistercian monks established a monastery and mill on the Duiske River. You can feel  the sense of history, place and the past as you enter the building.The plain exterior of the building does not prepare you for the richness and diversity of what is inside.The old mill once powered by the mill stream, diverted from the Duiske River with its source on Brandon Hill is full of character.
The current custodian of the mill Philip Cushen’s family have been milling wool in the area since at least the 1800′s, and he is is passionate about his craft and about yarns, wool, mohair and keeping alive a way of life, a craft-art form which has been going on around the town of Graignamanagh since the 13th century.as a great respect for the past and for those who went before him. He has noticed that as time goes on he is selling more and more to people who can recognise and appreciate the value of a quality product and the story that goes with it. People want to buy something unique that will last and that looks different, distinctive and made by hand in Graignamanagh

He has noticed that as time goes on he is selling more and more to people who can recognise and appreciate the value of a quality product and the story that goes with it. People want to buy something unique that will last and that looks different, distinctive and made by hand.

Sugar and Spice Dried Fruit Garlands

A garland of dried apples, oranges rind , orange slices, nutmeg, cinnamon , anise, bay leaves and nuts adds a lovely color and scent to any room.

Before making your garland you will need to dry your fruit slices. Slice fruit into 1/4 inch slices and place on paper towel lined dish. To dry apples, dip the slices in lemon juice to prevent them from discoloring. Cover with more paper towels. Line a glass  pan with 4 layers of paper towels Microwave the fruit at 50 percent power for 3 minutes. Turn the fruit over and arrange the slices on dry areas of the paper towels. Let the  fruit air dry for a day or two. Put the fruit slices on a glass plate that has been lined with paper towels and place in a warm, dry place  It will speed up the drying time if you change the towels several times. This will give your slices a better color.


How to make a garland:
1.Take a foot length of wire and twist a small loop at one end. Run 3 strands of raffia through the loop and knot them in the center. You may use any length of wire and adjust the materials accordingly.
2. Break all the cinnamon sticks in half. Use a large nail to make a small hole in the center of each one. The hole should just be large enough to thread the wire through.
3. Push the wire through the center of three apple slices to begin the garland. Add three cinnamon garland. Add three cinnamon slices , 3 bay leaves, then another three cinnamon sticks. Add three more apple slices to start the pattern again. Continue stringing the materials in this order until gone or you have reached the desired length of garland.
4. Finish the garland by twisting the wire into a loop at the end and running the other 3 strands of raffia through the loop. Tie the raffia in a knot at the center of the lengths. Hang the garland by tying the raffia ends onto the object. It may be draped horizontally or vertically.
Holiday Variations: Use large pine cones and holly leaves (instead of bay leaves) to make a holiday spice wreath

Eco Christmas Wrapping Idea

Crafts2Cherish

This is the season to get your wrap on! December brings snow, holiday cheer and warm wishes for the upcoming new year, and assembly line of gifts that we’ve either baked, crafted or purchased that need a little love in the wrapping department.Here are a few of my ideas when using kraft paper.Simple, cute,sustainable and inexpensive way to wrap your lovely gifts for the ones you love.I did the wraping and Lily created the lovely kirigami stars;o) Oh and hey, Happy Wrapping!

Cold Clay Christmas Decoration Workshop

Get into the holiday spirit with this fun clay workshop and make your own Christmas presents or decorations for the tree-use your imagination! ceramic surfaces, while beautiful and durable by nature, can be limiting sometimes. For aesthetic and technical reasons, or just to flex the creative muscle, explore the vast variety of alternatives available. This workshop is an introduction to non-fired, non-glaze ceramic surfaces.

Needle Felted Christmas Decorations 8th of December

Come and learn how to do needle felting,feel the cozy warmth of the natural wool and leave with some fabulous Christmas decorations and the ability to make more! We will go through the simple techniques used in needle felting and then show you how easy it is to create beautiful fun baubles and decorations.
 Treat yourselves to a lovely day out and go home with decorations ideal for gifts or to decorate your abode and get you in the mood for that festive season!
No experience necessary,all materials tincluded.
To book a space  please send us a message at :crafts2cherish@gmail.com

Crafts2Cherish has been published in Hand Crafted Magazine the best of Stampington&Company

                                                                                         

We are excited about being published in the  well known Hand Crafted magazine published by Stampington &Company.
HandCrafted showcases ''the best of the best'' of Stampington & Company providing us with 250+ favorite crafting projects (along with instructions). Here you will find the most outstanding projects carefully selected to each represent the quality of artwork.