Getting Back in the Game.

So I don't know whether it is the revitalizing effects of finding a new blog crush, the long winter nights (seriously, what could be better than curling up in front of the fire with a blanket, a mug of tea and a craft), or simply that I am finally managing to find some time in my days for something other than working and sleeping, but lately I have been feeling so inspired to get back to this little corner of the internets.

A lot has happened since the last time I was here- I've graduated, and got myself a proper job, and now, wouldntcha know it, Christmas is well and truly on its way. And it is with that in mind that I wanted to share  this years Christmas cards.

Inspired by this image I found on pintrest, I began by sketching out my design, and created a template by punching along the lines of the sketch with a pin. (I discovered that the best way to do this was to lay the card on the floor, and punch into the carpet- this gives enough resistance to protect the card from ripping, but not so much that you cant punch through at all). I then layered my template over the front of my card, and punched through the holes of the template. It really was that simple.

1) 1 template, 2 paper clips, and 4 pins; the tools of my trade. 2) I secured the template in place with paper clips and pins located at the furthest edges of the design 3) a work in progress. 

Its a little time consuming, but I am so happy with the results; the design is comprised of many raised dots (a little like braille) which create interesting shadows across the card, or at other times allow the light to shine through, highlighting the image in a way that makes me think of fairy lights.

 1) Festive scenes. 2) Completed cards, ready to send out to all my favorite boys and girls. 3) a cheeky close up of a candle. 

On a completely unrelated note, here is a picture I took out my sitting room window whilst I was making these, I thought it was cute, so I decided to share it with you. :)

Much Love,

Jess.

xxxx

 (p.s feel free to check out last years only slightly less minamalist designs here).

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.

So this post is long overdue... like a year overdue... I started this project at Christmas last year, and never finished it; it wasn't till I found it, half finished, shoved into a Sainsburys bag in the back of my wardrobe that I remembered about it at all! and so the other evening I finally sat down in front of the tv (I always seem to craft in front of the tv..) and I managed to finish it, just in time for Christmas!

1) My Christmas tree bunting in situ 2) I picked some pretty flowery fabric to match the blue kitchen (I stole it from my mums fabric stash, yay for free stuff!). 3) I had hoped to hang the bunting above the aga, but unfortunately the wall was too solid to get any pins in, so they had to be pushed into the cracks in the ancient beam. 

I was inspired in this project when I was watching Kirsties Homemade Home a few years back, she had something similar hanging above her own aga, and I wanted to create my own version. 

It was super simple to make, as with the stars I made for my Christmas tree it was simply a case of cutting out the shapes and stitching two together with the right sides facing (don't forget to leave a hole to turn them back the right way, and to insert the stuffing!) I then stitched up the hole by hand and attached the tree's to some blue ribbon, with a bell (to make a super Chirstmassy jingle whenever anyone tall walked into them- not a problem I had, being so little..)
I'm so pleased with the results- even if they are a year late.. 

Much Love, 

Jess.

xxxx

Belated Christmas Posts..

The obvious thing to do with Christmas DIY's is to publish them before Christmas to inspire others .. I however am no where near this organised, (or would it be more positive to argue that I am just super organised for next Christmas..) regardless, here is my Christmas card DIY:
I was inspired by this tutorial to make some simple Christmas cards to send to those I love during this festive season.

 1) My creations 2)  The wobbly stitching.. I like to think it adds to their charm.. 3) A close up of the heart- you can just about see the template behind my stitching- it made this card so simple to make!

My design differs slightly from the original in that it says Merry Christmas where Danyelle's has a lovely valentines message (to be honest, I think the design is so sweet it could probably be adapted to suit any occasion).
I loved doing this craft (sat in front of a Christmas movie, with a hot spiced cider- the dream!), though I feel obligated to warn you that if you attempt to make too many, and even if you pre-punch the holes, you may well end up with blisters on your fingers from the effort of dragging the needle through the card.. I should probably invest in a thimble.. (this is not to say  by the way that you should not attempt to make some of your own- I think the end results are so pretty, its totally worth the discomfort!)
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, I know I did!!

Much Love,

Jessie.

xxxx

Chalkboard Moments.

 'Baby its Cold Outside'- Happy Christmas boys and girls!! 

Much Love,

Jess

xxxx

Christmas Is Coming...

Christmas is nearly here, and like the child that we all know I am, I am super excited! (though I couldn't say if this is because of Christmas itself, or the prospect of going home for a bit to see my fam.)
That said, what with all the work I've had lately, I've hardly had much of a chance to get decorating, but, the other night, after completing an assignment, I rewarded myself with an evening making some pretty stars for my tree:

1) Im so glad I made them, as it turns out, I left all my other tree decorations at home, so without these my tree would be so very naked! 2) The stars in situ. 3) I love the tartan, it looks so festive! 

They were so simple to make, it was just a case of stitching round the shape, with the right sides together, and the ribbon trapped inside. I'll admit, they look a little wibbly and unsymmetrical  but I like to think that's part of their charm.. Im so happy with them!

Much Love, 

Jessie.

xxxx

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a fantastic day- I know I did. Stay safe. :)

Much Love, 

Jess. 

xxxx