A Handmade Christmas

Apologies if this post is a little early for some of you, but I have been thinking about Christmas for a good few weeks now. I'm well on the way with my shopping (about halfway done!) and have been playing Michael Bublé's Christmas album non-stop (even, quite shamefully, on my iPhone in the gym).

I do love a good crafty project and I really love handmade gifts - they're so much more personal and I think people appreciate them that little bit more. Pinterest is a great source for creative ideas, and I thought I would share a few of my favourites which I have come across so far.



DIY Snow Globes
Such a sweet idea. And they seem very easy to make too! I really want to make some to dot around the house. We are quite big for decorating when it comes to Christmas - my Mum goes a bit mad!



Chocolate 'Dipping' Spoons
These looks super easy, and who doesn't love cosying up with a cup of hot chocolate? I love the fact you can customise them so much - marshmallows, sprinkles, chocolate drops (if you can't get enough), nuts, coconut etc. These would look lovely wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with baker's twine. A little token attached to a gift perhaps?



Glitter Candles
I love making candles, and the idea of adding glitter makes it even more appealing! Gotta love a bit of sparkle at Christmas. This step by step DIY makes it super easy.



Filled Mason Jars
I love the idea of filling mason jars with sweet treats. The possibilities are pretty much endless - hot chocolate, peppermint bark (recipe here), sweets (Ben's personal favourite), cookies, brownies, fudge...or you could create a kit depending on the person's interest. Craft kits full of mini craft kits, nail kits full of nail polish, nail files, decals etc. Decorate the jar as you wish, complete with a pretty ribbon, and you have a lovely personal gift!



Gold Dipped Cups
These cups look so lovely and classic. Very simple and effective. I think I would be very happy if I received something like this as a gift!

I'm looking forward to trying some of these in the lead up to Christmas. I'm also excited (moreso than I should be) about wrapping. I have some ideas up my sleeve and I can't wait to get started. I doubt I'll be able to wait much longer!

Will you be doing anything creative for Christmas?

Put a pin on it #6

Ooops. I had meant to make this a regular feature, but I haven't done one of these posts for a while. Which is silly, seeing as I use Pinterest most days. I often worry that I pin a bit too much, but I find so much inspiration and I just can't stop!


Desperate for some shorts [and legs] like this for my holiday. Most perfect colour!


A Diana F+ I made using shrink plastic! My camera matches those shorts...


Love this heart cut out gift wrapping.


How sweet are these little bunny dough balls? My Mum showed me them. They'd be perfect for Easter.


WE KNOW.


I really like this DIY. So simple but so effective.


I really want to make one of these one Sunday afternoon.


Happy things.

You can follow me on Pinterest here - as always, feel free to leave your links so I can follow you!

♥

Put a pin on it #5

Since being able to 'broadcast' my Auntie news, I have been pinning quite a lot of baby things! I'm already wanting to spoil my niece/nephew and he/she isn't even here yet! That's going to be one spoilt bubba, I'm telling you.

And if you're not into babies, I've also included some baking delights in here too.

So much CUTE!

I'm a fan of Kurt Halsey, so I am ever so tempted to get this.

David and Goliath do some amazing baby clothes. Love this for if it's a boy :)

No bake cookie bars - yum.

Definitely going to make coconut ice this Christmas.

And mint chocolate bark.

Couldn't leave this amazing clock out. I NEED it.
You can follow my boards on Pinterest here and, like always, remember to leave your links so I can follow you too!

♥

October Crafty Creatives box

Another fantastic Crafty Creatives box. As you can see, this month's box has a gothic theme, to tie in with Halloween. The contents of this box are right up my street - lots of pieces to make jewellery out of, and customise clothes with! Just some of my favourite bits are - silver studs, glass cabochon with a gothic frame setting, 2 mini gothic keys, 1 fat quarter of black lace and 2 decorative ring blanks. I love it all! I'm particularly excited about this month's kit - a gothic masquerade mask!

Also, I am now pinning for the lovely ladies at Crafty Creatives, so if you have Pinterest please follow the lovely crafty boards here!

Put a pin on it #4

Been a while since I did one of these. But I've been pinning a fair bit [as usual] so thought I'd share a few of my latest finds.

Ribena cupcakes. On the top of my 'to bake' list.

Amazing tutorial, showing you how to add glitter to everything without it falling off!

Wooden necklace organizer - would love to re-create this.

Gorgeous nail art.

:)

I'm a huge fan of Starbucks' seasonal drinks, and am currently loving their pumpkin spice latte. So I'd love to have a go at making my own at home.

You can follow me on Pinterest here - make sure you leave your links so I can follow back!

♥

Put a pin on it #3

My mouth waters every time I see this. Sweet potato veggie burgers

I volunteer!!!

This is such a gorgeous DIY. Looks really easy too, but so effective.

Favourite!

This is something to re-create.

Cat face tights :)

You can follow me on pinterest here - please leave your links so I can follow you.
 ♥

Put a pin on it #2

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough bites. OH MA GAAAAWD.

I LOVE Autumn.

Just so pretty.

Follow me on Pinterest here - and don't forget to leave your links so I can follow you!
♥

Put a pin on it #1

I'm a bit of a Pinterest addict [follow me here] so I thought I would start a new little feature on my blog. Each week [or most] I will post a selection of things I have either repinned or pinned myself. This will be anything from quotes to recipes to crafty inspiration. A little bit of everything.

Love this idea. Would love to re-create it myself.

True.

This sounds, and looks, delicious!

I know this is so soppy, but I really do agree with these words!

Love this look.

Do you have pinterest? Please feel free to leave your links and I'll follow you! ♥

DIY wrap bracelet

I love Honestly WTF for their amazing DIY posts, and I actually found this whilst browsing Pinterest [now there's a surprise...anyone else as addicted as I am?]



Check out the tutorial here. All you need is leather cord, linen cord, brass ball/crystal chain, a hex nut and scissors. I didn't have a hex nut, so used some random ring I found for the clasp [not sure what it is, but it does the job!]. It didn't take long at all, or cost much, to make but I reckon it looks quite effective. I also made a single one in purple.




I think they look great worn alone or piled together with other bracelets! Anyone else found some great DIYs on Honestly WTF?