The online source for all things Christmas
Wednesday, 1 November 2023
That's Books and Entertainment: Horror Classics Reimagined: Dead & Read Merges Lit...
That's Books and Entertainment: Horror Classics Reimagined: Dead & Read Merges Lit...: The music industry really knows how to give their fans covetable and collectible memorabilia, which is just not something you usually associ...
Monday, 30 October 2023
The perfect Christmas gift for the artists in your life: The Artists' Brush
Described as a book “that deserves to be in every school, university and bookcase of any serious artist”, The Artists' Brush – World History, Theory & Practice by Dr. Philip Bayliss Brown, is aimed at artists, calligraphers, archaeologists, historians, educators, teachers and students of arts and history.
In his foreword, Angel of the North sculptor Sir Antony Gormley RA enthuses: “This impressive study of the brush in all its multiple forms is exhaustively examined in this extraordinary piece of scholarship which, in its diversity, becomes a celebration of human creativity…a panoply of human inventiveness as interesting to anthropologists as to art historians and to artists themselves."
The author examines the evolution and importance of the artists’ brush over history and geography. Extensively researched and referenced, it details the development and use of the brush from deep history to modern times, placing the brush in the context of the cultures in which it was used.
Richly illustrated, it describes works on rock, walls (murals and frescoes), ceramics, textiles, panels (stone, wood), codices, calligraphic manuscripts and other peinture d'objets [painted objects]. Its chapters on brush anatomy, physics and mark making are essential reading for any artist or historian.
The history of art is re-told placing the brush at its centre: a tool, which in the hand of an artist, is responsible for some of the greatest and defining insignia of mankind. Indeed, the brush is emblematic of Homo sapiens’ ability to have wisdom and symbolic thought, and to create representational art, write and communicate. This book sheds light on historic artistic practices in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas that are frequently overlooked and under-reported in academic literature.
Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Fine Art, Arts at University Plymouth, adds: “This book opens our eyes, bringing to light arguably one of the most important instruments in creative expression - the artists’ brush. This fascinating book provides valuable scholarship in the history, manufacture, and physics of the humble brush, and interrogates the elegance of this tool.”
Published by The Cloister House Press ISBN-10 1913460738, the book is available in paperback and hardback, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon from 30th November for delivery by 12th December 2023.
website: www.theartistsbrush.org
FACTFILE: Philip Bayliss Brown studied medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. He pursued a career in General Practice coupled with a series of Medical Informatic academic appointments specialising in the development of computerised health care ontologies for use in electronic medical records. He is a lifetime scholar of historical art techniques and, following retirement from clinical practice, obtained an MA in Fine Art and trained in portraiture in London, Salisbury and Florence.
He has had several solo shows in the UK and Italy and also joint exhibitions elsewhere in Europe, the USA and China. He has been shortlisted for a number of awards including the Signature Art Prize (2015), Deutsche Bank Award (2017) and the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize (2019).
His painting of the Last Supper, ‘The Weight of Blood’ was long-listed for the National Portrait Gallery BP award and formed the focus of a solo exhibition in Westminster Cathedral, London. His passion for the subject matter, experience as an academic writer and a practising painter, has serendipitously placed him in the fortuitous position to author this definitive account of The Artist’s Brush. Philip lives with his wife and dog in Norfolk, England and Umbria, Italy.
Saturday, 28 October 2023
Unconventional Christmas: A Guide to Creating Fun, Memorable Celebrations
So, why not spice up your Christmas this year with an unconventional celebration that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come? In this blog post, we'll explore some creative and fun ways to celebrate Christmas differently and make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Themed Christmas
One way to add a fun twist to your Christmas celebration is by choosing a unique theme. Whether it's a winter wonderland, a tropical paradise, or even a favourite movie or TV show, a themed Christmas can make your celebration feel exciting and fresh. Decorate your home, plan your meals, and choose gifts that fit the theme. For example, if you go for a "Harry Potter" theme, you can sort your guests into Hogwarts houses, have a magical-themed dinner, and even create a game of Quidditch in your backyard.
DIY Decorations
Getting creative with your Christmas decorations can be a fun and fulfilling way to celebrate the holiday season. Gather your family and friends for a crafting day, making ornaments, wreaths, and unique holiday décor. Using recycled materials and personal touches, you'll not only save money but also create one-of-a-kind items that reflect your style and personality.
Outdoor Adventure
If you're looking to escape the traditional holiday hustle and bustle, consider taking your celebration outdoors. Depending on your location, you could go hiking, sledding, skiing, or even have a beach bonfire. Outdoor adventures can be a refreshing way to celebrate Christmas and encourage everyone to be active and enjoy nature.
International Flavours
Instead of the typical Christmas turkey consider having a Christmas dinner inspired by the cuisine of a different country. Each guest could bring a dish from a different part of the world, creating a diverse and delicious feast. Not only does this add a unique twist to your Christmas celebration, but it also encourages cultural exchange and learning.
Charitable Christmas
Christmas is a season of giving, so why not focus on helping those in need? Instead of traditional gift exchanges, consider donating to a charity or organising a volunteer day with your loved ones. This approach to Christmas will fill your heart with joy and the true spirit of the season.
Film Marathon
Host a Christmas film marathon with your friends and family. Pick your favourite Christmastime films, set up a cosy cinema area, and prepare loads of tasty of snacks. You can even turn it into a competition with Christmas-themed trivia or games during the breaks. This is a great way to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Escape Room Christmas
Turn your home into an escape room and challenge your guests to solve holiday-themed puzzles, riddles, and mysteries. This unconventional Christmas celebration idea is perfect for those who love a good mental challenge. You can also create a story that ties all the puzzles together and adds a sense of adventure to your holiday gathering.
Christmas is a time for joy, love, and creativity. By thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional ideas, you can create a memorable holiday celebration that's unique to you and your loved ones.
Whether you choose a themed Christmas, DIY decorations, outdoor adventures, international flavours, a charitable approach, a festive film marathon, or an escape room Christmas, the key is to make the day special and meaningful for everyone involved. So, this year, break free from tradition and let your imagination run wild as you celebrate an unconventional Christmas that will be cherished for years to come.
Friday, 27 October 2023
A Timeless Tradition: Unwrapping the History of Christmas Cards
These beautifully decorated pieces of paper or card have become synonymous with the yuletide season, but have you ever wondered about the history behind this tradition? In this blog post, we'll unwrap the fascinating history of Christmas cards, from their humble beginnings to the creative and meaningful expressions of love and joy that they represent today.
The Birth of Christmas Cards
The custom of sending holiday greetings in written form can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Chinese are believed to have exchanged New Year's cards as early as the 9th century, and the Egyptians sent papyrus scrolls with seasonal greetings. However, it was in 1843 that the modern Christmas card was born in England, thanks to Sir Henry Cole.
Sir Henry Cole was a very busy man with a lot of correspondence to attend to. He found himself overwhelmed by the task of responding to all his Christmas well-wishers. Seeking a solution, he commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to create a card that could be easily personalised and sent to multiple recipients.
The result was the first commercially produced Christmas card, which depicted a family enjoying a Christmas feast and included the message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
Early Christmas Cards: Victorian Elegance
These early Christmas cards were a far cry from the intricate and creative designs we see today. They featured simple, hand-painted illustrations and often carried religious messages, reflecting the predominant themes of the time. The cards were seen as a way to remind recipients of the true meaning of Christmas.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in Victorian England and soon spread to the United States. People would exchange these cards with family and friends, often attaching sentimental notes and good wishes. The cards were treasured keepsakes, and some survive to this day, offering glimpses into the past.
The Rise of Commercial Christmas Cards
As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, advances in printing technology and mass production techniques led to the rise of commercial Christmas cards. Companies began producing a wide variety of designs, making it easier for people to find cards that suited their tastes and sentiments. These cards were no longer exclusive to the wealthy; they became accessible to the masses, too.
During this time, a new range of artistic styles emerged, from Art Nouveau to the Arts and Crafts movement, each leaving its unique imprint on Christmas card design. While some cards still featured religious themes, others embraced the secular aspects of the holiday, with Santa Claus, reindeer, and winter scenes becoming popular motifs.
A Timeless Tradition: Modern Christmas Cards
In the 21st century, Christmas cards have continued to evolve. The digital age has brought e-cards and digital greetings, allowing for quick and easy exchanges across the globe. However, traditional paper Christmas cards remain beloved by many. They have evolved into a canvas for personal expression, with handmade and custom-designed cards becoming increasingly popular, once again.
Today, Christmas cards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be humorous, heart-warming, or artistic, and they often feature family photos, personalised messages, and even in support of charitable causes. Many people still cherish the act of sending and receiving physical cards, as they represent a tangible connection to loved ones during the Christmas season.
The history of Christmas cards is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. What started as a simple idea in 1843 has blossomed into a diverse and cherished tradition that transcends time and borders. Whether you opt for a vintage Victorian design, a modern masterpiece, or a personalised photo card, remember that each Christmas card you send or receive is a piece of history, a token of love, and a reminder of the enduring joy of the Christmas season.
(Image courtesy Oberholster Venita from Pixabay)
Introducing Everlasting Wreath Kits for Christmas from Everbloom
They'll arrive at your door with everything you need to design your own luxury faux wreath that will last for years to come.
Embrace your inner creative with an Everlasting Wreath Kit
Nothing says Christmas like a luxurious wreath on your front door to welcome your guests over the festive period!
The Everlasting Wreath Kits consist of an absolute abundance of rich festive greens, muted eucalyptus and delicate berries to decorate your own luxury faux Christmas wreath.
By following the simple instructions and perhaps by watching Everbloom's engaging online tutorials, the wreath kits will quickly transform into a meaningful and sustainable decoration for your home or the home of a crafting loved one.
Visiting London this Christmas? Attend an Everlasting Wreath Making Workshop!
Join Everbloom for the perfect festive activity, where you'll learn first-hand how to design your own everlasting wreath. Led by the Everbloom florists, guests are taught step-by-step how to design a unique wreath using a wide range of luxury faux foliage, berries and flowers.
The perfect setting to socialise, embrace your creativity and enjoy a glass of fizz, guests will leave with an abundance of festive cheer and a wreath to enjoy from one season to the next. More information, dates and tickets can be found on the Everbloom website www.everbloomlondon.co.uk.
Festival of Christmas trees - Francis House Children’s Hospice opens pop-up event
The Festival of Christmas trees opens on Saturday, October 28, and aims to encourage members of the public to place bids the unique trees, each packed with vouchers, signed football shirts, hampers, vouchers and handmade gifts.
The annual project involves businesses, community groups and individuals coming together in the decoration of a one-off Christmas tree which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Greater Manchester hospice.
Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides respite care, homecare, end of life care and a range of other services to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Participants this year include JP Goldman, Cardinal Global Logistics, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, Morrisons, Uplift Knitters, LIFT-Financial, Amaranth, DLA Piper and Lowbury Construction.
The event this year is sponsored by Towers Business Park and Quayside MediaCityUK.
Julie Williams, fundraising officer at Francis House said: "Anyone visiting the display is in for a real treat. With the help of our tree sponsors there is something to tempt everyone to place a bid and be in with the chance of taking a truly unique tree home for Christmas.
“We provide the tree and lights, and the rest is left up to the imagination of our fantastic sponsors. Cardinal Global Logistics have created a bright and beautiful Barbie tree and the Thomason family have put together two trees bursting with football, gaming and food and drink goodies.”
Bids can be placed on each tree for five weeks in the run up to Christmas, either in store or online at www.festivaloftrees.co.uk
A range of Christmas decorations, gifts and cards are also on sale in the shop along with the opportunity to win a raffle prize and take part in a lucky dip.
With some trees fetching hundreds of pounds each it is hoped the event this year will exceed the £25,000 in profit raised in 2022.
The shop can be found on the first floor of Quayside MediaCityUK, formerly the Lowry Outlet and runs from October 28 until December 3.
To view a gallery of the trees and to discover more visit www.festivaloftrees.co.uk
Tower makes excellent Christmas presents
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She also reminded me that she was absolutely thrilled when I bought her a set of stepladders for our wedding anniversary. (Ideal for reaching safely into tall cupboards in our kitchen, you see? She actually asked for them as her present.)
Many women, like my wife, adore the idea of good, sensible items for Christmas presents (and many men, too) and these superbly designed and made products from Tower will make absolutely wonderful Christmas presents for students who are away from home in student accommodation or for young people who are setting up their own homes for the first time.
Those wonderful folks at Tower have asked us to share these amazing products with our readers, so here they are:-
T17128 – Vortx 12L Air Fryer Oven Black Chrome – Tower Website Exclusive
https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/vortx-12l-air-fryer-oven-black-t17128
Tower’s newest Air Fryer, T17128 12L Air Fryer Oven cooks food 30% faster and uses less power than a conventional oven. Save up to 70% on your energy bills by switching to Air Fryer cooking.
This product also features a Rotisserie Function, cooking a chicken in under 1 hour! The ideal appliance for Christmas Dinners this year!
RRP: £149.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)
https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/vortx-dual-basket-air-fryer-grey-t17136
This 7.6L Air Fryer features 6 preset functions and has dual basket technology, including Smart Finish so your food cooks at the same time!
99% less fat & cooks 30% faster than a conventional oven. Save up to 70% on your energy bills by switching to Air Fryer cooking.
RRP: £129.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)
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https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/frying-pans/smart-start-30cm-frying-pan
Simply wait for the SmartStart tick to dark red & take the guess work out of cooking for perfect results.
Features an aero glide ultra non-stick coating for superior food release & easy clean. Oven & dishwasher safe!
RRP: £33.99
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https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/soup-makers/16l-soup-maker-saute-function
Add more flavour to dishes without the mess! 4-in-1 cooking: Soup, Juice, Blend & Clean
Includes Saute function – save time on cleaning by cooking everything in one pot! Great for meal prepping or simple making winter favourites!
RRP: £69.99
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https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/cordless-vacuum-cleaners/vl70-flexi-anti-tangle-cordless-vacuum
High-performance cordless cleaning all around your home.
Use as a cordless vacuum for carpets and hard floors, a detachable handheld for cars, stairs and upholstery or use the 75cm flexi pole for going under tables and other low down areas
RRP: £129.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)
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https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-purifiers/tower-portable-desktop-air-purifier-grey-t673000
Portable Desktop Air Purifier with Multicolour Mood Lighting
Keeping your home environment refreshingly clean and free from allergens. Enjoy fresh clean purified air with a powerful clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 120m3/h - Ideal for rooms up to 14m²
RRP: 99.99 (Black Friday Offers Available 13th Nov – 27th Nov)
We would like to thank Tower for allowing us to share these products with our readers.
That's Food and Drink: European Cheeses That Make Perfect Winter Warming ...
That's Food and Drink: European Cheeses That Make Perfect Winter Warming ...: Winter is the perfect time to cook with cheese and European cheeses are essential ingredients in the kitchen due to their diversity of textu...
Thursday, 26 October 2023
Biggest ever pet sale launched by Tesco as ownership of cats and dogs reaches record levels
According to latest pet population information from the PDSA’s annual PAW Report (2023) reveals that the UK has:
11m dogs – 29% of UK adults own a dog
11m cats – 24% of UK adults own a cat
The overall pet population has increased from 8.3m in 2011 to 11m in 2023
And Tesco is gearing up for what it believes will be the biggest ever Christmas for pets by launching a ‘4 for 3’ sale on all its pet products including food, toys and accessories.
The sale, said to be Tesco’s biggest ever for pets, which is open to all Tesco Clubcard holders, has just launched and will run until 14 November.
Pet experts at the supermarket predict along with the wide range of treats available, two training toys that should give owners as much fun as their pets will be amongst the most popular gifts.
The first is a set of Pet Training Buttons for dogs, which cost £7, that can be customised to teach your pet to answer various electronic sound commands that you record. By placing a paw on any of the various buttons or pads your pet can be taught to react to commands such as ‘Treat, ‘Play’, or ‘Outside’.
The other is a Pet Treat Launcher for cats or dogs that will help keep your pet fit by chasing after its favourite treat which can be fired from the device by a trigger operated mechanism. These cost £4 each.
Tesco Pet Category Buying Manager John Hext commented: “We know that Britain is a nation of animal lovers and now so more than ever as a result of the huge number of pets that were acquired during lockdown.
“As a result pet gifting, whether it be buying them food treats, toys or accessories has grown significantly in the last few years and is now one of the fastest growing areas in the UK retail industry.
“But we also know that times are still tough out there which is why we've decided to launch our ‘four for three, cheapest item free’ sale. We also wanted to help customers spread the cost of Christmas which is why we’ve launched it in October.”
Own brand stand out items available for cats and dogs at Tesco this Christmas include:
Christmas pudding biscuits for dogs £3.50
Mince pies for dogs £3.50
Turkey and cranberry cracker treats for cats £2.50
Turkey and stuffing paw treats for dogs £2.50
Cheese and biscuit treats for dogs £2.50
The Tesco ‘4 for 3’ pet sale runs in large Tesco stores. The cheapest item of any four bought will be free.
We are disappointed that only dog and cat gifts are featured. Nothing for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs! Still, never mind. Maybe next year?
Creative, crafting and Christmas shows to watch out for
https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/crafts-for-christmas-glasgow-23
Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show is a seasonal dream were exhibitors will be showcasing exclusive ranges of bespoke and unusual gifts including glassware, jewellery, art, candles, ceramics, clothing and more. This is being staged at the Birmingham NEC from the 2nd to the 5th of November.
https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham-christmas-2023
Also at the NEC on those dates is the Creative Craft Show, featuring lots of fantastic crafting stalls all bursting with wonderful crafting ideas.
https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham-november-2023
The above events are operated by:
INTERNATIONAL CRAFT & HOBBY FAIR LTD.
Dominic House
Seaton Road
Highcliffe
Dorset BH23 5HW
United Kingdom
Registered in England No. 1290524
VAT No. 291 7701 44
(Image courtesy Bob Dmyt from Pixabay)
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