We love trawling markets in our spare time, and were so inspired by many things and ideas, and other general enthusiasm for handmade, that we decided we would somehow find some spare time, and unleash some craftiness around our homes this Christmas. 

There is such a sense of achievement when a little idea or vision becomes reality, I can't count the number of times I look at things I see out and about, or online, and think 'I could do that' - I'm going to make a wee resolution to actually pull finger and make it happen...and luckily we've had a wee kick start this xmas. 

Kathryn's wee 4yr old was also bitten by the craft bug, and lovingly picked out buttons and beads to design some felt decorations for nearly every family member and friend, whilst Kathryn had the painstaking job of sewing them all on - but they had to be in the exact place he'd chosen! For a little man who doesn't usually sit still, It was neat to see him get so into it, and I have a sneaky suspicion that Chrissy crafting may be a new tradition, so it will be interesting to watch his decorations change over the years! 


I don't know whether it was my love of the smell of it, or just how generally cute they look, but I developed a wee Gingerbread obsession.

I started out wanting to make decorations for the tree, then dreamt up a gingerbread garland for above the fireplace...and just kind of kept going...

I decided to tackle a Gingerbread house! It was loads of fun, and will definitely be a little project for me each year I think. I started simple, but I'm already dreaming up next years more pimped version! 


I was on a mission to find some rustic string to attach to my gingerbread men, but then I may've gone a tad overboard....I ended up finding a GIANT ball of twine, and decided to find myself more projects to apply it to! Pyramid Trees, a Wreath, Bows...you name it...if it requires string, I'm there with my ball!  No fancy ribbon for our xmas pressies - nope, they have string bows instead! 




So following on from the string...this leads us to the tale of the three Wreaths...I was always sceptical about hanging a wreath on the front door, I always thought they'd be stolen or have their baubles ripped off...hmm...I shouldve listened to my gut! 

Wreath One: I thought was a good balance of delicious and rustic, it proudly hung on the front door looking christmassy and inviting for a glorious two days.

Wreath Two: You may note that this one has a 'Gobbled look'...hmmmm.... 'Someone' seemed to be a tad intrigued and decided to have a wee nibble! This may or may not have occurred at the end of the Delish Xmas party after some cocktails were drunk directly from the 'classy' drink fountain and 'someone's' shoe went for a wee tumble down the stairs shortly before them...but I couldn't possibly confirm that!   The rain and birds then decided to give the remaining gingerbread a bit of a battering

Wreath Three: The modified wreath as it stands. A half eaten felt gingerbread man that was a great market find, has been firmly attached, fake candycanes, and just to tempt fate, one lonely last Gingerbread heart...

how long will this one last? Place your bets...


And I've saved the best for last..Kathryns Knitted Tinsel! 

She spent many an evening falling asleep with knitting needles in hand. She has been known to knit many a funky scarf, and in a moment of genius, she decided to knit some tinsel!  She hasnt seen it anywhere, and I've suggested she get it straight onto Pinterest, so she can have bragging rights, and all the cool crafters follow suit for next year!  It really adds warmth to the tree that shiny tinsel just doesn't omit. Love love love it! 



So there we have it, a completely cupcake free zone at our homes...other things handmade with love instead. 

Let us know if you have started some crafting traditions in your homes, and how many of your houses will be smelling of gingerbread! 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday with your loved ones, and we might see you instore tomorrow for your last cupcake fix before we close tomorrow at 4.00pm and re-open on 9th of January 2012. 


Colleen & Kathryn xo