For the past few years I have tried to make as many things as I can at Christmas time. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, I love crafting and Christmas is a great time to try making lots of different things. Secondly, I like the fact that a lot of thought, effort and love has gone into creating each item, and I think my family appreciate it too. Thirdly, as I am lucky enough to stay at home and look after my children, we have to live off one salary so we’re always watching the pennies.

Last year I made hampers for everyone, which included a variety of baked goods, homemade jams and chutneys, sweets and flavoured oils. I also always make calendars with photos of the girls from throughout the year and decorate them with different papers and embellishments. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos last year to share!

Grace started school this September so I had to send in a Christmas gift with her for each of her teachers/teaching assistants. A lot of the other parents clubbed together to buy the teachers vouchers – a great idea but I think it is a bit impersonal (although I should imagine they loved it!). So, of course, I decided to make them a gift box of cupcakes each! I think they liked them.

Like me, Grace loves to make things and can usually be found with a felt tip in her hand ready to colour in a picture! I decided to do some sewing with her, something she hadn’t tried before, and together we made some Christmas tree decorations. Considering she hadn’t done any sewing before, she did quite well.

Obviously, I also have a family to run around after and a new business to attend to so I have bought quite a few bits this year too. I try, where possible, to buy handmade from sites such as Etsy and Folksy, but there are a few mass produced items that have entered my shopping basket this year!

However, we’ve still got lots that we have made and more we need to make so I’ll be back soon with Handmade Christmas – Part 2!!