From a crafting perspective – I finished maternity leave ‘officially’ in June 2020 – and in all sense of ‘normality’ I would be fully into festive mode with workshops here at the studio 3 or 4 days and evenings a week by now – wreaths, bunting, glitter and people together crafting. Chatting, festive music on. A mince pie or three… The Crafty Lass studio isn’t huge – but, it is quaint and has a nice ‘feel’ about it. Even when I am in here on my own, it has a nice ‘atmosphere’. For those that don’t know what the studio looks like – it is basically an old barn (a grain store) that I have filled with a huge table, and then to the brim of clutter. Ha, craft!
However, Covid and lockdowns – have created a new way of communication. Pushed people online. And, actually – maybe this isn’t a ‘bad’ thing. Again, it is just ‘different’. Whilst I don’t believe online ‘virtual’ crafting can ever quite match the excitement and buzz of people actively working together, side by side and seeing, being inspired what others are doing – I have been quite surprised at just how much it DOES feel special, and effective at teaching and learning a new crafty skill.
When ‘The Handmade Festival’ was cancelled this year – originally due to be in September in Battersea, London – it was completely understandable. But – they launched a new ‘online’ version! I was asked – would I be happy to teach my workshops in this new way… I was sceptical if it would ‘work’ – but, it really did! And so many people from all over the country could and did get involved. Magic!
So, when they asked me to return for a new The Handmade Festival ‘Festive’ edition – I jumped at the chance!
And, the great news is – you can craft in your pyjamas if you want! In your lounge, at your dining table – wherever and however you like. Make yourself a cuppa, join the class and hopefully – feel inspired to get creative! I hope to ‘see’ you there!
Learn how to make two achievable origami shapes to make a large festive star wreath and Christmas trees! You could use traditional paper – but any thin paper could be utilised for these makes… Upcycle magazines, gift wrap, old maps or even standard copier paper! Add the origami trees to your own Christmas tree as decorations, or use as a cake topper. Add them to a shelf or mantelpiece as stylish decor. The star wreath would make a beautiful wall or inside door display, or as part of a table centrepiece! However you decide to use your makes, The Crafty Lass will talk you through how to make each piece step by step.
Materials and Equipment Required:
– Papers (14 or 15 squares of the same size for the wreath and however many you like for the trees – each square makes one tree)
– Scissors
– Glue or double sided tape (optional)
Learn how to sew some festive felt mistletoe and holly. These versatile and simple makes can be used in such a variety of ways! Add some ribbon to hang as decorations on your tree, add a brooch back to make into lovely Christmas accessories. You could even add to gift wrap! Or, make lots and turn them into a garland, bunting or a beautifully festive wreath. However you want to use your felt creations, The Crafty Lass will provide inspiration and talk you through how to make step by step.
Materials and Equipment Needed:
– Green felt (around A5-A4 in size)
– Red and white felt wool balls or small pompoms (around 1-1.5cm in size)
– Scissors
– Pencil
– Paper
– Needle and green thread
– Hot glue gun (optional)
Depending on what you want to use your makes for:
– Wreath ring and stew/thin Wire (optional for a wreath)
– Ribbon or twice (optional for tree decorations or garland)
– Brooch backs (optional for a brooch accessory)