GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Fly your budget flag this Christmas and give these DIY crafty decorations a go
1 Hessian Santa sack TIME
1 hour
DIFFICULTY
Easy-moderate
YOU WILL NEED
◆ hessian
◆ steam iron
◆ craft knife or scissors
◆ adhesive hemming tape
◆ needle & thread (optional)
◆ computer & printer
◆ cutting board
◆ sticky tape
◆ acrylic paint & paintbrush
Hang this stencilled-hessian Santa sack at the end of your child’s bed (and yours!) instead of a stocking – you’ll fit more pressies in it!
STEP 1
Fold hessian in half. Iron flat.
STEP 2
With the fold at the bottom, cut a straight line down either side of hessian to create the shape of your sack.
STEP 3
Place hemming tape between hessian along the edges, leaving the top open, and use a hot iron with steam to create adhesion. If you wish, use needle and thread to sew down sides for extra support. Turn inside out. Our sack measures 45cm x 95cm.
STEP 4
To make stencil, use a computer and printer to create a document that spells out your message in a bold font. To make shapes like our tree, either design them on the computer or draw freehand.
STEP 5
Cut out stencil using craft knife. Ensure you keep the insides of letters, A, B, O etc.
STEP 6
Tape letter stencils, with the insides of each letter in the correct position, to sack. Carefully dab paint onto cut-out areas and allow to dry.
STEP 7
Fill sack with presents, tie the top with twine and don’t let anyone peek until Christmas morning!
2 Beautiful bonbons TIME
1 hour
DIFFICULTY
Easy
YOU WILL NEED
◆ assorted paper
◆ cardboard rolls
◆ ruler
◆ scissors
◆ glue tape
◆ bonbon snaps
◆ gifts, paper hats & handmade jokes
◆ twine
◆ pinking shears Customise Christmas bonbons to suit your table setting and fill them with special gifts your guests will love.
STEP 1
Place cardboard roll on paper, then measure and cut paper to size, allowing extra length on the ends for the handles of the bonbons.
STEP 2
Use pinking shears to finish paper ends neatly.
STEP 3
Apply glue tape to cardboard roll and to the middle of the long edges of the paper, where it will be in contact with the cardboard roll. Roll paper onto case.
STEP 4
Fold paper over the edge of cardboard, pressing inwards gently to create a neat fold (still keeping the ends of the bonbon cylindrical).
STEP 5
Insert bonbon snap, securing to paper at either end with glue tape. Insert gifts, paper hats and handmade jokes.
STEP 6
Tie ends with twine. 3 Card tree
TIME T
10 1 mins
DIFFICULTY D Easy E
YOU Y WILL NEED
◆ assorted branches
◆ jar or vase
◆ hole punch
◆ Chrissy cards
◆ ribbon
◆ pegs or clips This is such a pretty way to display Christmas cards. It’s easy and affordable, too! Collect the branches from your garden or park.
STEP 1
Arrange A branches in a jar or vase, then position on a shelf, mantel or ledge – somewhere you can clearly c see the Christmas cards. You could create a sweet vignette with other items on the shelf, too.
STEP 2
Punch P holes in corner of cards and tie to branches with ribbon or attach with small pegs and clips.