This giveaway is now closed.
Yes, that’s right! A real, live book!! And it’s out now!
Way back in August 2011 the lovely people from Penguin contacted us to ask if we’d be interested in contributing some crafty projects to a new Christmas book. Of course we were super surprised and delighted to be asked, and we jumped at the chance! We were very busy bees at the end of last year, getting everything finished for the deadline in early January, in between working our day jobs and doing all the usual stuff like looking after this little blog. All up we contributed six projects to Handmade Christmas, including some crochet baubles and a crochet snowflake garland by Reuben, as well as some little terrariums, reusable teabags, ornaments and a tabel runner by Katie. We are so pleased with the finished book and we still can’t quite believe our work is in it! It’s a little bit surreal seeing our names on the list of contributors.
Of course it wouldn’t be right not share a little of our joy with you guys, so to celebrate our fancy new roles as “book contributors” we’ve got one copy of Handmade Christmas to giveaway! To enter, simply leave us a comment telling us your favourite thing about Christmas. We’ll select a winner at random next Wednesday the 10th of October.
Wishing you all a sunshiney weekend, full of good things and happy faces!
Katie and Reuben x
Update: The winner of the giveaway is comment number 3. Congratulations Louise!
Amazing!! Congrats on the book.
The best thing about christmas has to be decorating the tree!!
chloex
For a long time, I was grinch material when it came to christmas, then I had grandchildren… There is nothing that compares to seeing a child’s face on christmas morning. It is the sweetest bliss!
At Christmas I love seeing my family. I’m one if seven children and we hardly ever all get together. It’s so nice seeing everyone on Christmas and celebrating as a family!
The book looks fabulous, well done!
Lou x
Oh wow! How fabulous! My first favourite thing about Christmas is spending time with wonderful people that I don’t get to see for the rest of the year, and my second favourite thing about Christmas is making lots of gifts for my favourite people
What a beautiful book. Well done guys. My favourite thing about Christmas is that it’s totally dedicated to family and creating special family time.
Congratulations Katie and Reuben, this looks like a magical book! My favourite thing about Christmas is surprising our children with little things like reindeer tracks and crumbs from the biscuits left out for Father Christmas
the book looks beautiful!
some favourite Christmas things: chocolate yule log and fruity punch in my op-shop punchbowl
oh wow! congrats – i’ll be buying a copy! i live in the uk so poss too far to send… but just in case – i love christmas eve and i also love the really bad christmas movies that are on in the afternoons.x
Not too far at all! We are happy to send the book anywhere!
Decorations, food and family! My most favourite things in the whole world
I love the prep work! Making decorations, finding the perfect present {& a cool way to wrap it}, planning out Christmas Eve dinner {where all our extended family comes over}– its just so much fun!!
My favorite thing about Christmas is relaxing in the shade out of the heat (it’s always hot here on Christmas Day)
Very cool! Congrats on the book!
My favorite thing about Christmas is that it’s so warm and cozy after everything is decorated and the tree is all lit up!
how exciting! congrats on the contribution! my favorite thing about christmas is buying gifts and wrapping them up all pretty
Congratulations on the book it looks great! My favourite thing about Christmas is the anticipation and the crafting of course
That book looks fantastic…my favourite thing about Christmas is planning all of the gifts to buy my family and friends. I’m especially excited about making a lot of my gifts this year…working on a pair of jazzy mittens for my sister as we speak
Congrats again on the book!!!
How awesome, congratulations, the book looks wonderfull!
It’s so hard for me to chose only one best thing about Christmas, I love the time leading up to Christmas (only 79 days!), the weather getting colder, the hoping for snow, the decororating of the tree, trying to get my kitty’s to wear a Christmas outfit, buying presents, baking, and spending time with family and friends cooking and eating.
But I think the best thing of all is to open my special ‘Christmas box’ and rediscover all the little Christmas themed kicknacks I made and bought over the years, sitting by the wood burner with my favorite Bing Crosby record playing.
Just 79 more days, sigh….
Oh wow, you both deserve this recognition. Congratulations, I will be putting this on my Christmas list for sure xox Penelope
How awesome! My favorite part is the crafts! Homemade decorations, gifts, etc. I love it all!
My favorite thing about Christmas is being able to go home and visit my family! I only get to see them a few times a year, and Christmas always signifies homecoming for me.
That book looks awesome. Congrats on contributing. My favourite part of christmas would be decorating the tree with my kids. A family tradition.
Congrats, the book looks beautiful!
Fairy lights and lots of them.
That is so exciting and awesome! The book looks lovely. My favorite thing about Christmas is getting all cozy–the candles, the fires, sweet warm food, soft Christmasy music. Time to enjoy the cozy with my kids.
I’m super psyched for you two to add another item to your list of accomplishments! That is truly amazing! Christmas happens to be my favorite holiday not because of gifts, but because it finally allows me some time to relax wrapped up in warm, comfy clothes with a mug of hot tea and enjoy being surrounded by family and warmth =] super cheesy, yes, but couldn’t be more true! I’m crossing my fingers for some major snow this year here in Chicago… Cheers!
Congratulations! That’s so fantastic. Not sure if it will be available in the UK but will look out for it x
This looks like a lovely wonderful book. My favorite part of Christmas is making candy and cookies and seeing family.
Congratulations. I have two favourite bits of Christmas, decorating the house and choosing presents to make/buy for people
I love decorating the tree!! I have a collection of ornaments that spans several generations and each has a significance or memory attached to it. ♥ My daughter and I decorate the tree together every year and, this year, we get to decorate it with her new step-brother and step-sister, and baby brother!
My favorite thing about the holidays is picking out special gifts for my favorite people, and seeing them open their gifts.
That is beyond excited! Congratulations to you both!!
My favorite thing about christmas are the lights. I just adore when house, trees and bushes are all adorned with bright, twinkly lights. When Christmas arrives, t’s fun to see all of the palm tree fronds dripping with lights, it makes it feel so festive!
What an inspiration. Great job you two!
Socks are my favorite part of Christmas. I love socks will silly santa faces and socks my mother knits. I love socks that feel cozy like the burning yule log, and I love hanging socks by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Socks, socks, socks!
Is the contest open to international readers? I would LOVE to make those xmas tree ornaments and the adorable terrarium!
Yes Shasta, it’s open to everyone!
Nice work!
My favourite part of Christmas is the lights. Christmas lights are so amazing, and they remind me of being a kid and staying up staring at the tree.
Congratulations guys what a wonderful surprise.
My favorite thing about Christmas is being with family and giving. Being with family is the the most important thing to me about Christmas, sharing food and enjoying each others company. There is nothing better than seeing the expression on people’s faces when you give them a thoughtful present. (especially a handmade gift!) xxx
That is awesome! Well done guys! So exciting to be in print (I hope you get lots of royalties)
My favourite thing about Xmas is the cooking – I love planning and preparing the Xmas feast for my favourite people (friends & family). We always get a big free-range ham that we snack on for at least a week afterwards.
Oh, how exciting! Book looks just lovely. My favourite part of christmas is spending time with the family and the overall mood of the holiday!
I love spending all that time with my family eating a lovely dinner, talking around the christmas tree, and especially driving around together Christmas Eve to look at the different holiday lights up at everyone’s house.
I have been trying so hard the past few years to make thoughtful, handmade gifts for the people in my life and this little book would be a new inspiration for me!
I love the holidays <3
That is pretty amazing. I’d be very chuffed.
Thank you, I’d love the chance to win.
My favourite part about Christmas is warm weather and having everyone around the table eating and drinking away. Just the simpleness of being together.
Have a great day.
xx
Well done! This is very cool. My favourite thing about Christmas is the carol singing tradition I have with my two besties. This year will be our 9th anniversary! We hope to continue this until we are mad old cat ladies, and maybe one day do it in Finland and arrive by reindeer!
Congratulations to both of you! It must be SO awesome to see your work in print.
Please enter me for your giveaway, I would love a chance to win this book!
Favourite thing about Christmas…um…there are so many things I love about Christmas.
My favourite thing is probably going shopping for other people’s presents, decorating the tree, and giving people their gifts.
There is also just the general sense of the end of the year, the beginning of a new one, reflecting on what happened in the past 12 months, and waiting eagerly to see what the new year will hold is also wonderful.
Sarah xo
Wow! Congratulations! The book looks wonderful and I love the look of those reusable tea bags.
I think my favourite part about Xmas is just relaxing with my family, outside on a lovely sunny day… with copious amounts of food of course!
Congratulations!
One of my favorite things about Christmas is that most people are kinder to each other, more generous… I also love the kids’ excitement as they enjoy the tv Christmas specials, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, decorations, and opening presents. Their eyes really light up!
Thank you for being willing to give away a copy of the new book!
That’s so exciting! Congratulations guys! My favorite part of Christmas, is that it is also the day we brought our little baby girl, Zoey, into the world. It’s a wonderful time for our family to be together and celebrate both the holiday, and our sweet little peach’s birthday. How about you guys? What do you like best about Christmas?
Big Big Congrats to both – how exciting. My fav thing bout Christmas? Just how fizzy and zingy life feels in that Christmas week. Then there is that red cellophane vibe – where one feels all chrissy crinkly and a little bit special. Yes – I think its all about the zingy crinkly fizz of that time of year. Luv it and always will
My favourite thing about christmas would be the traditions that our family have started and maintained. It makes it super special and my favourite time of the year.
My favourite thing about Christmas is the lighting or ambiance. It is magical. Congratulations on the book!
My favourite thing about christmas is having a yummy christmas dinner with my entire family – always lots of food and lots of laughs
the BEST thing about christmas has to be enormous amount of leftovers which results in an eternity of ham sandwiches!
congrats on the book!
x
Well, the best thing by far about xmas, after all that preparation, mad present opening and indulgent eating, is the afternoon nap. You can just pass out in any chair or even on the floor. And then wake occasionally for just one more bit of chocolate!
ps: congrats on the book,it looks cool.
carolyn x
Wow,this looks amazing,thanks for the chance to win it.It is something special in the air around Christmas time,something magical.I love it all,but mostly decorating the tree with my daughter.
The best thing about Christmas is the joy found all around. People are sweet and kind to one another, so helpful and considerate – just putting others before themselves. It is the best time of year because people are so full of love that it permeates into everything they do.
Congratulations Katie and Reuben!!!!
my favorite thing is… THE SMELLS, all what xmas intales, and the smell of them
Oh! I’d love to have this book! The best thing about Christmas is making colourfull Chrismass decorations with kids:))) and spending time with family:)))
Congratulations!
Wishing you both a huge congratulations. The book looks absolutely beautiful and wouldn’t be the same without your gorgeous crafty contributions, they are too adorable. It is so rewarding when you see the end product of all your passion and hard work.
My favourite thing about Christmas is taking the time to reflect on the year that has passed and being grateful for what has made up that year and looking forward to an another exciting year ahead of possibilities x
Wow congrats you two!!!
I love Christmas because of its a time for love, laughter, sharing and family. I love to spend time with the people I treasure in my life, and go on fun winter adventures together!
What I love about Christmas? So many things….maybe the smells…..and the fact that even amongst the stress and busyness….people still find time to smile….
Oh well done guys!! I think the best part of Christmas is the making of gifts and giving them to the special people in your life… Congratulations once again
Katie and Ruben,
Congratulations on the book!
My favorite thing about Christmas are the bright lights and festive seasonal decorations. One can’t help but be happy seeing all that holiday splendor!
All the best,
Madeline
Congrats to you both – your pages look wonderful. Best thing about Christmas for me is that my work shuts down (yay) so we can head off to the beach for the day.
The best thing about Christmas is drinking gluhwien while we wrap presents and pretending we are in Europe!
my favorite thing about christmas is the gathering. the ideas and preparation and the making before the gathering. the actual time-flying and eating and laughing and magic of the gathering when you are in it. and the afterglow of it.
congratulations on your book! i can’t wait to read it.
Congratulations! It looks like a wonderful book full of inspiring projects.
My favorite thing would be the traditions we have started years ago as a family. Decorating the tree with handmade decorations that date back to our first Christmas together (nearly married 30 yrs now) and each child born, decorations they have made etc is wonderful.
Kaye
I am seriously impressed! Your contributions look fantastic! Particularly interested in the reusable tea-bags.
The best thing about Christmas past was waking up in the tent on Christmas morning and finding that Santa had found us! I have loved recreating that for my kids.
Best wishes on your online & hard copy publishing careers!
Ravs
Fave thing about Chrisse is being a part of a family. I love watching my two lil boys unwrap their presents which are usually things that they have dreamt about all year. We never spend much and I try to make at least one thing for them. My boys make Christmas exactly like when I was a kid – actually the anticipation is always the best bit.
It’s quite a buzz to see your work in print, isn’t it. I share your excitement.
I also know it won’t be the last one for you guys – no doubt you’ll publish a book of your own one day.
Best part about Christmas is sitting in a dark lounge room with the Christmas tree lights reflecting off the ceiling and walls. Add a great old flick like Casablanca or It’s a Wonderful LIfe, a glass of red…perfect…
Surrounded by love and family
The jingle of bells outside a child’s window on Christmas Eve
Opening handmade presents
Basking in summer with delicious food
Escaping to the beach for a Christmas frolic
My favourite part of Christmas is wrapping presents! And then of course giving them away
Congratulations on the book. It looks lovely.
My favourite thing about Christmas is watching the pure joy and excitement on my kids faces when they see their christmas presents under the tree from Santa.
xoxo
A big congrats all the way from Canada! How nice to see your lovely work recognized
Enjoy your blog very much – one of my daily pop ins to see what’s up 
How wonderful and exiting for you both! Congrats!
My favorite thing about Christmas is lots of family time! I love traveling to see everyone!
Lovely book!
I love the family meetings on Christmas!!
Lovely book!
I love family meetings on Christmas!!
(Sorry for the previous comment: wrong mail, wrong blog. That’s the mobile writing…)
Congratulations on the book!!! My favorite thing about Christmas are the songs…when my daughter was younger she sang in the choir at church and at Christmas time the choir would practice in the church…I so enjoyed sitting in the dark pews of the church just listening to the little children sing….it put me in a very peaceful place!!! Thank you for letting me share a fond memory with you all!!!!
Wow!! What fantastic news! Congrats on the book, Lovebirds!
I’d love to win a copy – my broke butt is on a spending diet
It’s super hard to narrow down my favourite thing about Christmas…. I love the sparkly displays in the windows, the sense that even strangers seem happier (looking forward to holidays), the crazy amount of parties and drinks nights… But most of all, I love decorating our home and filling it with yummy Christmas food for our families to foodcoma themselves on
Luvluv,
Sway xx
loversnotliars.blogspot.com
Oh… I forgot to say – Bing Crosby Christmas records!!!
They are my happy place!
What a gorgeous book! Congrats on being published! Will definitely be keeping an eye out for this one. I love to crochet too