We would love to hear from you if you’ve got any comments, suggestions or questions. Please leave comments on the blog, email me at sarah@craftinvaders.co.uk. or alternatively message us through any of our social media channels.
Please feel free to subscribe to our Newsletter, you can find the form right at the bottom of each page. We promise not to pass on your email to anyone else.
94 comments
I can not find Bostik PVA Glue in Canada what do you recommend as a replacement???
Hi Ian White glue or Elmers glue would be the perfect replacement if you can source them. Best wishes Sarah
I have just found your recipe for seville marmalade using frozen fruit. As I was rather ill when I should have been making my marmalade I froze the fruit and now want to make marmalade. In your recipe you mention that it can also be done in a slow cooker. Please could you explain and expand on the slow cooker process. As I have only ever used the old Delia Smith fresh method I’m nervous. I’d be extremely grateful.
Hi Chris You can use a slow cooker for poaching the whole oranges. You would bring the whole oranges (you can put them in frozen), water and lemon juice to a simmer then turn down and leave to poach for 2-3 hours until the oranges are tender. I have an aga so do this stage in my cooler oven than runs at about 130C. The second stage of cooking once the fruit is cut up and sugar added is done on the hob just as you would with any other recipe. Good luck with your marmalade making and let me know how you get on :)
Hi there!
The Christmas ball diffusers are awesome but my question is how to get the baubles with a flat base?
Also the post say the best medium to use is almond oil. However it also says you would recommend the glycerin agent forgot the name)
So confused? Which is the best to use and best deal for your $. Thanks! Great site
Hi Jane here is the post for the bauble diffusers https://craftinvaders.co.uk/how-to-make-super-cute-christmas-reed-diffusers/ I think you may have spotted them on another post I wrote which compares the different mediums but I recommend the Augeo Clean Multi the link for which is in the post. the flat based baubles are the boozeball type baubles (I’ve just checked both US and Uk and if you search on boozeballs they should come up). Hope that all makes sense! Sarah x
Hi, could you share your source for the square cards you used to show a reverse print? I’ve had a really hard time finding squares….
I got mine from amazon uk here’s a link https://amzn.to/3QjfgqX I had a quick look on US amazon and couldn’t see any blank squares either, it’s a really common shape of card here in the UK maybe you can get them posted over to you. Good luck with your search x
Hello
I would just like to say that I have used your frozen saville marmalade recipe twice now and both very successfully. Really lovely not too sweet marmalade and always sets well. Have tried many recipes in the past and not all have turned out well but this is just perfect. Thank you
more a question – would like to make these, but did you use plastic or glass fillable balls? I thought I read in your description that plastic may interfere with the chemicals present? Or did I misunderstand that? Thanks for the great research tho and beautiful, EASY (lol) gift idea!!
Hi Suzanne. I do mention the fact that essential oils are usually stored in glass bottles in my post We test the best homemade reed diffuser oil recipes the reason for this is that pure essential oils are very potent and can degrade plastic over a long period of time. I do, however, use plastic fillable baubles in my reed diffuser baubles tutorial since the fragrance oils used are very dilute and the finished product is only designed to last a few weeks rather than for long term storage. Hope that makes sense! Best wishes, Sarah
Hello there
I edit our local community (Carron Valley & District) occasional newsletter. As this is teasel time of year, I wonder if you would allow me to use your idea on teasel hedgehog making for part of the children’s page? I would of course credit you with the content.
Hi Margaret. Thank you for taking the time to ask to feature my content. I’d be delighted for you to include it in your newsletter. Best wishes, Sarah
Hello! Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing receipes for nettle leather and halloween scabs!! Worked brilliantly, tasted fab and our children at home and at school where I work were thrilled! Genius, thanks!
Thanks Jacqui, I’m glad the kids enjoyed them :)
Just came upon CRAFT INVADERS-LOVE IT!!!!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment Angela :)
I liked your “recycled soap” idea, esp using bubble wrap to add texture. I have made bars of soap from leftover, too small, slivers of bar soap. First, I grate the slivers, add enough water to moisten the grated soap, mix and then press the “soap” into molds. The secret to getting this to work is that you then must dry the bars for 1-2months before using, otherwise they fall apart. I do turn the soap, during the drying time, so the moisture escapes into the air. Grate/great way to use up slivers of bar soap. It would seem I am unable to throw away reusable items-such as bars of soap. Mick, the Trash Talking Diva
Thank you Mick for sharing your method for using leftover soap – I’m definitely going to give it a go :)
Hello Craft Invaders!
I have found your website very helpful and interesting!
I’m new-ish to natural dyeing and new to lichen dyeing…
Question: Do I leave my fermenting jar in a warm sunlit spot or in a warm dark place? Can’t seem to find any info of that! And yes, I am using real wee!
I left mine out on a counter in the kitchen so although it was not in direct sunlight it was in a light spot. Good luck with your dye project :)
Need to attach pinecones to a dowel. You suggested Bostik Fix and Flash I cannot locate it in the USA. Amazon does not carry it. I am in a panic trying to make 11 pinecones centerpieces for a baby shower on February 19th, 2022. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
Hi Elissa I’d use a hot glue gun if you can’t find the fix and flash. A decent quality one though rather than the tiny $5 ones. I use this one https://www.gluegunsdirect.com/shop/glue-guns/tec-305-12mm-glue-gun/ (I know its a UK shop but it gives you the idea of the specs) and I use glue sticks which will bond 2 different materials together so are quite adaptable. Hope that helps and good luck with your baby shower x
Hi,
I’m a writer with The Spruce and I’m doing a roundup of DIY plant stand ideas. Do I have your permission to use a photo from your DIY plant stand post with credit and a link back?
Thanks,
Lauren
Hi Lauren Yes, you do, thanks for asking. Sarah
Hi, my name is Karen I love the concepts that you are sharing and was wondering what those black lids are that are on the jars. I have some jars that I’d like to use and those lids would be perfect. Thank in advance for your reply
Hi Karen I’m in the UK and buy most of my jars, bottles and spare lids from these guys – they’re fab! https://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk/spare-lids/spare-jam-jar-lids/
Hi, I am looking forward to trying your raw rosehip recipe but you you please tell me how long it lasts (stays fresh)?
I use mine quite quickly but I’d imagine it’ll last for at least 6 months in a cool dark place Tanya :)
Love, love, loved your article on Beautiful Bulb Lasagne planting for Spring bulbs. Since I have several flowerbeds I opted to use plastic colanders and/or wire baskets (purchased at Dollar Tree) instead of regular flower pots and put these directly in the ground so I wouldn’t have to replant in a couple of years. I also added some 1/2″ mesh screen wire over the tops of the containers to deter the several squirrels that frequent my yard/flowerbeds from digging up the bulbs. So far I have had reasonable success with this endeavor and have considered trying my hand a planting some annuals in this same way.
Hi Sarah, I just discovered your site through your instructable on batik with a glue stick. I was very interested in your advice on making your own fabric paints for stamping using diluted acrylic paints. I noticed in the photos that you had made a stamping pad from what looks like a sponge sitting in a plastic dish? Is this as simple as it looks? Do you just pour the diluted acrylic paint onto the sponge and press your block on it before stamping on the fabric? Thanks for your advice! Julie (aka YukonJulie on Instructables and Instagram)
Hi Julie, That is exactly what I did and it works really well for loading the stamping block. Thanks for visiting :)
Hi Sarah,
That was a really useful article. I did have a question about the ratio of augeo to fragrance oil. Many suppliers advise 75% augeo and 25% fragrance oil. However, on some craft forums I have read some try at 70% augeo and 30% fragrance oil. If I was wanted to make a strong one like this do you think the reeds would clog? Have you experimented between these two ratios?
Hi Rizwana I haven’t and I would guess that when I make them for myself I typically use more like 15-20%, as I find the scent strong enough at those percentages. If you do test out the higher concentrations I’d love to hear how you get on!
I loved your article, Making Your Own Seed Packets. Does this work with annual flower seeds?
Hi Debra, Thanks for your kind comment. Yes, annual flower seeds will work just fine. Best wishes, Sarah
The fabric medium you make with vinegar, glycerin and tap water, that you mix into acrylic paint to thin out, and use on fabric; am I able to use that to paint on genuine leather, such as a purse? Will the leather stay flexible and not crack or peel, and should I use an acrylic finisher on top of painted leather to keep it protected? Is genuine leather considered a fabric? I noticed you didn’t heat treat the shirts you painted with this mixture, so I assumed it may work on genuine leather, as well. Or should I just stick to water to thin out the acrylic paint? Ty
Hi Linda I haven’t tried dyeing leather but I suspect that it wouldn’t absorb the acrylic paint particularly well so would crack. My suggestion would be to use a dye specifically designed for leather for your project. x
Hi , I was hoping to make Himalayan gin , but cannot find the receipe , could you remind me where tp find it , please? I have a cultivated really dark cherry coloured one that I have selectivly bred over 5 years…
Here’s the recipe Sue https://craftinvaders.co.uk/how-to-make-a-magical-himalayan-balsam-gin/ I have to point out that it’s the wild Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera that I use – if yours came from a different source it may not be the same plant so I cant coment on whether yours is an edible variety :)
Hi there, I live in Ayr on the West Coast of Scotland, down by the seafront, there are loads of rosehip bushes but they are a more rounded shape than the ones in your pictures, the roses on them are pink with a white centre, I would like to try making something with them for the first time ever, would really appreciate your advice. They are quite red at the moment, should I wait until September?October to pick them.
Thank you,
I think the rosehips you are describing might be similar to the ones in this post https://www.earthfoodandfire.com/wild-rose-hip-tea/ Fruit does seem to be ripening early this year so there is every chance the ones you are seeing are ripe. If I am using rosehips for a liqueur, cordial or jelly I freeze mine before using to mimic a frost. It is said to sweeten them and it also damages the cell walls making it easier for the juice to leak out in to whatever I am making. Hope that helps :)
The rendering of your Raspberry Mint Gin. Make a topping for a cheesecake drizzle dark chocolate all over the top. Let ya know how it turns out.
Sounds delicious Mike :)
I would appreciate being on your newsletter list
Thank you Heather – you should get an email to confirm you want to opt in :)
How can I print this recipe?
Hi Clive The easiest thing to do is go on the recipe you want and press Ctrl and P at the same time on your keyboard and the option to print the page should pop up :)
Hi
I made the candles and had trouble with the candle part adhearing to the cement.
Do you have any tips for me? I want try again
Hi Judi. Sorry to hear that. I’d try roughing up the cement as it starts to harden. Perhaps use an old fork or something. That will give the wax more of a surface to bond with. Hope that helps :)
2020 is the year, I would like to find time to relax and do some creative craft. I think craft invaders will be of great help. May God continue to bless your creative mind, your hands and your willingness to share your brilliant ideas and craft. Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind comment Faye. Wishing you and your family all the best in 2020 :)
I am unable to print the cranberry orange liqueur recipe. I have attached the get recipes extension, but still no luck. The amount of vodka in the article seems incorrect. Can I please get this recipe?
Thanks, Jan
Hi Jan, sorry for the confusion 75cl is a 750ml bottle. I’ll edit the post to make it clearer :)
Great site. I would love to receive your newsletters.
That’s great Kathryn. I’ve popped your email into the subscription box so you’ll get an email to check that you really want to subscribe :)
Hellooooo!!!! I’ve just made your rosehip liqueur and sloe gin recipes all ready for that-which-shall-not-be-mentioned-cos-it’s-not-Armistice-Day-yet, but I couldn’t find a blackberry vodka recipe on your pages so here’s one I made earlier… about half an hour ago:
I kilo foraged blackberries
250 grams granulated sugar
70cl bottle of vodka (I used a bottle of Ikea Akavit found loitering in the booze cupboard)
Big-assed glass canning jar – or possibly two with the ingredients divided equally between them.
Put all the ingredients in the jar(s) and allow to sit for a month to six weeks, shaking periodically. Strain through fine muslin and bottle.
I’m going to give your rosehip and crabapple jelly recipe a go in a week or so. My amazing, edible crabapples (they’re bright red) are just ripening beautifully and I still have a goodly amount of rosehips left over. I’ve only ever made crabapple jelly so this should be even better.
TTFN Alix
Thanks for popping by Alix, I hope you love the rosehip liqueur and sloe gin and thank you for the blackberry vodka recipe :) You are so lucky to have red crab apples they are such a gorgeous colour – just so you know Crab apple vodka tastes amazing too, I cut the apples in half when I make it :)
Thank you so much for inspiring me to collect Sloes and Blackberries for Gin! The result of the BlackBerry gin is superb even the drop or two that was left after bottling and immature! We are looking forward to trying it at Christmas and there after. The Blackberries this year have been so sweet and plentiful (2019)
I used your idea of not discarding the Blackberries and turned them into a BlackBerry and Apple crumble and wow it is delicious. We are going to make Port with the Sloes when they are due to come off and looking forward to the delights of both Sloe gin and Port.
Thank you again for inspiring me to follow your Great recipes!
Yours faithfully
Annette Peacock
Thank you for the lovely feedback Annette, I’m so pleased you are enjoying my recipes :)
Hi I’ve made two beeswax wraps this afternoon using your recipe and method but they have come out really stiff and aren’t molding around the dish. What do you think I’ve done wrong please.
Hi Jane, I wonder if you’ve got too much wax on them? You could try putting them in the oven with an unwaxed piece of fabric underneath and re-melting the wax – some of the excess should get absorbed by the extra piece of fabric – Hope that helps :)
Ii am teaching crafts at a retirement village and I am running out of ideas on what to do. Unfortunately I can not use hot glue with them. Do you have an area for basic CRAFTS OR ANY IDEAS FOR ME.
.
Thanks for your question Margaret. I find Pinterest brilliant for finding inspiration and found some ideas when I searched for crafts for seniors – Here’s a link to my searchHere’s a link to my searchHere’s a link to my search I also highly recommend my lovely blogging friend Jens site https://www.muminthemadhouse.com/?s=arts+and+crafts She has loads of great craft ideas which would work well in a group setting. Hope that helps :)
Please subscribe me to your news letter.
Have added you – thanks for joining us :)
I’d like to subscribe to your newsletter please
I’ve popped your email into the newsletter subscription box Sarah. You will receive an email asking you to confirm that you’d like to subscribe. Thanks for joining us :)
Please could you add me to your newsletter subscription?
Thanks very much
Sheila
I’ve popped your email into the newsletter subscription box Sheila. You will receive an email asking you to confirm that you’d like to subscribe. Thanks for joining us
Your welcome
Hi Sarah,
Love your blog it’s so inspiring .
Thank you so much for you kind comment Isla :)
LOVED THE SEA GLASS YOU PUT TOGETHER.
HOW CAN I BUY THE BOSTICK FIX & FLASH GLUE ? I LIVE IN THE U.S.
Thank you so much Deanna. Bostik Fix and Flash is amazing. It only launched here in the UK last month so I’m not sure it is available in any US stores yet, but I will try and find out. It is sold here at hobbycraft.co.uk and I believe they do worldwide shipping and I know it is also available on amazon.co.uk so it may be possible to get it shipped to you from one of those outlets
Hello, regarding the beeswax food wraps that I saw on you Hometalk post…how do you clean them?
I was not able to find a link to you original post that had any cleaning instructions.
I imaging hand rinsing is fine if they are used as sandwich wraps. But what about if it’s used on a tomato-based casserole, for instance, and gets stained?
Hi Jennifer there are some basic instructions at the bottom end of the post https://craftinvaders.co.uk/how-to-make-easy-reusable-beeswax-food-wraps/ The wraps can be washed in cool water with a mild detergent and using a sponge of soft brush but nothing abrasive, then left to dry fully. Beeswax is naturally antibacterial so they wont harbour germs as long as residue food is removed. You can also ‘refresh your wraps if they become worn by returning them to the oven and re-melting the wax. Hope that all makes sense :)
re MARMALADE from FROZEN FRUIT
Just been defrosting my chest freezer & have 4 Seville oranges. Hope to follow your recipe & will use my slow cooker Is the 1Kg oranges a frozen weight?
Looking forward to your reply
Many thanks & Christmas Greetings!
Margo from Bristol
Hi Margo Thanks for your question. It is unfrozen weight but tbh I don’t think it’ll make much difference either way. Let me know how it turns out and I hope you have a fab Christmas too :)
Hi, please forgive me for being the stupidest man on the planet but I was wondering if someone could be kind enough to tell me the names of the equipment shown above, I’ve managed to find the tripod thing on eBay that comes with the cooking pot but I now need the fire resting plate thing that the fire has been laid on, any idea what it’s called?
Again please forgive me for being dumb, I know absolutely nothing about camping equipment but I’ve always wanted to live and do more outdoor cabin style Alaskan things, also I’m avoiding using gas stoves or anything that requires that Butane gas stuff, I want to try and do it exactly as it’s pictured above the natural Ray Mears way of things. My email is: DerekFlinders@Outlook.com
Hi Sarah
I have just been reading through your post on making bath herbal soak bags, and loved it. Just wondered where I might get these lovely dried herbs if I live in london? Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Claudia. I buy mine online at https://www.thespiceworks.co.uk/ they are very competitively priced, have a fabulous range and are great quality. Have fun making them :)
Hi :) just found your amazing blog after looking for rosehip recipes. You’ve also helped solve my nasturtium leaf dilemma…never thought of making pesto! Thank you :)
So pleased you found us Kirsty and I’m delighted you spotted the Nasturtium Pesto – Let me know what you think, we love it!
LOVE the blog – wish I discovered it earlier! Do yoy have a subscription option where I’d get notified of new entries?
Thank you so much Basia – We do have a newsletter option although I have to admit I don’t send them out that regularly (I hate the idea of spamming people!) I always publish my posts onto Facebook and twitter promptly so following one of my channels is a great way of seeing new posts :)
Hi all.
I’ve unfortunately talked myself into trying to silk screen a pair of narrow curtains for my beloved. She said I couldn’t do it and I said I could. I have managed to scrounge a small amount of water-based silk screen ink but I don’t think it will be enough for the job so I have also bought some acrylic paint from Wilkos and I woundered if the two would combine. I would then add your glycerine, water, white vinegar ‘thinners’ to make it more screenable. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Hi John. What an interesting question! I have no experience of mixing screen printing ink and acrylic paint so can only give my best guess which is I suspect they would combine just fine since the ink is water-based. I would also be thinking about if the ink will bleed through the curtains to the other side (I guess this will depend on whether they are lined) and whether or not that would be an issue for me. I would find a scrap of material similar to the curtain material and have a little test first. Do you let me know how you get on or I will be wondering forever! :)
Love your site and your ideas! Glad I found it!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Elizabeth, we love connecting with people around the world – it really is the joy of blogging :)
I would like to post a project for Christmas. How would I go about doing that and include a picture of the project.
Thanks
I thought I’d like to share a picture of the ‘vase’ that I made, but I don’t know where to post the picture.
hello please can you add me to your boards id be so grateful kind regards
So pleased to have you join us on Pinterest Victoria – invites sent x