The Lace Bee’s Podcast

Season 2 Episode 1- Handmade for Christmas: The Pros and Cons of Crafting Christmas Gifts

Discover the pros and cons of making Christmas presents for loved ones. Get tips on crafting gifts without stress and learn how to stay ahead of the holiday rush.

Each year, I add to my Christmas Lace Notes blog, starting with my movie-a-day challenge on 15th November, where I watch, surprisingly, a movie a day.

In this episode, I look at the pros and cons of making Christmas presents for your friends and family and share my 5 Ways to Get Ahead Without Losing Your Mind

1. Start Early: "Don’t wait until December. Start planning and crafting months in advance to avoid last-minute stress."
2. Simplify Your Projects: "Choose gifts that match your skill level and don’t require a ton of materials. Sometimes, simple is better!"
3. Set a Budget: "Even though you’re making gifts, it’s important to keep an eye on the cost of supplies. Set a limit and stick to it."
4. Create a Schedule: "Block off specific days or weekends for crafting. If you spread the work out, it feels less overwhelming."
5. Know When to Say No: "If it’s becoming too much, it’s okay to hit pause. You don’t have to make everything. It’s perfectly fine to buy a few gifts or mix in store-bought items."

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Mental heath and crafting ... and the gratitude project

Back in Episode 1 I looked at how crafting can affect your mental health, in this episode I look at how your mental health can affect your crafting along with my gratitude project.

Season 1 - Episode 6 - you can’t own all the patterns in the world

I this musing from Chez bee I look at my pattern hoarding issues and the issue of copyright for patterns.

If you are interested in learning more about Ann Buck, who is mentioned in the podcast, then you can read more about her here.

Season 1 - Episode 5 - The Act of Giving

As a crafter, we've all been asked to give our time, money and creations at some point.  In this week's podcast, I muse on how and why we do this.

If you are interested in micro giving then why not check out Lend with Care.

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Musings on the need and inspiration to craft

In this podcast I muse on the need for craft and the inspirations that I have for making.

If you wish to read my blog on Adult Education in the UK and why it was more than just learning to make lace, then follow this link to my blog - The Lace Notes.

Season 1 - Episode 3 - To film or not to film, a brief history of pricking making

Prickings are the patterns that bobbin lacemakers use to make lace.  These little holes guide us as to where to place our pins.  Back in November, 2022, I mused about this in my blog.  In this podcast, I look at prickings in more detail.

For more on the images that I talk about in the podcast, hop over to my blog.

Season 1 - Episode 2 - The rise of craft on TV

In this second podcast from Chez Bee, I look at the pros and cons of the rise of TV craft shows.

If you are interested in the things that I've talked about then you may like to find out more through these links:

Artisans

• Canal Crafty Arts from nb Pea Green
• The Makers Directory of Heritage Crafts

Research

• Heritage Crafts Association – Red List
• Download the red list
• Rise of the Bro-Sew – Brother Sewing Machine Survey 2021 

Resources

• King Cole 9105 Dinosaur knitting pattern

Season 1 Episode 1 - Crafting for Mental Health

In a world where our minds are racing, creating because we can, it is possible to find some small still place.  Find out more by listening to this episode.