Tag Archives: handmade

Christmas Gift Tag Ideas!

Posted on by Abi

I may be an adult, but I still think there’s something very exciting about rummaging under a Christmas Tree, reading tags and guessing what gifts you might receive. It’s probably a nod to my inner child, but if you can’t get excited at Christmas, then when can you. In these economically challenged times, we may find that our trees are a little smaller and the gifts have shrunk in number. I don’t think that has to mean gift giving becomes diminished though. A little bit more creativity and the way we present a gift can make all the difference to the recipient. So today I’ll sure you some of my favourite ways to make gorgeous homemade gift tags, so you may adorn your presents with pride!

All of the tags are made from simple brown cardboard luggage tags, which are available from any good stationer.

Design No. 1

For the first set of tags I removed the string and cut a little extra from the corners to give a good shape. I then stenciled ‘To’ and ‘From’ onto the back.

Then using some pinking shears I cut up an old map, old Christmas paper and pictures and glued them into place. You could also use pictures from old magazines, old cards, anything really.

Next I added a couple of Christmas shaped sequins, but glitter would have worked just as well. Add a little ribbon to the top and you’re done!

Design No. 2

For the next set I cut out some scraps of old Christmas fabric, but any bright fabric works well. I glued these onto the tags and then sewed on some buttons.

Design No. 3

This one is fairly similar to the previous design. The only difference is the introduction of a hand-sewn Suffolk Puff. These can be made up very quickly and when a button is sewn on top they look fabulous! For instructions on how to make a Suffolk puff see our tutorial here.

Design No. 4

I have a huge stash of leftover ribbon, pieces that were saved from earlier projects, chocolate boxes and so on. For this design I raided my stash and glued small pieces of ribbon and lace onto the tag. I left enough space to stencil on ‘To’.

I think there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to decorating gift tags, I just hope these few might inspire you a little bit 🙂

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Win an Angel Eden Handmade Solid Silver Necklace!!

Posted on by Abi

Like it or not Christmas is on the way and while most of us enjoy the festive season, there’s no denying that it can be a huge drain on finances. So today we are giving you the chance to win a fabulous Christmas gift either for yourself or a friend.There’s even a fabulous runner’s up prize!

We are giving away a handmade sterling silver Key Pendant from the Angel Eden Heritage Range (RRP £45). The key is joined by a removable Swarovski Pink Crystal Heart and hung upon an 18″ silver chain. This particular key is a one off and is not available on the website. It will all arrive beautifully presented in a black jewellery box and tied with Angel Eden ribbon, ready to place under the tree

For the runner up we are giving away an Angel Eden Textile Brooch Kit (RRP £10). One of our most popular kits, it contains everything you need (bar a needle) to make one of Angel Eden’s signature textile brooches.

For more fabulous gift ideas for Christmas and beyond please visit the Angel Eden store.

How to Enter

Step 1. is mandatory and entries will not be valid unless this is followed, extra entries without step 1. being fulfilled will unfortunately not count.

Step 1. Follow this blog publicly (using either Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin or Feedburner on the right) and leave a comment mentioning you are following the blog (current followers need only comment). Remember to leave me a way to contact you if you win.

Extra entries – for each extra entry leave a comment to let me know:

1. Tweet about the comp for an extra entry

2. Follow us on Twitter

3. Like our page on Facebook (links on the right)

The competition will end at midnight 2nd December 2011.

 

 

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Homemade Ganache Chocolate Recipe!

Posted on by Abi

Just about everyone loves chocolate and those that don’t know a loved one who does. So this little recipe is the perfect indulgence or the perfect gift. It’s very simple, quick and always impresses lucky recipients. Who wouldn’t love to receive a box of homemade chocolates!

What You’ll Need

80ml (2 3/4 fl oz) Double Cream

200g (7oz) good quality Dark or Milk Chocolate

12.5g (1/2 oz) Butter

2Tsp golden syrup (this is only if using Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate is sweet enough)

Ground Almond, Cocoa Powder or Chopped Nuts to decorate

 

Step 1

Finely chop or grate 100g (3 1/2 0z) of your chocolate. Heat the cream in a pan until it just begins to boil. Remove from the heat and add in your chocolate and butter. Leave it for a couple of minutes and then stir until smooth.

If you are using Dark Chocolate add your syrup in now.

Step 2

At this point you can either pour the hot ganache into a bowl and leave to cool. Or if you have an appropriate chocolate mould you can use this instead. Once cool cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. By now it will be a lovely firm ganache.

Step 3

Remove your ganache from the fridge. If you did not use a chocolate mould you will now need to dust a plate or tray with good quality cocoa powder. Spoon out a little ganache, cover in powder and then roll into a ball using your hands. Once rolled place on a tray and put back in the fridge. If you used a chocolate mould, pop out your moulded shapes and lightly dust with cocoa powder before placing onto a tray.

Step 4

Melt your remaining chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. While this is melting cover a large plate/tray with ground almonds, chopped nuts or cocoa powder. Remove your ganache shapes from the fridge. Placing one on a fork lightly dip into the melted chocolate until covered. Lift up on the fork allowing excess chocolate to drain away.

Immediately place your chocolate onto your plate of almonds/nuts/cocoa and lightly cover.  Transfer to another plate/tray to set.

Continue until all your chocolates are covered and then place back in the fridge.

Once set you will have beautiful ganache chocolates with a light crisp chocolate shell.

Notes.

If you use Milk Chocolate and add syrup your ganache may not set.

The syrup can be substituted for another sweetener such as liquor.

You can just dip the ganache centres into melted chocolate and leave to set, they look particularly pretty dusted with a little metallic edible food powder.

 

 

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