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

BEST OF TIMES • This sensitively renovated heritage farmhouse on the Garden Route seamlessly combines old and new.

STYLE ON SHOW • A lovely home feels like a safe haven. Here are a few ideas for putting together your favourite décor style.

WOW YOUR GUESTS! • Impress your guests with these step-by-step recipes next time you entertain.

Know your PASTRY

VANILLA BISCUITS THREE WAYS • Use items that you can find in your cupboards to create three different looks for the same biscuit dough. It's an easy way to make an impressive tea-time treat.

PRETTY AS A PICTURE • Use a silicone mould to bake these patterned vanilla biscuits.

POTATO SAMOSAS • Buy ready-made frozen samosa pastry from your local supermarket and follow these steps to learn how to fill and fold the samosas properly.

PUFF PASTRY PEARS • These fruity treats are not difficult to make and look so pretty on the plate.

PULL-APART FILO PASTRY TART • Filo pastry is easy to work with and always looks impressive. Serve this pull-apart tart as a teatime treat or as a delicious dessert.

QUICHE WITH ASPARAGUS AND HERBS • Rich and buttery shortcrust pastry forms the base of this rustic quiche. It’s made extra special with the addition of fresh herbs to decorate.

Know your BUTTER CREAM

ICE LIKE AN ITALIAN • Follow our tips to make fluffy Italian meringue – it’s easier than you think. Pipe or spread it over anything, or toast it for more flavour.

WITH FEELING • Craft these textured pieces in tones of white and cream to introduce tactile warmth to your home.

CLAY MOULDINGS • Add a pretty touch to your favourite furniture with roses moulded from modelling clay.

MOULDED TILES • Make these small tiles to use as coasters or even as decorative elements for an outside wall.

STENCIL WITH CLAY • Add a raised design to your air-dry clay creations with this easy technique.

STENCIL WITH PLASTER OF PARIS • You can also use your stencil with plaster of Paris to create a relief, either on paper or on your walls. It's a good way to create texture.

EMBOSS LIKE AN EXPERT • Add a personal touch to your stationery with these two easy embossing hacks. No need for a fancy machine – all that is required is a bit of water, sturdy paper and a stamp or stencil.

BOUTIS QUILTING • The term ‘Provençal quilting’, also known as boutis, refers to the whole-cloth quilts made using a stuffing technique, traditionally done in the south of France from the 17th century onwards.

BLOCK BY BLOCK • So many beautiful crochet projects are made up of individual squares that we have asked some of our contributors to share their favourite designs.

COVER UP • This lovely blanket will not only keep you warm but also gives a beautiful textured look to the bed.

SUNNY DAYS • Give any room a lift with this lovely crocheted cushion cover.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW • Find inspiration from vintage sheets to create some beautiful matching embroidered pillowcases.

SLEEP SOFT & WARM • Use an old flannel sheet to make yourself comfy pyjama pants with a cute crocheted trim.

DEAR DONKEY • Our fabric donkey was inspired by a few farm friends we saw on Instagram. The combination of ‘adult’ fabrics makes it interesting and we could play around with our choices. The donkey is large enough to be used as a cushion as well!

DONKEY DIAGRAM

SOCK LOVE • Keep your feet warm with these lovely ‘spring...