Pressie ideas please? Crafty friend who doesn't have a lot of time

[BigBoobiedBertha]

I have a friend who is keen on crafty things - she got the latest Kirsty Allsopp book as a birthday pressie from another friend and was really pleased.

Problem is she has a very stressful, time consuming job and doesn't have a lot of time for crafting and learning new things and the only craft I know she does for sure is cross stitch.

I haven't really seen Kirsty's latest book so I don't know what she is enthusing over so anybody who has, are there any ideas for Christmas pressies in there? Kits I could buy for her or put together so that she could do something similar?

I was also thinking about getting her some nice yarn, needles and a pattern or book for something simple like a hat and scarf or shawl? She has done knitting before but not for a long time and said last week that she couldn't knit. Would it be a bit pushy or pointless to make her try something she isn't comfortable with? Or should I buy a book, yarn and a crochet needle and introduce her to that since it is slightly easier to pick up and put down.

Or should I abandon the craft idea altogether and stick to usual smellies/jewellery/books route.

Any thoughts gratefully received. Thanks.

Can you lure her into conversation about Kirsy's book and whether there was something she fancied trying?

I taught myself to crochet back in July and like it because, as you say, its easy to pick up and put down and also because it is fairly compact to carry about.

Fudge. Any type of fuge, caramel, chocolate, peppermint etc. it's not very time consuming to make and then cut into chunks, wrap in clear film and tie with a ribbon.

I know it's technically not crafty.

I recently made a jewellery stand in the shape of a bare tree using spray painted sturdy cardboard. It took me half an hour and I love the result.

Thanks for the replies.

It will be difficult to have a conversation with my friend on what she likes. I probably won't see her this side of Christmas (she lives 150 miles away) and we did have a bit of a chat about the book and the programme already. Fishing via email might sound a bit suspicsious(sp?) even if I can get her to answer the questions!

Soupdragon - I taught myself to crochet a couple of years ago but what makes me hold back in making a present out of crochet stuff is that I found it really hard to learn.

I think it was the fact you do the required no. of stitches and then have to do extra for the turn. I was a bit about that but it doesn't mean she will be. She might have more brains than me

teacoupon - thanks for the ideas. The one thing that she really liked from the book were the marizpan penguins but probably because she has a thing about penguins rather than making something from marizpan. I really need to think outside the box on crafts because I always think needlecrafts so your ideas were great for that!

I may take a trip to Hobbycraft and look at the non-needlecraft kits they have there.

How about making up a kit of useful bits for crafting - so that when she does have some time she could have a go at something - such as this.

thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2010/01/mason-jar-pin-cushion-tutorial.html

Or you could make up a 'kit' of baking accessories (eg. cupcake cases,colourings,edible glitter,flavourings etc etc).

Pinterest has become my new home... I blame it on mumsnet...

Oh thank you calrabbit. I would have fun putting one of those jar together! I would probably keep changing my mind about what to put in it and end up with 5 jars worth of stuff and most of it for me!

do I follow you on Pinterest? I have several MNers but I can't remember who is who. This is mine if you are interested - apologies for the shameless plugging but the more followers and following the better.

Is it too rude to ask the budget? If it were me, I would love a voucher to hobbycraft or similar.

£15 to £20 budget so a Hobbycraft voucher might be a good idea. I would love one too! I'll have to see if they have one where she lives though.

Can I just say, well done for being such a thoughtful friend! However, as a keen baker and scrapbooker, and in general lover of all things crafty, I sometimes find hobbycraft a bit generic (def for scrapbooking anyway). Is there a local craft store near her you could get vouchers from, I know mine does that, and they also will buy a surprise for someone to the value of your choice too.

Oh, and pinterist, I've only just managed to stay away from, it's hard though!