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Special Occasions

6 Affordable & handmade gifts for friends and loved ones in 2023

When it comes to showing our appreciation for the special people in our lives, gifts play a significant role – and I’m not talking about gifts that are over-the-top and impossible to afford, but thoughtful gifts that come from a space of love and empathy. Here are 6 affordable present ideas…

Thrifty gifts

Christmas gift guide for adults – handmade and indie businesses

If you’re shopping for gifts for the grown-ups in your life, why not buy handmade pieces or shop with indie businesses this year? You’ll support a small company or independent maker to stay in business and can treat your loved one to a unique gift at the same time…

Birthdays

How to DIY a customised gift hamper for any occasion

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, looking for the ideal birthday gift or simply want to show a friend how much you care, a gift hamper is always a winner. It’s a thrifty way to treat that special someone AND it can be customised to suit their interests. Here’s how to make one yourself…

DIY

How to extend the life of your garden furniture

We’ve all been spending more time in the garden lately so, if your garden furniture that could do with sprucing up, here are some tips to restore your outdoor furniture so you don’t have to replace it, but rather extend the life of your garden items…

HOME DIY

How to find unique interior decor pieces from the Etsy Design Awards

Have you heard about the Etsy Design Awards? If not, I would urge you to check it out today. The list of finalists has been announced and the winners will be chosen in September. It’s a great way to discover new sellers, and here’s what I found when I browsed the shortlisted businesses in the ‘Inventive Decor’ category…

Books

DIY Project: How to make a chunky woven storage box

How to weave your own chunky woven storage box from cardboard and wool. Plus a review of Weaving Within Reach craft book – The projects in the book range from homewares to fashion accessories, kitchenware, gifts and soft furnishings. As you can probably tell from the wide range of projects, there’s something to suit every ability and it even shows you how to make your own makeshift loom to get you started.

Sewing projects

Sew-your-own Christmas Angel

Remember your childhood Christmas tree – I bet it had an angel on the top, didn’t it? Over the years I’ve spotted more and more

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Vintage and handmade hats for the races

It’s that time of year again. Just as you’re plucking up the courage to bare your faux-bronzed legs to the world, someone has invited you

Anniversary parties

Ideas for home-made party decorations

With our anniversary party taking place this weekend, I wanted to make some personal touches to the decorations. It’s easy to find lots of tutorials

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