20 Simple Craft Ideas

Give your Christmas a handcrafted touch (and save yourself some dollars) with these gorgeous little projects

1 BELL GARLAND

Don’t keep bells and other baubles just for the tree. Thread them onto a piece of twine or string and tie a knot to hold them in place. WHAT WE USED: White porcelain tree, $34.90, sage porcelain tree, $14.90, from Citta. Twine, $3 a roll, bells, $5 a pack, from Look Sharp. Other items stylist’s own.

2 CUTLERY KEEPER

To create this simple decoration for each place setting, cut out a piece of felt in the shape of a Christmas tree, ensuring it’s tall enough to fit your cutlery. WHAT WE USED: A4 felt, $1.50, linen fabric (napkin), $33 a metre, from Spotlight. Martini glass, $49.99 for 4, from EziBuy. Other items stylist’s own.

3 FABRIC CRACKERS

Buy or make cardboard tubes about 8cm in diameter (eg cut poster tubes into sections). Place gifts inside, wrap in linen fabric and tie with leather thonging. WHAT WE USED: Room spray, $12 for 3, hair clips, $5 for 2, eclairs, $3 a packet, pencils, $5 a box, from Kmart. Linen, $14 a metre, leather thonging, $27 a roll, from Spotlight.

4 CHOCOLATE BARK

Melt 250g white chocolate; reserve a quarter of it in a small bowl. Pour rest onto a lined tray and spread out. Stir a few drops of food colouring into reserved chocolate. Drizzle coloured chocolate over white chocolate and drag a skewer over top to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows and cool in fridge. Break up and serve or package. WHAT WE USED: Linen napkin, $12.90, from Citta. Other items stylist’s own.

5 STAR NAPKIN RING

Cut a star shape out of thick felt. Cut a strip of felt 2cm wide and 10-12cm long. Create a ring shape, glue ends together with clear craft glue. Once dry, glue star on top. WHAT WE USED: 3mm natural felt, $7, from Spotlight. Finch dinner plate, $32.90, linen napkin, $12.90, from Citta. Large plate stylist’s own.