Top 10 Posts of 2017

Happy 2018 everyone! I can’t wait for another year of creating a happy, handmade home with all of you lovely readers. But first, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at the top 10 posts of 2017. The list is based on posts published in 2017 that had the highest number of page views. (It doesn’t consider other factors such as the number of times a post was pinned on the blog or on Pinterest, for example. That’s just too much math for this crafty girl 😉 )

I’ll also tell you what I REALLY think about each project now that I’ve had some time to reflect and see how each DIY has been holding up.

Okay – here we go!

 

1.  How To Make A Standing Loom With Adjustable Legs

As the most-read post of 2017, this one is by far my personal favourite. After making a basic frame loom for my weaving projects, I quickly realized that since it was too big to be a lap loom (it’s about 30″ X 30″), I needed to prop it on a table to make the weaving process easier. So I decided to add adjustable legs – with the help of my handy hubby – and I’m so glad I did. It was a great upgrade to my handmade frame loom.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

If you like to weave, but need to keep your spending at a minimum, then this is a project that is definitely worth doing. This has become my go-to loom and I still love using it. The only criticism I have is that the yarn sometimes gets caught in the nails, if I’m not careful! But, all in all, a great addition to my arsenal of weaving tools.

To make your own Standing Loom With Adjustable Legs:

First, you’ll need to make a basic frame loom –> How To Make a Basic Loom

Then, you’ll be ready to add the adjustable legs –> How To Make a Standing Loom with Adjustable Legs

2.  8 Weaving Tools & Supplies Every Weaver Should Own (& Where To Find Them)

This post was a real labour of love for me. As a self-taught weaver, I know how difficult (not to mention confusing) it can be to get practical advice on the resources available out there. I remember going down quite the rabbit hole when doing my research on the world of weaving (it’s big y’all!) and finding information about every type of weaving there was from stick weaving to carpet weaving to hair weaving!

My goal with this post was to provide a summary that contained the most basic weaving tools and supplies. And for those whose craft stores don’t even carry weaving supplies, I wanted to provide options of where you can find these items online.

To check out the full list that I own & ones on my wish list, go here –> 8 Weaving Tools & Supplies Every Weaver Should (& Where To Find Them)

But, of course, when it comes down to my personal favourites and my go-to tools, the list gets even smaller. If you’d like to see the tools I personally use, the brands I prefer and recommend, you’ll also want to visit –> My Weaving Tools & Supplies 

3.  5 Wavy Weaving Techniques

Probably one of my favourite wall weavings to date, I enjoyed creating this one so much. It was a departure from some of my other projects in that I really wanted to explore waves in my weavings in a big way!

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

While this is still one of my favourite wall weavings, my one disappointment was that it wasn’t as structurally sound as I  normally like my weavings to be. With so many breaks between the waves and the addition of ‘negative’ (or empty) space, it is a bit fragile. And while there’s nothing wrong with a fragile piece per se (there are many on the market), my goal is to get better at creating wavy weavings that are sturdier than this one currently is.

Speaking of which…

4.  Weaving Techniques:  Making Waves 

Between the two wavy weavings that I’ve shared on the blog, this one is by far the sturdier of the two. The rows are stacked tightly and the waves fit neatly together, creating a solid wall hanging (it’s currently hanging in our bedroom). While the design is a little ‘out there’ – I felt like Jackson Pollack throwing paint on his canvas – it was a very freeing/liberating way to create.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

As an experimental weave, it was the first to introduce me to the troubles associated with creating multiple waves in a single wall weaving:  namely, the slight ‘wobbles’ that appear along the right and left sides. While charming and part of the process of creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, I’ll probably continue to tweak my wavy weavings along the way, and share what I learn with all of you!

5.  DIY Mini Macrame Wall Hanging

Wow! Can it be true? Yes, a non-weaving related post made it into the top 10! Yep, this fun little project got me all excited about that lost art of the hippie generation that seems to be making a comeback among creatives.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

I loved everything about this wall hanging from the simplicity of it (just one type of knot, folks!) to the thick dowel I used to hang it. It’s such a sweet little piece that has me thinking about making some other macrame projects, including table runners, decor accessories, and maybe a fun summer curtain 🙂  Stay tuned!

6.  How To Make A Floral Crowned Deer Head

Okay, so nothing surprised me more than to see this project in the top 10. When I originally posted this one last year, I thought all of you would be thinking “boy, she’s really gone off the deep end now…”  And, maybe some of you did 😉

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

I have to admit, I really, really loved this project. It was a fun way to fuse both pretty and rustic elements into my spring decor!

Of course, all things must come to an end. I eventually removed the flowers which were attached with floral wire and placed the skull back in the garage in my husband’s ‘man cave’ where it belongs 😉

7.  DIY Woven Bookmarks (For Beginners)  

This was a fun little project to introduce last summer.  If you are new to weaving or just want something small to start with, then projects like this one are a great place to begin. In it, I introduced how to make basic shapes and all using just one type of weaving technique:  the ‘tabby’ also known as ‘plain’ weave.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

I loved these bookmarks and had a fun time designing them. It’s a great beginners weaving project and it’s also a great craft to do with the kiddos 🙂

For more beginner level weaving projects, you can also try:

• An Introduction To Weaving, Part 1 and Part 2
• DIY Mini Framed Weaving
• DIY Woven Coasters

8.  Modern DIY Clay & Wood Bead Mobiles

This was the first clay project that I posted on the blog.  I had been experimenting with polymer clay and wanted to create a simple wall hanging for our foyer. I loved how it turned out and was so pleased with the response from readers who wanted to try it themselves.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

I enjoy using polymer clay and have no real serious concerns with it. If I were to find one, then it might be that polymer clay is less pliable than, say, air dry clay, which is quite soft and supple. It, therefore, takes a bit of getting used to, but the results can be spectacular.

To see the clay products I personally use, check out this page on the blog:  My Craft Tools & Supplies

For a comparison of polymer vs air dry clay, check out this very useful article –> What Clay to Buy?

9.  Weaving Tutorial:  Woven Hemstitch Finish (With Video)

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

I love finishing a wall weaving using the hemstitch. It’s simple, yet effective in keeping your edges in place, while creating a lovely edge detail.

As my first post accompanied by a video tutorial, this project also holds a special place in my heart. For this non-techy gal, it was quite a daunting task. But, I learned a lot, and I plan on making more – and hope to get better at it.

(BTW:  Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement along the way 🙂 )

For the full post, including video go here, Weaving Tutorial: Woven Hemstitch Finish, but if you’d prefer just to watch only the video on YouTube go here, Weaving Tutorial: The Hemstitch.

10.  Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments 5 Different Ways

Although this post appeared at the end of the year it really seemed to take off in a big way! A lot of eyes on this one by both bloggers (it appeared as part of a Blog Hop) and readers who saw it on Pinterest and found their way to the post.

My honest thoughts about this DIY:  

Besides the floral crowned deer head project, I was surprised to find this one on the list. But, I can’t say it doesn’t make me happy to see – I’ve got at least 1 or 2 upcoming clay projects in the works that I’m going to share with you soon 🙂

So, there ends the Top 10 Posts of 2017! Did any of your favourites make it onto the list?

Until next time, happy crafting, decorating and DIYing 🙂