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‘Christmas Craft’ Magazine Shoot

December 12, 2013 By Lauren at Molly and Mama 2 Comments

I was chatting with Chrissie, a dear friend of mine, about the craziness of Christmas and how we’re putting so much pressure on ourselves to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas. We’re forgetting about the kids and what they want, and instead, we’re ‘balancing’ the Christmas tree so that it looks aesthetically pleasing!

We decided it was important to remind ourselves and our kids how much fun it is to just get creative at Christmas and make heartfelt gifts that are lopsided, a little wonky, and that look nothing like the perfect styled images you see in magazines (but that are made with love, and remind us of the true spirit of Christmas).

Molly and Mama Christmas 201312

We thought it would be such a nice idea to document our crafty exploits and with a national handmade magazine on board, we set about planning a photo shoot. We were lucky enough to secure the services of Zara-Jane Photography. And we owe her so much for helping bring our little project to life. All these images were taken by her.

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We had a giant brainstorming session one day to come up with a list of easy but very sweet Christmas Craft Projects. Then all we had to do was gather supplies.

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Meanwhile I approached some of my favourite handmade businesses, to see if they could help set the scene with some of their beautiful creations.

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I also set about designing a collection of my own Molly and Mama pretties, including dresses, skirts with matching appliqué tees, hair accessories and a tutu or two! It wasn’t long before it all came together and we were ready for shoot day!

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The sun was shining on the day of the shoot, and the girls were smiling! We did have my little chap to help out too, but sadly he was reluctant to be photographed. But he loved helping out as a little side kick! He did a great job gathering supplies and suggesting camera angles. And sometimes it’s good to remember that it isn’t about creating ‘perfect’ images but having happy kids.

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With three giggly girls to photograph though, we knew we were in for some fun. Especially when there were sweets involved!

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The day was relaxed. The activities were fun. The kids were creative.

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We probably ended up with a bit more glitter than we had anticipated, but it added to the fun. And that was what it was all about really.

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In the end, we had some gorgeous creations to take home for Christmas.

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We all learnt something new that day. While the tree wasn’t perfectly decorated nor the craft table aesthetically styled, you can see the fun that was had. The girls developed a real sense of pride over their creations and plans were made to continue creating more goodies at home.

We really gave them the best gift that day; time. Time to have fun, be creative, explore, giggle and just be themselves.

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You can make many of the projects shown in the images. In fact, there’s a whole post about it HERE. We’ve included 10 simple craft projects that you can make with your kids.

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The article to accompany our shoot was written by Chrissie of Hello the House. All images were styled by yours truly. Our story was featured in Issue 14 of Tickle the Imagination Magazine ‘Christmas Wishes’. You can see the full article from pages 96 to 109. We were so thrilled with how it all came together. A special mention must go to Tanya the editor for her beautiful layout. Her dedication to her magazine and to supporting the Australian hand made community is inspirational.

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Thanks also to the following contributors;

  • Archer & Mary for the stunning scalloped patchwork cushion
  • Couture Crafts for the pretty hanging fabric bunting
  • Onepear for the rustic hessian ‘Peace’ bunting on the piano
  • Sweet Tashie for the delicate little felt stockings hanging on the tree
  • Strawberry Bow-tique for the cute little hair bows in pastels
  • Threefold for the lovely paper rosettes hanging in the window
  • *all clothing and flower hair accessories by Molly and Mama

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What sorts of things do you make for Christmas with the kids? I’d love to see. Happy creating, Lauren x

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: Christmas, craft, kids, magazine article, photo shoot

Trackbacks

  1. I’m a ‘Tickle the Imagination’ Ambassador! | Molly and Mama says:
    October 31, 2014 at 11:44 am

    […] in the ‘Christmas Wishes’ Issue (14) in 2013. You can find out more about the shoot HERE and read all the kid’s crafty tutorials […]

    Reply
  2. I'm a 'Tickle the Imagination' Ambassador! - Molly and Mama says:
    March 9, 2017 at 11:10 am

    […] in the ‘Christmas Wishes’ Issue (14) in 2013. You can find out more about the shoot HERE and read all the kid’s crafty tutorials […]

    Reply

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Studio For Pretty Stitches
🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Se 🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Sewist’s Set, but here’s a sweet Liberty Wiltshire version. I love @libertyfabrics tana lawn, especially when it’s paired with linen.

Find out more about this new pattern in the listing details. Tap the photo or head to the shop link in my profile. 

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I’m loving @mabletandesigns new collection ‘B I’m loving @mabletandesigns  new collection ‘Birds & Blooms’ for @pbsfabrics. And hand quilting with @aurifilthread embroidery floss is a dream! Can you guess which of my patterns this will become? 

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🐝🤍 It’s here! Thank you so much to those w 🐝🤍 It’s here! Thank you so much to those who have already purchased the Serious Sewist’s pin cushion and scissor charm pattern set. Tap the photo for a direct link, or head to my profile. 

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🦜🌼 On the cutting table this week is this su 🦜🌼 On the cutting table this week is this summery fun Australiana collection called Birds & Blooms from @mabletandesigns for @pbsfabrics. It’s described as combining classical botanical illustration styles with a modern, trend-worthy colour palette. And it’s so true! Check with @pbsfabrics for stockists near you. 

I love all of Mable’s designs, this one especially! What should I make? 

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How sweet does Miss Maisie Pin Cushion look sittin How sweet does Miss Maisie Pin Cushion look sitting here on this cute ‘I Spy’ style doll’s quilt?  It’s based on the Rising Sun mini quilt pattern from @blossomheartquilts’ book ‘Mini Masterpieces’. You can see more photos and find links to the book on my latest blog post (there’s a link in my profile). 

Miss Maisie is part of the Miss Molly And Friends Pin Cushion Pattern in my store. Tap the photo for a link. She’s quick to stitch, lots of fun to make and comes with two other friends; Miss Molly and Miss Kitty. 

#mollyandmama #missmollypincushion #missmollyandfriends #missmaisiepincushion #felt #woolfelt #feltpincushion #applique #appliqué #appliquequilt #ispyquilt #minimasterpiecesbook #blossomheartquilts #aurifilartisan #aurifilthread #aurifilfloss #aurifloss #blanketstitch #rawedgeapplique #quiltersofinstagram #makersgonnamake
🪡✂️💗 Thank you so much for your wonderfu 🪡✂️💗 Thank you so much for your wonderfully positive response to my Serious Sewist’s Set. The pattern is now live! Visit the link in my profile to head to the store 🐝💕.

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #serioussewistspincushion  #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #missrosesisterviolet #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake #rileyblake #roseandvioletsgardenfabrics #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan #fatquarterbundle #roseandvioletsgardenfabric
💗 Have you started the year with some English p 💗 Have you started the year with some English paper piecing? The weekly #sipteaandepp party is continuing with the lovely Larisa from @stitchingnotes and this year I’m making way for the very talented Irina from @nordiccrafter to become the new co-host. Please go and visit the profiles of these clever creatives to learn all about what 2021 holds for #sipteaandepp. The girls have some exciting plans in place and I know you’re going to love it!

This week’s theme is all about Introductions, where you’re encouraged to share a few random facts about yourself. So here’s a little about me. 

🤍 Before starting this wonderful journey into sewing, I was a primary school teacher

🤍My first degree was a bachelor of Behavioural Science / Psychology

🤍 I’ve been crafty for as long as I remember but I also love art, illustration, gardening and baking

🤍 I’m not a traditional tea drinker (which was a little strange as the co-host of #sipteaandepp 😂 

🤍 I’m inspired mostly by colour and nature. I’m drawn to anything muted, delicate, pastel, pretty, dainty and floral. Yet nothing in my home or wardrobe would give you that impression! 

With so many new followers joining me in the new year, I’d love to know more about you. And if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! Lauren 💗
🌸💚 I’ve had lots of requests for informati 🌸💚 I’ve had lots of requests for information about pattern releases and more. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for the fortnightly newsletter. That way you’ll also get the new release discount code. And you’ll even get this embroidery design as a FREE PATTERN! 

It’s just a friendly space where I share previews of my current projects, a tutorial or pattern, and some of your makes for added inspiration. I’d be thrilled to have you join me. I’m also working on the next free pattern, which gives you a taste for what my projects are all about - beginner techniques with beautiful finishes, so everyone can experience sewing success! 

Head to my profile for the sign up link. There’s a new felt freebie coming soon 💗

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Honey bees are so amazing! I really wish I wasn’ Honey bees are so amazing! I really wish I wasn’t allergic. So while we gave my father in law a hive, we keep native Australian stingless bee hives instead. And they are the friendliest little creatures. I love finding sewing inspiration from our garden 🐝💐

This scissor fob is part of the Serious Sewist’s Pin Cushion Set. Find it in the store or tap the photo for a direct link 🥰

#mollyandmama #felt #woolfelt #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorfob #scissorcharm #hexies hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #missrosesisterviolet #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake #rileyblake #roseandvioletsgardenfabrics #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan #fatquarterbundle #serioussewistsset #roseandvioletsgardenfabric
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