Gifts Galore

This year I got lots of lovely Christmas gifts, many being things I had been hoping for. I was very happy unwrapping them all to find out what was hiding underneath. Ross had been aiming for a handmade Christmas too and even wrapped all my gifts in newspaper! Underneath the Arbroath Herald I found these lovely things.

Print by Jen Collins

Mountain cushion and DIY Mitten Kit by Hilary Grant

Yesterday (in between watching 6 films!) I made up my DIY mittens and even had a little left over felt to make some kitten mittens.

Panda wasn't too impressed with them but she did get some lovely presents including this carry basket that we got her so she can travel around in style.

Dec the Halls

Christmas is now over for another year. I had a great time with the family on Christmas day and then a very relaxing Boxing day in the flat. Hope everyones else's day was super too?

One of the things I really enjoy about the festive season is decorating. I'm not a big fan of a lot of flashing lights but I do like a bit of Christmas sparkle. This year I enjoyed adding a few new decorations to the Christmas tree in the form of these lovely painted wooden tags I got from Petite Noel. They were meant to be gift tags for my presents but I think they work well with the rest of the baubles.

I also added some festive orange to create a lovely Christmassy smell and Panda the kitten seemed to enjoy helping to decorate.
In other news my handmade/independent Xmas challenge went reasonably well, with only a few exceptions. These included Christmas beverages bought from the Coop and a jar of fluff for my sisters stocking bought from TKMaxx. A definite improvement on previous years though.

Christmas Orders

Just a reminder that if you're after some Jolly Good treats for Christmas make sure you order by 12pm tomorrow.

Christmas Plans Continue

My handmade/independant Christmas plans moved along nicely last night with a trip to Petite Noel craft fair organised by the Dundee Jamboree ladies. I managed to get a lovely little pile of presents all made by people I know including Hilary Grant and Jen Collins (aka Hello Jenuine). I even managed to get some lovely gift tags from the Gift Wrap deli.

From my side of things I've made up some Christmas postcards to send to friends and family. They're all made from the screenprints I did as part of the course at the DCA. I used the ones that didn't quite work out well enough to sell.

I've also been helping others have a handmade Christmas. This week I was back at my old high school carrying out a jewellery workshop. The kids did a great job and many of their creations are going to be given as gifts on the 25th. I've also been creating some cushions which were commissioned to be Xmas gifts.

Golden Oldies

Another gift guide for you, well it's two for one really as we look at gifts for Granny and Grandpa.




Felted Coasters by Danielle Banks
Foxlove Tea Towel by Nicola Rowlands
Kingfisher Giclee Print by Yellowhammer
Map Drawing Pins by Little Silver Leaf

Best things in Small Packages

Another gift guide to help your Christmas shopping along. This time we're focusing on the little people in your life.

Fritz the Fox by I heart...
Bus pint by Louise Smurthwaite
Knitted Moustache also by Louise Smurthwaite

For the Ladies

In the second Jolly Good Gift Guide we look at presents for the special lady in your life, be that Mum, Sister, Wife or Friend.

Ivy Necklace by Lucklaw Silver

A Cup of Tea Solves Everything (Digital Print) by NikkiMade
Map Heart Earrings from Little Silver Leaf

Gifts for Guys

This week I've decided to put together some little gift guides based on the lovely selection available in the Jolly Good Pop Up Shop. Don't worry if you can't make it along to the shop itself as there are links to where they can be bought online. To start things off here's some gifts for the guys.

Liquid Tartan Glass Cufflinks by Rachel Elliott
Recycled Notebook by Little Silver Leaf
Bottle Opener Keyrings by Cut Copy Create

Xmas Shopping in Style

This weekend saw the opening of the Jolly Good Xmas Pop Up Shop. Visitors were welcomed with some homemade mince pies and mulled wine which seemed to go down a treat. Everyone enjoyed looking at all the lovely art and craft and many left with bags full of Christmas gifts for others and for themselves. The fun and festivities continue up to Christmas eve, Sun - Fri: 12-5 and Sat: 10-6, Jolly Good Studio, Auchmithie. Hope you can make it!

Getting Ready To Pop Up

This week I've mostly been preparing for the Jolly Good Xmas Pop Up which opens this Saturday! Yesterday it was all looking a bit bare which had me worried. The postman hasn't been able to deliver any mail because of the snow but today I managed to make it to the depo to pick up a sack full of parcels. I'm still waiting on some pieces arriving but hopefully I'll be able to get them tomorrow. It's all looking very good so far with work from over 20 artists and makers from across the UK. Here's a sneaky peek:
If you can brave the snow to visit on Saturday you will be rewarded with homemade mince pies and mulled wine. The shop opens at 10am -6pm on Saturdays and will be open everyday up to Xmas eve. Opening hours are Sun-Fri: 12pm-5pm and Sat: 10am-6pm. Hope you can make it along!