Here is a selection of step-by-step craft techniques for you to try. You can also search for specific topics using the search box above.

Craft techniques

How to make a Five of Hearts Valentine’s card

This Valentine’s card looks like a Five of Hearts from the front and opens up to a Ace of Hearts with mini-envelope inside. I had fun making it. You will too…Read more about making a Five of Hearts Valentine’s card

Book covers featured in Making Magazine

These book covers are featured in the January issue of Making Magazine…Read more about making a book cover

Make a Christmas tree card

This Christmas Tree card is really easy to make and if you don’t have a sewing machine, use glue instead and draw on ‘stitches’ with a gel pen. You can use whatever type of paper you like…Read more about making a Christmas Tree card

Make a snowflake Christmas card

This snowflake card is really easy to make and enjoyable too. I used a technique that I remember from my school days to create the snowflake shapes. You can use whatever type of paper you like…Read more about making a snowflake Christmas card

Protect your cards with this handmade envelope

You can make this envelope using any paper of your choosing and you can add an extra layer of protection. I wanted the envelope to have an old-fashioned parcel look…Read more about making a handmade protective envelope

Make an owl greetings card

You can make this owl greetings card using any colour or combinations of cards and papers. I reused off-cuts of paper, an old folder and some wooden buttons… Read more about making an owl greetings card..

Ship ahoy porthole gift box

This gift box is is made to look like a porthole on a boat or submarine. You can add chocolate fish, or any candy or sweets with a sea theme. Choose a box that you want to recycle and adapt this project to suit it… Read more about making a gift box..

Make a gift box without a template

This gift box is really easy to make and you don’t need a template. The beauty of this craft project is that it is very versatile… Read more about making a gift box..

Old-time, vintage Valentine’s Day gift box

Here’s another project for Valentine’s Day that has an old-time theme. I’ve “distressed” the box to make it look like it’s old and added a letter wrapped in felt with a sticker… Read more about making a Valentine’s gift box..

A Valentine’s Day gift from you to you

Here’s a project for Valentine’s Day that will tune you into those loving vibes. It’s essentially a gift from you to you. Cupid is not someone to be afraid of just because he carries a bow and arrow, nor should he be ignored because he is small. Welcome him into your life and feel the love… Read more about making a Valentine’s gift box..

Make a handmade card and envelope

These handmade envelopes are really easy to make and are based on a simple origami technique. You can use any paper, but I suggest Thai handmade paper for the best results… Read more about making a handmade envelope…

An easy metal-embossing technique

This is a really easy and effective metal embossing technique for decorating and metal quilting… Read more about metal embossing…

Make-a-wish, paper mache treasure chest

This project is more than just about creating a miniature treasure chest. You can also use it to make wishes… Read more about making a treasure chest…

An easy method of gilding

If you haven’t tried to gild anything before, imitation metal leaf is easy to use and is a lot less expensive than using real gold leaf. I wanted to gild a clay replica of a precious metal medieval European bookcover that I saw at the British Museum. Read more about metal leaf gilding…

Using self-hardening modeling clay

Ever needed to model something in clay, but don’t have a kiln or a potter’s wheel? Don’t want to end up with just a cracked, blobby mess as the finished product? Well, self-hardening modeling clay may be the answer. There are many self-hardening materials available which can be dried at room temperature and are very easy to use. For this project, I decided to make a miniature door for a relief painting.Read more about using modeling clay…

Using modeling clay to make an art card

For this project, I decided to make art cards from modeling clay, essentially miniature paintings measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches, that can be exchanged with other artists. They can be made of any material as long as they meet the dimensions and are not too thick.Read more about using modeling clay to make an art card…

How to make a latex mold (mould)

You can make a latex mould/ mold of any reasonably sized object. I chose to make a mould / mold of an art card (a miniature measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches that can be exchanged with other artists) of three sheep that I’d made from modelling material. Read more about making a latex mould/ mold…

How to cast plaster of Paris in a latex mold (mould)

Plaster of Paris can be used in many ways, one of which is to cast it in a mold. Find out how to cast plaster of Paris in a latex mold with step-by-step photographs. Read more about plaster of Paris…

Discarded metal turned into sculpture

Ever wondered what happens to some of our junk and unwanted items? They are made into sculptures of course. Many artists work with recycled material from metal and plastic to found objects and waste paper. Read more about discarded metal…

Egyptian-style ACEOs and art cards

Looking back over the sketches and photos I’d created after an inspiring visit to the British Museum (see my British Museum page), I decided to use some for a couple of experimental projects. Read more about Egyptian style ACEOs/art cards…