Tag: craft

  • Free Square Paper Basket Pattern

    Using the whole of an A4 sheet of paper for one basket(zero waste), I’ve created this simple paper basket for a great little craft project. Ideal for parties, egg hunts, Easter table decorations etc.

    You can either draw out the grid on your sheet of A4 paper or lightweight card using the pattern as a template or print the pattern direct to your A4 sheet.

    You can use pre-decorated or colour paper, draw your own patterns on it or add your own paper decorations or stickers to it (remember to pattern the reverse side of your sheet if printing pattern).

    The heavier weight paper or card you use, the stronger the basket but the harder it will be to cut out!

    You will need:

    A4 paper, scissors or craft knife, ruler with finger guard, sticky tape, double-sided tape or paper glue. (I prefer to use sticky tape and double-sided tape.) Stapler for handle if necessary.

    Directions:

    Using pattern as a guide, mark or print out pattern onto A4 paper.

    Cut along the solid lines, fold along the dashed lines using the edge of the ruler as guide.

    Stick Tab A and Tab B to inside of Panel C.

    Stick Tab D and Tab E to inside of Panel F.

    Secure the corner edges of the basket with tape, if needed.

    Fold two handle strips lengthways. Overlap ends and stick together securely with tape to make long handle. Attach to either the outside or inside of basket (where Tabs meet on panel to hide seam).
    Staple handle in place for extra strength, if needed.

    Warning: Please take care with sharp edges, scissors and glue with young children!

  • January Etsy Picks

    New Year picks from my Etsy shop this month:

    Hand Stitched Paper Bookmark Cards: Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and my hand-stitched paper bookmarks, sent with a blank card are perfect for booklovers. Pair it with a good book for a great gift idea.

    Cotton Kitchen Set: Need a bit of post-Christmas kitchen clean up? Spring clean with this crochet cotton cloth, eco sponge and organise your bread bin with this cotton bread bag. Green and clean!

    Silver Birch Abstract Collage: This little abstract collage of Silver Birch trees in woodland uses some of my watercolour test sheets to make the bark. These sheets are made when I paint with watercolour and test the colour before applying to the painting. I was struck by the way the paint, cut into strips reminded me of the trunks of Silver Birch. This collage has a textured gloss varnish to it which is hard to catch in the photos.

    Three Mini Good Luck Cards:  I’ve hand-made these good luck cards featuring lucky coins and a lucky cat. Perfect for wishing your family and friends a Happy Lunar New Year.

  • Gladioli from the Garden

    This weekend we had stormy weather which left some late blooming gladioli blown over in the garden and so I decided to pick a few for the house and use them for drawing practice this week.

    These late bloomers have all been this lovely white and red bicolour, making beautiful structural shapes and welcome flowers after a dry summer and early autumn.

    I started with a quick pencil sketch to loosen up and then a couple of studies in chalk pastels. I will probably use the pastel sketches as a base or inspiration for either cards or artwork.

    I thought I’d put a few handy tips if you’re thinking of using chalk pastels for the first time:

    Chalk pastels are crumbly and very easy to smudge, I recommend trying pastels in a pencil form if you want detailed, crisp lines as they are easy to sharpen to a point and create far less mess.

    Try keeping a clean piece of paper handy to cover areas you have already worked on in order not to smudge pastel as you move over your work.

    These white gladioli are much easier to pick out on a colour background than on white paper. So, if you can find a pad of pastel paper with various shades, you can pick a background to maximise the impact of your work.

  • Shhh! 30% off Secret Santa and Table Gift Ideas

    Looking for small, unique and individual gifts in the run up to the festive season? For the first two weeks of this October I’m running a sale with 30% off selected items in my Etsy shop so hurry now and find a range of handmade gifts like these bobble hat egg cosies for the foodies in your life:


    https://patriciarustart.etsy.com/listing/1791468454


    or this handmade soap (sourced in UK) and 100% organic cotton soap-saver I’ve crocheted for your eco-friendly friends:


    https://patriciarustart.etsy.com/listing/4297674610

    and this pretty hand-beaded flower mandala room decoration for a moment of calm in the busy life of someone special:


    https://patriciarustart.etsy.com/listing/1398037448

    Terms and conditions apply: Sale runs from 01/10/25 to 16/10/25 on selected items only. No refunds or returns on sale items. Available in UK only.

  • Hello and welcome!

    Hello and welcome!

    You may have already found me on Instagram and YouTube or in my Etsy shop and I hope you will enjoy reading this new blog adventure too.