Top Gifts for Crafty People From The ICHF Crafts for Christmas Craft Shows

This year at ICHF's Crafts for Christmas shows I was spoilt for choice. Not only was there plenty to inspire my own crafting projects but I was able to peruse some lovely handmade items. As a crafter, I understand the work that goes into hand making items and I where I can't make gifts myself, I am really keen to buy handmade where possible.

I discovered lots of great exhibitors at the shows and found some great gifts that would be suitable for the crafty people you know or anyone who would appreciate something handmade. Here is a little run down of some of the items that I found and how you can find them. 

A Snowflake DIY Crystal Card Kit by Craft Buddy : A Review

I have found something special. Something sparkly, therapeutic, nostalgic and just downright pretty! I have been using a DIY Crystal Card Kit by Craft Buddy and I literally could not wait to tell you about it. 

A Snowflake Ornament Kit by Riverside Beads: A Review

This year I have a new ornament hanging on my Christmas tree. It was not made without difficulties (I can assure you) but this beautiful snowflake ornament was made with a kit by Riverside Beads.

Top Crafty Kits From The ICHF Crafts for Christmas Craft Shows

As a self confessed hoarder and craft obsessive, I can't resist trying out the latest craft products or adding to my stashes of paper, ribbons, fabrics etc. I love that I can be creative with no limits using the materials that I have; but every now and then, it is nice to have a project that is readily designed with everything I need. Something that is ready to go in an instant so I can pick it out of a box for a night in front of the telly.

On my recent trip to the ICHF Crafts for Christmas shows, I decided to make a list of the stand out craft kits that I came across. I have had a chance to review a couple of the craft kits I found (more to follow); the rest are certainly on my wish list! 

Crafts For Christmas Extravaganza with ICHF

You will have seen recently on my social media ramblings that I had the pleasure of visiting the ICHF Crafts for Christmas show at the NEC in Birmingham. Not only did I return with an eagerness to get Christmas underway (yes yes I know!) but I was totally inspired by new projects, craft supplies and products. I met lots of lovely new people as well as catching up with some familiar faces and ICHF did not fail in putting on yet another great event. Festive offerings all round, Christmas displays and a live band. I was not disappointed.

Baking is For Life, Not Just For Christmas

Just before Christmas, I mentioned to Hubby B, that as a keen baker, I'd like to invest in a new mixing vessel. Namely a deeper narrower ceramic jug with a handle. At the time, my main bowl was a huge pretty mixing bowl that held huge batches but I was becoming tired of the clean up after baking as it was so wide, the mix would whizz everywhere. We agreed that I could hunt for one after Christmas as I was after something very specific size and colour wise.

After doing all of my Christmas based baking, I was putting away my big mixing bowl and I accidentally dropped it on our ceramic floor. I was not pleased. It was a very useful size for other things (such as proving pizza dough) and I was massively disappointed that I no longer had it. Although, silver lining, at least I'd completed my baking first.

A Crafty 2013 in Summary

Well, the festive season is almost over and most of us have returned to work and our daily routines. For us here in the B household, that is on Monday 6th so our family festivities will continue through till then with lots more snuggling on the sofa, watching telly, playing with new toys, scoffing our way through the copious amounts of chocolates and biscuits left over from Christmas and avoiding taking down the Christmas tree!

As I look at my blank 2014 calendar with a list of things to fill in just 4 days into the year, I have a feeling there will be lots of things to report on in the next 365 days and a lot more projects to put in my craft bag, but not before taking a quick look back over 2013. 

I started the year with intentions of exploring paper crafts with my new (Christmas 2012) Sizzix machine and taking a look at needle felting. Just before the new year, I found out that I was expecting a new addition to the family. Having suffered a miscarriage in 2012, I fell into a nervous 'don't do ANYTHING' trap not made easier by ridiculously horrible pregnancy sickness. The 9 months of sickness saw me not able to concentrate on much else other than childminding two days a week and looking after my first born. I couldn't even face crocheting! This was bad!! So crafting and blogging took a back seat and I once again found myself in a constant crafty daydream. This led to my new project, Crafty B's. 

Baby B number 2 arrived in September and amidst the arrival of a new baby, a 21st birthday, a 30th birthday, a craft fair and a Christmas crafting workshop, a little bit of crafting activity resumed but I was left with very little or no time for blogging or socially networking.

So here's a summary of 2013. January saw the start of 'Meet the Maker' where my readers could meet the person behind one handmade item which was the focus of the post. (Email mrscraftyb@gmail.com to take part in 2014). In February my blog was one year old :-D and this was followed by a bit of Easter crafting with decoupage eggs, cross stitching and hanging eggs that the children made. I also featured my crocheted chicks which serve as cosies for small chocolate eggs (I'm now taking commissions on these. Again, email mrscraftyb@gmail.com). Then there was a cupcake decorating party, a so far failed attempt at an online shop and crochet tutorials, the start of a crocheted ripple blanket (STILL unfinished), we met Mr Bumble, I took a few commissions on infinity scarfs and I hosted Summer Sharing. I made a wedding gift, cheated on a 60th Birthday cake, won business cards (thanks Deeper Insight), took over the organising of a craft fair, held a Crafty B's workshop and got creative with paper pom poms. There was a bit more undocumented crafting here and there and I had a baby (who sort of just appeared by the way) whilst my blog was taken over and then I took a nice break for Christmas and spent uninterrupted time with my best boys! 

I can safely say that 2013 was jam packed but I know that there is loads more to come in 2014. I will continue with childminding in April but only part-time because I will be starting to slowly but surely turn Crafty B's into something bigger and better. I cannot wait.

I guess my first job is to check out my unfinished craft projects! 

I hope you all had a fab Christmas, saw the New Year in with excitement and are ready for 2014!

Mrs Crafty B

Christmas Crafting: Making Paper Pom Poms With Napkins

It's almost here! We've spent the last couple of months preparing for or thinking about the festivities and all of a sudden, it is but a week away! As the school term ends and the Christmas prep becomes a frenzy, we find ourselves in need of entertainment for the younger members of the family. Why not take a break and spend a couple of hours as a family creating some handmade decorations that are easy to make and a fun yet sophisticated addition to the Christmas decor?

These paper pom poms were made with napkins instead of commonly used tissue paper. These napkins are part of the Sainsburys Christmas range. Grab an extra packet to make a lovely centrepiece for your table or some festive bunting that fits perfectly with your colour scheme.

Crafty B's Christmas Crafting

The time of year is upon us when people are dropping like flies with various coughs and colds. My two little ones are no exception. Whilst they are cosied up, dosed up with paracetamol, teething gel and vapour rub and napping, I am taking this opportunity to break from the never ending piles of washing and housework, have a cup of tea and a piece of cake and update the blog for you lovely lot.

Apparently Christmas does come earlier when you have children. I was always a big fan of NOT getting into the spirit in September and waiting for the appropriate time. This year I spent everyday of November talking to the biggest Baby B all about Christmas and what it means for us as a family. He's two this year so he understands a bit more. I knew I was harbouring a festive spirit, eager to get out and I waited in anticipation for the right time to let it all out.

The right time was November 30th, when 10 very Crafty B's came together, had tea and mince pies and crafted their hearts out with festive music from Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra filling the air.

Those that came to the launch of the next Crafty B's group, came either with ideas of things they would like to make or an eagerness to be inspired and just go with the flow. The results were wonderful and the taster session led to some very happy B's leaving at the end with some lovely handmade things to add to their Christmas. Some even picked up a Lucky Dip Craft Kit to create some lovely things with or give as a gift.

Each person was given a tile, a magnet and a card and envelope and with all the crafting supplies available they were able to be creative in their own ways. Inspiration for their makes came from imagination, creative flair and inspiration from books, magazines, other people and some handcrafted items that were pre made for everyone to nosy at.

Armed with their glues, papers, felts, fabrics, needles, threads, a die cutting machine and many other tools at their disposal, they got to crafting. Here are a few pictures.

This group served as a taster session of what is to come in the new year and Crafty B's will be holding several Saturday meets at Bourn Golf and Leisure, Bourn, Cambridgeshire throughout 2014. They will run in a similar way to the Christmas Crafting but details will be sent out for each meet as it happens. If you are not already receiving updates from Crafty B's and would like to be informed of upcoming events, please email mrscraftyb@gmail.com.

Saturday's craft group also served as an outlet for my festive spirit and there was not reigning it back in.  On Sunday, the advent calendar I made last year was hung, the tree came out and the films and music were played and sung.

Happy December one and all.

Mrs Crafty B

Knitted Ruffle Scarf

Back when I was making gifts last year, I tweeted a picture of this scarf in progress:

I knitted this for Big Nanna B but unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the finished item. Well, at least I think I did. I can't find it anywhere. I had quite a few impressed faces at the site of this scarf as people assumed that it was a very complicated item. Of course I was completely honest and told them that it was one row of 9 stitches knitted over and over and it was in fact the kind of yarn that made the ruffles; nothing to do with my knitting skills, I can assure you of that.

I loved the finished item so much that I decided to make another for a friend. This time, black with sparkles.

I love it and although it's way down the list. I would love to do one for myself.  The yarn I used for both of these was Rico Can Can Disco Yarn Scarf Wool. The top one was red mix and the bottom, glitter ruffle black and silver. The range of these yarns it amazing with many different colours, shades, mixes, with or withput glitter, different lace effects, some with tassel things on; the list is endless.

I will attempt to provide a small tutorial on how to knit with this yarn. It is so simple and easy and I would urge anyone, even knitting novices like myself, to have a go. They knit up extremely quickly and make great gifts. 

I hope this has provided at least a small bit of inspiration for your handmade gift list! 

Happy yarn hunting!

Mrs Crafty B

Red Chunky Infinity Scarf

I know Christmas has been and gone and we are looking forward to sun and seaside holidays, but a love of crochet never goes away, even if it is a memoir of another Christmas gift from 2012!

Do you remember the crochet infinity scarves I made in black and grey? Based on these, I was commissioned to make a bright red one. The beauty of these is that I've made made three and they were all different. That's what I love about handmade, the uniqueness. I can guarantee that three people are wearing scarves that no-one else in the world has. Ok, so they aren't wearing them NOW but you know what I mean.

Here are couple of pictures for you. Albeit not great pictures due to dark winter nights and convenient picture taking times.

I will take commissions on these (probably more so in the Autumn he he) and I can personalise them in terms of colour and size. Please do get in touch if you are interested.

Mrs Crafty B

Book Browse: 20 to Make Mini Christmas Crochet

For Christmas 2011 Hubby B bought me '20 to Make Mini Christmas Crochet'. At the time, I started a couple of the projects but lost momentum as Christmas had been and gone. I picked up the book again for Christmas 2012 to make a few lovely things. Admittedly it did come out shortly after Baby B's birthday in August.

The general design of these 20 makes are beautiful and allow you to make them your own, with equally good results. I didn't follow the instructions to the letter but I was still happy with the results.

The patterns in this book are easy to read if you are familiar with crochet and the terminology. If you are a beginner you should not be put off. As long of you have a reference book to guide you with the basics of crochet, you will be able to cross reference and use one of the more simple patterns as a starter project.

Most of the makes are great for hanging on the tree with the addition of some ribbon or simply placed on the mantle for everyone to enjoy. Others would make ideal Christmas gifts, stocking fillers or for me, some cute additions for Baby B's advent calendar. You could perhaps add a small keying to some of them to make a key pendant as a gift for a loved one so they can use it all year round.

In conclusion, I would recommended this book for anyone wanting to add a bit of cute crochet to their festive decoration or wishing to craft Christmas gifts regardless of their level of crochet ability. Beginners will benefit from a second book with pictorial instruction of the basics in crochet.

This book can be found here and a few of my 'makes' are pictured below.

Happy Christmas Crocheting!

Mrs Crafty B

Christmas Crafting #5 Christmas Wreath

When I was younger my mum used to hang a Christmas tree decoration on the wall. It was a flat Christmas tree with built in lights and a few decorations. When I left home I used it in my own house for a couple of years but then it was shoved in a box, falling to pieces.

In true 'upcycling' nature, I decided to use this to create something new rather than throw it in the bin. I hacked up the branches and wrapped them around a polystyrene half wreath using a glue gun to fix them. A few of the decorations were too broken to use and some of them have been put away until I need them for another project but I glued a few to my wreath.

It's not a natural wreath and it isn't as beautiful as some that I have seen but it is the first one I have made and owned and it has made use of something that would have otherwise have been thrown away.

Here are some pics.

Mrs Crafty B

Bye bye Mr Christmas tree

Hello pretty Christmas wreath

Christmas Crafting #4 Christmas Cards

Upon deciding that 2013 would see me delve further into paper crafts and being influenced by a few ladies at Crafty B's Craft group, I felt that making some quick handmade Christmas cards would be an ideal way to make a start.

I went for something very simple using stamps, embossing powder and a heat tool and adding a bit of sparkle with glue, double sided tape and glitter.

I very much enjoyed this bit of my Christmas crafting. I know that the sparkle of glitter will be evident in my house until Christmas 2013.

Here are a few pictures of the cards that I sent.

Mrs Crafty B

Christmas Crafting #3 Fabric Advent Calendar

It was a close call but I finished Baby B's advent calendar on December 1st with enough time for him to get his first token gift from pocket number 1. He was fascinated by it hanging on the door and so far with lots of 'ooooooos' and looks of excitement, I feel like it was definitely worth the effort.

Although I decided before last Christmas that I was making this advent calendar it does not surprise me that it was a last min job. It's the only way I know how!

I began collecting Christmasy fabrics last year, including some swatch freebies which I attached to larger pieces of cream fabric, to make the pockets . The pockets are random and lined with red and green gingham fabrics. The numbers are hand painted onto small squares of green fabric that also make up the background.

Initially, I was going to make this a sack with an advent calendar on the front but as I got close to finishing I realised that it was definitely more likely to last the distance if I didn't allow it to be used in that way every year. I've decided to use the material I intended to line it with, to make a separate simple present sack. It will still fit nicely with this as I used the same material along the top and bottom of this to hold wooden dowels. I have to admit that it was pretty fun to get a bit of woodwork into the project, even it it was a very quick and last minute decision. I cut and sanded the dowels and fed them through the long sections of red material at the top and bottom of the calendar. To back it, I used the same green material as the front with a thick wadding to keep it sturdy. I have used a pretty vintage Christmas ribbon to hang it up.

There were a few technical difficulties to contend with but I can safely say, Big J and I are ready to face the world! This project has allowed me to get to grips with my little friend and there are lots more projects to come!

I'm certain that this will last for years to come and I can't wait to see Baby B's face everyday as something new comes out of each pocket.

Of course I have already decided that any future bambinos will have a crocheted bootie advent calendar.

Have you seen any other handmade advent calendars this year that have inspired you? Have you made one? Do you have one that you have made for past Christmas'? Please head on over to my Facebook page to share the pictures with us. You will also see some examples of Christmas crafting from some other lovely people who have shared.

Mrs Crafty B

Upcycled Christmas Gift Tags

Hi all!

Baby B is napping so I thought I would check in quickly with an update! I thought you might find this useful with Christmas looming.

Last Christmas I took recycled tag making kiddie style and stepped it up a notch by cutting luggage tag shapes out of old cards, instead of the pictures. I used the tags on goodies at a Christmas bazaar and of course all of my gifts to family members. I found the whole process quite therapeutic!

I decided that this tag making would become a Christmas tradition in the B Household as it would recycle all of the Christmas cards that we receive and save money on tags that get thrown away. Resourceful in every way and you can never beat a bit of a handmade touch!

Before this christmas I vowed that I would turn my collection of old cards into tags before starting this annual tag making activity. As all you crafters will know, most of us 'collect' so the pile was pretty big! However, as I said I would do, I got back to my project list, and last night I tackled a huge pile of cards!

Heres what we do....

1) Use a luggage tag that you like the style of, or a template of a tag that you like and place it over a bit of the picture that you like on an old Christmas card.

2) Draw around the tag and cut it out.

3) Punch a hole in the top of the tag, and tie some ribbon or string through the hole.

See, as easy as... well 1, 2, 3!!

On another note, at the Crafty B's Craft Group last night, I tried some embossing on some cards and I have to say I found it very addictive. The lady who lent me the equipment has informed me that she has located some new stencils. Can't wait to do some more next week!

If you find this Christmas tag malarky of any use, please share this post with you Facebook friends and Twitter followers :)

Love and bubbles,

Mrs Crafty B

Coffee, Cake and a Craft Fair

The last weekend of February turned out to be filled with friends, family, sunshine, coffee, cake and crafts. What more could a girl like me ask for? We headed down to a nearby town on Saturday for a crafts fair and there certainly was a lot to be inspired by.