Ideas

Ideas is all about MAKING your world more beautiful. Packed with creative inspiration, fresh ideas, easy projects and step-by-step instructions, this magazine is the go-to guide for crafters, stitchcrafters, makers, cooks and DIY home decorators.

FROM THE EDITOR

Ideas

WHAT'S NEW • HERE IS OUR LINE-UP OF WHAT'S NEW ON THE BLOCK AND ON THE SHELF.

A BOTANICAL LIFE • Whether he’s designing a visionary garden or creating a gorgeous floral arrangement, expert gardener Dané Erwee’s distinctive aesthetic combines boldness with beauty.

MOODY BLUES • It’s the colour of rest, calmness and wisdom, so add a touch of blue to your décor. It remains a classic choice, in all its shades, for any room in the house.

TILES WITH STYLE • Nothing brightens up a wall better than pretty tiles. Here are two quick and easy projects to try.

CHECK IT • Create a fun focus wall with this easy-to-do gingham pattern.

BUBBLES ON THE MENU • CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH A GLASS OF SPARKLING WINE AND THESE BUBBLY-INSPIRED RECIPES.

BERRY-LICIOUS • Fresh lemons give the best tangy flavour, but you can use frozen blueberries and ready-made shortcrust pastry to save time.

LA VIE EN BLUE • Create a relaxing table with beachy blues and nautical stripes for entertaining friends on those sunny summer days.

TABLECLOTH • Upcycle an old tablecloth with fabric paint to create a nautical-inspired design.

PAPIER-MÂCHÉ BOWL • Create some fun bowls from cardboard egg cartons.

Cyanotype YOUR WORLD BLUE • Cyanotype is a photographic exposure process based on ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is also called iron blue printing and was developed in 1842. It is both simple and beautiful. Here are two techniques for you to try.

templates

COLOUR FUN! • Learn how to colour fabric with shibori, tie-dye and faux batik.

GRANNY TILE • Bring more blue into your house with cute granny squares that look just like tiles. With a small crochet blanket over one of your other fabrics, you can also add lovely texture.

FLOWER HAPPINESS • Don’t throw those beloved denims away, rather give them a floral embroidery makeover.

GRAB AND GO! • Everyone needs a handy tote bag or two for all their summer goodies, be it for shopping, the beach or yoga.

CARRIED AWAY • This pretty bag is ideal for a day out at the beach or shopping.

SUMMER HAT • Crochet this beautiful wide-brimmed capeline hat and keep yourself cool and safe from the sun.

FAIRY HANDS • One can compare handcrafts with ultra-fine detail to the loveliest, magical music. Rhythmic, precise, skilled … almost as if they have been touched by enchanted hands, writes Martie Swanepoel.

ENCHANT ME! • It’s a new year. Are we looking forward to it? Are we ready to be delighted and enchanted anew by life and the moment?

PUT IT ALL ON PAPER • Make 2024 a year to remember by keeping a journal of your daily plans, dreams and reflections. Here are a few pages to get your creative juices flowing.

BOOKS TO READ in January/February

YOU SAID IT • We love hearing from you. Tell us more about yourself, what inspires you and what you’re busy with. Emails are welcome.