Festive shopping

Would it disgust you to know I've completed my Christmas shopping? Admittedly, most of it happened completely by accident due to browsing at last month's Handmade Haven. But! I have picked up some fantastic things from Sarey Poppins.

Without giving the game away, look at this perfect idea for a Christmas pressie...

I even picked up a top tip, if you pop one of my lavender sachets inside, your bedding smells all dreamy and relaxing as it heats next to your hot water bottle.

And how about an unique and original little something from embroidery genius Angharad Jefferson?

I know a telly addict who'd love one of these...

I was asked to make a Christmas stocking for a little one I know, but thought that Rikrak has it all under control in her shop.

Wouldn't you love to wake up with one of these hanging on the mantelpiece...

You can find the perfect gift wrapping embellishments in my etsy and folksy shops, and watch this space for details of how to make your own! Or pick some up in person from the Girl Industries stall at the Dennistoun Craft Fair on Saturday 28th November, or at Inver Cottage with the Glasgow Craft Mafia on Saturday 5th December.

By popular request

After a bit of sewing, a whole lot of knitting and a little bit of driving, I can proudly announce that these adorable baby jumpers are now available at the Rachael Albert boutique at DeCourcey's in the West End of Glasgow. I'll also have them with me when I hit up Dennistoun Craft Fair on Saturday 28th November, and Inver Cottage on 5th December.

Most of the jumpers are made out of mum-friendly machine washable cotton and cotton blends - some with 100% organic cotton, and some even have a little bit of silk mixed in, too.

However... if there is one you absolutely feel you must have right now, please sign up for and log into Etsy, send me a message using the conversation feature, and I will list one just for you as a custom order for the bargain price of $25, including shipping to the UK.

From the left to the right, they are in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months. All of them are limited editions, which mean that these are the only ones in existence, so when they are gone, they're gone!

The Craft Mafia are coming!

Look out for us in Glasgow and beyond over the next couple of weekends. We'd love for you to join us!

I'm in a book!

So this is big news!

My black damask envelopes have been featured in this awesome book. Lots of the projects in 1000 ideas for creative reuse (by Garth Johnson) are a familiar sight from Etsy and Craft, but there is plenty in there that is more on the the art side than the craft side, and it's a lovely book to browse through and be inspired by. Garth's blog, Extreme Craft is also well worth a read, I love the fine balance between cutting edge ideas and traditional techniques.

One of my favourite things about the book is that each page is organised by colour theme, making it really easy on the eye. I also like the way that everyone is properly credited, by name, by company and in an easy to read index that identifies each contributor and his/her/their item. After being misquoted, falsely attributed and altogether omitted by certain other publications over the years, it's very refreshing to see that someone is capable of doing it properly.

I love this ad

I saw this on TV a lot when I was in the US in September and thought I should share it with you. If you like the colour brown, stationery and mail that actually arrives, then you'll like this!

Christmas parcels at Shop Handmade UK

Oooh, I've been featured in a number of special gift packages curated by Shop Handmade UK. I especially like Rose Pink Gift Box Number 2, which also contains a What Would Delia Do? tea towel made by Miso Funky, and cute little ponytail holders by See The Woods, who keeps me entertained over on Twitter. You also get a keychain notebook from Girl Industries in there, too, you lucky recipient!

The gift boxes represent really good value for money, and are on sale right now, via Folksy.com. They will also be available to ooh and aah over, and to buy, at the Handmade UK market in Oxford on Sunday 29 November.

What a lovely gift!

Squirrels and rabbits and deer! Oh my!

I'm powering through my to-do list today, so thought I'd take some time out to show you something I've been working on just for fun.

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