A crafty Christmas
"I've been collecting paper since I was a little girl. I've got a lot things that I collect that I think I'm going to make something out of," the development manager at Australia for UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, says.
"I guess what I do is collage.
"Like I reuse old soap packets; old dictionaries are a lot of fun too, because you can pull out a funny old page from a dictionary and then put a witty picture with it that relates to the dictionary words." Those collages make great low-cost Christmas cards.
Often in the run-up to the festive season, Cowden will call together a group of friends for a "craftanoon" making gifts.
Most are soft furnishings, but she has given handmade clothes that have been very well received by her two boys - Louis and Billy, now 21 and 18. A seven-year old Louis once declared a hand-made shirt he was given by his mother "the best present he had ever got in his life".
Cowden makes about half her Christmas gifts each year, creating many from fabric hoarded over the years. While it saves her money at this time of year, the bigger factor is the pleasure she gets from creating something unique for her friends and family.
"It gives you the opportunity to think very carefully about what that person might like. Because you can make an individual present that is totally individually crafted to that person."
Christmas dinner is a low-key affair.
"I just like to think about the menu quite carefully and usually fish and then have a theme of some sort, in terms of it might be Moroccan or Turkish or something like that," she says.
Cowden is a big believer in the gift that gives twice and has just launched the Australia for UNHCR Christmas appeal (unrefugees.org.au), which is focusing on the many disasters around the world, including Typhoon Haiyan and the refugee crisis caused by the civil war in Syria.
She also shops at the WEFTshop (weftshop.com), which supports refugee women from Burma who live on that country's border with Thailand by selling their textile products.
" That's another thing I really like to support at Christmas. You're helping them out, you're supporting their work and you've got something really beautiful and handmade," she says.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Creating handmade gifts can be a cost-effective way to celebrate Christmas. By using materials you already have, like fabric or paper, you can craft unique presents without spending much. This approach not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your gifts.
Some creative ideas for handmade Christmas gifts include making collages from old soap packets and dictionaries, crafting soft furnishings, or sewing clothes. These personalized gifts are often well-received and cherished by recipients.
Handmade gifts are meaningful because they allow you to create something unique and tailored to the recipient's tastes. This thoughtful approach shows that you've put time and effort into making something special, which can be more appreciated than store-bought items.
A 'craftanoon' is an afternoon dedicated to crafting, often with friends or family. It's a fun and social way to create handmade gifts together, share ideas, and enjoy each other's company during the holiday season.
Incorporating a theme into your Christmas dinner can be as simple as choosing a specific cuisine, like Moroccan or Turkish, and planning your menu around it. This adds an element of fun and creativity to your holiday meal.
The Australia for UNHCR Christmas appeal is a campaign focused on supporting global disaster relief efforts, such as those for Typhoon Haiyan and the Syrian refugee crisis. Donating to this appeal can help provide aid to those in need during the holiday season.
Shopping at WEFTshop supports refugee women from Burma by purchasing their handmade textile products. This not only provides them with financial support but also helps sustain their traditional crafts and livelihoods.
Supporting ethical shopping during Christmas is important because it allows you to give gifts that have a positive impact. By choosing products that support fair trade or charitable causes, you can help improve the lives of others while giving meaningful presents.
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