Tinsel

Here's my really quick, simple and inexpensive Christmas Wreath

For my base, I used a polystyrene hoop. They're very cheap to buy - this one was a £1!

I wrapped two silver tinsel garlands around the hoop (£1 each), securing the ends with a modified paperclip...

Using wire cutters I cut a U shape. I then pushed it into the polystyrene, securing the tinsel.

Once all of the wreath was covered in tinsel, I made a bow out of silver wired ribbon (£2) and secured it by tying it around the wreath.

Total cost: £5 (that's $7.79 or €6.34)

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Stocking Filler 2014

I've just finished off my crochet coaster stocking fillers for this Christmas.

I previously posted about this crochet pattern here

I used some silver ribbon to bundle up my sets of 4 slate coloured coasters and I added a very simple label - made using my trusty tag punch and a christmas tree punch.

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Pucker Up

This is my first Christmas make of 2014...

This mistletoe pattern is by Marina Hoffstrom and it's very well written. You can purchase it in her Etsy shop.

I used Sirdar Cotton DK yarn and a 3mm hook. Instead of using pearls, I chose to use some pearl buttons.

A red ribbon bow finished it off and it's now ready to be hung over my doorway! xx

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Santa Baby

Our baby boy is very tiny and as he was premature and growth restricted, it's difficult to get clothes to fit him nicely - especially hats! What with Christmas coming up, I wanted to create a festive hat to help keep him warm when out and about. 

This quick make is perfect for the forthcoming week.

This YouTube video helped me make the basic beanie hat...

I added simple ear flaps (decreasing stitches) to ensure he'll be nice and snug. And a long chain from each flap created an easy tie.

A simple (though far from perfect...) pom-pom added the finishing touch.

Happy Christmas! 

We know that ours will definitely be a very happy one!

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Handmade Christmas

Over the last month or so I have been busy making Christmas presents.

Crocheted cowls are definitely the theme this year!

Purple...

Black...

Buttoned... a shorter version of this

Blue...

... and using the same pattern as the blue cowl (alternating SC and DC) I crocheted a cushion cover (above).

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Every year I try to make some of my Christmas cards and this year I used a photograph I took back in February. 

Using PicMonkey I faded the edges, spun him around and gave it a more frosted look

All set now to get writing the cards and wrapping the gifts *opens a bottle of wine and puts on a Christmas CD*

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It's beginning to look a lot like...

This week I started decorating the house, starting with the artificial tree. I used a set of LED lights around the trunk and another set around the tree - you can get a tan from it!

Hanging the tree decorations brought back lots of happy memories.

The first tree decoration I ever bought for my tree...

The ornament my husband used to propose to me Christmas 2009

My favourite tree decoration from my childhood, which I now have thanks to Mom!

Christmas in New York (I love New York)...

Of course I happily displayed my own creations too...

Rustic Candy Cane Decoration (tutorial here)

Felt Christmas Heart (tutorial here)

In the Dining Room I have a small fibre optic Christmas tree. The base is far from attractive, so with some left over wool I have given it a quick makeover. Double crochet stitches in the round and some ribbon did the trick.

All that's needed now is some snow!

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Curtain Ring Ding A Ling

Curtain rings, not much use when you have eyelet curtains!

I have bags of them around the house begging to be used for something...

A bit of wool, some SC and DC crochet stitches and Bob's your uncle...

Quick Christmas Tree decorations

and very little fuss

Inspired by Whiskers and Wool - head over to Doni's blog and have a look!


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♫ So leave a peppermint stick for old Saint Nick ♫

Now I love Christmas, I love twine and I love hearts. So this project is perfect!

A rustic candy cane tree decoration...

The shops are already filling up with Christmas goodies, so it was easy to get my hands on some peppermint sticks

Using glue dots as I went along, I wrapped twine tightly around the stick, not even bothering to remove the wrappers

I formed the shape of a heart, using a glue dot to stick the top and some twine to tie together the bottom

Finally I made a bow from my Mollie Makes subscription gift ribbon and stuck it on with yet another glue dot (I am starting to love glue dots nearly as much as twine!)

I wonder if my husband will attempt to dismantle this when he needs a sugar fix?!



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Christmas... Let the countdown begin

The fire is on and so are the lounge lights.

It's miserable outside.

I think it's officially time to countdown to Christmas!

And I've already started doing Christmas crafts. Today I attempted some tree decorations; faux christmas cookie style.

I stirred 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda, 1/2 cup of cornflour and 3/4 cup of water over a low heat until it resembled mashed potato.

Once it cooled, I started to create using cookie cutters and rubber stamps.

After an hour in the oven (roughly 160 degrees) they were rock hard and ready to be hung with twine (it's back!)

I just hope my husband doesn't try to eat these at Christmastime... he'll be in for a shock.


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Good wreath! I'm crocheting again

I haven't crocheted much of late, so as I have had a few days off I thought I'd attempt a bright summer wreath...

I came across polystyrene rings at my local Hobbycraft and as it was to be my first attempt, I purchased a relatively small ring.

Before I started to crochet I measured the ring's circumference using some wool. This would guide me on how much I needed to do in order to cover the ring.

I used 3 different types of DK wool, a 4.5 size hook and double crochet stitches, alternating the wool colour every three rows.

After joining up the ends of my work, I wrapped it around the ring and stitched it together (not being too particular about neatness as it would be hidden when hung).

Finally I added a few crochet flowers and a couple of random stitch leaves.

I am really happy with it and I love how bright and loud the colours are. For a first attempt, I am extremely pleased.

I am already planning on trying it out on a much larger polystyrene ring with Christmas colours, after all, the festive season will be with us before we know it.........

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