Festive Decorations: Handmade Touches for our Christmas

Time to pull out the festive hand made!

There’s something magical about pulling out festive decorations that are not only beautiful but also handmade. Over the years, I’ve had a wonderful time crafting ornaments and decorations that become part of our Christmas traditions. From knitted baubles to crocheted birds, these projects hold memories of cosy evenings, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of frantic finishing!

Knitted Baubles: A Year of Arne & Carlos

A few years ago, I embarked on a project to create festive knitted baubles, using patterns by the brilliant Arne & Carlos. The plan was simple: make two baubles each month, ensuring I’d have a finished collection by December. And for the most part, I kept up—until November, when a flurry of knitting took over to finish the final few!

The effort was worth it, though. The baubles now sit proudly on twigs in the hallway every December, welcoming everyone who visits our flat. Each one is a celebration of non-traditional colours—teals, creams, yellow and grey—the joy of a handmade item that can be customised to your own colour choices! The baubles are small, satisfying projects, perfect for using up leftover yarn, and they add a handmade warmth to our home.

Crochet Birds: The 12 Birds of Christmas

The following year I tackled the *12 Birds of Christmas* by Toft. This crochet project challenged me to make a bird a month, each one with its own special story. While I mostly kept on schedule, I’ll admit to a final push to finish the flock just in time for December.

Now, these whimsical birds perch on a wire frame from Ikea, bringing a touch of festive charm to the flat. They’re a perfect example of how handmade decorations can be both playful and sophisticated, showcasing the traditional with a modern twist.

Incorporating Handmade Decor into Your Home

Handmade decorations like these are a wonderful way to personalise your house/flat/home for Christmas. Knitted baubles and crocheted ornaments can be hung on trees, arranged on tables, or displayed in unexpected places like doorways or hallways. Using traditional festive colours, or customising your choices to match your own decorating style ties everything together.

Making Time for Festive Crafting

One thing I’ve learned from these projects is the importance of pacing yourself (even if I don’t always follow my own advice!). Whether it’s committing to one ornament a week or setting aside a few evenings a month, breaking the work into smaller pieces makes it manageable—and enjoyable. Just don’t allow yourself to become stressed if you fall behind, after all, our crafting is meant to be stress free!

And remember, catching up in November isn’t the end of the world! The joy of crafting is in the process as much as the finished piece. Plus, it’s always worth it when you see your handmade creations bring a festive sparkle to your home.

What Are You Crafting This Festive Season?

Are you planning to make any decorations this year? Maybe some knitted ornaments for the tree or a crocheted garland for the mantelpiece? I’d love to hear about your projects—or even the ones you’ve got tucked away from previous years! Let’s celebrate the beauty of handmade holidays together.