Mabel van Niekerk's main passion in life is travel. She enjoys writing about her many travel experiences and documenting reference books to provide more information about towns and cities in countries she found fascinatingly different from her homeland, South Africa.
She is also passionate about crafting and enjoys writing reference books about the various crafts she has mastered and enjoys.
Mabel has now turned her hand to writing books for young children, as she recalls the stories she told her own children many years ago.
Choose Brussels as a destination on your next European vacation. This bustling city has a lot to offer tourists. It’s not a stuffy business city as many people think because of its connections with the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It’s a vibrant city with plenty of nightlife and entertainment.
Embroider on printed fabrics with basic embroidery stitches to enhance the design by adding texture and embellishments to it. The embroidery can also be used to define the outlines of motifs and colors can be subtly darkened or lightened in certain spots to better suit your color choices.
Recycling clothing has become an accepted thing to do, so we no longer discard garments and trash them like we used to do; instead we find new ways of using the good parts of the fabric. Worn denim jeans are most likely the most popular recycled garments on the planet.
The historic cities of Bath and York attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. It’s fascinating to see cathedrals and churches that took decades to complete in bygone years, still in use as places of worship and in many cases the artwork has not even faded with time.
Rio de Janeiro must be one of the most spectacular cities in the world to visit! There is never a dull moment in this vibrant city, which is commonly known as “Rio”. It’s the second largest city in Brazil and probably the best known to the world.
Crocheting with wire is a little different from using thread or yarn and does take practice getting used to. If a project does not turn out to be perfect the first time you will soon learn that wire can be very forgiving as you can pinch the loops together with your fingertips where it looks untidy. The best way to get started is by practicing to make a chain.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, lying mostly in Western Europe, is a country well worth exploring. The names Netherlands and Holland brings tulips, clogs and windmills to mind, but that is not the only attraction this country has to offer, it boasts a tremendous amount of history in cities and small villages alike
We live in a world of disposable products with packaging material being one of the most wasteful materials manufactured. Next time you are unpacking goods after a shopping spree look more objectively at the boxes and wrappings that were used to display and protect the goods. Once you begin to make your own organizers you will see potential in many types of containers.
To make a crazy patchwork quilt is a lot of work – yes – but it’s also a tremendous amount of fun. It’s very appealing to be able to make each block unique and not to have to duplicate blocks. You can enjoy using your imagination in each block. In this book I show you the details of each block I created from my fabric stash to complete the quilt.
Frogs are relatively easy to draw and appliqué. In different shapes and sizes they make lovely motifs for appliqué both for children and household items. I have drawn a number of frog designs which will be sure to take your fancy. There is no need to stick to green and brown fabric for your frogs, use any color you wish. I think floral and patterned frogs are most adorable.
Traditional bead work is fascinating and a great craft to learn. Many ethnic groups in Africa and all over the world are proud of their beading crafts. It’s a wonderful way of keeping the stories of the past alive.
Crazy patchwork is a fascinating craft. Take your patchwork designs to a whole new level by embellishing every patch with your favorite embroidery stitches, and adding ribbons, braids, buttons and beads for more detail. The beautiful squares of fabric you create can be used to make quilts, cushion covers, wall hangings, scarves and evening-bags
Crocheting jewelry with wire becomes addictive there are so many possibilities to use your creative ideas. Once you get used to crocheting with wire instead of soft thread you will find it very easy to use. Have fun with these patterns making jewelry for your family and friends and don’t forget to keep some for yourself.
Aprons are ideal for kids to wear when playing with paints and clay, helping in the garden and assisting mom or grandma in the kitchen to catch up all the spills and splashes that can occur. Here are a few patterns and ideas that are easy to make and can be adapted to suit the size of your kids.
Make beautiful jewelry keepers to store your jewelry and for keeping them together when traveling. They are easy to make, and make great gifts for your friends and family.
Jewelry organizers will always be well received for any gifting occasion.
Making your own jewelry is fun and very easy and by crocheting bracelets and necklaces with wire it gives you a new medium to work with. If you have never learned the art of crochet before, then it would be wise to first learn the basic stitches like slip stitch, chain stitch, double crochet and single crochet working with yarn, before you progress to wire.
Granny squares are among the most popular crochet patterns crochet addicts love to collect. They can be used to make numerous decorative household and clothing items. Crochet granny squares with animal faces for a difference. This little waistcoat and scarf can be made for the little girl in your life in the colors of your choice, or use scraps from your yarn stash.
Learn to cast on stitches and knit with ease if you are left-handed and have in the past struggled to get a grip on it from a right-handed tutor. Step by step diagrams to follow will have you casting on stitches and knitting in no time at all.
Handbags and purses are quick and easy to make for the little girl in your life. They make fabulous gifts and will never fail to delight the receiver. The patterns are all provided in this book, and whether you are an enthusiastic sewer or prefer to crochet you will find a purse to suit your taste and expertise.
Anyone who enjoys sewing their own clothing and décor items, is an avid quilter, or is involved in various crafting hobbies, will automatically accumulate a large fabric stash. Your fabric stash could eventually become a storage problem, if you don’t start a few new projects to utilize some of the stash.
Make attractive adornments for your closet and cabinet door knobs in your home. All you need is a little imagination, a selection of colorful beads, tassels and ribbons and oddments of yarn and fabric glue. Beaded embellishments can also be used to decorate purses, bags or key rings.
If you have a stash of discarded neckties lying about your home, then I’ve got great ideas for you to give them a new lease on life. Turn them into beautiful lampshades or patchwork cushion covers or tiebacks for curtains.
Death Valley, as most people know, is the driest and hottest region of the United States. It is also one of the lowest regions in the world. In spite of this unattractive description, it does not deter almost a million tourists from visiting this region every year.
A few friends, who always enjoyed playing and roaming around the Kruger National Park together were gathered round the waterhole. They had a lot to discuss this afternoon. Nkonkoni Wildebeest, their dear friend, had a longing to trek all the way to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Charity bazaars and flea markets have much in common, as they mostly offer goods not always available in the local stores. If you enjoy working for your favorite charity then make the annual charity bazaar a huge success by sourcing ideas and products all year round.
Mister Gorf, a green-colored frog, was sitting on his favorite lily-pad thinking with great excitement about his birthday, which he would be celebrating soon. He had decided that he would celebrate his birthday with a grand picnic and invite all his friends to come and join in the fun.
Maxie was a beautiful brown and white puppy with soft floppy ears and big gentle eyes. His proud owner, Jake, loved nothing better than to be out in the woods running and playing with him. They were constant companions.
Ons het almal mooi herinneringe van ons kinderdae toe Ouma vir ons heerlike geregte
voorberei het. Ek het probeer om al hierdie heerlike resepte in die hande te kry en het ook vir familielede en vriende gevra om hulle gunsteling resepte vir ons te gee.
Mauritius is 'n fantastiese bewys dat daar regtig ‘n paradys in die wêreld bestaan. Dit is 'n fassinerende eiland in die Indiese Oseaan, oos van Madagaskar. Hierdie eiland wat deur baie vakansiegangers van regoor die wêreld geniet word, het pragtige ongerepte strande omring met palms, en oorweldigende warm en vriendelike mense wat daar woon.
As jy leer hekel sal jy vind dat dit nie net ‘n manier is om mooi items te skep nie, maar ook a wonderlike manier om te ontspan terwyl jou hande besig is. Hierdie nuttige en kreatiewe kuns stel jou nie net in die vermoë om mooi items te skep nie, maar is ook ‘n goeie manier om heerlik saam met vriendinne te ontspan terwyl julle patrone uitruil.
Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Northern California and is known as a world famous wine growing region. It is not only the main wine growing region of USA, but one of the major wine producing areas in the world.
Smocking is a craft that can easily be learned. It only looks complicated, but believe me it’s very easy once you try it yourself. If you know how to use a needle and thread you will be able to smock in no time at all.
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or leather using any type of thread or yarn that can fit through the eye of a needle. It is not as complicated as it often looks. The stitches are mostly straight stitches placed in various positions to form patterns and are very easy to master.
Why do so many of us still believe in grandma’s herbs? The answer is “because they work”. The composition of the plants have not changed through the ages, and the healing properties they had decades ago, are still evident today. We just have to learn which herb to use and how to use it effectively for various ailments.
First time travelers often wonder what they should take with them and are anxious that they will not have sufficient clothing or toiletries with them. If you don’t want to be bogged down with heavy bags wherever you go, then always remember less is more when packing and only take the essentials with you.
Pouches and small purses are always handy to keep your handbag organized – no more scratching around in your bag to find small items. These handy little pouches and purses are very easy to make from your stash of fabric.
Scarves are very easy to make and can be decorative or plain, depending on the outfit you plan to wear it with. Knitted, woven and crocheted scarves are the most popular for winter wear
Cornwall is a major holiday destination in the British Isles. Its beauty and quaintness of its villages attract thousands of visitors to its shores more than five million visitors visit this part of Britain every year. It’s not only the “locals” that enjoy visiting here, but tourists from all over the world enjoy the natural beauty and antiquity of Cornwall. The people are so helpful and friend
Mozambique is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, but it will not last forever as tourists from around the globe are discovering this gem of the Indian Ocean.
The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa is one of the many scenic coastlines in the world. This region is the coastal playground of South Africans, and the rest of Africa and for many tourists from all over the world.
Baby quilts are quick and easy to crochet and made in various colors will match any baby room décor. Crocheting squares, which can either be sewn or crocheted together, are great fun to make and a useful time-filler.
If you, like me have family and friends who all seem to have birthdays and anniversaries in the same months of the year, gifting can become a financial problem especially if the gift list is larger than your budget. In order to make gifting a pleasure instead of a constant headache, I have devised a list of suggestions that could help with the budget.
Making fabric roses and flowers are so easy and fun to make. Most fabrics can be used with success to create beautiful flowers for embellishments. Use to decorate hats, purses, to pin on a belt or slippers.
Cushions make a home look cozy and can add color to a dull uninteresting décor. It’s so easy to run up a few cushion covers to brighten up a room whether you are an experienced seamstress or not.
The simple task of sewing on a button does seem to confuse many people. Sewing hems and installing zippers and darning are all looked upon as difficult tasks. In fact they are simple to do once you get the hang of it. Here are a few tips to make the tasks easier and more enjoyable.
In this book I will endeavor to teach you the basics of appliqué and then for the more adventurous, I give step-by-step instructions to make a beautiful baby quilt.
If you enjoy arts and crafts and have never tried your hand at making ragdolls, then follow these easy instructions and see how quick and easy it is to make Macey for someone you love. The challenge is to put your own stamp on the doll and make it unique.
Spain has an ancient history, an incredible mix of cultures, activities, an abundance of stunning beaches, plenty of sunshine and last but not least, incredibly friendly people.
The Canary Islands are great choice as a travel destination, whether you want a beach holiday in the sun, or want to get away from it all for a week or two. The islands offer stunning beaches, sunny skies, and spectacular landscapes.
Always remember that Osteoporosis is known as the silent killer, so be advised that you watch your diet and intake of calcium, always exercise moderately and speak to your doctor about bone density tests when you reach your menopausal years.