W e a v i n g : S i m p l e W o o d e n L o o m

These little wooden looms are basically the sturdier version of the cardboard loom I previously made (check out this post and this post to see how to use this loom).   To make these, we used some inexpensive 1/4" thick craft wood and some scrap wood that was just lying around.  Measure out and place marks on each end approximately 3/10" apart and cut the marks with a scroll saw, sand and your little loom is ready to use! Mine are approximately, 6"x7" and 3"x12", but you can make them any size you want. I like the smaller size as it is easy to work and travel with. Coming up in a future post I'll share the first two little weavings I made with these! 

C r a f t B r e a k : P e n K i t

This pen kit was a great little gift I received and was quite fun to put together! I love gifts with a DIY element. If you'd like to make your own, find more info on it here.

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

L i t t l e B i t s O f L i f e L a t e l y

F o o d i e : A v o c a d o P u d d i n g

If you've never made avocado pudding before, you have to give it a try! I'll admit I was skeptical that this would be good - I'm pretty picky when it comes to pudding - but this stuff was great! Definitely something I will be making again. I followed this recipe. The only change I made was to use regular sugar and sweetened cocoa powder.

Enjoy!

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

W e a v i n g : B e g i n n e r T e c h n i q u e s

Let's weave! For details on how to make the loom, check out this post. Once you have the warp in place, choose your first color and begin as shown below. Leave a bit of a tail when you start so you can secure the yarn later. Continue weaving back and forth until you get the desired amount of rows making sure to push down the yarn as you go and don't pull too tight! I like to use a large blunt needle to guide my yarn through the warp. 

Use different styles and weights of yarn to add visual interest.

To add additional texture you can also add Rya. Cut yarn into pieces a few inches long and wrap around the warp as shown below. 

When you start your second row of rya start with the second string of warp so your rya will alternate position. Continue this pattern of alternation until you have reached the desired amount and continue weaving as usual.

You can also add texture by weaving in strips of leather (as above) or add beads (as below).

When you've reached the end, weave in all of the ends into the piece. 

Flip over the loom and cut the warp strings.

Tie the warp strings into simple knots and add beads if you'd like.

Leave longer strings at the top to hang your piece.

And you're done!

I really enjoyed making this first piece and it's got me thinking of new techniques to try next time! 

(inspiration came from this lovely post)