A Handmade Christmas in 5 Easy Steps

Heather Jenkinson Interiors

In response to the Colour Me Happy blog post on why Christmas colours are notably Red & Green, I felt inspired to share with you something that I've been working on over the weekend.

Christmas Cards

this would make a pretty Christmas card  - I love the blur! Great colours, too.

I've been making my own Christmas cards for years. I took this image of my little friend, the reindeer who sits here on my desk all year round. I like his colours, especially in this image and as far as I'm concerned anything bright and sparkly is festive. Do you make your own Christmas cards? If not, you should, it's really easy...

1. Fold differently coloured card into card like shapes, like so... 

 2. Pull out a variety of wallpaper samples - preferably metallic; if you don't have any good pieces laying around, good ol' sparkly wrapping paper will do.

Wallpapers from Cole & Son, Harlequin & Jocelyn Warner

3. Cut out a few snowflakes, remember, you will be doubling them up, later, so make quite a few. For clear instructions on how to make a paper snowflake Google is your best friend. This, however, maybe going a little too far...

the reindeer messing about in my snowflakes..

4. Cut your decorative paper into strips which you can either glue right down the middle of the card, or, to one side - I have done both. 

TIP: wrap the edges right over onto the back side of the card so you leave a smooth finish.

5. Put the pieces together; make it happen, and...

Voilá! You have all sorts of happy.

Have you made your own, this year? If you have the time/inclination to upload images, pop the links in the comments box, I'd love to see them...

love lace

Kitty Fisher

And just how lovely are these? I found them whilst Google researching images for a new range a products we're going to be launching in September (and I want to make sure that our design/concept is in fact, original). I cannot wait to tell you more about this new business; seriously exciting times ahead - 'punch the air' kinda stuff!

So, in the meantime, back to vintage lace: I think there has to be a way of bringing this beautiful craft back into the home. Redefining it. I have an idea - I'll be right back...

etsy's 'how to' just made my day

Etsy's 'How-to-Tuesday' - Pillow with rosette clusters from felt

I popped over to see a friend of mine for a cup of tea and on the wall in her hallway, I saw an impressive piece of art that she had made purely out of coloured felt balls. (I'll see if she has an image of it that she's willing to let me upload.*) 

Now, this friend is no craft-monster - she's cool with impeccable taste and she really knows her colours. So with that revelation tucked away I saw this little project and it sparked a burst of ideas. At last, a craft project that's sure to impress, and it looks really easy to do.

* here you go... Isn't this great?