MAKE: Get your Christmas craft on at these 7 spots

Katie Mythen-Lynch

Whether you festoon the tree in retro popcorn garlands or build a centre piece for the Christmas dinner table from scratch, crafting and DIY are part of the charm of the festive season.

You don’t need to be good at it, but making a big old mess in a cosy kitchen or building a wreath in a frosty back garden is the stuff that memories are made of.

What’s more, getting elbow deep in a project is proven to help alleviate stress – something we could all do with during Santa season. Stock up on cinnamon and brandy and let the good times roll from the preparation stage on.

These are the people who can show you how to DIY in style…

Decor in Drogheda

November 28, 10am to 4.30pm, The Crafty Fox, Shop Street, Drogheda

Get the festive season off to a prudent start by learning how to make your own beautiful Christmas decorations with Julie. Lunch in a local eatery, mince pies and merriment included. €95, book here.

A nod to Christmas past

Sunday, December 6, 2pm to 4.30pm, National Museum of Ireland

Experience Christmas in the Middle Ages at the National Museum, where a jongleur will play medieval carols as the Goodwives use sweetmeats and spices to show how many of our favourite Christmas flavours began. A chandler will show how beeswax candles are made, with the chance to make your own and a Cistercian monk will show visitors how to write a fair hand with a goosequill pen. No booking required. Partially wheelchair accessible.

Toast to your elf in Carlow

Weekends, November 21 to December 23, The Chocolate Garden of Ireland Tullow, Co. Carlow

The kids will love this interactive workshop with a live link to the North Pole and Santa himself, who addresses the boys and girls personally. Roll up your sleeves and make and decorate a chocolate moulded Christmas figure to take home; decorate a large chocolate bar and finish off with a warm spiced apple drink. €12.50 per child. Book here.

Let your creativity bloom with Appassionata

December 8 – 12, The Westbury Mall, just off Grafton Street, Dublin

Learn to create your very own Christmas wreath and a magical Tray of Blooms with the flowers that take your whim at the Appassionata Christmas Flower School. All pieces are packed up for you to bring home and annoy your neighbours with and classes take place in the pop-up studio in the oh so stylish Westbury Mall just off Grafton Street. Midweek and Saturday classes running, all €150, book here.

DIY Christmas Cake

November 30, 6:30pm – 9:30pm, East Coast Cookery School, Termonfeckin

Bring a tin and and the experts will help you make a delicious traditional Christmas cake. Return in three weeks after feeding your cake generously with your chosen tipple and decorate it festively with Sonia, the sugar craft tutor. Book here.

Fashionably festive in Cork

Sunday, December 6, 11am-6pm, secret location in Cork city

Be inspired by this festive, frosty season with DIY sessions including floristry and mixology by Oh Me Oh My DIY in Cork. Winter Workshop attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch, desserts and refreshments as well as a cocktail to celebrate your craftiness at the end of the day, some fun group photographs and plenty of festive cheer. Everyone goes home with a goodie bag filled with supplies and gifts from local businesses (and laden down with their completed DIY projects). Places are €140 per person all inclusive. Places for this one are limited so book here today.

Make Edible Gifts in Louth

December 17, 7pm – 10pm, East Coast Cookery School, Termonfeckin

Nothing shows how much you care more than a homemade gift. Join the pros for a hands-on evening of folksy fun and take away lots of beautifully packaged pressies to give to your friends, family or colleagues. Book here.

Are you a Christmas DIY pro? Send us a picture of your festive creations @HerFamilydotie #HerFamXmas