We’ve thought long and hard about how to design a website that provides entertainment, staff and contributor profiles, information, tips and techniques, interactive sections - and of course, space for fun stuff like poetry, feedback and even colouring-in pages for the kiddies! Most importantly, we wanted it to be an attractive site that’s fun and easy to navigate, allowing you to get your regular fix of Handmade without having to wait until the next issue goes on sale.

It also lets us give you weekly updates of all the happenings in the craft world - including new techniques and products, shows, exhibitions and giveaways. We’re keen to give you a glimpse behind the scenes, so the staff ‘reveal all’ in hilarious interviews, and this blog enables us to report on our fun office capers such as dress-up days or cupcake bake-offs! In short, our expansion online means Handmade is much more than just a magazine - it’s a part of the interactive crafting community.

The hard work and the tears have been worth the effort, as the new look is just fantastic. And it is my goal that over time our website becomes a great reference and resource library to visit every week. That said, make sure you sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of everything that’s happening in the wonderful world of Handmade at www.handmade.com.au

We’ve been so focused on work this past month, Tamara and I were only discussing this morning how astounded we are that it’s now the middle of October. Seriously, where has this year gone? It’s time for me to drag out the Christmas decorations - in fact I usually do that at the beginning of October. I mean, really.

Christmas is only here for a short time and I have so many decorations that one month’s display time is just not worth the effort! I have to make the most of it, so I usually set up at the beginning of October and take them down at the end of February… I am seriously behind schedule now!

It’s a good thing that I adore Christmas, as for me it happens just about all year round. Let me explain. Christmas here in ‘magazine land’ (a nice term I have stolen from Lynelle Slade, editor of Country Threads - thanks Nel!) started back in February. We had a few months of normal issues, then in May/June we began working on our four other extremely popular Christmas issues. We pretty much had Christmas wrapped up by August, then we had a few months reprieve, and suddenly the real world catches up with us - yep, the shops are now laden with Christmas decorations and displays in the lead-up to the real thing.

And by the way, the current range of decorations available in stores is quite impressive, isn’t it? I’ve noticed vintage-style ornaments next to funky modern Christmas trees and whimsical ones thrown in for good measure. It seems no matter what your tastes, there’s something that’s bound to tempt you - and your purse!

But seeing as we work on our Christmas issues well before the festive season, when there are no ornaments around, it used to really do my head in. You have to admit, working on Easter at Christmas time is just crazy! The problem I have now is I often miss the actual event, because in mind I have already ‘done it’. Still, it’s nice when festive items start making an appearance - though of course we crafters always prefer homemade pressies!

So lets put this in perspective for you - at the moment the current magazine is our pretty ‘Gift-giving for Christmas’ issue that comes with a free set of eight all-occasion gift cards (the photos I have posted are two images from the cards), while right now we are just finalising our January issue. Confused? It’s okay - I got a bit that way too when I first tried to wrap my head around it!

Anyway, Tamara and I look forward to updating you with life in the world of Handmade.
Be sure to browse the website and get to know a little more about all the staff, and submit your poetry, prose or feedback - we look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers!