It all starts here at LTID.
I’ve been MIA recently from LTID. No, not because it’s winter and I’m a summer girl. Not because my Christmas social calender has kicked off and I’ve been out partying (sadly quite the opposite, it has been work, work and more work). However I have a project brewing that has taken up my spare time. I can’t reveal all yet but it’s REALLY EXCITING, involves the blog, paint and a quite a few medical rooms..
It’s late and I’m currently in bed snuggling into some my Organic Stockholm Stitch linen as I post. I’m embracing winter this year. Enjoying the colder weather, the season unfolding, as well as the sun setting around 3.20pm here in Scotland. It’s about the little things. With some new slippers from Fat Face and a hot water bottle to burn my feet on, life really is good.
This Christmas is all about homemade. The effort and the thought more than the flash of the cash. Did you know that across the UK consumers have turned to arts, craft and baking in a bid to deliver bumper Christmas stockings with homemade presents? Almost a third of Brits (29%) will receive a handcrafted present this Christmas.
A study by Dulux, the country’s best loved paint brand, revealed that over a quarter of Brits (26%) are turning to up-cycling to create unique Christmas gifts. A further one in five (17%) will either host or attend a Christmas craft party this year.
The hard work isn’t going to waste as 57% of Brits say that receiving a handcrafted present means more to them than something bought on the High Street or online.
With this in mind, this Christmas all my gifts are going to be made by hand. Either by me or bought by a maker.
My top 5 Handmade, Recycle or Up-cycle Gift Sources for 2014 are:
1 GREAT.LY New kid on the block, where makers meet tastemakers. I’m very proud to say the Queen of Taste herself Holly Becker stocks my LT Candles in her Great.ly shop!
2 ETSY
Need I give an explanation? Handmade goodness from around the world.
3 Local Fairs
The trend has grown so much since in the last 10 years since I’ve been out of the UK. Go! They are amazing even the local High School Christmas Fair is worth it. You’ll find local businesses popping out the wood work everywhere!
(photography | Laura Thomas)
4 Your Local Charity Shop
DVD’s, books, accessories, it’s all about up-cycling or recycling at the moment. Shh don’t tell my girls.. I’ve stocked up on second hand DVD’s this year as a stocking filler.
Want personalised goodies? Look no further, there’s even something for your pet here.
Laura Thomas will be blogging her finds daily until 24th December 2014