Christmas cards by Crispin Finn, £2.50 each, from Soma Gallery.
Here’s a last-minute Christmas shopping heads-up for all my lovely UK readers.
Escape the madding shopping crowds and head online to Soma Gallery, who also have a proper bricks-and-mortar shop in Bristol. You’ll easily make delivery by Christmas, as long as you put in your order by 4pm Friday 19th December.
Soma boasts a brilliant line-up of British artist and designers, and you could easily tick off your Christmas shopping list in one go. Think fabulous Tatty Devine jewellery for the ladies, Hazel Nichols‘ sweet biscuit-themed pieces for the design-obsessed, Donna Wilson‘s softie creatures for the kids, and Crispin Finn prints for – well just about anyone.
If you haven’t heard of Crispin Finn before, one glimpse of their product page will give you a fairly good idea of what their inimitable work is about. Go on – click here.
Cool, huh? The London-based design duo comprising of Anna Fidalgo and Roger Kelly work exclusively in red, white and blue, producing a beautiful collection of pop-cultural screen prints, stationery and homewares.
Check out Crispin Finn’s series of cocktail-themed screenprints, which at £45 would make a rather lovely Christmas gift. They also come as individual or boxed Christmas cards.
I’m especially taken by Crispin Finn’s homage to their favourite cult films, such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Annie Hall and The Big Lebowski. Each screenprint depicts a collection of key ephemera and objects that feature prominently in each cult classic, and it’s great fun to identify each piece.
Strictly for fans, each print comes with a wonderfully nerdy “order of appearance” sheet (pictured above), which acts as a guide to each object and the moment it appears in the film. At £75 each, a hand-pulled screenprint would make the perfect gift for a cult film enthusiast.
Tell me: Has Crispin Finn portrayed one of your favourite films? Or maybe they’ve made a print of one your friend’s favourite films? (Awesome and Extremely Thoughtful Christmas Present alert!)
This is how my bedroom looks when it’s professionally styled. Photography by Lucas Boyd for Wee Birdy. Styling by Diane Birol/Freedom ID. Production by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd/Wee Birdy.
Why yes, my bedroom always looks this immaculate. I always fold my duvet cover back just so, and arrange my pillows in a handsome arrangement worthy of a bed linen catalogue.
Ha. Kidding!
I reckon the world is divided into two kinds of people: those who get up in the morning and make their beds, and those who don’t. Those who smooth the creases and plump the cushions, and those who get back into the same crumpled mess at night as they left it in the morning.
I mostly belong, dear reader, to the latter-day slatterns, much to the chagrin of my mother (actually, I don’t think she bats an eyelid anymore; I gave up trying to ‘pretend’ I regularly made the bed after the birth of my son).
Ahem. The not-so-styled everyday truth. Photo by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd/Wee Birdy.
I’m not going to pretend to be proud of my slatternly ways, and try to fob it off as being “too terribly busy” to make my bloody bed. My sister-in-law is a mother of two kids under the age of four, holds down a full-time job as a powerhouse lawyer, and still manages to make the bed every day. Nor am I going to apologise for my slatternly ways, BUT…
There are times when I actually pull out my finger and make the bed, and it’s at those times that I actually labour over the task at hand, with almost-crisp hospital corners, and working out exactly how much sheet to fold back at the top of the bed.
I’ve attempted to ‘throw’ the throw blanket in a manner that captures the trend for carefully-crafted insouciant throw blanket styling. (Have you noticed that? There is nothing more deeply unfashionable, it seems, than a comforter or throw blanket folded back with mathematical precision at the end of the bed).
Clearly needing help and guidance, I talked to Freedom‘s resident expert Korryn Bentley (KB), and stylist extraordinaire Vanessa Colyer Tay (VCT), and asked them how they go about the business of making beds. Here’s what they had to say…
How do you leave your bed in the morning?
VCT: It depends on the day! And how long the kids have snuggled in it. Often I quickly pull up the sheets and bed toppers in a speedy bed-make, and every now and then it gets left looking cosy. I top the bed with a mix of standard pillows, european pillows and a scatter cushion or two.
What’s your best tip for making your bed look amazing?
VCT: Quilts and bed-toppers are the best for bed making with speed – they rarely need ironing so they always look good, and layering helps the bed look soft with ‘come-hither’ appeal. KB: Layers! This isn’t just a winter trend: layers of lightweight throws and bed covers are a sure way to make your bed look sensational.
Hospital corners or relaxed?
VCT: Hospital-cornered sheets if visible, but personally I like an oversized quilt so that sheet corners are not visible.
What colours are good for bedding? KB: You can’t go wrong with white. It’s easy to keep clean and looking fresh if you properly look after your white linen. But in saying that, I know a lot of people are not sold on having white bedding, in which case I would always suggest light neutral colours.
What are your washing tips for bed linen?
KB: I’m not afraid to soak my sheeting and I always add a few drops of lavender oil into the wash.
How many pillows are too many pillows?
KB: I really don’t like a bed that needs half an hour to be made and then unmade of an evening. I believe in two pillows on each side of the bed that are stacked high upon each other. A few cushions scattered at the front of the stacked pillows make for a relaxed, liveable look.
Any secret stylist tips? VCT: Thick sheets make for better hospital corners: they’re a bit like wrapping presents – each fold has to be perfect before the next one commences. I like working with one-third pulled-back, and European pillows mixed with standard pillow sizes to add an extra layer of scrumptious-ness to the bed.
Want to shop the look of my bedroom makeover? Here are the key pieces I chose from Freedom Bedroom. Just hover over each product and click through to the shop to buy.
Trapeze European cushion cover, $34.95, from Freedom.
Zigzag king quilt in white,
$209.95, from Freedom.
Oslo two-drawer bedside table in oak/white, $349, from Freedom.
$349
Penny table lamp in dusty blue, $49.95, from Freedom.
Clifford throw, $64.95, from Freedom.
Web bench in natural, $349, from Freedom.
Berkley Queen sheet set in White, $99, from Freedom.
Oslo five drawer dresser in oak/white, $899, from Freedom.
Hobe cushion in Aqua, $39.95, from Freedom.
Tailor Coupe sugar pot with lid, $9.95, from Freedom.
Tailor Coupe teapot, $29.95, from Freedom.
Zia European cushion cover, $34.95, from Freedom.
Lineum cushion in Jade, $39.95, from Freedom.
Disolve bone china mug in Jade, $6.95, from Freedom.
Tailor Coupe creamer, $9.95, from Freedom.
Fenton floor rug in white, $399, from Freedom.
Succulent in bottle in Echeveria, $19.95, from Freedom.
Lagoon side plate, $7.95, from Freedom.
Want more expert tips? Look out for part 2 tomorrow, where I’ll take you through a photographic step-by-step guide to making your bed your like a stylist!
I always keep an eye on the latest patterns coming out of cult New York craft supplies shop, Purl Soho. The shop’s blog, The Purl Bee, regularly features free tutorials and patterns that are fresh, completely on-trend, and use a beautiful palette of colours. It’s a fantastic resource for crafters of all experience levels.
They’ve just released a free pattern and tutorial for Christmas, and it’s a cracker. These felt ornament gift tags by The Purl Bee are a simple last-minute Christmas craft to make, and they look particularly sweet with a little pocket to slip in each person’s name. They would add a lovely personal touch to your Christmas presents this year.
Still battling it out at the local shopping centre? Stoppit. Now. And look here.
Australia has a dazzling new online shopping destination that’s filled with stuff that’s (a) looks darn handsome; (b) filled with beautiful stuff handmade by Australians; and (c) all made in Australia.
You can find it all at Craft (also known as Craft Victoria), and while I confess it’s not exactly new, they’ve just released a beautiful new catalogue for Summer, styled by Leesa O’Reilly and photographed by Hilary Walker. It represents a bright new direction for Craft, and I couldn’t be more delighted, as it’s a shiny new platform to showcase the plethora of creative talent in Australia.
You can pick up some stunningly gorgeous things, like one-off ceramics, pots and planters, jewellery, art works, wall hangings, cushions, rugs, blankets and wonderful things for kids. Can you hear the “where did you get THAT?’ cries of present-envy now? Ha! That’s what we want! Excellent.
Want some even better news? Head over there right now and you’ll get free delivery within Australia – on all orders before 6pm tonight (16 December 2014 AEST). Just use the code CRAFTMAS at the online checkout.
Here are some of the beautiful images from the catalogue – and if you click on the link below each photo, you’ll be taken directly to the page where you can purchase each item.
Inspired by the knit and macramé wall hangings of the 60s, Pilgrim has created a detailed PDF crochet pattern that’s available to purchase from drawpilgrim.com and Etsy. It’s an instant download so you don’t have to worry about delivery dates!
It’s a very ‘now’ look for Christmas this year, as vintage-inspired macrame and textile wall hangings are one of this year’s biggest trends in design and interiors.
It’s also perfect if you don’t have the space for a Christmas tree, and it’s perfectly proportioned to hang on the back of a door and lend some Christmas kitsch to even the tiniest apartment.
The pattern includes a glossary of crochet terms, a list of supplies, written instructions AND a stitch diagram. Pilgrim tells me that if you can crochet a granny square, you can make this!
Wouldn’t it make a very cute and thoughtful present for a crafty friend and vintage lover: just download and print out the pattern and instructions, and bundle it up in a box with the supplies listed in the pattern (crochet needles, yarn, and maybe a box of chocolates).
She made that incredible stained-glass effect backdrop herself by cutting and pasting individual shapes of tissue paper to her windows. Amazing, right?
Pilgrim Lee’s incredible ‘stained-glass’-style Christmas windows. Photography by Pilgrim Lee/Instagram.
And she grabbed her glue gun and a bunch of discount-store baubles to fashion this kitsch-tastic Christmas wreath.
I salute Pilgrim’s dedication to a very crafty Kitschmas!
Have you been following my 25 day of Kitschmas on Instagram and Facebook? I’ve been posting one image from my collection of vintage Christmas decorations a day. Join in!
If you’re a little bit crafty or just fancy the idea of DIY, Christmas is the perfect time to practice your skills. Get your kids involved if they’re already on school holidays, or have a Christmas crafternoon with your friends and deck your halls with boughs of stuff you’ve made yourself.
There is plethora of Christmas DIY tutorials online – some good, and some, well… not so great. And if you get lost in the depths of Pinterest, chances are, you’ll find the same tutorials popping up in your feed time and again.
I’ve rounded-up five fresh new Christmas craft ideas by some of my favourite craft bloggers – and they’re brand new for 2014. From beginners to more experienced crafters, there’s a beautiful new DIY that’s just waiting to be made and hung up in your home.
A kind of niche industry of ‘gifts for book lovers’ has popped up online, and some of the stuff you can get is actually quite good.
If you know someone who has a favourite well-known author, chances are, there is some kind of gift that pays homage to that person or their work. From Hemingway and Joyce to Woolf and Plath, you can buy all manner of literary-related items. Then there are the witty and practical presents for book lovers, including book-ends, book shelves, book stamps and bookmarks. For the ultimate multi-functional gift, there is even a birdhouse-style toilet roll holder that doubles as a book rest (if you’re going down that route, you should throw in the novelty toilet-humor boxes of literary matches, pictured above).
I’ve picked 25 of my favourites, but you’ll notice that they’re biased towards my favourite female authors, so make sure you check out the original shop for other authors. Some good online shops for buying literary-themed gifts include The Literary Gift Company and Out of Print Clothing.
Make sure you check delivery dates with each shop – most of them can still deliver to you before Christmas.
Just click on the photo of each product below to go through to the shop to buy. Nice!
‘Sylvia Plath Kicks Metaphorical Ass’ print, AU$33.14, from Standard Designs’ Etsy shop.
Library coaster set, $16, from Out of Print clothing.
Happy reader personalized stamp, AU$42.24, from The Small Object’s Etsy shop.
Reading Fox metal bookends, $49, from Wee Birdy’s GREAT.LY shop.
Bronte Sisters tape, £3.99, from the Literary Gift Company.
Mystery with a Gun book dividers/bookmarks, $29, from Down that Little Lane.
Fictional bus roll linen flax tea towel (flax), $24.90, from Down that Little Lane.
The Handmaid’s Tale t-shirt, $22, from Out of Print Clothing.
Picture book frame, $29.95, from Lark.
Book worm cotton tote bag, $24, from Everything Begins.
Books That Changed the World by Andrew Taylor, £7.99, from the Literary Book Company.
The Bell Jar “I am I am I am” necklace, $24, from Out of Print Clothing company.
Virginia Woolf print, AU$28.19, from Obvious State’s Etsy shop.
Literally – Grammar Grumble No. 5, £7.95, from the Literary Gift Company.
Faber & Faber Poetry Diary 2015, £12.99, from the Literary Gift Company.
Woodpecker bookends, $69, from Down that Little Lane.
Virginia Woolf Tote Bag, £12.95, from the Literary Gift Company.
Bird House’ book rest & toilet roll holder, £25, from the Literary Gift Company.
Personal library kit, £11.99, from Waterstones.
‘Old Books’ scented soy candle, AU$17.62, from Frostbeard’s Etsy shop.
Granta 129: Fate £12.99, from Granta.
That Glimpse of Truth: The 100 Finest Short Stories Ever Written by David Miller from Kinokuniya.
Library Card tote bag, $16, from Out of Print Clothing.
Custom-made wooden book rack, $129.21 from Agustav’s Etsy shop.
I bet you’ve still got at least one dude to buy for (I do), and you’re a little bit stuck. Amiright?
Before you grab something boring or generic (step away from those boring old socks/undies/box of chocolates now), take a look at the beaut line-up of gifts I’ve collected. I’ve shopped for every type of guy in mind, for all ages, and for all budgets, starting at just $6.25.
Just click on the photo of each product below to go through to the shop to buy. Sweet!
EDITED TO ADD: Mycuppatea is offering Wee Birdy readers 10% off everything in their amazing online shop (except gift packs) until midnight Sunday 14 December 2014 (AEST). Just use discount code “WEEBIRDY” at check-out.GO!
Jonathan Adler men’s raincloud socks, $16.95 , from House of M&K.
Echo bevel flash drive, $36, from Wee Birdy’s GREAT.LY shop.
Liberty London navy Miranda print silk pocket square, £45, from Liberty.
12 bottle wine rack, $39.95, from Freedom.
Ace of Spades cufflinks, £30, from Tatty Devine.
Navy pink spot silk knitted tie, $70, from Hawes & Curtis.
Mr Essentials facial cleansing scrub, $37.40, from Down that Little Lane.
Wooden box of dice, £35, from Pentreath-Hall.
Camouflage leather zip wallet, $220, from Mycuppatea.
Dark teal Charlie knife, $34, from Wee Birdy’s GREAT.LY shop.
Knots Adventure enamel mug, $15.95, from Lark.
Toolbag gold, $110, from Mycuppatea.
Mr Beaker concrete and timber lamp, $150, from Everything Begins.
J.Crew collab houndstooth lightning cable, $25.95, from Eastern Collective.
Spruce up wash bag, $39.95, from Everything Begins.
Bottle stopper, $36, from Noli Noli.
Naadam cashmere sweater, $352.10, from Kauffmann Mercantile.
Public Supply ruled notebook, $15.01, from East Dane.
Contour sketch pencil, $120, from 22 Design Studio.
Woodlore cedar shoehorn, $6.25, from East Dane.
Flight 001 guy stuff pouch, $22.51, from East Dane.
London type map print by Ursula Hitz, $110, from Everything Begins.
Terrapin Stationers hashtag calling cards, $15.01, from East Dane.
Baxter of California beard comb, $17.51, from East Dane.
Magnet bottle opener, $16, from Poketo.
Native Union CLIC Wood iPhone 6 case, $50.03, from East Dane.
Futo B5 sleeve, $60, from Mycuppatea.
Retro Owls shorts, $70, from Wee Birdy’s GREAT.LY shop.
The Mixer’s Manual: ‘The Cocktail Bible for Serious Drinkers’ by Dan Jones, £8.39, from Amazon.
The Monocle Guide to Good Business, $75.04, from East Dane.
Lanvin black classic silk bow tie, £80, from Liberty.
Ito Bindery pencil stand, £25, from Mr Porter.
Smith Journal (Volume 12), $11.95, from Lark.
Baxter of California clay pomade, $25.01, from East Dane.
Alpen Italian leather manicure kit, $139.40, from Kauffmann Mercantile.
Embroidered glasses handkerchief, $52.53, from East Dane.
Christys’ Hats
black felt pork pie hat, £65, from Liberty.
Antica Cartotecnica set of vintage pencils, £18, from Mr Porter.
The Tiny Collection – Stacked apartment coffee cups, $120, from Everything Begins.
Herschel Supply Co. daypack, reduced to $26.26, from East Dane.
Timex Weekender watch, £49.99, from Goodhood.
Hand-printed neutra boxer, $38, by Thunderpants.
Je T’aime banner, $63, from Wee Birdy’s GREAT.LY shop.
Barley & Hops: The Craft Beer Book, $62.53, from East Dane.
‘The Bar is Open’ print by Crispin Finn, £65, from Soma Gallery.
Scandi with a splash of gold is the look for Ferm Living‘s Christmas 2014. Photography courtesy of Ferm Living.
After a year where metallics reigned supreme, it’s no surprise that one of the key themes to emerge for Christmas 2014 is gold.
It’s certainly one of the more traditional and obvious Christmas themes, but this year it’s been interpreted with a modern and Scandinavian-inspired spin. Look to Ferm Living for inspiration and you’ll see touches of gold worked back with timber, white, neutrals, and greenery.
A mix of gold-speckled ornaments and garlands adorn Ferm Living’s Christmas tree. Photography courtesy of Ferm Living.
Gold also featured as the key theme for Christmas at IKEA, and if you’re looking to buy a lot of gold ornaments, make a beeline for their bulk packs of gold-toned baubles. IKEA’s rolls of assorted gold gift wrap for $2.99 are also very good value.
Add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas table with hanging gold stars and piling gold baubles on a plate. Photography courtesy of IKEA.
I’m not traditionally a “gold” girl, and I don’t own an awful lot of gold-toned pieces in my home. I do, however, have a silver Christmas tree packed with colourful vintage ornaments, and my decorating approach to Christmas is “more is more”. But I’ve since discovered that working a touch of gold into Christmas is actually pretty easy, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise.
One of my best buys for Christmas this year is the $5.95 gold-coloured charger plate from Freedom. The oversized dimensions and luminous sheen packs a visual punch on the Christmas table, and it’s a versatile piece that can be used in a number of ways. Think of it as a platter and make a statement by piling it with loads of cheese or fruit, or use a gold charger plate for each place setting and layer your white dinnerware on top.
Make a statement with pudding – and the Celebrate ‘Eat, Drink & Be Merry’ gold plate and Entertain gold charger plate, $5.95; both from Freedom. Photography by Lucas Boyd for Wee Birdy. Styling by Diane Birol/Freedom ID. Production by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd/Wee Birdy.
The key to pulling of this simple Scandi-inspired look is to keep your touches of gold restrained, and preferably graphic. Think geometric shapes and prints, and use gold as a highlight colour, rather than the domineering theme. A great example of this is the gold print table runner and matching napkins at Freedom.
I always buy a few new Christmas ornaments every year, and this year I went for gold. I headed to one of my favourite Sydney independent shops, Little Paper Lane, and bought three geometric faceted decorations for $12.95 each.
Little Paper Lane is a treasure trove of paper goods, stationery, wrap, greeting cards, homewares and gifts. They also have an impressive line-up of Washi tape, and I couldn’t resist their gold glitter tape, which I plan to use on all my Christmas cards and wrap.
I used the geometric ornaments as a way to add greenery to my Christmas entertaining. I simply placed a tiny live air plant ($6.99 each from Bunnings) in the middle of each of ornament, and arranged them on the side of a simple white marble platter from Freedom, piled high with mince pies.
I’m planning to hang the air plant ornaments in my bedroom after Christmas, so they will have a long life beyond the festive season.
If you’re after a beautiful handmade heirloom ornament for Christmas, look no further than Jo Heckett and Red Raven Studios on Etsy. Both of these talented makers use real gold (lustre and leaf) to embellish their collections of stunning white porcelain ornaments.
Vintage gold ornaments are also in abundance on Etsy. Keep an eye out for vintage gold angel ornaments and candleholders that look utterly contemporary right now.
Here are more of my favourite gold-themed Christmas finds to deck the halls of your nest. Just click on each product image below to be taken directly to the shop to buy.
12 gold glitter Christmas tree cupcake toppers, $8.72 by Pelemele.
Decorate ombre tealight in gold, $24.95, from Freedom.
VINTERMYS gold decorations pack of 80, $2.99, from IKEA.
Gisela Graham vintage tree and deer dome decoration, £19.95, from Selfridges.
Gold brushed pearl ornament, $5.95, from David Jones.
Christmas bunting garland, $4.95, from David Jones.
Copper wire string lights, $39.95, from Lark.
Fa La La pillow, $60, from Down that Little Lane.
Porcelain ornament
EUR 10, from Ferm Living.
Gold tree Santa sack, $55, from Lark.
Entertain charger plate, $5.95, from Freedom.
Luxe glitter Christmas tree ornament, $4.99, from Myer.
VINTERMYS gold wreath, $19.99, from IKEA.
Lucite ghost tray, $70, from Down that Little Lane.
Orn house in glass dome $9.95, from David Jones.
Glitter bow place cards, $22.99, from Lark.
Snowflakes stocking, $19.95, from David Jones.
Entertain table runner, $19.95, from Freedom.
Paper top star, EUR 35, from Ferm Living.
Lollipop designs moon party platter, £56, from Selfridges.
VINTERMYS gift wrap roll, assorted patterns, $2.99, from IKEA.
Christmas stocking, EUR 27, from Ferm Living.
Diamond glitter garland,
$19.95, from Lark.
Tell me: are you decorating with gold for Christmas? You might like to see how I worked gold into my decor for Christmas entertaining this year.
Top of my Christmas present recommendations is this genius set of Dot Musee Crayons from the amazing online design store, Mycuppatea. Made in Japan, each crayon represents a different painting by Claude Monet:
1. Sunset in Venice (1908)
2. Iris Bed in Monet’s Garden (1900)
3. Waterlily Pond – Green Harmony (1899)
4. Water Lilies (or Nympheas) (1907)
5. Rue Saint-Denis on the National Holiday (1878)
6. Haystacks (1891)
My Cuppa Tea also stocks the rather pretty dot flower crayon set, which explores a range of floral themes. While each Dot Musee crayon is like an tiny Impressionist pointillism artwork itself, each Dot Flower crayon is like a miniature meadow of wildflowers.
I love that these crayons can be used in different ways: turn the crayon on its end to work with one concentrated colour, or use the entire pointillist palette to create a unique fusion of colour.
Both sets of crayons are amazing value at $22 each, and would make an original gift for just about anyone, from kids to grown-ups. They’re especially good for that tricky person to buy for, who seems to have everything. And how pleased would you be to unwrap a set of these beautiful crayons in the office Kris Kringle?
After more inspired gift ideas? Check out my round-up of the best presents with my annual Christmas Gift Guide.
Buying presents on a budget doesn’t mean buying anything less than the best. In fact, there are plenty of quality gifts around – with designer names attached – starting at $17.09
You just need to know where to look. And that’s where I come in.
I’ve scoured department stores, online shops and designer brands around the globe to come up with my edit of the best 40 presents for under 50 Australian bucks (around £27).
My pick of the bunch? Nothing says “luxury” more than Chanel no. 5, the iconic fragrance from the luxury French brand. And there is nothing more luxurious than the pale pink bath soap (traditional solid soap, not bath gel!) imprinted with the iconic no.5 logo. Lightly fragranced, the soap produces a creamy lather and leaves a subtle scent that lingers all day. It’s $26 – or you can pick it up for £22 at Harrods.
I think it makes a splendid Christmas gift. After all, who would spend $26 on a bar of soap for themselves? And that’s what’s nice about the best gifts – buying something special for someone that they don’t have – or usually experience.
Here’s my pick of the best designer gifts for under $50.
Just click on the photo of each product below to go through to the shop to buy.
Marc by Marc Jacobs salty preztel stud earrings, US$48, from Shopbop.
Chanel N°5 The Bath Soap, $26, from Chanel. (£22 at Harrods.)
Calvin Klein Underwear Lace and embroidered stretch-tulle underwired bra, reduced to £18.33, from the Outnet.
Guerlain La Laque Couleur Coque d’Or, £18.50, from Harrods.
Tom Dixon Gem gold tea light holder, $41, from Safari Living.
Maison Martin Margiela Tabi bookmark, reduced to US$37.20, from East Dane.
Jonathan Adler koala bottle stopper, US$24, from Shopbop.
Floris London
Santal moisturing bath and shower gel, £21.67, from Mr Porter.
Happy 1st of December! Do you have your Advent calendar up yet? I’ve dug out our old-school German Advent calendar to hang on the fridge, but we’ve already forgotten to open up the first door!
I’ve noticed a growing trend for DIY Advent calendars this year, featuring boxes or pockets that can be filled with your own selection of trinkets or treats.
Here’s a round-up of some of the best Advent calendars for 2014 – with a difference.
Australian stationery brand Blank Goods have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with their immaculate range of plain paper, kraft card, envelopes, boxes and stickers that invite all manner of crafty customisation.
This year, their DIY Advent calendar kit has proven to be a huge hit on Instagram, with the completed wall hanging ticking all the so-on-trend-it-almost-hurts boxes.
The kit includes small and large number stamps, black ink pad and a selection of coloured boxes, kraft boxes, mini kraft bags, cotton muslin bags, circle and star stickers, starburst stickers, coloured cord, glassine bags and washi tape. DIY Advent Calendar Kit, $45, from Blank Goods.
Inspired by simple Scandinavian style, this hanging advent calendar includes 24 individual wooden Christmas tree pegs for attaching small gifts. I love the idea of pegging Quality Street chocolates for each day of Advent. Their brightly coloured foil papers look amazing lined-up on a wall. Scandinavian Christmas string Advent calendar, reduced to $28, from Lark.
This German Advent calendar is perfect for design lovers, featuring 25 flat-packed cardboard boxes that are ready to be assembled and filled. You can create endless Tangram-style designs with the red and white removable stickers. Snug Studio Advent calendar, $49.95, from My Messy Room.
This quirky little pine cone can be found on Etsy at Crank Bunny’s shop. The pop-up design can be hung on a wall as a decoration, or perched on a sideboard using the 3D stand. It would also make a festive centrepiece for your dining table throughout December. Each advent calendar is handmade and intricately cut by “one set of marshmallow fingers.” The Little Pine Cone Advent Calendar, $20.50, by Crank Bunny.
The innovative Sydney-based T-Mod girls have used their trademark ‘scratchie’ design to create a Christmas tree Advent calendar – which can also be used as a greetings card. The card is packaged in an envelope with a heart charm for ‘scratching’ each window on the tree. Scratchie Advent Christmas tree card, $12.95, by T-Mod.
There is so much great stuff around for girls (aged three to 13) right now. I know I’ve gone for a rather predictable pink theme, but I’ve also included books with feisty female characters, fun and creative games and toys, as well as beautiful and inspirational new pieces for a little girl’s room that won’t look ‘babyish’ as she grows up.
From vintage-inspired frocks and a modern flatpack dollhouse to timeless toys like tea sets and ragdolls, I’ve rounded up my favourite gifts for little girls, starting at $7.95 (Australian dollars).
