There have been yet more Christmas projects for me this week. I made some polymer clay tree decorations for Craftseller, using...
brown polymer clay and...
white polymer clay....
and a few other colours thrown in there too.
I also made some candles for the same magazine! I am a newbie to candle making and I take my hat off to candle makers everywhere. I really don't think I am patient enough to take it up permanently!
I was asked to make some candles using cookie cutters - the obvious problem here being that cookie cutters are designed to cut cookies and not contain melted wax. I did my best to keep the wax in with extra foil scrunched under and around the cutter, and I think it did work - to an extent. The good thing with overflowed wax is that it can easily be recycled by re-melting!
wax leakage!
What I really love about being asked to do things a little bit outside my comfort zone is that I get to have a go at things I wouldn't have tried otherwise and I gain a few new skills along the way. I love that aspect of working for magazines!
Front cover!
And here's another rather lovely aspect of working for magazines: my campervan tea cosy made it onto the front cover of Sewing World magazine this month, which is very exciting!
What has your week been like? I'd love to know! I'm hoping I'll have some time for blog visiting this week. I really do miss it when time it short!
awww that campervan tea cosy is soooooo gorgeous! Definitely front page worthy :) I especially love the retro floral fabric and the Tea Time number plate.
ReplyDeleteOoooh candle making sounds fun! I enjoy customer commissions for the same reason you like your magazine work, its so fun to have a go at something new and pick up some new skills too.
Your Christmas decs look fab, love the candy canes, they look good enough to eat! x
Love the tea cosy. Are you selling the pattern? x
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic to be on the cover!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas decorations look great too :)
Oh its so exciting to get a front cover. I hope your family are proud of you!
ReplyDeleteVery busy here, still got computer problems, so have had the tech geek here several days. Good job I live a long way from the multi-story or I'd be chucking the computer from the top.
x Joan
Lesley: Yes, I will be selling the pattern but I need to leave at least 3 months between the magazine going off sale and my pattern going on sale - the magazines understandably want to have an exclusive.
ReplyDeleteAll: Thanks for your comments!
Lovely front page - such complementary fabrics in that tea cosy.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being a cover girl! Love the camper van...
ReplyDeleteI enjoy using fimo, there is so much you can do with it, I've never made candles, except a kit my daughter had when she was about 14 years old, all I remember was it was very messy, took forever but was good fun.
ReplyDeleteYour tea cosy is lovely, well done on the front page :)
Jan x
I picked up the magazine because I recognised the style and I think you had showed us a sneaky peek? (or that bit was in my mind) It's nice to try out new things but I'm not sure I'm as adventurous as you have been.
ReplyDeleteYour polymer decorations are inspirational - I must give it a try - never used it before.
ReplyDeleteK
You are so inspiring. No wonder your design hit the front cover. Love the campervan tea cosy :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting on the cover.
ReplyDeleteI find the best way to make candles with cookie cutters is to pour the melted wax into a non-stick baking tray instead.
When the wax has set a bit but is still soft, use the cookie cutter to cut out your candles, then use something thing like a kebab skewer to make a hole in the middle for the wick.
How proud you must feel of your campervan on the front of Sewing World. Congratulations! x
ReplyDeleteI have to say your top picture initially made me think - conkers. I have been thinking about them a bit too much recently. Congratulations of your front cover!
ReplyDeleteThose look really cool Wendy. I gave away my fimo as I don't have a dedicated electric oven for it. I've been playing with clay this week to but fimo airdrying clay. Congratulations on being on the front cover of the magazine bet you're chuffed to bits.
ReplyDeleteStephen, I knew I should have contacted you for advice!!
ReplyDeleteLucy, yes I'm sure there will have been a sneak peek at the cosy in previous blog posts! I love that you recognised the style!!
Anita, yes I use my main oven which isn't ideal. I think if I was baking it on a regular basis I would want a dedicated oven.
I'm glad, we can 'officially' start getting ready for Xmas and I shall look out for your next make at Craftseller.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the publication!
ReplyDeleteTea cozy is so adorable Wendy. Congrats u deserve it!
ReplyDeleteYour tea cosy is lovely and well done on being on the front page of the magazine - very exciting. Hope you have a good week and look forward to seeing more PMC makes.
ReplyDeleteNot quite sure i'm ready to accept christmas is on it's way yet. Love the tea cosy though - nothing tinselly there!
ReplyDelete