How time flies. I can’t believe it’s suddenly December! It feels like just a few weeks since I
started at Trimcraft…….in August!!!
But however we got here we are here, in my favourite month.
I love everything about December; the twinkly lights, cosy nights in with
scented candles flickering, sipping mulled wine, choosing a Christmas tree in
the crisp dusk air and our family get togethers that should happen more often.
December is also my most productive month as not only do I
make as much Christmas craft as I can, it’s also my daughter’s birthday. I have
just returned from a week off to celebrate … and yes, I do need a whole week
for this annual event. This year, as she
has turned 8, I let her have a sleepover party. I’m not sure who had more fun,
her or me! Whilst it was exhausting entertaining six excited seven and eight
year olds, we filled our 24 hours with crafts, games, pizza making, video
watching and a little bit of sleeping!

I brought some paper maché letters for the girls so that
they could each decoupage their own initials. I had some Deco Mache papers from
quite a few years ago (I always bulk buy craft items I love just in case I run
out!). They chose their patterns and set to covering their monograms. This also
acted as their take home gift instead of a goody bag. They were having so much
fun, they even let my little boy join in. He loved it too!

I continued my self-inflicted tradition of making the
birthday cake; sleepover themed of course. The marbled cake turned out a treat,
the marble butter-free buttercream icing less so.

I also decorated the living room with pink ribbons, party
garlands and balloons and placed mattresses on the floor for a snug sleepover
party. It took us all a few days to recover but I certainly have one happy
little 8 year old now.

I managed to cram in a few Christmas makes too! I loved the
First Edition Christmas Promise paper pad so much, I bought my own to make my
Christmas cards with. The colour palette works a treat with my copper foil
which I used on my die cut foam sheets.

Back at work I have finally created a blog I am happy with. It
took some time and patience but I am really pleased with the design and I am
now busily planning different posts for you looking at tutorial and project
ideas as well as my general musings. Watch this space for more content in the
New Year. I am planning many craft and homemade projects during the Christmas
break so I am sure there will be lots to add. I can’t wait to hear what you
think of it. Until then, there are lots
of video tutorials on the Trimcraft Youtube page to inspire your handmade
projects. I have included a list of links at the bottom of this blog post!

I am also cramming in a few more Create & Craft USA shows
before the 25th. I am back on air on 16th and 18th
December with fantastic First Edition dies and paper pads offers.

It felt like my Christmas came even earlier than that when I
received new samples of the products I’ll be bringing to you on Create &
Craft in the New Year. There are some beautiful paper designs and
embellishments to make your crafts really stand out as well as scrapbooking and
new dies that make card making a breeze. I am very excited about sharing these
with you next year but if you follow me on social media you may just get a few
sneak peeks before then.
I do hope you all have a wonderful December too and enjoy
your Christmas celebrations, however big or small they may be. Merry Christmas.
Youtube links:
Pop-up Box Christmas Card https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8e7O4ICfig
Handmade Bottle Tags https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nESTFIHxuIU
Washi Tape Christmas Card Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdc1hp9X-kE
Winter Cake Topper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdc1hp9X-kE
Christmas Box Tutorial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8GtK5b0t0Q