Christmas Crafting

[CottonHeadedNinyMuggins]

Am I the only one who has l these fabulous ideas for things to make and do for Christmas (not just for cards and presents) and think "it's fine... I've lots of time!"

And then we blink. And it's the end of October....!

Argh!

Thankfully I've got (most...) my Christmas cards made already and I've written the neighbours out in non home made ones to save a job. The problem is the home made gifts I'm making (20 of one large type) and buying things from China for cheaper means I need to make boxes to put them in too. I'm trying to resist the urge to put them in bought boxes as I'd like to personalise the boxes and make them to fit the smaller items rather than try and fit inside a premade one. (I really could do with using up some of my crafting stock too!) need to stop adding to the to do pile!

You've just reminded me I'm supposed to be making my Christmas cake on Saturday. I'd better check I have all the ingredients!

Ooh yum! My cousin hand bakes everything for Christmas through to her cake, pudding, mince pies and other sweet treats... Heaven ❤️

I'm planning to make soap for friends and family this year. Havent decided yet what I can box or wrap them in though. I'm also thinking of going to a local ceramics place with DD to decorate soap dishes for the grandparents, to go with it.

I have started doing cross stitches for cards and will just have to buy cards if I dont get them all finished. We only give about 6 Christmas cards anyway so shouldn't be too hard. I'm also going to make cards with the kids.

Yes, I have way more ideas than I have time!
Btw have you tried origami boxes?
Work better for smaller boxes than larger ones, but relatively quick and easy compared to other ways of making gift boxes.
I use pretty paper for the lids, and card for the bases and they don't need any further decorating.

I am making soap too!
And also me and the DC are decorating plain brown paper for wrapping paper this year. I plan to use festive biscuit cutters as stamps and poster paint, as we already have plenty of those.

Origami boxes what a great idea, I was just trying to think of a good way to wrap a certain present. That will be perfect [santa]

We are making wrapping paper as well. Apparently an easy way to do it is painting coloured circles and then making them into baubles using a sharpie. We will also do potato print stars for some of them.

I think I might still buy "normal" paper for the kids because I think they like them bright and colourful.

Yesterday I went through my tubs and wrapped the Christmas presents that are "large" (ie not large in size sense, but those that are essentially in their own boxes and can be wrapped by themselves without needing to be boxed.)

In doing so I've found a load of kraft card pillow boxes that are perfect for boxing the smaller gifts I have bought for family etc etc and only need decorating 🙏 so I will definitely be going that way, gives me chance to use up some of the huge amount of Christmas embellishments and ribbon finally! (I swear... Anything Christmas and craft related and I'm there!) and inside I shall be wrapping them carefully inside green and or red tissue paper that I've used an embossing folder. Makes it a much smaller job than it was before and I don't feel quite so overwhelmed by the thought.

Thanks for the heads up about origami boxes, I shall look into those. I have to admit I haven't made any before as I usually use either a die of a box/bag, cut one out on the scan n cut or use a score board to make bottom and then the lid.

I am not going to the knit and stitch show this year as I need to make use of some of the materials I have in (multiple ) crates in the study, attic and in our storage unit......and finish off some of my UFOs (unfinished Objects).

So I have made a couple of little cross-stitches that I just need to finish off (Backing, 2 small seams and starching on both) and a 3rd is almost finished.

And I have decided that I will take back my evenings - move my sewing machine and get to work in the kitchen after dinners as I have a HEAP of projects to do, just need the time for them. I don't need to look at work spreadsheets every night, so I need to regain some balance in favour of me!

Ooh this is a great thread, shamelessly marking place for inspiration. Last year we made sloe gin and jars of homemade marmalade and mustard for gift hampers. Love the baubles idea for the wrapping paper! This year making candles and waterproof toothbrush wraps with bamboo toothbrushes (DM firmly on the ecowarrior bandwagon and having a plastic free Christmas this year).

We lost my grandma this year and I am missing her terribly. She was a really good knitter and made loads of dolls outfits which I am making into heart decorations for the tree.

I am also making Pom Poms and will make her and MIL (who we also lost) a pretty wreath for their graves.

Come over to the ponce thread if you're looking for some inspiration.