Get crafting for Get Together

Get Together is not only the perfect excuse to get together with friends, but a great opportunity to try your hand at some crafts. Here, Emma Weston-Scott from Little Bundles bunting gives you some top tips on how to make beautiful bunting.

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When making bunting, you must remember:

• You are making something unique so there are no rules. Don't be afraid to try something different, if your finished product doesn't look exactly the same as the guide, or as your friends, then all the better. The best thing about making a handmade product is that every single one will be unique.
• Be creative and find inspiration from around you. I only have to look out of my window, or watch my children create a new game to give me inspiration for my next creation. It doesn't have to be complicated, make it easy and make it about something that inspires you and that you enjoy. Use colours you love and fabrics that mean something to you, then you will be able to enjoy your bunting for years to come!
• Try to use fabrics that are around you - don't spend too much money. When crafting, don't feel obliged to go out and buy a whole lot of new tools and new fabrics, it really isn't necessary. All bunting can be made using old remnants or old clothing the children have grown out of. I know a group of ladies who are making a length of bunting out of old bra cups! I have to admit, the majority of my bunting is made using new British manufactured fabrics, but there are some that we have created using up cycled vintage Laura Ashley, or up cycled denim jeans!

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Your host pack contains a wonderful stencil for making your own paper bunting.

If you want to use fabric, instead of paper, then here's a quick help to get you started. If you have time, then you can finish your flags off in more detail, but for something quick and easy to make up on the day itself here's my guide:

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• Get your tools together:Oxfam flag template, pencil/marker pen, fabric remnants, ribbon or bias binding, scissors and/or pinking shears, needle and thread (or a stapler)
• Using the flag template provided, cut out the flag shape and lay directly onto your chosen fabric.
• Draw around the flag shape, invert the template if the fabric pattern allows and draw a second flag. Continue until you have lots of flags drawn out. Each flag doesn't have to be the same colour, but find enough fabric so that you can cut at least 11 flags. This will give you at least three metres of bunting. Try and find fabric that has a one directional print, this will enable you to invert the flag template enabling you to cut out more flags.
• Using pinking shears (or scissors) cut out the flags. The pinking shears will help prevent the edge from fraying, this means that you can use a single piece of fabric per flag.
• At this point you can start to assemble the bunting.
• Give yourself about 25cm at the end of your bias binding or ribbon to use as the end tie, attach your cut flag to the bias/ribbon either by hand stitching using a basic running stitch, or just staple it on! Decide how much distance you want between your flags (anywhere between 5 and 10cm is good) then attach your next flag. TIP: cut out a piece of card the width of your gap and use this as a template. Don't forget to leave about 25cm at the end for ties. I find an odd number of flags always hangs better.
• If you want to be more creative, you can cut out the lovely Oxfam motifs - including the cupcake, the balloons and the glasses - in really pretty contrasting fabric. Either glue or stitch the motifs onto the flags and jazz up with as much glitter or sequins as you wish! In this case More is definitely Best!

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