Christmas is a-comin' and that means the usual card-buying and festive decoration panic as you realise you have to search the shops in vain for cards and gifts that get across that little bit of Christmas cheer but don't make you want to sigh in shop-bought despair. Making your own is an option but where on earth do you begin?
Enter the fabulous Natalie Abadzis with some of the most creative, inspiring and fun gift and card-making ideas around. Introducing Utterly Gorgeous Christmas and Utterly Gorgeous Cards, two amazing new how to books. I was invited along to her book launch for a sneaky peek at the crafty creations in person. I can confirm they are all utterly gorgeous. Just look at the pictures above.
Natalie, who has been the brains behind the craftiness in Bang on the Door, the Funday Times and British kid's TV institution Blue Peter, has created books which mix inspiring how tos with charming illustrations and simple easy-to-follow instructions.
Aimed at kids, the books are brilliant for grown-ups too with some great ideas, such as mini box cards that looks like books, rosepetal dancers, customised Christmas gift wrap, one-off envelopes and fabulous felt advent calenders.
You can grab your copy in the usual places, such as Waterstones and WH Smith or snap them up online. You can also keep up with Natalie on Facebook.
I cannot wait to see the next books in her crafty series (you can already pre-order Utterly Gorgeous Fashion).
Definitely a handmade hero to watch.
