Oddsockworld

Patchwork quilt

I have always wanted to buy a jelly roll - the name given to a selection of pre-cut fabrics. I decided to just get on with it asap and vaguely arranged them. I'm going to sew them into strips of 3 then cut into squares. Aim to finish this part in 2 hrs!

How to design a repeat pattern with Photoshop

At last - I have understood the method with the help of a very clever lady called 'SewHeidi' and this is my first pattern repeat:

It's a fairly long tutorial at 9 mins but it's the best one I have found anywhere!

How to make a papier mache fish

Now you've added the fins apply a coat of white emulsion or watered down gesso before letting your imagination run riot with colour then apply coat of varnish and hang on a wall. Thanks to DanMonsterMan for sharing his method. You can find photos of all the stages under 'recycling tutorials'.

How to make small papier mache fish

All made as per tutorial 5 super quick and very easy with no knives!

Papier mache fish tutorial 5

Add eyes and a few teeth by wrapping strips of masking tape and cover with more strips - ready to paint but advise leaving for a few more days to dry inside too. The smaller fish was made by cutting a flat cardboard shape, screwing up 2 sheets of newspaper and wrapping masking tape round to cover the paper - then add a layer of floury strips and dry, then paint detail. Finish with water-based varnish. Finished version next week. Any questions pls email.

Papier mache fish tutorial 4

When fully dry, take stuffing out and cut back a bit to make larger hole for mouth. Put mouth (the two bowl shapes) in hole and tape with masking tape then use more strips of paper to cover and secure. Make fins from card and cover as well. Attach to fish body when dry with more tape and paper. Next: almost finished phew!

Papier mache fish tutorial 3

Make the fish body from pieces of cardboard box,tape with masking tape,stuff with scrunched newspaper and start covering with strips of paper dipped in flour mix-see tutorial 1 for recipe. Build up a few layers and dry out. Then cut in half lengthways to insert head-next tutorial.

Papier mache fish tutorial 2

The 2 bowl shapes should be squashed before dry and kept in place with tape or string. This is going to be the mouth.

Papier mache fish tutorial 1

Papier mache fish tutorial part 1
Recipe:flour mixed with h2o
tear strips of newspaper by folding horizontally across as if you are reading paper - quick! Then start covering the mould or balloon with 2 layers of paper and allow to dry....cont'd later

For a really quick idea of what it's going to look like eventually - check out this video: