The London Jewellery School are also offering a place on this workshop as a prize for one lucky reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below before 31st January naming another workshop run by the school. Good luck!

Reader Offer & Giveaway: This month Susan Holton is giving away a pair of her popular Stripy Rolled-Edge Wrist Warmers – perfect for keeping hands toasty this Winter – and also offering our readers an exclusive 15% off the entire collection until the end of January.

To enter the giveaway simply leave  a comment below naming another product in the collection. To receive 15% off, enter promotional code FBWL15/112 at the checkout until 31st January 2012. Browse the collection and buy online at www.susanholtonknitwear.com.

These charming Pot Pockets will not only help keep your hands toasty warm while enjoying your favourite yogurt, but will also enable you to upcycle your old yogurt pots… we’re thinking pots of herbs on the windowsill, storage for pens and pencils, a cosy cup warmer, or maybe even a Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one filled with some home-made treats.

To print out the pattern and full instructions, visit the Rachel’s Organic facebook page. Happy crafting and do let us know what you’d use your Pot Pockets for… we’d love to see photos of your creations!

A unique self-catering property, The Irishman’s Tower forms part of the original ramparts of Tudor-Elizabethan manor Hoghton Tower. While the exterior remains true to its origins, the stylish accommodation has been furnished to the highest standards using Ian Mankin linens (woven in a nearby Lancashire cotton mill), while modern comforts include a spa bathroom, flat screen television, WiFi,  iPod dock and an open fire for cosy nights in the tower.

During your stay you might visit one of the Merchant of Hoghton Farmer’s Markets where you’ll find local producers selling their wares, take a tour of the manor house on one of their open days, or join in some of the events which take place at the estate. As well as enjoying a relaxing and secluded getaway, you’ll also be doing your bit to help preserve part of Britain’s heritage as your stay will help towards the ongoing upkeep and restoration of the estate.

Reader Offer: Get 15% off when you book a stay of any length between 1st January and 31st March 2012 and mention ‘From Britain With Love’ when making your reservation. For more information visit www.hoghtontower.co.uk.

Roots & Wings organic provisions are available from independent food shops, delis and selected branches of Tesco, and a percentage of all profits are donated to children’s charities. To find out more about the artisan food producers behind the brand and to nominate a children’s charity for 2012, visit www.rootsandwingsorganic.com.

Clare Kelly takes a peep inside new craft book Homemade Gifts Vintage Style and finds inspiration between its beautifully styled pages.

We also have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below telling us what craft you’d like to try in 2012. The winner will be picked and notified by email on 31st December.

We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, but when I saw the nostalgia-inspired cover of Homemade Gifts Vintage Style I just knew it was going to be a beautiful book – and it does not disappoint. Packed with 50 ideas to inspire you on a chilly wintery day (and throughout the seasons) it’s the perfect book to give as a gift, or to treasure yourself.

Author Sarah Moore is a collector with a particular interest in vintage textiles, papers and crockery, and her enthusiasm is evident in each perfectly put together project – whether it be simple ideas with antique decanters or handmade plush toys.

Sarah writes with real personality and there are lots of creative short cuts – such as gloves made from old garments – for those who fear craft can be time consuming. Handy templates can be found at the back of the book for easy reference, and Sarah offers helpful insights and tips to help you source the best vintage pieces for your projects.

This book will keep you busy over the winter months and will definitely appeal to those who love upcycling.  If you want to add a little individuality to your home you’ll love these hands-on projects which include unusual fabric covered notebooks, super cute dog and cat cushions (for pets who have everything) and pretty beaded door hangings.

The photography and styling in the book is gorgeous, inviting you into a real home setting and at once making you feel warm and cosy. Homemade Gifts Vintage Style will show you how to look differently at the items you already have and demonstrate that, with a little know-how you can create simple, pretty gifts that you might find hard to part with!

Homemade Gifts Vintage Style by Sarah Moore is published by Kyle Books, priced at £16.99.

Clare Kelly is a freelance craft writer and author of the blog Pass The Pattern.

Whether it’s the festive songs playing in the shops, the images of falling snow, or the ritual of putting up the Christmas tree, there’s no avoiding that the Christmas season is well and truly upon us. If you’re trawling the internet or pounding the streets for the perfect present this year, don’t forget that it’s all about the giving! So before time runs out, here’s our quick guide to picking quality British made gifts which reflect this season’s fashion trends.

For Her…

While clothing can be tricky there are some ’safe’ options. Knitwear is big this year, and oversized cable knit sweaters worn in layers look great. My advice is to go for the best quality you can afford; cashmere/silk mix feels great and hangs fantastically, but it’s not cheap so opt for a good wool blend if your pennies won’t stretch that far. Patterns are also on-trend this season so feel free to go for the brightly coloured options, in fact the more Christmassy the better, such as this knitted tank top by British knitwear designers Quinton Chadwick.

If you don’t want to play the safe card, there are other options. Believe it or not fetish fashion is hot right now. Before you think you’re reading an ‘alternative’ feature don’t fear. Fetish fashion this year is about over the knee boots, leather skirts, shorts or tops… in fact leather as a whole works the trend. Or play it down by opting for a few studs on your bag or accessories, such as this studded metallic leather bow belt from I May I Might I Must.

Fashion accessories are a also good option for the mother-in-law, where you can help guide her towards the fashion world in a diplomatic way. A leopard print or tasselled scarf such as this hand knit purple cable scarf from I May I Might I Must will give a nod to current trends without her looking like Bet Lynch.

For Him…

While buying gifts for men can feel like a thankless task, they’re admittedly tricky but not completely impossible. Men tend to know what they like (and don’t like), and they don’t browse so don’t give you any hints. However, you might consider investing in a lesson or two to help them improve or learn a new skill. How about a private sushi making course in the privacy of your own kitchen from School of Food, the cookery school that comes to you? Team it with a professional chef’s apron from Cooking Gorgeous and he’ll be looking the part in no time.

For the fashion conscious, satchels and backpacks are now offering men a dressed-down and less corporate alternative to the briefcase. Go for a leather and sack cloth finish such as the Mini Explorer from I May I Might I Must and you will be hitting the current trend and pleasing your man all in one fell swoop.

For the Kids…

There are now many children’s toy companies offering something other than the ubiquitous sea of brightly coloured plastic. Choose hard-wearing sustainable wooden toys that can withstand the daily abuse, and they may even last long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Or invest in one of these stunning  ’Dreaming Spires’ willow playhouses by Judith Needham, which will naturally blend in with the surroundings while your children live out their fantasy lives in the garden.

Whichever gifts you decide to go for this year, remember one thing… in the words of Roy L. Smith: 

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

Reader Offer: I May I Might I Must are offering our readers an exclusive 20% off when you enter code ‘frombritain20%’ at the checkout until the end of December. Browse the collection and buy online at www.imayimightimust.com

To celebrate their launch, they’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a ‘Signs’ screenprint featuring the A-Z of eccentric British place names. Limited to a run of just 100, each print is a numbered edition and has been hand screen-printed onto premium quality recycled paper.

For a chance to win this large unframed 840 x 297mm artwork, simply name another print in the Ministry of Words range. You can leave your answer as a comment below or email it to us by 31st December.

Launch Offer: Ministry of Words are also offering 15% off their range of screenprints until the end of December, making them ideal for Christmas gifts. You can browse the collection at www.ministryofwords.co.uk.