Post Christmas savings?

After following the advice in this blog we hope you are in the enviable position above. We have found ourselves with several hundred pounds in the bank even after all that Christmas spending. And everyone was delighted with their handmade presents, cards,wrapping paper and handmade mulled wine and sloe gin.  We really enjoyed all that creativity and hope you did too.  We will be continuing to share our handmade, thrifty craft ideas in the forthcoming year. We would like to wish you a happy, creative and fabulous New Year!

Homemade mulled wine!

Mulled wine makes a delicious festive treat. Simply use two bottles of red wine, add 1/2 pint of orange juice, 1tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg and a tot of brandy for a delicious treat. Heat steadily and serve with slices of oranges and apple. Why not give this a go? A merry christmas and a happy new year to you all!

Colander christmas centre piece!

If you are short of a centre piece for your table why not try this colander centre piece. Simply pick garden greenery and holly berries and arrange. Add a glass and candle and create a truly original centre piece. If you don't want to use your colander why not use a bowl for a smarter effect.Take care not to set fire to your greenery when lighting your candle but the glass should help you avoid this. Quick, easy and effective, why not give it a go?

Wrapping paper with a twist!

Now you have made all your beautiful gifts why not wrap them up in your own paper. Brown paper is often stronger than wrapping paper and much cheaper. Simply embellish with ribbon, cut out shapes, and make your own labels from old christmas cards. These gifts look absolutely fabulous and took seconds to jazz up with whatever I had lying about the house. What a lovely and individual finishing touch for all those hand made gifts you have been making throughout the year. Why not give it a go?

Handmade christmas decorations!

If your tree is looking a little bare this christmas don't automatically buy new decorations, why not make your own? Here I've used shiney card and foil cut into trees, angels and looped to make chains. Fix with ribbon, wool or twine.  I have also made cones which can be filled with sweets especially for the children. These are really easy to make, get the kids involved and brighten up your tree for a few pennies rather than pounds. Why not give it a go?

Make a traditional Christmas wreath

Here is a similarly structured christmas wreath using wire  formed into a circle and wrapping green foliage round. This can easily be fixed with  more wire. Add fir combs, red berries  either dried or beads.  Finish by adding  a large ribbon tied into a bow and you create a lovely festive wreath. You could add dried fruit, cinnamon sticks other beads, stars or ornaments depending on availability or taste. This wreath was made by trimming leylandi trees in the garden but you could use holly, ivy yew or any other abundant evergreen tree. I used a wire hanger and formed a circle shape but any reasonably strong yet pliable wire would do. Why not give it a go?

Make a lovely fruit garland.

Here is a lovely fruit garland. This has been made by drying oranges, apples and cinnamon sticks in the oven or over a radiator. When dry thread on to wire and form a circle. You could use a wire coat hanger . Add cinnamon sticks for extra aroma, a ribbon and there you have divine smelling garland for the festive season. Easy and effective-why not give it a go?