Manc' Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets have become a firm festive favourite of mine, I just adore the combination of good food, drinks and independent shops situated in wooden huts! 

My festive craving was no different this year, I indulged in some nutella pancakes, mould wine and the famous Germany hot dog. Then drank my body weight in colour changing and Christmas inspired cocktails at Alchemist. What more could a girl want?

Merry Christmas!

DIY SNOWFLAKE GARLAND

This DIY Snowflake and Star Garland is perfect for back drops and adding a little bit of shine to your Christmas decorations. 

You Will Need:

• Sheets of plain paper (Amount depends on how many snowflakes you wish to make)
• Sheets of plain cardboard (Amount depends on how many stars you wish to make)
• Silver acrylic paint
• Silver glitter glue
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Needle
• White thread

Step 1.

Begin to make A5 sized squares using the plain paper and fold (View the link to the Youtube video below to find out hoe to make a 6 pointed snowflake).

Step 2.

Once you have folded your paper, mark on your snowflake design in pencil, either following the one's in the Youtube video or your own design and carefully cut out your snowflakes. 

Step 3.

Once you have cut all your desired snowflakes (I cute out 5), use the silver glitter glue to add some shimmer to your snowflake using a small pointed brush and leave to dry. 

Step 4.

Using plain cardboard, cut out as many stars as you wish, I used a template online and held my cardboard over my phone to outline the shape. This size can be whatever you wish but my stars had the width on an IPhone. 

Step 5.

Decorate your stars with silver paint and leave to dry.

Step 6. 

Poke holes at the top and bottom of the stars and snowflakes when dry, using a needle. (Be careful not to jab yourself!)

Step 7.

Measure your white thread to the length you want your garlands to be before cutting. 

Step 8. 

Attach the needle to the thread and begin to hoop through your stars and snowflakes alternatively. Make sure the thread is at the back of the shapes. 

Step 9. 

Tie a knot at the end of the garland before hanging using white tack or sellotape. I used a little bit of sellotape at the back of each shape to stop them from sliding down. Repeat as many garlands as you want!

I hope you enjoyed this DIY! You can adapt this DIY by just making a star or snowflake garland!

Be sure to check out my other festive blogs including another festive DIY blog post!

Merry Christmas!

DIY NOEL SIGN

Yes it is December which means it's time for sparkles and glitter. This DIY is perfect for an added shimmer in your room this Christmas and is easy and affordable to do!

You Will Need

• Plain NOEL letter blocks
• Dark Grey Paint
• Acrylic Silver Paint
• Silver Glitter Glue
• Painting sponges/ brushes

Step 1.

Make sure you have a clear area that is protected, I used bin liners to stop paint from marking my furniture.

Step 2.

Squeeze out the grey paint and put a small amount on a paint palette or plate along with the silver paint separately. 

Step 3.

Using the sponges, dab on the grey paint on the N, E and L and leave to dry.

Step 4.

Using a clean sponge, dab on the silver paint to the 'O' or the snowflake in this case and leave to dry. 

Step 5.

Continue to do a second coat on all letters to make the colours more opaque and wait for them to dry.

Step 6. 

Once dry, take the 'O' or the snowflake and using the silver glitter glue, line the edge of the shape with glitter. This will take longer dry than the paint, so make sure you're not tempted to touch it once finished too early to avoid the glue going everywhere!

Step 7.

Finally, when all the letters are dry, you can put them on display!

I hope you enjoyed this little DIY, I personally LOVE the sign and think it is very elegant and classy.

You can also purchase plain signs and shapes from hobby craft including an angel, Christmas tree and star if you wanted an alternative option.

Merry Christmas!

5 Things To Do This Christmas

1. Markets
Christmas Markets are hugely popular everywhere and in England we have plenty of good ones. My firm favourite has got to be the Manchester Christmas Markets, every year the city is brought to light with Christmas decorations, various wooden stalls, perfect food and drink and even an ice skating rink! You can buy anything, from homemade Christmas decorations to hot dogs and mulled wine. 



2. Theatre/ Pantomime 
I feel like going to the theatre is becoming a more popular outing and is not considered an 'old folks' thing, at Christmas time, there are lots of festive favourites from Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and The Snowman. At affordable entry prices, it is certainly a winner for families. 



3. Festive Walks
There is something about walking in the breezy morning when the sun is shining that is just so peaceful, plus is free! There are many woodland walks across the country, including festive walks where children get the chance to meet Santa and his Reindeer's as well as picking out your own Christmas tree! 



4. Cosy Nights
As the skies begin to get darker and colder earlier, it is the perfect occasion for a Christmas inspired film night. Gather friends or family around the TV, with blankets and pillows at hand for the ultimate comfort. Stick on your favourite Christmas favourite film and demolish the many festive treats supermarkets and stalls are selling already. Also, get them hot chocolates and mulled wine down!



5. Craft Making Day
Instead of forking out on presents and decorations, have fun by making them yourself! Look online for fab Christmas ideas such as cookie recipe in a jar, making your own fudge and make your own Christmas sign for your room! Enjoy the day with others by blaring out the festive tunes and chomping on nibbles.