Filming Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 2024 at Dumfries House: A Dream Come True!
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 2024 at the beautiful Dumfries House in Scotland. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so excited to share the highlights of my journey, including competing in the festive hamper competition with three incredibly talented crafters, creating a new home terrazzo-themed first Christmas hamper, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined!
A Magical Setting: Dumfries House
Dumfries House, nestled in the stunning Scottish countryside, provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s filming. The house is not only breathtaking but also steeped in history, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. It was an absolute dream to film there, and the setting really brought the magic of the experience to life.
The Hamper Competition: A Creative Challenge
One of the most exciting parts of this experience was taking part in the hamper competition. Alongside three other amazing crafters, we were tasked with creating a hamper filled with handmade gifts that perfectly embodied the spirit of Christmas. The challenge was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but the best part was seeing everyone’s unique approaches to the task. We all brought our creativity, passion, and a little bit of festive magic to the table.
I decided to create a new home terrazzo-themed first Christmas hamper, combining my love for modern design with the warmth of a traditional holiday gift. Terrazzo is such a fun and versatile medium, and I thought it would be perfect for creating a contemporary, stylish twist on the classic Christmas hamper. My hamper included handmade items that a couple could enjoy as they celebrated their first Christmas together in their new home — from personalized terrazzo coasters to festive home décor. The whole process was both challenging and fulfilling, and seeing everything come together on screen was such a rewarding experience.
Pushing Myself Out of My Comfort Zone
One of the things I love most about creative challenges is how they push me outside of my comfort zone. Filming for Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas was no exception. Not only was I working on a project that I had never done before, but I was also being filmed and asked to talk about my process in front of the camera. Which as the program is yet to air it remains to be seen how i well i coped with this part :) Eeeekk
Being surrounded by such talented and supportive crafters who have now become firm friends has been the icing on the cake. Each of us brought something special to the table, and we all shared tips and ideas, creating an incredibly positive and collaborative atmosphere. It felt like a true celebration of handmade creativity, and I was honored to be part of it.
The Joy of Working with Kirstie
If you’ve ever watched Kirstie Allsopp on TV, you’ll know just how lovely and down-to-earth she is. Filming with her was an absolute joy. She has such a warm, genuine funny personality that made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Kirstie was not only a fantastic host but also a brilliant source of encouragement and support throughout the entire process. Her love for crafting and the Christmas season is contagious, and it was so inspiring to spend time with her and see how passionate she is about handmade creations.
Fun, Exciting, and Truly Unforgettable
Filming for Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 2024 was, without a doubt, one of the most fun and exciting experiences I’ve had. From the beautiful setting at Dumfries House to the chance to showcase my crafting skills in front of a national audience, every moment was filled with joy. Most importantly, I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, learn new skills, and connect with some incredible crafters, all while celebrating the magic of the christmas craft.
If you’ve ever dreamed of participating in a creative competition like this or simply want to see the behind-the-scenes magic of a handmade Christmas, I can’t recommend it enough. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.
As we approach the festive season, I’m already feeling inspired and ready to tackle more crafting projects. I can’t wait to share my creations with you and spread a little handmade christmas cheer!
Full story of the behind the scenes process will be coming once the program airs.....
but for now put this date in the diary.....
Wednesday 11th December 2024
Channel 4 5.30pm
Hope you enjoy it as much as i did taking part.
Love Laura xx
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