No doubt there will be more Halloween crafts in the coming weeks – but things are gearing up so here are some crafty ideas to get you in the spirit.

Halloween paper village by Claudine Hellmuth
bat mobile by the long thread
felt pumpkin pencil topper by roots and wings.
owl cross stitch pattern by cross me not
martha stewart bird mask
sweet paul and his scary family portraits [see pic above]
Halloween candle holder by Cathy Filian
Craftzine kids halloween costume
crafty crafty and the spider twig wreath
mermag and the paper jack-o-lantern [see pic below]
love the felt masks at spool sewing
the storque has a wacky knitting free pattern – knitting a baby frog suit costume

I love this sidewalk chalk tutorial [via the crafty crow]. Easy and fun project for the holidays.

[post now updated with correct link]

For US residents celebrating fourth of July – here are my picks for the best fourth of July crafts to get you in the patriotic mood.

1. patriotic pinwheels
2. fourth July picnic caddy
3. front door banner
4. confetti rockets
5. patriotic fans
6. tin can luminaries
7. little girl patriotic tutu
8. fourth July table runner
9. paper lanterns
10. Sugar fireworks

Happy Holidays, joy to all.

I am writing this – post Christmas lunch – in that afternoon slump time – I have had a lovely nap, a big lunch – we had a traditional Christmas lunch this year with champagne cocktails and cosmopolitans to start and strawberry shortcake with lashings of cream to finish. We spent the day on the trampoline – the kids big present this year – and there was lots of books, toys and gadgets to play with. This year we had babies and grandparents and all ages in between – it was a good day. Tonight we will finish quietly with leftovers and homemade vanilla custard icecream (my own recipe – but here is a good one).

Many of you will not have started your Christmas yet – and others will be celebrating on Christmas Eve, some have already celebrated Hanukkah and others are just enjoying the slow pace of the holiday weekend. Whatever you are doing and however you are celebrating I hope it is a joyous day for you all.

Best wishes from us at whipup.net

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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!

This week, Etsy How-Tuesday presents Cary Walker aka littleloveblue. Cary shows us how to make a holly leaf and berry garland out of felt.

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

Create this simple garland by crocheting the candy directly to a crochet chain. These are an easy way to brighten up your tree or holiday decor. I have mine up around my windows and they remind me of Christmas lights they’re bright in the daytime and make me happy! I got the materials for my garland at the dollar store, but you might just already have what you need on hand!

About the designer: Heather Mann brings you a daily dose of hip crafts on the cheap at Dollar Store Crafts, and is the editor and publisher of CROQ Zine.

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fantastic idea and simple tutorial for kids – to make these stick stars for the holidays.

a sweet twist on an old classic – these newspaper snowflakes from mayamade have completely inspired me – I love the various designs – and using newspaper is an excellent idea.