Handmade Christmas - Christmas 2013 UK
Handmade Christmas - Christmas 2013 UK
Handmade Christmas - Christmas 2013 UK
HAND
MADE
WITH
LOVE...
EASY
CHRISTMAS
PROJECTS
& IDEAS
Bunting
Table settings
Baubles
Sweets & treats
Pretty cards
Gift wrapping
Decorations
Chic candles
Flavoured oils
CROCHET
A PUD!
Start
tonight!
UNIQUE
TOYS
& GIFTS
TO MAKE
PRETTY CARDS
STYLISH GIFTS
DECORATIONS
SWEET TREATS
TABLE SETTINGS
perfect
Your
Welcome to
Handmade
Christmas!
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Manager Elizabeth Daly
Call 0844 848 2852 or go to
www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
NOTE TO READERS
The projects in this magazine are protected by copyright belonging to
Future Publishing Limited or its designers and contributors.
Do not re-sell, reproduce or distribute the projects without permission from the copyright
owner. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. However
making a single copy for the purposes of personal use is allowed.
Handmade Christmas
Your perfect
29 43
49
79
Getting ready
07 Christmas countdown
We have 25 brilliant
Christmas ideas to do
and make with your
friends and family
22 Snowake decorations
Decorate your tree
with these delicate felt
embroidered snowakes
12 Christmas planner
Craft this marvellous
planner to keep
everything in one place
this Christmas
14 Stitched advent calendar
Make this beautiful,
patchwork-style advent
calendar for your home
19 Count the days
More crafty ideas for
advent calendars
24 Paper angel
This cheery fairy
decoration is a must
for the top of your
tree, and easy to make
28 Ring the bells
Crochet these delicate
bells for your tree.
Theyll be the envy
of your friends!
29 Gingerbread boys
These adorable stitched
felt gingerbread men
are great fun to make
32 Deck the halls
Easy festive ideas to
dress up your home
Handmade Christmas
34 Knitted angel
Make an angel for your
tree, complete with
glittering halo and
gossamer wings
36 Top of the tree
Add the wow factor with
fab tree decorating tips
95
24
Create gifts
made with love
for your family
& friends
84
89
104
98 122
70 Wrap it up in style
Ideas to make your gifts
look extra personal
89 Get a hat!
Turn heads with these
lovely knitted beanies
73 Keeping up tradition
The handmade origins
of Christmas traditions
Gifts to make
78 Great gifts for the home
Treat your loved ones
(and even yourself!)
79 Tea cup candles
Make your own scented
offerings using pretty
vintage tea cups
84 Seasonal sampler
Cross stitch this classic
country-chic sampler
with Christmas motifs
Gifts to eat
104 French fancies
These colourful macarons
really have the wow factor
107 Trio of oils
Homemade infused oils
are so simple to make
and make super presents
111 Sweet treats
Four fab festive bakes
cupcakes and cookies
115 Festive baking
Cakes make great gifts
when you know how
116 Great gifts for foodies
Savoury delights and
sugary treats for food
lovers everywhere
Handmade Christmas
l
a
n
o
i
t inGs!
a
s
n
e
s ive sav
fest
The perfect Christmas gift that lasts all year long Receive great savings off the cover prices
Inclusive of delivery plus 'Includes FREE gift card to send your personal message'
*Savings compared to buying 2 years worth of full priced issues from UK newsstand. This offer is for new print subscribers only. You will receive 13 issues in a year. Full details of the Direct Debit
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Your countdown
to Christmas
starts here
Handmade Christmas
Preparing for Christmas is a fun opportunity for getting family and friends together to share the
merry tasks. Weve got 25 brilliant ideas for making the most of the time leading up to the Big Day
Its a wrap!
To market, to
market Visit
a Christmas market,
in the UK and further
aeld to pick up
artisan-crafted gifts
and soak up some
mulled wine-infused
festive atmosphere.
Check out details and
dates online at www.
christmasmarkets.com
Give a little
bit more Know
someone whod
value a charitable
gift made on their
behalf? Find the
perfect idea at
www.goodgifts.org
and send an e-card
message to share
the good news.
Wonderful waves
5
8
Handmade Christmas
Go for a seasonal
touch Want to keep
10
11
delight at a baking session. For friends that love to bake themselves, a kit
in a jar (www.hobbycraft.co.uk for the bits you need) is a perfect treat!
be Christmas without
some sparkle OK,
a LOT of sparkle! Go
to town with fairy
lights, and transform
your hallway into a
gorgeous grotto to
make visitors faces
light up too. We got
these twinklers from
www.habitat.co.uk
12
13
15
14
Make a wreath
Wreaths are a longstanding
creative tradition at
Christmas, so enjoy the
ritual, but make it your
own by using any materials
you like. From the
conventional to the quirky,
anything goes.
16
17
18
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Handmade Christmas
19
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Handmade Christmas
11
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Keep the children happily
involved cut out luggage
tags from old envelopes
and ask children to write
their wish lists
on them.
Shop smart
and shop fast
Keep festive
recipes,
shopping lists
and last years
receipts all
together in
one place.
Keep track
Handmade Christmas
13
Christmas
starts here!
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15
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Card holder
25 count putty evenweave, 27x35cm
Red felt
Thick ribbon, 1m
Mini wooden pegs
For stockists turn to page 129
1
2
3
18
Handmade Christmas
Make Paper
Cones
Count
the days
Who needs shop-bought
chocolate advent calendars
when you can have fun making
one yourself? Try one of these
fast and fab ideas and let the
countdown commence
Light a
Candle
Bunting with a twist Not just a decorative hanging for the walls of
your living room, this clever bunting has 24 tiny pockets for 24 tiny
pressies. If youre sewing machine savvy, have a go at making your
own or if time is short, youll nd this Sew Sweet Violet one at
Notonthehighstreet or the cute stocking bunting (top) at Waitrose.
Moving on from the Blue Peter-style metal coat hanger and tinsel
combo (yes, weve all been there), a quartet of numbered
church candles make an elegant Christmas countdown. This idea is
from Panduro Hobby but you could add tiny number tags, charms
or buttons to your candles. Page 83 has another easy idea for you.
Handmade Christmas
19
20
Handmade Christmas
Make your
tree the festive
centrepiece
with handmade
decorations
Enjoy dressing the tree with the kids
even more this year with handcrafted
decorations! Create sparkling baubles, pretty
trees, festive hearts or other imaginative
seasonal motifs. Work with traditional colours
like red, green and gold, or pick
a contemporary theme of silver
with white the choice is yours, just
have fun and make it twinkle!
Handmade Christmas
21
22
Handmade Christmas
Stitched
in style
Instead of
a pattern you could
embroider a festive phrase,
or how about a name and
date to create a very
special gift for a babys
rst Christmas?
READER
OFFER
Twenty to Make: Felt
Christmas Decorations by
Corinne Lapierre from
Search Press (ISBN
9781844489435) is packed
with loads of fab festive
makes! The book costs just
4.99 and readers can get
their copy with free post
and packing. Just call
01892 510850 and quote
Handmade Christmas when
you place your order.
Handmade Christmas
23
Kids will
love her!
Add curls to her hair by
winding the strands
around a wooden skewer
24
Handmade Christmas
Paper angel
Dress her up
Cut off the top end of the cone shape with scissors, leaving
the length you want the fairys body to be. Dont forget that
she will have legs, too!
For the fairys legs, bend one end of a pipe cleaner to make
a foot. Thread beads onto the pipe cleaner, then bend the
other end to make the other foot. Bend the pipe cleaner in
half and glue the middle to the inside back of the body.
Handmade Christmas
25
For the fairys skirt, cut a sheet of A4 paper into squares and
stack them in piles of two or three. Draw a petal shape on the
top piece of paper in each pile and use sharp scissors to cut
out the petal shapes.
Use strong glue to stick the petals on for your fairys skirt.
Build up two layers of the skirt around her body, starting with
the bottom layer. Twist one end of each petal. Curl the end
of each strand around a wooden skewer.
26
Make the top layer of your fairys skirt from a long strip of
patterned paper. Ask an adult to help cut the curves for you,
then glue this above the petals. If you want, make a belt for
her too, from a strip of ribbon.
For your fairys face, cut a circle from a piece of pink paper.
To give her rosy cheeks, use two circles from a piece of
darker pink paper. Draw a nose, eyes, and a mouth in black
pen. Use strong glue to x your fairys face to her head.
10
Handmade Christmas
Fold over the pointy top of your fairys head, make a hole
and tie some string through it to suspend her. Stick on your
fairys hair, framing her face. Finally, cut a crown and sleeves
and glue them on. Your fairy is dressed and ready to go!
Theres more!
For Santas hat, just fold over the top of the cone and
add a pom-pom on the end to cover the point.
Handmade Christmas
27
Make it!
Stitch a tiny metal bell inside
to make it even more
Christmassy you can nd
them in good craft shops
or online
into the same ch sp, ch 2. *(Tr, ch 3, tr, ch 2) in the next 3-ch sp; rep
from * 8 more times, ss to the third ch at the beg of the round to
join. [10 3-ch sps and 10 2-ch sps]
same ch sp. In each of the rem 9 ch sps work 3 tr. Ss to the third ch
at the beg of the round to join. [30 sts]
the same 3-ch sp, dc into the next 2-ch sp.*5 tr in the next 3-ch sp,
dc in the next 2-ch sp; rep from * 8 more times, ss to the third ch
at the beg of the round to join. [60 sts] Fasten off and weave in end
at the base of the bell.
To make up
(1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr) in next tr; rep from * another 8 times, skip 2 tr,
(1 tr, ch 2) in last st, ss to the third ch at the beg of the round to
join. [10 2-ch sps]
Round 7 Ss into the rst 6-ch sp, ch 1 (does not count as st), in
that ch sp work *(dc, htr, tr, htr, dc); rep from * in each of the next 9
ch sps, ss to the ch 1 at the beg of the round to join. [50 sts]
28
Handmade Christmas
Thread the long tail of yarn at the top of the bell onto a needle and
through one of the treble sts of the rst round, to bring out the yarn
on the right side as near the top of the bell as possible. From the
right side, unthread the needle and insert the hook through the tr st
near where the yarn emerges and pick up the yarn, drawing it
through the stitch to make a loop on your hook. Ch 6 and fasten off.
Re-thread the yarn onto the needle and take it back down through
the top of the bell opposite where it comes out. Fasten off on the
wrong side to make a small loop for hanging, and weave in the end.
Pack out the bell rmly with paper kitchen towel, moulding it into the
required shape. Cover a blocking board with cling lm to protect it
and pin the stuffed bell upright to the blocking board, with the nal
round of the bell almost at against the board. Paint the bell with a
mixture of equal parts of PVA and water. Leave to dry.Take out the
paper packing and repeat the process on the inside.
Crochet abbreviations
ch chain
ch sp(s) chain space(s)
dc double crochet
htr half treble
ss slip stitch
tr treble
For stockists, see page 129
Ch 4, leaving a long tail (25cm) of yarn before you make the rst
slip knot, and ss to join into a ring.
Make it!
Stitch as many gingerbread
as you need for your home
or just stitch one
to hang on the tree
if time is short!
Gingerbread boys
Handmade Christmas
29
1
2
ribbon at the ends of the arms. This will hold the gingerbread
man in place, but still allow him to be moved along the
ribbon if necessary. When you get to the ric-rac edges, make
sure they are folded neatly inside and secure. Leave a small
gap for stufng.
For each gure, draw the face on one body piece. Semi-circles
are great for smiley or sleepy eyes, or small cross stitches also
work well. Embroider the features on using back stitch.
30
Handmade Christmas
Lay all of the back pieces in a row, right side down, in the order
in which they will be strung on the garland and approximately
5cm (2in) apart. Lay the ribbon or string across them, level with
the ends of the arms. For each gure, place the front piece on
top of the back piece, wrong sides facing, and pin them
together, ensuring that the ribbon is held in place securely.
READER
OFFER!
5
6
Fill your gingerbread man with the stufng and close the
seam completely. Repeat for all of the gingerbread men.
3
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Handmade Christmas
31
32
Handmade Christmas
Main image Interflora Other images (clockwise from top right) Talking Tables, Gisela Graham, Dobbies at Tesco, The Contemporary Home, Simply Add Style
On trend
Snowakes
in Paper
Fold it Delicate pleated paper decorations like your grandmother used to hang
have kitsch appeal and, worked in purest white, are undeniably chic. Grab your
tissue paper and scissors and get busy folding and snipping those snowakes.
Handmade Christmas
33
Make it!
34
Handmade Christmas
Making up
K 3 rows.
Cast off.
Head
Sleeves
K 2 rows.
5 sts.
K 2 rows.
Dress
Using blue yarn cast on 30 sts.
K 1 row.
P1 row.
K 6 rows.
P1 row.
K 1 row.
P1 row.
Cast off.
P1 row.
Next row: K3, (M1, K5) ve times, M1,
K4, M1, K2 [41 sts].
P1 row.
READER
OFFER
Handmade Christmas
35
36
Handmade Christmas
Main image Cross Stitcher Other images (clockwise from top right) Retreat Home, Panduro Hobby, Lakeland, Poundland, The Oak Room
Full of
Festive
Charm
Christmas countdown
Create treat cones from
gift wrap and tissue
paper and ll with
sweets. Add ribbons to
hang and a date to each
for an advent calendar
with a tasty twist.
Woolly wonders
These mini jumpers are easy to create
if youre handy with a pair of needles. Or
for a speedier option, cut scraps from
old knitwear to make your miniatures. If
you dont have mini hangers, use small
wooden clothes pegs to display them.
Handmade Christmas
37
38
Handmade Christmas
Warmly
welcome guests
to your home
with a stunning
festive display
scene in your home with
seasonal set pieces that will dazzle your
guests add touches of yuletide spirit to
coffee tables and window sills with
frosted mini trees, branches or
oral displays. And for especially happy
memories, make sure your Christmas
table is a showstopper with shimmering
silver or glittering gold-themed
decorations
Set the
Handmade Christmas
39
40
Handmade Christmas
Mix
and match
textures
Get the
rustic look
Country cottage chic that never
goes out of style choose
textures to give your home
festive woodland charm
Hunt for antique-look decorations to hang from your tree and add to your
shabby-chic feel they dont have to match! Or choose these gorgeously vintage
blue and silver baubles (in packs of four) by Edi Embossed from Fairwind
Images (clockwise): House of Fraser (main), Fairwind, The Chelsea Gardener, Marks & Spencer, Red Lilly, Gisela Graham, Nordic House, Jo Heckett
Mix and match natural textures for that cosy rustic feel from
hessian and cotton to wood or clay. We love this majestic stag
cushion from Marks & Spencer, the cute twig hedgehog from Chelsea
Gardener and pine cone garland (below) from House of Fraser.
Handmade Christmas
41
Image www.houseoffraser.co.uk
DIY
your
Christmas
42
Handmade Christmas
Colour pop W
arm up a cool
white tree
with subtle past
el accents. We
love these
pretty paper po
mpoms and glitz
y chic
silver and pink
wrappings. All av
ailable from
House of Fraser
stores nationw
ide
Make
in one
evening!
Handmade Christmas
43
3
44
Handmade Christmas
Lay the gold braid along the raw edges of the voile fabrics
to cover them and then pin into place. Tack the braid to the
fabrics with a needle and thread.
A rustic look
If you want to
Fold the hem of the fabric toward the inside by about in (1cm)
at the top and bottom of the runner and tack into place. Lay the
gold beaded fringing along these shorter edges and tack into
position. Use the sewing machine to stitch the beaded fringing to
the runner along both edges. Again, remove the tacking stitches.
Colour match
READER
OFFER
Christmas Crafts by Catherine
Woram is published by CICO
Books at 14.99 and available
from all good bookshops or
call 01256 302699 quoting
GLR 8UE to buy your copy
at the special price of 10.99,
including free p&p.
For further details, please visit
www.cicobooks.co.uk
Handmade Christmas
45
2
3
Under the
mistletoe
ISBN 9781782210047
46
Handmade Christmas
20 To Make: Mini
Bunting by Alistair
Macdonald is
published by
Search Press.
The book costs
4.99 and readers
can get a copy with
free p&p. Just call
01892 510850
and mention
Handmade
Christmas when
you place your
order.
Home
sweet
home
Instantly create stylish spaces
for entertaining inside and
out with these three easy
and affordable ideas thatll
transform any home into
a picture of festive elegance
Make a
Wreath
Display
Drape
Images from Retreat Home, John Lewis and Cox and Cox
Twinkling
Lights
Not just for front doors... Putting a fresh spin on the Christmas
wreath, this elegant decoration is perfect for hanging over your
dining table or in your hallway. Simply string co-ordinating baubles
and ornaments from the willow, then suspend it from the ceiling
on four chains or wires for an eye-catching arrangement.
47
DIY
your
Christmas
48
Handmade Christmas
Photography Chantelle Grady & James Lampard Styling Chantelle Grady & Freya Lampard
Christmas at home
Handmade Christmas
49
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree Join us as we untangle the tinsel, wrap gifts
and ll the house with festivity. Five writers share their handmade Christmas traditions
50
Handmade Christmas
this year, last year, any year of the 20 since i left home,yuletide
begins at the front door. Specically, sighting the tattered gold
haPPy ChriStmaS sign (Wh Smiths circa 1979) pinned inside
the porch. its there because mum is under the impression ill
sulk if it isnt. mum knows her son well.
For Christmas offers annual, reassuring, bet-your-house-on-it
routine in otherwise chaotically passing years.Thats why im pleased i
can already hear the wassailing album pa-rup-a-pum-pumming away
in the back room. i tried to introduce A motown Christmas one year.
And i was a fool. Like choc chip Weetabix, just because something is
more palatable doesnt make it right. its our wassailing album, our
Christmas to change it would be as point-missing as upgrading baby
Jesus birth from barn to bijou B&B.
i can smell Dad in the kitchen, recognise the heady aromatic mix
of mincemeat and self-righteousness, the belief that todays mince
pie making tallies the entire annual food preparation ledger between
he and mum. He will have his second moment when curtains are
drawn for the entrance of the Christmas pudding, drenched in
brandy, blazing bright blue like a currant-lled Bunsen burner.
Somewhere inside, the alloy of a twenty-pence piece is melting into
constituent elements, and at the table a whimpering grandchild
buries his head in his mothers bosom. He could be me, 35 years
ago. Dad looks on with satisfaction. All is right with the world.
Handmade Christmas
51
52
Handmade Christmas
in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, egg yolk and
vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the our mixture and stir
until ingredients come together to form a dough. roll dough
into a cylinder and cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring
dough is completely sealed. Chill in the fridge for two hours.
4
5
6
Handmade Christmas
53
54
Handmade Christmas
Style a
Scandi
theme
Add an instant festive feel in red and white with some well chosen bunting or a
Merry Christmas Garland like this one from Gisela Graham. The kids will love making
some good old paperchains too alternate red and white chains for maximum effect.
Sew special
Make a red and white cushion youll need
simple sewing and cross stitch skills to create
a festive greeting or pick a design online at
www.themakingspot.co.uk. Use bright red
thread against soft white or cream evenweave
and add scarlet piping. Youll nd this one at
Kate Sproston Designs.
What a show
Attach cards to long threads of red cord or ribbon with
decorated pegs or use them to clip place cards to table
settings. Hand paint festive motifs on red and white card and
stick to tiny red pegs. This set of eight is from www.tch.net
Table talk
Sweet little nishing
touches to your
Christmas table can be
as simple as tying red
and white gift tags to
rolled cotton napkins.
You could even use
a rich velvet or satin
ribbon tied in pretty
bows. Takes a minimum
of effort for maximum
effect! Youll nd these
fab tags at www.
talkingtables.co.uk
Handmade Christmas
55
56
Handmade Christmas
Image www.waitrose.com
Make Christmas
giving special
with handmade
cards and
wrapping
Think of a heartfelt message for
your friends and family this Christmas
and send it in a handcrafted card.
Handmade Christmas
57
Gift tag
savvy
Handmade gift tags add a
unique nishing touch to your
presents and make them so
much more personal too. Even
better, with these clever ideas
you can rustle up original gift
tags in mere minutes
Tese tags look very fancy but couldnt be
easier just assemble pretty tree
decorations such as this fabulous array
from Waitrose to suit your Christmas
theme. Then take plain gift tags and stick
a section of paper doily to the bottom
edges. Attach the decorations with loops of
matching ribbon. And thats all there is to it!
Style it
Make it
Natural
58
Handmade Christmas
Vintage
ONLY
4.99
ON SALE NOW!
In the UK: Available from WH Smith & all good newsagents
In the US: Available from Barnes & Noble, Booksamillion & JoAnns
Apple Newsstand: www.molliemakes.com/digital (nd it under Special Editions)
Or buy a print copy from www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
Handmade Christmas
59
Simple
giftwrap
ideas
60
Handmade Christmas
All wrapped up
Looking for a quick, festive, eco-friendly gift wrap?
Go natural with this eye-catching brown parcel
paper and ric-rac braid combination. Its amazing
how you can transform the pretty practical into
the pretty gorgeous with just one sheet of brown
paper and a little creativity
Wrap your gift, making sure that the edges and corners are
folded neatly into place.
Make it!
Handmade Christmas
61
Draw a soft line, about 3mm from the edge, all around the
parcel label. Place the label on the foam board and, using the
large needle, pierce holes along the pencil lines, equally spaced.
These will form the stitching holes. Rub out the pencil lines.
3
62
Handmade Christmas
Thread the needle with the red embroidery thread and work
a row of running stitches around the edges of the parcel label.
Thread the ric-rac braid through the hole at the top of the
parcel label and tie securely. Attach the ends of the braid
to your parcel to nish.
Keep it simple
Youll nd even
more easy gift tag
ideas on page 58
READER
OFFER
Handmade Christmas
63
www.thesimplethings.com/digital
The Simple Things
Featuring a gorgeous blend
of food, interiors, gardening,
travel and wellbeing, its
about taking time to enjoy
the simple pleasures in life.
Our readers say
The whole issue is a joy!
I found myself fully engrossed
from start to finish.
@thegreengal
PLUMS
DRY SHARP VARIETIES
TO MAKE PERSIANROLLS;
STYLE FRUIT
WITH
GET JAMMING
JUICY ONES
M y c i t y * : F LO R E N C E
FOOd wRitER GiuLia SCaRpaLEGGia ShaRES hER
FavOuRitE SpOtS iN thE pLaCE ShE CaLLS hOmE
CHERRIES
CARRIERS OF
SWEET LITTLE
N
AND MELATONI
ANTIOXIDA NTS
HAVE JET LAG!)
(HELPFUL IF YOU
Postcards
from the
hedge
TIM SMITH
FIGS
PARTNE R
WITH CHEESE
AND CURED
MEATS, OR
BAKE ALONE
OR IN A CAKE.
ONCE SO
ABUNDANT
THEY
GAVE RISE
TO THE IDIOM
I DONT
GIVE A FIG
76
*Share the simple things in your city. Leave a comment at www.thesimplethings.com or email [email protected].
* Be warned and dont seek a silky, elastic bread dough. Pasta dough should be textured like fine and lightly watered sand: youre going to compress it or extrude it.
lost lanes
A DAY TRIP ON T WO WHEELS . IN HIS L ATEST
BOOK JACK THURSTON SHARES HAND -PICKED
ROUTES TO TAKE YOU OFF THE BE ATEN PATH
photography: JacK ThUrSTon
115
P R I N T E D M A G A Z I N E AVA I L A B L E
AT W H S m i t h A N D A L L G O O D S U P E R M A R K E T S
DIY
your
Christmas
Especially for yo
u! Make quick
chic
handmade card
s for special pe
ople take
a plain card blan
k, stamp a festive
motif or
choose an embe
llishment and st
ick it all
together. Supe
r-simple and ve
ry classy!
Handmade Christmas
65
Make it easy
66
Handmade Christmas
Handmade in
red and white
Send Christmas wishes with these exquisite lace-effect cards
they will look stunning on the mantelpiece and are sure to impress
Knock spots off shop-bought laser-cut
Christmas cards with these delicate
handmade creations. Theyre deceptively
easy to make using acetate and a few
pretty punches. Choose some simple
shapes like a heart, daisy and snowake,
and punch patterns to create your own set
Handmade Christmas
67
Top tip
Choose thin card
for punching. Paper is
a little too thin and slightly
transparent, and you may
nd that your punches
struggle to cut very
thick card.
Clever edges
Make a tag to match the dove card.
Punch one side of a circle with hearts,
then ip it over to punch the other side
the hearts will mirror each other.
68
Handmade Christmas
Give them
a sneak peek
Apertures in bags give
a glimpse of whats inside!
Decorate with punched
shapes, stuck on with
drops of tacky
PVA glue.
Handmade Christmas
69
Wrap it up
in style
Cellophane wrapping
The trick to this is layering. Lay a few pieces
of cellophane on a at surface and sandwich
sequins, beads and even delicate metallic
threads between each layer. Place your gift in
the middle, pull the cellophane around and
secure with a ribbon. To nish, you might
want to trim any excess off the top.
70
Handmade Christmas
Make it!
Awkward shaped gifts? Use
lightweight or sheer fabrics to
wrap them. Another easy option
is tissue paper it comes in
every colour, matte and
metallic nishes. Layer it fold
it its up to you!
Even the simplest Christmas gift can be transformed into something sophisticated
or personalised with a bit of wrapping savvy. Start with cellophane, organza and some
gorgeous wrapping papers, add glam sequins and ritzy trims and away you go
Organza gift pouch Youll need two rectangular
scraps of organza or ne linen to make this delicate
pouch. Choose an organza with a bit of stiffness, as
some varieties can be very silky and difcult to work
with. Weve sewn our bag together using metallic
thread and hand running stitch. For a much speedier
alternative you could machine stitch yours.
Button bag
Youll be surprised at how easy it is to make handmade gift bags.
The key is to use a nice thick piece of wrapping paper. Finish off
with a stitched button, a length of ribbon and youve got a luxurious
gift bag that can stand up to being reused.
Stitched ribbon
Have a go at hand stitching by embellishing a plain coloured
ribbon. Dont expect the stitches to be as even its all part
of the charm. For free hand stitching with a bit more
structure, try gingham ribbon instead.
Handmade Christmas
71
22 Gardeners print
www.letterfest.com
s fo
www.lakeland.co.uk
72
Gift
25 Indoor allotment
www.thegreatgiftcompany.com
r ga
The
r
stuf es no
thin
f an
fou
nd d enjo g bette
yi
so
ng
r
ere me g ng the than
d ga reat
fres grow
rde
ner gifts fo h air, so ing
s of
r
all a green- weve
ges
rden
ers
15 Rubber stamp set
www.oakroomshop.co.uk
20 Garden kneeler
www.tch.net
www.lakeland.co.uk
www.johnlewis.com
15 Gardening journal
www.johnlewis.com
www.oakroomshop.co.uk
www.wowthankyou.co.uk
Handmade Christmas
Handmade
Christmas
traditions
Handmade Christmas
73
Te joy of making your own Christmas crafts is that youre adapting age-old
traditions to make something truly unique for your own home and family. Many of them
are centuries old and have symbolic meanings which are a delight to know when creating
a handmade Christmas they add richness to your own story of sharing in the festivities.
Mistletoe
Christmas tree
Evergreen garlands
Wreaths
Stockings
74
Handmade Christmas
Christmas cards
Baubles
Advent candles
Christmas presents
Christmas pudding
10
Handmade Christmas
75
76
Handmade Christmas
Image www.pandurohobby.com
Make unique
gifts for family
and much loved
friends
Show how much you love someone
Handmade Christmas
77
www.lakeland.co.uk
www.boconcept.co.uk
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Gift
s fo
r th
Wh
e
som ther it
s fo
eon
mu
ch- es bra r a ho
use
nd
nee loved
tha
ds a
, live new
ts
h
refr
d
esh -in-fo ome, o
rev
, we
ra
er
ve
got home
it co
t
ver hat
ed!
e ho
www.nordichouse.co.uk
me
www.sainsburys.co.uk
www.boconcept.co.uk
www.sainsburys.co.uk
www.lakeland.co.uk
www.johnlewis.com
Handmade Christmas
23 Pasta machine
www.lakeland.co.uk
78
Tea cup
candles
Forget shop-bought candles vintage china
teacups, beautiful beads and pretty-shaped
ramekins make your own scented offerings
Handmade Christmas
79
While the wax is heating, prepare the wick. Attach the wick sustainer (a metal tab) to a length of wick and place in your chosen
teacup. Secure the ends of the two skewers with elastic bands and insert the wick between them. Rest the skewers on the rim of
the teacup and gently pull the wick gently to ensure it is taut and centred in the cup (see above).
4
80
Pour the melted wax into the cup and tap it with a spoon to
release air bubbles. Allow the candle to cool, add more wax
if it has shrunk, then trim the wick when the candle has set.
Handmade Christmas
Travel candles
Handy travel candles can be made in small
tins or glass jars with lids. Create them in
the same way as the teacup candle (see
opposite). If you are using different colours
or scents, divide the hot wax into batches
before stirring in the dye or fragrance oil
for each tin. After the candle has set,
decorate the container. These tins have
each been decorated with beads threaded
on a wire and a label made out of thick foil
and embossed from the other side.
More candle
inspiration
Pretty ceramic bowls or long,
narrow plant containers can also
be used for multi-wick candles.
Create darker shades of the same
colour by increasing the quantity of
dye used in each batch. Layer them
up wait for the wax to set on
one before adding the next.
Layered candles
To make these layered candles, follow the
instructions for the teacup candle (see
opposite). Divide the melted wax into
batches one for each colour you want
and stir in the dyes. With the wick in
place, pour the rst layer of wax into the
glass, tap to release air bubbles, and allow
to set. When it is solid, reheat the next
batch of wax and pour in, and repeat for
each layer. Leave for 24 hours until fully set.
Make it!
Charity shops and car boot
sales are a great source for
containers of all shapes and
sizes for your candles
Handmade Christmas
81
Three-wick candle
This impressive three-wick candle can be
created in the same way as the teacup
candle (see page 80), but you will need
another set of skewers to hold the third
wick (you should be able to get two wicks
into the rst set). Multi-wick candles give
off more fragrance as well as more light.
Candles in ramekins
Ramekins are ideal for making a set of candles to give as a gift.
The ramekins can be washed and reused as long as the candles
have been made with soy wax akes. (Alternatively, pop them
in a freezer for a few hours and the wax should drop out.)
Use the method for making the teacup candle on page 80.
These pretty
container candles
are taken from
Handmade Gifts
16.99, published
by DK Publishing
www.dk.co.uk
82
Handmade Christmas
g
good thin
led Its a
z
z
a
d
e
b
orate
ed and
sy to dec anything
Bejewell
its so ea
nd
a
ft
s
g
so
arrin
wax is
charms, e h a pin. Make
h
it
w
s
le
it
cand
on w
easy!
stick with vent Calendar
you can
d
A
ly
k
n twin
your ow
www.nordichouse.co.uk
Image,
inspiration and products from Nordic House www.nordichouse.co.uk
DIY
your
Christmas
Handmade Christmas
83
Make it!
84
Handmade Christmas
To nish
Frame your handiwork or if youre feeling
crafty turn it into a gorgeous cushion.
baCkstitCh
01
03
02
01
02
03
04
85
20
DMC
10
30
Anchor
40
Madeira
3321
047
0510 (2)
321
047
50
0510
816
043
0512
60
047
0510
321
middle row
816
043
0512
bottom of heart
70
816
043
0512
lettering
80
90
86
Handmade Christmas
100
110
120
10
20
30
40
70
80
90
100
110
120
60
50
Hats
3
Includes
this extra
pattern!
of The Knitter
www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk
www.theknitter.co.uk/digital
TheKnitterMag
TheKnitterMag
Quick
& easy to
make
Get a hat!
Handmade Christmas
89
Tension
Lace pattern
Abbreviations
Round 4: Knit.
Cast off.
To make up
Round 2: Knit.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *K3, YO, sk2p, YO, K4; rep from *
to end of round.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *Ssk, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, k2tog, K1;
rep from * to end of round.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *Ssk, K2, YO, K1, YO, K2, k2tog,
K1; rep from * to end of round.
Handmade Christmas
Crown
1 Tube hat
Cast off.
Tie
90
2 Beanie hat
To make up
To make up
Top Tip
If time is short
If you have an old babys or childs
jumper, make a quick hat by
chopping off a section of body.
Hem the cut ends, then thread
a drawstring or ribbon through
one of the ends and pull tight.
Handmade Christmas
91
Heres a
surprise!
Abbreviations
92
ch chain
inc increase
dc double crochet
ss slip stitch
tr treble
dec decrease
foll follow(ing)
Handmade Christmas
rep repeat
rem remain(ing)
R(W)SF right
(wrong) side facing
st(s) stitch(es)
Sides
Pudding Top
Berries
Row 1: Using red yarn, ch 33.
Row 2: 5-tr cluster every 3rd ch starting
from 4th ch from hook, ss in the 2 chs
between; rep to end.
Fasten off.
Finishing
Fasten off.
01
03
03 Yrh again, then pull the yarn through both loops. Theres your
double crochet (dc) made and youll have one loop left on your
hook ready to do the next stitch. To do a row of dc, continue in
this way to the end of the chain stitches or row of stitches.
02
02 Wrap the yarn around the hook (yrh) and pull it through the
chain loop or stitch, leaving two loops on your crochet hook.
04
04 For further rows of dc, turn work and ch1. This is the turning
chain (t-ch) and does not count as a stitch. Work the stitch at the
base of the t-ch through both loops, then each stitch to the end.
Do not work the t-ch from the previous row.
Handmade Christmas
93
12 Zip headphones
www.debenhams.com
Gift
Wi
ll it
s fo
r kid
be
it b
a
e
and some game?
t
W
h
got theyll ing to ill it b
say
eve
e
r y o All cuddle a toy
? As
?W
of i
ptio
n so t! Lu k the ill
ck
r ted
m
ily, we
and
ve
mo
re!
94
15 Deadly 60 Tarantula
www.thekidwho.eu
www.muji.eu
www.boots.com
13 Toy hippo
www.muji.eu
www.lakeland.co.uk
Handmade Christmas
Handmade Christmas
95
Handmade brooches
These chic layered brooches are quick little stocking llers and
the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some glorious-coloured
felt. Keep an eye open for pretty or unusual buttons in charity
shops for a unique nishing touch to your gift.
Follow these simple steps to make the heart brooch you
can make the ower and bird brooches in exactly the same
way. The templates for all three designs are on page 126.
4
96
Handmade Christmas
Handmade brooches
READER
OFFER
Felt with Love by Madeleine
Millington (ISBN 9781844487691)
from Search Press is packed with
irrestistible felt projects youll
want to make. The book costs
just 9.99 and readers can get
their copy with free post and
packing. Just call 01892 510850
and quote Handmade Christmas.
Handmade Christmas
97
Put a sock in it
98
Handmade Christmas
For
kids of
all ages!
Kick off your old socks and bring a cheeky chimp (or two) to life
with this fun Christmas pressie idea. The ultimate stocking ller for
children of all ages, your cheeky monkeys will also enjoy making
some of their own (with a little help from mum) For a sweet
nishing touch, tie a label with the monkeys name around its wrist!
Make it!
Arms
x2
se
Ta
il
No
Ea
Ea
an Bod
dL y
eg
s
Handmade Christmas
99
3 Ready to ll
Turn all the body pieces right
side out, then ll them. (See
below left)
4 Make a mouth
Sew on the bottom of the mouth.
Fill the mouth and attach the rest
of the mouth.
100
Handmade Christmas
A ONE OF A
KIND CRAFT
FAIR IN A ONE
OF A KIND
VENUE
Sponsored by
Handmade Christmas
101
102
Handmade Christmas
Image www.sainsburys.co.uk
Spoil yourself
and your family
and friends
with edible gifts
and sweet treats
Food is at the heart of a memorable
Christmas, so bake some delicious
sweet snacks as presents, decorations or tasty
tidbits. Use heady seasonal spices and avours
like cinnamon and rum to avour
Handmade Christmas
103
Makes 20
colourful
macarons
104
Handmade Christmas
Handmade macarons
French fancies
Add the wow factor to Christmas with this indulgent box of rainbow delights
delicate meringue shells and melting centres make a sophisticated combination
These gorgeous macarons really are worth the
effort just follow our step-by-step guide to
make a batch of 20. For a multi-coloured array,
divide the mixture and add separate food
colourings to each batch. These macarons use
fresh cream, so keep them chilled.
105
Handmade macarons
Bake in the middle of the oven for 1820 minutes, until the
surface is set rm. Leave for 1520 minutes, then transfer to
a wire rack to cool completely.
Pour the double cream into a bowl, and add some more
pink food colouring. Whisk the cream until it is thick and
the colour is evenly distributed.
These stunning
macarons are from
Handmade Gifts
16.99, published
by DK Publishing
www.dk.co.uk
9
106
Handmade Christmas
Trio of oils
Quick and easy, infused oils are a deliciously aromatic
gift idea. Choose from chilli, basil or rosemary
or make all three foodie friends will love them!
Handmade Christmas
107
Make it!
You will need
Essential ingredients for all three oils
knife
chopping board
sterilised glass bottle
jug and funnel (optional)
For the chilli oil
1 litre (1 pints) light olive oil
100g (3oz) mix of red birds
eye chillies and regular red chillies
2
108
Handmade Christmas
Basil oil
Basil oil
Garlic and
rosemary oil
1
2
1
2
Make it!
Try combining rosemary
with herbs such as thyme or
coriander for other exciting
avour combinations
Handmade Christmas
109
DIY
your
Christmas
110
Handmade Christmas
Let it snow
Bake cookies to
your
favourite recipe,
stamp out snow
akes
in white sugarp
aste, attach to th
e cookies
with a dab of bu
tter cream and
decorate
with fondant ici
ng to nish. Sim
ple!
Sweet Treats
Youll love these festive bakes from Christmas Cupcakes and Cookies
theyll make irresistible presents for sweet-toothed friends and family
Handmade Christmas
111
Put the Christmas carols on and have yourself a merry little baking session. Its easy to whip up these
deliciously decadent cupcakes and cookies use the basic cake mixture recipe for all the cupcakes
and the vanilla cookie dough for the Polka Dot Parcels. Youll nd both these recipes on page 114.
1
2
Keep calm
and bake! As good
cooks know, being
organised is the key so
get everything ready
on the table before
you begin
112
Handmade Christmas
We love these creamy-topped, spicy mini bakes add a few little gingerbread men and
shiny mini silver balls to every one to transform them into really festive creations
These red and white parcel cookies are the perfect Christmas
bake have fun making bows from strips of fondant icing to nish
of red icing between your ngers and
squash these down onto the white icing
using your thumb. When all the balls are
in place, gently roll over the icing with a
rolling pin to incorporate the dots into
the white icing.
Handmade Christmas
113
The combination of chocolate and fresh peppermint makes these cupcakes perfect for
a classy after-dinner treat, so make a batch and pop in a box lled with gold tissue paper
Peppermint bark cupcakes
Peppermint bark is an American Christmas
tradition and is truly delicious. Rather than
making slices of peppermint bark, you can
use it as a festive topping for these
chocolate chip cupcakes.
These delicious cupcakes and cookies all start here! Follow the basic recipe for vanilla cookie dough to
make the polka-dot cookies on page 113, and the cake recipe is for the three festive cupcake creations
114
Handmade Christmas
READER
OFFER
More easy
bakes
Home baking is a welcome treat
all year round, but especially so
at Christmas. Nows the time to
get creative and go to town
decorating your festive bakes
and the kids will really love
experimenting with all the fun
decorations you can buy
Fancy a
Cupcake
Quick
Images Hobbycraft, Ochre & Ochre
Cookies
Tese are great fun for kids to make you can help them with the
dough then let them take charge of the icing and decorations. To
keep things simple you can buy coloured readymade icing and just
use sweets to decorate the cookies. The possibilities are endless!
Handmade Christmas
115
www.hotelchocolat.com/uk
www.waitrose.co.uk
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Wh
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insp ch de collec to
lici
ired
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trea ously d.
sure
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odies
www.johnlewis.com
30 A Taste of Spain
www.marksandspencer.com
116
Handmade Christmas
Gift
www.lakeland.co.uk
glove, www.johnlewis.com
www.lakeland.co.uk
75 Indulgent hamper
www.marksandspencer.com
40 Chocoholics hamper
25 Large hamper
www.sainsburys.co.uk
www.lakeland.co.uk
hamper, www.tesco.com
Ham
per
No
t ju
gifts
box st fo
es c
r pi
yum
ram cnic
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sna miness med t , baske
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cca
sion al for ing wit
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indo ny ind
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or o gent
ut!
www.johnlewis.com
Handmade Christmas
117
Make it!
Spray edible pearl
lustre into the can lid
or on to some kitchen
paper, leave to dry
and use as a dust
118
Handmade Christmas
Whoever said the best things come in small sizes How to make your Christmas pudding cake pops
was right! These bite-size cake pops are such fun
to make and are a great gift idea kids love them. You will need
Our illustrated step-by-step guide shows you how Cake pop mixture
Fluted circle cutter, 2.5cm (1in)
Dark cocoa melting candy
Soft dusting brush
to make a batch of chocolate-coated Christmas
White modelling paste
Paintbrush
puddings and yummy little Snowmen (overleaf).
Edible lustre spray in pearl
Tweezers
Your basic cake recipe (for both cake pops)
Crumble the sponge either by hand into a bowl or using an
electric mixer until it resembles breadcrumbs.
1
2
Piping gel
Ready-made holly leaf and
berry sprinkles
Lollipop or cookie sticks
Measuring spoon (tbsp)
Fill a tablespoon with the mixture and level out using a palette
knife; this will give accurate amounts each time. Different spoon
measurements will give different sizes of cake pop.
Lower the chilled cake pop into the melted candy and twist
the stick until the cake pop ball is fully covered. Lift out and
allow any excess to drip away, tapping lightly. Push the stick into
the polystyrene and chill in the fridge for 10-20 minutes until set.
Kitchen paper
Polystyrene block
Non-stick board
Non-stick rolling pin 23cm (9in)
Place on kitchen paper and dust with dry edible lustre spray
using a soft brush (C). Paint piping gel onto the reverse and
secure to the pudding (D).
Using tweezers, dip three holly leaf and three berry sprinkles
into piping gel and arrange them on the pudding (E). Leave the
pops to dry in the polystyrene block.
2
B
Handmade Christmas
119
Make it!
To make a slightly
different snowman, omit
the scarf. Pipe twig arms and
use a tiny sugar ball instead
of a carrot nose; this will be
a little quicker but just
as cute!
120
Handmade Christmas
10
READER
OFFER
Roll out some blue modelling paste on the non-stick board, and
cut out a circle using the 3.5cm (1in) circle cutter (D). Indent
the centre with the small end of a ball tool (E). Mark the outside
edge of the circle with short lines using a cocktail stick (F).
Secure the smaller head pop, following the same technique (B).
Repeat for as many pops as you require.
3
4
5
8
9
Cut out a rectangle from the blue paste, using the square
cutter (H) and then dividing this in half (I). Use one half as the
scarf and trim to t. Cut the second half in half again for the two
ends of the scarf (J). Cut vertical lines at the ends for the tassels
(K). Secure the ends of the scarf, then wrap around the neck.
Prepare some white melting candy and secure the larger pop
(the snowmans body) to the stick (A). Leave space for the
snowman's head. Place into a polystyrene block and chill in the
fridge.
Make a hat bobble out of blue paste and secure with piping gel
into the indentation (G).
6
7
J
G
Handmade Christmas
121
Butter fudge
122
Handmade Christmas
Gently pour the fudge mixure into the baking pan, making
sure that it settles into the corners and that the almonds
are spread evenly throughout the mixture.
After about half an hour and before the mixture has set,
use a sharp knife to score the fudge without cutting all
the way through.
READER
OFFER
Remove the fudge from the tray and press an almond into
the centre of each square. Cut the fudge into squares. If you
are giving the fudge as a gift, put the pieces in a clear
cellophane bag, tie with a sheer gold ribbon, and perhaps
decorate with a pretty diamant decoration..
Handmade Christmas
123
124
Handmade Christmas
Christmas classics
Christmas wouldnt be Christmas without handmade mince pies whether you eat them yourself
or give them to friends, you can whip up a batch in no time with Tori Haschkas festive recipe from
A Suitcase and A Spatula. And as for the dreamy eggnog custard it really does come with a kick!
Eggnog custard
pinch of salt
500 g shortcrust pastry
1 egg, lightly beaten
mufn pan, greased
Makes around 18
Pour the boiling milk and cream over the eggs and sugar.
Add the brandy. Whisk together until smooth. Fill the saucepan
with boiling water and return it to the stove.
Keep the heat at a gentle level and cook it slowly, stirring and
giving it attention. Its ready when it feels thick enough to you.
Technically, this is when it coats the back of a spoon and you
can swipe through the middle and the lines will stay. Note that
it will thicken further in the fridge.
Keep the cinnamon and nutmeg in the custard until you serve
it theyll keep leaching out their good avours over time.
Cover with clinglm to prevent the custard from forming a skin.
1
2
Roll out the pastry to 3mm thick. Cut out 8cm diameter
circles to line the bases. Scrunch up the remaining pastry
and re-roll to cut 7cm lids. You should be able to make around
1618 lids and 1618 bases.
Line the mufn pan with the pastry bases. Place 1 tbsp lling
in each pastry base. Either place the lids over the top like a
jaunty cap, or stretch to t and crimp the sides with a fork.
They dont need to completely meld with the base. Brush the
tops and edges with beaten egg and use a fork to puncture
the top of each pie.
Put the pies in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes. Preheat the
oven to 200C (400F) Gas 6. Bake for 2025 minutes until
lightly golden. Leave in the pan for 10 minutes to cool, then
transfer to a wire rack.
READER
OFFER
Handmade Christmas
125
Project templates
Advent calendar
Page 14
Gingerbread men
Page 29
Gingerbread men
Copy the template on to card and cut it out.
Transfer the outline to the felt to cut two body
pieces per gingerbread man.
126
Handmade Christmas
Mistletoe bunting
Leaf shape
Page 46
Felt brooches
Page 95
Circle
Wing
Bird
Cards
Page 66
Heart
Flower
Knitting abbreviations
dec decrease
m1 make (increase)
1 stitch P Purl
g st garter stitch
rep repeat
inc increase
cont continue
K Knit
k2tog knit 2 sts
together
ss stocking stitch
yo yarn over
st(s) stitch(es)
Handmade Christmas
127
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Where to buy
For more information about products in Handmade Christmas, to order online or to nd your local stockists
Alan Silver www.alansilverwood.co.uk
Love Beetroot www.lovebeetroot.co.uk
Biscuiteers www.biscuiteers.com
Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com
Catherine Tough www.catherinetough.co.uk
Nordic House www.nordichouse.co.uk
CICO Books www.cicobooks.co.uk
notonthehighstreet www.notonthehighstreet.com
The Contemporary Home www.tch.net
The Oak Room www.oakroomshop.co.uk
Cox and Cox www.coxandcox.co.uk
Panduro Hobby www.pandurohobby.co.uk
Crafty Devils www.craftydevilspapercraft.co.uk
Pipii www.pipii.co.uk
Dobbies www.dobbies.com
Red Lilly www.redlilly.co.uk
DK Books www.dk.co.uk
Retreat Home www.retreat-home.com
DMC www.dmccreative.co.uk
Ryland Peters & Small www.rylandpeters.com
Etsy www.etsy.com
Sainsburys www.sainsburys.co.uk
Fairwind www.fairwindonline.com
Search Press www.searchpress.com
Folksy www.folksy.com
Simply Add Style www.simplyaddstyle.com
Gisela Graham www.giselagraham.net
Sir Stampalot www.sirstampalot.co.uk
GoodGifts www.goodgifts.org
Talking Tables www.talkingtables.com
The Great Gift Company www.thegreatgiftcompany.com
Tesco www.tesco.com
Habitat www.habitat.co.uk
Tonic Studios www.tonic-studios.co.uk
Handy Hippo www.handyhippo.co.uk
Waitrose www.waitrose.com
Hobbycraft www.hobbycraft.co.uk
Willow Fabrics www.willowfabrics.com
House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Interora www.interora.co.uk
Jan Constantine www.janconstantine.com
John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Kate Sproston Designs www.katesprostondesign.com
Lakeland www.lakeland.co.uk
Letterfest www.letterfest.com
Handmade Christmas
129
And the
las
New Yea t word Dont
fo
r with all
the festiv rget about
having! M
e fun you
ake or b
re
uy
glitzy pap
er pom-p metallic gar lands
oms to w
a
We love
elcome in nd
these fro
2014.
m Noto
nthehigh
street
DIY
your
Christmas
Handmade Christmas
130