Time for a Fresh Start.

If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram you'll know I've been planning some big changes for the past few months now, and I've finally finished MY NEW BLOG!! It's quite a scary prospect, leaving behind all your loyal and genuinely lovely followers but I feel that I've gone as far as I can with teahab and I want to expand my knowledge and skills and take my blogging to the next level (cringe). But seriously, I'm focused on improving a range of aspects to create a more interesting and personal blog. It's been easy in the past to just knock up a DIY post and forget to put a little bit of my personality in with it. Knowing that people might actually be reading some of the rubbish I write can be intimidating at times. Like most things it's hard to put yourself on the line, but saying this I've only ever received kind, funny and pretty bad ass comments from people who are genuinely interested in what I do.

With that in mind I'd love to take you all over to my new online home with me, Fall For DIY. Please take a little look around, see what you think. If you have any comments, suggestions or requests please do email me. I love hearing from readers! I know all bloggers say this, but it's because it's true. It's so nice to know people are actually out there reading and hopefully enjoying what you do.


If you follow me on any of our social networks don't worry, I'll still be using the same pages/profiles so you really don't need to do anything new.

I've learnt a lot whilst writing teahab, and leaving it is a bit like when you move house and you're excited to get to the new place, but still a bit sentimental over the old. ha! oh dear. Well, see you on the flip side. Fran x

DIY// Kumihimo Bracelet

I recently bought a Kumihimo disk, and since then it's gone everywhere with me. I had been wanting to try this style of braiding out for such a long time, so when I saw Vina sold them in my local bead shop I couldn't resist. Once you get going it's so quick and easy, I've become a bit obsessed... So I hope you like this tutorial, because there'll be more!

 You'll need: 

• Kumihimo Disk (alternatively cut 32 slits into a circle of foam/thick cardboard)
• 4 x 1 metre cotton cord/embroidery threads
• Bell closer cord end, extension chain and clasp. Mine come all in one, but if you need help attaching these see How to attach clasps one and two
• Metal tubing and a tube cutter. I got these from my local DIY hardware store.

 Instructions: 

To make the braid:

1. Fold you 4 cords in half, and tie a separate piece of string around the middle bringing all 4 together. Thread the middle through the hole in your Kumihimo disk and slot 2 cords at the top, 2 at each side and 2 at the bottom.
2. Move the top left hand cord to the slot to the left of the bottom left hand cord.
3. Move the bottom right hand cord to the slot to the right of the remaining top cord.
4. Rotate the disk 90 degrees anti clockwise and bring the top left hand cord to the slot to the left of the bottom left hand cord. (As you did in step one)
5. Move the bottom right hand cord to the slot to the right of the remaining top cord.
6. Rotate the disk another 90 degrees anti clockwise and bring the top left hand cord to the slot to the left of the bottom left hand cord. (As you did in step 1 and 4.) Your disk should be upside down now.
7. Move the bottom right hand cord to the slot to the right of the remaining top cord.
8. Rotate the disk 90 degrees anti clockwise again and bring the top left hand cord to the slot to the left of the bottom left hand cord. (As you did in step 1,4 and 6.)
9. Move the bottom right hand cord to the slot to the right of the remaining top cord.

Continue to turn the disk and move the cords around the board until you run out of cord.

To make the bracelet:

    10. Take the cord off the disk and run your fingers down to stretch the braid out.
    11. Measure the length you need and tie embroidery thread around the braid several times to
          seal the end. Trim off the excess
    12. Cut a 4cm/1.5" piece of pipe following the instruction provided with your pipe cutter.
          (Alternatively you could use the softer "fake piping" which you can cut with scissors) Thread
           this onto your braids.
    13. Glue all of your cords into a large bell closer cord end and leave to dry.

And there you have it. I always wonder if people make the jewellery DIYs I post. I'd love to see pictures of this tutorial and any others you have made! Email f.stone.teahab@gmail.com if you can. Fran x

DIY// Feather and Chain Hairgrip

How to make a Feather and Chain Hairgrip:

• Glue the cabochon onto the hairgrip. Alternatively pop a jump ring straight onto the hairgrip.
• Attach two lengths of chain to the jump ring, one longer than the other.
• Cut the feathers to size, thread on beads and attach your box clasps/cord ends onto the ends. (For a cord end tutorial click here)
• Attach the feathers to the ends of the chain using jump rings. (For a jump ring tutorial click here)
• Using a jump ring attach any charms you would like to the chain.

Hope you've enjoyed today's post! Fran x

Cocktails with Mom Guest Post

We've been asked by Cocktails with Mom to write a guest blog post for them and we came up with this upcycled design. Using recycled plastic and nail varnish we've put together this geometric crescent statement necklace. Head on over to Cocktails with Mom to see how we did it!

DIY Wrap Up Bracelet

It's the time of year to start shedding the layers and adding the accessories! These bracelets are so easy, quick and versatile. You can use any beads you like, combine colour combinations, and make them as long as you like!

Attach a cord end to all three threads with the shortest in the middle (how to attach cord end)

To complete the knot for this bracelet, follow the instruction on this Macrame Bracelet Tutorial, but instead of 5 knots between each bead, make just one between each bead until you have the desired length.

Attach a clasp. See how to here

DIY: Fiona Paxton inspired necklace

 

This necklace is inspired by the beautiful woven work by Fiona Paxton. I've used a Navajo style ribbon to recreate the delicate bead work. If you'd like to make it, here's how.

 

1. Cover the ends of your ribbon in glue to stiffen.
2. While it's drying cut lengths of chain in various sizes. Lay them out to check they will hang evenly.
3. Once the glue is dry, poke holes through the ribbon
4. Open the links of your chain (tutorial here) and attach them to one side of the ribbon, graduating the sizes from small to large.
5. Attach the other end of the chain to the opposite side of ribbon. Making sure the chain is not twisted as you do this.

And that's it. Experiment with different lengths of chain and ribbon to give your piece a little twist on the original. x

DIY Double Stud Ring