Handilady Crafting Projects

A glittering stars mobile adds a touch of fantasy to a formal outdoor dinner party. Pale colours are used for after dark — or try sunny, warm colours for a daytime party.

This unusual and stunning table centre takes time to make but it is well worth creating for a special anniversary. Use it for fresh fruit but not for liquids as these will melt the ice.

Create a mosaic-effect border with a Moroccan flavour for a kitchen tablecloth using one simple stencil and a subtle blue and aqua colour combination. Hem with smart mitred corners, or if you prefer, press the edges of the tablecloth with an iron and stitch them with a sewing machine.

This lampshade is decorated with colourful stripes created by painting freehand and using a simple stencil. Pieces of velvet ribbon are applied to give a rich variety of textures and colours; as an alternative, try different shades and tones of one colour.

Children love to be involved in decorating the house for Christmas. Here are some simple ideas they can make by themselves. Small children may need help with cutting paper.

Children of all ages love the spring celebration and little baskets of chocolate eggs topped with chicks and rabbits will add to their excitement. Arrange a basket at each place.

For a really quick and easy table decoration, you cannot beat paper cones. These have been filled with delicious sweets but you can also use cones for dried flower holders.

Decorative place cards can set the mood of your party. Amusing, colourful shapes and figures delight children while festive-looking motifs create a Christmas party theme.

This feathery curtain will give an airy feel to a bedroom in summer or, without the maribou trim, it could be adapted to a French window or garden door. Choose the colour of the fabric paint to coordinate with your decor and furnishings.

Marbling fabric is not as difficult as it may at first appear, and can be used to great effect on a wide range offabrics, including silk, as shown with this pretty marbled bag.