Crafty Felt Ideas

Its been a really long while (probably since high school days) that I've played with felt. Was reminded again of this craft (tks to elaine). It was good fun to be excite again over this craft. They are actually quite easy to make. All you need is some coloured felt, thread, needle and a good template :) Of course a little patience putting them together also helps but you can conveniently double up watching tv/soaps or even waiting at the airport longue!! hehe

Since its Xmas Season, made some gingerbread mans to be hung on the xmas tree as decorations. As you can tell they can make great xmas gifts too :)

The 'ball was rolling' and couldn't help myself from exploring other fun xmas decorative ideas. Though I confess there is one outstanding snowman yet to be made. Will get there soon - opps...maybe next year.

They are also great as a feature patch work on a favourite bag.

Poor M, couldn't say no when I asked her for a her favourite shopping bag. Fortunately this is a favourite character Totoro - so she finally gave in willingly!!

They also make great brooch pressies too!

opps, who's his brown friend?? Stay tuned for the next post! :)

Home-made piñata

Its pretty easy to make. Guaranteed to give kids a lot of fun especially since they know the belly is filled with all kinds of sweet goodies and treats!!




Materials required
Lots of paper
A pair of scissors
Big bowl of glue##
1 big balloon
Crepe paper (colour of your choice)
*Lots of patience

Method:

1. Cut paper into small squares. Final product not affected if you happen to cut your paper in odd sizes.
   
2. Blow balloon up.
   
3. With glue, stick paper onto the balloon. Continue sticking paper covering the balloon for at least 4-5 layers.
   
4. My final pinata had 7 layers of paper in total. Erm, was a little difficult for the young tikes to break (must be the combination of paper and glue used) so finally had to get some adult muscles to make a hole. So maybe 4-5 layers should do it but it also depends on what type of paper you use!!



5. TIP: Once satisfied with the final layer, poke two holes at the top to string the piñata while paper is slightly damp. Otherwise when it dries up, it can be more difficult to make the holes.
   
6. Final layer, cut crepe paper and glue onto piñata for decoration purposes. Alternatively, can paint the exterior of the pinata.
   
7. Decorate piñata according to your party theme.

Forgot to print out the eyes so had to cut some up using free hand! Looks like wings don't they but actually suppose to be the evil eyes of Vilgax. I suppose when I used coloured paper, the eyes are no longer so 'evil and dark'!!

##Simple recipe for home-made glue (definitely save money but note can't keep so try to use up within 1-2 days).

Mix 2 tbsp of tapioca flour with 1/2 cup tepid water, stir until you get a nice even slurry liquid. Pour sufficient boiling water (depending how thick or watery you prefer), keep stirring until evenly mixed up.

The first step is very important unless you don't mind lumpy glue. Not to worry, the glue can still be used but IMHO feels nicer if can achieve a nice smooth paste.