Part 1 From Linocuts to Television: My Kirstie's Handmade Christmas Adventure

As a linocut artist nestled in the beautiful, calm countryside of Norfolk, I never imagined I'd find myself in front of television cameras! Yet this December, viewers will be able to catch me on Channel 4's beloved show, Kirstie's Handmade Christmas, where I compete in the hamper competition with a passion project close to my heart. 

The location for our filming was the breathtaking Dumfries House in Scotland—a beautiful setting filled with creative energy. Walking onto the festive filled set, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. This was my first television appearance, and the reality of being selected to essentially represent my craft on a national platform was both thrilling and slightly terrifying.

My challenge? To create something special that would capture the magic of Christmas through traditional printmaking techniques. I dove deep into my artistic toolkit, employing a blend of techniques that would transform the ordinary into something festive and magic.

At the time of writing this blog post, the show hasn't aired yet, which means I am not giving away any spoilers! However, I will say, I enjoyed using a combination of techniques to create a cohesive collection that celebrated both the traditional craft of printmaking and the joyful spirit of the holiday season.

The competition brought together four incredibly talented artisans, each with our own unique approach and creative vision. What I didn't expect was the wonderful friendship that would emerge from our shared experience. My three fellow contestants quickly became more than just competitors—we became a tight-knit group, supporting and inspiring each other throughout the filming. Despite the competitive nature of the show, there was a genuine camaraderie that made the entire experience magical. We've remained firm friends since our television appearance, bonded by our love of crafting and the unforgettable days we spent together at Dumfries House.

The competition was intense. The cameras rolled, capturing every moment of concentration, every carefully considered design choice, and yes—probably a few moments of nervous energy too! While I'm keeping the final result under wraps (you'll have to tune in to find out!), the experience itself was transformative. Standing in front of the cameras, sharing my passion for linocut printing, I realised that this was about so much more than winning. It was about celebrating craftsmanship, sharing traditional art forms, and connecting with a wider audience who might discover the magic of printmaking through this show.

To my fellow craft enthusiasts, artists, and anyone who loves seeing creativity in action—mark your calendars for Kirstie's Handmade Christmas this December on Channel 4. Watch as traditional printmaking techniques transform simple stationery into a festive masterpiece, each piece telling a story of creativity, passion, and holiday spirit.

And to my fellow makers: never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences begin with a single, slightly nervous step—and sometimes, they lead to unexpected friendships.

Stay tuned, and happy creating!

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🎄 SET YOUR REMINDERS!

Get cozy, grab a mince pie, and join me for this very special printmaking adventure! I still can't quite believe this happened! 🖤

📅 Wednesday 11th December
⏰ 5:30pm
📺 Channel 4