Christmas Crafts

28.10.08 - With Christmas approaching has anyone got any suggestions on what lovely homemade crafts we could make to fill those winter stockings? Here are some of the ideas I plan to follow.

I recently saw some felt snowmen, raindeers and stars that I am planning on making (from waste ends of felt I bought in the market) to give my younger relatives as christmas tree decorations. If they go well I will post a picture of the end result.

Another way to reduce our environmental impact this christmas and to add a more personal touch to presents (although slightly unconventional) is to wrap them in newspaper as opposed to traditional christmas wrapping. It is far better for the environment as you are not creating any more waste and then it can go in your new green bin to be recycled. Finish off with a little bit of colourful ribbon which can be re-used by the reciever.

Another brilliant thing I saw was someone who wrapped their smaller christmas presents in 3 layers of old colourful plastic bags, to be tied at the top of the present with some ribbon. It may sound terrible but it actually looks pretty good, I'm sure these could also be recycled if you take them to tesco or sainsburys and put them in their plastic bag banks.

9.11.08 - The felt decorations are looking okay but it became obvious that if you are looking to add detail that is accurate that you shouldn't use glitter glue pens (it gets a bit messy!). Anyone hoping to make some lovely crafts should go to the next craft workshop in two weeks as you can learn new skills from friendly people with a great selection of craft materials to use. 

I've started making my own gift tags from printed out xmas pictures stuck on card, it sounds naff but actually looks alot better than those nasty cheap ones you buy in the shops (that look the same as every body else's). I think I will wait another couple of weeks before braving making the xmas cards! Hows everyone else's craft making going? 

Here are some images I found via google, I think they look pretty cool.