Creative Christmas: Christmassy Jars!

Hello there!! My aren't you looking fabulous this evening! I'm so glad you could join me!
I have another little Christmassy project to share and hopefully inspire your creative minds!!

Ever since transforming some old jars over the summer (read about it here) I've been kind of hooked on the idea of making-over old glass jars. I thought it was about time I put my ideas to the test and once again recycle some more beloved jars, but this time for the festive season.

I've been busy eating my way through various types of jarred food, so that I'd have some tools for this project :-)
I can't tell you how quick, simple and satisfying this project is!
You just need some old jars and string, plus a sprinkle of creativity! Here's what I did:
I ate my way through a jar of gherkins, peeled off the label and washed the jar out.

I placed a blob of glue in the position where I wanted my string to begin.

I attached my string (I just bought this from the local supermarket) to the glue and started to wind it around my jar as neat as possible.

Every now and then I'd add a blob of glue to secure my string.

Once I was satisfied with the amount of string, I fixed it with one final blob from my trusty glue gun.

Oh how simple and neat that looks!!

For that Christmassy touch, I gave the string a little covering of gold acrylic paint.

I like the natural look of the string, but I love the gold Christmassy string!

I pulled out my collection of embroidery thread, buttons, bells and ribbons, and made myself some cute little decorations.

I added some Christmas holly. (Using Lucy at Attic24's Jolly Holly pattern)

I added festive ribbon and a classic button, plus a couple of golden bells.

I crocheted some mini flowers and glued them to my jar.

Here's what I ended up with!

Cute eh?
They are perfect for dotting around the apartment! I added candles for a magical glow.

and candy for festive feasts!

Not only do I love how simple and cute they are, I love that I can fill them with just about anything!

A very simple and fulfilling project!
Why not give it a whirl? I promise you wont be disappointed!!!

This post has moved!
You can read an updated and revised version on our new blog.

Click here to read this post in full at it's new home!

Patchwork Granny Square!

I brought my laptop to work so I could write a quick post between shows. Its been a little while again since I had a catch up with you all. So yes that's right... I'm sat at my dressing room table with my monkey make-up on, writing about my latest project :-)

Those of you that join me on the "According To Matt Facebook Page" will know that I recently ordered myself some more Stylecraft DK from Masons. I couldn't resist!! After finishing and struggling to give away my Solid Granny Square blanket I had made for a friend, I knew that I had to order more wool and make myself a similar blanket.

I picked most of the colours from the 'Stylecraft colour pack' and added a few extra colours to my order. My bundle of yarn was delivered to the theatre last Monday so I've been playing around with that in my free time!

I ordered myself 31 colours in total and made use of a discount code I had received from my last purchase. I was so excited to take the parcel home and have a look at 31 different shades of scrumptiousness. I loved the variety of colours I had! There were a couple of surprises though, some colours were not exactly the same as advertised on the website. 

I found a couple of choices a little too bright, almost florescent looking!! These "flourescent" colours have been locked away in my yarn box for another project.

Here are the colours I finally settled on for my blanket: 

  
Here are the colour name and codes in the order they appear above for those of you that wandered :-)

1123-Claret, 1246-Lipstick, 1083-Pomegranite, 1132-Shrimp, 1114-Sunshine, 1081-Safron, 1263-Citron, 1065-Meadow, 1116-Green, 1062-Teal, 1422-Aspen, 1068-Turquoise, 1302-Denim, 1003-Aster, 1019-Cloud Blue, 1034-Sherbet, 1082-Bluebell, 1188-Lavender, 1067-Grape, 1432-Wisteria, 1390-Clematis, 1080-Pale Rose, 1241- Fondant, 1023-Raspberry, 1061-Plum, 1084-Magenta, 1435-Bright Pink.

I'm really happy with how the colours look grouped together! A little more yellow than I would normally go for, but I'm going to stick with it and see how the blanket progresses.
I've been making squares at work, when I'm not on stage. I've already made quite a few!!

 

I carry a ball of yarn, hook and scissors around with me and try making a quick when I can.
I make sure not to complete a total square or sew in the ends. I do this so I can join the last round properly to another square once I am at home. It probably sounds like a bit of a long winded way, but this way means I can make squares without carrying much yarn. It also means I'm still be able to use the 'join as you go' method, rather than having to sew tons of squares.

I've only been making this for just under a week and have already got half of my squares made! It really is growing fast!!

 I've also started with the joining of the actual blanket, that is also coming along nicely!!!

 
Already loving it!!! I can't wait to  have it finished. To have it to snuggle up in as winter takes over and Hamburg gets colder!!
As always I'll keep you posted with my progress! Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday?!

This post has moved!
You can read an updated and revised version on our new blog.

Click here to read this post in full at it's new home!