Leaf print light and shade Update a plain white lampshade with a cascade of pretty leaf rubbings – just like the ones you did when you were at school. You…
Craft
Use typography to personalise a gift
These chic makes are inspired by metallics and typography Both are big this season for homeware and on stationery. It gives you the opportunity to personalise gifts – a lovely…
How to make a handbag charm
Looking for a quick way to jazz up any outfit? We suggest making yourself a sophisticated handbag charm featuring a tassel or pom-pom. The tassel key takes 20-30 minutes to…
Paint a lampshade in six steps
We’ll show you how to paint a lampshade with this cheerful bird motif. You could also use the design to decorate cushions and other items in your home. Tested by…
Gold leaf: Clipboard craft products with shimmer
Imitation gold leaf comes in individual sheets attached to a piece of backing paper – a booklet of around 25 sheets costs about £7. ‘Size’ (also called gilding paste) is…
Bird feeder: Creative garden ideas
Coconut perches These eye-catching coconut shells make perfect pecking perches for hungry birds Skill level: Intermediate Time to make: 1-2 hours For this bird feeder, you will need: ✤ Whole…
A dog doorstop to sew for your home
Follow our instructions and you’ll have a cute dog doorstop for your home in 3-4 hours. You will need: ✤ Access to a photocopier ✤ Tracing paper and pencil ✤…
Watercolour painting: Paint your own Christmas cards
Watercolour painting is so fun – especially when the technique is used to make festive greetings cards. You will need: ✤ Card blanks – ours measure 15cm square ✤ Watercolours…
Elegant tea light craft ideas
Frosted jars This project will take you around 24 hour, including drying time. Skill level: A bit more tricky You will need: ✤ 3 jars ✤ Sticky-back plastic vinyl ✤…
Snowman pom pom wreath to make
Skill level: Easy-peasy Measurements Wreath: Approximately 30cm/11¾in in diameter Snowman: Approximately 9cm/3¼in long Materials 3 x 100g (280m) balls of Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic) in White (961)* 30cm polystyrene…
A paper wreath with berries to make
Create this eye-catching wreath, which will last and last, simply by cutting leaves and berries from scraps of paper. It’s a great project to entertain the kids over the Christmas…
How to turn twigs into chic Christmas decorations
We share three fun and festive craft ideas made using twigs. Top trees These rustic-style trees look great on a side table or even grouped together as a centrepiece. Either…
How to marble stationery
To prepare surfaces before you marble You will need: ✤ Alum powder ✤ Shallow rectangular tray ✤ Paintbrush ✤ Acrylic gesso ✤ Acrylic paint ✤ Masking tape ✤ Pencil For…
How to decorate bowls, bags and books using gold leaf
You will need: ✤ Imitation gold leaf comes in individual sheets attached to a piece of backing paper – a booklet of around 25 sheets costs about £7. ✤ Size…
How To Make: A peg bag
Materials Cotton fabric Child’s coat hanger Matching ribbon Matching sewing thread Paper for the template Pencil Scissors To make the template for the peg bag Note: Use 1cm seam allowances…
How To Make: Papier mache jewellery from an egg box
You will need: ✤ Egg box ✤ PVA glue ✤ Cocktail stick ✤ Chopstick or knitting needle ✤ Fine-grade sandpaper ✤ White acrylic paint ✤ Acrylic ink or paint ✤…
How To Make: A toy bone your dog will love
Instead of popping to the pet shop to buy a Christmas present, treat your beloved hound to a gift they’ll really adore One of the things we love most about…
Vintage Make: A sweet soft toy dog from 1965
Remember that toy dog you loved so much as a child? Here’s how to make one with a distinctively vintage feel – the perfect present To make Donald the dachshund,…
How To Make: A personalised Christmas gingerbread kit
This Christmas gingerbread kit is the perfect gift to put together if you’re in a rush around the festive period. Simply fill up a jar with the ingredients, bake a…
How To Make: A handmade memo board
Organise your home in style with this gorgeouse homemade memo board. Try experimenting with different coloured paints, patterned fabrics and button push pins to give our memo board project a…