Do it your self

[Longing2bAMum]

Hi ladies, i've just sat and read all 32 pages, i'm hooked to this thread, all sounds amazing
I have bought a load of wool and am knitting various things for everyone this year, socks, hats, gloves. But i also like some of the other idea's on here, i think i might make some tree decorations too

But although i already have my presents planned for this year, i may start to make for next year and bdays straight after xmas, i especially love the sock monkey's

I live in Sweden and they don't have mince pies here, or jars of mince meat so does anyone have a good, from scratch, recipe for mince pies please, i just bought tesco ones last year over in my suitcase and had to store them for a little to long, i'd love to make homemade ones this year

 

[Doodlepants]

I doubt my mugs are very impressive but they're my 1st attempt so I'm quite proud
I'll put some pics up later- be nice LOL!

Longing- I think this is the recipe my mum uses (I cheat and buy jars!):
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/mincemeat/home-made-christmas-mincemeat.html

Then you just add to your pastry cases & cook-
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2174/unbelievably-easy-mince-pies

I'm pretty sure that is the way I do it- my recipe is scrawled on a piece of paper in my cookbook!

 

[Kate&Lucas]

I doubt my mugs are very impressive but they're my 1st attempt so I'm quite proud
I'll put some pics up later- be nice LOL!

Longing- I think this is the recipe my mum uses (I cheat and buy jars!):
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/mincemeat/home-made-christmas-mincemeat.html

I use that recipe and it's deeeeeelish. I use it with puff pastry because I don't like shortcrust

 

[Doodlepants]

Mmmmmm I really want some mince pies now! My diet's got no hope!

 

[x-Rainbow-x]

any of you girls ever made candy trees?

 

[tiggertea]

My bath fizzers didn't "set" and so have gone back into the bowl as powder for a second attempt!

 

[katrina1987]

My bath fizzers didn't "set" and so have gone back into the bowl as powder for a second attempt!

How do you make your bath fizzers hun? Ingredients and also how u do it please, thanks

Plus anyone got areally easy straight forwardrecipe for making basic bars of soap?

 

[tiggertea]

I followed this for the fizzers: https://www.marthastewart.com/28027...ue&backtourl=/photogallery/bath-and-spa-gifts

This is the most basic soap tutorial around I think: https://www.teachsoap.com/mp.html

 

[JellyBeann]

Does anyone know where I can get some cheap boxes for fudge and truffles? I want to do about 20 truffles and 20 pieces of fudge each, so they'd have to be a decent size!

 

[katrina1987]

Does anyone know where I can get some cheap boxes for fudge and truffles? I want to do about 20 truffles and 20 pieces of fudge each, so they'd have to be a decent size!

Id try ebay hun, you will find alsorts of boxes on there. Im making fudge but will be packaging myself. I will cut out a smal cardboard base, lay some tissue paper across bottom, wrap then will cello, pop fudge in and seal at the top with a pretty bow, ribbon and a tag with a message. Job done and much cheaper

 

[JellyBeann]

Does anyone know where I can get some cheap boxes for fudge and truffles? I want to do about 20 truffles and 20 pieces of fudge each, so they'd have to be a decent size!

Id try ebay hun, you will find alsorts of boxes on there. Im making fudge but will be packaging myself. I will cut out a smal cardboard base, lay some tissue paper across bottom, wrap then will cello, pop fudge in and seal at the top with a pretty bow, ribbon and a tag with a message. Job done and much cheaper

Ahhhhh...good plan...might copy you!!

 

[Kate&Lucas]

Nicked a fab idea from Ellie's Blog - sugar body scrub. Here's my version (ignoring the crappy label, I'm gonna do a better one in the week) - smells lush though!

 

[Doodlepants]

So I've had a crash course on how to use a sewing machine and I'm halfway through my sock monkey- wish me luck LOL!

 

[sam#3]

i know it kinda defeats the object of diy but are any of you selling handmade bits?? im looking for a couple of christmas soaps for my mums hamper and really dont think ill be any good at making them!

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I love that Kate!!

 

[sophxx]

ive just got a recipe for snowy road instead of rocky road its made with white choclate and cranberries me and lo will be making them so for little presents x

 

[farmerswifey]

OOOhhhh!! Can I join the thread?!

I love making my own gifts and there are some wonderful ideas that I had never even considered before right here. Thank you soooo much ladies for the inspiration.

I made some Christmas pudding vodka last year and it went down a storm!

Just some of the dried mixed fruit in a bowl with a cinnamon stick, couple of cloves, rind of one lemon and orange and after a couple of weeks (stirring now and again) you strain it through a muslin cloth into a bottle. Its wonderful!! (and not too xmas puddingy - if you know what I mean?) AND - I used the strained leftovers to make a very boozy quick christmas fruit cake. That was yummy too!

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[kazzywazzy]

Farmerswifey - that sounds fab!!! Mmmm!!! Will have to give that a try!!

Absolutely loving this thread!!! Will have a think, see if there is anything I can contribute!

 

[wishingonastar]

oh my god...this thread is AMAZING!

i was dreading this christmas because we are soooo broke with the two little ones, but i'm actually looking forward to it more than previous ones when i've had money to buy loads cos of this thread! i have written so many ideas down and really can't wait to try them

thank you so much girls

 

[lynne192]

walking past the book store today i got a idea my MIL is a chef and i decided i am going to make her a apron with my DS's handprints and footprints and a poem or joke on it as think its something she might find use for