I don't like making payments over the internet but I would still like to receive my patterns by download, can I pay by any other means?

Crafty Ferret is purely an internet based business so I can only take online payment via Paypal. Please see my Privacy policies for more information about payment and online account security. Sorry, I am unable to accept credit card payments over the phone.

I haven't got a printer, can I order paper patterns to be sent through the post?

No, Crafty Ferret patterns are only available by download, this is the quickest and cheapest way to receive your patterns. I have made a few patterns available by post as kits which you can find in my Folksy shop.

I want a special pattern, can you design it for me?

Each pattern takes many hours to design and make so designing a completely new pattern for one person is not cost effective, I can however for a small extra charge adapt existing patterns to suit your needs. For example I can change the age on a 'Bead a Card' Milestone pattern, or I can change the wording on an embroidery pattern.

Can I stitch the bead patterns onto Aida?

Yes, it is possible to stitch size 11/0 seed beads onto 14 hpi Aida but you won't get as tidy a finish as you will on card. Size 11/0 seed beads are a tiny bit too big for 14 count Aida and end up squashed together. The best beads for stitching onto Aida are the slightly smaller Delica beads. Don't forget, the patterns don't show the holes that aren't needed so you would have to work out how many holes to leave between elements of the pattern.

Do you have a list of colour codes for Delica beads?

Not at the moment although I may look into using Delica beads on fabric in the future.

How do I stop my thread from tangling?

I recommend you run your length of thread through a waxing block, I use Thread Heaven which is easy to get both on line and from haberdashery shops. Use a maximum length of thread of 45 cm and draw the thread through the card slowly, also every so often allow the thread to dangle so that it can naturally untwist.

What can I use as a pricking tool?

I recommend you only use a proper fine paper pricking tool, there are many different makes available, although This one is my favourite.

Do I have to use TOHO seed beads?

No, you can use other makes of seed beads but you will not get as neat a finish as you would with TOHO beads. Most other makes of beads that I have tried vary quite a lot in size and shape.

What's the best thing to use as a pricking mat?

I use sheets of Craft foam. If you use one sheet you will prick a very tiny hole as only the point of the pricking tool will go through the card. If you want a slightly larger hole use two sheets then the pricking tool will go further through the card to the thicker part of the point.

I haven't got a craft cutting mat to protect my work table, what else could I use?

You can use anything that the pricking tool won't pierce such as an old clean chopping board or a sheet of hardboard. Don't use anything glass or metal as this will blunt the end of your pricking tool.

Why do you only recommend using white or cream card for the bead patterns? I would like to use a coloured card.

I've tried stitching beads onto coloured card and have been disappointed with the results. The beads seem to loose their vibrancy and any slightly transparent beads show the colour of the card through them so they appear dull or in some cases invisible from a distance.

Although you recommend Scotch Magic Tape to secure the stitching on the back of the card, can I use ordinary Sellotape?

Yes, you can use Sellotape but I prefer Scotch Magic Tape as it is easy to remove if you make a mistake and it doesn't go yellow and brittle with age.