Thursday 14 April 2011

Shows and Exhibitions

The online Needlework Show is April 14 – 17! The show is open now, but closes on Sunday! This is the wholesale trade show that’s open to the public for viewing, so carve out some time to come stroll the aisles. You’ll see new patterns, old favorites, fibers, tools, doo-dads, specials, door prizes, games, and contests.
See you there!  The stitchers at the show can be found at Stitcher List.
For other categories click on "General" under "Viewing"
If you find something you like just Email me and I will order it in for you.

Thursday 7 April 2011

A FABULOUS DAY OF BEADING


Carol Cypher's classes were absolutely wonderful. 
Those who missed the day, really did miss out on a fabulous opportunity.  Those who attended will not hesitate to tell you just how wonderfully generous Carol is with both her time, information and supplies.  I for one, am completely converted and addicted to beading, and can't wait to have Carol back in Australia and definitely spending more than just one day at Crafty Frog.

In the morning Carol introduced, and in some instances re-taught, Polygon stitch.  This delightful stitch, combined with a stunning Rivoli, lovely beads (easily obtainable beads at that), and her gentle and very patient nature meant that all left with the ingredients and knowledge required to finish this wonderful bracelet.  I am looking forward to seeing all the participants wearing their amazing jewellery.

In the afternoon (and again in the evening), Carol taught us a fabulous double-needle method of right-angle weave, and more importantly a fabulous mantra to help those of us who were previously terrified of beading, to remember just what we were supposed to be doing!!  The end result of that class was a shiny piece of jewellery sure to bedazzle all who see it!  Do you get the feeling I was and am totally hooked and besotted?  If you couldn't make then you have truly missed out on a fabulous event ;-)

I look forward to welcoming Carol back here and to having more exciting classes at Crafty Frog.  As a special treat I have included two videos of Carol teaching a beading technique.  This will give you some idea of how absolutely fabulous she is, and maybe next time you can get a chance to meet Carol in person.

Friday 1 April 2011

Thursday 24 March 2011

Misti Alapaca Wools are now in Canberra

Misti Alpaca Yarns
- more colours in the store.


At the base of the Misti Volcano in Arequipa, Peru lies the beginning of Misti International's alpaca family legacy. 
Misti International was founded by the grandson of one of Peru's first exporters of alpaca fiber. Four generations later, they proudly carry on the family tradition, designing the highest quality alpaca
and alpaca blend yarns. Misti Alpaca yarns are known for luxury, quality, and color.
Their yarns evoke superlatives such as "Softest yarn ever"; "Warmth without weight" . Misti Alpaca's studio creations set them apart, as they offer Four generations of alpaca expertise.

Drop into The Crafty Frog in Kambah and see for yourself these beautiful  wools.

1086 Floating Lace Top

Designed by:  Karen Joan Raz
The Floating Lace Top is knit in the softest yarn
ever, Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Lace, 100% baby alpaca.
Optional glass beading compliments Misti’s colorway
“Blues in the Night”. A dramatic work of art,
ready to float over your head to enjoy!

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers

We have re-stocked with Aunt Martha's Hot Iron transfers.  These have proven very popular, with the last shipment selling out very quickly. Decorate towels, napkins, aprons, pillows, bedroom linens, needlepoint canvas, quilt blocks, fabric, and more. 
For over 70 years Aunt Martha's has been making hot iron transfer designs.
These antique reproduction designs can be used for embroidery, fabric painting, needlepoint, wearable art and other crafts. Each transfer is good for several stampings.

Aunt Martha's hot iron transfer patterns are printed on a giant 18" x 24" sheet of 32# newsprint paper. Each pattern is printed with a black transfer ink.

Saturday 19 March 2011

Carol Cypher - Beading Classes

International Beading Classes - Monday, 4th of April
I am very delighted and priviledged to have Carol Cypher, who is visiting from the States, teaching at Crafty Frog on Monday 04 April.

She will be teaching 2 three hour classes and you are more than welcome to make a day of it.  For those who are attending for the day I will provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.  Those who attend either the morning or afternoon session will of course be provided with refreshments.


Raku and Rivoli Bracelet
Raku and Rivoli Bracelet  Enjoy a taste of polygon stitch using only two stitches per round to whip up this bracelet that combines the look of matte raku with the sparkle of glass and crystal.
Employ the interesting thread path of polygon stitch, unlike any other stitches you know, first passing through a bead, then picking up beads for the stitch and anchoring them by passing under thread between beads. Bead a beautiful textured bezel utilizing that same thread path concept to embrace and secure a rivoli that serves as both a focal element and closure. The bracelet transitions to herringbone on the far end, acting as a buttonhole that frames the rivoli when worn.
Prerequisite: none
Level:
Intermediate
Cost:
$50 + Materials3 hour workshop
Request This Class

Midsummer's Night Bracelet
Midsummer's Night Bracelet  Create a sparkling fabric of Swarovski crystals using a double-needle method of right-angle weave. Learn the little mantra that propels you through row after row.


Embellish the surface while increasing the integrity of the beadwork by the addition of miniscule golden charlottes, swarovski elements and drops. A magnetic tube closure lends a jewellery store touch to this refined and elegant piece. Don't expect to finish in class.
Prerequisite: none
Level: All Levels Welcome
Cost: $50 + Materials3 hour workshop
Request This Class



Beginning Beading - Classes
Don't worry if you see a project of Carol's that you like, however, have had limited beading experience....   Lexie will be running beginner beading, and basic tubular peyote courses prior to Carols classes.
Request This Class
CLASSES

You must book in for all classes, as numbers are limited and places are offered on a first come-first served basis.

Creative Tapestry

To date the only class we have run is Helen's Creative Tapestry course.  The demand for it has been huge and constant, so we started it in January.  If you are interested in producing a Tapestry that is out of the ordinary, then this is the class for you.

It is run on the second Saturday of every month - the next class will be held on Saturday 10 April from 10am-12 noon.  Helen is an accredited Tapestry teacher and is a real inspiration to her students.  You can attend just one of her classes, or every month.
Request This Class
Re-Opening of The Crafty Frog
After 10 months of being closed, having all our stock written off, all our fittings cleaned, new (bouncier) carpet, new paint job and re-ordering and processing all new stock Crazy Frog (as the workman were calling us) is back.  An indication of the new stock that has been put on the shelves is shown at the right under SHOP STOCK.  This is by no means all of the stock in the shop and new stock continues to arrive daily.

We have not advertised our return to business previously, so if this is your first email from us in ages don't panic - we haven't (hopefully) lost your details and you will, from now on, be receiving regular newsletters, email updates, and invitations to subscriber only events.


Over the coming months my hope is to send you regular updates of new stock arrivals, new class additions, and any events happening at the shop.
We will regularly post on Face Book, Twitter and our Blog.  Sign up for any or all of these and you will receive notification immediately as new stock arrives.