Stationery Lovers Xmas Swap

I recently took part in a fabulous stationery swap organised by Claire from Claireabelle Makes and Emma from Mab is Mab. What could be better than wrapping up a stationery filled gift and then receiving a surprise present back?!

I sent a bundle of goodies off to my swap partner Diane, including a few handmade items from my own shop. You can see Diane's blog about her gift here.

And I received a fantastic parcel from Diane. I love everything and can't wait to get myself organised with the to-do list notepad. Do I get to say "ta-da" when I've crossed everything off?! It was my very first swap and I shall definitely take part in another one as it was such fun. And it's so exciting to get happy post!

Jam J-ART Christmas gift

Think Money are running an upcycling challenge this Christmas and asked me to get involved. Their Jam J-ART project is all about re-using jam jars to create thrifty gifts. I'm always up for a creative challenge and love giving handmade gifts so I've spent the last couple of weeks thinking about all the wonderful things I could make out of my jam jar.

Sometimes you just want to give a little something at Christmas and really it's the thought that counts. Often a box of chocolates is all that's necessary. But even humble chocolates can become an exciting gift in the right packaging. So I decided to turn my jam jar into an elegant sweetie jar, that could be refilled and kept on hand for all emergencies (as we know, chocolate solves almost any crisis!). 

I decoupaged the jam jar with a lovely mulberry paper that creates a wonderful finish as you can see all the threads running through the paper. And I added lace to the top of the jar so that you can see the treats inside just peeking through.

The jar would look fab filled with chocolate buttons or smarties to make a really simple but effective gift. Or you could stack some homemade cookies inside for a truly handmade gift. 

There are some great ideas for turning jam jars into thrifty gifts over on the Jam J-ART pinterest page. I love the storage jars with blackboard labels, the pincushion sewing kit and the fun animal jars for kids.

Christmas gift guide: Gifts for the home

This week's gift guide is all about homewares and decoration. From unusual lamps to wall decor these gifts will brighten up anyone's home. Great ideas for those who have recently moved house, started university, redecorated or like stylish gifts for their home. Everything is handmade in the UK.

Looking for more gift ideas? You can see my other Christmas gift guides here.

LED uplighters in mixed woods by Aftertrees

Tree branches candle holder by The Way to Blue

Driftwood mirror by Julia's Driftwood Furniture

Personalised scrabble wall art by Claireabellemakes

Silver wooden vases by Solid Wood Shop

Mirrored bird wall decoration by Ava and Bea

Dandelion clocks cushion cover by And Shine

A new day tall lamp by A Northern Light