I spend a lot of time coming up with craft projects for children, but these ones are for the grown-ups. Take a few moments out from the madness and do a little simple crafting. I promise you they’re really easy, and very satisfying.
All of the designs use a simple pack of plain brown cards and envelopes. I bought mine from Wilkinson’s, but you could buy something similar from any craft shop.
Snowy Christmas Tree
Draw a tree-shaped triangle on your card in pencil to use as a guide. Use two slightly different shades of dark green (I used tubes of watercolour paints which create bright, vivid colours, but you could use children’s ready-mixed paint) and gradually build up your trees using lots of feathery brushstrokes, moving across the tree in rows. Alternate your two greens to create a bit of texture. Add a trunk, then allow to dry before applying your white paint. Dab the white paint on to the tree with feathery motions – keep your brush quite dry and it will look more snowy. These are so quick and easy to make, I had a whole forest in no time!
Paper bauble card
Anyone remember making one of these at primary school? It really couldn’t be simpler. Draw around something round (I used an espresso cup) on some pretty paper, adding on a little square bauble-like bit on top. Cut out carefully and glue to your card. Using a thick needle, make two small holes right though the card at the top of the bauble. Thread through a little sparkly thread and tie in a bow. Another great variation on this theme is to ask a small person to make some glittery, paint-splattered paper for you to carefully cut out into a bauble or stocking shape.
Sparkly fabric star
This one is another one which reminds me of primary school days. Cut out a simple fabric star and secure it to your card using a little glue (this is really just to hold it in place while you sew it onto the card). Using gold thread and a thick needle, sew round the outline of your star with a simple running stitch. Tie a knot at the beginning and end to secure your stitches. You’ll have to push quite hard to get it through the cardboard, but it’s a really satisfying thing to do. Glue on a few extra sequins. You can cover up your stitches on the reverse side (inside the card) with some extra cardboard or brown paper, but I think it looks rather nice as it is.
These look gorgeous, Lizzie. Adult crafts are my favourite. I’m not good at just sitting or watching TV so having something like this to do is my way of switching off. And you end up with something pretty, too.
You’re so clever Lizzie, these are brilliant! We went with the school cards this year but I’m banking your ideas for the future! x
Ah thank you, I’m so glad you like them! We bought the school cards too, but I never get through them all! x
These really are lovely. You are so crafty and talented. Gemma x
Thanks so much Gemma!
These are lovely! I must confess I went with something really simple for my cards this year making over 70 I usually run out steam about half way if I go for something complicated!
Wow, that’s impressive! I don’t think I could manage 70 of these! x