Liven Up the Dark Days Before Christmas with Christmas Crafting Competitions

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it can be easy to feel the winter blues creeping in. But the festive season is the perfect time to bring some cheer into your home! 

One fantastic way to brighten up the dark days before Christmas is by organising Christmas crafting competitions with family and friends. 

Not only is this a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, but it also creates lasting memories and unique decorations to cherish for years to come.

Why Crafting?

Crafting is more than just a fun pastime; it’s an opportunity to bond with loved ones, unleash your creativity, and even save money on festive décor. 

Plus, it’s an activity that suits all ages and skill levels, making it inclusive for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Getting Started

To host a successful crafting competition, you’ll need a few essential items. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank! Stores like Amazon, B&M Bargains, The Works, Rymans,Home Bargains, Poundland, and Hobbycraft offer an incredible range of affordable Christmas crafting supplies.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Crafting Basics: Scissors, glue sticks, tape, and markers.

Festive Paper and Card: Glittery, patterned, or plain sheets to create cards and ornaments.

Decorative Items: Sequins, ribbons, pom-poms, and stickers.

Natural Materials: Pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for rustic charm.

Paints and Brushes: For decorating baubles or creating hand-painted masterpieces.

Pre-made Kits: Great for younger participants or those who need a little inspiration.

Competition Ideas

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to decide on the competition themes. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

Christmas Cards

Challenge participants to create the most festive or funniest Christmas card. Provide a variety of embellishments and let everyone’s creativity run wild.

Tree Decorations

Who can make the most beautiful or quirky ornament for the tree? From hand-painted baubles to felt characters, the possibilities are endless.

Festive Wreaths

Using a mix of natural and artificial materials, see who can craft the most stunning wreath to hang on the front door.

Gingerbread Houses

This can be a very tasty crafting activity. Building and decorating gingerbread houses can add a delicious twist to your competition.

Gift Wrapping

Who can wrap a present in the most creative and eye-catching way? Bonus points for using eco-friendly materials!

Setting the Scene

Make the event extra special by creating a cosy crafting atmosphere. Play some Christmas tunes, light a few candles or fairy lights, and serve festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine (or hot chocolate for the kids). Setting the mood will make the experience even more enjoyable.

Judging and Prizes

To add an element of excitement, appoint a judge or have everyone vote on their favourites in each category. You could offer small prizes for the winners, such as a box of chocolates, a festive mug, or even a homemade certificate for the “Most Creative” or “Best Effort.”

Share Your Creations

Don’t forget to document the fun! Take plenty of photos and videos and share your creations on social media to spread the festive cheer. You might even inspire others to start their own Christmas crafting competitions.

Christmas crafting competitions are a wonderful way to bring people together, celebrate the season, and create something truly special. So gather your supplies, invite your loved ones, and let the crafting begin! This year, make the countdown to Christmas as memorable as the day itself.

How to Source Decorations, Craft Supplies, and Jumpers for a Bling-tastic “Blingmas” Christmas

If you’re ready to ditch subtlety this holiday season and embrace the glitz, glitter, and glam of a “Blingmas” Christmas, you’re in the right place. 

There’s no need to spend a fortune to create a dazzling festive display—high street favourites like Poundland, Home Bargains, Ryman, and The Works are treasure troves of affordable, eye-catching Christmas décor, crafting supplies, and gaudy jumpers. 

Here’s how to make the most of your shopping trip and bring maximum sparkle to your celebrations.

1. Start with Decorations: Go Big, Go Bold

The foundation of any Blingmas lies in over-the-top decorations, and these shops are packed with budget-friendly options to transform your space.

Poundland

Tinsel Galore: Poundland offers tinsel in every colour imaginable. Layer it on your tree, drape it across mirrors, or use it to frame your windows.

Festive Figurines: From glittery reindeer to light-up snowmen, you’ll find all the kitsch you need.

LED Lights: Stock up on affordable LED string lights to make your home twinkle. Look for battery-powered options to avoid a tangle of cords.

Home Bargains

Bauble Bonanza: Home Bargains is perfect for finding packs of shatterproof baubles in metallics, neons, or glitter finishes.

Inflatable Décor: Nothing says Blingmas like an inflatable Santa or snow globe for your garden or living room.

Wreaths and Garlands: Go for pre-lit options or add extra sparkle with glitter sprays and adhesive gems.

Ryman

Stationery Chic: Ryman’s gold and silver stationery items can be repurposed as unique tree decorations or table centrepieces. Look for metallic pens, glitter tape, and shiny wrapping paper.

DIY Décor: Their crafting section often includes adhesive jewels and sparkly card stock for making custom decorations.

The Works

Seasonal Craft Kits: The Works has budget-friendly kits for making your own decorations, from DIY baubles to 3D paper snowflakes.

Novelty Signs: Look for wooden or acrylic signs with phrases like "Santa Stop Here" or "Let It Snow," perfect for creating focal points in your Blingmas display.

Paint Your Own Ornaments: Grab a set of plain ornaments and metallic paints for a fun craft session that doubles as décor.

2. Craft Your Way to a Blingmas Wonderland

Adding handmade touches to your décor lets you personalise your Blingmas while saving money.

Top Craft Supplies to Look For

Glitter and Gems: Stock up on pots of glitter, adhesive jewels, and sequin packs from The Works or Poundland to add sparkle to anything.

Foam and Felt Sheets: Use these to create oversized decorations like stars, candy canes, or snowflakes.

Glue Guns and Accessories: Both Home Bargains and The Works often sell affordable glue guns—essential for any crafting session.

Bows and Ribbons: Turn basic items into luxurious-looking décor with metallic ribbons and pre-made bows from Ryman or Poundland.

Easy Blingmas DIY Projects

Glitter-Dipped Baubles: Transform plain baubles into statement pieces with glue and glitter.

Blinged-Out Wreaths: Start with a basic wreath from Home Bargains and add tinsel, mini baubles, and faux flowers.

Sparkly Table Settings: Use glitter spray to jazz up pinecones, vases, or even cutlery holders for a festive table.

3. The Tacky Christmas Jumper: Your Blingmas Uniform

No Blingmas celebration is complete without a gloriously naff Christmas jumper, and these stores have you covered.

Poundland

Affordable Jumpers: Poundland often stocks affordable festive jumpers with classic designs like reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa motifs. Add extra flair with tinsel, LED lights, or glitter glue.

Home Bargains

Light-Up Jumpers: Look out for jumpers with built-in LED lights or 3D embellishments. Perfect for grabbing attention at holiday parties!

Matching Family Sets: Some Home Bargains locations stock matching jumper sets for the whole family.

Ryman and The Works

DIY Sweater Supplies: If you can’t find the perfect jumper, make your own! Pick up plain jumpers and embellish them with glitter, felt, pom-poms, or mini baubles from The Works and Ryman.

Extra Ideas

Turn the jumper hunt into a competition—host a “Naff Christmas Jumper” contest among friends and family for extra laughs.

4. Go All Out with Finishing Touches

For a true Blingmas extravaganza, don’t stop at the basics.

Gift Wrap Glam: Wrap presents in glittery paper and use oversized bows or LED ribbons from Poundland or Ryman.

Table Décor: Use metallic confetti, sequined table runners, and shiny plates to make your dining table pop.

Photo Booth Area: Set up a corner with tinsel backdrops, props, and lights from Home Bargains or The Works for Instagram-worthy Christmas selfies.

5. Budget-Friendly Tips for Maximum Bling

Shop Early: The best bargains go quickly, so start browsing in November.

Mix Old and New: Combine your new purchases with existing decorations for a layered, extravagant look.

Reuse and Upcycle: Don’t discard last year’s décor—add glitter, paint, or lights to refresh them.

Conclusion

Transforming your home into a Blingmas wonderland is all about embracing the fun and fabulous side of Christmas. With a little creativity and some savvy shopping at Poundland, Home Bargains, Ryman, and The Works, you can create a festive display that’s big on sparkle but light on the wallet. So, grab your glitter, untangle the tinsel, and let the bling begin!

Why You Should Ignore the Naysayers and Embrace Christmas Shopping at Poundland

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the perennial debate: where should you shop for Christmas decorations, treats, and stocking fillers? 

Some will tell you to head to high-end retailers or online stores boasting premium products, but I say – don’t listen to the naysayers!

Instead, grab your bags and scour your nearest branch of Poundland for everything you need to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

Affordable Christmas Decorations That Sparkle

Why spend a small fortune on baubles, tinsel, and fairy lights when Poundland has shelves bursting with festive decor? From glittering ornaments to wreaths and charming tabletop decorations, you’ll find everything you need to transform your home into a winter wonderland. Sure, the naysayers may scoff, but trust me, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look magical.

Tasty Treats That Won’t Break the Bank

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and Poundland delivers on this front too. Stock up on classic festive snacks like mince pies, Christmas cakes, and nuts – perfect for cosy nights by the fire or sharing with guests. You’ll also find plenty of sweet treats to fill stockings, including chocolate coins, candy canes, and those all-important advent calendars.

For those who love creating their own holiday hampers, Poundland’s food section is a treasure trove. Mix and match biscuits, jams, and festive crisps to create thoughtful and delicious gifts that look far more expensive than they are.

Stocking Fillers for Everyone

Let’s talk about stocking fillers – one of the best parts of Christmas morning! Poundland is a goldmine for small but thoughtful gifts. Whether it’s colouring sets for the kids, quirky mugs for your workmates, or pampering items like bath bombs and hand creams, there’s something for everyone. And for the jokers in your life, don’t miss the novelty gifts – guaranteed to raise a smile.

Why It’s Smart to Shop Savvy

Shopping at Poundland isn’t about scrimping on the joy of Christmas; it’s about being clever with your budget. The festive season can be expensive, and finding ways to save on decorations and gifts means you can focus on what really matters – spending quality time with loved ones.

Ignore the naysayers who turn their noses up at bargain hunting. There’s no rulebook that says Christmas has to be expensive to be meaningful. In fact, the most heartfelt moments often come from thoughtful gestures, not extravagant spending.

A Poundland Christmas Is a Merry Christmas

So, this year, let’s celebrate the magic of Poundland. Embrace the bargains, revel in the joy of snagging a deal, and take pride in creating a beautiful, festive home filled with treats and gifts – all without breaking the bank. Christmas isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about the memories you make.

Happy bargain hunting and Merry Christmas! 

(I'd like to point out that this is not a sponsored post. It was written after a trip to Poundland to pick up a few festive craft essentials. And something to amuse our cat!

How to Create a Cosy, Homemade Crafty Christmas

As the festive season approaches, many of us feel the urge to make our homes sparkle with holiday cheer. But rather than relying solely on store-bought decorations and gifts, why not embrace the charm and warmth of a homemade crafty Christmas? 

There’s something magical about creating your own Christmas decorations, gifts, and wrapping from scratch. Not only does it allow for a personal touch, but it’s also an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way to celebrate.

Here are some delightful ideas to inspire your crafty Christmas this year:

1. Handmade Christmas Decorations

Nothing beats the feeling of trimming the tree with decorations you've made yourself. This year, try crafting your own ornaments:

Salt Dough Ornaments: Salt dough is incredibly easy to make using just flour, salt, and water. Roll it out, cut it into festive shapes (such as stars, hearts, or trees), and bake until hardened. Once cooled, paint them with acrylic paints, and don’t forget to add some glitter for extra sparkle.

Upcycled Paper Baubles: If you have old magazines, wrapping paper, or even sheet music lying around, you can transform them into beautiful baubles. Simply cut circles from the paper, fold them in half, and glue them together to create a sphere.

Pinecone Decorations: Nature often provides the best materials. Gather pinecones from a walk and give them a festive makeover with a bit of gold or silver spray paint. Add a ribbon, and you have a charming, rustic ornament.

2. Homemade Christmas Cards

Sending out Christmas cards is a cherished tradition, but instead of buying packs from the shops, why not make your own?

Watercolour Cards: A splash of watercolour on thick cardstock can create stunning designs, whether it's a simple wash of colour or a more intricate scene like a snowy village. If painting isn’t your forte, you can use stencils to guide your brushwork.

Stamped Cards: Craft your own stamps using potatoes or rubber carving blocks. Simple designs like stars, trees, or reindeer can be easily carved, dipped in paint, and pressed onto your cards. For a unique look, try layering different colours.

Pressed Flowers and Leaves: For a nature-inspired card, use pressed flowers or leaves. These can be glued onto your card for an elegant, minimalist design.

3. Personalised Gift Wrap

There’s no need to spend money on expensive wrapping paper when you can make your own that’s both eco-friendly and charming.

Brown Paper Wrap: Brown kraft paper offers a simple, rustic look that you can customise with stamps, drawings, or hand-written messages. Tie it up with twine and add a sprig of holly or eucalyptus for an earthy, festive feel.

Fabric Wrapping: Using fabric, like old scarves or tea towels, is a sustainable way to wrap gifts. The Japanese technique of furoshiki involves folding and tying fabric to securely wrap your presents, and the fabric itself becomes part of the gift!

Recycled Paper Wrapping: Reuse old newspapers, maps, or sheet music as wrapping paper. Add a colourful ribbon or hand-drawn doodles to make the package pop.

4. Crafty Homemade Gifts

Creating personalised gifts not only saves money but shows your loved ones how much thought and care you’ve put into their presents.

DIY Candles: With a few basic supplies (wax, wicks, and essential oils), you can create your own candles. Choose festive scents like cinnamon, clove, or pine to really evoke the Christmas spirit. Decorate the jars with ribbon or personalised labels to add a final touch.

Homemade Bath Bombs: For a pampering gift, make your own bath bombs with ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Add some dried lavender or rose petals for a touch of luxury.

Hand-knitted Scarves or Hats: If you’re handy with knitting needles, this is the perfect time to create a cosy scarf or hat for a loved one. Choose a festive colour or opt for neutral tones to suit their style.

If you are a talented artist or a skilled woodworker you will be able to produce some truly unique and -one-of-a-kind handmade Christmas gifts for the people in your life who you really care about.

5. Festive Food Gifts

Food is often at the heart of Christmas, and homemade edible gifts are always well-received. Some ideas include:

Spiced Biscuits: Christmas biscuits, whether gingerbread or spiced shortbread, make for lovely gifts. Decorate them with icing or wrap them in festive packaging for a delightful homemade treat.

Flavoured Oils and Vinegars: Infused oils or vinegars are simple to make but add a gourmet touch to any kitchen. Add herbs, chillies, or garlic to a good-quality oil or vinegar, and store in a pretty glass bottle.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix: Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and mini marshmallows in a jar, tie it with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a cosy gift perfect for cold winter nights.

6. Get the Family Involved

Making Christmas crafts isn’t just fun for adults; it’s a great activity for children too. Involve your little ones in simple projects like decorating biscuits, making paper snowflakes, or assembling Christmas garlands. Not only will you create lasting memories, but the kids will also feel a special sense of pride when they see their handiwork displayed around the house.

Conclusion: A Christmas to Remember

A homemade crafty Christmas is about embracing creativity, reducing waste, and making the season truly personal. The effort you put into creating these handmade decorations, gifts, and cards will not only fill your home with warmth but also bring joy to those around you. So, gather your supplies, put on your favourite Christmas playlist, and let the crafting begin!

Checkout local retailers and also Home Bargains, The Range, Rymans, Hobbycraft, Poundland and One Beyond for a wide range of DIY Christmas goodies.

Here’s to a cosy, crafty Christmas that’s filled with love, creativity, and a sprinkle of DIY magic!

Plan ahead for Christmas and save money!

It's often difficult buying what you need for Christmas, the food and drink, presents, decorations, etc.

However, with the current economic situation, things might be a bit tighter than usual, this Christmas.

Some people will flex the plastic or even take out expensive loans and then face a New Year of penury and hardship as a result.

But it doesn't have to be like that at all! Here is the simple That's Christmas Plan Ahead for Christmas Programme!

1) If your shop or supermarket has a savings club, sign up for it and save a small amount of money for Christmas.

2) If you see an item that would make an ideal Christmas present for a family member, buy it when you see it (so long as the price is keen) and put it away for Christmas.

3) Rather than buying a large amount of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at Christmas and risking buying more than you'll need, add a bottle or two to your weekly shops between now and Christmas. If you find you need more you can always pop out to the shops when you need to.

4) Bearing in mind use by and best before dates, stock up on foods for Christmas well before the Christmas season. And avoid any potential pre-Christmas price rises that might occur!

5) Get crafting! You might be surprised at how good you can be with making special bespoke Christmas gifts for friends and family members. Also, why not try your hand at making unique Christmas decorations? Hobby Craft, Home Bargains, Poundland, Rymans and The Works all stock craft items and art items.

6) Shop around! You'll be pleasantly surprised to find the item you wanted to buy at a much lower price in a discount shop. 

7) Check out local/regional Christmas Markets to see of there are any you'll be able to get to. However, if you are looking out for genuine Continental Christmas products/produce then the German discount stores Aldi and Lidl are both well worth checking out. 

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk

https://www.poundland.co.uk

https://home.bargains

https://www.bmstores.co.uk

https://www.ryman.co.uk

https://www.theworks.co.uk

https://www.lidl.co.uk

https://www.aldi.co.uk

(Image courtesy of Jan Vašek from Pixabay)

Looking for stocking fillers? Then get Christmas crafts at Poundland!

The kids have finished school and are enjoying their time off, and it’s easy for parents to feel panicked about how to keep them entertained during the Christmas holidays.

"Poundland has come up with some festive and affordable craft ideas that can keep the kids occupied for hours. We’ve turned some of these ideas into a generic article about Christmas crafts, which we felt your readers may enjoy," explained a spokeswoman.

What springs to mind when you think of childrens’ Christmas crafts? Hair full of glue and glitter, a carpet covered in sequins and snowflake paper cuttings to clear up at the end? Yes, thought as much.

It all looks ever so easy on Blue Peter, with the famous ‘one I made earlier.’ But in reality, we don’t all have the time, patience or artistic ability to pull off a full size rocket made from toilet rolls and PVC glue... especially when there's also a Christmas dinner to cook and presents to wrap! While we all like the idea of being the perfect parent who embraces creative activities and then sweeps up the mess in one fell swoop, we all know this is difficult to achieve when we’re busy and stressed and there's a host of relatives knocking on the door.

It’s great to get children thinking creatively and expressing themselves through arts and crafts and – if you know where to look – it can be a pleasure, not a pain. Much precious time can be spent with the kids over the Christmas holidays making cards together, wrapping presents, creating your own crackers or even making decorations to put up around the home.

The warmth of the oven is also an inspiring place to start with crafts at Christmas. Baking a delicious Christmas cake needn’t cost a fortune, and the whole family will enjoy decorating it with snow white icing and fun accessories. If Christmas cake isn’t to your taste, what about crispy gingerbread men or cute Christmas cupcakes? Edible glitter is easily available and food dye makes for colourful and tasty treats! Best of all, ideas like these needn’t cost a fortune.

There are plenty of websites with handy tips on what to make and where to begin. Activityvillage.co.uk is a great website with plenty of ‘how to’ guides for kids’ crafts that are straightforward and something they will actually be able to achieve. Plus there are ideas to suit different age groups and budgets. Mummy bloggers often test a whole variety of products with their kids so it’s also worth checking out a few reviews and seeing what they have to say.

Most importantly, you don’t want this to cost a fortune as Christmas is expensive enough as it is! It’s great to recycle things from around the home (yes, toilet rolls included!) and as well as being a green way to craft, it keeps the cost down. Old shoe boxes can be decorated to make beautiful memory boxes, old sheets and garments are ideal for at home Nativity plays and flattened cereal boxes can be re-crafted to make bespoke Christmas cards from the kids.

Best of all, hobby and craft products are readily available on the high street so you don’t need to battle the Christmas shopping madness to find niche art stores for your supplies. Make sure you find a store that sells a range of arty products that are inexpensive. You can let the kids choose the items that catch their eye so they can get excited about using them and you don’t have to worry about the cost mounting up.

And who knows, with enough encouragement and a bit of assistance, you might have a little Michelangelo in the making!

Great sources for children’s craft ideas:

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/
www.crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-crafts.html