Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Make Your Own Solar Panels – From Soda Cans

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solarpanel

We are always looking for a way to save a buck here and there, but how far are you really willing to go?  If extreme couponing isn’t quite your thing, and you feel you have tried about every outlet available, you may want to look into ways of energy conservation.  This tutorial shows you just how you can build your own solar panels, and to make it even better, it’s made from old soda cans, making it even cheaper to make.  It’s easier to build than you’d probably think, and once you get the box built, you’ll be on your way to saving a little more on your energy bills.

Read the post here: DIY Solar Panels

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Girl in Meadow Hand Embroidery Pattern – Etsy Review

This one has such a soft, dreamy feel to it. The Girl in Meadow Hand Embroidery Pattern, Floral Design (PDF) from ModaVationStitchery is a digital download on Etsy, priced at AU$3.29 on sale from AU$8.22, and the shop is showing a 5 out of 5 star rating. Etsy lists it as a craft supply download with 2 PDF files included.

What makes this design appealing is the calm, nature-filled look. The listing describes it as a girl sitting in a meadow surrounded by flowers, with flowing hair, delicate blooms, and grass, and it is clearly aimed at stitchers who enjoy feminine hoop art and floral scenes rather than cartoonish motifs. It feels like the sort of project that would look lovely framed in a hoop for a bedroom, reading corner, or handmade gift.

There are some nice practical details too. The listing says the pattern comes in 6 hoop sizes ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches, and it includes a stitch guide, thread colour suggestions, and an Embroidery Guide for Beginners. That gives it a bit more support than a bare-bones printable, even though the seller is also clear that this is design-only and does not include step-by-step instructions.