Make Your Own

Picking up a needle and some thread or a pair of scissors and a bottle of glue is now all the rage as we turn to the time old traditions of making do. Whether it's a set of napkins or something more complicated, home crafting is as satisfying a hobby as you could wish for.

HOME-MADE CHRISTMAS

Gather children and adults alike around the table to make Christmas decorations, using Tessa Evelegh's inspirational book as a starting point. All that is needed is some basic crafting skills and equipment and Tessa Evelegh's ideas will quickly be set in motion. There are thirty-five projects in this festive book, Home-Made Christmas, from tree decorations to table settings, advent calendars and door wreaths.

Set aside an afternoon and get crafting. For a simple heart-shaped wreath, thread cranberries on to florist's wire and then shape. The fresh berries gradually dry out as they darken in colour. Christmas bunting can be made out of material triangles, that have been punches with eyelets in which to thread ribbon through.

For festive name placements, cut out Christmas trees using thick gold card. Write the name of the person on the card and then stand them up using gold or red standard office clips. It's a simple idea but very effective. Rather than spray pines cones gold, why not have a Scandanavian approach and spray them white. Go the whole hog and put cranberries in ice cubes.

With templates, advice on sewing, tips on gift wrapping, Home-Made Christmas is a good start to getting the family involved in preparation for the festive season.

Published by Cico Books. £14.99
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SEW! CATH KIDSTON

This is a wonderful book to get people sewing. Reputedly, sewing and knitting are the new shopping and with the increase in courses for both these crafts, Cath Kidston has always been right on message. In this brightly illustrated book, you'lll find simple sewing projects for stitchers that are perfectly matched to her freshly printed fabrics. You'll find patterns for each project (there are forty-eight), along with full instructions on the basics - seams, piping, fastenings, hems and edges with articles on applique and quilting.

The SEW! Projects are both practical and pretty, giving you the opportunity to try out all the basic skills. Learn how to make square and bolster cushions, placemats and napkins, aprons, a bird mobile for a newborn and more. The book also includes all the materials needed to make a bag, which is featured on the cover. The fabric has been specially printed for the book and comes with handles, a label and button to make up into the bag.

This ia great book for the novice, giving them the confidence to take on bigger, more challenging projects. 10/10 to Cath for doing it again.

Published by Quadrille. £14.99
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