Yikes, it's Half Term! Keep Calm and Craft for Christmas!

"No self-respecting mother would run out of intimidations on the eve of a major holiday." Erma Bombeck

It probably feels like the kids went back to school after the summer holidays just yesterday. It certainly does here, yet half term looms with all the promise often associated with an impending visit to the dentist. After six weeks of keeping your precious moppets entertained, another week of ‘I’m bored’ or ‘what are we doing today?’ might be the final mental torture that tips you well over the edge and into the depths of desperate insanity.

Not only can keeping the little (or not so little) ones entertained be hard work, it can also be expensive, especially if the weather’s bad. And, let’s be honest, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be bad. But, fear not, intrepid parents, we have a solution! Why not combine your Christmas preparations with amusing the kids, and saving money, by getting them crafting?

I’m really not sure...

Are those some doubts we hear? While here at Mrs Bee’s we’re (unsurprisingly) pretty keen on crafting, we get that not everyone is quite as passionate. It’s a shame, because science has shown that crafting actually has a number of benefits. As well as the obvious one of encouraging creativity, crafting also helps to improve hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and dexterity, all key developments for kids. Intellectually, it can enhance problem solving abilities, and help extend children’s concentration and attention. Psychologically, crafting has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance mental well-being, especially when people choose to craft together.

You never know where it might lead…

Mrs Bee’s story began when, one day, I decided to have a go at knitting, inspired by some cushion covers I saw on a magazine cover. Like many people, I had made stuff when I was younger, but I had actually forgotten how much I enjoyed it. Don’t get me wrong – it took me months to actually knit anything without random holes – but I stuck with it.

Knitting was just a casual hobby until I went through work-related stress and depression. To distract myself, I bought a book on sewing, and found I loved that too. I then went on to try crochet, pottery, paper crafts and basically anything else I could get my hands on. I enjoyed them all.

Then, three years, ago both Dom and I suddenly and unexpectedly lost our jobs. Crafting once again came to my rescue. I considered going back to secondary teaching, but decided to take the plunge and took an advanced sewing course in tailoring and making wedding dresses. People began asking me for commissions, and Dom became involved. We were both enjoying the work and so we decided to launch Mrs Bee’s. It all came about because of some dodgy knitting!

That’s all great, but I don’t know where to start

Maybe it’s been a few years since you’ve tried to make anything. Or perhaps you think you have the artistic skills of a blind, flipper-less penguin. Don’t worry. There are so many different types of crafting, from the obvious such as painting, sewing and knitting, to the more obscure, such as wood turning and making matchstick models. Whatever your ability - or lack of it - there are plenty of fun projects you can get the kids making. Most only need normal household items, and some don’t even make a mess!

For younger kids

Younger kids need simpler projects, and handprint art is ideal. Whether it’s penguins or snowman, a handprint can be decorated with paper, felt, and googly eyes to create a wintry scene. Another possibility is adding cotton wool balls along the fingerprints, a red hat, and a face to create a jolly Father Christmas. If you want to get the whole family involved, draw around everyone’s hands, and stick them together (largest at the bottom) for a family handprint tree.

Egg cartons are great for crafting. Cut them up, paint and decorate them, add a bell or small pompom, and hang from a ribbon. These look great hung on a tree or a door frame. Alternatively, stick two together to make a ball, and turn them into snowmen, penguins (hmm, I’m spotting a theme here), or robins. Stack three on top of each other to create a Christmas tree that can be painted and decorated with stars.

Loo roll tubes are another versatile crafting resource - and something we all have at home. Wrap them in paper, add a triangle head, a red nose, oval ears, pipe cleaner antlers, and googly eyes for a convincing Rudolph.

For older kids

Older kids will enjoy something a little more challenging. If they love Advent calendars (who doesn’t?) why not make your own Advent garland? Don’t worry if you can’t sew – you can use a heat-activated webbing, such as Bondaweb instead. Cut out double of your preferred shapes (such as a horseshoe, or Christmas tree), allowing for a seam, and sew or stick the edges together. Make sure to leave a gap for the gifts! Add numbers in a contrasting colour, put onto a cord, and fill before hanging.

Christmas wreaths have become very popular, and making your own isn’t as difficult as you might think. They can be made from fabric or thick paper, by cutting out leaf shaped pieces in two or three sizes. If using fabric, opt for complementary or contrasting colours, while paper can be painted or covered in coloured or patterned paper. Stick them together in a circle, with the largest at the back. If you’ve chosen fabric, it’s worth sticking them onto a cardboard ring for rigidity. Add beads, ribbons, glitter or sequins for a truly glam wreath.

These are just a few ideas, but hopefully we’ve inspired you to have a go at getting crafty this half term. With all the benefits crafting offers, why wouldn’t you have a go? 

Love

P.S. Come join our 'Organising Christmas' group over on Facebook and show us what you make! Everyone is very friendly and it's a great resource for finding ideas for hard to buy for people, and with our weekly Christmas challenges, you'll find that you'll be more ready for Christmas than you've ever been before!

In the Etsy shop today:

Mama and Papa bear mugs, £12.50 each

Our best selling Gingers are back in stock and revamped for Christmas 2017

Personalised holographic rainbow unicorn stockings

Baby, it’s cold outside - but your family shouldn't be

"The perfect antidote to dark, cold and creepy, is light, warm and cosy." Candice Olson

Join our Organising Christmas group on Facebook, for support, challenges, bargains and fun whilst you plan your Christmas 2017

It’s fair to say that summer this year was MIA (missing in action). August temperatures were consistently below average, while rainfall was above. And now autumn is officially here. Even though the clocks have yet to go back, the nights are drawing in. It’s getting chillier too, and perhaps the debate about whether it’s too early to put the heating on has already taken place in your home (it certainly has in ours!).

As the nights get longer, and the temperature drops, we’re more likely to want to hunker down at home. And, just like those animals who sleep the winter away, we want our surroundings not only to feel warm and cosy, but to look it. We all know that colours can make us perceive a room as warm or cold, regardless of the actual temperature. None of us want to feel chilly at home at Christmas so, if your home is leaving you cold, a few simple, inexpensive touches can transform it into a cosy space that you’ll want to retreat to.

Lounging around

For many of us, the lounge is the heart of the home. It’s probably where you spend the most time when you’re at home, and should be a place that you’re comfortable relaxing, unwinding, and slobbing out in your onesie (or other preferred loungewear).

Whether you choose to chill on a sofa or an armchair, adding cushions of varying sizes will turn your seat into your own little burrow. Opt for soft fabrics such as velvet or chenille for ultimate luxury to cuddle up to. Quote cushions are a good way to add a warm glow inside, or, for the ultimate personal touch, add one that’s specially personalised for you and your family.

Snug as a bug...

If you’re the cold blooded type, cushions can be complemented with matching or contrasting throws. Not only do throws make a nice design feature, but they’re perfect for snuggling under on chilly evenings. Again, fabrics such as chenille or fleece will be soft and cosy for those wintry evenings. Of course, body heat is the best way to keep warm, so why not cuddle up with a loved one?

From the bottom up

If you like to holiday in hot countries - especially those in the Med - then you’ll know that most buildings have tiled floors. The reason is obvious - they help keep homes cool in the intense summer heat. However, what you might not know is that, as the temperature drops, shops that had been selling bikinis and sundresses, are suddenly bursting at the seams with rugs. Winter in Mediterranean countries can be surprisingly cold, and locals know that covering their hard, cold floors with carpeting helps to keep the heat in, and their homes warm.

Laminate and other hard floorings have become a popular choice in British homes. Hardwearing, easy to clean, and hygienic, it’s not surprising but, just like tiled floors, they’re not ideal if you want to keep your home warm and cosy in the cold weather. A rug adds both physical and visual warmth to a room. From traditional patterns, to faux fur, there’s something to suit every home, whatever its style.

Add a lighter touch

Who doesn’t love an open fire on a cold evening? We certainly do. But many homes don’t have that option anymore. If your’s doesn’t, candles are a great alternative. The flickering light is reminiscent of days gone by, and may even get you in the mood for romance. On dark winter evenings, why not turn off the lights for and cuddle up in the soft, warm glow?

Do you have fragrances that remind you of people, places, or special events? Scents can be particularly evocative, and scented candles not only make your home smell gorgeous, but can also set a festive scene. Pine, eucalyptus, Christmas spice, orange, and cinnamon are all suggestive of cosy Christmas festivities.

Make it personal

Personalised artwork might not make your home toasty, but it can certainly create a warm glow inside. Whether it’s a much-loved quote, a favourite drawing by one of the kids, or a special photo, it adds an individual touch to your home.

For something a little different, why not try one of Mrs Bee’s postal frames? These unique frames can be filled with little notes reminding you and your loved ones of everything in your lives that you’re grateful for. When you need an emotional boost, the frame can be opened for you to read the notes. Why not fill the frame through the year, and open it on Christmas Eve? Just remember to have the tissues handy!

We don’t have any choice about it being cold outside, but we can make sure that our home isn’t. Creating a perfect winter haven doesn’t need much time, effort, or money, but it can certainly boost our mood as the nights draw in. 

See you soon

In the Etsy shop today - things to keep you and your loved ones cosy! All with FREE UK SHIPPING.

Christmas somewhere special
£27.50

Family Owl Cushion
£27.50

Kawaii weather cushion, perfect for bedrooms
£27.50

Family Notes of Thanks
£24.00

Embroidered blanket
from £21.00

Celebrating in the new, old fashioned way

"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future." Alex Haley

Join our Organising Christmas group on Facebook, for support, challenges, bargains and fun whilst you plan your Christmas 2017

Christmas is traditionally a time for family. To paraphrase Tolstoy quite drastically, while all families are different and individual, in many ways all families are just the same. All families have their own little quirks and traditions, especially at Christmas. Whether it’s brandy rather than sherry for Santa, or not opening your presents until after Christmas lunch, no doubt your family has its own way of celebrating the big day.

It’s been a long year...

Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, especially if you’ve experienced big changes during the past year. It could have been a happy change, such as meeting a new partner and becoming part of a wider family. Alternatively, it could be that you have lost a loved one, or gone through a break-up. Perhaps you made the decision to move to another area - or even another country - and will be facing Christmas away from loved ones for the first time. All of these may need new traditions.

If you’ve become part of a blended family, you don’t want anyone feeling left out or ignored. If you’ve lost someone who formed a big part of your Christmas celebrations, some of those customs might bring back memories that are just too painful. Perhaps it’s your first Christmas as a single parent, and your kids will be with their other parent. For those who have moved away from family and friends, homesickness is normal, and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time.

In these, and many other cases, you might decide that, actually, it’s time for you to create your own, new, old-fashioned traditions. So, where do we start?

Ringing the changes

People can struggle with change, so setting new customs can feel difficult, especially if you have multiple people to please. Getting them to agree or accept change can be hard. It may take a little (or a lot!) of compromise to find a solution that everyone can live with. While you may have your own ideas, others will too. Riding roughshod over their wants and feelings will not lead to a harmonious festive season, and ill-feeling can easily spill over into the New Year and beyond.

OK, so how do we do this?

So, before you completely gut your Christmas Day and start over, there are a few things that you might need to think about:

1. Who are you spending Christmas with? Celebrating the big day as a couple will be very different from sharing it with your extended family. As a couple you may opt for a lie-in followed by a smoked salmon and champagne breakfast. If you’re spending it with a lot of people, it’s unlikely to be so laid back.
2. Are you staying at home, or will you be travelling to visit parents or other relatives? What time will people be arriving? If visiting others, when will you need to leave? You need to take this into account when planning out your day.
3. What’s important to the different people you will be sharing at least part of the festive season with? What really says ‘Christmas’ to them? Is it going to a Christingle service on Christmas Eve, or playing board games after dinner? Just because you want to put your own stamp on the festivities doesn’t mean you have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. It’s ok to keep some existing customs, especially if they have a special meaning to some of those involved.
4. What did you HATE about Christmas as a kid? Was TV banned? Did you have to wait until after dinner to open your presents, when you were desperate to just rip off the paper? Were you forced out of the house for a three hour tramp across the fields when you stuffed with turkey and sprouts? You get to ditch what you hate.
5. What traditions have you heard of that appeal? Christmas Eve Boxes, which contain things like new pyjamas, hot chocolate, and a Christmas film have become popular. Perhaps you’d prefer to cook and eat your Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, just like in many Scandinavian and European countries, leaving you to relax on the actual day.
6. If you have to repeat these traditions every year, will they start to drive you up the wall? This is really important if you have kids. They’re likely to want to follow the same format as the first Christmas day that they remember. Letting them watch The Snowman over Christmas breakfast might seem cute this year, but will it seem so great in five or ten years’ time (ok, I know someone who HATES The Snowman after years of being forced to watch it at school each Christmas)?

How we do it at Mrs Bee’s

As you can probably guess, December is pretty manic for us at Mrs Bee’s. Making sure that you’re delighted with your Mrs Bee’s Emporium gifts is always our main concern, and especially at Christmas. It’s only once the last parcel has been posted, and we’re sure that the sack of goodies is completely empty that we can relax. This is the most anticipated evening of December. Dom and I tend to open a lovely bottle of something fizzy, treat ourselves to a takeway and put our feet up.

The next couple of days are spent answering emails that, with great regret, we cannot fulfil someone’s last minute order as the last postage date has passed. I learned the hard way last year how important this is after I spent two hours designing a lovely bracelet for a lady, assuming that she wanted it in January. I was wrong. It was the 23rd December and I later discovered she wanted it for Christmas. And she lived in Texas.

(Note to self: this year put auto reply on…)

We usually order our Christmas food for delivery from Tesco. Our preferred day is the closest possible one to Christmas Day. The arrival of our Christmas dinner always feels like a special moment, when you know that you have everything in the house ready for the big day. We sometimes have a mooch around the Humber Bridge Farmer’s Market for last minute veggies and Christmas bargains (I always ‘twitch’ and buy a gift for someone, even though I am actually done. But I *like* giving gifts, so…).

On Christmas Eve we officially start chilling out. In the morning, we watch the CBeebies panto, usually followed up by a film in the afternoon, accompanied by a nice mug of something a little naughty, such as Baileys coffee. If we’re feeling energetic, we might walk to my parents, which the children always tend to enjoy. After tea, the children open their Christmas Eve box. Along with bath bombs, new PJs and a sachet of ‘magic’ hot chocolate, I try to get them a little craft activity or colouring set, to keep them busy for a little while.

When it’s time for bed, the children have a bath and put out their stockings as well as a treat for Santa (the drink Santa gets is subject to hot debate - one year he got milk, which did not impress the Big Man at all!). Along with our adult son, his girlfriend, and my brother, we sometimes play a board game (usually Cards Against Humanity) until it’s time to get the presents in and turn in ourselves.

Christmas morning is a bit of a present frenzy, after one important ritual – trying to find the elf and realising that he, and his magic door, have disappeared for another year.

The children are allowed to open one present each whilst one of the adults makes a cuppa. Then they take it in turns. They find this hard, but it’s good for them. They open their stockings (which are pillowcases here, and contain most of their gifts). Then we all have a break and some breakfast (usually pain au chocolat and whatever selection box chocolate we fancy, I won’t lie). Then we all open gifts from each other and other relatives – this is when the adults join in. We all take turns too.

Last year, Florence had an allergic reaction to her Christmas Eve bath bomb and her eye swelled up to twice it’s size. We spent a couple of hours in A&E. She was fine – it wasn’t the dreaded cellulitis that NHS Direct suspected. She was highly impressed with the fact that she was given two Christmas presents by the doctor – so I suspect she may well tell us she has an ‘injury’ of some sort that demands immediate medical attention again this year!

This will be the third Christmas since starting Mrs Bee’s Emporium and our theme is pure laziness. We try to do as little as possible as we’re super tired from work (there are a lot of all nighters pulled in December!) We cook a traditional dinner, Dom lights the Christmas pudding multiple times (it’s his favourite bit of Christmas) and we all slob around for as long as humanly possible, in between the children’s requests for batteries, undoing boxes and so on.

I love to have a craft project to focus on – this year I am making a fusion quilt (fabric patches sewn together and joined by crochet).

Are you Crafty? We’re Hiring!

@KrisAtomic

Temporary Christmas Staff

£8.45/hr* and 50% staff discount

Our company is four times bigger than it was in 2016 and, with the imminent launch of our own website and Amazon shop, we’re expecting Christmas 2017 to be very busy!

Mrs Bee’s Emporium Ltd is recruiting Temporary Christmas Staff to work from our studio in Saltaugh Road, Keyingham, HU12 9RT.

We are hoping to recruit some of Christmas Elves on a zero hours contract that can be called in to help make gifts when our orders get busy.

We will provide full (paid) training.

For the right candidates we will happily be flexible with regard to working hours, child care responsibilities and so on. There is the possibility that this may extend to more permanent work in the new year.

Our Christmas Craft ‘Elves’ will need:

•  A ‘can do’ attitude and the ability to roll up their sleeves and take on a variety of roles
• To be motivated and friendly, to work hard and work flexibly, sometimes at short notice
• To have excellent fine motor skills, ideally having a crafting or photography hobby. Sewing / embroidery is not essential but would be an advantage
• To have excellent customer service skills
• To have excellent IT skills (our business is entirely run online) knowledge of Photoshop is not essential but would be an advantage
• To be willing to undertake the mundane aspects of the job, such as packaging and shipping and making the tea (we all chip in!)
• Attention to detail & a ‘right first time’ mentality which encourages efficient ways of working
• An analytical approach and ability to use data to deliver customer / business benefits
•  The ability to strive to continually improve the customer journey
• A current DBA (CRB) check is not essential but would be an advantage

You will assist, on a part time basis, with the operation of an online shop. The role will be wide and varied and will include: dealing with customer enquiries (via email and phone), maintaining various social media accounts, picking and packing orders, photographing and uploading new products, etc. You will be trained to hand-make some of our gifts, including t shirts and vinyl products, digital printing and embroidery.

This is a very busy time of year, so it is essential that you can manage your own workload and work efficiently, sometimes under substantial pressure.

To apply, please email us your application form and a covering letter that explains why you would be the best person for this job. We’d especially like to see and hear about your craft or photography skills. Think creatively - please use photos and/or video if this will help. 
Hint – look at the person specification and explain how you meet what we’re looking for.

Please feel free to email hello@mrsbeesemporium.co.uk if you have any questions.
The person specification and application form can be downloaded from our blog, www.mrsbeesemporium.blogspot.com

·        * Pay is for over 21 year olds. We are a Living Wage Employer. Please contact us if you are under 21 for pay rates.

Deadline: 17.10.17, midnight.
Digital applications welcomed.

Job Description & Person Specification

Application Form

Shit just got real… Is it safe to mention… ...the ‘C’ word yet?

“Why is Christmas just like a day at the office? You do all the work, and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.” Anonymous

Autumn is officially here and, love it or hate it, that means that Christmas is coming. Unless you’re planning to spend the next three months in solitary confinement, there is no avoiding the build-up. Christmas cards are already on sale. The obligatory tubs of Heroes and Celebrations are in the supermarkets. Parents are already feverishly hunting down the elusive ‘must have’ toy of the year (have you seen how terrifying that doll is?!?). Furniture stores are advertising how you can order your new sofa now and have it in your home in time for Christmas.

Christmas Creep, as it’s known, annoys plenty of people. Hell, Selfridges and Harrods have had their Christmas shops open since July (surely that should be illegal)! Who wants to shop for decorations and mince pies in October? But, while it does seem ridiculous, perhaps there might be some benefits to it. Maybe.

You can’t convince me it’s a good thing...

I’m sure I can. 

You see, the thing is, while Christmas is supposed to be fun, we all know that it’s stressful. Traditionally, we started shopping in December. That gave us 24 days to get organised. Traditionally, it was enough. But times change. We are busier than ever, and have more to think about than ever.

Fitting in shopping, Christmas cards, family, food, travelling, decorating and everything else Christmas related on top of our normal, day-to-day life, can feel nigh on impossible. And who wants to spend the big day too frazzled and exhausted to enjoy it? Perhaps then it is a good thing then that we can start preparing a bit earlier, even if July does seem a little excessive.

So, taking a deep breath and overcoming our objections, what can we do to make the festive season less stressful?

Plan, plan, plan!

What’s that saying? ‘Fail to plan, plan to fail.’ Okay, that’s probably an exaggeration here, but planning will make your festive season so much easier. Not only will you feel less stressed and more in control, but the chances of you forgetting something important will be much reduced.

Where do I start?

Ok, there’s a lot, as I’m sure you know, so let’s break it down.

Firstly, join our Organising Christmas group over on Facebook. The aim is to provide encouragement and accountability (as well as links to all the bargains) so Christmas 2017 is your best yet.

●      The big one: where are you spending Christmas, and who with? Do you want the extended family around at yours? Or would you prefer it to be just you and your significant other? Are you staying at home, or going abroad? Perhaps you’re putting off making a decision because you know it’s going to upset someone. There’s another saying: ‘eat a frog for breakfast’. Not literally, obviously. If you haven’t come across the saying, it simply means getting the stuff we’re worried about done and dusted. In the long run, it’s much less stressful than fretting about it.

●      Budget: we all know what that Christmas debt hangover feels like. If you’ve promised yourself never again, work out what you can afford in advance - and stick to it! Most of us would struggle to pay for Christmas just out of December’s wages, so put aside a small amount each week or month. If money is tight, why not look at making gifts. If you’re not crafty, a hamper of some of their favourite foods is often a welcome - and personal - gift.

●      Gift lists: start planning - and making - your purchases as soon as possible. This will help spread the cost and, if you’re going to the shops, it’ll also cut down on queuing time, and prevent frazzled nerves. Once you’ve got them, wrap them. Wrapping can be a long process, so get it out of the way, plus it stops prying eyes spoiling their surprise. Just remember to clearly label them and don’t put them in such a ‘safe’ place that you don’t find them again until July!

●      Your home. We all want our home to look gorgeous for Christmas, especially if we have guests coming. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about decluttering, re-decorating, or creating a different look for your tree. Again, start early. No-one wants to be glossing the door frames at 10pm Christmas Eve.

●      Decide on your Christmas menu. If you shop online, get your delivery slot booked as soon as you can. While you can add a few items to your basket to begin with, to keep your allocated time open, make absolutely sure that you check everything out. You don’t want to open your door on Christmas Eve expecting your Christmas dinner only to find that all you’ve actually ordered is twelve bottles of champagne and a box of tampons (true story!).

●      Christmas cards. Make a list of everyone you need to send them to and dig out your address book. Writing cards can be tedious, so do a few a night. And, obvious as it sounds, make sure you put stamps on the envelopes before posting (again, a true story). Your friends and family will not be impressed at having to pay the postage!

If you’re wondering how to keep track of all of this, there are some great apps for your phone, and websites where you can find print-outs - I like to use Trello and Pinterest, as well as the trusty spreadsheet. I am a visual person, and being able to see each child's haul at a glance just makes my life easier. Of course, there is also the more traditional notebook or diary, which will do the job just as well. Whichever option you choose, let’s not put it off any longer. 

See you soon

Click here to join the Organising Christmas group - members get a permanent 10% discount from everyone on sale at Mrs Bee's Emporium! 

We're starting to list our Christmas lines over on the Etsy shop this week. Keep an eye open! In the meantime, everyone knows a unicorn fan, right? Here are 3 of our best selling unicorn items.

Best selling: Unicorn water bottle

Best Selling: personalised unicorn lunchbox

Great stocking fillers: unicorn boblets

Super cute 'you are awesome' embroidered unicorn

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