Handmade Christmas: Make a Present Decoration
Want to create a little me made addition to your tree? or a small activity to get involved with in the lead up to Christmas?
Why not make one of my present Christmas decorations to hang on the tree?
They are quick and easy to make, and a great activity for pass the time till Christmas arrives.
Want to make other shapes, why not try last years Snowman or a mini stocking from the 2017 handmade Christmas?
Why not make one of my present Christmas decorations to hang on the tree?
They are quick and easy to make, and a great activity for pass the time till Christmas arrives.
Want to make other shapes, why not try last years Snowman or a mini stocking from the 2017 handmade Christmas?
How to make:
1: Using the pattern provided below, cut around the:
present base
present ribbon-vertical
present ribbon-horizontal
present bow-fold
present bow-centre
2: Pin your pattern pieces on to the felt and cut around them. You will need two pieces of all the pattern pieces; the present base, present ribbon-vertical, present ribbon-horizontal, present bow-fold and present bow-centre.
3: Sew the present ribbon-vertical and present ribbon-horizontal felt pieces in a cross shape on one side of each of the two present base pieces. These can be sewn with either a running stitch or a back stitch. Tie a knot in the thread to stop it from coming loose at the start and end of all of your stitches.
4: Take the present bow-fold felt piece; fold each end inwards to meet at the centre of the rectangle and sew in place with a secure stitch.
5: Take the present bow-centre; wrap this piece around the middle of the now sewn present bow-fold piece from step 4. Secure this piece at the back with a strong stitch.
6: Sew the completed bow (steps 4 & 5) to one side of the present, at the centre of the ribbon where it crosses.
7: Place the two pieces of the present base together. Pin in place and sew together with slip or running stitches around the outside. Remember to tie a knot in your thread at the start and the end so your stitches don't come loose.
8: Lastly, cut 20cm of thin ribbon. Join the two ends of the ribbon together and sew the ends to the top of the present, at the centre.
To make your own, download the pattern below:
Christmas Gift Part 2: Make it Yourself Christmas Decorations
Part 2 of my Me Made gifts for my friends was to create small 'me made' packs to make one of my handmade Christmas decorations.
In each packet, there is a pattern sheet, instructions and felt remnants to cut the pieces from. A small length of ribbon was also included to attach when its sewn to hang on the tree.
Want to make your own? The pattern and instructions will be available to download for free very soon!
In each packet, there is a pattern sheet, instructions and felt remnants to cut the pieces from. A small length of ribbon was also included to attach when its sewn to hang on the tree.
Want to make your own? The pattern and instructions will be available to download for free very soon!
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Christmas Gift Part 1: Customised Christmas Scene Mason Jars
Part 1 of the the 2019 Me Made Christmas Gifts: Customised Christmas Scene Mason Jars with LED Lights
I've been majorly inspired by Kirsty's Handmade Christmas on Chanel 4 recently and wanted to create something quirky and arty for my friends. I sourced some mason jars from a local shop, then washed and created a stencil for the Christmas scene. Each scene is very slightly different to make it personal for each person. I used 2 coats of posca pen in gold and silver on each jar; I wanted to keep the lines within the designs to show texture and dimension. A matte varnish can be added on top to make the design permanent.
I've been majorly inspired by Kirsty's Handmade Christmas on Chanel 4 recently and wanted to create something quirky and arty for my friends. I sourced some mason jars from a local shop, then washed and created a stencil for the Christmas scene. Each scene is very slightly different to make it personal for each person. I used 2 coats of posca pen in gold and silver on each jar; I wanted to keep the lines within the designs to show texture and dimension. A matte varnish can be added on top to make the design permanent.
Check back tomorrow for part 2 of my me made gift!
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Me Made Christmas Gifts
I'm very much about the handmade gifts at Christmas. A group of friends and I made the decision a number of years ago to try and create 'Me Made' gifts to give to each other during the festive season. I really enjoy doing this as its a nice creative way to relax at the end of the day. I think i enjoy creating the packaging as much as whats inside!
Want to know whats inside? Check back tomorrow to see what i included in each package.
#McQueenRoses Exhibition at 27 Old Bond Street
I was lucky enough to be passing the McQueen store on Bond Street last Saturday, coinciding with the opening of their new exhibition 'Roses'.
I have previously visited the store when the first exhibition was displayed and really enjoyed the experience. Being able to get close to the pieces and understand the craftsmanship and process that goes into a custom McQueen piece was a wonderful experience for me, not only as a fashion lecturer, but also as a fellow fashion fan.
The exhibition, curated by creative director Sarah Burton, follows the floral inspiration that features in some of the iconic collections from both past and present. The two key pieces at the centre of this show were the Red Rose floral dress from Autumn/ Winter 2019, and floral dress made for the finale of the Spring Summer 2007 show.
The processes are beautifully explained through photographs, notes, drawings and the iconic pieces are displayed on mannequins without any glass barriers; allowing for them to be fully appreciated. Everything is beautiful to look at; its a real feast for the eyes. I particularly loved looking at the details and techniques that go into these amazing pieces; I truly believe that more brands should do something like this to educate the future generations of designers.
Anyone who's passing the store this festive season, do pop in and take a look at this wonderful show. I look forward to returning and seeing more of the archive in the coming months.
Take a look at this wonderful video below that's been posted to the McQueen Instagram page. The video was taken by Masha Vasyukova (You can follow her on Instagram on @mashavasyukova)
#McQueenRoses
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I have previously visited the store when the first exhibition was displayed and really enjoyed the experience. Being able to get close to the pieces and understand the craftsmanship and process that goes into a custom McQueen piece was a wonderful experience for me, not only as a fashion lecturer, but also as a fellow fashion fan.
The exhibition, curated by creative director Sarah Burton, follows the floral inspiration that features in some of the iconic collections from both past and present. The two key pieces at the centre of this show were the Red Rose floral dress from Autumn/ Winter 2019, and floral dress made for the finale of the Spring Summer 2007 show.
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The processes are beautifully explained through photographs, notes, drawings and the iconic pieces are displayed on mannequins without any glass barriers; allowing for them to be fully appreciated. Everything is beautiful to look at; its a real feast for the eyes. I particularly loved looking at the details and techniques that go into these amazing pieces; I truly believe that more brands should do something like this to educate the future generations of designers.
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Anyone who's passing the store this festive season, do pop in and take a look at this wonderful show. I look forward to returning and seeing more of the archive in the coming months.
Take a look at this wonderful video below that's been posted to the McQueen Instagram page. The video was taken by Masha Vasyukova (You can follow her on Instagram on @mashavasyukova)
#McQueenRoses
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