Morning all - another Monday, another start to the week - and only a few more weeks to go until Christmas and New Year. Except my New Year has come early, as I've been busy compiling a selection of all things 2010 for the Guardian (2010 calendars and diaries). Normally, I'm really careful to only ever use UK based designers or retailers, to cater for our UK audience, but this year I simply couldn't feature one of my favourite pieces, made in the States by Ilee Paper Goods
Isn't it just lovely? And letterpressed too - and for $22 it's really not bad price considering it's so unique (that's roughly £13).
Meanwhile, a fortnight ago I wrote about making homemade gifts for the Observer (and blogged about my own version of homemade presents too) - and I've been seeing some great homemade present ideas ever since. There's a whole section on foodie presents to make and give as gifts in the December issue of delicious, including a marbled chocolate winter bark (whirls of dark and white chocolate and nuts) and bottles of chilli pesto. And tomorrow, Kirstie Allsopp returns with her Christmas version of "Kirstie's Homemade Home". I know she got a fair bit of fun poked at her for her first series, but I have to say I thought it was a really sweet show first time round, and I'm quite looking forward to seeing the crafty things she'll make this time - even if her performance last week on Question Time was ever so slightly uncomfortable (she did seem a bit out of her depth, bless her).
So this week, I'm following suit with a lovely Christmas-themed crafty guest post to make your own stocking filler gifts on Wednesday, and a scrumptious cake recipe courtesy of Liz at theLittle Cake Parlour come Friday - so do be sure to come back, as there will be lots to look forward to!
3 comments
Lovely idea! I'm making home-dipped chocolate spoons this year. Just stick a load of hard plastic spoons into different chocolate, wrap them and presto, people have a bit of sweetness in their drinks!
I have to agree with you about Kristie's show. Three of my close friends, have got into recycling home goods and making things. The show made them realise that it made good eco and financial sense to buy second hand...I have bleeting on about this for years, but it took the show to make it 'acceptable'.
I'm leaning more towards handmade gifts as well. Some of my own and some of others. Love the little calendar. Cute and adorable.
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