This year at Riverside Beads I have decided to give as many handmade Christmas gifts as I have time to make. I love it when someone is kind enough to hand make me anything; jewellery; a card; some jam; a piece of knitting. Just wonderful.
To help me on my gift making journey are our fabulous selection of new Christmas workshops here at the Riverside Makery. You can literally learn and have so much fun, all while creating a beautiful gift! It’s a no brainer. Here’s some of the top Christmas gift inspired classes coming up in the next few months:-
Christmas Wreath Making – 30th November – £25
Local florist Francesca will teach you how to select the perfect flowers and fronds to make this exquisite Christmas wreath.
She will show you which flowers to choose and which seasonal greenery has the best staying power.
Using florist wire and other accoutrements Francesca will inspire you to make handmade Christmas wreaths for many years to come. I personally think that nothing says Christmas elegance like a wonderful festive wreath on your front door!
12 Days of Christmas Gift Calendar – 21st September – £20
This super cute Christmas gift calendar is the perfect present to see friends and family into the new year.
The calendar is made up of 12 boxes, each representing the 12 days of Christmas. Once complete you fill each box with a small gift and the recipient can open one box every day until twelfth night. (Gifts not included)
Clare will show you how to make this fun and unique calendar using ribbons, boxes, glitter and decoupage. Choose your own style, be it Victoriana or 1950’s kitsch, and decorate each box accordingly. This handmade Christmas gift really makes the holiday magic last a little longer!
Christmas Book – 4th November £17.50
Join Rae to create this amazing and intricate decorative Christmas book.
Learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to 3D paper-craft skills. Rae will show you how to position, manipulate and hold your papers in place to make this stunning handmade Christmas book.
It’s such a beautiful piece. You’ll create your own miniature Christmas scene within what looks like a normal book. Open up the front cover though and hey presto! You’re transported to a snowy and magical Christmas scene.
Christmas Yule Log – 7th December – £25
Francesca has been a local florist for many years. With her expertise she will show you how to make a beautiful handmade Christmas Yule log. The perfect centre piece for any festive table. It’s also a great idea for any upcoming Christmas wedding table decorations too.
You’ll use seasonal greenery and embellishments to decorate your log. Francesca will show you the best attachment methods and which materials have the best longevity.
As with all of the classes listed above the materials for each workshop are provided/included.
If you’ve got a lot of gifts to give this Christmas then why not buy our amazing bumper Beaded Charm kit? It’s has everything you need to make 80 (YES 80!) beautiful beaded charms. From Christmas trees to jolly holiday soldiers, theres even a pack of 40 ear wires so you can turn the charms into earring gifts. It’s on offer for only £40 – so if you only make earrings then that is 40 gifts for just £1 each. Crazeee Christmas savings!
Also coming up on Saturday 21st and Sunday the 22nd of September is our official Christmas product launch weekend. There will be loads of FREE make and takes and demonstrations, another chance to create some extra little presents for friends and family. Don’t forget Eric the Elf makes a fabulous gift too!
If you need yet more inspiration then I’ll be returning to your tv screens at 9am on Wednesday 31st July on Create and Craft TV. A great way to work is to record the programme, buy the kit and play back while Beading along with me.
Well I hope I’ve inspired you to create your own handmade Christmas. For some more paper craft inspiration don’t forget to check out our sister website www.riversidecrafts.co.uk
Until next time happy Christmas Beading!
Donna Xx
To see Donna on Create and Craft TV go to Freesat 813 Virgin 748 Freeview 23 Sky 683
Christmas Wreath Making – 30th November – £25
12 Days of Christmas Gift Calendar – 21st September – £20
Christmas Book – 4th November £17.50
Christmas Yule Log – 7th December – £25
beautiful beaded charms. From Christmas trees to jolly holiday soldiers, theres even a pack of 40 ear wires so you can turn the charms into earring gifts. It’s on offer for only £40 – so if you only make earrings then that is 40 gifts for just £1 each. Crazeee Christmas savings!