Advents 11th Door - Sew Pretty Printables

There's something so utterly charming about these lacing cards,  the comfort of continuity of childhood pastimes and the thought of sitting still and being creative is all too inviting at this busy time of year. 

I love the warm colour of this Owl lacing card along with the three other animal designs ready to be downloaded here.  Hung on the wall, stuck to the fridge or turned into a festive card you can colour match their feathers and fur or have fun with bright colours and patterns. 

These cross-stitch animals are in need of some warm wintry jumper designs and though these might be better suited for slightly older children I think children (and adults) of all ages will love these creatures. I think they'd make wonderful gift tags too. 

Discover all our favourite lacing cards:

Owl and other animals 

Cross Stitch animals 

Cowboy / cowgirl lacing cards 

Constellation lacing cards here (not pictured) 

Little chick lacing card

geometric lacing cards 

People lacing cards with great characters and hairstyles here

Christmas All Wrapped Up

Christmas is slowly edging closer; the Christmas lights have been switched on in Oxford Street, the window displays of Fortnum and Mason are seducing the passers-by and my shelves and drawers are filling up with gifts for family and friends. There is so much joy in receiving a well thought out gift and one that is wrapped thoughtfully too is even better.  I love wrapping gifts. Having chosen the most beautiful, this just had to be yours, i know you've wanted this, i knew you'd love it gift; wrapping it to make it tantalisingly oh my goodness what's inside?.... almost too pretty to open, knowing it makes that someone special feel all the more special for the effort put in.  Here's some of my favourite unique gift wrapping ideas that will add a little magic to all your gifts this year. Because the joy of giving is even better when it's all dressed up!

(above) pegs glitter and ornaments create a beautiful topping to a gift found here

fun use of craft materials found here

cut away shapes here

cinnamon baked decorations here

hand stamped reindeer with bright pom poms above here and tissue paper fun below

mini wreaths here

twigs and wool here

twine and twigs here

glitter dots plastic baubles and twine here

newspaper and berries here

wool and glue to make festive words here

tea towel gift wrapping for culinary treats here

simple twine and cut out shapes and polka dots make a big impact here

hand stamped brown paper here

repurposed puzzle pieces here

ink stamps and pom poms here

coloured gold stickers and golden stripes here

use textured wallpaper for a subtle and pretty feel here

pom poms and twine here

recycle napkin rings, broaches, hooks and stamps to create some unique gift wrap here

old jumpers recycled here

black paper and a white marker for your own hand designs here

sewn brown craft paper in pretty festive shapes here

keeping it fun and bright here

something for keeping busy here

recycle road maps, newspaper, comic strips and magazine pages for some fun gift wrapping here

knitted flowers and pom pom here

my favourite of all gift wrapping ideas I have ever found. Craft paper, black chalk, hairspray and a letter of love! A thoughtful gift wrapped in thoughts. Here

Find some wrap and ribbons and washi tape to make your own wrapped up wonder in our Christmas Decor collection here

Monday Makery - Fabric Light Garland

I've had the idea of making a knitted garland of christmas lights for a while and still not taken up the knitting needles. I wouldn't know how or where to begin and my knitting skills, just about matching my crochet skills, means I can either make a long scarf or a thin tube like strand. So, until these skills improve (it'll probably be my children who end up teaching me) I've adapted the idea to suit my capabilities. All the skills required is a little cutting and sewing which suits me and the lazy weather feel of this weekend just fine.

Here's what you'll need:

• cotton fabric or felt
• needle and thread
• card, pencil and scissors
• miniature wooden cotton reals ( I found these at a little craft shop but have since found more here). Alternatively you could use a large cylindrical bead.
• ribbon or embroidery thread or bakers twine
• fabric stuffing

Here's how:

1. Draw onto card a template of the light bulb shape. Be a little more generous in your size as you'll loose some of width when its padded out with stuffing. Cut it out.
2. Use your template to draw the same shape onto the back of your fabric. You'll need 2 pieces for each bulb. Cut out your bulb shapes.
3. Pin the pieces of fabric together back to back, so the outsides are in fact facing each other and sew around the edges leaving the top part of the 'bulb' open with enough space to fill with the fabric stuffing. 
4. Turn right side out and fill with fabric stuffing. It helps to use the end of a pencil to push the stuffing inside.
5. Take your measure of string and tie a knot at the ends. Place the knotted end inside the top of the bulb and secure it in place as you sew along the final edge.
6. Now, thread on the wooden cotton reel pulling the string and pushing the cotton reel over the top of the fabric so it holds firmly in place. You're ready to hang. 

You can either make a garland with the bulbs, string them along fairy lights, hang from the tree or even use them to decorate the gift wrapping. I love the spotted versions we made and i'd love to find some striped red and white fabric and create a matching set, or perhaps some really fab neon colours. 

The girls have since used them to decorate the home of their Maileg mice and bunny families so perhaps I'll never get to use this set for our Christmas decorations maybe I will have to learn to knit after all!

Happy Making

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