Instructions For Using A Badgeworx Badge/Mirror Maker

Before you begin, it is best to bolt the badge maker to a heavy table or board to stabilise it during use. It is shown fixed to a trestle in the photos below.

To Make A Badge

Components required: - circular metal piece, chosen illustration cut to size with circular cutter, a protective plastic circle, badge back piece.

Photo 1
1 Remove the bottom part of the badge maker and place it facing the same way up as shown in Photo 1, above.

Photo 2
2 Add the circular metal piece so that the smooth side faces up as shown in Photo 2.

Photo 3
3 Add your chosen illustration, followed by the circular piece of plastic.

Photo 4
4 Put the bottom part of the machine back in place, push the bar to the right as far as it will go.

Photo 5
5 Pull the lever firmly down. You will feel it ‘clunk’ as it reaches the bottom position – about the angle shown in Photo 5.

Photo 6
6 The front part of the badge should now be inside the machine. Remove the bottom part from the badge maker.

Photo 7
7 Flip the bottom part of the machine over.

Photo 8
8 Add the badge back in the direction shown in the photo above.

Photo 9
9 Replace the bottom part of the machine.

Photo 10
10 Push the bar to the left as far as it will go.

Photo 11
11 Pull the handle down. It will come down further this time.

Photo 12
12 The badge is complete – back view.

Photo 13
13 Completed badge – front view.

To Make A Mirror

Photo 14
14 Components required for making a mirror shown above, plus your choice of picture, cut to size.

Follow instructions 1 – 7, then…

Photo 15
15 Squeeze the cardboard circle all over to make it thinner. If you don’t do this, you may end up cracking the mirror while making it.

Photo 16
16 Add the metal ring with the sharp edges facing up.

Photo 17
17 Add the mirror, mirrored side facing down.

Photo 17
17 Add the card.

Photo 18
18 Push the bar to the left.

Photo 19
19 Pull the handle down, gently but firmly. If you pull down too hard, the mirror may break…

Photo 20
20 Release the handle, twist the bottom part of the machine about a third of a rotation, and repeat instruction 19. Do this two or three times so that the mirror is evenly set in the backing.

Photo 21
21 Mirror completed – front view.

Photo 22
22 Mirror completed – back view – this should perhaps be pressed a bit more to get the metal ring below the level of the green part.


To Make a Bottle Opener Key Ring

Photo 23
23 Components: - picture cut to size, plastic circle, metal circle, bottle opener back piece, and ring attachment.

Follow instructions 1 – 7 above, then…

Photo 24
24 Add the washer provided to the bottom part of the machine once you have flipped it (Photo 7).

Photo 25
25 Add the bottle opener back piece, as shown in Photo 25.

Photo 26
26 Put the bottom part back into the badge maker, push the bar to the left.

Photo 27
27 Pull the lever down.

Photo 28
28 Add the key ring, and the bottle opener key ring is complete.


To Make a Key Ring
Photo 29
29 Components: - picture, plastic circle, white plastic ring, white plastic back piece, metal circle, key ring attachment.

Follow instructions 1 – 7 above, then…

Photo 30
30 Add the white plastic ring as shown in Photo 30. Then follow instructions 26 and 27 above.

Photo 31
31 Your key ring should now look like this.

Photo 32
32 Press the plastic back into place.

Photo 33
33 Add the key ring attachment and it is complete.


These instructions and photographs are copyright Julia K Walton 2008

Peg Bag

peg bag
Originally uploaded by jkw_fire_horse

I made this peg bag using a project from Katie Ebben's book "Fabric Scrapping".

The basic rectangular shape of the bag is shaped to fit your coat hanger at the top. Various flaps and gathered frills are added to the front panel. The opening is hemmed before the sides and bottom of the peg bag are sewn. A row of blanket stitches decorates the bottom edge of the opening.

Rockcliffe and New Abbey Trip

Henry (dog), Rob (my husband) and I enjoyed an outing to Rockcliffe in Dumfries and Galloway this week.

Rockcliffe is a pretty village with a beach, art gallery, café and hotel. 


We took a walk along the shore to Castlehill Point, from where you get wonderful views across the Solway to Cumbria.

The weather was clear and sunny and the scramble over the beach and through a field up to the point was very enjoyable. The walk is about a couple of miles long in total, and is over uneven ground, requiring good walking shoes.









Rob took this photo of a gorse bush on the beach.

On the way home, we stopped at Abbey Cottage – a gift shop and restaurant next to Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey.

I ate a ploughman’s lunch made with local cheeses; fresh, crunchy salad; chutney; and good, wholemeal bread and butter.

Rob had a jacket potato with vegetarian chilli and salad garnish.

For pudding, I had caramel shortbread ice cream, made by a local company, Cream O’Galloway.

Rob had the sticky toffee pudding.

Everything was superb, including the tea and coffee, and friendly service. Highly recommended.

Start Improving Your Life Today! - Six Recommended Self-Help Books

I’m quite addicted to reading self-help books. I find that they are useful as I work through them, but the effect gradually wears off and I need to top up with a new fix to get me motivated again.

Many authors regurgitate the same basic information in different forms or with a new spin, but I have found that the following books are all worth reading and following.

If you take the trouble to try out the exercises and genuinely think about the issues raised, they can help you to think about your true priorities and goals in life and motivate you into achieving them. Of course, at some point you have to actually take ACTION rather than just reading about what you should be doing…

6. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
Advice on setting, prioritising and achieving your goals.

5. How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
A classic text with sound tips on:- making people like you; winning people to your way of thinking; and changing people without causing resentment.

4. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey
Advice on achieving balance in your life and on being successful while adhering to your principles.

3. I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher
A good starting place if you are drifting through life and feeling generally dissatisfied and unfocused.


2. The Artist’s Way By Julia Cameron
Whether you’re a painter, an actor, a writer, or a craftsperson, this book will help to ‘unblock’ your work and move you towards becoming a fulfilled artist.

1. Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters by Dr Phillip C McGraw
I found this to be the most helpful self-help book I’ve read, it contains ‘Life Laws’ and assignments, which will really get you to assess your life and change it for the better.



Can anyone recommend a better self-help book? I’d love to add to my collection!

10 Essential Items For A Minimalist Wardrobe

p 10 items:-

1. A perfectly fitting set of underwear
2. A smart dress suitable for day or evening wear
3. A smart suit (trousers or skirt)
4. A pair of 'feel-good' jeans
5. A smart shirt or blouse
6. A fine-knit, v-necked sweater
7. A fitted t-shirt
8. A pair of smart, comfortable shoes that will go with trousers or skirts
9. A stylish overcoat, such as a trench coat
10. A mid-sized handbag with a classical style

My Ongoing Quest To Assemble A Simple, Cost-Effective, Functional ‘Capsule Wardrobe’

I used to have hundreds of items of clothing, but over the years have gradually slimmed down my wardrobe (if not my figure) to a core of essential outfits so that I am never stuck for something to wear.

I have worked in quite a few environments over the years – offices, shops, a museum/art gallery, a café, at craft fairs - and now I’m working from home. I have always had some items of clothing that have been worn over and over again, and others that haven’t seen the light of day. I’m getting better at eliminating that annoying 80% that sit there gathering moths and dust, taking up room in my wardrobe, confusing me when I’m trying to pick out a quick outfit or pack for a weekend away.

My theory is that if I can narrow my wardrobe down to that elusive ‘capsule’ of useful clothing, I will save time every day deciding what to wear, and save money – no more buying useless ‘bargains’ that go with nothing else.

Here’s how I go about this never-ending (but rather enjoyable) task. I realise that it won’t suit everyone, but I hope that some of you will find it useful.

The Big Clear Out

· Open your wardrobe and stand back!
· Pull out anything that is dirty or needs repair and either clean it, repair it or chuck it.
· Next comes anything that doesn’t fit. Sell it, give it away or donate it to charity.
· If you haven’t worn something for years because it is out of fashion or you never liked it in the first place, now is the time to get rid of it.
· Non-seasonal clothes and shoes can be cleaned and stored elsewhere if you need more room.
· The remaining clothes should all be clean, in good repair and should fit well. To find out what I’m wearing most often, I put all (cleaned) clothing that I’ve just worn back on the right hand side of the wardrobe. If you try this for a month or two, you will see what you are wearing most often and what never gets worn. This may give you a clue as to some more items to send to the charity shop.
· Next, make a list of everything under headings by type (ie, underwear, dresses, suits, trousers, shirts/blouses/tops, sweaters/cardigans, t-shirts, skirts, shorts, footwear, coats/jackets, night clothes, swimwear, accessories). I make a note next to each item about which season I wear it and whether it is casual, smart or eveningwear.
· I then compare this list to my capsule wardrobe list and see which items I already have and identify and make a list of any missing items.
· A trying-on session can be useful, to try out new combinations from existing items. It may help to write down good combinations under headings such as:- work, casual, days out, eveningwear, exercise, pastimes. Sometimes I get into a rut and it’s nice to rediscover an outfit I’d forgotten about, or a new combination that I hadn’t thought of wearing together before.
· Now you know where the gaps are, take your list, include colours you’re looking for and head for the shops … after reading the next section…

Considerations Before You Begin:-

· If You Are On A Tight Budget (try second hand, clothes swap evenings with friends, Ebay, discount stores, sales, supermarket clothes ranges, alterations/repairs to your current clothing, recombining your existing outfits or sewing your own.)
· Colours That Suit You, and Ones That You Love (Do you always receive compliments when wearing a particular colour? Do you love a particular outfit because of the colour? Colour consultants will go by your hair and skin colouring to suggest your ‘best’ colours. Basically, decide whether your colouring is warm or cool, bright or pale, clear toned or muted and choose colours with those characteristics. Colour Me Beautiful is one company offering this service. Or, ignore all that and just choose colours that you love and that make you feel good!)
· Climate (Which season you are buying for? Some items will be suitable for more than one if you layer them with other items. Increase the number of layers you wear in colder months, eg a top, jacket/trousers with thick socks/tights, long boots and an overcoat for cold winters – perhaps just the top with trousers and sandals for summer.)
· Lifestyle (Occupation/Pastimes – write out a list of all the types of activity you normally undertake, eg gardening, office work, walking the dog, swimming, etc What will you need for each activity? Can some items of clothing be worn in various categories? It may be better to hire or borrow clothing for special/unusual events – eg formal dress ball, skiing holiday – rather than have them clogging up your wardrobe.)
· Your Body Shape/Proportions (Learn which styles suit your figure and which shops stock clothing that fits your body type particularly well. Enhance your best features and disguise or minimise any bits you don’t like. Pale or bright colours/vivid patterns and added details (such as a coursage or brooch) will draw attention. Darker, plain colours, subtle layering, skimming rather than clinging fabrics, all help to hide any ‘flaws’. Choose clothes that fit well, but are not too tight, or, eg, gaping at the neck lines etc. Trinny and Susannah's first book "What Not To Wear" is very good on this subject. When you are buying one good suit, it is worth trying on 20 or more in different shops to get the perfect fit, so take all the time you need. You can always look again another day.)
· Your Likes/Dislikes and Personality (Aim to buy clothes that are not only well-fitting and comfortable, but those that make you feel ‘This is just what I was looking for. I love this outfit!’ Think about the part of your personality you want to project – fun, arty, elegant, sexy, professional, sporty, trendy, eco-friendly, cool, eccentric etc. Do you prefer to wear natural fabrics or artificial ones? Do you want to buy organic or fair trade or animal-free items? These will all influence the styles you choose and the places you buy from.)
· Is It Washable, or Must It Be Dry Cleaned? (On a practical note, light colours will usually need more frequent cleaning and, if you are anything like me, may soon be ruined by a stain – less important for cheaper items – but could be an expensive mistake for a winter coat. Dry cleaning will obviously cost more than machine or hand washing, but will probably be unavoidable for some items, such as winter coats. Some fabrics don’t need ironing, which can save time.)
· Mix And Match (What can this item be worn with in your existing wardrobe? Aim for maximum value from each new item. Go for colours that will blend or contrast nicely with your main pieces, such as your suit).

Tips:-

· Choose Classic Pieces That Won’t Date – invest more money in your key items and choose styles that won’t date for, eg, suit, coat, handbag, boots, and they could last for years.
· Stick to One or Two Colours For Main Pieces (eg black, brown, grey, navy, beige, camel, burgundy, khaki, plum, red, olive, chocolate. This means that you can mix and match. Different tones of the same colour can look good together.)
· Buy More Tops Than Trousers And Skirts (Different styles of tops can transform one pair of trousers or a skirt. Eg jeans could be worn with a t-shirt for relaxing, with a smart shirt for lunch out, with a snazzy top and heels for a night out. Aim for about 3 tops to one skirt or pair of trousers to add variety.)
· Add Colour, Individuality And Fashionability With Cheaper Items/Accessories (Update the following items as fashion/your whim changes - belts, costume jewellery, scarves, tops, jeans, casual jackets, knitwear, t-shirts, fashion bags, etc. Look out for vintage bargains to add some uniqueness to your look.)
· Try Before You Buy Try on all items before you buy, if possible. If you ordered via mail order – make sure you can return the item for a refund if necessary.
· Take Your Time and try on lots of examples from different shops before you make up your mind.

I’ve come up with two lists. The first is a ‘Minimalist Wardrobe’, which lists my key items of clothing, the second is a slightly expanded ‘Capsule Wardrobe’. The first list assumes that you will wash some items twice per week, the second assumes a weekly washday. You will almost certainly have items specific to your work and pastimes that you will want to add to the lists, and will find some things on my lists that you will never wear. I hope it will provide a useful starting point, in any case. I would love to see other people’s ideal lists!

MINIMALIST WARDROBE

Underwear
4 x bras
4 x knicks
4 x pairs of socks/tights/stockings

Dress
1 x smart dress suitable for evening or day

Suit
1 x smart trouser or skirt suit

Trousers/Skirts
1 x jeans or casual skirt/trousers
1 x smart trousers or skirt suitable for day or evening wear (or wear trousers or skirt from suit option)

Shirts/blouses/tops
1 x smart blouse/shirt
3 x casual tops for with jeans, casual trousers etc

Sweaters/cardigans
1 x fine-knit v-necked sweater
1 x smart cardigan suitable for smart day/evening

T-shirts
3 x fitted t-shirts to wear under shirts/jackets/suit.

Footwear
1 x trainers or comfortable, casual shoes (jeans/casual skirt)
1 x smart, comfortable shoes (eg court shoes with small heel to wear with smart skirts/trousers/suits)

Coats/jackets
1 x waterproof (eg mac/trench coat)
1 x smart jacket (for smart trousers/dress/skirt, or wear suit jacket)
1 x winter coat

Night clothes
1 x pjs or nightdress
1 x dressing gown

Accessories
1 x set of jewellery (eg earrings, necklace, brooch, watch)
1 x smart handbag


CAPSULE WARDROBE

Underwear
8 x bras
8 x knicks
8 x pairs of socks/stockings/tights/pop socks

Dress
1 x smart dress
1 x cocktail dress

Suit
1 x smart trouser or skirt suit

Trousers/Skirts
1 x jeans or casual skirt
1 x casual trousers or skirt
1 x smart casual trousers or skirt
1 x smart trousers or skirt suitable for evening wear

Shirts/blouses/tops
1 x casual shirt
1 x smart blouse/shirt
5 x casual tops

Sweaters/cardigans
1 x casual, fine-knit v-necked sweater
1 x smart cardigan suitable for smart day/evening

T-shirts
5 x fitted t-shirts to wear under shirts/jackets.

Shorts
1 x shorts

Footwear
1 x mules/indoor shoes/slippers
1 x trainers or casual shoes
1 x casual sandals
1 x smart boots
1 x smart, comfortable shoes
1 x evening shoes/sandals

Coats/jackets
1 x casual jacket (for casual trousers/skirt/jeans)
1 x smart mac/trench
1 x smart jacket (for smart trousers/dress/skirt)
1 x winter coat

Night clothes
1 x pjs or nightdress
1 x dressing gown

Beach/swimwear
1 x swimming costume or bikini
1 x sarong or beach cover-up
1 x sunhat
1 x sunglasses

Accessories
Variety of belts
1 x pair of winter gloves
1 x winter scarf
1 x winter hat
Various pieces of jewellery
Variety of scarves
Everyday smart handbag
Evening bag (match to jewellery)
Travel/overnight bag

Umbrella

In Summary:-

1. Clear out your wardrobe first
2. Reassess what you already own
3. List any gaps in your own 'ideal capsule wardrobe' list
4. Buy missing items remembering to only buy well-fitting items, in colours and styles that complement your existing garments.
5. Concentrate money and effort on buying your 'key' items.
6. Accessorise to add colour and personality to your basics.
7. Have fun!

Copyright Julia K Walton 2007

Demolition of Chapelcross

Chapelcross Bites The Dust






At 9.00 am this morning, the towers at Chapelcross nuclear power station were demolished. The whole process took around 10 seconds from start to finish.

A siren sounded 5 minutes before the explosions, then again just before the demolition began. A group of us 'locals' had gathered up a farm track, at a safe distance, but with a good viewpoint. We took our last photos of the towers intact, then the left hand tower started to lean and silently collapse. As the second tower also fell, we finally heard the explosions. They were no louder than a clap of thunder from our vantage point, and the sheep and cattle in the surrounding fields weren't too frightened by it.

Within seconds we had taken a few photographs and it was all over: just clouds of smoke and dust where the towers had stood. As we walked back to our car, we caught the smell of the dust and explosives in the air as the huge dust cloud blew our way. By the time we got back to our house, it was surrounded in a cloud of fine particles. Half an hour later, when we returned after walking the dog, it had dispersed.

Not A Vegetarian? You Will Be After Watching This...

Animal Aid have produced a short, shocking video showing how animals are treated in the food chain. Something to think about before you tuck into a burger...

Link to the video here.