Threads and Papers
Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other similar materials using a needle and thread to stitch a pattern.
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Depending on the type of fabric, embroidery can be broadly classified into free surface, counted-thread or canvas. Primary stitches include the running stitch, chain stitch and cross stitch. Examples of secondary stitches are blanket stitch, daisy chain stitch, satin stitches, and many more. Embellishments such as crystals, beads and even precious gemstones can also be incorporated.
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I prefer the counted-thread cross-stitch embroidery. It is an easy and forgiving craft. Once you get familiar with it, take the challenge to create your own designs.
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String art is where you pound nails onto wood and strings are then wrapped around the nails. It started with basic shapes, and has now evolved to elaborate portraits of people and places.
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String wrapping is also a type of string art. A base is made using cardboard or hard plastic, and either cut into shapes or a round base with radiating strips. Simply wrap string around the base in any pattern so as to cover most of the base, or weave them to form a basket.
Paper craft basically refers to any craft that uses paper.
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Origami is the art of folding a piece of paper into the shape of an animal or object. During the Chinese New Year, people love to make origami decorations using red-packets.
Kirigami, or paper cutting, is the art of cutting a piece of paper to form patterns. The Chinese paper cutting usually depict scenes or Chinese characters. Kirigami require the paper to be first folded before cutting, resulting in symmetrical patterns.
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Quilling crafts with long strips of paper, rolled up, pinched into basic shapes, then combined to form objects or patterns. 3D paper weaving is when rolled up paper sticks are used in place of shaved bamboo sticks to create baskets, bags and boxes.
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I love to create handmade cards using a combination of paper crafting techniques. Experiment with variations and you can create your own unique designs.
