Two Crafty Brownies

Half Granny Shawl Tutorial

Hello my lovelies!! When you read this, I will be arriving back from our US trip. Oh it's been fab!! I am blown away with how stunning the scenery is, and more than a little beguiled.......

My Lu has been doing a sterling job of manning things in Two Crafty Brownieland while I've been away. Didn't you just love her rainbow brooches? She makes working with clay look so easy I may just have to give it a go!

I finished the gift I was making for my dear friend K. We were at university together, and she now lives in California with her hubby, making wine!! We always come to visit them when we are in the States, and I wanted to give her something handmade. Various people have asked how I made these shawls, so I am going to try to write the pattern for you, eeeep!

Disclaimers: these are not my patterns, they are gathered from various sources and put together in a fashion I like. I consider myself a crochet beginner so please forgive me if there are any confusing bits, I have never attempted a crochet pattern before! Huge thanks to my sis-in-law, S, whose shawl inspired me, and who taught me the basics of granny triangles.

I used 5 balls of Bergere de France Goomy 50 wool in Imprim rose, that I bought in John Lewis. The wool cost about £20. I used a 4.5mm hook. I have realised that I really don't like doing horizontal rows of crochet. I hate long chains, and whenever I have tried, I end up with a very crooked piece of work. I love love love going round and round, so granny squares and the miriad of variations are perfect for me.

(The shawl modelled by K's gorgeous daughter in secret, before I wrapped it up...) I wanted to make a soft, drapy shawl with a looser pattern at the edges. With a half granny you are essentially going back and forth along 2 edges of a square, making a triangle that gets bigger from the centre out. (I made a teeny tiny shawl to check my instructions!!)

The granny part of the shawl is made of clusters of 3 trebles, separated by 1 chain. The corner is two clusters in the same space separated by 2 chains. You start with 2 treble clusters in the centre of the shawl, see the needle in the above pic.

I am using UK terms here...... deep breath, here goes.

First, make a loop on your hook and chain 4. Slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

Now chain 4 and then 3 trebles into the ring, chain 2, then another 3 trebles. Chain 1, do a single treble into the ring. Chain 4 and turn your work. In the pic above you can see your central corner, with the turning chain, and then the work turned. You'll now work down that left side and up the right side. Do 3 trebles into that first space marked by the needle. Chain 1, and then 3 trebles, 2 chains, 3 trebles into the corner space, followed by a chain 1. Another 3 trebles into the top right space. Chain 1, 1 more treble into the same space, chain 4 and turn.

And you just keep repeating that until its big enough for you. I did 42 rows of trebles (1), a lacy scalloped bit (2), a chunkier border (3) and then a picot edging (4). You can make each section as big or little as you choose. I did 3 rows of the scallops and 5 of the chunkier part.

For the scalloped part, do your usual chain 4 and turn on the last row of your granny trebles. Do 1 treble into that first little space. You are now going to do chains of 5, slip stitching into the 1 chain spaces of the row below. When you get to the end, as per usual, you chain 5 and then do a treble into the last little space, chain 4 and turn. A treble into the first little space and then off on your chain 5s, this time slip stitching into the centre of the chain 5s below. Do as many rows as you want.

The chunky border is made of a chain 3, 2 trebles and a chain 3. Make your trebles in the centre of the chain 5s below. Always do the same at the end i.e. Chain 3, 2 trebles, chain 3, 1 treble into last little space, chain 4 and turn. 1 treble into the first little space, chain 3, 2 trebles, chain 3 into the 3 chain space below.

For the picot edging, end your last chunky row but don't do a chain 4 as you no longer need to increase. Instead do a double crochet (dc) into that first little space and another dc in between the 2 trebles below. Into the next 3 chain space, do 5 trebles, chain 4 and 5 more trebles. These are into the same chain space and make your picot point. You can do these into each chain space, but I wanted to spread them out, so I alternated this with 2 dcs into the next chain space. You can space these as you like. So you will have 1 dc into the space between each of the 2 trebles below, 2 dc into the spaces between the picots (where my finger is).

Just a note that if you want a picot point at the bottom point of the shawl, make sure you check how your picot points/spaces will go before deciding when to finish the chunky rows. I literally went along saying "point, space, point, space" to check everything was going to end up where I wanted. And this will depend on the decisions you make about number of rows. I know this sounds a bit vague, but the whole idea is that you decide, rather than me just telling you what to do. If I, as a beginner, can do this, you totally can too!! And if you have trouble, email me via the contact form!!

I hope you're still with me, lovelies!! Sorry for the wordy instructions, but this is as much for me to remember how to do it as it is for you!!

Lu and I will be taking August off from the blog, but we'll still be around on our social media accounts. Have a fab August, and see you in September!!

Sending you loads and loads of love,

Jenny xxxxxooooo

Rainbow Love! : Clay Rainbow Brooch Tutorial

Hello lovelies

Hurrah! It is officially the Summer hols in our house starting this afternoon! We are all exhausted and need a break from the daily grind. We are going to spend our holiday relaxing, adventuring, washing clothes and dishes, cooking, reading, playing, bickering and gardening! I am sure there are more verbs I could add to that mix but I am sure you get the gist.

The other Brownie is already holidaying and having a fab time by the looks of it. Did you see Jenny's holiday pics and list of travel essentials last week? I love the handmade thank you cards that Jenny leaves for hosts along the way. What a lovely idea!

If you follow us on instagram, you will know that in June, we took part in a wonderful challenge, #colourmyeveryday, which was a celebration of all things colour. Each day, there were different prompts such as ‘tin’, ‘building’, ‘flower’ etc to encourage variety and to get us thinking. It was created by the gorgeous Jo of Adventures and Tea Parties. It was an absolute joy to take part in, I took photos I wouldn’t have thought to take without it and our gallery was so much brighter for it! Jo was so complimentary and enthusiastic about everybody’s entries each day. It must have been hard work to run but I am sure a pleasure too!

Inspired by Jo’s #colourmyeveryday challenge I have dug out the air drying clay again and made a rainbow brooch!

What you need is:

Air drying clay - such as this one.

2 plastic trays - one to roll the clay out on, one to dry the clay on.

Non stick craft rolling pin such as this one with the 3mm rings attached.

Template of rainbow and clouds - Download Rainbow Brooch Template

Craft knife such as this.

Small pot of water.

Nail file.

Dust mask.

Slim paint brushes.

Porcelain paints such as these - you could aso use poster or acrylic paint too but these porcelain paints created a lovely gloss finish.

Gloss varnish - I used Fimo (polymer clay) gloss varnish. You can find it here.

Brooch back findings such as these.

Epoxy glue such as this.

What you do is:

Print out and cut around the rainbow template.

Break off a chunk of clay (size depends on how many brooches you want to make). Wrap the rest of the clay up using cling film to keep moist.

Knead the clay in your hands for a bit. A few squeezes will do!

Put the 3mm thickness markers onto the rolling pin and roll out the clay until it stops getting any thinner.

Place the rainbow template onto the rolled out clay and cut around it with a craft knife. Use a cutting motion rather than a slicing motion. The latter will pull the clay out of shape.

Separate the shapes from the rest of the clay. Wrap up the spare clay in cling film to use at a later date.

Smooth the edges of each rainbow with a finger dipped in water. Don’t worry if it is not completely smooth. Once dry the clay can be filed to smooth out further.

Leave to dry on the tray covered in cling film, according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions. I usually leave mine for about 48 hours. Keep an eye on them whilst they dry and carefully press down any raised bits. You could also turn them over after about 24 hours to speed up the drying process.

Once dry, using a nail file, file the edges of each rainbow to smooth them further. It is advisable to wear a dust mask because of the clay dust this process creates. Blow off any excess dust and wipe with a tissue to be sure.

Place the template labelled ‘red’ onto one of the rainbows, so the bottom edge of the template lines up with the bottom edge of the rainbow.

Using the red porcelain paint, paint the exposed area of the clay and leave to dry. This is the first rainbow stripe.

 Now paint an orange stripe underneath the red, allow to dry, then paint a yellow stripe and so on until all the colours have been painted.

Once dry, paint the clouds white. This is optional - you could just leave them.

Once the paint is dry, apply a layer of gloss varnish to the back of each rainbow and allow to dry. Then paint the front. This gives them a little extra durability and a nice shine. Allow to dry.

Once dry, with the rainbow brooch turned over to the wrong side, add a small dollop of glue to the middle and gently press a brooch backing onto the glue. Leave to dry - 24 hours will usually do.

Your brooch is done! Isn’t it cheery and colourful?! Wear with pride (tee hee)!

Well my lovelies, that is it for me until September. Jenny and I are going to take a little break in August but Jenny is back next week so I will leave it to her to sign off properly! Have a gorgeous weekend whatever you are up to!

Lots and lots of love and cuddles to last all Summer,

Lucy

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Jenny's Travel Essentials

Hello treasures! How are you doing? As I write this, I am in the Big Apple, New York City!! And when you read this, I will be on a train, somewhere between here and the other side of America......

This year our holiday destination was the choice of our second son, C. He has just finished exams, and has worked very hard, so he got to choose. We flew into New York, and are staying in Harlem, and seeing the sights for a few days before we catch the train to see our friends in California.

We are staying in one of the Brownestone houses, those archetypal red stone houses you'll see in many an American movie, with big steps up to the front door and fire escapes aplenty. They have high ceilings, ornate woodwork and brightly tiled fireplaces.
Travel is our biggest luxury. We live quite quietly, don't have a car or wear smart clothes, but we do love going away, and I have a few essentials that I never travel without.

Top of the list always is my first aid kit. I have a few staples that I keep in here. Of course it goes without saying that in any true emergency, we would immediately seek medical help, but for the minor ailments, I have to feel I am prepared!

I use this Muji bag. It has 4 compartments that are attached with Velcro so you can detach them for smaller trips.

In my first aid kit you will find:

1. Painkillers.......ibuprofen, paracetamol and something soluble for the hubby who can't swallow tablets.
2. Bite cream, antiseptic cream and bonjela for mouth ulcers.
3. A selection of plasters and wound closures.
4. Cold powders, anti sickness tablets and antihistamines in case of bites or allergies.

I also always have tweezers for splinters, a small pair of scissors and some latex gloves (I once had to dress a stranger's cuts so ever since I've carried gloves...)

I always make sure I have some crafting to do. I am making another granny triangle scarf, and I treated myself to this cross stitch leather cuff from Sew Crafty.

I take some handmade thank you cards, for friends we are staying with, or people who have gone out of their way to make our trip more enjoyable.....

And I always have a couple of pouches, for chargers, toiletries or stationery.

Do you have any essentials that you take with you every time?

Take care, lovelies!

Jenny xxxxxooooo 

Tin Can Alley Tutorial

Hello lovelies

How is July treating you? Here in Two Crafty Brownieland, we are starting to wind down already for the Summer hols. Jenny is off on holiday tomorrow with her fab laundry bags and her lovely family; and my brood, hubby and I are counting down the days! Summer term for my family means sports days, end of year performances, meetings with teachers, school fairs and local community festivals. Each year we look forward to celebrating the Summer by licking ice creams, eating burgers cooked on a barbie, drinking pimms and cold beers, jumping on bouncy castles and having a go at classic Summer fair games, such as hook-a-duck, the coconut shy, hoop-la and tin can alley. What are your favourite games to play in the Summer? We visited my family last year and had a go at croquet for the first time, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Some of us (the hubby and I!) were very competitive!

I’ve been wanting to make my own tin can alley for a long time and I have finally got round to it just in time for the kids' Summer fair tomorrow! This project was a lot of fun, very straightforward to make and has great recycling and upcycling credentials. I recycled empty food tins, used up dried lentils past their ‘consume by’ date and used fabric scraps too.

What you need is:

For the cans:

10 empty food tins, washed, soaked and labels peeled off.

Spray paints - I used 10 colours of this brand. Both my hubby and I are big spray painting fans (you may remember this tutorial?) so we had quite a few cans already, but they are pricey at about £6.95 each, so feel free to use as many or as few colours as you wish. Two colours would do! You could also stick strips of washi tape onto the cans, decoupage with paper, fabric or napkins (Jenny’s favourite!) or even decorate pieces of paper (or get the kids to do it!) and stick these on.

Newspaper for protecting surfaces and sticking into the cans when spray painting.

Template of a star. I printed out this image to the correct size (fitting 4 stars to an A4 page) and cut it out.

Masking tape - I suggest testing your masking tape on a painted tin first to make sure it does not peel the paint off. I tried sticky back plastic first and this did peel off the paint when removed, but masking tape was fine.

For the bean bags:

Scraps of fabric - enough to make 3 bean bags. Each bean bag uses 2 squares of fabric measuring 14 x 14cm (5.5” x 5.5”) before hemming. I used star fabric to match the star on the tins.

Stiffening/Interfacing to strengthen the bean bags which are going to get thrown about a lot! I used scraps that I had - you need the same amount as the fabric.

Dried lentils, beans or rice - I had lentils that were out of date. I used 150g (5oz) dried lentils per bag.

Two Crafty Brownies sewing essentials

What you do is.

Wash, soak, peel labels off and dry the used tins, being careful with sharp bits. If there are any sharp edges, bend them inwards so you don’t cut yourself!

Protect your surface with newspaper. It is best to spray outside or in a very well ventilated area and it is advisable to wear a dust mask too.

Stuff a piece of newspaper into each tin, with enough sticking out to act as a sort of handle.

Prepare the spray paint can by shaking it for as long as the manufacturer’s instructions indicate.

Holding the newspaper handle, the tin slightly off the surface and the spray can at a slight angle, spray an even layer of paint onto the surface of the tin, turning as you go.

Leave to dry and repeat with the other tins.

 

Whilst the tins are drying, sew the bean bags.

Cut out 6 pieces of fabric with the measurements 14 x 14cm (5.5” x 5.5”). I used a rotary cutter, long ruler and cutting mat.

Cut out 6 pieces of stiffening/interfacing with the same measurements.

 

Lay a piece of fabric right side up on top of a piece of interfacing. Then lay a fabric square on top of this right side down and a square of interfacing on top of this.

Pin together leaving a gap in one side which the filling will go into.

Starting at one side of the gap, machine stitch all the way round with a 0.5cm seam allowance. Stop at the other side of the gap. Remember to do a reverse stitch at the beginning and end to strengthen the seams.

Cut the thread ends and snip the corners.

Turn the bean bag right way round, poking out the corners. Press with a hot iron.

Fill with the dried lentils. I did this with a teaspoon but it may be easier to use a funnel!

Pin the gap closed and then machine stitch close to the edge, reverse stitching at the beginning and the end and cutting the threads again.

 

Repeat this process with the two remaining bean bags.

Once the tins are dry and you have sewn the bean bags, cut out the paper star and place onto the surface of a tin in the desired position and stick pieces of masking tape onto the tin around the edges of the star without sticking the star to the tin.

 

When you remove the paper star, you will have an exposed star shape on the tin. Now stick more masking tape around the tin, covering most of the surface closest to the star.

 

Take a contrasting colour of spray paint and spray the exposed star area. The spray will cover more than the star but that is fine because it is protected by the masking tape (in the step above).

Allow to dry. Once dry, carefully and slowly peel off the masking tape to reveal the contrasting star. I love this bit! In fact, I enjoy this part of the process so much, I got carried away and didn't take any pics! I am sure you get the gist!

Repeat with the other tins.

All that is left to do is to stack up your tins, gather some party people and have a fab game of tin can alley! Such fun!

 

I loved the process of decorating the tins and the final look of them. I think they would look great as plant pots, vases or desk storage containers. #somanyideassolittletime!

Take care my lovelies and have fun whatever you are up to this weekend.

Much love,

Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx