Crafting
for Christmas
  If,
like me, you've been following the Kirstie
Allsopp series Kirstie's Handmade Britain
you may have been inspired to hand make
some of your gifts this Christmas. Even
if you're not confident enough to make
your gifts you may have made your cards.
Or maybe you know a friend or relative
who's mad about craft or would really
love to get into it. Why not consider
giving a 'crafty' gift this Christmas?
Just recently there's been a huge surge
of interest in all things homemade,
many celebrities are taking up knitting
and as I say, Kirstie Allsopps popular
'handmade' series have been hugely popular.
There are even craft cafι's springing
up everywhere, where young mums are
sitting chatting, enjoying a coffee
and doing their knitting or crochet.
If you would like to get someone started
on the crafty path then there are a
wealth of good books on the market to
help.
 Gone
are the days of old-fashioned knitting
patterns and crochet doilies, there
are some fabulous contemporary design
books to get your hands on. Take a look
at Tone Finnangers range of sewing books
- packed full of the most adorable,
modern designs for the home with a real
Scandinavian twist. The books are reasonably
priced and so inspirational, you may
recognize her Tilda range of figures
which are a superb take on modern handmade
dolls. From angels to beach bags these
books are really gorgeous.
If its card making you'd like to introduce
someone to then there are many DVD's
on the market or look out for kits from
quality companies such as Kanban or
Dovecraft. Consider giving a magazine
subscription to one of the many fabulous
craft magazines available, try Papercraft
Essentials or for jewellery lovers take
a look at Beaders Companion, both from
Practical Publishing.
 If
knitting is sparking an interest, then
consider the popular, modern designs
of Debbie Bliss. Her books and range
of yarns are topping the charts in the
world of knitting just now - no more
itchy, scratchy jumpers with one arm
longer than the other, her yarns are
uber-soft in an up-to-date colour palette.
There are also may craft based workshops
and even weekends away, so if its someone
you usually give a larger gift to, maybe
your Mum, why not search the internet
to find a local workshop and pay for
the cost.
It will certainly be a gift to remember
and may spark off a new hobby for someone,
giving your new gift opportunities for
the future.
Craft shops such as The Range do gift
vouchers for their massive choice of
craft so this may be the way to go if
you don't know what to choose.
If its books you're after check out
Amazon for these titles.
Crafting Christmas Gifts
- featuring fabulous projects from Tone
Finnanger.
Tilda's Christmas Ideas
- another great offering from Tone Finnanger.
Kirstie Allsopp Craft
- a good all rounder.
Homemade Gifts Vintage Style
- full of on trend designs.
The Bag Making Bible -
a complete guide to making and customizing
your own bags.
Knits to Give - 30 knitted
gift ideas from Debbie Bliss.
Queen of Crafts - The
Modern Girls Guide to Knitting, Sewing,
Quilting, Baking, Preserving and Kitchen
Gardening - a long title which covers
craft of all kinds by Jazz Domino Holly
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