Tutorial Tuesday - Folded Flower

This week for Tutorial Tuesday we are making a folded flower. These are great on all sorts of projects as you can make them to any size that suits. Make small ones to use on cards, larger ones on scrapbook pages and even larger ones for wall hangings and displays.

You will need:
Patterned paper (double sided is best but you can also stick 2 single sided sheets together)
Bone folder (optional but I found it easier)
Double sided tape
Circle die cut or punch (or cut the circles yourself)

1. Cut yourself 8 circles and ink the edges if you choose. If you are using single sided patterned paper then cut 16 circles out and stick them together with the patterned sides facing out. For reference my circles measured 6cm diameter and the finished flower measures 12cm diameter.

2. Fold your circles into quarters.

3. Fold the top 2 quarters as shown below.

4. Turn over and fold the outer edges to meet in the centre.

5. Repeat for all your circles.

6. Cut another smaller circle from a piece of scrap paper. Start to stick down your petals, it's easier if you stick the first 4 as shown and then add in the other 4 to get your flower nice and even.

7. Once all your petals are stuck down you can add a button or other embellishment to the middle and you are done!

Here is another example of a larger flower I created and stuck onto a wall hanging. I only created 5 of the flower petals for this one, so you can see that you don't even have to create the whole flower for it to look effective!

Have fun creating your flowers. If you make any I would love to see, feel free to share a link below in the comments or show us a picture on our Facebook Page.

Happy Crafting,
Maxine

Tutorial Tuesday - Maze Book

This week we are making a cute little maze book. These mini books are great for recording events, giving as gifts or if you are looking for a quick project.

You will need:

Bone folder (& score board if you have one)

12"x 12" card (or you can use a patterned paper)

Craft Knife, Ruler & Cutting Mat

3” x 6 ½” Card (for covers)

Optional

Ribbon (to tie book closed)

Start by scoring your 12x12 card at 3”, 6” and 9”. The rotate it 90 and score again at 3”, 6” and 9”.

Then accordion fold your paper on all the score lines. You should now have a piece of 12x12 paper divided into 16 sections.

Take your craft knife and ruler and start to make your cuts. You will need to make 3 cuts.

The first cut will be from left to right on the first score line, but you only cut through 3 of the squares.

The second cut will be from right to left through 3 of the squares.

And the third cut is left to right again though just 3 of the squares. (see picture to help explain).

Now to fold your pages. Start to accordion fold your pages starting from the top left. When you get to the end of the row fold the top section down and continue to accordion fold. Again at the end of the row fold the top section down. Continue to the end of the paper.

You will now have a neat little folded 3” book!

You can make covers for you book in 2 ways.

First is to take a piece of cardstock measuring 3” x 6 ½”.

Score at 3” and 3 ½” to make a little cover for your book. 

Glue the first and last pages to the covers. If you want to have a ribbon tie to close the book then make sure you add the end of the ribbon under the covers before you stick it all together!

Now you can decorate your little book. Some of the pages in the book can be made into little pockets to hold things such as tags or you can close them with brads, double sided tape, sewing etc.  Have fun and let your creativity guide you!

This shows how I folded over one of the double pages to create a pocket with a little tag inside.

Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. If you make a make book I would love to see. Feel free to add a link to the comments below or share a picture on our Facebook page.

Happy Crafting,

Maxine x

Tutorial Tuesday - Fishtail Cord Bracelet

Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday. This week we are making a fishtail cord bracelet. The great thing about this bracelet is that you can make in any colours you like and to fit any size wrist! They look great if you make up lots of colours and wear them together. 

You will need:

3x 24” lengths of 1mm cord

2x Jump Rings

2x Ribbon/Cord ends

1x Lobster clasp

or

your choice of clasp

Cut your 3 piece of cord to approx 24” (60cm). You can use all the same colour or 2 or 3 different colours.

Fold the cords in half and tape the ends together. Make sure that they cords lie flat and you have 1 of each half on both sides.  (see picture as it makes more sense!).

 It might help clip the cords to something to hold them in place while you plait.

Start to plait your cords by bringing the 2 outer cords into the middle and crossing them over. 

Keep repeating this way by bringing the 2 outer cords into the middle and crossing them.

Make sure you pull them tight together.

Once you get to the desired length trim off the excess cord and attach a ribbon or cord end to both ends.

Add a jump ring and a lobster clasp and you are done!

Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and if you make a fishtail cord bracelet we would love to see!

Happy Crafting,

Maxine x