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A few weeks ago I posted photos of some quirky and somewhat strange craft projects from The Book of Creative Crafts (1978). But in the book there are also some projects I really like – so I am posting those here today.

What do you think? Would you make any of these?

– duvet cover from large patchwork hexagons, in different fabric prints but all one colour. I think this would make a great bedspread for children – they could choose a colour and help pick out fabrics. I think it would also look great made from retro floral sheets.

– a felt flower necklace constructed a bit like a daisy chain, I think the flower centres are small yellow buttons, and then the whole necklace is fastened with a buttonhole that loops over one flower centre. You can click the photo for a better look. 

– candles with pressed herbs and wildflowers. So pretty, though also seems like a lot of effort.

– my personal favourite, a chunky macrame hammock. How difficult do you think this would be? Because it would be perfect for the tropical plant laden conservatory that I'm always drinking cocktails and reading magazines in ; )

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10 responses to “more 70s craft ideas”

  1. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar

    I rather fancy that hammock too! Though I love the largeness of the patchwork x

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  2. poppy Avatar
    poppy

    I love 70’s craft book, the hammock is brilliant! Never tried macrame, but its worth trying to make that beauty!

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  3. Awfulknitter Avatar
    Awfulknitter

    I’m for the hammock too! You would just need sturdy poles (the ones in the picture look almost like curtain poles!) and good cord. I’m feeling quite tempted by a macrame project at the moment – I fancy a classic hanging plant pot holder.
    I recently got the seven volume (yes, SEVEN!) Golden Hands encyclopaedia of crafts. Not only does it confirm that the 70s are for sure the decade that taste forgot, but so many of the projects look so amateurish! But that’s such a refreshing change from so much modern craft material that’s so styled and so accomplished that it looks unachievable.

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  4. Candyce Avatar
    Candyce

    My MIL made the candles with flowers and they were lovely. She bought a really good grade of wax which made them so nice.

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  5. Andrea Avatar

    I remember my aunts making those very candles back in the 70s!

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  6. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    To make cheats version of the candles you can apply the pressed flowers to a store bought pillar candle by painting over with a few layers of parrafin wax 😉

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  7. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    I love the hexagon patchwork. I feel inspired to make a duvet cover for my children!

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  8. Alessandra Avatar

    Nice items. The candles I like most, then the hammock. I’ve spend some time reading a book in the hammock.

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  9. auntie M Avatar
    auntie M

    I made that hammock decades ago. I used cotton cord and it
    s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d! A lot. Oops. 😦

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  10. Damac Lagoons Avatar

    Great post, thank you for sharing the information!!!

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