A group of lovely crafters have collaborated and published their own ebook Crafty Tree Trimmings, a collection of 6 ornament tutorials, covering a range of crafts (felt, sewing, crochet, paper + beading). They are donating 15% from each sale to Project Linus an organisation that provides handmade blankets/quilts for the needy.

The ebook is pretty lovely – I was lucky enough to be sent a preview – its well laid out, the instructions are clear, the photographs of the steps are plentiful and make the projects very easy to follow and there are full size templates for you to print out and use straight away.

Linda Permann shows how to crochet a very pretty flower ornament, Betz White shows how to make a gingerbread house from felt – it is then handsewn and stuffed with polyfil, Susan Beal has a button and plastic canvas sparkly ornament, Kayte Terry sews scraps of pretty fabric to make vintage treasure ornaments, Diane Gilleland shows us how to make a delicate tree ornament that allows light to shine through and Patricia Zapata makes a 3d ornament from paper. Check out the ebook here in time for the holidays.

Super yummy. Link.

what a fantastic idea – a reindeer made from twigs – check out the tutorial at pretty ditty.

love this adorable mini christmas tree from a little hut – with tutorial.

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I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, joyful solstice and a wonderful holiday season. This time next week the craziness will be over, presents will be unwrapped, food will be eaten, families will have gathered and perhaps departed again. I wish everyone a joyful time, and whether or not you have been able to partake in a handmade holiday – I hope that the spirit of handmade has been with you.

This year I have baked, I made Martha Stewart’s gingerbread cookies and my mothers recipe for fruit mince tarts. I am planning on making marshmallows – my first batch failed miserably – but then after searching for tips on the internet I turned to … book and realised have now given the task to my husband who is heartily using it as a scientific experiment and a chance to show off in the kitchen. I lashed out this year and bought myself a new kitchen aid – something I have been promising myself for years – so this year is baking year for me – for some holiday baking ideas see this story on a sweet christmas.

This year, while I have made an effort to buy everyone at least one handmade gift – I didn’t have time to make a lot of things this year – as I have other years. Also, due to popular demand, we have bought a corny kitsch tree complete with flashing lights, but have decorated it with last years handmade ornaments.

Whipup this past week is right into the holiday spirit with handmade gift guides for everyone – jewelry, bags and kids – and gifts for him is coming soon. If like me you have only just put up your tree – some last minute decorating ideas – this cute paper ornament, paper garland, holly leaf garland, quilled snowflake, crochet candy garland, woodland birds, stars.

My favourite posts this week would have to be the super simple and sweet stick stars tutorial, simple gifts to make and the natural wreath.

If you are in the mood to knit – check out more free knitting patterns here and here, you might want to download this pattern for a good cause.

Have a wonderful holiday – and don’t fret the small things.
Kathreen xx

ps. don’t forget your whipup crafty calendar – too late now for Christmas – but not too late for the new year!

Blair Lambert is an artist and designer who makes and sell handmade cards and prints featuring her original illustrations of whimsical little creatures. Check her out online for some last minute cards.

craft stylish has a tutorial on how to make a paper garland from hole punching.

Thanks Tresa for sending in this tutorial on how to make this gorgeous quilled snowflake ornament.

I love a handmade wreath, here are some for those in the southern hemispheres where it is not all snow and ice..

1. Christmas Wreath, 2. Love of the Sea, 3. Little Mayflower Wreath – pinks, 4. bird wreath ornament, 5. scrap wreath, 6. fleecekranssi – uudelleenkäytöä, 7. green wreath pillow, 8. The (almost) Finished Wreath, 9. cardboard wreath

classic elite yarns is offering this free pattern (through their web letter) for these adorable mini socks – perfect for decorating.