SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Have you found yourself wearing an extra layer or two in recent weeks; or seen the festive products sneaking on to the supermarket shelves? The festive season is fast approaching but are you ready?

Whether you like to fully embrace the festive season or you’re notoriously likened to Ebenezer Scrooge, now is the time to grab Christmas by the baubles and begin preparing for the celebrations coming your way.

It’s always an expensive time of year and you end up rushing around a few weeks before, spending more than you expected on decorations for the house, Christmas cards for your family, and those last minute gifts for your loved ones.

This year, why not make Christmas a little more special with hand-crafted gifts, decorations and tasty treats all made by you.

There are many crafts for Christmas that are simple to make, and will wow your friends and family without breaking the bank.

Kent Adult Education is running Christmas craft courses across the county throughout November and December. It’s the perfect way to learn how to make something unique and special and get that warm festive feeling.

There’s a variety of classes for every type of craft, so to give you a taster, we’ve listed our favourites ones.

Handmade Christmas cards and calendars

We all like to send and receive seasonal cards, but there’s always a worry you may send the same one as you’re next door neighbour. Make yours really stand out by creating your own bespoke designs. You can learn calligraphy (decorative handwriting) or get to grips with decoupage (decorating objects with paper cut outs). Your friends and family will be thrilled to receive a unique and personal card from you this year.

If you have youngsters in the family, why not consider making them their own handcrafted advent calendars?

Decorations

Maybe you’re a whiz with the sewing machine? Maybe a handcrafted Christmas stocking could be the focus of your festive fireplace. You could also consider fashioning some Christmas bunting or felt tree decorations. Handmade decorations could also be crafted from beads or how bout some stunning stained glass, this will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit.

Festive floral displays

Floral displays will brighten up any home over the Christmas period; from traditional wreaths for your door, to floral swags for mantelpieces and windows - charm your guests and create these at home using flowers and foliage from your own garden or hedgerows.

Create your own stunning centre piece for the table, you’ll certainly have everyone asking how much you paid, and where you got it from.

Sugarcraft

Brighten up your Christmas cake, cookies and cupcakes, all baked yourself of course, with hand iced designs or even some sugar-crafted characters. Sugarcraft is a great way to add decoration to festive treats.

For more details on any Kent Adult Education Christmas craft course

Pop in to your local centre, call 03000 41 22 22 or click here for more information www.kentadulteducation.co.uk