Christmas is an excellent time to get crafty in every sense of the word, not only because it will save you money (which you can then spend on yourself), but also because a well-placed Christmas card is often the perfect way into a loved one’s heart (and maybe into their will). No one will expect a card from you, a stressed-out, penniless student; let alone a delicate and thoughtful, handmade one. Use this to your advantage. Embrace this opportunity to gain favour without actually having to embrace anyone. 

While they take a little time to make, they will pay dividends in future years and are also quite fun. So put down that value pack of cards with the fuzzy little cartoon snowman-dog holding a cracker in his mouth, and pick up your scissors, ribbon and glue. Machiavelli would be proud. 

Button Bauble Card

Old people love buttons. So do young mums and anyone who shops at Cath Kidson. So this simple, kitsch card is perfect for the older relative/new mum/Cath Kidson shopper in your life. If you’re feeling really thrifty you could always cut buttons off the clothes of your unsuspecting housemates. 

Line up your buttons on the card and glue them down using superglue (or a glue-gun, if you’ve splurged on supplies). Then glue a little bit of string or ribbon across the top of the card, and draw or paint little lines connecting the buttons to the string. Voila, your buttons are now cute baubles. Add ribbons and sequins as you see fit. 

Ribbon and Card Christmas Tree

This is a good card for that one relative that absolutely LOVES Christmas and especially loves Christmas trees.  This card is easy to make, although the cutting and placement of sequins requires some dexterity. 

First, take your card and make pairs of small vertical slits in the rough shape of an isosceles triangle (Christmas tree shape).

Then, thread lines of ribbon through the slits so that a nice line of ribbon appears on the front of the card. Repeat for the rest of your slits and voila, you have a ribbon Christmas tree. Add sequins, stars and a border as you see fit. 

Glitter Christmas Tree 

The aforementioned cards require some time investment, so they are particularly good for recipients who you feel will really appreciate it, or will respond suitably with a tasteful gift voucher. This card, however, can be whipped up in a matter of seconds and so, is a good option if you have lots of friends or want to cast a wide net. To make, take your card and use glitter glue to make an artistic tree shaped squiggle. Add sequins and ribbon as you see fit, although the essence of this card is its simplicity (and minimal effort), so don’t go OTT. They’ll just think you’re being ‘alternative’ with your card’s simplicity anyway.

Paper bauble

This is a fun bauble to make if you enjoy drawing and cutting out circles. You’ll need some coloured card and scissors. Find an object to draw around to produce circles roughly 5cm in diameter. Cut them all out. You’ll then need to fold the circle into a triangle. Now go and find a stapler. Staple the ‘edges’ of the circle-triangles together to form a sphere. Finally, staple a loop of ribbon to the top. Voila, you’ve made yourself a bauble! 

The beauty of this bauble is in its customisability. Once you’ve mastered the basic circle cutting and folding technique, you can make endless varieties. As I was feeling festive I have decorated my Noël/Noel bauble with pictures of my favourite Noels. This would also work well as a gift – so why not surprise someone you love with a bauble with pictures of your face all over it? Naturally, add glitter and sequins as you see fit. 

Hama beads

Like chokers, these are back in a big way this winter. While their use as alternative baubles is tried and tested, explore their multi functionality and use these little plastic miracles to make a set of coasters or some oversized earrings.

Hama beads are delightfully simple and full instructions come with the pack. You’ll need to buy both the beads and the base. Arrange the beads in the shape of your choice - if you’re making a bauble, make sure you leave a little space near the top of your creation to thread ribbon through. When you’ve finished a design, find an iron and some greaseproof paper and prepare for fusion. Iron over the top of the beads for 30 seconds to a minute, using the greaseproof paper as a shield. Hamazing!