Stay ahead of the pack with our round up of top Christmas trends for 2014!
We know it’s only September but it pays to be prepared. To help you create and craft on-trend cards and decs we’re giving you our insights into the latest looks for that most wonderful time of year.
The good news is that no matter what your taste, the high street and online retailers are catering for just about everyone this yuletide. You’ll be spoilt for choice when picking the right look for your handmade gifts, greetings and garlands. Simply take your pick from our 2014 seasonal predictions.
Think luxurious country manor for this look, key colours are rich purples and royal blues, deep golds and bronzes and indulgent reds and burgundies. Stag, game bird, hare and dog motifs abound. When thinking of pattern, go for tartans, jacquards and Fleur-de-lis. Because it’s an ‘at home’ cosy look you may want to add some textures to your makes, try velvets, tweeds, wood and rich metallics. Here’s how the shops have done it.
House of Fraser
Marks & Spencer
Home Candy
Tesco
I’m a child of the seventies and eighties so this takes me right back to being a nipper! I like to think of this trend as tacky-chic. Don’t be afraid of retro-looking motifs such as Santas, deers, pixies and nutcrackers; the emphasis is on fun, fun, fun so be playful with your makes. Top shades are off-white, faded reds and fern greens with pops of turquoise. For pattern think Folky prints, retro illustration and polka dots. Key materials are felt, enamel and paper (yay!). Be inspired by this lot!
John Lewis
Sainsbury’s
Dot Com Gift Shop
Marks & Spencer
If you’re looking for something a little bit more contemporary with a touch of elegance, this trend is so for you! Essentially the aim is to create an enchanted frosty grotto for grown-ups using a palette of icey whites, baby blues, pinks and lilacs plus vintage-style metallics all contrasted with touches of navy and purple. Trees, snowflakes and bleached-out cottage motifs are essential but soft, light uses of hearts, baubles and geometric shapes are also key to this lovely look. To add interest to your makes use patterns featuring fine stripes, tiny dots and snowflakes while adding shimmery, tactile textures of sequins, silks and metallics. Take a look at the way your household brands have translated this theme…
Tesco
Sainsbury’s
Marks & Spencer
John Lewis
Sainsbury’s
If there’s something every crafter loves, it’s an endless supply of paper! The festivities are fast approaching, so we’ve rounded up over 100 Christmas designs to bring you the ultimate paper...
We catch up with graphic designer, illustrator and author, Michelle Mackintosh, to celebrate the charm of crafting and sending hand-written cards. Ahead of Thinking of You Week (25th September -...
We chat to Imogen Owen, author of Modern Calligraphy Workshop about the creative art of calligraphy and share her top tips on how you can master this stunning lettering trend!
