Sunday 29 September 2013

Tools Required for Making Patchwork Items

Patchworking has become both a popular pastime and profession for all. This craft have been there from ancient times, when small rags were stitched together to make a quilt. But today it has undergone huge changes and is now not just restricted quilts. Now patchworkers are creating wonderful pillow covers, bed sheets, apparels, curtains and many handicraft items. 


As this art form has gained so much of recognition that various new techniques and ideas are being. Even Patchwork Fabrics In Australia are available in varied styles and patterns. Now needle and thread technique have been replaced by sewing machines which make work much faster. Large variety of patchwork tools is available in the craft store. Here is the list of tools re
quired for making patchwork items.
·         The rotary cutter is used for cutting the pieces for patchwork. Though they come in varied sizes, it is the medium cutters that are mostly used.

·         The self healing cutting mats are used along with the rotary cutters. They protect the cutters from damage, prevent the surface from being harmed and also support the patchwork fabric from slipping out.

·         Rulers are required for accuracy and ease. They also form a grip in the fabrics to stop them from slipping.
·         Scissors are a must have which cuts the paper piecing, cutting patterns for appliqué and clipping threads. ‘Some scissors are designed to only cut the patchwork fabrics.

·         A sewing machine that have replaced the manual sewing technique. They have made work much more efficient and faster.

·         Iron and iron board are used for pressing and setting of the seams.

All these products are easily found in the craft stores manufactured by the leading brands.

Sunday 8 September 2013

Get Various Effects by Use Embossing Powders



The embossing technique is a great way to make your craft stand out from the rest. It is a popular technique used in card making and scrapbooking crafts. It gives a raised and glittery look which is ideal for getting a 3D look.  Embossing is regarded as the most versatile technique and there are many techniques to get unique look in the craft.

The basic heating is the most common of all techniques. In this method the stamps are inked and are firmly pressed into the paper. Then the embossing dusts are sprinkled which are later melted by the heat gun to get the raised effect. The over embossing method is done to get a very glossy look in the craft which can really make it wonderful. As usual a design is imprinted on the paper using ink and stamps. Then clear enamel Embossing Powders is used which is heated from underneath the paper. As it gets completely melted the process repeated for several times until a shiny and smooth texture comes out.


Many card makers are seen to love the rainbow embossing technique as it gives a very colorful and vibrant look to the craft. The design is imprinted in the same process, only the ink is kept wet as many colors used in this method. Different colors of embossing powders are used which on heating gets the rainbow effect.

Now embossing the edges of the cards is a new trend among card makers. The edges are inked with a small pad and then are embossed in the usual manner. This will give a totally different look to the card.