We’ve collated lots of beautiful handmade Christmas decorations all in one place! Check out this gorgeous range of decor options for your home, office and garden all made and sold by talented small business owners!
If you love adding a touch of seasonal decor to your home, we’ve put together a pretty impressive collection! Everything you see is made and sold by a small business. When you shop small you really can find such unique and sometimes even personalised options (those calligraphied pumpkins are pretty dreamy!)
Happy shopping!
Please note we have not purchased any of products, these links are signposts towards products we found online. Be vigilant when purchasing from onlinesites and social media links.
It’s Barbie week (finally) and according to reports, searches for ‘Barbie’ and ‘Barbiecore’ have seen a sharp rise since the trailer for the film of the same name dropped earlier this year. With brands like Chanel, Zara and even Burger King jumping on the trend, it’s time to do our own spin – the shop small version and trust us when we tell you you’ll be saying ‘Hi Barbie’ to all of these gorgeous independent goodies.
This little cutie from Lelowa Candles is not only perfectly on brief for the kids toys nostalgia kick we’re currently on, but it’s a perfect addition to your shelfie space if you’re looking for some independent candle action. Available in pink or course, you can also grab one in a range of different shades, although why would you want to?
Thinking of hosting a Barbie party this weekend? Then these coasters from Midas Touch are a must. Featuring real flowers in the colours of your choice (pink is of course the only acceptable shade) they’re hand finished in eco-resin and topped off with a metallic edging which just sets the whole thing off.
We’re obsessed with these Rose Quartz candles from Cinco Skin, not only are they vegan and lovingly hand-poured but they also feature two Rose Quartz tumbled crystals. Rose Quartz is the love crystal which is said to fill your home with harmony, love and compassion – dreamy.
This limited edition Rose Quartz Dual Triangle ring is the perfect piece to finish off all your Barbiecore looks. Finished in 18ct Gold Plated brass, the great thing about this piece is that it’s adjustable so you can move it around depending on what your jewellery plans are for the day.
Only fancy a hint of pink? Then these AndRuz Studio marbled book ends are perfect for you. Each one is marbled in eco friendly resin alternative, Jesmonite and we love the chunky, contemporary design of these. Pair them up to create an aesthetically pleasing book shelf or use one solo as statement decor.
Looking to shop pink in person? Don’t forget, our Westfield pop-ups are now open and we have lots of small business goodies for you to shop. For more details on both of them, visit our What’s on page here.
We’ve put together a blog post FULL of teacher gift ideas all made and sold by small businesses across the UK. So many original and thoughtful ideas to help teachers know we appreciate them so much! Check them out below, if you love them, why not let the maker know! Comments, reviews, likes and follows go a long way for small businesses! Happy shopping!
If you need a little inspiration for some Galentines or Valentines gift ideas, look no further. We’ve picked some of our fav’s we’ve seen on the ‘gram all sold by small businesses! Discover so many thoughtful pressie ideas right here, and shop small in the process, happy shopping!
2. Mini photograph magnets (click the photo for full tutorial)
3. Handmade trinket dishes (click the photo for full tutorial)
4. Finger print keyrings (click the photo for full tutorial)
5. Decorated teabags (click the photo for full tutorial)
6. Polaroid coasters (click the photo for full tutorial)
7. Decorated succulent jars (click the photo for full tutorial)
8. Favourite recipe on a tea-towel (click the photo for full tutorial)
9. Marbled ring dish (click the photo for full tutorial)
10. Personalised lavender sachets (click the photo for full tutorial)
11. Handmade foot soak (click the photo for full tutorial)
And there you have some of our favourite handmade mothers day gift ideas. If you see something you try out, tag us and let us know! We love seeing handmade creations come to life!
We’ve put together a selection of some of the best Mothers Day Gift ideas all helping your loved to enjoy a little creative time. All gift ideas have been taken from our online collection and are sold from UK small independents.
If your loved one relishes in a peaceful afternoon crafting, she will love these ideas! All kits contain the materials you need, to make something beautiful for the home.
This spring wreath kit comes with everything your loved one needs to make their own beautiful dried flower wreath. They’ll learn how to make a half-wreath display using real dried flowers and grasses, all freshly hand-picked and kiln-dried on a UK farm in Kent.
Watch the easy to follow tutorial video, showing the simple techniques needed to attach your flowers to the ring and create a stunning arrangement. It’s the perfect kit for newbies.
This kit is a super relaxing option, help your loved one discover the art of painting with this beginners kit including everything you need to create your own master piece.
Everything you need to learn to create your artwork is explained in the easy to follow video tutorials which are available in the Masterpeace app. The artist will gently guide you through, step by step, giving you tips and tricks along the way, meaning you can follow at your own pace.
For any sewing lovers, this is a wonderful mindfulness activity to help your loved one switch off. Create a totally unique tote bag, once complete, use again and again as a sustainable carrier bag.
This sunflower bag design is suitable for all sewing abilities, including complete beginners, with full instructions to learn 3 different embroidery stitches.
This kit is beautifully presented and arrives in sustainable packaging, inside a sturdy cardboard box, an ideal letterbox gift.
This at-home clay kit provides you with all the tools you need to get creative with clay. With not kiln or oven heating required, options are endless on the things you could make for the home, from succulent planters to necklaces, hanging mobiles or festive decorations.
This one makes a great gift for any garden lover, discover the art of willow weaving with this beautifully presented bird feeder making kit.
This relaxing craft kit includes enough materials to create a set of three bird feeders. Use the printed, easy to follow step by step instructions to create your own garden or balcony accessory.
Once made, each bird feeder is ideal for holding large seeds, nuts or fat balls, and will attract different types of birds large or small.
Immerse yourself into the fantastic world of 3D paper cutting! If you’re new to paper cutting this kit is perfect for you.
Create a gorgeous green garden scene that you can put inside a dome and display, or why not give as a gift to any garden lover.
Use the easy to follow illustrated instructions and create each paper accessory. You’ll gradually build up your garden design and once complete place inside the included dome to admire.
Wrap up warm with this knitting craft kit teaching you how to make a cosy cowl scarf. This makes a thoughtful creative mothers day gift idea, using 100% acrylic yarn, this comes as a complete kit, suitable to give as a gift or to make yourself.
Once made you’ll have a super soft unisex cowl scarf. This kit is suitable for anyone who has learnt the basics of knitting and able to read a simple pattern. Knitting newbies will particularly love this kit, helping improve their skills and create something useful to wear that’s really warm and super soft next to your skin.
This relaxing crochet basket kit is complete with everything you need to create a trio of useful storage baskets. Treat a loved one to a cosy afternoon getting creative with this therapeutic crocheting project.
This practical kit comes with all the supplies needed, to crochet three different sized baskets including a simple to follow crochet pattern. Using chunky 100% premium acrylic yarn, choose the soft coloured yarn you would like.
Another crochet kit, this one’s great for anyone looking to learn how to crochet and create something at the same time. This beginners crochet kit comes with everything you need to learn how to crochet and create the cutest cactus keyring.
Use the easy to follow video with an audio described tutorial or the printed written instructions to help you to learn the basics in the best way you prefer.
There you have it! 10 creative mothers day gift ideas fantastic for any lover of craft!
This is the easiest handmade seed bombs tutorial I’ve come across so I wanted to share with you. They make the cutest gifts for flower lovers.
I wanted to make something for Valentine’s Day to give to a few family members and childminder handmade by my toddler (with maybe a little assistance!)
I have seen lots of seed bomb recipes with tricky ingredients or lots of steps. This one just required a few things and was easy to do with a 2 year old.
All you need is:
Flour
Compost
A packet of seeds (we chose wildflower seeds to create a meadow like effect)
A cup of water
What do you do:
1. Mix in a bowl, 3 cups of compost, 1 cup of flour and your packets of seeds.
2. Add a little water until you get a firm playdough sort of texture.
3. Using your hands mould small shaped handmade seed bombs, about the size of a ping pong ball. We created heart shapes for valentines day. Place them on a tray to dry for 24 hours. We used our airing cupboard.
I laughed coz they don’t look too great on the eye while they’re still wet! They look better once dried!
4. Once dry, pop in a little gift bag and add a tag with instructions. ‘Pop in a plant pot or the ground and water every so often.’
5. We made a heart stamped card to go with ours and popped in a gift bag.
These handmade seed bombs make a fab little gift for lots of occasions. Or why not favours for a party or wedding!
Looking for more handmade gift ideas? Check out a few more ideas here
We’ve collated a few of our favourite DIY Valentines makes out there at the moment all made by other inspiring crafters and makers.
Valentine’s is a lovely opportunity to tell anyone they love them. Mum, friend, brother, auntie or even your Amazon Prime delivery person – everyone loves hearing nice things about them!
So here’s a few DIY Valentines ideas you can make at home, with not toooo much preparation! There’s a few gift ideas, little message ideas and all round general fun to have with the family. All the instructions on how to make each one you’ll find in the comments below each photo.
Happy crafting!
Make your own chocolate bark by @Chloe_Louise_Aldous – This looks super simple to do and a lovely gift to give anyone if popped in a little gift bag with a tag!
3. 3D paper heart decorations by @Kirstiecrafts – Decorate a little area in the home or write little messages inside each one to surprise someone with. These look great to do with young crafters!
4. Salt dough love hearts by @our.playroom.diary – A fun thing to do with children could be making these hearts. Add a hole in them and they could be a tag that goes on a present or tied to the front of a gift card.
5. A Valentine’s platter by @utterly.organised.chaos – Such a beautiful way to arrange a plate of goodies! Easy to do with a few of your lover’s favourite treats, pop them in the shape of a heart and you look like you’ve made the biggest effort!
7. Valentine’s Bucket List by @_emily_thomas__ and @the.mama.project – This is more of a fun way to recognise Valentine’s as a family. A beautiful way to make memories and teaching your kids how to love people in different ways.
8. Watercolour hearts by @theartfulparent – These cute hearts are an easy way to make your own card for Valentine’s draw a heart or even write a secret message!
9. Valentine’s Rice Treats by @downhomedrake – A yummy treat for any loved one in your life. Pop them in your kids lunchboxes, gift them to your neighbour or send one in the post to your pal.
10. DIY seed paper hearts by @hellokidsstudio – A fun and eco friendly way to tell someone you love them, and give them something to enjoy in months to come. A fab DIY valentines idea.
If you’re looking for crafty gifts for someone this Valentine’s Day, check out our online store full of craft kits to give to anyone who loves spending time getting creative.
Did you know this stuff grows in the wild in so many public places across the UK for about 4-6 weeks of the year. And it comes back again every year.
Something we trrrry to do is go on an elderflower foraging hunt at this time of year. We come back with a bag of freshly picked elderflower and love turning it into something yummy.
Over the years we’ve made, gin, cordial, wine, but this year we found a fab recipe for orange and elderflower jam. And I can proudly confirm after nearly finishing a loaf of bread, it’s delicious on toast!
Where can I find it?
Elderflower is abundant throughout the UK, in woods and along roadside hedgerows. From late May you’ll see masses of tiny white flowers hanging in sprays which develop into purple elderberries later in the summer.
What does it look like?
Credit: Pete Holmes / WTML
The flowers are flat-topped clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers, the fragrance is sweet and summery.
If you come across any on your daily wanders, why not take a little home to make something yummy too!
Here’s a few recipes we’ve enjoyed over the last few years to inspire you!
If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas this year, here’s a little guide we’ve put together of gifts sourced from small and local companies.
It’s been a tough year to navigate on all fronts. From a retail perspective, being a small business owner, it’s been a challenging time. There are so many small businesses out there struggling to keep going. If you’re on the hunt for gifts, here’s a thoughtful collection of gifts, made or sold from small businesses in and around my local area. There’s a few of our own thrown in the mix too!
Hopefully there’s something thoughtful here that you could buy for that special someone!
Happy shopping!
UNIQUE A5 SIZE CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS
William’s Fund raise money for Childhood Cancer in Oxford, we have our own researchers dedicated to improving Cancer treatment for children, in memory of William. William’s Fund have no paid employees.
These beautiful cards are from original designs by Elizabeth Cox, William’s Grandmother. Mixed packs of 25 (£13) or 50 (£18). ALL proceeds go to the research. Remember to look for the hidden mice!
Decorate your front door this Christmas with your own handmade festive wreath. This kit comes delivered to your home, with everything needed to make a wreath using real greenery, artificial berries, pine cones and an easy to follow tutorial.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
Get creative at home with everything you need to make and decorate your own paper envelope advent calendar. Fill your handmade envelopes with included acts of kindness ideas for you to spread a little festive cheer to your loved ones and the community. Great to make with or without kids.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
Ceramic Christmas decorations with satin red ribbon in a Snowman, Robin or Reindeer design. Each are personalised with an option of three messages ‘With love at Christmas’, ‘My first Christmas’ and ‘Happy Christmas’ and a name of your choice. To place an order please go to the ‘contact us’ form on the website.
Decorate your home with this rustic handmade advent bunting, made with individual pockets in each flag, to fill with your own treats of your choice. Start a new tradition in your home and reuse it each Christmas.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
Add a little sparkle to your home with our Elf huts. These handmade homes are installed with a solar light and come in a choice of two colours red and green. To order either visit my Etsy store, email enchantedgardendesigns@hotmail.com or check out my Facebook page facebook.com/enchantedgardendesigns/
A range of ceramic tiles and coasters in a variety of shapes and sizes that feature your little one’s hand or foot prints and name or custom personalisation. When ordered an ‘inkless hand and foot print kit’ will be sent directly to you with full instructions on how to take your prints. Once they are completed they can then be scanned and emailed back or returned in the envelope provided to Little Prints HQ. Upon receipt, the prints will be transformed into your keepsake and will then be posted to you within 2 weeks.
A range of ceramic tiles, coasters and hanging ornaments that feature your pet’s paw print and name or custom personalisation. When ordered an ‘inkless paw print kit’ will be sent directly to you with full instructions on how to take your prints. Once completed they can then be scanned and emailed back or returned in the envelope provided to Little Prints HQ. Upon receipt, the prints will be transformed into your keepsake and will then be posted to you within 2 weeks
Treat your home (and yourself) with our Home Pamper Hamper! This contains our gorgeous essentials to make your home smell and feel like the festive season, all presented in a reusable wood-effect gift box. Contents: Orange and Cinnamon Reed Diffuser (150ml), Warm Honeysuckle Candle (250g), Vanilla Small Room or
Car Freshener, Orange & Nutmeg Hand Sanitiser (100ml). Bespoke Hampers also available on our website
A gift offering any plant lover the chance to discover the art of macrame and create their own hanging garden. This kit comes with enough cotton cord to make and display two pot plants or terrariums.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
Luxury plant based soy wax candles and reed diffusers for the home and beautiful essential oil bath and body products for that extra treat we all deserve – the perfect gift this Christmas.
Unique and contemporary personalised portraits from a highly skilled local artist. Emily paints families, individuals, couples, children and pets from either photographs or sittings. A variety of sizes and options available, including oil paintings, watercolour, ink, charcoal and pencil. Order soon, to secure your slot: ratherniceartist@gmail.com
Children can choose either a fairy or Elf design wreath kit for them to design at home. These come with a wide range of artificial Christmas decorations, lights, colouring door kit, and glue pen. To order either visit my Etsy store, email enchantedgardendesigns@hotmail.com or check out my Facebook page facebook.com/enchantedgardendesigns/
This cosy craft kit includes everything you need to make a pair of microwavable, reusable pocket hand warmers. This stocking filler gift idea comes in two colours and makes a thoughtful winter treat for loved ones.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
The perfect gift for a creative friend. This letterbox friendly kit comes with everything they’ll need to decorate a tote bag, tea towel, or drawstring bag, using fair trade wooden block print stamps and fabric paint.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 15% discount on all orders.
Award winning English sparkling wine grown and made in Radnage, Buckinghamshie. Sparkling white and rose wines and Sparkling cider. Either order online or email info@dawshillvineyard.co.uk
The best, freshest sweets in the world, but tasting is believing. Providing old-fashioned excellent customer service and value for money. Our business motto is to put a smile on everyone’s face, one face at a time. We post out sweets envelopes all over England, Scotland and Wales.
Staying in is the new going out so enjoy Afternoon Tea in the comfort of your own home or garden with those nearest and dearest to you. Available as a christmas gift voucher or a treat at home for the holiday season.
Order either online, by email orders@thekitchencroxley.com or by giving us a ring 01923 805 896.
Colourful, light reflecting jewellery and home decorations. Lots of different sizes and 24 different colours – all handmade in Sarratt, to make you smile!
Why not add a sprinkle of sparkle to your Christmas this year? At the Heritage Jewellery Co, we have curated a range of beautiful vintage and antique jewellery including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks and rings such as these fabulous five stone diamond rings.
If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for a loved one then an individually hand-crafted antique Victorian gold locket with a photograph you’ve chosen could just be the perfect present.
Our Body Pamper Hamper will provide everything you need to create your own calm with the help of our luxury skincare and a hand-poured aromatherapy candle, all presented in a reusable wood-effect gift box. Contents: Intensive Body Serum Cream (50g), Sleepy & Sensitive Skin Body Serum Cream (50g), Baby & Sensitive Skin Body Serum Cream (50g), pair of cotton gloves and bootees (one size), Orange & Nutmeg Hand Sanitiser (50ml), Serenity aromatherapy candle (250g). Bespoke Hampers also available on our website.
Treat that special someone to a relaxing treatment this Christmas, with a luxurious massage, aromatherapy or healing gift voucher. Vouchers come gift wrapped sure to wow anyone on Christmas Day.
Add some sparkle this Christmas. Our ethically sourced range of crystals can be compiled in to your very own tailor-made gift sets. Select a series of stones and link grandparents with grandchildren, husbands and wives, siblings and friends. From tumbles to towers, from points to geodes, from candles to carvings to keyrings, there really is something for everyone! Give us a call or send a WhatsApp to discuss your personal order, and let us help you make it a Christmas to remember. Give a gift that lasts, connecting you with loved ones wherever you are in the world, showing your love, this Christmas and forever.
Spoil that special person in your life with a gift voucher from Eloquence Permanent Cosmetics. A choice of three bespoke treatments; Hairstroke/ Combination/Ombré Brows, Eyeliner or Lip Blush/Full Colour.
Inspired by Ayurveda an all-natural hair care range based on Ayurvedic principles to strengthen hair and restore dry damaged hair back to its former glory.
Use code IDH for an exclusive 20% discount on all items.
A lot of thought has gone into this collection of Crystal Pouches, each one offering love, support and healing to the individual. Each pouch contains six crystals energised with Reiki healing for a friend or family member and offers support for: Anxiety & Stress, Calm & Relaxation, Wealth & Abundance, Communication & Confidence, Concentration & Memory and Travellers. Visit the website to find an array of beautiful crystal gifts and jewellery which can be personalised with a name, brief message and Reiki healing.
Gift a loved one pure calm, relaxation and healing with a Reiki therapeutic treatment. This gentle Japanese technique is excellent for stress and anxiety, insomnia, headaches, pain, menopause symptoms and much more. Gift vouchers are available for 30 or 60 minute treatments. Visit the website to find out more about how Reiki works.
Here’s a lovely moving house gift idea I made recently for a family who moved to St. Louis in the States, last month.
This gift idea is ideal for people moving somewhere new. It’s a year of day out ideas to help them get to know their new local neighbourhood.
I scoured the internet for fun and quirky things to do for the family, trying not to find things that cost too much. I kept in mind the seasons and the weather it’ll likely be. Finding an unusual ice-cream parlour to go to in January probably wouldn’t be that fun!
I also checked out event sites, to see if there were any one-off festivals or events going on that might not be on the usual ‘things to do in St Louis’ type websites.
When you start googling there really are so many ideas that makes me bet there’s so many unfound gems in my own neighbourhood!
I typed the ideas into text boxes on a word document, giving all the info they’d need to find out more online, and cut out the different cards.
I decorated 12 envelopes adding the month of the year to each one.
Fill the envelopes and tie with string adding a handwritten tag. Hopefully this will give the family a year of fun memories to start making together in their new home town.
I’ve made this gift a few times for a few friends, it works for lots of occasions. A year of date night ideas for the first year of marriage, a year of things to do with a newborn baby.
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Do you know someone who would love something handmade like this? Why not give it a go too.
If you’re looking for a face mask for a special occasion, we might just have something for you.
With face masks becoming the crazy new normal, it’s completely going to change people’s photo albums for weddings and parties.
So imagine this, you’re heading to your best mates wedding, you’ve had your hair done, you’ve got your favourite pair of fancy heels and a designer clutch at the ready, and erm a clinical blue disposable face mask? Probably not the look you had in mind.
So we’ve been working on a few ways for you to look smart and feel safe at the same time.
Introducing our luxurious lace range of face masks?
We recently added lace face masks to our online shop. Don’t worry, they’re made of fabric a little thicker than lace!
These are fabulous for weddings and parties. They also the perfect solution if you’re the bride or groom about to go wedding dress/suit shopping. Check out this luxurious style in our online shop. They’re easy to order and arrive gift wrapped, in letterbox friendly packaging.
Want something completely unique?
As well as the 30+ designs available in our online shop, we love to get our creative hat on to make something totally bespoke for you.
It could be a certain fabric your looking for, or a photo printed onto your mask, or words, a logo or initials.
It could even be a bulk order of special masks for all your guests, we’d love to help.
Bespoke mask prices start from £8 a mask + p&p.
Get in touch and we can start creating a face mask for a special occasion and something completely unique for you.
Want a SUPER simple bake-less cake recipe that will make the perfect dessert for any celebration? Read on 🙂
I celebrated my birthday recently and it’s a tradition in our house for the mama bear to make us all a handmade cake, usually in a creative, quirky fun design.
This year was quite an impressive cake I’ve gotta say, it’s up there as one of my favs! A five decker layer ice-cream cake. Oh my goodness was it yummy.
The best thing is, it’s all made of ice-cream so it’s so simple to make as there’s no baking involved. Any age can make it and it will look super impressive!
How to make you ice-cream cake
You’ll need:
5x tubs of ice-cream, all different colours and flavours ideally (you won’t need it all)
Sweets and biscuits to decorate
Melted chocolate
5x round cake tins
You’ll need the ice-cream slightly squishy to mould it for the first stage. So either take it out of the freezer for 5/10 minutes, or usually by the time you get back from the shops it’s the perfect stage to start making your ice-cream cake.
Scoop out your ice-cream into the cake tins – one flavour for each tin. Press it down firmly to create about a 1 inch thick layer.
Pop all cake tins back in the freezer to solidify and wait at least an hour for it to properly freeze.
Take out each of your cake tins, and fill up a washing up bowl with boiling water. Just dip each cake tin in the hot water for about 5 seconds, wipe the bottom of the tin with a tea towel and turn the tin over onto a plate. The ice-cream should pop out relatively easily with a few shakes. Take a knife and score around the edges and repeat the water technique again if you’re struggling to get it out.
Place all the layers on top of each other, then use your creative imagination to decorate your ice-cream tower.
Melted chocolate makes a great effect if you drip it down the edge of the cake. Or you could cover your cake in melted chocolate stripes.
Then adorn your cake with yummy sweets and biscuits. My mum decorated mine in mini jammi-dodgers, chocolate fingers, cadburys crunchie and wafer biscuits as they are a few of my favs!
The more colourful it is, the more impressive it’ll look!
Remember to keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to present to the birthday girl or boy.
There you have it, a super epic bake-less cake recipe!
This is a thoughtful handmade gift idea for a new mum or expecting mama. Perfect if you’re wondering what to get someone.
Inspired from a gift I received when I was pregnant, I wanted to write little letters to my bump of all the things I was thinking and dreaming for him. My pregnancy was a little miracle at a time filled with many unsettling circumstances. This little babe was one of the only things that kept us going mentally as a family and I wanted to express this in a letter to explain how perfectly timed his life was and how blessed we are to have him.
Gushy stuff over! I therefore wrote several letters – things I’d love him to try, things I hope for him, important things about life. I put them in different labelled envelopes.
Fast-forward to last month, I wanted to send a few of my pregnant friends a ‘thinking of you’ present. Pregnant during lockdown sounds incredibly tough, you’re desperate for things to keep you busy but want to do things that don’t require too much physical movement! So I personalised some envelopes for them to be able to write a similar thing for their bundle
I wrote five envelopes and labelled them with different topics and decorated the edge of each envelope with some metallic washi tape.
Then I tied them up with string and added a tag to look a little more gift-like! I used the phrase ‘Letters to the one who made me a mum’
And there you have it, a thoughtful gift idea for new mum and mamas-to-be out there.
To date, as a business we have always tried to shop small and source our stock and supplies from small independents or fair trade organisations. But as part of the continued conversation about diversity, one of the things we can do as a company is to be mindful about the businesses we buy from.
One of the ways to support ethnic minority communities is to shop from them.
Personally, I love coming across companies offering unique gifts, quirky accessories and yummy treats, especially if they’re from a small business. So to inspire you, here’s a few BAME-owned small UK businesses we have come across recently.
Don’t forget there’s many ways to champion independent stores through social media follows, likes, comments, reviews, shares, and recommendations.
We hope this inspires you to find some brilliant new brands to support and fall in love with.
Create your own mini home sanctuary with stunning accessories and decor @wildbohome
We’ve introduced a crochet kit which could make the perfect gift for the crochet lovers out there.
This fun crochet kit comes with everything you need to have a relaxing evening, creating a trio of colourful handmade wash cloths.
This easy crocheting project comes with all the supplies to crochet three 16cm square dish cloths or flannels.
Sure to brighten up any home, the kit is suitable for anyone who has learnt the basics of crochet and able to read a super simple pattern. Newbies to crochet will particularly love this kit, helping improve their skills and create something useful for the home.
Choose two of the five colourful 8 ply cotton yarns, all made from 100% soft and natural fibre.
This beautifully presented kit comes in a recyclable, letterbox friendly packaging, wrapped in tissue paper, tied with string and personalised with a message of your choice making it a great option for birthday or ‘thinking of you’ presents.
If crocheting is not their thing, check out our range of crafty kits which also make thoughtful gifts for your creative friends and family.
The best gifts are handmade and this one’s an easy one for anyone to make.
You’ll need a plain mug which you can pick up from most homeware shops, a few coloured sharpie pens and a packet of alphabet stickers, both can be purchased from Hobbycraft or a general Craft Store.
If you’re gifting this for someone, you could personalise this by using the first letter of their name. Choose your letter or letters and stick them on the mug. Then with your sharpie pens, draw hundreds of tiny dots around the letter. For added effect, use a few colours and gradually fade and make the dots more spaced out the further you get away from the sticker.
Once you’re happy, peel off the sticker from the mug and you’re left with an outline of the letter.
There you have it, fill it with treats, their favourite teabags or a packet of biscuits and you’ve got a beautiful hand personalised gift.
A quick note, these dots won’t survive in the dishwasher, so handwash them only 🙂
Looking for an anniversary gift idea? This creative make could be the one.
I created this fancy number to give to the husband as my 2nd wedding anniversary gift. I secretly knew I would appreciate this much more than he would, I also knew my hallway would look that lil’ bit cuter coz of it too! The husband of course is blissfully unaware of my crafty tactics!
Traditionally, 2nd anniversary is cotton, so I wanted to incorporate cotton fabric in there some how and came up with this…
I bought an ikea box frame (£3.50 in white or black), and got 2 spoons personalised by ‘Washed Up Wood’, they can engrave anything you like onto a spoon! Covered the backing of the frame with fabric and held it in place using super glue on the back of the board.
I tied the spoons together using coloured string and then tied this string around the board and made a knot at the back. It held in place naturally due to the tightness of the knot at the back, so no need for glue here.
I attached a flower to cover the knot on the front of the spoons and placed this into the box frame.
Do you like decorating your home with handmade goodies? This is a creative make for any wine loving enthusiasts.
I had one of those decisions to make last week; to finish some of the crafty projects I’ve already begun or make that list longer and start a new one… I chose the latter. It’s just too exciting to start something new.
I kept all the corks from our wedding day and they have been sitting on a shelf waiting for me to pick them up and begin this project, poor things. I knew one day I would want to construct the first letter of our family name, and that day had arrived and I had my glue gun at the ready!
I got the letter ‘A’ cut out of MDF by a timber shop. You can order letters online too pretty cheap and you can choose from loadsa fonts. Then you get glue gun happy! Start covering the wood in glue and sticking each cork down. Most corks have a pattern on one end, I chose to have these facing out and I’m super pleased with the outcome.
My house is slowly becoming a haven of handmade delights! My poor husband!
Do you always forget people’s birthdays? This might help you in your home to always remember people’s birthdays.
I saw this idea over on pinterest and wanted to give it a go. Now this perfect solution proudly hangs in my hallway!
I went to a local timber shop to get some MDF cut with the measurements I gave. I asked for a long rectangle (35x10cm) and lots of round discs about the size of a 10 pence piece. I asked for each one to have 2 little holes at the top and bottom.
I then painted the rectangular shaped piece of wood in a cream Dulux wall paint and painted the discs with nail varnish.
I then found some patterned paper I could use to cut out the letters for ‘Birthdays’ with. The more vintage style the better! I roughly drew the size o the letters I’d need first, beginning with the H in the middle and built the word out, to ensure there was enough space.
I also used one little alphabet sticker for each month and stuck them evenly along the bottom. I bought mini gold hooks (from B&Q) and twisted them into the edge of the wood.
I also bought some flexible wire from B&Q and used wire cutters and made loads of ‘s’ shaped hooks with it. I tried to find already made ‘s’ hooks but couldn’t find the size I wanted available in the UK.
Once all this was done, I was ready to add my chummy’s names using a sharpie marker pen and numbers for the dates.
Now I have no excuse, I will always remember people’s birthdays from now on!
Looking for handmade gift ideas? This prezzie idea is simple but a thoughtful one.
Find your favourite verse or quote that applies to the person you’re giving it to, then fill up a frame using alphabet stickers.
I found some decorative paper in the depths of my craft box, cut it to match the shape of the frame then used letter stickers which are available at Hobbycraft or online. I used different font stickers to make it a bit more colourful!
Hey presto you’ve got yourself a thoughtful handmade gift idea.
If you’re looking for a handmade gift idea, here’s one for a friend or loved one.
Do you like receiving happy mail? Me too, I’ve been given a few packs of beautiful postcards and notelets which I can now send to some of my friends when I want to say hello, or thank you in the post.
I wondered if I could make my own notelet kit for my friend who LOVES sending little cards and notes. So I made this little kit filled with lots of love and decorated paper to use to send to people.
You’ll need:
2 sheets of A4 card
Alphabet stickers
String
Pretty paper
Double sided tape
All of these can be bought from most craft shops like Hobbycraft. Take one piece of A4 card and cover it in your decorated paper, I used this pink stripy paper shown in the photo below. Use double sided tape to stick it to the card (I find you get less air bubbles/glue bumps). This will become your cover of your writing kit.
Now lightly score 2 parallel lines where the cover of your book will fold. I made mine to have a spine of about 1 inch thick which is just enough to hold several letters and envelopes.
Next take the second sheet of card, hold it landscape, and cut a vertical line down the middle of the card so you end up with 2 equal sizes of A5 card.
Score 4 parallel lines along each sheet of A5 card of where you want the folds for the pocket to be. See the photo below for help on how I folded mine. These 4 fold lines will create a ‘tab’ that will be the actual bit that sticks to the inside cover of your book.
Before you stick it down, cover in your decorative paper, maybe use a different one to the one on the main cover. No need to cover the whole of the tabs as these won’t be seen. I then used double sided tape on the tabs of the pockets, and stuck them down.
Once stuck down, I stuck a little bit of string on the inside of each pocket at the bottom which ensures nothing falls out. I used Sellotape for this. You shouldn’t be able to see the string on the outside of the kit.
Next the fun bit… Decorating the letter paper and envelopes! I used my alphabetical stamps, washi tape and some embellishments I had in my craft box. See some ideas you could create…
Then, cut a piece of string to go all the way around your book plus extra to tie a bow. Tie it into position, tying your book firmly shut. Then cut out a rectangle of decorative paper and stick this on top of the string on the front cover, holding the string in position. I then decorated this rectangle personalising it for my friend using lettered stickers and ribbon.
Fill up your writing kit and your sorted! You could add a loop of material to hold a pen if you’re keen. Add stamps to the envelopes and you’re good to go! A lovely little handmade gift idea for any budding writer!
It’s fairly simple to make and yummy when you scrape out the bowl afterwards!
Check out the link for all the ingredients you need.
I sterilised jam jars and filled each one leaving a little gap at the top. Cut out some baking paper and placed circles of floral fabric on top and screwed the lid on which kept it all in place.
You can find free printable gift tags on various blogs which you can download for free, some you can even edit the text on. Type into google ‘free printable gift tags’ and you’ll open up a whole world of crafty mayhem!
A personal favourite of mine is Lia Griffiths blog, she has beautiful shabby gifts tags
Add the gift tag with some striped string and your good to go! A great Nutella gift idea!
This gift idea for families is a thoughtful handmade touch great for Christmas or new baby announcements.
This great prezzie is a personalised frame filled with all their names scrabble style!
Firstly draw out your design on paper to check all the families names link up and then buy all the letters you need. My trusty friend eBay has many sellers with wooden scrabble letters available either as single letters to buy, or a full scrabble board’s worth.
Next choose a decorative sheet of paper for the background of your design and cut out the desired shape for your frame.
I bought a selection of box frames from ikea, they have various sizes in either white or black very reasonably priced too! If your a crafter, it might be worth buying a few of these as they are great for displaying your work of art!
Place all of your letters on the decorative paper in the design you’d like it. Make sure everything’s straight and parallel to the edge of the decorative paper as it would look bent when displayed in the frame. Using superglue, glue each piece down with a little glue along the edge of any letter touching another letter.
Wait for it to dry and insert into your box frame et voila!
We’re so happy with our Advent Calendar Tree – the daily treats taste yummy, its added some Christmas decor to the room and our crafty paws were in their element making it!
We made mini cocoa gingerbread biscuits, decorated them with the numbers and wrapped each one in cellophane.
We bought the tree from
hobbycraft.co.uk and bought some extra baubles and tree decor – once the biscuits start to get eaten it will begin to look pretty bare! Happy Advent everyone!
Nappy cake designs! Here they are, we’ve made a fair few, so I thought I’d save some of our favourite designs all in one place. I’ve also included a tutorial of how I made my first ever one.
If you’re looking to try making a creative gift for the next baby shower you attend, this handmade gift will be pretty unique and incredibly useful! It will also remove the chances of you turning up with the same gift as someone else!
My first ever nappy cake:
You’ll need:
about 60-70 nappies (I’d recommend buying size 3, they’re a good width and if the mama has a big baby they’ll fit!)
string
rubber bands
wrapping paper
decorative ribbon
All of these except the nappies can be purchased from a craft store e.g. Hobbycraft.
Start by rolling up each nappy, into a toilet roll shape, and secure with a small rubber band. Then when you have enough to make the base layer of the ‘cake’, stand them all up and make a circular shape. When you’re happy take a piece of string and tie it around really tight to ensure all the nappies are behaving! Then repeat this and make the remaining two other layers of the cake.
I then measured the height of each layer and cut a long piece of wrapping paper to wrap around the edge of each tier (like where you would ice the cake) I wrapped it round and stuck down with a piece of sticky tape. Then tied a pretty ribbon on top of the wrapping paper, around the middle of each layer. I added a chocolate lollypop at the top which had the ‘happy birthday’ message on, something that my niece could actually enjoy! Et voila 🙂
Here’s some of our other nappy cake designs that we’ve created more recently:
