This is a really simple idea for fun Easter biscuits to make with children, with no cooking involved. 

These make a lovely gift or a fun snack! We would love to see your photos, so feel free to tag us on social media or email your creations to shop@cotswoldcurtains.com 

As a family-run business we love to showcase the work of other local craftspeople and makers who make the Cotswolds such a vibrant and interesting place to live and work. Therefore, it was our privilege to spend time with the team at Cerney Cheese (based in North Cerney) to find out more about how they make their multiple award-winning goats cheese. 

There are few places in the UK where snowdrops can be seen in such profusion as Colesbourne Gardens. The gardens' collection of snowdrops is one of the most comprehensive in the country, with more than 350 cultivars in the collection (although not all growing throughout the estate at once). The snowdrop collection at Colesbourne Park originated in the plantings made by Henry John Elwes (1846-1922). According to Country Life (1999) it is ‘England’s greatest snowdrop garden.’

The only January Blues that we will allow are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, in the form of delicious blueberries. This hearty breakfast recipe will set you up for the day and will be popular with all the family.

You might remember from a previous blog post that we were fortunate to get a sneak preview of the brand new Emery Walker’s House collection from Morris & Co, during their launch event at Kelmscott Manor. The collection has now launched, and we are excited to be able to share it with you, along with our experiences at Kelmscott - the home of William Morris. 

We are quite sure that we are not the only ones excited by the new Morris & Co paint range, boasting 40 different hues based upon extensive research into the historic archives and 19th Century log books of William Morris. Not only are the colours a beautiful mix of traditional and contemporary styles, but the quality is everything you would expect from a product developed by craftspeople.  Hand-mixed and made in the UK, the techniques and provenance uphold the traditions of Morris & Co. 

The big man is on his way! Putting out snacks is a lovely family tradition and this mat makes a fun activity for young children on Christmas Eve. Not only that, but we guarantee that giving Santa a placemat will lessen those pesky cookie or mince pie crumbs that he seems to trail behind him as he dashes off to the next house, encouraging him to take a proper break in line with sleigh safety regulations. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

Brighten your sofas or armchairs this Christmas with a festive cushion made with a simple patchwork motif. The joy of patchwork is that it contains so many stories and you can get really creative with yours. Are you using fabrics from family clothing? Do your choices span different eras? Have you chosen a particular style? Whatever you choose, a patchwork cushion is a great conversation starter and can also prompt memories among those for whom memory is becoming a challenge. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

With chillier temperatures setting in we are all looking for little ways to keep warm. These sweet hand warmers can go in the microwave and will take the edge off the chill for younger and older hands alike. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

If you would like to wrap presents in a memorable, eco-friendly way, these reusable gift tags will delight their recipients and are simple to make. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

It is hard to miss this trend, which has been around for a few years now. These cheerful hairy fellas are everywhere you look, so why not try making your own? With a bit of fur fabric and a bit of crafty sewing you can make one for everyone in the family! Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas

This lovely little chap will make a great stocking filler. Teddy in a tin can be a source of comfort (it fits easily in a bag), something to play with, or help children with going to bed because when bedtime comes, teddy has to go to bed too! Instructions for making teddy’s sleeping bag are on our 12 Crafts of Christmas blog article but in addition you will need a tiny jointed teddy and a small tin (approximately 9cm x 6cm), both of which can be purchased on Amazon or eBay. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

These useful and elegant cutlery pockets can be customised to be made as simple or as detailed as you like. We started with a simple and timeless fabric, adding Christmas embellishments to add interest and fun. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

You can even make use of the tiniest scraps to decorate for Christmas. It is up to you what shape you choose, but we have provided the template for a Christmas tree, as an easy starting point. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

Christmas dinner is a big family occasion, and these napkins are really easy to make! They will add a hint of fun or glamour to your table (depending upon which fabric you choose) and can be folded into shapes, to hold cutlery or to fit wine glasses. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

If you are hoping to make your festive table look lovely then coasters can be a lovely way to make your guests smile. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas 

Who doesn’t love a dog in a Christmas bow tie? If you want your furry friend to look smart on Christmas day, then this is the perfect project for you. Better still, it is a beginner level project so easy for most people to try. Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas

The colder evenings are a lovely time to start getting crafty and so we have decided to use December to bring you 12 very simple festive makes that you can do by yourself or with children, using up fabric scraps to minimise waste. Today we are kicking off the season with a set festive robin to go on your mantlepiece or your tree.

Send us your photos or tag us on Instagram: @CotswoldCurtains #CC12CraftsOfChristmas

The news about increased energy costs is inescapable this Winter, as many wonder how they will keep their homes warm as temperatures drop. Amidst incentives, credits and tips to reduce energy usage there is a lot of talk about sufficient insulation and protecting homes from cold getting in as a way to reduce bills and increase comfort.

Soft furnishings and fabrics are, of course, a great solution and we have some useful ideas to help insulate and protect your home against drafts and cold weather.

According to plumbs.co.uk, “50,000 items of lounge furniture a year go into landfill. This is like burying 23 London buses.”

It is possible that you have stumbled upon this article because you are considering a reupholstery project of your own, and are wondering where to start. We offer reupholstery services here at Cotswold Curtains, and have put together this handy guide so that you can begin the process feeling informed.