Homemade Life Register Of Crafty Crafters...

We all know that Homemade Lifers are a crafty bunch, thought it might be an idea to make a listy thing of the different handicrafts people get up to...

One post per person please (remember you can always edit it in the future) & tell us all what your crafty interests are...

It may be helpful if you could put what level you consider yourself at:

1. Thinking About - Think it may be interesting, & considering starting.
2. Learning - Got the stuff, beginning to learn how to do it.
3. Accomplished - Know how to do it & happy with what you do.
4. Expert - Other people love what you do & want to know how you do it.
5. Master Crafter - No explanation needed, & willing to explain & help mere mortals.

Ooo... Sounds like a good idea... I'll start (with a very short list!)

I'm into metal stuff, normally pretty big items. Love welding (either gas or electric) and have been known to do some cold casting of base metals. In more recent times I've dabbled in jewelry making using silver, but this really tests my patience! If I had to rate my expertise in all things metal I guess I'd have to go with somewhere approaching the expert area, and if I don't know the answer I'll probably know someone that does!

Erm... Thats about it, I can dig stuff in the garden, and sometimes things grow, but thats more luck than judgement!

I am an expert in the following (well, I teach others how to do it..., anyway!)

Papermaking and paper crafting, lots of other papercrafty stuff (books, cards, envelopes, boxes )
Various making things from recycled/natural materials from seasonal wreaths to bird feeders
Making lotions and balms etc
Melt and pour soaps with added extras.


Composting
Growing organic veg and organic gardening generally
Chicken keeping
Den building, campfire cooking, wildlife and plant ID , woodcraft, knots, tracking, games etc

General sustainability stuff (greening up your life sort of things)

And am adding to the list as I go.


I am accomplished/expert at making

Various alcoholic drinks ( cider, fruit wines, infused fruit spirits, with the odd mishap)
Yoghurt, butter and soft chese making -hard cheese soon!
Chutney, Jam
Some cookery (not terrific at patisserie!)
Some needlecrafts (embroidery, hand sewing, felting)


I have a go, with varying degrees of success at needle felting, knitting, weaving, rag rugs, tapestry, soap making, basket making, and lots of other stuff.

I also carve wood, weld metal and make scrap /junk models rom all sorts of stuff.

I do lots of other stuff, on a learning but on the way to being accomplished sort of level.

I can't get the hang of a potters wheel, though!

I am, alas, something of a dilettante in most of the things that I do, never really achieving much more skill than needed to complete a task.

I suppose that over time I have achieved a decent skill with a crochet hook, though nothing special.

I am officially classed by my trade as a Journeyman Horticulturist which allows me to employ apprentice level staff at set rates. Trying to run a smallholding means that I prefer to think of myself as an eternal learner in all things - a jack of all trades, master of none.

Hmmm - well I'd say that I was an accomplished knitter and possibly an expert at cross-stitch. Machine sewing, crochet and other embroidery I'm very much learning. Veg growing I'm also learning having produced the first batch in our garden last year.

Mrs C

I'm quite an accomplished knitter(except socks!!),
Also acomplished in the following - cross stitch, embroidery, sewing,Clothes mending, baking/cooking
I dabble in indian beading, veg gardening, jam making/preserving
I know theres more just can't think right now

I knit, but just small plain things.
I can sew, but no longer make clothes
I can crochet squares
I make cards, but I am not as good at it as I would like to be
I play with beads
I make things for Dolls Houses
I am teaching myself to paint & draw
I love gardening
I am a good cook
I can Make do & Mend & recycle
I will add as a PS that I am a lousy housewife!!