Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas is back on our screens and is full of crafters battling it out in competition with their festive creations.
With Christmas only days away they are providing plenty of gift ideas, decoration inspiration and epic confectionary construction.
In each episode, four crafting up agents turn the clock as they go head-to-head in pursuit of one of Kirstie’s coveted handmade trophies, along with top crafting tips and tricks brought to you by our highly acclaimed judges.
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And among those competing are three Yorkshire contestants appearing on different episodes.
Each contestant brings something different to the show so here is everything you need to know about the Yorkshire creatures appearing on the channel 4 show.
Natasha Noden – Doncaster
Doncaster decorator Natasha Noden found a love for art decorating after she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.
Natasha is now cancer free and used art as a way of therapy. She makes fancy designs on baubles during the festive season.
Natasha Noden from Doncaster on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas
“I wanted something to cheer me up so I watched something on YouTube and someone was painting on a bauble which made me want to try it out,” Natasha said:
She continued: “In the end it worked out well. It was sort of like therapy in a way. I now sell them on Etsy and have a lot of business during Christmas time.”
Natasha is originally from Russia and lived in London for 18 years before moving to Doncaster three years ago with her husband and 8-year-old daughter.
She appeared on the ‘home decoration’ episode of Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas which aired on Thursday December 16.
Natasha had three hours to complete three baubles with her chosen design – which was a mandala design.
However she didn’t win the episode, however she said it was a “good experience.”
Kirstie Allsopp fronts her own Christmas show
(Image: Channel 4)
“I didn’t win but it was a good experience. I just thought it was great and it was all about everyone getting to see my work on TV.”
She continued: “Even though It was amazing I was still very nervous but it was fun. I had three hours to finish everything and the team was amazing. It was well organised.
“To be honest I was happy I finished on time but it was because I was practising a lot at home. In the end I was pleased with myself. If I went on the show again I wouldn’t be so nervous.”
Chris Corcoran – Redcar
Chris Corcoran from Teeside on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas
(Image: Channel 4)
Former Maths teacher Christopher Corcoran swapped the classroom for the kitchen creating decorative chocolate balls which helped his mental health.
He spent 15 years teaching mainly maths in secondary schools, the last part of his career was as a senior leader in charge of behaviour and pastoral care at Sacred Heart in Redcar.
Chris opened up about his mental breakdown and how he suffered from anxiety and depression which led to him being signed off work a few days before lockdown in 2020.
During the difficult time he looked to do something to bust his mental health.
Watching a TV programme about tempering chocolate he fell in love with it three months after and it turned out to be a day that changed his life.
“I saw somebody tempering chocolate on TV and decided to have a go as it looked relaxing,” said Chris.
“I found a talent for it and started to develop my skills. Before I knew it I was handing in my notice and setting up the business.
“Three months later I had my nine flavours of chocolate bon bon as well as some recipes for marshmallows and jellies.”
As a teacher he worked with children who also suffered from mental health issues but said at the time he was “sceptical” until it happened to him.
“I was a real sceptic about mental health. I thought kids were joking or not as serious until it happened to you.
“But now I am more active with supporting mental health knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Chris originally from Manchester swapped city life for seaside town Redcar in Teesside North Yorkshire 12 years ago – where he lives with his wife Aimee and two young sons.
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He took part in the ‘best decorated tree’ episode of Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas on December 20 which aired on Channel 4.
Chris created edible tree decorations on the show even though he didn’t win he described the experience as “absolutely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
He continued: “ I wouldn’t be here without your family who’ve supported me and my wife Aimee.”
Bethan Aspland – Huddersfield
Huddersfield Crafter Bethan Aspland
(Image: Bethan Aspland)
Huddersfield crafter Bethan Aspland turned a lost paper folding art into a thriving online business after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The artist will feature in the finale of Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas on Thursday, December 23.
Bethan has always had a love for craft from a young age as her mum and grandma got her into it however when she got older she had no time with trying to balance university and sports.
Before taking up crafting again Bethan was a competitive gymnast however after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome she was forced to give up the sport.
“I was diagnosed with CFS while in university and had to be in a wheelchair for two years – I’m not anymore but I still have to manage it.”
After a dramatic change to her life her mental health nosedived, and she turned to iris folding to relieve the anxiety and stress she was suffering.
Bethan now has 43k followers on her Instagram where she shares videos, tutorials, and resources with users across the globe, helping them to create mindful moments through the forgotten craft of iris folding.
Her work has proved to be quite a hit as she didn’t apply for the show instead was scouted by Channel 4 bosses who found her on Instagram.
The 24 year old will be appearing on the paper craft episode of the show and for sure she will try her best at taking home the trophy.
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