Tuesday 24 December 2013

Christmas Creativities… Wreaths




Wahoo it's Christmas Eve! I should have posted sooner but here is a Christmas post of one of the craft activities I've been busy doing this year…

 Every year I enjoy being able to decorate my own wreaths, it allows me to be a little bit more creative (and perhaps over the top!). But of course you're allowed a little bit of OTT at Christmas time… It's one of the first things I do when the season comes and the first decoration that goes up signifying Christmas has begun! And a lovely way to welcome guests at the door. If you're not keen on Christmas lights on the house or don't have the time, the wreath is a tasteful and beautiful way of making the streets a bit festive. Here are the three I made for my student house, my sisters house and for my mum. 


I bought the plain spruce wreaths and using wires, went to town on them! Fir cones, cinnamon sticks and dried fruit slices are lovely for a classic wreath. I like to collect and reuse old christmas decorations like baubles, ornamental fruits, silk flowers. And some fresh holly from the garden adds another texture. 

 'Raindrops on Roses'

This one was for my sister, I kept the colours quite muted and the roses and beads give it a contemporary young feel. 


 It's nice to have a bit of sparkle…


The beady bits came from a beautiful set of fairy lights I once had that sadly broke and no longer usable for the lights. They were still so pretty I couldn't just throw them away! I will even be using some in my Christmas table arrangements. 


'Highland Fling'

For my student house, the name and theme perhaps because I have a housemate from Scotland! This one has much more of a traditional feel with plenty of fir cones, fruits and tartan ribbon. I've also hidden a piece of mistletoe in the centre… Giving 'Fling' a new meaning?? 



I'm pleased with the strings of pearls that drape nicely when the wreath is hanging.


'Victorian Still Life'

With a definite 'fruity' feel, this wreath reminds me of the traditional Victorian Christmases we imagine. Reminiscent of The Christmas Carol and still life paintings of bowls of fruit. I made this one for my mum as it's at this house that the family festivities will take place and I think it's quite fitting for welcoming people in for the feast! 




Sunday 22 December 2013

Sew Over It

 I apologise for the lack of updates recently. This term has been so busy with the realisation of final year, an internship, and of course Christmas preparations! But as Christmas is nearly here I reflect on the term. By far the highlight has been my time with Lisa Comfort and the girls at Sew Over It. It was a privilege to get to know the girls working in the beautiful shop in Clapham North, London. It was a very welcome change from university to spend some time in an actual place of work! They have so many things going on I was never left with nothing to do and my time was inspiring listening to everyone's story and how they work. With many classes you can take, craft kits and haberdashery to buy, it's a one stop shop if you're interested in learning to sew or interested in improving your skills. They've even expanded to knit and crochet classes which I'm very happy about! I have always been interested in craft and making and this year I am having to really think about what I could possibly do when I graduate and actually have to work! My time here has given me more ideas and inspiration as I think about how I could possibly start my own business, teach my own classes or work in this type of environment. I loved the warm atmosphere and the array of inspiring ideas, it's definitely a hidden treasure worth a visit if you're in London! 


Only round the corner from Clapham North underground station.

The shop always full of gift ideas and haberdashery.


Classes available for all levels of skill. 






They have launched their own kits, I had to resist buying some myself! There's a Tie kit, knicker kit, shift dress kit and lampshade kit with everything you'd need for the project. They also have their own patterns for a tea dress, wrap dress and shift dress. 


Whilst I was with them they held a pop up shop in Camden Town, here are some of their stunning jewels and ribbons they sourced from a trip to India. 


They always keep up to date with beautiful fabrics and offer a wide variety for all of your sewing projects. If you can't get to London you can buy directly from their website