Made With Love by Kat

A cute little book page brooch like this gives a literary edge to any outfit - and is really easy to make. You will need: An old book page, thick card, varnish, craft glue, a brooch pin, superglue. Step one: Draw a circle around something the right size onto a piece of thick card and the book page - I used a corkscrew! Cut out carefully. Step two: Using the craft glue, stick the circles together. Make sure the glue goes right to the edge, but that it is not too wet or it will show through. Wipe away any excess before sticking together. Leave to dry. Step three: Once the glue has dried, apply several layers of varnish to both sides and the edge. You will need to do this over a period of time, allowing each layer to set. Step four: Once the varnish is dry, carefully glue a brooch pin to the back with the superglue. And voila! As easy as that!

In the words of those irritating Christmas text dating agency ads (anyone know the ones I mean?) I'm sad. The brass swallow charms I've ordered from New York haven't arrived yet - it's been weeks! - which means I still can't make my friend Laura's Christmas present. Laura - if you're reading this, I'm sorry. She bought me a fabulous handbag by Manchester crafters Don't Bitch Stitch , so I feel doubly guilty. But birds are a big theme - although someone told me once they were unlucky (stuff 'em, you make your own luck) - so I thought I'd show you my favourite birdy finds on Folksy. Felt birdy bracelet - £9 - PennyDog Designs Forest Bird Earrings - £6 - Paisley Chainsaw Gold Wagtail Brooch - £12 - Kate Broughton Kate Broughton also does gorgeous meercat, squirrel and deer felt brooches. I know it's more than six months 'til my birthday, but if any generous soul would like to buy me one I'd be forever grateful. A Bird In The Hand bl...

Oh my God how am I going to make any profit? I've spent a phenomenal amount (well it's up into three figures) on stuff, and so far made eighty quid. Pinning my hopes on things that are winging their way to me as we speak - including more vintage brooches, vintage chandelier drops, swallow charms, Swarovski crystals and pearls, amethyst beads, Georgian antique keys and I can barely remember what else. Three decent sales and I'll be in profit, but it's a nerve-wracking time. Christmas is just round the corner - at least if worst comes to worst my friends will be receiving some very nice Christmas presents indeed...