[stephen]

I was watching the repeats of 'Kisty's homemade christmas' over the weekend... made me feel very festive and crafty... really like the programme but its all a bit expensive!

Ive decided to have a go at making some bead decorations for presents instead of the traditional bow... spent a fortune on bits and bobs today... although providing they turn out ok they can be used as tree decorations next year!

anyone else doing anything crafty for christmas?

[plumseverywhere]

They sound really nice! will have to have a look at iplayer or something to try and catch that episode 
I made up a door wreath but then saw some really gorgeous ones made by a local gypsy family and really want one of them too ( I like the tradition attached to them making them every year)

Because I make my own goats milk soap/bathbombs etc all of my children's teachers and nursery will be receiving handmade presents this year. hubby makes plum wine too.  The children are making cards as I type! I love all things arty and crafty but wish I was better at it, would love to be able to make some tree decs etc 

[Hermit]

I made all my families card in cross stitch, a lot more personal than peel and stick homemade cards which are still nice but prefer to make my own. I like doing fine crafts such as crochet flowers and bookmarks etc. Large things dont inspire me .Lacemaking is my next craft to conquer.

[Sandy]

I love Kirsty and Phil but I think home made stuff can look  rough, especialy when I make things, OK for a small cottage farm but not for designer new homes!!!! I like the idea but what I get is not what I want so I am having to buy!!

[stephen]

plums... it was on channel 4 originally last year... http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-homemade-christmas/4od i helped a friend make a wreath for her door... well i made it she just watched lol your soaps look lovley btw... almost good enough to eat!

hermit i would love to have a go at cross stitch, ive seen some 'kits' but to be honest they all look a bit naff and the nice ones i can find are far too expensive for me to make a mistake with!! think i may have to bite the bullet and just go for it!

sandy... i suppose it depends on personal preference, i agree tho about the new homes and hand made stuff... although a mix of both could work!

[Hermit]

Stephen , I dont do kits, they do look naff and even the expensive ones are a bit cartoony looking. I buy my things seperately and work from books. I got loads of books from charity shops and counted cross stitch you can just make part of a picture or the whole thing or alter it and add holly or whatever. Easy to do and put downable and pick up later when I have time. Crochet I have to sit and do, but love it.

[stephen]

think ill pick up a couple of the kits first to practise / learn on before i get too adventurous! 

[ellied]

I am one of those folk whose home-made stuff comes out like primary school playtime  and would certainly never sell but I am thinking about making some jewellery at some point - not for Christmas tho cos I don't really "do" Christmas

I'll be opening the damson gin I made tho

[stephen]

The bead shop i went into yesterday does packs for jewellery...

http://www.beadpot.co.uk/Products.aspx?cat=10

i experimented with lemon and lime vodka...  i wont be doing it again! 

[Greenerlife]

Not sure if it is counted as a "craft" but my mum was reminising about candied peel dipped in chocolate a couple of weeks ago, so I have made some - it is awesome!  (even if at the moment it is onlyme that can say it as it will be a Christmas pressie! . )

[pikilily]

I started in the summer with jams, chutneys, and jellies. they go into a christmas box for various people allong with the ever favourite fruity vodkas and gins. i get ordinary cardboard boxes make them up with tissue, brown paper and raffia ribbon. This year each person will also get some sauages or bacon from our piggies.

I enjoy doing this and it is hugely popular. My jams, boozes etc are all labelled with my 'furryboots kirkinch' witch label.

i had meant to do some weaving and to finish off some tapestries but time has flown!!
#
Emma T

[plumseverywhere]

have you seen the cross stitch sets you can buy based on your own photo's? I've always wanted to get a photo of my 4 girls made into a cross stitch (but then its finding the time to sit and do it, I'm struggling to fit eating and breathing into my life these days    )

Emma your boxes sound fab!! I'd love to receive home grown sausages or bacon (not to mention the voddy and gin lol!) from family members.