Category: Handmade

Starting from Scratch: My Card Making 101 Private Sessions

Jul 19, 2026

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by

alpha

in Card Making 101, Handmade, Papercraft At Home, Technique, Tools

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how overwhelming it can feel when you want to try a new hobby but have absolutely no idea where to start. Walk into any craft shop or browse online, and you’re instantly flooded with thousands of stamps, endless ink shades, cutting machines, and tools you don’t even know…
Jam-Packed with Creativity: A Sweet Afternoon in Class

Jun 14, 2026

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alpha

in Craft Classes, Fruits, Handmade, Stampin’ Up!

There’s nothing quite like a craft table full of ink pads, stamps, paper scraps, scissors, laughter and a group of lovely ladies letting their creativity run wild. This week’s class was all about creating these sweet little preserve jar cards using the Filled with Sweetness bundle from Stampin’ Up! What a joyful session it turned…
One Layer, Many Uses: The Versatile Pocket Card

Apr 29, 2026

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Fun Fold, Handmade, Pocket Cards

I’ve always been a fan of clever papercrafting. It is the kind of project where a few simple folds or a bit of well-placed adhesive creates something that actually solves a problem. Lately, I’ve been reaching for these one-layer pocket cards every time a birthday or thank-you rolls around. The concept is pretty straightforward. It…
The Joy of Ink Blending and Shared Creativity

Jan 17, 2026

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by

alpha

in Card Making 101, Craft Classes, Handmade

There is a particular kind of magic that happens when you pick up a blending brush and a fresh ink pad. It starts with a blank piece of white cardstock and, with just a few soft, circular motions, a beautiful glow begins to appear. It is one of those techniques that feels almost like a…
The Joy of a Card Buffet

Sep 25, 2025

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, Stampin’ Up!

There is a certain kind of magic that happens when you clear a space on the table, set out some beautiful stamps, and just let yourself create. If you have been looking for a reason to step away from the screen and do something with your hands, our upcoming card buffet might be just the…
Journal Collage Art

Sep 5, 2021

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Designer Series Paper, Handmade, Journaling, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

Journal collage art is a fun project that uses little cut-out bits of paper and embellishments. I always have cut-out pieces and embellishments in a small box on my table and I empty it by making little works of art. It’s so much fun and satisfying because they can be accomplished in such a short…
Feels Like Home Stamp Set

Jul 24, 2021

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Floral, Handmade, Journaling, Leaves, Sale-a-bration, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Stickers, Technique

Let’s try DIY washi using the Feels Like Home stamp set. This is a fun paper craft project that uses the smaller stamps in the set. The Feels Like Home stamp set is a Sale-a-bration freebie available until the end of September. What is washi? It’s printed masking tape used as decoration for paper craft…
To The Moon Ex Libris

Jul 12, 2021

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Ex Libris, Handmade, Journaling, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Stickers, Technique

I’m making Ex Libris bookplates using the To The Moon stamp set. In my previous post, I made a card using the same stamp set. This time we are going to use this stamp set in another fun project – Ex Libris bookplates. Ex Libris means ‘from the library of”. If you’ve been organising your…
Timeless Tropical Stickers

Oct 24, 2020

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Floral, Handmade, Leaves, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Stickers, Technique, Trees

I used the Timeless Tropical stamp set and coordinating In the Tropics dies to make stickers. The images in this stamp set are gorgeous. The pineapple and the palm trees make me want to go on a holiday. Making stickers may not be as exciting as a holiday but it’s easy and so much fun…
Happy Mail Packs

Apr 16, 2020

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, Personal, Stampin’ Up!

Happy mail packs are little parcels that I assemble for gift-giving. Cards accumulate so fast in my studio. A lot are made for personal use but a big bulk of what I make are samples for classes. A lot of my cards end up as little boxed sets that I give to family and friends…
DIY Eco-Friendly Envelopes

Oct 11, 2017

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Fun Fold, Handmade, Packaging Inspiration, Stampin’ Up!, Technique, Tools

Let’s make DIY eco-friendly envelopes. When I was clearing some shelves in the studio, I noticed my pile of magazines building up in the corner. They are outdated but the pages are filled with gorgeous photos of furniture, architectural and garden details. I also have a pile of brown paper packaging that I saved from…
Advent Calendar Workshop

Sep 25, 2017

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by

alpha

in Christmas, Craft Classes, Designer Series Paper, Fun Fold, Handmade, Packaging Inspiration, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

This Advent Calendar workshop is lots of fun. The fun-fold pockets are for counting down the days until Christmas. It’s a fun tradition that you can do with your family every year even after the kids have grown. Little kids enjoy it because the little treats inside the pockets are what they look forward every…
The Open Sea Card Inspiration

Jul 21, 2015

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by

alpha

in Birthdays, Craft Classes, Father’s Day, Handmade, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

The Open Sea card inspiration that you see here uses the stamp set and a background stamp. The struggle is real when it comes to making cards for men. Luckily, The Open Sea takes care of that problem. Nautical images suit many occasions, especially birthdays. I also used the Hardwood background stamp for a textured…
Gift Card Holder Inspiration

Feb 25, 2015

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by

alpha

in Birthdays, Craft Classes, Designer Series Paper, Fun Fold, Graduation, Handmade, Punch, Stampin’ Up!, Technique, Tools, Wedding

This gift card holder inspiration is fun and easy to make when you have the Envelope Punch Board. I also used the B.Y.O.P. stamp set because it has greetings and words appropriate for gift vouchers and cash. Bring out your Designer Series Paper (DSP) too because this is a great opportunity to use them for…
School Holiday Fun

Jan 13, 2014

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by

alpha

in Birthdays, Children’s Cards, Craft Classes, Handmade, School Holidays, Sewing, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

School holiday fun is here again. Hello and Happy New Year to all. I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas break and that the New Year brings you and your family renewed hope and continued blessings. I had a good Christmas break and am now refreshed and ready to share crafting ideas with the…
DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Dec 20, 2013

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by

alpha

in Christmas, Handmade, Packaging Inspiration

Here are a few DIY Christmas gift ideas. Christmas…’Tis the season for giving, ’tis the season for baking and ’tis the season for showing off your amazing DIY talent. So, put your craft caps on and get started. The holidays can be expensive especially if you have a long list of family and friends. However,…
Inspired by Steiner Education

Nov 18, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, Journaling, Personal, Scrapbooking

I’m inspired by Steiner education everyday. The Waldorf style of education founded by Rudolf Steiner fascinates me. I like the idea of developing my imagination through sensory experiences. Perhaps that is why I am such an advocate of handmade items. Being a Rudolf Steiner mum to my children, I expose them to handmade things everyday thru the…
DIY Home Decor Banner

Oct 8, 2013

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by

alpha

in Handmade, Personal

Here’s a DIY home decor banner that you will love. The school holidays is just around the corner and I’m thinking, the kids will love it if there’s something cheerful at the gate to welcome them to class. It’s bringing a smile to my face already. I can’t wait to hang this up. Make your…
Journal Making Class

Sep 16, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, Journaling, School Holidays, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

Journal making class is a fun memory-keeping activity that the kids will love. This will also keep them busy and creative on the school holidays. It’s a gorgeous way of documenting the holidays by writing, inserting photos and ephemera to the book. I love to fill it and then look at it years later to…
Pancakes and Strawberries Felt Toys

Sep 9, 2013

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by

alpha

in Handmade, Sewing

Pancakes and strawberries felt toys have a special place in my heart because I started out as a toymaker. When my sons were little their toys were soft and warm to the touch. Since they like play food, I made them pancakes & strawberries. It kept them busy playing the waiter, serving each other pancakes.…
Felt Tablet and Device Cover

Sep 5, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, School Holidays, Sewing

Felt tablet and device cover is a boredom buster during the school holidays. Personalise and add whimsy to your sewing project by using the shaker card technique. I love that felt doesn’t fringe and unravel like fabric so this eliminates the need to tidy up loose fibres. Here’s how: Measure and cut to size 2…
DIY Gift Tags Idea

Aug 12, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Tags, Tools

DIY gift tags are so much fun to make. The craft house had a massive clean-out on the weekend. Boxes and shelves choking full of stuff were emptied to reveal many things that haven’t seen the light of day in like, maybe a year or so. Instantly, a truckload of ideas came rushing in. There…
Baby Owl Sewing Project

Aug 9, 2013

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by

alpha

in Animals, Handmade, Sewing, Woodland

This baby owl sewing project is adorable and so easy. Here is a project for the kids (and for yourself too) to make during the school holidays. Hang them anywhere – as a keychain, bag accessory or attach it to a long necklace. Kids can make it for themselves, for mum or a friend. Also,…
Hoop Embroidery Sewing Project

Jul 30, 2013

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by

alpha

in Handmade, School Holidays, Sewing

This hoop embroidery sewing project is another boredom buster during the school holidays. The kids will love how easy and enjoyable it is. Moreover, it doesn’t require expensive and hard to find materials. Begin by gathering your supplies: small embroidery hoops small piece of fabric to fit the embroidery hoop. A little extra fabric is…
Hand-Stitched Notebook

Jul 30, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Designer Series Paper, Fun Fold, Handmade, Sewing, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

Hand-stitched notebook is an easy project to assemble. It’s another boredom buster for you and the kids during the school holidays. Chances are, you already have the supplies in your craft box. First thing to do is to gather your materials – A4 paper, printed or Designer Series Paper, paper piercing tool, needle, thread, multi-purpose…
Pin Cushion Magnet

Jul 23, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Handmade, School Holidays, Sewing

Pin cushion magnet is a fun sewing project during the school holidays. This is another boredom buster that doesn’t require a lot of materials nor effort to complete. First, gather your materials: fabric scraps toy stuffing needle thread magnet glue stick heat gun buttons or flowers for embellishment. Here’s how: Trace petals on your fabric.…
Stamped Collage Banner

Jun 25, 2013

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by

alpha

in Craft Classes, Floral, Handmade, School Holidays, Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up!, Technique

Stamped collage banner is a fun project for the kids to make during the school holidays. This will brighten and add personality to any room in the house. Kids can personalise their space with images that project their individuality. Gather a few stamp sets, ink pads, card stock, punches, die cuts, ribbon and embellishments. Think…
On My Work Table

Jun 23, 2011

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by

alpha

in Handmade, Sewing

Sometimes, I find that the best way to refresh my creative energy is to step away from the paper trimmer and ink pads for a little while. While I’ll always love a good paper crafting session, there is something incredibly therapeutic about the slow, rhythmic movement of a needle and thread. On my work table…
Christmas Tag Ideas

Dec 3, 2010

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by

alpha

in Christmas, Handmade

When we think of Christmas, we often think of the “big” things: the tree, the dinner, the main event. But for me, the heart of the season is found in the smallest details, like the handmade tags tucked under the ribbon of a gift. In a world of one-click ordering and overnight shipping, there is…
Nostalgia and Newborns: Hand-Stitched Pocket Babies

Oct 2, 2010

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by

alpha

in Handmade, Sewing

I woke up feeling a little bit nostalgic today. Do you ever have those mornings where you just want to go back to your roots? For me, that means revisiting my Rudolf Steiner background and the simple, natural toys that spark so much imagination. With Spring finally showing its face around Melbourne, it felt like…

Category: Handmade

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