How to make your own bookmarks or page markers

I love writing. I've got a combination of a diary, art journal, smash book and scrapbook. Try as I might, I can't conform to just one. I just let my creativity take over and go with the flow.

And while I like store bought supplies, I love making them on my own. Especially when they're so simple and easy.  

Today I'm going to show you how to make your very own paper clip and ribbon page markers. These can also be used as bookmarks.

You will need:

* Paper clips - I prefer coated clips to metal for the simple reason that it's way too humid here in Goa and they get rusty quick. 

* Satin ribbon - in this tutorial I've used 1/4" ribbon. 

* Your trusty sharp scissors

Cut a 4" piece of your ribbon and place the center over the front of your paper clip. 

Take the right end and from the back bring it forward through the top loop of the paper clip. 

Do the same for the left end. Hold both the ends and pull straight up. 

Make sure its tight and firm. 

Trim the edges into a nice 'v' with a sharp pair of scissors. And your page marker is ready. 

I hope this little tutorial helped. 

I would love to hear back from you. 

Xoxo

Karen. 

Covering cables and wires in yarn

I love Apple products except for their cables which don't seem to last very long here in Goa- India. It could be our intense hot and humid summers. So I decided to prolong their life my covering the entire length of the cable in soft wool. The reason I chose wool is because it's softer and more flexible than say crochet yarn. 

The materials you're gonna need are:

Yarn of your choice

Electrical tape if your cable is opening like mine

And a little drop of clear drying glue (optional)

Take a small piece of your electrical tape and wind it tight around the part that's opening out. If you've decided to cover your cable before it opened out, I applaud you - you can skip this step if you'd like. 

Tie a tight double knot close as close to the plastic part of the cable as you can. I cut off a length of wool of about 12mts from the ball of wool. This length will vary depending on the thickness of your wool or yarn. If you do run short just tie on another length with a double knot and carry on. 

Hold the short end of the wool flust against your cable. We're gonna work over this end so the knot we started with doesn't have any chance of opening out. 

Still holding the end piece with your left hand, keep the ball of wool in your right hand and pass it to the left but behind the cable leaving a small loop on the right hand side. 

Bring the ball of wool to the front and pass it through the loop back behind to its original place. 

Pull firmly to decrease the loop size. 

Keep pulling till the loop completely decreases and it meets the first knot you made at the top. 

Using this same method continue to make your knots as you work down the cable. 

Continue till you reach the other end of the cable. End by putting a drop of glue onto your last knot so that all your hard work doesn't open out. What you're left with is a funky flexible cable that will definitely last you longer. 

Hope you had fun with this. 

I'd love to hear from you. 

Xoxo

Karen. 

How to quill - Part 1. The tight coil

Quilling is all the rage right now. As a crafter that really thrills me. Back when I started learning quilling during my school days we didn't have any tools, the Internet or how to books. I made my first quill on a toothpick. I got my first quilling tool just before I began teaching. 

I've been quilling for over a decade and I've decided it's time to pass on my quilling knowledge, tips and tricks. For those of you who don't know but want to learn, I'm gonna do a detailed step by step tutorial on each of the basic shapes. For now we're gonna start with how to make a tight coil. 

The tools and materials you're going to need are:

* A slotted quilling tool

* quilling strips in 5mm

* good quality PVA glue

Find the slot on your quilling tool. 

Place the strip of quilling paper in the slot. I like to make sure the paper is not sticking out the other end. 

I'm right handed so I've got the quilling tool in my right hand and when I start rolling the thumb and index finger on my left hand are key. I use my index finger as a wall to keep the coils flush in place and with the nail on my thumb I gently coax the coils into place as I roll. 

As you begin to roll, it gets easier to manage between your thumb and index finger. This may be a little tricky at first but keep at it. You'll get there. I promise. 

Once you reach the end of the paper, apply a little clear drying PVA glue. If your glue doesn't have a nozzle attached to regulate the amount of glue, just put a blob of glue on a scrap piece of paper and apply a little to your strip with a toothpick. Once done, continue rolling till the end. Hold firmly for about 5 seconds to allow the glue to dry a bit then gently ease the coil off the tool. 

This is what you should remain with - A tight coil. Or as some call it, a Peg. 

If your rolling was too tight, it may come off the peg as a cone or it may unravel from the center. Do not be disheartened. Nobody becomes an expert on their first try. Next time don't pull the strip. 

I would love to hear if this was at all helpful to you. 

Happy crafting. 

Xoxo

Bird's nest tutorial

Spring has just about ended here in Goa and the summer heat is already beating down on us. The sparrows and magpie robins are busy making their nests. And that gave me an idea for a wonderful tutorial...

The Bird's Nest Pendant.

The tutorial is full of step by step instructions accompanied by clear photographs to guide you every step of the way.

No prior jewelry knowledge is assumed but you will find this tutorial a whole lot easier if you have dabbled in bead weaving. 

These tiny pieces of art may look difficult to you at first, but trust me - just give it a go and you will not be disappointed. 

Happy Crafting

xoxo

Karen

Teachers and teaching

Good teachers are so rare to find these days. Being a good teacher doesn't just mean preparing your lesson plan, getting to class on time and getting the kids to understand the concept of what you have taught. A great teacher does so much more....

 To me, teachers are medical marvels and should be entered into all medical books. I have seen teachers work a 7:00am to 4:00pm day without a break (rest-room or otherwise). I have seen and have had the honor of working with teachers who would give up their lunch break and stay hungry to help slow learners understand concepts of math.

The children we teach spend most of their waking hours in a year with us(teachers) than with their own parents and families. So as teachers we are so much more to them.
As a teacher, we have also been 'Bus attendant', 'Nurse', 'Nanny', 'Good cop', 'Bad cop', 'Judge'. We have been their 'Inspiration', 'Confidante', 'Cheer-leaders' and their 'Role models' just to name a few.

As a teacher, I have mended fights, tended to bruised knees, elbows and egos, caught kids with sweets in their mouths during class even when they weren't chewing.  I have taught kids how to hand over scissors correctly. I have listened to and followed multiple exciting stories at the same time (this usually happens when kids are back from summer break). I have fixed zippers, made it easy to find the end on a roll of tape, unclogged gum bottles, made interesting stuff from things one would normally throw away.  I plan lessons all the time (eating, bathing, partying, even on the throne at times - truestory). I have instilled in the kids I taught to use the 3 magic words, to close their mouths when masticating, the difference between their and they're. I buy the latest art and craft books so i learn more to teach more, I am aware of the latest crazes that kids are hooked onto (right now its loom bands).

I have sung 'Happy Birthday' more times than I care to count, I have untwisted tiffin lids that are on too tight, draw stars and smiley faces for kids, taught the difference between 'can' and 'may', hate glitter, worn paint glue and glitter all on the same day, wear red on valentines day/ white on Independence day/ red and green on Christmas.

I know when kids don't understand and when they aren't telling the truth. I know how to make kids work harder than they ever did before and celebrate with them when they get their A for effort.

I am a Teacher and I wholeheartedly disagree with the phrase "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach".
Instead it should be "Those who can, do; those who can do much much more, TEACH!"