The Chorley architect making festive decorations on our TV screens this month

Mum-of-two and architect Catherine Gregson will show off her crafting skills on Channel 4's Kirstie's Homemade Christmas on November 30.
Catherine Gregson will feature on Channel 4's Kirstie's Homemade Christmas on November 30Catherine Gregson will feature on Channel 4's Kirstie's Homemade Christmas on November 30
Catherine Gregson will feature on Channel 4's Kirstie's Homemade Christmas on November 30

The 37-year-old, from Whittle-le-Woods, was scouted for the festive show after producers found an interest in her love for concrete, using it to make home interior decorations.

Despite giving up her demanding job to care for her two young children, Catherine began making her own concrete at home after using it in her time working as an architect for a decade in Manchester.

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She said: "I dabbled with concrete using it to make crafts during my maternity leave and it started from there. I can link it to my time as an architect because I worked in the industrial design field, dealing with concrete being used in huge commercial buildings.

Catherine uses concrete to create intricate home decorationsCatherine uses concrete to create intricate home decorations
Catherine uses concrete to create intricate home decorations

"I left my job when I had my second child because raising two little ones can be demanding. I started to realise that concrete was an amazing material that can be used for different purposes.

"I first bought concrete making kits that you pour into silicone moulds and began using it for small home decorations in my spare time. Since then, I have begun making my own from scratch and get creative with it, adding dye for colour and even making my own moulds with a 3D printer."

Toothbrush holders, pencil holders, wall tiles and other wall art were just some of the creative designs that Catherine began experimenting with.

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From there, she kickstarted her Etsy page 'Concrete Craft Company' and began selling a range of individual home additions including coasters and photo frames.

Producers for Kirsty Allsop's new Channel 4 show, showcasing a range of craft artists making festive gifts, were eager to introduce Catherine to the show.

She said: "I noticed that the show had a lot of applicants in the past who had suggested using concrete to make things on the show. From my social media, they clearly liked what I did with concrete. One of the techniques I used on the show was adding colour and other materials to concrete to make wall art.

"I wanted to show that it is so much more than just a dull material. I demonstrated it can be colourful, bold and playful but also delicate enough to be used for intricate decorations. The show was great because it shows the audience at home examples of traditional craft making like embroidery and sewing but also encourages them to think about different materials that can be used for projects.

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"The show also gives the audience hints and tips on how to try making their own Christmas gifts. In the pandemic, everyone is at home looking for things to do, so why not try a new hobby?

"The knowledge that Kirsty has for craft making skills is amazing. We demonstrate with her on the show and she got involved with us."

The decorations that Catherine worked on in the show will be donated to local Preston charity Heartbeat which will then be sold at their virtual Christmas fair to help raise funds.

The charity is the leading cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation charity in the North West and means a lot to Catherine after her father-in-law passed away in their care.

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They provide services to over 950 people every week from across the county.

Catherine added: "My father-in-law was one of the Heartbeat patients when he passed away a year ago. I am donating the decorations I made on the show in memory of his passing.

"For the anniversary I wanted to collaborate with the charity and do something special. Hopefully, it will raise the profile for the charity because he was looked after by them for 14 months before he passed."

The Heartbeat charity's virtual Facebook fair can be found here.

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Kirstie's Homemade Christmas will air on Channel 4 on November 30.

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