5 FAVES FRIDAY // DIY CHRISTMAS STATIONARY

1. Gift Wrap for Christmas by Burkatron

2. Potato Stamped Wrapping Paper by Trendenser

3. Rosemary Wreath Gift Toppers by Spoon Fork Bacon

4. Printable Christmas Wrapping Paper by Homey Oh My

5. Twig & Pom Berry Gift Toppers by Rue Rococo

If you've just finished your Christmas shopping like me, you're probably now starting to think about wrapping them up. For years I opted for the shiny ready made wrapping paper that you can buy in rolls however nowadays I like to keep my gift wrap simple and when I can, to decorate it myself. A great way to do this is by making your own gift toppers or by stamping the wrapping paper yourself. I love the five ideas above and was drawn to them especially because of their use of nature in decorating their gifts.

Which of these ideas are you loving?

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

♥

DIY // HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS CARDS

Just 4 days left to go and I still haven't finished my christmas shopping or christmas crafting. Every year I seem get to this stage, having the year before said to myself that next year will be the year I get myself organised in advance of all the craziness that ensues after mid-december. Although I am in a similar position yet again, I have at least planned and made my christmas cards. I've never really wanted to have a go at linocutting, but after watching this year's Sky Art's Landscape Artist of the Year and subsequently finding a great DIY Stamp Set from Tiger, I decided to have a go at cutting my own festive stamps and using them to make christmas cards for my family and friends.

Although the stamp kit came with some handy inks in three different colours (black, pink and blue), I used acrylic paint so that I could mix up a more festive green. I really enjoyed making these and was pleasantly surprised at how long it took to cut the stamps, which was probably less than 2 hours in total, and how well the stamps actually printed. It really was a great kit to get me started however I'm keen to have a go with more tools on lino and so I'm thinking that next time I will invest in a Lino Cutting and Printing Kit.

Have you ever tried linocutting? Have you crafted any christmas cards this year?

Let me know in the comments below! :)

♥

CRAFT | POST-HOLIDAY PICK UP

Monday blues

Although having a job that you like lessens the horrible feeling you get from 'Mondays', the first Monday back after a holiday, no matter what job you're in, is beyond bleak. So to cheer myself up as my first day back at work approached, I decided to make a scrap book/photo album for all of my holiday photos and bits and bobs.

Book binding beauty

Before attempting it, I did quite a bit of research and it completely amazed me just how popular book binding and book making is and just how talented people are at it. Forgive my naivety, but I really had no idea what an art it was and how beautiful a handmade book / scrapbook / notebook could be!

Thread the needle

I've never made a book or photo album before but the process was actually really relaxing, particularly sewing the pages of the book together - which is amazing considering I am not blessed with needle skills! Once I had sewn the pages together, I stuck the outer pages to some folded cardboard and covered the cardboard with some material (a cut up old plain cotton pillow case) I had transferred one of my doodles onto.

It may seem silly, but for me sometimes just doing something fun and creative is all I need to get a fresh perspective and to feel positive again - even about Mondays! I hope this inspires you and although there are lots of tutorials out there already, if you'd like me to post how I did this in steps at some point, let me know in the comments below.

Have you ever made a notebook?

Share your link to it in the comments below!

♥