Christmas doesn’t have to be all about the big businesses! In fact, the little ones can make your gift even more special! As we enter the festive period, I have gathered someone to come into my time machine, who knows all about how special this time of year is for small companies. It’s time to go back in time with AB Crafts Ali!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the wonderful Ali at AB Crafts, who was sharing the news about her exciting new Christmas mystery boxes with me. Featuring homemade festive hair ties and bows, each creation is honestly the sweetest. I was instantly transported back to my childhood, which made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. 

With this feeling inside of me, I invited Ali to step on board our time machine to go back to her childhood. Discussing everything from potato smiley faces to unexpected cockroaches, this creator is so lovely that you will want to support her anyway you can this Christmas. It’s time to power up the machine and enjoy our nostalgic road trip…

Let’s begin by letting you introduce yourself to us? Tell us your name, age and the year you were born!

I’m Ali and I’m 46 years young – which means I was born in 1978 (the summer of Grease – the movie, not the oily substance).

Now, let’s step back in time! What year would you love to go back to and relive all over again?

I’d actually love to go back to way before I was born and experience life in the 1950s! It feels like when modern teenage rebellion really found a voice, and when modern music as we know it began. Plus, the fashion was amazing and it sounds like a much simpler time, which I’d love to experience.

Okay, now picture this, you are at school and it’s lunchtime! What foods do you always associate with either your packed lunch or canteen?

Potato smiley faces. Ideally without the side of cockroaches they sometimes threw in at my college canteen!

You’ve got to go into your last lesson of the day! What are you hoping it will be and why?

English. I’ve always loved reading and writing, which is how I ended up studying journalism and eventually ended up working in PR. I’ve often wished I had become a plumber instead from a stress level and income perspective!

Schools over, you have rushed home to watch TV. What are you turning on? Why this show in particular?

Byker Grove for Ant and Dec probably… although I also loved a game show called You Should Be So Lucky (I think) as a kid but hardly ever got to watch it because it clashed with The Sooty Show (my sister loved it) and we only had one TV. Sad times!

You’ve reached the weekend and you’re going to the cinema! What film do you remember seeing the most when you were younger? Why is this one such a classic to you?

The one that sticks with me the most is Super Mario Brothers… the classic live action with Bob Hoskins. I actually found the ticket the other week. It’s not the greatest film ever but it did give the world the often forgotten classic Almost Unreal by Roxette so it’s good by me!

You are back home and it’s time to play with your toys! What was the toy you most wanted when you were younger and why? Did you get it in the end?

I always wanted a Mr Frosty but my mum would never let me get one because of the food colouring. I’m not sure what she thought would happen! That said, I actually bought one as an adult and it was deeply disappointing and broke after about five minutes – so maybe I had a lucky escape!

Is there anything you still own from your childhood that you simply cannot bear to part with?

Loads of things. I’m a total hoarder! I’ve still got loads of clothes I wore as a teenager. The fact that they still fit me in the main is not a good reason to wear them, but I still feel like they might come back into fashion. Even the shell suit! 

What moment in history do you think defined or stayed with you from your childhood? Can you explain why this left such a mark on you?

I remember really clearly when the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry tragedy happened – largely because it was the first time that I remember scheduled TV programmes being disrupted (it was a Saturday morning) by the thing we know as rolling news now…

Finally, would you go back and do your childhood all over again? Would you change anything about it? And how much has it impacted you as an adult and what you do now?

Hmm. That’s a tricky one. It was pretty horrible in places for lots of reasons, but I’m not sure doing it again would help unless I could do it with the wisdom I have now. It’s impacted me a lot and has left me valuing being happy (and the search for happiness) above anything else. My crafting is a big part of that!

I loved this festive chat and am so thankful that Ali came on this little journey to the past with me. The images within the post are just a few of the gorgeous creations she makes, so please do head to her website if you are interested in finding out more. You will honestly not be disappointed at what you find! Bespoke or not, they are truly wonderful! As is Ali!

Joey X