Fab-u-lous! Create something beautiful this Christmas

Dare we say it? Yes! That most wonderful (if a bit chaotic) time of the year is just around the corner, and we’re getting a teeny bit excited! Images of golden roasts, family crammed around the dinner table, and baubled trees spring instantly to mind, not to mention of course those pressies wrapped in pretty paper waiting to be opened.

One of the things we love about Christmas is that even if the most reluctant of creatives out there likes to make ordinary stuff special for the big day, like trying their hand at making a flambé pud, or mulling over instructions on how to fold a table napkin into a pointy shape so it stands up in a wine glass.

If you’ve been inspired in the past to create something for Christmas but never got round to it, this could be your year! With so many talented local craftsmen and women once again offering their workshops and courses in the run up to Christmas, this is your chance to tap into some top-notch know-how to create something truly bespoke and beautiful for your celebrations.

Make your own fabric Christmas cracker workshop

Simply Wishes Maker Mart, Exeter in Devon

In this workshop you can take your pick from a selection of fabrics and trimmings to make your own reusable cracker – and for a bit of extra glamour, you’ll get to enjoy a cocktail from Mermaid while you’re at it. Tutor Alice will do the finishing touches on her sewing machine, and you’ll leave the studio with your very own handmade cracker to replicate at home if you wish.

Date: 30th November

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Christmas pudding workshop

Ground Up Cookery School near Exeter in Devon

This popular two hour workshop promises to help you create a delicious twist on a Christmas classic; Chocolate and Cardamom Christmas Pudding, and once your creation is finished you’ll receive instructions on how to cook and serve it on Christmas day. Suitable for children as well as adults, there will also be tasting of any leftovers afterwards – yum!

Date: 5th November

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Christmas wreath workshops

(various locations in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset)

Nothing says it’s Christmas quite like the moment you hang your festive wreath on the front door. This year we have tons of workshops to choose from scattered throughout the South West, however our favourites are:

24th and 25th November Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, Devon

30th November The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell, Cornwall

1st and 4th December Hayley Scott Blooms at The Bottle in Newquay, Cornwall

4th December Goldfinch Floral Studio at LOAF Bakehouse in Wells, Somerset

3rd and 10th December Living succulents wreath at the Minack Theatre in Pothcurno, Cornwall

Craft your own Christmas spirits

Colwith Farm Distillery in Lanlivery Cornwall

Not only will you be welcomed with a perfect serve Christmas G&T on arrival, during your Gin or Vodka School / Masterclass you will be offered an additional range of festive botanicals to craft your own Christmas spirits.

Dates: Various throughout November and December

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Make your own block printed gift wrap

Linnet Workshops at the Printworks in Tavistock, Devon

Grace Coombes from Linnet Workshops will show you how to design, carve and print your own lino blocks. You can create repeat patterns and two layer designs that will become a stand out piece of wrapping for loved ones gifts this Christmas. All materials provided. No previous knowledge or experience necessary.

Date: 17th December

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Willow star master class

Darts Farm in Topsham, Devon

hand making your very own willow star using locally sourced, sustainable & natural willow. with our friend, and brilliant local artist and sculptor Victoria Westaway.

This relaxed and informative workshop is the perfect way to kick start the festive season – there will even be mince pies!

Date: 12th November

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