Easter felted egg cozies by YanArt

Get into an Easter spirit while making these colorful felted Eggs cozies! This tutorial is kindly offered to our readers by Yana (YanArt)

For this tutorial it is preferable you had some basic felting skills.

You will need a ruler, scissors, a marker, and a piece of PV film. For example you can use an old package. You will also need wool, water, soap and an egg.

Measure your egg's «waist» and add to the size 30% more (for example 14 cm + 30% = 18.2 cm). In the process of felting wool tends to shrink which is why you should add some size.

Divide this size in 2 (18.2/2 = 9.1cm) – this will be the size of the bottom of the triangular pattern for your hat.

You can choose the size of the top up to your liking but not less than the half of the egg's height. It can be a very tall or smaller hat, it's up to you (remember that wool shrinks).

1. Put the PV film triangular pattern on the bubble-wrap and spread several layers of wool (horizontally and vertically). Put a bit more on the edges – you will turn them over later.

2. Moist the wool with a light soap solution, cover with bubble-wrap and rub a little. Turn everything upside down. Remove the bubble-wrap and thoroughly turn the edges of the wool over the sides of the triangle.

3. Spread the wool on another side of the hat.

4. Repeat step 2. Turn the edges of the wool over the sides again horizontally. Lift and turn the wool at the bottom.

Do it in the upper direction (vertically) to make the bottom of the hat even.

5. Cover with a bubble-wrap and rub gently in circular movements.

6. Wrap everything up in a roll and roll it 50-80...100 times. Unwrap, shift a little the triangular pattern to avoid clotting and wrinkling.

7. Wrap up in a roll. Repeat step 6 several times.

8. Unwrap the roll. Remove the PV film pattern and felt with your hands.

Rub to achieve the shape of a pointy hat and to even the bottom of the hat.

9. Rinse the hat in warm water. Shape it up let it dry.

10. If needed you can use special needles for dry felting to make the bottom of the hat even.

Have fun felting and happy Easter!

Meet Lanadearg

Picture a cold blue January day when a blizzard is covering cars and buildings in a down blanket of snow. Trees shiver and shake from the howling wind… Rare passers-by, wrapped up to their ears in their warmest scarves, race by trying to escape the cold and get home as fast as possible… On a day like this it is great to visit a warm and cozy store, and I know just a place. It is a store filled with sunshine, warmth, and love - it is the "Argentinian Sun" store by Etsy seller Lanadearg.

Lana, the owner of the store, is a wonderful host and she would love to show her creations to you. Lana makes and sells hand-knit scarves, hats, and accessories.


Her works will immediately impress you with their elegant yet simple design, flawless workmanship and unbelievable feeling of warmth and love coming from them. Her scarves will keep you warm no matter how cold the weather gets, her hats will resist any wind. You will look great in it on a skiing slope or taking your date out in the city on a cold day.


Lana creates her hand-knit items in a variety of styles. For those of us who love to knit but do not consider themselves to be a professional, Lana's shop has knitting patterns and tutorials. Using step-by-step instructions provided by Lana you would be able to create a masterpiece yourself, just pick your yarn and color.


Also, Lana has a blog where she explains the knitting how-to. This is extremely useful for knitting beginners www.lanahobby.blogspot.com/ The blog also has a ton of other useful information such as recipes, fitness tips, bead jewelry tutorials and so on.

Come on in, visit Lana's store. I am sure that among all these soft, warm, and cozy hand-knit items there is a special one waiting for you.

Story by Lana (FineEmbroidery)
Translated by Alla (FleetingStillness)

This story also available in Russian there

Stylish Things: OOAK felted goods at Galafilc

Today, we share a story about Gala who runs great Galafilc shop on Etsy
A fairy called Gala lives in a small town in Poland on the coast of the Baltic sea.

She walks in beautiful surroundings, takes photos of white chamomiles and flamboyant poppies, delicate daffodils and royal sunflowers, autumn leaves and ripe ash berries.

And then Gala creates her magic items.
Gala does not need a magic wand to transform a shapeless piece of wool into a delicate flower, poppy field on a bag or a flexible reptile. Galina’s hands can create anything – seamless clothes, scarves, mittens, slippers, hats, brooches, lamps and amazing panels.


This is what Gala says about her handmade creations herself:

"I have liked creating things with my hands since childhood. In my school and university years I knitted a lot, everything from sweaters and hats to socks and mittens. A new unique item of clothing was gradually evolving from balls of yarn.


In 2007, I discovered a medium new for me - felting.

By pure accident I saw creations made by my university friend Lena online. They were felted scarves. I became interested how amazing woolen flowers were painted on thin chiffon and decided to try making something similar. Having read all instructions and recommendations available online and bought some wool, I felted my first scarf and flower. I really enjoyed the process of creating these simple things and started looking for materials, techniques and explanations.

Lately I became interested in dying wool and made felted items. This allows to make items even more unique".

Gala often participates in regional craft fairs and communicates with other felt artists. These fairs enable her to meet her clients and learn their tastes and likes, hear their wishes. This way she can make creations to order.

Exhibitions-competitions for amateur artists and craftspeople take place in the local chamber of culture on yearly basis. Gala’s creations have won awards in the category "Artistic fabric" in town and council competitions for three years in a row. This year Gala exhibited her felt painting "Birchwood" at the competition.

Today is the 7th of January – Orthodox Christmas. It is accustomed to give presents to relatives and friends on this day. Galina’s creations could be a perfect gift for this occasion – they are bright, optimistic and will bring a lot of joy to you and your beloved ones.


Story by Lana (FineEmbroidery)
Translated by Anastasia (Lightkeeping)

This story also available in Russian there

Wonderful things wednesday - New Year Resolutions

Every year at the end of December I am thinking of the main things I'd like to accomplish in the coming new year. I am trying to be realistic and not set goals that are too high for myself. So traditionally it is something simple like eating more vegetables or finally organizing our garage.

The other question is, will I follow my new year resolutions or will it become next years resolution?

I am sure all of you are doing much better than I am in this department, so please share with us what your New Year resolutions are. What goals did you set this year and how do you plan to make sure you accomplish them? We'd like to know!

Meanwhile please enjoy our Wednesday collection of items!

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4}

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4}

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4}

Story by Tanya Socksandmittens
Collages by Katrin KarisaGraphic

Russian Artists team treasury was featured on Etsy Front Page

Today Russian Artists team treasury was featured on Etsy Front Page. Cosy and warm - Gift Guide under $60 was created by Arctida in Earth tones of brown, beige and cream colors.

The following Russian Artists team members were featuring in this gorgeous treasury: Katrinshine, Allmadewithlove, YanArt, Galafilc, BlueberryCream, Lightkeeping, TomBjornDesigns

Stylish Things - Socksandmittens

Today our featured guest is Tanya Socksandmittens who is a member of Russian Artists Etsy team.


What can be better on a snowy winter day than grabbing your cup of hot chocolate to go, a camera and head to the forest or ice skate in a park. That’s where the white winter magic begins. Everything is covered by snow and there are hundreds of photo opportunities just waiting for you right around the corner! To enjoy it fully you should remember your warm clothing, appropriate shoes and handy accessories which will keep your hands and head warm.

Fingerless gloves, mittens, scarves and hats are winter MUST HAVE. They are relatively inexpensive so you should have several of them for the cold weather season. Each pair would go with a certain outfit or style or even your mood, and you could wear another while the other set dries out or needs to be washed.

In our store you can find a variety of warm cozy colorful gloves, mittens, hats, headbands and scarves. They are made of quality wool, wool blend or acrylic yarn, and it is up to you what fiber you prefer!


The best item for the winter, in my opinion, is fingerless gloves. You are able to keep your hands warm and toasty but at the same time you are able to perform a lot of activities that require the use of your fingers. Some of these activities may be driving (who did not hate that cold wheel in a morning), taking photographs or even typing on your computer or mobile device while outside or in a cold office!

Even better, we can make it convertibles! This way you will get 2 gloves in 1. You can wear them as gloves or mittens, it’s up to you!


If you see something you like in our store but want it in a different size or a color, we can make a custom order. We are pretty quick, it usually takes us about 2 to 5 days to complete an order, depends of yarn availability, existing orders or what you are wanting made.


Please visit our mother and daughter team shop Socksandmittens for all your warm and cozy knitted accessory needs!



Follow us on our blog, Twitter or Facebook!
Our blog: http://socksandmittens.blogspot.com/


Thank you, Tanya for taking your time and talking to us! Russian Artists team is honored to have such a talented and successful artist as its member!

Wonderful things wednesday - Happy Haunting!

Delight of this week – Halloween Party!

Who ever said that Halloween is just for kids? Adults should have some fun too!

Get a little crazy this night and be someone else! You can be a vampire, witch, rock or movie star or some other creature or person you want. Everybody is welcome to eat, drink and be merry this night!

So dress up for your party, mix up creepy Halloween cocktails for adults and have a great time!


1. Pincushions from felt PUMPKINS by FunEmbroidery
2. Cat and Goldfish Stained Glass Suncatcher by FleetingStillness
3. Halloween Pumpkin Coffee Cup Cozy by CuffeShop
4. Halloween Cat Hat for Baby by Bumblestore


1. Spooky Houses Halloween Necklace by Smafactory
2. Silver With Black Leather Double Bracelet by Justlena
3. Fabric rosette statement ring in black with silver base by StudioElenus
4. Black lacy crochet skirt Victoria Secret by Lasunka



1. Night sky airy necklace by Beautyland
2. Handforged geometric sculpted earrings Sterling silver with black Lava cubes – Pele by Arctida
3. Waist Reducing Tartan CORSET by Katrinshine
4. Victorian Halloween framed digital collage sheet by Graphicland

Wonderful things Wednesday - Crochet with heart

Crochet is one of the most popular needlework arts around the world today and has been practiced in Europe since early 1800s. Men & women, youth & adults all are creating beautiful pieces. Many of them came to the hooks at the very young age and learned how to crochet from their mothers. Others fall in love with crocheting in their older years finding this hobby very relaxing and stress relieving.

Many things can be made in crochet, some examples are anything from beautiful lace doilies to the sophisticated scarves and jewelry. You can find some lovely crochet pieces in almost any home today. Some of the pieces you might find in any house might be baby blankets and afghans. These are becoming heirloom pieces that are being passed on by family members for generations. What can be better then a crochet baby blanket and a pair of baby booties as a gift for an expecting mother!

Some of our team members are also dedicated to crochet. Crocheting is part of our lives and heritage. This is something we enjoy and will do for the rest of our lives!


1. Baby Love Red Heart Booties for 0-6 month by IraRott
2. Red crocheted stole by Socksandmittens
3. Black Lace Cotton Hand Crocheted Tunic by Inessa
4. Halloween pumpkins - crocheted earrings by TomBjornDesigns


1. Crochet knitted ruffled handbag tote retro by FlowersbyIrene
2. Crocheted Freeform Necklace Bracelet by HappyfrogfromAlaska
3. Crochet Romantic True Lilac scarf by VitalTemptation
4. iPhone / iPod touch Crochetted Cover Cozy by CuffeShop


1. Crocheted Earrings by Vikulya
2. Crochet freeform brooch with sea glass by JaneBoFelt
3. Victorian crochet scarflette and cuffs ruffle by Allmadewithlove
4. Crocheted Daylight Scarf by CityCrochet

Wonderful Things Wednesday - Tea party in a garden

It’s time for your 5 o’clock treat! It’s tea time!

A perfect tea always tastes better when served in the garden, but if you live in a city, a garden is not always an option so your balcony or private area will work just fine!
What do you need for a fun tea party in a garden? Well, here is a list:

1. A way to boil your water,
2. Your favorite tea pot or cup to steep you tea in,
3. A knitted tea cozy to keep you tea pot or cups warm
4. Your favorite tea, loose or packets
5. Milk, sugar, little cakes, sandwiches, apples or whatever you fancy!
6. Some flowers to enjoy
7. Some butterflies to fly around while having your tea
8. A wonderful tree to provide you some shade
9. And last but not least some good friends to giggle and share you tea with!

Here is our virtual tea party in a garden – enjoy!



Photo sources from top, then l-r: 1, 2, 3, 4
1. Handmade gold plated Butterflies in the Garden earrings with Garnet by Lightkeeping
2. Photography aceo Butterflies by YuliaKazansky
3. Red Butterflies earrings by Beautyspot
4. Greeting Card Butterfly by FunEmbroidery



Photo sources from top, then l-r: 1, 2, 3, 4
1. OOAK 2 large mugs - Grass fields by Yevgenia
2. Tea cozy by Socksandmittens
3. Knit crochet tea cozy by Allmadewithlove
4. Knitted cozy set by Cuffeshop




Photo sources from top, then l-r: 1, 2, 3, 4
1. Felted handbag Bouquet of Poppy and Daisy flowers by Galafilc
2. Tree of Life necklace sterling silver by Arctida
3. Pink black polka dots ruffled apron by NStrelkova
4. Poppies Art Print by SunriseArtGallery

Story by Tanya Socksandmittens
Photo collages by Katrin KarisaGraphic

Etsy Front Page yet again!

Today, TWO of our teammates treasuries made it to the Front page on Etsy! The first one was created by Tanya from Socksandmittens. The second one was created by Ksenia from Kpersonboutique ! Congrats Tanya, Ksenia and the featured :)

Curator: Socksandmittens

Featured artists from Etsy Russian Team: daimblond, yevgenia, AleciaV, RosemaryManufacture, bumblestore, BlueberryCream, YuliaKazansky, Avistudio, SweetNumber, IrinaPhotography

Curator: Kpersonboutique

Featured artists from Etsy Russian Team: StudioElenus,TomBjornDesigns, allmadewithlove, lightkeeping, Arctida, FunEmbroidery, lanadearg, MyWayToSay, daimblond