Hazel and Ruby – Craft With May

Crafternoon: Embroidery Hoops

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This Hazel & Ruby “Crafternoon” kit was the one that had me running down to JoAnn’s to find the line. I was so very excited to learn (FINALLY!) proper use of an embroidery hoop! This is such a fun craft, and I definitely learned a lot. Ok so a few things to tell you:

It took me 5 hours to create the two hoops
All I needed was an iron, black pen, and scissors
I ran out of two different thread colors – I think this was a glitch with my kit as all others had plenty

Ok so I watched the video first which was great (except two issues – more on that later) and that really helped show me what to do. Ironing on and cutting out the shapes was easier than I anticipated, and I got into the drawing words right away. Of course, me being me I couldn’t just leave the design alone I had to change the sayings!

Drawing on with black pen was no problem! You can see (below) I definitely made these my own. Now I had to use a lot of my own pink thread (ran out) – but that’s ok. There was more than enough of most colors and I liked that it was easy to substitute. I goofed and mis-cut my blue polka dot which is why you see my own stripe-y fabric on the smaller hoop.

Now on the video there were two things that didn’t work. First, there was no explaining of the tassels. I assume I’m meant to loop thread around towards the top… that’s what I did. The other thing was the French Knot instructions didn’t work. I was at the end of my rope and YouTube searched it – figured out that NO, I don’t want to put it back into the same hole, rather put needle back into hole next to original. Also I want to have needle facing away from surface when twisting.

That won’t make sense unless you’re doing the project – but if you are that may help you a lot.

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I really loved this kit a ton, it’s so well done and the projects were really fun to sit and relax and make. The designer did a fabulous job, and overall I left feeling like I’d picked up new tips, ideas, and the ability to strike out on my own with this crazy fun (though a bit on the tedious side) craft. Do I recommend it? HECK YES! It’s really a great price for all that you get, and my minor issue aside, something I had a whole lot of fun with.

I’ve got one more kit here – watch for that coming here in about a week…

Have you tried to crafternoon a day away? Which kit? I’m just so loving these!

Crafternoon by Hazel & Ruby: Crepe Paper Flowers

find all the info (and videos) on the Hazel & Ruby site here.

Hazel & Ruby released a new line, perhaps the most brilliant of 2015. “Crafternoon” is now available at JoAnn fabrics (and I am guessing elsewhere after an exclusive time period…) that I have heard about via instagram where the various designers are chatting it up and sharing photos. Why is it brilliant?

Kit including instructions and all supplies (outside basics like glue and scissors) included.
It’s like taking a craft class in a little pouch
Videos available on-line so you can check them out before or after you buy the product! In other words you can preview what you’ll make before you buy
Quality projects and great DIY kits
Great for novice or seasoned crafters
Interesting designs you can be inspired by for future

The idea that this will take you not much time (or at most just a few hours) is so inspiring! To me, it sparked my love of learning and getting a mini class part online (Video) and a kit ready to rock. The other thing that makes me love this so very much is that they have all different crafters participating. In other words, you’re getting a wide variety of talented bloggers who are sharing things they excel in – love that!

I picked out three different DIY kits at my local JoAnn fabrics and I’m starting with the one I wanted to test out WITHOUT video to see how I did with their written instruction. I did ok… but I think the way to approach these is to watch the video then begin the craft project and use the written instructions as a reminder. I think it’s a really great touch that they did both written and video!

The written instructions are well done but enough detail is missing that if you’re brand new to the craft it could make for less than stellar results. I was ok with my finished flower but after watching the video I had major “AHA!” Moments that I’ll take into the future flowers I can make from this kit.

This was just one flower (of many) I can make, and now armed with additional information and having seen the video I know my next will turn out even better. I’m so very impressed with these kits I just had to share right away! I will be back next week with #2 (A embroidery hoop!) and this time I’m watching the video first.

For more about this line you can find all the info (and videos) on the Hazel & Ruby site here.