Making Jewellery Magazine Winter 2009 Back Issue

I used to love Christmas when I was a little child. On the night of Christmas Eve Mum and Dad would take us into the city of Brisbane and we would wander the streets looking at the Christmas lights and animated fairy tale displays in the retail department store windows. Looking back it was a very simple family activity but one that has always held its sentimental magic for me. This year will be my first Christmas in Wales and I will be sharing it with my daughter, son in law and my grandson who will have just celebrated his fi rst birthday. Dylan will be too small to know what is going on but just the same, having a little one to play with will make it all the more special. In our family we try to make our gifts for each other. Homemade jams, sweets, biscuits or condiments are always high on everyone’s wish list. My daughter and I make jewellery gifts for our friends and this year will be no exception. We gain as much pleasure in making the gift as the recipient experiences upon opening it. Greeting cards are also handmade when possible and my daughter has already fi nished making hers. They were made by dipping Dylan’s palm in paint and pressing it onto a card. Sacha enjoyed a messy, fun afternoon with her baby, whilst the cards that she made will become keepsakes of my grandson’s first Christmas for all who receive them. If you’re keen to make your own gifts this year, check out the projects on off er in this, our Christmas Special Issue of Making Jewellery. If time is short, then sit back with a warming glass of mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate and flick through the pages of our gift supplement. There are plenty of gifts, tools and beads to fill your Christmas stockings, in fact you’ll be spoilt for choice!