Our friends at the Climate Cafe asked if we had any crafty ideas for a more eco-friendly Christmas. After the success of Handmade Hallowe’en we thought why not share our tips for a Handmade Christmas?
Of course, handmade decorations and presents take time and effort. But that’s what makes them so special! Friends and family will know that their gift wasn’t a last-minute after thought but crafted with time and attention. And imagine how snug and smug you’ll feel cosied up by the tree admiring Christmas bunting and decorations that you’ve made by hand.
Last year we ran eco-friendly craft drop-ins throughout November and December. We’re doing the same this year, as well as a series of festive workshops which you can book on our website.
If you can’t make it to a workshop we’ve listed some ideas below to help you give handmade a go this Christmas.
Whether it's something special to hang on the front door or how to cut down on paper waste when wrapping gifts, we have lots of tips and tricks on how to make 2023 your most eco-friendly and sustainable Christmas yet. Or maybe you’re just looking for a way to save money this December, in which case, crafts are the perfect solution.
Even better, there is something on our list for every skill level. Scissors and glue at the ready!
Festive mobile
Ever wondered what to do with the old hula hoop gathering dust in the attic? The answer is obvious — use it as a Christmas decoration! Simply paint the hula hoop in glittery gold or sparkling silver then festoon with Christmas baubles using coloured string or wire. You could make your own baubles from gold and silver card or use the macrame decorations from above.
Dolly Peg Fairies
In our opinion, the cutest Christmas decorations. The best part is that these dolly peg fairies are so simple to make — it’s almost magic! All you need are pegs, sparkly ribbon, and lacey remnant fabric. We felt very nostalgic making these Christmas fairies last year. Who else made dolly peg fairies as a child?
Christmas Bunting
Bunting is a simple and cheerful way to make your home look cosy and Christmassy throughout winter. All you need are scissors, fabric in festive colours, and simple stitching. We think tartan looks particularly dashing at this time of year, but you could pick any colour you fancy.
We can’t think of anything better than an evening of crafting, mince pies, and cheesy Christmas tunes!
Wreath Making
On a dreich December day there’s nothing more welcoming than coming home to a beautiful Christmas wreath on your front door. Gather your own foliage on a wintry walk and add old decorations that evoke memories of Christmas past like baubles passed on from a grandparent. You could also add foraged pinecones or dehydrated oranges.
Nest trustee, Kelly McIntyre, will be hosting a workshop on how to make your own Christmas wreath with a selection of Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, and Noble Fir freshly cut from her family’s Christmas Tree farm.
Unfortunately all spaces are sold out, but keep an eye on our Events page in case we add more.
Christmas Bags ‘n tags
Single-use gift bags and tags are some of the most wasteful aspects of Christmas. If your bags and tags contain foil or glitter then it’s unlikely that they can be recycled either. What a waste!
A more sustainable option is to use 100% recyclable paper bags, then jazz them up with remnant fabric and cut-out festive shapes. Why spend money on gift bags that only last a short time? It’s what’s inside that counts!
Help cut down on the 114 tones of plastic packaging thrown away in the UK each year by making your own festive goodie bag.
Furoshiki Wrapping
Apparently, you could gift wrap Guernsey with the amount of paper that’s thrown away on Christmas Day in the UK. Why not try Furoshiki? It’s the eco-friendly Japanese art of gift wrapping using fabric instead of paper.
No sellotape required! Make a gift even more personal by wrapping in a beautiful vintage scarf or piece of remnant fabric. Furoshiki eliminates waste because the fabric wrapping is reusable. Plus, it looks impressive.
Handmade Christmas Cards
The greenest option is to go paperless and send an e-card this Christmas. However, there is something special about receiving a handmade card at Christmas. Remnant fabric, ribbon, yarn, and buttons can be reused to make beautifully unique designs which the recipient can cherish forever.
One way to reuse the Christmas cards you receive this year is to cut out the designs for tags to put on next year’s gifts.
A handmade Christmas with Nest
Christmas is the busiest time of the year. It’s a struggle to juggle family dinners, wrapping gifts, and writing cards — not to mention making handmade decorations and gifts on top of it all.
If you really can’t spare the time it’s still possible to have a handmade Christmas. Nest stock a range of handmade gifts by local crafters and artisans. By buying some of your Christmas shopping at Nest you can get handmade decorations and gifts with the wholesome feeling of supporting local artists and keeping good, reusable material out of landfill.
Find us at 47 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie. We’re open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 2pm. Pop in to browse our selection of gifts or find craft materials for a Christmas project.
Late Night Opening and Drop In Crafts
We are taking part in the town Late Night Opening on Tuesday 5th December when we will be open all day until 7pm plus we will have a free family drop in from 2.30 where you can come and make some eco friendly decorations, so no excuse for not coming to visit!
Fancy getting crafty with friends? Our festive workshops are a fun and relaxing way to prepare for Christmas. Browse our workshops below and keep an eye on our website for more to come.
Check out our Events page for upcoming workshops.
Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest events.