Mollie Makes Handmade Christmas

It’s not news that crafting something simple can bring you some well needed peace, or that handmade gifts can save money and be really special. The challenge is often finding the time. This season, be intentional – add personal touches to your gift offerings by stitching, crocheting, knitting, papercrafting and baking. From natural fabric gift wrap and little crocheted gnomes to a papercrafted Advent calendar and dress-up crown, cape and wand for a little one, inside this mini-magazine you’ll find some simply wonderful, creative and seasonal ideas. You might even want to make them for yourself! Discover over 20 projects to fill your winter days and make this your best Christmas ever – get some baking in the oven while you craft for extra festive joy. All of the gorgeous…

We’ve all been there. As soon as the countdown to Christmas kicks in we start panic buying presents that are often discarded come Boxing Day. This festive season, why not break that high street habit and treat loved ones to something more meaningful and longer lasting? As crafters, we squeeze in as much time as we can for making, so think about treating your faves to some creative time as well, gifting them a unique experience rather than a physical present. Think craft workshops, classes, online courses, or – if you’re feeling generous – a creative retreat. MAKE TIME Experience gifts are growing in popularity as we realise an expanding mountain of stuff can’t always spark joy, but memories definitely can. And, by gifting someone time to be crafty, you’re…

HOW TO MAKE… POLYMER CLAY EARRINGS MATERIALS ■ 70g (2½ oz) translucent polymer clay■ 20g (¾ oz) white polymer clay■ Liquid polymer clay■ Gold leaf■ Clay knife■ Clay roller■ Moon clay cutter■ Star charms■ Faux freshwater pearls■ Jump rings■ Headpins■ Earring findings■ Jewellery making pliers■ Wet and dry sandpaper or polishing bit and mini drill■ Cocktail stick■ Mod Podge Dimensional Magic Designed by Francesca Stone, www.fallfordiy.com We can’t think of a dreamier combo than hazy opalescent tones with gold leaf and faux pearl. Francesca’s beautiful project is a fab way to finish off a glitzy party outfit. 01 Using the clay knife, cut up both the translucent and white clay into small chunks. Keep them random shapes and sizes to create the organic look of the stone later. 02 Drizzle…

HOW TO MAKE… GINGERBREAD BUNTING MATERIALS ■ Threads – stranded cotton as listed in key■ Needle – size 24 tapestry needle■ Fabric – 14-count plastic canvas measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design■ Extras – red ribbon from local craft stores NEED TO KNOW ■ Stitch time – 4-5 hours (each)■ Stitch types – whole cross stitch, backstitch Designed by Rhona Norrie, www.RhonaNorrieDesigns.etsy.com Gingerbread men are popular treats at any time of year, but somehow the scent of their freshly baked aroma coming from the oven seems particularly apt at Christmas! These fine fellows are worked on plastic canvas which is brilliant for kids, as the canvas is nice and firm for little hands to hold. Plus, they use whole stitches and backstitch only, making them easy peasy for beginners. Once…

HOW TO MAKE… METALLIC PARTY DECORATIONS MATERIALS ■ Three packs of 1 x 2m (39⅜ x 78⅞") metallic curtain in three colours■ Tinsel in three colours■ Sticky tape■ Metal hoop, 40cm (15¾") wide■ Skewers■ String■ 1.2m (39⅞") wooden dowel, 1.2cm (⅜") wide Designed by Sarah Borg, www.banginhangins.com.au We’ve been lusting over Sarah’s statement installations for a while now, so these sparkly projects, straight from the maker herself, have answered our prayers. Just in time for that big New Year’s bash, they’re the ideal way to upcycle leftover tinsel from your tree. Pick just one to jazz up your seasonal gatherings – photo backdrop anyone? – or craft all three for maximum impact. For the cake topper 01 Cut off a length of metallic curtain, then trim it until you get…

HOW TO MAKE… PAPER DECORATIONS MATERIALS ■ Festive patterned papers; chipboard and other embellishments ■ Die-cutting machine, scalloped circle dies, circle dies; red, dark green, light green, lime green and light blue card; sparkly gems, acrylic paint, ribbon, patterned paper, plant pot, cotton wool, brown spray ink, twigs, modelling clay, tin foil tube, toilet rolls. From your local craft shop. Designed by Katie Skilton @katieskiltonuk Simple papercraft makes are a fun first introduction to craft for children, especially when they can see the results in minutes. Santa stop here! sign 01 Paint the plant pot with red acrylic paint and leave to dry. Cover an old tin foil tube with blue patterned paper. 02 Print or handwrite ‘Santa stop here!’ onto blue card. Die-cut into a circle; layer onto a…