Crafts for Christmas and Cake

Recently the girls and I attended the Crafts for Christmas and Cake international shows at the Birmingham NEC.  It was a really lovely way to start the Christmas season and wonderful to meet so many very talented people.

I was completely in awe by how talented some people are with Cake and sugar craft.  Cake international was everything and more that I had imagined.  If you like to make cakes then you need to attend Cake International.  There was everything from supplies, to ideas and even a Cake show.  I was just amazed that these were really cakes.  

cakecake

Unfortunately for me I could not spend as long as I wanted to here because I have two girls who like to eat cake, and I feared that if I stayed for too long several of the very beautiful cakes on display may have gone missing [i.e. eaten or destroyed by the small fingers of my children].  I am however going to be visiting Paul Bradford Sugarcraft School, which has access to free cake decorating videos online.

As well as Cake International there were 3 other shows on at the NEC.  Hobby Crafts and Art Materials Live, featured all the supplies you could possibly think of for doing craft.  I don't think I have ever been surrounded by so many craft supplies or ever seen so many buttons, beads and ribbon in one place.  If you like crafts I would really recommend these two shows.  Crafts for Christmas was the third show and it was stunning.  The talent that people have is amazing.  Crafts for Christmas showcased this talent and I found some amazing unique presents and decorations.  

The girls were amazed [as I was] by the Victorian Carol singers all made from Paper

paper Victorian carol singers

This really helped set the scene for the rest of the day and put us all in the festive spirit.  The girls loved looking at all the decorations

handmade decorations

We even stopped to pick a few for our tree, with the help of Grandma.  The girls really were spoilt for choice

admiring the treechosing decorations

Some of my favourites from the show are:

For the little ones

Before my eldest was born I came across the Jomanda team at the baby show.  They make beautiful soft toys, as well as other very soft things.  I purchased from them a cushion which I used to use to help me breast feed my girls.  We still use it today, and its still as soft as the day we bought it.  Jomanda are incredibly good quality items which are suitable from birth.

For Her

Ok so I know it might be a bit of a cliché but the Little Soap Kitchen made some of the best smelling soaps I think I have ever smelt!   I bought the Rhubarb and Custard soap, which my youngest thinks smells so nice she keeps trying to eat it.  I would really recommend if you are on the look out for something lovely and handmade.

For Him

The stunning photographs at David Shields photography really jumped out at me.  I stood and looked at the photos for quite some time.  I even purchased one of his Football stadium prints for my husband.  I really love the photos and the way they are presented, they make a beautiful present.

For the hard to buy for

Many people walked past Schokolat stand thinking they were selling nuts, bolts and tools.  On closer inspection though, everything was made from chocolate.  I was very very impressed.  The nuts and bolts even worked, well twisted and screwed.  Incredibly impressive.  We were given a sample of the chocolate to taste and the girls wasted no time in eating it, delicious.  This really would make an innovative and unique gift.

For the craft lover

I do love to do craft activities with the girls, and will happily admit that knitting/crotchet is perhaps not my strong point.  Toft Yarns was probably the most attractive stand at the show with both girls drawn in by the teddies hanging from the ceiling.  The site features some great craft ideas too.  

For Something truly Unique

My Silent Sunday a few weeks back received lots of lovely comments and questions as to where it was from.  Reem Paper cutting are a husband and wife team who create beautiful unique pieces of art.  Pieces can be designed from scratch or there is a selection available.  Each one is hand made.  Reem Paper cutting really offers a unique present and they are simply beautiful.

After a truly wonderful day out and some amazing finds it really was time to head home.

leaving the show

I was provided with a complimentary ticket to the show.  The girls went in free as under 5 and I purchased a full price ticket for my Mum to attend with us.  Words and opinions are all my own and I was not asked or received any goods or payment by any of the companies mentioned to write about them



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