A fun friend to hang around with – our Charlie the Chimp soft toy will be a hit with children of all ages.

Pattern 1 10ch, slst to form a ring 1st Row: 1ch, 24dc into ring. 2nd Row: 1ch, 1dc into same place as slst. Dc to end. Slst into 1st dc. 3rd Row: 1ch, dc into 1st dc, 18ch, miss 3dc, dc into next dc. Repeat from to end. Slst into 1st dc. (6points) 4th Row: […]

10ch, slst to form a ring. 1st Row: 1ch, 24dc into ring. 2nd Row: 1ch, dc into same place as slst, 4ch, 1dc into next 4dc. Repeat from 5times, 4ch, 1dc into next 3dc, slst into 1st dc. 3rd Row: Slst into 1st loop, 3ch (1st tr),1tr, 1ch, pc, 1ch 2tr into same loop (shell) […]

1st Row: 1ch, dc into ring (6ch, slst into 5th ch from hook) twice, 8ch, slst into 7th ch from hook, 10ch, slst into 9th ch from hook, 12ch, slst into 11th ch from hook, 14ch, slst into 12th ch from hook, 12ch, slst into 11th ch from hook, 8ch, slst into 7th ch from […]

8ch, slst to form a ring. 1st Row: 1ch, 18dc into ring, slst into 1st dc 2nd Row: 1ch, dc into same place as slst, dc to end. 3rd Row: 6ch, slst back into 1st dc. Dc into 2dc, slst into next dc, 6ch, slst back into same dc as slst. Repeat from to end. […]

It’s the hottest craft at the moment – one where you can preserve precious memories and create beautiful album pages in no time. It’s all about photos, telling the story behind the photos and creating albums which commemorate events in the life, from the important special moments to everyday events. Creating a page You can […]

All these great layouts were designed for The Scrap Heap – a terrific online scrapbooking site. www.thescrapheap.com.au offers a fantastic range of all your scrapbooking needs from cardstock to patterned papers, embellishments. It also specialises in colour co-ordinated and themed packs that take the hard work out of choosing products for you next layout. With […]

Cardstock: Juneberry and Petunia Patterned Paper: Sonnets Blush words 5mm Eyelets Ribbon Alphabet Stickers Start by trimming lighter cardstock 1 inch smaller all round. Cut tags (rectangles with corners cut off) with mats 1cm larger, punch holes and set eyelets. Cut words out patterned paper and attach them to tags, also attach ribbons. Cut mats […]

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Mono Walnut and Pinecone Patterned Paper: 7Gypsies Magnetique Computer Fonts: Title – Slash Hallmark, Journalling: Beths Cute Hallmark, Names and Dates: Barbara Hand Cut patterned paper in half lengthways and tear the opposite top corners off each half. Roll the edges of the patterned paper around a skewer to give the effect […]

These elegant placemats are the ideal addition to any dinner table. Create them for yourself or give them as a house-warming or Christmas gift. Materials Craftwood placemats (available from major craft outlets) Jo Sonja’s Basecoat – Primrose Black and White photocopies of floral designs from botanical prints or wrapping papers (or choose your own theme) […]

We give you a range of gorgeous handmade gifts to make for baby – from a cute knitted hat with pompom trim to a wrist rattle (designed to amuse a little one on the go) and a fabulous playmat. Materials 4ply baby yarn (25g balls): 1 ball each lemon (MC), mint (C1) and lilac (C2) […]

We present a range of gorgeous handmade gifts to make for baby -from a cute knitted hat with pompom trim to a wrist rattle (designed to amuse a little one the go) and a fabulous playmat. Click here for pattern Materials Scraps of pink and purple felt Water soluble pen Stranded embroidery thread in pink, […]

We present a range of gorgeous handmade gifts to make for baby -from a cute knitted hat with pompom trim to a wrist rattle (designed to amuse a little one the go) and a fabulous playmat. Materials 2.3m x 90cm wide felt (purple) 1.2m x 90cm wide thin wadding 15 x 90cm lengths of ribbon […]

Add a little pizazz to your bathroom with these great accessories that are so easy to make. Materials FIMO modelling clay (available at large craft retailers and selected art stores) Seahorse and shell moulds (we used plastic chocolate moulds which are available at large craft retailers) Paintbrush Baby powder FIMO metallic powder (available at large […]

Keen to get knitting, but not sure how? For those of you who have just picked up your knitting needles for the first time, here is a simple scarf for you to try. Learn how to Cast on and off, knit and purl with these knitting step-by-steps Materials Patons Feathers: 2 balls; Patons Totem 8ply: […]

This gorgeous toddler’s poncho is perfect for winter. Sizes given are from 18 months to three years. Materials Cleckheaton Gusto 10: 3 (4, 4) balls. One pair 10.00mm knitting needles or the required size to give correct tension. Two stitch holders. One 7.00 crochet hook. Knitter’s needle, for sewing seams. Measurements 18 (2, 3) months/years. […]

Materials White lawn (for backing squares), quantity depends on the size of your quilt Scraps of medium-weight cotton fabric Thread Backing fabric Wide bias binding (in colour to match your quilt) Method Following our Crazy Quilt Guide and using fabric A, cut lawn into 22cm squares. To stitch patchwork, lay a scrap of fabric (fabric […]

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here. Materials Drum shaped wire frame (available at selected craft and hobby outlets) Cane webbing for chairs, appox. 65cm (available from chair repair shops) Scissors Masking tape PVA glue Clothes pegs Craft glue Bias binding, in a colour that matches […]

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here. Materials Plain lampshade Feather boa, in desired shade Spray adhesive Apply the spray adhesive all around the outside of the lampshade, and then, working quickly and starting at the top of the shade, wind the feather boa around the […]

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here. Materials Wire box frame (available at selected craft and hobby outlets) Japanese momigami double-sided paper or other handmade paper Scissors Masking tape Craft glue Blunt knife Step 1 Measure the height and width of the frame to calculate the […]

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here. Materials Medium-weight cardboard, or you could use a manila folder Wire lamp frame (available at selected craft and hobby outlets) Mulberry paper Plain paper Pencil Scissors Clothes pegs Craft glue Blunt knife Lamp feet stoppers (or you can use […]

Beautiful crocheted jug covers and cloth edges never go out of style. As we receive so many requests from readers for this style of project we thought it was time to run a lovely tea story from our archives. There is even a crochet jug cover that comes complete with it’s own teacup decoration! Materials […]

Beautiful crocheted jug covers and cloth edges never go out of style. As we receive so many requests from readers for this style of project we thought it was time to run a lovely tea story from our archives. There is even a crochet jug cover that comes complete with it’s own teacup decoration! Materials […]

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here. Materials Newspaper Cube shapes wire frame (available at selected craft and hobby stores) Japanese handmade paper Scissors Craft glue Blunt knife Step 1 Make a newspaper template of half of the lamp frame, allowing an extra 2cm along both […]

A cute teddy-bed sleeping bag is perfect for sleepovers! DIAGRAMS: Teddy Grid Mattress Pocket, Cover Lining and Pillow Pocket Back and Cover MATERIALS: 3.1m x 150cm cotton or woollen fabric 30cm x 40cm fur fabric 30cm x 40cm press-on interfacing 108cm x 75cm polyester padding sewing thread 4 press studs 104cm x 65cm rubber or […]

Gilding is the magic that can turn plain objects – such as these dried gourds – into gorgeous decorations. Materials: Dried gourds Metal scourer Sandpaper Cloth 2.5cm paint brush Jo Sonja’s artists’ gouache in Indian Red Oxide Jo Sonja Tannin Blocking Sealer (used as an adhesive) Imitation gold leaf Silky scarf Water-based sealer Varnish (water […]

MATERIALS: Milford Knitting and Crochet Cotton 4ply (50g balls): 2 (3, 3, 3, 4) balls. One pair each 3.25mm and 3.00mm knitting needles or sizes required to give correct tension. One stitch holder. Note: Yarn quantities are approximate only as they can vary between knitters. Use only the yarn specified for this garment. Other yarns […]

A pretty cross-stitch pin cushion makes the perfect birthday gift and is a great project to get beginners stitching. MATERIALS Small amount linen or Aida cloth (approx 14cm x 14cm) DMC stranded cotton in colours indicated on key Method Work the design in cross-stitch using 2 strands of cotton, except where indicated otherwise. Click here […]

Everything that’s needed for gardening can be found on this garden trolley. Mounted on castors, this clever trolley hides spare pots, sprays, potting mix and also has a place to hang your tools. Materials Cut the following sizes from waterproof 12mm ply: back (A) 1300mm x 200mm side (B) 1300mm x 350mm side (C) 1300mm […]

Personalise a pair of denim overalls with our simple cross-stitch designs that can be worked in an afternoon. Bunny Pattern Cat Pattern Dog Pattern Materials Small amount (8cm x 6cm) rectangle of 12-count waste canvas, for each design Babies or toddler’s denim overalls DMC stranded cotton in colours indicated on key Click here for key […]

Cute handmade cards are a great way to welcome a newborn into the world. The nappy pin card is made by placing a piece of sheer paper over a bright coloured base card. Fold the card in half and make holes at the top with a hole punch. Insert ribbon and tie in a bow […]

Use an old sock to make this charming soft doll – perfectly soft for newborn babies to grab and squeeze. MATERIALS Scissors One child’s white sock (size 9-12) Polyester fibre filling White thread Blue and pink stranded embroidery thread 50cm x 6mm ribbon METHOD STEP 1 Cut off the top of the sock, about 5cm […]

Our peg dolls are perfect to sell at fetes and fundraisers and children of all ages will enjoy making and personalising their dolls. MATERIALS (for each mother and baby doll) Two wooden doll pegs, one large and one small (available at craft outlets) Fabric scrap, for skirt (approx 6cm x 27cm) Scrap of broderie anglaise […]

Destined to be favourite toys, these colourful knitted dolls make an ideal gift for a new baby or a child’s birthday. METHOD MATERIALS Patons Tasman 8ply (100g balls): C1 (navy for girl or red for boy): 1 ball C2 (flesh for both): 1 ball C3 (royal blue for both): 1 ball C4 (white for both): […]

Cute, colourful and cuddly – our clown jumper is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. MATERIALS **8ply knitting wool (50g balls): Main Colour (M – blue): 6 (7, 7, 8**) balls. **Contrast 1 (C1 – yellow): 1 ball. Contrast 2 (C2 – red):** 1 ball. Contrast 3 (C3 – green): 1 […]

The best-dressed dogs will love this cuddly dog coat – a very popular pattern which has twice featured in the pages of the magazine. MATERIALS **Cleckheaton Machinewash 8ply Crepe (50g balls): Main Colour (MC): 2 (3, 3, 4) balls. Contrast Colour (CC): 1 (1, 2, 2**) ball/s. One pair each 3.25mm (No 10) and 4.00mm […]

A snug embroidered woollen blanket is the perfect gift for new arrivals. Only three embroidery stitches are used to create a sensational result. MATERIALS Piece of woollen blanketing, desired size to fit your cot (we cut ours to 80cm x 75cm) 1.2m x 115cm cotton fabric for backing and borders (we used a yellow check […]

The ideal picnic rug or a warm cover to wrap yourself into this winter. Our popular tartan rug is a classic that’s perfect for all seasons. Materials. Patons Tasman 8ply (100g) or any 8ply yarn; 4 balls red, 4 balls bottle green; 1 ball yellow; 1 ball white. One 3.50mm (No 9) crochet hook and […]

Add the finishing touch to curtains and cushions with our easy-to-make tassels. They have been designed so everyone can make them, even at the first attempt. Gold Tassels (Makes 2) Materials 2 plastic curtain rod ends Gold spray paint 30cm narrow gold cord Sharp scissors or craft knife 60cm x 16cm fringing Clear tape Tacky […]

Put a little tradition back into Easter with a clutch of engraved eggs, which have long been part of European Easter celebrations. Although motifs differ from country to country, the essential technique of scratching onto a dyed egg is the same throughout Europe. It is not a difficult process, and a collection can be built […]

Launch into the footy season this year with this simple scarf pattern. You can knit a warm footy scarf in your favourite team’s colours in no time! Materials Cleckheaton Country 8ply (50g balls): Main Colour (MC – purple): 3 balls First Contrast (C1 – green): 2 balls Second Contrast (C2 – red): 2 balls OR […]

Click here for pattern Materials DMC stranded cotton in the following colours: 1 skein 553 violet, 2 skeins 704 Bright Chartreuse, I skein 740 Tangerine, 1 skein 3806 Light Cyclamen Pink, 1 skein 3607 Light Plum Size 24 chenille needle Tailor’s chalk Five small butterfly buttons in purple, mauve and orange (ours came from All […]

Materials: 50cm x 150cm-wide fabric (we used soft, thin imitation leather); thread; polyester fibre filling; 12mm pair of brown eyes; 50cm ribbon for the neck bow or a bandanna. Finished size.: Approximately 24cm high and 36cm long. Method. Enlarge pattern by placing on a photocopier set at 400 per cent; repeat using the copy. Place […]

Measurements Approximately 35cm x 40cm Materials 0.4m x 112cm novelty fur fabric 1.1m x 2cmw-de grosgrain ribbon 25cm square contrast felt, for star 25cm square transparent plastic, for star Glitter Craft glue Cutting From fur fabric, cut two rectangles, each 35cm x 40cm Method 1. STAR Star outline is printed on pattern sheet in black. […]

For ages. 5 years + Materials Pencils with erasers attached feathers tacky craft glue narrow sequined trim (available in haberdashery departments) small plastic eyes Step 1 Remove eraser from the end of the pencil. Squeeze glue into this hole and push the end of the feather into the glue and hold in place or rest […]

For ages. 4 years + Materials Coloured cardboard white paper pencil safety scissors craft glue felt pens Step 1 Enlarge our animal templates on a photocopier to the desired size. Trace and cut out to form patterns for your bookmarks. Step 2 Trace the patterns onto the cardboard in the colours of your choice and […]

For ages. 8 years + Materials Small wooden beads beading wire (available at selected craft outlets and beading stores) key ring attachment (available at craft stores) Step 1 Cut a length of beading wire about 20cm long. Using the pliers, form a 1cm wide coil in one end of the wire. Step 2 Thread 36 […]

Young children love small, inexpensive novelty items that they can buy with their own money – this trio of decorated pencils is just the sort of thing (and they’d also make perfect little prizes in a lucky dip). To make the Pompom Pencils spread the end of a new pencil with craft glue and wrap […]

For a unique yet festive Christmas decoration, make a gorgeous wreath. Hang one on the door, or make a few and hang them on the walls or around the garden. They’ll be the talk of the season! Materials 1 x wreath base (available from craft supply stores) 1 x hot glue gun 1 x hot […]

For a unique yet festive Christmas decoration, make a gorgeous wreath. Hang one on the door, or make a few and hang them on the walls or around the garden. They’ll be the talk of the season! Materials 1 x wreath base (available from craft supply stores) 1 x hot glue gun 1 x hot […]

For a unique yet festive Christmas decoration, make a gorgeous wreath. Hang one on the door, or make a few and hang them on the walls or around the garden. They’ll be the talk of the season! Materials 1 x ‘Oasis’ wreath base (available from florist or floral supply stores) 1 x hot glue gun […]

Jackie French’s Natural Solutions from The Australian Women’s Weekly Home Library (p.9) Refresh and relax after a long hot day at work, or in drying air-conditioning. Chill the ingredients in the fridge before using. 1 Lebanese cucumber 1 cup natural yogurt Blend or process ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Apply while still cool, leave […]

Add a touch of elegance to hats, scarves and haircombs with gorgeous roses. You will need: wire-edged ribbon (1m of pink for rose, 50cm of green for petals) wire pliers invisible thread 10cm x 20cm of canvas haircomb or brooch back Decide which edge of ribbon is to be the “outer” edge of the flower […]

From Best Sellers for Fairs & Fetes Measurements Finished bags measure approximately 17cm x 25cm but measurements can be adapted to make smaller or larger bags. Materials 38cm x 19cm satin, brocade, silk dupion, or other evening fabric 66cm x 19cm contrast fabric for lining and border 0.6cm twisted satin cord or braid scraps of […]

You will need: White duvet cover White pillowcase Sheet of cardboard for stencils Carbon paper (if not photocopying) Scalpel or Stanley knife Waterproof spray paint Fabric paints in light and dark green, light and dark blue, yellow and orange and pink and red Paintbrush Sheet of cardboard, for separating covers Note: You can use bought […]

Design your own variety of stunning candles from one simple base. Tips and terms: *Always wear protective clothing (gloves and an apron) when making candles. *Never leave wax unattended over heat -at temperatures of more than 100°C, it is likely to catch fire *Work on a protected surface as you are likely to spill drops […]

Teddy bear candles Make cute teddy bear candles in a food mould, following our instructions for making Moulded candles. When the wax has hardened, remove the candle from the mould. Carefully push a warmed metal skewer through the top of the bear into the body and insert a length of wick into this hole. Melt […]

Floating candles Use food moulds to create these beautiful, floral floating candles. To make them, first follow our step-by-step guide to Moulded Candles, then use a skewer to make holes for wicks when wax has almost set.

Stamped and embossed candles Old and new candles can be smartened up with a little simple craftwork. Stamp and emboss your candles using a rubber stamp, ink pad and any one of the many glittering embossing powders available from craft outlets. Heat the embossed design with an embossing gun to achieve the finished effect.

Painted container candle Give an old glass or metal container or a terracotta pot a birght new look with a little paint and lots of imagination. We painted a simple floral design around the outside of a glass container using acrylic paint. To make the candle, first follow our instructions for making moulded candles. If […]

Studded candles Transform plain candles by using thumbtacks to create your own interesting motifs and designs. Just push the tacks into the wax. Cluster the candles to create an impact.

Shell candles Fill shells with colourful wax and group them for a pretty lighting display. To make the shell candles, follow our instructions for making moulded candles and push metal skewer in to the wax once it hardens slightly to make a hole for the wick. Melt a little more wax and pour it around […]

Children will love these colourful, egg shaped candles and can help in making them, but never let young children melt or pour the liquid wax. Egg candles Materials: Eggs (the desired number) sharp knife small bowl stearin included or buy stearin and mix it with wax- 8 parts wax to 1 part stearin) wax dyes […]

These are great for kids as they’re simple to make and can be moulded in a range of shapes and sizes. Beeswax Candles Materials Sheets of beeswax (in desired colours) sharp knife wicking Working on a protected surface, cut the beeswax sheets into rectangular or tirangular shapes of the desired size. Cut a length of […]

Materials (to make 5-6 bombs) 1 cup bicarbonate of soda 1/2 cup cornflour 1/4 cup citric acid (see note below) Essential oil of your choice Food colouring Soap moulds (from craft stores) Note Both citric acid and bicarbonate of soda are available from baking sections of supermarkets. Method 1 SIFTING Sift bicarbonate of soda, cornflour […]

Measurements: Approx width at bust/chest: 130cm. Approx length (not including waist band): 61.5cm. Approx sleeve length (not including wrist band): 42cm. This is a loose-fitting garment. Materials: 8-ply yarn (50g): Main Colour (MC): 8 balls (black); 1st Contrast (C1): 6 balls (blue); 2nd Contrast (C2): 5 balls (white); 3rd Contrast (C3): 2 balls (red). One […]

Whether it’s a rainy day, a pending party or you and your child are looking to use some creative expression, you can’t go past a dress up. This month we help you get a brilliant “troll look” from head to toe. BODY Trolls These spectacular little garbage bag trolls are from the minimum-effort-maximum-effect school of […]

FRONT Work as for back to **. Dec at each end of next and alt rows until 54 (60, 66) sts rem. Work 13 (19, 19) rows. Shape Neck: 1st Row: K 21 (23, 26), turn. Cont on these 21 (23, 26) sts, dec at neck edge in alt rows until 15 (17, 19) sts […]

Materials: 20 Patons 3 ply Baby Wool 25g balls (quantity is approximate as it varies between knitters); 1 set 3.25 (No. 10) and 3.25 (No. 10) Milward circular needles (various lengths), or size needed to give correct tension; Milward knitters needle for finishing; 3.00 (No. 10-11) Milward crochet book. Measurement: (approx) 130cm in diameter. Tension: […]

Materials: 20 Patons 3 ply Baby Wool 25g balls (quantity is approximate as it varies between knitters); 1 set 3.25 (No. 10) and 3.25 (No. 10) Milward circular needles (various lengths), or size needed to give correct tension; Milward knitters needle for finishing; 3.00 (No. 10-11) Milward crochet book. Measurement: (approx) 130cm in diameter. Tension: […]

Decorate your home with these beautiful lavender and green hand-made crocheted bobble-style cushions. Finished size of cushions. Approximately 40cm x 34cm. Abbreviations. Cable: (this is worked over 6 stitches) miss the first 3 stitches, work in a ttr in each of the next 3tr, then work a ttr in each of the missed stitches, starting […]

Diagrams Back (Step 1) Front (Step 1) Sides (x 2) (Step 1) Wall joints – detail (Step 4) Floor plan (Step 5) Brick foundation layout (Step 6) Roof – front and back elevations (Step 9) Roof joints – side elevation detail (Step 9) Roof: side-view – elevation (Step 9) Roof plan (Step 10) Roof joints […]

For around $35 make this white magic crochet top. FRONT Work as for Back until there are 16 (17, 18, 19) rows less than Back, thus working last row on wrong side. Shape neck. Next row. Patt 44 (48, 53, 58), Dec A, turn. Cont in patt on these 45 (49, 64, 59) sts and […]